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Yuzuru : There is nothing I can do about it even if you lash out at me. No matter how you look at it, the reason why white-team keeps losing is because of that "Divine Message" —

Yuzuru : Besides, why didn't you try to communicate with them and tell them to not obey that message?

Ibara : I've told them that! To their face! Again and again!

Ibara : The thing is, everyone from white-team is too free-spirited, I didn’t even know where they were until right before their time to perform. When I finally found them and tried to lecture them? They didn't even listen!

Yuzuru : I see. So even for the members of white-team, obeying that "Divine Message" sounds much more convenient.

Yuzuru : As long as they manage to show a great performance on the SS stage that is broadcasted nationwide, their number of fans will definitely increase.

Yuzuru : Even if they are losing in the battle, they can just make an excuse of it and blame their defeat all on the "Divine Message"

Ibara : They're not excuses, they are losing because of it! But then, all the responsibility will fall to us—Eden—the General leader of this team.

Ibara : Our reputation would surely drop to rock bottom! I couldn't care less about the rest of them, but that is the ending we definitely need to avoid!

Yuzuru : Well, for you, that is. Though, shouldn't it be fine? Eden still had a spectacular track record after being runner-up in last year’s SS.

Yuzuru : Just let other idols receive the spotlight this time too.

Ibara : It's not LETTING them get the spotlight if we are currently LOSING because we are forcibly trapped in this situation!

Yuzuru : Hm... But honestly, it makes even less sense. Why would Ran Nagisa-sama continue to take incomprehensible actions like this?

Yuzuru : I don't think he is simply becoming deranged though.

ibara : The fact that there is INDEED a possibility of him just simply losing his mind is what scares me the most!

Ibara : His Excellency seemed to find something in the abandoned temples that were hidden and concealed during the qualifying session.

Ibara : He's been acting strange since he discovered it. He only absent-mindedly replies if we talk to him. He didn't even listen to my instructions and just did things as he liked.

Yuzuru : Something? What is that?

Ibara : I wouldn't be this troubled if I knew what it is! After he locked himself up alone in that place, he disposed of everything he found!

Ibara : He said it was a diary of "That Akehoshi'' or the likes. Although it was all nothing but his testimony... The actual facts of the case are still unknown.

Ibara : All the documents and other materials that His Excellency would've seen there have vanished as the site of the abandoned temple has been cleared.

Ibara : At the very least, I don't know Himemiya-shi’s whereabouts. I swear to hell, I'm being honest.

Yuzuru : Right, this is coming from you who would always bluff in front of me. The fact that you're showing how incompetent you are right now must mean that you are indeed telling the truth.

Yuzuru : Usually, even if it’s a lie, you would say "Everything is moving as expected on the palm of my hand!" to me.

Ibara : ...

Yuzuru : ... Okay, that's enough. It seems that you really don't know anything, so I'll go ask other people. I have no intention to stop until I'm sure Young Master is safe.

Yuzuru : Fortunately, I do have some time before our stage. The third round, fourth, fifth...

Yuzuru : After all, we—General Leaders of each team—will fight each other at the end of this live. On the special stage to conclude the final.

Yuzuru : Until that time, I can move around freely. Alright, I will capture either Ran Nagisa-sama or Tomoe Hiyori-sama next and make them spill the truth.

Ibara : If you don't mind, can I help you? I also want to know the truth!

Yuzuru : You should know that meddling with your relatives will only result in you losing the place you've earned with them.

Yuzuru : I wasn't able to become the place you can come home to. That's why, at the very least, I don't want to ruin that place you have found.

Ibara : ... Trying to be nice huh. That side of you has never changed, Instructor-dono.

Ibara : Out of respect for this bond that we have, let me give you one piece of advice. I understand how important your Young Master is for you, but—Be careful not to overdo it.

Ibara : This situation has already reached the point where it can't be resolved with violence alone.

Ibara : The industry—no, the history that this world has piled up has bared its fangs. If you carelessly come in contact with the darkness, you might lose your life.

Yuzuru : That doesn't change the fact that even in the past, people would've also done what they could've done in that situation with the utmost effort.

Yuzuru : And even I, wish to do the same. Even if it means I'm dancing on someone's palm, I'll do my best, earnestly, with my whole life, as a human myself.

Ibara : ... The same goes for me*, Yuzuru.

Note :

*Ibara uses 俺 here instead of his usual 自分.

Yuzuru : That’s why. Tell me, I have been asking you—

Yuzuru : If you could show me even a fraction glimpse of Young Master in a safe condition, then even this Fushimi Yuzuru would be good and let you go this time.

Ibara : Ugghhh!? The things you say and what you're doing are total OPPOSITES though! I’ve been TELLING you that I don’t know anything!

Yuzuru : Should I squeeze you tighter?

Ibara : It’s gonna break! You're breaking my bones! Stop! Someone call the Police~! There is an abuser in action here!

Yuzuru : Pft, if the Police really come here, wouldn't you be the one who will get in trouble? Besides, if they ask me anything, I’ll gladly say “I was simply playing along with my friend” ♪

Ibara : What are you, a typical shitty bully!? I don’t remember ever being friends with you!

Yuzuru : Come on, don’t say such a sad thing, Ibara. Aren’t we friends who have been through hell and back together?

Ibara : I give up! I give up! I give up!? A friend wouldn't just assault his good friend into submission when he was only resting!

Ibara : For real! Your words and actions are always different! How vexing!

Yuzuru : ( Hmm… Looking at his reaction, Ibara seems like he really doesn’t know anything. Although, there is also the possibility that he has grown up and earned better willpower. )

Yuzuru : ( Despite that, a person's true nature can't change that easily. Ibara would always put himself first before anything. )

Yuzuru : ( He is a child who has never felt being cared for after all. That's a given. The only person who ever spoils and loves Ibara has always been Ibara himself. )

Yuzuru : ( And that’s why this kid only takes his own interests into account. )

Yuzuru : ( Without even bothering to think about how it will make someone else suffer, as long as he could save himself, he will spill out anything. )

Yuzuru : ( Perhaps the mastermind of the current situation might not be Ibara. Besides if he was involved even slightly in it, he should've been bragging about it to me by now. )

Yuzuru : ( But instead. This kid is looking at me as if he is asking for help— )

Ibara : SET ME FREEEEE YOU ASSHOLE! Can you at least let me go first, before you get too busy thinkiiing!?

Yuzuru : … Well, that's fair. I don’t want to be this close to you forever either.

Ibara : *panting hard* … I've always thought this since long ago, you are really weird, Instructor-dono! How can you manage your daily life being that weird!

Yuzuru : Fufu. If anything, in order for Young Master to completely lead a healthy and prosperous life, it would be better if I don’t have a sense of humanity.

Yuzuru : I shall be the machine that will selflessly devote myself to Young Master.

Ibara : Like I said, that part is what makes you weird. … Didn’t you say that it was the life that you hate the most?

Yuzuru : Surprisingly, this life is quite fun, you see. Throwing it back to you, didn’t you also say that you rather not live while bowing your head to anyone? I’m sure you often said that in the past.

Yuzuru : And yet, you are now completely living that life, right?

Ibara : Hah! That's only because Japan nowadays is filled with spoiled brats who would only talk to people they think are lower than themselves.

Ibara : Just like loving parents, I merely expect those people to put me as their priority and make them work for my convenience

Ibara : I am only living “this” life to reach what I want!

Yuzuru : Even though what you long for the most is most likely just someone who would love and praise you unconditionally.

Yuzuru : Well, let’s leave it there. Why don’t you just give up and spill where the Young Master is? If not, I'll inflict pain you won’t recover from this time.

Ibara : Fuck*. I should have set up the wiretap in this waiting room too! I could have recorded everything he said and ruined him!

Yuzuru : Even if there was a wiretap here, I could always use the skills I've learned from Hibiki-sama and talk in someone else’s voice instead. For example, I can use the voice of someone you serve—His Excellency’s voice.

Ibara : …

Yuzuru : … I wonder what Nagisa Ran-sama is actually thinking?

Ibara : Like hell I’d know!? I’m the one who wants to know about it!

Yuzuru : If even you don’t know a thing then, no one else would.

Ibara : Isn’t he working with His Highness—Hiyori? They seemed to have been spreading something called “Divine Message” secretly.

Ibara : Those two are really troublesome! Because of that message, white team keep losing battles that we should have won.

Ibara : Both Valkyrie who fought first, even 2wink who represented us after that were narrowly defeated even though both of them had the skill to win if they were used effectively!

Ibara : Argh! What a waste! What a waste! This makes me who can only watch from the side getting worked up! Just why did everything end up like this!?!?

Note :

*It wasn’t Ibara’s usual ファ*ク (f*ck), just given he is talking to Yuzuru and its in closed space without wiretaps, i think it's fair to use it here ^^

Hiyori: I’m hooome! Here here here, my darling Bloodstained Mary! Your Master has returned to you!

Ibara: Welcome home, Your Highness Hiyori! This Saegusa Ibara has spent every second of the day awaiting your return! Salute~ ☆

Hiyori: Yes yes, I have finally arrived! Ooh, I’d love a “Welcome Home” party!

Jun: A party’s a bit much, you know...

Nagi-senpai helped look after Mary too, right?

Thanks so much for taking care of her. I hope she didn’t cause any trouble for you guys, was she all good?

Nagisa: ...Yes. Bloody Mary is a good girl.

...I enjoyed myself, spending time with her. It was very worthwhile.

Hiyori: You sure look happy, Nagisa-kun! If you’re smiling, I can’t help but feel happy too!

I want to hear all about what happened while I was gone! Jun-kun, go get some tea for us, please!

Jun: Yeah, yeah. We should take out some of the souvenirs we brought back, they’d go well with some tea.

There’s rice crackers filled with mugwort. They’re just plain delicious, I have to say~

Nagisa: ...I wonder what they taste like. I’m looking forward to them.

...Would I be able to hear from both of you as well?. I would like to hear about what you saw and what you experienced.

Hiyori: Of course! I shall delve into all the details of my glorious adventure!

Nagisa: ...Adventure? Weren’t you in the countryside?

Jun: I’m sure we’ll be here for an hour or so. This one here got lost on some mountain behind the lodge that were we staying at~

We searched for him like crazy. And of course, when we found him, our runaway in question was frolicking around in a spring.

Hiyori: It was the discovery of the century! The locals even told me they had no clue about it!

Hiyori: They named it the “Hiyori Spring”! I’ll take you there someday, Nagisa-kun!

Ibara: (...At long last, the weight has been lifted.)

(I’m through with looking after animals. I’ll have to secure a pet sitter capable of working on short notice, so that I never make this mistake again.)

Yuzuru: Good work, Ibara.

Ibara: ...How unpleasant. Why are you of all people congratulating me?

Yuzuru: I simply saw how hard you worked. I thought I’d praise you, even from an outsider’s perspective. ♪

How was it, spending time with that dog—er, Bloody Mary? Do you have any desire to keep your own pet, now?

Ibara: ...That might not be the worst idea. Dogs are obedient, and if I train up a competent breed, it could serve as a shield for when the time comes.

You never know when a two-faced dog will turn its fangs on you, so you can never let your guard down.

That being said, I believe I’ll hold off. I am occupied with idol work and acting as the Vice President, so I don’t have the spare time to be fussing over animals.

Ibara: Besides, isn’t it much more amusing to have control over people, rather than a dog?

Yuzuru: Say what you will, but it seems they quite like opening up to you, don’t you think?

Ibara: ....Hmph. That is just some willful attachment on their part. Dogs are those sorts of creatures, after all.

Ibara: (They do say that dogs are a man’s best friend. In my case, my closest friend is no one but myself.)

(That’s right, I don’t have the free time to be concerned with such things. For the sake of a promising future, I must power through the battlefield with nary a glance away!)

(I will survive, using everything that can be used! Assault! Invade! Conquer! Ahahahaha...☆)

<Prev | End.

Saegusa Ibara’s childhood, on the training grounds of the private military facility

Ibara: (Reaching the target location. Now, on standby until the target arrives…)

(I’m dead tired and starving. I wanna just get this extermination over with and go sleep for a few days…)

(….Nn, something’s nudging my foot.)

