Chapter 2

Sorry to make you wait, Girl. Excuse me while I sit next to you.

Phew... Good grief, I'm as worn out as expected.

Even though it's a so-called family gathering hosted by my relatives, there were so many people I had to greet.

...What are you saying, Girl? Not everyone here is related to me.

...Hm. Perhaps calling it a "family gathering" caused a misunderstanding.

Despite it being in this sort of location, it's more or less meant to be an informal, relaxed gathering.

It's a "family gathering" in name, but that alone wouldn't bring in enough people. So it was decided that everyone is allowed to bring someone they know.

And thank goodness for that. I'm terrible with family only gatherings.

At any rate, that is how you were able to join me as my guest even without an invitation.

..."That's surprising"? Why do you think so?

I see. You thought I would dislike social functions like this.

In truth, I do not enjoy it. I have to socialize at the expense of my precious free time.

There is no way of knowing what sort of people my relatives will bring with them, so I always have to stay on guard.

I often find myself tiring of hearing others prattle endlessly about dull topics that I have no interest in.

...My family never understood me to begin with. Fundamentally, we are unable to get along.

And that is precisely why I'm attending.

It would be easy to simply run away. All I would have to say is a single "I'll be absent."

But just by showing that kind of weakness, there's bound to be baseless rumors and speculation that spreads behind my back.

As I've said before, they don't understand me or what it means to be an artist.

I attend out of spite to show off how well I'm doing.

"I don't think they're that unreasonable," you say? Don't talk back with such impertinence, Girl.

You don't know the internal affairs of the Itsuki family, let alone the family structure.

...Huh? Hold on. What did you say just now...?

You spoke with Nii-sama...? And Nee-sama, too?!

Non! Why did you not call upon me for a situation of such grave importance?!

...I seemed deep in conversation, so it would've been difficult to call out to me? Gh...! I appreciate your consideration, but still!

That's not the point! What they said, what they fed you... Aah, goodness, just imagining it makes my hair stand on end!

No, you don't have to tell me about it. I don't make a habit of putting salt in my own wounds.

The reason unpleasant things hurt is because you hear them. If you don't listen, then at least you won't get hurt.

Even if you say "don't worry about it," that's still...

...

...That's why I told you to stay quiet about it. Listen to what other people say, good grief.

In any case, if they weren't speaking ill of me, then that's good. It seems they still have the bare minimum of feelings left.

Mostly, they measure things by results rather than value. They're pragmatic people who respect numbers and efficiency above all else.

Those who dismiss my way of life as a mere pastime could never understand art.

...However, I cannot simply disregard them as I am now.

Both my brother and sister are perfectly fulfilling their roles within the structure of the Itsuki family.

It's precisely because of their support that I am able to pursue art as the youngest child.

The only reason I can behave freely as I do is because in the end, my family tolerates it.

...It is frustrating to admit. But for now, I have no choice but to accept it.

And that is precisely why I cannot stop what I'm doing.

Everyone here knows who "Shu Itsuki" is without me having to introduce myself.

It's something that's naturally known in everyday life. We must elevate Valkyrie to that level.

To show that I'm not some debauchee who smears my good family name—

That I am a supreme artist worthy of bearing the Itsuki name.

...Hmph. I previously thought that having people who understand me was enough.

I never thought I would seek the approval of others. I've certainly changed.

However, this change is not necessarily a bad thing. A desire for approval can become unsightly, but...

At the same time, it can be fuel for evolution. At least for me currently, it seems to be the best possible encouragement to continue creating.

Hmm, what is it? ...You think I ought to put my current feelings into the solo live stream?

Hmm... Indeed, in that case, it does align with the essence of what I want to express.

With that said, what I just discussed with you is more of an eventual goal. It would feel a bit too direct to use it as is.

Above all else, how am I meant to express that? You don't mean to tell me to have the characters for "Itsuki" inscribed on the outfit, do you?

...An outfit that would be acceptable at a social gathering, huh?

I see. The idea is to start with appearances, and then overturn the impressions that they have.

Oh? You took out your sketchbook. It seems you have a specific concept in mind, Girl.

...

...Hah. What is this?

That is far too rigid and formal of an outfit. Do you intend to enter me in a ballroom competition?

Still, the direction itself isn't bad. I'll take your rough draft and refine it into something perfect.

From here on out, it is my domain. Costume design is my specialty, after all.

While I was greeting people earlier, I once again realized something.

The people here hold nothing but stereotypical preconceptions about idols.

So, as a start, I will use this outfit to overturn those conservative values of theirs.

Of course, I don't want to just flaunt eccentricity for the sake of it. The solo live stream is a project dedicated to those who support me, after all.

The private side of Shu Itsuki that is never shown on the stage of Valkyrie—

I shall reveal fragments of it in the solo live stream.

Fufu. I look forward to seeing the looks on their faces when they see it.

...Now then. It appears the party is in full swing. I think it's about time we make our exit, as well.

Girl, are you headed to ES after this? Then I will go with you.

You prioritized my plans, so now it's my turn to accompany you on your schedule.

I'll continue teaching you on the road. By the time we arrive at ES, the lace should be finished.

As a perfect circle without a single thread out of place... ♪