Date A Live Encore - Volume 2 - Chapter 5

Ten'Ou Festival Contest

 On the supplemental day of the Ten'ou Festival, Shidou is sitting on the Central Stage at the Tenguu Square with a "Judge" label in front of him. Although the festival was to be suspended due to certain incidents that caused the second day to be cancelled, a strong demand from students and neighbours allowed the second day to be held after the closing party as a supplementary day. 

 "...Stuff like this is not really my thing." 

 'It's no use complaining now. Just don't get the score wrong.' 

 "...Understood." 

 The beginning was several hours ago. 

 "So... where should we head next?" 

 "Menchi-katsu!" 

 "Devil Fish Burst (Takoyaki)!" 

 "Recommendation. Yakisoba." 

 Shidou, Tohka, Kaguya and Yuzuru were walking around at the festival hall in Tenguu Square. After Shidou asked them where to go next, he smiled bitterly at how all the answers were foods. 

 Shidou then told the three to go to West Eibu's Menchi-katsu first as it is nearby. While walking to West Eibu's area, an announcement could be heard from speakers within the festival hall. 

 '—We thank you for your visit. At 15:00 today, a Beauty Contest will be held at the Central Stage. The winner will be present a pair of 2 days 1 night ticket to a high-class Hot Spring Hotel—" 

 Shidou heard the announcement and nodded, remembering that there was this event set to be held on the second day. Tohka heard the announcement and tilted her head in wonder. 

 "Shidou, what is beau-ty-con-test?" 

 "Hmm, to explain it simply, it's an event for deciding the cutest student." 

 "Ho...?" 

 "Reaction. That sounds interesting." 

 After hearing Kaguya and Yuzuru's reaction, Shidou then realized his mistake. For Yamai sisters who love a match like this, there is no way they could overlook it. If they participate, there will definitely be some trouble. Shidou then tried to soothe them down. 

 "Wait, you two. The participants should already have been decided. You can't—" 

 '—Moreover, we also have an open entry for this year. Any female student in the participating schools is free to join. Please feel free to participate.' 

 Hearing that, Shidou thought there was no way to stop those two now. If he forces them to not participate, then that will definitely hurt their feelings. When Shidou decided to ask either Kotori or Reine to stop them and reached his hand to the Incom, footsteps could be heard from his back. 

 That owner of those footsteps surrounded Shidou. Shidou was surprised at the sudden occurrence. When he looked at them, he found out that they are Ai, Mai and Mii in maid uniforms. 

 "Hey, hey, Itsuka-kun!" 

 "So you're enjoying the Ten'ou Festival to your best, surrounded by girls!" 

 "I won't forgive you! How envious!" 

 "W, what? All of sudden..." Shidou asked them with sweat on his forehead. 

 "Ah, well, we have a request. Itsuka-kun is an executive committee, don't you?" 

 "Did you hear the announcement just now? I heard a judge for it is missing." 

 "And so we're appointing Itsuka-kun as a judge for it! You don't have any right to refuse!" Mii then pointed her finger at Shidou. Shidou acted confusedly. 

 "W... what?! Wait, why all of sudden..." 

 "Well, I'll leave it to you." 

 "For more details, just ask in the waiting room." 

 "If you run away, I'll make you wear a maid uniform and do the reception!" 

 Ai, Mai, Mii said that with a bright smile on their faces and ran away. Shidou twitched his face while standing still in dumb. However, it's not really a time to do that— 

 "Ooh... Shidou is a judge?! Then I'll participate too!" 

 "Wait, Tohka, this is—" 

 "Hmp, you have some nerve challenging me. Kuku, then I'll make you learn with your body that no way a follower could defeat its master!" 

 "Caution. Looks like a strong enemy just appeared. However, the one who wins will be Yuzuru. I will go to the hot spring with Shidou with the prize and enjoy Kaguya's Gununu face." 

 "Ohh! That reminded me there's also the prize! Shidou! If I win, let's go to a hot spring together!" 

