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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 : 

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...☆)

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.)

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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 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...☆

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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.

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

Jp proofer : Peach

En proofer : Birdie

Location : Dormitory Kitchen - Autumn

Souma: Oh... Shiina-dono. You’ve already started cooking? Although, I can't see the other members around. 

Niki: Ahhh Kanzaki-kun. Good afternoon~ ♪ I cooked this Aglio Olio Peperoncino for myself, it has nothing to do with Niki's Kitchen activity.

Souma: Aario Oorio?

Niki: Eh, you don't know? Do you recognize Peperoncino alone then~? They serve it in the employee cafeteria.

Souma: Yes. I’ve tried making that myself. Is "Ahrio Ohlio Peperonchino'' the real name of Peperonchino? 

Niki: Yup, Aglio Olio is the sauce that is made using olive oil and garlic—

And Aglio Olio Peperonchino is when you add Chili peppers and Pasta into it.

By the way, Peperoncino means Chili peppers in Italian. It sounds like a fancy dish here in Japan, but it doesn't work that way in Italy. 

Sena-kun said he ordered that in Florence once and all he got was just Chilli peppers on a plate. Nhaha ♪ 

Souma: Hoo. It must be really embarrassing to experience things like that in a foreign country…

… You've cooked a lot, but it seems that you’ve already eaten more than half of it... Your stomach is really strong Shiina-dono.

But, won’t it hinder the activities for Nikizu Kitchin if you eat that much?

Niki: Worry not, this one goes to a different stomach ♪

What do you say, Kanzaki-kun?? If you want, you can have some.

Souma: I'm okay. Although, thank you for the offer. It would be difficult to enjoy cooking with a full stomach after all.

Yuzuru: My apologies for interrupting your discussion. Good Afternoon, both of you. 

Niki: Fushimi-kun, VicePres. You guys must be close for you to come here together, huh~

Yuzuru & Ibara: We are absolutely not.

Niki: … Even though you both were harmonizing just now?

Ibara: That’s nothing but a coincidence. Both our remarks just now and the timing of our arrival.

Yuzuru: Just as he said. It was merely a coincidence, please don't say such unpleasant things.

Niki: Hmmm~? Well, it doesn’t matter anyway... Since everyone already gathered, it is time to start Niki's Kitchen~

Oops— before we start I have to place "that" on  ♪

Ibara: Ahh, the Framed photo of Sena-shi, yes?

Souma: Yes. He’s barely been able to join the Circle activities. That’s why it has now become a tradition to put his photo up instead. 

Niki: If we just use his photo as it is, it will become like a photo of a deceased person, so Sena-kun himself put his signature and sticker on it. Thanks to that, the kitchen now seems glorious ♪ 

With this, everyone really has gathered! Once again I'm starting our Activity~

Ahem. Today's menu is simmered mackerel with miso, miso soup, braised chicken and vegetables (Chikuzenni) and spinach with sesame sauce. It’s a balanced meal (ichiju sansai)¹ with fish as the main dish.

It's a big menu, that's why we will split up the work  ☆

Souma: When it comes to handling the fish, please leave it up to me!.. Ha!! SOIYAA! 

Niki: Ohh, throwing the fish into the air and filleting it huh. That's so acrobatic~

Ibara: I will measure the ingredients, please don't worry, I won't miss even a single number behind the comma. 

Yuzuru: Then I will be the one cutting the vegetables. I'll make sure to cut them into even lengths.

Niki: Yes, please do ♪

(Everyone surely has their own unique cooking style, don't they? There are a lot of Idols that have strong traits like this.)

( Instructions like “a pinch” or “just a bit” are used in recipes, so you don’t actually need to be too accurate about it)

( Though it does make me happy that they’re very enthusiastic about it. It uplifts my mood a lot just by watching them.... ♪)

After that, in the dorm common room

Niki: Now it's time to eat the long-awaited meal!! Put your hands together~ Thanks for the food ☆

Souma: Thanks for the food. Shiina-dono, are you planning to eat it with the Ahrio Ohrio that you made before?

Niki: Ofcourse~. I didn't get to finish it on time so I had some leftovers.

Yuzuru: Ho—how do I say it... That seems to be a poorly paired combination there.

Ibara: Shiina-shi, don’t you think there’s a limit to too many calories??

Niki: Nahaha, I'll be fine~ ♪ *munch munch*... How many times have we had this Niki's Kitchen activity already? I kinda forgot.

What do you think? Is the experience y'all got from here useful for your daily life?

Souma: Yes. My cooking reepaatorie Has increased, And I’ve gained more opportunities to cook for others as well. 

It makes me happy that everyone gladly eats the food I made. It ignited a motivation in my heart to improve. It might be too early to say this, but I'm looking forward to the next activity…. ♪

Ibara: I generally agree with Mr. Kanzaki. The food I cook is mainly for His Excellency, but even he told me it was delicious. 

My range of food arrangements expands with every activity I partake in, So it is certainly a worthy activity to participate in. 

Yuzuru: Thanks to Niki's kitchen, Bocchama would always eat his food with a smile. 

He needs to eat more vegetables too, so I would like to learn recipes that can be delicious even for someone who dislikes vegetables. 

Niki: Was that a request? Alrighty, I'll think about that.

Yuzuru: Thank you for the consideration, I'm looking forward to the dishes that you will teach us ♪

Ibara: You sure like bringing up personal subjects in the Circle activity talks huh. Don't you think you’re spoiling your master a little too much?

Yuzuru: Ibara... If I may have a word, don't you think you’re also— 

Souma: Hm... Seems like there’s suddenly a strange mood in the air… hm? 

Shiina-dono, why are you staring at them with such a tender smile?

Niki: Ah no~ I just think that having a fun meal is nice♪ When our life is in danger, we will end up stuffing the food into our mouths without thinking about anything, but…

In the end, dining is better when it's lively. Getting to eat with someone makes it even more delicious~

(But their verbal fight might be a bit too lively for the fun dining. Even Kanzaki-kun seems to be worried... If it's like this—)

Fushimi-kun, VicePres! Your fight should end here! Let's continue it in the Kitchen— 

Both of you should compete in a creative dessert competition!

Ibara: Creative dessert competition..?

Niki: Yes yes, dessert is what comes after dining after all, whoever makes the more delicious dish will be the winner ♪

Yuzuru: Sounds good, I will accept the challenge. I make desserts for Bocchama so I have confidence in this.

I will be winning this one, Ibara  ♪

Ibara: Do keep your guards down as much as you like, I’ll make sure to destroy you at your own game, aHaHaHaHa  ☆

Niki: Both of you surely fired up~ I'm looking forward for the dessert ♪ *munch munch*... 

Souma: Thanks to Shiina-dono's quick wit, the fight seems to have settled down now. 

Though, even after eating that much, Shiina-dono still wants to eat deazaato? Do sweets also belong to a different stomach?

Niki: Ofcourse~ ♪ I can't wait~! I want to eat it immediately! Aight. If it's like this, I'm gonna make dessert too!! 

If you can't eat that you can just leave it be!! I will take responsibility to eat it!

Since we finally got to do circle activity today. I will keep eating until I'm full... ☆

NOTE :

¹一汁三菜 literally means 1 soup 3 dish, it's the balanced meal used commonly by family in japan