Tempest - Chapter 6

Location: Garden

 

Tori: We're family, so there's no way we could just turn a blind eye to you, Eichi-sama. You’re giving it your all, pushing your body to the limits every single day.

 

We can’t let you do that. You're free to resent us or get angry at us, but we’re gonna make you rest — even if we have to force you to.

 

'Cause, at this rate, you’re definitely gonna pass away. Both you and Anzu are.

 

I’m studying business management ‘cause I’m gonna inherit the household, so I know that you’re seriously gonna die of overwork if you keep this up.

 

You may not have noticed this yourself, but you've been working like an employee at an exploitative company.

 

Plus, you've been saying really gloomy, dark things, it feels like your field of vision narrows now and then, you stagger for no apparent reason, and you burst out laughing at weird times.

 

Yuzuru: Well, you’ve always tended to do that last one. Nevertheless, you truly are the textbook example of overwork.

 

As a butler, I’ve studied medicine to the point that I have a rather good grasp on it, so do believe me when I say this.

 

Tori: Yup. He's a super butler who can do absolutely everything! You know Yuzuru — there’s no way he’d misdiagnose you, right?

 

It doesn’t matter if you end up hating us, or if you think we’ve betrayed you. We’re gonna make you rest no matter what, Eichi-sama... Even if only for the shortest of moments.

 

Wataru: There’s no need to worry about that particular matter; Eichi told me something along the lines of, “I wouldn’t mind being betrayed by you.”

 

Yuzuru: Indeed. And he also said that we of fine are his comrades, friends, and family, didn’t he?

 

Eichi: You’re certainly holding what I’ve said against me. However, I’m afraid that I can’t do you the favor of giving up so easily.

 

I understand your reasoning, and am furthermore overjoyed at the sentiment. However I have my position to consider...

 

Or, rather, my dream.

 

I’m going to elevate idols to the pinnacle of culture, and I’ve dedicated ES along with all the hard work I’ve done — my very life itself — to that purpose.

 

I’ve decided how I want to spend my days, and that decision is sacrosanct. It is not up for discussion, not even to my family.

 

Tori: Yeah, I get that. I’m not a kid anymore, y'know. Actually, how long do you plan on acting like a little kid, Eichi-sama?

 

Yuzuru: Indeed. Are you not aware that only children of elementary school age and younger are allowed to believe that they are the rulers of the world?

 

Eichi: …?

 

Wataru: Ah, how impertinent of me! Perhaps your eyes have still been closed, Eichi.

 

Oh? But, no— that couldn't possibly be true, could it? Those two eyes of yours are surely taking in everything perfectly, aren’t they?

 

If the wind is too strong for you to keep them open, I shall become your windbreak! Nooow, are you able to see? Just what is it that lies before you?

 

Eichi: …I see all of you.

 

Tori: Yup, that’s right. We’re here. This world has so many people other than you in it, Eichi-sama.

 

If you died or became unable to move, the world would still keep on spinning just like it always has.

 

Of course, you’re the loveliest, coolest, strongest Top Idol in the world, but—

 

Wataru: What you can do as an idol, I can as well.

 

Whether it be singing, dancing, or anything at all — when it comes to being an idol, I believe my skills are comparable to yours. You’ve held such an evaluation of me for a while now, correct?

 

Eichi: You’re not merely comparable to me; you’ve surpassed me in quite a few spheres.

 

Tori: Ahaha. And you can count on me when it comes to administration or human resources management or stuff like that! I’m learning it all so I can be a business manager.

 

It might be a little hard for me now, but I’m gonna work super hard and learn a whole buncha stuff.

 

Yuzuru: And as the Young Master is doing that, I shall support him.

 

Coincidentally, I am something of a professional when it comes to war and scheming, along with similarly dubious enterprises—

 

Or at the very least, I have received training in such fields; I should be fully capable of serving as your substitute, Eichi-sama.

 

Eichi: And you’re telling me to let you all act as my proxies and carelessly sleep the days away while you toil in my stead?

 

Wataru: Not at all. We simply want you to share a portion of your burdens with us.

 

It wouldn't be fair to keep them all to yourself! Such things are a family’s communal property.

