"Now, at last, we’ve reached the final entry of the First Screening!!!! Gracing us for the finale is, of course, that person!!!! A Glasses Beauty shrouded in mystery, possessing an outstanding figure and a Healing Type aura—she’s the embodiment of every boy’s dream!!! Minamin Information has caught wind that her approval rating is skyrocketing right now!!!!"
The final contestant was up next. Mayumi-san’s entrance was upon us, and the excitement in the audience was reaching a fever pitch that was—at least to my senses—no less intense than when Sara-san had appeared.
Furthermore, according to the information Eri Nishikawa had just shared, Mayumi-san seemed to have particularly strong support from the men above a certain age. On top of that, she was apparently the primary topic of conversation among the male students who possessed an older sister attribute.
It seemed safe to assume she had captured a significant portion of Sara-san’s own support base.
As expected of Mayumi-san… what a terrifying person.
"Then, let us call her out!!!! Entry No. 10, Mayu-san… making her entraaaaaaaaaance!!!!"
"Ooooooooooooooooooooooh!!!"
The same unwelcome trio of sounds that had occurred during Sara-san’s turn—no more appreciated now than then—enveloped the entire Venue.
Beyond the Smoke Screen rising at the entrance, a silhouette emerged, illuminated by a spotlight from behind. Even through the haze, Mayumi-san’s unmistakable figure was clearly visible.
"Wooooo!!! Mayu-saaaaaaaaaaan!!!"
"Big sister, I’ve been waiting for youuuuuuuuuuu!!!"
"Mayu-chaaaaaaaaaan!!"
I could even hear calls from men of a certain age—cheers I didn't think I'd heard during Sara-san’s turn. It confirmed that the information Eri Nishikawa had given me earlier was accurate, whether I liked it or not.
"At last, Satsukawa-senpai's Mother has appeared."
"Amazing… she already has fans…"
"You're right. But I suppose it can't be helped… maybe?"
"Yeah. Her visible specs are just too high, that one…"
"…I see. So Hayato-kun likes women like that too…"
"Heh… Is that so… So after all is said and done, Yuji is the same way?"
Todo-san looked down somewhat sadly, quietly hiding a certain part of her chest with her arms. Meanwhile, Natsumi-senpai, acting rather bold, shot Yuji a look of pure disdain.
In response, the two boys fell into a total panic.
"N-No, Marina-san!!! That's not what I meant!!"
"I-I was just talking about the general male population; I never said that I personally… N-Natsumi-san!?"
They desperately tried to explain themselves, but there was no sign of the girls' moods improving. Even if you were thinking it, and regardless of whether you had other intentions or not, saying it out loud was simply a mistake.
The wise man stays away from danger. It seemed those two still lacked the intuition to sense a crisis.
"Kazunari, what is your Wife’s Mother actually like?"
"Let’s see… I guess she’s like a powered-up version of Sara-san in many ways?"
It was difficult to explain concretely, but I felt that description was correct on several levels. In truth, there were many times when I wished for Sara-san to stay exactly as she was. Lately, I had been worried because she had started showing signs that reminded me a little too much of Mayumi-san.
"Speaking of which, I heard that Mayumi-san dotes on Takanashi-san?"
"The expression 'a powered-up version of the Wife' is strangely bothering me."
"It couldn't be that, just like with Satsukawa-senpai, you're getting a Hug and being told 'there, there' by the Mother as well, right?"
"…H-Haha, there’s no way that would happen… haha."
Sharp. Why did their imaginations run that far from just one sentence?
"Heeh… I seeeeeee."
"I see… If the Mother-in-law is allowed to do that, then as the sister-in-law, it should naturally be no problem for me either. In that case, I'll increase the frequency of our Physical Intimacy from now on…"
"Takanashi-san… that's really… a bit much."
Eri Nishikawa and Tachikawa-san—especially Eri’s eyes—were becoming a little scary. Also, Hanako-san, weren't you saying something absolutely outrageous just now?
Where were Hayato and Yuji, who usually supported me!?
"…Hayato-kun."
"M-Marina-san, like I said…"
"Yujiiiiii…"
"No… well, you see, N-Natsumi-san."
Right. They were busy fighting for their own lives.
"Now then… Mayu-san is shrouded in mystery in many ways, so Minamin has a lot of things she wants to ask!!! But first, please give us a Self-introduction!!!!"
"Heeey. Hello, everyone. My name is Mayu. Since I’m appearing so suddenly, I’m just in my everyday clothes, but I hope we get along."
"Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!"
"""Mayu-saaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!!!"""
