We're looking forward to putting on a great event with all of you today!

We're still novice storytellers, but we promise to do everything we can to make sure all the children go home smiling today.

We look forward to working with you.

Likewise!
You both really saved the day by agreeing to do this.

We heard that you've prepared a number of effects. We're really looking forward to seeing them!

Oh...

Yes, we promise to do our best!

Wonderful! Anyway, we'll see you two again a little later.

I was a little worried that I'd be overstepping since I'm an outsider...

But they all seem really happy to have me.

Hehe. They're very grateful for you, Kusanagi.

I see...

Still, time really flew by while preparing for this event. I can't believe it's already the day of.

Me neither. I'm actually feeling a little more nervous than I usually do before I go out and perform.

Hehe. Me too.

(I asked quite a lot of people for their help, and I did everything I could to prepare for this event, but...)

(Will I manage to do this story justice?)

Oh, the children should be arriving soon...

You're right.
Why don't we make sure all the equipment works one last time?

Then, I'll check the stuff over by the stage.

Okay, I'll see you again in a bit.

<Sounds like it's almost showtime, Honami.>

MEIKO...?!

<Hehe. I'm sorry if I startled you.
But I wanted to tell you something before your reading.>

Tell me something...?

<Yes. I actually watched your rehearsal yesterday in secret.>

<You two were so good that you had me on the edge of my seat the whole time!>

I really appreciate you saying that...

I was a little worried that the children wouldn't enjoy the way we present this story...

But I feel much better after hearing you say that you liked what you saw, MEIKO.

<As with any live performance, it's normal to have a lot of things go through your mind...>

<Chiefly, whether or not all the hard work you put in is going to pay off.>

<But I'm sure you two will do just fine.
So, go out there and have as much fun as the children are about to.>

Thank you!
I'll do just that, MEIKO.

I'll find a good spot by the stage for my phone, so please stay and watch if you like.

<Thank you! I'll be rooting for you.>

The people at registration seem to be done. I guess that's everyone?

Yes, we'll probably be introducing ourselves very soon.

Let's do our best today, Kusanagi...

Yeah, we gotta make the most of all the hard work we put in.

Alright, it's time for today's fun and fantastic reading event to begin.

Yay! What do you think they're gonna read today?

I dunno, but I'm really excited...!

Today, these two lovely ladies will be your storytellers.

Hello, everyone.
We hope you're looking forward to today's story.

Huh? Where's our usual storyteller?

We're sorry about that.
But we promise to do our best today so that you all have fun.

Okay...

Umm...
Would you all mind sitting down in front of the stage for us?

I'm gonna be first!

Hey, no fair! I wanna be first!

Cut it out, you two.
There's plenty of space for everyone.

Okay.

Then, can you kids also...?

Tag! Hehe. You're it!

Hey, wait!

W-Wait!
Stop running around and come over by the sta—

Heehee. Catch me if you can!

Haha. Too slow!

Th-They're too fast...!

Phew...
They finally agreed to sit... Wait—

Cool, we did it!
Hey, you guys! Let's play up here!

How did he get on stage?!

I'm sorry, but we need to use the stage when telling the story, so could you come back down?

No!

N-No...?

Oh dear...
They're usually a little less rambunctious than this.

They are?

Well, duh! Our usual storyteller isn't here!
And these two look like wimps.

They're super slow, too.

What was that?

K-Kusanagi...!

I know...
They're just kids being kids.

Everybody, come on down here...

We don't wanna!

You little...

Hey, you children need to listen to them!

Otherwise, you won't be getting any snacks later.

Grr... Fine...

Are you sure we're gonna be okay...?

I'm a little less certain now...