Tempest - Prologue

Location: ES (Exterior)

 

<April, on the way to ES>

Eichi: The wind is strong today, isn’t it, Wataru?

 

It seems that a spring storm is approaching. I’ll pray that these flowers called idols, which have blossomed on the soil that is ES, won’t be blown and scattered away.

 

Wataru: More importantly, please look, Eichi~! Look, look at my long hair: even this strong wind cannot dishevel it!

 

Fufufu, isn’t it an absolute mystery? There’s a secret trick to this, you see; in this world ruled by the laws of physics, there is an answer to every question—

 

Eichi: ……

 

Wataru: Now, feast your eyes! Watch how I’m able to sense the direction and strength of the wind and, at a speed too great to perceive, move my head against it!

 

This is a countermeasure I learnt from Hokuto’s mother at our theater venue. As actors, we must be prepared for when a production requires the use of fans, you see~?

 

“Now that you mention it, that’s true” — are you now thinking something along those lines?!

 

Eichi: ...Yeah, I am. You know, it feels like we’ve gotten closer, so I am happy that you’re showing me your true self — that you're no longer putting on a front…

 

But I want you to make me experience those things called “emotions” just a little more.

 

Wataru: But of course! Entrust this task to me! Your wish is my command, dearest!

 

Fufufu. Acting really has been becoming increasingly enjoyable lately. I never stop thinking up new techniques I could possibly employ.

 

Ah, Amazing! This world is truly overflowing with love and surprises!

 

Eichi: What are you saying, after all this time? My world is always full of such things, simply because you’re by my side.

 

Oh?

 

Tori: ......

 

Eichi: Tori. Why are you standing around here...? You’re normally so stylish, but now your hair is quite disorderly, like a stray cat’s — this isn’t like you at all.

I’ll fix it for you. There, there ♪

 

Tori: Eichi-sama...

 

Wataru: Be at ease, Himegimi! As a countermeasure against strong winds, I have extensively trained my neck! Using each and every one of my muscles, and employing all the techniques at my disposal, I shall transform into a human windbreak for you!

 

Look, please look at my gallant figure that doesn’t waver in even this spring storm! I shall protect your lovely hairstyle until the bitter end...☆

 

Tori: (ignoring him) ...Eichi-sama, the truth is... there’s something I wanna talk to you about.

 

Eichi: Yes, what is it? If you’re alright with me, I’ll listen to you anytime.

 

But if it’s okay with you, and if you think this will be a long discussion, I’d like to have it indoors. I’m not so weak as to collapse from being shaken around by the wind, but this strong gust is really getting to my back.

 

Unlike a certain someone, I don’t have enough muscle to blow away the wind.

 

Tori: ...That idiot has been getting even weirder lately — did something good happen to him?

 

Eichi: I wonder? Perhaps he’s like this simply because it’s spring… Well, if you want me to answer seriously, Wataru just finds the activities he’s been doing with his theater troupe to be unbearably interesting.

 

I have faith that he definitely won’t stop working as an idol…

 

But I really am a little jealous. I want to teach him more about how truly enjoyable being an idol is.

 

Tori: Fufu. You know, Eichi-sama... I bet that idiot Long Locks already feels like he's found the place where he can enjoy himself the most — the place where he belongs — just because you're here with him.

 

Anyways, this is something that’s kiiinda hard to say when Yuzuru’s around, so could I just tell you about it here real quick? It’s no big deal, but...

 

Wataru: Hmm, did you have a disagreement or such with Butler-san?

 

Tori: We’re not fighting or anything, but… How should I say this~? Lately, Yuzuru’s been a little weird.

 

He spaces out a lot, and at the mansion he dropped and broke a plate, which is super unlike him.

 

I keep spending all my time with him, so I thought maybe my jealous little sister set up a trap or something, but…

 

It looks like Yuzuru’s hand really did just slip.

 

Yuzuru’s always perfect! He doesn’t normally make those kinds of mistakes, so I’m worried about him.

