“Older Sister, there!” “Yes, I understand.”
Deep in the Kikakede Adventurer Guild at night, in the training facility for the match against Badolin, the Princess Sisters, Nataira and Lyra, were taking turns cooling down. They had been training their Dance Battle skills almost all day today.
“Be careful of the next part; it’s easy to make a mistake!” “My feet just can’t keep up here…”
Still, there’s no doubt their movements were amazing. The reason their speed had been refined was clear: they were equipped with those necklaces and rings, speed-boosting items.
(Still, since Mogunami isn’t here, I won’t get any harsh criticism.)
Whether she was taking a day off today or working at Zazam, I didn’t know, but her replacement coach was, well, a dancer who was the Guild Master here, Lulunojo. She had her hair tied back, seeming to be somewhere between a young woman and an older woman.
“Alright, alright, stumbling even with increased speed is proof you haven’t found the rhythm yet. Don’t just try to match your feet to the target; feel like you’re actively attacking it. Be prepared.”
…Lulunojo was saying tough things, much like Mogunami, but she was skilled, too, in her own way.
(Ah, the Princess Sisters are done and coming over here!)
“Derus-san!” “We, um, we’re doing our best!” “Yes, I can see that. Do you think you can be part of the team for the Badolin fight?” “If the equipment fits well.” “Thank you so much for three kinds of wonderful speed-boosting items!!”
Yes, that was good… Wait?! (Did she just say three types?!)
This was strange. According to Nina’s story, the necklace she was wearing now was the Vampire Gentleman’s Necklace, and the rings were the Medusa-Lamia Eye Rings. Since eyes are two, there should naturally be two rings.
“Uh, I understand about the necklace and the rings, but what’s the third item?” “Yes, it’s the ‘Black Butterfly Underwear.’ This also increases speed.” “Nina-san gave it to me. The blacksmith adjusted the size for me.”
(When did she get something like that?!)
Adjusting the size… that meant it was originally too big, didn’t it? If so… Ah, maybe it was from there?! From the Seven Great Demon Lords dungeon, from that undead couple we defeated… (The Celebrity Vampire’s collection!!)
“Um, Derus-sama, what’s wrong?” “Perhaps… you want to see it?” “No, no, I was just imagining its origin. Yes, I was remembering.”
Seventeen years old is one thing, but fourteen is problematic.
“Alright, who’s next now that this spot is free?!” “Ah, Lulunojo-san, I’m sorry. Then…” “I’ll do it! This kind of thing is all about experience!”
MAINA said, stepping up to get ready. Cheering from behind her was…!!
“Go, MAINA! You can do it!” “I am cheering for you! Go danceable!”
It was Anju and Iwamoto.
“Well then, I’ll do a quick run at the highest difficulty~”
And so, the music began.
♪ Telerette terettele tette tette te te te te!
“Target count 688, got it.”
♪ Dendereden denderen denderen denderen
The cheerful music and song. And then, a large number of targets with♪ symbols drawn on them flowed out. She stepped on them with ease… Ah, she even made a heart shape with both hands!
(Amazing, her steps are perfect.)
And then, the two minutes were over in a flash.
“Wooooooooh!!!!!”
Clapping and cheers! Seriously, she looked like she could defeat anything.
“Phew, that was a light full combo.” “MAINA-san, amazing!” “It’s hard when you’re still full of energy. This is the third song; the fourth might still be tough.”
Next up was… Sil-neechan (Silver Succubus). Ah, the Guild Master Lulunojo had switched positions with Helen and had come over here… and shook MAINA’s hand with both of them.
“You did great! I’m looking forward to the real thing~?” “…Got it.” “I’m from Azir Muzka, my hometown~. Once we defeat the Demon Lord, I’ll treat you at a shop nearby!”
Ah, the third city they said had amazing canyons. I hadn’t even glanced at it, so I wanted to go soon. So, this was Guild Master Lulunojo’s hometown.
“In my past life, I couldn’t eat much of what I liked, so I prefer rich flavors.” “It’s delicious. There’s a ramen shop near my place.” “Huh?” “What did you say?!”
The two Otherworlders became agitated.
“Hey, did you just say ramen?!” “What flavor is it, that’s what’s important!!!” “Close, close, close! I’ll throw in some menma rice too, so do your best.”
They were incredibly hooked. Ramen must be that delicious for Otherworlders.
“Um, Derus-sama.” “If we win, can we have a reward too?” “Ah, yes, I’m thinking about it, I’m thinking about it.”
…Perhaps the Princess Sisters’ biggest reward, their wish, would be the liberation of Baraka and Camilla as slaves. And next would be the revival of their home country, but we don’t have that much power… (The scary thing is, we can’t say we don’t.)
Hmm, maybe if we made a Great Tree on Mermaid Island, establishing a new country for the Princess Sisters there wouldn’t be a bad idea?
“Please, truly.” “Please, please, please.” “You don’t have to rush… why are you looking at me like that?”
They were so desperate, it was a bit much. Okay, this time, I’ll ask them instead.
“Nataira-chan, Lyra-chan, do you have any worries or anxieties?” “…Whether we’ll be properly accepted into Nina Starlights.” “In terms of sub-organizations, you’re already wonderful companions.” “Saying that makes me happy…”
Nataira looked truly happy, but Lyra still looked anxious. “Lyra-chan?” “Yes, it’s not that I’m worried, but I would like to ask.” “What is it? Tell me anything.”
She looked directly into my eyes… and said. “I’m only fourteen, but my underwear is black. Isn’t that too soon?” “I DON’T KNOW ABOUT THAT—!!!” (Why are you asking me?!!!!!!)
And so, that was the night of dance practice.
