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“In Anne’s case, I think having a solid foundation is what made the difference. The accumulation of daily diligence is what’s most important, after all.”
“Depending on innate talent has its limits. If you don’t practice diligently, you’ll get rusty and stop improving. That’s just normal.”
“Even if you give these two a valid argument, they’ll only get more upset.”

Why, though? I could only do what I could because I went through Shirose’s hellish training in the past. Without that, I probably wouldn’t be able to sing well even with Kotone’s high specs. There’s really no telling what could help you in the future.

“So, what the heck is this disaster?”
“It’s just the Shimotsuki family’s annual New Year Concert, is there any problem with it?”

Aya said it like it’s a normal affair, so I don’t know how to react. I’m pretty sure that Sherry was the originator of this and that this building was specifically built only for that purpose. Complete soundproofing is absurd. I know from earlier that the sound doesn’t leak outside at all. This is definitely not the right way to spend money.

“Why didn’t Akane come?”
“I got carried around last time. I really regret having her sing a little too much.”

So Sherry was the reason. ‘A little too much’ for your standards is far too much for normal people, you know. A professional singer’s throat is completely different from a normal throat. Moreover, with you being the mother of the family, most everyone else is on your side. I’m curious where the husband is, though.

“What about the master of the house?”
“He’s over there, resting. He’s always the first to sing, and yet he taps out immediately. Really now.”

His throat is already gone, huh. It’s still not even afternoon yet; just when did they start this concert? Also, Rin has been pushing me from behind for a while now, but thanks to my desperate resistance, the stage is empty.

“Sister Kotone, give it up and go onstage.”
“No. Why do I have to humiliate myself?”
“I thought you’ve already prepared yourself since you arrived here?”
“There’s no way anyone could expect this kind of mess. If I had known, I would have changed my itinerary.”
“That’s why we didn’t tell.”

I realized it was intentional when I saw what was beyond the door. It’s probably because they know my personality well that none of the Shimotsukis offered prior information. Why do I have to sing in front of so many people? If it was just the Shimotsuki family, then I might have still considered it.

“To begin with, who are these people?”
“They’re people from mom’s agency. We’re wasting time here, so I’ll help out.”

With Aya now pushing my back as well, I accept my fate. As expected, I can’t win against the two of them. I’m absolutely sure that they won’t let me go with just one song. In that case, it’d be better for my sanity to give in and embrace idiocy.

“Damn it, let’s go!”
“Next is a duet with the rumored Unknown! Are your ears ready!”
“Ya~y!”

Influenced by Sherry’s cheer, the crowd was absolutely hyped. This will be the first time I’ll be singing with my face exposed, is this really going to be my debut? We haven’t gotten permission from Yui either. I guess it’s too late for that.

“This isn’t broadcast to the internet, is it?”
“No way. This is a completely private fun time.”
“Well, it’s too much effort for just that.”

It’s evident that Sherry requested for this and her husband made it reality. They have an abundance of money, so they can afford to use some. There’s a limit to messing around.

“Still, there is a chance that the audience will post about it. Taking photos and so are forbidden, but just that much is permitted.”
“So that’s how the information leaked.”

So that’s why Misaki knew a bit about it. I assumed that they shut out the information with the usual unknown regulation method. Still, I guess I should be glad that my face won’t be exposed. Well, except to those currently here that is.

“For the first song, let’s go with that one from before. Both you and I couldn’t sing at full throttle, after all.”
“That one during the field trip, is it? Our goal then was to sing as backup, so we certainly did restrain ourselves from taking the stage.”

Our objective then was to put the Choir Club on the spotlight, so both Sherry and I had that focus. Because of that, we sang differently from usual, and we didn’t pour in our all. If we did that, we’d completely overshadow the Choir Club.

“If you forget the lyrics, feel free to look at the monitor. Now then, let’s do it!”

There’s a display monitor by my feet. Well now with this, I can sing along even if I only remember parts of the lyrics. It’s nice since it’s like I’m in a karaoke box, but what about the orchestra behind us? They’re not just for decoration, are they?

After that, I was made to sing five songs, I think. I would try to leave after the song ended, but Sherry would grab me by the collar of my shirt and force me to sing the next song repeatedly. It’s absolutely not because I got into a singing mood.

“I can understand why Akane wouldn’t come.”
“Ms. Akane’s highest record is 9 consecutive songs, if I remember. Around the end, she looked like she was dying.”

I’m currently borrowing a seat and gulping down a beverage Rin brought me, but why the citrus? It literally stings. I know it’s partially my fault for not checking, but I lightly choked. If it was a soft drink instead, I would have coughed it out.

“Thanks to Sister Kotone’s arrival, I’ve finally gotten some rest. Greatly appreciated.”
“Aya went upstage in my place, but I’m impressed she can keep her company.”
“I think it’s a matter of pride. Mom has a monster of a throat, after all.”

I feel you. Singing at full throttle can be extremely stressful to your throat, and yet she makes it look easy. It’s amazing. I can’t even last long without rests in between. Considering how Isami is also like this, pro-singers are really amazing.

“You think they’d get mad if I silently leave?”
“They’d have people pursue you without holding anything back. And I’d tattle on you, too.”

It seems that they won’t let me escape. I really don’t feel like I can escape a twelve family at their full force. Still, at least there’s a set time limit, which is my only salvation. I still have a bad feeling about this, though.