The Brutes and the Nobles 1

A week earlier. During summer vacation, one evening at dusk

Eichi: ♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪

~... ♪

...There ♪ My fine is perfect today, as well.

It’s perfect in that there is still room for us to grow, and we possess have the foundation built to adapt as needed to different circumstances.

Wataru: Fufufu. One can feel the weight of the special training that the Princess and I, and Eichi and Butler-san had been engaged in until just recently.

The seeds which sprouted apart have grafted together and blossomed into a new flower... ☆

Amazing! It is the true course of evolution, and Eichi knows this well!

Something may be perfect for a moment, but in the next it will be left behind by the flow of time!

We must continue to grow and change, fluidly, flexibly, biologically!

Eichi: Fufu. I can breathe easier with you reaffirming it.

...Anyway, we should wrap up practice for today.

It’s summer vacation; we need to spare plenty of time to spread our wings freely.

Yuzuru: I thank you for that; my master appears to have reached his limit... Everyone, good work at practice today.

Here, sir, let me wipe off your sweat.

Tori: ......

Wataru: Fufufu. You look exhausted, Princess. Allow me to give you my customary massage. Please lie down here.

Yuzuru: I cannot allow that, Hibiki-sama. It puts a strain on the body to stop activity so suddenly.

So first, sir, we’ll slowly cool down ♪

Eichi: Fufu. We could try radio calisthenics? It fits with the atmosphere of summer vacation... Of course, I’ve never done it myself; I’ve only read about it.^[1]

Tori: Ah, hahah. I’ve never done that kinda commoner-y thing before either.

I used to think stuff like that was lame. I don’t really feel that way now, though.

Whew. phew...

Yuzuru: Sir. Please don’t force yourself to participate in the conversation; focus on controlling your breathing instead.

Tori: I know... Stop fussing over me all the time. Ugh, today was hard.

But I think I can finally sorta keep up with fine’s practices... at least half as much as the Prez and Rapunzel.

Wataru: Fufufu. One must engage in practice suitable to one’s size, Princess.

It is a matter of laying the foundation brick by brick, building a layer of support for yourself. Otherwise, you will end up a castle of sand which crumbles at the touch of a finger.

Try not to rush yourself or get impatient, but don’t give up or neglect your work.

Eichi: Fufu. You’ve really grown into your role as Tori’s mentor. I’m jealous, actually; don’t you have any advice for me?

Wataru: No? Your unrelenting search and endeavor for improvement, including this question you’ve just asked...

Only assure me that I have no criticism for you. You are yourself, and that alone makes you perfect.

Eichi: I see. That’s good... well, I suppose I’ll aim beyond perfection, now.

Tori: ......

Eichi: Tori, you’re sweating quite a lot. How lucky you are to have such a good metabolism... Though it’s not too good for your body; should we turn down the air conditioning?

Your body seems to be having trouble reaching homeostasis even with the sweat.

Yuzuru, get some water for him. Umm, where was the thermostat in this room again...?

Tori: I–I’m fine. Being too reliant on AC is bad, right? ‘Cause then I won’t be able to regulate my body temp when we’re performing outside or something.

Ever since I heard that, I’ve been trying to keep the AC off at home, too. I’m doing great, aren’t I? Aren’t I...? ♪

Eichi: Mm, actually, I have the mind to scold you. It would be counterproductive if you end up getting sick from that.

Hm. It would be nice if we had a fan. That would have less of a negative impact on your bodily functions.

But there’s no helping that; let me fan you with my notebook... here you go ♪

Wataru: Allow me to assist you, Eichi! You can always count on me! I am your Hibiki Wataru... ☆

Behold! I’ve adapted this kabuki technique from Akatsuki’s performance the other day!

I need only grab hold of my hair and wave it about to create a current of air... ☆

How does this feel, Princess? It is my new technique... the human fan! Whirrrr ☆

Tori: Oh, it’s actually pretty cool. And it smells like roses, too... ♪

But since it’s Rapunzel making the breeze, it still creeps me out ♪

(Ehehe... it feels like everyone’s spoiling me.)

(It makes me happy, but I also feel kinda pathetic... Ugh, I’m not growing up or getting stronger at all.)

(Even though I hung out with Rapunzel and did all his insane training.)

(I guess I shouldn’t get so worked up about it, though... My body’s determined by my genetics and stuff, so it’s not like I can change anything.)

(And obviously, being able to carry on the Himemiya bloodline is something I’m proud of.)

(My family didn’t really ever need physical strength or stamina or anything. I’m the one who evolved differently by wanting to be an idol.)

(I knew from the start I couldn’t rely on good genes.)

Yuzuru: Sir. And everyone else, too, I’ve prepared some electrolyte drinks for you.

Eichi: Thanks, Yuzuru. Fufu, it feels like a completely different drink when you pour it into a glass like this.

Yuzuru: Is it not to your liking? Nevertheless, drinking directly from plastic bottles isn’t good for one’s health.

Eichi: Acting so much like aristocrats likely won’t put us in the general public’s good graces. When we’re at live shows, we should pay attention to how people see us.

I’ve always wanted to try that thing... where you dump water over your head. It makes you seem so young and carefree ♪

Yuzuru: You sometimes get these strange urges to do things stereotypical of an ordinary high schooler, President-sama.

Just to be clear, I would request that you do not pour this drink over your head. Your entire body will get sticky.

Eichi: I know that. But don’t you want to live that story-book high school life?

Anyway, since we’re all together for the first time in a while, we should discuss our plans going forward. We can take our time talking while we rest our bodies.

Right now, there’s a gap before our summer tour. Our schedule is completely open; it’s basically a vacation in and of itself.

So I’d like to hear all of your opinions.

How should we spend it? I was the one who proposed the tour, so I’d like to prioritize your ideas for this period of downtime.

Wataru: Fufufu. Why don’t we go somewhere to enjoy ourselves? I’d love to visit the amusement park again~ This time, with everyone ♪^[2]

Eichi: I like that. Well, it will likely be crowded during summer break, but if need be, I can just rent out the park.

Wataru: You’re joking, aren’t you? All the families looking forward to their day of fun would be sent spiraling into the depths of despair, you know.

I cannot abide by something that robs others of their dreams and happiness.