zero's translation blog!

EVENTS:

Literature Impasse [Spring Troupe 9th Play]

Moon Traveler [Spring Troupe 10th Play]

BACKSTAGE STORIES

Itaru Chigasaki:

SR - Puppet of Uro

Chikage Utsuki:

SR - Spotlight

SR - You Can You Know

N - Literature Impasse

Customer A: One gimlet please.

Guy: Understood.

Customer B: ...The way he mixes the drinks so masterfully is clean.

Customer A: Ah, you're right. Each and every movement he makes is really smooth.

Customer B: Whenever he makes cocktails, it feels like he's doing some sort of magic...

Customer A: Even just watching is fun too.

Guy: Thank you very much. Sorry to keep you waiting.

[Bell ringing SFX]

Syu: ......

I think I'll have a gibson today.

Guy: Coming right up.

Syu: Winter Troupe's next play should be beginning soon, right?

Guy: Yes. We'll be having a meeting about the contents of the play soon. I'll be happy if you're able to come see our play again.

Syu: Seems like the Spring, Summer and Autumn troupes all had the last member to join playing their second lead roles this time, so Guy will be next right?

It'll be a big day for the master who's always serving me delicious drinks, so I'll definitely be watching.

Guy: ...Thank you for waiting.

Syu: The bar's always crowded but strangely, I find it relaxing here.

That reminds me, I was thinking of bringing an old friend here next time. I might've told you before but this man used to be my dad's assistant.

After my dad passed, he left the group and we lost contact. But the other day, I met him by chance.

Guy: Since that is the case, do feel free to meet up at the store. I'll be waiting for you both.

Tsuzuru: To start off, we've decided the lead will be Guy as planned before; so next up, we'll have to decide on what the theme will be...

Guy-san, do you have anything you wanna do?

Homare: Since our fourth plays, Guy-san has racked up a lot of experience; he's even become a prominent theatre nerd. Wouldn't anything be fine?

Guy: Actually, since I'd known I would be the next lead for quite a while now, I've already thought about this in advance.

Do you think you'd be able to write a story about a job again, a bartender theme?

Izumi: Bartender?

Guy: I started my bar because I wanted to promote Zafra's culture in a different way from Citronia, but now it's become a big part of my life.

That's why I wanted to face it again through a play.

Tsumugi: If our play is set in a bar, there'll be a mature atmosphere that only we can create as the Winter Troupe!

Tasuku: And it suits Guy-san, too.

Izumi: But the job theme overlaps with our previous play Sunny Blanc though, so we need to make sure to differentiate the two properly.

Tsuzuru: How about we mix the bartender profession with something else?

Izumi: Something else, huh... Like a bartender who works in a market stall? I think there's a manga that has a story like that.

Tasuku: How about mixing bartending with battle?

Hisoka: Come to think of it... Earlier, customers were saying that Guy's cocktails looked like magic.

Tsuzuru: Magic... How about a bartending wizard?

Homare: Indeed, winter troupe has not performed many plays with a fantasy genre.

Azuma: I think the wizard aspect will suit Guy's mysterious image.

Tasuku: Sounds good.

Tsumugi: There'll be a clear difference between the florist theme of Sunny Blanc, so I'm in favour of this idea too.

Tsuzuru: I'll be moving forward with the script in this direction, then.

Izumi: We'll be counting on you!

Guy: I'm looking forward to it.

Izumi: (It's been a while since his last lead role, so Guy-san's all fired up now. I wonder how this next play's gonna turn out~)

Guy: ......

Azuma: I haven't seen that charm in a while.

Guy: I'm reporting to my father about me being the next play's lead.

Azuma: ...I see.

Guy: It's impossible right now, but I hope there will be a day where I get to tell him this in person.

Azuma: I'm sure your feelings will reach your father.

Guy: ...Yeah.

Itaru: Hi everyone. This is Itaru Chigasaki from Mankai Company’s Spring Troupe.

Chikage: I’m Chikage Utsuki from the same troupe.

Itaru: Thank you for watching the special broadcast for the Spring Troupe’s 5th Play “Knights of Round IV THE STAGE”

Chikage: From this point onwards you will be watching a special free talk from the bonus footage

Itaru: For those of you who are newer fans of Mankai Company, by watching this broadcast you can get a glimpse of the company’s history and—

Above all, if you were able to gain an interest in the game “KniRoun” which this play is based on, that would make me the happiest as the lead actor for this play.

Chikage: For this play, even we played the games to understand the original works better.

Itaru: Right. Even though I was already a big fan of the KniRoun series from the start, we had troupe members who were playing those games for the first time.

Nowadays I’m a little more used to seeing Chikage-san gaming, but at that time it was a very rare sight to behold.

Chikage: Well, up until that point I had no connections to games whatsoever.

Itaru: But Senpai, you haven’t touched the KniRoun games at all since then right? With that being said, we will now be having a KniRoun quiz～

Chikage: As usual, you’ve done something unexpected.

Itaru: Question. In IV, in order to get to the hidden dungeon located in the “Valley of Deep Twilight” what is the name of the NPC you have to talk to, and what is the item you must give them?

Surely you don’t remember this, right?

Chikage: ……The blacksmith’s name is Lock, and you have to hand them a mysterious fragment of a hair ornament.

Itaru: …Correct.

Well I suppose this just shows how the KniRoun works are something that’ll be deeply rooted in your heart… It’s a great game, isn’t it.

Chikage: …So the ability to memorise things is unrelated, huh.

Itaru: As I said at the start, if you found this broadcast interesting at all, please do give the original games a try.

That reminds me, a new KniRoun card game just released recently. Senpai, since card games are your specialty, would you like to try it with me?

Without any cheats, of course.

Chikage: Sure.

Itaru: …Well then, I have your word.

That concludes the bonus footage from “Knights of Round IV THE STAGE”.

Thank you for watching.

Chikage: Thank you very much.

Itaru: I didn’t expect for you to accept my invitation to play the card game so easily, Senpai.

Chikage: Ah, I just figured that saying no would cause me too much trouble.

Itaru: When you put it like that it makes it seem like I’m some unreasonable kid…

Chikage: Are you not?

Itaru: I just have a pure and young heart is all. Unlike you, Senpai.

That being said, I still have your word so please play the come with me properly like you said you would. Let’s go buy it right now.

Chikage: Thanks for coming to be guests today.

Kumon: I was super excited to do this event with the four of us!

Juza: Yeah, same here.

Hisoka: I'm happy to be here too.

Chikage: Without this kind of event, I thought it'd be rare for us four to be on stage together again.

Izumi: Is everyone almost ready to go on stage yet?

Chikage: We're ready.

Izumi: Then, good luck on stage!

Chikage: Hello, I'm Chikage Utsuki of Spring Troupe. Thanks for coming today.

Audience Member A: Happy birthday, Chikage-san!

Audience Member B: His outfit is wonderful too...!

Chikage: Thanks. Well then, let me invite my guests to the stage. Kumon, Juza and Hisoka.

Kumon: Chikage-san, happy birthday! Let's all celebrate lots today～!

...Ah, I'm Kumon Hyodo from Summer Troupe!

Juza: I'm Juza Hyodo from Autumn Troupe. Chikage-san, happy birthday.

Hisoka: I'm Winter Troupe's Hisoka Mikage. Happy birthday, Chikage.

