Regarding the fact that my best friend is a magical girl

(Albinocotyledon)

I didn't know how to comfort her with that conflicted little expression.

An invisible gender barrier has been erected between us. Is it really true, as this fool says, that if I just "admire" her young and beautiful body, we can break down this barrier?

That's impossible.

Unless she turns back into Ayao, we are destined never to return to the carefree way we used to interact.

Let's change the subject.

"Oh, you idiot."

Closing my suitcase, I asked, "What are your plans for the afternoon? A walk on the beach, or should we stay in the room until evening?"

"what?"

Lost in thought, she only looked up absentmindedly after I finished speaking, and then replied, "Miss Sirius has arranged training for me this afternoon, so I can't accompany you. But before that, I would like to ask you to meet Miss Miluno."

Damn it, Miss Miluno is seriously injured and lying on the ground, why does this idiot still want to take me on a "visit"? I'm not a monkey in a zoo.

"no need."

"Let's go~ Today I'm going to show you just how ideal and pure a magical girl Miss Miluno is!"

As she spoke, she grabbed my wrist and forcefully dragged me upstairs.

It was clear that her desire to recommend "Miluno" to me was stronger than ever, but how could I possibly meet Miluno?

I was nervously dragged upstairs to the second floor, where I happened to see Yin Wei tiptoeing out of the guest room and quietly closing the door behind her.

Yes, that's really good acting.

"Shh..."

She gestured for us to be quiet, then came over and whispered, "She just fell asleep. She needs to rest, so please don't go in yet."

"what?"

Seruno slumped her shoulders regretfully and said, "Then, I'll introduce you two during dinner."

Yin Wei suddenly struck up a conversation with me.

"By the way, Mr. Ye, what are your plans for this afternoon?"

"I suspect you did this on purpose, but I haven't made any arrangements yet."

"Serno has to participate in the training that Sirius has prepared for her this afternoon, so she can't enjoy the vacation with you. But... I'm fine. How about you come with me to Oahu?"

"Huh?!"

Seruno let out a slightly loud exclamation of surprise.

"Ye... Ye Zi is going to the scenic spot with Miss Yin Wei?"

Even if they didn't say it aloud, their reluctance and unwillingness to let me leave were all written on their faces.

"I was just going to Waikiki Beach. In fact, I brought my swimsuit with me to Hawaii."

"Wearing a swimsuit to the beach, and bringing a man with you...isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

Yin Wei actually smiled, which was rare for her.

"Is there a problem? I feel safer if Mr. Ye is willing to accompany me. Otherwise, what if a strange man approaches me?"

"Then, then don't go."

Seruno tugged at my sleeve.

She looked up at me with her already timid brows down, and pleaded softly.

"Ye Zi, could you come watch me train this afternoon? I need you... I need your advice."

The upward gaze of the idiot on my chest made my heart beat a little faster.

Yin Wei, standing to the side, wore a satisfied, maternal smile.

Chapter Nine Idol Producer

(Albinocotyledon)

Brothers, there's a dog!

I finally understand why Yin Wei asked us if we were afraid of dogs.

Sirius kept various breeds of large dogs on the grassland near the beach, including common breeds like Huskies, German Shepherds, and Alaskan Malamutes, as well as less common breeds like Saint Bernards, Schnauzers, and Caucasian Shepherds. There were at least a dozen of them, making this grassland, which stretched for several kilometers, a veritable dog ranch.

"Haha, stop it!"

Serino seemed particularly popular; she was tackled by several large dogs as soon as she entered the enclosure—luckily, these dogs didn't bite, they were just licking her.

Although the saliva felt a bit disgusting, being approached by such a furry animal was also somewhat enviable... I tried to open my arms to the golden retriever that was closest to me.

"Goo?!"

I squatted down, clutching my stomach, and only then did I realize I'd been hit on the head with a dog's blow.

"Why?!"

The dog even barked at me twice.

"Ah, it seems that this girl isn't very popular with her boyfriend."

The long-haired idol stood in front of me, while the blond guy who had headbutted me wagged his tail at her legs, looking completely submissive.

"Although I am not Seruno's boyfriend, you must be the legendary Miss Sirius."

Let's call it a "first meeting" for now, but Sirius covered his mouth and whispered, "You smooth-talking handsome guy, but you don't need to pretend with me. I can smell the morning star."

"……smell?"

I think I must look terrible.

Sirius pointed to my wristband.

“I am the Star Crystal myself. You think you can hide the fact that you have other crystals on you? But don’t worry, I will keep it a secret for you. But on Naboo Island, you must obey my orders.”

She can be considered one of the founders of the association, and no matter how far she is from the core of the association, she is a potential risk to me.

Therefore, I have to question Spica's motives for arranging this trip.

She glanced at Seruno, who was playing with the dog and seemed carefree.

I countered with, "Then what do you want me to do?"

Before I answer your question, let me ask you first: Do you want to become stronger, or do you want to be content with the status quo and continue being a mediocre person?

In her eyes, am I just a half-baked expert?

"I want to become stronger."

"You're not indifferent to everything either, are you?"

She narrowed her eyes as if satisfied, then turned to look at Seruno.

"Serno-chan, you can get up now."

"Hehe, your dog is so enthusiastic, I can't get up!"

Seruno smiled憨厚ly, then Sirius clapped his hands, and the dogs in the meadow all ran to her and lined up, including the sycophant next to Seruno.

Seruno wiped her face, stood up, and asked with a grin, "Miss Sirius, what exactly is my training program?"

She seemed to be in a good mood because of her dog and Hawaii.

"So first, keep smiling."

"……what?"

Seruno clearly didn't understand Sirius's meaning.

"See, it stopped there. I want you to keep a natural smile at all times! Even in battle!"

As she spoke, she even gave a demonstration of the idol's professional smile, which seemed dazzling even though she wasn't actually shining.

"But wouldn't that be strange? How could I possibly laugh if nothing happy happened?"

"If it were easy, it wouldn't be training!"

Sirius stepped forward and pulled Seruno's cheek muscles upwards.

"...But what use is this in battle?"

"It won't work for others, but it will work for you! Seruno-chan, your magic strength is linked to your 'confidence,' but you lack confidence... Keep smiling, and you'll become more confident."

"confidence……"

Seruno lowered her head and remained silent.

I was surprised by Sirius's insightful observation. Although there were still limitations in terms of magic power, the more 'confident' Seruno was, the more solid the bubbles created with the same amount of magic power became.

"I'm going to mold you into an idol no less than me. Strive to catch up with me. The closer you get to me, the more people will recognize and support you, and the more confidence you'll gain... So smile! Seruno-chan, this is your first lesson!"

Seruno nodded seriously, then used bubbles to create a reflective mirror and made an expression in front of it.

"Hee hee~"

"Haha~"

"Hehe~"

"Jie Jie Jie..."

"Oh ho ho ho!"

Seemingly choosing a smile and laugh that suited her, Serino kept changing her facial muscles in front of the mirror.

Sirius gave me a push, making me stand in front of this grinning idiot.

She added, "Serno-chan, if you can't make up your mind, why don't you let your boyfriend decide?"

"Let the leaves decide?"

"Hey, why don't you just deny having a boyfriend!"

I raised my hand as if to tap her forehead, and Seruno quickly covered her head, shrank her neck, and grinned with her signature silly smile—although it was Ayao's original habit, this smile was especially cute on Seruno's face.