A Dance with Ciel

Al, Bro! Look at this!

Huh? What is it? A flyer for a dance competition? Love festival?

There's a traditional dance party in this town. When I was younger I used to be in the chorus of a musical troupe, you know. We used to perform here.

That's pretty cool. So is there a meaning in the name?

Of course! It's said that if you dance with someone it'll grow into a wonderful love!

Oh look, they're performing this year too! Ah, I loved those times in the troupe.

So? Shall we go see them?

What?! N-No, we can't! You really don't have to...

Don't worry about it. They're old friends of yours, right? Of course we should go see them.

Okay! Thanks, big bro! They should already be here in town!

Oh, Ciel?! That's you, isn't it? Long time no see!

Ah! Long time no see! You look well!

Who's this nice young man? You always find the good ones, Ciel!

I-It's not like that! Aldo's my... My...big...broth...

Oho, are you blushing? You're always so cute.

Ciel, you're turning red. Are you alright?

Are you both here for the party as well?

Oh! Yes! I hope the party's a success this year!

Actually, there's a problem with that... We ordered our costumes from a dressmaker in town, but it's getting late and they're still not finished. At this rate we won't be ready for the show...

Oh no, that won't do! It's coming up soon, isn't it?

Right. Hey, Ciel, I don't suppose you could go see what's happening?

I guess. After all, it's for the party. Maybe something happened and that's why they're still not ready.

In which case we should go over there and see what's what.

Hey, are you the dressmaker?

That's right. Did you want something?

Well, I'm here about an order for some costumes.

Costumes! You mean for those performers?

Hmm. You know, seeing someone as pretty as you, it's inspiring me to design something for you!

Pretty? You do know I'm a boy, don't you?

Hahaha, no need for jokes! There's no way you're a boy!

I know I don't look particularly manly, but believe me, I'm a guy. But if you want to make a dress for me I might just try it on!

You want to try on a dress? A c-cute dress?

What? Of course. Why can't a guy want to wear something cute?

W-Well, I just never... A dress...

Really? Oh! Well, brother, I guess you're too cool, a cute dress probably wouldn't suit you.

D-Don't worry about me!

Anyway, we're not here for dresses for us. They're for the performers.

Oh! Those costumes! Sorry, but the material for them is very expensive, and I'm afraid I'm all out.

Which is why you're running behind. What do you need?

I need something called wisdom whiskers. The wisdom worm is very rare.

Wisdom worm...I've heard of that. They make the finest silk thread in the world.

Right! But they've been getting rarer lately. It's getting hard to find sellers.

I can imagine. Even in my time they were only used for making royal garments.

Huh? Bro, you know about these worms?

Hmm? I guess so. It's not like I'd ever own anything made of their silk though.

Th-Then! If we were to go back to your time, they'd still be around!

Oh, of course! That could work!

Hmm? I'm not sure what you mean about times, but are you saying you'll get some for us?

Yeah! Just leave it with us. We'll get what you need!

Alright! I knew you'd come through for them! So where can we find these worms? I'm guessing we can't just buy them in a shop?

Right. But we should find some in the Moonlight Forest.

I think we should find them somewhere around here...

Wow, we're bound to find lots of worms this deep in the forest.

I don't know about that. Even in this time they're super valuable. I think the fact that they live in limited areas is one of the reasons why.

One of the reasons? What other reasons could there be?

Ah! I think I found one!

Th-That was...a monster?

No, it might be just what we're looking for.

What? What do you...

Wah! This monster's stronger than it looks!

Wisdom worms are really weak. Like, they're always at risk of dying weak. So they've learned to attach themselves to more powerful creatures.

You mean this monster?! Then that means the worm should be somewhere close!

Ah, but first we should take care of this monster, don't you think?

Okay! I can do that. Alright, let's get those wisdom whiskers!

Wait, is that shining ball of thread...

Oh! That's it! Well spotted, Ciel!

Eheheh! Now we can make the costumes!

Oh, it's the wisdom whiskers!

Now will you be able to make the costumes?

Absolutely! I'll make the best costumes you'll ever see!

Okay, that's it! Sorry to keep you waiting!

Wow, this is his best work yet! Now we can go to the party! Thank you, Ciel. The love festival is sure to be a success now!

By the way, there's something I've been meaning to ask. Why is this dance festival meant to bring people love?

Well men and women are together in a beautiful hall, dancing with each other. It would be weird if love didn't find its way there!

Actually, since Ciel left the choir, it's become nothing more than a folk tale.

Huh? What do you mean?

The sound of his voice would inspire love in the hearts of those who heard it. Almost like magic. It's for that reason that the people at the dance become infatuated with their dance partners.

So that's how this legend of love came about.

Heehee. Maybe I'll get to dance with you, bro!

And he never realized it?

Right. He didn't know what he was doing. He didn't know his own talent.

Big Bro! I hope we get to dance together!