 

But whenever I try to ask him if anything’s bothering him, all he does is give me vague answers.

Eichi: Hmm, that’s certainly odd.

 

Tori: Yeah… Lately, everyone in fine has been working separately, and we haven’t really gotten together much—

 

But you both work with Yuzuru pretty often, so I was thinking that maybe you'd know something about why he's been acting strangely.

 

That's why I lied and told him I was gonna practise with the tennis club today, then I just dashed over here.

 

This is Yuzuru we’re talking about, so he’ll probably realize I fibbed any moment now and come here to scold me; if you can think of anything, please tell me as quickly as you can.

Eichi: Hmm… All I’ve been doing lately is isolating myself to do paperwork — I need to ensure ES, which has only just been established, doesn’t stumble on its first step forward, after all.

I haven’t spoken to Yuzuru much, so I’m not sure why he’s behaving that way.

 

It would be most efficient to ask him directly, but I think he’s been trained to withstand even torture… Would he confess?

 

Wataru: Ahh, the answer has dawned upon me! This must be lovesickness!

 

Eichi: ...Huh?

 

Tori: Yuzuru’s… in love? No way— I mean, is that even possible?

Wataru: But of course! Although Butler-san is prone to speaking and behaving like a killing machine, in the end, he, too, is human.

He surely must have fallen in love before. Demons have set many traps in this world to tempt people onto the path of romance, after all.

 

Eichi: Hmm… Actually, upon thinking about the situation without any preconceptions, this does seem like lovesickness.

Love drives people mad, and it can even completely change them.

 

But I’ve never been in love before, so I can’t really think of a way to resolve such a problem.

 

Wataru: What? Are you seriously saying that? Eichi?

 

Yuzuru: Young Master~! Why did you lie to me?! Have you become obsessed with yet another questionable manga or game?!

 

As I have said countless times before, you need to finish your studies and your work properly before you—

 

Oh? What are you all doing, gathering like this? Are you secretly plotting something again?

 

Tori: (Hmm…? Yuzuru’s… in love? I really don’t think that’s true, though…?)

Next Chapter

Tempest - Chapter 1

Location: Cafe "COCHI"

 

<About ten minutes later>

Yuzuru: Hmm. I’m… in love, you say?

 

Fufu. I haven't the faintest clue as to how you arrived at such a happy misunderstanding, but…

 

It seems that I have caused you all to worry. Allow me to apologize.

 

More importantly, please have some tea, everyone. COCHI, ES’ cafe, has an array of excellent tea leaves—

 

The devil is in the details; the quality of the entire box is surely preserved because good money was spent on it.

 

Tori: Nuh uh! This isn’t the time to be drinking tea~! You were trying to change the topic, weren’t you, slave? I still have a ton of questions, you know?

 

Yuzuru: I am not a slave. Fufu, it’s been quite a while since we’ve had a back and forth like this.

 

Lately, you have been growing at a remarkable rate, Young Master. You no longer need to spout vitriol at me to release your stress.

 

This is a good trend. If you continue to apply yourself like this, your future will surely be bright ♪

 

Tori: Uuu~! Like I said, we’re supposed to be talking about you right now, not me! If you’re not in love, why’ve you been spacing out so much?

I’ve been— I mean, everyone at the estate has been worrying about you, y'know!

 

Yuzuru: Ah, I’m terribly sorry. It’s simply that… Well, it’s quite difficult to explain. It is a personal issue, so please do not mind me.

 

Eichi: I’m afraid I can’t put this out of my mind so easily. You’re always selfless and devoted, so my curiosity is very much piqued when you say, “it’s a personal issue.”

 

Please, I want you to tell us what’s in your heart without reserve.

 

We’re comrades who have experienced both joy and sorrow together, friends that have lived through the same youth, and something of a family that trusts and loves one another, aren’t we?

 

I appreciate your constant faithfulness and adroitness, but in the end it’s undeniably lonely to have you merely wait on me.

Yuzuru: My… I am truly unworthy of such words.

