Its late to ask butis this okay?

I asked Margo-san when she stopped the Maserati in the parking lot ofNational theater

What?

Margo-san asks back while turning off the engine.

Noits still 4 oclock

I look at the wristwatch I got from Minaho-neesan.

MisuzusKonpeki class symposiumshould be held at night.

Anyone but the parties concerned cant enter the theater before opening?!

Isnt it bad to come here this early?

Margo-san smiled

Well, dont mind thatMisuzu-sans already here too

Misuzus already in the venue to

Kouzuki Security Services timetable says that the performers gather at 1PM. Theyll have a stage rehearsal at 1:30 They should be practicing respectively at the lobby

Even though the symposium is at night

Isnt 1PM a bit too early?

Today, the students who will appear at the symposium are over 50 in total!

Ehthat many?

Well, theyre starting from six years old. It seems that the small girls would be dancing together

I seeeven if you say its a class, there are also elementary school students

Even if the scale is big, theres no change that its a Classical Japanese dance class.

However, everyones a child of a big name in politics or business

Thats whythestage rehearsalbefore the performance would take some time

Stage rehearsal?

They would dance in the stage just as you can see in the real performancethere would be lighting and sounds too. Then, they will repeat it several times. This is probably the first time for the younger ones to dance on such a big stage so they need to get used to the venue. Since the apprentices in the classroom arent professional dancersitll take a lot of time to organize the schedule. Theyre more than 50 people after all

The actualpresentationwould take three hours at longest.

And yet, thestage practicewould take more than twice.

Thenof course, the the apprentices are all from good family so theyre not coming to the theater alone!

I see

Everyone has their guardian and escort coming with them.

Thereforeeven if we blend in with them, nobody would think its strange

Minaho-neesan, Katsuko-nee, Margo-san, Nei-san, they look like theyve been dispatched from some house

Megu, Mana, Michithey look like friends of the apprentices.

The problem would be Yukino and me.

What do I look like?

I asked honestly.

I dont look like guard at all

That said, I dont have the character of being a friend of a famous person.

What is Yoshida-kun to Misuzu-san?

Margo-san asked with a smile,

I

I am Misuzusman

Walk with your chest puffed out and with dignityotherwise, it would be rude to Misuzu-san

Right.

I dont need to care about what the people around me think.

Theres abondbetween Misuzu and me

Thats enough.

Well, you feel like a rich kid more than you think so dont worry

Margo-san looked at my appearance then said.

That suit is tailored nicely, Katsuko-sans repair is perfect too. Youve got shoes prepared too, right?

Yes

This suit is Minaho-neesans grandfathers suit, Katsuko-nee fixed it to my size.

The leather shoes, and the Y-shirt were prepared before I noticed.

Katsuko-nee, thanks.

Wellthe halls already filled with peopleaside from the performers attendant attendant, the people from Kouzuki Security service would be in swarm too. You dont have to mind it so much Your identity is checked by Kouzuki security service so your status is guaranteed

Ehthat inspection?

But,there were only three people in front of the gate, right?

Well, if there are are a lot of themit would be exposed that important people gather here today. Thats unpleasant to the eye. The big names mind that kind of thing. Actually, I think that theres a group gathered around the gate when something goes wrong

Then, the easy check we saw

Thats only a pretense. When the inspector misbehaved, they purposely lead someone suspicious to wait. That way, they can see the attitude

Suspicious people

I get the reason why on Kudou-papa.

Were we that suspicious?

Normallywhen a person like that comes at such time, itll be shut-out completely. In an assembly like todaythe mass media, journalistor, a spy, or a imposter who just want to get close to a famous personthose kind of people creep in the venue somehow, they come in the gate one after another. The guards would be in a big problem

I seethe cast and the attendants are supposed to be at the venue by 1:00.

If a man comes at such an unfinished time, it cant be helped to be thought as suspicious.

AlsoKouzuki Security Services Director Yamaoka came out immediately right? Hes watching over a security camera

Speaking of which, he did.

Actually, theyre making second and third checks at the same time

I see

ThereforeViolas staff wont disappear in this hallso be at ease

Margo-san smiled at me.

