#bsts menou

-starless hallway-

saki: (Maybe I arrived a bit too early, it doesn't look like anyone is around.)

???: –What are you doing wandering around here?

-menou appears-

menou: How many times have I told you not to wander around the estate? I will not spoil you. The rules of the estate are absolute. Were you hoping to be able to meet with Archibald-sama?

saki: Uhh… Who is Archibald-sama?

menou: You should know. You're the heroine Mary, aren't you? Fufu, sorry, sorry. Once I saw you I couldn't help but slip into the stern persona of Medlock.

saki: You surprised me. By Medlock you mean–

menou: What? Don't tell me you’ve forgotten. He’s the head butler in ‘Beyond the Door’. He’s adapted from the head maid, or should I call her the head maidservant? From the original story of The Secret Garden.

saki: So you're saying I was scolded by you playing the role of Medlock?

menou: Yeah. You looked restless. And to Medlock it looked as though you were exploring the estate.

-starless restaurant area-

saki: The show will be starting soon, good luck Menou-san.

menou: Thanks. Let's enjoy the world of the show together. Speaking of, do you believe in magic, Saki-chan?

saki: Huh, magic? Why are you asking me that all of a sudden?

menou: It's not a random question, it's in reference to the show. ‘Beyond the Door’ is quite faithful to the original story of The Secret Garden.

The protagonist Colin goes with Mary and opens the door to a hidden garden that's teeming with magic. But, when put realistically, a simple miracle that ‘seems like’ magic occurs.

saki: I see… In that case I’d like to believe that magic exists too. I think it'd be wonderful for a miracle to occur.

menou: Yeah, it would be wonderful, wouldn't it? The world of ‘Beyond the Door’ is overflowing with magic and miracles. And that's not all. Within that world, I’m the only one who's different.

saki: Different? You mean your role?

menou: Yes. Medlock vehemently denies the existence of magic and miracles alike. He’s an incredibly boring adult. Taking advantage of the fact he’s the head butler, Medlock tries to confine Mary and the others to reality.

For example, hm… He’s like the seeker in hide and seek who aims to put an end to the game. He’ll call out “Are you ready yet?” And chase the children until he finds them to put an end to their fun. That’s how the stern personality of Madlock adds a certain spice to the show.

saki: Hmm, sort of like how adding salt to watermelon only enhances its sweetness?

menou: Yeah, yeah, something like that. Medlock’s saltiness only serves to further bring out the sweetness of Colin and the other children’s magic. Fufu, I’m glad you were able to understand.

Medlock is the sole realist in this world, it's interesting to act out. Despite the show being one that sweeps you and the rest of the guests away into a magical garden, I stand as the only obstacle.

My job is to try and pull you back to reality. Quite contradictory, isn't it? It's the height of irony. I wonder how far I’ll be able to take my Medlock. Let’s enjoy this miraculous and magical world together, Saki-chan.

-

Chapter 2:

-starless stage-

menou: “Young Master Colin…? Why are you walking? I cannot believe this… How could something like this happen…?”

Young Master Colin is Archibald-sama’s son and the heir to this estate. 

I’m already aware that due to his frail body, he will not live a very long life.

I’m already aware that Young Master Colin is always losing his temper and crying. Unable to leave his bed, he spends each day ignoring the light of the sun. His skin is pale and his body is only getting skinnier.

I know full well just how cruel reality is.

But that's just life.

No matter how tough things get, all we can do is continue to walk forward.

–But then, what am I seeing before my eyes right now? 

I don't understand it.

I cannot even begin to explain it.

menou: “This garden should have been locked away by the master of the house… While I wasn't paying attention, something occurred beyond this door.”