 

Wataru: Fufufu, I think it would be best to take what Eichi has just said as candid advice towards all of us, and, above all, towards ourselves.

 

There would be no meaning to walking the same path together if we didn't strive to draw closer to one another — if we didn't endeavor to understand each other.

 

Just like all the other lovable idols, we should also take off our armor and pull off our masks, clashing together as bare flesh and blood.

 

Eichi: Fufu, that’s right. I feel like we’ve been influenced by everyone else.

 

If we wanted to simply live mindlessly, there would be no need to understand the hearts of others, and it would be sufficient to treat everyone as nothing more than a statistic.

 

However, the person I am now seems to have grown tired of a life filled with only calculations.

 

Yuzuru: Fufu. This is a mere jest, but you must be saying such words because you have only been doing mathematical computations lately.

 

You've been working very hard to put ES on track — I know you must consequently be missing the warmth of human touch.

 

Eichi: You’re right. This is the path I chose for myself, but I’m honestly starting to get a little fed up.

 

I’ve been completely immersed in administrative work, so I haven’t really been able to do any idol activities.

 

On that matter, I'd like to apologize to you all.

 

I’ve finally been released from the miniature garden that is school, and I've also purchased ES, the home of my dreams — I was supposed to be free, but…

 

You simply can’t have your way in life.

 

Tori: Mm… I know that there’s no point in sulking, but… I’m super sad that we haven’t been able to do any lives together as fine lately.

 

Eichi-sama has to do important work, though, so it’s just not possible — I’m not a kid anymore, so I understand that.

 

Wataru: Fufufu. Allow me to behave clownishly and return the conversation to its original topic. Well, then, Butler-san, what is the reason you have been so melancholic?

 

The stage is a paradise where every joy exists. As the days pass, are you feeling weary because you’ve distanced yourself from it?

 

Life itself is a stage, a place of self-expression where you must dance rapturously until the curtain call!

 

Although it appears that you’ve killed your true self, and are very skilled at devoting yourself to your role—

 

Not even you can return to being a clay doll now that you’ve tasted the honeyed flavor of a sweet apple! [1]

 

Yuzuru: Hmm. If I were to self-analyze, I would say that isn't the direct cause of my troubles. However, it may be one of the reasons my feelings cannot quite clear up.

 

I wonder if the reason I feel downhearted is because I haven’t been given a place to dispel my stress and sorrows.

 

It is a delight to push yourself into a mould and carry out the role assigned to you, but…

 

Before I knew it, I, too, seem to have become an idol — no, a human — just like the rest of you. [2]
 

Eichi: What're you saying? Both in name and in substance, you are and always have been a member of the top idol unit fine.

 

Yuzuru: Fufu. Yes, constantly being distant and reserved is a flaw of mine.

I was raised like that, and have trained myself to be that way, so it is difficult not to do so, but… [3]

 

If it is desired of me to expose my true emotions, my heart... I shall.

 

I’m sure that is a butler’s— no, an idol’s way of life.

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Notes: 

1. I think Wataru is mixing metaphors here; he’s probably referring to the myth of creation from the Bible and to the Babylonian myth where humans were created from clay and the body of a god. Basically, he’s saying that Yuzuru can’t go back to his old “lifeless” self now that he's known something more.

2. This is probably a call back to The Flag's Honor＊Flower Festival, Angel 3, where Yuzuru and Wataru talk about their masks and true faces.

3. The word Yuzuru uses here is for the training/breaking of animals. I think maybe this word in particular was used to show how little regard he held for his true feelings, how he just saw them as something to be controlled and tamed. Another fun bit of trivia is the first kanji in Yuzuru’s last name, 伏す, can also mean “to hide oneself."

Tempest - Chapter 2

Location: Reception Room

 

<That night>

 

Eichi: ……

 

 

Wataru: Eichi… are you working overtime today, as well?

 

Eichi: Hello there, Wataru. I thought you might come.

 

Unfortunately, I couldn’t think up an interesting way to react, so… My apologies, but I’m afraid that I can only give you this plain reaction.

