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shivalriesChapter 5: A Lovely Bride
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[Leo Palace – Bedroom]
???: Hmm, how weird~? I’m pretty sure I have all sorts of interesting material now.
Ugh, my hands won’t move. My head’s all empty, uhh?
Ahhh, what’s going on?! What is it that I’m missing?
Just a moment ago, my inspiration was overflowing.
But now, my imagination doesn’t wanna work at all? Just when I go to compose, my mind goes quiet, and no matter how much I stare at the music paper, nothing comes to me!
Is it because I’m in a bedroom? But that hasn’t really stopped me before…
No matter what situation I’ve been put in, I’ve always written only music. I’d throw myself into it, even missing out on food and sleep. If it’s onstage or on a throne, it shouldn’t matter.
Even bad situations actually turned into sparks of imagination before, right? Even during that time my body and mind were in shatters, I still composed as if my life depended on it.
Those songs were weapons, the only thing I wanted when I was the “naked king”.
Maybe Sena would understand? Why did it get like this?
Oh! Maybe I’ll take a break and go outside♪ Wahaha, nothing’s gonna happen if I just sit here worrying all alone. If I take a walk around town, maybe I’ll get back in the zone♪
[Leo Kingdom – Town]
Pawn: Koto koto koto. Koto koto koto.
Bishop: Kakkon kakkon. Kakkon kakkon.
???: Heeey, you can treat me like a king however you want, but it’s a bit much trying to escort me when I’m just going outside for a bit.
I’m not good with formal stuff like that! If you follow my every move, it’s kinda hard to move around, you know?
Pawn: Koto koto. Koto koto koton.
???: “We will not allow you to do as you please.” It actually feels like you’re supervising me?!
You don’t listen to anything I say, anyway. You don’t really think of me as a king, do you?
Bishop: Kakkon. Kakkon kakkon.
???: Hmm… “That is not the case, O Great King,” huh? Wahaha, it still sounds suspicious, but whatever♪
Merc: Yuu-san! I think there’s someone over there~!
Yuu: Finally, a person! After we walked around so much, I was worried what would happen if we couldn’t find anyone.
???: Hmm~? Ohh, something’s coming this way!
Yuu: Um, nice to meet you. Sorry this is so sudden, but I have something I’d like to ask.
???: Ahhh, wait! Don’t give me any information!
Yuu: Uh, ah, okay! S-Sure….?
???: I’ll guess, I’ll imagine it! Who are you? Mumumu, I can’t think of a thing! No wait, this our first meeting! Huh? Then you’re one of the natives here, yeah?!
Yuu: N-No, I’m not. Umm… who are you…?
???: Mmm, then an outsider?! Meaning you’re the same as me♪
Wahahahaha, ucchu~☆
Yuu: (What do I do, Merc?! This guy ended up being really, really weird!)
Merc: (This isn’t the time to get flustered! You have to bucker up and go with it!)
Yuu: U… Ucchu…☆ Wait, hey, what’re you making me do?!
???: Wahaha! Yup yup, not bad♪ A shy ucchu~☆ is nice too♪
But it looks like there’s another person here, huh? For a while, I was sure I was the only one.
Those clothes look so exotic☆ Alright, that’s good, new and easy to remember…♪
Yuu: I-Is that so…? Anyway, this is the first time I’ve seen a person here too.
Uhh, I should introduce myself. I’m Yuu, a Soother. And the one inside this little jar is Merc.
Merc: I’m Merc! Ucchu~☆ I say~!
???: Wah, how do you live in a place so small?! It’s so cramped! I wouldn’t be able to stand it! Well, I can’t even fit one foot in there anyway, wahaha☆
Leo: I’m Leo Tsukinaga. I love singing and dancing☆ Fufu, and I’m also a composing genius♪
But you’re pretty interesting yourselves~? You have a lot of things I don’t♪
Do you know anything about this town? I suddenly arrived here, but I have no idea how to get back, you know?
