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From the car, we rode to a plane before getting into another car. When we arrived at the destination, the Shimotsuki family’s main residence, it was noon. After experiencing firsthand just how much time traveling takes, I suppose adjustments to the plan are needed. I should probably refrain from visiting all of the twelve families.

“We have been waiting for you. The mistress and the ladies have been awaiting your arrival.”

I was surrounded by the maids waiting at the front door. Akira and Kyosuke were next to me, and it seems like they were captured as well. They’re officially dragged into this mess. They look at me for help, but it’s impossible in this situation.

“Um, there’s no need to surround me so tightly.”
“The mistress has warned us about the possibility of you running away, you see.”

There’s no way I’d think of running away after coming this far. I’m honestly not too good with this family. They generally toy with me and most of all, I can’t handle their constant hyperness. Rin is the only exception, but she wouldn’t bat an eye sacrificing me for her own interest.

“In that case, can the security team act separately?”
“We were instructed to bring those with lady Kotone along. We had assumed that they were lady Kotone’s friends.”
“So, can we go our own ways?”
“No, that won’t be necessary.”

Give it up, Akira. It looks like they’re not letting you get away. That was the most help I could provide. I don’t want to cause much trouble within the other twelve family’s residences. After all, they have enough influence that saying the laws here might be different wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

“Kotone, what are we getting involved in?”
“I want to know that myself.”
“That doesn’t bode well for our first house.”
“Give it up. We’re simply out of our depth.”

Just what are they planning, even getting Akira and Kyosuke involved? I can’t even begin to guess. I’m sure it’s nothing dangerous, but even Rin seems exhausted with whatever this is. It’s also worrying how even Akane kept her distance.

“Everyone is waiting here.”

We were led to a building a short distance away from the main residence. It’s enormous and seems relatively new. I can’t hear any sound from the inside. And for some reason, the maids are pushing us from behind, urging us to go inside. Steeling myself, I opened the door and what I saw was…

“Nya!”
“Nya!”

The Shimotsuki family is making a strange yell with mics in hand. I gently close the door and massage my brow. I really wish I was imagining things, but reality is cruel. Besides, I also saw unfamiliar people who are unlikely to be part of the Shimotsuki family. If I had to describe the scene…

“Why the hell are they holding a damn concert?”
“Kotone, it seems that way for me too.”
“Do the twelve families hold their own New Year Festival or something?”

I was so surprised I couldn’t control my tongue, but the two seem to be too shocked to notice it as well. While they might know how the twelve families present themselves to the public, they likely have never seen the families’ true natures firsthand. I’m a bit of an exception, but the twelve families generally don’t show their true nature to others.

“This will be a good experience. Let’s see even more of the twelve families’ hidden side.”
“Hey, wouldn’t that have some effect on us?”
“A big one, I believe. You might get a flood of offers from the members of the twelve families. Since you know their true natures, they won’t need to hold themselves back with you.”
“We refuse!”

It’s a chance to earn more, though. I know they really don’t like it, but it shouldn’t be that bad. The Shimotsuki behave well in public, while the Fumidzuki are good as long as the family isn’t all together. The most dangerous one, as expected, would be the Hadzuki. They’d probably work you hard.

“Now, now, please don’t feel reserved and step right inside.”
“The maids here really don’t show any mercy!”
“It’s only natural. They serve under the Shimotsuki, after all.”

I now understand why there are so many of them. It was so they could surround us and force us through the door. Think about it, I’m just a normal visitor coming here to give my New Year’s greetings. And they cast us into hell without any reservation? And now the Shimotsuki family noticed our presence.

“Anne, you’re finally here!”

Please don’t scream at me with a mic. It’s reverberating in my head; it hurts. Still, this is a pretty wide hall. Looking around, I can see around 30 people in the audience. They’re sitting before a table lined with food and drinks while cheering on. There’s even what looks like an orchestra onstage.

“What the heck are they doing.”
“I thought Kotone was just special, but the others are bad too.”
“Where did our image of the twelve families come from to begin with?”

Let your preconceived image of the twelve families crumble to dust. Otherwise, you’ll always be one step behind. Still, this is probably the only house Akira and Kyosuke can get into. Normally, the others don’t allow security personnel to enter, after all. The Shimotsuki family is too unique.

“As promised, I came to greet you for the new year. Happy New Year.”
“Happy New Year to you too. Now, let’s have a duet together. Aya, hand her the microphone.”

Without any warning, Aya gave me her mic. Moreover, why is her face steeped with discontent? Right next to her, Rin shrugs her shoulders. I really don’t understand their family dynamic.

“Sis feels frustrated that mama recognized you first.”
“I also make the effort to train myself, you know? And yet Kotone is mama’s favorite. Of course, I’d be frustrated. I guess it’s all about talent, huh.”
“It’s not just talent, okay? I even requested a certain person to train me before Christmas.”

Since I was going to perform in public, I wanted to be the best I could. That’s why I requested voice training from Shirose, as well as why I had her look over my song. She was a harsh critic as usual, but she told me that I sound better as Kotone, which is a weird compliment.