bakemonoremy

Location: Shopping District (Winter)

Eichi: ……..Phew.

Wataru: Why did you step outside all alone instead of partaking in the closing party the owners prepared for us? Eichi?

Eichi: I couldn’t get rid of the heat from the live show earlier. So I just came outside to cool off a little. Why don’t you come take a seat next to me instead of standing around?

Wataru: Well then, excuse me….☆

Eichi: Where’s everyone else? Still at the party?

Wataru: Yes. They’re all enjoying themselves at the closing party. You should come back as soon as possible too, Eichi. Cooling your body down so quickly can’t be good for your health, either.

Eichi: Fufu. You’re gonna say that, Wataru? Who was it that made me stand on the stage unreasonably long?

Wataru: Amazing! You hit me right where it hurts! But I’ll have you know that I am concerned for your health, Eichi.

Eichi: Today was a short live without a lot of songs. Compared to fine’s usual live shows, the burden on my health was much lighter.

Aah, but you’ve really deceived me!

It already annoys me that I didn’t catch on to your schemes at all, but to think that we also didn’t reach a conclusion, it’s too frustrating…

Wataru: Oh? But we did reach a conclusion. It was a draw.

Eichi: When did you exchange the audience’s penlights with ones that light up in rainbow colors? And the seating charts, too.

This handwriting is yours, isn’t it Wataru? “In the case that you enjoyed both units equally, please light up the penlight in the secret three colored....”

“Rainbow-colored light.” You added that post-script, didn’t you?

Wataru: Seeing the venue light up in rainbow colors was the best part, wasn’t it ♪

Seeing all of Knight Killers’ flabbergasted expressions at that moment, I’m as pleased as I can be!

Eichi: No matter how I think about it, I don’t think there was a time where you could have exchanged the penlights, though?

Wataru: Fufufu ♪ There is a moment where a person’s eyes are averted, right? Yes, while they’re blinking! It’s only for an instant, but in that moment I was able to escape everyone’s view!

Eichi: I can’t tell if that was a lie or not. In any case, you’re still just like a magician, Wataru.

Wataru: I’m not, even though you keep saying that, Eichi. It’s all sleight of hand with tricks and hidden mechanisms….☆

Eichi: But I can’t see through your tricks, so it’s the same as magic to me. You know I’ve always admired you, right? You’re so free-spirited, and nothing is impossible for you. To me, you are radiance itself.

What about me? Have I become an idol in your eyes, Wataru?

Wataru: Let’s see… Well, there was a goal to my schemes this time…

Eichi: Eh? You had an ulterior motive?

Wataru: Why, yes! Of course I did! Who do you take me for, Eichi?

Eichi: Since it’s Wataru we’re talking about, I just assumed you did it because it seemed interesting.

Hm~m… So, was your goal to make me enjoy myself? For that, you showed all your strength, don’t you?

Wataru: Close! You’re half right and half wrong...☆ Well, in order to make you enjoy yourself I don’t mind exhausting the very ends of my skills in the performing arts!

But the other half of my goal was for myself. The truth is, I wanted to fulfill a bit of a selfish wish of mine.

Eichi: A selfish wish…?

Wataru: I wanted to stand on the same stage as Eichi.

Eichi: ….? But we always stand on the same stage, though…?

Wataru: That may be true. But didn’t you say so yourself, Eichi?

I wanted to stand on the same stage as you, Tenshouin Eichi, not as a member of fine or one of the Five Oddballs, but as Hibiki Wataru.

And the result was even better than I imagined! It was truly a brightly shining live show….♪

Unlike the confrontation of the past, a “what-if” that shows a past where we are standing shoulder-to-shoulder, or maybe even in the present. That’s the kind of dream I wanted to see.

Eichi: That’s a dream to me, as well.

Wataru: The road we travelled has become so dear to us that we cannot turn back on it or throw it away, but within our dreams even lies can turn into reality.

Eichi: But a dream is nothing but a dream. It’s about time to wake up.

Wataru: Yes. This is but a moment of fiction. If we cling to our unchangeable past, or a world line of what-if’s, there won’t be a shining future waiting for us.

Eichi: You are right. If the world inside our dreams shines brighter than reality, it’s too meaningless.

So let’s believe that the root of our hearts* is unchanging. Let’s believe that this radiance is not just within the world of our dreams, but exists in reality.

In order to make our future shine bright, let’s accept this encouragement and take another step forward within this reality. Of course you’ll come along with me, won’t you, Wataru?

Wataru: Fufufu, what a foolish question! I’ll snuggle up to you….♪ You were the one who taught me that this reality is more beautiful than anything else, you know?

----------------------

*心の根っこ (Root of the Heart) is a famous children’s song

Location: Diner

Leo: Ooh! The place is filled with people!