Ibara: Who—! ...Oh.

It’s just a dog… Food? You saw I was hungry and thought to bring me something?

How humiliating, being shown mercy by a dog of all things… Who in their right mind would eat that.

You’re getting in the way of my training, so get lost! Shoo, shoo!

… Why’re ya stickin’ to me like that. I told you, go away~

Ugaah!? Ughh, don’t lick my face…!

Ibara: (Agh, yuck… there’s some lukewarm stuff slobbered all over my face now…)

Ibara: ...Whether it be a dream or reality, I certainly am being licked.

Good morning, Bloody Mary. It’s good to see you perked up again.

Are you hungry, perhaps? Alright, there’s nutritional food I received from the clinic—Oh.

I must have misplaced it… Perhaps I left it behind in the common room.

Since you’re in better spirits, let’s go there together.

Ibara: Even this early in the morning and you’re scarfing it all down. Well, I suppose this is better than having no appetite at all.

...I’m glad that you’re back to your usual self. If anything had happened, I would have rather not had to lower my head to His Highness Hiyori.

*yawns* Hnn…

Yuzuru: ...Oh. How rare to see you yawning like that.

Good morning. Fufu, this truly is quite the peaceful sight.

Ibara: Yuzuru...

Yuzuru: I assume you’d like to ask me what I am doing here? After yesterday’s events, I decided to pay your dormitory a visit and see how everything played out.

I had figured you would be in the courtyard, and thus my suspicions were realized.

Ibara: ...Hmph. I bet you thought you could ridicule me for being out of sorts?

Unfortunately for you, Bloody Mary is in perfect health, as you can see.

Yuzuru: Why must you twist my words so… I am relieved to see you both in good health.

It is completely removed from any sort of malintent. As your former instructor, I simply did not want to see you in such a pitiful state, genuinely at a loss for what to do. ♪

Ibara: Ahahaha ☆ If you’d rather not see that, then perhaps I should gouge out your eyes for you?

Yuzuru: Why don’t you give it a try. I’ll gouge out your life itself before you even lay a finger on me.

Aaah, that dog is coming this way… What is the matter—did I do something, perhaps?

Ibara: Looks like she wants you to take her for a walk. Why don’t you take her around for a bit?

Oh, now she’s coming over to me… Would you like me to accompany you as well?

I must refuse. Run along with Yuzuru, now.

Yuzuru: ...It seems she would like your company as well, like it or not. What shall we do?

Ibara: Aah, fine… I understand. Just this once, especially for you.

Yuzuru: Fufu. You’ve thoroughly submitted yourself to that dog, haven’t you.

Ibara: She is His Highness Hiyori’s beloved dog, so I must be devoted to her. And by the way, Yuzuru… it’s “Bloody Mary”.

Yuzuru: Hmm…?

Ibara: Bloody Mary. It’s her name, you know. Calling her “that dog” is rude.

Isn’t that right, Bloody Mary.

Ibara: (…Using a Mouse Drone was the right idea. Just by controlling it with my phone, I’ve gotten Bloody Mary to exert herself.)

(Originally, they were intended for data-gathering, but. Useful things should be used any way they can—)

(Let’s say I’m running endurance tests on them as well, to kill two birds with one stone.)

Ibara: ...Oh? It seems I’ve lost sight of Bloody Mary.

She had just been running around over there, too… Bloody Mary, where are you?

Bloody Mary! Please stop hiding and come on out, now!

Ibara: (She’s nowhere to be seen… Did she elope, perhaps?)

(No, that’s impossible. I've been standing in front of the doorway this whole time, and there are no other exits.)

(But if that’s the case, then where…)

(It looks like those bushes rustled over there.)

Ibara: There you are, Bloody Mary. I’d appreciate it if you would refrain from making me worry.

They say that dogs resemble their owners—you certainly are just as out of hand.

…? Why won’t you stand up?

Ibara: (She looks thoroughly exhausted. Even more, she’s breathing hard…)

Ibara: Are you alright? Please hang in there, Bloody Mary!

Yuzuru: —Ibara.

Ibara: Yuzuru, why are you here…?

Yuzuru: I caught wind of your voice from where I had been reading in the common room.

thought it unusual for you to be raising your voice; what seems to be the matter?

Ibara: ...I don’t know. Bloody Mary ended up like this, all of a sudden.

I had just intended to provide her with a bit of training...

Yuzuru: I see… While I may be inexperienced, from my perspective the cause appears to be an excess of exertion.

Ibara: Are you implying that it was my doing? That amount should have been nothing at all.

Yuzuru: For a military dog, perhaps. It is incredibly rigorous for a dog such as her, having been nurtured so.

Well, I do understand your sentiment. In the past, I happened to have driven King—that is, the dog we keep at the Himemiya residence—into a state of chronic fatigue.

Ibara: ...It’s irritating, to have made the same mistake as you.

Yuzuru: Personal opinions aside, should you not get a move on?

Letting her rest might be sufficient, but you ought to bring her to a specialist at the veterinary clinic.

Ibara: I don’t need to hear it from you. That is exactly what I plan on doing. ...Let’s be off, Bloody Mary.

A few hours later

Rinne: Hmm~ I swear it was by the bed… Oh nice, there we go.

Bloomy-chan, c’mere. I’m gonna play with ya with this Giant Iso-whatever plushie.

Ibara: Iso-whatever…? Aah, you mean that Giant Isopod. What a strange creature to be turned into a stuffed toy.

Play with her another day, if you wouldn’t mind. She’s only just come back from the clinic so she is still quite tired.

Ibara: (Just as Yuzuru thought, the cause of her exhaustion was too much exercise.

(They gave her an IV, and I was told that a night of rest should be enough to return her to normal state.)

Kanata: Aah, that is why she seems so “down”.

When you’re “down”, it is best to eat some “seasonal fish”.

“Tuna tailfin” is full of “nutrients”. Here you go ♪

Ibara: (I thought it best for her to settle down in the room with her owner’s scent, so I paid a visit to His Highness Hiyori’s dormitory room.)

(But I know if I leave her with these two, She will not be sleeping well tonight…)

Ibara: Offering her raw fish—and tailfin at that… Ah ha ha ha! What an amusing joke!

Kanata: It isn’t a joke, you know? “Tailfin” has lots of “imidazole dipeptides”—

Ibara: Oh, hold on just a moment! It seems that Bloody Mary is trying to tell us something.

What is it? ...I see, I see. Yes, yes. Oh, so you cannot fall asleep here!

Thank you both very much for your hospitality, but if that is what the lady wants then I suppose we must be on our way~!

Rinne: Huh? Bloomy-chan didn’t say anythin’.

Ibara: Oh no, I certainly understood her! We must simply be that close.

It may have only been for a short while, but thank you both for your time! Good night, sweet dreams~!

Ibara: (Haaah... I somehow managed to get through that one, but what to do now…)

(I don’t think I can trust my roommates, either. But dragging her around here and there would put quite the burden on her…)

Tsumugi: —I see, so that is what happened.

In that case, maybe I could make a bed for her, so she can fall asleep comfortably.

Ibara: Aah, there is no need for concern. I will take care of it myself.

Tsumugi: We should be there for each other in times of need, so please let me help. Saegusa-kun, even you must be tired from running back and forth between the dorms and the clinic all day.

Ibara: (I’m not that weak, but…)

Ibara: Understood. Then I suppose I shall take you up on your offer.

Midori: ...Yeah. I should probably help out too, I think...

Umm… Let me know if there aren’t enough blankets. You can borrow one of mine...

Ibara: Thank you very much for the help.

Midori: You’re welcome… I hope that Bloody Mary gets better soon.

...Tenma-kun, why have you been quiet this whole time? I figured you’d be, like, running around and yelling “it’s a dog~”.

Are you bad with dogs, or something…?

Mitsuru: Nah. But I’m holding it aaall in right now. If I started movin’ around, I don’t think she’d be able to relax.

I’ll let loose once she’s all better. Then Mary and I can go dash dash in the courtyard together~!

Midori: Gotcha. Good job, thinking things through.

Mitsuru: Yep, I’m so good! Ehehe...☆

Ibara: (...I assumed that Tenma-shi would be clamoring about, bringing attention to himself. I suppose I was needlessly worried.)

(You can take your time to rest up, with all this—get well soon, Bloody Mary.)

Saegusa Ibara’s childhood, on the training grounds of the private military facility.

Ibara: ……….

Ibara: (Looks like I’m starting to get hungry… just my luck to be out of rations. Unless my life’s in grave danger, I’d rather not start chowing down on bugs, though.)

(Haaah… how many more hours do I have to sit here on standby?)

(...How much longer do I have to keep crawling around in this hell?)

(...Hn? Sounds like a dog’s bark.)

(Ah. They’re doing drills with the military dogs on the training grounds nearby.)

( Of course, for our drills, even the grown-ups are worked until they admit defeat. Must be nice to be a dog—you put in just enough effort and right away they give you treats.)

(Aah, how annoying...)

Ibara: ...Here, have some food, Bloody Mary.

Ibara: (Because His Excellency looked after her, I was able to get a bit of rest. I’m feeling quite refreshed now.

(Almost too refreshed. Having a dream like that might be the consequence of sleeping too long.)

(...Compared to back then, this place is heaven.)

(Spending day after day with my life on the line, my mind and body being worn down. How many times did I fantasize about choking the life out of Instructor-dono...)

(Even he, that damned drill sergeant, is nothing more than a collared pet dog now. Wagging his tail for his master, that disgraceful little pet.)

(Haaah. If this were the battlefield, I would put him down as soon as I could.)

Ibara: ...What is it, Bloody Mary?

Another helping? Really, what a glutton you are. I’d like you to staunchly resist and learn by my example, from how I was in my childhood. If you keep acting like that, Instructor-dono will―

...Ah, yes. Ufufu, I believe I’ve had a wonderful idea… ☆

Ibara: (...Heheh. Looks like I’ve found you.)

Ibara: Well, well, if it isn’t Yuzuru! What a coincidence, seeing you in a place like this.

Yuzuru: ...Ibara. You must be quiet in the library—ah!?

Ibara: Oh, is something the matter?

Yuzuru: That… furry little creature you happen to be carrying...

Ibara: Calling her furry is rude, you know. You should refer to her as a living jewel.

Her name is Bloody Mary—the beloved pet dog of His Highness Hiyori.

At the moment, His Highness is off somewhere far away. Unworthy though I may be, this Saegusa Ibara has been entrusted with looking after her!

However! I am a newcomer to caring for animals, and so I am quite troubled...

And! So! That is why I thought to implore you—Yuzuru, the most elite of all butlers—for guidance.

Yuzuru: I—I see…

Ibara: Why are you stepping back? There is no need to worry, Bloody Mary will not bite you.

Ibara: Isn’t she lovely? Look, look~♪

Yuzuru: St-stop that this instant. I can see her perfectly well without you coming any closer…!

Ibara: (Heheh. I had some suspicions, but it seems he really does dislike dogs.)

(Even during the drills at the military facility, he tried to keep a distance from them. His weakness against them is still rooted deep in his mind.)

(He is a man who could withstand being alone in the midst of the enemy army… And yet, why is he still weak to something so trivial as dogs…)

(Perhaps it’s disdain from comparing their circumstances to his own, and yet refusing to acknowledge that they are ultimately similar.)

(...Well, I don’t really care about the reason behind it. Whatever, I’m just over the moon to be able to harass him!)

Ibara: The Himemiya residence also keeps a dog, yes? By all means, I ask for your advice… ☆

Yuzuru: ...You could say that, but I wouldn’t know either. Though I am tasked with caring for him, typically those duties are entrusted to someone else.

Since I moved to the Seisou Hall, I have not been involved with it in the slightest.

Ibara: Is that so~. And here I had high hopes for you.

Ibara: (...As if. This is exactly what I expected from you, Yuzuru. Since I’ve managed to enjoy that look of disgust on your face. ☆)

Yuzuru: If it is concerning dogs, I would imagine that those in the “Animals” circle would be more well-versed than I.

Though it may be for the time being, you possess a life in your hands. Do commit yourself lest you lose your focus, Ibara.

