Mutsumi Wakaba and Umiri Yahata

We're a little ahead of schedule. Since the next location is far from here, this timing is perfect.

Anyway, let's grab a taxi first. Wakaba-san, if there's anywhere you want to stop by, now's the time.

I'm okay.

Huh? Mutsumi-chan!?

Wow~! It's true! And Timoris-sama is here too!

They're heading here.

Yes.

Excuse us! We're huge fans of Ave Mujica!

We were so moved by the masquerade last time~!

I've bought every single magazine that had Mutsumi-chan on the cover! Three copies of them!

We can't just ignore them. Let's deal with them properly.

Yeah.

Thank you, everyone, as always.

I'm truly grateful for your support.

And when we managed to get tickets, the three of us were already in tears...

I'm so happy that you care that much about us.

Haha...

(This is getting a bit long.)

Wakaba-san, we need to head to the next location. Let's wrap this up soon.

Yes...

But we live by standing in front of our audience. Our job is to respond to what they ask of us.

You're right... Fan service is important.

(In that case...)

And when your comeback live show was decided, we were so happy...

Excuse me, distinguished guests.

I'm afraid the carriage for the ball has arrived, so we must take our leave here. Princess, please greet our lovely guests.

Thank you all for this truly wonderful time.

Though it pains me to part... Let's meet again at the next masquerade.

Farewell.

Y-Yes!

...

We managed to get through it. Wakaba-san, I'll escort you to the taxi.

Where is the taxi?

I'll call one now.

Wakaba-san. The script for the next drama has arrived.

Thank you.

It seems like quite an interesting role. A mysterious high school girl detective.

It was based on a mystery novel, right?

Yeah, I heard it's a bestseller. I've already read it.

Impressive, you're already well-prepared.

But... A detective story, huh.

There was a time when I also admired the idea of being a detective.

You do?

Yeah, just a little though.

For what part?

It's pretty cool, isn't it?

Not belonging to any public authority, yet staying true to their own principles and beliefs... And sometimes taking dangerous paths to reach the truth...!

That's the part I admire.

Hmm...

Umiri, don't you do any acting?

Huh?

You could play a detective role too.

My acting is...

But you do act in the masquerades, don't you?

You might be right, but...

Want to give it a try? Right now.

Hmm...

I've seen through every single mystery.

Too bad for you, culprit. Every piece of evidence here points to you.

......

Would you tell me just one more thing? Why? Why did you commit a crime like this?

What could you...

What could you possibly know!? A kid like you!

Huh!?

Betrayed by the ones I loved...! I've lost my family, my friends, even the hope to live! These feelings... how could you understand...!!

That's why! It's a good thing that person is gone!

....

Next, your line.

Huh, ahh...! Um, the next line is...

Are, are you okay!?

Huh?

I heard loud voices coming from here... Is there any trouble?

We were just practicing acting.

Huh...? Oh, I understand! Ahaha, I was wondering what was going on! Sorry for intruding.

...

Okay, let's continue.

No...

Here's your script. Thank you very much.

You're already done?

Yes.

It's clear I'm no match for a true actress after all.

We're almost done now.

Yes.

(Her skin is really nice~ Makeup goes on so smoothly. Regular actresses aren't even in the same league.)

(Mutsumi-chan is actually a quiet girl, isn't she? I wonder if she was putting on quite an act on TV?)

Good morning.

Morning.

Wakaba-san. You're here already.

Which means, the previous set...

We wrapped up early.

Just as expected. That cameraman always tends to wrap up early. Good thing we planned the schedule accordingly.

Considering that the other three will be joining us later, if we hadn't staggered the timing, the makeup artist wouldn't be able to handle everyone. I would say, it was good scheduling.

As expected of you, Umiri.

(Mutsumi-chan's reactions are a bit underwhelming...? On the other hand, Yahata-san keeps talking and talking...)

Okay, Mutsumi-chan, it's done.

Thank you.

Oh, Wakaba-san.

The restroom is out of the dressing room, to the right, all the way down.

The vending machine is along the corridor to the left of the dressing room. By the way, they didn't have mango juice. Take care.

Fine...

Oh, excuse me. I'll grab my tablet from my bag. I want to make good use of my time during makeup too.

Sure, go ahead~

Ahaha... Yahata-san is quite a talkative person, isn't she?

Yes. She helps me a lot.

Huh... Really?

Because Umiri is a fun person.

Wakaba-san, do you have a minute?

I'm coming.

Sorry to keep you waiting. Thank you in advance.

Please start anytime. I'll be working during the makeup process, please don't mind me.

Y-Yeah.

(They're kind of unusual people, aren't they?)