2021-08-27 10:46 pm
Entry tags:

Eichi - Idol Story 1

Location: Reception Room

Eichi: Hello, there. Welcome, Producer-chan.

I'm the administrative committee president of ES and the leader of fine, Tenshouin Eichi.

However, I'd appreciate it if you would simply refer to me as "President."

Just kidding. I wanted to try introducing myself as if it was our first time meeting each other — what do you think? Did I seem distinguished?

No need to hold back; I want you to express what's in your heart.

Fufu. Lately, I’ve been getting many more chances to greet people whom I've never met before, so I wanted to practise a bit.

They're people from the fields of administration or politics, things like that, so it can't be helped.

"Men are your walls, men are your castles" — I don't mean to borrow Keito's favorite phrase, but in reality, people are this society's most fundamental unit.[1]

Society as a whole is only able to revolve if we grasp the connections, the flow — indeed, everything —between one person and another. If gears move as they are expected to, there's no need to oil them so they move more smoothly.

However, I was born with a weak constitution, so I was never very passionate about learning societal customs. Lately, I've been trying to re-learn all of my etiquette from zero.

I've more or less understood the rules of high society, but in ES I come in contact with colleagues, suppliers, fans, unrelated passersby...

I'm not so naive to think that I can behave the same way towards such a variety of people without any problems arising.

And I don't have a personal history that allows me to expect that I’ll be liked by others for no reason.

Yes, I’m troubled by how I should act towards older people who still have the seniority system soaked into their bones — especially the certain suppliers I need to behave modestly towards.

I’m almost impressed that they managed to survive in this harsh, capitalistic society with such attitudes… If I was asked to express my innermost thoughts, that is how I would respond.

Perhaps this is due to my appearance or my age, but no matter what I do, I’m always made light of as a frail youngster.

If I’m still looked down upon as a child, I can’t make deals properly — I can’t do business.

In order to continue building the sparkling, golden age of idols, I need to vigorously continue working.

Of course, if I flatter people too much they’ll only end up disliking me. However, on the other hand, it isn’t a wise decision for me to don the mantle of the prestigious Tenshouin zaibatsu.

Nothing will progress by causing others to atrophy. Engraving fear into them, making them hold malice towards me, will only cause bad influences to spring up in the future.

Even I’ve learnt that much now.

That’s why I wish to find the perfect arrangement to face everyone I come in contact with.

I have assets and power, but those alone aren’t sufficient to make everything work smoothly.

I want to be able to absolutely control each and every gear, each and every human.

Yes, that’s the real issue at hand. That’s why I called you here, Producer-chan.

You look like a plain child who could be found anywhere, but for some reason, you’re loved by all.

I want to learn from your way of life. This isn’t a joke, you see, so please hear me out without laughing.

I hold you in very high regard — to the same or perhaps an even greater extent than the revolutionaries this age wished for — Trickstar.

Fufu. Although CosPro’s Saegusa-kun is a specialist at controlling people’s hearts…

He’s my business rival. I don’t want to owe him a favor, and there’s the possibility that he might indoctrinate me with lies.

As long as this earth continues to spin, as long as humanity continues to exist, strife will not end.

Even now, as I’m speaking here, I’m in the midst of a battle. I don’t want to give my opponent an opening they can take advantage of.

ES has only just been established, so it’s in a very delicate position at the moment.

That’s why I need you. You're respected by and can freely come and go from every prominent agency in ES.
You’re a special existence to the key people who changed the ages…

Yes, I need you, a singularity in the idol industry, who is trying to become its most important figure.
I want to hear your opinion. Because in this age, that is what is considered “right” and “true.”

Oh, you’re making quite the suspecting face. How adorable… You should be a little more aware of your position.

Well, that kind of modesty and feigning of innocence is also one of your charms, though.

Modesty that’s taken too far will actually cause animosity, especially when it’s a superior that behaves obsequiously and lowers their head — such actions will only cause their colleagues and underlings to feel uneasy.

You should be careful of that. I’ve given you quite a lot of authority, and I’m repeating the words I said earlier, but…

You’re much more amazing than you think you are, and you’re becoming quite an important figure.

Well, I gave you such a position precisely because I didn’t think that you’d be the type of person who would arrogantly change like that so suddenly.

You’re surrounded by the cunning and the sly here, so please take care that your innocent mentality isn’t taken advantage of.

I’m quite worried… Of course, I’m your ally, so do feel free to speak to me if anything ever troubles you.

I’ll handle it as best as I can, as discreetly as I can. But, naturally, I’ll be receiving something in exchange.

...Yup. Alright, thank you. I’ve more or less understood.

Fufu. Actually, asking you to come and teach me ways to deliver my self-introduction was a mere pretext.

As the times move forward, the environment also changes, and I want to see what kind of existence you’ll become with my own two eyes.

I will refrain from making a conclusion for now, but your attitude has largely satisfied me. I’m truly happy that you’re able to remain the good child you are.

From here on out and into the future… I want you to make stars sparkle and flowers bloom while remaining just the way you are — without deteriorating into spite as I did in the past.

Of course, I cannot compel you into doing so, but I’m at least able to pray for such an outcome.

A blissful future: a kingdom of, by, and for idols that will last a millennium and more—

Shall we build it together, you and I? I would be heartened and incredibly grateful if you could see the same dream that I do.

I’ll continue placing my hopes in you, so please don’t disappoint me… Producer-chan ♪

Translation Notes:
[1]This is a reference to a poem by Takeda Shingen, a military leader during the feudal era, which is popularly interpreted to mean that even the greatest of walls/castles will fall without support from the people. Funnily enough, although he says this is Keito's favorite phrase, Eichi himself is the only one that has used it in Enstars so far.

JP Proofreading: Peace
ENG Proofreading: honeyspades