Yuu: Ahh, well, actually…? We were about to ask you the same thing.
Leo: Ohh, is that so♪ So you’re the same as me, what a coincidence~
Well, you won’t get bored here. Weird stuff happens all the time♪
Look, over there. There’s huge castle on the water, right? Have you been over there yet?
Yuu: No, I thought it’d be too much work to paddle a boat all the way over. Although of course, I’m curious about it.
Leo: Wahaha☆ You do look pretty weak~♪
If you like, come on over. I was invited over there earlier, actually. For some reason, I’m being treated like the lord of that castle right now.
Yuu: You…? Invited? By who?
Pawn (x3): Koton, koton. Koto, koto, kotton.
Leo: These guys. I guess they’re like my retainers~? I’m just out for a stroll, but they won’t leave me alone. Said they were escorting me or something♪
Pawn (x3): Koton! Koto kotton!
Leo: “Your majesty should not invite outsiders to the palace.” You’re so stiff about every single thing, huh? They seem harmless, come on♪
Yuu: These monsters are… retainers…? I was wondering what they were doing all around you.
They were following after you, huh. And it seems like you can understand them…?
Leo: Of course♪ Wait, you can’t?
Pawn: Koto koto? Kotton?
Yuu: Mm, well, yeah…? I really have no idea what they’re saying.
Leo: Mumu, what? So I’m the weird one here?
Hmm, well, okay♪ Thanks to you guys, I’ve had a nice change of pace☆
I’m gonna go back to the castle soon. If you feel like it, come visit me.
Wahaha♪ I don’t care if you’re a sorcerer or whatever, I’ll welcome you♪
Yuu: Yeah, and we’ll let you know if we find anything out. Also, I’m not a sorcerer, I’m a Soother.
Leo: Mm? Soother?
Yuu: Uhh, ah, right. All things considered, it’s not surprising you don’t know.
In the place I’m from, humans who can use healing magic are called Soothers.
Merc: Healing magic purifies monster’s hearts and makes them gentle. Yuu-san knows how to use it!
Leo: Wahahaha, I see! I have no idea what you’re talking about!
But just hearing about it makes me so excited~☆ So many doors are being opened to worlds I don’t know, I can’t stop all this inspiration…♪
And you yourself are really extraordinary. Just looking at you makes my imagination grow!
Merc: M-Me, you say…? I don’t know how to respond to that. Should I be happy?
Leo: Wahaha, it’s not a bad thing, you know! You’ll be the base for my next composition~
♪~♪~♪
I’m gonna get started right when I get back. See you later, byebye☆
Bishop: Kakkon! Kakkon kakkon!
Leo: Hm~? What’s up with you?
Bishop: Kakkon kakkon! Kakkon kakkon!
Yuu: Uwah?! Hey, wait a sec…?!
Bishop: Kakkon kakkon! Kakkon kakkon!
Merc: Myuwawawawa?! Wait, Mr. Retainer, be careful?! If you shake me around so much, I’ll spill!!
Leo: What are you doing with that jar on your head? Put her back, can’t you see she doesn’t like it~?
Bishop: Kakkon kakkon! Kakkon kakkon!
Leo: “Your majesty has finally decided to take a queen, I see. This girl has piqued your royal interest, has she not?” …Huh?
No way. I mean I like her, but I don’t wanna marry her or anything?
Bishop: Kakkon kakkon! Kakkon kakkon!
Leo: “No, your majesty must extend the royal bloodline. Let us bring her with us to the castle,” you say?
Heeeey…? Are you listening to me? What the heck are you saying?
Look, you’re bothering her too. Don’t use force on people! We’re done with this!
Bishop: Kakkon kakkon! Kakkon kakkon!
Leo: “When shall we hold the ceremony? We thought such a thing might happen, so we have already made preparations. If your majesty prefers, it may even be tomorrow.” Wait, hey, you guys?!
