I'll go. my recent records were burned

Scarlet knits her eyebrows slightly as you remark about your records being gone. She burned them to help you evade attention from the bandits, who were probably still ruling over your last place of employment. Scarlet wasn’t sure if you were annoyed by that aspect or not.

If it deeply offended her, she didn’t show it. Instead, she extended a handout. “It’ll be a pleasure working beside you,” she smiles warmly. “Take your harem out for a drink tonight. Same place, obviously. We can talk more about it there.”

“No promises for the others, but I’d like to have another drink with you,” you offered warmly, but her smile faltered slightly in the corners.

“You won’t get anything special out of me,” Scarlet assured with a wistful wink. “But you’re welcome to try.”

You walk past her, shrugging. You try to hand her the paper, but she shies away from it, so you continue. “I’ll try then. I’ll see you around, Scarlet.”

She symbolizes peace with one hand while tilting her head to one side, slowly spinning to turn her back on you. Your eyes rose, and you noticed she was heading toward the general store. For some reason, the idea of Scarlet doing anything considered “normal” seems odd to you. Nonetheless, you go your separate way, too.

When you return to the others, you find that it isn’t just Gwendolion who is in a good mood. Mikko and Arabella are chipper as they converse with one another. However, all eyes were on you as soon as you stepped in.

“What’d the girl want?” Arabella asked, her mouth straightening from the smile. The tone of her voice didn’t match the changing expression, however. She still sounded happy.

You take the paper and show it to them. Individually, they gather around to get a better look at it. The only person who seems weary is Gwendolion. She looked up at you and frowned. “I don’t like clowns.”

“I’m not sure how much of that you'll see,” you explain, but it doesn't have much effect.

“It’s a circus. Of course, there will be a bunch of clowns,” she crosses her arms, looking away as she falls into thought. “Are you going to do it?”

“Currently speaking, a long-term contract might not be bad. Plus, they are offering housing, food, and, of course, weekly payment. Doesn’t sound like a bad gig to take in.”

Arabella makes a noise. “It sounds good… but I wish Scarlet weren’t there.”

“She isn’t nearly as bad as what you’re portraying her as, Arabella.” You sit down at the table and pop your knuckles. The sound is somewhat invasive in the otherwise silent room. "Besides, this might be a good place to settle into.”

Gwendolion perks up. “Settle into?”

You nod. “Yeah, I don’t think this contractor business is best for the four of us. We should find good, solid work with a group of people instead of remaining independent. Especially since neither of us is mauled or dead.”

Arabella puckers her mouth to one side as she thinks. You can’t tell if she likes the idea or not. Gwendolion continues. “With the circus, though? With all the clowns?”

You smile somewhat. “Maybe the circus has connections we can use to find out where else we can become hired or something. We’re close to Japanese-controlled areas now, so maybe we can work for the imperials.”

Arabella nods slowly, silently agreeing, but offers no other input.

“If you think that’s for the best, then I agree. “Let’s go to the circus and work with some clowns,” Mikko says, grinning at her sister. Gwendolion shivers, hugging herself.

“When are we leaving?” Arabella asks.

“Tomorrow morning. I promised the walk wouldn’t take more than an hour to get there, but we’ll restock on some gear while we’re here. Namely, water and sunscreen. You guys probably get sunburned easily.”

All three girls blush, glancing at their exposed arms. You think for a moment and look at yourself, too. “I’ll also need new clothes. Something lighter and more breathable. However, our next destination wouldn’t have anything suitable, or I’m issued a uniform of some kind when I’m hired.”

“When you’re hired?” Arabella giggles. “You think they’ll hire you right off the bat?”

“My background is goes deep, and I’m not new to the area. I’d be baffled if I get rejected.”

“And what about Scarlet?” Arabella crosses her arms. “Are you still working there if she isn’t?”

You smile at her, noticing the tone of jealousy in her words. “I said I was doing this for us, Arabella. Don’t worry.”