Fleeting Happiness

Kokona: And once again… Congratulations on getting the leading role, Kathrina-chan!

Shizuka: Since you showed us that kind of performance, I have no choice but to accept it. Now it’s up to you.

Shizuka: As for the rest of the cast… Kokona will be the Prince and Sasuga the Sea Witch. Yae-chan is chosen for the Princess, and Panda for the Little Mermaid’s older sister.

Kokona: What a fascinating cast!

Kathrina: I’m looking forward to seeing your Prince.

Kokona: Yes! I’ll do my best!

Kokona: I’m slightly disappointed that I won’t be playing the Little Mermaid… But unlike at the auditions to join the troupe, I’ll get to thoroughly portray the Prince.

Shizuka: We need to become the Prince worthy of Kathrina’s Little Mermaid.

Kokona: Absolutely! Her take on the role was incredible! The way her Little Mermaid was prepared to give it all for her dream was so moving!

Shizuka: I liked how she kept moving forward in spite of being swayed by her own feelings. Watching it made me feel uneasy, but I wanted to root for her even more.

Kathrina: I’m glad to hear that. I’ll show you what my version of the Little Mermaid is all about.

Kokona: Kathrina-chan, you look so composed.

Kathrina: Being overly happy won’t improve my acting skills. Besides, as people say, “Lights are usually followed by the shadows.” So it’s better to keep a grip on yourself.

Kokona: Lights… What?

Kathrina: I didn’t mess up my Japanese, did I?

Kokona: Was that really Japanese?

Shizuka: You sure know some fascinating idioms…

Kathrina: How comes my Japanese is better than yours?.. Honestly…

Kathrina: Ah… I’m kind of thirsty. I’ll go get something to drink.

Kokona: Be back soon!

Kathrina: Uwaa! Ahh…

Kokona: Was that Kathrina-chan?..

Shizuka: She needed to drink so suddenly… Maybe she’s not feeling well?..

Kokona: What?! That’s no good! Let’s go check on her!

Kokona: Kathrina-chan! Are you――

Kathrina: Fufufu ♪ I’m the lead… the lead!

Kokona: Kathrina… chan?..

Kathrina: Ah?.. Ko-kokona?!

Shizuka: Oh dear, so that’s what it was. What a rare sight, Kathrina smiling so brightly.

Kathrina: This… I…

Shizuka: If you’re so happy you smile like this, you should be more honest about it.

Kokona: Kathrina-chan, so you’re happy?! I thought you were crying, so I got a little worried.

Kathrina: Wh-what could I do? I didn’t expect to be praised this much!

Shizuka: Keep your head up! Everyone recognized your Little Mermaid, after all.

Kathrina: Yeah… Hiiragi-san also said something like that…

Kokona: It’s just as Shizuka-chan and Hiiragi-san say. Kathrina-chan, you’re an outstanding actress!

Kathrina: …You’re right. I’m playing the leading role. So I must behave accordingly!

Shizuka: Now that’s the spirit. It will be a shame if our leading actress isn’t ready for ovations.

Kokona: Yup! So let’s give it our best, Kathrina-chan!

Kathrina: Yeah… I’ll make sure to give you a perfect performance.