=== Mysterious Tablet

[Let's see, what is this? Isn't this...her diary? I don’t have a slightest clue why it would be here. Oh well, I guess she wouldn't mind if I were to read it, not that I know what privacy is. Okay...]

Using my underappreciated ability to be quite nosy, I have found what appears to be a tablet device of unknown origin. Obviously you don't want to inquire further without consent, and you ought to return it, but I didn't feel like doing that. Namely, because it was such a lucky find, and above that, they will never know, right? It's not even locked up as it should be.

Well, it all began with a nice and chill day at Maremoda. I just happen to be walking up the stairs, as usual for recreation, but then I saw that item on the window sill and I couldn't simply help myself not to look. I did recognise it of course, it was the same one Corona uses, since she has this butterfly sticker on it. Did she left it here on purpose or forgot? This is what I have been thinking while looking at the blank screen. Certainly it would not hurt playing with it around.

[Okay how do those things work again? They should be exactly the same as their counterpart in the other world. You need to swap your finger across the screen like this, and an image should appear. Wow this actually works. So the next step is...well more complicated I guess? Wait a second, this is some kind of internet page right? It's a profile of video upload account or something? There is like an icon, similar to the flower Corona wears.]

It's hers right? Well that should be obvious, but what I am to do with it? It's logged in and everything, I could really...No way, I'm not that cruel, I guess I'm just going to look around and see what her profile is all about. She uploaded songs, dancing videos, they don't look too impressive from the thumbnail, but isn't there something strange about them? Frankly, I noticed that they are missing comments and the view number is only three digits. Okay, that alone should have been evident.

Onto the next part, this account is connected to other social media, and not surprisingly they share the same fate. Poor Corona, she doesn't get many fans online as well, not with her drawing, not with her performance or her singing. Now I'm reminded that the other little upstart, who is our self-proclaimed captain, is always cheering for her. Yet in reality, this doesn't translate well to the numbers on the screen. She is a real piece of art, that knight.

Although, the same could be said for me and Noctia as well. Our trumpeter never actually bothered showing us any of her videos or concerts, yet all that she said was to visit her on our own volition. The reason behind that I don't understand, it is too complicated. Just like I planned from the beginning, I should keep this little investigation a secret from her...Oh, is that her over there?

[I gotta hide before she notices. Just leave that thing there...okay no problem.]

I would not be able to explain myself when she would find me, so I decided to play it differently. As she would be walking here, she would suspect me of fiddling with her device, but if I just pretend I was never here, and enter casually from this corner, then that would be more natural. Yes, this way I'm going to avoid getting asked very uncomfortable questions. For that sake, I teleported myself after placing the tablet where I found it first, and then hid myself behind cover to observe her actions.

[Oh what is that? This tablet should have been on the other side of the window. How did that happened? It must have clipped when I closed it. I just hope no one actually saw it. Oh my goodness! Oh please, let it be true...okay everything seems to be just like I left it. I got to be more careful next time.]

She didn't even notice it was left on different page! Oh my, that was close. Whipping the thick sweat from my forehead, I was relieved that she didn't check for my finger prints or anything. I don't know if you can put a lock on those things, but she needs one for sure! I'm not really the person that should tell her that. It's common sense, unless in this game...

[Okay, no harm done. As I am already here maybe I should check...as expected, no one left a comment. Oh gee, when I recall all those people who I asked to watch, oh yea I would gladly check out your videos, they usually say.]

That might be her, Jielby, who clearly didn't keep her word. Oh well, I can't say I am surprised. In this situation, I can't really blame anyone, her voice is just too terrible and people are too nice. They would not say "You suck", "Stop and never sing again", "You are never ever going to become an idol" or something soul crushing like that. Yet, I can actually understand why they stay silent, it's better just not to speak about that with her. Yea, as long as I stay...

[Hey Oddie, fancy seeing you here. Are you also going out for shopping? I was looking for some clothes, and I thought if you were able to give me your opinion. Like gush, it is actually for research purposes. I wanted to see if I can create like an upgraded version of this outfit. It would be like rainbow shiny, with a lot more frills and glitter. During the climax, I would transform and everything. Pretty cool right?]

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

[Oh yea, shopping...I was going shopping right. But I wasn't going to buy clothes or anything. As you can see I'm fine in this. Besides, I don't know much about fancy clothes for performance. Giving you an opinion now might be misleading, wouldn't it?]

[Oh don't worry about that, I am sure just by looking at designs you can give me your idea. I will accept that in my heart. Say...that over there is actually my house. It kinda very simple and small, but at least I have a place to sleep at, ehehe~]

[I live under a roof, I don't mind being minimalistic. Sure, I guess I can visit, now that you invited me and all...ehehe~]

Forging my forgetfulness about errands, we both laughed in a silly and imposed way, with eyes looking away from each other. I was caught off guard by her appearance and the sudden request so I ended up accepting, along with all the consequences. Fashion is something I can don't practise in this world, and it is obvious why. It cost way too much to dress for style here. So far I have not spent a penny on this dreadful game, because you already need so many materials for weapons and stuff.

And yea, I don't care about all the other people actually wasting their money—it’s their hard earned cash after all. Anyway, as we both entered through her door, I found that she only has a single wardrobe and a bed. Her flat is just this little room. Okay, maybe I'm just picky, but unlike my shack I though inside of Maremoda some class is expected. I was unfortunately mistaken.

