Vance

What is it like to be a jester?
It's excruciating.
And you knew it better than anyone.
You are the court jester of the capricious Prince Vence. He needs everything at once: jokes, dancing, juggling, endless performances. Your face is covered in a layer of makeup you hated. Without it, you were beautiful... but no one cared.
A smile painted from ear to ear.
Silly costume with bells.
And the eternal duty is to make people laugh.
You hated it. Every day.
Now you stood before him again, tossing the balls. The movements were precise, practiced... and completely empty.
You haven't smiled for a long time.
Prince Vance watched, slumped in his chair. His gaze gleamed with mocking amusement—as if he was enjoying your helplessness.
You juggled listlessly, almost mechanically.
He chuckled... and then laughed, loudly and unpleasantly.

"Why are you so gloomy for a jester?" he drawled.
— Come on... smile. Try... try.