Audience Member C: We haven't seen these four together since that one mixed play, right?

Audience Member D: It's been so long, I'm happy to see them!

Chikage: The theme of my vlog is "The view that the fans want to see".

Hisoka helped with filming.

Hisoka: I'm sure everyone will find it to be warm and fluffy. Do pay attention so you don't miss anyting.

Chikage: Then, let's start the video.

Chikage: "Hello, I am Chikage Utsuki of Spring Troupe. Helping me to film is Hisoka."

Hisoka: "I’m Hisoka Mikage. Nice to meet you."

Chikage: "For today, I thought I’d show you all what a typical day in my life looks like with my family."

Kumon: By 'family' do you mean... Everyone in Spring Troupe's gonna show up!?

Audience Member A: We'll get to see candid shots of Spring Troupe, I'm so happy!

Audience Member B: I'm looking forward to it～!

Masumi: "zzz…"

Chikage: "He’s using the whole bench to nap."

Chikage: "You can usually find Masumi in a quiet spot listening to music while taking a nap."

Masumi: "Mm… Chikage…?"

Chikage: "Ah, sorry. Did I wake you?"

Kumon: Ahaha, Masumi-san looks really out of it while sleeping!

Juza: It looked like he was fast asleep.

Audience Member C: Masumi-kun's so cute〜!

Audience Member D: Chikage-san sounded so gentle!

Sakuya: "…Ah, Chikage-san and Hisoka-san! We’ve been waiting for you two!"

Chikage: "Haha, thanks."

Itaru: "Who have you filmed already?"

Chikage: "Just Masumi so far. What’re you two up to?"

Sakuya: "I’m making an example of a craft I’ll be doing with the kids from the daycare I work at."

"I’m trying to draw some flowers and animals on this paper here but no matter what I do they look like blobs…"

Chikage: "No, I think you’ve drawn them well."

Sakuya: "Really? Hehe, thank you very much!"

Juza: Sakuya seems really happy to be praised by Chikage-san.

Hisoka: It looks like he started working even harder after.

Audience Member A: Chikage-san's really good at giving compliments!

Audience Member B: Hearing the two of them talking to each other is so calming～

Chikage: "…And what about you, Chigasaki?"

Itaru: "I’m reading a book."

Chikage: "The cover’s blocked. What are you reading?"

Itaru: "That… is a secret."

Chikage: "Well then, we’ll just move on."

Itaru: "No wait, Senpai. Couldn’t you at least be a little interested?"

Hisoka: This kind of exchange is more common.

Chikage: Since it seemed like Chigasaki didn't want to tell me about it, I thought I might as well not ask.

Audience Member C: Chikage-san and Itaru-san's conversations are so interesting!

Audience Member D: Come on Chikage-san, you should show some interest!

Citron: "Hm～ Lalala～♪"

"Oh, Chikage and Hisoka are finally here!"

Chikage: "Sorry to keep you guys waiting. Tsuzuru, are you making lunch?"

Tsuzuru: "Yeah I am, but Citron-san won’t stop singing beside my ear…"

Citron: "I am your personal cheerleader!"

Tsuzuru: "That’s having the opposite effect on me right now!"

Hisoka: "Tsuzuru, it’s burning."

Tsuzuru: "Ah, you’re right!"

"Ah… It’s a little burnt now…"

Chikage: "Tsuzuru, your cooking is delicious, so it’s alright even if it’s slightly burnt."

Tsuzuru: "…To hear you say that, Chikage-san. I’m really happy."

Citron: "How unfair! Chikage, praise me too!"

Chikage: "Citron, your singing is lovely."

Citron: "I’m so happy! My singing has a crab!"

Kumon: Chikage-san, nice follow-up!

Audience Member A: Chikage-san is really kind, huh〜

Audience Member B: You can really feel the atmosphere of Spring Troupe!

Hisoka: "...Hey, what about you Chikage?"

Chikage: "What about me?"

Hisoka: "Chikage's own daily life. I'm sure everyone would want to see that too."

Chikage: "I––"

Citron: "Chikage! If you're going to eat then set your plate at the table!"

Chikage: "Yeah yeah, I know."

Sakuya: "It smells delicious!"

Tsuzuru: "Oh, everyone came at the perfect time."

Masumi: "Yawn..."

Itaru: "...Don't tell me, did Senpai help to make the food?"

Chikage: "Nope, I was just filming them making it."

Hisoka: "...Fufu, looks like this is Chikage's daily life."

Audience Member C: Spring Troupe and Chikage-san's conversations really do make you feel warm inside...

Audience Member D: As expected, Spring Troupe really feels like a real family...

Chikage: Thank you for watching till the end.

When I first thought about what people may want to see, my first thought was that they'd want to see the Spring Troupe.

...I don't think I would be where I am today if you all weren't here.

Chikage: Seems like we'll be ending soon.

Kumon: Uwah～ That was fast!

Juza: Come to think of it, don't we have to take a picture of you now?

Hisoka: ...Then, I'll take it. What pose would you all like to see Chikage do?

Audience Member A: A finger heart pose please!

Audience Member B: Maybe blowing a kiss...

Audience Member C: I really wanna see him blowing a kiss with a cool expression～!

Chikage: Thanks for all the various requests. Then, let's go with the one that was said the most.

Hisoka: Alright I'm gonna take the picture now so stand over there.

Chikage: Sure, sure.

Hisoka: ...Say cheese.

Hisoka: Then, can I start shooting now?

Chikage: Yeah. I'll be counting on you.

Hello, I am Chikage Utsuki of Spring Troupe. Helping me to film is Hisoka.

Hisoka: I'm Hisoka Mikage. Nice to meet you.

Chikage: For today, I thought I'd show you all what a typical day in my life looks like with my family.

Hisoka: Who are we going to first?

Chikage: Let's go to the courtyard

Masumi: zzz...

Chikage: He's using the whole bench to nap.

Hisoka: I'm getting sleepy too...

Chikage: You're not allowed to sleep.

Hisoka: I know.

Chikage: You can usually find Masumi in a quiet spot listening to music while taking a nap.

Masumi: Mm... Chikage...?

Chikage: Ah, sorry. Did I wake you?

Masumi: ...You said you were recording today...

Chikage: I've got enough footage, so it's alright.

Masumi: You do? I'm going back to sleep then.

Chikage: Thanks, goodnight.

Sakuya: ...Ah, Chikage-san and Hisoka-san! We've been waiting for you two!

Chikage: Haha, thanks.

Itaru: Who have you filmed already?

Chikage: Just Masumi so far. What're you two up to?

Sakuya: I'm making an example of a craft I'll be doing with the kids from the daycare I work at.

I'm trying to draw some flowers and animals on this paper here but no matter what I do they look like blobs...

Chikage: No, I think you've drawn them well.

Sakuya: Really? Hehe, thank you very much!

Chikage: ...And what about you, Chigasaki?

Itaru: I'm reading a book.

Chikage: The cover's blocked. What are you reading?

Itaru: That... is a secret.

Chikage: Well then, we'll just move on.

Itaru: No wait, Senpai. Couldn't you at least be a little interested?

Chikage: ...Don't mind, Itaru.

Citron: Hm～ Lalala～♪

Oh, Chikage and Hisoka are finally here!

Chikage: Sorry to keep you guys waiting. Tsuzuru, are you making lunch?