Yuu: W-Wait! Why are you having a ceremony?!
Leo: Uh, I don’t even really know, myself…? Hey you guys, cut it out—mmph?!
Pawn (x3): Koto koto koto koto koto koto! Koto koto koto koto koto koto!
Merc: Myumyu?! I’m being passed along a huge crowd of monsters~?!
Leo: Stop, quit pushing me?! You need to show some respect for your lord!!
Pawn (x2): Koto koto koto koto koto koto! Koto koto koto koto koto koto!
Merc: Myuwaa~?! I never thought a beautiful heroine like me would end up being forced into holy matrimony~?!
Yuu: What are you talking about, Merc?! Wait, they’re taking her with them?!
This is bad. They took Merc. I didn’t even have time to resist.
I want to go save her right now, but I don’t think I’d match up to them by myself.
But I can’t just lull around here either. First things first, let’s get in a boat and head for Leo’s castle.
Leo didn’t seem like he wanted it either. With his help, they might give her back.
Mmm… But why were they suddenly going on about a wedding ceremony…?
Tsukasa: Um, excuse me. May I have some of your time?
Yuu: Yes? Umm, are you talking to me…?
Tsukasa: Yes, of course. You seem troubled. Did something happen?
Fufu, if I may, this humble Tsukasa Suou will lend an ear to your troubles.
Yuu: Tsukasa-san? Nice to meet you, I’m Yuu.
Tsukasa: You and I must not be so different in age. Please do not hesitate to call me “Tsukasa”♪
Yuu: I-I see, thank you. But, why do you look so happy…?
Tsukasa: I’m actually quite relieved. There is another person here besides us.
Yuu: Ahh, I see. You’re not from this town either, Tsukasa?
Tsukasa: Fufu, it is as you say♪ It seems you are the same, Yuu-san.
Perhaps you and I are in the same predicament as well.
Yuu: I see. So you’re also worrying over something.
Arashi: Oh my, how cute☆ Tsukasa-chan, could you introduce me too?
Tsukasa: Hyeh?! Narukami-senpai, when did you…?!
Y-You scared me. Please don’t suddenly speak from behind me.
Arashi: Oh gosh♪ Don’t act so shocked, that hurts, you know?
Yuu-chan, hm? I’m Arashi Narukami, and I go to the same school as Tsukasa-chan♪
Yuu: Arashi, okay. Wait, the both of you are students?
Arashi: That’s right…♪ Do you know Yumenosaki Academy? It’s a school that specializes in training male idols☆
Yuu: No, I’ve never heard of it. You’re both doing idol work? I was thinking that you’re both very pretty.
Arashi: Thank you☆ I’m happy to hear it♪
Yuu: Anyway, this Yumenosaki… what kind of things do you do in class?
Arashi: Of course we have singing and dancing lessons, but we also have formal subjects. Then there’s also the Dream Idol Festivals, or DreamFes, where we fight in live battles.
Yuu: Ohh, that’s a unique take on it. So you mean different idols stand on the same stage and fight?
Arashi: Ufufu, it’s not like we hit each other or anything…♪ Each unit will do a performance on stage to see who can capture the audience.
By the way, “units” are groups we make to participate in idol activities.
We can get bonuses based on the results of these lives. Since our options increase when we’re in a unit, there’s no harm in making one.
Tsukasa: Speaking of which, Narukami-senpai and I are in a unit called Knights♪ Fufu, it is a group that honors the code of “chivalry”.
Yuu: O-Okay…? But why are you two in a place like this?
Tsukasa: It pains me to say it, but I do not understand the circumstances that brought us here. Before we realized it, we were suddenly walking around this town.
Since you do not appear to be a resident of this place, Yuu-san, I assume you are in the same position?
Yuu: Well, pretty much. Are you searching for a way to return to Yumenosaki?