Ibara: (Hmph. Who does he think he is…)

Ibara: Aye, aye ♪ I shall embody the perfect display of care. Ah ha ha… ☆

Around 1:00 p.m.

Ibara: Now then. Let’s begin your afternoon exercise, Bloody Mary!

...Hmm? Why are you cocking your head like that? You like exercising, don’t you?

Ibara: (I still remember the way the military dogs did their drills. So much so that I see them in my dreams.)

(Though their breeds may be different, they are dogs just the same. Deep down, her lineage lies with hunting dogs, so Bloody Mary should be glad to take part…)

Ibara: Of course, I will have you doing fundamental physical training: building up your hunting skills, and drawing out your latent potential.

Come now—run like the wind, Bloodstained Mary!

J-proofer : Royalquintet

E-proofer :Honeyspace

HiMERU: (—Hmm. Seems as if the surveillance camera has malfunctioned. The audio and video have both been interrupted.)

(As expected, it is difficult to monitor anyone within ES. Naturally, there is no reason for them to not have countermeasures against espionage.)

(Even with the power of the Information Bureau— a privilege from the Vice President, who has the right to install surveillance cameras at his convenience…)

(Well, there must be a limit to it. Then so be it.)

(It was to be expected, too. The other members of Crazy:B, especially that Amagi, didn’t seem to be particularly interested in ALKALOID—)

(It is quite strange, considering that Amagi's brother is also in that unit.)

(But I¹ wasn’t doing this for anyone, it was just for my own personal research.)

(It’s not as if this session was pointless for me— Well, let’s just wrap it up for today.)

(It's such a shame, though. After all, it appears like things just started to get heated up there.)

(The person who visited ALKALOID, shown in the last few seconds of that surveillance video—)

(From a quick observation, he seems to be the dangerous type, the kind of person who would end up destroying everything.)

(Please kindly go rampage and leave wounds all over ALKALOID.)

(Especially that Kazehaya Tatsumi.)

(Aaaargh— Kazehaya Tatsumi, Kazehaya Tatsumi, Kazehaya Tatsumi… The name that HiMERU never wanted to hear in his life ever again. It is disgusting to see his face or even hear his voice.)

(—You're the one who hurt people.)

(Don’t you dare nonchalantly enjoy your life, you damn saint bastard.)

Niki: Ohh~~ Is that HiMERU-kun over there? Yaho yaho~, what a coincidence~♪

HiMERU: —Shiina.

Niki: Yes, Here is Shiina Niki-kun!

Eeh, hm. Are you really HiMERU-kun? My bad, I’m holdin’ a bunch of stuff, so I can’t really see in front of me, so I'm not really sure~!

HiMERU: —Hm. Why are you carrying that much, Shiina?

We already have enough eyes on us to worry about, thus HiMERU beseeches you to refrain from showing eccentric behaviour.

Niki: Eh, what the heck does beseech mean? Sounds like a complicated word— big words like that are so confusing!

HiMERU-kun really gives off smart guy vibes~, I really respect you, since I’m just an idiot with no education!

HiMERU: (—Technically, I skipped several grades and have already managed to graduate from university. Well…I won't say that myself, by any means.)

(Your academic background has nothing to do with idol activities— it is not something to show off.)

Niki: Hm~... Huh, are you really HiMERU-kun? Somehow you “smell” kinda different from usual?

HiMERU: —You think so? It’s the same perfume as usual, though. This is quite strange.

Niki: Hmm? Ahh no, maybe it's just me? Looking closely, you really are HiMERU-kun! Whew, thank goodness!

I almost looked like some kind of weirdo who suddenly talks to strangers~, ahaha~♪

HiMERU: —Shiina, HiMERU thinks it would be best to avoid being noisy in the lobby.

HiMERU has already said this multiple times, but we are the ones picking a fight with the entirety of ES… We are prone to being estranged.

HiMERU is not telling you to lay low, but HiMERU thinks it wouldn’t be very favorable to unnecessarily sow the seeds of trouble yourself.

In Japanese society, people who stick out too much get punished, so it’s best to not stick out to avoid garnering negative attention.

Niki: That is so true~. People in ES seem so tense recently— they even glare at me with super scary expressions!

Well, it’s not a bother for me, so I’m alright!

Scary looks won't kill anyone~. Eating 3 meals a day is more important!

Fufun. I'm actually thinking of making dishes from these ingredients that I got myself and devouring it all until I'm satisfied, but...

If you have time, how about joining me, HiMERU-kun? Food eaten with someone else is more delicious than food eaten alone!

HiMERU: —HiMERU was wondering what you had so much of. So these are all food ingredients?

It’s not like we’re involved in some kind of siege warfare. You don’t have to bulk-buy months worth of ingredients.

Niki: Actually, this is just a few days worth at most, you see?

Lately, because I have to go along with Rinne-kun and keep being forced to do a lot of concerts, if I don't occasionally buy this much then the stock will run out fast, y'know?

Rinne-kun is a troublesome one, right? Even though it’s such a pain, everyone’s eyes end up on us— I don’t even have the motivation to be an idol.

HiMERU: —Hm. HiMERU heard information about that too; so it was true. HiMERU thought you were just acting the part of an unmotivated character.

From HiMERU’s perspective, your skills as an idol were good enough to be seen as top-notch.

So it is quite hard to believe that someone who has no will to do things is actually capable of shining that much.

Niki: Eeh~. Even HiMERU-kun would say that...?

I'm just a simple cook. It's seriously annoying getting all caught up in this. Can we get this all wrapped up already~?

Since the agency went and said they would fire me, I'd love to just let them do it.

The only thing I would regret is losing the L$ i've earned, because that can be used for food expenses.

HiMERU: —Hm. HiMERU has never thought about ending his idol career.

Niki: Hee~. I don't really get what's so fun about it… While it's true that being with ES makes it easier to earn money, in this world there are so many other types of job opportunities too.

HiMERU: —Hm. Shiina truly only views idol work as a job, huh.

Niki: Weeell, actually, to put it bluntly, any work is fine as long as it can give me the resources to get food.

To be honest, I don't really get what makes people in ES so tense all the time.

Looking at the people around me, I can see them crying, laughing, running here and there and everywhere—

It makes me feel like I'm in a different world entirely. Whatever is happening to the idol industry or entertainment industry doesn’t mean anything for us normies, because it has nothing to do with us.

It makes me feel taken aback; it's actually really off-putting.

HiMERU: —Fufu. As you said, the entertainment world has recently had such a bizarre atmosphere. You could say it's almost fictitious in nature.

And if it's a work of fiction, there must be an author writing it. But who is writing our story— and who is reading it?

Notes :

¹ HiMERU refer himself with 俺 (ore) here instead of the usual HiMERU.

J-Proofer : Hyenahunt
E-Proofer : Skyress

Jun: G’morning~!

Hiyori: Yes, indeed! Splendidly done, Jun-kun! You've arrived on time!

Jun: Ohii-san, you're already here, huh?

Who woulda thought~? So ever since living at Starmony Dorm, even you've stopped being late for everything.

Hiyori: Goodness, Jun-kun, how terribly rude of you. No matter how free-spirited I may be, I shan't ever be late when it comes to Eden’s meetings! What terrible weather!

Nagisa: … Just before the meeting, Hiyori-kun and I had work together.

… Then we simply got picked up together, and returned to the agency right after that.

Jun: So that's how it was. Wait, so that means Ohii-san’s terrible habit of being late hasn’t been fixed just yet, huh~? There goes any admiration I had for him.

Hiyori: You ought to admire me even more, you know. In fact, you ought to admire me all the time!

Jun: Don't you always end up shopping 'til the very last minute whenever I'm not around?

By the way, I don't see Ibara anywhere. That's unusual for him… Wonder if something happened?

Ibara: Dear fellow members of Eden! My apologies for keeping you all waiting! Salute 〜☆

Nagisa: … This is when one would say speak of the devil, yes?

Ibara: Do you mean myself? If even you've been speaking of me, Your Excellency, then it is such an honour ☆

However, as a matter of fact, we can’t afford to stand around leisurely chatting away.

And this is due to the fact that we as Eden were defeated in SS, and forced to abdicate the throne of the idol industry…

Although our activities after SS may have drowned out the impressions others may have had of us from it, the upheaval in the idol industry brought about by ES's plan is without a doubt an unfavourable force against us.

... Well, everyone has a grasp on the situation, I believe?

Hiyori: Yes, yes. We were thoroughly defeated, weren't we? Thanks to that, CosPro's been working us to the bone in a most inelegant fashion! Truly the worst weather!

Jun: Yeah, Trickstar seriously handed our asses to us. I wanna go head to head with 'em and get our revenge ASAP.

Ibara: Indeed. I, too, found it rather shameful―however, let us think about it in another way.

In fact, I believe this situation may be a good opportunity for us to reconsider our course of action.

Nagisa: … Opportunity?

Ibara: Here are the documents I had prepared before arriving. May I ask you to read it?

Hiyori: What's this…?

Nagisa: … “Ran Nagisa - Elucidation Plan”

Ibara: Indeed, it is just as it says! After all, the idol industry is in the midst of extreme turmoil.

So as the leader of Eden, Your Excellency, it is crucial for you to develop a brand new stage persona!

Nagisa: … Now, hold on for a moment, Ibara.

… Didn’t you say that you would stop writing my stage character for now?

Ibara: Oh! This is nothing to that extent, Your Excellency!

All I ask of you this time is to simply experiment playing various personalities for the sake of further enhancing your charms...☆

In fact, did you not previously say that it is through sharing and trading that humanity may come ever closer to attaining perfection?

Nagisa: … That’s true. I do recall saying that.

Ibara: Indeed! After all, such a need to broaden your horizons is what currently drives you!

However, with all due respect, do allow me to say at least this much. I believe that in order to share your thoughts with a vast number of people, it would be better if you could first put yourself in their shoes.

Essentially, by acting out the roles of various different personalities, you may construct your personal image with increasing clarity, and in turn you may come ever closer to perfection.

In turn, Eden's rapid growth too shall continue to progress ☆

Nagisa: … If that's what you think, Ibara, I will give it a try.

Hiyori: Well then, why don’t you try reading this aloud? It's a magazine for ladies that Eve's photoshoot was featured in!

There's this ditzy girl over here, and I do believe immersing yourself in her character would make an interesting contradiction to your looks... ☆

Jun: Ohii-san, your sense of humour sucks.

Nagisa: ...I don't completely understand, but I shall try it out, taking note of how it may contrast with myself at the same time.

"We're on a date to see the cherry blossoms bloom... Our hands intertwine, our warmth mingling, and my heart is all a-flutter!"

“If only such a lovely day could last forever and ever… "Let's come here again," I long to tell him... Oh, perhaps I will ♪”

… How was that? If by doing this I may come to understand myself, then I suppose there is value in acting these out.

Hiyori: Yes, yes. Nothing less from you, Nagisa-kun! With your outstanding acting skills, you can certainly play any role with zeal!

Now then, Jun-kun, you ought to try giving an order to Nagisa-kun, too...☆

Jun: You're really getting into it, huh~? Though considering how Nagi-senpai's a member of that theater troupe circle and all, he played that so well it was almost scary, honestly.

But alright, let's see. I guess I'd like to request you do something kinda gangster-core. How ‘bout the villain from this manga?

Nagisa: ...I wouldn't usually read this kind of book, so perhaps it can serve as a reference for me. Hmm, let's see the dialogue…

"Hey, fucking shitheads! Ya lookin' down on us or somethin'!? You've gotta be outta your damn mind to try and raid South High, 'cause you can bet that we'll send your asses packing!"

Ibara: O-oh...? How very intense. Impressive as always, Your Excellency...

Nagisa:… I'm sorry. Perhaps this is out of the question for me.

… After all, I can't understand why humans would ever fight one another—they'd only be wasting their energy.

Hiyori: Jun-kun, you certainly requested he play a role with not even a single shred of decency. Go think about what you've just done.

Jun: Is that so? I actually think it suits him pretty well… Or more like no matter what you ask of him, Nagi-senpai can pull off anything perfectly.

For me, I think he hit the perfect vibe for it, y'know?

Hiyori: Goodness. Jun-kun, you ought to start reading poetry anthologies rather than your vulgar manga books.

