Uneasy daily life

The prop master pulled a short metal rod from his pocket, flicked his wrist, and the rod extended section by section into a longsword: "This sword is called the Pink Bunny Sword, and it was just made a few days ago..."

The assassin queen was on top of him. The white figure took a step and arrived like an arrow, swinging the wooden sword in his hand diagonally, creating a series of whooshing sounds.

The prop master reacted a beat too slow, barely managing to raise the segmented sword in his hand to block, aiming the tip of the sword at the white figure's face.

"watch out!"

"Don't think about it!"

The Assassin Queen suddenly appeared, slapping the prop master's sword slightly off-center with her palm. With a bang, a spark shot out from the narrow tip of the sword, accompanied by a sharp tail.

Yukinoshita Yukino: “?”

boom.

A pale blue firework, three meters in diameter, exploded, enveloping Yukino Yukinoshita like a blooming blue lotus, truly a case of collateral damage caused by a fire at the city gate.

The white figure was stunned for a moment, then glared at the Assassin Queen and said, "Well! You treacherous double... damn it! You've started a war without warning!"

The prop master twisted the sword hilt with a look of delight, and a small firework exploded on the white figure.

……

……

“A member of the Scarlet Theatre Company, currently known as a prop master, responsible for making stage props for performances.”

The prop master introduced himself with a calm expression.

Bai Ying added, "Also known as the Missionary of Love."

"Yukino Yukinoshita, Haku-kun's classmate..." Yukino Yukinoshita hesitated, "Is this what the world of espers is like?"

They're all abnormal, one after another.

Bai Ying clicked his tongue and shook his head: "Possessing superhuman and incredible abilities, he secretly protects world peace and maintains social order in the face of all sorts of unbelievable situations. He is proficient in the Thirty-Six Paths of Demon Extermination and is a guest of honor of major financial families. Hero, you are so chuunibyou."

"By definition, superpowers are essentially more like a talent, albeit a unique and special one, but not exceptionally so. As many existing cases show, there are top performers in every profession, and it's not an exaggeration to call those at the forefront of their fields 'superpowers'," the prop master said quite seriously. "The formation and specific manifestations of social order cannot be changed by a few 'superpowers,' and in fact, their influence on society is not even comparable to that of an outstanding scientist."

"The research results of an excellent scientist can be replicated and applied, and spread through contact with others. The talents of superhumans are often limited to themselves, cannot be replicated, have no basis for spread, and have a negligible impact on social order."

Bai Ying nodded and said, "Yes, just like the fireworks this guy made earlier. Normal fireworks pose dangers to people by causing high temperatures, high brightness, and ash. His fireworks don't have those effects, but they can't be replicated either."

“What I mean is…” Yukino Yukinoshita agreed with this logic, “Aren’t there any normal people in the Crimson Troupe?”

Bai Ying pouted and said, "That's right, prop master, be normal and don't embarrass our Scarlet Troupe."

"When you have no doubts about what is normal, you've already let normalcy hold your mind hostage," the prop master said, shaking his head. "I think what can be called normal isn't love..."

“So he’s a pervert.” Bai Ying explained carefully, “His art is to interpret love with concrete logic, trying to make something that is abstract in itself concrete, and then to reverse the logic of the concreteness to prove the tragedy of love based on ‘normal logic’. It’s just pretentious back-and-forth and is really not worth mentioning.”

Hmm? What kind of performance style is this?

Yukino Yukinoshita was a little confused: "The tragedy of love?"

Bai Ying gave an example: "You must have seen 'The Metamorphosis', right? A person turns into a giant insect and loses his ability to work. At first, his family cares about him and comforts him, but as time goes by, he gradually becomes a burden to the family. He can't leave the room so as not to scare his family. He needs to eat every day to survive and can't go out to work normally in society. All the problems he brings gradually lead to his family becoming estranged, indifferent, and even hostile. In the end, he dies, and the whole family is relieved."

“Not exactly the same. I just like to get to the bottom of things.” The prop master glanced at Yukino Yukinoshita and said, “For example, to show a person’s kindness, depict their act of giving up their food for survival; to express a person’s evil, depict their actions that violate universal values.”

Bai Ying thought for a moment and then said more specifically, "To give you an example that you can relate to, if it were someone else instead of me, and they went through all the things we've been through with the hero so far, or those things that are most memorable to the hero, logically speaking, the hero would fall in love with that person."

