Volume 13 Chapter 263 Victoria, Show Duel’s Final End
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Based solely on the judges’ scores, Classes 1A and 2A had been running nearly neck and neck.
”──At one point, I wasn’t sure which way it would go… but 1A is doing better than I expected.”
”That’s thanks to Emily and Yukari backing them up. Especially Yukari—there’s no way she’d lose to Aqua-kun in a competition like this. If anything, she’s aiming for the win herself.”
Natalia and I nodded firmly in agreement. Everything we’d seen on the runway so far backed up Kaede’s observation. Class 1A had a clear theme and a tight concept, but more than that, their models had vivid expressions and an infectious energy. Rather than forcing the usual stiff fashion-show strut, the students took to the stage as if they were acting out scenes from everyday school life, naturally drawing the audience in. It was clearly the work of Kohina Yukari-san’s direction.
In contrast, Class 2A was built entirely around Shirogane Aqua’s overwhelming star power. They had a strong concept, yes—but it felt… underwhelming. With talent like Kanon and Tsukimachi-san in their roster, it seemed a waste to let all the spotlight fall solely on Aqua.
”Oh, Kukuri-chan’s up next—wait, whatttt!?”
Leading the charge was Sumeragi Kukuri, dressed in adorable pajama and loungewear, followed by the rest of 1A in similar sleepover-themed outfits.
W-What is this!? Kaede’s eyes went wide and her jaw hung open.
”It’s probably a pajama party,” Natalia said calmly. “It might be unfamiliar to Victoria-sama, but in Japan, girls often host these kinds of sleepovers. It’s definitely a part of daily life.”
H-huh… Now that I think about it, Kanon did mention something like that once. I couldn’t picture it just from hearing about it, but seeing it now on stage… So this is a Japanese pajama party.
Sumeragi Kukuri stood proudly in a fluffy pink loungewear set, her long legs peeking from beneath her shorts. In a different era, a noblewoman showing her legs so casually might’ve caused a scandal. But with that gentle, unbothered smile, she carried herself so naturally that calling attention to it would’ve felt disrespectful.
If only I had friends… No—never mind. I shook my head.
”Victoria-sama, do you also have pajama parties?”
A-aah, what are you saying!? I turned away, flustered.
”Hehe, sounds lovely. If you’d like, I’d be happy to join,” Natalia added sweetly.
N-Natalia too!? I forced a frown and tried to cool my flushed cheeks with my fan. The two of them shared a knowing glance, as if saying, “It can’t be helped.”
Geez! This isn’t about me! Focus on the show!!
L-Look! 2A’s turn is starting~desuwa!!
”Ugyahhhhhhh!”
”Aqua-kun in a suit!?”
The grown-up Shirogane Aqua stepped onto the runway in a sleek black suit, a striking contrast to the cozy feel of 1A’s pajama scene.
Ahh… That’s not fair. Kukuri’s performance was brilliant, but this? This was on another level.
Without a word, the three of us—Kaede, Natalia, and I—silently voted for 2A.
I wondered who his partner would be. Aqua knelt dramatically on stage and reached a hand toward the wings.
A soft hand reached back.
Wait… isn’t that…?
”Sugita-sensei!?”
”Mari-chan! You look beautiful in that dress!!”
The students went wild with cheers. Even those from other classes and grades applauded.
The deep-slit dress she wore—it was designed by Shirogane Aqua, wasn’t it? He really knew how to emphasize the waist and neckline in an elegant way. I’ll make a mental note… Just in case. I’m not saying I’ll wear something like that! Don’t misunderstand!!
”Congratulations on your retirement, Sugita-sensei!”
”Wishing you all the happiness in the world!”
”Please invite me to your wedding!”
Sugita Mari-sensei was caught off guard, overwhelmed as her fellow teachers clapped with teary eyes. It was a touching moment.
Otomezaki’s teachers sure are passionate, especially with Shirogane Aqua involved~desuwa.
As 2A’s segment ended, Oto-san appeared on stage for 1A.
”Oto-san in an apron fits surprisingly well.”
”The concept this time must be student part-time jobs.”
I see—no wonder the students were dressed like they worked at cafés, fast food joints, and convenience stores.
