Amid the shower of petals filling the sky, Tales stared at Shilai, who was striking practiced poses in the middle of the street. His expression stiffened.
Wait.
Wyatt and... Wiana?
What was this?
Who came up with a fake name like that?!
"Master Magician?"
"Wyatt and Wiana? Why haven't I heard of them?"
"Could they be those swindlers from last time? Their tricks were so lousy—they were exposed on the spot!"
"Those two, who haven't even grown all their hair yet? Hah, maybe they're a gang of street thieves here to divert our attention..."
"Mommy, mommy, there's magic! I want to see!"
More and more passersby gathered around. Some happened to be passing and stopped for a glance, while others had brought their families out specially for a day of fun. Men and women, young and old, all reached out to catch the petals while discussing Shilai and Tales animatedly.
"Come on, what magic? It's all fake. Either props and mechanisms, sleight of hand, or supernatural powers..."
"Or paid audience members!"
"Great, great! I love watching magic and then exposing the tricks!"
"That's not right. Magic is meant to be appreciated, not for you to ruin the act and show off how clever you are..."
"If you can't ruin the act, what's the point of watching magic..."
"Hey, Master Magician, don't just stand there. Keep going!"
"I want to see an escape trick! The kind where they tie you up and chop off your head!"
During the Emerald Celebration, all kinds of performances and festivities could be seen on the city streets every day. In the Iris District, where troupes gathered, such a scene was perfectly ordinary to the citizens. Before long, this street corner had naturally become a stage, and some spectators had even begun urging Shilai and Tales