I would hope for your tastes and interests to grow more elegant in order to balance me, okay?

Jun: Nah, c'mon. You're the one who roped me into this, Ohii-san.

But you've got a point there, huh. Guess I did go a lil' too far messing around with Nagi-senpai.

Ibara: How was it for you, Your Excellency? Were you able to further grasp the essence of humanity by immersing yourself in other characters?

Nagisa: … I'm truly grateful that you think so much about this for my sake, Ibara.

… But in the end, I want to discover the way to do that while still being true to myself.

Ibara: Hm… Very well, then! After all, trial and error is crucial for everything! Conversely, it delights me that you gave your opinion on the matter so early on!

Nagisa: … Certainly. I’m glad you understand.

… Attempting to uncover the profound truth is like trying to do God's work itself.

… And that would be nothing short of blasphemy.

… For now, it is all I can do to seek it out.

… I shall continue to reach out for it, and believe that the paradise I look for lies just ahead of me.

In the park

Ibara: (Aah, we are getting further from the dorm…)

(When can I finally escape from this dog walk?)

… Your Excellency, over there. The target— I mean, Akehoshi-san is there.

Nagisa: … Yes, Koga-kun is also there. Just as Tsukasa-kun said, they're playing with the dogs.

… You want to go there, Bloody Mary? I understand, I’ll be putting you down.

… Hm, She immediately ran to them as fast as she could.

Koga: Here, Imma throws the ball. Three, two, one…

Guh!?

Who da hell dared to tackle me!

Subaru: Oh, Mary! Hey hey~ as always, you look so cute today♪ Come closer, I’m going to give you a hug!

Koga: Did you come here alone? How careless~ where’s your owner?

Subaru: Mary, where’s Junjun? What about Ohii-san?

… Ah! Barry and Nagisa-san are coming here! Oiii~~♪

Ibara: (… Two humans, two dogs. Toys scattered all over the place. It seems that they’re in the middle of a game.)

Oh well, well! Good afternoon, Akehoshi-san and Mr Oogami! Mr. Daikichi and Mr. Leon too. Salute~☆

Koga: Hah? Oi. You. How do you know about Leon, huh?

Subaru: Huh, did I ever tell Barry about Daikichi? I don’t remember doing that.

Ibara: aHaHaHa. I at least have information on the pets that are living in the dormitory.

Subaru: I see. Barry~ you really like observing things.

So today is Barry and Nagisa-san’s turn to walk with Mary? Is Mary the child of Eden?

Nagisa: … No, she is the child of Eve. She is Hiyori-kun and Jun’s beloved daughter.

… They are away for work, so we are here to take care of her.

… Bloody Mary seems to get along with everyone here.… Interesting. Is it because they have a dog’s instincts so they can get along well?

Koga: Like hell it’s that. Even between dogs, there is a thing called chemistry. If their personalities don’t click then they can end up fighting.

Mary is no exception~. She was so scared when she first met Leon and the others, right?

Subaru: Yep yep. She kept hiding so close to Junjun and wouldn’t leave his side.

I heard she’d get stressed when there’s a lot of other dogs around, so we only greeted her lightly when we first met.

After they got to meet each other a couple times in the courtyard, she seemed to start opening her heart to them.

And now she’s besties with Daikichi and Leon! Let’s keep getting along, Mary☆

Koga: Hm? What’s wrong, Mary? … Oh. You interested in Leon’s ball?

If you bite it, it’ll make some noises like pyo~pyo~, y’know. Sounds cool right?

Subaru: Since it’s rare to see Mary here in the park with us, let’s play together, Mary! Is that okay with both of you?

Nagisa: … Yes. Please go play with her.

Koga: Oi, oi. Are you just going to watch from there? It’s only natural for the master to play together too.

Here’s the ball.

Ibara: Eh? But I...

Subaru: Do you prefer the frisbee instead? Alright, I’ll lend you this☆

Ibara: (That’s not what I mean...)

Nagisa: ...♪

Ibara: (His Excellency is staring at me with an expectation, I can’t refuse this..)

… Well then, please excuse me. I will be the one doing the first throw.

Assault, invade…conquer~!

Koga: That's really a weird thing to shout out...

Leon, catch it!

Subaru: Conquer～☆ Daikichi, go get’em!!

Nagisa: … Go for it, Bloody Mary.

Ibara: (… I see. So they still have fighting instincts?)

(Even if they are now rotten pets, they are still dogs. It appears that they can still run that fast. But…)

Subaru: Poggers! It's Daikichi’s win!

You did great~. I’ll give you lots of praises, yosh yosh☆

Koga: That was so close Leon, no losing next time, okay? … Here you go!

Ibara: (In the end, she can only run behind the other two. She can’t hunt at all.)

Nagisa: … Bloody Mary seems to be having so much fun. I’m glad to have brought her here.

Ibara: … Yes, you are right.

(Did she lose the sharpness of her fangs due to His Highness doting on her?)

(Well, with such an appearance. There is nothing we can do if she is bad at exercising…)

Koga: Nice catch! Aren’t you good at it Leon~. As expected for a Herding Dog♪

Ibara: … A herding dog? With that look?

Koga: That look? Oi, you have a problem with that?

Ibara: Oh, no. My apologies, I should’ve phrased it better!

Mr. Leon looks really adorable. At first glance, I didn’t expect him to be a hound...♪

Koga: Heh. It’s better to call him cool, but it's not a bad thing to be praised~.

Leon is a Welsh Corgi, he’s a herding dog that chases after cows and sheep. It’s his job to guide them so they won’t escape the ranch.

If their bodies are too big, he might end up being kicked by a cow, right? That’s why people choose this breed for this job, since they have shorter legs.

Ibara: I understand. Choosing the right person for the right job, I see.

(Speaking of that. Mr. Suou called Bloody Mary a “Yorkshire Terrier” before. )

(Just like the Welsh Corgi, I wonder if this breed also has a particular job that they have been designated to. Let’s look it up on my smartphone.)

(… What? Vermin hunting dog? This breed is used to hunt rats in factories and other things…)

(It’s written that over the time they ended up being treated as pets)

(They’re supposed to be good at hunting, but with that look… What a pitiful dog.)

In the side walk, several minutes later

Ibara: (...Speaking of which. How long does it take for a dog to be satisfied with a walk? Does it depend on the time? Or rather, does it depend on distance?)

(The longer we walk Bloody Mary, the more we are straying away from the dorm. Considering we have to walk back, I guess turning back here would be a good idea.)

Your Excellency, maybe we should—

Nagisa: … Ah, Tsukasa-kun.

Tsukasa: Good afternoon. I caught sight of this Yorkshire Terrier so I came closer to see her, and it turns out Ran-senpai is the owner.

She is truly adorable, what is her name?

… Whoah!?

What’s wrong with her!? She’s barking at me! Guhh, you little beast…!

Nagisa: … Her name is Bloody Mary. She is Hiyori-kun’s child, not mine.

Tsukasa: Bloody Mary? Naming her Bloodstained; what a dangerous-sounding name.

Nagisa: … But she is a very good girl. She is very cautious so she was just scared.

… It's okay, Bloody Mary, Tsukasa-kun won’t hurt you.

Tsukasa: Her eyes perk up as if she is asking “for real?”. I might be a Knight, but I will not swing my sword blindly♪

Bloody Mary-san— you who are named after the late queen who once ruled England; will you please allow me to touch you?

Nagisa: … Fufu. It seems like Bloody Mary is walking closer to you.

Tsukasa: That’s totally cute♪. Ah, I really want to pet her to my heart’s content…!

But it’s not good to be greedy when we have yet to establish trust between us. She might end up hating me, so I shall restrain myself here.

But a picture wouldn’t hurt… Ran-senpai, may I take a picture of her?

Nagisa: … You may. Hiyori-kun really likes taking photos of Bloody Mary. We end up with so many photos of her in Eden’s group chat.

Tsukasa: Is that so? It sounds just like heaven♪ Bloody Mary-san, please allow me to take a picture of you.

Alright, cheese...☆ fufu, Thank you so much.

And, save… Knights’ group chat is very chaotic. Everyone just posts whatever they want.

Ritsu-senpai sometimes sends blurry and mysterious pictures, Narukami-senpai sends her favourite things, Sena-senpai sends some of Florence's scenery...

Nagisa: … And Leo-kun?

Tsukasa : Leo-san usually sends music scores. It seems that he sends them whenever he wants Ritsu-senpai to play the melody for him.

I don’t get to reply when he sends multiple pictures at once without thinking, so it gets really hectic.

Really, he is so hard to handle.

Ibara: Mr. Suou.

Tsukasa: Uwah!? Saegusa-senpai, since when were you there?

Ibara: (I had a hunch that he didn’t realize that I was here so I tried calling out to him, and it’s just as I thought…)

Oops, my apologies for startling you! I’ve been here since a long time ago, you seemed to be enjoying your talk with His Excellency enough that you didn’t notice me.

Tsukasa: It’s exactly as you said, please pardon my rudeness.

Ibara: aHaHaHa. Please don’t worry about it.

That aside. Both of you seem to be getting along very well, how did you get to know each other? You both are from different agencies so I’m quite curious.

Nagisa: … I see. From Ibara’s view, we seem close.

Ibara: Did I happen to get it wrong?

Nagisa: … I don’t really know. I have only started to interact with other people ever since I came to ES.

… But, it makes me happy to hear that we appear to be close.

… Tsukasa-kun is a fellow member of Biblion. When we have time, sometimes we end up reading books together.

Tsukasa: Ran-senpai has extensive knowledge. His views vary from mine so I find that talking with him is enjoyable.

Just the other day we had fun talking about birthstones, and he gave me an ametrine stone.

I was told that it’d be great to wear it so I try to carry it with me as often as I can.... Look here

Nagisa: … Ametrine means “harmony” and “stability”. I think it's very befitting for the leader of Knights.

… Thank you for always carrying it around. I’m sure that stone is also glad for that.

Tsukasa: Fufu. It’s an honour for me, thank you too for giving this to me♪ From now on I will do my best to be worthy of this stone.

Ibara: (... I understand, so they knew each other from circle activities. I’m glad he’s properly joining the circle’s activities instead of just joining it for the sake of it.)

(The circle itself seems to be helping the growth of His Excellency’s sensibility. Asking him to join circle activities was a good decision.)

Nagisa: … And for Ibara, I will give you a turquoise stone next time.

Ibara: Oh, you are giving one to me too?

Nagisa: … Yes, it’s my hobby to collect them so I have a lot. Although the birthstone itself may vary depending on the country...

… I think turquoise, which means “Accomplishment of Goals”, is very fitting for Ibara.

Ibara: (The effects of power stones are nothing but dubious tales. I will carve my path with my own strength, but…)

I expected nothing less from Your Excellency! You really have touched my heart by

If it’s a stone from His Excellency himself, it must be very effective! The future I have ahead is surely going to be bright☆

… Oh. What’s wrong with Bloody Mary? Why are you tugging on my pants?

Nagisa: … It appears that our conversation has bored her.

Tsukasa: Pardon me for suddenly interrupting your walk.

But it was really fun to be able to talk with you.

Fufu. Seems like today is really the day of the dogs. Just before I came here, I met Leon-san and Daikichi-san in the park.

Ibara: Hm, Daikichi is Akehoshi-san’s dog. Leon is… Mr. Tsukinaga’s?

Tsukasa: No. The name might be similar, but Leon is Oogami-senpai’s dog. He is really an adorable corgi♪

Akehoshi-senpai said that they’ve just arrived to play in the park, maybe they are still there.

Ibara: Your Excellency, we’ve walked a lot already. Both Your Excellency and the dog must be satisfied already.

Nagisa: ... Shall we go, Bloody Mary? It's quite far from here, so let me carry you there.

... Ibara, what did you say?

Ibara : ... Ah no, I didn't say anything. We are going to the park next, right? Alright!

This Saegusa Ibara will serve you until the end of the time! aHaHaHaHa...☆

ES Dormitory Common Room — After Ibara finished cooking.

Ibara: My apologies for keeping you waiting, here is the Bolognese and Salad.

Your Excellency, we should have lunch too!

Nagisa: … Okay, I will eat. Bloody Mary, you should eat too.

