Chapter 6 - Seized Opportunities

—My. It's not every day Suzu invites me for tea.

.......I appreciate you meeting with us despite your busy schedule, Grandfather.

Thank you very much!

Hahaha. No need to be so formal with me.

That's right. Have you placed your orders yet?

This café's seasonal parfait is outstanding. I’m hopeless when it comes to it.

Parfait........

......Grandfather, aren't you supposed to avoid eating too many sweets per the doctor's order?

That's true.

I try to only have them once in a while, though......

(So this is Suzu-chan’s grandpa........)

(He looks way softer and gentler than I expected.)

Emu-san, you’re studying management at Morinomiya, right?

......!

Y-Yes! You know about me?

Of course.

I’ve been impressed with how hardworking the Otori children are.

It makes me very happy that you picked Morinomiya to learn and grow.

Now then... you’re here today to discuss the matter about Kikyo Troupe, correct?

—Yes.

Would you mind going over these documents first?

Hmm.....

Did you and Emu-san come up with this plan together, Suzu?

Yes.

The core idea came from Otori-san, and we discussed and polished the finer details together.

Hmm, I see...

............!

(His eyes are gentle, but... being stared at so hard makes my nerves buzzing.)

(......I have to hold his gaze.)

(We have to prove to him that Suzu-chan and I are truly committed.....!)

..................

......Fufu, fascinating.

If you keep at it, you could become someone great.

Hweh?

No, no, I was just thinking out loud.

I've looked it over, and I think it’s a solid proposal.

......!

Then—

Yes.

There will be a board meeting in one week.

I want you two to present it there.

If you manage to get everyone on board, we’ll move forward with it.

Ah.............

Thank you very much!!

However, that’s as far as my help goes.

From here, you two will have to win over the board yourselves.

Yes, we understand.

—Um, Grandfather.

What is it?

I love Morinomiya.

I want it to remain the greatest theater company for the next 100 years as well.

I share that feeling...... with everyone, and with you too, Grandfather.

That's why—

We will definitely convince everyone.

..........

Yes. I’m counting on you.

(Giving a presentation....... in front of all the executives......)

(We’ll need to present our ideas and get their approval...)

Have you ever struggled to get people to understand what’s on your mind?

(...Just speaking from the heart won’t be enough.)

(Which is why...)

(I have to work hard to express what I truly feel!)

......What did you just say?

Teach me how to do a presentation!

I wanna learn how to give a real, professional presentation!

Professional, huh.....

When exactly is this presentation?

In one week!

Wha—!?

You seriously plan to pull this off in just a week!?

I absolutely have to make this happen!

The way I talk, the way I move...... if I don't think about how it comes across, I won't be able to get my message through.

I’m sure it’ll be super hard.....

But I think it’s necessary if I want to turn my dreams into reality, so I really want to get it right!

Emu.......

......Sigh.

You’re dead serious, huh.

.......!

If you’re that motivated, it’ll definitely be something worth learning.

Right.

It's a good opportunity.

I’ll drill into you a way of presenting that can convince anyone, no matter the situation.

You mean it...!?

Alright.

Let us begin right this minute.

Yes! Please!