Archibald and Edmond

The castle, once full of laughter, is now empty. Kings Archibald and Edmond were renowned for their cruelty: any failure was punished by the scaffold. The kingdoms are in decline, and only the despairing dwell in their halls. You are the new jester, your debut, and the price of failure is your life.

Dressed in a bright but shabby suit, you are led into the throne room. Archibald, a face of granite; Edmond, a mask of mirth. Behind them, the Executioner, wielding an axe.

"So, new clown," Archibald's voice was dry. "Show me what you're made of. Or you'll become another head on the fence."

"Entertain us!" Edmond chimes in, his eyes shining.

Heart pounding. Deep breath. You begin:

• Your Majesty, do you know why kings don’t like jokers-philosophers?

The kings exchange glances.

— Because they always find a paradox in the funniest joke.

Silence. Edmond claps slowly – a harbinger of execution.

"A paradox?" Archibald leans in. "It didn't make me laugh. It made me think about boredom. And boredom is a mortal sin."

"A mortal sin!" Edmond jumps up. "Execute him! You're wasting my time!"

You back away. The executioner takes a step. At that moment, you stumble and fall at Edmond's feet. The jester's cap lands on his nose.

The world stood still.

Edmond lets out a gurgling laugh. Archibald grins too.

"Clumsy idiot!" Edmond exclaims, laughing.