On the second day of Winterfest, I finish my work in the hall and head to the staff area to take a break. I didn’t have much to do; I was only a background character livening up one of the first-strings’ stage events. I’d been chosen for the role despite being a second-string only because I had my own 3D model. I was given almost no lines.
“Is that it for today?”
“That’s everything on the schedule.”
Abaddon is next to me, as always. He bobs up and down in the air, carefree, standing out like a sore thumb around all the staff members hurrying about nearby. Now that I think about it, this demon spends way more of his time floating than he does standing on his own two feet. Won’t his legs atrophy?
“What now?”
“I want to find my neighbor and the others.”
“Oh, they said they’re cosplaying!”
As I whisper with Abaddon and think about what to do next, someone calls out to us. We’ve barely been sitting for two minutes.
“Miss Kareki, might you have a moment?”
“Thaaanks for coming up onstage with us before!”
It’s Kihouin and Rolling. They must have come straight here. They were on stage with me right before this, but unlike Ochiba Kareki, they were the stars.
“Is there something I can do for you?” I ask.
“I heard that the police decided it was a suicide,” says Kihouin.
“I still can’t belieeeve it, and I even slept on it,” adds Rolling.
Without asking, they sit down across from me at the table and start talking.
“That’s how it would seem,” I reply.
“If you ask meee, I think your logic had some merit to it,” says Rolling.
“I’m just a kid speaking nonsense,” I insist. “You don’t need to take what I say seriously. If that’s what the police decided, then we shouldn’t question their investigation. After all, you have a lot of pull with the public.”
“You never mince words, do you, Karekiii?”
“I’m sorry. That’s just how I am.”
“Well, that is why we keep pestering you,” says Kihouin.
What could they want? Are they just here to chat? Aren’t they busy?
“Would you mind if I asked you something, too, Miss Kihouin?”
“What do you wish to know?”
“Why do you keep pestering me?”
“Goodness! You came right out and asked!”
“I thought you wanted me to.”
“Did I? Perhaps. I suppose that could be…”
This is exasperating. Which is it? Is she finally trying to give an impudent newcomer some “guidance,” as a senpai? I’m fully aware that I’m not a very affable person. Do they think a little poking and prodding will scare me?
“If you consider me an eyesore, I would rather you just come out and say it,” I tell her. “I’m really not trying to cause any trouble for anyone. If there’s something I can fix, I’d like to do so. Do you have any advice for me?” I ask boldly.
“Nooo, that’s not it,” says Rolling quickly. She glances at Kihouin.
Kihouin seems worried about something. After hesitating for a few seconds, she straightens up. “Well, you see how we stay in character even offline, right, darling? It’s amazing, don’t you agree?”
“Yes. I imagine it must be quite difficult at your age,” I respond honestly.
“Y-you don’t have to point that out!” she cries. “I’m well aware.”
If she knows, why doesn’t she just stop?
“That’s exactly why we wanted to use someone like you to finally put an end to it,” she continues. “If we kept provoking you, we figured you’d eventually point it out in front of other people.”
Ugh. What an annoying woman. She’s pushing everything onto me. “I don’t see why I need to do that. Can’t you wake up tomorrow and just stop?”
“We’ve been doing it sooo long that it’s kind of a matter of priiide,” explained Rolling.
I wish they wouldn’t get a total newcomer involved in their stupid issues. Won’t I run the risk of being ostracized if this goes wrong? I suppose I’m already hated by all the other second-strings, but still.
“I don’t think anyone else will care that much,” I say.
“They most certainly will. They’ll start whispering behind our backs!” Kihouin insists.
“I meeean, I’m fine with the way things are nowww, but whatever,” Rolling comments.
“You’re quite the strange one, do you know that?” says Kihouin.
Rolling’s composed demeanor makes me think she’s already in it deep. Despite the newness of the VTuber industry, it’s still part of the entertainment business. I get the feeling weirdos like her crop up all the time.
Kihouin is probably concerned precisely because she hasn’t yet lost her common sense. But then, why is she bothering a newcomer over something so stupid?
“I really apologize, but I don’t think I’ll be able to meet your expectations,” I say.
“A-and whyever not?”
“You two are my senpai. You’re so far above me. I would never be able to say something so rude to you in front of other people. If I ever become successful enough to speak up to you, maybe we can revisit this idea.”
“W-well…”
How can she expect me to agree to this? Wipe your own ass, lady.
“I’m sorry. I need to meet with my manager, so I’ll be going now.”
“H-hold on just one moment! You’re the only one we can ask!” Kihouin barks, getting louder.
I ignore her, stand up from my seat, and head straight out of the staff area.
“Are you sure talking to them like that was a good idea?”
“We don’t stand to gain anything from helping them.”
“Blunt and frank. That’s Kareki for you!”
“……”
I know what Abaddon is implying, he doesn’t even have to say it. He’s right—I’m a gloomy introvert character, through and through.
After a lot of hassle, Winterfest finally came to a close.
The staff were planning a grand wrap party, and they naturally invited my neighbor and me, as well. We politely declined, then returned to our nearby hotel. Party or no, we had to show up for pretend family time.
We explained to the others that we needed to pick up our things before heading to Karuizawa, then we stopped by our rooms at the hotel. When I used the card key to unlock my door, however, I found a group of people already inside.
“I didn’t know you were here, Peeps.”
“You require transportation, do you not?”
“Yeah. Thanks for being so considerate.”
Beyond the short hallway at the entrance, I could see Prince Lewis sitting on the bed with Lady Elsa standing next to him, my distinguished sparrow perched on her shoulder. I was a little surprised; I had thought the room would be empty.
“I do apologize for entering while you were out, Baron Sasaki.”
“No need, Your Highness. In fact, I’m sorry for making you wait in such a small room. If it pleases you, I can arrange a larger space for us.”
“No, no. Such reverence is uncalled-for.”
Peeps must have brought them here with his teleportation magic. We’d told him where we were staying. In fact, he’d come before to see us off.
“Something urgent?” asked Ms. Futarishizuka. She was standing beside me, along with Type Twelve.
My neighbor and Abaddon were staying in a separate room, so they’d gone there instead. Once they’d packed their things, they were supposed to meet back up with us here. I expected it wouldn’t be much longer before they arrived.
“As I said, we only came here to pick you up.”
Peeps took flight, leaving Lady Elsa’s shoulder and alighting on mine. His casual decision to switch perches made me oddly happy.
“And this one has been cooped up in the mansion ever since he arrived,” the bird pointed out, glancing at the prince. “I thought it might be a good time to show him a bit of the outside world.”
I thought back. Peeps was right. We hadn’t yet gotten the chance to bring Prince Louis anywhere aside from the Karuizawa villa and our pretend family house in the UFO. The most he’d done was take a few strolls through the villa’s yard and play sports on the property.
“That was very inconsiderate of me, sir,” I said. “I apologize for putting undue stress on you.”
“No matter. Compared to before, this may as well be heaven. And I understand you all have your reasons.”
Eventually, my neighbor and Abaddon knocked on the door and we let them inside. My neighbor had a rather large travel bag in her hand. I thought she’d take a little longer to pack, but it seemed she’d rushed. I had the idea girls usually took their time with such things, but my neighbor’s speed seemed very in line with her character.
“I’m sorry for the wait, mister.”
“Well, look at this!” exclaimed Abaddon. “Are we throwing a party in here?”