Requiem - Lux aeterna Chapter 27

[shivalries]

Season: Winter

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[Repayment Fes Stage]

Tsukasa: "Leader...!"

Leo: "Oooh?! Wait, you’re the King right now, so doesn't it sound kinda weird to be calling me that?"

"Hey, what’s up? You’re looking a little teary! Something bad happen~?"

"It’s no time to cry, y'know! Look!"

Tsukasa: ...?!



Leo: "You can see for yourself, right? Did even a single light go out since we started singing?"

"Wipe your tears and take a look! The whole world is glittering with light! Wahahahahaha! ☆"

"Your wish was granted! Requiem ends in your victory!"

"It was a tough struggle until the very end, but your blade's sunk deep into my heart!"

"You cast your proper ways to the wind and lost yourself in the fight, and now you've emerged at the foot of the throne! Your earnest desires have been fulfilled!"

"And we have all borne witness to it! Wahahaha... ☆"

"You are wanted! You’ve rightfully earned the crown! But now it’s all up to you whether you wanna keep it or not!"

"You’re the King now, so do as you please! Oh wow, I’m getting a little emotional! I mean, you're like a cute lil' son to me...♪"

Tsukasa: "...I am not your son."

"My name is Tsukasa Suou. I am the only son and heir to the noble Suou family, a proud family of warriors."

(Arghh, how can this be? I know things can never be ideal, but life truly is unpredictable, no matter when!)

"Everyone! Thank you very much for your enthusiasm! I don't know how to respond to your warm support... I am moved beyond words!"

"At the very least, I wish to return your love with not words, but actions!"

"Furthermore—this may seem very sudden and unrelated, but I have an announcement to make!"

"I have now become the head of the enduring and honorable Suou family!"

"It is merely a provisional setup while my father’s health remains less than ideal, though! I do intend to fully inherit the headship someday, but..."

"At this point in time, I have already been granted a considerable amount of power!"

"Our family affairs shall be gradually passed over to me, as I doubt one so inexperienced as myself would be able to handle everything perfectly from the start..."

"But one by one, I shall inherit all that my family has built up, and bring it to even greater prosperity!"

"Well, I see you’re all very perplexed!"

"I'm certain you're asking many questions amongst yourselves: What could this have to do with my role as an idol, as a member of Knights?"

"It has very much to do with it! We, the Suou family... shall form a partnership with the Tenshouin Zaibatsu and those who've been pouring their efforts into the idol industry, and undertake a great venture together!"

"More specifically, we will be managing and running a theater that recently had its grand opening, and we'll also be backing a certain up-and-coming idol agency!"

"I cannot reveal all the details today, but I will say I have taken up responsibility for a part of this grand project!"

"I shall be acting as representative of the Suou family!"

"Of course, I will continue on with my activities as an idol as well!"

"Should the worst-case scenario have happened, I'd been prepared to do everything myself, but..."

"Now that I've been chosen as King, I shall have all of Knights aid this endeavor, too!"

"I trust you'll all wait on me hand and foot for my projects, my seniors!"

Izumi: "Uh... You're getting way ahead of yourself. You know I'm gonna be busy modeling, right?"

"But of course, just say the word and I'll lend you all the help you need."

Tsukasa: "Yes, please, as much as you are able! I still lack the proper experience, after all!"

"I am not so conceited as to think I can flawlessly handle both my family and idol work!"

"However! Two paths were laid out before me, and I could not surrender either one!"

"I love Knights dearly! There was never a dull moment in the year I spent with my seniors... It was a year filled to the brim with happiness!"

"We laughed and we cried, we lost our tempers, we quarreled about the most trivial things, and then before we knew it, we were risking our lives onstage together!"

"During the time we've spent together, I’ve come to discover parts of myself I never knew existed before! You've all gifted me with a fulfilling youth... a fulfilling life!"

"Yet at the same time, I love my family."

"They placed me within a beautiful little box and raised me with such care. They gave me the finest education, surrounded me with only the best of everything..."

"Whenever I've spoken of my upbringing, many have frowned in concern or felt sorry for me..."

"...Believing my freedom was stolen from me, or that I've only been treated as an asset for my parents."

"We are in the age of democracy, after all—independence is highly valued."

"However, if someone were to shower me in such vilification and mockery, I would have to object."

"Nothing was stolen from me; they have only protected me. I am not my parents’ asset, but their son."

"If you could but observe my family for a moment... If you could hear my conversations with my parents and relatives, you would understand."

"There is no reason whatsoever for outsiders to throw in their malicious scorn from afar."

"I was raised with love and care, like a precious, living jewel."

"And I will not allow a single soul to criticize my desire to return that love."

"I will become the head of the noble Suou family. From the very moment my father entrusted everything to me upon his sickbed, my answer has been crystal clear."

"I had resolved in my heart to do this since long, long ago."

"What had in fact most worried me... was whether or not I could balance both my family and my idol work."

"I weighed many things against each other: my own ability, the current state of the family... There was a moment when I believed it would be terribly difficult."

"The Suou family is currently facing a situation unlike any other in its long history. If I do not handle the reins with a gentle, careful touch, no doubt I will topple from the saddle."

"It seemed near impossible for someone as inexperienced as I to tackle such an issue while balancing idol work."

"I began to think... that I'd be unable to protect my family."

"But while I was consumed with anguish, a friend came to me."

"Since we'd grown up together, he came to see my father while he was hospitalised."

"There, my friend only looked on in silence, as if he was sympathizing with me."

"To be quite honest, it was very irritating."

"He was the only one whose sympathy I did not want. They say the warrior remains steadfast in hardship... As a descendant of such noble origins, I do not accept charity."

"I did not want to be inferior to him—No, I do not want to be inferior to anyone. I am a child of warriors."

"Yet at the same time, I noticed something: my friend’s circumstances have been very much like my own... By some strange fate, he too has become an idol."

"He and Tenshouin Oniisama, whom I’m sure you're all familiar with... are both in a similar position to me. They handle both their family and idol work with grace, skillfully balancing both public and private."

"I don't doubt that they work hard for it, but it's certainly not impossible. It's not merely a foolish dream."

"So, I thought: Why don’t I give it a try?!"

"I can do anything if I stake my life on it. After all, I've been blessed with talent."

"I am strong and smart—and I have been loved and raised to be so."

"By my pride and honor, I will show you all just what I can accomplish."

"I swear it. Perhaps you may think my words arrogant, but... heh, that's simply the sort of person I am."

"And, as my seniors in Knights know very well, I am quite greedy."

"I would not cast away something important just to gain something else."

"I shall discard nothing, carrying it all in my arms as I charge ever onward."

"Still, I do think this would be very difficult on my own."

"Thus, I ask you, my seniors in Knights, and all who are gathered here today... Please grant me your assistance and support from here on."

"...And you too, Leo... Tsukinaga-san."

Leo: ......

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