Live Love Lato

"Hah, this bed is quite soft making it very comfortable to sit on."

"Do you not think so too, Master?"

"Kufufu, yes. I could fall asleep like this."

"Oh? Are you brushing out my hair? Thank you very much. If you'd please."

"Having the Master play with my hair feels nice. It calms the heart."

"Please don't stop."

"I wonder if newlyweds spend all their time like this."

"From when the sun rises until it sets, spending that time within arms reach of each other."

"If that is the case, then I would always want to be a newlywed."

"Hm? But wait… I see. If this newlywed life continues, it simply becomes married life."

"I do not quite understand, but it seems that one can not be a newlywed forever."

"In that case, is there any difference between a married and a newlywed's lives?"

"If I remember correctly, we are supposed to be newlyweds but…"

"Oh my, what happened, your hand has stopped. I would like it if you continued."

"I see, you are going to teach me what it means to be a newlywed."

"I'm quite happy then. What shall I do then?"

"Hm… holding your hand? Then it would be easier if we sat across from each other."

"Here you are, hold my hands to your heart's content."

"Kufufu, oh my. Do you want me to squeeze back? In that case, is this force enough? Do tell me if it is too much."

"You want me to hold tighter? Of course. It seems that you are quite spoiled today, Master."

"I see… so doting on your partner is a mark of a newlywed."

"Kufufu, the mystery has been solved. Thank you very much, Master."

"Then, please allow me to pamper you even more."

"Right now, we are newlyweds after all. I wish to shower you with lots of love."

"Hey Master, will you look me in the eyes? I want to always stare into the gentle and lovely eyes of my beloved Master."

"Hm? Why are you averting your eyes? Your hands have also lost their strength."

"Oh, your strength has returned. How relieving."

"In that case, may we connect both hands then?"

"Kufufu, thank you very much."

"Just sitting like this is quite relaxing."

"If you're not opposed to it, let us remain like this, holding hands. I can stay like this forever."

"Do you feel the same, Master?'

"Kufufu, that's very reassuring."

"The let us make sure that neither of us are lying."

Staff Comments

Following the previous play, I am deeply honoured to be writing the script once again. As the game unfolds and becomes dramatic, the drama of the Butlers are quickly unfolding in mysterious ways that I couldn't have expected when I wrote the first script. I have been eagerly awaiting to depict the intelligent angels on stage who becomes a major starting point. The newly introduced human characters, Shinonome Yuhan and Teddy Brown are also swept up in political issues while crying out for their own sense of justice. The Devil Butlers, the humans, and the intelligent angels all have their own sense of "Justice", something that I feel that they have in common with modern society. I was deeply moved by the story that could resonate with so many people so I carefully wrote each and every word. And above all, the one that the Devil Butlers must protect above all else is their Master. They will do everything in their power to protect the audience, their Master, sometimes perhaps putting them in danger, but please trust them and enjoy the show until the very end. -Playwright and Lyricist, Miura Kaori

Welcome back, Master. I'm truly delighted to present to everyone the Butlers’ Opera “Devil Butler with Black Cat”. The game's story which was covered in the previous play moved my heart with the butler's tales of love and despair that push them into becoming Devil Butlers. And this wonderful series has developed even deeper, more beautifully, and even darker as it progresses. This time, we hope that you can connect with the butlers even more deeply than before, and reflect those feelings onto the stage. During the ~Rose Scented Ball Arc~ and the Devil's Harvest Secret Dinner Show, I was able to feel each and every one of your reactions and passions up close, all of them touching my heart. Just like the butlers, we who work behind the scenes believe that the emotions of everyone who is a Master breaths life into this series. With all the gratefulness I have to once again walk alongside the wonderful cast, staff, and everyone, please enjoy the show -Director, Alexandra Rutter

Thank you very much for attending the show today. I am happy to return to this world with Alexandra Rutter, the reliable staff, and all the cast members. This time you will see new characters, new angels, and a new story being introduced. It was very fun to compose songs that reflected the colourful and quirky Devil Butlers which they made quite easy. Among the gothic corruptions, the butlers are all fighting hard to survive while holding onto their burdens. I wish to express such a world through song and music. When talking about angels and devils, usually angels are forces of good while devils are the villains, but the roles are reversed in this story and is being told through the devil's perspective. Although creepy, they're angels. Demon Butlers who fight to protect humanity and their comrades. There is an interesting musicality to it that I'm getting excited just thinking about what sort of tricks to use. Please take your time to enjoy it to the fullest. -Composer, Sakabe Gou

Cast

Fujita Ray (Berrien Cliane)

Q. Please share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the first show Since the cast members all shared the same dressing room, I remember that all the butlers were having a wonderful time together. The younger butlers were quite lively while the veteran butlers just went at their own pace, it was a very comfortable atmosphere. But the most mature one of us all was Ina Seira-kun who played Muu-chan

Q. Do you have anything in common with Berrien Cliane Probably that we both are scared of bugs. Large black bugs are particularly scary. When I was a child I was fine, but lately I don't really want to see the underside of a Rhinoceros Beetle (laughs). We both quite like tea. At a certain Coffee chain, all I drink is Chai Tea!

