Tempest - Chapter 6

[haranami]

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.