--A little further back, in the evening.

　While Futa was talking about the Colosseum in a muddled and deceitful way to Leafy.

　Pasta, who had been summoned by Lilac, was lying on the couch as usual, listening to the current box office revenue of the Spectacle, the division of interests, and the detailed politics.

　Pasta's position was that of a hired sales advisor, a producer who was in charge of the external promotion of Spectacula.
　He has no particular reason to get involved in internal politics. When he was about to get into the backstory, he brushed it off and didn't want to get caught up in Lilac's power struggle.

　So, when I glared at her and asked her to tell me what she wanted, Lilac shook her head with a sigh.

"You have no time to spare.
I don't care how much time I have. I'd rather go home than spend my time looking at you.
Home?
Home. Home.

　There's a lot of work to do. There's nothing wrong with too much preparation.
　There are still papers piled up in my study, and if I don't do it now, I'll run out of time for my future business.

　I don't have time for this woman's small talk.

Beatrix.
What? ...... You can call me Pasta.

　When she looked up, Pasta was met with lilac blue eyes.
　The same color as my own eyes. I'm not a fan of that color," she said, the corners of her mouth twisting.

I'll drink it. I'll have a drink.

　Pasta narrowed her eyes, "I knew you were talking about that.

"Yeah. What's going on?　You were so reluctant yesterday.
The resistance to letting you use magic is so great.
...... Well, that's true, I suppose. I'm not sure what to do. Even if it's a secret court magic.

　You can't forget what you've seen.
　Lilac knew that Pasta had an uncanny memory.
　That's why she was reluctant - she finally decided to "wait a day".
　In the meantime, she got this permission, so we should assume that she has talked to the court mages - or.



　Or maybe she's been working behind the scenes again.



What's with the staring at people's faces?
Well. You mean you talked to the court mage?

　I don't need to hear it. That's why she said to wait a day.
　But it's needless to ask, Pasta confirmed.

　What if Pasta's assumption was exactly what she wanted. You never know what traps are lurking out there.

"Yes. So, you have to sign a contract to keep your magic out of the public eye.
Yeah.

　Apparently, we've been through this. I don't know about the others, but I don't have the means to find out.

　Step by step, Pasta trudged through the trap-filled wilderness.

"So, we'll start with the third round?
Yes. I'll give you instructions for the finals later, based on the results of the audience survey that the Lord Treasurer has entrusted to me.
It's as clear as day. Don't bother checking.
Oh, my. Isn't it you who said numbers speak louder than words?
I don't think so. I don't really care which. --Now, let's hear it for ourselves.

　Pasta glanced at Lilac.
　As she reached for the cupcake in her hand, her cold blue eyes pierced Lilac.

"What's that?
"The terms. You have conditions anyway.

　There was no way she was going to give her unconditional permission to a pasta proposal.
　It was Lilac's turn to nod her head in agreement.

You're the one who's putting yourself on the line. ...... Are you sure you don't want any money?

　Pasta clicked his tongue inwardly, "d*mn.
　If she came up with any conditions, we were going to have to come up with them ourselves. But the princess was an experienced negotiator.
　On the contrary, she naturally pressed upon us the idea that this was a "job" and the price was money.

　I thought for a moment.

"I've waited a day for you, and now you're going to come back with terms?　How dare you?

　I won't let you do that. I'm going to take the initiative with a clear debt.
　Lilac brushed her lips softly at her actions and shook her head.

"Well, yes. Let's be honest. There are no demands from me in this matter. That's just the contract."


"What about ......?
"What's wrong?

　Pasta thinks, staring at the woman in front of him with a blank stare.
　This should have been good.
　Regardless of the conditions, he was able to get the information out of her first. If he had happily come up with the conditions himself, he would have been beaten from above. So the procedure up to this point is not wrong.

　Just... Yeah, just. You just don't know what cards you have, so you're stuck with the problem of reading each other.

What do you mean?

You're still a bad-mouthing, bad-tempered woman. I hope you don't get sick of me.
"Hmm.

　I mumbled something sarcastic, but did not get the reaction I was expecting. A small laugh escaped her lips.
　Lilac smiled softly at Pasta, who raised one eyebrow.