Nazuna: Ah. If you stick your face out too much from behind the set, people will see you, Leo-chin.

Kuro: When I heard the live would be at a restaurant I thought it’d be cozy… But it’s pretty packed in here.

Eichi: As expected from a major restaurant chain.

Well then, everyone. The schedule is pretty loose, but us Knight Killers are going to perform first.

After that, we’ll do a baton touch with Träumerei.

Even though it’s supposed to be a showdown, it’s more like a game, so let’s do it comfortably without being too stiff.

Befitting of Knight Killers, I suppose. Like this, we won’t lose.

Leo: You totally sound like a sore loser! I like it, I’ll follow right in! Since y’know, I also hate losing.

Eichi: Now, it’s time. Let’s go.

Nazuna: “Everyone, welcome to “Diner Live”!”

“Today, two units will perform in a live showdown for your amusement.”

“There are penlights provided on your tables that can light up in two colors, red and blue.”

“Please use them freely whenever you enjoy the performance. We’ll be happy if you liven up the live show.”

“During curtain call, please light up your penlights in the color of the unit you liked best.”

“The number of penlights are the votes. The colors of the units are written in the seating chart, so please read it.”

“Now then, please enjoy the combination of the delicious food and our performances to your heart’s content!”

Eichi: “♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪ ~”

(Yeah, we started off without a hitch.)

(We were up first, so I was a little worried, but it seems like that was needless anxiety.)

(As expected, the enthusiasm from an audience you can only find at a restaurant aimed at young people is good.)

(Everyone’s more polished than we were during practice, too. Just as one would expect from an experienced line-up.)

(The three years of experience accumulated at Yumenosaki aren’t just for show. We show off our strength during the real show rather than the practices.)

(At this part of the performance, the audience goes along and gets even more excited.)

(It’s endless. By becoming caught up in our pace, our evaluation as Knight Killers will also rise.)

(Performing in the latter half has the merit of the venue being already heated up, but the demerit is that the audience is already weary by then.)

(Depending on how excited they got in the first half, that is.)

(That will become our path to victory. I won’t let Knight Killers become nothing but an opening act meant to warm up the audience.)

(Why, it’s all going smoothly right now.)

(...It is going smoothly, right? I’m still worried about the hidden meaning behind what Wataru said to me yesterday...)

(But at this rate, our performance will be over without anything happening. Just what is Wataru scheming…?)

Leo: Hey, you’re wracking your brain over something, aren’t you? Focus!

Eichi: Whoops, I’m sorry.

(That was dangerous. It’d be too laughable if I blew myself up because I’m overthinking things, even though I don’t even know if Wataru is scheming anything at all.)

(I don’t like my plans being thrown into disarray by unforeseen circumstances…)

(But for some reason… I find myself getting excited.)

(Aah, Wataru really knows me well.)

Keito: Knight Killers’ performance seems to be going smoothly. There doesn’t seem to be a problem with Eichi’s health either.

Madara: Because they practiced intensively during the short time they had. As expected!

Izumi: Hibiki, are we really doing this? Well, if it’s gonna catch those guys off guard, I’m fine with anything though.

Wataru: Of course! Everything’s perfectly prepared….☆ Regretfully, I couldn’t prepare the “Surprise! Big success!” signboard in time.

Madara: Hahaha! A signboard like that sounds fun ♪ But I feel like there’s a bunch of people who would get angry at us if we prepared something like that.

Keito: That’s right. The “surprise” is nothing but a trap for Knight Killers. We can’t let the audience find out about it.

Izumi: Exactly. We have to keep our act up until the last second.

Wataru: I am well aware. Now, it’s almost our turn. Now, let’s grant everyone from Knight Killers a daydream….☆

Location: Soundproof Lesson Room

Eichi: That’s a wrap. We didn’t have a lot of time, but we got it pretty close to completion. Thank you, everyone. Tomorrow’s the live show, so let’s stop early today.

Nazuna: Phew~! We did some pretty heavy practice these days. It was just a short time, but it kinda felt long~

Kuro: Yeah, we crammed so much work into such a short time and all.

Nazuna: Since we worked together like this before, it was easy to get back into it, though ♪

Kuro: Yeah. But you know, I’m kind of worried about… Träumerei, was it? I wonder how things are on their end…

‘Guess it’s dumb to be worrying about our opponents, though.

Nazuna: Ahaha. But I do get where you’re coming from~. Those guys have become really close* though, so I think they’re fine.

Kuro: Oh yeah, Nito, do ya mind trying this on for me for a second? I made a mistake with the length of the hems earlier and wanna fix it.

Nazuna: Sure, I don’t mind~ ♪ Give me a moment, I’ll wash off my sweat.

Kuro: Sorry to make you do this a second time.

Eichi: Ah, that reminds me. Anzu-chan brought us some snacks and drinks earlier, everyone come have some.

