Oshi no Ko X Tensura

Chapter 13 - Rising Star I

A three-Michelin-star restaurant had enough glamor and prestige to it that even the best celebrities would feel out of place. This restaurant in particular was owned by one of the most popular chefs in the world.

Rimuru felt excited to be able to enter much less dine in this establishment. However, it would be bad if she started acting like a child now. Frill was calm and composed, as usual. Rimuru thought to follow her example. 

"The food here looks very expensive, I don't know if I'll be able to afford a glass of water."

"Hahaha, you have a great sense of humor, Rimuru."

Frill laughed at Rimuru's supposed 'joke'. Rimuru didn't feel like she was joking at all. Rimuru only brought enough money for a taxi ride home. Frill would never know Rimuru was serious since Rimuru had mimicked her calm demeanor. 

"You're here! Take a seat!"

A young man that looked like he was in his mid-20s greeted them energetically. He had funky hair and wore shades. Overall, Rimuru thought he was a DJ from his attire alone. Is this guy the producer Frill talked about?

"Thank you."

Frill and Rimuru sat down. Their table was rather large for a 3-person meeting. Rimuru was uncomfortable sitting down in such a luxurious seat. As evident from Rimuru's expression, she had never been in a restaurant as luxurious as this.

Why?

"You really do resemble your mother, Rimuru-san." 

The man observed Rimuru's face and noted she looked a lot like Ai. "Well, believe it or not, Ai is my mother." Rimuru's response was blunt.

The man wasn't surprised when he heard. "I know. I was there when your mother had that press about her secret. I gotta say, it was hilarious how she lowered her head all the time."

The man's words seemed to intentionally provoke Rimuru. Rimuru didn't react, however. She kept up a smile and laughed along with the Director. An uncanny response from the teen left the Director intrigued. 

"What has your Mom been up to ever since she retired?"

"I have no obligation to say."

It was a series of personal questions and a series of immediate rejections. The Director kept asking Rimuru about Ai's personal life, but Rimuru answered none of them. The way Rimuru was handling the Director seemed like she'd been through a situation like this for years.

"A tough cookie... Were you secretly acting and taking on another identity?" 

"No. I just know how to deal with people like you."

The Director was rather amazed at how Rimuru perfectly avoided his questions. Rimuru seemed less and less a teen and more of an adult the more she talked to him. The reason he tried to rile up a reaction from Rimuru was related to the role he was offered.

"Excellent. I love it. You will be perfect as 'Saber Alter'. I look forward to your performance."

"Uhm, thanks...?"

Frill stopped observing and decided to explain.

"I'm sorry, Rimuru-san. Director Seiji Kishi likes to do this often. I hope you can forgive his attitude earlier." 

Frill lowered her head in an apology.

"It's nothing, I'm used to this kind of stuff. Plus, I'm glad he deems me acceptable enough to take on the role."

Frill looked at Rimuru and smiled. "How mature of you. Why don't we discuss our roles after we eat? This is our treat, so feel free to order whatever."

And so, Rimuru and Frill along with Director Seiji had a lengthy discussion about the Promotional Video. To summarize, Rimuru and Frill were required to be physically fit since they'll be wielding heavy props. Rimuru especially. Since it was a fight scene, naturally they had to fight using some form of martial arts. Both actors said it wasn't a problem and they could do it. Director Seiji didn't ask any further and trusted the two.