I do actually recall, she took pictures in this place and posted them on her account. Why I am recalling that information? Oh yea, I should do my best and no comment on anything here...since that might lead to a conversation that would reveal my previous discovery.

[I know this is not much, but I can't be happier to have everything I need here! There is even like a small stage, I just need to put this bed away and it will fit. Do you want to see it? Oh my goodness, I know what we can do! Say, have you ever been interested in becoming a virtual idol? I can show you the ropes, it's like super simple! You pose like this, you flap with your wings like that, then you do a pirouette...sorry I didn't mean to hit you!]

[It's okay...I will be fine, it didn't hurt that much. You need to be careful and mindful with guests around. Anyway, this is everything you own? It's fine, my contraption is not as impressive, though I'm glad I have a roof.]

[Aren’t you Oddia? As long as you have a place to sleep you should be fine. I am just worried about burglars and stuff. In this town you can't really steal anyone's possessions, unless you want to deal with the police. What about your house?]

[Mine? I don’t seem to get any visitors at all, how would I know? Anyway, I don't have anything that’s valuable to begin with. However, if I found someone took something from my possessions I would smack them without a warning...I’m sure everyone would.]

Actually, just because have some relation with Anti-TSO, I don't get random people trying their luck. That's really a plus, of living inside of their territory, but I'm not really a good member or anything. Still, they have not kicked me yet. Anyway, speaking about not asking for permission, I'm again remained about the thing I did just recently. Oh wait, she is checking the tablet again. Is that like a habit of hers? Still, it doesn't seem that she did find anything.

[Okay, let's put that aside...I'm happy with my housing and let's keep at that. I also don't think I'm a good candidate, so forget about making me into a little fairy helper. Too much glitter and I might become sick due severe metal poisoning...]

[Ehehe~ I guess if you find no interest I can't force you, but you can give me some opinion right? Wait here a little, I should have the design somewhere here. Oh there it is, so what do you think? Just try to use your imagination please.]

[This is quite cute...okay I understand the appeal, but isn't this from something? It sure looks like it.]

[Yea, don't worry about that. I can't draw, I was taking inspirations. So this dress will go with this bottom, but honestly I think I should make it a little bit more frilly on the bottom, and like a little bit shine here, and then maybe add a little ribbon there, no a bigger one, like in the back. Wait a second, that can't be right, my wings are in the back. What to do Oddie, do you think a giant one or a tiny one will be better? And for the...]

Stop for a second there! I said I had no idea, why is she so excited about it? Damn, I have to somehow stop her before...With the tiny tablet being all up in my face, flashing pages of vivid and fancy clothes, disorienting fashion commentary, my mind began to spin around, like in a office chair. Still, I was just sitting on the floor, with my both hands on sides, trying to support me and prevent me from falling to the ground. Eventually I have to speak up, in spite my good intention.

[Okay I think...I had enough of this. I don't really know which design will be the best for you. Maybe if you decide by yourself first, ask Jielby or someone. I can't really help you, understand?]

[Jielby would know? I should totally ask her. She is always excited to hear about my concerts you know? Hey Oddia, maybe she can teach you a thing or two, I'm sure she’s willing. I mean idols are amazing you know? Like really...Oh my goodness! Have been rambling so much I have not notice you face. I know, you must be embarrassed at first, kinda just like I was. But now, after I got the ropes, I'm really into this! You absolutely need to try this sometime!]

[Do I look like a cute girl to you? Like someone who smiles and makes a fool out herself? I decline.]

[Yea but being an idol is not all about being an eye-candy. You need to get your act together and speak to the people! Your voice supposed to give them hope and you dance invigorate them. You like being with people, don't you Oddie? It's giving back to them, just like you would with playing a game together, but it's more! It's not just friends, but everyone who is your fan. I can't fathom than someone out there is waiting for...well maybe that's too much.]

I didn't do anything! Why did she suddenly get all sulky? Come on, get a grip or something. You are fine with doing this thing, as you say, yet you don't get a single "I liked your performance" or something? I don't understand really, shrugging my hands. Without an idea how to reply, I considered teleporting, but I noticed that you can't use skills inside of this place. What a bother.

[You shouldn't worry about me Oddia, I can see you are a little bit concerned. Yes, it is true that I don't get many fans, but if I stopped doing what I like, that would have been a disaster. I just can't be noticed by anyone, no matter what.]

[Corona, I don't really care. If you found a reason to do this, then it has nothing to do with me. Being in a party is one thing, but becoming your manager is totally a different thing! You apprehend?]

[A manager? That's it! All I needed all this time was a manager that would boost my popularity! I'm really glad Oddia!]

[Stop hugging me! Jeez, you are so quick to change moods.]

Quite frankly, I could have dodged in time, but I was afraid I would have hit a wall or something. Along with the other girl, I felt a pushing sensation on my body, and we both landed on her bed. She embraced me tightly with force, I couldn't escape. Furthermore, she might have stuck some glitter into her eye, since I felt her tear falling onto my chest. I said stop few times, but she couldn't hear it over her giggling. Was she this ticklish? Anyway, eventually I was released and we parted our ways.