Friendship Double Smash!/Story

### A Misunderstanding from the Start

There is a large competition where Flower Knights can compete in various sports to test their athletic abilities. Castor Bean wants to participate in the tennis, but there is only doubles this time. As Castor Bean is panicking because she didn't know there weren't any singles matches, she meets Verbascum who is also panicking. The two, who had met by chance, suddenly decide to form a doubles team.

–Mahr Plateau, Grand Competition Grounds–
**Castor Bean:** Waa! There'sh so many people! Are all of these people going to be joining in with the competition!?
Castor needs to sign up straight away! Reception, reception... Where is it?
**Nazuna:** Hello Castor Bean-san. Are you applying to join the competition? If so, then it's over there!
**Castor Bean:** Nazuna-san! Thank you! I'm so surprised, there'sh so many more people than I thought there would be!
**Nazuna:** Fufufu, that's because today's competition is beyond national borders!
Participants, and of course spectators, have come in from all over. It's busy no matter where you go on the grounds, it feels like a festival!
**Castor Bean:** A festival! Saying that, I passed tons of stallsh on the way here!
**Nazuna:** The stalls are also part of the thrill of this competition! The stalls are selling speciality food from various regions♪
There's a lot of tasty food to try, so please enjoy the stalls in between events.
**Castor Bean:** O-K! Ehehe, I look forward to looking around all the stallsh!
Ah! But I need to submit my application first!
**Nazuna:** That's right, thanks for reminding me! So, which events do you want to enter?
**Castor Bean:** Today, Castor is going to be a tennish player! I even went and got myself a racquet!
**Nazuna:** Tennis. Ummm... So who is your partner?
**Castor Bean:** Fue? A part... Ner?
**Nazuna:** Yes, if possible, you should both be present to submit your applications...
**Castor Bean:** Um, but, Castor was planning on joining by myself, but is that not allowed?
**Nazuna:** Joining by yourself... Could it be that you were planning on joining the singles?
**Castor Bean:** Yesh, that's right! The singlesh! That's what I was planning to join!
**Nazuna:** I see... Hmm, that's a problem.
There have always been singles matches at these competitions up until now, but they want to focus on interaction between players and the improvement of teamwork, so they are only doing doubles matches this time.
**Castor Bean:** Only... Doublesh...!?
S-so that meansh that I can't join by myself!?
**Nazuna:** It was mentioned in the preview guide... Here, do you want to confirm?
**Castor Bean:** This is the player registration guide... I thought I'm sure Castor-chan read it...
Au, it's true, it's written that there's only doublesh! There's nothing about singlesh...
I was so excited to join the competition that I didn't read through it properly...
I did all my jobs properly to show mama and papa that they didn't need to worry, but I've actually just made them worry more...
**Nazuna:** There's still time before the deadline for applications ends, so if you could find someone to be your partner... How about that?
**Castor Bean:** I-I see! If I find a partner, then it will be alright!? It'sh too early to give up!
Castor-chama will find a partner today! Pleashe wait here, Nazuna-san!
**Nazuna:** Alright, I'm waiting!
**Verbascum:** Uuu, there's so many people... It's so different from my Lilywood village... This competition is amazing...
I really should just give up now...
N-no...! I want to meet a lot of people at this competition and learn to be able to chat with others more casually...!
............... Hauuu... Can someone as shy as me ever be able to meet someone...?
**Nazuna:** Ara... Verbascum-san? What's the matter?
**Verbascum:** Fuwaaa! Na-Nazuna-san! I-I-I-I'm fine, it's nothing!
**Nazuna:** I see...? If there's anything, feel free to ask.
**Verbascum:** Yes, thank you...!
... Uuu, now's not the time to be timid.
This is a competition, so there's a common conversation topic of the competition itself, then we can start talking about other things from there...
This is a rare chance, so I need to be brave...! Set your soul ablaze, baby...!
**Nazuna:** Um, it seems like you're very enthusiastic, could it be that you plan on joining as a player?
**Verbascum:** Hahyawaa!! Y-yes, that's right...!
**Nazuna:** Understood! Then, the reception can be found over there.
So, which event do you plan on joining, Verbascum-san?
**Verbascum:** Ummm... I'd like to play tennis!
**Nazuna:** Tennis. Who will be your partner?
**Verbascum:** Eh... Part... Ner?
**Nazuna:** Yes, there is only doubles tennis this time...
**Nazuna:** It should have been mentioned in the contact details, but could it be...?
**Verbascum:** Eh, ah... You're right, it's written here...! I seem to have missed it...
I read through it so many times, but I was so nervous I missed it...
**Nazuna:** I'm sorry, it should have been made more widely known...
**Verbascum:** N-no! It's my fault for not reading it through properly...!
Uuu... I pushed my courage by coming this far, but I still made a huge mistake...
Haa... It's a shame, but I just have to give up on joining...
**Nazuna:** Verbascum-san...
It's not time to give up yet!
**Verbascum:** Nazuna-san...?
**Nazuna:** There's still time before the deadline for application ends. If you can find a partner, then you can sign up! Is there anyone you know here, or someone you can invite?
**Verbascum:** Th-that's... Suddenly inviting someone to play doubles...! That's a huge hurdle for me...! Also, for me to know someone here...
**Nazuna:** I see... Hmm... Who could you invite as a doubles partner...?
Ara, that reminds me...
**Castor Bean:** Hey, you pink haired lady over the-----re!!
**Verbascum:** Fuwaaaa!?
**Castor Bean:** Did you say you were looking to invite someone for the doublesh!? You said that, didn't you!?
Could you maybe, maybe! Do you want to join the tennish!?
**Verbascum:** Eh, ummm, y-yes... I wanted to play the singles, but there's only doubles, so um, a partner...
**Castor Bean:** ...!! That'sh the same as Castor! I made a mistake about the singlesh, so came here by myself!
**Verbascum:** Eh, r-really...?
**Castor Bean:** So, if you don't mind...
Would you join a doublesh team with Castor!?
**Verbascum:** Eh, eeeeeeh!?
(To so suddenly join a doubles team with someone I've only just met... Th-this hurdle is... Above the clouds...!)
**Castor Bean:** Pleashe! Castor really wants to join in with this competition!
**Verbascum:** Oh, ummm, well...
**Castor Bean:** Pretty pleashe.........!
**Verbascum:** (Uu, uuu...! This is the first step in being able to meet people casually...! Take that leap baby...!)
A-alright, pleased to meet youuuu...!

