#enstarstl

＜The Next Day. During the script reading session＞

Yuzuru: “Huff…”

Rei: “Are you alright?”

Yuzuru: “...Ah, it’s nothing. I’ll recover soon enough.”

Rei: “You’re lying. Look. Even for a wound like this, it’s taking so long to heal.”

Tsumugi: “Everyone’s faith… Truly has faded this much.”

Madara: “Hey, is there even a reason for us to keep protecting this place…?”

Niki: “D-Don’t just say stuff like that~. It’ll be a-okay! This place is like our home after all.”

“And that way we can protect the tran…tran…kill..ity…?¹

Yuzuru: Shiina-sama, it’s read as ‘tranquillity’.

Niki: Ah, thanks~♪

“And that way we can protect the tranquillity of this land!”

Director: – Ummm. Could we stop it here?

Niki: Uwah! I’m so sorry! Is it ‘cause I can’t read the kanji!?

Director: Well... I was more concerned about your acting abilities than your ability to read kanji.

The character Shiina-kun is playing, “Hikaru”, is also beginning to doubt it himself…

To try to shake it off, he acts as cheerfully as possible. He has to say these things out loud to try to persuade himself.

So I want you to try not to become a character that is only cheerful.

Niki: Being totally cheerful is no good… Right, got it!

Director: Alright then, let’s resume from the next scene–

＜30 minutes later＞

Niki: …Ugh. T-Too hard…

Director: Yeah… Maybe Shiina-kun needs some more time to read through the script.

Niki: The others aren’t finding it that hard, I feel bad for causing so much trouble…

Yuzuru: You do know that the rest of us are not able to give a perfectly satisfying performance from start to end either?

Tsumugi: Besides, Shiina-kun only had shallow experience in dramas to begin with, so I guess it can’t be helped to some extent. 

Niki: It’s probably a little late to ask but… Why was I chosen to play the role of “Hikaru”? Even weirder, I’m one of the two lead actors. 

I know that some of the films Fushimi-kun acted in were selected for big awards. But I’m just a plain old idol chef?

Rei: That makes you sound like some dangerous person who cooks idols. 

Director: My reason for choosing the two of you is clear.

I believe Shiina-kun and Fushimi-kun are people with a ‘switch’.

Niki: Switch? But I’m a member of Crazy:B, am I getting transferred without notice?! 

Tsumugi: Uwah, welcome to Switch ☆ We welcome you with open arms~

Madara: Let’s all calm down. Let’s not finalise a verbal transfer without the producer’s prior knowledge. Anzu-san’s panicking, don’t you see?

Niki: So it’s not the idol group Switch? But what does ‘switch’ mean then?

Director: A ‘switch’ is a, well… um… I guess you could describe it as a “change of personality”.

When you’re in my position, you watch a lot of actors. But it’s rare to find someone with these traits.

Someone who can change their personality into another as if just flipping a ‘switch’. 

These sorts of people are most definitely perfect for acting jobs!

When the two of you were chasing that bag thief, I was positive I could hear the sound of your switches!

It was then that I thought, “This must be it! This has to be fate!”

Niki: Back up back up! Please don’t just get up in my face like that!

This director has to be the type of guy who loses sight of his surroundings when he’s excited.

Yuzuru: Yes. But that reasoning is…

Your viewpoint is very unconventional, no? It seems to be quite a strange one… I believe he fits the mould of someone within the creative field.

Niki: Ugh? Even if you call it a switch, it doesn’t click with me. I can’t get a feel for it.

What even is a switch? I’m not some kinda tool to test a bunch of lightbulbs.²  

Hm? What’s wrong, Anzu-san?

Uh~, sorry ‘bout that. It really is just what you say.

If I keep carrying on like this I’ll never get good results, so I’d like a bit more time to look over my role.

I think I need some time to mature, just like a piece of ham.

Yuzuru: That sounds good. Even if the director wants to speed up production, filming while the script reading is unsatisfactory would be counterintuitive.  

Let us dismiss this meeting for today.

＜Same Day at Night. Resting Room＞

Yuzuru: …… (drinking coffee)

Niki: Uu… Guuu…

Yuzuru: …What was that noise? It sounds like the groan of something dragging itself across the ground. 

It’s coming from over here.

Niki: Uu…

Yuzuru: Oh, Shiina-sama, what seems to be the problem? Why is it that you’re dragging yourself along the ground like that? Are you pretending to be some type of dead insect?