 Shidou tried to stop them, but it was no use. After Shidou parted with Tohka and Yamai sisters, Shidou called Kotori and reported her about what happened earlier. Kotori scolded Shidou for being unable to stop them. 

 "...As I thought, it was bad?" 

 'Obviously. Although it can't be helped that they will be ranked, the fact that Shidou is a judge and how one of them could go to a hot spring with Shidou is troublesome. If one of them wins, the other two will definitely be displeased.' 

 "So, what should we do?" 

 'Let's see... how about bringing in another candidate, and making her win?' 

 "Another candidate? Do you have someone?" 

 'Sure. I know a girl perfectly suited for this. Her name is Shiori-chan... ' 

 "Rejection!" 

 Kotori wasn't serious about the suggestion. After she laughed a little, she then continued that the requirement is to make Tohka, Kaguya and Yuzuru not winning. Hearing Kotori's suggestion, Shidou realized that since he is one of the judges, he could give them a lower score than other candidates and make them lose. 

 Kotori then scolded Shidou that if he does that, Tohka and others will definitely be displeased, since the judges will show a point card in front of each candidate, they will know how many points each judge gave them. 

 Shidou confirmed with Kotori that although he has to make them lose, he can't give them anything but 10 points. Kotori added that if Shidou gave them 10 points, then they won't be displeased even if they don't win. When Shidou asked Kotori on what to do, Kotori answered: 

 'Well, you have to ask other judges to give them lower points.' 

 "Others...?" Shidou said with puzzled looks. 

 'Yes. The judges are in the waiting room, don't they? How many are there?' 

 "Er... four including me." 

 'Right. Then I allow you to use up to 1M Yen for each.' 

 "Buying them?!" 

 'How much damage do you think there will be if they went berserk?' 

 "Well, that's... right." 

 'Yeah, and money is the final choice. Everything depends on your persuasion. Try to persuade them into cooperating with you in the waiting room.' 

 "...Understood." 

 Shidou left the hall, still somewhat uncomfortable, and went to the waiting room at the back of Central Stage in the Central Hall. In the waiting room, there are two students inside. A graceful girl who looked as if she is an ideal example of Japanese young lady and a boy with a good body build as if he belongs to a sports club. 

 When the boy saw Shidou walking inside, he greeted him and offered him his hand, and Shidou grasped his hand back. The boy then smiled and introduced himself. 

 "That uniform, you must be Raizen's judge. My name is Tomoda Shuuhei. Third year at West Eibu and also the president of the student council." 

 "Ah—I'm Itsuka Shidou. Second year at Rizen and member of Ten'ou Festival Executive Committee... sort of." 

 "I am Ijuuin Sakurako, a third year at Senjou University High School and a member of the disciplinary committee. It's nice to meet you." 

 Sakurako then bow gracefully. When Shidou lowered his head a little, Tomoda heavily shook his hand. For some reason, his eyesight that looked into Shidou seemed passionate. 

 "It must be some fate that we have been chosen as a judge, let's have fun." 

 "I-I agree..." 

 Although Shidou felt bad that he must bribe them, in order to prevent spirits from becoming displeased, he had no choice but to do it. When Shidou is trying to bring up the topic, Tomoda opens his mouth as if he remembered something. For some reason, he is still gripping Shidou's hand tight. 

 "Itsuka-kun, since you are also a judge, you must be careful." 

 "Eh? From what...?" Shidou asked, Tomoda lowered his eyes a little and sighed. 

 "Actually, a little while ago, a suspicious student asked me to give a high score to someone in exchange for some compensation." 

 "Eh...?!" 

 Shidou was surprised. He didn't think that the other party would bring up the same topic he was going to start. While Shidou's mouth still open wide, Sakurako touch her chin and continued: 

 "That reminds me, I also got a similar offer as well." 

 "Ah, Ijuuin-san too? How troublesome." 

 "Yes. Very troublesome." The two sighed. Shidou then opened his shaking mouth. 

 "U-um... so what were your answers...?" Hearing that, the two purred their noses. 

