your eyes - black holes // not stars

Azul: Now then, however should I go about garnering interest in tomorrow's sale? Oh, who is that I spy over there…?

Azul: Epel-san, hello! This may be a little out of left field, but have you any interest in the Mostro Lounge's latest campaign sale?

Epel: Aaahh!? Oh… Hello, Azul-san. What campaign…?

Azul: You see, tomorrow is my birthday. And I was looking for some way to show how grateful I am towards everyone.

Azul: That's why, for tomorrow only, we've decided to slash our food and drink prices to discount rates at the Mostro Lounge!!

Epel: A discounted rate!? So, how much of a deal would you say we'd be getting?

Azul: Behold! One drink off the drink menu can be ordered for free.

Azul: In addition, all food items are 10% off. Parties of 3 or more will receive 20% off!

Epel: 20% off for groups of 3 or more…!? Awesome! That's good to know. I will definitely come tomorrow!

Azul: Wonderful! I do hope you come with your friends… and of course, your ESTEEMED POMEFIORIAN UPPERCLASSMEN. We await your patronage!

[Octavinelle Dorm – Azul's Room]

Azul: Both my academic activities and the Lounge's closing duties have finished successfully. I appreciate it when everything ends smoothly like today.

Azul: Now then, what documents do I still have left to look over…? Oh, is this from the Headmage? What could it possibly be?

Azul: A warning regarding the care of the apple trees? Who cares… is what I'd like to say, but if I leave this for later, it could become a bigger problem. I'll send a notification to the others in the dorm.

[message sent beep]

Azul: It looks like there was some trouble between some dormmates… There was a single incident today, between freshmen. It seems those four-person rooms are more prone to these little fights.

Azul: In regards to their individual arguments… Nothing really stands out as dire. I'll just write out a few suggestions on how to handle it going forward and send it on.

Azul: Next, let's look at the Lounge's report… Fufu, today's sales were in top form.

Azul: Our plan for tomorrow should bring us an abundance of customers. We may be selling at a discounted price, but that should be enough to draw in new folk.

Azul: That is, especially if Epel-san is true to his word and brings his dormmates… Specifically Vil-san!

Azul: If we were to slap on a label to every dish he orders as "Vil Schoenheit's recommendation!"…

Azul: There's no way there wouldn't be a massive increase in foot traffic. THIS IS A HUGE CHANCE FOR AN INFLUX OF NEW CUSTOMERS!

Azul: The Lounge's operations for the day will need to change depending on whether he shows up or not. I'll have to double-check all of tomorrow's preparations once again.

Azul: I'll run a few simulations in my mind while showering. All time is precious and should be used efficiently, after all.

Azul: Heheheh… I've come up with a fantastic plan. With this, tomorrow will be perfectly executed.

Azul: Now I feel I can spend tonight at ease.

[Octavinelle Dorm – Azul's Room]

Azul: What is the radio playing at this time of night…? Ah, an economics news program. How perfect to play in the background while I finish my assignments.

Azul: Today's Enigmics assignment is rather tough. It'll be good to have something to listen to in between answering questions…

Azul: …Oh, a watchmaker from the Queendom of Roses has a product up for pre-release, I see. I had heard that it was in development…

Azul: As it is the first new product in two years, I'm sure the stock prices will be affected. I should keep it on a watch list as I learn more about stocks.

Azul: …An apparel maker from the Shaftlands is experiencing difficulties? It seems the abnormal climate is the source of the issue… Hm.

Azul: That most likely means that other products may end up affected as well. For example, agricultural products…

Azul: Perhaps I should re-look at the Headmage's missive from earlier. There may be something useful there.

Azul: Oh? This formula looks like… Ah, yes, I should apply what I learned from that other problem. It's much easier to understand when I look at the bigger picture.

Azul: That reminds me, that business proprietor I met at a seminar the other day had mentioned a movie revolving around the person who came up with this very well-known formula.

Azul: It could be a good topic of conversation for the next time we meet, and I may even learn something new.

Azul: I'm sure it would help with this assignment as well, and it would be a good change of pace. I'll play the movie and lower the radio volume…

Azul: Perfect. I'll continue working on reviewing my Enigmics lessons and preparing for next class until the radio program ends at 22:00.

Azul: …That concludes the radio broadcast. I suppose I should work on "this" while I finish watching the movie.

「Survey on Quality of Life Improvements for the Student Body」

Azul: I've improved any and all issues I've had myself. I can't say I have any real dissatisfaction during my time here, but if I were to pick one thing…

Azul: I suppose it would have to be the troublesome formalities I have to go through to leave Sage's Island.

Azul: Every single time I'd like to attend a business seminar, or a social gathering, I am required to report to and gain approval from the Headmage.

Azul: Not only do I have to jot down the destination and purpose of the visit every single time, but the approval process is much too slow. And the most irritating thing about needing to write these applications in far in advance over and over again…

Azul: Is that even if a highly competitive and sought-after seminar announces that they've increased attendee capacity the day before the event, I couldn't possibly gain approval in time!

