Oshi no Ko X Tensura

Chapter 16

Monday, a dreaded day for any student worldwide. But, as luck would have it, I don't hate Mondays. You wanna know why? It's because I'm not attending a normal school. In the performing arts program, there's no seriously demanding work aside from simple quizzes and exams. Do you think that's taxing? Wait till you become an adult.

"We're leaving, Rimuru!" 

Hearing Aqua yelling at me from outside made me quickly pick up my bags and hurry outside.

Truth be told, I'm a bit nervous going to school today. After all, the promotional film blew up far better than I could've ever imagined. 

"Miyako-san and Mom are going to be driving us to school today."

"Really? That's rare. Mom usually leaves for work with Miyako san earlier than our time to leave for school."

"Maybe it's because they want to see your influence."

"Influence?"

Aqua's words confused me. What do you mean by influence? There's no way I'm gonna suddenly be crowded by a mob of students just because I had a hit gig the other day. 

"Well, don't worry about it. If it gets too troubling I'll handle it. You can just stay with Ruby."

"A-alright then..."

We got into the car and headed for school. As we arrived closer and closer to the entrance, I noticed that there were a lot of students crowding around. Holy crap, I think I see reporters too. Is this what Aqua meant by influence? Am I that good—

"If your eyes worked, you can see they're crowding and interviewing Shiranui-san blockhead."

As if reading my mind, Aqua once again shot down my egotistical thoughts. Blockhead? Nah Aqua, you're the one who has a thicker head. Just saying. But I can't say that outright with Miyako and Mom in front of us, so I'll word it like this—

"Thou hath an exquisite and imposing head yourself."

"You'll have to try better than that."

"Come on! You two have to stop bickering. We have to get out of the car now. I'll hold Rimuru's arm so you can go and shoo away any unnecessary disturbances, Aqua."

"O-Okay..."

"Right..."

Ruby's sudden little outburst left Rimuru and Aqua speechless. Her tone and wording were quite harsh for a moment there. They both thought, man, Ruby's got quite the tongue sometimes, huh?

As I stepped out of the car accompanied by Ruby's bearlike hug, flashes upon flashes of lights were hurting my eyes. 

"Hey, stop! What's all the pictures for?"

It was Ruby who yelled at the people who had taken pictures of us. I noticed something about the people who had taken pictures, they're all... students of this school. 

"Rimuru's agency hasn't banned picture taking, right? So isn't it okay for us to take pictures like this? Paparazzi is not uncommon you know!"

Somebody had yelled in response to Ruby. I felt pissed at the way he had yelled so disgustingly at her. Fortunately, it was only that one guy who had a violent response like this. The crowd seemed to be silent after Ruby's words telling them to stop. But I can't just let that bastard that yelled at Ruby go

"Oi—"

"To the person who just said that, come forward. You know there's a limit when it comes to disrespect."