Tsuzuru: Yeah I am, but Citron-san won't stop singing beside my ear...

Citron: I am your personal cheerleader!

Tsuzuru: That's having the opposite effect on me right now!

Hisoka: Tsuzuru, it's burning.

Tsuzuru: Ah, you're right!

Ah... It's a little burnt now...

Chikage: Tsuzuru, your cooking is delicious, so it's alright even if it's slightly burnt.

Tsuzuru: ...To hear you say that, Chikage-san. I'm really happy.

Citron: How unfair! Chikage, praise me too!

Chikage: Citron, your singing is lovely.

Citron: I'm so happy! My singing has a crab!

Tsuzuru: I think you might mean it has an effect.

Hisoka: I think he's just saying anything at this point.

Tsuzuru: I think so too...

Citron: I love Chikage～♪

Chikage: Yeah, yeah. Thank you.

*Door opens*

Izumi: Chikage-san, are you free right now?

Chikage: Need something?

Izumi: It seems like there's some problems with the TV in the common room, could you take a look at it?

Tasuku-san's not at home right now, so you're our only hope, Chikage-san...

Chikage: I see. I'll go take a look at it now then.

Hisoka: zzz... mimimi...

Chikage: There's an obstacle here.

Izumi: W-Well, it should be fine as long as you're able to see the TV...!

So basically, I'm not sure why but the TV... It's not really responding well when you do this.

Chikage: Ah, I see.

If I just do this, it should be back to normal soon.

Izumi: That's great! Thank you so much!

Come to think of it, have you started on preparations for your vlog that’s going to be screened at your birthday event?

Chikage: I intend to start preparing so I make it in time for that day.

Izumi: I’m excited to see what kind of vlog you’ll make, Chikage-san.

Hisoka: Mmm… Doesn’t seem like he’s even thought about who’s gonna record him.

Izumi: Ah, did we wake you?

Hisoka: It’s fine. I was about to get up anyways.

Chikage: You didn’t think about that either, no?

Hisoka: Yeah, but I had Tsumugi.

Izumi: Ah actually, you havent helped anyone record their vlog yet right, Hisoka-san?

Chikage: What you’re trying to imply is so obvious.

Hisoka: …She’s right though.

Izumi: Isn’t it perfect, though? I think it’d be nice if everyone got to experience recording at least once…

I’m sure that there are expressions of Chikage-san’s that only Hisoka-san could capture.

Of course, I won’t force you guys to do anything though. I’m sure you have your own ideas as well, Chikage-san.

Hisoka: If Chikage insisted, I wouldn’t mind recording though.

Chikage: Well, it’s going to be hard to find anyone now, so I’ll have to leave the recording to this sleepyhead.

Hisoka: What're you gonna put in your vlog?

Chikage: I was thinking of getting Spring Troupe to help me with that.

Izumi: Well then, let's stop here for today.

Sakuya: Good work everyone!

Chikage: Could I speak to everyone for a moment?

I'd like everyone's help in the filming of my vlog this year.

Sakuya: Of course we'll help!

Citron: What are you panning!?

Itaru: You mean "what are you planning" right.

Tsuzuru: That's a little unsettling...

Masumi: ...What a pain.

Sakuya: Come to think of it, has everyone thought of the moon dwellers yet?

Masumi: …You mean the thing where everyone thinks about the moon dwellers to build their roles?

Sakuya: Yes! I’ve been trying to think of them myself, but I can’t seem to come up with any good ideas…

Chikage: Chigasaki, you got a drawing of them the other day, right?

Itaru: Ah, right. Hang on… I got a digital version of it the other day, so everyone can see it now.

Here it is. I got Kazunari to draw it for me based on my settings and images.

Sakuya: Wow! They’re pretty good!

Tsuzuru: But don’t you think they’re kind of… cute? They seem too simple to be thought of by Itaru-san.

Citron: No, no! They are definitely by Itaru. I’m sure that behind their cuteness, they have a very heavy backstory!

Itaru: As expected of Citron, that’s exactly right.

Masumi: That’s not helpful.

Chikage: We should be fine even if it isn’t.

Itaru: Rude. Anyways, what about you two?

Masumi: I haven’t made them yet.

Chikage: Actually, I've already thought about it. I even drew an illustration yesterday.

Itaru: When did you do that.

Citron: Oh～ Aliens drawn by Chikage, I'm interested! Let me see, let me see!

Sakuya: I want to see too!

Tsuzuru: I mean, I'm curious too but Chikage-san's drawings are...

Masumi: They're always weird.

Itaru: Rather than 'weird', they're more like...

Chikage: I sent a digital copy to my phone too, let me see... Here you go.

Citron: ––Ah!

Sakuya: T-This is...!

Citron: ...What is it.

Chikage: It's a crab.

Spring Troupe: A crab?!

Itaru: It's a rock no matter how you look at it.

Chikage: How rude. Actually the motif for my drawing was the Atergatis floridus. [1]

Sakuya: The ater... gate... what?

Tsuzuru: So the motif was strange to begin with.

Masumi: But why a crab?

Chikage: When I think of the moon, a crab comes to mind. The pattern on the moon reminds me of a crab. I thought that was pretty fantasy-like and so that's what I made.

Sakuya: Eh!? When you think of the moon, don't you think of a rabbit instead...?

Chikage: Only those in Asian countries see a rabbit in the moon, no? The pattern on the moon is different for everyone depending on the country they live in.

Citron: I see～ That is definitely the kind of thing Chikage would be smelling for.

Tsuzuru: If you're going to use that phrase you'd need your eyes, not nose. [2]

Itaru: All this even though Senpai is a rabbit chara...

Chikage: I am not.

So, is this enough for you to use as a reference?

Sakuya: I-I'll try my best!

Masumi: Sigh... Nobody here is helpful...

[1]: The full name of this crab is スベスベマンジュウガニ (sube sube manjuu kani) so I used to scientific name to capture of the energy of Chikage saying that full name.

EVENT STORIES:

Risshun-Setsubun Festival

Invitation from 0 [6th Anniversary Event Stories]

Wizard's Tea Party

Literary Impasse (Play & Epilogue left)

CARD STORIES:

Itaru Chigasaki SR 【Zero Gravity Doctor】

Chikage Utsuki SR 【Roommate Mission! Chikage as Itaru】

Banri Settsu SR 【Marionette of the Void】

Yuki Rurikawa SSR 【marionette noire】

Izumi: It’s actually pretty big in here!

Tsuzuru: Rather, I think it just feels spacious because there’s so few people here.

Itaru: I think we might be the only ones here, actually.

Chikage: I don’t have anything to do with that, by the way.

Izumi: We didn’t say anything!?

Tsuzuru: After all, fully booking a place is something only celebrities could do, right?

Sakuya: So many space related items are on display.

Chikage: It's more authentic than anything I've seen on the website.

Citron: This one here, it says its a "stone from the spoon"!

Masumi: "Stone from the Moon."

Chikage: This really did come from the moon, huh.

Tsuzuru: It's really impressive when you think about it.

Itaru: We're all here for role-building, but it seems like Senpai who invited us here is having the most fun.

Citron: He could've come here on his own, huh.

Tsuzuru: Ah––

Chikage-san, could you come here for a bit?

