slight ia for now

Rei: Ohh, so this is where you’ve gotten yourself to, Mikejima-kun. I’ve been searching high and low for you for quite some time now, you know?

Madara: Oh myyy, if it isn’t Rei-san. What’s up? Were you looking for me?

Rei: Indeed. It’s about this afternoon’s business. You asked for my help, but left me in the dark as to the outcome. That’s rather thoughtless, don’t you think?

Madara: Whoops! Come to think of it, I have forgotten to thank you! I was sooo caught up in my own thoughts that it completely slipped my mind. 

Let me fix that now: Thank you! The intel you gave me about Anzu-san’s whereabouts and Souma-san’s project earlier was such a great help ♪

Rei: Mmm. So? How fares the outcome of your proposal?

Madara: Siiigh. The outcome? Nothing, nada, zilch. As things stand right now, Halloween is a no-go—my plan didn’t take off at aaall.

That’s why there’s going to be another meeting scheduled the day after to decide whether to go with Souma-san’s proposal or mine.

Rei: Well~, that’s probably the best outcome you could’ve hoped for given the limited time you had to pull it off. But really, Mikejima-kun, you do make a hobby of imposing impossibly tall orders on yourself.

It's the peak of Spring right now, with vibrant sunshine and blooming flowers everywhere. And here you are, stubbornly pushing a Halloween event, which is... to say the least, thoroughly out of season.

Madara: That’s exactly why it’d be fun! Besides, if we’re gonna fuss about something like the season, it’s Autumn in the Southern hemisphere nowww, isn’t it?

If that’s the problem, we could just hold the event in Australia and tadah~! Problem solved!

Rei: Good grief. What a mad stretch of logic you make to justify your whims. Even in Australia, it’s the wrong time of year for Halloween. No matter where you are in the world, everyone knows Halloween is firmly tied to October 31st.

Madara: Hmm? What’s going on here? For someone who helped me out earlier, Rei-san, are you against my Spring Halloween idea now? 

Rei: No, I’m not against it at all. It’s just that I can’t help but voice my dissatisfaction on seeing the unnecessarily complicated path you’re on.

Frankly, I believe this whole business could be resolved most quickly, if only you could just be honest, Mikejima-kun.

Madara: I am being honest, though! I think Anzu-san’s project is amazing, and I reeeally want to make it a reality!

Rei: Ohhh, I don’t doubt that part is true. However, what I’m referring to is something else—more accurately, closer to your true feelings, Mikejima-kun.

Madara: … … Hahaha. It looks like you’ve already figured me out, Rei-san.

Rei: Deducing the motives of others is a specialty of mine. Because, why would you be clinging so stubbornly to Halloween—

Or more specifically—to last year’s Halloween? When I think about what happened back then, the answer becomes crystal clear.

The extreme lengths you go to, Mikejima-kun, are so adorably pathetic and touchingly brave (1). I can’t help but wonder, why are you keeping your true intentions concealed from the young lady Anzu?

Madara: … … Because I don’t want to manipulate her. Using sob stories to tug at her feelings—That’s just … uncool, isn’t it?

I’ve already caused Anzu-san enough grief because of Double Face, not to mention the hurtful things I said to push her away. (2)

Madara: That’s why this time, I reeeally want to make her smile—by using this project, which she poured so much of herself into.

Rei: Huh. Even if, by doing so, you might end up causing her even more trouble?

Madara: Haha~. You reeeally don’t pull your punches at all, do you? However, that train’s already left the station; there’s no turning back now. 

I’ll absolutely make this Halloween project happen, no matter what it takes.

Rei: You really are a stubborn one, for crying out loud.

Just so we’re clear, this is the last time I’ll be helping you on this.

I do want to support you, Mikejima-kun, but as someone from the same agency as Kanzaki-kun, I cannot in good conscience undermine his endeavour. 

Besides, if you’re aiming to be my successor, I expect you to be able to handle this level of adversity on your own.

Madara: Of course! I don’t plan to keep relying on you forever, Rei-san. This is something I want to do for myself after aaall—

Chiaki: —OHHH! There you are, Mikejima-san!

Madara: Hmm? If it isn’t Chiaki-san and Kaoru-san. Are the both of you looking for me tooo?

Chiaki: That’s right! I’ve heard all about your Halloween project from Hakaze. We thought you might need some help, so here we are!

Kaoru: For the record, I’m only here because Moricchi dragged me along, okay~?

