As the perfunctory words fell, a brief silence descended upon the dinner table.
The girls exchanged glances, seemingly communicating something silently with their eyes, their faces a mixture of anticipation, nervousness, and determination.
Hmm?
There are still experts?
The two Shus' nerves, which had just relaxed slightly from the "successful evasion," once again keenly sensed the subtle change in the atmosphere.
They continued their meal without a change in expression, but a growing sense of foreboding rose in their hearts.
Sure enough, after the brief "eye conference," the badge girl cleared her throat, her hands clasped nervously in front of her chest, her face beaming with the most brilliant, yet most disarming smile, and she leaned forward.
Her eyes sparkled as she looked at the two "Stelles," her tone incomparably respectful and full of anticipation as she began to speak...
"Um... Stelle sisters, we actually have an impudent request..."
It's here!
Alarm bells went off in Shu's mind.
"Our 'Kiana Energy Station,' we've always wanted to update our support materials! The current badges and posters are all hand-drawn by us. Although they're made with care, they always feel... not professional enough, not impactful enough! So..."
The badge girl grew more and more excited as she spoke. She took a deep breath, as if mustering all her courage, and said loudly:
"Could we ask the Stelle sisters, who are 'skilled in making figures and other crafts,' to help us draw a brand new, exclusive badge, and design and produce a promotional poster for Lord Kiana?
"And... if possible, make some merchandise related to Lord Kiana, like keychains... acrylic standees... chibi-style stickers... and even... life-sized standees and detailed figures!"
The girls behind her also nodded in agreement, their eyes shining with the same eager light, adding their own thoughts:
"Yes, yes! We've all seen the Homu figures in your shop, Stelle sisters! The craftsmanship is amazing!"
"If you were to make merchandise for Lord Kiana, it would definitely be more exquisite than any product on the market!"
"We're willing to pay! With contribution points or anything else!"
"This is our support group's greatest wish!"
?
Aren't we sisters?!
Shu's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. His chopsticks hovered in mid-air, the food forgotten.
His reason and emotions, which had been at odds just a moment ago, were now united, pulling at both of Shu's arms, urging him to flee.
But true social anxiety means you can't even flee!
Merchandise?
Figures??
Of Kiana?!
And they had to make it themselves?!
What do you think you are doing?!
You were actually sent by that dog Otto to torment me!!
This was far more terrifying than being questioned about his past!
"N-No!" Shu blurted out almost instinctively, even the "Stelle" voice changing slightly due to his urgency.
"This... this is a violation of portrait rights, isn't it?! Kiana, she... uh... Lord Kiana herself would definitely not agree to you using her image to make and sell merchandise! This is disrespectful to her!"
Yes! This reason was legitimate enough!
With this reason, he could both refuse and not hurt the fans' feelings, and it would also make him seem "respectful of the idol" and "law-abiding"!
However, his "common sense" judgment, in the face of fans with heaven-defying "love," seemed so... fragile.
The badge girl and the other girls, instead of looking persuaded or disappointed, looked at each other.
And when they all burst out laughing at the same time, Shu made a tactical retreat.
No—way—
"Stelle sister, you don't have to worry about that at all!" The badge girl carefully took out a transparent protective sleeve from her small bag.
Inside was a signature card, the seriousness of which could be seen from the handwriting.
And on it was clearly written—
[Kiana!]
Next to it was a small, crooked smiley face.
She held the card up to the two "Stelles," presenting it like a treasure. "Look! We have Lord Kiana's personal signature and permission!
"She was so happy when she heard we had a support group! She even signed an autograph for us and said, 'As long as it's not illegal, doesn't affect the normal work of the base, and isn't used for profiteering, it's fine as long as you're happy! Keep it up!'"
The other girls also nodded, took out their terminals, and showed some blurry but recognizable video clips of Kiana.
Shu continued to gasp as he looked over. The video clips were of Kiana making a peace sign to the camera and smiling and waving at the fans who had gathered around her.
"Lord Kiana is really superapproachable!"
"She said that seeing everyone happy and full of energy because of her is the happiest thing for her!"
"All the support materials we make are non-profit and only circulate within our small circle or as event gifts!"
"We will absolutely not tarnish Lord Kiana's name!"
The two Shus: "..."
Shu felt that his worldview had been slightly shaken.
He retracted his gaze, then continued to stare at the signature card.
Then, an image of Kiana, surrounded by a group of girls with stars in their eyes, scratching her head and laughing heartily after hearing their excited request, readily taking a pen to sign her name, and maybe even patting them on the shoulder and saying "Keep it up!" popped into his mind...
...It seemed... with Kiana's personality, she would indeed do something like that?
No!
Shouldn't this be Siegfried's behavior?!
In the "Who does Kiana resemble more" challenge, Shu had immediately chosen Siegfried. You should too...
Damn you, Siegfried—!
The current Kiana wouldn't think so much!
Complex things like portrait rights and business risks, she would probably just think "as long as everyone is happy," "supporting me is a good thing"...
Wasn't being supported the norm for the Kaslana family?
Damn it, this kind of pure, unguarded trust and support made it even harder to use "the person herself doesn't agree" as an excuse!
Kiana, when will you ever grow up?!
Do you have any idea how much trouble this kind of casual permission can cause for others?!
Shu was wailing in his heart, but on the surface, he could only struggle to maintain a stiff expression.
"But..." [Shu] tried to make a final struggle. "We... still have to run the shop, we're very busy... maybe... we don't have that much time and energy..."
Before he could finish, the twin-tailed girl immediately interjected, her eyes shining brightly. "We thought of that too! Stelle sisters, you can hire employees! Just like that uncle said this afternoon! And—"
She paused for a moment, exchanged a "it's time" look with the other girls, and then, with an innocent face, said some rather cruel words.
"—We can all apply for the job! We don't even need a fixed salary! We'll accept part, or even all, of our salary to be paid in the Lord Kiana merchandise that you make!"
"Yes, yes! We'll bring our own food!"
"Being able to personally participate in the production and promotion of Lord Kiana's merchandise is the greatest reward in itself!"
"And we're familiar with Homu culture and have a preliminary understanding of the shop's operations. We're definitely the best candidates for the job!"
Shu: "..."
This world really should just be destroyed already.