Neon lights flooded the dome—someone was performing.
At center stage, dazzling lights blazed. All around, glow sticks flickered like a sea of fireflies. The audience was a dense, dark mass—every seat filled.
On stage stood a single girl.
She wore a flashy dress dominated by reds and pinks, radiant and eye-catching. She had waist-length purple hair, and violet eyes—inside them, star-shaped patterns shimmered, hypnotic.
Though she was petite, her beauty was overwhelming. Every movement she made tugged perfectly at the crowd's heartstrings, pulling everyone's attention toward her.
Her name was Hoshino Ai, the number-one idol in the world.
Not a title she claimed for herself—something everyone agreed on: fellow idols, fans, casual passersby, even people outside the industry.
She reached the peak of idol fame in four years.
Even though Ai was still very young, her aura and charm far exceeded her age. No one could resist her. No one could reject her.
She was born to be an idol—destined to be the brightest star.
At the very front of the audience sat two people who stood out—one man and a small silver-haired girl. Black hair and silver hair, side by side.
They were striking enough that even in a crowd captivated by Ai, people should have noticed them.
But it was as if they didn't exist at all.
No one around them even glanced their way.
The man watched the stage, absorbed—while casually lifting the silver-haired girl onto his lap.
She didn't move. Like a doll.
And she really did look like one—her face was unnaturally delicate, almost too perfect to be human. Her ears were long and pointed, like the elves from manga and novels.
Because she was an elf.
"Frieren," Shichen murmured, leaning close to her right ear, "see? I told you coming wasn't a waste. Look how lively it is. Look how dazzling Ai is."
His breath brushed her ear. Frieren's ear twitched, and she instinctively shrank her neck a little.
The venue was loud, but she heard him clearly.
A barrier surrounded them—blocking out both the crowd's attention and most of the noise.
"I don't like noisy places," Frieren replied flatly.
"And Ai's performance?" Shichen asked, pinching the soft bit at her waist with a grin. "Is it good? Is she bright enough for you?"
Frieren squirmed, but didn't knock his hand away. She'd long since gotten used to him.
"She is bright," Frieren admitted. "Her charm feels like magic."
"That's just her own charisma," Shichen said, staring at the purple-and-pink figure onstage, momentarily dazed.
The stage's colors reflected in his eyes. That silhouette carved itself deep into his gaze.
Ai really had become the most dazzling idol—completely capturing his heart.
It was only natural.
It was fate.
"Ai—!" "You're the best—!" "Unstoppable—!"
Just like the crowd screamed, Hoshino Ai was an invincible idol—the brightest star in the sky.
Her smile stole everyone's breath.
"I think… it's time to go see Himmel one last time," Shichen suddenly said.
"Isn't it still early?" Frieren replied, unconcerned.
"It's the same for us."
"What about Eisen and Heiter? Are they okay?"
"For them… there's still some time."
"…So do I have to go too?"
"Of course. You traveled together for ten years. How could you not go see him off?" Shichen pinched Frieren's chubby cheeks.
"Mmph… I don't think I've ever really experienced saying goodbye to someone close."
"Then experience it properly," Shichen said softly. "Understand how short life is."
"Aren't we immortal?"
"…Other people aren't."
"So when do we go?"
"Tomorrow."
"…Then what are you doing today?"
"What kind of question is that for a kid?" Shichen dodged.
Frieren rolled her eyes. Looking at the dazzling figure onstage, she understood exactly what he meant.
After the show, Shichen brought Frieren and Ai back to the café.
The shop was closed for the day.
Right now, the house only had the three of them—everyone else was still off in the Konosuba world.
Running a café was something they did to have something to do—not to chain themselves down.
And in the future, closing shop would probably become normal.
After all, their appearances barely changed. Ten years, twenty years later, people would notice something was off.
Shichen didn't want trouble.
"Ugh—so tired!"
The moment she got home, Ai dropped her stage persona and sprawled lazily across the sofa.
"Shichen-nii, come massage me," she whined, lightly kicking the cushion.
"Alright," Shichen said.
He sat beside her and worked her shoulders with just the right pressure.
Ai's eyes fluttered half-shut. "That feels amazing…"
"You two have fun," Frieren said without even looking back, heading straight to her room.
Shichen didn't stop her, continuing the massage.
He did this often. As a top idol, Ai trained constantly—dance practice, physical conditioning. Even if her body could endure it, her mind still got tired.
And Shichen's comfort helped.
Ai was small, easy to massage—he barely had to use any force.
When he finished, he gave her a playful swat and said, "All done."
"Ow! Hey!" Ai rolled onto her side and glared.
"That's your payment," Shichen said, completely serious.
"Payment, huh?" Ai laughed, scooting closer, tilting her head up at him. "So I'm really that charming? Even Shichen-nii can't help himself~"
"You are," Shichen admitted.
"Then I'm officially the idol who makes your heart race."
"You've been that for a long time," Shichen said, ruffling her hair.
"Yes!" Ai beamed. "Then I can retire."
"Huh? You want to retire?"
"Yeah. I already reached my goal. I can graduate as an idol."
"If that's what you want," Shichen said. "As long as you're happy."
"Hehe… then I can finally do other things I've been dreaming about," Ai said, eyes sparkling with mischief.
"…Slow down," Shichen sighed. "You still have school."
"Aww, Shichen-nii always makes us go to school," Ai pouted.
"I'm doing it for your own good."
"Then why don't you go with us? You look young enough."
"Not happening. I already did school once. I'm done."
"Tch. You just know how painful school is."
"…."
"Fine, fine. I'll go," Ai huffed. "It's not a big deal."
"Good girl," Shichen said, patting her head, satisfied.
Ai leaned in, smiling slyly. "Shichen-nii… there's no one else home, you know~"
"Frieren's here," Shichen pointed out.
"She won't bother us," Ai said, hugging him close.
"You're all sweaty," Shichen muttered—yet his arms still circled her.
"Then let's shower," Ai suggested.
"Okay."
Shichen lifted her up and carried her toward the bathroom.
…And the rest of the night passed in private.