"How did you come up with that?" Asked one of the two men behind Clopin.

"Well, Esmeralda lived with you. She grew up with you. But she originally came from Reims," I said.

"No idea. I've been in Paris a lot longer. I didn't travel to Reims at the time you mentioned. An old woman came here with Esmeralda. But she died a year after arriving and Esmeralda ... well, you sure heard about that. ", explained Clopin.

"Yes." I said curtly.

"When children come to us, we don't ask questions. We take them in like our flesh and blood," said Clopin.

"Is anyone from your realm from Reims?" I asked.

"Could be. I don't know. As I said, we don't ask questions when you come to us and join us. We are happy about every new source of income.", Said Clopin, pointing to the musicians and dancing gypsies who are currently playing Coins were just thrown for them.

"What is all this questioning about? As a nun you shouldn't be interested in us," said Clopin.

"I'm not a nun. I want to help someone. Someone who is very close to my heart. I'm looking for his family. The only thing I know is that this person was the first to appear in Reims. As a child," I explained.

"A family reunification? How touching! I like something like that. Well, come with me. You can speak to my people tonight. Perhaps you will find the answer you are looking for there.", Clopin explained and took my hand.

"Jasmin? Jasmin!" I called my friend, who was still dancing with the gypsies. She showed them a few modern moves from our century, which the gypsies imitated partly fascinated and partly amused.

"Do not worry about your friend, she will join us tonight. It seems to me that she is quite popular with the people.", Clopin said and continued to watch the coins fly, "This troupe has never had so much income . "

Clopin pulled my hand away. Over a bridge, the Port au Change. Through a couple of dark alleys until we finally stood in front of an entrance to the catacombs. A terrible stench came towards us here.

"Do we really have to go in there?" I asked.

"If you want your answers, yes," said Clopin.

I stumbled after Clopin through the sometimes absolute darkness. Until after some time a light slowly became visible at the end of the tunnel.

Before I knew it, I was suddenly in the middle of the Court of Miracles. A huge underground hall with tents and wagons that were close to the walls. In the center there was something like a stage with a throne on it and behind this stage an inn was built. There the gypsies got them food and drink. Clopin pulled me behind him as he headed for the stage. When we were on stage, Clopin let go of me for a moment, sat on his throne and then pulled me onto his lap.

"Hey! What is this supposed to be?" I sounded almost indignant.

"Nana ... no fuss please. I just want my fun. Do you think I'll do this for free? That's a give and take here with the beggars. Don't you know that?", Clopin said and began to fondle me.

"Well, as you think.", I said and opened my bottom, "But so that one thing is clear: if you go too far, you regret it. Understand?", I said this in such a tone that I did not allow any contradiction .

"As the Mademoiselle wishes.", Clopin said and already he roughly grabbed my breat and pulled her out of the low.

"What a lease ..." he enthused and put his lips on my nipple. It was a bit cold down here, which is why it couldn't be hidden. I let him suck on me and paw until Jasmin arrived with the gypsy troop. I quickly tied my breasts back up while Clopin counted the receipts. Then he gave everyone something to drink and the alcohol flowed freely. But before the first could take his sip, Clopin asked to be heard: "Just a moment, you filthy street rats! This mademoiselle has an important matter and hopes we can help her. So listen and help if you can. Her friend brought us this fantastic income today, which gives you food and drink. "

Suddenly the hall was silent and everyone was staring at me. I cleared my throat: "Hello, thank you for allowing me to be here. I am looking for the family of someone who I know somehow got into the hands of Gypsies as a child. In Reims he was traded for another child That is the only clue I have. So may I ask, was any of you in Reims about 20 years ago? "

The gypsies began to whisper to one another until finally an old woman stepped forward: "I was in Reims at the time. I came here with Esmeralda and her grandmother."

I jumped off the stage to talk to her face to face: "Do you know anything about the child Esmeralda was exchanged for?" I asked.

"Oh ... that devil who lives in Notre Dame now?" Said the woman and was startled.

"Do you know where he came from?" I asked.

"No. But ... one of ours brought him to us out of pity. He stayed in Reims because he fell in love with a girl.", Said the old woman.

"What was his name?" I asked.

"Alfonso, if I'm not mistaken," said the old woman.

I took her hands in mine in thanks. She had definitely helped me, because apparently none of them had been in Reims at the time.

"Hey!" Clopin called down to me when the old woman was gone.

I climbed back onto the stage: "Yes?"

"Did you get your answer?" Asked Clopin and I nodded.

"Very nice!", Clopin shouted and handed me a mug with wine: "Then cheers! May you achieve your goal!"

I toasted with the beggar king. And although I didn't actually drink alcohol, this time I drank it in order not to be rude. However, it quickly made me sick and I had to lie down. I was taken to one of the tents and I couldn't remember anything else.