-backstage, after the show-

saki: (The show was so good I couldn't help but come straight to the stage wings…)

menou: Are you ready yet?

saki: Wha..! Oh, Menou-san! Today's show was really–

menou: I thought I told you not to wander around as you please? That garden is a place that Archibald-sama has firmly locked away. Nobody is permitted to enter. Those are the rules of this estate.

saki: Uhh, you said Archibald-sama so that means you're being Medlock–

menou: As the head butler it is my duty to protect this place. I must keep watch and make sure you two don't try to concern yourselves with something absurd like magic or miracles. Because if I don't keep watch, then I’ll lose sight of you. And if I were to lose sight even for a moment then… After that, I’d already be…

menou: ………

saki: What? Um, Menou-san? Are you alright?

menou: Am I alright…? Me? I’m more than alright, I’m in a great mood actually. I can feel the fresh oxygen in my lungs. The garden that Mary and the others brought back to life was so beautiful, wasn't it? So beautiful that I almost lost sight of myself.

Every sensation is proof that I’m living here right now. My breathing, the beating of my heart, it gives me the chills. Say, between real flowers and decorative flowers, which do you prefer?

saki: Huh? Flowers? Wait, you weren't speaking as Medlock right now…? 

menou: Who knows? Which answer would you prefer?

-fade to black, blue sky background-

Before my eyes is a garden so stunning that it glitters in the sunlight. I must never step foot in it. If I were to acknowledge it, my world would fall apart. I’d be denied and trampled upon. Ahh, just the thought alone terrifies me!

menou: “Are you ready yet?” Fufu, it's not like anyone will answer me. Giving a response would defeat the purpose of hiding. He watches, finds them and then loses sight of them… Medlock’s world is oh so strangely fascinating.

saki: You’re Menou-san right now… Aren't you? Are you sure you're alright?

menou: Of course. If today's show moved your heart then I’m content.

saki: Y-yes. I was completely immersed in it.

menou: Fufu, I’m glad. I want to immerse you even more. Wait a sec, I feel like someone told me there was going to be a meeting after the show.

saki: Huh? You need to hurry then! Let's get going.

menou: Oka~y.

-screen does a dramatic transition thing and zooms into menou’s face-

menou: (laughs) “–I’m not ready yet.”

-

Chapter 3:

-park, day-

menou: Today’s nice and warm. It’s good to take a break every now and then. The estate has hundreds of rooms, it’s a real effort making my rounds each and every day.

saki: Estate… Rounds… Ah, were you acting as Medlock just now?

menou: Since we’re here I want to try heading even further into the park. You’re curious too, right?

-they walk-

menou: Hm, where are we? We’ve been walking for quite a while. Well, this place isn’t that large, I doubt we’d get lost. Still, you managed to find it pretty easily.

saki: Find what?

menou: The door to the late madam’s garden. Archibald-sama had sealed it away from view. And yet, you managed to open it.

menou: My word. Ever since you arrived at this estate you haven’t obeyed a single thing I’ve said. Short tempered and selfish, no matter how many times I tell you to listen you just talk back. And then in the end, you found not only the concealed door but the key to it as well. You truly are a nuisance.

-cg gone

menou: —Or something like that. Medlock really loves to lecture Mary, doesn’t he? Since no matter how many times he says not to do something she doesn’t listen. It’s no wonder he’s always lecturing her. What do you think?

saki: I-it’s true that she shouldn’t break the rules but… I can kind of understand how Mary feels. If I found a door that couldn’t be opened I’d be curious about what’s behind it too.

menou: Hmm. Meaning you’re curious because it’s always closed? Or is it because it’s that door in particular? So if it had been left open would you have no interest in it?

saki: An open door… Hmm. I’m not sure, I hadn’t thought about that.

menou: Fufu, I see. I’m not interested in the motive or the circumstances either. However, now I’m curious… cause it’s you.

You called magic and miracles upon that ruined garden. The miracle of those abandoned garden beds blooming anew was a dream that you brought about.