Oto-san, now with her hair tied back and wearing glasses and an apron, looked so different it was hard to recognize her~desuwa.
She stood calmly at the front, took a breath, and then—
”I’m Oto Rurika! I help out at my family’s jazz bar sometimes, so if you’re interested, come visit! When I’m working, it’s a non-smoking café with no alcohol, so it’s a safe space for everyone!”
Kaede, Natalia, and I exchanged glances.
”When I explained this to Victoria-sama before, she was being falsely suspected of smoking and drinking. But now, with Oto-san’s clarification, those rumors might finally be cleared up. The photos weren’t of her, after all.”
”Also, over a hundred million people are watching this livestream right now.”
Incredible. The Shirogane Aqua effect is terrifying~desuwa.
Maybe—just maybe—he planned it this way from the beginning. Taking on the fashion show knowing what would happen, stepping in when someone needed saving…
Other girls followed Oto-san’s lead, promoting their own part-time jobs. It was clearly outside the typical scope of a fashion show, but maybe that’s why it worked. It felt like their classmates were looking out for her.
As 1A cleared the stage, a stir came from the 2A wings.
”Ababababa!”
”Calm down, breathe!”
”Is that… Kenzaki!?”
”Wait… it’s Aqua-sama in a fast food uniform!?”
”Where’s Kamishiro Tenga-senpai? Flipping fries somewhere!?”
Shirogane Aqua had returned—this time dressed like a burger joint employee. The crowd burst into squeals and chatter.
Oh, right. Kenzaki did work part-time at a burger place back during Heaven’s Sword, didn’t he?
Just then, Washimiya-san stepped out in a coat and approached the counter Aqua stood behind.
”I’ll have a fish burger set, small size, with hot tea and corn slaw… and, can I get a smile too?”
”Of course.”
With that, Shirogane Aqua turned to the audience and smiled.
The crowd erupted in shrieks.
Unfair!! My hand hovered over the 2A button—but I held back.
”Ugh… Sorry, Kenzaki, but I’m voting 1A this time!!”
”M-Me too!”
The three of us—Kaede, Natalia, and I—voted with logic over impulse.
Please, no more surprise smiles during work mode! It’s not good for the heart~desuwa!
After 2A wrapped up, Inori-san and the others rushed out, clutching textbooks.
Ah, the next concept is “study time,” huh? The front of the stage had been transformed into a library, complete with desks and chairs.
”Inori-san’s hairpin is so cute. Even the way she holds her pencil case is adorable!”
”Even when studying, it’s important not to forget your sense of style.”
It wasn’t just their outfits—every accessory, every movement was carefully curated. The pursuit of cuteness here in Japan truly is something else.
As they exited, Chihiro Claire-san emerged from 2A’s side, glasses perched on her nose.
”Oh, this time it’s a study date in the library!”
”Hehe, Claire’s braids suit her so well.”
She seemed to be the first one to arrive, scanning the stage for someone.
Then, from behind—Shirogane Aqua appeared in casual clothes and gently covered her eyes.
”Guess who?”
”A-Aqua-kun?”
Kyaaaaaaaaaa!!
T-That’s not just a shoulder tap anymore, desuwa—it’s a full-on surprise attack!! If someone I liked did that to me, I’d melt on the spot!!
Screams echoed like the gates of the underworld had opened.
”Sensei, you’ve lost again.”
”Defeat confirmed.”
”Are you here just to suffer?”
”Was that ticket win just a trap?”
Hakuryuu-sensei, eyes wide and trembling, watched from the crowd as the students placed their hands together and offered silent prayers.
Hey! She’s not dead yet~desuwa!!
”Sorry. Did you wait long?”
”No, I just got here… eight hours ago. Three days ago.”
…Wait, what? Did she just say three days?
Everyone seemed to ignore it, but I was sure I heard it right. Someone, please, call it out.
”Inori-san, I’m sorry. I gave in to temptation.”
”This was bound to happen.”
We voted for 2A.
Ordinarily, someone would’ve complained, “Shirogane Aqua’s stealing the show! 2A’s riding on his coattails!” But oddly enough, no one did.
Well, aside from one very vocal person.
”Boo! Boo!”
I won’t name names, but someone’s been booing every time Aqua takes the stage.
