“Audition? There’s such a thing?”
“Of course, there is! How many people do you think want to become idols?”
Rain leaned forward, speaking to Tia who tilted her head slightly in puzzlement. Her unexpected vigor made even the composed Tia flinch a bit.
“Ah, I’m sorry. I don’t really understand much about that… So, who were the people there?”
“Yes. They had failed the audition, so they were feeling down. That place is an excellent spot to mope.”
“A moping spot… If they’ve rented a place to stay, wouldn’t it be normal to be inside their rooms? Isn’t it dangerous in places like that?”
In response to Tia’s reasonable point, Rain slowly shook his head.
“Well, that’s true, but in the rooms of the inn, there are many signs of people around, and it’s hard to concentrate on feeling down. And if you mope in a place with many passers-by, it becomes a nuisance. So, that’s why a dark place with no people is the perfect place to mope. That’s why I’ve been visiting there every day since I failed the audition.”
“Wait, you’ve been going there every day!?”
“Yes. I don’t have much else to do, so besides eating, sleeping, moderate exercise, and practicing singing, I’m mostly moping there!”
“I see. Hmm…”
Next to me, Tia looked puzzled. Certainly, it seemed quite a healthy and planned way to mope, but… what I’m concerned about right now is something else.
“I hate to interrupt, but can I ask something?”
“Yes? What is it?”
“Well, this is fundamental, but… why did you fail the audition, Rain?”
Yes, that’s the biggest question. The first time I came here, Rain was already an idol and was on that stage. But soon after, the person who was managing Rain’s finances was discovered to be committing fraud and was fired. After a series of events, I became Rain’s attendant… That’s how it went last time.
So, the fact that Rain isn’t an idol now is inexplicable. At my question, Rain’s expression darkened significantly.
“It’s because… I’m a country bumpkin and didn’t know the ways of the world. I didn’t know that from this year, idols have to be in groups of three or more…”
“Huh? What’s that?”
I inadvertently let out a strange voice at this unexpected reason. I’d never heard of such a rule last time.
“Come to think of it, the people on the stage I saw today were all in groups of three.”
“Yes. The Archbishop of the Idol Church that blesses idols all over the world… Apparently, he received a revelation at the beginning of this year… From this year, people who want to become idols have to be in groups of three, except for those who are already active as idols.”
“A revelation…?”
Oh, I felt an unpleasant vibe here again. Did one of the things inside me do something again?
“But then, why not gather two more people who want to be idols? Were there none?”
“That’s difficult. People who live in the city and seriously aspire to become idols already have their groups of three, so there’s no room for me to join them. The rest were like me, from the countryside, and didn’t know about this new rule…”
“So it didn’t work out?”
“Yes… At first, we said we would do our best together, but when we started practicing singing together, they would somehow quit immediately…”
“What could that be about?”
Tia, with a sidelong glance, left the conversation to me. I knew the reason well, but decided to distract the conversation without mentioning it this time.
“Ah, yeah. I’m actually pretty knowledgeable about singing. If you don’t mind, could you let me listen to your song, Rain?”
“Eh, I don’t mind. But singing here would be a nuisance to the shop…”
“Of course, it’s fine after we’ve eaten. You can choose which is more convenient, the inn we’re staying at or the one you’re renting, Rain.”
“Um…”
Rain hesitated at my words. Well, inviting an unknown person to your room or visiting an unknown person’s room is dangerous. It’s good that she’s cautious, but… hmm?
“If you’re not comfortable with the room, how about we rent a practice space? I can cover that much.”
“Eh, is that okay!? But why go to such lengths…?”
“Well, I guess you could say it’s out of curiosity? Since I’ve gotten to know you, and I’m interested in idol activities. Plus, this might sound boastful, but we have quite a financial leeway. So, it’s no big deal.”
“Ha, contrary to appearances, you’re rich, Ed-san?”
“Appearances…? Oh, I see.”
I remember my current appearance and smile bitterly at Rain, who looked at me suspiciously. My equipment in this new world was a worn-out leather armor and a cheap iron sword, hardly looking like someone with money.
“This appearance is like a disguise to avoid being attacked by money-hungry fools. Look.”
Saying that, I took out a few gold coins from my waist bag. The [Stranger Box] was full of gold coins and gems, but I carried this much show-money without having to do that.
“Woah, those are gold coins!”
“So, it’s just out of curiosity, as I said earlier. Of course, you can refuse if you don’t like it. Well, I’d still appreciate it if you could continue to guide us around the town.”
“That’s right. Since we got to know each other, it’d be fun to become friends and chat. I also want to know more about idols.”
“You look like you could become an idol, Tia-san! Of course, provided you gather three people.”
“Oh really? Thank you.”
“Hmm, Tia becoming an idol… that sounds quite interesting.”
At Rain’s casual words, I let out a smirk. If this world was the same as the original, it might have been possible to make Tia an idol. Purely a hobby, though.
“Wow, Ed has a bad look on his face! Hey, hey Rain-chan, when Ed has this look, he’s upto no good.”
“Really? He certainly looks very mischievous!”
“Eh, what’s that reaction? Isn’t it harsh for both of you to say that?”
“So, what were you thinking about?”
“No, that’s because… I was imagining Tia becoming an idol, singing and dancing…”
“Hmm? Wait. Then, would it be impossible for me, Ed, and Rain-chan to form a group of three idols?”
Tia suggests this as if she had come up with a good idea. But that’s an impossible proposal.
“Heh!? No, while it might be possible for you Tia, I can’t, right? I can’t sing or dance, and above all, I’m a guy, aren’t I?”
“Is it bad to form a group with a man?”
“It’s not bad, but it’s quite rare to form a group with the opposite sex, except for elderly people . And as for me, forming a group with an older man is a bit…”
“I see, if Rain-chan is against it, it can’t be helped. I thought it would be a bit interesting.”
“Spare me…”
Leaving disappointed Tia aside, I was relieved that the devil’s proposal was rejected. We finished our meal afterwards, agreed to continue the town tour from the next day, and separated… and then the next day.
“What the hell is this!?!?”
My body had turned into a woman’s.