A Message from the Butler to the Master At the time of Devil's Harvest, I was so happy to create a second main stage production of my beloved Akusute. The wonderful time spent together with the Master at the ~Rose Scented Ball Arc~ and the Secret Dinner Show are all precious memories. I'm excited to see this dream continue and I look forward to continuing my time as Berrien, and showing new sights with the Master!

Imai Shunto (Bastien Kelly)

Q. Please share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the first show A fluffy furball… Bastien's first lines in the previous play was "Fluffy…"

Q. Do you have anything in common with Bastien Kelly I also hate nightmares. They linger for a while. I also love animals

A Message from the Butler to the Master Thank you for picking up the pamphlet. Finally, the second main stage production of akuste has begun. It has been about two years since the last one, so I feel quite happy to stand on stage as Bastien again. Quite some time has passed, being 2 years, and I hope to show how much I've personally grown. I hope that Akusute will continue for a long time, and that it will become more popular and spread further.

Ando Yuto (Lono Fontaine)

Q. Please share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the first show Rei-san posts on Social Media after the show ends, and sometimes he asks me if I want to push the button. On those occasions, my finger trembles when I click the "Post" button (laughs)

Q. Do you have anything in common with Lono Fontaine Recently, I started going to cooking classes as started liking it quite a bit, so our shared passion for cooking is probably something we have in common!

A Message from the Butler to the Master Welcome back, Master! I really love this line. No matter how difficult or lonely things get, the single phrase can be reassuring, knowing that "I'm not alone. There are people waiting for me". I'm overflowing with joy at being able to share these words with everyone again. Just the fact that this is our first main stage production in 2 years is exciting enough, but with the ancient towers, the introduction of new characters and so on… this production is packed to the brim with so many exciting elements! I'll be doing my very best to heal you with Lono's smile, so please enjoy yourself.

Matsushima Yunosuke (Haures Clifford)

Q. Please share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the first show The many wonderful songs composed by Sakabe Gou were all very memorable.

Q. Do you have anything in common with Haures Clifford I don't think we share all that much. If anything, Haures is the sort of man I aspire to be.

A Message from the Butler to the Master Welcome back, Master. I'm happy to return to the world of Akusute after almost two years. Ever since the closing night of the ~Rose Scented Ball Arc~, I remember feeling such deep loneliness. The time we had spent together was so precious and beautiful. This time we have powered up and with new companions by our side, we aim to show you an even better Akusute so please cheer us on.

Kajita Hiroki (Fennesz Oswald)

Q. Please share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the first show Akusute was the second ever production that I did since I started acting, so I learned a lot through my seniors and those days are quite memorable.

Q. Do you have anything in common with Fennesz Oswald We both work hard on strength training!

A Message from the Butler to the Master I'm delighted to once again have the opportunity to welcome the master back to Devil's Palace. The butlers have become more united ever since the ~Rose Scented Ball Arc~ and I hope you look forward to their fight against the angels. I'm also secretly quite excited as the other 2nd Floor Butlers have promised to do strength training with me! (laughs) It looks like we'll be the strongest combat orientated floor. I hope that these days will be healing for everyone

Kizu Tsubasa (Boschi Arenas)

Q. Please share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the first show Dialogue with a prosthetic arm, a mask, a sword, I remember reading the script quite a lot, especially with Yuu-kun who plays Ammon a fellow 2nd Floor Butler, trying to find a good balance through trial and error. Even my body remembers the tension and release.

Q. Do you have anything in common with Boschi Arenas Our commonalities would be… loving interior design, being bad with waking up, and being the same age. Also I really want to have the same caring nature for others that he does (wish).