...Are you questioning my feelings for you?

Yukino Yukinoshita clenched her fists unconsciously, a fire rising in her heart, a fire even greater than Mai Sakurajima's confession and declaration of war, tinged with a hint of indescribable bitterness.

"Don't be quick to get angry."

Bai Ying interrupted first, softly reciting: "My liking is irreplaceable, born from experience, stunning memories, impeccably real, and unique."

"……snort."

Then he'll say nice things again; Bai Jun might actually be using PUA on him.

“That’s why I say it’s boring art, but the brave will probably like this serious feeling.” Bai Ying pointed at the prop master and said, “But this guy’s ability to express himself is really limited. Compared to creating scripts or other things, he usually only gives people trolley problems, like ‘If I and your mother fell into the water, what would you compare with what’ or the like.”

The prop master replied matter-of-factly, “Of course we have to mention it! Only by making abstract love concrete can we see its flaws. Only by analyzing the object called love through these flaws can we understand the true meaning of art through this process of reflection and realize our true heart—the tragedies born from difficult, uncomfortable, and painful thinking are the only way to obtain and spread love! How can you do a problem without thinking? Your analysis of real tragedies, although it took some detours, is ultimately the same as mine.”

"Ha, that's ridiculous."

Bai Ying scoffed, "When you use a mold to print out people's hearts, you've already lost the truth. The wise see wisdom, the benevolent see benevolence, and the self-interested see self-interest; it's all the same."

Yukino Yukinoshita asked rather strangely, "Does the Scarlet Theatre Company all have such a fondness for tragedies?"

Bai Ying: "Only tragic stories can give people false scars."

Props maker: "I didn't intentionally create a tragedy; I was just trying to refute the illusory beauty."

The two men glared at each other, unconvinced, and verbally provoked each other, reaching for their weapons.

Perhaps the strange thing isn't the superpowered individuals, but the Scarlet Troupe?

"Haku-kun, I'll call you when I need your help." Yukino Yukinoshita paused, glancing at the tent beside her. "...Are you planning to stay here?"

"I have some things to do, and I actually miss this feeling of living rough and windy," Bai Ying said casually. "I'll be there whenever you call for help with the fireworks festival. If I say I'll be your dog for a day, then I'll be your dog for a day. My loyalty is at its maximum."

The prop master's eyes lit up, and he said calmly, "I can also offer some assistance."

...Hopefully nothing goes wrong.

Yukino Yukinoshita left with mixed feelings.

Bai Ying and the prop master watched her figure disappear with sincere devotion, then exchanged a glance.

"You infiltrated the fireworks festival organizers?"

Have you upgraded your fireworks for people?

"I've been researching Gatling guns lately... Fireworks for fireworks displays require pyrotechnician certification, can you handle that?"

"No problem, I'll give you the green light. At worst, we can tie up the heroine and let her experience firsthand that fireworks against people aren't dangerous. Can you keep up with the production speed?"

"There's a bunch of stock in the tent. I'm currently working on the more powerful ones, but we're a bit short-handed to handle some of the more tedious tasks."

“At times like these, we should requisition the labor of peripheral members for free.”

Putting aside their differences in artistic views, the two enthusiastically discussed how to put on a fireworks display.

Wang Wang Wang!

Bai Ying answered the ringing phone.

"Do you intend to assassinate me, Deadly Chef?"

[Little White, how did you know I made desserts?!]

"I have a quick calculation and I'm certain it's related to Hachiman."

[Cough, cough!]

Chapter 121 The Loop is Closed

Fireworks display.

This is a Japanese tradition that has lasted for over a hundred years. It is usually held in July or August, which coincides with the summer vacation.

Tradition is a contagion of cognition.

Fireworks festivals hold a special significance for the Japanese. They can watch fireworks with family to express kinship, or with friends to express friendship. Naturally, they also regard it as a special time to engage in special activities.

It is an auspicious day, suitable for all activities.

[Ahem, I didn't say that, don't overthink it, newbie.]

Yui Yuigahama coughed.

Bai Ying solemnly said, "In that case, I will confess on your behalf!"