Don't worry. It's all part of a known relationship.
"............

　It's a good idea.

　After eating the cupcake and lightly licking off a bit of grease, Pasta replies without trying to hide the annoyance that is clearly visible on her face.

I didn't say who I was talking about.
"............

　Lilac quickly looks away.

I hope you die. I hope she dies.
Let me back up.
Suit yourself.

　I'm not the least bit interested in her happy family life.
　If anything, I'd prefer her to be devastated by the mess she's made, but there's no point in thinking about that now.

　If you poison a person with whom you do not have an adversarial relationship, you will fall together. In that case, it is more constructive to take as much profit as you can from the woman in front of you.

　Turning his head once more, Pasta looked at Lilac.

"Orba Chamber of Commerce's business intervention.
Impossible.
I've done so much for them, and they won't give me a single incentive?
I told you in the beginning. I told you from the beginning that I'm not working with Orba.
Then give me a personal incentive.
...... You'll just end up getting passed around.
"I'm not working with Orba, but you're working with me. That's what you're saying, isn't it? Then it's a deal you can live with.
Yes, they are. Fine. Then I'll give you a cut of the profits, however much I can give you personally.
That sounds reasonable.

　It's better to have a small incentive than to have a fixed amount given to Orba or her. We need a meaningful contribution to the spectacle.

　And for the future of the Orba Chamber of Commerce.

　--There's been an increase in undisciplined fish lately. If the sales of the Chamber of Commerce decline, the skilled people will go independent. Inevitably, the quality of the trade association will deteriorate. It's only natural.

　There's no one among the merchants who wants to get into the mud.

　That's why. We needed to bring in some fresh air around here.

"So what are you going to do?

　Unconsciously, she touched her long hair.
　She noticed Lilac's disapproving gaze and shook her head as she brushed away her red hair.

It's nothing. I'm just doing what I have to do.
"Really?
I don't have time for this now that we're talking. I'm sorry, but I'm leaving.
Yeah. Thank you, sir.
You're creepy.

　She snickers and leaves.

　The door to the private room closes, and Pasta is gone, the room is quiet.
　Lilac, tipping back her tea, throws a glance at the door through which Pasta has disappeared, returns her cup to the saucer and mutters.

　The corner of her mouth twists.








"Okay, next.










　--The next morning. The next morning.

　The gates are full again today.
　The amphitheater's numerous gates were swollen with spectators, clutching bills in their hands.

　Today is the third round of the preliminary round. They've been following me this far, and I'm sure they're starting to memorize the faces of the strongest fighters.



　This is why star players are so valuable. Rather than bringing people in with something good, or something friendly, an "attractive individual" is the driving force that attracts more people than anything else.

　There are those who have enjoyed the sword fighting so far, those who have gotten their first tickets, and friends and acquaintances who were just brought here.

　The question is whether or not they will want to come back to this arena after their encounter.

　Today, on the fifth day of the event, is the decisive moment.

How about ......?
The number of visitors on the street is gradually decreasing.
I'm not sure what we can do about it, but it's going to be tough.
I'm sure you know that the princess will be participating in the finals, so I'm sure that will change on that day. ......
It will be the same as the first day of the competition. I just want to get a glimpse, that's all.

　The staff guiding people to the entrance gate exchanged words to share information.

　We can't let this be a transient event.
　If it does, all the tax money we've poured into this spectacle will be gone. And then their bosses will go down in a fit of pique this time.

But all we can do is follow our orders to the letter.
"Well, that's the frustrating thing about being a chamberlain.
"Well, that's the frustrating thing about being a samurai.

　We'll leave the thinking to the top and let the field do its work.
　Of course, the personality of their boss was a factor, but that was not the only source of their motivation. This business is fundamentally based on box-office revenue from the audience.
　As a matter of course, the more excitement there is, the more revenue there is.

　It was also explained to them that they would receive a bonus if their earnings increased.
　In order to live happily tomorrow, they will work as hard as they can.

　As for the salary structure, it was the result of some cauldron pot talking to a mop, but they don't know anything about it.

　Let them know how much fun it is to make money. This policy certainly created a strong sense of enthusiasm among the gentle people of King's Landing.