Chikage: ––

Tsuzuru: I think it's a corner for experiencing the moon. It's just a projection of images, but it's very well done, isn't it?

Chikage: ......

Tsuzuru: (Chikage-san?)

Chikage: I wonder if the view from the real moon looks like this too.

......Before, you asked me something, right Tsuzuru? You asked why I wanted to be an astronaut.

Do you still want to hear the answer to that question?

Tsuzuru: Would that be okay?

Chikage: ......Then, let me tell you a little bit about my past.

My home environment was a little complicated, and by the time I can remember, there was no place for me at home anymore.

That's why I would always leave my house and go to a place to look at the moon.

Eventually, I had the thought to go to that moon.

...I'm sure I just wished for a place to stay.

I thought that perhaps, on the moon that was always softly watching over me, there might've been a place for me; far away from that uncomfortable place.

Childish, isn't it?

Although I was always interested in space, that's the reason why I wanted to be an astronaut.

Tsuzuru: So that means...... that dream of yours has come true.

Citron: But he's not on the moon, and he's not an astronaut!

Sakuya: That's true!

Chikage: ?

Tsuzuru: The place that Chikage-san was wishing for, is it not here with us?

Chikage: ––I guess you're right.

Izumi: Also, your dream of going to the moon is going to come through on stage with our play.

Citron: Chikage has so many "Uni" in his grasp today!

Masumi: That must hurt.

Itaru: Right? [1]

Tsuzuru: (Looking for a place you can belong on the moon......)

––Ah, I got it.

Izumi: And with that, the script is finally complete!

Tsuzuru: Sorry to keep you guys waiting.

Citron: You kept us in suspense!

Itaru: But that last part made for a pretty good ending.

Sakuya: Gino and everyone get Roberto to stay with them and return to Earth together...... I think this direction is a lot more emotional.

Izumi: Roberto's character remains the same, but he has been fleshed out and given a lot more depth.

(Chikage's acting has improved a lot more too. He must have remembered a lot of things from his childhood.)

Masumi: But it's not just the ending that's changed, right?

Tsuzuru: Err...... I heard Chikage-san's story and ended up getting carried away with my writing......

Izumi: It must be a privilege to be the co-lead for this play while being the company's in house scriptwriter, huh.

Tsuzuru: Chikage-san may have said that it was just a fleeting dream when he was little, but......

For the role of Roberto in this script, I wanted to write it as a gift to both Chikage-san and the younger Chikage-san after all.

Because as far as we know, be it from then or now, Chikage-san is still Chikage-san.

Chikage: Thank you.

By the way Tsuzuru, is it really okay that the question I answered wasn’t exactly one you asked?

Tsuzuru: It’s alright, I know enough. Plus, any more and it’d be over my capacity. Everything else that I wrote was up to me.

Chikage: Yeah. I’m grateful for that too.

Tsuzuru: Ah, but there’s one more thing I wanted to ask you.

Chikage: ?

Tsuzuru: I know you said it’s alright but—— Do you still have any requests for the script?

Chikage: ……Well, if you insist.

[1]: Both Masumi and Itaru interpreted uni as sea urchins instead of dream

Itaru: Oh? Good work today.

Chikage: You too.

Itaru: It's rare to see you having your lunch break at this time.

Chikage: The meeting just happened to pass by today.

Izumi: Rehearsals are OFF for tomorrow.

I'd like Tsuzuru-kun to finish the script soon, so I'm going to move the OFF day forward so that he can concentrate on writing.

M.U: Got it.

Sakuya: Understood!

Citron: Tsutduru, mood luck d yo!

Tsuzuru: You mean good luck right? I'll get inspiration from the space museum and finish up my writing.

Itaru: Heh, the space museum huh?

Chikage: ......

Itaru: Senpai, you've been been answering some surprisingly straightforward questions. I also need to decide on one soon.

So, why don't we go have lunch together?

Chikage: Come to think of it, there's still a troublesome guy left to deal with.

Itaru: Whew, that 'guy' is still the weakest of the big four......

Chikage: Well, I suppose it's fine. After all, a treat from Chigasaki is priceless.

Itaru: ......You must be hearing things.

Waiter: Please wait a moment.

Itaru: ......I need to use up my stamina while I still can.

Chikage: You mean your game stamina, right?

Itaru: Speaking of which, do you still play KniRoun's social game?

Chikage: Is that your question, Chigasaki?

Itaru: Of course not.

Chikage: I haven't touched the game in so long that I'd get comeback bonuses.

Itaru: They're going to rerun Gawain's limited edition SSR soon, y'know.

The illustration for that card was specially drawn by a famous illustrator, but actually that illustrator......

Chikage: You never change, huh.

Itaru: I've been like this since I was a kid. It'd be too late to change now.

Chikage: ......Honestly, I'm impressed. With that part of you, that is.

Itaru: I'm planning to stream another restricted KniRoun gameplay today. Senpai, do you wanna join?

Chikage: I'm not joining you. Still, even if I did join, Taruchi's secret identity could be exposed. Then you'd have to retire.

Itaru: For some reason, Senpai, you're pretty careful about helping to keep my secret.

......Senpai, what is the secret that you're hiding? That is my question.

Chikage: ......

(As long as I answer properly and don't lie, I won't be breaking the rules, but......)

......I can't answer that.

Itaru: As expected, that kind of question is NG huh. But even though this was expected, you didn't lie to dodge the question, so it's still progress.

Chikage: Isn't that kind of attitude too arrogant? That's why I said that you're troublesome.

Itaru: But, this is fine. Isn't it?

Plus, there must be a reason that Senpai's got such an important secret to keep.

We don't particularly want to know about your secret, y'know? Rather, we just want to know more about 'Utsuki Chikage'.

Hisoka: ......I understand why Chikage doesn't want to talk about it, but everyone wants to know about "Chikage Utsuki", not the other you.

Chikage: ......

Itaru: I know I took a bit of a high-handed approach to it, but please understand that. Signing off, this is Itaru Chigasaki, family representative.

Chikage: Since when were you the family representative. Well, I do have to say that I'm grateful. Thank you.

Itaru: It's nothing.

Chikage: ......

Chigasaki, are you getting paid tomorrow?

Chikage: ......How is it?

Izumi: You came up with way more names than I thought!?

Masumi: I think you could narrow it down more.

Chikage: This is already narrowed down though?

Citron: You packed so many words onto an A4 size paper in font size 10pt! Kazunari will be mad!

Tsuzuru: That font size is about the same of a newspaper, right?

Izumi: From Katakana to Kanji...... This one here, what language is it? It's not English, is it?

Itaru: You strayed so far off course it's awful.

Chikage: Since it's not a real entity, there are no visual references, so I tried to come up with a wide variety of ideas.

Tsuzuru: No, actually it's amazing that you can come up with so many ideas.

Masumi: I think for now let's eliminate the ones we can't read.

Izumi: Y-Yeah. Let's narrow it down that way!

Chikage: (Giving something a name is harder than I thought, huh.)

Sakuya: ......

Chikage: Oh, you were already home Sakuya. Good work at your part time job today.

Sakuya: I'm home!

Chikage: What are you looking at?

Sakuya: Ah, no– I just wanted to check how much the buds are swelling. I can't wait for the cherry blossoms to bloom again this year.

Chikage: You really like cherry blossoms, huh.

Sakuya: I do!

