Mirage Carl leaned back, his eyes flig over the shrine's courtyard. It was quiet, peaceful—even serene. But the shrine maiden's sharp gaze never left him, her suspi lingering in the air. If he was going to get any answers, he'd have to earrust first.

  With a sly grin, Mirage Carl stood up and dusted off his coat. "Well then, Miss Shrine Maiden, how about a little eai?"

  Reimu raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "I don't have time fames."

  "Ah, but it's no game," Mirage Carl tered, his voice pyful.

  "It's magic." He reached into his coat and pulled out his deck of cards, fanning them out in one swift motion. The cards danced between his fingers, shimmering iernoon sun.

  Reimu's eyes narrowed, but her curiosity got the better of her. She crossed her arms, leaning on her broom. "Fine. Show me what you've got."

  Mirage Carl's grin widened. "Pick a card, any card."

  Reimu hesitated before reag out, her fingers brushing against the deck. She pulled out a card and looked at it—a seven of hearts—before sliding it bato the deck.Mirage Carl shuffled the cards with practiced ease, his hands moving so fast they seemed to blur. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he tossed the entire deto the air. Cards flew everywhere, spinning and twirling in the breeze.Reimu watched in awe as the cards hung in the air, seemingly defying gravity. Then, with a snap of his fingers, Mirage Carl poio the tate behind her.She turned, eyes widening as she saw her chosen card pio the gate's wood, the seven of hearts fluttering in the wind. "How did the card...?"

  Mirage Carl just ughed, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "A magi never reveals his secrets." He tipped his hat, his movements fluid and theatrical. "But perhaps that was too simple. Would you care for another?"

  Reimu's suspi was still there, but now it was mixed with intrigue. She leaned forward, her stance rexing. "Alright, one more. But don't think I'm letting my guard down."

  Mirage Carl's smile softened. "Wouldn't dream of it." He reached into his top hat, his arm disappearing up to his shoulder. "Now, for my rick..."

  He pulled out a long, colorful scarf, its vibrant colors flowing like a river of silk. He waved it before Reimu, the fabrig gracefully. "Would you believe me if I told you this scarf could fly?"Reimu scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, right. It's just a scarf."

  Mirage Carl's grin widened. "Exactly." And with that, he released the scarf into the air. It hovered for a moment before s upward, spiraling like a bird in flight. It circled the shrine, weaviweerees befracefully floating back down into his waiting hand.Reimu's mouth hung open, her eyes wide with astonishment. She quickly posed herself, crossing her arms. "That... that was just an illusiht?"

  Mirage Carl twirled the scarf before tug it bato his hat, his expression pyful. "Believe whatever you like, Miss Shrine Maiden."

  Reimu frowned, clearly frustrated by his evasive answer. But there was no denying her i. "You're definitely not just some lost traveler... Who are you?"

  Mirage Carl's eyes gleamed, his smile mysterious. "Just a wandering performer. Nothing more."Reimu watched him closely, her suspi still present but now mixed with genuine curiosity.

  "Hmph. Fine. But if you cause any trouble, I'll exterminate you like any other youkai."

  Mirage Carl ughed, his voice light and carefree. "I wouldn't dream of it."Reimu turned away, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Whatever. Just don't break anything." She went back to sweeping, her posture more rexed.

  Mirage Carl sat back down, satisfied. He had earned her curiosity, maybe even a sliver of trust. But he still needed answers. What was this pce? How did he end up here? And why did it feel like his power was stronger in this strange nd?For now, he'd py the role of the harmless magi, weaving lies and tricks to survive. But in the nd of Gensokyo, Mirage Carl was certain of ohing—this was the greatest stage he'd ever performed on.

  And the show was just beginning.