As usual, Mayumi-san’s gentle voice was fluffy and relaxed, washing over the listeners with a sense of security and healing. To those for whom that voice was a hit, it was likely irresistible; passionate cheers erupted from the audience. And the thing was, Mayumi-san wasn't even acting.
"But… I’m sorry, but there are various secrets regarding my circumstances. So I can’t really do much of a Self-introduction. I’m sorry, okay?"
"I forgive you! I totally forgive youuuuuuuuu!!!"
"What kind of guys do you like!?"
"If you were to date someone, what kind of guy would be best!?"
"Do you have a Boyfriend right now!?"
Perhaps because Mayumi-san’s image was so soft, or perhaps because they were genuinely smitten, rowdy voices began to rise one after another from the audience. I found myself getting irritated again by the actions of those idiots who lacked even a shred of restraint.
"Let’s see… It’s not quite the same as conditions for a Lover, but I love earnest boys. Someone who is kind and devoted, and who will work hard with everything they have for the person they love, without hesitation. But maybe a little shy, someone who gets easily embarrassed…"
"Whooooaaa!!?? Mayu-san, that’s quite specific!!?? But would such a high-spec Boy actually exist…"
"Hehe… Well, I wonder… right?"
Mayumi-san said it meaningfully and gave a quick wink. She was definitely aiming it toward me. Was she actually talking about me!? No, no, that was a bit too much beautification.
"Me!! That’s meeeeeeee!!!"
"Wrong!! That’s meeeeeeeee!!!"
"Whoa, she just winked at me!!!!"
"I’m a man who can work hard for Mayu-san’s sakeeeeeeee!!!"
"And also, as Sara-chan said earlier… I also hate Boys who talk flippantly. Before even showing a worthy side of themselves, to lightly say they can do this or that… Big sister doesn't want to be treated familiarly by such boring people, you know?"
"""……………"""
Even though her fluffy way of speaking hadn't changed, there was something intense behind it. It was a mixture of disgust and sheer pressure that I couldn't quite explain. Upon hearing that from Mayumi-san, the idiots who had been talking flippantly all shut their mouths at once.
"…Just kidding! Were you surprised?"
"Fueh!!?? E-Err… apparently, that was just Mayu-san being playful!!?? Boy, Minamin was a little surprised too. Oh, speaking of which…"
It was a bit of a stretch to pass that off as being playful, but thanks to Mayumi-san’s tone returning to normal and Minamin’s desperate attempt to follow up, laughter gradually began to return to the audience. By the way, the people saying stupid things seemed to have vanished entirely.
"T-That was surprising…"
"A-As expected of Satsukawa-senpai's Mother… she had a strange intensity that was scary."
"Hmm, seeing that, I guess Sara really did inherit her blood."
"In my mind, it’s close to that image. Or rather, it’s probably just that Takanashi-san is that special to her."
"Including Hanako-san, Kazunari tends to be liked by specific types, doesn't he?"
"Perhaps. There's a similar feeling to them."
"I don't know the reason, but I feel something close to myself from the Wife's Mother. No matter how much he's her daughter's Boyfriend, doting on him to that extent isn't normally possible…"
As expected of Hanako-san… sharp. To think she could sense even a hint of what was happening, even if Mayumi-san herself was likely unaware of it.
"N-Now then, since Mayu-san has many secret matters, shall we conclude the Self-introduction there!!??"
"Yes. I’m sorry…"
"No, no, there’s no problem with the rules, so it’s fine!!!! Moving on, we’ll have you demonstrate your special skill… but since Mayu-san entered so suddenly, is your preparation okay?"
"It’s fine. I picked this up behind the stage just now…"
With that, Mayumi-san took something out of her Pocket. It was something small and hard to see.
"Err… is that… some kind of leaf?"
"That’s right~. It’s been a long time since I’ve done this… back when I was in the Miss Contest… oh, it’s nothing. Anyway, as long as I have this, there’s no problem."
"I-I see!!! Then, please proceed!!!!!"
As Minamin stepped into the Stage Wings, Mayumi-san began fumbling with something in her hands. It looked like she was cutting or rolling the leaf. What on earth was she planning to do?
"Oh? Is Satsukawa-senpai's Mother planning to do the Grass Flute?"
Todo-san, who had been staring at Mayumi-san on stage just like everyone else, muttered quietly. The Grass Flute… I had never seen the real thing, but it was that Grass Flute, right?
"The Grass Flute… as in, that Grass Flute?"
"Yes. I’ve tried it before, so that’s probably it."
"Heh… Todo-san has some stylish special skills, too."
"N-No, I was interested and gave it a try, but it was so difficult that I gave up."
"Ah, so it really is difficult?"
"Yes… Oh, it looks like she's starting."