### Beginners' Double Team

Castor Bean tries to act cheerfully to reassure Verbascum, who cannot hide her nervousness at meeting someone for the first time. It turns out that neither of them understands the rules of doubles. As they are struggling with it, they call on Redbud Hazel, who is helping run the event, to explain to them the rules of doubles tennis.

**Nazuna:** Well, I've finished registering you for tennis, Castor Bean-san, and Verbascum-san!
**Castor Bean:** Thank you! Now we can join as playersh!
**Verbascum:** Uuu, I really have signed up for doubles tennis... I can't turn back now...!
Eh, ummm... First, how should I... That's right, this is our first time meeting, so I should properly introduce myself...!
I-I-I-I'm from Lilywood, my name is Verbascum!
**Castor Bean:** So you're Verbascum! Castor is called Castor Bean! Pleashed to meet you!
**Verbascum:** Y-yes! P-p-pleased to meet you...!
**Nazuna:** Fufu, it's great that you found a partner!
**Castor Bean:** I always just practised by myself, so I never thought I'd play with a partner!
I'm super excited to play a match together with Verbascum-san!
**Verbascum:** My too, I'm a little nervous too... But umm, I'm happy. I'll do my best to try and not hold you back...!
**Castor Bean:** It'sh fine, you don't need to worry so much! Let's work our best to fly to the top!
**Verbascum:** Y-yes... But, um...
**Castor Bean:** ? Is there something you're worried about?
**Verbascum:** I was planning on joining the singles, so I've also only practised by myself... I don't really get the rules for doubles...
**Castor Bean:** Aah, I see! Well, Castor's the same! I don't know the rulesh for doublesh at all!
So, there's nothing to worry about!
**Verbascum:** The same... I see, that's a relief...
... Wait, no no! Isn't this really bad...!?
**Castor Bean:** Eh?
**Verbascum:** We need to properly know the rules before we can do any kind of doubles practice, don't we...?
If we don't even understand the basic rules, we might not be allowed to play a match...
**Castor Bean:** Hawaa! Y-you're right! What should we do!?
**Verbascum:** We need to find someone to ask to thoroughly explain the rules to us...
**Castor Bean:** That'sh right! Hey, let's ask Nazuna-san! Nazuna-san knows everything! Nazuna-saaaan!
Huh, e-eh? Where is she!? I can't find her!
**Verbascum:** She was just here a minute ago... She must really have her hands full with all the management...
**Castor Bean:** Fueee, so who can we ask now!? Some who knows the rules, someone who knows the rules...!
**Verbascum:** Ah... How about one of the umpires? Nothing has started yet, so they might listen to us...
**Castor Bean:** I got it! Mr.Umpire, Mr.Umpire...!
Fueee! I don't even know where to look for an umpire!
**Verbascum:** T-that's certainly... There must be some kind of waiting room for the umpires? I'll ask Nazuna-san where it is...
Ah, we're just going around in circles...! I-is there someone else... Anyone...!?
**Castor Bean:** Hawawa, what to do!?
**Redbud Hazel:** Excuse me... What's seems to be the problem? You've looked troubled for a while now...
**Castor Bean:** Ah, you're... Could you be part of management?
**Redbud Hazel:** I'm Redbud Hazel, and I'm helping out with management.
I am able to assist with anything regarding the competition grounds, or the events themselves. I'll be able to answer any questions you may have.
**Castor Bean:** WaaA... Thank you sho much!
Ah, Castor'sh called Castor Bean! I have entered into the tennish doublesh!
**Redbud Hazel:** Into the doubles... So does that mean this person beside you is your partner?
**Verbascum:** Y-yes! My name is Verbascum.
I partnered up with Castor Bean-san in a hurry for the doubles...
**Redbud Hazel:** In a hurry...? So you two weren't a pair before this?
**Castor Bean:** That's right! We only just met for the first time today, and we're already partners!
**Verbascum:** We both were planning on joining in the singles when we came here...
**Redbud Hazel:** ... I see, I think I've got most of the picture now. It's been pretty tough.
**Castor Bean:** This might be a strange thing to say, but I'm happy there was someone else here who made the same mistake as Castor.
**Verbascum:** I-it's slightly embarrassing... But thanks to you Castor Bean-san, I was able to join. I'm so happy...
But neither of us know the rules to doubles tennis, so we still need to find someone to teach us...
**Redbud Hazel:** If that's the issue, then I can explain it to you two! I know every single rule for doubles perfectly.
**Verbascum:** I-is that alright?
**Redbud Hazel:** Of course! As a member of management, it's my job to provide support to the players.
**Castor Bean:** Yaaay, thank you sho much!
We did it, Verbascum-san!
**Verbascum:** Yes...! W-well, I'm looking forward to learning from you, Redbud Hazel-san.
**Redbud Hazel:** Me too, I'm looking forward to teaching you!

