"Absolutely not!"
Ori immediately rejected Nanaya Kiryu's request, staring at him with what she believed was a very serious expression, trying to show her determination.
However, her reaction had the opposite effect. In Nanaya's eyes, she looked exactly like the version of Ryogi Shiki in his mind, which only made him even more certain that Ori must appear in the movie.
"Ori, didn't you act in my experimental short film before? Your portrayal of Ryogi Shiki left a deep impression on everyone. If you don't believe me, you can ask Manager Utsumi."
"Hmm… indeed, Ryogi Ori's acting skills are exceptional," Kaiuchi Utsumi said. He originally wanted to speak fairly, but when he saw Nanaya looking at him with a threatening stare, he immediately changed his tone to match Nanaya's wishes. "She's fully capable of being the female lead."
"See? It's only natural for you to become the protagonist of Kara no Kyoukai," Nanaya continued sincerely. "The reason I wrote the story of Kara no Kyoukai is because of you. You were originally the prototype for Ryogi Shiki, so it's only right for you to play her."
(In reality, Nanaya only came up with the idea after seeing Ori, but he would never say that. This world had no Takeuchi Takashi or Nasu Kinoko anyway, so whatever he said was correct by default.)
Ori shouted in frustration, "Then, senior, why didn't you design the character as a male?!"
"Nonsense! In this era, how are male protagonists supposed to swindle money from otaku? Of course it's better to have a girl
, No, no, I mean! Ryogi Shiki represents female strength and charm. People are tired of the man-saves-woman trope. It's the 21st century, time for female protagonists to rise! and hold up half the sky!" Nanaya declared righteously, as if he were some champion of feminism.
"I really doubt that's what you meant, senior..."
Ori's expression darkened. The more Nanaya talked, the more unwilling she became.
I feel like if I appear on camera, I'll lose something important... but I'll just keep that to myself.
She shook her head firmly. "Absolutely not, senior. Stop thinking about it."
"Huh?! Just once is enough! After this, even if we make a sequel, I won't cast you again."
Against Ori's fierce resistance, Nanaya used a strategy of retreating-to-advance. He imitated Illya's adorable pleading expression, staring up at her with big, sparkling eyes.
Illya had named this technique the "Bright Big Eyes," claiming it was foolproof.
Nanaya, however, completely forgot one thing: he was not a cute little girl. He was a fake middle-aged man pushing thirty. To Ori, the sight wasn't touching it was horrifying.
"No means no!" Ori immediately turned her gaze away.
"Just once! All you have to do is strike a few poses for the camera!"
Believing Ori was softening, Nanaya persistently followed her every step. No matter which direction she turned, his face was always right in front of her, staring with a nauseating level of intensity.
I can't believe this! How is my senior even more annoying than a leech?! What happened to the gentle, elegant senior I used to know?!
Ori looked to the others for help, but he got ignored, they agreed she was the perfect lead (like Utsumi), or they were simply excited to watch the drama unfold (like Katsura Kirie and Illya). Everyone unanimously ignored her silent pleas.
Unable to escape, Ori shut her eyes tightly.
"No means no! I will not play Ryogi Shiki! Senior, instead of wasting time here, go discuss the female lead casting with Manager Utsumi!"
"And get fired again?" Nanaya caught her hands. "You're the only one I can trust! If you agree to be the female lead, I'll promise you anything. I'll even appear in women's clothing with you!"
"That would just turn the movie into a horror film!"
Ori karate-chopped Nanaya's head, but this time her resistance finally softened.
"I get it..." After a long pause, Ori sighed and reluctantly accepted. "But only this once. Next time, hey! Listen to me!"
"Operation a great success!!!"
Nanaya, completely ignoring her follow-up conditions, high-fived everyone in excitement including Illya.
"Seriously..." Ori sighed as she watched them celebrate. "Do you all care THIS much about the female lead role?"
"Ori-chan~" Aunt katsura put an arm around her shoulder and gave a big thumbs-up. "What we care about is you becoming the heroine!"
"THAT'S EXACTLY WHY I DON'T WANT TO!"
Ori cried out in despair.
But she didn't realize that at this moment is, she would play this role countless times in the future… endlessly.
---
That evening, Ryutani Nariaki noticed that his beloved granddaughter was in an unusually good mood during dinner, even giggling to herself from time to time.
He was extremely puzzled. Nothing particularly good had happened recently. His daughter and son-in-law wouldn't return from the U.S. for at least another six months.
Could it be… she has a boyfriend?! Absolutely not! No insect is allowed near my Illya!
Realizing this horrifying possibility, Nariaki's expression darkened. No parasite would ever be allowed to touch his granddaughter. If one dared, he'd personally fill that insect with cement and toss it into Tokyo Bay.
Zzz—CRACK.
Applying too much force, Nariaki accidentally sliced a mark into his plate with his knife.
Illya, however, was oblivious, still happily daydreaming.
"Hehehe~"
After Illya giggled for the 38th time, Nariaki could no longer bear it and finally asked, "Illya… what's making you so happy? Is it… um… something…?"
He couldn't bring himself to say the word "boyfriend." If Illya misunderstood and thought he wanted to murder the boy to silence him, she might avoid him and that would be tragic.
(Though, to be fair, that was exactly what he intended to do.)
Illya, unaware of his complex inner turmoil, excitedly replied, "Grandpa, Illya invested in a movie today!"
"Oh… so it wasn't a boyfriend, it was a mov— WHAT?! A MOVIE?!"
SNAP!
Startled, Nariaki sliced his plate clean in half.
What kind of bastard tricked my granddaughter into investing in a film?! What if she loses money?!
In Ryutani Nariaki's mind, his granddaughter's first investment should be a prestigious, award-winning, glamorous masterpiece that would secure her reputation. Even if she failed later on, that first success would shield her forever.
But now now she had given away her "first time" so casually!
If this project failed, she would become a laughingstock.
Unacceptable.
He must find the culprit before Illya finalized the investment.
Or better yet sink them into Tokyo Bay.
"Ilya... what kind of film did you invest in?"
"It's super interesting! The female lead dropped out, so the project lacked funds. I thought the film had potential, so I helped by investing more!"
Illya cheerfully explained everything.
Nariaki froze.
This sounded strangely familiar…
"Y-You don't mean…"
"Yes! It's Kiryu-nii's Kara no Kyoukai!"
Illya's innocent confirmation hit him like lightning.
"KIRYU NANAYA!!! HOW DARE YOU TRICK MY GRANDDAUGHTER!!!"
At that moment, Ryutani Nariaki deeply regretted laughing at his friend earlier that day.