　Time passed, and the spectator seats at Spectacula were filled to capacity.
　In the same row as the preferential seats near the field, there was an isolated special seat.
　These seats were different from those reserved for royalty, and were not lavishly ordered.
　There were just three shadows in that seat that was dedicated to watching the field from a bird's eye view.

So, if you need anything, please let me know.
"Flipping. I'll leave it to you.　I'll be ready for the attack of the Arcadia King Gorilla.
The guards at the city gates can take care of that. ......
Don't be silly, let's get ready. Maids are not to interfere once the game starts. Remember, you're the liaison.
I'll be fine. This boisterous cleaning maid, no matter what, will not let anyone in here for the two of you. ......!
No, you don't have to act like a guard, okay?
The maid will stop the Arcadia King Gorilla!
When a hexenbiest like that gets here, it's the end of Spectacular.
I mean, I'd rather hunt Corona than have her travel to ......

　The three of them were enjoying a useless conversation, but the hooded girl let out a light breath.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
If I'd listened to you from the beginning, I wouldn't have done it like that. ....... It's not my sister's first time either, she'll be fine.
It doesn't make sense to me that she's not the first.
Don't say that. Playing little sister might be tough, but playing big brother to you is tough, too.
I'll kill you.

　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.
　And finally, before that...

"What's the matter, Corona?
What is it?　...... Hmm. It's nothing.

　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. But she only shook her head loosely. Her two tufts of gold swayed and her soft smile seemed to tell him not to worry about it.

You didn't tell the crazy maid about your sister, did you?
"Yeah, yeah. It's not that interesting.
"Mostly, I'm sad I didn't hear it, but that doesn't mean I don't want to hear it myself, because it's like hurting an old wound. That's about it.
"Noodle, .......
"Don't say noodle, or I'll cut your head off, you f*cking maid.

　The maid sniffs and crosses her arms, noodle - or pasta.
　The maid's expression hardened in shock as she muttered.

Why are you telling me all this?
"Because this 'unemployed' guy is bound to say something creepy about how he hates that you're more cloudy than he is. Don't you?
The creepy part is unnecessary, but yes.
Look, it's gross.
You just left something out, Noodle.
Don't say "noodles", Spectacular. You'll ruin it.
"Can you please stop trying to be so precise with your swear words?

　Well, that's the thing. Huta shook his head.



"It's nothing interesting, really. I just didn't want to worry Corona.
"I see. ......

　The maid didn't look too convinced. You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

"Futa-sama...
"Hmm?

　The maid has an interesting story to tell.

It's not that the maid has anything interesting to say, or that she wants to know about Futa-sama's past. But if you're feeling a little uncomfortable or uncomfortable...
Yeah.
I'd rather you talk to the maid than that noodle.
All right, I'll talk to Corona instead of that noodle.
I'll talk to Corona instead of the noodle. - You guys really need to remember that.

　Finally, Corona smiled and said.

"Hiccup.
It's not going away.
"Oh, ......, the cherry season is always like this.
It's not tight. Come on, let's get started.
Okay. Corona, you're on.
You got it?

　After parting ways with the maid, Futa and Pasta went to a seat that had been reserved for them.
　The seats are merely partitioned from the neighboring preferential seats, but the seats are set up with a table in front of them and two magic devices on top of it. --the one Lilac had used in the opening ceremony on the first day to diffuse sound.

Let's get started.

　Just before she took her seat, she took off her hood.

　Just before she took her seat, she took off her hood and put on a little makeup to make her look even younger. She has pigtails on both sides of her head that seem to pop out, and she holds a teddy bear for some reason.

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

......
You'll have to get used to it, honey.
I'll do my best. ............
"Can you be serious?

　I've got some serious tones mixed in, but I hope they don't get caught by the voice diffusion grimoire. It's not noticeable at all at the moment.

You can think of it as being able to use this magic device as long as you are touching it. But if you have something on your mind, you can talk to me after you take your hands off.
Do I have to do this now ......?
It's going to take some getting used to, so I'm working on it, okay, big brother?