 

Wataru: There’s no need to apologize. You perfectly predict, anticipate and understand my every action — that alone completely satisfies me.

 

Honestly, I surprise myself with how satisfied I am.

 

Fufufu. “The wind has been growing even stronger, so he couldn’t possibly jump in from the window"...

Is what I thought you'd assume, but it seems as though I was too naïve.

 

Eichi: Well, there was plenty of foreshadowing this time. You were far too overt when you declared yourself a being that can conquer even the strongest of winds. Unfortunately, I saw right through your trick.

 

Wataru: You certainly did. I shall reflect on this and make the most of your advice for next time.

 

Eichi: I’m already looking forward to it. I’ll also make sure to have little enough composure so that I'm properly surprised.

In any case, would you be so kind as to advise me on something?

 

Wataru: Of course; ask me absolutely anything. On my end, I've tried to prepare the words I believe you may need.

 

Eichi. Your heart is still troubled by what Butler-san spoke to us about earlier today, isn’t it?

 

Eichi: I’m not troubled, per se.

 

No, I was just thinking about how I overcame a similar conflict in the past… I thought I had come to an understanding within myself, but…

 

I’m currently reflecting on what I should do.

 

Basically, I've come up with a number of methods, so I’m not that worried; I don't feel like I’m confused, lost in the dark, but…

 

I can’t decide which method is right. Or rather, I feel like no matter what I choose, I’ll be missing something crucial.

 

Even though any one of them would be fine, none of them are perfect. Ah, I’m sorry for phrasing this in such a vague way.

 

Wataru: No, not at all. Please be at ease, for I understand what you’re trying to convey.

 

Eichi: Yeah. Because you can understand everything, can’t you, Wataru?

 

You’re like an angel — the personification of truth itself. I almost want to just leave all my decisions to you... I wonder if it'd be alright for me to depend on other people like that.

 

Wataru: I wouldn't mind at all. Or rather, I’ve come here to propose exactly that.

 

Won’t you entrust this matter to me?

Eichi: To you?

 

Wataru: Yes. I’ve been getting persistently nagged about how I’m spending too much time with my theater troupe lately… mainly by you, Eichi.

 

Therefore, I want to demonstrate the depth of my devotion and love to you.

And — this may be rude of me to say, but — you have no choice but to rely on other people right now, correct?

 

Although you love living as an idol more than anything else, you're currently being forced to put that aside so you can administrate ES.

 

This is surely a critical time, so you’re being fully occupied with various tasks; you have far too many irons in the fire.

 

Normally, anyone who found themselves in such a situation would choose to rely on others...

 

So please rely on me now. You can trust me, can't you?

Eichi: Of course. I trust you more than anyone in this world — more than I trust myself. I wouldn’t even mind being betrayed, so long as it were by you.

 

Even if you did the cruelest things to me, I wouldn't mind at all. I wonder if this is what society calls "love"?

 

Wataru: Fufufu. You truly sound like a child sometimes.

 

In any case, although it would be a pleasure to exchange sweet nothings with you endlessly…

 

It would be a terrible crime indeed to steal away more of your time — I shall voice my thoughts with brevity so we may sort out this situation posthaste.

 

Eichi: Oh? That’s a shame. I'd be more than happy to devote my time to you.

 

Wataru: Why, thank you, Eichi. That is the highest form of praise an entertainer could ever hope to receive.

 

Now, then. Let us settle the issue that Butler-san has brought to our attention earlier today. It seems that, when he was young, he was put in quite a unique institution—

 

Eichi: Yes. He’s very evasive about it because he doesn’t want Tori to know, but…

 

When Yuzuru was a child, he was put in the custody of an institution that was more or less a private military company’s base.

 

Wataru: Ah, yes. Taking into account the words we’ve exchanged so far, I suspected something along those lines.

Eichi: Alright. I won’t go into it too deeply, then, and conceal all the details.

 

That company is under the direct control of the Himemiya family, so I don’t have access to any classified information, such as its exact address, anyways.