Butthe theater has a lot of people working there. If they disguise as a cleaner, or a restaurant staff

Margo-san laughs at my worry.

Yoshida-kunthis is theNational theatr Security towards that is thorough

Is that so?

Today, this reserved byKonpeki classthe stalls and restaurant are on a day off. Then, the staff in the theater and clean up, and lighting, are all people arranged by Kouzuki security service

Eh?

The people from the upper class like to go to the theaters quite often. Watching from the audience or their children on the stage. ThereforeKouzuki security service has a department which holds staff that does theater work

Everyones from Kouzuki security service.

In a genuine professional drama, opera or musical, staff for sounds and lighting that are not professional wont do butif its Japanese traditional dance presentation, Kouzuki security service can do it

Margo-san told me.

Thats why, as long as youre inside the theater, you dont have to worry about Viola

Is that so?

Lets put Cesario Violas raid on the corner of my mind for the time being

Lets concentrate on another problem for now.

In short.

Misuzu.

Misuzus grandfather, KouzukiKakka

As expected, hes not here yet

Also.

Today, Misuzusfiancewill come too

Onii-chan?

Margo-san and I arent getting off the car so Mana knocked on the window of Maserati with a worried face.

Oh, Im getting off

I forced a smile and open the passenger seats door.

Minaho-neesan, Nei-san, Megu and Michi are already outside of the car.

Katsuko-nee and Yukino too.

I get off the Maserati in a hurry.

Hm?

Whats wrong?

Megu asks me

Nei-san and Margo-san are wearing the same shoes

Both of them are wearing the similar leather black shoes.

Low heels

Oh, its easier for us to move with thiswe focus on functionality

Thats right, you can easily run when something happens!

Both of them looked at each other and smiled.

This is a custom design. Its made according to the shape of our feet!

This also has the latest sports shoes tech. They look like normal leather shoes however

Hee

Kudou-sans shoes is the same, isnt it?

Margo-san asks Michi.

Yesis it easy to know?

Michi answered calmly.

We first look at the shoes when we meet the people from the same profession

Why?

When I ask

Yoshida-kun, take a look at the peoples shoes. Youll immediately understand!

Minaho-neesan told me.

G-Got it

For the time beingI take a look at Michis shoes again.

Thisthe sole?

Unlike ordinary leather shoesits not flat?

Yes. My shoes are for combat. The sole isnt made with leather but with rubber. Furthermore, since my combat is limited to urban areasthis isnt a military sole but a custom-made special sole pattern

Were the same!

Nei-san whos me her shoe sole.

It looks like ordinary clean leather shoes butthe sole looks like jogging shoes.

This is fine with asphalt and concrete butits a problem since it doesnt grip on slippery linoleum or even waxed wooden floor. The rubber shoe sole itself is special made. Because of that, the decrease is also fast

Margo-san taught me.

The shoe sole Kudou-sans wearing right now has the same material from what were using before I think. Want to test the bottom of the rubber? If youd like then Ill introduce the workman doing ours!

Thank you very much

So specialist guards thinks this much on their shoes.

Now, its about time we go

Minaho-neesan calls out everyone

We head to the theater from the parking lot.

Kouzuki security service guards were standing even at the entrance of the theater but they let us through without saying anything.

It seems that all of the guards already know about us.

Danna-samaaa!

Misuzu came to meet us in the wide lobby.

Misuzus wearing a Yukata for practice.

Ive been waiting!

Misuzu comes near me.

Yuzuki-samaeveryone, thank you for coming today

Misuzu bows to everyone.

Weve arrived a bit early. Sorry

Minaho-neesan said

Everyones myfamilyso dont mind it

In shortwere formally registered as Misuzusattendant

With this, we wont have any problem before the theater opens

Looking around the lobbygirls in Yukata here and there are practicing independently.

Each of the girl has a guard around them.

Does Misuzu have anyone from her house coming with her?

When I asked her.

Father and my parents will be here at the opening time but?

No, not thatIm talking about guards

Misuzu laughs.

Everyone from the Kouzuki security service!

I-I see.

True, Kouzuki security service are tasked to guard theSymposiumtoday

In the first place, the people from Kouzuki house would be the top priority

They even made Yamaoka whos the head of guards, theres no need for anyone else

AlsoMichi has returned

Michi stands before Misuzu.