 "Of course, I refused them. Even though it's only a single day job, I have been chosen by other students at West Eibu. If I allowed myself to be purchased by someone, then I can't reclaim my honor with everyone who has chosen me." 

 "Yes. I agree. I'm sure they have some circumstances, but I can't allow any cheating. No matter how much they paid, I won't bend my judgement." 

 "T-That's right..." 

 Shidou averted his eyes. The plan failed even before he tried. These two are so brilliant that he can't look at them directly. Not only can Shidou not threaten them, but he can't also explain to them the danger of the spirits. Not knowing what to do, Shidou poked his Incom. 

 Kotori on the other hand said she heard it all, and bribing them must be hard. Kotori then said she will come with other approaches, and tell Shidou to wait a little. 

 "...I'll leave it to you." 

 "Hm? What did you say?" Tomoda noticed Shidou talking alone and wondered. 

 "N-No, nothing. By the way, there are four judges, right? Where is the other one?" 

 "She is still not here. If I remembered correctly, she is—" 

 "—I'm sorry. I was late~" 

 Before Sakurako could finish her sentence, the waiting room's door opened and a girl entered the room. A girl with purple hair and a gold-colored hair ornament. A spirit that got her power sealed by Shidou—Izayoi Miku. 

 "Eh—Miku?" 

 "Ah, darling!" 

 Miku's face brightened when she saw Shidou's face. However Tomoda and Sakurako tilted their heads in wonder at what Miku just said. 

 "Uh...?" 

 "...Darling?" 

 "Ah! No, um—just a nickname, a nickname!" 

 Although Shidou thought the excuse is rather awkward and both two don't seem very convinced, they seemed to accept the answer. Tomoda placed his hand on his chin and continued: 

 "I see. What an interesting nickname." 

 "Ahaha... do you think so?" 

 "Then can I call you 'darling' as well?" Tomoda said with a smile on his face. 

 "T-That is..." Shidou answered while breaking out sweat. 

 "You can't do that~ Darling is mine~" Miku turned to Tomoda and said. After that, she looked at Shidou again. "Then, what happened~? —Ah, don't tell me, you are here to see me?" 

 "Ah, no... I have been chosen as a judge... wait, the fact that Miku is here means you also?" 

 Shidou asked, Miku then placed her hand on her hip. 

 "Yes! Rindouji Girls School and president of the Ten'ou Festival Executive Committee, Izayoi Miku. I'm pleased to meet you!" 

 Tomoda and Sakurako then looked at each other with a small laugh. 

 "I know, you're famous after all." 

 "Yes, I heard that since you will definitely win if you participate, the staff asked you to become a judge as a special guest from the beginning." 

 Since Miku is an idol—although that won't affect the result—the audience will have a bias for her. However, if Miku didn't participate, it would be a betrayal to those who expected to see her. Shidou thought having her as a judge is a reasonable decision. 

 Shidou then realized that Miku is a spirit, and she knew about Tohka and Yamai sisters, so he could ask her to cooperate. Shidou asked Miku to come along to one corner of the room and explain the situation to her. 

 "Ah... I see~ The situation looks pretty serious~ I'm sure Tohka-san and others could easily win~" Miku said relaxedly. "I understood~ I will cooperate~ I can't leave the situation as it is, and furthermore, this is a request from darling~" 

 "Really?! I owe you so much...!" 

 "Yes. In short, I have to give Tohka-san, Kaguya-san and Yuzuru-san a low score, right? Hmm... although my heart hurts a little, it can't be helped~ I understand." 

 Miku made a thumbs-up. Shidou sighed in relief. At long last, Shidou could get someone to cooperate. The same moment, Kotori's voice could be heard from his Incom. Apparently, Kotori listened to all the discussion until now. 

 'So Miku is a judge? How lucky are you, Shidou. If it is this, we could manage it somehow.' 

 "But there are two more judges, and I can't give anything but 10 points—" 

 'I already thought of a plan.' 

 "A plan?" 