Niki: I wish I was a dead bug… B-But more important… Food…

Yuzuru: Food…?

These are some sweets I was saving as a snack, but I’ll hand them to you.

Shiina-sama, please have these.

Niki: ！Nomnomnomnomnom! Nomnomnomnomnom…!

– Fwah, I’m alive again~! Thank you so much, Fushimi-kun!

Errr. Today’s reading session really had my brain working at full power, so now I’m super duper hungry.

I thought I could replenish my sweets stash here, but I ran out of steam mid-way~.

Yuzuru: So that’s what happened. I’m relieved you didn’t pass away in the hallway here.

Well, the script reading today did stretch on much like a marathon, so it can’t be helped that you’re exhausted.

Niki: Nomnom. I guess you’re right~. My brain sugar levels pretty much ran out. My eyes got all blurry, and my hands started shaking. I thought I was gonna die. 

Besides, this acting stuff is super hard. 

I’m flattered by the director’s high expectations of me, but I honestly don’t think I can do it.

I’m not even used to acting, so playing a non-human character is way out of my league.

If it was a role for a chef, I could probably get that no problem. Sigh…

Yuzuru: Is this the script for the film? Thank you very much. 

Niki: Umm… The title is “Ballade of the Lost Children”? 

I can’t tell what the story’s about from just this.

Tsumugi: …Ah, I think I understand.

From this summary it seems like a film about a group of gods that features multiple concurrent storylines… at least that’s what it seems like.

Niki: You read that so fast!?

Tsumugi: Ahaha. Since reading is my hobby, I became pretty good at speed-reading. 

Niki: Still, that was super fast~. You’re amazing…!

Yuzuru: Even if you say these characters are gods, I can’t form a mental picture of what they’re like. I can’t quite pin it just yet.

The Japanese deities are commonly associated with the phrase “eight million gods”.¹ There are so many that it’s easy to believe one could exist for every phenomenon.

Hm? What seems to be the matter, Anzu-san?

Ah, I see.  Since the director went through all the trouble of coming here, it would be best for him to explain the important details in person.  

Director: Got it. Please allow me to explain–

This film is set in the present day. 

The main characters are smaller local deities who spent many years assembling the faith of their people and protecting their land. 

As the people have begun to lose their faith with the changing times, the local deities are losing their divinity, little by little… It’s pretty much like the world we live in.

Rei: Religious faith, hm? The people of this era do feel out of tune with it.

Director: Yes. This story is also one of children engulfed by the changing times. 

With their loss of divinity, the protagonists will gradually change from gods into mere non-humans–

During this change, they become what we call ‘spirits’ or demons.²

As this occurs, the local deities’ behaviours are also influenced and they begin to transform.

Among them, there are those who hate the humans who so callously forgot their faith, those whose “individuality” has become unclear, and those whose existences also begin to wane. 

But these gods ask themselves if it’s necessary to continue to protect this land, and by extension the people who live there. That’s the story I want to tell. 

Yuzuru: ……

This is truly… a difficult story to portray, is it not?

Niki: You think so?

I haven’t done much acting work before, so I’m not really sure which bits are difficult.

Yuzuru: This script will require us to play the role of someone who is “non-human”. Since this is the case, I am unable to rely on experience or memory for my part. How am I to perform this…?

Niki: Hmmm. I think I get it now.

Rei: Kukuku… When you think about it like that, perhaps this is a role perfectly suited for one such as myself. I am a monster after all…♪

Madara: Hm? What’s wrong, Anzu-san?

I see. Even though the roles are hard, you have faith in all of our abilities? Got it.

 I’ll stay true to my character!³ Well if the producer told me so, I guess I have no choice but to do my best ☆

Niki: Yup! I don’t really know why I was chosen. But even if I’m not good at acting, I don’t plan on cutting any corners!

Director: Thank you all for saying that!

Anzu-san. If it’s possible, I’d like to start filming soon, so could we sort out scheduling right away?

Of course, I totally understand that all of you still have your own jobs to do. I don’t want to make you go to the trouble of taking time off.   

I’d like to progress with filming within any free time you all may have, even if it’s little by little.  　

Yuzuru: …? Yes, it does seem like that. It’s as you say, Anzu-san.

It’s almost like they’re trying to proceed with filming as soon as possible, no…?

Niki: Is there a reason why you need to film everything so quickly?

Director: Truthfully, this film is being entered into a competition.

