So, you saw everything?

Including that conversation just now?

<Yeah...

Sorry, I didn't mean to peek.>

No, that's okay.

I'm actually glad you're here. I'm having trouble digesting what happened.

I do think I was in the wrong back there.

I didn't actually take Imura's feelings into consideration.

Ever since coming here, I feel like my emotions have been all over the place...

<Huh?>

I've been telling myself to do my absolute best in order to keep growing as an actress...

But everyone here...

They're all competing too hard against each other...

Also, they seem to have no trouble ignoring anyone in need or pain.

I know that auditions can be tough, but this feels...

<I know what you mean.

You're supposed to be putting on this show together, so it feels bad that things are like this...>

<But, is that really...>

Kusanagi.

Byakkomachi!

Are you by yourself?

I thought I heard someone else's voice just now...

Oh, no... I'm alone.

Anyway, is something the matter?

I just ran into Imura.

...!

I noticed her crying, so I decided to ask how she was doing. Then, she replied, “I said something really terrible to Kusanagi just now.”

She wants to apologize to you, but she's having trouble getting her thoughts together. So, I offered to relay her message to you.

Oh...

I see...

Thank you, Byakkomachi.

There's no need to thank me.

But there is something I need to tell you, Kusanagi.

Huh...?

You still seem to be misunderstanding something.

What do you mean...? Misunderstanding...?

I imagine that you tried to cheer up Imura because you and her are both chasing after the same dream.

However, no one here at Morinomiya thinks like that.

Rather, we actively refuse to think like that.

...!

Everyone here is striving to make their dream come true by becoming the best performer ever.

Because we all know that, we have no trouble throwing everything we have at each other when push comes to shove.

There is no room for pity.

Rather...

Showing pity to your opponent would be inappropriate. This is a serious competition.

If you have the time to feel bad, then you have time to further polish your acting. If you succeed where others have failed, you owe them that much.

Oh...

(Right. I'm here to...)

If you disagree with that philosophy, then it would be best if you left this place immediately.

...

That's all.

<Nene...? Are you feeling okay...?>

*Nod*

I think I finally understand, after what Byakkomachi told me.

I realize now that I wasn't fully committing myself.

I came in intending to grow as an actress. But...

I framed it as taking the experience they could give me, and learning what they had to teach me. Deep down, I approached it passively...

I wasn't resolved to fight for and win this role like my life depended on it.

Which is why I kept hesitating...

I kept looking around at others...

But no one here at Morinomiya thinks that way.

They're throwing absolutely everything they have at each other in order to become the best actors they can. In order to win.

<Nene...>

<I think your kindness and how you look out for those around you are really wonderful, Nene.>

<But when push really comes to shove, I think there's something you have to prioritize more.>

Yeah...

And I'm glad I get that now...

So, I'm done looking around at everyone else.

I'm going to stand up straight and meet everyone else head-on.

<Yeah. Break a leg!>

Thanks.

When I set out into the world, I'm probably gonna find myself clashing with others in much the same way.

So, I'm diving in head first...!!

“Ah, Louise!

For you, I am willing to do anything. My life is yours!”

(No...

This still doesn't feel right.)

(In this scene, Luca's...)

(His words sound gallant, but he's definitely feeling a complex mix of emotions.)

(He didn't want to hurt anyone.

But there's no turning back now. He has to keep moving forward. Which is why...)

“Ah... Louise!

For you, I am willing to do anything. My life is yours!”

*Nod*

That's a bit better.

Alright, next...

Hey, are you guys free right now?!

Hm? How can we help you, Nene?

It's about the character I'm auditioning for right now. I'm having some trouble with his character arc during the second half, so I'd love to hear what you guys think.

Oh, in that case, I'm all ears.

What's causing your trouble?

Me too! I wanna help!

Umm...

The part where Luca's named a deputy commander onwards.

“My charge is clear.”

“I, Luca Roussel, shall cleanse this land of every last treasonous rebel.”

Hmm... You've definitely improved compared to when you first started, but I feel that you can do better than that, Nene.

*Nod*

I agree!

This is the scene that heralds Luca's descent into tyranny.

It's vital to convey to the audience that the timid boy has taken the first step on a path that ends with him as a complete monster. But how best to do that...

Right...

Oh, what if I used my eyes more...?

Your eyes?

Yeah, by glowering a bit more... Like this.

Oh wow!

You seem determined to complete your mission no matter what!

Good.

I'll try going with this.

He sings the final song while taking his last breath in Louise's arms.

Singing while on my side is really hard, so I need to find a solid position and...

♪——————...

No...

My voice is going to sound funny if act too emotional.

Wait, I know...

I can try that thing Ms. Kazamatsuri taught me.