Chapter 7 - The Feelings I Want to Deliver

In, out… In, out…

We have to present really soon, Suzu-chan.

Yeah.

… Are you nervous?

I am! My heart is going pound-pound, like it’s going to make a getaway out of my mouth!

Fufu. I know that feeling.

I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous before, not even when I’ve been starring in a performance.

You too, Suzu-chan?

Yeah. But oddly enough, it isn’t an unpleasant feeling.

We’ve done everything we can. And… I suppose it’s because I’ve already made up my mind.

I’m determined to make the path I chose the right one.

—Our presentation will definitely be a success.

Yeah!

It’s almost time for the meeting to begin. I’ll attend as usual, so Otori-san, please come in when it’s time for the presentation.

Oka~y! See you in a bit!

(...The week has flown by.)

(My brothers taught me how to give a presentation, and I practiced with Suzu-chan.)

(—It’ll be okay. I can do it, I’m sure of it.)

… Alright!

—With that, we’ve concluded today’s agenda.

Chairman. May we move on to the presentation I requested in advance?

Yeah. I’ll leave the rest to you.

Thank you very much.

By presentation, does she mean about the Kikyo Troupe?

Yes. Byakkomachi-san and another student want to make a proposal regarding business continuity… 

(The executives’ reactions are as we expected.)

(The lack of strong opposition proves our opinions aren’t being taken seriously because we’re students.)

(But still…)

—Otori-san. If you will.

Please excuse me.

My name is Emu Otori. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Thank you for taking the time for this opportunity today despite your busy schedules.

Otori…? 

Could it be the Otori Group’s… 

Yes. I am currently studying management at the Morinomiya Music Academy.

(I was surprised when we were practicing, but… She’s like a different person.)

(And above all—)

(Otori-san’s dignified behavior has changed the executives’ attitudes entirely.)

Today, I would like to make a presentation regarding a possible revitalization plan for the Kikyo Troupe.

Currently, the Kikyo Troupe is in a difficult situation in terms of revenue and human resources, however—

They have achieved excellent results in terms of attracting new clientele, which was their original purpose when they were founded.

First, please take a look at the materials and slides that have been distributed to you.

This is…data on the clientele of the Suzuran and Kikyo Troupes?

Yes. As you know, the Kikyo Troupe receives far more support from the younger generation than the Suzuran Troupe does.

This is because the actors are younger than in the Suzuran Troupe, and, although they are less experienced, they are more energetic and passionate.

However, the high ticket prices hinder attendance, so the number of both repeat and new audience members is stagnating.

We thought that we should first improve this situation.

You say improve…but lowering the ticket price will only cause our revenue to fall further.

That’s right… Now that our ace actors have left, I don’t think we’ll see an increase in audience members even if we lower prices.

You’re absolutely right. But—

Why don’t we simply take advantage of that situation?

Take advantage of it…? Can you explain what you mean?

Yes. Our idea was—

We will select highly skilled students to fill the vacancies left by troupe members.

The top students in the boys’ group are almost as good as the current troupe members…

So, in other words, the quality of the performance will not drop significantly.

You say significantly…but it still won’t be the same, will it?

It won’t. But that gap will be filled in the future.

Being able to perform on an actual stage is a great motivator.

It’ll be an opportunity for the students to grow by gaining real world experience.

They’re Morinomiya students and all, but that’s still a bit much…

I don’t think there’s any way the audience will be satisfied! They want a performance by actual pros, you know?

Yes. That’s why we will do extensive promotion in advance.

“A brand new experimental performance with our most excellent students.”

And because it is an experimental trial, the ticket price will be lower than before. This way, we will not increase the burden on the clientele while still providing a high-quality performance.

If people understand that this is merely an “experiment,” they won’t think we’re abandoning the Morinomiya brand.

Hmm… 

The Kikyo Troupe’s core client base are young people, and up until now, the high ticket prices have made it difficult for them to become repeat customers… 

By lowering the price, we can also lower that hurdle.

If young people who haven’t seen Morinomiya’s performances before can become repeat customers…

It will also broaden Morinomiya’s client base and be an investment into the future.

… I think it’s a very interesting idea. But I wonder if it will actually work out like that in practice.

The Kikyo Troupe doesn’t have a great reputation right now. No matter how many new things we do, there’s a high chance we’ll be dragged down by our existing image.

Yeah. There will definitely be a few concerns in terms of our branding—

But there will also be a number of fans who will not accept this change in image.

That’s…

(I can’t say it’ll definitely work.)

(But…)

Even so, I think it’s worth trying.

…!

—There isn’t a right answer.

But things can’t stay the same forever.

So we need to choose. Go down a brand new path that has never been taken before.

The Kikyo Troupe’s fans will want to support any possibility… They find joy in feeling the growth of the actors together.

We should never disadvantage our clientele.

Please allow us just a little more time. Thank you very much…!

You can say all that, but putting students on stage is still unacceptable from an image strategy perspective!

…That’s true. And even if we get more repeat and new clientele, I’m still worried about our revenue—

…!

(...It isn’t that easy after all.)

(But not yet. We can’t give up now—)

No…but it does have a lot of merit, does it not?

…That’s true. At least, it would feel like a shame to disband them right now.

Yes. It seems like it could attract a lot of new attention this way—

(Ah…)

It looks like they’re seriously considering it.

…I think our words have been received.

…Yeah…!