… You must be so hungry, you’re enjoying your food a lot.

Ibara: (...He seems to be absorbed in taking care of that dog. Let's use this opportunity to look up how to take care of dogs.)

(...I see. Despite being omnivorous, it turns out that there are many foods you shouldn’t give to them.)

(It seems like there are some dog-lovers who feed their dog homemade food, but feeding them store-bought dog food is more common.)

(Not only do they provide well balanced nutrition, you can also preserve them effectively. Store-bought dog food is excellent.)

(I value efficiency too, so I prefer these kinds of foods.)

(Though, if I have to point out a flaw in this, it would be how prone it is for other people to ask “can you be full from eating only that?”)

(Food has no other value than keeping us alive. It’s foolish to be particular about how it looks or tastes…… or, so I thought.)

(Recently, that mindset seems to have shifted a bit. Like, it’s no longer a pain to spend time and effort to make it—)

(...)

(Well, there is no cooking that is as good as nutritional supplements and meal replacements! It can be eaten anywhere without dirtying your hands and you can also finish it in an instant. It’s truly most rational.)

(I hope it will be popularized as splendid common food in general, just like dog food.)

Nagisa: … Bloody Mary, why are you tapping your plate with your paw?

… The plate is already empty, do you still want to eat more?

… Ibara, can I give her more?

Ibara: It should be okay if it’s just a little bit. Dogs will usually eat anything we give them, so please be careful.

Nagisa: … I see. Here, eat more, Bloody Mary.

…Are you interested in my food? I’m sorry, but I can’t give this to you. I read in the book that I shouldn't give you human food.

...And, this is food that Ibara has made for me.

…You understood. What a good girl, Bloody Mary.

Ibara: Your Excellency, you haven’t touched your food. Is the food not to your liking?

This is a menu that you once called delicious, but if this isn’t to your taste, then I can make you something else!

Nagisa: … You don’t have to. I was simply too focused on watching her that I forgot to eat.

… Thank you for the food.

… This is delicious. Ibara is really good at cooking.

Ibara: Oh no, you think too highly of me. I am nowhere near Mr. Shiina’s level.

Nagisa: … Ah, Niki-kun, right. Speaking of him, Ibara is learning to cook in Niki’s Kitchen, right?

Ibara: Yes. We learn various kinds of dishes. From a simple dish that is easy to cook without using a knife to a fully prepared dish that is even acknowledged by a top chef. I get to learn a lot of things.

Compared to him, my own cooking is still not good enough. AHaHaHa☆

Nagisa: … Niki-kun’s cooking is delicious, I like it.

… And I like Ibara’s cooking too. Is there really a need to compare it?

… Instead of choosing which one is more delicious, can’t I just say both are delicious?

Ibara: Why, you’re wasting your praises on me! I’m truly blessed by your thoughtfulness!

Nagisa: … I simply stated it as it is though.

… But well, You seem to be having fun there, I’m glad.

Ibara : (Seem to have fun…? Me*? )

(This is inexplicable. Just how did I look in His Excellency's eyes?)

Nagisa: … Hm? Bloody Mary, why are you biting on your leash?

Ibara: It seems like she wants to take a walk, what should we do?

Nagisa: … Let’s go outside after we eat lunch. Will you wait for us for a little longer?

… Thank you. You are so smart, there there.

Ibara: As expected of His Excellency, you are really great at communicating with dogs!

Nagisa: … Bloody Mary.

Ibara: Hm?

Nagisa : … Just like how you are “Ibara” and I am “Nagisa”. This child has a name, which is Bloody Mary.

Ibara: … Ah, how rude of me! I should have called her by her name too.

I’m not accustomed to cherishing animals, so I did not think about it thoroughly. I will be careful in the future.

Nagisa: … Good. The name Bloody Mary is something that was given by Hiyori-kun and Jun. It is a very precious present after all.

… We should cherish it too.

in the sidewalk

Ibara: ...She walks, then stops, walks, and stops. It’s so difficult to read Bloody Mary’s movement.

Nagisa: … Fufu. Isn’t that just like humans? In the path called life, humans will also walk here and there, suddenly stopping only to continue again.

The unpredictability is similar. Even if we think we do, understanding everything about them is still difficult.

… But that is why they are interesting.

… It is really peaceful here. It is very calming, and there are no signs of conflict around.

… Though, this could be boring for someone like you, who loves war and politics.

Ibara: It's certainly not! Being able to spend time with His Excellency and her is a great luxury! I’m thrilled and delighted! ahahaha☆

Nagisa: … That’s what he said. Isn’t that great Bloody Mary?

Ibara: (I wonder why His Excellency keeps trying to talk to that dog every time. It is not like she will respond to him or anything.)

(... I said that just now, but if I’m being honest, this atmosphere is making me lose it.)

(The place where I belong is none other than the battlefield that rains with bullets. I just want to be released from this pet-sitting job as soon as possible.)

Nagisa: … Ibara. Bloody Mary wants to take a walk on the street over there.

Ibara: ( … Well, if His Excellency gets to take a break then I'll let this pass. A proper rest is also part of taking care of your health.)

Aye aye♪ I shall accompany you wherever you go!

NOTE :

* Ibara use 俺 here instead his usual 自分 when he refer to himself. He usually use 俺 when he speaks true to himself

Dormitory Common Room — One day in Autumn.

Ibara: (... Finally, the day has arrived.)

(It’s a special program where idols experience life in the countryside. It’s an honorable job from the local government, but...)

(I wonder what kind of judgement they had to pick Eve out of all the countless idols in this place that is surrounded by many stars.)

(Putting Jun aside. It’s just far too unsuitable for His Highness—Hiyori to be living in the countryside.)

(With His Highness being His Highness, I thought he would refuse, but when I asked him about it—)

("Sounds like an interesting job, you should definitely accept it!" He even emphasized that.)

(I repeatedly advised him that he will not be able to do field work or herding while he’s in his vacation mood, but it all fell on deaf ears. It seems that he was counting down the days until this day too.)

(... Well, the fact that he is very motivated is good. If the clients are happy, then it will also be beneficial for future activities.)

(He will most likely leave the bothersome work to Jun anyway. If it’s Jun, he will definitely complete the task that he has been entrusted with—even if he has to throw up blood.)

(I also heard that there will be a lot of staff assigned on-site. I guess I too should just push the responsibilities to Jun and enjoy this brief moment of peace. )

(Oh, is that His Highness and Jun talking…?)

Jun: — Like I said, if it's impossible then it is impossible. Please stop and give up on it.

Hiyori: Jun-kun is so stubborn, I said I don't care. Look at her eyes, Mary is also saying I’m right. Jun-kun should be the one giving up here!

Jun: No no no, this isn't something that can be solved just because I give up on it….

Ibara: … Well, well. I’ve been waiting for you, Your Highness! The shuttle car has already arrived. Please get in when you are ready!

By the way, what are you both debating about? Has Jun done something, perhaps?

Jun: Why are you accusing me~? It’s always been Ohii-san who’s done something when anything really happens.

Ohiisan keeps insisting on bringing Bloody Mary to work and won’t listen to me at all.

Ibara: And what is wrong with that? If His Highness wishes so, then there should be no problem to do as he pleases.

Hiyori: Did you hear that, Jun-kun? Ibara is saying something good for once, I will praise you for that🎶

Jun: I wasn’t done talking. Uh... I thought it would be troubling for them if we brought her without informing them, so I told them in advance. ―

I was told that the farmer who will take care of us is allergic to dogs. Though they said that the symptoms are mild, it should be okay as long as we don’t let her out when we’re indoors, but...

We don’t want to bother them more than we already are, so we decided that it’s better if we don’t bring her in the first place.

Hiyori: Non. Non. The one who made that decision is Jun-kun. She will still go with us. After all, I took this job for her!

Ibara: For Mary…?

Hiyori: That's right. My dear Bloodstained Mary is already like my own child. I wanted to show our child all kinds of scenery!

Let's take a walk on the empty road of the countryside~ Mary, chu~chu🎶

Jun: (Sighs)... Ibara, can you say something?

Ibara: (Even if you say that to me, betting on winning games has been my way of life for so long.)

(Although they said that it was mild, it would only ruin His Highness’s image if he brought the dog despite us knowing that someone is allergic.)

… Your Highness, as an inexperienced person, it's difficult for me to say this but, can you please leave the dog — Mary here?

Hiyori: Hm, really, even Ibara is going to go against me? I shouldn’t have praised you!

Ibara: I deeply apologise about this. But please try to think it through.

The majority of the field work that both of you will experience later will be your first time working on it. Your time will mostly be spent on it and you might spend very little time with Mary.

Leaving her in a new place alone will make her lonely. How about bearing with it now for her sake and going on a trip to the countryside on another day with her?

Hiyori: Mary will be lonely …

… I don't have any choice then. If you say that much, I will go along with it.

But, Ibara has to take care of Mary!!

Ibara: … What?

Why, me…?

Hiyori: Because the one who told me to leave her is Ibara, so you will have to take responsibility for it! Right, Jun-kun?

Jun: Well, I guess that's right~. Mary isn't scared of Ibara; leaving her to someone that’s already like family is also more relieving.

Ibara: She wasn't scared of me simply because she smelled the scent of both of you on me, not because she’s used to being with me.

(But if I refuse here, His Highness will definitely bring that dog to work. I would rather prevent that to avoid other problems…)

(... Hm? Ah, there is a good way to solve this. It takes a snake to know a snake. I will accept the responsibility and then I can leave it to a specialist later…)

I understand, I will be responsible and take care of it.

Hiyori: That's great. Think of her as my child and take good care of her!

Jun: Oh, it's already this late… Ohii-san, it's better if we take our leave now.

Hiyori: I got it. Mary, be a good girl and wait for me!

Jun: Then, we’re leaving.

Ibara: Yes. I entrust His Highness to you.

(... Finally, I can send His Highness off. Jun will definitely take care of the rest later.)

(Well, time to look up a Pet Sitter...)

[30 minutes later]

Ibara: (... I tried to contact everyone I found, but all of them are saying that a prior reservation is required. At this rate, I'm going nowhere.)

(If it comes to this, should I ask someone I know instead of using the service of specialists…? Someone who is good at it would be…)

Nagisa: … Ibara, there you are.

Ibara : Ah, Your Excellency. Were you looking for me?

Nagisa: … I received a message from Hiyori-kun just now. I heard you are going to take care of Bloody Mary.

… Ibara, do you know how to take care of a dog?

Ibara: No. But please rest assured, I will leave it to someone who has experience 🎶

Nagisa: … Why do you want to leave her with someone else?

Nagisa: …I heard Ibara will be the one taking care of her. Are you planning on breaking your promise with Hiyori-kun?

Ibara: Certainly not! I would never do such a thing. I just simply think that it will be better to leave it to an experienced person to take care of it.

I believe that it’s better than leaving it to someone inexperienced like me. It’s for her sake too.

Nagisa: … Do you really think that's for the best?

… I heard from Hiyori-kun that she is a really shy girl. Perhaps it’s because she was an abandoned dog, but she always seems to tremble in fear when she’s around strangers.

… Even if you’re inexperienced, isn't it better for her to be taken care of by you, Ibara?

Ibara: But, I...

Nagisa: … If you can't do it, then I will do it.

Ibara: Eh? Your Excellency, do you have experience raising animals?

Nagisa : … If it's rabbits, yes. I raised some back in school.

… I'm also interested in raising dogs. I want to try and practice the knowledge I learned from the book I read.

… Come here, Bloody Mary.

… You seem energetic, you are shaking your tail. Is there anything you want?

… Is it lunch? Please wait here, I will look for it.

Ibara: (Oho. He wasn’t all talk after all, his execution is good too.)

(I want to leave everything to him like this, but His Excellency has a full schedule tomorrow.)

(... Also, I was the one who promised His Highness after all.)

Nagisa: … This is troubling. Where did they put Bloody Mary's food?

Ibara: I think it's on the shelf right here. I've seen Jun taking out the pet food before.

Thank you for reminding me earlier. If it were not because of His Excellency, I would've broken my promise.

If you don't mind, may I also help take care of the dog?

Nagisa : … You don't need my permission for this.

