At the door of the dressing room backstage of the Rainbow Theater, Lixia, who had already changed into a dancing girl costume, took a deep breath and tried to ease her tense body.

Even if she has a fairly good martial arts foundation and a mature way to decompress herself, at this moment, Lixia still feels nervous. The feeling that the heart is about to jump out of the chest, the feeling of being stirred by flames all over the body, the urge to shout that people can't help but want to ahhhhhhhh

Dance...... It's amazing!

Lixia gently patted her chest while calming her heart. In front of her, Lloyd and Ellie were making their final encouragement to her.

Sensing that someone was coming in the hall, Lloyd turned sideways and looked at the door. An old man with a white beard was walking to the grand table with the support of his secretary Asnet.

Mayor McDowell also appears to be in attendance...... Speaking of which, he seems to have said that he will fully support the new drama, right? ”

Lloyd said, moving his gaze to his companion's face.

This delicate face looks even more feminine against the backdrop of long pigeon gray hair, and the emerald eyes reveal aristocratic elegance. I've always felt that Ellie has a "big miss" feeling, but when he recently learned that she was really a big miss, Lloyd was still taken aback.

"Because my grandfather was originally a supporter of the Rainbow Theatre, he is also very much looking forward to Miss Lixia's debut performance."

Seemingly uncomfortable to be seen by Lloyd, Ellie said as she turned the conversation to Lixia.

Lloyd was always like this, unintentionally attracting women...... Ellie comforted herself inwardly. He doesn't have a heart.

Sure enough, hearing Ellie's change of course, Lloyd's gaze shifted from Ellie to Lixia.

You see, it's not because I'm happy, happy, like me or anything, but simply because the topic has something to do with me. Hmph, this guy who is missing a string in his head. Inexplicably, Ellie's heart was on fire.

Perhaps seeing the subtle changes between Ellie's eyebrows, Lixia smiled and took over the topic: "I hope to live up to his expectations." Then again, if the show goes on normally, will something bad really happen as Eun said? ”

It's not all about pretending to be innocent.

It was precisely because the real silver did not make a move that Lixia was worried about whether someone really wanted to do something to Miss Eliya. In connection with Yu Tatsumi's serious injury before, in this Cross Bell, there should be at least one assassination master.

And the Eater Serpent...... This is an existence that cannot be underestimated. And the Caruman consortium that yearns for chaos. Miss Elijah's Safety ...... Lixia really couldn't be reassured - even if she knew that Yu Tatsumi had pasted more than 500 runes in this not-so-huge rainbow troupe, and had already laid out that legendary phalanx array, no matter how much preparation she had......

"Don't worry, Miss Lixia. The Search Division is also there, and so are we. Miss Illya will not be fine. ”

Seeing Lixia's panic, Lloyd's words revealed unmistakable confidence. When comforting others, the most taboo thing is to show an expression of "I'm actually worried".

"Yes, yes?"

Lixia, who was finally a little more relieved, smiled at him reluctantly. Maybe Lloyd's strength is not enough, but his determination is indeed conveyed to Lixia.

At this time, Ellie suddenly asked, "Compared to this, let's not talk to Miss Eliya in advance, is it really good?" ”

Ellie was referring to the matter of Lotus Xu, in fact, Lotus has been hiding on the waiting platform closer to the stage, ready to guide the magic at any time, in case someone wants to sneak up on Miss Illya, Lotus can use protective magic on Miss Illya as soon as possible. He is a member of the Epstein Foundation, and although he is young, he is very proficient in tactical power guides and force magic.

Although Theo is also very suitable for this job, in Theo's tactical guide, the water attribute is limited a lot, and the water attribute magic is mainly recovery and attack, and there are few protective spells. On the other hand, Lotus Xu's land attribute limit has a variety of protective magic, and when it comes to defense, Lotus is more suitable than Theo.

"Eun-don't care. No problem. We all hope that Miss Illya can spare no effort to show her dancing posture, and even if Miss Illya knows, these things are meaningless. ”

At the mention of Illya, Lixia's expression instantly softened. Lloyd was a little envious, and he understood this feeling. Because he was like that back then. At the mention of his eldest brother, Guy Bennings, Lloyd becomes talkative.

"You really like Miss Elijah. Why do so much for her? ”

However, there are still differences between the two.

Lloyd grew up watching his eldest brother. It is easy to understand that when both parents die young, the eldest brother is the father, and he feels happy because of the pride and pride of the eldest brother. But, Lixia is different. She's just a newcomer to the Rainbow Theatre Troupe, so why is she so worried about Illya?

It's rude to think so, but Illya should be a big obstacle for dancers, right? First, there is only one, if she wants to become the number one in the dance world, Illya is the goal she must surpass. Why, do you care so much about Illya?

didn't hear the true meaning of Lloyd, Lixia showed a subtle smile with nostalgia: "Hehe~ Although I was forced into the troupe by him, I am still very happy." Before coming to Crossbell, I had been following the path of being decided by others. ”

This passage is not just for Lloyd.

The person Lixia really wanted to tell was actually in the door behind her.

That,Someone who knows his true identity.,Someone who respects himself.。 That incomparable respect has become an invisible barrier between the two. Overwhelmed Lixia.

So, when I saw her performance, I was completely hooked. I was thinking, 'Ah, there really is such a person, who has no distractions, moves forward bravely, and lives only to make himself shine more brightly', maybe it's because I can't do it anyway, so I feel envy and longing." ”

Lixia simply leaned against the door, the highly exposed dancing girl costume exposed a large area of the skin behind Lixia, and the unique coolness of the wood passed down the skin, making her skin subconsciously begin to shrink.