Sakura's 'saku'...... I feel a lot closer to them now that I know that they're the origin of my own name.

I love both cherry blossoms and my own name, so I'm thankful to my parents for giving it to me.

Chikage: …I see. You had good parents, didn't you.

Sakuya: ......

......No, which one should I pick...

Chikage: ?

Sakuya: ......Alright! I've decided!

Here's my question for our Q&A. What is the origin of your name, Chikage-san?

Chikage: The origin of my name......

Sakuya: Yes! Utsuki Chikage-san... I thought it was a really cool name the first time I heard it!

August: I thought that'd be the case. So I, being the Japan expert that I am, came up with some cool names for the both of you.

Chikage: What's the point of having cool names? Isn't our whole thing to be inconspicuous? [1]

Chikage: (Come to think of it, I never asked him the origin of my name......)

Unfortunately, I don't know. I never asked, and the person who gave me my name is no longer with us, so I have no way of finding out.

Sakuya: Ah I didn't know that......

Chikage: I'm sorry I couldn't answer your question.

If you want to ask another question, I don't mind. You were choosing between two questions earlier, no?

Sakuya: No it's alright! You answered my question so its okay.

I also only learned the origin of my name only after my parents passed on.

Even if there's nothing left of them, and you might think that it's impossible; you might be surprised about the chances you may have to find out more.

I'm sure Chikage-san will also have such a chance! So when that time comes, please let me know.

Chikage: ......Got it.

Sakuya: Oh speaking of which, have you decided on a name for the aliens?

Chikage: I've narrowed it down a lot thanks to everyone, but...... Here.

Sakuya: Wow, that's a lot of names. 'Uni'...?

Chikage: Citron insisted on that one.

Sakuya: That reminds me of the other day where Citron said, "I have an Uni!"

When Taichi-kun and the rest heard him say that, they mistakenly thought that we were having sea urchins for dinner. [2]

Chikage: Uni is pronounced the same as 'dream' in a language spoken in Northern Europe. It's the word I taught Citron the other day. [3]

Sakuya: I see! It's so fascinating how the same word can have completely different meanings!

By the way, how do you say 'cherry blossoms'?

Chikage: Hm I can't quite remember...... Ah but, I think 'cherry' is 'kirsikka'.

Sakuya: It sounds kinda cool! Then, what about 'the moon'?

Chikage: 'The moon' would be...... Kuu.

Sakuya: Oh? It's cute!

Kuu, huh... Kuu... Somehow, it kinda feels like your impression of the moon changes with that word. Other countries' languages are so interesting!

Chikage: (Come to think of it, I used to get the same kind of sparkle in my eye when someone in town taught me a language I didn't know......)

......It's easy to remember, so I think this might work. For the alien's name.

Sakuya: Ehh!? Are you really okay with that after coming up withso many ideas?

Chikage: It just feels right, somehow.

That and... For some reason, it reminds me of my old self.

Sakuya: If that's the case then I think it's great!

Kuu... Kuu... I think I'm getting attached to it myself! I'm sure we'll be friends soon!

Chikage: That's fast.

Sakuya: Haha. Today's 'Kuu' is a crescent moon, huh.

Chikage: ......Yeah, you're right.

[1]: From Act 5: Episode 18! Link to the chapter here

[2]: Sea urchin is ウニ (uni) which is exactly the same as how the alien name was written

[3]: The language isn't directly mentioned but it is Finnish! Uni refers to sleep and dream (not aspiration but sleepy dreams) in Finnish.

Citron: I worked hard at practice and now I'm hungry...

Izumi: Omi said he's going to make pasta for dinner tonight. He's making napolitan and some hot and spicy arrabbiata too.

Sakuya: Really!?

Chikage: I'm looking forward to it.

Tsuzuru: I'm glad that Fushimi-san makes our favourite foods during rehearsals as a way of cheering us on.

Izumi: Last time he made kata yakisoba, right?

Guy: Good work so far.

Izumi: Oh? Guy-san?

Guy: I've got a package from Zafra.

Citron: Oh! It came early!

Sakuya: Wow, what a huge box!

Guy: There's another box, I'll go and get it.

Citron: That box is very heavy. Chikage and I will go get it.

Guy, you stay here and hand out the contents of this box!

Guy: Understood.

Izumi: Ah! This is the candy that I liked, isn't it?

Sakuya: What's this over here?

Guy: It is a health product. You can massage your back with it.

Tsuzuru: T-This works way too well...!

Chikage: It's heavy. What's in it?

Citron: It's a special gift for Chikage.

Chikage: ?

Chikage: The size of this box is the same as the one we just saw.

Citron: Let's carry it! Prepare yourself or you might get a surprised hip!

Chikage: You mean a slipped disc.

Well I suppose...... The weight of this box, it's about the same as a book? I'm hoping it's spice though.

Citron: Drumroll... Boom shaka laka!

Chikage: A book and spice...... so it was both.

Citron: As expected of Chikage.

Chikage: Ah, this is the spice I was wondering about.

Citron: Mix it with honey to care for your throat.

Chikage: That's perfect for rehearsals right now. I'll give it a try once it's over.

And this book......

Citron: This is a novel version of the movie that was the motif for this play.

Chikage: The version of it in Zafran is rare. This is my first time seeing it.

Citron: It's an ancient book, so I had a hard time finding it, but it's a gift to commemorate your lead role.

Chikage: Thank you. I hope I'll be able to read it with my knowledge of the language.

Citron: 《......The Chikage right now should have no problem with that.》

《You had no problem with daily conversation when we first met, but now you're as close as you can get to a native speaker.》

Chikage: 《I'm honoured to be able to receive approval from the Minister.》

Citron: 《......Why is it that Chikage knows the languages of so many different countries?》

Chikage: 《Is that your question?》

Citron: 《Yes.》

《I've studied many languages for diplomatic reasons since I was a kid, but it's hard to master them all.》

《If it were a language spoken in many countries, it would be better. But Zafran is a minor language that you can only use in Zafra.》

《You're also familiar with the languages of other countries, right?》

《If it's alright with you, I'd like to know if Chikage's power is simply a natural talent, or if it has to do with his roots.》

Chikage: 《......》

《I suppose my upbringing is a big part of it.》

《In the town where I was born, people from all over the world gathered together.》

《We shared a common language, but we all had different roots, and we cherished them.》

《People with the same roots spoke in their mother tongue, so I grew accustomed to hearing it, and they were happy to teach it to me if I asked them.》

《Of course learning a new language is always a struggle, but I think that's why I'm better at it than others.》

Citron: 《Oh? Then, out of all the languages you've experienced, which one do you find the most interesting?》

Chikage: 《Each of them are interesting in their own way, but right now I think I'd say the languages of Northern European countries.》

《There are many words that are pronounced similarly to those in Japanese, but have completely different meanings.》

《For example, 'rabbit' sounds like 'crab' in Japanese.》 [1]

Citron: 《Crabs are rabbits? How interesting!》

《Then, how do you say 'dream' in their language?》

Chikage: 《Dream, huh...... If I'm not mistaken it's ––》

Citron: Thanks for answering my question! I'm going to use that word you taught me a lot so I don't forget it!

Chikage: I don't think you'll find the opportunity to use that word often.

Citron: ––Chikage.

Chikage: ?

