That puts Papyrus as the first person to actually calm down upon seeing Childermass in the past forty-eight hours or so. It's been more the opposite for some time now, but that's not unusual. It was like that back home, too, so if anything, it's been same old, same old. It's a mildly amusing thing to note, but not something to dwell on for more than a second or two.

"We shouldn't have to go much farther out than through the portal itself, I believe," he states, gesturing towards the skeleton with a hand while adding, "So please, lead the way."

He'll offer that to Papyrus rather than telling him to stay behind, keep guarding the portal. The Ringmaster should be able to get to them as soon as they pass out of the carnival, so it doesn't really count as leaving it without a watchful eye.