--Arena Spectacula, waiting room.

　The final preparations for the show, which had started before noon, were still being made as the show was about to start.

The setlist has been handed out. What about the contact test?　--I'll share the schedule with the mages first. Make sure they're done by the sixth hour and come back.

　The one giving the orders at a rapid pace was, of all people, the one who was the star of the day.
　You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.

"I'll say it again.
What?

　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

What a waste of a sister he has.
I agree. I think so too.

　You can find a lot of things to do after this.
　I have a lot of work to do after this. While checking on the people who hadn't come back since she gave the order, she replayed the schedule she'd memorized in her head. She replays the schedule in her head, checking those who haven't returned since she gave the order, making sure there are no flaws.

"Haha, so Futa's got no choice.

　He nodded at Pasta's serious profile, his voice audible to Pasta himself.
　But it wasn't much of a compliment.
　It's a broad understanding of business that drives people and creates the desired situation. That's what a "manager" is supposed to do.
　It's not right to compare yourself with Futa.

　Indeed, if I were really Futa's sister, I would be a "wasteful sister".
　That's what I was thinking.
　She had not been expecting it, but she couldn't help overreacting to the unpleasant words that came to her ears.

"That's why they're trying so hard to raise you until you're on your own.
"That's ......!

　It's not surprising that I didn't take the opportunity to correct him.
　In Izuna's mind, he had been fighting swords since Colosseum, while supporting his younger sister (who, if you counted backwards, would have been five or six years old at the time).

　This is a story that I have been pondering about, because it is difficult to explain even if I try to deny it.
　I'm planning to reveal it to this man sooner or later, but...

"It's so healthy. I'm sure you're not the only one. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

　You'll be able to get a lot more than that.
　Even without seeing that paternal smile, Pasta didn't have the courage to reveal the truth at this last minute, when he didn't know how it would turn out.

　And above all.
　It was a terrible humiliation to be treated as a sister who works hard for her brother, instead of a skilled "manager".

"I have a lot to say, Izuna!
"Hmm?　Oh, what do you want?
Don't take this the wrong way, but... I'm not doing this for you, brother.
"But ......

　That's what jumped out at me.
　I'm not doing this for my brother.

　I'm not sure what you're talking about," Izuna said.

　--In reality, she meant that she was doing it for the Orba Chamber of Commerce. ...... I don't know what she really meant.

I don't know what she meant. "Hahaha, yeah, yeah. No, I know, I know.
What are you ...... laughing at? ......
I'm just remembering that my childhood friend was like this. You've got to take care of your family members. ...... It's nothing.
"...... huh. What is that person doing now?
"Huh?　I don't know. He's probably happily married to someone in his home village.

　It makes me want to go home sometimes," Izuna said, laughing gleefully.

I'm not here to talk about my past. There's just one thing I want to say. It's good that you're working so hard. I know you're trying. But on top of that, ...... you should take it easy on your brother once in a while. The harder you work, the more important it is to get rid of that pent-up energy. I'm not an idiot, so I get it.

　The advice was rather serious, but strangely true.
　I guessed that the same thing had happened to someone from my hometown.

　With a sigh, Pasta wiped his hands lightly.

I'll be careful not to hoard too much.
I'll be careful not to over-accumulate." "............?

　I don't care," Izuna nodded, her face full of concern.
　You'll be able to find out more about this in the future.
　I'll tell Futa about it later.

　It's not that I'm an expert on how to spoil my sister. Izuna had been told a lot of things about how to interact with women of his age by various acquaintances. I've forgotten most of them, but it would make a difference if I could just tell you what I remember.

"Huh. I'm not an idiot. ......



　While Izuna looked on, Pasta gave instructions to the many people visiting the waiting room one after another.

　Then, Pasta's eyes narrowed at a report from a staff member who had been out on patrol.

Some of the guards have caught some people acting strangely.
Child abduction?
No, there was one who went around ...... asking kids to give him one of their shoes.
That's ...... just plain perverted.
One of them has taken the liberty of setting up a collection box for the children's towels they sell at the store.
That's perverted too. That ...... one's pretty spiffy.
And the .......
What?
One of them tried to jump into the bathroom right after Pasta-chan went in, screaming.
What the hell?　Pervert. ！！！！！！！！！！
It wasn't me, sir!
Go kill her. ！！！！！！！
There's no law against her!
And she's a woman. ！！！！！！！

　Breathing hard on his shoulders, he asks, "Is that the last of them? The staff shook their heads.

