The social phobia substitute will not dream of the band girl

"It's actually 'Legend of Card Fighting'? Linlin, this is the card game we played before, right?!"

When Ako Ueda was shown the plan, she was shocked.

"...Hmm, I didn't expect such a large company to seek cooperation with us... I heard that the nearby game center also set up their projection duel stage... It's packed every day..."

Shirogane Rinko was also taken aback. As a veteran (and otaku) gamer, she had naturally played this card game before. In previous online games, this game was loved by many players because of its strong competitiveness and good viewing experience.

The project "Legend of Card Fighting" currently includes three card games based on Yu-Oh, Pokémon PTCG, and Shadowverse + Hearth Legend. During the online game period, it was well-known among some player groups for its playability, fun and perfect balanced system.

But what really made this IP famous was the physical cards released by Consortium X. The physical cards purchased offline have different rarity and card surface differences, which is a common scam, but each card can interact with machines configured simultaneously around the world to emit 3D projections that are obviously very expensive. This is amazing!

The physical cards became a huge hit upon their release, and their reputation has only grown after several official crackdowns on scalpers. Recently, various related commercial projects have been underway, with anime, manga, and various collaborations expected to follow in the next two years. Roselia has been commissioned (contract, project proposal) to sing the opening theme song for an upcoming anime, and if the results are successful, there may be further commissions.

"...Is this the project that was all over the news a while ago? I didn't expect the first commercial collaboration to be this grand."

"Many people in our school also play cards during breaks, but most people play Pokémon cards."

Even those who are completely outside the circle have heard of Hikawa Sayo and Imai Lisa. Compared with the other two more hardcore IPs, Mengmengda, which has electronic development games and offline cards, is more suitable for the aesthetic tastes of ordinary girls.

"...It seems everyone is clear about this. Does that mean we should participate?"

But it seems that our lead singer still seems out of touch with the situation. It can only be said that the degree to which Yukina integrates with society can only be described as tragic.

"...... Mr. Pingxin, I've roughly read through all the terms here. Not only are there no problems, but it can even be said that they are overly biased towards us. I'm not looking for trouble, I just want to know why such a company would choose a little-known band like us." In the end, it was the most serious Hikawa Sayo who raised the question.

"This is actually pretty easy to explain. The contract states 'intent to engage in long-term cooperation,' right? With this partnership, they'll be able to hire talented and capable people like you at a relatively low price. This is a mutually beneficial, win-win situation.

Besides, the band's popularity and talent go hand in hand with the project's buzz. If a show's opening theme song goes viral, it'll save a ton of effort in terms of promotion. But the most important reason is... you have fans at the company, and I just used a few connections. Of course, everything is legal and compliant, and has been reviewed internally."

Hirayuko explained with a smile that it would seem that Minato Tomoki would have a much easier time in the future with two talented people around, namely Hikawa Sayaka, who was capable of rational thinking, and Imai Lisa, who was good at socializing. After all, she was a layman in almost everything except music-related matters.

As for this plan, it was of course true, and it couldn't be more true. After all, it was a plan that he, the president, personally wrote and unanimously approved at an internal meeting.

*A certain president from another world: Game↘↗!

"...I see. I think I understand now."

Judging from the calm expression on Minato Yuki's face, she probably didn't understand anything and just simply believed in the advice given by her teammates and Hirayukoshi. After all, being able to know how to use people is one of the qualities of a good leader.

"Roselia accepted this contract, is that what you mean? Then, before mid-August, you need to write a song based on the partial settings and script provided by the contact person at the company, and it is scheduled to be unveiled to the world for the first time at the 'Summer Music Festival'—

Besides that, you have limited collaboration cards and voice acting for the anime guest characters to prepare, and you're also planning your first independent live performance in the near future. Come to think of it, you're quite busy. Is everything going well at school?" Ping Xin said.

"of course."

"My grades have always been pretty good, hahaha~"

"Ya Zi also said it's OK."

".......Me too......."

"Yeah, I'm relieved for everyone...Yuukina?"

Looking around, everyone seemed pretty reliable, but when it came to the leader/vocalist Yukina, she faltered. With everyone's attention focused on her, she said—

"I, I won't let other things interfere with our music activities..."