A Message from the Butler to the Master It's been a while Master. I, Kizu Tsubasa, am once again taking on the role of Boschi Arenas, a 2nd floor butler, in this production. First, that you for coming to see the show and buying a pamphlet. This is our second main stage production and it's been about two years since the last one so I'm excited to see the Devils Palace members after they've had their own experiences. I'm sure you feel the same way, Master. I will grow even stronger to protect and support the Master with my entire being. I hope you'll join us once again on this journey with Akusute

Miyazaki Yuu (Ammon Lead)

Q. Please share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the first show I was able to deeply connect with Kizu Tsubasa who plays Boschi Arenas and create scenes together

Q. Do you have anything in common with Ammon Lead Blood type. We're both quite particular about the things we like

A Message from the Butler to the Master I'm very happy for the chance to once again live in this world as Ammon Lead. I'm quite greedy and want to capture the charms of Akusute even more than before, and let Ammon's lived experiences delicately seep into the heart through his very breath. I want to do my best to create something that leaves a deep impression on the Master.

Teruma (Lucas Thompscie)

Q. Please share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the first show What stands out in my memories is the fact that the cast all got along really well.

Q. Do you have anything in common with Lucas Thompscie Maybe that he lives his life quite logically. I too am the type to go about my life logically so I think that's something we have in common.

A Message from the Butler to the Master This is Teruma who is playing Lucas Thopscie. I'm happy to be reprising the role of Lucas from the first production and am able to reunite with the other 3rd Floor Butlers. But above all, I'm happy to meet the Master. We are all doing our best to bring to you the world of the place. We butlers eagerly await your arrival.

Ishibashi Hiroki (Lamli Bennett)

Q. Please share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the first show Teruma-kun gifted us with matching glasses for the 3rd Floor Butlers

Q. Do you have anything in common with Lamli Bennett We both give people nicknames right off the bat. I love using unique nicknames!

A Message from the Butler to the Master Welcome back, Master~~! I'm Ishibashi Hiroki who will be playing Lamli Bennett. It's hard to believe that almost 2 years have passed since the first productions since the memories are still vivid in my mind, but at the same time I have been eagerly awaiting this day. I'll be using every single muscle in my face to convey Lamli's overflowing charms to you, Master. The Third Floor overflowing with love will "swear to protect you from the tallest heights as the ones who are closest to the starry skies". Please cheer us on!

Nikaido Shin (Nac Stein)

Q. Please share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the first show I was able to sing a number with Teruma-san, Lucas Thompscie's actor. Teruma-san has been so kind to me both professionally and personally, so I was so happy to be on stage as his right hand man.

Q. Do you have anything in common with Nac Stien Just like him, I'm not very good at waking up, especially if my sleep is being disturbed… Sometimes, it seems much more than just being cranky.

A Message from the Butler to the Master I am truly happy to once again meet the Master as Nac Stein. I'm sure the Master has always been awaiting this day, and I too have been looking forward to the production. Our first run was so wonderful, that as the final performance approached I was quite sad, but already I began thinking about a sequel. I want to cherish each and every moment as I preform.

Kawakami Shota (Miyaji Oldia)

Q. Please share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the first show Preforming the opening with everyone, the magnificent music, lighting, and staging - each performance gave me goosebumps

Q. Do you have anything in common with Miyaji Oldia From appearances alone, we're exactly the same in the regard that both of us look quite unapproachable at first. Both Miyaji-san and I are very friendly on the inside though.

A Message from the Butler to the Master I will work as hard as I can. I'm delighted to once again share the world of Akuneko which we both love with the Master once again, showing off with an evolved cast and new cast members for all performances. I also want to deepen my bond with Miyaji-san and am looking forward to it. As this is a new production, please do check out the Secret Dinner Show Devil's Harvest and ~Rose Scented Ball Arc~!

Izaki Ryujiro (Lato Bacca)

Q. Please share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the first show I was very excited to use a real torch in the ball scene

Q. Do you have anything in common with Lato Bacca That's a secret. If I had to say, we're both greedy

A Message from the Butler to the Master Welcome back, Master. I have waited for the day where I can once again become Lato. Just thinking about how we will spend time together brings excitement. I would be very happy if we can walk together forever. This is a promise, okay? Over there is the smell of parsley… Take your time coming then.

Higurashi Seishiro (Flure Garcia)

Q. Please share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the first show The rotating jokes that the Basement Butlers used when exiting the stage were pretty funny. "Parsley party" and "beta-Carotene" and so on!

Q. Do you have anything in common with Flure Garcia I suppose it would be that we're both hard workers who never keep up and keep trying no matter what. And we're both flexible too!