Leo: Eh? Anzu did? She was just here earlier. At some point she disappeared again, huh? She’s an elusive one!**

Could it be that she’s actually an alien!?

Eichi: You didn’t notice? She left a while ago. It seems she went over to Träumerei to bring them some refreshments, too.

Leo: Oh, so that’s what happened. She’s got it rough~. Always coming and going!

Eichi: Fufu. Seems she’s excited since it’s like a second coming of “Judgement”. She did also produce that one, after all.

Leo: Hm? Did she…?

Eichi: You don’t remember because you’re always running all over the place. You were the one who brought it all up, but she took care of a lot of paperwork in your place, you know.

Leo: For real? Uwah~ I’ll have to thank her properly next time I see her!

Eichi: Yes, you should. That said, I never would have thought we’d revive the Knight Killers from back then.

Truth is stranger than fiction, as they say.

Leo: I guess~. But this kind of thing gives me a thrill that’s out of the ordinary! It’s filling me with delusions! My inspiration is welling up!

Also, it’s simply interesting! Wahahahaha ☆ I’m always the Ou-sama of Knights, but here, I am just Tsukinaga Leo.

Eichi: I think that way of thinking of yours is good. I feel the same discomfort and comfort as you.

Leo: Don’t think! Just enjoy it! The ones who enjoy themselves are the winners!

Hmm, what refreshments should I take~. I’ll have a sports drink! Emperor, what do you want?

Eichi: Hm? Let’s see… If there’s mineral water, I’ll have that.

Leo: There! Be grateful and drink up!

Eichi: I’ll thank you for bringing it over to me, but Anzu-chan is the one who got us these refreshments, so why should I be grateful to you, Tsukinaga-kun?

Leo: I’ll hold onto your gratitude in Anzu’s place! And when I see her, I’ll convey it to her! Along with my thanks!

Eichi: I’ll just thank her myself when I see her. These things are meaningless when they’re hearsay, don’t you agree?

Aah. But I think there’s something else I need to thank Tsukinaga-kun for.

Leo: Why? I didn’t do anything?

Eichi: You… Well, this includes Nito-kun and Kiryuu-kun as well. You were being considerate of my health, right? Putting in a lot of breaks, and the like.

Leo: ……………..

What’s that supposed to mean? As if I’d do something as troublesome as that. Why would I be worried for you? Stu~pid, stu~pid.

As if there’s anyone who would be worried about someone like you who probably won’t die even if they’re killed.

Eichi: ...I see. You’re still going along with my “impossible lie***”. Then I’ll be courteous and go along with it as well.

Leo: What are you mumbling about?

Eichi: It’s nothing. If I misunderstood, that’s fine. I’m sorry for saying something weird earlier, please forget about it.

But you know, Tsukinaga-kun, you sometimes say things of little character. In some ways, your innocence is a virtue, but…

At your age, don’t you think you should stop behaving like a child already?

Leo: Shut up. I am me! No matter how old I get, I won’t change~

....Hm. I feel like someone told me something similar before… Who was it? Maybe Shu…?

Eichi: Uwah, I’d hate to hear that from Itsuki-kun ♪

----------------------

*Nazuna uses an expression that literally translates to “eating out of the same pot”.

**Leo uses Madara’s specialty, a 4 character compound word, here. 神出鬼没, which means to be elusive, to appear and disappear in strange places, but it also means “phantom” which ties in to his next line.

Location: Student Council Room

Wataru: And like that, I locked Knight-san and the Right-hand man into this box ☆ Did I surprise you, Eichi?

Eichi: Fu… Fufu… Yes… You surprised me, Wataru. The face Keito made when he came out of there… Pufu…

Keito: Don’t laugh, Eichi!

Wataru: I originally planned to lock only the Right-hand man in, but it seemed interesting so I put Knight-san in as well~

Izumi: Don’t talk about me as if I’m a side dish in your lunch box. So~ annoying!

Leo: So I’ll be fighting Sena~! We haven’t done that since Judgement! Very well, come at me!

Izumi: It pisses me off that you’re excited about this. Put on airs while you still can, Ou-sama…

Eichi: Aah, I laughed so much ♪ My greatest burst of laughter came early this year. There’s still more than half a year left, what should I do…

In any case. You found some good members, Wataru. You’re truly a “suitable rival” ♪

Kuro: So I’ll be fighting Hasumi no Danna. That’s harsh… I didn’t think you’d be up for something like this.

Keito: Honestly, I don’t know myself why I’ve gotten tangled up in all this. Haa… They took advantage of my sense of responsibility... Incorrigible.

Madara: Kuro-san, if it’s too hard for you to fight Keito-san, why don’t you have me as your opponent ♪ You can have your revenge for what happened that summer right now!

