#maisenta

Longtime followers of this blog will be well aware of my general translation style, but for the record, this is a slightly stylized translation done in the style of the official localization. It is not completely literal in some parts. For example, in a place where Maisenta simply said “Delicate and beautiful music is sold,” an awkward sentence by English literary standards, I invented a followup to make it “Delicate and beautiful music always sells well — all the better when it is performed by delicate and beautiful men.” I do this kind of thing primarily because people criticize “the Japanese version” as being “dry and boring” if I don’t, but I promise you that apart from minor additions like these, the sentiment and tone of the Japanese version is unchanged.

Note that Maisenta’s reaction to you is slightly different depending on whether or not you completed the postmoogle quest “Sweet Words, Shadowy Dealings.” The guildmasters also react differently if they have reason to recognize you.

NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT 星芒祭の協力者たち "starlight symphonists”

(lit. “collaborators of the starlight celebration”)

マイセンタ : お待たせしましたわね。 ゲヴァさんとは仕事上、懇意にしていますから、 内密な商談などに、この場をお借りしているのですわ。 マイセンタ : 警備が厳重なところほど、 内側に潜り込めれば、安全ですからね。 私が出入りしていても、仕入れとしか思われませんし。

MAISENTA: Thank you for waiting on my behalf. Guildmaster Geva and I know each other through business, so she lets me use the terrace here for, ahem, confidential negotiations. And other such things. MAISENTA: Oh, are you concerned about our speaking outside? I assure you, there’s no need to worry. The security around the Leatherworker’s Guild is so reliable that I’ve had plenty of private conversations here without issue. Besides, even if anyone spots us leaving or entering, they’ll simply assume that I’m here to purchase Fen-Yll goods. 

LOCALIZATION Maisenta: Thank you for agreeing to meet me here. I'm on good terms with Guildmaster Geva and she lets me use this space for...well, that's a story for another time. Or perhaps never. Maisenta: Naturally, a quiet spot like this is ideal for avoiding unwanted attention, while the guard─who has been asked to turn a blind eye─is an effective deterrent to any would-be eavesdroppers.

→ If you have not completed the Postmoogle quest...

マイセンタ : この子たちは、「ホムンクルス」という吟遊詩人集団ですわ。 黒兎堂が資金を援助して、活動の支援をする代わりに、 うちの広告塔になってもらっていますの。 マイセンタ : これでも、グリダニアの婦女子を中心に、 けっこう人気がありますのよ。 繊細で美しい詩歌が売りですの。

MAISENTA: Now, shall I introduce you to my boys? These are the traveling bards known as the Homunculi. We maintain a mutually beneficial relationship, you see: Black Rabbit Traders gives them financial support for their musical endeavors, and they promote our fine range of fashionable attire in return. MAISENTA: As I’m sure you can imagine, they are wildly adored by the women of Gridania. Delicate and beautiful music always sells well — all the better when it is performed by delicate and beautiful men.

LOCALIZATION Maisenta: It gives me great pleasure to introduce the Homunculi, the greatest musical sensation the realm has ever known. While I am not one to boast, I should point out that I played no small part in bringing them and my organization, Black Rabbit Traders, together in a mutually beneficial partnership. Maisenta: We cover their expenses while they promote our fine range of fashionable attire as they enchant hoards of besotted onlookers. Although I should warn you─any rumors of them siring a string of bastards across Eorzea are entirely unfounded. Well, mostly unfounded.

→ If you have completed the Postmoogle quest...

マイセンタ : それにしても、あなたと「ホムンクルス」がそろっていると、 あわや契約解消になりそうだった、あの事件を思い出しますわ。 遠い昔のような、最近のような……不思議な気分ですわね。 マイセンタ : 彼らの活動も順調でしてよ。 いまはエオルゼア諸都市をめぐる巡業公演の夢にむけて、 黒兎堂も引き続き、彼らの支援を行っておりますの。

MAISENTA: Still, when I see you here together with the Homunculi, I’m reminded of that time we nearly dissolved our contract. Strange to think about it now, isn’t it? It feels like a long time ago and only a little while ago at the same time. MAISENTA: The boys are just as beloved as ever, of course. Black Rabbit Traders is well on its way to funding that musical tour of Eorzea they’ve always dreamed of!

LOCALIZATION Maisenta: As I am sure you know, the Homunculi cause a stir wherever they go, and I need them focused on the task at hand. It's strange to think that without your intervention all those moons ago, they would have escaped my clu─ahem─would have been lost to me forever, and here we all are, reunited. Maisenta: You will no doubt be pleased to hear that since the last time you saw them, my honey-tongued musical geniuses have been touring the breadth of the realm. Naturally, Black Rabbit Traders continue to enjoy a profitable relationship with Eorzea's most beloved traveling bards.

