92: Social Field

Tsumugi: Oh... now that you mention it, I’ve never seen you act as the representative or the adjunct at any Summits up to now, even though you seem like the type to enjoy them.

Keito: Exactly. I was up to my neck in tedious work for the student council back at Yumenosaki Academy, so my pursuits as an idol usually took a back seat.

I’m sure it frustrated Kanzaki and Kiryu, too... so I decided to stay away from positions of leadership for a while and focus on doing things as an individual.

And RhythLink, my agency, has an established hierarchy already—the upper echelons are crowded enough that newcomers like us can’t even think about calling the shots yet.

Really, I thought of this as if a weight had finally been lifted off my shoulders.

Sakuma accepted the calculated offer to act as adjunct, but he doesn’t seem to be interested in managing everything by himself, either.

He has a tendency to leave troublesome situations and people alone. Maybe it’s because he thinks he can tear the whole thing down in the end.

So he just sits back and watches everything unfold, never taking any action.

Despite that, I had resolved to let sleeping dogs lie, so long as no harm came to us directly. But yesterday, after dealing with Crazy:B...

I can’t let things slide any longer. So I finally got myself up and came to kick Sakuma’s ass.

I’ll settle things once and for all today. I refuse to be caught off guard like that ever again.

Eichi: Fufu. As always, you answer ten or twenty questions for every one asked. Don’t you know that if you prattle on and on, these kids will start to hate you—Keito?

Keito: There you are, Eichi. Go sit in seiza over there for a minute. I’m going to lecture your ear off.

Eichi: Fufu. I don’t mind; it’s been a while since I’ve heard one of your lectures. But I’d rather you save the lover’s quarrel until after the Summit begins.^[1]

It would be quite irritating to listen to the same long-winded speech all over again, after all.

I have no choice but to value my time. And even if it’s for your sake, Keito, I can’t waste it on something like that.

Tsumugi: Ahaha. You talk a lot too, though, Eichi-kun.

Eichi: ...Hello, Tsumugi. I must say it’s a bit awkward having you here; when did you say the head of NewDi is returning?

Tsumugi: Oh, well, I think the director of our agency is just really busy with his work and his private life.

I’d love for him to come back soon, too. NewDi is being influenced more and more by Knights, and I’m having trouble with it.

Tsukasa: Fufu. Nevertheless, to be under our influence is to always be on the winning side. I would think that’s something to celebrate, Aoba-senpai.

Eichi: Wow, Tsukasa-kun. That’s a great expression you have there; not bad at all ♪

Tsukasa: Thank you. I like to think I’ve become at least a little stronger. I’ve endured many trials now, both at Yumenosaki Academy and here at ES.

Eichi: Fufu. I’m sure there will be plenty more to come... right, Saegusa-kun?

Ibara: Oh, so you’ve noticed me! I am deeply honored!

Yes, I thank you for that! Look at you all, gathered here!

I admit it’s quite difficult to fit in when the Summit is filled with Yumenosaki alumni! Hah hah hah ☆

Eichi: Fufu. No need for that; feel free to join us. No one is going to pick on you, Saegusa-kun ♪

Yuzuru: Though I would happily subject that creature to torture under orders.

Ibara: Well, if it isn’t Yuzuru! Why are you here! Ah, what a happy occasion! It’s such a blessing to see an old friend when I’m otherwise so out of place! How about a hug?

Yuzuru: It impresses me that you can say the exact opposite of what you mean so smoothly.

Ibara: I am a businessman. Really, though, it’s easier with you around. It means I don’t have to play nice the entire time.

So thank you, Yuzuru. And please, bite your tongue off and go die in a hole.

Yuzuru: The result of your public face and true feelings getting mixed up is quite amusing, Ibara.

In any case, I suppose this means that the majority of our lineup is present, yes?

It’s custom to bring one representative and one adjunct from the Big Four agencies to the summit.

The representative for StarPro is, of course, Eichi-sama, and this time I, Fushimi Yuzuru, shall serve as adjunct.

Tsukasa: ...Tori-kun is usually the adjunct; what happened to him? Did he finally die?

Eichi: That’s rude, Tsukasa-kun. You may have been influenced by Yuzuru and Saegusa-kun’s fun—or rather, this is probably just the typical character of your Knights—

But your language has gotten quite vulgar lately. That’s hardly becoming, you know.

Tsukasa: ...I apologize. I shall reflect on my behavior, Tenshouin-onii-sama.

Eichi: I know you were just worried about Tori and acted carelessly. Still, you need to learn to control your emotions better.

Fufu. Like you, Tori tends to get emotional easily, so we requested that he take a leave from this Summit.

Considering the topics of discussion today, Yuzuru is a more suitable choice anyway.

Yuzuru: I’m humbled. And, if I am present, I can have Ibara removed at any time—from this world, I mean to say.

Ibara: Terrifying... though, I suppose he is an appropriate choice.