They really get along well, don’t they?
As 2A’s segment closed, the spotlight shifted back to 1A.
”This time the theme is life guidance.”
”Hehe, makes sense. Otomezaki is a private school, so even if it’s pretty relaxed, there are still rules.”
Kato-san and her group walked out with their homeroom teacher, who promptly pointed out violations in their outfits.
After the teacher returned backstage, the girls reappeared—this time with their outfits adjusted to follow the rules.
Ahh, I see. It’s an educational concept. That could be helpful for students at Otomezaki or similar schools.
Once 1A exited, Pegonia stepped out from 2A’s side, wearing a long white lab coat.
Huh!? Pegonia!? I didn’t hear anything about her appearing!
”She’s enrolled as a student under special status.”
”Hehe, that’s one of Otomezaki’s strong points.”
I get that, but still—why the lab coat!?
Also—is it really okay for her outfit to be that revealing under it!?
”Well, apparently the theme is a forbidden date. Maybe it’s the teacher from the Nurse’s Office?”
”Ah, now that you mention it… When I first asked Sugita-sensei about it, she refused. Said the theme wasn’t appropriate.”
I see. Sugita-sensei really is the picture of common sense.
Just then, Pegonia wrapped her arms around Shirogane Aqua, who had stepped out from behind the stage.
”Uoooooooooooh!!”
”The legendary teacher-student forbidden romance makes its debut!!”
”This is what we’ve been waiting for!”
”She’s still got it even after the Cultural Festival! She’s totally teacher material!”
”Guys, we’ve got a real chance here!”
According to what Kanon told me before, the teachers at Otomezaki are known for their impressive self-control and sense of responsibility.
That must be why. Seeing the performance in front of them must have broken that dam of restraint, and now the audience was exploding with energy.
Sure, there’d probably be complaints later, but maybe… just for today, it’s okay.
I’ve had plenty of days myself when I didn’t feel like being a “princess” either…
”I think this one’s 1A. It reminds me of when the life guidance teacher used to tell me not to run in the hallways and to always look straight ahead.”
”I’m from 2A. The teachers who always work so hard for us… they looked genuinely happy today.”
I see… And me?
Hmm. 2A’s performance was nice, but Pegonia was a little too shameless, and Aqua looked too pleased with himself. So, I’ll cast my vote for 1A.
”The next concept from 1A is ‘us on our day off.’”
”Whoa, Oto-san’s up first! Amazing!”
Oto-san stepped onto the stage with confidence, proudly showing off her flat stomach and exposed belly button.
U-Um… isn’t the fabric a bit short? Her belly button’s right there… I mean, is that really okay?
Wait, is that the style now?
I couldn’t help but be a little surprised. It wasn’t something I would ever wear.
”Cargo pants are a great match with this! I kinda like it.”
”Yeah, it’s super cute.”
At the tip of the stage, Oto-san raised her wrist and pretended to check a watch.
Moments later, several students walked out from backstage.
Ah, I get it now. She’s acting out a casual weekend meet-up near the station with friends.
Hehe… What a nice scene~desuwa.
Warm applause filled the hall.
Hmm? Kohina Yukari-san… weren’t you crying just a moment ago? Or was that my imagination?
”This has to be 1A’s concept.”
Kaede, this is totally the kind of emotional setup you love, isn’t it?
As the members of 1A exited the stage, three boys emerged from the wings of the 2A side.
”Uggghhhhhh!!”
”2A’s going in full throttle!!”
”Aqua-kun, Mayuzumi-kun, and Toa-chan triple combo?! That’s not fair!”
”I thought they’d do pairs, but all three together? That’s insane!”
”This is way too much!! But it works!!”
”Boo! Boo!”
The boos were drowned out by the overwhelming cheer that followed.
Shirogane Aqua and Mayuzumi Shintaro strolled side by side as Nekoyama Toa jumped in between them.
What a beautifully crafted entrance~desuwa.
Toa-chan probably couldn’t resist joining when she saw the two getting along so well.
Silently, Natalia, Kaede, and I gave bonus points to 2A.
”Toa-chan looks adorable in suspenders. Excellent fashion choice…”
”Did Aqua-kun design that? He really understands Toa-chan perfectly.”