　It's not hard to notice the blue streaks on his smiling forehead.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

I'm not talking to you, I'm talking to the public. Not to you, but to the masses.
Hey! Don't tell your cute sister it's you.　You don't need to call me by my first name because you don't have any sense and I don't need a creepy nickname.
"Hey, now you're showing your true colors.
What are you talking about?

　I sighed and took my seat.
　Whatever the reason.
　This is for the good of Spectacula. And, according to her, it will help Futa's popularity as a champion.

　As long as she explained that, I had no reason to doubt it.

Okay, I'm ready.
"Really?　Really, big brother?
Yeah, it's true, ...... pasta.
Okay. Okay, let's get started.

　She sat down next to him and hugged the teddy bear tightly and gently touched his shortened hair with one hand.

　She closed her eyes and exhaled deeply. And then, with a big smile on her face, she reached for her grimoire.

"Hello, everyone!　Hello!

　At the same time as the bustle of the crowd quieted down for a moment, the 5,000-strong venue was buzzing with excitement.

　Aside from Futa, who shuddered at the thought of her perfect voice, she confirmed that she had attracted the attention of the audience, and then continued.

This time. This time, I'm going to be the host and facilitator, or in other words, the actual situation. My name is Pasta Pomodoro. I'm nine years old. Hehehe.

What a cutie.
He's got a really cute voice.
Where are you from?
That name makes me hungry.
Isn't that your stage name?
"Pasta-chan is cute!

　Wild cheering erupted.
　The sharp cold air of a princess looking down on fools was blowing somewhere, but there it was.



　The crowd cheered at the unexpected appearance of the battlefield flower, and the more discerning already seemed to realize where she was talking.

I wanted to watch the game with you guys!　So I'm sorry if I'm making too much noise. Let's watch it together!

I'm in!
Pretty girls are welcome!
She's the same age as my daughter. ...... Hmm.
Pasta's cute.

　Apparently, children - especially girls who were just brought in to babysit - were particularly attractive.
　While calmly assessing the situation, Pasta continued.

"So, you know. I'm having a lot of fun watching it, but there are some things I don't understand. So I was happy when my brother taught me some things. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

"...... Oh, could it be that girl?
I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it.

　It seems that the spectators who were watching the game yesterday were also visiting today.
　From there, gradually, gradually, the presence of the commentary brother spread.

　Pasta was smiling in the midst of the buzzing crowd, but then he noticed that the man next to him was stunned and stepped on his foot unseen.

"What, me?

　I'm an idiot, Pasta thought inwardly. Why do I have to keep touching my grimoire?
　But I'm a manager. I know how to fix it.

I don't know... Don't ask me about it while you're touching it~ ....... I'm sorry, I did it too!　I'm sorry, guys.

It's okay!
Cute, cute, cute.
Commentary. It's not fair you have a sister like that.
Hang her?

Introduce yourself again, big brother.
Uh, I'm Futa Pomodoro, commentator. Uh, yes. I'm from the field, right? I'd like to be your commentator. Yes.
"Haha, big brother, you're too nervous~

　Pasta mumbles as he removes his hand from the magical device.

Are you kidding me?
What do you want me to do?
Can we just talk like normal people? You could have done that yesterday.
...... Are you sure you want to deal with Pasta like that?
I told you it was fine, from the beginning.

　Meeting's over.

I'll see you later.
I thought, "What am I supposed to do?

　Futa was wondering what to do, but Pasta was making an okay sign under the table. Apparently, this is the right direction.

I'm not sure what to do.　--First up, the first game!　Only one of us will advance to the finals!　While we're getting ready for the players to enter, big brother, tell us what we should watch for in this game!
'Right. It is true that the members of the team are all quite skilled. But if I had to pick one to watch, it would be these two.
"What?　Who are they?
It's...

　The next thing I knew, all the voices except for Futa and Pasta's had disappeared from the hall.
　Their conversation was the most detailed description of the next game.
　If anyone tried to say anything, they would get a complaint from the person next to them that they couldn't be heard.

　In the midst of all this, a simple man's voice echoed.



I'm guessing it's Leafy Lean Glide, a Sakurahana Itto Ryu swordsman, and Arrows, a demon hunter and dual wielder, who just fought together yesterday.