… Come, Ibara. Let's take care of her together.

Next>

Frontline Watchdogs
[MASTERLIST]

JProofer : Peach
TLer 1-4 : Mirei
EProofer 1-4 :Skyress

Hiyori insisted to bring his dog--Bloody Mary on a TV show filming trip to the country side. After Ibara manage to persuade him to give up, Ibara end up having to take care of her in his place.

Frontline Watchdogs 1
Frontline Watchdogs 2
Frontline Watchdogs 3
Frontline Watchdogs 4

Translator 5-8 : Harmonyleaf
EProofer 5-8 : Birdie

Frontline Watchdogs 5
Frontline Watchdogs 6
Frontline Watchdogs 7
Frontline Watchdogs 8

Interstellar War - Universe

[MASTERLIST]

It is the year 20XX -- idols have advanced into space.

Through the series of space exploration plans that began from the ES Plan, idols were transformed into pilots capable of operating robots.

These idols fight in robot battles known as "DreamFes", that were developed from live showdowns, to deliver passion and radiance to all of humankind

However, that era will soon reach its demise.

JP & EN proofer : royalquintet, iridesenescence

Season : ⭐

Outer Space

Rinne: *pant*...*pant*...

Well damn, I’m just about screwed in a two-against-one…

Hokuto: Why don’t you just surrender? Even if we continue fighting, you have no chance of winning

Rinne: Yeah yeah, I get it. So this is as far as my luck takes me, huh. Fine, I give u―

Juuust kidding! Crafty lil’ Rinne-kyun still has a trump card hidden up his sleeve!

Hokuto: An electromagnetic pulse?!

Tsukasa: This is bad, Hidaka-senpai! That device is jamming our signals! He's planning on disabling our radars so he can escape!

Hokuto: Like hell I'll let him escape―

Rinne: Kyahaha! I ain't stickin' around to fight a losing battle -- time to hightail it! When even the goddess of luck has abandoned me, it’s time to be a good lil’ boy and retreat!

Urgh…?!

Wh-What was that? The attack just now…! Somethin' came from my blind spot!

Oh hell! The rocket booster's busted…!

Hokuto: What was that beam…?

Tsukasa: Look over there! Several battleships are approaching us!

Eichi: It appears that I have made it in time.

Hokuto: Tenshouin-senpai…?

Eichi: You’ve both done wonderful work, Hokuto, Tsukasa-kun.

Hokuto: I’m seeing a lot of enormous space battleships―just what is this fleet for?

Eichi: Fufu. This is my private military force that I had prepared in case of emergency.

I prepared this in secret, just in case I needed to get rid of hindrances like you all.

An explosion at the docks turned into a battle, and now you’re all weakened after fighting amongst each other. With a plan like this, it'll be easy enough to eliminate all three of you at once. ♪

Hokuto: What…?

Tsukasa: What did you just say, Onii-sama? It sounded like you wanted to shoot us down―I don't believe this electromagnetic pulse would interfere with our transmission, though?

Eichi: You appear confused, but this is your fault, you know. You have questioned the perfect system―the new DreamFes.

Such defective elements must be eliminated as quickly as possible.

Hokuto: What? You're gonna eliminate us over a reason like that…?

That’s tyranny!

Tsukasa: As Hidaka-senpai says. In the first place, there are only a small number of us managing our district, correct? If we purge people for a simple difference in ideas, we will meet our ruin before long.

Eichi: Fufufu. I find absolutely no issue with it.

From the moment you stepped aboard the spaceship, I had already stored the data of your memory.

And not only that—I hold the key to cloning technology in my hands.

Even if your bodies were to be destroyed, I can simply replace them and transplant the stored memories from when you first awakened.

In fact, Hokuto… this body is your fifth.

Hokuto: That’s ridiculous. Are you saying that I am just a clone with relocated memories…?

Rinne: … Yeah, this guy ain’t bluffin’. Y'see, I unfortunately stumbled on the secrets of the ES Space Plan.

So I made a decision. I would steal the new mobile suit from the dock so I can kill all the masterminds.

The first step to that is wreckin’ up this sheltered paradise producing fakeass idols. If I take control of the Space Colony and throw you into the void beyond, we'll have peace again for sure.

Sorry to involve you in all this, but this is why I took down your partners in the first place.

Heh, I might not look it, but I know how to rule ♪

At the very least, I’d make the world a better place than it is under those who’re just tryin’ to take advantage of idols! Don't you think so?

Hokuto: …

Eichi: Which is justice and which is evil―perhaps you are confused?

Try thinking clearly about it for a moment. Essentially, it is important for people who have crossed over to the final frontier to work together under the common goal of pioneering.

Otherwise, it would only be natural for our efforts to taper off with petty disputes.

However, in the end, humans have always been self-serving creatures. Perhaps the stress of life in space leads you to label the new DreamFes as cruel and to romanticize the old days.

Thus I have prepared the reset button for you in advance. No matter how the situation changes, it can restore you to your original, ideal state.

Hokuto: So that’s what clone technology is meant for…!

Eichi: Yes. We call it cryosleep; with this, we can continuously produce idols with their memories and experiences completely set back to default.

And this is how we can constantly supply new idols for DreamFes.

The eternal idols who neither age nor die—these are the beings I have created.

Well then, let’s ask this generation’s Hokuto a question.

You've discovered the secret behind idols, and you also learned that you are but a component in a system where idols can be replaced.

Of course, this is true for me as well. If you were to kill me here, no doubt the second and the third Tenshouin Eichi will appear as clones.

Behind the dream lurks a bloody reality.

Now that your idol dreams have been shattered, what reason do you have to continue fighting?

Hokuto: …

(So this is the truth. I’m sure even Akehoshi has already been…)

(We are merely clones, nothing but disposable beings… Under such circumstances, it’s true that fighting might be meaningless…)

(But then... What is this anger? Why does my blood feel like it's boiling…?)

(Ah, I see now. I am angry for Hidaka Hokuto and his partners who died as gears in this system.)

(...For those who were being used as idols without knowing the truth.)

...Gh!

You want a "reason"? I have mine right here!

Eichi: That necklace...

Hokuto: This is the evidence of who we are. You might say we're clones, but the past that we went through hasn't changed.

Tricktsar still exists inside of me―inside of us.

Tenshouin-senpai, you are the root of this evil that I will defeat.

… Prince Star, to battle!

Tsukasa: Rinne-senpai, I will judge the good and evil in your actions later. For now, let us join hands in combat!

Rinne: Hell yeah! Gotta protect my pride as a chief!

Eichi: Fufu, to engage in reckless battle in the name of revolution―it seems none of you have changed at all.

Eichi 2.0, Eichi 3.0, it is your turn now.

Eichi 2.0: Finally my time has come, 1.0.

Eichi 3.0: As long as we—Tenshouin Eichi—are here, purging the rebels is an easy task.

Hokuto: Huh. So by cloning yourself, you’re trying to gain eternal life, Tenshouin-senpai?

I will defeat you and become a real idol…!

[Real Life]

Star Maker Production ES Office

[ Hokuto wakes up]

Hokuto: ...Ah!

...What? ...Oh, a dream? That was one hell of a nightmare.

Eichi: Hello there, Hokuto. Seeing you napping in the agency is quite the rare sight. You must've been very tired.

I didn't want to wake you, so I waited here―did you have a nightmare, perhaps?

Hokuto: Whoa?! T-Tenshouin-senpai…

How many bodies have you been through?

Eichi: Hm? I really don’t get what you’re talking about…

Ah... Was your dream perhaps related to the script in your hand?

“The Threepenny Space Opera (tentative)"¹, huh… So Dramatica is doing a Sci-Fi stage play?

Hokuto: No, it is only one of the options for our next production. It might be difficult, considering our budget, though.

Eichi: If money is an issue, might I offer to sponsor? I was just thinking that I’d like to watch a show directed by Wataru.

Hokuto: Please don’t. Nothing good will come out of sponsoring him. Not to mention, getting a personal sponsor for a circle activity doesn’t feel right.

But I am grateful, Tenshouin-senpai.

Eichi: Hm? What for?

Hokuto: Nothing, just... I've realized we are so blessed here.

We're able to be whatever kind of idol we please in ES. I just wanted to thank you for that.

Eichi: Fufu. That's very unlike you. Also, it's quite embarrassing to be told that face-to-face.

The establishment of ES has jump-started a new phase in the idol industry. We’ll be even busier from now on, Hokuto.

Hokuto: Right, bring it on. We'll never stop moving forward.

As long as the fans are still there for us―I will continue to be an idol.

END

<Prev

NOTE :

¹ The title of the Dramatica play (スペース三文オペラ) seems to be taken from The Threepenny Opera(insert link) (三文オペラ in Japanese). Interestingly, the wiki article mentions that the original opera was written to be a "beggar's" opera in contrast with opera's traditionally aristocratic origins, and that the plotline is a criticism of a capitalist world.

JP & EN proofer : royalquintet, iridesenescence

Season : ⭐

Content Warning : Major Character Death, Mention of Killing Attempt

Outer Space

Hokuto: (It's been several minutes since dispatching... No pulses on the radar yet.)

(But really, this is an outrageous situation. To think that we idols, who've ventured into space, have to fight against a mobile suit that is suspected to be stolen from our very own space colony...)

(It's as if we're in a world of fiction.)

(But... What I'm curious about is the motive behind that explosion.)

(Itsuki-senpai suspects that the culprit holds a grudge against ES. Were they so disappointed in the current state of ES that they had to go this far?)

(Akehoshi also left for space with his own mobile suit. But he wouldn’t take an indirect approach like this.)

(Rather than letting the possibility of someone getting hurt, he would just appeal directly to Tenshouin-senpai.)

(Or was he perhaps also involved in an incident...?)

(No, I'm overthinking it. It's him we're talking about—he would definitely come back as if nothing ever happened.)

……

[ Warning : Mobile suit particle residue has been detected. Proceed with caution.]

Hokuto: Hm. The radar's reacting…?

An unknown mobile suit... Could it be…?!

???: Kyahaha ♪ You finally come to see me, oh dear Orihime-sama? You’ve made me wait for sooo long, I’m fallin’ asleep, yknow?

Hokuto: Just who are you calling Orihime-sama?

I am Hidaka Hokuto. I am here to apprehend you.

State your name. Were you the one who caused that explosion incident?

???: Hey now, I ain’t obedient enough to give you my name just ‘cause you ask for it.

But if you want to know who I am that much, why don't cha choke the answer outta me with that robot of yours!

Kyahaha, I wonder, can ya dodge all of my missiles?!

Hokuto: Ugh…! You made the first move, huh!

But, that level of attack is nothing compared to those ruthless opponents we face in Dreamfes, fighting you would be like stealing candy from a baby.

Hokuto: Raaaaaghh!

???: Oh? To think you'd lure the barrage away and detonate it. Looks like you got some fight in ya. Interesting. Ya got my gambler's blood tingling in excitement.

Hokke : Gambler…? Hold on, I feel like I've heard that phrase somewhere before—

???: Whoopsie-daisy! Gettin' distracted, are we? My attack's not over yet!

Hokuto: Huh, what a cheap trick… That won't work on me!

Enough playing around. Just surrender already.

???: Kyahahaha ☆ You're saying the same thing he did, huh? The idol who tried to stop me by saying things like that went down without much of a fight, y'know?

Hokuto: Someone tried to stop you at the dock…? Are you... talking about Tsukinaga-senpai?

???: Yeah. He was already in the mobile suit and I couldn't see him clearly, so I didn't even remember much….

Hokuto: I won’t be shaken by your lies — I know that’s what you’re aiming for. There’s no way I’ll believe you defeated Tsukinaga-senpai of the Big Three--

???: It's possible, no? Any kind of surprise attack is a strike up jackpot against any opponent, long as they're flesh and blood! Whaddya think? Simple enough, right?

... I just remembered! The one I'm talking about was piloting a mobile suit like yours!

Hokuto: A mobile suit like Prince Star…?

It can't be that you did that… to Akehoshi…

???: Yep yep, it was Akehoshi-paisen! Oh noo~ I've done something so terrible to paisen, huh~?

Before this explosion incident, I snuck into the dock to steal the mobile suit that was still under development.