 

Wataru: Fufufu. It’s no wonder...

 

It certainly isn’t normal to have such agility, or such a lack of openings, at Butler-san’s age. I suspected that he received some special type of training.

 

He has the attributes of a soldier, after all.

 

War is a sorrowful deed that steals away smiles and love from people, but so long as humans continue to be imperfect, it's surely unavoidable.

 

I’m an actor, so I don’t involve myself in tragedies that occur off stage… I can’t say I understand completely, but I'm able to at least imagine his experiences.

 

At that institution, Butler-san was treated as an instructor and made to direct the new recruits — something like that, correct?

 

However, he's skillful at replying evasively, so it’s quite laborious to try and guess the meaning buried within his words.

 

Eichi: Yes, his mask is also incredibly thick. But you both probably consider such masks to be your own self, your pride, and your very soul.

 

Wataru: Yes. The mask itself is me.

 

If Butler-san is wearing the mask of “Butler-san” right now… 

 

That is exactly what he considers to be the definition of himself — what he wishes to show to other people.

 

The soldier part of himself hides behind that mask, and that must be why it is difficult for him to speak of it.

 

Even he, himself, is unable to see the face from his past that lies underneath when he looks in a mirror.

 

That is why, unable to arrive at an answer, he tilts his neck and continues to be at a loss.

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Tempest - Chapter 3

Location: Reception Room

Wataru: If I’m not mistaken, we were told about how…

One of Butler-san's colleagues from that institution has now retired and is managing a flower shop in ES’ vicinity.

 

Eichi: Yeah. We discussed something along those lines.

 

Yuzuru probably studied how to be a bodyguard, so I can more or less understand how he went from soldier to butler…

 

But I don’t feel like there’s any connection between being a soldier and a florist.

 

Wataru: There can be. This is mere conjecture, but perhaps that person’s heart was once soothed by a flower they caught sight of on the battlefield.

 

Additionally, we cannot assert that they don’t have any interest in things that can heal people, such as flowers, simply because they had a violent occupation.

 

After all, even those who are kind are capable of killing. In fact, some people can even kill out of kindness.

 

Eichi: That’s true. At the same time, people can also kill without any ill intent. Like a prison guard carrying out the death penalty...

 

But I understand why there are those who wish that the culprit acted out of malice when someone dear to them is killed.

 

Wataru: Yes. If there is malice, one can both understand why such a thing happened and take revenge for it. No one wishes to die like a mere insect, and no one wants to be killed.

 

We're all human, with hearts beating in our chests. That is precisely why we cannot accept irrational deaths.

 

Eichi: However, as an administrator — and as an “Emperor” — there are times when I have to cause exactly that.

 

At this very moment, I'm killing things as if they were insects. Without any ill intent, I’m stealing away and trampling all over that which people hold dear.

 

I’m deciding that it's necessary to do so and processing people’s love into mere numbers.

 

From the moment I became a ruler, I could no longer expect to have a life of ordinary happiness...

 

Who said something like that? Was it Caesar?

 

Wataru: Yes. Although that line was omitted from Shakespeare’s play. [1]
 

Eichi: Well, he was an Englishman. At the time, he probably couldn’t have portrayed Caesar, who was the first person to invade England, in a favorable light.

 

Wataru: Who knows? I do love Shakespeare, but I am not the man himself.

 

Actors surely consider him to be a magnificent, almost God-like writer precisely because there is so much room for interpretation in his works.

Eichi: Fufu. Of what Shakespeare has written, I like the monologue-like lines that adorn the conclusion of the last work attributed to him —  the lines that sound like he, himself, is speaking to the audience.

 

Wataru: Oh, are you referring to ''The Tempest''? Yes, that would resonate with you. [2]

Eichi: Yeah. Although I’m still not allowed to speak such lines myself.

 

Right now, I’m in the midst of the dream that I had envisioned.

 

I created a utopia for idols, ES, and am devoting absolutely all of my energy to maintaining, managing and administering it for as long as I can.