 'Yes, I will explain it later. For now, discuss with Miku about how to adjust their scores. —I will do something with the other two.' 

 "U-understood..." 

 Even though Shidou felt uneasy, he couldn’t do anything but nod to Kotori's words. 

 At the back of Tenguu Square's Central Stage, Ayanokouji Karin—a second year at Rindouji Girls School with blonde curly hair—screamed hysterically at her two underlings for failing to bribe the judges for the Beauty Contest. 

 "Whaaaaaaat?!" 

 "B-But... it was impossible to bribe someone like that..." 

 "That's right... he even lectured me with glittering eyes. I really feel guilty..." 

 "...Oh well, at least I have a full grasp of Senjou and West Eibu's tastes. And with my beauty! There is no way I will lose...!" 

 Both of Karin's underlings excused in an embarrassed voice. Even though Karin was confident about her chance of winning, and was sure that Izayoi Miku Onee-sama won't give her low scores, she ordered her underlings to bribe the judges to ensure everything went the way she wanted. 

 After their chat, a voice could be heard from the back entrance. When she looked that way, a super cute girl with night-colored hair and a pair of crystal eyes was receiving a bag from a sleepy woman. 

 "Ohh! Reine, so this is the beauty contest's uniform?!" 

 "...Yes, Shin will definitely like it." the woman said, and continued "The other two already went there. Tohka should go to the waiting room as well." 

 "Umu!" 

 Saying that, the woman then pushed the girl into the building. When Karin realized that the girl will participate in the beauty contest, two of her underlings then praised the girl with an admiring voice. Karin, dissatisfied at their reactions, hit them on the head. 

 "Whose side are you two on?!" 

 "It's impossible, Karin-sama" 

 "That's right~ Karin-sama saw her, didn't you? Her beauty is on a different level from us." 

 "S-Shut up...! I know..." Karin said while thinking of the girl's face. Few moments later, she put a smile on her face and opened her mouth "...You two, I have a request." 

 '—We thank you for your gathering here! We will now commence the 25th Ten'ou Festival Beauty Contest!' 

 'Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!' 

 When the announcer announced the start of the event, the crowd cheered loudly inside the Central Hall. Shidou looked down at the crowd from a dimly lit stage and with a sweat in his hand. 

 The last time Shidou confirmed with Kotori, Kotori said the plan was going smoothly. What's left now is to have Miku adjust their scores by giving lower points. However, Shidou felt uneasy about the plan for some reason. 

 'And then, let me introduce you to the judges. Starting with this person! Senjou University High School, a member of the disciplinary committee and president of the Tea Ceremony club! Girls must walk 3 steps behind boys. A near-extinct ideal example of Japanese young lady, Ijuuin Sakurako!' 

 'Himesamaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!' Cheering voices of boys and girls could be heard when Ijuuin Sakurako waved her hand. Apparently she is being endeared to the school. 

 'Next is West Eibu's young lion! President of the student council and captain of Judo club! Super hero who excels in both literary and military arts! For some reason his fanclub has more boys than girls, Tomoda Shuuhei!' 

 'Anikiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!' Deep cheering voice could be heard when Tomoda Shuuhei brushed up his hair with his hand. 

 'The next one is a temporary judge from Raizen High School! Being good at housework can get you this popular?! All boys, listen and refine your cooking skills! Itsuka Shidou!!' 

 'GO TO HELL!' 

 "Hey wait, isn't my explanation and cheering voice kinda weird?!" 

 '—And the person everyone has been waiting for! The singer who never appeared in any media even once! Rindouji Girls School, Izayoi Miku!!' 

 'Miiiikuuuuuuutaaaaaaannnnnnnnnn!!' 

 "Ough!" A voice slipped from Shidou's mouth at the cheering voice that is incomparable to anything before it. "A-As expected from you, Miku," Shidou said to Miku. 

 "No, not really~" Miku said with a smile. 

 'Hey why are you talking with Miku-tan!' Boos could be heard from the audience. 