Chiaki: Haha! Don’t be like that, Hakaze. You were curious about Mikejima-san’s fixation on Halloween too, right?

Kaoru: Well, I don’t deny that… ...

Madara: Nope. I appreciate your kind intentions, Chiaki-san, but I’m not in any trouble at aaall. There’s no need to help me out with anything. 

Rei: Now, now, Mikejima-kun. It isn’t good to lie. Weren’t you just agonizing over how to get your proposal approved?

Madara: You’re sooo heartless, Rei-san. I reeeally wish you wouldn’t out the fact that I’m struggling so promptly like this!

Rei: For crying out loud. You should tone down on your secretive ways, Mikejima-kun. You have a bad habit of trying to take on everything and solve everything on your own.

Kaoru: Huh? … ... (stares at Rei) 

Madara: ... … … (also staring at Rei) 

Rei: Wh-what is it, you two? Why are you staring at me like that?

Kaoru: … … Hahhh. Take a moment to reflect about what you just said, why don’t you?

Rei: In any case, Mikejima-kun, you should trust the people around you more and be honest about your true feelings.

Your motivations this time aren’t anything you should be ashamed to share with others, at any rate.

Madara: Urmmm. You mean my pathetic need for self-satisfaction?

Chiaki: Whatever it is, you can count on us, Mikejima-san! I’m all in to support you, no matter what!

Kaoru: That goes for me too. I’m already involved to this extent. Might as well see it through to the very end, right? 

Besides, in your words from this afternoon, I’m “an honorary member of this merry gang” already, right?

Madara: Haha, I can’t argue with that logic, Kaoru-san.

Good grief. There’s absolutely no need for your meddling in this matter at aaall, but... I guess I’ll show Rei-san some face this time.

Promise you won’t laugh when I tell you what this is really about, okayyy? 

Chapter 3 / Chapter 5

Lupine Halloween Masterlist

(To be continued)

Translator’s Notes

Rei describes what Madara is doing as いじらしい (ijirashii) which is a unique term that exists in JP. Some dictionaries explain it simply as ‘adorably pathetic / endearingly pitiful’ while others explain it further as the emotional state of deep sympathy, admiration and sadness you feel when witnessing someone being endearingly pitiful, brave, and touching in their struggling efforts despite their weakness / vulnerability, which evokes respect and a desire to support that someone.  (Example: Hinata Shouyo’s first and only middle school match where he and his 2 inexperienced friends and 3 newbie freshmen went up against Kageyama Tobio's powerhouse school and got crushed despite valiantly trying their best, prolly.) 

Madara’s harsh words to Anzu were said in Antique Legend Epilogue 3 (January 2021) as he walked away from her. This kicked off a long period (also known as the MadaAnzu divorce) where Madara kept his distance from Anzu until the Poltergeist/New Color event (January 2023, so for about ~2 years). During their estranged period, some mentions of Madara + Anzu can be found in - Hidden Beasts , - his FS1 3* Idol Story As an Elder - Myriad of Colours and Flowers (starts from ch 5) - Secret Service Ch 8 and Epilogue 4 (where Madara's efforts to protect Anzu and his sister Maguro while so many people were threatening to destroy him, especially in the 5 Epilogues, are very overlooked) - and Poltergeist . There is Last Mission as well, where she kicked him after he (jokingly) suggested they get married. Interestingly, in Madara's FS2 (30th March 2024), their dialogue indicated they had already reconciled with each other, but now we have Lupine Halloween (November 2024) set slightly before FS2.

Gast: Huh? That’d be a really great help but… … Do you have something to do at the bookstore too, Ren?

Ren: … … Yeah. There’s a book I want. I’ll grab it while I’m there. 

Gast: Well, that works out perfectly. Let’s go ♪

______________________________________________________

 < At the bookstore… Bells at the door chime as they enter. >

Roy: Ah, Gast-san! Thanks for your hard work today!

Gast: Hey, Roy. On store duty today, huh? 

Roy: Yeah. My parents are out running errands, so I’m holding the fort for now. What can I help you with? Comics? Fashion mags? We’ve got them all. 

Gast: Actually, I’m thinking of reading a novel for a change. Ren here is going to recommend something for me. 

Ren: … … … …

Roy: Oh? Back again today? 

Gast: Hm? Again today? 

Roy: Yep. He was here yesterday too. Isn’t that right, Ren? 