No, ...... yes. That's the last one we caught. ......

　The reluctance is disconcerting.
　And it's not a mistake.

"Some of them got away. They're checking the interior to see where they got in. ......
"............ hidden passage.
Huh?

　The only people who know of its existence are Hura, Richter, Lilac, and Pasta.
　The map, she thinks, must have been with the Lord Treasurer.

　Considering that the mansion was burned down, it's not surprising that it was taken.
　Pasta's reading of the situation is correct - in fact, the Hammot has taken what was entrusted to him.

"Stay alert. Stay in touch. Stay in touch.
Yes, sir!

　No sooner had Pasta rolled his eyes at the enthusiastic reply than the staff turned away and ran off.

　It's not bad to be motivated.
　I'm not sure why," he ponders for a moment, but then quickly switches gears.
　The show is about to start.



"But that'll motivate the crew.

　I'm sure the staff will be very motivated," Izuna said, raising her voice and watching from a distance as she conducted the show with a quick and efficient manner, with nothing else to do but protect her.

I'm not sure what to make of that. And even more so - such a cute little thing.

　The pasta in front of her eyes was already dressed in a pretty, springy stage outfit, and after a light make-up job.

And...

　Izuna raises the corners of her mouth loosely.

　The situation is getting more dangerous. It is possible that the enemy may have entered through a hidden passage.
　Even though the guards are on the lookout and are apparently working on the princess's orders.

You look like you don't have a care in the world. The one I trust is me - or rather, the one I entrusted to me.

　A strong smile without a single cloud.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

　I'm not going to do anything I can't face my friends with.












Thank you very much for coming today.

　--Thank you for coming today.

　The Lord of the Treasury, the residences of the nobles. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that there's a lot more to it than that.

　It's that simple.
　That's how cleanly the information is blocked.

　In fact, there are not many chances for commoners to know about the noble town. Normally, a commoner would be stopped by the military police if he even tried to visit.

　A commoner is not allowed to enter a place where all the executives of the country are gathered without permission, even though it is controlled by the family register.

　That's why we can understand that the background of the terrorist organization has the backing of a large nobleman, and when the target is Richter, everyone can predict it.

　Even if we could, there is nothing we can do about it.
　There's no evidence of anything. It is just an accusation.

　The fact that the nobleman was only giving simple orders and providing guidance, but not actually working, also added to the problem.
　Both the terrorists and the aristocracy were pawns that could be used against each other.

　If there's anything creepy, it's that even those who shouldn't be so clueless haven't been looking for the culprits until now.

　Anyway. Because of this, the Spectacula's security was reasonably tight, as they were trying to conceal the information and keep a watchful eye on the future.

　Perhaps it was because it was a commoner's area that the guards were sent out.
　Under the order of the princess, many people were deployed here.

　The theme of the event, however, was to show the princess's kindness by saying that the performance was for children and that security would be maintained, and the number of people was to be within the limit of what would not arouse suspicion.

　This may have been a success, however, as there were many families and adults who came to lead the children.

　Because of the existence of the profession of "teacher," there are also many dojos of learning and martial arts where they are active.
　Recently, a private academy for aristocratic children has been established to combine the arts and sciences.

　The sight of happy children entering the spectacle was a different kind of anticipation from the time of the fighting tournament.

"Wow!　This is going to be fun!


"Well, well, well. I'm glad to hear that.

　This couple holding hands with smiles on their faces was no exception to the rule.

　They were excited to see what kind of performance it would be, and waved their hands in the air as if to vent their anticipation.

　We took our seats at the front of the stage, and slowly walked down the ramp.
　The stage was already set up, and instead of the stark cobblestones of a martial arts tournament, it was glittering with color, probably due to the magic light.

　Unlike the last time, when only the names were displayed, the audience's excitement was increased by the colored lights shining from various angles and dancing around the stage.

　Even the waiting time was a feat of persistence on the part of the "manager".

