Fall of a Great Star 6

Eichi: All right, allow me to change my tactics. Itsuki-kun, I presume you know of Ra*bits?

Indeed, the very unit to which your precious Nito-kun belongs.

They’re a little hodge-podge found family of newborn, tiny, adorable children. If only a breeze passed by them, they would be sent flying.

Nito-kun’s past is intertwined with Valkyrie’s; all too easily would your disbanding simultaneously drop a bomb and obliterate them.

Do you understand what I’m saying?

The circumstances surrounding Nito-kun’s transfer have thus far been overlooked...

But there are still some rather sore spots about the matter, such as him holding a concurrent position in a unit he never should have been part of.

Were someone to force open that wound and pour poison into it, it may well spell his destruction.

Shu: So you intend to use Nito as a hostage, then? He no longer has anything to do with me.

Forgetting his obligation to his Creator, he defied orders and bit into the fruit of the tree of knowledge... Why would I think to protect a traitor and a sinner?

Eichi: I sense some reluctance. By the way, they seem all fired up for the upcoming Tanabata Festival.

I believe they intend to shake off the past and leap forward into the future.

However, they could jump as high as they possibly can, but it would still take a miracle to make a rabbit soar.^[1]

If one were to stamp down on them, they would quickly be crushed to death.

Poor things. They’ve set out on a promising voyage, yet they’ll capsize before even leaving the harbor.

The Tanabata Festival is an S1; if they fail on such a grand stage, they’ll never recover from it.

From what I can tell, Ra*bits is looking to settle a score with Akatsuki, after the tragedy faced at their hands.

They intend to have a fair, healthy competition at Tanabata.

But if I were to intervene, their beautiful, inspirational story will come crashing down around them.

Nominally, Akatsuki is under my command. If I order it, they will put a skewer through those little bunnies.

Should Keito resent me for making him commit such atrocities and rise in revolt against me...

Well, then everyone gets what they want. How about it? Isn’t it a nice idea?

By the way, Itsuki-kun, this was the good news. Good for you. I should congratulate you.

The traitorous, vile Nito-kun will get his just desserts through his destruction ♪

Congratulations! We should throw a party ♪ We can treat everyone to rabbit meat pies!

And you, who will no longer be part of Valkyrie, can look on from afar!

As nothing more than a powerless spectator. You may clap and cheer and say thank you ♪

Ah, that reminds me: there’s a friend from your childhood in Akatsuki, isn’t there?

Kiryuu-kun... Truly, it breaks my heart to make such a kind-hearted person trample all over such helpless little bunnies. It should be cruel—inhumane, even—to let him do the work of demons.

Mika: Ngah... would you shut up already?

Eichi: Oh? I believe you were the one who was told to shut up. You ought to listen to your owner.

I suppose you could try standing on stage alone as Valkyrie, Kagehira-kun.

Just that would give a some idea as to the current state of Valkyrie.

Today I got the impression that you were concealing your hand, actually, as if you were lacking ingredients, you could say.

Pity, since I would so love to cook you two up and give you a proper taste.

Itsuki-kun is tender-hearted, no matter what he says... so I’m sure if he saw you on stage all by yourself, he’d show up just to save you.

Mika: What do you know ‘bout Oshi-san, huh?

Eichi: I don’t, which is why I’m sounding him out.

I’ve not yet had my fill of Valkyrie, you know... You keep dragging things out, and I’m at the limits of my patience.

Mika: You let Oshi-san alone, y’hear? ...I’m askin’ nice, so just back off.

Eichi: Umm, Kagehira-kun? Sorry, but would you take your hand off of me?

I’ll ask that you not grab at my chest; it’ll crease my uniform.

Are you angry? Do you intend to hit me? It would cause quite the problem if an idol were to engage in such acts of violence, you know.

It would trouble Itsuki-kun; I’m sure you can understand that, at least.

Mika: You really think I won’t smack you around?

Shu: Stop, Kagehira.

Mika: ......

Shu: That’s enough.

Mika: ......

Shu: Tenshouin. As the heir to a massive conglomerate, you ought to have been born with everything you could ever have wanted...

It is a great tragedy that the one thing you want with all your heart is something you can’t have without stealing it away from others.

I pity you. ...Leave me be. I need to think this over.

I’m still tired from our concert; my mind is sluggish. I only wish to return home and get some sleep.

Eichi: That’s fine. Tomorrow you will still know with certainty that you are alive.

By all means, consider it all you like. But don’t wait too long: the Tanabata Festival is almost upon us.

The heavenly lovers can only meet one time a year.

It would be unfortunate if we aren’t able to see the Milky Way on Tanabata because it’s covered by thick clouds, wouldn’t it? And likewise, I hope that I’ll see you that night, as well.

Now, then. You’ll forgive me for interrupting you. I’ll be taking my leave now; I’m sure my retainer is quite angry with me...

I’ll choose to believe that this detour of mine hasn’t been in vain.

Farewell, gentlemen of Valkyrie. May we meet again on Tanabata.