”Jingling, jingling…”
”Clink, clink…”
”Mayuzumi-kun even wore Tenga-senpai’s brand merch just to be part of the group. That’s… really sweet.”
”As expected from Mayushin-kun!”
Honestly, Oto-san could’ve taken that round, but 2A really pulled off something bold.
There are only two rounds left. Oto Rurika-san, Inori Hisui-san, and Kato Iria-san have each had two performances… So, next up is probably Kukuri-san?
Yep, I was right.
Kukuri-san appeared on stage, draped in her signature kimono.
”As expected of Kukuri-chan-sama. That kimono has such a regal presence.”
”This has to be a rental, right?”
”There’s no way she made it herself.”
Well, normally, no.
But there is someone who might just be capable of that.
I glanced toward the backstage curtain—
…and sure enough, she was there. Watching silently.
”Hehehe…”
See? I told you.
But seriously—
Who is that woman? Her talent is on a whole other level.
She could outclass even the Six Noble Families, and not even break a sweat.
There was a weird show on TV recently that asked if Shirogane Aqua and Morikawa Kaede could survive Earth’s destruction… but honestly, they should’ve tested her instead~desuwa.
At the front of the stage now, Kukuri-san looked around at the crowd.
”That day, that moment… Until the one who could break everything appeared… my everyday life wasn’t truly mine. But now—it’s different!!”
With a flourish, Kukuri-san pulled off her kimono, revealing her casual outfit underneath.
Ahh, so that’s why. They used Velcro in hidden spots so the costume could come off easily.
Her outfit has a bit of a “landmine girl” vibe to it… but let’s not go there.
Her classmates stepped forward with open arms, welcoming her warmly.
A beautiful, heartfelt scene~desuwa.
The audience applauded again.
So… what will 2A pull out next?
It’ll be tough to shift the momentum back in their favor~desuwa.
As I was thinking that—
A loud engine roared from behind the 2A stage.
”What’s that sound?”
”Oh—motorcycles?”
”Wait, could it be—!?”
The crowd erupted as two motorcycles shot onto the stage.
One rider was Shirogane Aqua.
And the other—
”It’s Ayana-chan!!”
”What!? Ayana-chan with a short haircut?! That’s wild!”
”She looks insanely cool!”
”Short hair really hits different when the face is that pretty.”
”And that tight leather rider suit fits her too well!”
”She used zippers to adjust it, huh?”
”But that section from her waist to her thighs is transparent and tied with string… Isn’t that kinda pushing it?”
I skimmed the event notes in my hands.
Ah, I see.
This round’s theme is touring date.
”I actually got my license!”
With a proud grin, Tsukimachi-san flashed her driver’s license.
A wave of cheers followed.
So that’s why she bought the silver motorcycle…
Kaede, Natalia, and I couldn’t help but grin at each other.
”Hard choice… but I’m voting for Ayana-chan. That rider suit and the shock factor of her short hair—even if it’s a wig—was huge.”
”I’ll go with Kukuri-chan. She hadn’t quite blended in before, but her performance gave me hope for her future.”
Both of them turned to look at me.
Hey now… isn’t it sneaky how they always cast their votes first and leave the decision to me?
Still, I’d already made up my mind.
In terms of fashion, Tsukimachi Ayana-san’s rider suit definitely had impact.
But as a performance, Kukuri-san’s piece spoke to me more.
So this time, for her growth and for 1A’s heart—I’ll vote for Kukuri-san.
”And finally, the last round.”
”We already know 2A’s finale… but what about 1A?”
All the students of 1A stepped on stage with various props in hand.
They began doing something quietly—assembling, placing, arranging…
”What’s this?”
”It seems the final theme for 1A is preparing for the Cultural Festival.“
”──I see. They tied it all together around the theme of school life. That’s lovely.”
Whether ready or not, the 1A students finished their setup, then lifted their creations from the floor.
[Thank you for coming to see the fashion show battle between us and our 2A seniors today! —From all of us in 1A.]
So that’s it. They saved the final message for the end, completing it onstage.
Kaede, Natalia, and I applauded with enthusiasm from our seats.
Instead of heading backstage, the 1A students remained on stage—
watching the 2A side with bright eyes.