A Message from the Butler to the Master I've been awaiting your return to Devil's Palace, Master. I am truly overjoyed to welcome you back once again as Flure Garcia. With the same unwavering devotion, I will serve you once again, cherishing the time we spend together. I hope that the story will be one that stays in your heart. I will be eagerly awaiting the day that we can meet again

Takahashi Yuuri (Shinonome Yuhan)

Q. Please share how you felt when you accepted the role I was genuinely quite overjoyed. While I'm thrilled to be working on this project, to be given a chance to play a character whose visuals and personality are so unlike any other character I've played before fills me with uncontrollable excitement. I'll be thoroughly researching and preparing so that I can show off a Yuhan that exceeds everyone's expectations so please support me.

Q. Please share your thoughts on the photo shoots I adore Yuhan's visuals so I was eagerly awaiting the photo shoot day. The hair, makeup, and costume are honestly wonderful, so I hope that you look closely at all the details. It was like discovering a new part of myself.

Message I'm Takahashi Yuuri who will be playing Shinonome Yuhan. I'm very happy to be taking part in a work that so many people adore. Since this is my first time appearing, I am feeling a little nervous, but that's overshadowed by immense excitement. I will give you a Yuhan that only I can play, so please look forward to it.

Fujita Yukito (Teddy Brown)

Q. Please share how you felt when you accepted the role I was so surprised and moved that I honestly almost cried from happiness!

Q. Please share your thoughts on the photo shoots The costume, hair, and makeup really helped me feel more immersed and committed to the series!

Message I'm Fujita Yukito who will be playing Teddy Brown! When I was cast, I was both nervous to play him and excited to work hard with everyone to create a wonderful show! I started playing the game a lot to further understand Teddy-kun, but before I knew it I got sucked in and was healed! I hope I can pass on these feelings to everyone who comes to the show. I hope that everyone in the audience to see Akusute will have their days overflowing with a sparking luck!

Kuwahara Sho (Seraphim)

Everyone it is nice to meet you. I am Kuwahara Sho who will be playing Seraphim this time. To be able to participate in this world that so many people love as Seraphim is an honour. I will do my best to convey the charms of this world and Seraphim in its entirety. I would be pleased if you could experience the world of Devil Butler with Black Cat with me on stage.

Amamiya Taisei (Cherubim)

The wedding ceremony that the Butlers were assisting with has come to a close. According to the bride, Melissa-sama's wishes… it seems that cleaning up will come at a later time. "In the meantime, it would do well for the Devil Butlers to stay in the manor.""… No, I would like for you to stay." As a request from our client, we stayed in the manor for a few more days.

After the wedding ceremony… we now have no more urgent jobs to attend to. It wasn't like I had too much free time on my hands… but since I had the time, I wandered to the manor's gardens.

Step… step… step…

Lato: "……"

(Oh, Lato…) (What is he thinking so deeply about?)

Lato: "Oh my, Master." "Kufufu, good afternoon. I did not expect you to be the one coming to me." "Just now I was wondering if I should come find you."

Did you need me for something?

Lato: "Yes. There was something which I wanted to ask you." "To be honest, something troubling happened recently." "Despite completing the wedding ceremony… the man known as Seludora has been quite noisy." "He has been quite persistently asking to be taught ways of proposing." "It is quite bothersome so I have been avoiding that man but…" "He catches up quickly so… I can not say that I feel very comfortable."

Seludora-sama is our client for this case… as well as the Groom in the wedding ceremony. Despite being horribly shy… it seems that even after the wedding, he wishes to tell Melissa-sama his feelings again. In preparation for that… it seems he has been going around soliciting love advice from the butlers.

That… sure is troublesome.

Lato: "Yes, even if I do provide an answer… he immediately replies with "But will that really work?" each time." "If you keep questioning my answers why ask in the first place…" "And that isn't all… If I ignore him, he still follows me around."

(To think that Lato could be this troubled…) (In some ways, this man is gutsy)

Lato: "And then I had an idea…" "Master, would you accept a proposal from me?"

Huh, Proposal…!? W-where did this idea come from…

Lato: "Hm… it seems that thus far, that man hasn't been satisfied…" "In that case… proposing myself would just be faster." "Speaking from personal experience would be sure to satisfy him." "I am quite troubled here." "Would you please listen to my request?"

O-okay…

It was surprising hearing the unexpected request… but I couldn't abandon Lato who's in trouble. Even though I'm embarrassed about it… I accepted Lato's request.

…If you'll have me then I'll help out

Lato: "Thank you very much." "I thought that you would say that."

