Mad Party - Prologue

[shivalries]

Season: Autumn

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Location: Practice Room

(At the Underland audition venue)



Izumi: "As a performer, how would you describe your ideal self?" ...?

(I never thought I'd have to answer a direct question from an artist I really admire.)

(And this question... Not too long ago, I probably would've had a different answer.)

(That answer would've become like a blade I pointed at myself. But I have a new answer now.)

My ideal self would be...

—

Location: Garden Terrace

(Time turns back to early November, at Knights' assembly location in the garden terrace)



Tsukasa: "Order, everyone! I have an important announcement concerning the future direction of Knights."

"As I'm certain you're aware, auditions have opened for Underland and are being widely discussed in the industry."

"The theme is based on Alice in Wonderland, which certainly evokes the memory of the Wondergame project that Switch and Eden once participated in—"

"Perhaps this is why many young artists are flocking to the audition."

"Naturally, we Knights cannot overlook such an opportunity."

"The branch of Knights that includes our graduated seniors is currently preoccupied with other work, and our schedule may not allow for this—"

"But you, however, may take this as a one-of-a-kind chance for those still attending Yumenosaki."

"Step forward and claim a slot in Underland for the new recruits of Knights, and show the world that Knights' juniors are not to be underestimated!"

"As your King, I shall support you to the best of my ability. Remember this—it would be no exaggeration to say that the results of this battle will sway Knights' future endeavors!"

"Enter yourselves in this project and claim the victory of success!"

Arashi: Tsukasa-chan's really into this, isn't he?

Calling everyone to arms with a megaphone—this isn't how it normally goes.

Ritsu: Well, if Su~chan wants to do something, our job is to follow along. Seems like the Underland organizers are interested in having juniors participate, anyway.

Anzu and the other Producer Course students have been looking after our newbies' needs for us, so...

It makes sense for Su~chan to take the lead, right? It was his idea, anyway.

Arashi: I guess...

To be honest, I don't think there's much in it for Knights to participate in this audition. We already have our name out there.

But if His Majesty wants it, then we support him. That's how it goes.

I mean, I understand where Tsukasa-chan's worries are coming from, too. As the new King, he needs to be a leader for the Knights at Yumenosaki.

Seems like the public still thinks Knights are only active as the original five members, too. It was like that at Tanabata Festival.

In that sense, this audition is a perfect chance for our little newbies.

It's been half a year since they enrolled at this school, after all. It's a good opportunity for them to show how much they've grown.

Tsukasa: Are you discussing something, my seniors?

You listened to my assembly address, right? Was it not a grand and rousing speech that would inspire our new recruits?

Ritsu: Yup, we were watching from a distance~

I agree with having the juniors participate in Underland. That event's been a hot topic online recently, after all.

Each unit that makes it through the tryouts will represent a character in a reimagined, darker Alice in Wonderland—

I think it's worth it for Knights' juniors to have a go at it.

Tsukasa: Hehe, right? Of course it is!

I thought it was an ingenious idea, myself. I had been wondering how to bring attention to the new members whilst protecting Knights' brand—

And now, we can have our juniors join in a well-known audition and build confidence and experience. This cleans up the problem nicely, don't you think?

Arashi: Ehehe, that's our King, always thinking about his comrades. What a good boy you are~♪

Tsukasa: Ah, please do not pet my head. My hair will be a mess!

Ahem. (clears throat) That aside, our new members will be working as a separate force from us ES Knights.

We must not content ourselves with the Big 3 name, but aim for the greatest heights as the single strongest unit—for that purpose, let us support our juniors to the fullest.

I trust I have your cooperation, my seniors?

Arashi: Well, I'm not a fan of getting too intense, but we can help out if it just means giving some advice here and there. Right?

Ritsu: It's a request from our one-and-only Su~chan, after all. I'll help out for as long as I'm at Yumenosaki.

If our juniors get stronger, that means I might get more time for napping, too. This is a good investment for the future...♪

Tsukasa: I do not imagine your afternoon schedule will change even if they become stronger...

But, either way, let us look after our new recruits as we take care of our own work.

Knights may be about individualism, but it would defeat the purpose of a unit if we were to leave everyone to their own devices—

I'd like the new members to take a major role in Underland and strengthen Knights' foundation.

Just as I myself have grown into a strong leader thanks to my seniors' training from back when I first joined...

...Certainly they, too, can do anything they put their minds to.

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Masterlist | Mad Hatter Chapter 1 >