I had never tried the Grass Flute myself, so I had no idea, but since there was no way to determine the scale like a regular instrument, my image of it was like a much more difficult version of whistling. I focused on Mayumi-san.
Peep… peep…
Two or three times, Mayumi-san blew short notes as if checking the sound, then brought the Grass Flute to her lips again. She had produced the sounds quite easily, but since Todo-san said it wasn't that simple, she might actually be quite good. Perhaps noticing that I was staring, Mayumi-san turned her gaze toward me, wore a gentle smile, and closed her eyes.
The melody began.
It was different from whistling, yet not as solid as a musical instrument—a high-pitched, translucent melody. In the hushed Venue, Mayumi-san’s Grass Flute rang out loftily. At first, I didn't recognize what she was playing, but it was a song I felt I had heard somewhere. That’s right, it was a nursery rhyme.
Closing my eyes and listening intently, I found myself drawn into Mayumi-san’s performance. I didn't want it to end; I wanted to hear more. The pleasant melody entered through my ears and seemed to circulate through my entire body.
But unfortunately, it finally reached its conclusion. As if for the finale, the Grass Flute played a light, lofty, and sustained note.
Then, as if slowly fading out, the melody gradually vanished. Mayumi-san softly took the Grass Flute away from her mouth. She opened her eyes and looked at me, smiling softly with a hint of bashfulness.
Mayumi-san, that smile is a little unfair.
"…………"
A single person clapped.
Then another.
Soon, it became a thunderous standing ovation from the entire audience. It wasn't a commotion, but cheers full of genuine emotion that enveloped the Venue, praising Mayumi-san on stage. It was only natural. Even I couldn't stop clapping.
"T-This is amazing!!!!! I found myself listening intently tooooooo!!!! Everyone in the audience was moved by this, right!!!???"
"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"
In response to Minamin’s question, another massive cheer erupted. It was a cheer just as big as the one that had followed Sara-san’s performance—no less intense, and completely deserved. Considering the emotion I was feeling myself, it didn't feel strange at all. That was how much I, too, had been moved by Mayumi-san’s Grass Flute.
"Phew… It’s been so long that I was nervous, but I’m glad I could do it properly."
"Man, I was truly moved!!! But you mentioned it’s been a long time… does that have something to do with that intriguing comment you made before the performance!? You said 'back when I was in the Miss Contest,' didn't you!!?? Minamin has been curious about that the whole time!!!!!"
"Ah… so you remembered? I can’t give the details, but when big sister attended this School a long time ago, she entered the Miss Contest once. But anything more than that is a secret!"
"Whoa, that’s incredibly intriguing information, but if you put it that way, I can’t press any further. What a shame!!!!"
With a playful air, Mayumi-san winked and put her finger to her lips in a "it's a secret" pose—and she did it toward me. I had never heard anything about Mayumi-san entering the Miss Contest, and now I was getting more and more curious too. If I asked her privately next time, would she tell me?
"Then, Mayu-san, thank you very much!!!!! Everyone, let’s give Mayu-san another grand round of applauseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!"
The audience erupted one last time. Seen off by overflowing cheers and applause, Mayumi-san waved to the crowd as she stepped into the Stage Wings. Turning back one last time, she winked at me and blew a kiss.
The crowd went ballistic.
"Mayu-saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!!!"
"Just as friends is fine, somehow pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase!!!"
"Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Mayu-san did it to meeeeeeeeeeee!!!!"
"You idiot!!!! That was for meeeeeee!!!!"
"It was me!!!! Don't talk in your sleeeeeeeeeep!!!!!"
Ah-ah… I knew it would end up like this.
"Staaaaare…"
"Staaaaare…"
"Staaaaare…"
"Um…"
Tachikawa-san, Natsumi-senpai, and Eri Nishikawa were all staring at me with suspicious looks. Yuji and Hayato had unreadable expressions, and Todo-san looked a bit troubled. Everyone was laboring under some massive misunderstanding, weren't they?
Hanako-san, pulling on my sleeve at this timing gives me a very bad feeling, so please stop. I was anxious, feeling as though she had been influenced by Mayumi-san.
Side Yutaka Kusuhara
At first, I thought I had misidentified him. But since it was indeed him, I couldn't just let it slide. I felt the urge to go support Rena quickly, of course, but as someone in my position, there were things I had to prioritize.
I didn't want to call it an opportunity, but if I squandered a chance to encounter someone I rarely have the chance to see, I wouldn't be able to face myself, or my uncle—the President.