Kuro: We’ll just be having a live showdown, that’s all. Don’t go pickin’ a fight with me, Mikejima. If the two of us brawl it out on the stage, the others will get knocked out.

Madara: Heaps of corpses all around! Hahaha! That would be troubling indeed!

Nazuna: Hm? What’s up, Anzu? I see, so seeing everyone like this gave you a good idea for the live outfits? I’m glad! It’s good that you settled on an image for the outfits quickly.

There’s a real mixed bag of members assembled here… But everyone gets along better than I expected, so I guess it’s fine.

Hm? I see~ Yeah, you’re right, diners are originally restaurants aimed at the general public.

It’s a place where adults and children from all countries gather, so it’s only fitting that we’re a rough bunch as well ♪ It’s more fitting that way.

Eichi: Fufu. It seems the live show we’ll be holding will exceed the other party’s* expectations.

By the way, Wataru. When you said “Träumerei”, was that referring to the name of your temporary unit?

Wataru: Yes, that’s it.

Eichi: Why did you call it Träumerei? That means “dream”, doesn’t it?

Wataru: We’re a unit akin to a dream that lasts but a day, and in order to win against “those who hunt the night”, a name like “those who show you a dream” is only fitting ♪

Eichi: “Night” rather than “Knight”, huh…

Wataru: We’ll pull everyone into the world of dreams~

Eichi: Fufu. When you put it like that it makes you sound like the homicidal maniac from that one famous horror movie**.

Wataru: Oho, so you know that movie.

The name is also a reference to the “Trojan Horse”***.

Since there’s nothing more fitting for us, who challenge a unit that has both the emperor and the Ou-sama-san in it.

Eichi: I see. That naming suits you, Wataru. I don’t dislike that kind of joke.

Kuro: Knight Killers was your own bad pun, right. Something about how it’s a pun on “Night Cruisers”.

Eichi: Eeh… Don’t expose me so easily, Kiryuu-kun.

Oh well. I’m looking forward to the one-day showdown between Knight Killers and Träumerei.

I’m no Wataru, but I feel that the world is truly overflowing with fun things ♪

--------------------------

*He’s referring to the people who gave him this job aka the diner management I suppose

**Freddie Krueger from Nightmare on Elm Street

***Toroi in “Toroi no Mokuba” (Tojan Horse) is the same as in “Toroimerai” (Träumerei)

Location: Student Council Room

Eichi: Hey, Anzu-chan. Sorry for calling you here so suddenly.

Sit down over here. I’ll pour you some tea.

Hajime-kun mixed a delicious herbal tea. I am sure it will be to your taste, Anzu-chan.

Doesn’t it have a nice aroma? It seems he blended in some herbs that warm the body up for me, whose health always deteriorates in winter.

Thanks to that, my condition is better than usual.

There you go. It’s hot, so be careful.

Now then, let’s get to the matter at hand. There is a job I’d like to entrust you with, Anzu-chan.

I will be having a live showdown with Wataru at the diner, and I’d like to ask you to prepare the outfits and be in charge of the production.

Eh? You agreed to it right away? Umm… Well, I am grateful.

If you immediately accept any work people throw at you, I’ll be worried about you instead?

Fufu, you’re right. I was the one who requested this of you. Alright, I’ll rely on Anzu-chan’s kindness for now.

Yes, the unit in question this time is not “fine”. We’ll be reuniting “Knight Killers” for just one night.

So I’d like you to come up with a concept design based on that.

I’ve prepared a rough outline of the concept in this document… Hm? What’s wrong, you’re making a surprised face?

Huh, so you were just talking about Knight Killers yesterday? Now that’s timely.

Hm? It seems there’s a commotion in front of the student council room. Seems like the remaining members have arrived.

Nazuna: Excuse me. I’ve brought everyone here like you asked me to, Tenshouin.

Leo: Hey now~, Nazu! I’m not a cat!? Don’t grab me by the scruff of my neck! Grrrrr!

Nazuna: If I don’t do this, you’ll just disappear somewhere in a flash, right~? Think about the trouble you would cause me!

Leo: Ugah~!

Kuro: Oi, Tsukinaga. Don’t kick your legs.

Sorry for the commotion, Tenshouin….  Hm? You dragged the little Miss into this?

Leo: Ah, you’re right. It’s Anzu! Ucchuu~ ☆

You always reply to my greeting energetically! I love you!*

Eichi: Now then, I guess it was autumn that we last all assembled like this. I want to thank you all for agreeing to revive Knight Killers on such short notice.

Leo: Don’t sweat it! Well, I was the one who brought it up, though~ Wahahaha ☆

Now, hurry and tell us the reason you called us here. I don’t like long speeches!

Eichi: Yes. As I told you yesterday, we are going to hold a live as Knight Killers at a diner.

I’ve asked Anzu-chan to make the costumes and be in charge of producing.

