On the stage, the Circus had started its performance, but Richard had no interest in watching and turned away to leave.
That night, he stayed in a town's inn.
When daylight broke the next day, ready to leave, he passed through the town center and saw that the wooden stage set up by the Circus had disappeared without a trace, and all members of the Circus were nowhere to be seen, which made him raise an eyebrow.
He stopped an early riser and after asking a few questions, Richard then learned that the Circus, where the Clown belonged, had not stayed overnight in the town after performing last night; they had left immediately.
This is—
His eyes twinkled as Richard muttered to himself, "Was this giving up? If that's really the case, then yesterday's math game wasn't played in vain."
With that, Richard spurred his horse and left the town, heading north.
…
In the blink of an eye, it was noon.
