Requiem - Lux aeterna Chapter 23

[shivalries]

Season: Winter

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[Repayment Fes Stage]

Arashi: ......

Leo: ...Heeey? What’s up, Naru? You haven’t budged an inch.

Uh, maybe the crown’s just too heavy after all? Look, I don’t wanna force anybody on the throne either, okay...?

But someone has to inherit Knights, or it'll disappear forever.

Arashi: ...I know. That’s the whole reason you steeled yourself for this, even pretending to lose your mind just to kickstart this whole fiasco. Of course, you might've had other reasons, too.

But it’s alright. Knights won't disappear; there’s absolutely zero chance of that happening. Of course it wouldn't, not when it has such strong, beautiful knights protecting it.

Now, hand me that crown, if you will.

Leo: Ah, o-okay. Here ya go... A-Are you really okay with this? You’re not forcing yourself, are you?

Arashi: Is that what it looks like? Try to understand a lady's heart a bit more, alright? If you don't, you'll always be a little boy, no matter how old you are! ♪

Alrighty, here we go. ...Oh, is that it? This crown's actually as light as a feather! At least, it's nothing compared to the weight of our bonds and history, which we've built up together day by day.

Leo: ...?



Arashi: "Mmkaaay, thanks for waiting, everybody! I’ve now accepted the crown! Your new King of Knights is me... Arashi Narukamiiii~!"

"Now, bow down and call me your queen! Ohohohoho...! ☆"

"...Juuuust kidding~♪ That’s right, I’m already a queen, not a 'King'! You'd know that if you're a Knights fan, wouldn't you~?"

"So that's why... I'll be giving this crown to the one most after the throne!"

Leo: "Um... wha? W-What’s going on? Naru, wait, you can't do that! You gotta follow the rules of Requiem!"

"I'm passing on the royal authority because I'm graduating, but it's not supposed to be something you can just throw around!"

Arashi: "Oh, really? Is that so? But I haven’t done anything wrong, so not even the king can judge me! Besides, aren’t you forgetting something important?"

Leo: "Huh... What? Did something slip my mind again? I thought I was being more careful lately, though?"

Arashi: "Ufufu. Ritsu-chan whispered into my ear like a tiny devil on my shoulder, and thanks to him I’ve cooked up a nice little idea... ♪"

"My rosy, ideal future, my kingdom of dreams... I’ll create it right here in this world. It’ll be a utopia, where everyone is satisfied and can live in peace with smiles on their faces."

"In my queendom, there won’t be a single sad thing in sight."

"Hey, haven't you forgotten your own rules?"

"The newly appointed King can issue one order to each and every knight, yes?"

"Then I shall invoke that right!"

"As for all of you sitting out there, you'll be our witnesses, okay? If these naughty boys won't do as they’re told, let’s all punish them together. ♪"

"First up, Izumi-chan! No... maybe I should call you this as least once: Izumi Sena-senpai!"

Izumi: "Me? Ah, um, I mean... yes? 'Izumi-chan' is fine too, though, I don't really mind?"

Arashi: "Oh, come on! Now that you've already said all that you wanted to say, you're just slacking off? Pull yourself together! Is that how you’re planning to do things from now on?"

"You’re supposed to make it big as a model overseas, right?"

"Using your beautiful face as your only weapon, you'll have to square off against fierce competitors from all over the world, and who knows how many tricks they'll have up their sleeves!"

"Climb all the way to the peak, so you can make your triumphant return with a smile on your face! I don’t wanna have to wait too long, so don't waste too much time..."

"With as much speed and grace as possible, go on and become the greatest supermodel in the world."

"That’s my order to you, Izumi-chan.♪"

Izumi: "Mnn~... Sounds more like a wish than an order. Words of encouragement, even."

"Alright, then. Who do you think I am, anyway? It'll be a piece of cake!"

Arashi: "Ahaha, such confidence! But confidence is what makes beauty!"

"Give yourself lots of love, and get the whole world to love you too... Senpai. ♪"

Ritsu: "Fufu. Guess I’m the next in line... What are your orders, my queen?"

"If you're gonna force the crown on me, though, I’m gonna have to refuse."

"If it broke out that our leader was held back a year, it probably wouldn't be good for our public image. Even if Anija shamelessly acts all high and mighty about his own position."

Arashi: "Fufu. That's probably because he’s been such a great leader that none of it matters. And you're just as great, aren't you, Ritsu-chan?"

"But still, it’d be pretty cruel to force you into it if you don’t want it. I'll go easy on cute kids... I’ll let you be spoiled this time."

"You’re amazingly clever, Ritsu-chan. You're our one and only strategist, who can look at the big picture and choose the best plan of action at any time."

"Seems you weren’t at your best this time around, but we all have days like that."

"Sometimes there's rain, sometimes there's wind. But no matter what storms may come, I'd like you to enjoy life with a smile."

"It’s okay to rest when you’re tired. I’ll be there to pick up the slack for you... Let’s keep moving forward together."

Ritsu: "Is that supposed to be an order? You don’t really have to tell me to do that..."

Arashi: "Ufufu. After all, you gave me advice earlier, so giving you a simple order in return is my way of saying thanks."

"Let's keep on giving to each other and supporting each other, okay? Just as we always have. ♪"

Ritsu: Sure thing. As you wish, my queen~ ♪

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< Lux aeterna Chapter 22 || Masterlist || Lux aeterna Chapter 24 >