マイセンタ : さて、本題に入りましょう。 星芒祭の実行委員が、歌い手を募集していると聞いて、 私はすぐに、話をつけにいきましたわ。 マイセンタ : もちろん、ホムンクルスを売り込むためです。 こんなによい商機を、 みすみす逃すわけにはいきませんわ。 マイセンタ : 星芒祭の音楽会でホムンクルスが演奏すれば、 市民たちの間で、彼らに対する好感度が高まるでしょう？ そのうえ黒兎堂も、商売に一枚かませてもらえる。 マイセンタ : 星芒祭の実行委員も、 ホムンクルスの知名度で集客が見込めるのです。 誰にとっても、よい結果になる商談ですわ。 マイセンタ : 音楽堂の手配もして、 何の問題もなくことは進んでいると、 思っていたのですけれど……。 オスカルレ : 歌う曲が、ね……。 ちょっと問題があって……。 普通だったら、僕たちが作曲もやるんだけど……。

MAISENTA: Now, why don’t we talk shop? I heard that the Starlight Celebration was in need of musical entertainment, so naturally, I volunteered my wonderful Homunculi for the task. MAISENTA: I mean, as a businesswoman, I’d be a fool to let this opportunity slip me by! MAISENTA: By performing at the Starlight Celebration, the Homunculi will acquire new admirers, and Black Rabbit Traders will make plenty of gil selling the luxurious garments that the boys wear onstage. MAISENTA: And what’s more, the Homunculi’s existing fans will flock to the Starlight Celebration — which means a bigger turnout for the celebrants, and good business for virtually everyone involved. A flawless plan, no? MAISENTA: Well, the concert hall has been appropriately decorated, and it looks as though everything will go off without a hitch... but alas, we have one last crucial problem on our hands. OSCARLET: It’s the music, see... Normally, we compose our own songs, but that won’t work this time around.

LOCALIZATION Maisenta: Of course, it won't do to have this conversation interrupted by legions of squealing followers, hence our current venue. As for their role in the Starlight Celebration, I jumped at the chance to have them take center stage. Maisenta: Admirers will flock from malms around for the chance to see the Homunculi and their new, specially prepared material. Maisenta: I can picture it now... The dulcet tones of my beautiful bards filling the ears of festival-goers young and old, with Black Rabbit Traders making gil hand over fist from all of the garments we sell. Maisenta: And what's more, the presence of such renowned artists will raise the profile of the celebration, meaning that Amh Garanjy and her Starlight celebrants will have even more reason to be cheerful. Maisenta: All that remains is for the Homunculi to fulfill their part of the bargain, and put together a few songs for the concert itself. Therein lies the problem. Oscarlet: Were this any other performance, we would mesmerize the crowds with a few favorites from our repertoire, such as “Fair Lady, Return My Breeches” or “Hey Nonny, Nonny, Maiden Most Bonny.” Fearing that such material may not be...appropriate, we thought it best to work on some new pieces.

オギュスティニエル : 星芒祭は、イシュガルドの実話をもとにした聖祭だろ？ オレたちは、グリダニアの音色しか知らないから、 作曲家に音楽の製作を依頼したのさ。 オギュスティニエル : そしたら、どこで行き違ったのか、 頼んだ内容と違う楽譜が届いちまったんだ……！ 男女混声で、4人で歌うなんて、これっぽっちもかすってねぇ！ オルセルフォ : 作り直してもらうにも、もはや間に合いません……。 いまの私たちは、 嘆きの森をさまよう、か弱き乙女のよう……。

AUGUSTINIEL: Our music is composed in the Gridanian tradition, but given that the Starlight Celebration is an Ishgardian holiday, and a holy festival at that, we thought it best to reserve our sylvan melodies for another performance on some other day. Thus, we sought the aid of an Ishgardian composer who would have better knowledge of what the celebrants envision. AUGUSTINIEL: So imagine our surprise when we received the manuscripts only to find that they were not as we requested! This score is written for a mixed choir — four singers, two male and two female. How could they have possibly misconstrued something so important? ORSELFAUX: And there certainly isn’t enough time to have it rewritten. We are helpless as fragile maidens, wandering lost in the Shroud... 

LOCALIZATION Augustiniel: But this occasion calls for traditional Ishgardian music, whereas we weave our entrancing melodies in the classic Gridanian style. To better fulfill the needs of the Starlight Celebration, we sought the aid of an Ishgardian composer. Augustiniel: Upon taking receipt of the manuscripts, however, we found that they were written for a mixed choir. Four singers, two male and two female. It does not take a musical aficionado to appreciate that the Homunculi are ill-equipped for such a performance. Orselfaux: To make matters worse, there simply isn't time to have the pieces rewritten. We are well and truly out of our element, like proverbial babes in the wood. Whatever will we do?

