[https://em.wattpad.com/b5d25590f65fb4b9b7851a04890f5597b4b68027/68747470733a2f2f36382e6d656469612e74756d626c722e636f6d2f35666631643832613136653964656638313735616530373964643331656433332f74756d626c725f6f76766533304e66764831777661726d326f315f3530302e6a7067?s=fit&h=360&w=720&q=80]
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"I'm sorry."
"Yes, you should be. Now bow deeper, mortal."
This was a peculiar situation. In a setting that resembled a fantasy world of floating islands and walking castles, there was a very special circus that was quite popular among the many kingdoms. They were known to travel across the continent, performing during major festivals or season. They were very skilled, able to adapt to the traditions and pop culture of whatever kingdom they took station in.
They made good money, but to show good faith in humanity they normally donate most of their earnings to the local churches or orphanages. The remaining earning either go to the Ring Masters or special circus performers, and the rest get free food (hopefully).
Right now, however, their main attraction, the Chimera of the North Falls, was sick. For those of you who don't know what a Chimera is, it was a king of fantasy creature that had the body and head of a lion, the head of a goat, and the head of a serpent, plus its tail is really the body and head of a viper.
It was often mistaken for creatures like Cerberus, or even Hydras on a rainy day, but technically they were still lions. In a circus, putting your head inside a gaping lion's mouth and watching them leap through fire is a popular staple act in a circus performance.
Again, the main theatrical star of the night was sick. It ate some of the free food meant for the 'rest' of the members of the circus. So, the Lion Tamer was under a lot of pressure. To sum up, he frantically went out to catch a real lion. He ended up kidnapping a Lion Queen. Of course she wasn't amused.
"So, what should I do with you, mortal? Cut you up with my sword-claws? Gnaw on your Femur to drink the marrow? Or should I just execute you by my authority as queen of a forest nation?"
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I was desperate and delusional It won't happen again. Please spare me! I have a family to feed! Not to mention my daughters are high in debt from slashing their credit cards too much!"
The Lion Tamer who was somewhat the star of tonight's show could be found grovelling before a beautiful woman wearing a lion-like cape with golden furs around her neck. The woman who called herself the Queen of the Lions resembled a regular human, but feline like ears and a thin tail which she was petting like a cat on her lap. It was obvious who had the courage and who had the cowardice in the situation.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
"Essentially, you've ended your life when you touched my royal body. I hope you've prepared yourself to enter the afterlife."
"Wait! That is too extreme! I-if it wasn't because some idiot fed milk to a lactose intolerant Chimera, none of this wouldn't happen! Wh-where is that time distorting wizard when you need her!"
The Lion Tamer forgo etiquette before a Queen and made a run for it. A mighty golden club in the shape of an iron lion lunging forward smashed down in front of him. The weapon was 2.5 meters long and weight over 900 kilos. Hence why the human-level Lion Tamer who was only strong enough to snap a 5 pound whip was shaking all over.
"Do you have anything else to say before I punish you, mortal?"
"I-I don't have nine lives like you. I-I'll break from one critical hit with that thing!!"
"Do you believe I would dirty my own ceremonial sceptre on the likes of you. No. I plan on eating you personally! Consider it as a personal honor, *groooowl*"
"C-COULDN'T WE NEGOTIATE A TREATY LIKE REGULAR WAR PARTIES!? Y-YOUR ACT OF AGGRESSION IS TOO MUCH FOR MY BODY TO HANDLE!"
The Lion Tamer knew it was impossible to run away. But it can't be helped. When the body was put into a dangerous situation, it's only choice was to fight or flight. Knowing he'll break a finger if he so much as punched the massive golden club in the shape of a ramping iron lion weighing over 900 kilos, the latter choice was obvious. However—
"Mortal.... This circus you serve. Does it...... have many people watching you?"
"H-heh? Wh-what is with this sudden question? Why are you blinking at and away from me as if you're a steel-hearted girl trying to prepare her love confession!? I-is it that time of year for mating season."
"Never mind, I'll eat you know."
"I-I WAS ONLY MAKING A SARCASTIC JOKE!! DO YOU NOT KNOW THAT!?"
The Lion Tamer fled, but only by a small jump. He saw a sudden change in atmosphere, the killer aura instantly dissolved into something soft and warm like. He had his doubt it was safe, but he kept to his spot. He feared that the moment he ran, he would get shot in the back of the head by an even bigger mace.
The Queen of the Lions had her legs cross like any sexy maiden would... and her foot was tapping the air carelessly. She looked restless for some reason and she slowly revealed why.
"............. Do you... have lots of performers?"
"W-wel... we are a circus. Th-there's the bearded lady dancing, the smallest man in the world juggling chainsaws, and the army of clowns forming a cheerleading parade--"
"What... do people like to see the most, in your circus?"
"U—uuuh...Drama... Strange Oddities... we sometimes present new inventions by scientists... Ah, we also hold yearly conventions for artists and writers every now and then."
"............................... What about singing?"
"We do have opera. Yes."
The Lion Tamer jumped when he saw the Lion Queen clench her paw. Like how a man would say 'score' when they landed on a fine pair of legs for the night.
".................................. Do you want to live, mortal?"
"Yes. I want to get enough money, quit this job, get down with a woman, and have lots of kids."
"Th-that's too graphic."
The Lion Tamer blushed, it was the spur of the moment he said his true feelings out loud. It was so raw, it made the Queen of Lions fidget on the crate she was sitting on. She unfolded her legs... clenched her paws over her knees..... and spoke up. The eyes of a child seeing their dream come true.
"I want to... become an Idol!"
"Done."
That night the Chimera show was cancelled. It was replaced by the debut performance of Lion_QUEEN, the newest and most talented singing and acting Idol known to human kind. Supporting her along the way, was her Manager whose previous occupation was a Lion tamer.
They went on to a big break from the ring of the circus to star in magic films, floating stage plays, magic radio drama, gravure (the most popular), wagon car models, and so much more. Then, they ended up having a scandal and had lots of babies after that.
"... Well, 10 years of Idol work was a good run... let's do it again sometime, darling.?"
"... Oh my god, my pelvis..."
He meant to say his spine.