Liberi Reader

Was that an earthquake just now?

Yeah!!

We're so close to the stage, after all! Did you see that? Did you see D.D.D.'s expression?! How did she do that?!

She already left the stage, don't always be such a fanboy... Wait, isn't it shaking again?

Oh come on, it's probably just the subwoofer... Wait...

H-huh...? You felt that too?

...Let's go!

Wh-what?!

Don't ask questions, just come with me!

Stop pushing! Some personal space here!

You're stepping on my foot!! Get out of my face!!

Someone fainted! Watch out!

Wh-why is everyone panicking? Don't tell me...

Oh my god...

...It's Emperor.

Ahem, nice weather we're having.

Emperor! It's really him!! Wooowwww...!

...

Don't be stupid! It's THE EMPEROR! And you still think it's some earthquake?!

No, I'm just too excited, from seeing... Wait, I kind of... can't breathe...

Mister Emperor, this way please.

Ladies and gentlemen! Please move back! Stand behind the line!

Hey, young man, that Savran over there.

It's okay. Let them come closer.

But Mister Emperor, you still have a performance later. If some kind of accident were to happen...

Accident?

You mean an attempted shooting, assassination, kidnapping, suicide threat, or something along those lines?

Do you think those things can stop me? Me?

No, those things shall only become a part of my show, just like how rhythm breaks apart the meaning of words. Do you understand?

Well, no...

To put it simply, it's all theatrics. Just relax. I promise, Siren won't blame you for it.

Emperor!! Emperor!! Emperor!!

...

Ah, you're here. Come, don't be nervous. Just relax, muster up some bravery, and believe in yourself.

Columbia's Rap God? You're nothing but a thug, a mongrel that got a little lucky...

Louder, pal, let me hear you! Hey, Savran, don't drive him away. Give him the mic. Don't worry. Just do as I say.

You ruined our lives, but you still sit atop so much wealth... You, you deserve only death!!

Noooo! He has a crossbow! Take cover!

Don't blame me. That's right, it's all your fault. Just how many singers were sacrificed for your so-called 'rap empire'...

Emperor? Eat dirt, you bottom-feeding penguin!

Ahaha, let me think about that one. Who's the one playing dirty? Riling up the media, manipulating public opinion, personal attacks, and now even a shooting attempt? Hmph.

You think I'd forget who you are just because you decided to roll around in the sewers? Will pointing your weapon at these youngsters satisfy you, 'Songster?'

You...!

If I wasn't such a juicy target for you, how many rising stars would you have continued to 'eliminate' just for not suiting your tastes?

How long did you think you'd get away with spitting on the entirety of Columbia while stuffing your bathtub full of money?

Shut up! Just die!

Protect Mister Emperor!

Mister Emperor has been shot! Wait... what?

Mister Emperor was the one who shot first? That bastard's crossbow went flying!

Ratatat tat! Bang!

How strange. You were the one running your muzzle, but how come my muzzle is smoking first? Why don't ya take a guess?

Is it because ya got no game, or is my brilliance that is to blame?

Guh... You... even brought guns with you...

If you die several times every day, there are games that you just won't play.

*cough* *cough*... Do you really... think I'm alone? Think about all the enemies you've made. You won't leave Siesta alive!

My past is more expansive than this sea of falsity; so where are these 'enemies' that await my majesty?

Mister Emperor! Many of his rabble are hidden among the audience. We can't deal with all of them...

That's all right. Don't panic. Just maintain the order here, and leave the rest to the professionals.

Professionals, like Penguin Logistics.

...If I remember properly, weren't we supposed to be on vacation? Just out of curiosity, are we getting paid overtime for this?

I could use some exercise after being cooped up in that hotel room.

Tex- err, I mean, 'Sora,' that's... because you stayed in the hotel reading books the whole time...

...Right, that was part of the agreement. Are you able to adapt to the battlefield?

No problem!

Boss, we're all done here. Remember to snag me the front row seats for tomorrow's show!

Mister Emperor, wh-who are these people?

We are the Boss's... Well, Mister Emperor's private bodyguards.

We're a logistics company though.

Well, since the beginning, our business covers quite a wide range of things. We even bought a jazz bar at some point, right?

There were also those Siracusan gangs that really liked being our punching bags. They've been behaving better recently though.

How many fights do you think we have in Lungmen every month?

When it comes to brawls and firefights, we're the best you're going to find.

I've been waiting for this moment! Penguin from the West! Since you finally dared to expose yourself, die!!

...Did you guys establish the Guild of Hypocrites or something? Very well, I was about to say the same thing about you bunch.

Texas, do it.

Got... Oops.

...Got it! It's showtime!