Quoted By:
“<span class="mu-s">Second Question: Who is the antagonist in the upcoming superhero movie: The Silver Sun?</span>” You ask about the poster you saw outside. Even the most conventional marketing strategies get in your head, that’s why they keep doing it, you think.
Without any hesitation, perhaps purely based on instinct, Carol puts her finger down on her phone and buzzes her red button first. Vortexia was the only one who tried to match it, but she wasn’t sure at first.
“O-Oh? <span class="mu-i">I pressed it?</span>” Carol is surprised that she won.
“Is that your answer contestant?” You raise an eyebrow, ready to fail her.
“N-No! The answer is Catastrovania! I had to promote that dumpster fire all week.” The twitchy Carol explains, confident in her words.
“Sounds like a parasite’s name.” Vortexia shakes her head. “Eugh.”
“<span class="mu-s">That’s correct, Carol!</span>” You applaud! “Who do you want to punish this round?”
“You two are against me, huh? Ready to backtrack a little? Maybe some begging?” YUNG-P starts surveying the reaction from the other contestants.
“This is a minor setback.” Vortexia remains confident.
“Get on with it.” Emily won’t take anything back.
“Look! I want to foster some sisterhood. I have an idea that is going to please everyone.” The scheming Carol has something under her sleeve.
“If you want to rotate the punishments to soften the results, I’m not interested.” Emily is really salty about today.
“That’s clever, Emily, a sound plan. But I can do you one better, follow my lead from this point onwards.” Carol scoffs. “Johnny, I’m punishing you!”
“Huh?” You weren’t expecting that.
“Is this allowed?” Vortexia didn’t have a clue.
“We agreed that the winner chooses who to punish. He’s no cameraman, friends, he’s part of the show!” Carol brings her points forward. “And to foster some trust. Emily, you feed him the cake. You like that, don’t you?”
“…” Emily wasn’t prepared for this.
“Go ahead, Emily.” You take your shoes off as you hand her a slice of the cake. You’re a fair man, and your brain isn’t working that well. Besides, you’d be an asshole if you refused.
“Say <span class="mu-i">‘Aaah’</span>…” Emily says it in the saddest way possible.
“E-Emily, don’t look so dejected, we’re having fun here.” You feel like she’s taking it too seriously.
“I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to sour the mood!” Emily snaps out of it! “Here! Say <span class="mu-i">Aaah~</span>!”
You cheerfully eat the slice of cake. It was as delicious as before! Just much more than earlier, and, huh, you are starting to feel the heat.
“You holding up okay there, Manager?” Clutz is worried about your well-being.
“Absolutely.” You don’t want any beautiful girl to feel worried!
“You hear that? You all know who to focus on now.” Carol’s plan is a success. “Next question!”