Ill return to guarding Misuzu-sama

Please Michi

he guard exclusive to Misuzu returned to her duty.

Then, Ill be having a chat with director Yamaoka!

Minaho-neesan told us.

Information exchange with Kouzuki security service.

ButI dont think director Yamaoka has any information we want to know.

Minaho-neesan said that its achat

Katsuko, Margo, come with me

Yes, Ojou-sama

Neigo with Yoshida-kun and others

Roger!

Nei-san jokingly salutes to Minaho-neesan.

From a distance, Minaho-neesan looks Misuzus guardand Nei-sans a subordinate.

I think you know it already but dont approach windows. There might be a guy on a lens

Margo-san said worriedly.

Its fine! I know it already!

ThenYoshida-kun, take care of them

The ladies along with Minaho-neesan went to the headquarters.

Misuzu-saan!

From the entrance of the lobby, a girl carrying a cart calls Misuzu

Whats wrong, Kanako-san?

Could you help us if youre free? The pamphlets to be distributed to the guests today on the rehearsal hall has arrived but we have to fold it into two

Okay, Im coming!

So the apprentices work on this.

Theyre making preparations during the breaks from the stage rehearsal.

Uhm, Misuzu-san

Megu calls Misuzu.

Could you let us help out too?

Mana smiles.

Is that okay?

Well, arent weMisuzu-sansfamily?

Misuzu and Megu looked at each otherthen, smiled.

Then, please!

I-Ill help out too!

Nei-san said.

Yukino-san will be helping out too!

Mana told her sister sadistically.

Yukinos just silent all the time.

Now, lets go

Michi stands behind Yukino then forced her to move forward.

We head to the girl with the cart.

Hello, Im Horaguchi Kanako

The very mature and elegant girl bows her head to us.

This person is perhaps a lady from a good family too.

Everyoneare you Misuzu-sans relative?

Misuzu

Yes, thats right

She answered clearly while smiling.

Hello, Im Yoshida Mana!

Mana greeted loudly.

Y-Yoshida Meguminice to meet you

Rivalling ManaMegu also introduced herself asYoshida

Im Yoshida Nei! Nice to meet you!

Nei-san too

No, is this okay?

Since weve got Cesario Violas casewe shouldnt give out our real name.

Are you all sisters?

Kanako-san asks in surprise.

Thats right!

Nei-san happily lied

Ah, that ones different!

Mana points at her sister.

Err

What should I do?

Its bad if the nameShirasakaappears here

As expected, people from Shirasaka family wont be coming after the fuss they made yesterday

In a place where its only celebritiesIf someone calls themselvesShirasaka, everyone would think that its related toShirasaka house

Then, when Im hesitating

This person is Kishima KurokoYellow Stripe Black Dress!

Michi said.

WaitMichi

Isnt that just how she looks!

I-Im Kishima

Yukino greets Kanako-san.

Then, cant be helped.

Yukinos Kishima Kurokohere

Kishima-sans quite an oddball so dont mind her! Shes lived in foreign countries for long!

Nei-san warns.

Shes a returnee?

Kanako-san asks Nei-san

Yes, she isshes been living in the republic of Val Verde1 for ten years until last year!

Where is that place?

Then, This ones Kuromori Kounosuke-san

Michi points at me and said.

W-Why?

Butit would be strange to deny it here

Michi doesnt look like shed say a joke

Hey, cant be helped.

Im Kuromori

I bow my head.

Kanako-sans father is Horaguchi Fumiya an actor

Misuzu introduced her.

Is that so?! My fathers a fan!

Megu speak out loudly.

My fathershe means her foster father.

Thank you very much

Kanako-san seems to be used to this kind of reaction.

Oh, is that so? I also look at Horaguchi-sans movies

Even Nei-san said that so he must be a famous actor.

I dont know about him though

I hardly watch television nor movies

Kanako-sanhow old are you right now?

Nei-san asks.

Fifteen years oldIm on my third year in middle school

Ehshes that young?

Shes very mature so I thought shes at the same age as Misuzu.