And then—hand in hand—Kanon and Shirogane Aqua stepped onto the stage.
”The final theme for 2A is… marriage. They said, even after getting married or having kids, a date is still a date.”
”I see. So this is Tashinami-chan’s big moment.”
Kanon wore a loose, comfortable dress and low-heeled sneakers.
It suited her well, especially considering her postpartum condition~desuwa.
Even better, the sneakers matched Shirogane Aqua’s—same brand, type, and color.
A nice touch.
Aqua, too, wore nothing flashy. Just a relaxed, everyday look.
Probably his real self, more than anything else.
The two waved gently to the crowd at center stage, then were embraced by their 2A classmates.
”Thank you all for joining us today for the 2A vs 1A fashion show battle! There were ideas about ending it with tuxedos and gowns, but we chose this route instead. Also, all the outfits we wore will be on display in the classrooms starting tomorrow, so we hope you’ll enjoy them up close! Of course, voting remains open until tomorrow—please cast your votes!”
Ah, so this isn’t where the final decision is made.
The students of 2A and 1A exchanged cheers and encouragement before returning backstage.
We were just about to leave our seats when the student MC approached us.
”And now, may we hear from the judges?”
With that, the student host handed me the mic.
Kaede and Natalia both nodded at me.
”Go on,” their expressions said.
Ah, I see how it is! You two planned this from the start, putting me in the center!
Sheesh… Fine then!
”Ahem. Both shows were incredible. Among them, 1A’s concept stood out for its consistency and school-life theme. Meanwhile, 2A made excellent use of their greatest strength—Shirogane Aqua—and built their show around him effectively. In terms of costumes, I was struck by the fashion of Oto Rurika-san from 1A and the rider suit worn by Tsukimachi Ayana-san from 2A. Oto-san’s pink twin-tails were adorable, and Ayana-san’s short hair… even as a wig, was unforgettable. The designers—Isaka Chitose-san for 1A and Shirogane Aqua-san for 2A—showed off their own distinct styles with great skill. To all of you from 1A and 2A—thank you for a truly wonderful show.”
Yep, this is how it should be.
”Whoa! That’s our head judge for you!” Kaede grinned and hoisted me into the air.
Hey! You’re too good at this kind of praise, just like that girl!
I—I’m not someone who gets swept away that easily!
…Anyway. You’re hungry, right?
Today, I’ll treat you both. Come on, Natalia, too.
The three of us stepped down from the judges’ seats and headed toward the food stalls still open at the festival.
And thus—
The first day of Otomezaki High School’s Cultural Festival came to a close.
Notes:
• Ken – Male. A rehabilitated man working in the mine. The fiancé of Akiyama Sachiko, the organizer of the party or one of the protagonist’s (Aqua’s) mother’s students (ikebana) appeared in Volume 2 Chapter 12. However, their engagement is not yet officially recognized, as the necessary documents have not been signed by all parties involved. Ken-kun behaves inappropriately during the event, attempting to flirt with Kanon and later becoming aggressive, even wielding a replica sword. His actions cause a disturbance, and he is eventually subdued and removed by the security team.
• Isaka Chitose – A proactive and creative student who takes initiative in class activities. She is a member of the Clothing Club and has expertise in costume design, making her a key figure in organizing the fashion show showdown. Chitose is enthusiastic and resourceful, often coming up with unique ideas to make events memorable. Her proposal for a fashion showdown against Class 2A sparks excitement and unity among her classmates.
• Chitose – Isaka Chitose. A proactive and creative student who takes initiative in class activities. She is a member of the Clothing Club and has expertise in costume design, making her a key figure in organizing the fashion show showdown. Chitose is enthusiastic and resourceful, often coming up with unique ideas to make events memorable. Her proposal for a fashion showdown against Class 2A sparks excitement and unity among her classmates.
• Isaka – Isaka Chitose. A proactive and creative student who takes initiative in class activities. She is a member of the Clothing Club and has expertise in costume design, making her a key figure in organizing the fashion show showdown. Chitose is enthusiastic and resourceful, often coming up with unique ideas to make events memorable. Her proposal for a fashion showdown against Class 2A sparks excitement and unity among her classmates.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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