There aren’t many days left until the submission deadline. I sincerely apologise for these circumstances, but I’d like to get the filming done as soon as possible. 

Tsumugi: Sigh... A competition?

Director: You must think I’m just doing this for personal gain, right?

Tsumugi: Eh!? No no, I didn’t intend for it to come across like that!?

Director: No, it’s alright. It’s because I’m a shameful person.

I want to create satisfying movies. Although I created a small film production company for that purpose, our administration is always falling short. 

If this film results in failure, I’ll have to close the company.

In my youth I was praised as some kind of a genius… but these days I don’t even know if I have any talent at all.

That’s why this competition is my last chance. 

Yuzuru: ……

Niki: There’s no chance… Were you looking around town for actors since you don’t have any money!? 

Director: Well, um. It costs money to hold auditions, you know? We don’t exactly have the extra funds to do that~. 

 Even if we did make an offer, we’re such a small company that it’s difficult to ask agencies or theatre troupes. I was actually turned away at the front gate. Hahaha.

Ah, but you guys are different! Please don’t get me wrong on that! I seriously wanted you to appear in my film, so I ran as hard as I could despite my lack of physical prowess to try and call out to you.

I was so lucky! Anzu-san really saved me when she reached out. Fortunately, I’m now able to work with you both. 

Niki: Anzu-neesan, why’d you pick this movie for the “P Choice” project? 

…Uh-huh? Ehh~. You watched one of this director’s films from when he was a student? So you’re a fan of his!

Director: Haha. As of recently, I’ve found my past titles and reputation to be mostly annoying. 

But if this leads me toward the road to salvation, I guess I can’t just abandon my past self.

Yuzuru: ……

I thought this was a strange coincidence from the start, and there is no guarantee we will be able to win this competition for you.

But if you think so highly of us, we shall record this film to the best of our abilities.  Director: Ah, if you will, I’ll be relying on you…!

----

¹ 八百万の神 - “Eight million gods” - Meaning too many gods to count

² The character used here is 妖, meaning mysterious or alluring. It could be an abbreviation for the word “yōkai” or just mean “calamity”, but I’ve decided to leave it as spirits for simplicity.

Yuzuru: Excuse me, sir. Are you alright? You aren’t injured, are you?

Man: I’m safe, but my bag… Damn, it had something important inside…

Yuzuru: …

Shiina-sama. This could be dangerous, so please wait here for now. I will go and chase after that bag thie–

Niki: You thief~! You petty thief~! How dare you steal the stand’s churros along with that bag~!

Yuzuru: Shiina-sama!? P-Please wait a second!?

(What just happened? Before I could even move, Shiina-sama ran off to chase down that bag thief…) 

Ah, this is not good. Shiina-sama’s exceedingly strange behaviour caused my thoughts to cease for a moment.

Although we’re from different agencies, we’ve been placed in the same situation… I cannot risk Shiina-sama being exposed to danger. I must pursue him with haste.

Sir, I will also chase after that bag thief. I will do my best to deal with this situation and return your bag to you. 

Man: You’d do that for me!? Eh? Are you sure!?

Yuzuru: Yes, please leave it to me. 

(Now then. It seems that while I was busy dawdling around, the distance between myself and that bag thief had widened.)

(In order to catch up with and restrain him from here, I might have to take this a bit more seriously.)

(Fufu. I don’t normally have the opportunity to get this serious. It may be imprudent of me, but I’m getting a little excited.)

Don’t think you can successfully escape from my grasp. 

Man: …

Niki: Hey you~! Get back here right now!

Those who play with their food should suffer the absolute worst of the worst!? People like you deserve to be kicked to death by a horse, you hear me~!?¹

Yuzuru: That is an idiom said when a person interferes with another’s love life.  

Niki: Huh? When did you get here, Fushimi-kun? There wasn’t anyone next to me just a moment ago?  

Yuzuru: Fufu. In order to catch up, I decided to get a little serious. 

But let us set that aside. Shiina-sama, it seems like our bag thief is running into a back street.

Niki: Ah, you’re right! I wish he’d just accept the fact he’s going to be arrested already.² 

Yuzuru: Well, this might just be the perfect time for that. Since the main street is heavily crowded, pedestrians are simply in the way and I can’t take any extreme measures.  

But since the back street is devoid of people, it may be favourable for us.  

Shall we settle this in there?

＜Several Minutes Later＞

Bag Thief: Huff! Huff! How long are those guys gonna chase me!?