How should I put it? He looked completely unsure. Perhaps he could add a tutorial session before and after practice every weekend? The sensi soul (teacher spirit) in Ping Xinxin began to stir again.

"By the way, since you've made a mistake, you've got to be punished. Youxi, are you ready?"

"...Of course." Yukina was a little surprised, but answered quickly.

"In that case, then you—"

Chapter 53 Animal Video

Facing the apologetic Yukina Minato, Hirayuko made the following request:

"Meow like a cat, three times, three times!"

That's it?

Everyone was surprised, and felt that this punishment was too easy compared to Ping Xin's mental state. He had an expression of "big things are coming" just now, and now he showed everyone this?

"Of course it's more than that, ahem—you have to wear this too!"

As if sensing everyone's confusion, Ping Xin clapped his hands confidently. A shadowy maid, the "newcomer," emerged from the darkness and placed a complete catgirl suit in his hands. Since he was seeking excitement (crossed out), the punishment must be carried out to the end, right?

But Ping Xin is not a demon after all——

This catgirl cosplay costume isn't the kind that exposes large areas of skin in a sexy way, but rather leans towards a cute, girly style. It's the kind of thing anyone with a thick skin could wear on the street. Furthermore, the tail isn't an add-on, but a pendant. It's fair to say Hirayama was incredibly "soft" this time. As for the reason he let it go, it wasn't a superficial issue like "the woman's figure isn't attractive beyond her face," but something more...

"...Ha—Ping Xin-san, please don't try to satisfy your dirty desires as if nothing happened."

Even Hikawa Sayo couldn't help but complain. After all, she was the discipline committee member, how could she be so lewd!

"This isn't a matter of my personal desires. Do you know anything about AV?"

"AV?!"

Surprised, Lisa Imai couldn't help but scream. Everyone looked at her, but she gave Hirayuko a vicious look before turning her head away and pretending nothing had happened. How adorable!

"Ahem, my description just now might not be accurate. The full name should be Animal Video, which is one of those common short videos of cute little animals."

"I see... But what does this have to do with Minato-kun? Why the cat ear cosplay costume again? You wouldn't..."

You're not planning on playing something that's inconvenient to broadcast, are you?

Although Hikawa Sayo didn't say it out loud, Ping Xin could sense what she meant.

"...I recently met someone who really knows how to eat. Even if she only posts pictures of herself buying a new bass guitar and eating wild vegetable rice on her social media account, she still has 3000 followers! And yet, the official Roselia account I created and manage has less than 3 followers. How can anyone stand that?"

"...No, so what does this have to do with Yukina-san?"

"Wait...official title? When did we get this?"

Minato Yukina suddenly realized something was wrong, but looking around, she was the only one with a confused expression. What was going on? This atmosphere seemed to be that only she was in trouble...

"Ahahaha—because you're not good at using phones and computers, Yuki, so usually it's just a few of us who handle it."

Imai Lisa's help made Yukina feel better, and then she completely accepted it?! Maybe this is what it means to listen to your mother~

"So, what does this have to do with Yukina-san wearing this kind of clothes?"

"Of course it matters!"

"So loud all of a sudden?!"

Ping Xin scared the others.

"What kind of videos have the widest audience and are most likely to attract irrelevant people to click on them? The answer is cute pet videos, those adorable little animal videos that everyone, young and old, loves! Even you, Sayo, sometimes watch videos of small animals, right? Especially dogs?"

"...Yes, but how did you know that?"

A "?" appeared above Hikawa Sayo's head, indicating that the enemy had disappeared.

"That kind of thing doesn't matter!"

"No, it's very important to me..."

"Putting all that aside, don't you guys want to see Yukina put on this adorable catgirl outfit and meow? Don't you want to see her interacting with cute furry animals and filming it?"

"..."x4

"...Lisa?! Sayo?! Ako, Rinko?!"

Roselia's lead singer was deserted by everyone in 3 seconds. Is this the power of a "demonic concubine"? Namo San, how bewitching, it simply points directly to the desires hidden deep in people's hearts.

"Yes... you think so, I think so, everyone thinks so, so as long as you shoot a 'cat video' and post it, it will definitely become popular. This will be of great benefit to expanding your influence!" Ping Xin coaxed.