### An Indemonstrable Ability

Now that Castor Bean and Verbascum understand the rules, they begin to practice hard by using a “fully automated ball launching” machine made by Asian Royal Fern and the help of Redbud Hazel. However, they can't seem to match each others' paces, and at this rate they worry that the won't even get a single win.

**Redbud Hazel:** –and that covers all the rules for doubles. Did you mostly understand?
**Verbascum:** Y-yes! It's all good...
**Castor Bean:** Castor thinksh I have it!
**Verbascum:** We should be able to move froward now we know the rules... Thank you so much, Redbud Hazel-san.
**Redbud Hazel:** I'm just happy that I've been of help!
**Verbascum:** So, now it's the real thing... We now know the rules, but we've had no practice playing doubles, so will we be able to...
**Castor Bean:** Well, then let's go and practice together!
**Redbud Hazel:** That's right, there's still time before the games start. That court over there has been opened for practice use, so all the players should feel free to make use of it.
**Verbascum:** Is that so, that really helps...!
**Castor Bean:** Yaay, thank you!
So, Castor will go to this side and...
**Verbascum:** Well, I'll use that side to...
**Both of them:** [[…...... Huh?]]
**Redbud Hazel:** This has turned into singles practice...
**Verbascum:** Y-you're right...
**Castor Bean:** Hauuu, we can't even practice doublesh!
I know! Could you help us practice, Redbud Hazel-san!?
**Redbud Hazel:** I would of course love to help you, but this would be two on one, so I don't know how much practice it would give you...
**Castor Bean:** Auu! That's true...!
**Redbud Hazel:** Hmm, what should we do...? Should we find some practice partners, or...?
Ah! Speaking of which... I'm pretty sure we have a machine that can help with practice!
**Verbascum:** A practice machine... What's that?
**Redbud Hazel:** Some gadget technicians, including Tampala-san and Asian Royal Fern-san, have prepared some machines for this event...
**Asian Royal Fern:** Oh! You called?
**Redbud Hazel:** Wah! Asian Royal Fern-san! Perfect timing!
**Asian Royal Fern:** My practice machines are getting a lot of use everywhere today. So I've been running all over the competition grounds.
**Redbud Hazel:** I see. This is truly perfect timing then!
To tell the truth, these two have made a last minute team to enter the tennis doubles.
**Asian Royal Fern:** Mmhmm, last minute? That sounds pretty tough.
**Redbud Hazel:** So we've been talking about doing some doubles practice, but unfortunately we can't find any practice partners... I could play with them myself, but it's not really doubles practice.
**Asian Royal Fern:** I seeeee, and that's how my name came up!
**Redbud Hazel:** Yes, could we possibly borrow one of your practice machines?
**Asian Royal Fern:** OK! Leave it to me!
**Castor Bean:** What kind of thing is a practice machine?
**Asian Royal Fern:** I've worked in collaboration with Tampala-san and we've come up with a lot of different kinds for each sport♪ For baseball, hotball...
And of course tennis! It's name is “fully automatic ball launching machine”!
**Redbud Hazel:** So that's what it is...
**Asian Royal Fern:** It's name tells all, right? It's always best to keep it simple!
**Castor Bean:** Hoee! It looksh really amazing to look at! So how do you use it?
**Asian Royal Fern:** I'll explain! You fill this hole with balls, flick this switch, then...
Set the ball launching port, and adjust the timing! All done!
**Verbascum:** Exactly like the name says... It's amazing, it automatically throws balls for you...!
I can work together with Castor Bean-san to return these balls...
**Castor Bean:** Let'sh practice! Amazing, wonderful! You're amazing Asian Royal Fern-san!
**Asian Royal Fern:** Fuufuufuu, I am, aren't I♪ I've put a lot of fine tuning into it, so please make full use of it!
Well, you better get ready!
**Castor Bean:** Thank you!
Nfufu♪ I'm looking forward to using a tennis machine!