Tsukasa: Yes, it is as you say. However, as another matter, we are also searching for a person as well. The leader of Knights has gone missing.
As I was looking for him, I noticed you and thought you looked troubled, so I thought I could be of some assistance.
Yuu: Oh, there’s someone you’re looking for? Your situation really is like mine. I got separated from my friend just now.
Well, I know where she’s being taken, so I was just about to go there.
Tsukasa: Oh, what a coincidence…? If I am able to locate our leader, I would like to help you look for your friend as well.
Yuu: No, don’t worry about it. Anyway, who is this person you’re looking for? What’s he like…?
Arashi: He’s a boy with bright orange hair. In Knights, we call him our king. He’s quite lively, so he’s hard to forget.
Also, hmm… He sometimes does these weird greetings, like “ucchu~☆”?
Yuu: Hm? Lively, orange hair, ucchu~☆?
Tsukasa: His name is Leo Tsukinaga. If you see him, I would appreciate any information.
Yuu: No, it’s just…? I met Leo just now, actually.
Tsukasa: What?! Yuu-san, you saw Leader?!
Yuu: Umm, kinda. But there was a small problem, you see. I was just about to chase after him.
Tsukasa: Hm, I see…? And what problem was this?
Yuu: My friend was taken by those little monsters. The ones that were all around Leo.
Tsukasa: Oh my goodness…? Leader kidnapped your friend, Yuu-san?
Yuu: No, Leo tried to stop them. But they took Merc with them by force.
Arashi: Either way, I don’t think that Ousama would do something as boring as kidnapping someone.
The person you want to save is named Merc-chan, right? Might the two of you be dating, by any chance?
Yuu: No, we’re not… Actually, I’ve been on a journey, and it’s because of my friend Merc.
Arashi: Because of her? Could I ask what that reason is?
Yuu: Merc doesn’t have any memories from before I met her. So, while crossing many different lands, we’ve been searching for clues.
Arashi: Is that so? It’s a much more complex problem than I imagined. Either way, it seems she is a very important person to you.
I see now. But if that’s the case, it might be just the right timing.
We’re searching for Ousama. If Merc-chan is with Ousama, then we can help you too, Yuu-chan.
Yuu: That would be a big help. On that note, they went back to Leo’s castle on the water. It seems they’re still there right now.
Arashi: Oh my, it seems he’s been invited into such a grand palace♪ With so many retainers here, it’s like a kingdom all to himself.
Tsukasa: Fufu, that is true. This strange scenery seems like something Leader would like.
Putting that aside, Yuu-san, I am honored to be of assistance to you.
I am just wondering, but why did Merc-san end up being taken…?
Yuu: Um, how do I put it? The monsters that carried her away were trying to make Merc into Leo’s bride.
Tsukasa: Whaaat?!
W-What is the meaning of this?! Leader is going to wed Merc-san?!
Yuu: Ah, yeah, I guess…? At the very least, that’s what the retainers intended.
They said something about a king needing an heir…? They were trying to make her their queen.
Tsukasa: Stupid! Such a foolish, spontaneous decision! This Tsukasa Suou will not allow it!
Yuu: And I think the ceremony is tomorrow. They were saying they already had all the preparations in place.
Tsukasa: Jesus Christ…!
Ahh, my head has begun to ache. It feels exactly like being dragged around by Leader’s whims.
Arashi: Oh my goodness☆ What an outrageous situation, huh. Shall we start moving, then?
Tsukasa: Oh, Narukami-senpai? Where are you going?
Arashi: I’m gonna go back to the bar for a minute♪ We need to tell Izumi-chan and Ritsu-chan that we found out where Ousama is☆
And today’s the day before the ceremony, right? We can’t afford to be lazy right now.
Ufufu♪ Then it’s decided, let us commence Operation Seize the Bride!