Kuro: So that’s why the little Miss is here. Little Miss, you always try to take on too many responsibilities on your own. I’ll help ya with the sewing, so don’t overdo it, ‘kay?

Nazuna: I agree, you tend to overdo it~. If there’s anything troubling you, come and rely on your Nii~chan.

Eichi: Fufu. Anzu-chan sure has a lot of older brothers who love to look after her. Not that I don’t understand the feeling.

Well then, there’s another thing I need to inform you of. This morning, I received a letter from Wataru.

It was a “written challenge” for Knight Killers.

I accepted this challenge. In other words, the event will be a live showdown between Knight Killers and Wataru’s “temporary unit”.

Nazuna: Unyuh!? A live showdown with Wataru-chin!?

Leo: What’s with that! Sounds interesting!

So we made Knight Killers in order to defeat Knights, and this “temporary unit” was made to defeat Knight Killers?

Wahahaha! I don’t get it!

Aah, this must be the law of cause and effect! An eternal melody is springing forth ☆ I can write it! I can write a masterpiece!

Nazuna: Wawah!? Leo-chin, don’t scrawl all over the furniture, it looks expensive~! Kuro-chin, seize Leo-chin!

Kuro: Got it. Heave-ho…. Like this? Sorry, Tsukinaga, but we need to you behave yourself for a moment.

Leo: Kuro~! Let me go~! Aaah… The masterpiece is vanishing~! For the love of God, let me go!  I’m begging you!

Nazuna: By the way, Tenshouin. I’ve more or less understood the situation, but what is Wataru-chin going to do about the other members of his “temporary unit”?

Eichi: About that… I actually don’t know that, either. I’m curious, but it seems he’ll show up and unveil them soon.

That’s what he declared this morning.

Nazuna: This morning? Does he really think he can find new members that easily? Well, I guess there’s nothing we can do but wait for Wataru-chin.

Wataru: Amazing! I will absolutely not make you wait! The evangelist for love and surprise, that’s right, it’s your Hibiki Wataru ☆

Nazuna: Unyah!? You suwpwised me! Don’t just appwear out of nowwhewe, Wataryu-chin!

Wataru: Fufufu. I surprised you, didn’t I, little Rabbit-san. Your lovely eyes are even wider than usual ☆

From time to time I spring forth from the ground like a mushroom, since I’m only human.

Nazuna: Humans don’t do that!

Eichi: Hello there, Wataru. Did you find the members you were talking about this morning?

Wataru: Of course I did!

Now then, my reliable helper, show yourself ☆

Madara: Yahooo! It’s Mamaaaa ☆

Leo: Ah, it’s Mama! Ucchuu~, Mama!

Kuro: Oh. So Hibiki’s helper is Mikejima, huh.

Madara: Only because Wataru-san asked me to. By the way, why is Kuro-san pinning Leo-san’s arms behind his back~?

You mustn’t bully Leo-san~! If you want to pick a fight, I’ll be your opponent ♪

Leo: Mama, save me! Do away with that red ogre**!

Kuro: Don’t say disreputable things about me. I’m not bullyin’ him. Tsukinaga was trying to scribble all over the place, so that’s why I’m keepin’ him contained.

Madara: I see~. In that case, Leo-san is the bad guy, hahaha! You mustn’t scribble~.

Leo: Mama, you traitor~! I don’t wanna scribble, I wanna compose music~!

Nazuna: It got noisy immediately… At this rate, this meeting will go nowhere.

Eichi: Exactly. Hey, Wataru? Is Mikejima-kun your only helper?

He certainly has the presence of three people at once. But frankly, don’t you think you’re underestimating Knight Killers?

Wataru: I wouldn’t dream of it! I’ve properly brought over other people besides the Festival-Man-san. They’re right here. Please have a look at this box...☆

Eichi: Hrmm…. I feel like I’ve seen this box somewhere before. This one is bigger than the one I remember, though. Could it be that Tori is in there?

Wataru: Too bad! You guessed wrong. The right answer is…

The Right-hand person and Knight-san~ ☆

Keito: Incorrigible! That’s enough, Hibiki!

Izumi: So~ annoying!

What are you thinking!? Being suddenly packed into a box pissed me off!

Keito: Hibiki, I’m going to lecture you now, so sit down!

Madara: How bizarre! Wataru-san’s sleight of hand tricks are just like magic. They’re interesting no matter how many times I see them.

Wataru: Amazing! It’s truly a melting pot of wonder and chaos! The four of us are the “temporary unit” that will do battle with Knight Killers, “Träumerei”!

-------------------------

*Gonna use this chance to point out that in Chapter 2 when Leo said “I love you” to Nazuna, he used “Aishiteruyo”, and with Anzu he only uses “Daisukida”

**Ogre/Demon (鬼) being the first Kanji in Kuro’s last name (鬼龍)

Location: 3-B Classroom

Izumi: Ah, I finally found you! Nazunyan, I was to~tally looking for you! You’re always wandering all over the place, give me a break!

