Part 1, Episode 2: The First Step

---

Scene: In the forest.

The members of Gourmet Palace and New Generations had begun their journey by catching a carriage that was headed towards Muusa.

Kyaru
Okay, camp is all set up. I've placed a sentry spell on this area, so we'll have plenty of warning if monsters come close.

Yuuki
1. "Thanks, Kyaru."

Kokkoro
We managed to rent a carriage from the Guild Management Bureau, so it's been smooth sailing thus far.

Kyaru
Yeah, it really was nice not to have to walk all day. But...

Mio
1, 2, 3, 4...!

Pinya Colata
Pi! Nyanyapi!

Yuuki
1. "They said your steps are too rushed."

Mio
Huh!? Got it!

Uzuki
1, 2, 3, 4!

Pinya Colata
Pinya! Nyanyanya!

Yuuki
1. "They said you're too preoccupied with your surroundings."

Uzuki
S-Sorry!

Rin
1, 2, 3, 4...!

Pinya Colata
Pinya! Nyaa nyapi!

Yuuki
1. "They said, don't forget to smile."

Rin
... Sigh. Easier said than done...

Kokkoro
... I wonder if they're doing all right. They were practicing their singing in the carriage, and they've been practicing their dance choreography until late in the night...

Kyaru
Well, in terms of stamina, they should be fine. They've been living as adventurers up until now, and it looks like they're pretty good in a fight.

Kokkoro
The problem really is, there's hardly any time to prepare. We're only a couple days out from the audition... It seems like they're going to be rushing headlong into the real thing.

Kyaru
It seems like it. But, well, they should also understand that themselves.

Pecorine
Plus, the three of them seem like they're having a lot of fun.

Kokkoro
Welcome back, Pecorine. How did the hunting go?

Pecorine
I've brought back a huge haul! A-hem!

Kyaru
Geh! The thing you're dragging along with you...!

Later.

Pecorine
New Generations, thanks for waiting! Dinner is ready!

Mio
Oh, nice timing! I was just saying we should take a break!

Uzuki
Pecorine, thank you! Mmm, it smells super good!

Rin
Don't eat too much, both of you. We're going to have more lessons afterward... And also, if we're going to be idols, we're going to have to watch our figures from now on.

Pecorine
You mean, you're not allowed to eat too much...! What a harsh life, being an idol. I could never pull it off!

Mio
Huh? That's not true at all! And anyway, we've been moving a whole bunch today, so it'll be fine!

Uzuki
Pecorine, what's on the menu today?

Pecorine
Right! Tonight's dinner is crispy fried griffon, along with cave snail sauteed in butter!

Kyaru
Hey, this is monster cuisine after all! I told you before, when you go hunting, make sure to bring back something that's actually edible!

Pecorine
Huh? But this is perfectly edible, isn't it? Look!

Mio
Wow, fried chicken! Munch!

Uzuki
That's some big escargot! Munch!

Rin
It looks pretty good... And the flavor is... Mm. Not bad at all.

Pecorine
C'mon, Kyaru, you have some, too! If you don't eat some now, there won't be any left later, right?

Kyaru
Ugh, I shouldn't have shirked my duties! Tomorrow morning, I'm going to handle provisions!

Later.

Uzuki
Thanks for the food!

Mio
Thanks for the food!

Rin
Thanks for the food.

Pecorine
Hee hee. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Mio
Peco, you really eat a ton! I was shocked!

Pecorine
Hee hee, this wasn't really that much!

Rin
Really? You ate at least five times as much as I did...

Kyaru
Don't think about it too much. Her stomach is like a bottomless pit.

Kokkoro
By the way... How did your lessons go, the three of you?

Uzuki
We've only just started, but it's been a lot of fun! Right, Rin?

Rin
... That's right.

Mio
I want to hurry on to the auditions! Don't you, Shiburin?

Rin
... I wonder. I feel like we're still not ready at all... Isn't it too early?

Pinya Colata
Pinya! Piinyanya, nyanya pippi!

Mio
Huh? What did Pinya say this time?

Yuuki
1. "Um, well..."

Scene: In a rural village.

Pecorine
Okay, everyone, on your feet! Our fun idol show is starting!

Pinya Colata
Pinya, piinyaa!

Pecorine
Pinya Colata is looking forward to it, too! Ah, by the way, they aren't a monster -- they're a mascot!

Villager 1
What? What's starting?

Villager 2
Idols? Is that different from traveling minstrels? Or street performers?

Uzuki
Waah...! All the people...!

Mio
There are a lot of them gathering around...!

Rin
...

Kokkoro
They said 'a lot,' but I count about 20 people. I wouldn't say it's only a few, but...

Kyaru
Well, this is only a tiny village, after all. It feels like everyone who was free and looking for entertainment has turned out, doesn't it? Sure is nice that they can take a break in the middle of the day for this!

Uzuki
We'll have to sing and dance... in front of all these people... before long.

Mio
Y-Yeah... That's right. That's what idols do...

Rin
...

Kyaru
Hey, you guys! You'd better get on stage quick! Like the green guy said, you'll never build up the courage you need if you don't perform in front of people!

Kokkoro
It's only natural to be nervous, but... Please, give this your all. Kyaru and I will support you by using magic to manage the music and lighting.

Kyaru
I've prepared a spell that will amplify the sound from these records. The rest is up to you all.

Uzuki
B-But... You can tell us all you want just to get on stage and sing, but...

Mio
O-Ooh. Maybe we're not really ready...!

Rin
... Let's do this.

Mio
Shiburin!?

Uzuki
Rin?

Rin
We can't lose our nerve now. Sooner or later... We'll have to do this. We chose to, didn't we?

Uzuki
Y... Yeah!

Mio
That's right... Thanks, Shiburin! Let's do what we've gotta do!

Villager 1
Ah, there they are!

Uzuki
N-Nice to meet you, everyone!

Rin
We're "New Generations!"

Mio
We're idols-in-training! I-I hope you'll support us...!

Villager 2
Ahaha, they're so innocent, it's adorable!

Villager 1
I don't really get it, but do your best!

Mio
(Okay... Here we go!)

Uzuki & Rin
(Yeah...!)

Mio
(Uh oh, was that the intro to the wrong song!? ... Wait, it wasn't!?)

Uzuki
(Whoa! I stepped on Rin's foot! I'm sorry!)

Rin
(It's all right, Uzuki, just face forward!)

Pecorine
T-The three of them... They're super nervous!

Kyaru
Ha ha. They're totally blowing it! Rin's face looks like she's having a seizure.

Kokkoro
Um, Lady Kyaru... Perhaps you shouldn't laugh so much...

Kyaru
No, it's the other way around! They're going to go back feeling defeated anyway, so instead of just consoling them for putting on a bad show, it'd be better to help them laugh it off!

Pinya Colata
Piinya.

Yuuki
1. "We don't know that yet...!"

Kokkoro
That's right. Give it your all until the very end, New Generations...!

... However. The surprise concert put on by the three of them ended with just as many mistakes as it started with.