They’re way too stubbo–uwaah!?

Wh-What the!? Something hit me between my legs and I fell over… Is this a plastic bottle!?

Yuzuru: –Indeed. It was a little impolite, but I threw it to stop you from continuing to run away. 

Additionally, even if it had broken a bone in your leg, I would not have cared at all.

Well, I guess it is an extreme measure, even by today’s standards. 

But since I do have a position I need to protect, I tried to take the gentlest approach I could manage. 

 I humbly request for you to resign to your fate already. You won’t be able to escape anymore–

Bag Thief: Eek…! 

Niki: Ugh~, I’m shivering. Why does it feel five degrees colder in here? Is it because it’s so dark~?

Ah. It looks like he dropped all the bags right when he fell.

All righty, safe and sound ☆

We have successfully recovered the churros you snatched! 

Yuzuru: Shiina-sama, I think your priorities are out of order. Could you please secure the bag instead of those churros?

Man: Huff, huff…! Y-You two!

Yuzuru: –Hm? Ah, you followed us all this way?

It’s dangerous to approach a thief, so I had hoped you’d wait back there.

Niki: Hey sir, we managed to safely recover your churros! And we got your bag too! 

Man: Huff, huff… My bag! I’m sorry for the trouble, thank you very much!

Bag Thief: (Now. I’ll run away while they’re distracted…!) 

Yuzuru: …! Oh no! Stop right there!

Niki: Ngah! He’s running again!

Man: Please wait, you two! It’s alright, you don’t have to chase him anymore!

Yuzuru: …Why did you stop us? While we did return your baggage, he still committed a crime and should be handed over to the police. 

Niki: Yup yup. What he’s saying. 

Man: NO! This is so much more important! (He grabs Yuzuru and Niki’s hands)

Yuzuru and Niki: Eeh!?

Yuzuru:  …What exactly are you doing all of a sudden?

Man: Owowowowowowow!?

Niki: Fushimi-kun, Fushimi-kun. You’re really twisting the poor guy’s arm there.

Yuzuru: Please forgive my impoliteness. He suddenly grabbed our hands as if he was some kind of degenerate. My body simply moved for the sake of self-defence. 

Man: Me, a degenerate!? No, that’s wrong! That’s completely wrong! I’ve never even been a degenerate at all! 

–Please, won’t you two star in my movie!?

Yuzuru and Niki: …What?

Man: I’m sort of like a– huh? Where’d my business card go? Ah, not again! Well, uh, I’m a film director!

I’d like you to star in my film!

Yuzuru: E-Err…?

Man: My intuition is telling me to pick you! You two are high school… no, university students?

First of all, if you could kindly let go of my hand, please.

I’ll sufficiently compensate you for your performance of course! I don’t even mind if you treat it like a part-time job, could you please just collaborate with me on my film!?

Niki: This guy's super freaky!? He’s rattling on and on while leaning forward crazily, I’m getting a little freaked out!? Just what is his deal~?

Yuzuru: Uhm. Could you please take a moment to compose yourself?

Well. Unfortunately, we cannot appear in your film.

Man: Eh, you can’t? I promise I’m not a suspicious individual, and the job is respectable so–

Yuzuru: No. I’m not referring to that. 

The two of us are idols belonging to production offices. For that reason, any discussion of work must go through the appropriate processes with ES. Man: Idols…?

-----

¹ As Yuzuru mentions in the following line, “being kicked by a horse” is a Japanese expression used for people who interfere with others’ love lives.

Niki: Nomnom…♪

Kuu~u. This “hashimaki¹” is super yummy! Guess I was lucky there was a food stand here.   

It’s so delicious, why don’t more people know about this?

This world truly is weird~. Society should acknowledge “hashimaki” so much more.

It’s a flour-based food and it’s super easy to eat. You can even choose its flavour.

(In falsetto) Welcome ♪ Which flavour sauce would you like? Soy sauce flavour? Or how about cheese? –Hm~m, I just can’t choose!  

…Whoops. Woah, that was close. I almost passed that place by accident…!

Nahaha. I suddenly forgot why I’d come out here since I came across such delicious food~. 

Ooh, this line is huge!? Is this for those doughy churros that are trending at the moment!?

I thought I could avoid the crowds by coming earlier, but there are already so many people here.

I guess people gather at places with delicious food after all~.

In other words, it’s not an exaggeration to say that “delicious food creates world peace”...!

Right, this is no time to be messing around. I need to get in line before it gets too long.