 After the introduction of the judges, the announcer then introduced the first candidate, Sugawara Masae, a second year at Gentou High School. At the same time, a girl in a gorgeous dress entered the stage. Her dress is probably something from the stage performance. 

 When the girl walked to the middle of the stage, she bowed and started speaking in English. In this performance, the participant could do anything as long as it is not against public peace and good order. 

 The girl chose to appeal with her English skill. That not only is she a beauty, she is also a smart woman. Shidou listened to her, despite not knowing half of what she said. When Shidou looked at Miku, she also made a similar expression. 

 When the speech ended 3 minutes later, the girl bowed once again at the audience's applause. The announcer then urged the judges to give out scores. Shidou looked at the number label in front of him, picked one and held it up. 

 "The scores are, 7, 0, 6 and 10! Total of 23 points!" 

 The score is in Sakurako, Tomoda, Shidou and Miku order. Even though Shidou thought of giving the girl a higher score, Kotori told him to not give out scores too unnaturally. Shidou then looked at Tomoda who gave 0 scores. 

 "You are beautiful and that was a very talented speech. But how unfortunate, if only you were a boy..." Tomoda said with a smile. 

 "..." Shidou sweated on his forehand then looked at Miku and asked "M-Miku gave her 10 points, huh." 

 "Yes~ Well, she is cute~ Though I don't understand what she said even a bit~" 

 "Haha..." 

 Shidou smiled bitterly and looked at the stage for another participant. One hour later, the contest was in full swing. Total of 20 participants have finished their performance. The current first place is entry number 19, Umemiya Yukiko from Rindouji Girls School who got a total of 24 points. 

 Shidou licked his mouth in preparation for the next candidate. The announcer then announced the entry number 21, Yamai Kaguya, who entered the stage in a robe. 

 "Kuku... peasants, pay your attention! Look at the performance of Yamai—the child of hurricanes!" 

 Kaguya took a pose and threw off her robe. Under her robe, it is a black and white bikini swimsuit she used back in the school trip. Cheering voices could be heard when Kaguya revealed her swimsuit. There is no doubt that Kaguya's clothes have the most exposure of all participants so far. 

 Shidou called Kotori via Incom and asked her about Kaguya's swimsuit. Kotori answered that she is taking a reverse approach in getting a lower score from other judges—by not doing anything with the judges themselves, but making Tohka and Yamai sisters wear clothes that those judges don't like. 

 Shidou then realized that, of the participants so far, the person that wore a Kimono and performed a graceful Japanese dance is currently the first place. On the other hand, those who wore short skirts or bunny suits—trying to get an extra score from male judges with their exposure—don't get very good points. 

 Kotori then continued that Ijuuin Sakurako was born in a family that is head of tea ceremony school and her family has been raising her very strictly since she was a kid. That is why she hates a girl who reveals her skin easily. Kotori made Tohka and others wear clothes with a little bit more exposure in order to give her a bad impression. 

 "H-hey, is that really okay...?" 

 'Of course, only to the extent that they feel comfortable with. If their mental condition became unstable, that would defeat the whole point.' 

 "Hmm... okay, I understand. Just don't push too hard. So what about Tomoda-senpai? Did you do anything to him? He only gave out 0 points since earlier..." 

 'I didn't do anything.' 

 "Eh?" 

 'That person likes boys more than girls.' 

 "..." 

 Shidou sweated on his forehand and thought why in the world someone like that became a judge for a Beauty Contest. Shidou then took a glance at Tomoda and Tomoda smiled back at Shidou. Shidou quickly turned his eyesight back to the stage. 

 Kaguya who is in a good mood with all cheerings did an approach run and a forward handspring, followed by side flip and a back flip repeatedly as if she is a gymnast. "Kuku... I guess this is it." Kaguya said and threw out her chest. 

 The next moment, an accident happened. Maybe Kaguya didn't tie it tightly enough, or it was due to her violent movement earlier, Kaguya's bra top untie itself. "Nyow?!" Kaguya quickly pushed her bikini swimsuit trying to hide her breast. Even though nothing could be seen, the audience's cheering reached its peak. 