 

Eichi: “Family,” you say… To be perfectly honest, that word doesn’t have the most positive image to me…

 

Wataru: Then let us reform that image together. You needn’t do anything alone any longer; please allow us to stay by your side.

 

Allow us to take the time — no matter how brief it may be — to rest together once a week.

 

You could spend such holidays simply doing the things you love; it would be perfectly acceptable for you to laze the day away, or to enjoy your hobbies.

 

Similarly, it would also be fine for you to do some practise or training, and if work is what you enjoy the most, then…

 

We shall accompany you and joyfully labor together. Anything can become a source of happiness if it is shared with others, after all.

 

Like so, let us create one day a week that we can spend together peacefully.

 

Even God has a day of rest. Do you have any issues with this, from a religious, legal or ethical perspective?

 

Or do you think of our words and feelings as traps set by an evil demon to tempt you into depravity? If so, you truly must be exhausted ♪

 

Eichi: ……

 

…It’s perfect. There are no links in the chain I can pick at.

 

There’s compensation for the time you take away from me, there’s a way to deal with each and any problem that may arise — even from a logical perspective, you all are right.

 

Bringing Anzu-chan here was also a smart move. I’ve told her to take a break time and time again, and even created a rule to ensure she does so.

 

“No matter what anyone tells you, you still incessantly work,” hm…? If you point out how hypocritical I’m being, there’s absolutely nothing I can say in response.

Wataru: How very wonderful! I would expect nothing less from our beloved Producer-san — why, she’s able to lead idols onto the right path simply by sleeping!

 

Tori: You’re being too loud! Geez. Look, now Anzu’s woken up, and she looks super lost~

Eichi: Fufu. It’s alright for you to continue resting, Anzu-chan.

 

You’ve been on an incredibly tough journey. Now that you’ve arrived at your destination, you certainly won’t be punished for taking momentary repose.

 

I’ll also rest a bit, myself. Yes, I’ll do so once a week with you all.

 

If that’s a sin, I’ll go and complain to God myself. I’ll point out that even he does the same.

 

Tori: Ahaha. Anzu looks all confused, like, “What’s going on…?”

 

Eichi: Fufu. We’re just discussing everyday, unremarkable things. [1]

 

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Notes:

 

1. At the end of his second Idol Story (which takes place in the same location), Eichi uses the same word for “unremarkable” here.

Tempest - Chapter 7

Location: Tempest Stage

 

<Two weeks later>

 

Eichi: The wind is blowing quite gently today.

 

I wonder if the spring storm has finally settled down. Although the lives of flowers are but fleeting, if they didn’t scatter and spread about— no, if they bloomed forever, we would be deprived of joyous moments such as this one.

 

The colors and scents of flowers attract both bees and humans — indeed, all beings capable of love — and, thus, new life is created.

 

Like so, the cycle of life spins on, and our planet continues to be dyed in multitudinous colors.

 

Ah, how beautiful this world is... And how full of joy and excitement life is.

Wataru: Put those thoughts aside for now and look at this, Eichi~!

 

Our costumes are usually made by professional designers, but I do say that it's quite lovely to wear clothes sewn by Anzu-san from time to time!

 

It is as if a new layer of context has been added to our — fine’s — history. I can feel the warmth of love embedded within each and every string that she has woven…☆

Yes, I could almost forget the sad truth that this was simply the result of how we weren’t able to spend too much on costumes due to our limited budget!

 

Eichi: …Things are getting more interesting by the second. You’re ruining the atmosphere on purpose, aren’t you? That would mean that you’re currently putting on a performance — do you seek applause? Perhaps I should indulge you.

 

Wataru: Fufufu, do forgive me! This is simply my nature!

Infusing a bit of corruption or distortion to that which is purely somber or beautiful is the very quintessence of comedy! It is the long-cherished aspiration of a jester such as I!

 

It would be rather boring for something to be wholly pure! Let us cherish the thrill that accompanies an ambush on the brain’s blind spot! Fair is foul, and foul is fair...☆

 

Eichi: Quoting Shakespeare again, are you?

 

In order to avoid a recurrence of the blunders that were made last year, this performance was named Tempest Fest, and there are a reasonable amount of references to that titular, awe-inspiring play scattered about within its composition—

 

However, it is essentially an adaptation of last year’s Flower Fest, the event wherein idols adorned the town with innumerable flowers and entertained the people who came to see them.

