#dynamic diamond

Mayoi: Whew... (Aah, I was so nervous…) (No matter how many experiences I've had, I still struggle getting used to dazzling formal events like press conferences.) (The practice room is terribly crowded, so I can’t even calm down. I came out here hoping to find a quieter spot, but…) (I'm at a loss... I don't recognize any of these places.) (Actually, it seems this whole Mega Sphere situation just won’t calm down.) (It must be because the sun is so close, just like Icarus[1], and like the monsters that dwell in the depths of the Earth.) (Since the age of mythology, it’s always been understood that if you get too close to the gods, divine punishment will follow.) (Aah… I wonder if there's a place here that's quiet, gloomy, and dim…?) ... (…I guess I don't have any places in mind that I could go to right now.) Sigh. I suppose it can't be helped... I can't go to my room either, so I'll head back to the Mega Sphere Tower for the time being. While I'm at it, perhaps I'll pick up some drinks for everyone in the practice room. There's a vending machine just over there, too. ...Here we go (Honestly, carrying five of these is a bit of a handful...! I'd better hurry back---)

Nozomi: Wha...! W-w-wh...! Mayoi: ...Huh? (Ah. That person is from the Madoka clan... If I recall, that's Nozomi Madoka-san.) (I would never have thought that a member of the Madoka clan was part of MELLOW DEAR US.) (It seems he hasn't noticed me... Though we technically belong to the same clan if you trace back our roots, it's only natural that he wouldn't know what we look like since we've been forced underground.) (Even if he hasn't recognized me yet, the thought of him noticing my existence is terrifying...! I must leave this place quickly.) Nozomi: Why does this have to happen today of all days…! Mayoi: ... (Uueh… I want to leave as soon as possible, but just the sound of that desperate voice makes me curious uuu.) (It seems like something's going on, but what exactly is the matter...?)

Nozomi: How come every kind of canned coffee is sold out?! Tch... If this keeps up, this one will end up breaking Rule No. 41: "If you’re sitting with seven or more people, drink canned coffee"...![2] Mayoi: (Uumm...? I don't really understand, but doesn't that mean Madoka-san needs canned coffee...?) Now that I think about it... (Ah! I bought the last one a little while ago--- that's why they're sold out...!) Nozomi: (Tch…! The rules say canned coffee. So this one can’t just make do with the instant coffee in the dressing room either…)

Mayoi: Um, e-excuse me... Nozomi: Hm? Aren't you... Mayoi Ayase from NEO-Six Selected? [3] Is there a problem? Unfortunately, this one doesn't have time to spare for you right now. Move along. Mayoi: Aahh, yes. Of course! But... If you don't mind, please take this...? Nozomi: What is this? This one would never accept charity from a commoner--- h-huh, this is canned coffee. Mayoi: Looks like I bought the last one. I-I'm sorry...! Nozomi: ...(Staring at Mayoi intensely.) Very well. So this isn’t some charity, but an offering from you, correct? In that case, this one will accept it. Mayoi: Ah, okay. Then I'll be going now... Nozomi: Hm? You're leaving already? This one can allow you to stay a little longer, if you'd like? Mayoi: No, no, nooo! It would be terribly presumptuous for a lowly bug like me to stay here any longer...! Please excuse meeeee!

Nozomi: …He ran off with the haste of a startled rabbit, huh? But to think he truly fears this one… Fufu. This one is quite fond of people who know their place… ♪

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Translator’s Note:

-> [1] In Greek mythology, Icarus escapes imprisonment by using wings made of wax and feathers. He ends up flying too close to the sun, melting the wax and causing him to fall. More on that here. Mayoi uses this as a reference to the Mega Sphere.

-> [2] Nozomi has a "rule book" he uses to guide his behavior and become more human.

-> [3] NEO Rokkasen or NEO-Six Selected is a group chosen by Anzu during the Dynamic Diamond event. The members of this group are to perform against MELLOW DEAR US in the Mega Sphere.

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