The entrance to the auditorium opened. Everyone's attention was drawn to the noise and sight.
Another new person that the first years did not know. Well, the other members do.
Standing at the door frame, was a long blond-haired girl that could be described as the most beautiful in this auditorium. The first years were mesmerized, even the two girls.
Her hazel eyes were captivating the newcomers, freezing them with admiration for her beauty.
Such rare features to be seen in Japan, the dazzling girl entered the auditorium. She is surely a foreigner. To think that a foreigner was a Drama Club member, Fujita, Rina and Nami were paralyzed.
Harue and Hishimi, who were seated next to each other stared at her. Hishimi giggled and said to Harue.
"Talk about the devil."
".....Yeah..."
Harue continued to sew the cloth into the measurements that Hishimi gave him. He was preparing the costume for the girls for the upcoming tournament.
At the moment, he was working on the costume for Konishi Rina who was decided to play as the protagonist's little sister. Since the story was set in medieval times, the clothes should also be from that era. With that in mind, Harue worked.
Seita, the Vice-President, greeted the girl.
"Kagome-san. Good afternoon."
She indifferently stared at Seita and replied, "Good afternoon, Itsuki-san."
She proceeded to drop off her bag where everyone safely kept it. Right after, Paro, Daisuke, Yuna and Ike sort of approached her and greeted her too.
Likewise, Kagome greeted them too. Paro continued to converse with her.
"It's been a while Kagome-san, are you doing well?"
"Yes."
The three new members were talking to themselves deducing who the girl was, just like how they did with Harue. But they kept at a certain level to not judge her before meeting her properly.
The second year, Nakagawa Daisuke, came to them and warned them.
"Hey."
The three reacted fearfully as to why the scary-looking upperclassmen approached them. Well, Daisuke was pretty accustomed to these types of responses so he waited for them to be able to reply.
Nami, the cool-headed girl, was the one first to calm down and conversed. She was also wary of Daisuke, however, she is the sort of person to adapt with every person
"...What's up, Nakagawa-senpai?"
".....You are breaking a rule here." Daisuke lightly smiled.
Nami realized but still hesitantly called out to him.
"...Daisuke-senpai. Is there anything?"
For the other two, Fujita and Rina thought Nami was an amazing and brave person. Immediately using the first name, that too on Nakagawa Daisuke.
He was and still pretty infamous in this school, especially amongst first years. The first time that they encountered this fearful student just by looking at his face and his slim yet strong body, his presence became known.
Moreover, those who were close enough to him to hear his coarse voice, then their evaluation of Daisuke's level of scariness would elevate.
Well, no one can blame him for having such facial features that encourage fright. It is all genetics from both his parents.
For that specific reason, that's why Paro recruited him into this club. For the villain's role, he was perfect. All to increase the authenticity of their performance. It is one of the major factors to be able to rise to the top.
"All three of you, I need you to listen to me carefully."
Daisuke's serious face looked like somebody who angered him. Ignoring that daunting fact, Fujita, Nami and Rina got closer to him and listened.
"You remember the first rule of this club, right?"
Those three nodded with a confused expression, wondering why he was bringing that up.
"Be careful around Kagome-san, because this rule doesn't apply to her. I mean it."
They looked at Kagome then Fujita raised a question towards Daisuke.
"Why is that....D-Daisuke-senpai?" Fujita wasn't adapting fast so Daisuke let it slide.
"Well, part of it is because she is a noble."
"""A noble!?"""
"Shhhhh!!!"
Daisuke silenced the overreacting trio. Fortunately, Kagome was still talking with Paro, Daisuke sighed with relief.
"Anyway, don't call her by her first name."
Nobles are very respected since they come from a family that contributed to the Hero in the destruction of the Mythical Beasts that ravaged the world.
The companions of the Hero Ryouma were given the privilege of a more luxurious lifestyle. Now they each became head of their family, making their family name reputed.
Since then, aristocracy was established in honour of the Hero who himself suggested this kind of system. Not only in Japan but in every other country. It was because his companions were comprised of many talented magic users that came from different part of countries.
Seeing how the Mythical Beasts, the 'Roogarou' emerged in every part of Earth, no country escaped from its atrocities. That's why, like in Japan, common people who seemingly awakened to some kind of powers, retaliated.
Those lucky and talented enough to be able to manifest an amazing power even greater, were invited to fight alongside the Hero Ryouma.