Citron: 《It was nice to learn a little more about the current Chikage's roots today. We may not be in our home countries right now, but let's cherish our roots nevertheless.》

Chikage: ––

Citron: Goodnight.

Chikage: ......Goodnight.

Izumi: Good morning.

Chikage: Morning. Is that tumeric?

Izumi: I just wanted to prepare today's dinner.

Chikage: You can also use the spices that Citron gave me the other day.

Izumi: Good idea!

In the recent rehearsals, I've noticed that Roberto's performance is slowly getting better. Kind of like he's lost some of is power, or like he's become more honest.

Fufu, it must be the effect of Spring Troupe's Q&A showing, right?

Chikage: Hmm, I wonder.

But I was thinking if it might be better if the people involved with his character were to think things like, 'I don't know what this guy is thinking.'

Izumi: That's a good point but......

The way that Roberto tries to understand those around him, and how they slowly unify for the success of the project...

I think the audience will sympathise with that.

Chikage: I see.

Izumi: So, do continue your 'role study' as you have been please.

Chikage: My role study, huh.

Izumi: Speaking of which, have you chosen a name for the alien species?

Chikage: I've been giving it a lot of thought, but can't seem to make up my mind. I was just thinking that it's about time to get everyone's opinion too.

Izumi: Fufu, it's rare to see Chikage-san so troubled. I'm looking forward to the name you came up with.

[1]: Rabbit in Finnish is 'kani'. crab in Japanese is カニ 'kani'

24/03/23 update! Chikage is speaking Finnish which is a language of Northern Europe rather than a Scandinavian language. I've edited the lines and footnotes accordingly!

Chikage: (It was a bothersome meeting, but I got out earlier than expected. I've still got some time before rehearsals, so maybe I'll do some self-practice.)

(Come to think of it, I think the space museum I recommended to Tsuzuru is around here, but it's probably closed by now......)

(Well, it would be pointless if I went there anyways. The only thing you can get from there is information.)

......

(A strong longing for the moon. Looking up at the moon, kind of like a child, in a pure way......)

......

(Ah, damn. The moon is blocked by the clouds today.)

Chikage: I'm home.

Sakuya: Welcome home!

Masumi: Welcome back.

Chikage: ......Spring troupe's all here, huh.

Itaru: We're having an emergency family meeting.

Chikage: What?

Citron: We must hurry to the conference room!

Itaru: Sakura sea bream with whitebait, please.

Citron: I'll have the sweet shrimp and the greenbait too please!

Tsuzuru: You mean whitebait, don't you!? Also, add engawa and squid. [1]

Masumi: Salmon, snow crab and tuna.

Chikage: So this is our 'conference room'?

Izumi: I had a request to have sushi for dinner.

Chikage: I guess the agenda is seasonal.

Tsuzuru: Ah, speaking of which, I......

Actually, the script isn't coming together very well, and I was thinking of adjusting Roberto's character to make him more like Chikage-san.

It would also be easier for Chikage-san to play the role.

But then when I thought about it again, I realised that there's so many things we don't know about Chikage-san.

Of course, I know that Chikage-san has his own reasons for doing this but......

I think Oz was a script I could write since I didn't know Chikage-san that well. But this time, I don't want to write a vague script all because I don't know him.

I want to create a stage that's different from the one back then, one that can only be created by the Chikage-san of today and us.

And so, I'd like to ask a favour of you......

Chikage: What do you need from me?

Sakuya: ......

Itaru: .......

Tsuzuru: We......

Citron: We want to have an Equal and Egg!

Chikage: Equal and egg?

Masumi: A Q&A.

Itaru: Spring Troupe members will take turns asking Senpai one question each.

Masumi: There's one rule. If you don't want to answer a question, don't answer it; but if you do, don't lie.

Chikage: I see.

Sakuya: So is it alright...?

Chikage: ......

......Alright.

Tsuzuru: Really!?

Masumi: That's surprising.

Chikage: But, even if I do lie, you guys wouldn't be able to tell, no?

Sakuya: Even though Chikage-san tells lies or jokes, he never breaks a promise.

Chikage: ……Well, when you put it that way, I couldn't possibly betray you.

Itaru: Besides, it's not cool to run away, right?

Chikage: Yeah, yeah. I'll obey the rule.

Chikage: Of course there'll be things I don't want to talk about, but since I can veto them I don't have any problems.

After all, I know it's my fault that the script and the play itself isn't going well.

I'm the lead of the play, so I'll do whatever I can to help. I didn't think answering questions was what I'd end up doing, though.

Tsuzuru: Well then, we look forward too working with you.

Sakuya: I wanted to know more about Chikage-san, too, so I'm happy!

Waiter: Sorry for the wait, here's your order.

Citron: The lion has arrived! [2]

Izumi: Let's dig in!

Tsuzuru: I'd like to add octopus please!

Chikage: (I would've never accepted such a request had I been the same person I was when I first joined the group.)

(......I guess I've gone soft.)

Yuki: ……Okay, measurements are done. All of your sizez haven't changed much from last time, huh.

Make sure you guys keep taking care of your bodies, cause I don't wanna do any more adjustments.

Tsuzuru: Roger that.

Yuki: Also, I'm going to make all the accessories gold.

Chikage: ......If possible, I'd like to keep this ring on.

Yuki: Got it. Then, for this guy's costume I'll add some silver.

Chikage: Sorry for the trouble.

Masumi: ......

Chikage: ......

Masumi: Are you free right now?

Chikage: Yeah. What's the matter?

Masumi: Example Q&A.

Chikage: For Masumi to be the one to lead the charge, it's a little surprising.

Masumi: I want to get it over with quickly.

Chikage: So that's how it is. Go ahead.

Masumi: Why do you wear that ring all the time?

Chikage: ––

I wasn't expecting for you to go straight to that point.

......

Masumi: ......If you don't want to answer, you can pass.

It's not like the things Chikage wears all the time don't mean anything at all, but you just don't like you'd have the personality to believe in things like wishful thinking or jinxes.

So I was just curious as to why.

Chikage: ......Well, since it's you Masumi, it's fine. We've talked about things like this a little before.

Remember when I told you that I had a family member who passed away? This is a keepsake from them.

Masumi: A keepsake......

Chikage: Yes. It's proof that he was alive...... and proof that he is dead. But it's also proof that I am alive.

…You don't really understand, do you?

Masumi: I know it's as important to you as your own life itself. That's enough.

Somehow, I figured that it'd be connected to that family member in some way.

Well for now your quota has been cleared. Bye.

Chikage: So that's all? That was easy.

......But I wasn't expecting this from the first question. I guess it's a little early.

Hisoka: Chikage is in a rare kind of trouble.

Chikage: ......So you were here, huh.

Hisoka: I was sleeping up there.

Chikage: I told you to think about the season, didn't I?

Hisoka: …A question and answer, right. I think it's a good idea. Otherwise, you might just die without saying a word.

Chikage: As you might expect, I'm not thinking that far ahead.

Hisoka: ......I understand why Chikage doesn't want to talk about it, but everyone wants to know about "Chikage Utsuki", not the other you.

I think it's good to talk about as much as you can, little by little.

Chikage: ......

[1]: engawa is the meat that comes from the tail fin muscle of a fish

[2]: citron says "獅子" (shishi) instead of sushi

Izumi: Starting from today, Banri-kun will be joining us to help as an assistant director!

