...
Bai Luan's words choked up Sparkle.
As a Masked Fool, she knew all too well that this was entirely possible.
The Elation truly might do something like that, and precisely because of this, Sparkle found it difficult to discern whether Bai Luan was speaking the truth or not.
Originally, after accepting Silver Wolf's commission, she had arrived in Penacony a few days early to scout the area and prepare for her future tasks. But who knew, while idly walking down the street, she would spot someone who was constantly being watched by Aha.
Sparkle instantly recalled what Sampo had said in the tavern—he had met a divine being in Jarilo who was constantly under the Elation's gaze.
Although she didn't know why he was here, since she had encountered him, she had to see for herself what kind of divine being could constantly be watched by the Aeon of Elation.
And perhaps find some fun along the way.
She just hadn't expected her fun-seeking plan to be thwarted right as it began; in an instant, she had been recognized.
"I didn't expect the God of Fun to be the one to expose me. It seems my exposure wasn't unjust."
"I'm telling you, why would you, for no good reason, rush into the middle of the road? There are other ways to attract attention, aren't there?"
"Oh my? Are you concerned for the safety of a delicate lady like me? I didn't expect you to be so kind..."
"No."
Bai Luan shook his head.
"I was going to say, what if you damaged someone else's car?"
...
Does that car look more fragile than me!?
You're more worried about the car than a beautiful girl, aren't you?
You deserve to be single!
Bai Luan glanced at Sparkle, guessed what she was thinking, smiled, and said:
"I have someone who wants me."
"...I don't believe it."
"Oh, if you don't believe it, you don't believe it."
No... why is this person like this?
Sparkle felt like she had encountered a difficult opponent. She wanted to find Elation with him, but every time she attacked, it was like hitting cotton.
And not just hitting cotton, but cotton with needles hidden inside!
If she wasn't careful, she'd be the one turned into foolish!
This guy has some skill.
Sparkle's desire for a challenge was suddenly piqued. I have to get him at least once, right?
"As expected of a Masked Fool who can constantly be watched by the God of Fun..."
"Did Sampo tell you? Honestly, I've emphasized it repeatedly, I'm not a Masked Fool!"
Sparkle's lips curved into a smile, and she crossed her arms, looking at Bai Luan with an expression that screamed, "Lie, keep lying, I'm watching you lie."
She said, as if it were obvious:
"Someone who can constantly be watched by Aha, but isn't a Masked Fool, what would that be?"
"Elation"
...
Sparkle was startled, opened her mouth, but couldn't utter a single word of rebuttal.
He seemed to be truly correct; there was nothing wrong with what he said.
No! No!
Can't fall into his trap.
"Then, according to you, what about those who are Masked Fools but have never been watched by the God of Fun?"
"Greater Elation"
Eh, that also seems correct... For a moment, Sparkle's eyes cleared a bit, but she quickly reacted and continued to retort:
"Since you said he's greater Elation than you, why doesn't the God of Fun watch them?"
This angle of rebuttal was too perfect, simply impregnable, striking directly at the core of the issue!
As expected of me!
Sparkle's face showed a hint of smugness.
Bai Luan, however, shrugged and said:
"When they realize that themselves, Aha will go and watch them."
...
No!
How can someone understand the God of Fun so well!?
"You can't possibly not be a Masked Fool!"
"I really am not a Masked Fool!"
"Buddy! It's one thing to lie to the guys at the tavern, but don't lie to yourself!"
Bai Luan looked at Sparkle with some helplessness. Why is it that in this world, when he wants to tell the truth, no one believes him?
"Anyway, I'm not a Masked Fool."
"Then prove it?"
"Why should I prove my point to someone questioning me? Shouldn't you prove that I am a Masked Fool?"
"You're constantly watched by the God of Fun; isn't that proof enough?"
"Heh, don't think of Aha as so narrow-minded. As long as it's fun, whether it's a Masked Fool or not, It will constantly watch it.
Let alone watching, It would even bestow a blessing if It wanted to. Don't you believe that if we argue a bit longer, It will bestow a blessing upon me?"
"How is that possible!"
Sparkle showed a hint of disdainful smile. I think you completely misunderstand the God of Fun; everything before was just a guess.
Although the God of Fun's blessings are quite abstract, how could It bestow a blessing just because of a mere argument?
Those drunkards in the tavern, when do they not argue? Yet, I've never seen the God of Fun bestow a blessing!
"You think the God of Fun's blessing is something you can just ask for..."
Just then, a light flashed around Bai Luan, and he was blessed by Aha.
Sparkle fell silent. A hint of despair appeared on her face.
Why? God of Fun? Why?
Your subjects are ready to fight to the death, why has Your Majesty already surrendered?
Unlike the life-questioning Sparkle, Bai Luan began to converse with Aha.
"Happy now? Take the blessing back."
Aha: No.
?
"Why not?"
Aha: I already regret not turning you into an Emanator of Elation, so at least you must carry a blessing of Elation.
"I don't want it, get lost."
Aha: No, you'll take it.
"Aha, you 'merry words'!"
Aha: See, you're getting agitated again.
Aha: Hehe.
No, how can you, the God of Fun, be so stubborn!
I told you to take your Blessing of Elation and scram, what are you dragging your feet for!?
From the moment you twisted Nous's gaze, I will never forgive you! Never!
Aha: Hehe.
Damn it, he really couldn't do anything about It.
Bai Luan decided not to bother with It anymore.
"I never thought you'd have so many tricks up your sleeve."
"It's natural, no helping it. Give up, you can't learn it."
"...Alright, you're amazing, happy now?"
"Don't say I'm amazing, your thinking I'm amazing holds no appeal for me whatsoever."
Bai Luan said to Sparkle with a serious expression:
"Just be convinced and admit that I'm not a Masked Fool."
"No! You just received the God of Fun's blessing, so even if you weren't before, you are now, right!"
"If I don't accept It and It doesn't take it back, what can I do! I don't want to be a Masked Fool!"
How can someone be so humble-bragging!
My people, who understands this!
Sparkle just felt like she had suffered some mental trauma today.
Something was off, too off.
Before, she was always the one inflicting mental trauma on others; how did it turn out to be her today?
"In any case, you are a Masked Fool!"
"Hey! I've noticed you really like to argue!"
Bai Luan was almost convinced by Sparkle.
"I don't even have a mask, how can I be a Masked Fool?"
Sparkle was about to retort, "You hid it," but before she could speak, she saw Aha personally molding a mask for Bai Luan.
It had already taken a rudimentary form.
God of Fun, where's your backbone!
Are you that fond of him!?
Then Bai Luan went up and punched the mask, sending it flying.
Everything has a price, and if he took that mask, who knows what kind of big trouble Aha would cause him!
It's even possible that the God of Fun would send his wondrous item to Herta!
No way, I don't want it!
"I have a mask! I have a mask, alright!"
Bai Luan ultimately chose to admit he was a Masked Fool.
Sparkle's Dao heart was impacted by Aha personally molding a mask for Bai Luan.
Aha might become the biggest winner.