マイセンタ : もうっ！　ウジウジしている場合ではありませんわ！ こうなってしまった以上、いまある選択肢で、 できることを考えなくては！ マイセンタ : まずは、歌い手の問題ですわね。 男女混声では、3人を歌わせることができませんもの。 あらたな歌い手を探さないと……。 マイセンタ : 作曲家から受け取った楽譜には、 歌い手の声質の指示も記載されていましたわ。 けれど、どれもこれも、抽象的なものばかり……。 マイセンタ : 「小鳥のさえずりのような軽やかな女声」に、 「水のように柔らかな女声」と「木々のような伸びやかな男声」。 そして「大地のとどろきのような男声」……。 マイセンタ : 急には、思いつきませんわね…………。

MAISENTA: Oh, come on, now! Do you all plan to just stand there and mope until the celebration starts? With things the way they are, we need to evaluate our options and decide on what we can do about it! MAISENTA: Let’s focus on the issue of our vocalists. With a mixed choir of two men and two women, we have three roles that need to be filled. I’m sure one of you can take at least one of the male roles. MAISENTA: Fortunately, the composer saw fit to provide instructions on the kinds of voices this score requires. But these descriptions are certainly... abstract. MAISENTA: First, we need a female voice “light and airy as the chirping of a bird,” whereas the other female voice must be “velvety as water.” One male voice needs to be “reminiscent of the outstretched branches of a tree,” but the second male voice must “rumble with the strength of the earth.”

LOCALIZATION Maisenta: All of this moping is getting us nowhere! Are you professionals or not? Maisenta: What we need are solutions, and fast. First of all, let us select our vocalists. Maisenta: Luckily, the composer has provided instructions on the kind of voices required to carry the melody. Though I must admit, I can make neither head nor tail of these notes. Maisenta: One of the female voices must be “as uplifting as birdsong on a crisp winter's morning,” and the other “ephemeral as a zephyr across a sun-dappled stream.” For the males, “reminiscent of a mighty oak's outstretched boughs” and “deep and cavernous as the bowels of the earth.” Maisenta: We have to start our search somewhere I suppose.

マイセンタ : [PLAYER]さんは、 どなたか思い当たりませんこと？ マイセンタ : あなたの想像でいいので、 向いていそうな方の、名前を挙げてくださらない？ たとえば「小鳥のさえずりのような軽やかな女声」とか……。

MAISENTA: [PLAYER], what do you think? MAISENTA: Can you think of anyone with a voice as “light and airy as the chirping of a bird?”

LOCALIZATION Maisenta: Francel, perhaps you can help. Maisenta: Can you think of anyone who possesses a voice “as uplifting as birdsong on a crisp winter's morning?”

→ If you choose Amh Garanjy...

マイセンタ : たしかにあの方は、 可愛らしい印象どおりの声をしていましたわね！ マイセンタ : 星芒祭のためとあれば、断らないだろうし…… 彼女以上の適任はいないでしょう。 あなた、よく思いつきましたわね。

MAISENTA: She does have an rather cute voice, doesn’t she? MAISENTA: And as a Starlight celebrant, she isn’t likely to refuse us should we ask for her aid. I daresay there’s no one better-suited to the role. My, you’ve chosen well.

LOCALIZATION Maisenta: Why hadn't I thought of that? If the cheerful manner in which she speaks is any indication, her singing voice may be exactly what we are looking for. Maisenta: Being a Starlight celebrant, she can hardly refuse. I daresay you've found the perfect candidate.

→ If you choose a chocobo...

マイセンタ : チョ、チョコボ……！？ あなた本気で言ってますの……？ 合唱をするんですのよ！ マイセンタ : そうだわ、あの星芒祭実行委員長の、 アムさんなんかいいんじゃないかしら！ わ、我ながらよく思いついたわ！

MAISENTA: A-A chocobo?! I’m sorry, are you suggesting that in earnest? You do realize we’re talking about a choir, here?! MAISENTA: Ugh, well, how about Amh? She’ll be perfectly suited to the task! I think she’s an excellent choice — even if I do say so myself...

LOCALIZATION Maisenta: A chocobo!? Where the manuscripts mention birdsong, I don't think it was supposed to be taken literally! We can't have one of those smelly beasts kweh-ing its way through the concert. Maisenta: If I were you, I would avoid making similar japes in future─ It really doesn't suit you, dear. For lack of any better suggestions, how about...Amh Garanjy? Come to think of it, she may well be the perfect choice. A charming young lady like her is sure to have a singing voice to match.

マイセンタ : 次は……そうね、「水のように柔らかな女声」はどうかしら。 こちらも、あなたの想像でいいので、 どなたか思いつくなら、教えてほしいですわ！

MAISENTA: Next, we need to find a female vocalist with a voice as “velvety as water.” Who comes to your mind when you hear that description?