<At the same time>

Yuzuru: Let’s see. I believe all the necessary purchases should be complete by now.

One, two, three… I bought this too, and that one just a moment ago. This one was sold out, so I shall have to come back at a later date.

… Hm, it appears all is in order. I don’t seem to have left any oversights.

Niki: I’m really looking forward to it~. Coming across new food is always so exciting. ♪

Yuzuru: Oh my, do I hear a familiar voice?

Ah, so it belongs to Shiina-sama. He seems to be at the end of a queue.

Season Avenue is always bustling. Hence it’s odd to see so many people lined up in a single queue.

They all seem to be queueing outside that stand. I wonder what exactly is being sold?

If Shiina-sama is lining up, it’s likely to be some type of food or drink.

… (Looking around)

… The people who’ve moved away from the stand all seem to have brightly-coloured sweets in their hands.

From their shape, I would guess they were donuts… No, perhaps churros?

Churros…? Come to think of it, I believe the Young Master mentioned those the other day…

Something about a speciality store selling cute churros on Season Avenue.

I see. He must’ve been referring to this stand.

……

Hm… He truly seemed to want to eat them, so perhaps I’ll buy them as a gift for the Young Master.

I wouldn’t usually let him eat this kind of thing, but…

Recently, he seems to be putting more and more effort into both his studies and work. Why not spoil him once in a while…♪

Shiina-sama.

Niki: Huh? Fushimi-kun?

How strange seeing you here~? Did you also come to try the churros? 

Yuzuru: I believe they would be a good gift for the Young Master. Would you mind if I accompanied you?

Niki: That’s fine by me~, let’s get these trending churros together! A journey is most fun with a companion after all²…♪

Yuzuru: It’s not a journey, we’re merely waiting together in line.

Niki: Nope nope. This line is the “Food Road”! In other words, it’s kind of like the Silk Road³, isn’t it?

Yuzuru: Well, um. Are you trying to compare this long queue to a road?

Niki: Yup! 

Yuzuru: sighs. Since the “Silk Road” isn’t about food, but rather silk, I feel like it’s a bit of a strange analogy in the first place. 

Niki: It’s instinct, Fushimi-kun. I thought I should express it to you in some way or another. Anyway, I don’t really care as long as we can get these churros. 

Yuzuru: Please stop talking based solely on reflex⁴. 

I don’t often find myself surrounded by your type, Shiina-sama. If I had to say, Hibiki-sama comes the closest.

Niki: Really?　

I don’t keep any company that’s like Fushimi-kun~. I only have irresponsible and weird people around me.

Oh well, thanks to that I can usually take it pretty easy, so that’s a plus.

Yuzuru: By the way, Shiina-sama. It seems that most people here are eating their churros as they leave, so do you know if I could order them to go? 

Since they’re not for me to eat and are instead a gift for the Young Master, I’d like to get them for takeout if possible. 

Niki: Hmm~? Is that so? I was also planning on eating while walking around here.

Truthfully, this kind of food is usually eaten on the spot or while walking, so I’m not sure if they’d be alright to take home.

Ah, Fushimi-kun. Take a look at that guy over there!

Yuzuru: Sure.

Niki: It looks like he only just bought some churros.

They’re wrapped in a paper bag from the stand too! I bet that means you can get them to go–

Man: Uwahh!?

Niki: Eh, what happened!? A fight!?

That guy was shoved over and knocked down by another man in black!?

Man: My bag! Wait, get back here! Bag thief!

Niki and Yuzuru: A bag thief!?

-----

¹ Hashimaki is Okonomiyaki wrapped around chopsticks

² Japanese proverb which means something alone the lines of “no road is long with good company”

³ The Silk Road was a series of trade routes connecting Europe and Asia spanning over 6,400km (4,000 mi) named for its primary use of trading silk. Niki is trying to liken the queue that they’re standing in to a long road where food will be traded at the end.

Shu: Mm… Yaawn...

(Perhaps it’s from pulling an all-nighter, or perhaps it’s burnout from finishing my deliveries, but it seems I’ve been fast asleep until the afternoon)

(Fortunately, I have plenty of time to spare until I must work again. So as to maintain perfection when working, I ought to rest properly)

(Perhaps I could relax with a stroll—) 

Madara: Excuse meeee!!! ☆

Shu: Gyoh!? M-mikejima….!? What in good heavens brought you here!? 

Do not bother me! Leave this instant! I do not want to have a barbarian such as you stampeding upon my atelier! 

