Volume 1 - CH 3.5

Intermission: Suzuran Shopping District, North of Amagi Station

In the yakitori bar ‘Savage’—

“I was told that this was a ‘cheer-up’ meeting…” said Isuzu. “…but why are there only 4 people?”

The only ones sharing the table were Isuzu, Moffle, Macaron, and Tiramie.

“I invited the others, but they didn’t show up, fumo…”

“Moffle, you’re surprisingly unpopular, ron.”

“It looks like socializing after work is going out of style these days, mi. We don’t even get overtime allowances.”

“Well, it’s okay, fumo. At any rate, good work today. Cheers…”

The four of them gave a toast that severely lacked in energy. Isuzu’s glass naturally clinked with Moffle’s and Tiramie’s, but somehow missed the mark with Macaron who was sitting diagonally to her right. It certainly wasn’t something that warranted another try, but carrying on seemed a little disrespectful too.

“…”

It was during that awkward moment when Isuzu realized that she didn’t really had a close relationship with the 3 of them.

The three mascots gulped down their beer and hoppy and heaved in satisfaction. On the other hand, Isuzu only had some Oolong tea, so she drank in an appropriate manner.

“…So Macaron, how’s the lawsuit going, mi?”

“It seems like they’ll allow me to defer the payments, ron. But my daughter’s studying in a private school, so the expenses are going to be heavy.”

From the side, Moffle looked at Macaron who answered feebly.

“Like I said, you should stop wasting your money on that woman, fumo. Spending money on that ex-idol won’t end well for you.”

“I’ve heard that many times, ron.”

Macaron’s reply concealed regret and sadness.

“But you see, back then when we married, she was the world to me, ron…”

“Marriage is the death of man, fumo,” Moffle stated, seemingly confident in himself.

From Isuzu’s knowledge, Moffle should never have been married…but it could have just been an old proverb.

“She must have planned it all along, fumo. It’s the man’s fault for not noticing it earlier.”

“Seconded, mi. You’ll make no progress if you keep this up. Here’s my quote: ‘think of all hot babes as bitches’!”

Hearing Tiramie’s insensitive remarks, Macaron stood up.

“You’re saying my ex-wife’s a bitch, ron!?”

“But…isn’t that true, mi? Doesn’t she already have another husband?”

“Yeah, well…that’s true but…”

“She didn’t even seem like a virgin when you married her, mi. Moffle also told me he was worried for your sake.”

“S-She did tell me that she fooled around once, which shocked me back then but…stop…just stop, ron!”

Macaron wrapped his arms around his head and Moffle smoked on a cigarette.

“Well, don’t worry too much about her past, fumo. It’s a man’s job to accept and embrace her for who she is.”

“Never knew you could say thoughtful things, mi!”

“Happens when you’ve lived enough of life, fumo. You’ll eventually get to a point where such things don’t even seem bad anymore.”

“Saying such profound words ain’t helping, ron!”

Just what would the guests think of the cast members if they heard such conversations? In an attempt to steer off the topic, Isuzu cleared her throat, “So…is this what you call a ‘cheering-up meeting’? I’d expected things to go livelier; I must say I’m somewhat disappointed.”

Hearing that, the 3 mascots gave a “my, my…” expression.

“You’re so outright, fumo.”

“It’s just some light catching up before the main topic, ron.”

“It’d be great if you would show us some concern, mi,” said the 3 of them.

“That being said, this isn’t really something we should discuss, anyway. More importantly, I’d like to hear more about him, mi.”

“Ah, so do I, ron.”

“Him?”

“Kanie Seiya, ron.”

“Yeah!”

Tiramie laughed and tried to mimic Seiya’s expression. He tried giving a stern face and made his mouth the shape of a ‘へ’. Of course, it didn’t resemble him one bit.

“So tell us, Isuzu-chan, what do you think about him? Does he match your preferences, mi?”

“I don’t understand the meaning behind your question.”

“You’re the one who gets to be by Seiya’s side all the time, mi. It’s also obvious that you’re covering a lot of things for him…this is very fishy indeed.”

“I’m just doing my job. That’s nothing more than assisting him in his duties.”

Hearing that, the 3 instinctively narrowed their eyes in suspicion.

“Even then, we wanna know if he’s your type or not, mi.”

“Tell us the truth, ron.”

“Spill the beans, we won’t tell anyone, fumo.”

How ill-mannered of them. I don’t even know how they’d interpret whatever I say, and there’s sure to be a misunderstanding if he hears about this. This is bad in more ways than one.

“…I’m leaving.”

Isuzu stood up and the mascots watched closely.

“Oh my, running away, fumo?”

“Is that a yes? Does that mean he’s your type, ron?”

“I heard you stayed at Seiya’s house for a night, mi. You guys must have done something, eh?”

“…I’ll slaughter the 3 of you.”

Isuzu shot the mascots one at a time, with precision such that it didn’t stir a ruckus in the shop. Leaving the 3 of them writhing in pain, she made her way out of the yakitori bar.