Daikoku
(So this is Eden's rehearsal space... I really did pass...)

Daikoku
(Now I can finally stand on stage...)

Daikoku
(But before that...)

Eden Member A
For this scene, what kind of feeling should it have? What do you think?

Eden Member B
Hmm, probably-

Daikoku
(H-how should I join their circle...)

Eden Member A
...That girl, you know, the new one who just joined...I wonder why she passed?

Eden Member B
Who knows. I heard Hatsumi-san strongly recommended her...

Eden Member B
Eh, Hatsumi-san did? Hmm...

Daikoku
(...! Are they looking at me? Then, that new person they're talking about...)

Iruru
...Ah. I see...

Iruru
Shigure, let's go say hello~.

Shigure
Eh~. I don't want to~. Shouldn't she come greet us first? Wait, Iruru-senpai, don't pull me like that~.

Iruru
Hello there~, new girl.

Daikoku
Ah...g-good morning.

Iruru
I'm Iruru. Nice to meet you~?

Iruru
Come on, Shigure too.

Shigure
Geez...can't be helped, I guess.

Shigure
I'm Fudeshima Shigure.

Shigure
As your senpai, make sure you listen to what I say, okay~?

Daikoku
...I'm Karasumori Daikoku. Please take care of me.

Iruru
Yes, yes, let's get along from now on~.

Daikoku
(For now, I think I'll manage somehow...)

Hatsumi
-Everyone, listen up. The roles for the next performance have been decided.

Daikoku
(...! A new stage! I wonder if I'll get a role too...)

Hatsumi
So, first, I'll be playing the lead. Next, Iruru will-

Hatsumi
And, Daikoku. You'll play the role of the magician.

Shigure
Wha...are you serious~? The magician role doesn't have many scenes, but it's an important role, isn't it?

Shigure
This person just joined as a rookie, you know~? I think it's impossible for her to perfect this role.

Hatsumi
Shigure, do you not trust my judgment?

Shigure
That's not what I mean~...but what if right before the performance, she says she can't do it? That could ruin the entire show.

Iruru
I'm a bit worried too. If this role isn't done properly, it affects how the entire stage looks.

Hatsumi
I appreciate your concern for the newcomer.

Hatsumi
But I've already decided.

Hatsumi
I'm entrusting this role to Daikoku. Understood?

Yoro
...If Hatsumi insists that much, I have nothing more to say. Well, let's see what she can do~.

Daikoku
(So I'm being entrusted with a really important role...? Why would such a role be given to a newcomer like me...)

Daikoku
(But-this is my first stage. I'll make it a success...)

Daikoku
"The heart is..."

Daikoku
(No, if it were Panda, she'd do it like... This kind of acting is still inferior to Panda's.)

Daikoku
(I have to act better...! Even better than Panda...!)

Shigure
Somehow, her acting feels forced.

Shigure
Even now, the stage only works because others are covering for her.

Shigure
Did Hatsumi-san draw the short straw this time?

Iruru
Now, now, rehearsals have just started. Let's wait and see a little longer.

Eden Member A
Hey, Daikoku.

Daikoku
...What is it?

Eden Member A
What was that acting just now? Hatsumi-san has entrusted you with an important role!

Daikoku
...!

Eden Member B
If we hadn't been covering for you, the stage would have fallen apart, you know?

Eden Member B
Haah~, I wonder why Hatsumi-san cast you as the magician.

Eden Member B
Seriously. Just like Shigure said earlier. Did Hatsumi-san draw a really bad card this time?

Eden Member A
Right, right, even if they say you're the promising newcomer Hatsumi-san is backing, I can't accept it.

Eden Member B
You're lacking too much to be favored by Hatsumi-san.

Eden Member A
...Hey, after today's rehearsal, you realized this role is too much for you, right? Wouldn't it be better for you to just quit?

Daikoku
.............

Eden Member A
Say something!

Shigure
I saw that~! Bullying the newcomer in a place like this?

Eden Member B
...!

Shigure
If you have time for that, I think you'd be better off practicing~?

Eden Member A
Wha...! T-this has nothing to do with you!

Iruru
Now, now, Shigure is being a bit too harsh too. But that's enough being hard on the newcomer, okay?

Eden Member B
.............

Iruru
Actually, Hatsumi was calling for you? You'd better go quickly~.

Eden Member A
...F-fine. About this, don't tell Hatsumi-san-

Iruru
I know~. What I just saw will stay between us.

Eden Member B
Hmph...let's go.

Shigure
Haah... This hack actor has it tough too.

Daikoku
Hack actor...

Shigure
Huh? You're not getting angry?

Shigure
Well, it's the truth anyway.

Iruru
Shigure, don't provoke the newcomer just because you're worried about her.

Iruru
Daikoku-chan, don't worry about it too much.

Yoro
...If you have any concerns, I'm here to talk, okay?

Daikoku
.............

Shigure
Sigh. Silent again. I can't deal with this.

Shigure
...Honestly, I don't acknowledge it either. The fact that someone of your level has so much expections from Hatsumi-san.

Iruru
Hey, hey, I said no more bullying the newcomer.

Shigure
I'm not bullying her~. I'm just telling her the facts. That's rather kind of me, isn't it?

Iruru
I'm not so sure... Daikoku-chan, us seniors might be like this, but if you ever want to talk, just let me know.

Daikoku
.............

Daikoku
(I, I am...)

Hatsumi
Daikoku, I need to talk to you.

Daikoku
...Yes? W-what is it...?

Hatsumi
I'm removing you from the role of the magician in this production.

Daikoku
Eh...!? No...

Daikoku
I-I'll practice more, so please-

Daikoku
(...But can I really do it?)

Daikoku
(Just as everyone says, maybe I...)

Hatsumi
I'm sorry, but no matter what you say, you'll have to give up this role.

Hatsumi
However, in exchange, I'm preparing a stage for you.

Daikoku
Huh...? A stage...for me...?

Hatsumi
Yes. Next time...you'll be the lead.