If you had never come, then the existence of the secret garden would’ve remained undiscovered and quietly disappeared. If that is how things had gone, then right now I’d be…

saki: Menou-san…

menou: Ah, my bad. I came here today to take a break with you. Let’s head over there, Saki-chan. There’s all sorts of roses blooming.

-rose garden-

saki: Woah, you weren’t kidding. The roses are all so beautiful.

-saki glances around-

saki: Menou-san? Hm? Here’s not here… Menou-san!

-flashback, backstage-

menou: As the head butler it is my duty to protect this place. I must keep watch and make sure you two don't try to concern yourselves with something absurd like magic or miracles. Because if I don't keep watch, then I’ll lose sight of you.

-present-

menou: “Are you ready yet?”

saki: (That was Menou-san’s voice…? Or, wait—)

choice: “I’m ready” / “I’m not ready yet”

saki: …I’m ready.

menou: Found you~! So this is where you were hiding.

saki: Menou-san, um, just now, you—

menou: Let’s keep going, I don’t want you to think about heading back.

saki: Keep going? Where?

menou: To a place full of dreams and magic. It’s not hard to find, you just need to know the trick to get there. Don’t overlook the seal, if we hold hands like this, it won’t be scary anymore.

-moon background-

-flowerbed background-

Behind 100 doors are 100 sights. Each and every one leading to a different destination.

I want to see them all.

And if I could— I’d like to see them with someone else.

If it would be forgiven— Then I’d like to see them together with you.

Because, look.

-rose garden, menou is suddenly in his beyond the door outfit-

menou: The magic that you can see alone is only enough for one person, the magic that I can see together with you will be multiplied by two.

-background changes to a flooded overgrown greenhouse thing?? idk how to describe it-

menou: Further and further, we can dive as deep as you want. Until we reach that transparent, beautiful place. Come with me, Saki-chan. Let’s search for a secret door of our own this time.

-he steps really close-

menou: Are you ready yet?

-

Chapter 4:

-black screen-

“Are you ready yet?” I continue to repeat this phrase.

Even if nobody ever responds.

I will keep asking.

—Are you ready yet?

Medlock was a man who didn’t know of magic nor miracles.

His worldview was entirely constructed by reality.

And that is why he scolded the children who saw nothing but dreams.

The pitiful Medlock.

Just what kind of future waits for someone who rejects magic and miracles so vehemently?

-beyond the door background-

medlock: Are you ready yet? Look, I’ve already found you.

colin: What, you’d already started searching!? You found me way too fast!

medlock: Yes, the game is over now. Let us return to your room before you catch a cold.

colin: No! My room’s so gloomy, I hate it. I want to stay out here!

He was fed up with children who could say nothing but selfish things. However, that is also just another aspect of reality.

And that is why Medlock had to drill it into them.

That reality wasn’t fun at all.

That you have no choice but to face yourself.

It was Medlock’s duty to teach the kids that.

dicken: Colin, you can move so freely. You can walk even further outside the garden now!

matthew: Isn’t it amazing…! Young Master Colin is walking on his own!

archibald: Yes… A miracle has occurred! I never thought I’d get to see you standing, Colin!

medlock: There’s no way. This cannot be true. Yes that’s it, this must not be true. It’s nothing but a farce. This isn’t reality.

medlock: Are you ready yet?

What destination awaits a human who cannot accept a miracle that happened right before his very eyes?

That place would surely be—

-flooded overgrown greenhouse-

medlock: A door without a key and a garden with flowers that won’t bloom. There isn’t anyone else here, I can’t hear anything but my own voice.

I hold my magic close and search and search until I start to sink. Magic? Who… am I? I’m—

-screen cracks-

Somewhere, I hear something crack.

Is it the sound of the world that I’m enveloped in coming to an end? Or is it…

The crack grew larger as the fragile place began to crumble. Until eventually, it was exposed.

Behold, the cross section of my heart.

Look how many layers it holds.

The sweet, tender magic and miracles and the salty, straight-laced reality. They all pile up into one big heap. Just like a beautiful floral pattern.