**Verbascum:** Me too... It's such a rare experience.
(Ah, that's right... We should decide on where we stand, right...? Since the both of us will be running around the court, we might run into each other...)
(B-but, for someone like me to bring this up is... Uu...)
Ah, um... Castor Bean-san, ummm... Where we stand...
**Asian Royal Fern's Voice:** I'm all ready! Are you two ready on court?
**Castor Bean:** Alright, let's get this shtarted!
**Verbascum:** Ah, y-yes...!
**Asian Royal Fern:** Well then, let's go!
**Castor Bean:** Waaa, the balls really are flying out off the machine!
**Verbascum:** Wa, wa, I-I need to return it...!
**Castor Bean:** My one! Toryaaa!
**Redbud Hazel:** Ah! Watch out!
**Castor Bean:** Hyaau!
**Verbascum:** Hyau...!
**Castor Bean:** Auuu, we ran into each other!
**Verbascum:** I-I-I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I, um... Ummmmmm...!
**Castor Bean:** Castor is really sorry too! I wasn't watching out where you were, Verbascum-san...
**Redbud Hazel:** A-are you alright, you two...!?
Ah! Th-the next ball is coming!
**Asian Royal Fern:** It's fully automated after all!
**Castor Bean:** Fuwaaa! E-eii!
**Verbascum:** Waa, you hit it!
W-we're starting to get better at this...
**Redbud Hazel:** It went beautifully outside the court... The power was perfect.
**Castor Bean:** Mumumu, I put far too much strength into it!
**Verbascum:** I-I'll get the next one... B-but, we might hit each other again...
**Castor Bean:** It's coming, Verbascum-san!
**Verbascum:** Eh, ah, y-yesssss!
**Redbud Hazel:** Ah, this one's a lob shot...
**Verbascum:** I-I-I-I'm sorry...!
**Castor Bean:** Don't mind!
**Asian Royal Fern:** Are you two alright? Hey hey, the next one's coming!
**Castor Bean:** Fuwaa!? W-wait a minute!
**Asian Royal Fern:** It's fully automated after all! It can't wait!
**Redbud Hazel:** P-please stop it at once, Asian Royal Fern-san!
**Castor Bean:** Haa, haa... Th-this mechanical opponent is tough...
**Verbascum:** Uuu, I'm sorry... I really am holding you back...
**Asian Royal Fern:** No no, it's not Verbascum-san's fault!
This is both of your first time playing doubles, right? On top of that, it's the first time you've practised with a machine, so it can't be helped.
**Redbud Hazel:** That's certainly... Practice machines are convenient, but they show no mercy...
Just looking at it is intimidating, and unlike a real body, you can't read their movements to predict the ball...
**Verbascum:** But at this rate, practice is...
**Asian Royal Fern:** Hmm... So you would rather have a more personal match?
**Castor Bean:** Personal?
**Asian Royal Fern:** I could pair up with Redbud Hazel-san to help you practice!
**Castor Bean:** Waa, is that alright!? Thank you sho much!
**Verbascum:** Uuu, thank you for all your help...
**Redbud Hazel:** It might have been better to ask Asian Royal Fern-san herself from the beginning...
**Asian Royal Fern:** No no, I've made these practice machines after all, so once you get used to playing people, try it again♪ Alright, alright!
**Verbascum:** A-ahaha... Y-yes...
**Redbud Hazel:** Well, I'll go and get some spare racquets!
Here!
**Verbascum:** Ah, she took another point...!
**Castor Bean:** Haa... Haa... Not good...!
**Verbascum:** You two are good...
**Asian Royal Fern:** Really? Well, this isn't our first time playing together. Maybe we should tone down the intensity from a real match?
**Redbud Hazel:** You two made a last minute team, so it can't be helped that you're not yet good.
**Verbascum:** Th-that might be true... But...
**Castor Bean:** Not goooooood!!
**Verbascum:** Waa...!
**Castor Bean:** Thish is not good at all! If I can't get in sync with Verbascum-san and set up that perfect smash, then there'sh no way I can make an amazing win in a real match!
**Verbascum:** C-castor Bean-san.........
**Castor Bean:** At this rate, we're not going to get even a single victory! Uuu, what should I do!?