Madara: Ahaha! This banter is so nostalgic! (1)

Didn’t we have a similar exchange back in Yumenosaki? If I’m not wrong, it was during Steamp— 

Shu: Non! I have no intentions of taking a trip down memory lane with you! 

You must have some business with me, right? Make it brief. 

Madara: Business, huh. And if “no” was my answer? 

Shu: …………

Madara: Sorry, sorry! I was just joking, you don’t have to glare at me all scary like that! 

Basically, Leo-san needed something from me. 

Shu: Tsukinaga did…? 

Madara: Yep. Apparently he’s been taking good care of a pen case that he borrowed from you. 

So much so in fact that he accidentally left behind the case’s stationary in this atelier. 

Shu: He’d only taken a pen case? Well, I suppose he is dexterous.

And that’s it? You came all the way to Paris just for Tsukinaga? 

Madara: Nah, I already had some work here in Europe, so I’m just dropping by.

Shu: “Dropping by”? No matter how trivially you say it, Europe’s not a place you can just casually travel through. 

 Either way, Tsukinaga’s forgotten belongings are not here. 

I had to send some luggage to the Starmony Dorms the other day, and I crammed in similar items as well. It’s probably all the way over there now. 

Good grief, why must everyone forget every little thing here? If they want to spend time overseas, perhaps consider bringing in some caution alongside? 

Madara: Mmhm. Since both language and culture are different, the way to do things here are bound to contrast with Japan’s. There’s no harm in being attentive. 

But also this atelier’s got such a homely feeling to it, it really calms you down. Maybe that’s why everyone’s losing their belongings here ♪

Shu: I'm not happy to hear that. This place isn’t a playground. 

Seems to me that you’ve been on a fool’s errand. Are you departing Paris after this? 

Madara: Nah. I’ve got time until my flight, so I’m planning on relaxing ‘til then. 

….Hmm? Why’re you dressing up? 

Are you going out? If so, please allow me to join you ☆

Shu: I refuse. I cannot relax when I’m near you. 

Madara: Now now, don’t say that! A journey is not just about the companions you have, but the people you care for along the way! (2) Having a friend is better than none…♪

<one hour later> 

Shu: …Seems like there’s a weekend flea market going on. 

Madara: Ooh, quite the Parisian spectacle! 

As you may or may not know, Paris is the one and only homeland for flea markets. 

It supposedly originates from the multitudes of secondhand-goods being sold resembling a flea infestation! (3)

Shu: I’m aware even without your quips, so do not spout such things at me. Just imagining it makes my back itch. 

Plus, that isn’t the only theory regarding its origin. 

I personally prefer the theory that it comes from the saying that “there is enjoyment found in taking the the time needed to search for treasure in the same way one would search for a flea”.

Madara: Enjoyment found in taking the time to search for things, huh. Truly, it must come from the exceptional feeling of accomplishment that comes with finding that rare piece of treasure. 

….Oh myyy? Something’s already caught my eye! 

This ceramic pot would be perfect for displaying plants ☆

Shu: Hm. Is gardening a hobby of yours? 

Madara: I wouldn’t quite call it a “hobby”. 

I’m not sure who started it, but my dorm room’s filled with plants, so I like bringing in some new ones from time to time. 

“Excuse me, shopkeeper-san! I’d like to buy this pot—” 

Shu: (....Ooh, looks like his constant traveling has lent him a rather good grasp on French) 

 (The real thrill of flea markets is the haggling. You must put your negotiation skills to its truest test….) 

<ten minutes later> 

Madara: —Thanks for waiting, Shu-san! 

Sorry for how long it took. I really hit it off with the shopkeeper. Before I knew it, we’d already talked for so long!

Shu: It’s alright. It’s good that your negotiations went well. 

It is of no concern to me what happens to you, however. But it would be a shame to watch an acquaintance get blatantly ripped off. 

Madara: Ah, so you were worrying about me. Thank you Shu-san, you’re a nice soul…♪

Shu: Don’t misunderstand. I simply do not want to feel unpleasant. 

Madara: Even then, that makes me happy to hear ♪

My haggling went great, so let me treat you to something as thanks for waiting.  

Tell me aaall about the specialties you’d recommend, Shu-san… ☆

Shu: Hmm… How about marron chauds— roasted chestnuts, then? 

It’s a winter specialty that you can find sold all around the city during the season. 