 

Of course, as a newly emerging force, it's still very subject to outside pressures and criticisms, and there are many companies that view it with hostility.

 

That’s exactly why I have to make them yield, win them over, and use them to my advantage—

 

Day and night, a secret battle is unfolding. An economic war is being fought right now, at this very moment.

 

And in the midst of this veritable storm, the flower shop that Yuzuru’s acquaintance is managing is on the brink of collapse.

 

Wataru: Yes, that sums up the situation. We, as ES, have been using every trick in the book to try and expand our territory, and as a result…

 

That store is getting swept away by a strong current, and is about to capsize in this storm.

 

Even though that person has finally thrown away their blood-stained weapons and distanced themselves from violence to begin raising flowers...

 

Even though they're trying to make precious things — things that heal people and make love grow in their hearts — bloom brilliantly…

 

We're ruthlessly, unreasonably crushing their dream, which should ideally be supported, for the sake of our own.
 

 

Eichi: You don’t need to try and lighten my burden by saying things like “our” and “we". It actually makes me feel insulted in a way, which isn’t very pleasant.

 

I am the one who's crushing everything. It’s me — it’s my dream that’s destroying so many others.

 

I thought I had understood that. Fully aware of that, fully accepting that, I walked my path while trampling over the sinless flowers that grew on it, after all. [3]

 

Wataru: Yes. We understand that, and have at least chosen to walk together with you.

 

Butler-san is smart and rational — no, he too is a member of fine — so he must feel the same way.

 

However, even though he could grasp and accept the logic of it, there must have been something he still couldn’t quite accept.

 

The heart always takes longer to process things than the mind does, and yet it holds more power.

 

Butler-san must be perplexed because he cannot tear out the feelings in his chest that have now sprouted.

 

That is the reason why he has been so absentminded lately.

 

Unfortunately, it appears that he wasn’t lovesick; I cannot poke fun at him, but…

 

Eichi. We have walked this path for much longer than he has, so we can lead him towards the destination.

 

If he comes to a halt in his journey, we can carry him forward, and if he stumbles, we can extend a hand to him. No— please allow me to do so, as a senior in our unit.

 

Do be at ease. You surely know this already, but I am exceptionally skilled at such things.
 
Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Notes:

1. Wataru and Eichi are referring to Julius Ceasar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Caesar_(play) 

2. Now they're talking about The Tempest. Like Eichi says earlier, the main character, Prospero, is often seen to be a representation of Shakespeare himself. As you might guess, this event story references this play quite often, with lots of storm imagery and the chapter titles being "Spring Storm" and "Storm's Vigor"; the "vigor" here can also be translated as "fairy/spirit," which is an allusion to Ariel, a character in the play.

3. Interestingly enough, a popular interpretation of The Tempest's message is that "the powerful must show mercy" (https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/tempest/) which is very relevant to what Eichi and Wataru discuss here. This may be why Wataru says it "would resonate with [Eichi]" earlier.

Tempest - Chapter 4

Location: Garden

 

<Several days later. Sunday, at noon>

 

Eichi: ……

 

...Can I open my eyes yet, Wataru?

 

Wataru: Nope~ Not just yet~! Please bear with me until the demon counts up to a hundred — a person living in this modern age has to abide by laws! [1]

 

Eichi: Who’s the demon here…?

 

When I close my eyes, I can almost believe that we’re the only two people in the world, so by process of elimination, it would have to be me.

 

Wataru: Oh, but it could be me; I was once rumored to be a monster and ostracized like a demon, you know!

 

Ladies and gentlemen, ‘tis I, the infamous Hibiki Wataru of the Five Oddballs...☆

 

Eichi: You’re in an exceptionally good mood. That’s delightful in itself, but I’m a bit perplexed because I don’t know what’s going on.

 

I want to understand everything about you — from the top of your head to the very tips of your toenails — but I only continue to feel ashamed at my own inability to do so.

 

Wataru: Fufufu. Come now, there's no need to behave like a sulking child. You're far too adorable, you know?