### The Friendship Strategy

Redbud Hazel thinks the reason why Castor Bean and Verbascum just can't match each others' paces is because of a psychological problem. She suggests that the two of them go around the stalls together to get to know each other more. While walking around the stalls, Castor Bean and Verbascum talk about why they signed up and what their objectives are. The two gradually open up to each other as they learn more.

**Castor Bean:** Uu, what should we do...?
**Verbascum:** I-I'm sorry... If I was better at this...
**Castor Bean:** Ah... It'sh not that! Castor also isn't very good, hauuu...
**Verbascum:** Castor Bean-san...
... What should we do...?
**Asian Royal Fern:** Hmmm... Even so, you're still a last minute team.
**Verbascum:** ... But, it was fate that brought myself and Castor Bean-san together to form a doubles team.
I also... Want to do what I can...
**Redbud Hazel:** Verbascum-san...
... I want to help you two as much as I can now that we've been able to meet.
At the very least, I want you two to have wonderful memories of this competition...!
**Asian Royal Fern:** ... Hmm, that's right.
Alright, why don't you two take some time to review your practice so far?
**Castor Bean:** Review... What'sh that?
**Asian Royal Fern:** Ahaha, not that kind of review, think about all the parts of your practice that you didn't do well and everyone can analyse it.
**Verbascum:** I see... Now that we've calmed down, we can look at the problem points and try to correct them. L-let's try that...!
**Redbud Hazel:** Well, let's start by reviewing Castor Bean-san!
Hmmm... You're a very aggressive player, Castor Bean-san. You might have been a little too aggressive and stepped out a little too far.
I think that you were too focused on your own play and didn't spare much thought for your partner, Verbascum.
**Castor Bean:** Ah, th-that'sh true!
Castor was trying toooo hard to do my best that I kept getting in Verbascum-san's way...
**Verbascum:** Y-you didn't get in my way! It's more like Castor Bean-san's aggressive play saved me a few times...
**Redbud Hazel:** I personally think it's a good thing to be aggressive! But when you're playing doubles, it's necessary to match the pace of your partner.
**Castor Bean:** Match her pace...?
**Asian Royal Fern:** Next will be Verbascum-san. Well, I'm sure you know this yourself, but you're the complete opposite of Castor Bean-san.
**Redbud Hazel:** That's right. I could see how much you were holding back in the way you moved, Verbascum-san.
Like you were lost... There were a lot of moments where you were a beat too slow.
**Verbascum:** Uuu... I-I think it's exactly like that too...
**Redbud Hazel:** There were many moments where you watched Castor Bean-san's movements before acting. It's a good thing to keep an eye on your partner, but I think that is what was slowing you down.
**Asian Royal Fern:** I seeee... So it's not a problem of skill, but of feelings.
**Redbud Hazel:** Yes, I think that too.
Could the reason that you're not doing well is because the two of you don't know each other well enough yet? As I said earlier, it's necessary to match each others' pace during doubles.
I think you two are out of pace because you're focusing on completely different things.
**Verbascum:** Different things...?
**Redbud Hazel:** It seems to me that Castor Bean-san can sense Verbascum-san's nervousness and is trying to take the lead.
It also seems to me that Verbascum-san doesn't want to get in the way of Castor Bean-san, and so gives priority to her movements.
**Castor Bean:** Fuee!? Is that true? Castor certainly was thinking that it would be good if Verbascum-san could have fun...
**Verbascum:** Me too... I was trying not to hold back Castor Bean-san who was doing her very best...
**Castor Bean:** Ah, you weren't holding me back at all! It'sh fine, Verbascum-san!
**Verbascum:** B-but...
**Asian Royal Fern:** It might be your base personalities, or could it be that you're being very careful around each other because you've only just met?
**Redbud Hazel:** That could be the case...
... Castor Bean-san, Verbascum-san. Why don't you two start by getting to know each other a little better?
**Verbascum:** Get to know each other...? B-but...
**Castor Bean:** But we don't have much time before the matches start!
Of course Castor would love to make friends with Verbascum-san outside of tennis! But, but...
**Verbascum:** C-castor Bean-san...
**Redbud Hazel:** I see, then...
... Ah, I have an idea! Why don't you two go and look around the stalls together?
**Verbascum:** The stalls...? Now that you say that, there are a lot of stalls all over the competition grounds.
**Castor Bean:** That'sh right! Castor was also thinking of finding some time to go around the stalls!
But... Is this alright? To not practice and go around stalls...?
**Asian Royal Fern:** Well... The most important thing for you two right now is to spend time closing that gap between your hearts.
Yeah, it should be fine! Hey hey, get out there♪
**Redbud Hazel:** If you don't mind, I'll show you around.
**Verbascum:** Asian Royal Fern-san, Redbud Hazel-san...
...... O-OK...! Let's do this, baby...!
**Castor Bean:** Ba... What was that?
**Verbascum:** Ah! N-no, it's noth...!
Ummm... Well, if you don't mind, Castor Bean-san... Will we go and look at the stalls together?
**Castor Bean:** Verbascum-san...
Yes, alright! Let's go together! I want to be better friendsh with you, Verbascum-san!
**Verbascum:** Yes... Let's go...!
**Castor Bean:** Waaaaa...! It smells so great♪
My head has just been filled with tennis, so I never knew there were this many stallsh!
**Redbud Hazel:** It's normally very quiet around here, but it's especially lively today because of today's competition.
Many people have come from other countries too, so all the stall owners are going all out today.