If just to see Lato's mood improve, then I'm glad I said yes. In order to carry out Lato's request… Tomorrow we would be spending some time together.

The next day

Even though he mentioned proposing, it didn't seem like it would be happening right away. I took a walk with Lato and arrived in the town.

Lato: "Kufufu… Master, were would you like to go first?" "Perpetration for the wedding are ongoing… so no where is quite empty in town." "No matter where we go, it is bound to be fun."

Do you have anywhere you want to go?

Lato: "As long as I am with the Master, anywhere is fine." "I have been lonely recently… so I am quite happy simply spending time with just the two of us." "I am still unsure what makes a proposal a success… but the other butlers all say that the correct atmosphere is important." "So with that in mind… the first thing would be to go on a normal date." "Thanks to that, I can spend a day together with you… Proposals are a wonderful thing."

So that's why an outing first thing.

Lato: "Yes, that is exactly right." "In order to have a wonderful proposal… let us enjoy ourselves on a date."

Agreeing to those words… Lato looked quite happy but make a gesture as if thinking.

Lato: "If I am proposing… then today we are partners who are dating with the intention of marriage." "In that case… calling you Master would be quite odd." "Would it be acceptable if I called you [Name-san]?"

Yes, that's fine

Lato: "Is that so. Thank you very much." "Then Name-san… shall we think of where to go next?"

This whole date… is for Lato to propose to me by the end of the day. With that in mind… contrasting to Lato's peaceful smile, my body was wracked with tension. Even if I know that it's a false proposal… I can't seem to calm my heart which wants to beat out of my chest.

Lato: "Is something wrong, Name-san?" "Hm… it seems that you're trembling quite a bit." "Have I said something odd?"

No, it's nothing

Lato: "Hmm… is that true… It does not seem that way to me…" "I would like to confirm your feelings for myself but… it seems a bit difficult to do here." "… coming to a place with so many people seems to be the wrong choice."

Huh? Why…?

Lato: "Well… if I touched you in front of so many people, that would become quite a problem no?" "To understand someone's emotions… touching them directly is the most effective way." "Heartbeat, Body Temperature, Breathing… there are many ways of knowing one's true emotions." "However… in front of so many people, it would be improper of me to touch you." "I heard that many nobles have gathered here because of that Seludora's wedding ceremony." "Despite it being several days after the ceremony has ended… there are still quite a few nobles that I recognize who have remained in town." "I do not want to wrap Name-san in any trouble… and there is no moving freely in such a crowded place."

I remember Lato talking about using direct contact to understand someone's true intentions before. It seemed like Lato is itching to carry out this very method… I had a lot of thoughts on this… But Lato was being considerate of my position.

Fufu, I'm glad you're being so considerate

Lato: "Oh? That was a smile just then." "Hm… your feelings are quite hard to guess." "Today's Name-san is my partner…" "But even so… I can not touch you here… and I do not know your true emotions." "I've never imagined my ideal married life but…" "Thinking about my frustrations right now… I feel as if I would like to have an environment where we can always be physically connected."

An environment where we can always be physically connected…?

Lato: "Yes… where without reservation I can touch my partner's body." "That would be the ideal environment." "Be it the sound of their heart beat, or feeling how warm their hand is… I wish to live without missing a single one of my partner's thoughts." "Is that not wonderful?" "If you share the same thoughts as I do… then shall we change the scenery." "Let us go together… somewhere with less people."

This clumsy yet desperate wish of never missing one of my thoughts… somehow I couldn't deny him Grabbing Lato's outstretched hand… He guided me out.

Choosing a street with fewer people, we kept walking And before we knew it… we had arrived at a more deserted corner of town. ~♪~♪~♪

This is… the sound of an organ?

Lato: "Hm… it seems as if someone nearby is preforming." "Oh my, is that… a church I wonder." "It seems as if the sound is coming from in there." "… What a beautiful melody… would you like to go see?"

Yes, just a little bit

The heavy tone of the organ strangely captivated my heart. As if we were being invited in… we stepped into the church.

~♪~♪~♪~ In the church, there was an older man who was playing the organ.

Lato:"……"

…….

Old Man: "….Oh, hello there. It's rare for anyone to take interest in this church."

Hello, sorry for barging in

Lato: "We heard the sound of an organ, and came to see what it was." "It was a beautiful performance… I would like to hear more."

Old Man: "Hohoho… I'm glad to hear it, please stay as long as you'd like." "I was also hoping for an audience."

In contrast to the powerful performance from earlier… the old man began playing a piece with a softer, gentler atmosphere.

