An unexpected karaoke battle with the winning duo. Even as I stood there in a daze, unable to wrap my head around the situation, preparations were already moving ahead with practiced efficiency.
The Alice Orchestra had somehow grown in number, taking on a grand, full-orchestral formation. Every eye in the house was fixed on me with terrifying intensity... Do I really have to sing? There was no backing out now.
To be honest, while I liked music and listened to it often, I hadn't been to karaoke since my parents took me back in elementary school. I didn't think I was tone-deaf, but I didn't see any universe where I could beat a team like the Alice and Fate-san Duo.
"Now then, before we kick off this Special Match... let us introduce the judges!"
Ah, preparations were already finished. I couldn't think of a way to decline. I'd just have to bite the bullet.
However, even so... "judges"? Certainly, since I was participating, it made sense for someone else to handle the judging, but she had said "judges" in the plural. How many people were we talking about?
"The judging will be handled by nine people—three representatives from each realm! If you like Kaito-san’s singing, raise the Red Flag! If you prefer our duo, raise the Blue Flag!"
Following Alice’s announcement, I shifted my gaze to see that an incredibly massive long table had been set up at some point. Seated behind it were the nine judges.
From the Human Realm, the Kings of the Three Nations were there, of course. From the God Realm, the representatives were Shiro-san, Chronoa-san, and Life-san. Finally, from the Demon Realm, Kuro, Isis-san, and Lilliwood-san had stepped up.
"Everyone, please ensure a fair judging—Wait, hold on a minute! Isis-san!? Why is your Red Flag already up! We haven't even started, let alone reached the point of judging yet!?"
"……Kaito…… will win."
"No, no, I expected a certain amount of favoritism toward Kaito-san, but you can't be that blatant about it! Come on, put the flag down..."
"……I don't…… need this."
"Whoa! Why are you tossing our duo’s flag away with such a nonchalant face!?"
"……I will…… absolutely never…… raise that flag…… Therefore…… I don't need it."
"This person isn't even trying to act sorry... Fine, whatever."
It was a one-vote handicap before the music even started. It was very like Isis-san, in a way. Also, the way she smiled and gave me a small wave when our eyes met was ridiculously cute.
However, Alice’s ordeal was only beginning.
Just as the exchange between Isis-san and Alice settled down, Shiro-san spoke up in her usual monotone.
"……God of Space-Time, God of Life."
"Y-Yes!" the two of them replied in unison.
"I believe you understand... but I am not so generous as to tolerate an act such as 'betraying my expectations twice in a row,' you know?"
"Hah! As Shallow Vernal-sama wills!!"
At Shiro-san’s words, Chronoa-san and Life-san snapped their backs straight and immediately thrust their Red Flags into the air.
"Hey, you two over there! What are you doing! I just got finished talking about judging fairly!"
"……"
"They aren't even twitching... Those Supreme Gods are totally checked out."
"Shaltan! Give them a break! It’s impossible! That’s just a flat-out impossible ask! Just overlook it this once!!"
Despite Alice’s sharp retort, Chronoa-san and Life-san remained frozen like statues, their flags held high. They were desperate. They were so desperate that even Fate-san felt the need to plead their case.
"No, no, Fate-san... this is wrong. How are there already 4 out of 9 points on the board for the opponent? This handicap is insane."
"K-Kai-chan is an amateur! A handicap like this is only fair!"
"M-Mmm, I guess that’s true... Fine. A 4-point handicap is probably about right."
I was unexpectedly on the verge of victory before even opening my mouth. Honestly, it was rare to see Fate-san jump to someone's defense that frantically. I suppose that’s just the kind of pressure Shiro-san exerts...
At any rate, thanks to this massive handicap, the possibility of a humiliating defeat had evaporated. I could at least save face. Well, provided I wasn't actually terrible at singing... but I should be fine. Probably.
"Now then, pulling ourselves together, Kaito-san will go first!"
"Eh? I-I'm first?"
"Yes. We’ll start with the Provisional Champion... Go ahead and announce your song."
Alice handed me a microphone, and I stood on the stage, thinking for a moment. This was a bit nerve-wracking, though perhaps going first was better than having to follow a world-class performance from Alice and Fate-san.
But more importantly, what should I sing? I knew plenty of songs from Earth, and Alice would surely be able to play them without a hitch, but if possible, I wanted to choose something from this world for this stage.
If I were to pick a song I knew from here...
"I'll sing... 'Small Story.'"
"Oh, a popular choice... Wait, hold on a second! Kuro-saaaaaan!! Why are you casually sliding our flag away!? And here I thought you were one of the sensible ones! Were you that happy? Were you that happy that Kaito-san chose your song!?"
"……N-No, that’s not it. I was just adjusting its position a little..."
"You moved it halfway across the room!"
"I-I'm sure you're just imagining things."
Following Alice’s shout, I looked over to see that Kuro had indeed moved the Blue Flag. She had pushed it so far away it was practically out of reach.
"Kuro-san."
"Yes?"
"Tell me honestly. Depending on the song, do you have any intention of raising our flag at all?"
"……Probably…… not?"
As Kuro scratched her cheek and gave a wry smile, Alice slumped her shoulders in defeat. And there was the fifth vote.
"Hey, Shaltan. He’s already reached a majority... The loss is confirmed before we even start..."
"N-Not yet! If we win over the remaining four votes, it’ll be our victory in spirit! Let’s give it our all, Fate-san!"
"……I'll try."
"Zero motivation!? Is there no one on my side!?"
As expected, Alice was something else. Her ability to keep going even in a situation like this was impressive.
Dear Mother, Father—things have taken a turn for the surreal. I’ve already secured a majority before the first note, and the outcome is already decided. In a way, I feel sorry for Alice. But that aside... can’t I just end this without singing?
Serious-senpai: "This is just terrible."
???: "I really messed up the judge selection..."