Nazuna: You’re high-handed as always, Izumi-chin. Anyway, do you need me?

Izumi: It’s about the tennis club equipment I told you about earlier. Did you put in a purchase request yet?

Nazuna: Ah! ...Sorry, I totally forgot…

Izumi: I knew it. Get it together, will you? No wonder we didn’t get the approval no matter how much time passed.

Here, I filled it out in your place, so don’t forget to hand it in later.

Nazuna: Thank you~, Izumi-chin ♪ I’ll hand it in to the student council after class.

Eichi: Let me see. Aah, a purchase request. I’ll take it with me to the student council later.

Nazuna: Uhii!? Tenshouin!? Don’t suddenly show up out of nowhere!

Leo: I’m here, too! Nazu, Sena, ucchuu~ ☆

Izumi: Gyoh!? Ou-sama, what are you doing here? Eh, you’re with Tenshouin?

Leo: Yeah, well!

Anyway, who cares about that! Nazu! Reunite Knight Killers with us!

Nazuna: …..Ha?

Izumi: Hey now, Ou-sama… I know you’re always erratic, but don’t you think you’re being more unreasonable than usual today?

Stop spouting weird things out of nowhere, will you?

Leo: Ah, Sena is making a face like a demon’s! We need an exorcism here! Someone bring me a talisman!

Izumi: ...If you don’t cut it out, I’ll seriously get angry.

Nazuna: N-Now, now. Izumi-chin, calm down, will you? And Leo-chin. If you don’t properly explain yourself I won’t understand what you’re saying~?

Leo: Hm? I don’t really understand the circumstances of the bourgeoisie, but in order to pay back my debt to the Emperor, I’ve decided to bring back Knight Killers ♪

Nazuna: Haa…?

Eichi: Err. Tsukinaga-kun, let me explain the situation to everyone. Sena-kun’s patience seems to be just about at its breaking point.

Nito-kun, do you know that diner in the shopping district?

Nazuna: Umm, by “diner”, do you mean that hamburger restaurant? I know it. I often go with the kids from Ra*bits.

Eichi: That saves me a long explanation. I was asked to put on an event for their anniversary.

Due to circumstances with my family I was unable to refuse their request. While I was worrying about what to do, Tsukinaga-kun volunteered to help me out.

It seems he wants to repay a debt he made with Knight Killers to me.

“fine”’s elegance isn’t what’s being asked for, but Knight Killers doesn’t have a set image yet.

They have the potential to fulfill any arising need.

Because of that, we are hoping to bring back Knight Killers for a short time and do a live show, what do you think?

Nazuna: Hmm, so that’s how it is.

Hrmm. I understand the situation now, and I do want to help Tenshouin when he’s in trouble, but this is really sudden~.

Eichi: Yes, and I apologize for that.

...Right. Tsukinaga-kun aside, I should propose a proper compensation for Nito-kun and Kiryuu-kun.

Of course there’s going to be an appropriate monetary reward from the diner people, but let me also add in some meal vouchers ♪

Nazuna: Meal vouchers? For the diner?

Eichi: Yep. In order to arrange that, I’ll put in a good word with the diner management.

Nazuna: Meal vouchers, huh… My kids will probably be really happy to get meal vouchers for that diner~

Eichi: Also, it might become beneficial to you to establish business connections with that restaurant chain here.

You Ra*bits seem to match the clientele after all.

Nazuna: …Those do sound like good conditions. Hm. Yeah, alright. I’ll participate! Also because it sounds kinda interesting ♪

Izumi: Eh!? You’re really participating, Nazunyan?

Nazuna: Well~ It’s only for a short time, and I’ll adjust my schedule so it won’t get in the way of Ra*bits’ lessons.

It’s not exactly a New Year’s gift, but if possible I do want to give those kids something.

Leo: Wahahaha ☆ As expected of Nazu! I love you ☆

Nazuna: Uu~... Leo-chin, don’t cling to me~, I can’t breathe~

Eichi: Thank you, Nito-kun. You’re a great help.

Izumi: Hey now, Ou-sama. I haven’t given even 1 millimeter of approval to any of this, though?

Of course you’re always free-spirited and egoistical, but don’t you think it’s just too unreasonable to put together a “temporary unit” without consulting me whatsoever?

Leo: Ooh, scary! Sena’s gotten angry! Don’t get so huffy! Puripuri~*! Shrimp are the ones who go puripuri, right?

If you get huffy like that, you’ll turn into a shrimp someday! Not an Ise-ebi** but a Sena-ebi!

Izumi: Who are you calling a shrimp! You’re always fooling around! Today’s the day I won’t let you get away with this anymore, alright!?