Madara: Sounds good! I’m sure it’ll warm us up. 

I can smell something fragrant over there, let’s go eat! 

---

TL Notes:

Shu’s lines aimed at Madara here is basically a 1-1 replica of a similar exchange in Steampunk Museum, which Madara tries to mention right after

Good old Madara idioms :] the original is 道連れ世は情け which doesn’t have an eng equivalent afaik? So I just used a shortened version of the meaning

This isn’t a correction or anything but Madara is so close to the actual most common theory… as Shu said there’s multiple theories, but one of the most common is that some of the goods sold in the markets were believed to have had actual flea infestations. I have never seen Shu’s theory before

Mitsuru: ♪～♪～♪

Tetora: Looks like Tenma-kun’s in a good mood~

Mitsuru: It’s all thanks to the bread Anzu-nee-chan gave me! Bread always puts me in such a good mood ☆

Here-here! Teto-chan should eat some too! 

Tetora: I’m good. I’ve already eaten a ton, so go ahead and help yourself to the rest.

This is the first time I’ve seen so much bread at once. It’s like a month’s worth of bread.

Mitsuru: Really? For me, this is less than a week’s worth.

Shinobu: Mitsuru-kun probably prefers bread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Though I suppose bread can be part of all three of them too.

Mitsuru: Fufun. I’ll always have room for bread ♪

Nazuna: Bread’s pretty great, isn’t it? It’s easy to carry around with ya.

Watching Mitsuru-chin eat made me pretty hungry too. I might stop by a convenience store to buy ice cream.

Tetora: Can I come with you? Apparently they’re selling limited-time kalbi rice balls.

Shinobu: I shall follow you too! Convenience stores are always changing up their products so it’s always a lotta fun to visit one.

Mitsuru: Ooh, I’ll come too! I’m kinda thirsty so I wanna buy myself a drink~

Tetora: Eh? We still got a lot of stuff here, are you really planning to buy more?

Mitsuru: Duh! And you can never have enough bread~!

...Eh? I think someone was knocking just now.

Nazuna: Ah—that must be Anzu.

Heeeeeey~ Anzuuu~ Everyone’s already finished changing, so you can come in now. 

Good work, Anzu. How’s the thing we talked about going? ...Oh, you’ve contacted the client already?

I can keep the box for a week as long as I don’t break it… Thank god.

Shinobu: The box… break it… Are you perhaps talking about the secret box earlier? 

Nazuna: Yup. I wanted to see what was inside it so I asked permission to investigate. 

I gotta give this to my professor as soon as possible. I hope I can meet them tomorrow. 

Tetora: Umyu… I’m also curious about what’s inside, but why would you go to such lengths just for that?

The staff couldn’t open it, either. It’s definitely gonna give you a hard time, y’know. 

Nazuna: Yeah, I know but… I just can’t help myself. 

When we introduced each treasure, we read the letters that came with them aloud, right?

I was the one who read out the letter about the secret box, and it's been lingering in my mind since then. They said they inherited this box from their grandmother. 

“Inherited”, implying that their grandmother has most likely passed away. She probably left this behind as a momento. 

Even if it’s for a TV program segment, it was still appraised by an expert. If we don’t find out what’s inside now, it may remain unknown forever... 

Whenever I think about it, I can’t stand the idea of giving up. I wanted to do something for them, so I asked Anzu if she could negotiate.

...Hm? You were also interested in what’s inside, so you were glad that I asked?

Shinobu: Nito-dono, I also feel the same way. I’d like to help even if my contribution won’t be much.

Mitsuru: Me too! If we all work together, I’m sure we can open this!

Tetora: How about we all work together to force this thing open?

If we do that, I’m confident it’ll open. Like chopping roof tiles―

Nazuna: No way, we can’t do that! I only got to borrow it on the condition that I wouldn’t break it.

Tetora: Ahaha, I’m kiddin’. This box looks pretty sturdy, so I’m not actually planning on it.

Nazuna: All right then, let’s get going. Anzu, I’m going to the convenience store with everyone, wanna come?

Tetora: ...Eh? You still have work to do? You sure are hard-working, huh… 

Mitsuru: I got this from you, but here’s some bread! 

Eat this and feel better! Woo~ Woo~ Anzu-nee-chan ♪

A few days later, after the day of the shooting

Background: Nazuna’s University

Nazuna: Heeeyyy, Anzu! Over here!!

Sorry for making you wait. One of the guys from my class got a hold of me.

