After that, the conversation shifted a bit more towards business. From this point, it was a conversation that Himari didn’t necessarily need to listen to, but for some reason, she stayed next to me, wandering around.
“So, the debut schedule is set around March 20, right?”
“To be precise, the goal is to upload the music and music video on the 20th. However, considering the completion of the costumes and the filming for the music video, it might be delayed. If it gets pushed back, probably around the 25th?”
“And with that, you’ll add some active promotion to build recognition and then start serious stage activities, right?”
“Yup, that’s how it is. Who’s going to pay attention to a stage when we have nothing? But if we draw attention beforehand, things change. Yeah, due to Nana and Hina’s positions, we’ll definitely attract some interest. The moment a group composed of the top students from the three major academies launches, there might be other academies planning similar attempts…”
“During your activity period, there won’t really be any proper competitors, so at least until then, you’ll monopolize the pie.”
“Well, even if competitors arise, I’m confident I’ll maintain an overwhelming position. If they stumble in haphazardly, they won’t just be sharing the pie; they’ll be picking up crumbs!”
“You’re planning to do this for just a year? Expected profits are skyrocketing as the calendar progresses. Would you understand a bit if I showed you how much the amount we earn gets slashed every time the debut is pushed back by even a month?”
Looking at the graph Rion brought up, I couldn’t help but let out a snicker.
“Well, from the start, this was meant to compensate for Millennium. Is there really a need to stretch out our activities? After graduation, everyone would probably have at least one thing they want to do. If not everyone agrees, the activities will likely come to a halt. But, is this graph real?”
“Yeah. If we said we’d delay our debut until next month, we would have had a bit of an argument on our hands. As you can see, the expected profits drop significantly, more than you’d think.”
“Hm. Rion, you must really dislike the Student Council President. If she hadn’t disappeared, the leading digits here would look different.”
“…I don’t care about that irresponsible woman. I never liked her digging into Millennium’s matters from the start. Now I just have one more reason to dislike her.”
“I can’t deny that she’s irresponsible… Ahaha, did you hear that from Yuuka?”
“Yeah. According to Yuuka, it’s more plausible to think she disappeared on her own terms rather than being abducted by outside factors. Honestly, looking at Shalle or the teacher, that’s not wrong.”
To be labeled irresponsible by Rion of all people! Now that’s a comedy in itself!
Looking at it objectively, is it really different than the usual shenanigans? In the original story I know, Rion opted for disappearance in real-time, so if you think about it, they’re both on the same page.
Of course, if you add personal feelings into the mix, the Student Council President made a hundred times more mistakes. Rion hasn’t stuck out yet, but that person is probably off enjoying a vacation somewhere.
Taking a step back and leaving everything to a teacher is understandable. But the fact that that obnoxious person disappeared doesn’t take away the three weeks of suffering I had to endure.
“Anyway, it’s reassuring to hear that things are proceeding somewhat as planned.”
“It’s a bit late, but well, more or less as planned☆”
“This is absurd. Mika, why didn’t you call me when forming the idol group…?!”
“Eh?”
At Himari’s sudden remark while quietly listening, I tilted my head in surprise. An idol business!? With Himari!?
“Let’s say I included you as a member, then how would you dance?”
“I’ll just power through it…!”
“Really now?”
Himari jumped up from her wheelchair with a thud, gave her waist a couple of taps, and sat back down.
“But I have quite a knack for singing. Dancing might be a bit tough, but as the epitome of a sickly cute girl, just having me in a pretty stance sitting quietly in the back will attract attention. If I sing with a voice that even my little nightingale would bow down to, I’ll elevate the stage to beyond perfection.”
“Oh? Is that so? Then sing us a line.”
“Ahem. Love~ my love~ dyes the sky~ and burned~ what do you think? Isn’t my singing talent impeccable for a genius sickly cute idol girl who has beauty and talent?”
So this is that enka thing or whatever, huh?
“It’s not bad, but… it’s just voice quality. Honestly, your singing skills are kind of lacking?”
“What? I didn’t think my skills were below that level! Well then, let’s hear a line from you, Mika! I’ll personally listen and judge if that’s so.”
With her pointy ears meticulously covered, Himari confidently declared. Just looking at the shape of her ears, she’s the very definition of a typical silver-haired elf, but why does she turn into someone disappointing as soon as she speaks?
“Hm… Is that so?”
“Wait a minute! Mika, that tone of yours is very annoying. It’s a dangerous weapon that could shatter the friendship of our cute girl alliance, so I shall forbid you from using it in the future.”