 

It’s a light-hearted, joyous, “normal performance” with no deeper meaning behind it.

 

And because this is a “normal performance,” we shan’t reach an ending like the one that unfolded within that play, The Tempest.

 

Tori: Fufu. Of course, to everyone in the world watching, this is just “the usual performance”.

 

Flower Fest is a tradition that’s done every year. This year’s celebration just happens to have a name and program that’re kinda different from usual, but everything else is pretty much the same.

 

Yuzuru: Indeed, it is a seasonal tradition. However, to us, this stage that we stand upon is surely something special.

 

Eichi: That’s right. Last year’s Flower Fest was the match wherein the current fine made its debut.

 

It was our introduction to the world. First impressions are always vividly and strikingly emblazoned onto people’s memories...

 

But I was hospitalized around this time last year. Consequently, I wasn't able to join the performance that was supposed to be so memorable.

 

All I was able to do was simply gaze at you all from the window of my hospital room, gritting my teeth in frustration the entire time.

 

However, things are different this year. As you can see, I’m wearing the same uniform as you all; I’m standing on this very stage with you.

Perhaps this development can be ascribed to the day of rest — Eichi Day — that you forcefully established. Aside from its name, it’s quite the wonderful arrangement.

 

I offer you all my gratitude. I’m well-rested now, both physically and mentally. My body feels light, and it isn’t hard to breathe at all. Truly, I almost feel like I could fly.

 

Humans really do need breaks — I’ve learnt this fact firsthand, so I shan’t forget it again,

 

Wataru: Every now and then, you give me the impression that you’re no more than a baby who has learnt difficult words.

 

Eichi: You’re very persistent about that… If humans are told the same thing three times, we’ll end up believing it, you know.

 

Do you want me to consider myself a baby and start getting spoilt by Mama Yuzuru?

 

Yuzuru: Allow me to remind you that I am no one’s “Mama.” Although I do have three children whom I must constantly take care of.

Eichi: …You certainly have it tough, don’t you, Mama?

Yuzuru: If you call me that one more time, I will consider it an act of hostility and accordingly proceed to attack.

 

…In any case, there's no need for you to thank us, Eichi-sama. We're the same, are we not? Expressions of gratitude are always pleasant to hear, but…

 

The best reward I could ever ask for is simply a reality wherein everyone can live out their days with smiles on their faces.

 

Fufu, I ended up saying a rather plain, unremarkable sort of thing.

 

Perhaps I should learn from Hibiki-sama’s example and study up on humor more?

 

Wataru: In that case, I’d like for you to refrain from referring to me as “Hibiki-sama” as if we were mere strangers; please call me “Onii-chan” or even “Darling” instead!

 

With great delight, I’ll diligently teach you everything you need to know ♪

Yuzuru: On second thought, I shall pass.

 

Eichi: Oh? Has the manzai routine started already?

 

Tori: Fufu, you guys are starting to sound like Trickstar! But no more of that stuff — we’ve gotta hurry up and rehearse properly. We didn’t have enough lessons this time, right?

 

Eichi: Yes, you’re correct. That, too, is a consequence of Trickstar misinterpreting my request and coming up with that farce known as “BIGBANG”—

 

But well, I suppose that spontaneity of theirs has its merits.

 

There are gaps that they cannot fill on their own, and that is where we must step in.

 

We’re in the same agency now, after all — they’re part of our family. We must complement each other and make up for each others' weaknesses.

 

In fact, you three are the ones who determinedly taught me that we don’t live in this world alone.

 

Wataru: Indeed. Although BIGBANG was very entertaining to watch, Trickstar wasn’t able to revitalize the local economy as we had expected them to — their plan was lacking in that aspect.

Eichi: Yup. Spending large sums of money in our locality, thus making it circulate there, would stimulate the economy. And that would in turn cause local businesses to believe that getting involved with ES would benefit them.

 

Like so, we would allay the worries and dissatisfactions that the people held towards this “Idol’s Utopia” that suddenly sprouted from the ground, and we would lay down the foundation necessary for flowers to bloom.

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