The Brutes and the Nobles 3

> About an hour later

Yuzuru: It’s this way, Anzu-san.

I deeply apologize for asking you to meet me so suddenly during your summer break.

Fufu. Yes, we haven’t spoken in a while now. How have you been?

Of course. Yes, it doesn’t seem as if you’ve changed much... I would ask that you not overwork yourself so much. I’m worried that your health may suffer from it.

We’re afforded a long holiday this time of year because the intense heat saps your energy as you simply go about your daily life.

So I hope that you will take care not to succumb to the summer heat.

But that is all rather forward of me. Who am I to say that to you? ...Is how it seems.

Right; as I mentioned when I called you earlier, there’s something I’d like to request of you, Anzu-san.

Yes. Due to an unreasonable demand from the President, I have been thrust into a position where I am to prepare and execute a plan for fine’s summer vacation.

I’m essentially free to decide at my discretion what will go on the itinerary, but...

There are a couple things which must be included; conditions that must be met, basically.

One such condition is that you, the producer, must be involved in it.

The President seems to hold you in high regard after the wonderful success of the Tanabata Festival a short while ago.^[1]

I presume he wants you as much as possible to garner a wide breadth of experience, and to produce for us.

Also: While I am first and foremost in charge of the vacation, there is one exception, and it is that you are permitted to assist me.

So as embarrassed as I am to say, I am asking for your help.

I am not so accustomed to acting in a leading role; any advice you may have for me would be much appreciated.

Of course. If at all possible, I would love for you to join us on vacation.

Of course, it will last several days and we’ll be leaving the country, so this may prove difficult.

But all necessary expenses, including your travel costs, will be covered in full by us, so I hope you’ll consider the offer.

Even if it proves impossible, however, just receiving your advice would be an unparalleled joy.

Hmm, I see. You’ll need to discuss it with your family and get their permission first, of course. But you’d still like to come?

Fufu, that’s wonderful... You would be most welcome ♪

I fear that you may be anxious as the only girl going on a trip with men...

So if you have any concerns, no matter how small, feel free to talk to me about it.

I will provide as much assistance as I can, and I will protect you, as well. I’ve received training for situations such as this, so you may be at ease.

Fufu. Yes, I should explain the other condition the President set.

Simply put, it’s a matter of inviting the members of UNDEAD on this trip, as well.

If UNDEAD is unable to join us, I am to invite other units in their stead.

Fufu. It appears as though the President dislikes the idea of fine being isolated and wishes to interact more with other units.

If we were to progress on a deserted island without interaction from anyone else, the world would leave us behind. And of course, we will need to grow by engaging in friendly rivalry, too.

The President also claimed that it would simply be more fun with a larger group.

Yuzuru: Why UNDEAD specifically? Yes, I, too, am confused by that.

The President surely has some reason for it, but it eludes me entirely.

Regarding UNDEAD, they are formidable opponents who put us into that hellish overtime battle during the semifinals at the DDD.

Their strength is nearly equal to ours, which makes them one of Yumenosaki Academy’s strongest units.

But I’m afraid I’m not too well-versed in them otherwise...

Perhaps he believes that ruthless competition against such powerful enemies will allow us to grow, ourselves?

In any case, they were the ones named specifically, and so I would like to do what I can do to invite them on the trip.

It is the duty of a servant to execute orders faithfully, indifferently, and without question. Soldiers should focus on the immediate situation at hand, not the bigger picture.

If doing so will allow the President’s plans to come to fruition, that is all that matters.

Cogs in a wheel cannot function properly if they begin to ponder the intentions of others or the meaning of life at every turn.

The cycle would cease to function.

But I digress. Anzu-san, you seem to have connections with the members of UNDEAD; as such, I’d like to request your assistance in bridging the gap between us.

Of course, I wouldn’t say no to any help you might offer during the negotiations, themselves, either.

Oh, yes. Lately, UNDEAD has been performing often at the underground live house further down this road, haven’t they...?

I would appreciate if you showed me the way.

Even in the summer, the sun will set eventually if we take too much time...

We should hurry to at least set a meeting time with UNDEAD today.

Fufu. I’m not usually out at this hour, so this is something of a new experience for me.

Yes, it would worry your family if you return home too late, so we should take care of this quickly.

Naturally, the streets are dangerous at night. Allow me to escort you home, so that you may be at ease.

...Now, is there anything I’ve neglected to say or anything you’re unclear about what we’ve discussed?