【well? ! 】

"Hmm? Do you feel like you're not involved?" Bai Ying comforted her. "Don't worry, I'll use your voice to express my feelings to Hachiman. If you're really worried, we can rehearse on the spot. I guarantee you'll be satisfied. You have to trust my abilities..."

Isn't that even stranger?!

"What's so weird about this?"

Bai Ying said in confusion, "Isn't your idea very simple? Because Hachiman saved your dog, it became the opportunity for you to get to know him. However, Hachiman is a loner at school, and he doesn't remember you as the dog's owner. You're too embarrassed and it's inconvenient for you to approach him. So, you can only follow him after he's been caught by Hiratsuka-sensei and added to the club, trying to find a way to express your gratitude and repay him. As time goes on, because you've always cared about him, you've unconsciously cared even more, right?"

【Huh? Ahahaha...】

Yui Yuigahama suddenly realized something was wrong: [Wait! Shiro, when did the topic change to this? I called to...]

"Are you trying to subtly probe Hachiman's thoughts?"

Yes, yes, yes...

Bai Ying exclaimed in a booming voice, "Isn't that just a plan to take advantage of the fireworks festival's boost and storm up in one fell swoop?!"

"No, wait, that's not right!" Yui Yuigahama exclaimed, a little confused and frustrated. "What does this have to do with confessing?!"

Bai Ying corrected, "To be precise, I'm confessing my feelings using your voice."

【Isn't that even more wrong?!】

Yui Yuigahama retorted loudly.

“That’s true. Seeing the boy you like accept confessions from other boys is just too cruel for you.” Bai Ying sighed, her tone becoming low. “Then I’ll reluctantly hand this task over to you… When I first fell in love with someone, I thought love was invincible. Later I found out it wasn’t like that—Yuihama, you have no obligation to face someone who doesn’t like you. Do you understand?”

I don't like anything...

[Haha, I don't quite understand. What is Xiaobai saying? Um...]

Bai Ying said seriously, "So let me confess on your behalf!"

[Shiro!] Yuigahama Yui, bewildered and resigned, said, [Yes, yes, I do like Hachiman, but I'm not planning on confessing at the fireworks festival or anything. It's not that far off yet, is it? I just wanted to ask about Hachiman... for example, what fun things are there at that fireworks festival?]

Bai Ying thought for a moment: "Hachiman Hachiman".

【what? 】

Bai Ying thought for a moment longer: "The hero."

【Uh? Light snow?】

Bai Ying thought for a moment and then said, "You."

【? 】

Yui Yuigahama finally realized what he meant and retorted irritably, "[We're not your toys! Anyway, Shiro, don't change the subject! Little Penguin...]"

“Admiration is the feeling farthest from understanding.”

"I know," Yui Yuigahama said, a little annoyed. "Isn't that what I'm asking? Don't interrupt, Shiro..."

"This phrase can also describe Hachiman."

【what? 】

The white figure suddenly burst into laughter: "Let's have a showdown! Yui Yuigahama! On the day of the fireworks festival, I will confess to Hachiman Hikigaya! You mere pink-haired dumpling will eventually turn into a falling meteor, a defeated dog in the sky, hahahahaha—gahahaha—hehehe!"

After the sudden declaration of war, Bai Ying hung up the phone.

Yui Yuigahama was completely confused.

Is Xiaobai playing a trick on me again? Does she not want to reveal Xiaoqi's thoughts? No… I can trust Xiaobai in this regard, so could Xiaoqi be thinking the same thing? No, it's still a little different, I still can't be sure…

So here's the question: Is Xiaobai really planning to confess his love to Xiaoqi at the fireworks festival? Maybe even with his own voice?!

Just imagine that scene...

Yui Yuigahama's pupils dilated in shock, her brain blaring a suspenseful melody that soared to new heights.

No, I don't want that kind of thing! I'll definitely have nightmares!

Thinking about it this way, the probability of Xiaobai doing such a thing is practically 1000%! He's a man of his word when it comes to committing inhuman acts!

Bang bang bang!

Hearing the noise coming from her daughter's room, Yui's mother couldn't help but call out, "Yui, what's wrong?"

"I'm practicing dancing!"

Yui Yuigahama stopped banging her head against the wall, sat cross-legged and pondered for a moment, thinking about what was happening at this time...

[Cookie's Hard Worker: Xiaoxue! Xiaobai says he's going to confess his feelings to Xiaoqi!]