 Shidou gave a wry smile and told her to be careful. Kaguya turned back and fixed her swimsuit then took a pose once again. The announcer urged the judges to give out scores. Shidou who already decided his score put up a 10 point label. 

 'Saa, the score is, 5, 0, 10, —' 

 "Great..." 

 As expected, Sakurako is giving a low score. What's left is to have Miku adjust out the score, and Kaguya's score won't reach the top— 

 '—10! Total of 25 points! Yamai Kaguya is now at the top!' 

 "Wait... Miku?!" 

 Shidou looked to his left at Miku. Miku put up a 10 points label with a rapturous expression on her face, as if she is saying 'thank you for the nutrition for the eyes~'. 

 "H-Hey..." 

 "Ha...?! W-What have I done...?!" 

 Apparently Miku gave 10 points unconsciously. When she tried to fix her scores, the announcer already started to introduce the next candidate. However, even before Kaguya leaves the stage, the next candidate has already entered. The announcer hurriedly introduced the girl as entry number 22, Yamai Yuzuru, second year at Raizen High School. 

 However, none of the audience is listening to her. The whole audience is cheering—or rather, in a stir—at the appearance of Yamai Yuzuru, who entered the stage in bondage suit— the same one she wore at Ryokan back in summer vacation. 

 Shidou's eyes opened wide. However, Yuzuru didn't take notice of everyone's eyesight. Yuzuru grabbed Kaguya's neck—or rather, the string of Kaguya's bra top that untied itself earlier. 

"Caution. This is no good, Kaguya. You should have tied it properly." 

 "Eh... Ya... K-Kuku—before my tornado dance, even a Gordian knot couldn't resi—Hya?!" 

 Yuzuru pulled the string. Kaguya pushed down her breast and raised a shrill voice. 

 "Reinform. This is no good. You almost showed your breast that only me and Shidou knows to the mass." 

 "D-Don't say something that will cause misunderstanding!" 

 Kaguya shouted embarrassingly. Thanks to Yuzuru's words, the audience's eyes are now gathering on Shidou. However Yuzuru didn't notice and continued while breathing hard in enjoyment. 

 "Indicate. Don't tell me, that was on purpose? You tie it loosely so that the accident could happen and you could show everyone your breast? How perverted are you? I'm embarrassed as someone who bears the same Yamai name." 

 "N-no way I would... Ya... stop..." 

 Kaguya writhed in embarrassment. Yuzuru turned red in excitement. Shidou thought this was no good. Yuzuru is already in her sadistic mode. Despite her normal behavior, Yuzuru does enjoy seeing Kaguya’s embarrassment a lot. Her actions and her costume make it as if it is a scene from that kind of video. 

 "Instruction. Saa, Kaguya. Say it. I'm a pervert who appeared in front of everyone with such looks." 

 "N-No way... I could say that...!" 

 "Smile. Are you sure, taking such an attitude? I know all of your weak points." 

 Yuzuru then strokes Kaguya's spine. 

 "Ya... stop it, Yuzuru~..." 

 "Refusal. I won't stop. I will make you make an even better voice." 

 "Ahh... don't..." 

 'Wait, wait! Stop! Stop it!' 

 The announcer cut in. The next moment, girl students who appeared to be staff appeared from the side of the stage and dragged Kaguya and Yuzuru backstage. 

 'Haa... I'm sorry—T-That was some pretty excessive performance. Then, scores please!' The announcer said that. Apparently the announcer decided to treat the earlier happening as Yuzuru's performance to avoid any troubles. 

 The decision is also good for Shidou, since if Yuzuru became unqualified right here, she may become displeased—though it is also possible that Yuzuru is completely absorbed in teasing Kaguya and didn't notice. 

 'The score is, 5, 0, 10, 10! Total of 25 points! First place with the same point!' 

 "Eh? M-Miku...?" 

 "Haa... Haa..." 

 Miku's eyes are glittering with drool falling from her mouth. mumbling 'I can't get enough of that~ I can't get enough of that~' while putting up a 10 point label. 