There was quite a number that was on the Hero's party but not to the point of being uncountable.
That's why aristocracy was integrated into the world to not forget about those people's bravery.
It was the Hero's suggestion that made it possible. At the time, who could refuse him and it was a great way to remember their achievements.
On top of the aristocrats was the Hero Ryouma, the Emperor.
The aristocrats had titles that separated them based on how much they aided and how much they were strong.
First comes the Emperor, meaning the Hero, then the Duke, the Marquis, the Earl, the Viscount and then finally, the Baron.
Although this kind of 'unfair' treatment may have had sprung conflicts amongst the former companions who later became aristocrats, they were dealt with by the Hero.
Well, no one could refute or defeat the Hero. He was the strongest man. At this point, he acted like a King that solved many troubles.
He is called the King but he did not like it. Instead, he clarified it himself that he will be referred to as the Emperor. People did not see any problem and went along with him.
Considering who he was, nobody minded the 'small' detail he replaced.
Anyway, the companions of the Hero, the head of an aristocratic family, grew and lived in a wealthy environment. Lives were much easier. It was thanks to those talented individuals.
"Then that means the Kagome Family fought alongside the Emperor?"
"More specifically, the head of the Kagome Family."
".....Wow. Kagome-senpai comes from a very respectable family." Rina, the shy girl, murmured about Kagome's nobility.
However, the boy, Fujita, was still unsure about something. So he reluctantly asked Daisuke.
"Um...Daisuke-senpai. Even though Kagome-senpai comes from a noble family, that just isn't enough to make us stop us from calling her by her first name."
The other two also noticed as Fujita curiously inquired.
"Are there any other reasons that will compel us in doing otherwise?"
Daisuke did not know how to phrase it himself, so he vaguely ordered them.
"J-Just don't make the mistake of calling her by her first name and I'll explain later. Now go on and greet her."
Daisuke ended their conversation and went into the direction of Seita and Yuna. He was going to practice to go to practice with them.
The trio looked at each other and Fujita helplessly announced.
"I guess we should take Daisuke-senpai's advice. Let's go." The other two girls agreed and followed him.
Paro and Kagome were discussing the Drama Club's next performance.
"Is it okay if I give you the details of the role that I am going to give you?"
Kagome sighed and looked at her as if she can't be bothered.
"Is it really necessary?"
The silvery voice combined with a condescending tone, was Kagome's. Although her voice was attractive and contained elegance, it seemed like she was using it in the wrong way.
"I mean, you do need to know to be able to practice."
"No need, I'll read it later."
Paro worriedly scratched her head and asked,
"But you don't even what role you have been appointed."
Brimming with confidence, she declared arrogantly with a smirk.
"I'm the heroine...right?"
To her prideful response, Paro glanced downwards and supported Kagome.
"...You are not wrong."
There was no denying that because already decided that Kagome would be the heroine of this play.
"Umm-Kagome-senpai. Good afternoon." The three first years approached Kagome and greeted her.
"...? Good afternoon? Who might you three be?"
Kagome did not see them before. The day that they were recruited, she was simply not in the auditorium. Just like Harue, Kagome too did not come to the Drama Club for a week.
But for her, it was a rather different reason.
It is because she knew that this week was used to recruit new members. Although the Drama Club would do less time in actual club activities, meaning practising their acts, she did not want to bother herself.
It is after the recruitment died down that she came to the club.
Well, Fujita, Rina and Nami greeted her respectfully. They did not encounter any problems when meeting with Kagome.
Indeed they followed what Daisuke said, that's why it went so well. From the sideline, Daisuke sighed and felt happy that everything went well.
Yuna, who was beside Daisuke, enquired about what happened. He shrugged off the matter and diverted his attention onto what she was wearing.
"Who are you supposed to play as?"
"The Queen, haha, and you?"
"Same as always, the villain." Daisuke laughed alongside Yuna. He glanced at Seita and opened his mouth.
"And the hero as always."
Seita looked over to their direction and started smiling. He jokingly declared.
"Prepared to get beaten again my arch nemesis!"
"I was born to get beaten, hero!"
Their small skit brought laughter from Yuna as their humour was not getting old according to her. They retracted from their embarrassing act and digressed.
"As always, these clothes are perfect and suits us very well." Seita praised the attires.
"Did you forget that it comes from the Senpai that always makes its work close to perfection?"
