Troupe Member A
"Yes, that's right. I am the true demon..."
Lilja
That won't do. You still don't have an aesthetic.
Troupe Member A
A-An aesthetic...you mean?
Lilja
Yes. The stage is a place where you compete with each other's aesthetics. If you don't have beauty within you, you'll easily fade into the background on stage.
Troupe Member A
I-I see...I'm sorry! I'll try again!
Troupe Member A
"Yes, that's right! I am the true demon...!"
Lilja
No good. That's not beautiful. Bare your heart more and cloak yourself in beauty.
Troupe Member A
Cloak myself in...beauty...??? Um, what does that mean-
Xue
Finland!? W-What are you doing!?
Troupe Member A
Oh, Xue-senpai! Good work!
Lilja
Xue. As you can see, I'm giving acting lessons.
Xue
What...? Finland giving acting lessons to a kouhai...? Hey, is it going to rain spears tomorrow!?
Lilja
If it really does, tell me. I'll take a picture.
Lilja
...More importantly, Xue, this is perfect timing. Watch this girl's performance with me. I can't do it like Ramo by myself.
Xue
How should I know? Why do I have to go along with you two! If you're asking, pay me.
Lilja
Just perform a role with me. So please.
Xue
I refuse! I'm planning to practice by myself from now on! I don't have time to look after other people!
Lilja
I see, you don't have confidence. Xue, I'm sorry.
Xue
W-Wait a minute! I never said anything like that! Tch...fine, just for a little bit!
Lilja
Yeah. I think that's enough.
Xue
So? What role are we performing?
Lilja
How about 'The Little Mermaid'? You play the mermaid, I'll be the sea witch.
Xue
Fine! ...I'm ready to start anytime!
Lilja
"To obtain something, an appropriate price is necessary. What do you say, young lady? Are you prepared to lose something precious?"
Xue
"I'm prepared. Sea witch, what is it you desire?"
Lilja
"What I want is that beautiful voice of yours."
Xue
"My voice...? If I make a deal with you, I won't be able to speak or sing anymore...?"
Troupe Member A
Wow...!!! I can't believe I get to see an etude by Lilja-senpai and Xue-senpai this close up...!!!
Lilja
"Then as promised, I'll take that voice..."
Troupe Member A
Ahhh...!!!
Xue
...Whoa! Y-Your face is too close...! Back off, you fool!
Lilja
Xue, your face is bright red...cute.
Xue
Ugh...shut up! Take this more seriously!
Lilja
? I am performing seriously. You're the one who's distracted, Xue.
Troupe Member A
Um...! Lilja-senpai, Xue-senpai!! I feel like I can grasp what the aesthetic senpai was talking about now...!!! Thank you for your guidance!! Before I forget this feeling, I'll go practice on my own!!!
Lilja
...I don't really understand, but it seems I was helpful. Xue, thank you too.
Xue
H-Hey you... don't increase the number of weird people in this troupe any more.
Lilja
Everyone at Gingaza's beauty increasing is good for me too. Being able to clash aesthetics with you, Xue, was a very stimulating time. Let's discuss beauty together again, Xue.
Xue
Haah...do what you want.