 

Eichi: Well, I practically am a child, with the way I’m being piggybacked blindfolded like this. Idols should always be showing the world the ideal version of themselves...

 

But I must look like quite the idiotic commander.

 

Wataru: Is that not an incredibly apt title for you?

 

After all, you’re the leader who established this strange microcosm of foolish idols, and you still unabashedly call yourself an “Emperor” in modern day Japan!

 

Eichi: It’s not like I’m a dictator, pulling all the strings from the top, though.

ES — and this modern society — is far too expansive for some novice who's only just graduated high school to be able to control it.

Wataru: Indeed. Not being able to control nor understand a single human being is only natural, even for those who've dedicated their whole lives to doing so!
 

That is the limitation of human beings, and precisely why life is so interesting! It is why — ahhh — this world is overflowing with so much radiance...✩

 

Eichi: ……

 

Wataru: Oh? You’ve stopped replying. I personally find it quite shocking to not be responded to, you know?

 

Eichi: ...I’ve more or less grasped the situation, is all.

 

Although you’ve deprived me of my sense of vision, so long as I live, I remain capable of deduction. This sweet smell is… hmm?

Wataru. Do you really think of me as a child? Is that why you're trying to raise my spirits by giving me confections?

 

Wataru: Not at all. I know you dislike sugary things, so I’ve prepared something far better!

 

Please open your eyes, Eichi!

 

No... Your Majesty, my dearest, voracious Emperor! This pitiful clown shall offer up to you a world that is exactly to your liking!

 

Eichi: …Um?

 

Tori: Oh! They’re here, they’re here!

 

Geez, what took you guys so long~? My hair's gonna get all messy if you make me wait in the middle of this storm!

 

How much time do you think I spend every morning trying to look as cute I can be?

 

Yuzuru: Fufu. Actually, I'm primarily one who arranges your hair every morning. But I have no qualms with that; every minute I spend doing so is incredibly meaningful ♪

 

Eichi: My, it looks like everyone’s here.

 

But what exactly is this gathering for? You’ve even laid out plastic sheets and spread out all these snacks and drinks—

 

Tori: Huh? Have you not told Eichi-sama anything?

 

Wataru: Of course not. If I did, he would've probably tried to run away.

 

Eichi: I wouldn’t run away… so long as you properly explained the reasoning behind your actions and I found them to be sensible.

 

As far as I can tell, it looks like everyone’s come to have a fun, happy flower viewing party.

There are plenty of sakura petals dancing about due to how strong the wind is here, and it is Sunday. However, I simply don’t have time to spare.

 

Yuzuru: Fufu. You seem to be a bit sullen.

 

You're quite egocentric, after all. You can’t be used to not having your way and getting pushed around by others.

 

Eichi: You say that like you understand how I feel, Yuzuru.

 

Yuzuru: I do. Because I, too, am a member of fine.

 

Tori: What an exemplary answer! Pat, pat~ My butler's always the best ♪

 

Eichi: I beg to differ… I thought it'd be better to refrain from broaching this topic, so I didn’t bring it up, but— why are you being held in Yuzuru’s arms, Tori?

 

If anything, he’s more of a mother than a butler.

 

Yuzuru: In jest, I would ask, “Are those roles not similar?”

 

For me, giving boundless affection to, spoiling, and taking care of the Young Master is how I fulfill my butler-ly desires.

 

Eichi: Butler-ly desires...

 

Yuzuru: Indeed. Today is a holiday, so I am dispelling my stress by doing what I enjoy.

 

Such actions would be considered assault if permission was not given beforehand, but the Young Master has given me his consent today.

 

Tori: Yup. I’m all tired out from working hard every day; this is fine once in a while. It’s also part of a master’s duties to give his servants breaks and rewards!

 

Today’s a holiday, “Eichi Day." I guess I can loosen up and allow this.

 

Eichi: “Eichi Day”?

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Notes: 

1. In Japan, tag is called 鬼ごっこ (onigokko, lit. “playing as demons” or something along those lines) and the person who's “it” is called the demon.