Banri: I’ll be in your care.

Chikage: Likewise.

Izumi: Alright then, let’s start from the top!

Chikage: “Uwaah!”

Tsuzuru: “Huh?”

Sakuya: “What was that?!”

Izumi: I’ll explain all the roles to you again.

The lead of this play is Roberto, played by Chikage.

Roberto’s supporting doctor Carlos is played by Itaru-san, and Paolo the linguist is played by Masumi-kun.

Citron-kun plays Geraldo, a martial arts expert who works as a bodyguard, and Sakuya-kun plays Pio, an apprentice cook.

Lastly we have the co-lead Gino, a genius inventor played by……

Tsuzuru: “That thing’s not gonna be able to fly, y’know. Just what the hell are you trying to do?”

Chikage: “I’m headed for the moon.”

Tsuzuru: “Hah? The moon? You mean the moon that you see in the night sky?”

Banri: Tsuzuru, huh.

Izumi: It’s a little surprising but Tsuzuru himself ran for that position.

Tsuzuru: Could I be the co-lead Gino?

The script might still go through a lot of changes, so if possible I’d like to take on a role with a lot of responsibility.

I’ll feel bad for the lead, though.

Chikage: I don't mind, but... won’t it be too hard on you, Tsuzuru? I think you don’t have to take on that much.

Tsuzuru: If I think I'm putting a burden on everyone, I'm likely to be safe my work. I want to write a script that I’m satisfied with, so I’m being a bit selfish.

That and actually... as I was writing, I felt that Gino was a lot like me.

The part where he tries his best to help Roberto realize his dream is linked to me who’s currently caught up in Chikage’s dream.

Itaru: It makes sense when you put it that way.

Citron: Indeed, Tsuzuru is a perfect match for Gino who tends to be involved in everything.

Tsuzuru: Well it sounds kind of bad when you put it like that.

Chikage: I think it's fine. If Tsuzuru is there to support me going to the moon, I can rest easy.

Izumi: Then, it’s decided.

Banri: For the most part, I think the casting is a good match.

Chikage: “Alright then, today marks the launch of the Lunar World Travel Project.”

Tsuzuru: “Huh?”

Chikage: "This is a joint project between myself, an astronomer, and you, an inventor, as the founding members."

“We’ll be really busy from now on. I look forward to working with you.

Tsuzuru: “Ha… Haha… I’ve been caught up in something really troublesome.”

Banri: But Roberto, as far as I can tell from the script, seems like a guy who's got a child-like purity about him with really strong feelings about the moon.

With the Chikage-san we know today, it feels like he's got some kind of resignations. Well, the character wasn't much like Chikage-san to begin with though.

Izumi: (Banri-kun felt the same thing I did. At first, I thought it was because we're still in the beginning stage......)

Yeah, you're right......

Izumi: .…..Banri-kun has also expressed this opinion, what do you guys think?

Chikage: You're right, I've been feeling it a little myself. I'll try to do more role studies.

Tsuzuru: If you end up having trouble with that, I can adjust the scenario instead.

Chikage: It's alright, this is my issue so I'll figure it out on my own.

Izumi: For now, Tsuzuru-kun, let's focus on finishing the script. Adjustments can be made afterwards.

Tsuzuru: Got it.

Itaru: .......

Tsuzuru: ......No, that's not right. This part too....... Grumble......

Ahh...... No good. I feel like I'm slowly digging myself a deeper hole.

(Could it be that Roberto's character is the reason my script doesn't feel quite right?)

(If that's the case, then I can just adjust Roberto's character. It might make the script more whole and make it easier for Chikage-san to prepare for the role.)

(For now, let's try to make the role a little closer to the real-life Chikage-san.)

If we're talking about Chikage-san then......

He likes spicy food, is good at foreign languages, is a businessman but is also athletic... He's enigmatic, good at magic tricks, surprisingly overprotective––

......

[Knocking at door]

Tsuzuru: Yes?

Itaru: GJ.

Citron: Oh! Tsuzuru's oranges are furrowed!

Izumi: Oranges?

Masumi: I think he means 'eyebrows'.

Sakuya: I see!

Tsuzuru: Everyone's here, what's going on?

Masumi: I was just returning to our room with the director.

Izumi: This isn't my room, though.

Itaru: I just wanted to see if there was anything we could do to help.

Citron: It's been a long time Tsuzuru has been troubled by a script like this.

Masumi: The interview for the script didn't go well to begin with.

Sakuya: Really?

Tsuzuru: No, I was actually able to get enough material from it.

About the film he recommended, Chikage-san actually said that he 'empathises with it' and that 'he longed for the mysterious life on the moon'.

But when I tried to imagine how everyone would play the role, I thought it might be a little different.

It's hard to tell, but something's bothering me. I can't quite put my finger on it though.

Anyways, I was thinking of writing Roberto to be a little more like Chikage-san but......

How do it put it... It's kind of like I'm looking at his profile from the outside, so what I know about Chikage-san is really superficial.

I don't even remember things like the details of how he came to be.

Masumi: It's fine, I think everyone's the same.

Tsuzuru: But, we know things like why Itaru started his gaming career and why Sakuya decided to become an actor, right?

Since we're all always together, even just a small fragment of the roots that shaped who we are today would be conveyed in one way or another, right?

But, when it comes to Chikage-san, I don't know anything.

If you just chalked it up to him being naturally mysterious, that would be the end of the story, but I think Chikage himself is acting that way.

Itaru: That's true.

Tsuzuru: In the end, he didn't even tell me why he wanted to be an astronaut.

Itaru: Didn't you hear the reason why, director?

Izumi: Well umm, he said it in English, so I have no idea what he meant.…… Because my English skill is zero...... Sorry. [1]

Masumi: It't not your fault. It's Chikage's.

Itaru: Well, I wouldn't want to teach English either.

Citron: I've never heard about Chikage's childhood at all!

Izumi: It's hard to get to know someone when you ask them things they don't really want to talk about.

Sakuya: But it's a little sad, isn't it...

Tsuzuru: ......

Masumi: Just ask then.

Itaru: Isn't that too easy?

Masumi: If you're curious, shouldn't you just ask? If Chikage doesn't want to answer, then he doesn't have to.

If we could learn more about Chikage, we could use it in our scripts and maybe improve our play.

Worrying about it here is a waste of time.

Tsuzuru: How blunt.

Masumi: Also, my roommate is annoying.

Tsuzuru: Now you're just saying anything you want!

Sakuya: This kind of reminds me of the Oz play.

Tsuzuru: Come to think of it, we did push things on him like setting up an etude, inviting him to have a sleepover with us, and playing pranks on him.

Citron: When it comes to Chikage, you have to do this much or it'll be no good!

Itaru: He's a troublesome grandpa, huh.

Izumi: I agree. Maybe Chikage-san just needs some kind of trigger.

Sakuya: Then let's get to work on a strategy!

[1]: the line he said is in his backstage story for his mankai show ssr! you can read it here.

Hisoka: Zzzz......

Chikage: ......

(I'd like to leave him alone but...... Sigh...... I've got no other choice.)

Wake up, sleepyhead.

Hisoka: Marshmallow......

Chikage: Of course you'd be dreaming about something like that. Get up already.

Hisoka: ......August.

Chikage: ––

Hisoka: Mm......?

Chikage: Really now, if you're going to sleep outside, at least consider the season it is.