Today's performance, "Pasta-chan's Yuyake Concert," will begin at 6:00. Please wait in your seats for a while.

　She lowered her tiny buttocks to the cushions provided only for the seats in front of her. The girl is waiting for the show to start, her feet wobbling in a rhythm that doesn't quite reach the ground.

　Watching her smilingly, the man was also waiting for the show to start with a relaxed expression.

　He knew that there were bomb threats and that danger was imminent, but he waited gracefully, as if nothing like that would ever happen.

Are you looking forward to it, Ayame?
"Of course I am. "Of course I am!" "Oh my God, Pasta-chan, what will you sing for us?
Ayame, who had never shown much interest in opera, was wondering if ...... performances should be changed for each target. It's the same in every world.

　The man who nodded his head and looked at the entire audience - Hura Walcott.

　It's always beautiful to see this spectacle that I've created.
　The view from the front seat. The view from the back seat.
　And the view from the top of that stage. All of them are wonderful spectacles with different colors, but still.

But the beauty is only complete when people are in it.

　The corner of his mouth relaxed in satisfaction.

　One by one, the audience came through the entrance, looking for their assigned seats, and smiled as they first stepped into this mortar-shaped world.
　From the reception desk, you walk through a narrow passage and up a flight of stairs. The world clears up in an instant and is as impressive as a mountain that has been climbed.

　If you know what you're aiming for, if you know what you want to see, it's a different kind of excitement than climbing a mountain.

　The spectacle of people laughing and stepping out with family and friends with high expectations. Because everyone's heart is full, the explosion of emotions bursts out in the spectacle.

　The cheers and the excitement give this place, which is supposed to be outdoors, a sense of unity as if you are in the same taverna, and at the same time, a sense of freedom as the sky breaks through.

　I'm sure everyone will learn that today.

　The audience seats were so filled that there were hardly any empty seats to be found, a truly spectacular sight.
　You can imagine the look on Pasta's face when he heard that the tickets were sold out on the day of the event, but the fact that they can already reach 50 million just by singing and dancing is a feat of great skill.

　The only thing left to do is to see how much of the excitement that comes from being the first time to see something like this can be made into a repeat performance.

　The first time is interest. The second time--expectations.
　That's why this one is as crucial as the first day of the tournament.

"Hmm, looks like we're here.
".......
Maybe you shouldn't have come after all.
"...... No.

　And. Maybe it was because I was paying attention to my surroundings that I was able to notice something different.
　The same father and son.
　The one sitting next to Ayame was a young girl with azalea-colored hair. If so, the purpose of their visit would naturally be the performance that was about to begin, but she seemed to be in a very bad mood.

　The man who seemed to be her father also looked troubled. Perhaps they had a dispute about buying or not buying the goods.
　A woman's heart can change seven or eight ways, as the kingdom says.
　And when it comes to children, their emotions change rapidly.

　It seems that it was the blood of a parent and a child that aroused my interest in the child, who stared at the stage with her arms folded, as if surveying the scene, without losing her sullen expression.

It's going to be fun.
"Huh?

　"Huh?" He easily approached her, and before he knew it, they had become friends, which is the power of children.

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

"Ruri?
What?

　Then she squinted and looked at the stage.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not.

"I've come to assess ...... today!
"I'm here to assess ......!

　A word of caution that seems to be onomatopoeic in her background.

　I'm not sure if smiling at a child in a place like this is really appropriate for the Beato sister I know.

　Why does she keep doing such unwatchable things?

　Now Ruri is on a mission to find out once and for all.

　Ayame put her hand over her mouth in surprise.

So, let's cheer together.
"............ can't be helped. That's what we need to do.
"Yeah. I'm Ayame. Nice to meet you.
You can call me Ruri-chan.
"Chan-Luri ......?

　Ayame tilted her head with her droopy eyes, as if she was troubled.

　And so, as the two newly acquainted children were happily engaged in conversation, the stage darkened.

"Thank you for your patience. Now, Pasta-chan's Yuyake Ongaku Kai...




　The twinkling light shines and colors the world as if it were bursting with light.

　At that moment, the crowd cheers.

"The show is about to begin!

　A lovely nymph descended from the sky.

　It's not real.