"Miss Lixia......"

Ellie was both understanding and worried.

After all, Ellie had a similar experience.

Lloyd closed his eyes and said word by word: "I can't do it anyway, it's too absolute, right?" ”

"Huh?"

"The role you played this time, the Moon Dancer, may indeed shine under the light of the Sun Dancer, but even a layman like me can see that you and Miss Illya's acting skills are completely different types, each with its own merits, and one day, you will definitely exude your own brilliance."

Lloyd was serious about sentences that only appear in stage plays. On the one hand, he is comforting Lixia, and on the other hand, he is exhorting himself. But...... That's not necessarily what the people around you think that way...... I saw Ellie quickly turn her head sideways, covering her face with one hand, and she looked like she had drawn a line.

Because of a rooftop meeting, Ellie has a deep understanding of how difficult this companion is.

Lixia saw it for the first time, and she panicked all of a sudden, and said hesitantly: "Yes, is that so?" "The face that was originally flushed with nervousness is now more and more red.

"Well, yes. I think Miss Elijah may have seen this and invited you to step into this world. We have encountered many obstacles along the way, but we have finally progressed to this point. Anyway, we're going to make the show go smoothly. So, I hope you will do the same. ”

After listening to Lloyd's description, even Lixia's tenacity as an assassin was not only red-faced, but quickly found an excuse, and ran away while saying, "I should almost go......". On the way, he accidentally knocked over a decorative flower screen......

"Uh...... Cheer for the show......"

Lloyd waved at Lixia's distant back with a puzzled expression. Ellie sighed secretly: "Our captain, ......"

"Huh? Ellie, did you say anything? ”

"No, nothing......"

――――――――――――――――

Notes:

Lixia ran to the waiting area in one breath, and then quickly pressed her hands to her face, hoping that the embarrassment like burning would disappear quickly.

Thankfully, she won't be in the first act. Otherwise, this ruddy complexion will immediately become a topic.

Really, it took three or two sentences to destroy the mentality...... Mao Lixia, Mao Lixia, you are so lacking in exercise!

"Ah...... Oops...... said that I would help You Jun cover up! ”

Lixia then showed a guilty look......

Oops...... You Jun ...... Do it yourself......

And inside the dressing room......

"This ............"

You are completely overwhelmed.

Now he is in a state where he can't see people at all.

Absolutely, definitely not want Lloyd to see it!

Ms. Carrelia, who was in charge of the makeup, patted him on the back and said only one sentence at the end:

"Trust my technique and your looks."

…………

Although I feel relieved, I always feel empty in my heart!!

You glanced at her resentfully, and the middle-aged makeup artist could only smile embarrassedly and stopped talking.

Because the first scene is the appearance of Yu, I really can't be late.

Damn, Lloyd......

Fight!

In the end, You still gave up thinking, dragged the door open, and rushed out.

――――――――――

"Speaking of which, I forgot to ask, what role did You Jun play in this dance drama?"

Lloyd suddenly thought of this most crucial question.

On my side, I only knew that Yu Tatsumi was in the Rainbow Theater, but I completely forgot to ask about his position!

After all, it's also the appearance of a friend, and I still hope to see it.

Just as Lloyd was muttering to himself, the door to the dressing room suddenly opened, and a long-haired black girl in a white and green dance costume ran out!

"Ah, wait?"

Subconsciously, I called someone's house.

Lloyd scolded himself in his heart for not being like. Everyone is running, presumably they are about to take the stage, how can they still trouble people at this time? But he had already spoken, and he was embarrassed to say, "It's okay, it's okay, you are busy first......

Hearing Lloyd's voice, the black-haired girl turned back a little stiffly.

"Yo, yo. Yes, it's Officer Lloyd, right? Ahaha. ”

There was also a sense of nervousness in his voice.

Is it because of being late and playing for the first time? Lloyd subconsciously began to observe this girl. found that she was unexpectedly kind.

"Y-You're not?"

"I'm not!"

"No, no, I haven't said anything, have I? I remember it was...... Morning Hair? Is Miss Lixia's sister? ”

NICE！ Well done! Worthy of Lloyd! Good memory!

Yuki Tatsumi was about to burst out laughing.

In a sense, it's not bad to have a good brain, Lloyd! Even I almost forgot this name!

"Well, are you nervous?"

"Ahhh......hhh yes, yes, ...... first time on stage."

That's great! Even the excuses I thought of!

"Sorry to bother you at such an important time. However, you know that our companion in the Support Division, a man named Yuu Tatsumi, seems to be performing here...... Ay? Miss Chenyu seems to have a lot of wounds on her body, huh? ”

Lloyd suddenly noticed the wound on Yu-Tatsumi's skin under the Maihime's suit. Because you usually wear close-fitting tights, there is little light, his skin is very white, and he really looks like a girl, but those ugly wounds can't be covered up no matter what.

"Ahh Role required. ”

"Such a character......

"You Jun or something, you should only be in charge of the background characters, right? Not an important role. I'm still waiting, I'll go first! ”

Yu Tatsumi said this, and quickly pressed the blood on his face with his fighting spirit, made a blushing appearance, and ran away as if he were running away like Lixia.

To outsiders, it's like a young girl who was embarrassed to talk to Lloyd and ran away to hide her shyness.

It's really good acting. Ms. Carrelia, who saw everything in her eyes, silently gave an evaluation.

And the other side......

"Uh, did I do something wrong?"

"How do I know...... Captain......"

"Uh...... That Ai, Miss Ellie? ”

"Humph......"

"Ahaha, let's go on patrol......"