The next day, a refreshed Kurumi dragged a weak-legged Kuesumi and a groggy Muku to the venue, Tengu City Gymnasium. It was bustling with people, a lively scene.
"So many people~!"
"Yes, after all, several major schools are jointly hosting it. It would be abnormal if there weren't many people."
While replying to Kotori's text messages, Kuesumi chatted with Kurumi. From a distance, the three looked completely like a family of three on a trip. Gaia, Alaya, and the Five Sisters in other planes had recently been feeling their heads getting greener and greener.
"We have arrived."
"Then I'll leave it to you, um... what's your name?"
"Kyōji Kujō, just call me Kuesumi."
"I'll leave it to you, Kuesumi Onee-san."
Hiding in a corner, Kuesumi received a call from Kotori. It seemed she was still a bit worried. The final 'Onee-san' made Kuesumi curl her lips. It seemed this matter had pushed her to the limit. Otherwise, she wouldn't have lowered herself to call Kuesumi 'Onee-san.' By trying to get close like this, she wanted Kuesumi to give her full effort.
"Let's go for a walk first~!"
Watching Kuesumi finish her call, Kurumi smiled at Kuesumi, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Muku stood there like a large doll, seemingly uninterested in anything.
The three began their outing, while on the other side—our classmate Shiori was not so relaxed.
"Hurry up, the cake for seat number one."
"Is the coffee for table three ready?"
"Table six wants to order, who's going?"
Shiori, feeling like she was about to run out of breath, now really wished she had Kurumi's cloning ability. That way, she wouldn't be so busy. What? You said let Tohka help? You could let her eat, but if you let her help carry plates or something, you'd immediately hear the sound of things breaking. So everyone unanimously decided to let her go out and attract customers, hand out flyers, or something, which was better than her making things worse by trying to help here.
"Shiori, a student from Rindouji Academy is looking for you."
Just as Shiori was busy beyond belief, a classmate brought her news that made her temporarily put down her work and go out to meet Miku. She would not give up on their bet.
"Ah~, Shiori-chan. That outfit really suits you."
Miku looked at Shiori in the maid outfit, a happy smile on her face.
"You came here just to say that?"
Shiori looked at Miku with some displeasure. She had put everything on the line, but the other party's confident, winning attitude made her feel a little uncomfortable. There was also a sense of defiance; she definitely wanted to win and show her.
"Remember, when I win, I'll make you wear a maid outfit every day to serve me, and you must transfer to Rindouji Girls' Academy."
Miku smiled confidently. Although her main target was Kuesumi, this child was surprisingly to her liking. She would be a delightful appetizer before the main course. It was a pity she got away last time. Now that she had caught her, she would make her lie in bed crying and begging for mercy. Even if she begged, she wouldn't let her go. She really wanted to see if her current stubborn look could be maintained in bed, toying with her until she couldn't speak anymore. She would never be able to defy her again. It was simply splendid!
"Please remember your promise. If I win, you must seal your Spirit Power."
Completely unaware of the various indescribable scenes in Miku's mind, Shiori looked at Miku and said firmly.
"Go for it~! Struggle hard, Shiori! I'll treat you well."
With that, Miku struck a pose like a villainous BOSS from an anime, and then walked away with her two followers.
Shiori sighed deeply as she watched Miku's retreating figure. She had been practicing music with her classmates recently. Although not very professional, she absolutely did not want to lose to Miku. Shiori naively thought this, not having witnessed Miku's abilities. This childish belief was like telling someone, "As long as you work hard, you won't fail," completely ignoring the disparity between them.
"We are really sorry, we can't participate."
"Why?"
Shiori's face was covered in cold sweat. What was going on? Hadn't they agreed to be each other's wings? Why had they changed their minds?
"Sister Miku asked us not to participate."
"Yes, Sister Miku asked us so kindly! We couldn't refuse."
"Seriously?"
"She actually resorted to that! How despicable!" Shiori, whose inner world was in turmoil, was defeated by Miku's shamelessness. How could a person be so shameless? Does your mother know how shameless you are? Shiori, on the verge of a minor breakdown, grumbled this in her heart.
"Kotori, what should I do?"
"And Origami suddenly can't come either. It seems she has a mission. Now the team is just Tohka and me."
Finding a quiet corner in the cafe, Shiori began to use her earpiece to contact her versatile younger sister.
"Don't worry! I've invited powerful support."
Kotori confidently made arrangements for Shiori, also calling on the Yabai Sisters to boost her courage.
"Eh~?! I haven't heard about it. Alright! I can only trust you."
Thinking of her current predicament, Shiori still couldn't smile.
In the evening, the cultural festival officially began. Shiori, Tohka, and the Yabai Sisters watched Miku take the stage and begin her performance from backstage.
"Has she not arrived yet, Kotori?"
Shiori waited anxiously~!
"I'm already here."
Before Kotori could answer, a familiar voice sounded behind her. Could it be…? Thinking this, Shiori's head turned stiffly like a rusty screw, looking behind her.
"How could it be you~!"
A startled cry burst from Shiori's mouth. How could she forget this person who had left such a deep impression on her? No, she was the person she least wanted to see right now. She had shattered her belief to the point where she almost couldn't recover from failure.
If she could, Shiori would want to give up the competition and run away right now. Kuesumi's pressure was too great; Shiori's calves were still trembling uncontrollably. She still vividly remembered the Spirit Cannon that had almost destroyed her and her sister. She couldn't quite understand why her sister would invite Kuesumi. Was it because her music was excellent? Thinking this, Shiori felt a little relieved. She was indeed a strong opponent.
But who could guarantee that this person wouldn't suddenly go berserk, and everyone in this stadium would be finished? She hoped this person was in a good mood today, and how capable was her sister to even be able to invite her?
Thinking this, Shiori observed Kuesumi's expression. After three seconds, she gave up. As a half-girl (a girl who became one halfway), she still couldn't guess a girl's heart. She couldn't make out anything from Kuesumi's expression.
She hoped she could really help her, and not just cause trouble.
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