I ran into that guy there, and y'see, getting rid of witnesses is pretty damn important.

But that was a big help, y'know. I’d had enough of the newly reformed DreamFes—they’re nothin’ more than an idol slaughter ritual...☆

Hokuto: So it was your fault! Because of that incident, he was….!

???: Oh no, don't you dare to play victim, you criminal!!

You’re just as guilty, y’know?! You join the DreamFes and play at war… Did you really think that was all gonna turn out fine and dandy?!

Hokuto: Look, I was also conflicted….!

But it’s a little late to be saying that now, isn’t it? If you want to improve things, then shouldn’t we do that with a discussion instead of violence?

???: …If Niki hadn’t died 'cause of that, then yeah, sure.

Hokuto: What…?

Tsukasa: Now!

???: Ugh...!

Hokuto: A surprise attack...!? That mobile suit with the sword, it's Knights'—

Tsukasa: King of Knights. The mobile suit of the sovereign. I could not bring myself to simply observe, so I jumped in.

I was also listening to that transmission just now. So you're the one who attacked Leo-san, correct?

Rinne: Yeah, I've already decided to forfeit my life for revenge.

Look at me. Look at my face! This is the face of the one who took away your beloved!

Hokuto: Amagi Rinne… So you are the culprit?

Rinne: Jackpot! I'm the culprit!! At first I was planning to just destroy all the mobile suits in the dock, but I was interrupted, see?

Those two I met in the dock—Akehoshi-paisen and Leo-chan— I tried to kill both of them.

Tsukasa: ...Ggh.

Just because they happened to be there...?

I cannot forgive such selfish logic…! Even if you lost someone important, it has nothing to do with the rest of us!

Rinne: Unrelated?! No fuckin' way! Y'all are just as guilty for creatin’ the new DreamFes!

Tsukasa: …It seems my words fall on deaf ears.

O foul nemesis of my seniors—on my honor as a knight, I shall submit you to my judgment!

Hokuto: I'm with Suou-kun. My ominous feeling was right on the mark. I never wanted Akehoshi to be lost over something like this…

All he wanted was to be an idol. He just wanted to deliver light to many people.

…Amagi Rinne. I am an idol. That's precisely why I’ll ensure you meet a noble end.

Tsukasa: Hidaka-senpai, I will assist as your support!

Hokuto: ...I appreciate it.

Tsukasa: It's nothing. I just don't want to lose any more members...

Rinne: Ahahah, you wanna defeat me and pose as a hero? You goddamn hypocrites--

Fine then, come at me!!

JP & EN proofer : royalquintet, iridesenescence

Season : ⭐

Spaceship Control Room

Shu: It seems like that jarring alarm has died down at last.

Rei: Yeah. Such a violent jolt and dissonant noises are tough on these old bones.

Honestly, to think that the reason for our first meeting in a long time is an explosion incident… Really, what is this world coming to?

Tsukasa: Yes, indeed… I am truly fed up with this.

Putting that aside, however, we must commence our discussion immediately. We cannot afford to rest knowing an explosion has breached this Space Colony.

Rei: But the representative of Starpro has yet to come. We can't begin our discussion without Tenshouin-kun.

Shu: It's him who is late. I have no qualms about leaving him out.

If his karma has dragged him into an incident, then it would be a perfect excuse for his tardiness, after all.

Rei: Such an ill-omened statement is hardly necessary, Itsuki-kun.

Haven't you also been taking the opportunity to cooperate with Tenshouin-kun through our advancement into space?

Shu: NON! ES' goals simply happen to align with my own; I have absolutely no intention of getting along with him!

...Nothing will come of our meaningless chatter. Let's proceed to discuss the main topic and fill Starpro in afterward.

Let me get straight to the point. There is a traitor among us idols who reside within this ES Space Colony.

Tsukasa: Among us Idols…?

Shu: Yes. That's the reason we have gathered for this emergency meeting. I propose that we lock down the Space Colony to conduct an investigation and search for the culprit.

Rei: Hm. I think that's quite a hasty move. Itsuki-kun, I would like to know why you are so certain that the culprit is amongst us idols.

According to the reports, the explosion happened in the hangar where the robots are kept. It is entirely possible that a staff member caused the explosion by accident while performing maintenance on the robot.

Shu: That's far too optimistic. I cannot say I agree with your thinking.

Especially in this stressful environment of space where idols' fatigue only increases by the day...

Destroying the mobile suits would mean they no longer have to fight—I see this as a strong motive for causing an explosion.

In fact, with the pressure to constantly participate in DreamFes weighing heavily on us, there's simply no time for the birth of new culture or art.

Rei, I'm certain you know of the many idols who ran away because they couldn't stand that any longer?

Tsukasa: I am also… quite perplexed by the Gap between the ideals I once heard of and the reality we are living in.

Akehoshi-senpai, the members of Crazy:B—they were just some among many Idols… who took combat lessons as an opportunity to flee into outer space.

It's possible that those who felt Stressed in the same way began to harbor thoughts of revolt.

Shu: Yes. I have no doubt that the culprit behind this incident is someone with a deep resentment for the ES space plan. If we don't catch them immediately, we risk having a second or even third incident on our hands.

That's all I wanted to say. Are there any objections?

Rei: I see. I can see the logic behind your reasoning, Itsuki-kun.

However, jumping to conclusions is quite an issue as well. Would it not be wiser to perform a careful investigation of the explosion in the hangar first?

Shu: Non. one like you always insists on taking things lightly..

I won't allow you to say you’ve forgotten about what happened to the Five Eccentrics. Do you not care that we may end up repeating the same mistake like back then?

Before it comes to that, we should lock down this Space Colony immediately and search for the culprit.

Unless, perhaps, you actually have something to hide?

Rei: Kukuku. I wonder, do you see me as the traitorous bat from the folk tale?¹ It's quite upsetting to hear that you suspect me of changing sides and cooperating with Tenshouin-kun instead.

The tale of the Five Eccentrics is an old story. While I'm aware you might find discomfort in a situation as unpredictable as this, it's imperative that you wait.

There are always two sides to a coin. Which is to say, we can't make decisions simply based on speculation alone.

We are but a group of voyagers traversing through outer space. If we allow our suspicions to run wild without checking the incident site first, it will put us on the path of ruin.

Shu: Good grief… I'd completely forgotten that humanity's space venture was born from mere competitiveness.

Wanting to surpass other countries, wanting to serve one’s nation… With the world revolving around such ideologies, there is nowhere for freedom and culture to go.

It is constrained and suffocating.

Suou, Rei. Let's go to the hangar and investigate now.

Tsukasa: Understood…!

Still, letting the culprit run loose leaves me uneasy.

Shu: I share your sentiments. But if Rei insists on being careful, we have to find evidence before locking down the Colony.

Eichi: Everyone, apologies for being late. I hate to cut the conversation short, but I've just finished investigating the hangar.

Shu: Tenshouin.

I thought you were late but it seems you were merely gaining a head start. I must say, I'm rather unimpressed.

Eichi: "Gaining a head start" sounds terribly unflattering. This is an emergency. I simply decided to prioritize the investigation.

Until just a while ago, I was with Saegusa-kun investigating surveillance footage.

This is what was shown in the video. A mobile suit of unknown affiliation infiltrating the hangar and setting off explosives.

Also from there, we learned that Tsukinaga-kun, who was in Knights' mobile suit at the time, has fallen into a comatose state. We immediately brought him to the sickbay.

Tsukasa: Leo-san, you said…!?

Eichi: Yes. It appears that Tsukinaga-kun was composing there, to his misfortune. Because he left the cockpit hatch open, he bore the brunt of the explosion.

Tsukasa: It can't be…!

I can't believe this, Leo-san…

Eichi: I was also surprised by this sudden occurrence. I'm about to dispatch Hokuto to pursue the mobile suit that had infiltrated the hangar.

It's been one hour since the incident… A capable idol should have no problems catching up to the culprit.

Hokuto. Do you hear me loud and clear?

Spaceship Hallways

Hokuto: …Yes. The maintenance for the robot has finished. Just give the signal; I can take off at any time.

No matter their reason, I will never forgive anyone who brings harm to idols. With Prince Star, I will charge in and shoot down that mysterious mobile suit.

Eichi: I'm counting on you, Hokuto.

Hokuto: Yes. You can entrust the rest to me, Tenshouin-senpai.

After all, I am an idol who shoulders humanity's hopes.

Note :

¹A reference to the bat in the Aesop's 55 Fable "The Bat, Birds, and The Beasts" the Japanese version is slightly different from English version as it implies that the bat was actively selling out each side to the other and is hated by both the birds and beasts in the end.

JP & EN proofer : royalquintet, iridesenescence

Season : ⭐

Outer Space

Narrator (Eichi voice) :

It is the year 20XX -- idols have advanced into space.

Through the series of space exploration plans that began from the ES Plan, idols were transformed into pilots capable of operating robots.

These idols fight in robot battles known as "DreamFes", that were developed from live showdowns, to deliver passion and radiance to all of humankind

However, that era will soon reach its demise.

Inside Space Colony ES: Reception Room

Hokuto: Excuse me, Tenshouin-senpai.

It might be earlier than scheduled, but it's time for the routine consultation.

Eichi: Oh my, you've certainly come earlier than expected, Hokuto.

Since you claimed victory in DreamFes and all, wouldn't it be better to spend your time performing a victory live or something?

Hokuto: No, it's fine. Our members' battle fatigue is probably piling up, after all.

It's only been half a year since we awoke from cryosleep. We need the time to rest and catch up on the details of what has happened so far.

Eichi: I see, it's a good thing to be eager to learn.

In the last few decades, idol's job description has completely turned on its head, so learning the history behind that is a matter of great significance.

Hokuto: Right. There are still a lot of things that we don't know.

--Idols have advanced into space.

Now idols fight with robots, and the winner earns the right to perform; that's how this new DreamFes works--And it seems to be entertainment to humanity down on earth.

But, what's the point of fighting with robots? I'd never imagined it would be something so important that we have to venture into space for it.

Eichi: Are you still hung up on that? How stubborn you are, Hokuto.

Hokuto: What— ..!

Eichi: But I suppose it's not weird that you'd end up thinking that. After all, this originates from the newly discovered theory in neuroscience.

The Music of Conflict and Jubilance--That is the catalyst that awakens the fighting instinct and deep emotion carved into humanity's genes.

And this new "DreamFes" is meant to bring those catalysts together .

The discovery of the new "DreamFes" brought major reform in the entertainment industry.

We’ve reached a point where all organisations on the earth make huge investments just to obtain the rights to broadcast our performances.

We receive over 2 billion views worldwide, all the time. It truly is the grandest show Earth has ever seen ♪

Hokuto: There you go again, starting another lecture on a new theory.

But in the end it's still difficult to simply swallow the fact that idols have to fight in robots.

I don't think we came to space just for that…

… But, putting that aside. Has Akehoshi still not been found?

Eichi: Yes. The search is still underway.

Hokuto: I see...

Eichi: I'm truly sorry about this. Although we’ve already sent personnel out to search for him, outer space is far too vast.

I just hope he hasn’t caught up in an accident or something.

Hokuto: I'm not trying to blame it on you, Tenshouin-senpai. After all, venturing into space has always been his wish.

It's just that Trickstar won't be complete until he returns.

Not to mention, aside from our usual performances in the new "DreamFes", we have to conduct pilot training and combat exercises with the mobile suit. It's quite a lot of work.

If we could, the members of Trickstar would be out there searching for Akehoshi every single day. But we can't afford to pull out of DreamFes, since we attract so many sponsors through it.

Eichi: So does this mean you want me to reduce Trickstar's appearances on "DreamFes"?

Hokuto: No, not just for Trickstar, but other units too.

This is just a rumour I heard, but apparently Knights' Tsukinaga Leo and the members of Crazy:B have been wandering in outer space because they don't want their ES activities to rob them of their freedom.

It's not just Knights and Crazy:B who have been affected either.

It seems like both the idols who haven't been able to adapt to the new form of DreamFes and the idols who just started out in ES have gotten fed up with the status quo.

I'm sure you understand too, Tenshouin-senpai. The growth of this industry exists because of the diversity of its idols.