“Well, let’s save the singing for when I’m up on stage. I’m not sure what’s blowing in the wind, but I doubt anyone else would willingly jump into such things that aren’t you… Well, maybe Asuna too.”
“But…”
“…Stop. Can you both take those chats outside? It feels like we’ve said most of the important things already. Mika, once the communication device is ready, I’ll send it over to Noa. That will make it convenient for you too.”
“Oh, I could just come and collect it myself.”
“I’m starting to think you lack awareness as the Student Council President. I doubt there’s ever been a president who circulates among so many different autonomous districts as much as you do.”
“I might have a broader activity radius. Anyway, it was nice meeting you today, Rion. It was beneficial. I’ll be in touch sometimes, so don’t leave me on read, okay?”
“…I won’t. But I’d prefer not to receive messages for trivial matters.”
“It’s fine; deepening friendships is super important☆”
“I meant I’d rather not do that.”
Glancing at the time, it seemed our meeting had gone longer than anticipated. Spending time with Himari and Rion made the time fly by without me even realizing it.
“Phew. Finally, I can escape this suffocating place. Next time, let’s meet virtually, Rion.”
“Sure, if that’s more convenient—”
“What on earth are you talking about, Himari? When I visit Millennium next time, I’ll be dragging you along here, just so you know.”
“…Why on earth would you do that? There’s saying that you become like the company you keep, Mika. What’s your reasoning for dragging a white heron into a crow’s habitat?”
“It’s because watching you two bicker is fun.”
“…”
After hearing my words, the two exchanged silent glances and then nodded in agreement.
“I’m off, Rion.”
“Yeah.”
So naturally, not planning it, the two parted ways with a nod to each other.
But seriously, are you two not friends?
“I’m leaving now… huh? Hm…?”
Himari paused while trying to move her wheelchair, for some reason, it didn’t respond to her commands.
“That’s strange. There shouldn’t have been any issues…?”
Looking around diligently, Himari let out a short sigh.
“I’m out of power.”
Fortunately, it didn’t seem like a huge issue, but when Himari glanced at Rion with a pleading expression, it felt like she was waiting for me to say I’d help her first.
So, this means she’s not asking Rion for help but waiting for me to offer just like that, right?
Rion could easily recharge the power for this wheelchair, but since she didn’t want to do that, I guess having too much pride isn’t entirely beneficial… No wait, maybe it’s more harmful than helpful.
“Himari, should I carry you?”
“Yes… Huh? Why would you carry me? I think just pushing me normally would be fine…?”
“But Himari, you really don’t have any choice here?”
1. Lift Himari.
“…I’ll be counting on you. But just push me normally, okay? I understand your eagerness for intimacy with a girl as adorable as me, but…”
2. With the wheelchair.
“——Hey, Mika? This is completely different from what I was thinking… Gah?!”
“I’ll take you swiftly and safely to the place you want, so don’t worry, Princess Himari.”
“I-if that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better if you just lifted me normally instead?”
“No way☆ If I did that, I might not be able to withstand the fluttering sensation you’re so generously bestowing upon my frail body and heart.”
“I can withstand it! If it’s you, Mika, I can withstand it! So please put me down…!”
“…”
With a pitying look, Rion waved one hand at us and smiled.
Just before I left, the small smile that appeared on her lips warmed my heart just by seeing it.
By the time I had taken Himari to her haven, she looked like her soul had completely left her body.
“As cute as you are, Mika, if you do this next time, I might genuinely get angry.”
“Okay, then next time I’ll carry you just the way you desperately wanted, Princess.”
“I never once wished for that, Mika. So do that with fish that are already caught.”
“Caught fish? That’s rude. At least fishes are treated with care in their tanks, right?”
“…?”
With a look of confusion directed at me, Himari shook her head but, strangely enough, her hands waved lightly in contradiction to her thoughts.
“See you again, Himari☆”
“Yeah, you too, Mika. By the way, was that thing about dragging me to Rion a joke?”
“Well, who knows about that?”
Afterwards, for some reason under Hibiki’s lead, I experienced cosplay with Hiyori, flexed for the item she wanted in one go, and then returned to Trinity.
Later, I would hear from Noa that the next day, a photo of a pink-haired girl carrying Himari in her wheelchair would be published in the Millennium school newspaper and the Bamboo Grove…
But I’m not familiar with that. After all, the embarrassment is all on Himari, right?
Honestly, isn’t that less embarrassing than actually being cradled like a princess?