Yuna, Seita and Daisuke looked over at where Harue was. He was sewing for the new members while Hishimi was beside him chatting with him.
"Well, shouldn't we be grateful that we have such an amazing Senpai?" Seita announced to the two.
Daisuke nodded enthusiastically while Yuna kept staring at Harue. She was thinking about the terrorist incident. She remembered how Harue always consoled her and protected her.
Finally, she blurted out.
"Yes, we are really lucky."
Seita and Daisuke smiled along with Yuna. They are lucky to be able to be friends with Harue. This is a blessing to each of them.
"Is this my attire?"
Kagome took a very beautiful dress, as in befitting of a noble. She looked at Harue and waited for his reply.
"Yes, it is." Harue casually replied.
She grinned a tad bit wider as she checked out the dress. She turned it around, admired the masterpiece that is in front of her.
"The design is embroidered nicely with the colour being used properly..."
She kept murmuring her praise.
"The fabric too is good. The dress is not that heavy although it looks like it. Comparatively, it is as good as a noble's dress."
Kagome was continuing to evaluate the dress when Hishimi interrupted her thoughts.
"Mitani-chan."
'What did I just hear!?!?'
Nami, Rina and Fujita were flabbergasted. As if they weren't just warned about not calling her by her first name, Hishimi casually blurted it out like it is normal.
They were confused so they glanced at Daisuke who seemed to have detected their gaze.
"What is it Hishimi-san?"
This time too. Kagome did call Hishimi by her first name. For everyone else, Kagome called by their surnames. Obviously, they have a close relationship.
Daisuke approached them and cleared their doubts.
"Well, you three seemed confused so let me clarify. There is always an exception in every matter, don't you agree?"
It made sense. No, it is a fact.
"Additionally, Hishimi-san is just that kind of person. Friendly and persistent. You know, those combinations are deadly."
Somehow, they got an understanding of the concept. So they reluctantly agreed to what Daisuke said.
Hishimi continued talking to her as she was seated next to Harue.
"Why did you first think that that was your dress?"
Kagome darted his eyes to Harue then said as if it was the normal thing to say.
"Because it is the most beautiful one amongst the other attires."
Hishimi knew how arrogant she was so she did not mind her prideful response. Harue's concern was only if there was a problem with the dresses.
"...Thanks for the compliment...I guess."
Harue expressed his gratitude towards Kagome. She still is arrogant but she had manners to commend Harue's work.
So he did not have any choice but to behave that way towards Kagome. It is proper etiquette, especially if you are being praised by a noble.
"Well, everyone let's start practising altogether."
Paro brought all of the members together, except for Hishimi, Harue and Ike, who were not actors.
Then, the practice act started.
..........
"This atrocious crime is believed to be the doing of the infamous serial killer, going by the nickname, Gello. As always, the murder took place on the 15th, meaning on last Thursday. The body of a 14-year-old boy was discovered with multiple injuries, mostly situated on the upper body and the face."
On a mobile phone, the terrible news was displayed.
"The victim, Shinagawa Miyauchi lived at...."
A handsome man, with thug-looking black clothes and black shades, sat on a bench alone. He kept staring at his phone, listening to this particular news.
"The family of the victims all gathered in this saddening occasion that aches the hearts of many people. The parents of Shinagawa Miyauchi pleaded for the police to find the culprit."
After a few seconds, it showed a clip of a middle-aged man. Below, it showed a text of a name, presumably the middle-aged man.
It read 'Shinagawa Mitsuo'
"The police of Osaka. No, the police of Japan. If I seem like an overly selfish father then I sincerely apologize but I have but one request. Please....please catch the demon who caused all of this. I at least want to see the face of who killed my son. Please....Catch...that demon..."
He scratched his neck where a unique looking tattoo was etched. He sighed with no apparent reason. The screen cut back to the host of the news.
"The police force is facing critics from the publi-"
The man left from the news page and decided that it was time to move. He stood up and put his phone in his pocket. But before he could even do that, he received a call.
He irritatingly answered after seeing who it was.
"What?"
"Still no luck?"
"No..."
".....Well, keep trying. Until then, do not disturb me unless there reeeeaaally is an emergency."
"Yeah, fuck you too."
"Ciao."
The call finished and the man walked around the district amongst the crowd. He scoffed and murmured as if he has a headache dealing with the matter.
"Come on, where the hell are you hiding..."