Don't you think it's about time for us to give them their freedom?

Eichi: Hm. Alright, I hear you.

I, too, love idols, so I don't wish to mistreat them.

However, our life in space and future plans to explore the cosmos depend upon the funding from the massive global enterprises. Not even I can settle those negotiations easily, you know?

It might not be possible to improve things right away, but I'll do what I can.

Hokuto: Alright. I will leave it to you, Tenshouin-senpai.

Spaceship Hallway

Hokuto: ( Hm. This routine consultation ended without a hitch. Although this consultation is part of the care plan for us who have awoken from cryosleep, I do have to admire Tenshouin-senpai's dedication.

It'd be great if the new DreamFes could be improved soon as well.

Akehoshi... Did he also flee into space because he had enough of these circumstances?

Without bothering to say a thing to us first...?

Akehoshi. Please, answer me.

Have we truly become the idols we wished to be?)

Huh…? What was that jolt…?

[Emergency Alert.]

[Explosion of unidentified object detected at the dock.]

[Guards, report to the scene immediately.]

[Repeat.]

[Explosion of unidentified object detected at the dock.]

Hokuto: Emergency alert…!?

Next>

JP Proofer : 310mc1
EN Proofer : Amagiiz

ES Hallway - One day in Summer

Rinne: Thank you for your hard work~, please treat us well next time as well~☆

—Aight then! Today's work is done! How’d ya rate lil ol’ me and my manners, Merumeru? It’s nothin’ less than a perfect score, if you ask me!

HiMERU: —HiMERU supposes it was right on the passing mark. The fact that you didn’t pick a fight was good enough.

But as usual, your wording was far too vulgar. How about you try studying manners a little?

Rinne: Nah, ain’t happening! If I were to act all goody-goody, it would overlap with your character trait.

We can’t be having half our unit be the same exact thing, yeah?

HiMERU: Please rest assured. You will never be capable of becoming HiMERU, Amagi—

The only one who can is "HiMERU", and HiMERU only.

Rinne: Hmm... Well, if you say so.

Aight then, what’re you gonna do now? Wanna hang out together in a pachinko house?

HiMERU: ーIf you want to go, you’re free to do so alone. HiMERU will not touch anything related to gambling, considering that he’s an idol.

Rinne: Idols are human too, y’know. They’ve all got times when they test their luck and bravery and compete, don’t they?

Oh, the elevator’s here just in time! Ya boy’s on a roll today!

Smell ya later, Merumeru~ If I get to hit the jackpot today, don't be jealous! Kyahaha! ☆

HiMERU: Please don't worry. There was never once a time where HiMERU was jealous of you—

HiMERU: (HiMERU has a magazine interview in our agency in two hours, then a recording after that...)

(Let's have a meal now. The resting room should be close by.)

(... Hm? There are sounds of footsteps from behind...)

Mika: ......

HiMERU: (It's Valkyrie's Kagehira Mika... The person who called "me" with that name—)¹

(Why is he following me from behind? Just what is he planning to do?)

(—No, HiMERU must be overthinking it. It’s only natural for us to stumble upon each other here.)

(We’re doing nothing more than walking down the same hallway— Let’s just keep going without fretting over it.)

Resting Area

HiMERU: (—HiMERU ended up taking the yakisoba bread suggested by the staff because they mentioned that it's freshly made.)

(HiMERU prefers sandwiches that are easier to eat…)

(But well, this is fine. You can get the necessary calories in any type of bread.)

(—-!)

Mika: ......

HiMERU: (Why is he also here...?)

(—No. It must be a coincidence. It’s past midday, so it's not strange for him to come here for a meal. )

(Our tables are far from each other, and HiMERU doesn't have to greet him. HiMERU will simply ignore him and check on his schedule...)

HiMERU: ......

HiMERU: (... HiMERU can sense a gaze from him. It's distracting, and it makes it hard to concentrate.)

(Let's finish this meal and go back to the agency—)

Mika: ...Uh.

HiMERU: (Deducing his actual objective would be nice, but HiMERU already has his schedule to deal with...)

ES Staircase

Mika: ... Shoot. I lost sight of ‘im. But he was definitely goin' this way…

This wouldn’t have happened if I just called out to ‘im earlier... I'm so stupid~!

HiMERU: (—-HiMERU is now certain that he was being followed. And since there is no one here...)

HiMERU: Good afternoon, Kagehira-san.

Mika: Nnha! Y-Y'scared me…

HiMERU-san, ya were here~? W-What a coincidence~♪

HiMERU: Was it really a coincidence?

Mika: ... Nhha?

HiMERU: HiMERU knew you were in the resting room. You kept watching HiMERU while you were eating your meal.

Not only that, but before that encounter, you started tailing HiMERU in the hallway the moment you saw him.

Mika: Tha-That was ‘cause...

HiMERU: (He glanced to the side... As HiMERU thought, he has something up his slee—-)

Mika: ...'s loose.

HiMERU: —Huh?

Mika: The sleeves of yer clothes’re loose...!

When I saw ya in the hallway, I noticed the thread was hangin'. But we’re from different units so I didn't dare t'tell…

But I once got embarrassed 'cause my clothes were loose the whole time I was at work. So I thought it'd be better ta tell ya.

Thought it'd make it awkward fer ya if I told ya 'bout it in the resting room where there’re alotta people... 'm real sorry for doin' somethin’ weird!

HiMERU: ... You’re right, it is loose. HiMERU understands what you were aiming for now.

Mika: Ah, wait! I'll fix it for ya.

I have my sewin’ bag with me. This little thing’ll be a piece a’ cake fer me~♪

HiMERU: Hm, that does help a lot—

(... Valkyrie apparently learned of "my" identity from Vice President Saegusa. )

(Should I investigate how much he knows while I still have my chance? No— If I don’t think this through, it may backfire on me...)

Mika: ... Aight, I’m done. Yer free ta move again, HiMERU-san~♪

HiMERU: ("HiMERU-san", huh... That occasion was the one and only time he called "me" by that name. Asking him about it now might just make him more conscious of it than ever.)

(He didn't seem to have spread information about me. That’s a relief, but should I really leave it at that...?)

—How incredible, you finished in no time.

Mika: Nhaha... Yer gonna make me blush~ Yer really good at praisin' someone, eh?

HiMERU: Thank you for your assistance. We may be in different units, but we're still fellow idols of the same agency.

You’re free to greet HiMERU whenever you like.

Mika: Fer real? Then I’ll do so! Thank ya kindly~

Yer roommates with Naru-chan, right? I’d love ta get along with ya too~♪

HiMERU: Yes, HiMERU also thinks that would be nice—

END

NOTE:

¹ In Main Story Chapter 181 - Dumping, Mika referred to HiMERU as 十条要 (Tōjou Kaname). He also refer himself with (俺) instead of usual HiMERU here.

JP Proofer : Hyenahunt
EN Proofer : Skyress

ES Lesson Room - One day in Summer

Hiyori: ♪~♪~♪~♪

Nagisa: ♪~♪~♪~♪

Ibara:

Your singing voice is simply wonderful, Your Highness! I'd expect no less from you! Truly, how it charms me so!

And how absolutely splendid Your Excellency's dance is! Your movements, flawless down to the fraction of second, are undoubtedly a form of living art!

Jun, you didn't do too bad, either!

Jun:

Is it just me or was I the only one who got a half-assed comment? Oh well, whatever~.

Anyway, are we done with all the practice you wanted us to do, Ibara?

Ibara:

Yes. With this, we can perform with confidence in our upcoming music show.

All the same, I had no concerns to begin with. As this is a song we're used to singing, we should have no trouble performing it even without practice.

But because all of us in Eden have been so busy with our individual work lately, we haven’t gotten much time to practice together.

Thus, I gathered everyone here so that we may also stay in sync.

Dear me, it seems that I have rambled on for far too long. My apologies for making everyone come here for my own needs today! Let's wrap things up!

Hiyori:

Yes, yes. Now then, I’d like you all to listen to my request this time!

Ibara:

Oh...? Your Highness, whatever do you wish for?

Hiyori:

It's not just for you to hear out, but for Jun-kun and Nagisa-kun as well!

See, since we went along with Ibara's wish, we must now all go along with mine!

Ibara:

(You say that like we don't already go along with your selfish whims every single day, Your Highness.)

Certainly! I’d even accompany you to the ends of earth if you so desire! Your wish is always my command, Your Highness! Salute~♪

Staff cafeteria of ES

Ibara:

The staff cafeteria...?

Hiyori:

Why, of course! You see, they’re currently serving the Early Bird's Taste of Autumn buffet, and I really wanted to try it!

Jun:

Sounds good~. We just worked up a sweat so I’m starvin’. And since it’s a buffet and we don’t even gotta hold back, it’s just what I need right now.

Nagisa:

...Hmm, a taste of autumn? I look forward to seeing what kind of dishes they’ll serve.

Ibara:

Understood! I’ll take care of the payment, so do go on and help yourselves, everyone. I shall also secure a table for us...♪

…

(...At buffets, you can choose whatever you want to eat, so it won’t matter much whether I’m present or not.)

(Nonetheless, it would give a bad impression if I am the only one absent, and as they say, one cannot fight on an empty stomach. I should still join them, even if only for appearances.)

(I’ll grab just enough for my plate, take my seat and do my work.)

(... Hm, this table seems good. It's close to the window, so there should be no need to worry about being watched.)

(Alright, let's get my tablet out… What's this? There seems to be an appearance request for CosPro?)

(It wasn’t sent to any particular unit of ours, nor is it anything difficult, either. I suppose I'll assign it to whichever unit has an empty schedule.)

Jun:

Yooo, sorry to keep ya waiting.

Nagisa:

... Ibara, are you doing work?

Ibara:

Oh no, I'm simply killing some time while waiting for you all. Well then, let's eat!

Hiyori:

Everything certainly looks delicious, I must say. We should start our meal right away~ ♪

Jun:

Ohii-san, you put your main dish and dessert on the same plate, huh.

Hiyori :

The true pleasure of buffets is the excitement of getting to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, all in whatever order your heart so desires!

Meanwhile, everything on your plate is brown, Jun-kun.

Jun:

Oh, looks like you’re right. There were loads of meat dishes, so I grabbed as much as I could.

Nagi-senpai's plate sure is the polar opposite of mine. The arrangement looks gorgeous, and the colours are so nice that it looks like one of those fancy food replicas~

And Ibara's... just got some chicken breast and broccoli? Are you on diet or something?

Ibara:

Yes, I'm currently maintaining my physique.

(...Or well, that's the excuse I'll go with. One tends to lower their guard during a meal, so it's best to get them over with as efficiently as possible.)

Hiyori:

Since we’re here and all, it’d be such a waste if you don't try even one of these autumn delights! Especially this matsutake and shrimp ajillo — here, I'll share some with you!

Ibara:

Your Highness!?

Nagisa:

... Ibara. I'll also give you some of my chestnut rice.

Ibara:

Not you too, Your Excellency!? Truly, I appreciate the thought, but I’m not sure how I feel about more calories than I accounted for...

Nagisa:

... But during that on-location shoot we had you said the dango was delicious, and even ate some with us... did you not?

Ibara:

T-That was... simply for the camera. After all, our viewers enjoy that kind of content.

Nagisa:

... So that's how it is. I thought that the dango we had was really delicious, so I bought some as a souvenir for myself.

... But for some reason, it didn’t taste as good as when we ate it all together.

... Perhaps food is something that tastes even better when enjoying it with someone else.

... So eat up, Ibara. These autumn dishes are truly delightful, you see.

Hiyori:

Yes, yes! Don't forget you promised to go along with my request, so you should eat too, Ibara!

Ibara:

(Ahh, how vexing... This is a buffet of all things, and yet here I am, being forced to have food I didn’t put on my plate...)

(Having fun during a meal is something so nauseatingly ludicrous... Or I suppose, that’s how I should feel about it.)

... Aha-ha-ha-ha! ☆ I suppose I can’t refuse you two if you’re going to be so insistent! I’ll dig in with pleasure!

Jun:

Hahaha. Ibara, you sure have a soft spot for whatever our seniors ask of you, don'tcha?

Ibara:

Be quiet, Jun!

END

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