-bloomed cg, menou crawling in the water of the flooded greenhouse-

medlock: Ah, that’s right. The flowers had always been blooming. Here— In my heart. That’s what a flower garden is for, after all.

Are you ready yet?

I’m not ready yet

medlock: Who am I asking this question to? And who is answering me?

-black screen-

—I’m ready.

From somewhere far away, a kind voice resounded. However, I wasn’t able to respond right away.

medlock: It sounded similar to your voice…

Everything is an illusion. 

Everything is uncertain.

Everything is—

-bloomed cg close up-

Everything is possible when magic is involved.

—end

other choice: 

saki: …I’m not ready yet.

menou: Who’s saying such selfish things? You really are a handful.

saki: Menou-san, um, just now, you—

[The last part in the final chapter also changes according to your answer]

-black screen-

—I’m not ready yet.

From somewhere far away, a kind voice resounded. However, I wasn’t able to respond right away.

Side B - 6: Don't be afraid of making a decision.

(Qu, Sin, MC)

Sin: ....Did you come?

MC: He...hello.

MC: ( That shocked me!)

Qu: Wow, I feel refreshed. That was a tough pace, but it was fun.

Sin:......No, as long as you can find meaning in chasing the cold wintry wind, it doesn't matter.

Qu: Oya, MC, did you come?

MC: Ah, hello have you been somewhere?

Qu: I just went jogging for a while. I sweated so much, that I needed I shower.

MC: Did you go jogging around here?

Qu: I went in the garden. There is a running course over there.

Qu: Sin's pace is surprisingly fast. I was doing my best to keep up.

Qu: It was faster than usual, wasn't it? Is something wrong?

Sin: Nothing passes through a tube full of suffering. Only the wind that echoes in the void can reach the truth.

Qu: Uhh, umm....umm....yea.

Sin: You just needed it.

Qu: I'm not really sure what you mean but, I guess you mean that pace was for me.

Qu: Admittedly, I didn't have time to think about anything, which may have been refreshing.

Sin: .......Especially if you don't watch your step, you'll easily fall into the valley of hell.

Qu: You say such scary things.

MC: What do you mean?

Qu: Who knows? There is know way I can understand, but I know that you are worried.

Sin:.......But for your true desires, that hell may be necessary.

Qu: I don't understand even more now. Can you explain it?

MC: It's impossible.

Sin: Are you okay to stay like this? If you say it, you could solve the problem.

Qu: ......I was surprised with your bluntness. Or rather, it's very refreshing.

MC: Excuse me, do you have any problems?

Qu: I'd say it's a problem.....

Qu: Mokuren probably got into a fight with Kokuyou. That's that I am curious about.

Qu: Up until now, there has been several disagreements between Mokuren and Kokuyou.

Qu: But, this time it is different. It seems he doesn't intent to go back or to back down.

MC: Go back....does that mean he might quit?

Qu: ......Mokuren is an eccentric person. Sin, do you agree?

Sin: I guess everyone is doing whatever is necessary. There are no words for Mokuren.

Qu: That person only lives by instinct...

Qu: When I was lost because of various things, Mokuren invited me to Starless without any questions.

Qu: Mokuren probably didn't intendent to, but I was saved by him at that time.

Qu: That's why I would like to be helpful for Mokuren.

Qu: It is said that pity is not good for others. Or if your mercy becomes too much, will it become your enemy?

Qu: Who knows.

Qu: When Maica came to Starless, I didn't worry like this.

MC: While Mokuren may not be worried, Qu is.

Qu: Maybe so.

Qu: I want to respect everyone's decisions, they way they respect mine.

Qu:........Sin, thank you. I was able to vent by talking to you.

Sin: There are different types of people. You must be the kind of guy who can vent his frustrations.

Qu: You are the type who cannot vent.

Sin: Maybe.

To be continued....

