Chapter 1
Sorry t' keep ya waitin', Anzu-chan.
Ya weren't waitin' long at all? I'm glad, then.
Ah, did'ya get some drinks ready too? Thank ya kindly. ♪
So what did ya wanna talk with me about? New work?
Nnah? It's Oshi-san's turn fer a Feature Live?!
Gotcha~! So I finally get t' see Oshi-san's solo live. I've been lookin' forward to it fer a long time now, so I'm real happy. ♪
Hm? Ya want help comin' up with an idea this time, too?
Now that'cha mention it, when it was time fer Oshi-san's exclusive outfit, ya came t' ask how I would have him dressed.
...Anzu-chan, maybe you'll come up with some ideas fer the stage this time too, an' Oshi-san can choose one?
...
Nnah~... I might be puttin' ya out by sayin' somethin' so selfish, Anzu-chan, but...
Can't ya have Oshi-san make his Feature Live by himself, completely from scratch?
There wasn't enough time or much of a budget fer the exclusive outfit, right? So we thought up an idea together, an' Oshi-san finished it up.
'Course, that was also super pretty.
It was real excitin' t' see the idea we came up with turn out t' be even more amazin' when left in Oshi-san's hands than I ever coulda imagined.
But... It's cause'a this that I wanna see Oshi-san make his solo live completely on his own, with his own two hands, from start to finish.
...Anzu-chan? Will ya do what I'm sayin'?
There's more time t' spare this time 'round... D'ya also wanna see Oshi-san make his solo live from scratch?
It’s just a selfish request o’ mine, but is there any chance you’ll hear me out?
'M so happy ya said that, Anzu-chan! Fer real, thank ya so much... ♪
Oh, of course. If ya run into any kinda mess, I'll help ya out, so just lemme know, okay?
Even though there's a lot more time than before, 'm sure Oshi-san'll have plenty of demands this time, too.
I know 's a lot t' handle, but please look after Oshi-san. ♪
Hello, little girl? I was just looking over the material you sent me for the Feature Live.
But... Is this all of it?
You attached the concept materials for the exclusive outfit last time, but they are missing here.
Instead, there is a list of stages that can be recreated based on the scale of previous Valkyrie performances and the planned budget...
Hm? Unlike with the exclusive outfit, we have some time before the Feature Live?
So rather than do it how we did last time, you opted to consult with me on the kind of solo live I want to perform.
I understand your line of thinking. In other words, I can create the stage as I’d like from scratch.
Fortunately, I have no pressing work or group exhibitions coming up on my agenda. It appears that I’m able to dedicate all of my time to the Feature Live.
...I know that there are limits to funding and time without you reminding me.
Sigh. Time and money are both inextricably linked to the continuation of my artistic endeavors.
...However, the creation of wonderful art necessitates paying a corresponding price.
Knowing this, you still wish to see the Feature Live produced by I, Shu Itsuki?
If that’s the case, then I am just responding to those feelings.
We can discuss the details after I return to Japan on the weekend. In the meantime, I’ll put together some ideas.
...Hm? Is there anything else?
Ahh. The shoot for the brochure. I will think of a concept for that too.
Then, I should get back to work.
...What is it? If you have more to say, do so quickly.
"I hope I can learn a lot from you this time too?"
Hmph. I am telling you this now, but I will not be handholding you through every step.
If you want to learn, learn from observing. Please be sure not to get in my way.
Okay. I’ll end the call here.
(A Feature Live, huh. Despite all the restrictions, being able to hold a solo live is a valuable thing.)
(What’s more, she said that this time, they are willing to accommodate my requests to an extent. I cannot let this incredible opportunity pass me by.)
Kakaka. Let’s start coming up with ideas.
Wahaha! ☆ For some reason, Shu looks so happy~!
Gyaah?!
Woah! I wonder when's the last time I've seen Shu so surprised like that?
Ah, it's been a long time since I’ve felt inspiration gushing out like this! Gimme a moment, I'll write it down right now!
Tsukinaga! How long have you been here?!
Or rather, if you are here, you should give me a proper greeting! How childish of you to surprise people and then laugh at their reactions!
Ah~, you used to get angry like that a lot when I first started coming here! Yeah yeah, there’s a nostalgic feel to this melody... ♪
As usual, you still don’t listen to a word I say, do you...
Enough of that. I suppose you have no particular reason for coming today, again.
I did have a reason, though~? I came for some Shu-style inspiration! And now that I’ve got some, I'm satisfied!
Good for you. If you’re done with your business, go home. I want to concentrate on my work.
Is that the live or whatever that you were talking about on the phone just now? I guess your partner is Anzu~?
Somehow, it’s not a live show, but a Feature Live.
Hm~? Have I heard about that somewhere?
Maybe so. Well, if it doesn’t ring a bell, I suppose your turn is yet to come.
...No. In your case, it is more likely that you just forgot.
To put it simply, it is my solo live.
This is great! I can feel so much inspiration coming forth!
While I’m flattered by your expectations, I am simply pursuing my art as I've always had.
Yeah, and I think that's great. Since it's always interesting to see what you make.
Your work has changed over the past year, and I'm looking forward to seeing how your live will turn out when done all on your own!
Naturally. Like you, I have been influenced in various ways by this foreign land.
I have improved my techniques and expanded my range of expression. This Feature Live will truly be the perfect chance to showcase that.
Yeah. I'm rooting for you, too~
Well, I'm guessing the hardest part will be Anzu having to work with you, Shu. Since you care so much about all the tiny details.
I cannot allow even the slightest flaw in the creations I bring forth. An artist must be particular about such things.
(...In any case, if any progress is to be made, it will be necessary to communicate with the little girl.)
(Even if it is just for peace of mind, it is best that I do what I can.)