Oliver didn't seem to be nearly as amused with his reply as Marcus did. He openly frowned as the obnoxious sword-swallower ridiculed his request. Sure, perhaps it was a paper-thin lie, but they didn't have to be so mean about it. He threw another glance at the signpost to find that it was clearly advertising for the Rock Circus, which likely competed with this Black Marsh operation every year. So not only was his lie thin, it seemed, but it was also wholly absurd. Fantastic. At this point he could either pretend it was a joke, or just keep going with the lie. The former seemed much easier.

[indent][b]Oliver received an Autographed Black Marsh Circus Flier (Limited Edition)![/b]

A flier for the Black Marsh Circus. Also lists show times for the carnival season. Includes limited edition Lorelei the Siren autograph. Estimated to be worth several hundred rupees... probably.[/indent]

"Oh no, that was just a little joke. I've never met the guy personally, but if he competes against you guys he must be crazy," he smirked, hoping that she would play along with his alleged sarcasm. "My friend's name is actually Clyde Kenneth. Could I trouble you to write that in for me, again? Sorry about that," he apologized, handing the flier back to Lorelei, rather sheepishly. If he didn't try to get the flier made out to his imaginary friend, then he would be admitting to the past lies, and his retroactive joke disguise would fall through. It was a dangerous game at this point.

[indent][b]Lynette received an Autographed Black Marsh Circus Flier (Limited Edition)![/b]

A flier for the Black Marsh Circus. Also lists show times for the carnival season. Includes limited edition Lorelei the Siren autograph. Estimated to be worth several hundred rupees... probably.

[b]Oliver gave the Autographed Black Marsh Circus Flier (Limited Edition) back to Lynette.[/b][/indent]

Oliver figured now would be a good time to get some information that might be slightly helpful to his cause with the book, and also make it seem like he was interested in whatever this circus had to offer. Two birds with one stone, as the saying goes.

"So you're the troupe's exotic dancer and he's your servant boy, right?" asked Oliver, even though he knew that the girl's companion was a performer due to his prominence on the poster. "Does your circus, by chance, have any worldly, psychic, clairvoyant, fortune-telling magician types who might know a lot about magic and such? I've recently found myself in need of some arcane consultation, as weird as that sounds," he explained, with an awkward chuckle. "I know, I don't look like the type who gets involved in such interesting pursuits, but I think this time the mystery managed to find me," mused the swordsman, trying to explain his situation without mentioning the book. She'd probably forgotten about the book right by now, right? Of course she had.