Hisoka: ......Welcome home.

Chikage: I'm home.

Hisoka: ......I wasn't just sleeping. I was waiting for Chikage's thing to finish.

Chikage: Sleeping defeats the point of waiting, doesn't it?

Hisoka: The 10th play, you're the lead for it right? Congrats.

Chikage: Ah, yeah.

Hisoka: What kind of play is it?

Chikage: The script isn't done yet, so I don't know. But it'll probably have something to do with astronauts or space.

Hisoka: ......Astronauts?

Chikage: Seems like Tsuzuru heard about my childhood dream of being an astronaut, so he suggested it.

Hisoka: Chikage's childhood dream was too be an astronaut...... So even you had a time like that, huh.

Chikage: ......It was a really, really long time ago. I don't even remember what I was thinking at that time anymore.

That's also why I said that we should try to make the play's theme something more fitting of Spring Troupe.

Hisoka: ......Hmm.

Chikage: What is it?

Hisoka: ......It's nothing. August and I will be there to watch your play, so do your best.

There, I've given you my congratulations. It was low-budget though.

Chikage: I don't want it.

Itaru: The script is done.

Citron: How fast!

Tsuzuru: Well, the movie that Chikage-san recommended to me was pretty interesting, and it fit the Spring Troupe surprisingly well.

I decided to have our play this time pay homage to it a little.

Izumi: (So the main character is Roberto, an astronomer who dreams of going to the moon, huh.)

(While Roberto is swallowed by his dream, his friends around him try to send him to the moon and back to earth.)

It's a little sad, but also a positive and heartwarming story.

Chikage: It's a fantasy play thats fitting of Spring Troupe, isn't it?

Sakuya: There's an unexpected atmosphere to it. I think it's great!

Citron: I get to play a space alien!

Tsuzuru: But, I feel like there's still some things that don't feel right......

Izumi: Really?

Masumi: During Zenmai [Jikake no Kokoro], you couldn't decide on the ending until the very last practice. Won't it be fine if you just fix it little by little this time around?

Citron: There's still lots of time!

Tsuzuru: Thanks.

Ah, but there's still one more thing that I can't come up with an idea for that we have to decide on.

I've thought of many names for the alien species he'll meet on the moon, but I'm wondering if it might be better to leave them nameless.

Izumi: If that's the case, then how about you try to come up with a name Chikage-san?

Chikage: Me?

Itaru: Roberto and the aliens form a friendship because they can empathise with each other. Maybe if you help name them, you'll feel some kind of attachment to them.

Izumi: The aliens aren't a real entity, so giving it a name might make their image easier to imagine in a performance right?

Tsuzuru: I see, good point!

Chikage: ......Well then, I'll see what I can come up with.

But I've had very little experience in naming things till today, so don't get your hopes up.

Tsuzuru: If you come up with any more requests for the script, please let me know.

Chikage: Thanks. I don't have any complaints about it right now though. If I think of any, I'll let you know.

Tsuzuru: Alright then, let's get started.

Chikage: It's a little nostalgic, doing this interview.

Tsuzuru: The last time we did this was during the Oz play, huh. Back then, you messed with me a lot...

Chikage: Haha, sorry about that.

Tsuzuru: I'll be counting on you this time. First of all, do you have any requests for the script or your role?

Chikage: Nothing in particular. I'm alright with whatever you want to write about.

Tsuzuru: Since we've gone through the trouble of coming here, I'd like to write a play that Chikage-san wants to do.

I don't get the chance to write what you'd like unless you're playing the lead role, and taking your requests will help me broaden range of my scripts!

Chikage: If that's the case...... How about 'ultimate curry' or maybe a tale about 'a journey in search of the legendary spice'? Would that work?

Tsuzuru: I thought you'd say something weird like that, so I'm not too surprised. But if that's really what Chikage-san would like to do, then I'll go along with it.

Chikage: I'm joking.

Tsuzuru: (As usual, interviewing Chikage-san is a struggle......)

(Looks like I'll have to keep pushing him from here.)

Actually, I do have something I'd like to ask you though.

Chikage: Hm?

Tsuzuru: I'd like to know more about your dream Chikage-san––

Chikage: My dream, huh...... I don't dream much, you know. When was the last time I had a dream......

Tsuzuru: I'm not talking about those kind of dreams. I want to hear about your childhood dream of being na astronaut.

Chikage: ......Ah, I see.

But, this is the long-awaited 10th play; wouldn't it be better to have a motif more typical of Spring Troupe?

Mankai Show was also a space themed play y'know.

Tsuzuru: No matter the motif, it's possible to create something with a Spring Troupe-like image.

Furthermore, it's because this play is so special that I'd like to make a play with a lead that's like Chikage-san.

Chikage: I'm happy you feel that way, but I have the most fun performing plays in Spring Troupe's style.

Tsuzuru: (Somehow, it feels like he's lazily dodging my question......)

(At this rate, I won't be getting any answers. Alright––)

Chikage-san, why did you want to be an astronaut?

Chikage: ......

Sorry. With this kind of vague attitude, the script won't progress either right?

I don't hate astronaut stuff, y'know?

It's just that, I didn't have any serious aspirations. It really was just something I wished for once as a child, nothing more.

I thought it'd be wrong for me to force such an unjustifiable theme.

Tsuzuru: About your dream, did you stop wishing for it naturally? Like you decided you wanted to be something else......?

Chikage: Naturally, huh. I suppose you could say that...... I don't remember much about it though.

Tsuzuru: Is that so......

(It kind of feels like he's talking about it as if it was someone else's problem. Is it because he had this dream when he was small......?)

Chikage: Well anyways, I still like things like the space and stars. So don't restrict yourself to astronauts. Something like astronomers would be okay too.

Tsuzuru: Astronomers, huh...... It's true that a fantasy story or fairy tale going in that direction may make casting easier......

Chikage: I can recommend you a movie that you could refer to. It's a very old film, but I think it has a worldview that's like that of the Spring Troupe.

Rather than being about astronauts, it's more about space travel though. It's got worldview that really reminds me of the Spring Troupe.

Tsuzuru: That'd be helpful. Speaking of which, do you have any kind of attachment to this movie from when you were younger?

Chikage: I've got nothing of the sort.

......I do sympathise with it though.

Tsuzuru: Eh?

Chikage: No, it's just life on the moon was so mysterious that I longed for it.

Tsuzuru: Is that so?

(Something about the nuance seemed off, though.)

Chikage: There's also a space-themed museum, you know? I can send you the URL for it.

Tsuzuru: Ah, please do.

Chikage: Well then, I have to go back to work now.

Tsuzuru: Thanks for spending so much time with me. And also for sending me all the way back to the dorms.

Chikage: You're our important scriptwriter, after all. I'm looking forward to seeing the script.

Tsuzuru: Ah, well. I'm going to do my best.

Whew......

Izumi: Welcome home.

Tsuzuru: Ah, did you just get back from shopping?

Masumi: Yeah.

Izumi: How was the interview with Chikage?

Masumi: By the looks of it, it didn't go very well, did it?

Tsuzuru: Hmm, well, it's not like I didn't get any answers at all, so for now I'll start writing.

Izumi: If that's the case, it'll be a step forward from the last time you did an interview with him.

Tsuzuru: Haha, it may only be half a step though.