Azul: In the first place, why should we go through this whole process just to leave campus? If only they'd trust us students a little more.

Azul: The academy should provide students with more independence. I'll also add a few comments on the benefits of doing so.

[fervent writing]

Azul: That's it for the survey. What else do I have left to deal with for today…?

Azul: Aah, here's a birthday card. It seems there are some thoughtful people out there.

Azul: I would rather avoid any debts I may incur by receiving gifts, but I do appreciate cards that could help build connections. Let me see, who sent these cards…?

Azul: This one is from a Mostro Lounge business partner, this one is from someone I met at a seminar… Oh, and here's some from clients I've worked with in the past, as well.

Azul: Heh… With every bit of effort, my web of business contacts keeps growing. However, this isn't enough. It isn't nearly enough.

Azul: I've decided. I will absolutely make it my goal to have this school loosen its rigorous rules on leaving campus so that I can make plans on my free days at a spur of the moment.

Azul: Even if I can just make my way to one new social gathering, it will expand my connections even more. If I do that…

Azul: One day, it wouldn't be farfetched to think I'd be swimming in an ocean of birthday cards! Heheh… Hahahah…!

Azul: AAAHAHAHAHAH!!

[Octavinelle Dorm – Azul's Room]

[bubble, bubble… clink]

[clank]

Azul: Mm…

Azul: What's that sound…? Ah, the newspaper's here…

[puts on robe with a flourish]

Azul: Delivered, as always, perfectly on time. It's all thanks to this newspaper that I am able to wake up today as my usual time.

Azul: I've changed it up many times, but it seems this is the perfect amount of sleep for me in the end… I feel completely refreshed.

Azul: Now then, let me see what fascinating news I can glean from the newspaper today.

Azul: I think I'll drink something warm as I look through it.

Azul: Nnnn… I've finished reading all the articles that caught my eye, so I suppose I should start getting ready for the day.

[Azul magicks his hair up]

Azul: I'll adjust the water temperature to be lukewarm… Ah, still too hot. …Good, this is just right.

[splash, splash…!]

Azul: My skincare routine is as usual… Next, it's time for the makeup. Each little detail counts.

Azul: After all, visual appearance makes up 55% of the impression other people get from you.

Azul: People's eyes are drawn especially to the neck up. I need to use my makeup to give a strong aura so as to not be looked down by anyone.

Azul: I'll draw the eyeliner in a sharp line, and the eyeshadow and eyebrows should be drawn so as to give my eyes an almond-looking shape.

Azul: A bit of an intimidating look should suffice. That way, when I take a bit more of a sincere stance, it would be easier for the impression to change in my favor.

Azul: Now, for my lips… I should use this "Ocean-Proof Lip Balm" designed around the Sea Witch that I bought recently.

Azul: While it has a wonderful moisturizing effect, it doesn't rub off easily whatsoever. Since there's no need for me to reapply it every so often, it's perfect for someone with a busy schedule like myself.

Azul: Finally… The most important part is the shading and contour. Based on this application, the face can take on a completely different appearance.

Azul: If it's done too lightly, there won't be any effect; and sometimes it can have the opposite look of what was intended.

Azul: However, if the shading is applied too dark while trying to give the face a more angular look, it could end up looking strange.

Azul: Start the contour from the cheeks and apply a tone that is only a tad darker than my skin color to help create that natural shade...

Azul: Try to make it look as natural as possible, as if nothing had been applied at all… The trials and errors I've suffered getting to this current application method is numerous.

Azul: It's apparent that there's worth even in studying proper cosmetics.

Azul: …My hair is good to go now, as well. All that's left is to determine the perfume I'll use today…

Azul: Because of the campaign we're having today, I will most likely be on the Lounge floor as well. I should select a more reserved scent, then.

Azul: Right. I think I'll select this cologne with a herbal note that I've taken a liking to recently.

Azul: It's not too sweet, nor is the scent too strong… The herbal aroma also firmly plants the feeling that I truly am on land.

[spray, spray…]

Azul: Good. There is not a single thing out of place. I look perfect, as usual.

[Main Street]

[Heartslabyul Student chats with Azul]

Azul: Yes, thank you very much. We should talk again should we have the opportunity…

Epel: Ah… There he is. Azul-san, good morning!

Azul: Oh my, Epel-san. Good morning. Is there something you need of me…? Ah, does it have something to do with the Lounge?

Epel: Ah, not really. I mean, I did think I should give you a heads up because there's gonna be a lot more of us than I thought, but actually…

Epel: I realized I wasn't able to wish you a happy birthday yesterday. So, I just wanted to say, Happy Birthday!

Azul: Oh, my… Heh, thank you so kindly. Well then, I shall definitely have a table reservation awaiting you at the Lounge.