haranami

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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Location: Garden

 

Wataru: Fufufu, “Eichi Day!” Eichi~ Day~! Naturally, we aren’t referring to the abbreviation of Hard Disk! Amazing✰ [1] 

 

Eichi: I don’t have it in me to laugh at such a feeble attempt of a pun right now. Hmm, could you briefly explain what exactly this is all about?

 

Wataru: Of course. You see, we live in such a stressful society, and lately you’ve been overworking yourself, racing headlong towards your demise. So for your sake — no, for our own sakes, as well…

 

We’ve created a holiday just for us: Eichi Day!

 

Eichi: We don’t have the authority to just create holidays as we like, though…

 

Oh? I just noticed that Anzu-chan’s here as well?

 

She’s sleeping soundly under a tree for some reason. Is she mimicking Ritsu-kun?

 

Wataru: Fufufu. Just like you, Anzu-san also won’t rest unless she’s forced to.

 

Despite the fact that weekly holidays for Producers have been properly established, it seems that she’s been working herself to the bone even on days she should be off.

 

So we took this opportunity to abduct her… Or, well, Butler-san did.

 

Yuzuru: Yes, I’m the culprit. However, I did so out of love, so please consider this an extenuating circumstance ♪

 

Eichi: ...You’re in an oddly good mood, too, Yuzuru. Even though you’ve been gloomy up until just a few days ago.

 

Yuzuru: Indeed. That is due to Hibiki-sama kindly counselling me on my predicament, and also because I’ve managed to sort out my feelings.

 

Eichi: ...Is that so? Well, that’s good, I think I should say.

 

Yuzuru: Yes. Actually, Hibiki-sama encouraged me to do something…

 

After receiving permission from the Master and Mistress, I proposed to my acquaintance that they could be hired as the gardener of the estate if they wished.

 

At the very least, I wanted to atone for the fact that they lost their shop at ES’ hands.

 

However, they only said, “Shut up! I want to be a florist, not a gardener! I don’t need your pity!” and cursed at me in response.

 

And so, our conversation developed into a brawl.

 

Eichi: A brawl...

 

Yuzuru: Indeed. I haven't felt that thrilled in quite a while.

 

The truth is, it is an affront for the winner to pity the loser and try to give them things…

 

I realized that after I was beaten black and blue, and they scornfully extended a hand to me, asking, “Can you stand?”

 

My acquaintance will surely face many hardships from now on.

 

However, they said that they would prefer that to forcing themselves to do something they don’t actually want to — they may have just been putting on a front, but they smiled.

 

I then received a bit of a lecture: “That’s why there’s no need for you to feel guilty. Who the hell do you think you are? I don’t need your meddling…” 

 

And they didn’t stop there; they even encouraged me, saying, “You needa work hard too, alright?”

 

Fufu. Those who have risen to high-ranking positions are liable to forget this, but humans truly are strong creatures.

From the very beginning, it looks like there was no need for me to worry or fret.

 

However, no matter how strong we may be, we'll only destroy ourselves if we ceaselessly overwork.

 

We're not machines, after all. No, even machines — anything that has form — is surely the same.

 

Eichi: That’s why we should rest and take a breather every now and then? Is that the reason why you did all of this?

 

Wataru: Essentially, that is correct. Did I not tell you to leave everything to me…? This is the solution I have come up with.

 

Eichi: Hmm. This is quite cliché by your standards, Wataru.

 

Wataru: Oh my, how scathing!

 

However, the truth is always as simple as a mathematical equation — if you believe that to be insipid, then we can simply give it a poetic sugar coating!

 

Eichi. Even if only for one day in the week, please give your time to me.

 

Eichi: Is that a proposal?

 

Wataru: Fufu. If it were, I would request the entirety of your life.

 

It appears that I have used a faulty expression, so allow me to rephrase: please entrust a portion of your life to us.

Eichi: ……

 

Tori: Um. I feel like we’ve just been saying the same thing over and over, but I’ll say it as many times as it takes…

 

You have a frail constitution, Eichi-sama, so I understand how precious each and every second and minute must be to you.

 

If you could weigh the value a single day is worth to you, it'd probably be heavier than the Earth.

 

Yuzuru: However, that is precisely why we are requesting this from you.

 

Please bestow upon us even a portion of the kingdom known as your life, the kingdom you rule and oversee.

 

Eichi: …Fufu. You sounded like Wataru just then, Yuzuru.

 

Yuzuru: Even I have been somewhat influenced by him.

 

This may be quite obvious, but we've spent so many eventful days together — so much time together. We've walked forward, side by side...

 

As the unit fine. As comrades, as friends, and as family.

You all were so kind as to treat me in such a way, and now I wish to reciprocate. I'd very much like to return the favor.

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.
 
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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.

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.

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