Im 18 years old but Im in second year in high school. Dont ask why

Nei-san said with a laugh

This girl, him and me are in first year high school

Megu points at Yukino and me then said

Im in second year middle school! Youre 15 years old so youre in the same year as Kudou-san, right?

Misuzu-sans in second year high school

Ages from 14 to 18 have gathered.

Then, shall we all work on this pamphlet?

Misuzu whos the oldest speaks.

How many is it?

3500 copies

Wowthats a lot.

With this number, well be finished immediately

Misuzu said

Where should we work?

Megu asked

Saito-san said that the desk there will do

Looking at itthere are several desks for reception lined up.

Then, lets go there

Ah, Ill take the cart

I push the cart in Kanako-sans place

SorryKuromori-san

Kanako-san said.

Oh right, ImKuromori-sanright now

We can line up on the seats

Mana and Megu runs in short steps then heads to the desk.

Hey, Kuroko, come here!

As usual, Manas harsh with her sister.

Placing the pamphlets on the table

We only have to fold it into two, right?

Yes, that will do

Will there be a fold-in tuck today?

Yes. From what Ive heardYoshinaga-sans starring stageEmiko-chans movie will be inserted it seems. There might be others however

Should we do that too?

Ah, Yoshinaga-san and Emiko-san have their managers take care of it and they seem to fold it themselves. It wont arrive until 5 oclock

As expected of the class of Konpeki style.

There are apprentices who are doing business entertainment related.

Then

Kanako-san! Its about time for yourstage rehearsal!

Another girl in Yukata comes from the stage.

Eh, Manami-chan? I thought my turn shouldnt be coming yet!

Mayumi-chan and Toshiko-chans dance took more time than expectedAkira-sansDojiji2was decided to be postponed Therefore, Kanako-san and mylight adjustmentis moved aheadgrandmother said

Light adjustmentshouldnt we be wearing proper costumes?!

Thats right. It seems that they have to check the color adjustment. Make-up is okay so you have to wear your costume as is

Misuzu interrupts the conversation of the two

Kanako-san, go aheadwell be taking care of this

SorryMisuzu-san

Dont mind it. Once were finished folding thisis it fine to leave it on the desk?

Yes, Saito-san will be taking care of it later

Got it

Then, Im sorry

Kanako-san goes to the girl who called her.

Thank you Misuzu-santhe others too, thank you

The other girl bowed at us.

Then, the girls in Yukata headed to the dressing room.

Its hard to run when youre wearing kimono!

Nei-san said while looking at the girls running in short steps, worried about the hem of their skirt.

The one that just came is Manami-santhe headmasters granddaughter

Misuzu said while taking out a bunch of pamphlets.

What should we do with this/

Megu asks Misuzu.

This one will be the cover so please fold it here

Un, got it

Each of us put down a pamphlet and started folding.

Yukions the only one whos staring at the pamphlet placed in front of her.

Hey, Kuroko-sanyou shouldnt stop your hands from working!

Mana told her then finally, Yukino started working.

By the wayMichi. Why am IKuromori Kounosuke?

I asked while folding the pamphlet.

I thought that it would be strange for Kuroko-san being the only not a Yoshida

Trueit would be strange of everyone apart from Yukino are from the same house.

Four siblings

Alsothats whats embroidered in the suit youre wearing right now

Eh?

I look inside my suit.

Truetheres an embroideredKuromori Kounosukein gold thread inside the pocket.

This suit is originally owned by Minaho-neesans grandfather

Well done noticing itMichi

Im surprised at Michis observation power.

Then

My mywhat are you doing at this place?

SuddenlyI heard a voice.

I dont think a prostitute and their family is suited to come to this place!

The source of voice filled with malice!

1. Val Verde is a fictional country or city used by Hollywood writer and producer Steven E. de Souza when his stories require a South- or Central-American locale that will not cause legal or diplomatic problems. The location first appeared in his 1985 film Commando.

2. Djji is a famous Noh play of the fourth category (miscellaneous), of unknown authorship. Traditionally it is said to be written by Kanami and revised by Zeami, while others assign it to Kanze Nobumitsu; there are many variations in different texts, and a popular adaptation for kabuki theatre. It is practically the only Noh play to use a substantial prop a huge bell.