I’ll drag you to the studio by the scruff of your neck and give you a lecture, so prepare yourself!

Leo: Quit your nagging~! But that said, this situation looks bad for me! The smartest thing in a tight situation is to beat a retreat… That said, I will be retreating from the warfront!

So I’ll be leaving the persuasion of Kuro to you guys, bye-by~e ☆

Izumi: Do you think I’ll let you get away!?

Leo: I’m running away because I don’t think you’ll let me go! Wahahaha ☆

Nazuna: Hii-!? Leo-chin, that’s the window!?

Eichi: Wah, he’s using the tree outside the window and is nimbly climbing his way down. Tsukinaga-kun has some great athletic skill, I’m envious.

Izumi: Is he some kind of monkey!?

Aah~, geez! I’m going to find that idiotic Ou-sama! See you later!

Nazuna: Ah, Izumi-chin!? ….And he’s gone.

I wonder if Leo-chin is going to be okay, Izumi-chin looked super pissed~

Eichi: Fufu, he might not get away unharmed.

Well, let’s go find and persuade Kiryuu-kun, as per Tsukinaga-kun’s last will ♪

Nazuna: He~y, Tenshouin, Leo-chin hasn’t died or anything…?

Well, it’s as you say. Even if we wait around here, it’s not like those two will come back anytime soon. Let’s go find Kuro-chin.

I’ve got the strong feeling that I’ve gotten dragged into something incomprehensible, though…

Eichi: You think? I feel rather excited myself ♪

Location: Garden Terrace

Wataru: Ooh, welcome back ☆ Jeanne D’Arc***, where have you been?

Oh my, you’re flapping your wings. Did something interesting happen?

Hm… Oho?... Hmmm?

He wants to do something that fun all by himself? Amazing! This is a serious state of affairs. What should I do…

That’s right, I might come up with “something good”. I won’t let things go according to your plan, Eichi. Fu fu fu.

-----------------------------------

*puripuri can mean both “huffing angrily” and is also a word used to describe the texture of shrimp.

**Ise-ebi: Japanese spiny lobster

***Jeanne D’Arc, for those who don’t remember, is the name of Wataru’s pet pigeon

Location: Student Council Room

Eichi: ……………..

Leo: Ucchuu~☆ Excuse me~!

Eichi: ...Oh my, what a rare visitor.

Leo: Oh, it’s just the emperor by himself here. Sorry to interrupt you while you were reading!

That said, you sure are reading something unbefitting of an emperor! “B-Grade Gourmet*’s Food Tour Listings Magazine”? It doesn’t suit you! Wahahahaha ☆ What kind of book is that?

Ah, wait! Don’t tell me! I’ll think about it, at the end of this delusion there’s a never seen before melody waiting for me...☆

Eichi: A company my family is close with pushed a troublesome request onto us, you see. Because of that, I have no choice but to gather some intel.

Leo: I said not to tell me the answer! Because of you, the infinite possibilities melted away~!

Eichi: I thought if you went on a trip to your world of delusions right now, the troublesome things I’m dealing with would just increase.

That side, what are you doing here in the student council room, Tsukinaga-kun? I assume you have some business to take care of here?

Leo: …………..

Huh? Actually, what am I doing here? Hrr~mmm…

Eichi: You really are free and uncontrolled…

This is mere conjecture, but I think the answer lies in that document that’s not a music sheet that Tsukinaga-kun is holding.

Leo: Ah, I remember now! I came here to turn this in. ‘Cause I’m the leader of “Knights”!

This procedure is a pain. Do something about it, you blockhead emperor!

Eichi: Let’s see here. Aah, a proposal for a live show.

Even if you think it’s a pain, this procedure is necessary to determine the pros and cons of a proposal. If I just let everyone hold whatever live shows they see fit, and they besmirched the good name of our school, I wouldn’t be able to bear it.

Besides, to consider this level of work a pain makes you the real blockhead here, don’t you think?

Well, no matter. Do you have a moment? I’ll have a look over your proposal, and if I don’t see any defects I’ll accept it on the spot.

Leo: Ooh! You’re a pretty good guy ♪ In that case I’ll wait.

Eichi: Your mood sure changes quickly. Well, it helps that you’re so easily amused. But I’m just doing my job as the student council president here.

Wait for me just a moment. Unfortunately this isn’t a fun place to waste time, so I’d like you to forgive me for that.

Also, composing music is forbidden here.

It’s a heaven-sent opportunity for me to witness the birth of a new song, but if you scribble all over the place, Keito might faint.

Leo: Eh~! Composing is like breathing to me! But I don’t want a sermon from Keito. They’re so long and tedious!

Guess I’ve got no choice~. In that case I’ll read that magazine you’ve been reading. Gi~ve it to me ♪

Eichi: This? Well, I don’t mind. Here you go.