Ren: … … … Uh. Y-yeah.

Gast: Huh? Didn’t you say you had a book you wanted to get? 

Ren: Uh. There was something I forgot to buy. 

Roy: Wow. Even after buying close to ten books yesterday, you’re already back for more. You must really love books, huh? 

Ren: … … Yeah. 

Roy: Well, let me know if you need anything. If we don’t have it in the store, we can always order it for ya. 

Gast: Well, I don’t want to keep you from your work either, so we’ll just browse for now. 

Roy: Sure, take your time! ______________________________________________________

Gast: Well, here we are in the novel section. So many books… It’s hard to know where to start, huh~? 

Ren: Well, what kind of books are you looking for? 

Gast: Hmm, something easy to follow. Complicated plots are a bit much for me, so I’d prefer something entertaining over artsy. 

That said, if you’re recommending love stories or something… I guess I could read one—for, you know, educational purposes. 

Ren: No, I won’t be able to recommend anything from a genre I don’t read. 

Well, how about this book—The Door into Winter? It looks like something you might enjoy. 

It’s a classic Sci-Fi novel. The premise isn't complex, so it’s easy to get into and it’s got a solid plot. It’s also a common choice for children’s book reports. 

Gast: Oh, Sci-Fi, huh? I’ve avoided it cos’ the premises always seemed too complicated, but if kids can enjoy it, I probably can too.

Ren: And this one here’s a short horror story, but I recommend it too—The White Cat. The plot twist at the end is great. 

Gast: It’s nice that it’s short—but, uh, horror? I don’t dislike it, but right now, I’m in the mood for something more light-hearted. 

Ren: A light-hearted story… … In that case, how about—I Am a Cat? I’m not a fan of the ending, but it’s light and easy to read—

Gast: Huh? W-wait a second. 

Ren: What? 

Gast: These are all books about cats, aren’t they? Even The Door into Winter—it’s got cats on the cover!

Ren: … … It’s just a coincidence. Every one of them is a classic with an entertaining and easy-to-understand story. 

Gast: Hmm? Is that so? In that case, I’ll take all three. 

Gast: I’ll let you know my thoughts on them after I’m done ♪

Ren: Write them down. I’ll read it if it’s in the form of a book report. 

Gast: Haha, deal. By the way, aren’t you going to grab some books yourself, Ren? 

Ren: I’m good. 

Gast: Huh? Didn’t you say there was something you forgot to buy?

Ren: ! 

Uh—I thought I did, but it turns out I didn't. So just go and pay for your stuff already. 

Gast: ? Okay…  ______________________________________________________

<A few minutes later. The doorbells of the bookstore chime as they leave. > 

Gast: Well, I’ll save these novels for bedtime reading. Since we’re already here, how about we drop by a darts bar on our way back? 

Ren: You… Darts again? 

Gast: Haha. It’s a fun and casual way to pass the time, you know? It’s just that it’s no fun to play alone, so I need someone to play against… …

Ren: … … If it’s just for a little while, I’ll join you. 

Gast: Wha—Ren!? You mean it!?

Ren: What’s with that reaction? 

Gast: It’s just so unexpected, Ren. You usually wouldn’t agree to play darts with me… …

Ren: Oi, are we going or not? Make up your mind. 

Gast: Oh, we’re going! Haha, there’s a place nearby I go to regularly. Come on, let me show you the way ♪

______________________________________________________

<Later, outside the darts bar… >

Gast: Wowww~ that was a blast. We somehow ended up playing five games, huh? 

I’ve got to say, Ren, you’re a natural. The way you corrected yourself after a miss was seriously impressive. 

Ren: Hmph. Darts isn’t even that hard. Once you’ve got your form down, it’s all about making adjustments, just like you would for shooting. 

Gast: No way, that’s the hardest part! If we’d played one more game, I’d probably have lost. 

Ren: Who knows? But I wouldn’t have minded playing another round with you. 

Gast: Hmmm~?

Ren: Huh? What? 

Gast: I was just thinking…  you’re being unusually social today, Ren.

Ren: … … That’s not true. 

Gast: No, it totally is. 

Um. Usually, when I invite you to do something, you hit me with a bunch of sharp responses like “Not interested,” “Not my concern,” or “Stop bothering me.” Those really sting, you know? 

Ren: Well, it’s because you’re hella annoying, that’s why. 

Gast: See! That’s exactly the kind of response I’m talking about!

Ren: … … Sigh.