Lato: "The piece being played now… is one that is often played during wedding ceremonies in the Central Lands."

Old Man: "That's right. No matter how many years pass it remains unchanging…. truly a timeless classic." "…Today is my wedding anniversary." "Although she isn't with us any longer… each year I play it on the organ." "When I preform this song… those moments of happiness from our wedding come rushing back."

Lato: "… your partner is no longer alive I see."

Old Man: "That's right… But whenever I play this song, it's like she's sitting right next to me." "Hoho… Just as I'm remembering the ceremony. That would make you two the attendees then."

Saying that… the old man lifted his thin arms back onto the keyboard Without saying anything… Lato and I simply sat there in the church listening to the performance ~♪~♪~♪~ Because he was performing while thinking of his late wife… perhaps it was because we knew such a background. Even though it was a beautiful sound… wrapped in the middle of it all was an inescapable grief.

Lato: "……" "……"

(Lato looks a bit sad)

Perhaps it was because he could sense something in the performance that Lato's expression looked somber While he usually held himself at a distance from the other butlers, hearing the man play it seemed like Lato's heart had been swayed. Sensing this… I became worried and put my hand over his

Lato: "…!!" "… Master…"

Right now I'm only Name-san, remember

Lato: "Kufufu… yes, yes that is right." "Right now we are partners." "…We have the sort of relationship where I have to properly say your name." "…… It's warm." "You were worried for me… Your hand, it's so warm and so very comforting."

-A while later- The old man's performance ended… and we left the church.

Lato: "That person was preforming while thinking of his partner." "It was a beautiful sound… that felt sad." "When I think back on that performance… horrible what-ifs flood my mind."

Horrible what-ifs…?

Lato: "Yes… terrible imagined scenarios."

…Did the sadness from before disappear?

Lato: "……."

Lato only smiled at my question… and turned his head up towards the dusk painted sky.

Lato: "… The day is quickly coming to an end. Let us return before night falls." "And… at Room of Vows, please listen to my thoughts."

What was Lato planning to say… Just a moment ago, I was nervous about the proposal... but seeing Lato's quiet smile, I now felt a different kind of tension. Calming my racing heart… Lato and I raced towards the Room of Vows

-The Room of Vows-

The cold atmosphere of the Room of Vows had me straightening my back. Without hesitation, Lato headed for the back, sitting at the piano by the alter.

Lato: "… I have not been able to shake the performance from earlier from my mind." "My heart has been aching… and I feel quite restless." "When I listened to that performance… I began to think about your future."

My… "miserable" future?

Lato: "… Yes…" "… Until death, even in death we are bound together." "But… in the event that the timing of our joined death falls apart…" "…Then the war against the angles will only grow fiercer." "I have no intention of dying… however there is no guarantee that I will be able to survive." "…… I am not afraid of death." "But… I am terrified of dying first, and leaving you alone, Name-san." "If remembering my death… brings about such sorrowful tones in your heart as that organ did…" "If you cry while remembering me… in a place where I can not reach…" "Just imagining that… somehow my chest feels incredibly tight."

…So that's how it is.

I wonder what I should say to Lato, who fears what death may do to me. What is the best way to assuage those anxieties.

Lato: "Other people's misfortunes and fears… I never cared about that." "That has how it has always been." "But when I think about you… my heart feels like it is ripping itself into shreds… It's painful." "It seems like both my body and heart… think of you as an irreplaceable existence." "To the point where nothing else can compare to you, in my opinion." "… it is a joyous thing to treasure you so fondly." "But I… hate pain."

… Please don't hurt yourself, Lato

"We will be together forever… Right? When I asked him… it seemed like even if just a little bit, Lato's smile seemed relived.

Lato: "Kufufu, that is right. We will be together forever." "… I do not know if this will suffice as a proper proposal or not but… I shall ask you now."

Lato: "Will you swear… to spend an eternity with me?" "If you accept this vow… then please take my hand." "And I would like for you to convey it to me… with that unwavering heart of yours." "Let me feel the strength… of your wish to forever be together." Please, may your warmth rewrite that painful imagined future…"

I gripped that outstretched hand without any hesitation. Warming up Lato's hands which had long since lost it's warmth… I gripped his hand tightly to convey all of my feelings.

Lato: "Kufufu… Thank you very much. Name-san's hands are truly warm." "Thanks to you… I believe I can put on a good performance." "Will you listen to me play?"

Yeah… If you'll have me

Haures: "Welcome back, Master."

>Happy Birthday