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< Chapter 4: The Magic Picture Book || Merc Storia Masterlist || Chapter 6: Throne of Conceit >
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[Leo Palace – Bedroom]
???: Hmm, how weird~? I’m pretty sure I have all sorts of interesting material now.
Ugh, my hands won’t move. My head’s all empty, uhh?
Ahhh, what’s going on?! What is it that I’m missing?
Just a moment ago, my inspiration was overflowing.
But now, my imagination doesn’t wanna work at all? Just when I go to compose, my mind goes quiet, and no matter how much I stare at the music paper, nothing comes to me!
Is it because I’m in a bedroom? But that hasn’t really stopped me before…
No matter what situation I’ve been put in, I’ve always written only music. I’d throw myself into it, even missing out on food and sleep. If it’s onstage or on a throne, it shouldn’t matter.
Even bad situations actually turned into sparks of imagination before, right? Even during that time my body and mind were in shatters, I still composed as if my life depended on it.
Those songs were weapons, the only thing I wanted when I was the “naked king”.
Maybe Sena would understand? Why did it get like this?
Oh! Maybe I’ll take a break and go outside♪ Wahaha, nothing’s gonna happen if I just sit here worrying all alone. If I take a walk around town, maybe I’ll get back in the zone♪
[Leo Kingdom – Town]
Pawn: Koto koto koto. Koto koto koto.
Bishop: Kakkon kakkon. Kakkon kakkon.
???: Heeey, you can treat me like a king however you want, but it’s a bit much trying to escort me when I’m just going outside for a bit.
I’m not good with formal stuff like that! If you follow my every move, it’s kinda hard to move around, you know?
Pawn: Koto koto. Koto koto koton.
???: “We will not allow you to do as you please.” It actually feels like you’re supervising me?!
You don’t listen to anything I say, anyway. You don’t really think of me as a king, do you?
Bishop: Kakkon. Kakkon kakkon.
???: Hmm… “That is not the case, O Great King,” huh? Wahaha, it still sounds suspicious, but whatever♪
Merc: Yuu-san! I think there’s someone over there~!
Yuu: Finally, a person! After we walked around so much, I was worried what would happen if we couldn’t find anyone.
???: Hmm~? Ohh, something’s coming this way!
Yuu: Um, nice to meet you. Sorry this is so sudden, but I have something I’d like to ask.
???: Ahhh, wait! Don’t give me any information!
Yuu: Uh, ah, okay! S-Sure….?
???: I’ll guess, I’ll imagine it! Who are you? Mumumu, I can’t think of a thing! No wait, this our first meeting! Huh? Then you’re one of the natives here, yeah?!
Yuu: N-No, I’m not. Umm… who are you…?
???: Mmm, then an outsider?! Meaning you’re the same as me♪
Wahahahaha, ucchu~☆
Yuu: (What do I do, Merc?! This guy ended up being really, really weird!)
Merc: (This isn’t the time to get flustered! You have to bucker up and go with it!)
Yuu: U… Ucchu…☆ Wait, hey, what’re you making me do?!
???: Wahaha! Yup yup, not bad♪ A shy ucchu~☆ is nice too♪
But it looks like there’s another person here, huh? For a while, I was sure I was the only one.
Those clothes look so exotic☆ Alright, that’s good, new and easy to remember…♪
Yuu: I-Is that so…? Anyway, this is the first time I’ve seen a person here too.
Uhh, I should introduce myself. I’m Yuu, a Soother. And the one inside this little jar is Merc.
Merc: I’m Merc! Ucchu~☆ I say~!
???: Wah, how do you live in a place so small?! It’s so cramped! I wouldn’t be able to stand it! Well, I can’t even fit one foot in there anyway, wahaha☆
Leo: I’m Leo Tsukinaga. I love singing and dancing☆ Fufu, and I’m also a composing genius♪
But you’re pretty interesting yourselves~? You have a lot of things I don’t♪
Do you know anything about this town? I suddenly arrived here, but I have no idea how to get back, you know?
