Barbara's Performance

(Ceruno)

On the program provided by Miss Halley, Barbara's performance was listed last... but it was empty.

In other words, her performance will be the grand finale of the entire concert, but what she will perform is yet to be decided.

"Since it's a fundraising concert, we need to tell the audience the purpose of the fundraising: the story of Ancient Tree girl working hard to earn money to save a disappearing forest. This kind of story easily evokes people's sympathy and resonance. As the main character, Barbara's performance as the finale is especially important... You could say that her performance will directly affect the fundraising revenue."

Hearing me say this, Miss Barbara also felt a great responsibility, and she tightened her little face, revealing a very serious expression.

But as a NEET Tree that can't even speak, has never been in contact with human society, and has never even stepped out of its own house, to put on a performance better than Sirius, Haley, or Miluno and me... that's not something that can be achieved just by determination and effort!

"The closing performance has to be the most spectacular, right? So, are you going to go easy on her a little and give her a special spotlight?"

Mono immediately rejected Miluno's suggestion.

"We're raising funds, not scamming people. How can we face the fans who paid to see our show if we don't give it our all?"

"We definitely can't hold back, after all, everyone knows Sirius and Ms. Halley's level, and holding back would be obvious. But a touching program doesn't necessarily require high skills; sometimes, a sincere heart can resonate with people."

As I spoke, I put my arm around Miss Barbara's shoulder.

"Therefore, you must deliver a performance that is more spectacular than everyone else's."

[How do I do this?]

The girl with long, emerald-green hair held the tablet high, almost shoving it into my face.

"At least learn to vocalize first, otherwise you won't be able to sing, right?"

Miss Barbara opened her mouth wide and made two "ah, ah" sounds.

But this is not speaking.

"Since vocal cords can produce sound, why can't we speak?" I asked.

Instead of Barbara, who needed to type, Miluno replied:

"Her vocal cords were grown using a magic potion, and she doesn't yet know how to control them. She needs to start from the babbling stage, like a baby."

"Babbling? There's not that much time left!"

Miluno thought for a moment.

"Ceruno, do you have a way to help her learn to speak quickly?"

Even I don't have the answer to this...

Barbara's condition, it's highly unlikely she'll be able to master pronunciation in a short time, making it very difficult for her to perform on stage.

No, wait...

In reality, not many people know what kind of person Barbara was, so why should the Miss Barbara who performed on stage be the real Barbara?

"Fake Magical Girl won't be excluded by the Central Control System, right?"

My question made Miluno raise an eyebrow, and she answered:

"Of course not. Extinction and Halley are both Fake Magical Girl... You were also Fake Magical Girl when the Vega Crystal was corrupted."

"In that case, why not invite Dantai Xue... Snow Sis to help? We just need her to transform one of us into Miss Barbara and then take her place on stage to perform."

I think this is a good idea to solve the current predicament.

But Miluno rejected it.

"No, Barbara has to perform on that show herself."

Why?

She hooked her arm around my shoulder and walked to the side, whispering with her back to Barbara:

"Ceruno, have you ever thought about this? If you just wanted to buy the Forest Park, Sirius could have easily scraped together the money. Why did you organize this fundraising concert?"

For Sirius, anything that can be solved with money is no problem.

"Is it to take care of Miss Barbara's feelings?"

"Yes, I convinced Sirius to do this, both to get her out of it and to make her feel involved."

How can we help Miss Barbara escape her reclusive lifestyle?

Having finally become a magical girl, it's really a bit Past her to spend all her time at home making potions without any desires.

What could touch Barbara's heart was only money—money to save the forest. If Sirius had simply and brutally waved his hand, the forest might have been spared the fate of being cut down, but Barbara would have had to return to her life as a tree person.

Hehe~

I couldn't help but smile.

What are you grinning about?

"Miluno has a very kind heart."

"Although we haven't had much contact, Barbara has helped me out. It might sound presumptuous of me to say this, but I just wanted to lend a friend a hand."

Miluno's personality is quite contradictory; she clearly hates trouble but loves to meddle in other people's business.

"I understand, then let's think of another way..."

"I've already arranged the stage."

Miss Halley wagged her tail and came back, asking again:

"It's time for training now. Does the City School have a recording studio?"

I replied, "There isn't a professional recording studio, but the music room will do, and that area also serves as a dance studio."

"Oh? Let's go over there then!"

Although Miss Halley was very enthusiastic, I still held her back.

"Um, Miss Barbara can't speak, so she can't sing."

"I know, but who says it has to be singing? Even though it's a concert, any performance that leaves a lasting impression is fine too."

"What talents does Miss Barbara have?"

This is clearly a redundant question. You can't exactly perform a potion-making demonstration on stage, can you? And then draw a lucky audience member to receive a longevity elixir?

If such a thing really existed, it could make a lot of money...

Miss Barbara lowered her head and pondered for a moment, then picked up the tablet again.

[Change back]

[Extremely huge]

Does it mean turning back into Ancient Tree?

So, Miss Barbara herself is quite a sight to behold...

"If you change back to your original form here, can you take root here?"

She nodded.

[Can]

[I don't want to damage the flowerbed]

Since it can still take root and turn back into Ancient Tree...

I glanced at the plaza beneath my feet, then compared it to the huge crater near Miss Barbara's cabin.

"Everyone, I have an idea!"

One, two, three, four~

"Great job! You picked it up really quickly this time! Take a break!"

Miss Halley clapped her hands, and Miluno and I, already drenched in sweat, finally stopped our intense dance practice. Miluno could still stand, but I had already plopped down on the ground.

But Miss Halley herself showed no signs of fatigue; she had been leading our dance from beginning to end, and was still wagging her tail very happily.

Xiaoling and Xiaojie, the two girls, then came over with their cups.

"Sister, have some water~"

She took the water cup from Xiaojie and sat down next to me, looking like she wanted a hug.

"Thank you, but you can't hug me because I'm dirty, okay?"

"I like how my sister tastes now."

"I only smell of sweat... Ugh, this kid."

As a result, the dark-skinned girl still pounced on me, insisting on sticking to me to feel at ease.

"Fortunately, your magic works together, which will buy you a considerable amount of time. At this rate of practice, you should be able to finish rehearsals before the concert."

Miluno asked, "So, when is the concert scheduled?"

"I was worried we wouldn't be able to get it done this week, but we're moving forward... Sirius is starting their promotional campaign on Friday night."

Today is Sunday.

Five more days...?