Platinum simply found T.M. Opera O's behavior utterly unreasonable.
"Why am I here? Of course, it's because—"
Mid-sentence, Platinum's words caught in her throat. What could she say? That she'd come to work here because she was broke?
No, that wasn't quite right. While money was part of it, the pay from a single day at the café wasn't exactly life-changing.
Well, then, was it because the student council president had asked her to?
Not exactly. The president had only expressed a hope that she'd come, not ordered her. Really, the president was just worried she'd sleep through the entire Appreciation Festival holed up in her dorm.
So, if she was just wandering around campus, the president's goal was already accomplished.
Then why had she come here…?
Could it be… because she wanted to?
Noticing the shift in Platinum's expression, T.M. Opera O smiled.
"It seems you've realized it now."
"You don't truly wish to stand in the shadows. You're no different from the others, from me, T.M. Opera O, from the Empress Air Groove, or even the Emperor, Symboli Rudolf."
"You want to stand in the spotlight."
As she spoke, T.M. Opera O spread her arms and took a few steps back, deliberately leaving Platinum exposed to the gaze of the crowd.
"See? Now you're standing in everyone's spotlight, my princess."
T.M. Opera O was willful, a force of nature who did as she pleased.
But she wasn't crude. Her world didn't revolve only around herself; it was just that her own radiance was so blinding it often overshadowed the thoughtful glances she cast others' way.
This rough, almost forceful way of interacting… was precisely T.M. Opera O's unique brand of kindness.
"—" Platinum held her breath.
She turned to look at the spectators around her. T.M. Opera O stood at the crowd's edge, yet numerous camera flashes were still aimed squarely at Platinum.
"You know, I was thinking earlier, this girl is super cute. But she was sitting there with such a cold look, I didn't dare try talking to her."
"She doesn't look like she's from around here… I wonder if she understands English? My English isn't great…"
"I'd love a photo with her, but would it be rude to ask…?"
Everyone… they're all talking about me?
Somehow, Agnes Digital had blended into the crowd. Holding up her phone, snapping pictures in rapid succession, she excitedly tugged at the sleeve of the person next to her.
"Look, look! That's my oshi! Her name's Platinum! Isn't she super cute?"
"Follow Platinum, please! Go follow Platinum, thank you!"
Faced with this barrage of flashing lights, Platinum felt a wave of dizziness.
So… this is what I wanted.
"But of course." As if she'd read Platinum's mind, T.M. Opera O chuckled beside her. "This is what every Uma Musume desires."
"Go on, say something to everyone."
Under T.M. Opera O's prompting gaze, Platinum furrowed her brow.
Say something…
What to say…
Maybe she really had been bewitched and confused by T.M. Opera O's antics.
Pursing her lips, Platinum spoke up in front of everyone.
"Hello everyone, I'm Platinum."
"Some of you might already know me, but I imagine most of you probably don't."
"But that's perfectly fine. A year from now, everyone will remember my name."
"By the next Appreciation Festival, the next Butler Café…"
Platinum thrust her hand forward, declaring loudly.
"I'll make sure every single person comes here for me, for Platinum!"
She'd actually said it…
Those words, those lines… they were really…
So utterly embarrassing!
The moment the words left her mouth, Platinum regretted them.
And yet, she also felt an unprecedented sense of release. She could hear the murmurs of the customers around her.
"This girl's small, but she's got quite the big talk, huh?"
"Don't you think it's well said? A kid like this isn't annoying at all."
"What an interesting look in her eyes. When is this Platinum's next race?"
"Hahaha! That's the spirit!" T.M. Opera O laughed heartily as she stepped forward.
"What a pity, but your exclusive time in the spotlight has ended for today. If you want to stand center stage next time, you'll have to seize it yourself."
"Just as you said… strive to become the star. Make the next audience come solely for you."
"But at least for today, for this very moment—" T.M. Opera O's finger pointed towards the other side of the café. Over there, Air Groove was watching them with a resigned look. Symboli Rudolf, however, observed Platinum and T.M. Opera O with keen interest.
"Our rivals are over there, aren't they?"
Air Groove shook her head as she looked at T.M. Opera O. "President, aren't you going to put a stop to their nonsense? This is a café meant for the fans."
"Not at all." Symboli Rudolf replied with an amused smile. "Isn't this turn of events rather interesting?"
"T.M. Opera O… she always manages to surprise me at times like this."
…Seeing that Symboli Rudolf not only showed no intention of stopping them but was even rubbing her hands together in anticipation, Air Groove could only sigh, holding her head in her hands.
Just then, a wave of excited cheers rose from the crowd around T.M. Opera O.
T.M. Opera O bent down, one hand sliding behind Platinum's back and neck, the other slipping under her knees. With a slight effort, she lifted Platinum clean off the ground, cradling her in her arms.
"Hey, T.M. Opera O, what are you doing?" Platinum didn't resist, merely whispering the question by T.M. Opera O's ear.
Though T.M. Opera O's embrace was warm… sorry to say, Platinum didn't feel the slightest flutter in her heart.
T.M. Opera O was still a bit lacking… in certain areas.
If it were Meisho Doto performing this move, Platinum's heart might have skipped a beat or two.
But with T.M. Opera O… heh.
"What do you think the advantage of two people is, compared to one?" T.M. Opera O murmured back softly.
Platinum understood immediately.
It was like streamers doing collabs. And why did they collab?
Of course… for business.
Crafting an image of intimacy in front of the audience, so the fans' love for one would extend to the other.
Things like best friends, romantic partners, or any other kind of relationship were common tactics. And proven facts showed it really worked.
Having said that, T.M. Opera O immediately raised her voice, presenting Platinum—who was now pressed tightly against her chest—to the surrounding onlookers. "Don't you all agree?"
"If an Overlord like myself, T.M. Opera O, is destined to play the lead role of the Prince in our opera—"
"Then wouldn't someone as delicate as Platinum be the one and only perfect choice to play the Princess?"
A soft wave of gasps rippled through the crowd. Was it her imagination, or did she even hear a distant whoop from somewhere?
"How formidable." Symboli Rudolf smiled wryly and glanced at Air Groove standing beside her. "We can't afford to be outdone, you know. How about we give it a try too?"
"…President, you're joking, right?"
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T/N: PLATINUM YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH MONEY ID PAY TO BE IN YOUR POSITION
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.