Yuu: Ahh, well, actually…? We were about to ask you the same thing.
Leo: Ohh, is that so♪ So you’re the same as me, what a coincidence~
Well, you won’t get bored here. Weird stuff happens all the time♪
Look, over there. There’s huge castle on the water, right? Have you been over there yet?
Yuu: No, I thought it’d be too much work to paddle a boat all the way over. Although of course, I’m curious about it.
Leo: Wahaha☆ You do look pretty weak~♪
If you like, come on over. I was invited over there earlier, actually. For some reason, I’m being treated like the lord of that castle right now.
Yuu: You…? Invited? By who?
Pawn (x3): Koton, koton. Koto, koto, kotton.
Leo: These guys. I guess they’re like my retainers~? I’m just out for a stroll, but they won’t leave me alone. Said they were escorting me or something♪
Pawn (x3): Koton! Koto kotton!
Leo: “Your majesty should not invite outsiders to the palace.” You’re so stiff about every single thing, huh? They seem harmless, come on♪
Yuu: These monsters are… retainers…? I was wondering what they were doing all around you.
They were following after you, huh. And it seems like you can understand them…?
Leo: Of course♪ Wait, you can’t?
Pawn: Koto koto? Kotton?
Yuu: Mm, well, yeah…? I really have no idea what they’re saying.
Leo: Mumu, what? So I’m the weird one here?
Hmm, well, okay♪ Thanks to you guys, I’ve had a nice change of pace☆
I’m gonna go back to the castle soon. If you feel like it, come visit me.
Wahaha♪ I don’t care if you’re a sorcerer or whatever, I’ll welcome you♪
Yuu: Yeah, and we’ll let you know if we find anything out. Also, I’m not a sorcerer, I’m a Soother.
Leo: Mm? Soother?
Yuu: Uhh, ah, right. All things considered, it’s not surprising you don’t know.
In the place I’m from, humans who can use healing magic are called Soothers.
Merc: Healing magic purifies monster’s hearts and makes them gentle. Yuu-san knows how to use it!
Leo: Wahahaha, I see! I have no idea what you’re talking about!
But just hearing about it makes me so excited~☆ So many doors are being opened to worlds I don’t know, I can’t stop all this inspiration…♪
And you yourself are really extraordinary. Just looking at you makes my imagination grow!
Merc: M-Me, you say…? I don’t know how to respond to that. Should I be happy?
Leo: Wahaha, it’s not a bad thing, you know! You’ll be the base for my next composition~
♪~♪~♪
I’m gonna get started right when I get back. See you later, byebye☆
Bishop: Kakkon! Kakkon kakkon!
Leo: Hm~? What’s up with you?
Bishop: Kakkon kakkon! Kakkon kakkon!
Yuu: Uwah?! Hey, wait a sec…?!
Bishop: Kakkon kakkon! Kakkon kakkon!
Merc: Myuwawawawa?! Wait, Mr. Retainer, be careful?! If you shake me around so much, I’ll spill!!
Leo: What are you doing with that jar on your head? Put her back, can’t you see she doesn’t like it~?
Bishop: Kakkon kakkon! Kakkon kakkon!
Leo: “Your majesty has finally decided to take a queen, I see. This girl has piqued your royal interest, has she not?” …Huh?
No way. I mean I like her, but I don’t wanna marry her or anything?
Bishop: Kakkon kakkon! Kakkon kakkon!
Leo: “No, your majesty must extend the royal bloodline. Let us bring her with us to the castle,” you say?
Heeeey…? Are you listening to me? What the heck are you saying?
Look, you’re bothering her too. Don’t use force on people! We’re done with this!
Bishop: Kakkon kakkon! Kakkon kakkon!
Leo: “When shall we hold the ceremony? We thought such a thing might happen, so we have already made preparations. If your majesty prefers, it may even be tomorrow.” Wait, hey, you guys?!
