Epilogue 3

Tori: But anyway, I actually was asleep until just a minute ago, so I have no idea what’s going on. Someone wanna fill me in? How far are we in the SS Finals, anyway?

Yuzuru: The final round is about to begin. You’ve returned to us just in time, sir.

Tori: Whoa, tell me about it. That was close. If I’d slept through the whole thing and woken up in the new year, I’d regret it for the rest of my life.

Eichi: Fufu. Actually, Crazy:B dropped a bomb on us right before the start of the fourth round by debunking the national vote that had been set up.

While we were investigating the matter in more detail, we had the representatives from each team perform in succession.

However, it stands to reason that once the voting system had lost credibility, we couldn’t keep with the live showdowns.

There was no way to maintain which units won or lost based on votes received.

Tori: Wh–what does that mean?

Yuzuru: There were suspicions that the voting results had been tampered with. Investigations are still ongoing to determine whether that’s true or not, though.

Wataru: Even so, the show must go on! And so the representatives from each team took the stage, not to do battle but to collaborate!

During the fourth round, Crazy:B and ALKALOID performed; then, Double Face and Ryuseitai. And just now we bore witness to Knights and Trickstar—

Each pair performed together, and they were met with thunderous applause.

Yuzuru: It was quite peaceful. These had originally been quite fateful match-ups, so if they had been live showdowns, the stage might have turned into a scene of carnage.

But that was not the case. Every performance was filled with smiles the entire time, and both idols and fans alike enjoyed their time.

It was a magnificent sight; I wish you had been able to see it, sir.

Tori: Urghhh... I–I’ll just watch the recording later.

That’s kind of a relief, though. I was worried it’d end up being all bloody and stuff, but it was actually really nice, I guess?

Wataru: It was. Especially in comparison to the intensity of the first half, the audience likely felt more at east and was able to enjoy themselves more.

Look at them now. They all look satisfied, do they not?

Tori: Mm... yeah, they do. Nobody bought tickets to see an all-out war, after all.

They wanted to see idols who make them happy.

That’s for the best, probably... ♪

Eichi: Exactly. Perhaps we have finally become the idols everyone has been hoping to see.

Tori: Right. I wanna be like that, too.

An idol who everyone loves and who can make everyone happy!

Eichi: Your wish will certainly come true, Tori. The final battle between our respective teams’ commanding units is about to begin. Actually, it’s such a peaceful performance that falling it a battle feels wrong.

By the way: pictures of you sleeping sweetly and cuddling with Hiyori-kun and the others are being broadcast nationwide.

Eden also released a statement in order to dispel the notion of a kidnapping.

Tori: Huh? Kidnapping? What are you talking about? Wait, does that mean everyone in the whole country saw me sleeping during this big huge event?!

Th–that’s so embarrassing! I’ll never get married now!

Eichi: It’s fine. If it comes down to it, Yuzuru would be happy to have your hand.

Yuzuru: That you didn’t offer your own name there is why people think you’re a complete bastard, Eichi-sama.

Wataru: Fufufu. I’m sure you’re relieved that our Princess has returned to us, but we cannot relax just yet; we must prepare for the final battle! So long as we stand atop the stage, such laziness will not be tolerated!

Even if god forgives us, the audience does not! And neither does our own pride!

Come, everyone! Let us give the best performance we can as idols, together! Just as did our beloved comrades who stood here before us!

Eichi: Yes. We should follow everyone else’s example and put all our effort into it, hm?

So today, as well, we will let our ensemble ring out across the world.