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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...☆)

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. 

Jp proofer : Peach

En proofer : Birdie

Cosmic Production ES Office - One day in Autumn

Ibara : Thank you for your hard work today, everyone in Cospro! My apologies, but I will be taking my leave early today!

Everyone too, please remember to put your health as your number one priority and avoid excessive overtime work to return home! Well then, I'm leaving... 🎶 

Ibara : (... Alright. It's been so long since I’ve been able to clock out around this hour.)

(Since I will have a lot of time to prepare for His Excellency's dinner today, I suppose I can change up the menu a little while putting the nutrition balance into consideration.) 

ES Hallway

Ibara : … The elevator is finally here. Considering how many people are working in this building, I wish they could add at least two more elevatorsー

Tori : Yuzuru, you blockhead!!! I don't want to care anymore!!!

Ibara : ....? 

Ibara : Well, if it isn’t Mr. Himemiya, thank you for your hard work!

Tori : Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't notice the elevator suddenly stopped and I ended up raising my voice unintentionally.

Ibara : Ah, please don't worry. If anything, I can also use the stairs since it's good for my health too. Please continue to enjoy your monologuing!

Tori : Huh...? No no, it’s not like that! I wasn’t talking to myself the whole time in the elevator, okay?

Yuzuru kept scolding me in the chat and I unconsciously ended up complaining out loud!

I already closed the chat anyway, going down from the 18th floor must be tiring too. So please don't mind me.

Ibara : … Well then, I shall take you up on your offer and join you. 

... I don’t mean to pry, but did something happen with Yuzuru?

Tori :  … Yep. I left the script for work on my bed, so he told me to tidy up first. 

I was planning on reading through it again tonight so I left it on the bed. But it must have looked like I was just leaving a mess to Yuzuru.

I thought I could take it easy once we moved to the dorm because Yuzuru is my roommate, but sometimes having him by your side at all times makes it harder to relax.

How about you, Saegusa-senpai? Have there been any difficulties in your dorm life?

Ibara : Ah no... I'm fortunate enough to be kept busy with work. I believe because of that I also haven't spent enough time with anyone to form a proper impression of them.

Although, I'm going back quite early today so I thought I should go to the room---

(Elevator shaking)

Tori : Uwahh!? Why is the elevator shaking all of a sudden?

Ibara : ... Mr. Himemiya, please hold tightly onto me. It's possible this elevator will stop working.

Tori : Eh...!?

Tori : … Uwah!? It stopped and even the power went off? What’s happening!?

Ibara : Please calm down and don't panic. I will verify the situation immediately. 

Tori : Th-that’s easier said than done! This means we’re trapped in the elevator, right?!

Ibara : And that’s exactly why we need to remain calm to understand the situation. Look, if you’re afraid of the dark you can try using the light from your smartphone.

Tori : Uu~ But, why did the power suddenly go off and why did the elevator stop moving out of nowhere~?!~!? So much for the latest technology~!

Ibara : It could be a malfunction from the safety installation, or perhaps the mischief of a mouse... Or maybe it could be the work of a ghost.

Tori : Eeh!? G---ghost!???

Ibara : I'm just kidding. At any rate, you are not alone right now. I'm pretty good at handling emergencies like this, so please rest assured.

(... Is what I said, but in the end, all I can do is to contact the proprietary company....)

Tori : Uu... Yuzuru...

Ibara : (What's worse is this... It’s awkward that he keeps calling that name while relying on me.)

... Mr. Himemiya. I already contacted the proprietary company. They said only this elevator was stopped, the cause is still unknown, but they are currently working on the recovery.

Tori : The—then does that mean they don't know when it will move again?

Ibara : Well, at worst, we can say it’s like that.

Tori : I see.. Hhh.. It would be great if we can just open up the ceiling and get out from here like in manga.

Ibara : aHaHaHa ⭐ Please don’t ask for the impossible. That’s only possible when it’s fiction.

In the real world, an elevator can’t be opened from the inside to avoid the possibility of a secondary disaster. 

Tori : Eh, is that true? So it's not like in manga… Wait. Saegusa-senpai, do you read manga too?

Ibara : His Excellency often talks about it, maybe it's the influence after borrowing manga from Jun? Analyzing the sloppy tricks used in fiction is one thing but imitating it in the real world while brimming with curiosity will only bring trouble.

Tori : Not bad, that sounds fun. Maybe I should try reading the manga recommended by Sazanami-senpai from that view.

Ibara : That reminds me, Mr. Himemiya is in the same circle as Jun, right?

Tori : Yep! He lent me some manga before. It stopped at a good part so I'm excited to read more.

Besides, I can read a lot of manga that hasn’t been censored by Yuzuru in the circle, so it’s really fun~🎶

Ibara : … Does yuzuru shield you to that extent? Even if Mr. Himemiya is this cute, does he have to be that overprotective?

Tori : Saegusa-senpai is also in the same circle as Yuzuru, right? Did you join to learn to cook?

Ibara : Yes. From Mr. Shiina, I get to learn various kinds of dishes from all times and places. My recipes have improved thanks to that.

Tori : Yuzuru also tells me that he learns rare dishes. I asked him to make some of it for me too sometime.

Ibara : That's a blessing. For me I still have a lot I haven't— 

Tori : … Oh the power is back!!

Ibara : What a relief. I think the elevator will start again soon, it might suddenly shake again so please hold on to me to prevent falling from the sudden movement.

Tori : Alright~. I'm glad it's working again~🎶

ES Lobby

Tori : We’re finally here! This is my first time spending that much time in an elevator!

Ibara : It was a first for me too. I will investigate to find the cause of it suddenly stopping at another time---

Tori : … Oh, yuzuru!

Ibara : ...! 

Yuzuru : Young master...! I was worried because you suddenly stopped replying...!

To add-in, I’ve also heard about how the elevator you were on stopped working... I suddenly felt like my heart would stop.

Tori : You're exaggerating. I mean, I did get pretty caught off guard, but Saegusa-senpai was with me, so I was okay. 

Yuzuru : With Ibara..?

Ibara :aHaHaHa⭐ It's a blessing if even someone like me could be of help there. 

Yuzuru : ... If young master was alone he would’ve ended up feeling really hopeless.

Yuzuru : Please let me send my gratitude just for today. Thank you very much ibara.

Ibara : .....

Ibara : I just happened to be in the same place. From here I will leave his care to you, his butler.

Yuzuru : Yes. I will do so without you telling me.

Tori : Saegusa-senpai, thank you for today!! Let me thank you properly next time!

Ibara : Ahahaha, dont worry about it~

Ibara : ... Well then I still need to prepare for dinner, I guess, I should also go back to the dorm. 

Ibara : (I was thinking of cooking from a recipe that I haven't tried before.)

(I have time to answer requests, should I show His Excellency the recipes and let him decide today's menu?)

(I guess sometimes it's not bad to be requested for something to cook.)

END