"...Wait, I haven't agreed yet!"

The person involved, Ms. Cou, struggled desperately, but questions and answers were useless!

"Sacrifice for justice, Miss Yukina—"

After changing clothes and taking photos and videos, everyone was satisfied, leaving only the still confused Yukina Minato alone. After experiencing the betrayal and abandonment of everyone, Yukina's heart no longer had any sadness or joy.

"By the way, I'm planning to buy two cats in a while. I'll ask you to come along for a consultation. That way, whenever you come to my house, you'll be able to pet the cats whenever you want."

Great!

Although she was very excited, she still had to maintain her image as the "Lonely Songstress (155cm)", so Yukina replied, "...I understand."

Minato Yukina will have cats to pet from now on, Roselia's friends will have fun watching and having fun with Yukina, and Hirayuki will be just what he deserves. Everyone has a bright future ahead of them.

Win-win?

Big win!

What a win!

*However, the "finished product" was not sent out in the end, but was properly preserved as a collection. There are a few pictures of people petting cats on the official account.

"By the way, Lisa, how are Yuki's grades usually?"

“Ahahaha… This one—”

Unable to find a solution, Lisa Imai glanced at Yukina Minato, only to find she was still playing with the cat. She whispered to Hirashin, "Actually... it's a little dangerous, but I'm sure you'll pass the make-up exam."

I see, this is probably the worst student I've ever met.

Pingxin is on fire!

"Mr. Minato, why don't we all get together for a study session this weekend?"

Seeing Hirashin approach, the kittens all gathered around him, and Yukina's gaze also turned to him, but she quietly averted her gaze.

"...There's no need for that. I won't let my academic performance affect my music activities."

"But your grades make it hard for me to trust you—"

"Ahahaha... Sorry, Yukina, I was just speaking the truth."

...Lisa?

*Yukina: Liza, are you betraying me too?!

Lisa: OMO

"Youxina...be good~...be obedient and let me teach you!"

Hirayuki took off his "student uniform" and put on his "teacher's uniform." The pressure from the higher-ups made it impossible for Yukina to escape.

"This...lead singer, you don't want to be held back in high school while your friends are all promoted, right?"

A knowing blow!

Chapter 54 Fast forward to the premiere!

Unfortunately, Yukina finally escaped. Yukina used Defense Advent to summon her childhood friend (and mother), Lisa Imai, who intercepted, transformed, and deflected all of Hiraishin's "Devil's Whispers." The unrepentant Hiraishin then forced her to sign a military order and demand her June exam results. Otherwise, she'd be in the dark room in July.

Another week of uneventful routine arrived on Saturday, June 6th. Hiraishin's Seisho Junior High School had concluded its monthly exams, and Asuna and the other three had all passed with above-average scores. Their scores would have been even higher if their recent musical instrument studies hadn't taken up too much of their attention. Now the pressure was on Roselia's vocalist, Minato Yukina.

"stare--"

"...What's wrong, Ping Xin, looking at me like that?"

"Nothing, it's just... I feel like your aura has suddenly changed. Did something good happen?"

"Really? Maybe it's because I made a great new song—"

...Huh?

Only a week later, the new song is already finished???

Minato Yukina gave Hirashin a little bit of a band girl vibe, maybe that's what genius is...

Ping Xin was happy and proud, but also a little depressed.

To him who could only parrot what others said, those who possessed the "real thing" were truly dazzling.

But Hirayuko had no idea how profound an impact the music, games, and literary works he "transferred" (reproduced) here would have on this entertainment-starved world. It could even be said that some of his songs directly helped Yukina find the inspiration she was looking for, indirectly contributing to the advancement of everyone (the girl bands).

"Speaking of which, you guys have been practicing hard all week for tomorrow's independent performance, but I heard that something happened with Lisa and she missed a few days of practice. Is your ensemble really okay?"

Hearing Hiranobu's question, Yukina recalled the unpleasant memories from the past few days—

They've long been accustomed to Lisa's care, whether it's planning practice sessions, booking venues, rehearsing and CMs, or arranging travel and gathering times. Lisa is like a mother to the Roselias, meticulously caring for them. This subtle, yet unnoticeable, aspect of her care, likened to a mother's love, is also evident in her absence.