 Tomoda, on the other hand, mumbled 'Thanks for such a great scene. As I thought, sexuality has nothing to do with love' with tears of gratitude while putting up a 0 points label. What a troublesome guy. 

 "...Miku" 

 "Ha?! W-What have I done?!" 

 Miku wiped her droll and said so. However, it was too late. The announcer was already introducing the next candidate. Entry number 23, Yatogami Tohka from Raizen High School. 

 Tohka entered the stage in a robe similar to Kaguya’s. Unlike Kaguya, Tohka walked to the middle of the stage, without taking off her robe. However, even in the robe, a voice of admiration could be heard from the audience. For someone who saw Tohka for the first time, it is hard to not be captured by her looks. 

 Tohka stood still in the middle of the stage for a while and glanced at Shidou. Shidou tilted his head in wonder, Tohka looked as if she was troubled about something. 

 However even before Shidou could say anything, Tohka made her decision and took off the robe. The next moment, a stir and a cheering voice is heard from everywhere in the hall. 

 Tohka is wearing a swimsuit—however, its cloth was 

 torn apart as if cut everywhere with scissors. 

 Shidou's eyes opened wide. The surface area of the swimsuit that is already limited just got smaller. A forbidden area could be seen with a little movement by Tohka. Tohka writhed in embarrassment. 

 "T-Tohka?! What's that look?! Why are you wearing a ragged swimsuit?!" 

 "Nu... what?! This thing is not like this from the beginning?!" 

 "H... huh?!" 

 Shidou pushed the Incom and asked Kotori. 

 'I-I don't know! The swimsuit I prepared was a normal swimsuit—Don't tell me someone is trying to obstruct us...?!' 

 "Someone is trying to make Tohka withdraw from the contest...?!" 

 'I can't be anything else, but Tohka thought this was the design—' 

 "How can this happen…?!" 

 While Shidou is talking with Kotori, Tohka made an anxious face. 

 "Na... did I do something bad? I'm sorry... I-I thought Shidou would like it..." 

 "...! Ah, dammit!" 

 Shidou scratched his head and put up a 10 point label. 

 "Damn! This is a foul! But—I'll give you this time only!" 

"Ohh... 10 points!" 

 Tohka smiled with a joyful look. The audience then applauded her. The announcer then warned Shidou to not give out his score too early and urged the other judges to give out scores. Tohka's score was 25 points—the same as Kaguya and Yuzuru. With the thunderous applause from the audience, Tohka then left the stage. 

 Shidou grinded his teeth while looking at Tohka leaving the stage. At this point, the final vote will be decided with these three. There's only one candidate left, Shidou must make her win. Shidou looked into the stage wing, gripped his hand tight, and prayed for the final candidate. 

 In the backstage, Ayanokouji Karin is smiling fearlessly. Her two underlings wondered what had happened and suggested she might have gone crazy knowing there is no way to win. 

 Karin heard that and punched them in the head. Karin told them to look at the scores. The girl only got 25 points. There's still 15 points left until the full score. Karin said if the girl could only get this much, then she could win easily without having to cut the girl's swimsuit. 

 "Eh... you make us damage others’ property and say that...?" 

 "How gross..." 

 Karin punched them on their head once again. 

 "Ew!" 

 "Relying on a violence is not good..." 

 "Just shut up and watch—I will show you Ayanokouji Karin getting a full score." 

 Karin flipped her skirt and walked up to the stage. 

 The announcer announced the final result with Kaguya, Yuzuru and Tohka leading top at 25 points. Shidou held his head in his hands while hearing the announcement. In the end, Shidou's last hope—Ayanokouji Something—lost with 10 points—the lowest in the whole contest. 

 The announcer then explained that, although there were three winners, there is only one prize, so they must do the final voting. The announcer then asked those three to enter the stage again. 

 Kaguya, Yuzuru and Tohka entered the stage with a loud applause from the audience. Everyone already changed their clothes to school uniforms. Shidou looked at them and groaned with a painful voice. 

