Commission and Slander
Captain! We have a problem!
Today was the day we were scheduled to visit the Apocalypse shop to get stage props for the play.
However, Lisette came rushing to our quarters before we'd even left.
Lisette? What's wrong?
Ooh... Well...
According to Lisette, the order process had been going smoothly until the morning.
Then suddenly, the artisan responsible for the special theatrical costumes contacted them, saying they couldn't do it.
Lisette tried persuading them, but failed, and so she hurried over to us.
...That's odd.
Did something happen?
Well, whether it can be done or not, we will know once we see for ourselves.
Mortals tend to speak the truth only when a blade is at their throats, after all.
...
I was expecting Rosaria to throw a fit and demand their execution, but she was surprisingly calm.
What's gotten into her...?
That blank expression tells me exactly what's on your mind.
Even a flower with thorns loses none of its sweetness, acting whatever.
Hovering just above the ground, Rosaria looked down at Lisette with a satisfied expression.
Come to think of it, this might be the first person shorter than her she's seen since arriving in Lavistar.
...I see.
Makes sense.
Ahaha! I thought you were blind, but it seems you can at least recognize a flower's worth.
I was bored anyway, so let us go have a look at this so-called artisan's workshop.
And so, following the address on the card Lisette gave us...
Ahh...!
Frederick!!
I-I'm sorry about last time.
I just assumed Frederick was wandering around on his own, and I...
I never expected Lisette's contact to be someone we knew...
Did things get resolved?
Of course! We agreed that Frederick would be raised by his owner's wife.
I wanted to keep him myself, but as you can see, my home is in no condition for him...
The house, still devastated from the earlier incident, stood out plainly enough on its own.
...Sorry about that.
No need to apologize. Thanks to you, Frederick's situation was resolved smoothly.
But what brings the two of you here today?
Do you remember the request submitted from Apocalypse?
We're actually the clients.
Ah... the request about modifying stage costumes for the play.
I'm sorry. I want to help as much as I can after causing trouble, but...
The special device that was supposed to go on the costumes has been reduced to ashes.
Her bitter gaze moved across the scorched floor.
Meanwhile, the one responsible was floating right beside me.
What are you staring at?
...Nothing.
I think I understand why you said it couldn't be done.
We still have some materials left... but layout and balance have to be considered carefully.
With so few usable materials left, recreating the original design will be difficult no matter what.
So if we change the design, it's possible?
H-huh...? It is, but...
There will be quite a few limitations. I can't pull off anything that requires broad coverage, and I'd need the new design quickly.
Don't worry about the clothes.
I know a skilled tailor.
But wasn't the play supposed to be about the Journey?
It's an adaptation, so it's fine.
What do you think, Rosaria?
Well, if it lets me change the dull script, I'm satisfied.
Yes. Let's have seven dwarf brothers, driven mad by their love for me, all trying to kill one another for my—
Don't change the theme.
Tch. How boring.
Rosaria instantly lost interest and drifted around without energy.
Does she just stop functioning without enough excitement...?
Hmm... If you're changing it anyway, wouldn't seven Saviors be better than seven dwarves?
I don't know if people would actually like it, but it would certainly draw attention.
Whoa?!
Haha, sorry for surprising you. I recognized you from behind and came up to you without thinking.
This is about the New Year's festival play, right? You've got it rough, Captain.
What brings you here, Roberta?
Disasters have been happening more often recently, so there's chaos everywhere.
The shops have been hit particularly hard, and a lot of related events were canceled.
Including the movie our poor deputy leader was looking forward to.
If Lugh was looking forward to it... Was it a Stellar Rangers movie?
Yeah. I'm the team lead, so I wanted to get her something to cheer her up.
Turns out the owner here handled the movie's giveaway merchandise.
Right?
Normally they're not for sale, but since it's a request from the Orbital Search Team...
We have the headquarters' approval, and as long as it's not for commercial use, it's fine.
Thanks. She'll love it.
It's not the same as seeing the Stellar Rangers in person, but oh well.
Ugh... It's still such a shame...
It was a highly anticipated tokusatsu movie, so it would've drawn a lot of attention.
Hmph. People clad in rubber suits spouting cringeworthy lines is hardly worthy of anticipation.
Only half-grown fools get emotionally invested in such nonsense.
...
Huh?
...Uh-oh.
That... sounded like you hit a nerve you really shouldn't have.
Hmm...
Well, I got what I came for, so I'll be going now.
See you next time, Captain!
Are you seriously abandoning me like this?!
Not at all. I just remembered something urgent.
I think I was in the middle of a search mission.
Ro...
ROBERTAAA!!
Hey, Captain! Don't think you can just slip away!
And you too, floating lady! You're not leaving until you see my collection!
Me? Why would I?
Because nothing in this world is more important than the Stellar Rangers!
If you don't comply... Then I won't accept the job!
You're going that far?!
Haha! You seem to be gravely mistaken.
Do you truly believe the likes of you can ever bend me to your will?
Do not take the mercy I have generously bestowed for granted, foolish mortal.
Ngh...!!
She's got a nasty mouth, but it's reassuring to have her on our side!
Thanks to Rosaria's intimidating presence, the atmosphere quickly cooled.
I'm sorry for not respecting your hobby, but watching all of it would be too much...!
O-of course I'm not asking you to watch for nothing! There are snacks, too!
Look! Cafe Strega's exclusive seasonal dessert...!
Ice cream topped with white truffles and gold leaf!!
What?
...What?
WHAAAAAT?!
That actually exists in Lavistar...?!
White truffle gold-leaf ice cream... exists in Lavistar?!
Acting whatever! From this moment...
You are to be my chair while I enjoy my ice cream!
Who are you calling a chair?!
You can float like you always do!
Ugh! I cannot fully savor the flavor if I'm busy using my strength!
Get over here right now!!
Fufu. It seems you're finally ready to appreciate the greatness of the Stellar Rangers.
We'll start with the prequel spin-off for proper context! It's just six episodes, so it'll be quick!
In the end, Rosaria and I could only leave after watching the full Stellar Rangers compilation...
M-my back... It's aching...
As expected of a fragile human, whining over something so trivial.
You were the one clinging to me...
You walk when there is a path. I sat because there was a chair.
And that Stellar-whatever was too dull to even bother floating through.
...Huh? You didn't like it?
You watched the whole thing, so I thought it was kind of your thing.
Of course not. It was among the worst things I have ever seen.
But... these mortals here are completely captivated by such childish nonsense.
If that level of triviality helps with the script, then half a day is a small price to pay.
You're going to work tokusatsu into the script?
Well, a messy romantic melodrama would be artistically superior, but...
Expecting all mortals to keep up with my boundless artistry would be greedy.
Consider it an honor, acting whatever.
Drawing upon your mediocrity... I have devised the perfect script.