Yuu: W-Wait! Why are you having a ceremony?!
Leo: Uh, I don’t even really know, myself…? Hey you guys, cut it out—mmph?!
Pawn (x3): Koto koto koto koto koto koto! Koto koto koto koto koto koto!
Merc: Myumyu?! I’m being passed along a huge crowd of monsters~?!
Leo: Stop, quit pushing me?! You need to show some respect for your lord!!
Pawn (x2): Koto koto koto koto koto koto! Koto koto koto koto koto koto!
Merc: Myuwaa~?! I never thought a beautiful heroine like me would end up being forced into holy matrimony~?!
Yuu: What are you talking about, Merc?! Wait, they’re taking her with them?!
This is bad. They took Merc. I didn’t even have time to resist.
I want to go save her right now, but I don’t think I’d match up to them by myself.
But I can’t just lull around here either. First things first, let’s get in a boat and head for Leo’s castle.
Leo didn’t seem like he wanted it either. With his help, they might give her back.
Mmm… But why were they suddenly going on about a wedding ceremony…?
Tsukasa: Um, excuse me. May I have some of your time?
Yuu: Yes? Umm, are you talking to me…?
Tsukasa: Yes, of course. You seem troubled. Did something happen?
Fufu, if I may, this humble Tsukasa Suou will lend an ear to your troubles.
Yuu: Tsukasa-san? Nice to meet you, I’m Yuu.
Tsukasa: You and I must not be so different in age. Please do not hesitate to call me “Tsukasa”♪
Yuu: I-I see, thank you. But, why do you look so happy…?
Tsukasa: I’m actually quite relieved. There is another person here besides us.
Yuu: Ahh, I see. You’re not from this town either, Tsukasa?
Tsukasa: Fufu, it is as you say♪ It seems you are the same, Yuu-san.
Perhaps you and I are in the same predicament as well.
Yuu: I see. So you’re also worrying over something.
Arashi: Oh my, how cute☆ Tsukasa-chan, could you introduce me too?
Tsukasa: Hyeh?! Narukami-senpai, when did you…?!
Y-You scared me. Please don’t suddenly speak from behind me.
Arashi: Oh gosh♪ Don’t act so shocked, that hurts, you know?
Yuu-chan, hm? I’m Arashi Narukami, and I go to the same school as Tsukasa-chan♪
Yuu: Arashi, okay. Wait, the both of you are students?
Arashi: That’s right…♪ Do you know Yumenosaki Academy? It’s a school that specializes in training male idols☆
Yuu: No, I’ve never heard of it. You’re both doing idol work? I was thinking that you’re both very pretty.
Arashi: Thank you☆ I’m happy to hear it♪
Yuu: Anyway, this Yumenosaki… what kind of things do you do in class?
Arashi: Of course we have singing and dancing lessons, but we also have formal subjects. Then there’s also the Dream Idol Festivals, or DreamFes, where we fight in live battles.
Yuu: Ohh, that’s a unique take on it. So you mean different idols stand on the same stage and fight?
Arashi: Ufufu, it’s not like we hit each other or anything…♪ Each unit will do a performance on stage to see who can capture the audience.
By the way, “units” are groups we make to participate in idol activities.
We can get bonuses based on the results of these lives. Since our options increase when we’re in a unit, there’s no harm in making one.
Tsukasa: Speaking of which, Narukami-senpai and I are in a unit called Knights♪ Fufu, it is a group that honors the code of “chivalry”.
Yuu: O-Okay…? But why are you two in a place like this?
Tsukasa: It pains me to say it, but I do not understand the circumstances that brought us here. Before we realized it, we were suddenly walking around this town.
Since you do not appear to be a resident of this place, Yuu-san, I assume you are in the same position?
Yuu: Well, pretty much. Are you searching for a way to return to Yumenosaki?