Gast: Don’t get me wrong, I’m genuinely happy that you agreed to hang out. However, if I’m really forcing you to do stuff you rather not, I’d feel bad about it. 

Ren: … … When I was delivering those letters, you went out of your way to help me with the route planning. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to return the favour once in a while. 

But I didn’t expect you to overthink it and call it me being “unusually social.”

Gast: Oh~, so that’s why, huh? 

Haha. Sorry, that was a mean thing for me to say earlier. I was just surprised that you had agreed to hang out—it’s rare, so I got carried away. 

Ren: Hmph… …

Gast: Hey~, would you mind hanging out with me for a little longer? Things have been so hectic lately, I could really use something relaxing. 

Ren: … … Something relaxing? 

Gast: I’d like to go spend some time with cats. That’s the ultimate stress relief, isn’t it? 

Ren: There’s no helping it, I guess. I’ll join you, just this once. 

Gast: Haha, thank you~ ♪

Ren: Hey. Let's get going already. 

Gast: Alright~ ♪

The End

______________________________________________________

Translator's Notes:

This story cat's whims is unlocked from the skill tree in Gast Adler’s 3* Hero Card, Dear Mr. Postman.

It's also dedicated to e-san. Thank you for all the encouragement, the 2am brainrotting over Enstars and Helios, for laughing with me at Ren's tsundere way of caring, at Gast's being so uwu, at the irony that Gast doesn't get Sci-fi despite being in a game that's all about it and so on. I'm so glad that we have the same oshis. Merry Christmas!

The last time I checked, it looked like you were giving all sorts of wrong answers and getting “eaten” by everyone left, right and centreee…

Ohhh? Really? You say your rate of correct answers has improved since then? Well dooone, Anzu-san!

You’ve come such a long way since I managed to trick you at the start. YES, YES, MAMA IS SOOO PROUD OF YOU! ☆

Uhhh. By the way, what did you think of aaall the idols’ performances in the Wolf Game?

Hmmm? You reeeally enjoyed how there weren’t only cool wolves but cute ones too, and how some scenarios made your heart skip a beat? 

I see, I see! If that’s how Anzu-san feels, then it sounds like this project is shaping up to be a big success!

I’m sure the fans will love it too ♪ I’ll be sure to share your thoughts with everyone later!

Now, please hold out your hand—I’ve got a little thank-you gift for you. Consider this my apology for tricking you before the Wolf Game started—the sweets I failed to give you earlier... ♪

Anzu-san, thank you so much for helping with the rehearsal. Thanks to your efforts, everyone’s fully prepared to give their best for the main event.

Happy Halloween ♪ This year’s celebration is looking like it’ll be a fantastic one too!

Prologue / Main Masterlist

Translator's Notes:

MaM… … in other words, me, yours truly—has been travelling aaall over the country attending festivals, and taking on the role of cranking up the party mood to the MAX! I’m always on the lookout for fun things to do!

I love having a great time, and if you decide to make me your oshi, I’ll guarantee you’ll have a blast too! I promise you’ll never have a dull moment when I’m around!

Ahhh, I reeelly wish we could chat face-to-face instead of through this video call. If you're interested, I'd be totally delighted if you could come attend one of my Lives!

Epilogue

Translator’s Notes:

“推し” or oshi is how one refers to your favourite/your bias in an idol Unit.

Madara: Haha, you seem reeeally stumped! Well, they say you should be able to tell by looking at the colour of my hands…

Come on, take a closer look… …♪

Alright, so Anzu-san has chosen the right hand, huuuh? Well, the correct answer is—

Madara: There’s NOTHING in either hand! GOTCHA ☆

Hahaha. Are you gonna be okayyy being this easy to trick? Especially since you’ll be helping out with the Halloween event rehearsal being held at ES!

——As you’ve probably heard, Anzu-san, from here on out, you’ll need to determine if the idols are telling you a “truth” or spinning a “lie”. 

Guess it right, and you’ll be rewarded—but guess wrong, and the idol playing the wolf will gobble you up in one big GULP! ♪

Everyone will be taking this rehearsal with Anzu-san veryyy seriously, so we can make all the fans happy!

If you believe everything the idols say, like you did just now, you’ll get eaten by the wolves again and again—so do beware!

Come, come, the lying wolves are waiting for youuu ♪

Are they telling the truth, or spinning a sneaky lie? Just how many will you be able to catch, Anzu-san?