 In the final vote, the judges don't give out scores, but rather will select one of them by name. If Shidou chose one of them, it is not hard to imagine how the other two would react. Shidou pushed the Incom asking for assistance. 

 'Chi... this is bad. If Shidou chooses someone... ' 

 "D-Don't you have any plan... if it is like this..." 

 'I'm thinking, wait a minute! Before that, why are these three winning?!' 

 "T-That can't be helped...! Because Miku is—" 

 Shidou swayed his shoulder in realization. That moment, Miku grabbed the hem of Shidou's shirt with a face that looks as if she is almost crying. 

 "I-I'm sorry, darling... Because... Because I didn't do my job properly..." 

 Miku is sobbing. The next moment, a BEEP BEEP alarm could be heard from the Incom. Kotori warned Shidou that Miku's mental condition had become unstable and instructed him to please Miku. 

 "Ah... ah...! Miku, see! It's fine! This is not Miku's fault!" 

 "B-but... if it is like this... uaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Miku started crying. 

 "M-Miku! Look, look! Good girl, good girl!" 

 Shidou pat Miku gently on her head in a hurry. Few moments later, Miku stopped crying with her eyes turned red. 

 "U-uuu... I'm sorry, darling... I caused you trouble..." 

 "D-Don't think about it! Before that—" 

 That moment, Shidou then realized something was wrong. Miku is an idol. There are a lot of her fans in this hall. However, nobody reacted to the fact that Miku was crying. Not only that— the hall was completely quiet. 

 "W-what is this..." 

 '... We're commencing the final voting. This final vote will be decided not only by the judges, but also the audience. —Everyone, when I count one, two, let's shout the name of the person that should win. Ready? One, two—' 

 '''Miku-tan!!''' 

 "What...?" 

 Shidou's eyes opened wide at the loud voice. Everyone in the hall shouted out Miku's name. The audience, the judge, the announcer and even the candidates. Even if they are Miku's fan, this is too strange— 

 "Ah?!" Shidou realized a certain possibility "Miku, don't tell me that crying earlier...?!" 

 "Eh...?" 

 Miku tilted her head in wonder. Miku is a spirit whose ability is to manipulate sound and music. She could use her voice to fascinate any humans and turn them into her zealots. If that power could come back to Miku when her mental condition become unstable— 

 "Mikutaaaaaaan!" 

 While Shidou is thinking, an audience is rushing onto the stage. Miku screams in astonishment. Apparently she is not aware of her ability. 

 "U-Uwakyaaaaaaa?! W-what are you doing!" 

 "Miku...! Let's escape from here!" 

 "Y-Yes, darling!" 

 Shidou gripped Miku's hand and started running to the stage wing and back entrance. However, Kaguya, Yuzuru and Tohka followed them. They seemed to be affected by Miku's voice as well. 

 "Kukaka! I won't let you escape, Shidou!" 

 "Jump. Tou!" 

 "Shidou! Leave Miku here!" 

 "H-Hey, you all...!" Shidou shouted. 

 "Aneue-samaaaaaaaaaa!" 

 "Jump! Peropero" 

 "Thanks for the food!" 

 The three raised their hands as if they are a wolf from a fairy tale and attack Shidou and Miku. Shidou and Miku raise up their screams and run around Tenguu Square without break. 

 It took 3 minutes after that for the effect of Miku's voice to disappear. Tohka and others who have regained their consciousness lost all their memories regarding the Beauty Contest for some reason. Even though they didn’t understand why they were here, luckily they were at the food stand, so Shidou was able to dodge the explanation by making up a tour eating Menchi-katsu, Takyaki, Yakisoba and other food with them. 

 From the rumor, the person winning the Beauty Contest seems to be a student from Rindouji Girls School named Ayanokouji Something. When everyone regained their consciousness, she was the one standing on the stage holding the trophy in tears, so everyone thought "Probably, that person is the winner."—and that's how the winner of Beauty Contest has been decided—but that's another story.