...You feel bad for asking me to come and meet you all of a sudden? Don’t worry about that. You came here to give me stuff I need for work, right?

Thank you for taking the time to come all the way here. I’ll read through this before our meeting. 

...Did I find out anything about the secret box?

Nope, not at all. My professor was quite shocked since it was his first time encountering such a mechanism. They tried whatever they could but it still wouldn’t open... 

My professor suggested that I should take it for a CT scan(1) and requested it to a reliable laboratory, but I declined their offer since it’d take a month to finish. 

I’m looking through books from the library about crafts at the moment. I’ve borrowed a buncha books from our university’s library, so I might be able to find something...

Nazuna: I’ve only got a few days left until I have to return this secret box, so I’m gonna try to do everything I can to open it. The other three are also working hard to open it.

Since I’m the oldest, I can’t go throwing in the towel just yet!

...I’m reliable? Haha, of course I am. I’m ‘Nii~chan’ after all ♪

You’ve grown into a brilliant producer, but you’re still probably going to run into trouble from time to time.

And whenever that happens, you can always rely on your Nii~chan. I’ll always be there to help you… 

A computerized tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) uses computers and rotating X-ray machines to create cross-sectional images of the body.

Shinobu: “―and the estimated price for this traditional Japanese doll is… five million yen~!”

Mitsuru: “Ooh~ In their letter they said they bought it for a thousand yen, so that means… whoa, it’s worth five thousand times more than that!”

“Five thousand’s huge! I can't even eat five thousand pieces of bread in one go!”

“But why’d we price it for five million yen? Is it an old doll?”

Tetora: “Yeah, but I don’t think it’s worth that much just ‘cause it’s old.”

“This doll was apparently made by a famous artist, but the artist hid the doll away from the public so it was never actually shown to the world.”

“An incredibly rare posthumous work like this is only gonna increase in value as time goes on. Seems like the person who appraised this doll also wanted it for themself.”

Nazuna: “No way, that’s how amazing it is? Now that’s what I call a bargain!” 

“Thank you to the person who sent this for the appraisal request. Coming across a doll like this is a once in a lifetime experience, so please continue to cherish it ♪”

“Okay then, it’s finally time for us to say our goodbyes. How did everyone feel about the ‘Treasure Appraisal’ segment?”

Mitsuru: “I’m still not satisfied! I wanna see more and more treasures!!”

“If you guys found this interesting, please leave a comment on the program’s website! If we get a lotta responses, we might come back to do this again!” 

Shinobu: “Next week’s theme is, ‘Doki Doki Ruins’. It still hasn’t been revealed which idols are gonna be hosting it, so keep an eye on this show’s social media for any announcements... ☆”

Tetora: “Alrighty then, See ya!”

Nazuna: “Bye-bye~♪”

...All right, good work today, guys!

Mitsuru: I’m kinda hungry cause I kept talkin’ during the show.

...Anzu-nee-chan, ya brought some bread for me? Ehehe, thank you!

Chomp-chomp, munch-munch ♪ Bread after a long day of work is delish~!

Tetora: It’s a pretty good snack~♪

Anzu-anego, you got a minute? It’s about the time we spent filming… 

We got kind of carried away and took longer than usual episodes. Is that fine with the program?

Shinobu: ...Ooh. You're always on top of things, Anzu-dono! You've consulted with the staff already?

Tetora: The length’s fine since they’re still gonna edit it…? Whadda relief...

Shinobu: I wonder what the finished product will look like~ I’m looking forward to the day this gets broadcasted… ♪

Nazuna: Edited... Hm? What’s up, Anzu?

The program’s producer praised my performance as the MC? I actually hadn’t given it that much thought, but I’m glad to hear it!

It’s probably thanks to my experience with leading Ra*bits and being part of the broadcasting committee ♪

...Hey, Anzu. Do you remember the “secret box” we couldn’t open during the program?

Yeah, that. We had no idea how to open it, so what’s inside is still a mystery. I wonder if they’ll still broadcast that part.

...I see. They’ll probably edit that part out.

That makes sense. Since we have never found out what was inside of the box, the audience will probably just be disappointed by it.

.... 

…Hey, Anzu. Do you think I could borrow the secret box for a while? 

There’s a professor at my university that’s familiar with traditional crafts. I can’t guarantee that they’ll be able to open it, but they might know something about this if I asked them.

Even if this won’t be broadcasted in the show, I’d still like to do something for the client who sent this to us.