Leo: Funfufu~n~ ♪ Yakisoba, karaage, ramen, hamburgers! They all look delicious~ ♪

Aah! It’s welling up, it’s welling up! My inspiration~

….Er, um? Something else is welling up, too. My stomach is empty? Is that what it is? A strategy to make me hungry!? Emperor, you dastard!

Eichi: I wish you wouldn’t fly into a rage after reading that magazine all on your own volition. By the way, do you know a lot about B-Grade Gourmet food, Tsukinaga-kun?

Leo: Hm~? I wouldn’t say I know a lot about it, but I like it! I could eat it all the time.

Eichi: How enviable. This sort of thing is outside of my scope. I’m in a rather hopeless situation.

Leo: Right, you said you were gathering intel because of a bothersome request or something? What’s that about?

Eichi: It’s a matter of little importance. I was left in charge of a project for the Tenshouin Entertainment enterprise.

A restaurant chain we are well acquainted with asked me to hold an event for their anniversary celebration.

Originally I’d planned to make them request the school directly and reject their offer, but it’s not a good time.

We are planning on building one of their restaurants in our amusement park, so I can’t invite any discord.

If only I could’ve postponed this until the high society’s New Years party. But doing that would’ve lead to some annoying issues down the road, too...

Leo: Yeah, I don’t really get it! But I can tell that you’re annoyed!

Eichi: It’s enough for me that I was able to convey that.

Well, in any case I was asked to produce and put on an event for their anniversary, but my knowledge and experience with that kind of establishments is scarce.

And that’s why I was gathering intel through that magazine.

Of course it’d be best for me to go to their restaurant and try their food myself, but if I ate something like that, my family would get angry at me.

Leo: Hmm. Rich people have it hard, in a way! Where is that restaurant?

Eichi: It’s written in the magazine. ...Ah, there it is. It’s this diner.

Leo: Hm? I go to that diner all the time. The hamburgers there are delicious, and Ruka-tan likes them so we often go there together ♪

Eichi: Well, the main target of that place is young people after all. One of their restaurants is close to the school, so I think most students are well-acquainted with it.

But it’s not something I’m familiar with. I can’t come up with a project or members for this event, so at this point I’m quite troubled.

Well, they’re probably requesting a live show.

Leo: Hmm, and you’re not going to appear in that live show?

Eichi: Originally, I’d planned to devote myself to managing the event and leave the live show to someone I can trust.

But due to my position, I can’t do that. I’ve got to save face for the Tenshouin family, so there’s no way I can opt out on appearing on stage.

Leo: Then why not bring out your “fine”? If you ask those guys, they’d definitely agree to it immediately.

Eichi: Think about it. “Fine” is a unit that prides itself on its elegant performances.

But that kind of elegance is not what the restaurant people are asking for, right?

Leo: Hmm, so that’s how it is. I think as long as your performance is good it doesn’t really matter, though~

Eichi: I think the “image” is very important no matter the area though.

Your image decides whether you have tailwind or headwind. That’s why they say, even an image you’ve built up for ten years can crumble in just a day.

Well, whatever. In any case, my last resort…

That is to make a suitable “temporary unit” like you did back with Knight Killers, is what I’m thinking.

…Alright, I’m done checking your proposal, it’s a passing grade. I’ll accept it as it is.

Leo: Knight Killers, huh… Hmm…

Eichi: Tsukinaga-kun, are you listening?

Leo: I’ve decided! I’ll appear in the event as well, as part of Knight Killers!

Eichi: Tsukinaga-kun will appear…? Image-wise, that’s just what I’m looking for.

But why? There’s no merit in it for you? Saying something like this all of a sudden, what are you aiming for?

Leo: You’re so noisy~. Back during the Tsukimi Live, you didn’t accept the money I offered as compensation, right?

Eichi: Hm…? Oh, that money. Didn’t I say “Judgement” is a gift to celebrate your revival?

And you gave me an interesting experience back then. Those experiences were my reward, so that’s why I didn’t accept the money.

Besides, that amount of money wouldn’t make a difference to me.

Leo: Damn bourgeois! You’re a bad guy~

In any case, I don’t like leaving debts unpaid!

Also, who knows what other debts I’ll get myself into with you in the future! I’ll surely be causing you trouble again!

That’s why we’ll revive Knights Killers for this event. With this, we’re even!

Eichi: What an awful way of putting it. I wouldn’t say that time with Knight Killers was a debt. Probably ♪

Leo: As if I could trust that!

I want to repay my “debt” from back then, you want to find “aides” with a suitable image.

What do you think? This is convenient for both of us, right? ...What are you gonna do?

---------------------------------------

* ”B-Grade Gourmet” refers to cheap but delicious food, like ramen or burgers