An Old Man Restaurant Owner Is Unparalleled by Relying on His Old Tricks. It Turns Out, He’s the Legendary Dungeon Conqueror.

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Chapter 95: We Are Your Hosts, the Onigiri Boys!

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Late Saturday night. I sat in front of the TV, waiting for the moment to arrive.

『『Ba-bam! Here we go! Let’s dance at Phoenix Mountain 38! We are your hosts, the Onigiri Boys! And, and—everyone at Phoenix Mountain 38!』』

Soon, the show’s MC, a duo of popular comedians, appeared. The camera then panned across the stage, capturing a large group of beautiful girls sitting in a tiered seating arrangement.

『『Senpai, we’ll do our best!』』

At the end, two girls struck enthusiastic poses, and the show began.

It was Let’s Dance at Phoenix Mountain 38!, the flagship program of Phoenix Mountain 38, the idol group that my adorable niece was a part of. Ever since she and her fellow sixth-generation members made their debut a while ago, I had been watching this show live without fail.

“What is this strange contraption? Are there people inside this box?”

The one asking in wonder was Himiko. For someone who had lived in ancient times, a television must have been an entirely otherworldly phenomenon.

“This is called a television. In this era, it seems that events happening in other places can be recorded exactly as they are seen, allowing them to be watched again and again later through this device.”

Masako Hojo explained in my stead as I remained focused on the screen.

“Even with my onmyou techniques… Such a feat would be… Impossible… This era never ceases to amaze me…”

Abe no Seimei muttered in awe.

“Oh! There she is! Do your best, Koto! Make sure to put yourself out there today and get the MC to notice you!”

Noticing Koto appear briefly on the edge of the screen, I clenched my fist to encourage her from my home.

“What’s this now? Do you have a girl you fancy among them? But compared to you, they all seem quite young.”

“No, it seems that Nishida-sama’s niece is among them. I hear she is quite famous. She’s known as an ‘idol’.”

“A niece, you say? Which one?”

“Probably… The fourth from the left… In the back row…”

“Hooh, for a niece of yours, she’s quite the charming one.”

That day’s segment appeared to be a challenge event where the newly joined sixth-generation members would take on various tasks for the sake of their senior members.

『And of course, if they fail, the seniors will have to endure a harsh penalty game!』

『『『Ehh!?』』』

『Please, everyone in the sixth gen, do your best!』

Since failure would mean the seniors had to take the punishment, Koto looked visibly tense. She had always struggled with performing in front of large crowds.

“But this is her chance! It might be hard to stand out by just speaking when everyone’s together, but with this setup, she’s bound to get some focus at some point!”

One by one, the fresh-faced sixth-generation idols appeared, taking on quizzes, luck-based challenges, and physical tasks. Sometimes, their success meant that their senior members could avoid a penalty game, while failure resulted in punishments like drinking a disgustingly bad-tasting beverage or getting a low-current electric shock.

“It’s Koto’s turn!”

Finally, it was Koto’s time to step up.

And the senior she had to protect… was Miku Kanamoto..

『The challenge is this! A Loud Voice Challenge! You pass if you record over 100 decibels!』

For reference, 100 decibels was about as loud as a chainsaw. For someone with a naturally loud voice, it wouldn’t be too difficult. Unfortunately, no one had ever seen Koto raise her voice before.

『So, Sudou? How confident are you?』

『M-M-M-Miku-senpai…! I-I-I-I will definitely… Protect you…!』

When the MC asked, a visibly nervous Koto answered in a trembling voice.

『Ahh, yeah, this doesn’t look good already. Kanamoto, do you think Sudou can do it?』

『I think she can!』

Miku Kanamoto answered confidently without hesitation. As expected of a senpai two years her senior, she could respond to the MC’s sudden question instantly.

『By the way, the penalty game is… Super spicy tea!』

『Ehhhhhh!? I’m bad with spicy stuff!』

Miku Kanamoto exaggerated her displeasure.

『I believe in you, Koto-chan!』

『Uuuu… I-I’ll do my best…!』

“You don’t have to worry, Koto. This is a variety show. Even if you don’t succeed, that in itself won’t be a failure. Miku Kanamoto is used to variety shows, and the MC is a veteran. No matter how the challenge goes, they’ll make it entertaining for the viewers for sure.”

I muttered my advice to the TV screen.

“Hmm, what is he doing?”

“Unfortunately, I have no idea either. I suppose it’s something only people of this era would understand.”

“I see. By the way, he keeps talking like this… But can they hear him over there?”

“Unlikely. It seems he is merely making his observation about the past events.”

“True, there’s no reaction from the people at the screen at all.”

“…Perhaps… It’s the same… As talking to himself…”

“Hmm, I heard he’s still single despite his age. He must be living quite the lonely life.”

The Heroic Spirits behind me seemed to be saying something, but I was too focused on the TV to pay attention.

『It’s okay, Koto-chan! Just think back to when you smashed that monster’s head with your axe! You yelled really loud then!』

『Oh yeah, Sudou is an explorer like Kanamoto, right?』

『That’s right!』