**Castor Bean:** It really does look like everyone'sh having fun!
I love eating and having fun together with everyone! How about you, Verbascum-san?
**Verbascum:** Eh, ummm... I, um... I'm not really used to being in lively places...
B-but, I'd like to have fun! Together with Castor Bean-san and Redbud Hazel-san...!
**Castor Bean:** Yay♪ Let's have fun!
**Verbascum:** Y-yes!
**Redbud Hazel:** Fufu♪ Well, what should we eat first? There's so much I don't know where to start...
**Castor Bean:** Ah, Verbascum-san, Redbud Hazel-san! Over there, let's go over there!
**Verbascum:** Wh-what is it...?
**Castor Bean:** There's a great smell coming from over there! There'sh no doubt it's the same stall as before!
**Verbascum:** Ah... You're right, what a wonderful smell... It's making my stomach rumble...
**Castor Bean:** Me too!
... Hmm? There's another great smell coming to me! I want to check over here too!
**Redbud Hazel:** We're really lost. There's an information point over there, why don't we use that to decide what to eat?
**Castor Bean:** I agree! Which would be the best one, I don't know...!
There's so much I want to eat! But then I'll far too full up.
**Verbascum:** Ah... Um, how about... We've been exercising a lot and have raised our body temperatures, so why don't we split an ice cream from over there between the three of us ?
That way, the amount of food that each person eats is lessened, so if we do that, then we can try all sorts of different food...
**Castor Bean:** Waaaa, let's do that, let's do that! Verbascum-san, nice idea!
**Redbud Hazel:** Three of us... Do you mean I can join too?
**Verbascum:** O-of course! You've helped us practice, shown us around, and joined us after all...
**Redbud Hazel:** ...! Thank you so much, I'm so happy!
**Verbascum:** Well, I'll go and buy some...
**Castor Bean:** Castor will queue up with you too!
**Redbud Hazel:** Ah, I'll come too!
**Verbascum:** E-eeh...!? Are you sure?
**Castor Bean:** Of courshe! If we all line up together, then it makes the time more fun♪
**Verbascum:** Yes... That's right...!
**Castor Bean:** Hmmm...♪ This ice cream that you chose is super tasty, Verbascum-san!
**Redbud Hazel:** You're right, the flavour is refreshing and it's easy to eat♪
**Verbascum:** I'm glad. It tastes good and cools the body...
Ah, um... Thank you again, Redbud Hazel-san. Not just for the practice, but for also joining us as we walk around these stalls...
I'm not familiar with this place, so your guidance has been really helpful.
**Castor Bean:** Castor really doesn't know much about Mahr Plateau either, so I would have gotten lost with all these stalls being here!
It's really reassuring to have you here with us, Redbud Hazel-san!
**Verbascum:** I've heard the stories, but this really is a huge place.
**Redbud Hazel:** Yes, it's a large plateau with flat terrain, which is a rarity in Bergamot Valley.
It was chosen for this competition because of it's ready availability of outdoor training fields.
**Verbascum:** I see...
**Redbud Hazel:** This time, we are focusing on events that have two or more people participate in teams to promote interaction between fellow Flower Knights and teamwork.
**Castor Bean:** Now that you mention that, Nazuna-san said the same thing!
**Verbascum:** Interaction... I-I see... I should have known that already, but that was my objective too...
So why did I ever plan to enter the tennis by myself... Uuu...
**Castor Bean:** So you came to the competition to interact with othersh, Verbascum-san?
**Verbascum:** Y-yes... I can never open up to others... But I want to get better at communicating casually.
So I hoped that I could speak to many people at this competition...
**Castor Bean:** I see, I see! Then you should communicate more with Castor!
**Verbascum:** Y-yes, thank you...!
Well, um... Could I ask you about the reason you chose to join the competition, Castor Bean-san...?
**Castor Bean:** Of courshe! The reason Castor joined is because I wanted to talk to a lot of people! Casotr lovesh talking to people♪
**Redbud Hazel:** There are a lot of people here. There are a lot of topics surrounding the competition, so it will be easy to talk a lot.
**Castor Bean:** Right, right♪ Also, if we win, there's a big prize, right? Castor wants to get that too!
I don't exactly know what the prize is though!
**Verbascum:** Ah, I don't know either...
**Redbud Hazel:** But you're still excited because there's a prize♪
**Verbascum:** It's always certainly nice to have a goal.
**Castor Bean:** Also, also! One more thing! I want to show my papa and mama, who worry a lot, that Castor is doing her best and they don't need to worry!
**Verbascum:** Your parents...?
**Castor Bean:** Papa and mama are really kind, and they support my job as a Flower Knight, but they always send me super thick letters and tonsh of candy.
I'm happy, but... I want to show my papa and mama that they don't need to worry about me so much.
**Redbud Hazel:** What wonderful parents. Also, it's really inspiring that you're working so hard for your parents, Castor Bean-san!
**Castor Bean:** Castor is inspiring!? Ehehe, yippee♪
**Verbascum:** How amazing, you have so many goals. I'm going to work hard to help you towards your goals, Castor Bean-san...!
**Castor Bean:** Thank you! Castor will also do my best to help you, Verbascum-san!
**Verbascum:** Y-yes...!
Ah, now that I'm thinking about doing my best again, I'm getting nervous... It would be good if I could move properly in the real matches...
**Redbud Hazel:** It will be fine. You two are very different from who you were before.
**Verbascum:** Y-you think so...?
**Castor Bean:** Different...? What has changed with us? What is it, what is it?
**Redbud Hazel:** Hmm, you see... It's not something you can see.
**Castor Bean:** Something you can't see?
**Redbud Hazel:** Yes, I think the two of you now could win! I'm looking forward to it!

### Friendship Double Smash!

Redbud Hazel has been accompanying Castor Bean and Verbascum, and she herself also hopes to be able to talk casually with people around the same age as herself, like those two. As the three of them get to know each other better, the doubles matches finally begin. Unlike their practice time, they now match each others' paces and claim a splendid victory in their first match.

**Castor Bean:** I'm so happy that I could eat so much delicious food with everyone!
**Verbascum:** Thank you again, Redbud Hazel-san.
We were only able to walk around all the stalls thanks to the kindness that you have shown us, Redbud Hazel-san.
I was a little nervous... But thanks to you, I think I can now approach these matches with a different mindset than before.
**Redbud Hazel:** I had a very enjoyable time too.
Also... I also actually had my own objective, and I was able to achieve it...
**Castor Bean:** Objective? What what, what kind of objective!?
**Redbud Hazel:** I wanted to get the chance to speak to people of the same age as me.
**Castor Bean:** Same age...? What do you mean?
**Redbud Hazel:** I grew up in the second hand book district of Bergamot Valley. All the people around me were adults, and there were no other children my age... Which meant the only people I had to talk to were all adults.
Maybe because of that, I spent all my time at the Knight Academy talking to my teachers, and rarely interacted with my classmates... I now regret all of that.
**Verbascum:** So that's what happened... But I understand how you feel. It's really tough to talk to people that you're not used to...
**Redbud Hazel:** So I've always wanted to talk more with people of my own age, or younger children ever since I became a Flower Knight, so I suggested that you should walk around the stalls because I wanted to talk with you even more... That's my confession.
**Verbascum:** You don't need to confess...! I'm extremely happy that you suggested it to us!
**Castor Bean:** Castor thinks so too! Thanks to you, I was able to make better friends with Verbascum-san, and you too, Redbud Hazel-san!
**Redbud Hazel:** You two... Thank you! I'm so happy I could make friends with you!
**Nazuna's Voice:** It is now time for all those participating in the tennis event to gather!
**Redbud Hazel:** Ah, the matches are about to start!
**Verbascum:** I-it's finally here...! Let's go, Castor Bean-san!
**Castor Bean:** O-K! Please watch us, Redbud Hazel-san!
**Redbud Hazel:** Of course! Good luck!
... OK, I'm going to support them with all my heart!
**Winter Daphne:** Hello, do you have a moment?
**Redbud Hazel:** Ah, yes! What's the matter?
**Dogwood:** We have come to watch the tennis matches, but where are the supporter's seats?
**Redbud Hazel:** I'll show you to them.
The match will begin as soon as the players are ready, so please wait at your seats.
**Winter Daphne:** Understood, thanks. By the way, can I ask one more thing? It's something I'd like to know...
**Redbud Hazel:** Yes, please ask me anything!
**Winter Daphne:** I would like to know if a girl called Verbascum has entered as a player.
**Redbud Hazel:** So you know Verbascum-san!? Yes, her and her partner are both participating!
**Dogwood:** Partner? You mean... Could Verbascum-san be entering into the doubles!? I never heard anything about that...
**Redbud Hazel:** Yes, there are no singles this time...
She herself wasn't aware there were no singles either, but she managed to form a last minute doubles team on site.
**Dogwood:** Eeeh!? Th-that's... With someone she just met... Is she alright...?
**Winter Daphne:** Hmmm, I'm a little worried... She's a very nice girl, but...
**Redbud Hazel:** Ah, that's...
**Calm Looking Man:** E-excuse me! Is what you're talking about true!? That there is only doubles tennis...
**Redbud Hazel:** Eh? Ah, yes, There is only doubles this time.
**Kind Looking Woman:** R-really! But didn't Castor-chama say in her letter that she would be entering the singles? She said we didn't need to worry...!
**Redbud Hazel:** Castor-chama... Could it be that you're Castor Bean-san's family?
**Castor's Mother:** Y-yes, that's right! I'm Castor's mother! Are you a friend of hers?
**Redbud Hazel:** ...! Yes, that's right!
**Castor's Father:** I-is Castor alright!? Of course I'm aware of her wonderful work as a Flower Knight, and I'm sure she'll do well in today's grand competition, but still...
**Castor's Mother:** But we never heard anything about doubles, so I'm a little surprised... I wonder what kind of person her partner is...? Is she getting along well with Castor...!?
**Castor's Father:** Aah, will she be alright...!? I trust in Hima-chama, but a father still can't help but worry!!
**Redbud Hazel:** (Fufu, it's just like Castor Bean-san said, they really are worried parents...)
Castor's parents, and you two also.
**Winter Daphne & Dogwood:** [[?]]
**Redbud Hazel:** It's fine! Verbascum-san and Castor Bean-san make a splendid pair!
Please take the front seats to watch their match! I'll show you to them!

–Grand Competition, Tennis Court–
**Tutsan:** – What a white hot match! Let's give a huge round of applause for our players!!
And now! Let's continue our white hot tennis game day, where myself, Tutsan, will give you a passionate commentary throughout!
Now, our next match will be... Oooh!
Next up! A doubles team who formed up at the last minute right here on these very grounds, please welcome Castor Bean and Verbascum!
This team has only just paired up, so what kind of play will they show us!? This is going to be a match to watch!
**Nazuna:** Match... Start! Serve goes to Castor Bean-san!
**Verbascum:** W-we're already starting...! I-I-I'm so nervous...
... Uuun, it's fine...! As long as I can match Castor Bean's pace, I'll definitely...!
Right... It's fine, let's do this baby...!
**Castor Bean:** That'sh right! Baby!
**Verbascum:** Wah! Y-you heard that...?
**Castor Bean:** Ehehe, yes! Let's do this baby! It'sh so cool!
Castor's going to do it too! Let'sh go!
Castor-chama's super super shot!!
**Tutsan:** Ooooooh! What a sharp serve!
It had a lot of force, but their opponents have returned it!!
**Verbascum:** This is my...!
**Tutsan:** Verbascum has picked it up perfectly!
The other team isn't holding back either!
**Castor Bean:** Take thish!
**Verbascum:** !! I can get this ball...!
Kyaa... Captain Planter Attack!!
**Tutsan:** It's all over!! Castor Bean and Verbascum has taken the point!
**Castor Bean:** Yippee! We did it, Verbascum-san!
**Verbascum:** Y-y-yes...! We did it... We can do it...!
**Castor Bean:** Let'sh keep this up and make our way through the first round!
**Nazuna:** The match is over!
**Tutsan:** And the wonderful winners are...
Castor Bean and Verbascum!!
**Castor Bean:** Yippee----!!
**Verbascum:** W-we did it...! We won...!
**Tutsan:** This last minute team had some unbelievably wonderful teamwork! We're going to need to keep a closer eye on their next match!
**Verbascum:** The next match... That's right, this is still the first round. But it was still an amazing first win...!
**Castor Bean:** We can do thish, we can do thish together! We'll keep this up and keep winning...
**Verbascum:** Set our sights... On victory...!

### Epilogue

The pair were happy that they played their best, even though they didn't win. Castor Bean's parents and Verbascum's friends, who came to watch them, showered them with words of praise. Castor Bean, Verbascum, and Redbud Hazel all share a smile and confirm their new friendship made through this competition.

**Nazuna:** –And so, Mahr Plateau's Grand Competition's tennis event is over! Thank you for all your hard work, everyone who joined!
**Castor Bean:** ... Ehehe, we lost.
**Verbascum:** Yes... But I never thought we'd have won and gotten so far...!
We might not have achieved victory, bet to be able to match pace with you, Castor Bean-san, who I only just met is...
**Redbud Hazel's Voice:** Castor Bean-san, Verbascum-saan!
**Castor Bean:** Redbud Hazel-san!
**Redbud Hazel:** Good work on your matches, you two! That white hot match... It was super super amazing...!
**Verbascum:** Th-thank you...!
**Winter Daphne:** Good play, Verbascum-chan. We watched your match and you did your best.
**Verbascum:** Winter Daphne-san, Dogwood-san...! You both came to watch me.
**Dogwood:** Of course! That was a wonderful match! The both of you were in perfect sync... It was thrilling to watch!
**Verbascum:** E-ehehe, thank you...!
**Castor's Parents:** Castor-chama, Castor-chama----!!
**Castor Bean:** Wah! Mama, papa! You came to see me!
**Castor's Mother:** Yes, yes! Of course! It was an amazing match!
**Castor's Father:** We were worried when we heard that you were entering by yourself, but when we heard you were doing doubles, it surprised us in a different way...!
But... It didn't look like we needed to worry at all. That's what I was thinking all the time I was watching your match.
**Castor Bean:** Ehehe... Ah! I'll introduce you, mama and papa! This is Castor's partner, Verbascum-san!
**Verbascum:** Castor Bean-san's father and mother...! P-pleased to meet you, I'm Verbascum...!
**Castor Bean:** Castor got into a pinch because I'm clumsy, but thanks to Verbascum-san, we managed to join the match!
Also, thanks to Redbud Hazel-san and Asian Royal Fern-san, who's not here right now...!
Castor was able to have the verrrry best competition ever!
**Verbascum:** Castor Bean-san...
**Winter Daphne:** ... It seems like you also had a good time, Verbascum-san.
**Dogwood:** We were a little surprised when we heard that you were joining in the doubles matches...
**Verbascum:** Me too... I was really surprised...
To be honest, I was thinking I should just go home at that point... But thanks to Castor Bean-san and Redbud Hazel-san, I was able to join a match...!
**Winter Daphne:** Yes, it was a very good match. Nobody would have ever thought that Verbascum-chan and Castor Bean-chan only made a pair today.
**Dogwood:** Because of that, you became friends with Castor Bean-san!
**Verbascum:** Y-yes...!
**Redbud Hazel:** Fufu... I'm glad...
**Castor Bean & Verbascum:** [[Redbud Hazel-san!]]
**Redbud Hazel:** Wa! Y-yes!
**Verbascum:** We were able to do our best today because of all your support, Redbud Hazel...
**Redbud Hazel:** I-I just gave a few words of advice...
**Verbascum:** No, if we had never heard your advice, Redbud Hazel-san, then we would never have gotten to know each other better.
**Castor Bean:** All I was thinking that I definitely wanted to have one match!
So... Thank you, thank you! Thank you so much!
**Redbud Hazel:** You two... Ehehe, thank you very much too.
Ah, I need to go and tell Asian Royal Fern-san the news.
**Verbascum:** That's right. Please give her our thanks. For letting us practice with her machine...
**Castor Bean:** Well, why don't we go together to say thanksh!
Ah...! Ehehe, now that the matches are over, I'm a little hungry!
**Verbascum:** Ah, th-then.. Shall we carry on walking around the stalls... Or do something else...?
**Castor Bean:** Waaah! Sounds good, let's go! What about you, Redbud Hazel-san!?
**Redbud Hazel:** I'll come too... If it's alright?
**Verbascum:** Of course it is...! Um, eh... Will we all go together? It's definitely more fun with more people...!
**Dogwood:** Is that alright? Thank you!
**Castor's Mother:** Mama will make her way home. You have wonderful friends around you... So we don't need to worry. Please enjoy your time with your friends.
**Castor Bean:** Papa, mama...! Got it! Castor will have fun, then come home!
**Verbascum:** Ah, um... Castor Bean-san, Redbud Hazel-san. Eh, ummm...
**Redbud Hazel:** ? What's the matter, Verbascum-san?
**Verbascum:** Is it... You know, to say we're friends... Is it alright...?
**Castor Bean:** Of course! You're already everyone's friend!
**Redbud Hazel:** Yes! We're friends!
**Verbascum:** ...! Ehehe... I'm so happy...♪
**Redbud Hazel:** Me too, I'm very happy. To be able to talk to people of my age, and to even make friends...
Today was a very good day for me too♪
**Verbascum:** Me too... It was the best competition ever...!
**Castor Bean:** I want to make even better friends with you two after this! But I might not be able to meet up with Verbascum-san too often...
But but, if we send each other letters and try to make our schedules match, then I'd love to play together even more!
**Verbascum:** Pen pals...? How wonderful! I'll also definitely write to you as soon as I get home to Lilywood!
**Redbud Hazel:** Going there to play sounds fun. I'm not so familiar with current trends... So I would be happy if you could teach me all about it.
**Castor Bean:** Of courshe! Let's become better and better friendsh!
Ouuu, my stomach again...! I'm almost at my limit...!
**Verbascum:** Fufu, well let's go and look around the stalls.
**Redbud Hazel:** Let's go! Why don't we go and take a look at the stalls we couldn't see before!?
**Castor Bean:** Yaay♪ Let'sh go, let'sh go!
*- The three people who met at the competition on the plateau deepen their friendship. Hopefully this friendship will continue on forever and ever.*