Tsukasa: Yes, it is as you say. However, as another matter, we are also searching for a person as well. The leader of Knights has gone missing.
As I was looking for him, I noticed you and thought you looked troubled, so I thought I could be of some assistance.
Yuu: Oh, there’s someone you’re looking for? Your situation really is like mine. I got separated from my friend just now.
Well, I know where she’s being taken, so I was just about to go there.
Tsukasa: Oh, what a coincidence…? If I am able to locate our leader, I would like to help you look for your friend as well.
Yuu: No, don’t worry about it. Anyway, who is this person you’re looking for? What’s he like…?
Arashi: He’s a boy with bright orange hair. In Knights, we call him our king. He’s quite lively, so he’s hard to forget.
Also, hmm… He sometimes does these weird greetings, like “ucchu~☆”?
Yuu: Hm? Lively, orange hair, ucchu~☆?
Tsukasa: His name is Leo Tsukinaga. If you see him, I would appreciate any information.
Yuu: No, it’s just…? I met Leo just now, actually.
Tsukasa: What?! Yuu-san, you saw Leader?!
Yuu: Umm, kinda. But there was a small problem, you see. I was just about to chase after him.
Tsukasa: Hm, I see…? And what problem was this?
Yuu: My friend was taken by those little monsters. The ones that were all around Leo.
Tsukasa: Oh my goodness…? Leader kidnapped your friend, Yuu-san?
Yuu: No, Leo tried to stop them. But they took Merc with them by force.
Arashi: Either way, I don’t think that Ousama would do something as boring as kidnapping someone.
The person you want to save is named Merc-chan, right? Might the two of you be dating, by any chance?
Yuu: No, we’re not… Actually, I’ve been on a journey, and it’s because of my friend Merc.
Arashi: Because of her? Could I ask what that reason is?
Yuu: Merc doesn’t have any memories from before I met her. So, while crossing many different lands, we’ve been searching for clues.
Arashi: Is that so? It’s a much more complex problem than I imagined. Either way, it seems she is a very important person to you.
I see now. But if that’s the case, it might be just the right timing.
We’re searching for Ousama. If Merc-chan is with Ousama, then we can help you too, Yuu-chan.
Yuu: That would be a big help. On that note, they went back to Leo’s castle on the water. It seems they’re still there right now.
Arashi: Oh my, it seems he’s been invited into such a grand palace♪ With so many retainers here, it’s like a kingdom all to himself.
Tsukasa: Fufu, that is true. This strange scenery seems like something Leader would like.
Putting that aside, Yuu-san, I am honored to be of assistance to you.
I am just wondering, but why did Merc-san end up being taken…?
Yuu: Um, how do I put it? The monsters that carried her away were trying to make Merc into Leo’s bride.
Tsukasa: Whaaat?!
W-What is the meaning of this?! Leader is going to wed Merc-san?!
Yuu: Ah, yeah, I guess…? At the very least, that’s what the retainers intended.
They said something about a king needing an heir…? They were trying to make her their queen.
Tsukasa: Stupid! Such a foolish, spontaneous decision! This Tsukasa Suou will not allow it!
Yuu: And I think the ceremony is tomorrow. They were saying they already had all the preparations in place.
Tsukasa: Jesus Christ…!
Ahh, my head has begun to ache. It feels exactly like being dragged around by Leader’s whims.
Arashi: Oh my goodness☆ What an outrageous situation, huh. Shall we start moving, then?
Tsukasa: Oh, Narukami-senpai? Where are you going?
Arashi: I’m gonna go back to the bar for a minute♪ We need to tell Izumi-chan and Ritsu-chan that we found out where Ousama is☆
And today’s the day before the ceremony, right? We can’t afford to be lazy right now.
Ufufu♪ Then it’s decided, let us commence Operation Seize the Bride!
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< Chapter 4: The Magic Picture Book || Merc Storia Masterlist || Chapter 6: Throne of Conceit >