After story Side B - 6: It's just a relationship.

(Maica, Rindou, Qu)

Maica: Don't you feel that the customer base of W and P is a little different?

Maica: I feel that there is a lot of fixed fans. W is better.

Rindou: Maybe so. In a sense, it is a Starless-like team.

Maica: ....Hmm--. It seems to be Starless-like.

Rindou: What's wrong, Maica?

Maica: I don't know but, Qu seems worried.

Rindou: Qu does?

Maica: Probably......somehow but....

Maica: Well, as usual he hasn't said anything to me though.

Rindou: Your relationship is also a little strange. The sense of distance is unique.

Maica: Strange? It may look like that, but human relationships are the same for a greater or lesser extent.

Maica: Something is wrong. There is no such thing as perfection.

Rindou: ......That's right.

END.

Side B- 7: Face the desire

(Menou, Sotetsu, Qu)

Sotetsu: Oh, the lessons are over now.......What are you pouting about, Menou?

Menou: Today, Qu's lesson was not really good.

Qu: Sorry.

Menou: Your heart wasn't there.

Sotetsu: It's rare for you to act like that, Menou.

Menou: Is that so? But it's because Qu's head was in the clouds.

Sotetsu: Have you been worrying about Mokuren?

Qu: Well, something like that. In the first place, it can't be helped that I am worried.

Qu: It is a problem between Mokuren and Kokuyou. It has nothing to do with me.

Menou: I certainly don't think it has anything to do with Qu, but Qu, you don't think that way, do you?

Sotetsu: Because Qu is serious. He is different to you and me.

Menou: That's right. There is something about Qu that doesn't match with Starless.

Sotetsu: That's a terrible thing to say.

Qu: Personally, I thought I was a member of Starless.

Menou: In other words, rather than being serious, Qu is more of a decent person.

Menou: In that respect, he is the same as Rindou. Different from us.

Menou: But, sometimes I wish I was on that side.

Sotetsu: Isn't it impossible for you?

Menou: I guess so. Starless is not a store that satifies your desires.

Sotetsu: It's too self- explanatory.

Menou: We're in a place where the sun doesn't shine but that means we don't have to worry about being seen.

Menou: But I eel like you've always been trying to do things properly in this store 'in the sense of being someone else'.

Qu: ......Well, I don't really understand.

Sotetsu: Because it's Menou's languague. It seems like a normal sentence, but there's something wrong with it.

Menou: I don't want to hear that from you, Sotetsu.

Sotetsu: Hahaha, is that so? I don't want to be told that by you either.

Qu: It's surprising to hear Menou talk to someone like that.

Menou: Ahaha, not really. I haven't been able to get along with Sotetsu for a long time.

Qu: But, you often go out for a drink together, right?

Sotetsu: Because the stage and drinking are different.

Menou: Join us Qu. Sotetsu you are coming, right? After the shift?

Sotetsu: Okay, I'll drink it all up this time.

Menou: I have to settle this. Qu, you better be prepared too.

Qu: Please be gentle.

Sotetsu: Well then, first I will change my clothes.

Menou: Qu.

Qu: Hm.

Menou: This is a shop that satisfies your desires. Don't forget that.

To be continued....

After story Side B-7: Don't be afraid of desire.

(Qu, Kokuyou)

Q: Hey, good morning.

K: .....It's not as usual. Did something happen yesterday?

Q: Hmm- I guess I couldn't get through yesterday after all. I drank too much yesterday.

Q: Sotetsu and Menou to invited me.

K: I can't help but feel bad about that look.

Q: It is quite difficult to determine the amount of alcohol consumed.

Q: ......Hey Kokyou, how does this store satisfy your desire?

K: Huh? What are you talking about? Are you still drunk? I'm not getting involved.

Q: Ahaha, I'm already sober. I've been thinking about it since yesterday.

K: How should I know? I will get someone to take care of you.

Q: .....my desire, huh?

END