Arc-3 Ep-28

In “Elemental 9999,” the teams participating in this year’s national song competition are “Salamander” and “Gnome,” two teams totaling eighteen members.

Based on my own impression, it isn’t as though the Salamander members possess particularly fiery temperaments, nor are the Gnome members necessarily plain or subdued types.

As female idols, they more than possess the potential to brighten the stage with vibrant color.

Within Sistema Solare, we are locked in a fierce rivalry with those girls beneath the surface, but that’s showbiz.

On stage, we don’t reveal any such sentiments at all. We converse with smiles and join together to energize the atmosphere.

In that manner, the program of the song competition proceeds.

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No matter how thoroughly a script is prepared and followed, there are still singers who, overwhelmed by the tension of a live broadcast, stumble over their lyrics.

Still, such moments are treated as charming mishaps, lightly touched upon and smoothly glossed over, so the timetable doesn’t fall behind and the show continues without disruption.

And now, we’ve returned to the dressing room.

Since Dwarf Planet’s turn is approaching in a few songs, the Fortissimo group has withdrawn backstage.

“Good luck, Nozomi-chan.”

“Yes♪ Mikuri-chan, you do your best too.”

In fact, right before Dwarf Planet performs, there’s a segment framed as encouragement, where we exchange a few words with the main hosts.

The ones scheduled to appear alongside me are Erika-san and Junko-san.

They were selected on the basis that they have close friends among Dwarf Planet’s members, so those two fit the criteria.

Naturally, I was chosen because of my relationship with Nozomi-chan.

“Of course♪ But we’re just saying what’s written in the script.”

“Don’t add any unnecessary ad-libs.”

“That’s right. Safety first in this situation.”

“I know. I’ve been told by all sorts of people.”

Does everyone think I’m going to cause trouble or something?

Even though I haven’t created any issues at previous Reiteisai, comprehensive concerts, fests, or mini-lives.

I hope they’re simply being extra cautious because it’s my first appearance.

“…Let’s get ready soon. The staff will probably come to call us right away.”

“Yes!”

“Understood.”

“It’s finally time…”

Within Dwarf Planet, including Nozomi-chan, two members are making their first appearance.

The other three, led by Moyu-san, once belonged to Inner Group Sistema Solare and have experience from appearing during that time.

However, the remaining two only appeared once more than two years ago, so Moyu-san, who also appeared last year and is now participating for the third time, seems the most dependable.

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“In that case, please share a word with Dwarf Planet.”

“Please enjoy singing.”

“Everyone! Don’t get too tense!”

“Nozomi-chan and everyone, do your best♪”

Prompted by the famous actor who serves as the main host, Junko-san speaks first, then Erika-san, and finally I call out toward the stage in that order.

All of it is written in the script, and mentioning Nozomi-chan by name has nothing to do with my personal choice.

This television station, well aware of the popularity of my pairing with her, deliberately included it.

“Thank you very much!”

“And now, from Sistema Solare, Dwarf Planet with ‘Oort Cloud.’”

With the introduction from the male and female host pair, the music begins, and the five members at center stage start singing.

One advantage of belonging to Dwarf Planet is that, with only five members, the attention each person receives is substantial.

In the songs as well, compared to our nine-member lineup or Seven’s Satellite’s seven, each individual’s part is larger.

That may be the reason why the exchanges between lower-ranked Sistema Solare members and upper-ranked Dwarf Planet members are so intense.

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After Dwarf Planet’s performance, which stirred the venue into excitement, concludes, we also withdraw backstage.

“Good work, everyone.”

“Ah, thank you.”

“With this, this year’s work is pretty much over, right?”

“What’s left is easier than singing, after all.”

When Junko-san addresses the five who have finished performing, their responses suggest that their tension has eased.

It’s only natural that they feel relieved, since the remaining appearances are simpler than singing.

“It’s inevitable that your guard drops, but please don’t make any mistakes afterward either.”

“Of course, we understand.”

“I’m truly counting on you. Now, let’s head back to the dressing room.”

When Dwarf Planet’s male supervising manager cautions them, Moyu-san responds on behalf of the group.

Beside them, I speak to Nozomi-chan.

“Nozomi-chan, good work♪”

“Thank you, Mikuri-chan. How was the stage?”

“Of course, it was wonderful.”

As we begin moving while chatting, we encounter Elemental 9999’s Gnome team along the way.

Their nine members are scheduled to perform shortly after eight-thirty.

Even as we pass that Gnome team in the narrow hallway, we don’t exchange any particular greetings.

That’s simply how things are outside of what’s shown on television or visible to the public.

The men out there might consider it precious to see cute girls getting along playfully across group boundaries, but reality is different.

Since we’re competing for the number one and number two popularity positions among large idol groups, our true relationships are delicate.

Of course, there are girls who attended the same idol training school yet ended up in different groups, so on an individual level, some may be close.

Even so, I don’t think they’d display that closeness in places visible to other members.