Currently, before my eyes, a man was walking toward me. Dressed in a suit like myself, his appearance was such that one wouldn't think he had come to a Cultural Festival. I had heard he was still around forty, but he looked younger than that. However, there was an indescribable presence, an aura, as expected of…
No, it was rude to observe him like this. I had to be the one to greet him; failing to do so would be a major blunder.
"Satsukawa Senior Managing Director!! It has been quite a while!!"
"Hmm? ……Ah, if I recall, you are President Kusuhara’s…?"
"Yes, I am Yutaka Kusuhara. Thank you for your continued support. It is a fine day for…"
"Hahaha, we aren't meeting for business, so you don't have to be so formal. Besides, I should apologize for not being able to show my face much. To President Kusuhara as well…"
"Not at all. My uncle also expressed his apologies for not being able to greet you, Satsukawa Senior Managing Director…"
"Is that so? Then please tell him that I will offer my greetings at next month’s party."
"Thank you. I will be sure to pass that along."
Good, the opening greeting went without issue. But since this was a rare opportunity, I couldn't just leave it at that. Of course, interfering was out of the question. But why was someone like the Satsukawa Senior Managing Director here? Oh, that’s right, I had heard that the Senior Managing Director’s daughter also commuted to this School.
If so, the reason he was here was obvious. If he were here on business, I intended to offer my accompaniment and assistance.
"Satsukawa Senior Managing Director, for what purpose are you here today…?"
"Ah, it’s nothing major. Actually, I came to see my daughter’s face, but if I go out in the open, she’ll get angry with me… It’s the hardship of a Father."
"…I sympathize with your feelings. However, I suspect your daughter is actually quite happy in her heart."
"No, no, she is a truly difficult daughter."
Saying that, the Satsukawa Senior Managing Director allowed a small, wry smile to surface.
Indeed, it was a famous story that the Satsukawa Senior Managing Director’s daughter had an extreme dislike for men. I had intended to greet her at a party before, but she had withdrawn so early that I never got the chance. From what I heard from acquaintances, she wouldn't even let men strike up a conversation.
That being said, she was the daughter of the man who would become the next group Chairman. Moreover, with such beauty… information was coming in that the behind-the-scenes competition was already intensifying. It was a fact that I had been prompted by my uncle to put my name forward.
However, if I were to speak of my personal preference, it would be President Nishikawa’s daughter. No, of course, the Satsukawa Senior Managing Director’s daughter was also…
"If given the opportunity, I would also like to offer my greetings to your daughter…"
"No, I apologize, but you should probably refrain from that. It’s a bit much for me to say this about my own daughter, but Sara won't show a kind face to anyone except the man she’s set her heart on… even to me."
That meant that while she was difficult, she was devoted to an equal extent. Including her Father was quite extreme, but if one could be loved that much by such a beauty, it certainly wasn't a bad thing.
"I see… However, I wouldn't mind even then, so if the opportunity arises, by all means. Then, Satsukawa Senior Managing Director, will you be heading to your daughter’s location now?"
"No, I intend to finish my errands before that. I’m going to speak with the Principal now… My Wife headed to our daughter’s side ahead of me."
"Is your Wife with you today as well!?"
"Yes. She was originally the only one scheduled to go… but since I found some time and accompanied her, she told me she’d leave the rest to me and went off to our daughter’s place."
Again, the Satsukawa Senior Managing Director wore a wry smile. His appearance at the company notwithstanding, he might be a bit soft in his private life. No, more importantly than that—to be able to meet even the Satsukawa Senior Managing Director’s Wife! Such an opportunity didn't come often.
"Then, are you heading to the Principal's Office now?"
"Yes, that’s right."
"If it pleases you, may I accompany you?"
"Hmm? But you are… Come to think of it, you are here today…"
"Yes. I am also here for my niece… my uncle’s daughter…"
"Ah, I see. Now that you mention it, I heard before that President Kusuhara’s daughter was also at this School."
"Yes. She should be getting along well with your daughter. My niece also said upon her enrollment that she wished to become your daughter’s Friend…"
I had heard before that my uncle had directly instructed Rena to get along with the Satsukawa Senior Managing Director’s daughter. As the President’s Daughter, Rena should properly understand her position in that regard.
"Oh, is that so? For that to be the case… ah, I shouldn't, I’ll be late for my appointment."
"Then let us hurry. Please do not worry about me. I will wait outside."
"Is that so? Well, if you’re fine with that."
"Yes."
To throw away such a rare opportunity would be unthinkable. I would offer my greetings to the Wife, and if possible, to the daughter as well. And if Rena was getting along with the daughter, there was a high possibility that it would be an advantage for me. Yesterday, my mind hadn't reached that far because of Eri Nishikawa, but this might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance.