| Route Kingdom | |
|---|---|
| ACT.289 | |
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| Character/s in the cover | Ren Tsuruga & Kana Kusunoki |
| Volume | Volume 47 |
| Original Release | December 20, 2020 |
| Arc | Route Project arc |
| Chapter Guide | |
| Previous | Next |
| ACT.288 | ACT.290 |
Route Kingdom is the 289th chapter of the Skip Beat! Manga Series. This is the third instalment of thirteen chapters that precede under the same title.
Plot[]
Ren and Kana meet for the first time after the scandal and come to an agreement. Kyoko is having fun with Kanae and Sarah at DayJowey Land still however during lunch, Sarah reminds Kyoko of someone.
Summary[]
Ren and Kana run into each other at the garage-level elevator entrance, both blinking in surprise at coming face-to-face with each other when the doors open. It's a bit awkward as its the first time they are alone since the scandal broke. Ren gets in and wonders wasn't Kana getting off? Kana gently murmurs yes then stares meaningfully at Ren. Ren presses the button for his floor and then the one to close the door as he muses aloud is this her way of telling him to go ahead and voice his complaints to her? She teases that she's glad he's always so quick on the uptake. Ren realises that this probably means things went well for her and her S.O.? Though even if it didn't, he still thinks he deserves a complaint or two. Kana wonders what makes him think things went well? Ren hums, well he is just guessing by her generosity in letting him voice a complaint, but also, she looks really happy. Almost like she can't contain it. Like an overflowing pot of soup. Kana blinks in surprise at the comment and simile. Ren says well that is what his manager says anyway. He's the one who actually pointed it out to Ren. Ren's expression is a little self-deprecating. He then smirks at Kana, sending her sly smile. Kana gasps in realisation, Jacob's Ladder! Ren chuckles, oh she saw that? But thanks to the chaos, something actually good happened to him. Kana is shocked, wait he has a special 'someone'...? He doesn't give off the faintest hint of it though... Ren asks if they're are not in the same situation? Kana answers, troubled, that they are not quite there yet. Society is strict with people like her, the wind outside the industry is especially strong and she tends to forget about that it within the industry. Ren glances at her with sympathy then states he doesn't mind. She can use him to block the wind. So long as his partner has no qualms with it. Kana is grateful, that's a very nice offer she says but is he sure it would be okay? Especially with his partner? Isn't he worried that his partner will think the rumours true and become jealous and sulky? Ren looks at her for beat and sighs. Kana is perplexed and wonders what that envious look he gave was for. Ren say it's nothing but suffice to say he's pretty sure there's no need to be concerned about that. Kana is impressed, his partner must be quite the adult. She inwardly questions if their older than Ren maybe? Ren answers that yes, in a way they are; they are much more mature than him at least. Kana guesses to herself from this answer that they may be younger or at least similar age to Ren, but she's not sure given Ren's vague wording. Ren continues saying that despite her maturity she's not the type that can handle situations in the industry all that deftly so he'd like to avoid drawing public attention to her. Does she see what he means? Kana understands what Ren is asking, their goals align then don't they? She comes to a decision as she offers her hand to shake as she states that she agrees to be his fake lover and block the wind for him. To protect both his and her significant others. Ren smiles warmly at her as he thanks her and takes her hand to seal the agreement. It is, of course, at that unfortunate, or maybe fortunate considering the deal just struck, moment that the elevator doors open to two employees who gasp at seeing Ren and Kana 'holding hands'.
Meanwhile Kyoko is despondent as she has been told that DayJowey Land's Princess Castle is shut for a high society gathering (closed for repairs) and they can pick up complimentary tickets at the information booth. Kyoko is so upset that she's not really listening as she sobs about pictures with the princess and tea time with the princess. Sarah asks what's wrong? Can they not go into the castle today? Kyoko wails as she sobs to Sarah. Sarah manages to perk Kyoko up by telling her she should come to America one day and she'll take her to the America's DayJowey Land. And they both can wear pretty and super fancy dresses and go to a masquerade ball! Kyoko's tears instantly clear up as she goes starry eyed at the idea of a masquerade ball. Kyoko wonders if its okay for her to attend as she's just a commoner. Sarah's reassures her that its fine, everyone's faces are hidden so it doesn't matter if you're a commoner or nobility. Kyoko is positively thrilled at this. Kanae is watching on, not understanding as they are talking too fast in English. She does see that Kyoko has been cheered up so she says thank you to Sarah and that she's glad she was here. Kanae then trails off as she can't remember how to say that in English so she scrolls through her notebook for it. She finds it and manages to say a halting 'nice to have you here' which Sarah smiles at. Kanae is happy she managed to say it right. Sarah jumps up, expressing her thanks, as she is so relieved and worried she was imposing. She wouldn't know what to do if she was ruining their trip. Besides she really wants to be friends with the two of them! Kanae is now panicking and gesturing for Sarah to slow down as it's to fast for her to comprehend. She manages to say could she please speak more slowly? Though she does have difficulties with the 'Ls'. Which Sarah notes after apologising for getting excited. She sees that Kanae's has the "R" sound down, but she needs more work on the "L " sound. Kyoko laughs as she agrees that when Kanae gets nervous she drops the "L" . Sarah suggests saying 'I love you" 50,000 time perhaps? She bets it would get her better in no time. Kanae thinks the word 'Library' would be effective. Kyoko agrees as it has both L and R in it.
Sarah calls both of their attention as she asks if they want to have lunch over there, pointing to a place called 'Happiness Kitchen'. Kanae realises that is it closed to one in the afternoon. Kyoko agrees happily as now that they mention it she's hungry too. Kanae and Kyoko are at a table with a meal tray each when they stop and stare at Sarah as she approaches. Sarah apologies as she realises they must've been waiting for her to eat. Both of them wonder who all that food is for as Sarah is carrying enough for an army. Sarah cheerily says why for herself of course. Then finishes it so quickly yet without mess at all. Both Kanae and Kyoko who are still eating their meal gape, for the food seem to just vanish its incredible. Sarah delicately sips her drink as she declares the food delicious, then jumps up telling them she's going to buy some more. Kanae can't believe it, how the hell did she consumer so much food? What is her stomach?! She looks under the table wondering if Sarah tossed it somewhere when the weren't looking?! Kyoko looks weary, like a soldier seeing a traumatic trigger. She murmurs its as if she sucked it all into a black hole and even though she ate so fast, she didn't look disgusting at all; in fact, she ate with grace and elegance the whole way.... And, Kyoko muses, she knows someone else exactly like that as she recalls Kuu Hizuri eating her cake slice by slice using the serving knife.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
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