LOCALIZATION Maisenta: With that settled, we should move on to our second female vocalist. Can you think of anyone with a voice as “ephemeral as a zephyr across a sun-dappled stream?”

→ If you choose Maisenta...

マイセンタ : わ、私ですって……？ そんな、私には経験もないし、無理よ！ マイセンタ : いや、でも…………。 ホムンクルスと黒兎堂のためなら……やりますわ。 この事業が失敗したら、黒兎堂の名折れですもの。

MAISENTA: M-Me...? But — but I haven’t any experience in singing! MAISENTA: Well... Oh, don’t look at me like that. If it’s for the Homunculi and Black Rabbit Traders, I can’t just excuse myself from the proceedings, can I? I mean, if this whole production flops, it’s my tailfeathers on the line...

LOCALIZATION Maisenta: Me!? You must be joking! Maisenta: You're serious, aren't you? Hmm...I am somewhat partial to humming the odd tune while enjoying a long soak in the bath. I should be able to get through it without making too big a fool of myself. And it's for a good cause.

→ If you choose Kan-e-Senna...

マイセンタ : カヌ・エ様……！？ あなた、とんでもないことをおっしゃるのね……。 この国を導く方に、そんなことさせられるわけないでしょう。 マイセンタ : あの方以外に思いつかないのなら…… 私がやるしかないでしょうね。 ホムンクルスと黒兎堂のためですもの。

MAISENTA: Kan-e-Senna?! You... You really do say the most outrageous things, don’t you? I should think this hardly needs to be said, but her time would be better spent on the betterment of the nation. MAISENTA: Oh, very well. If you truly can’t think of anyone else, I’ll just have to do it myself. I’ll just tell myself it’s for the sake of the Homunculi and Black Rabbit Traders...

LOCALIZATION Maisenta: The Elder Seedseer herself!? Have you taken leave of your senses? Generous and benevolent she may be, but I struggle to imagine her joining our little choir group! Maisenta: There's only one thing for it: I will just have to do it myself. My devotion to the Homunculi and Black Rabbit Traders compels me! There is also the fact that I have already invested too much in this venture to allow it to fail now.

オギュスティニエル : そいつはいい考えだぜ！ オレたちも、マイセンタさんっていい声してるって、 前から思ってたんだ！ マイセンタ : ま、まったく、口がうまいんですから！ そんなに褒めても、特別賞与は出しませんわよ！ オスカルレ : あとは、男声ができる2人だね！ 僕たちのうちの、誰かができるといいんだけど。 オルセルフォ : 「木々のような伸びやかな男声」は、 私たちの中でもっとも声のとおる、 オギュスティニエルが最適ではないでしょうか……。 マイセンタ : それはもちろん、オギュがいいでしょうけれど……。 残りの「大地のとどろきのような男声」が問題ですわ。 あなたたちのような繊細な声では、合わないですから……。 マイセンタ : ……この件はひとまず保留にいたしましょう。 あとで私が適任な者を探しておきますわ。

AUGUSTINIEL: What a magnificent suggestion! Maisenta, dearest, haven’t we always told you that you have a lovely voice? MAISENTA: Don’t you sweet-talk me! You can praise me all you like, but you’re not going to get any year-end bonuses out of it! OSCARLET: So, what about the male vocalists, then? I hope one of us can do it! ORSELFAUX: “Reminiscent of the outstretched branches of a tree.” Of the three of us, I would say Augustiniel would be best-suited to that role. MAISENTA: Well, yes, Aug can certainly take that part. But the second male vocalist must have a voice that can “rumble with the strength of the earth.” You and Oscarlet have more... silken vocals. MAISENTA: ...Well, let’s just put that off for now. We'll simply have to find someone for it later.

LOCALIZATION Augustiniel: Maisenta, my darling! It would be an honor to join my voice with yours in musical matrimony! Maisenta: Let's not get carried away! For all you know, I could be a dreadful singer! Oscarlet: Fear not, my lady, for we shall be on hand to provide all the tutelage you might require. Though the question remains─which two lucky fellows will be accompanying you? Orselfaux: “Reminiscent of a mighty oak's outstretched boughs.” I would say that description fits Augustiniel's soaring vocals. Maisenta: I couldn't agree more. Finding someone whose voice is “deep and cavernous as the bowels of the earth” may prove a little more challenging. The Homunculi's music rarely ventures into the lower notes. Maisenta: At the risk of volunteering myself for that role too, mayhaps we should put that matter to one side for now.

マイセンタ : [PLAYER]さんには申し訳ないけれど、 ごらんのとおり、仕事がとても立て込んでおりますの。 私たちを助けると思って、お手伝いいただけないかしら。 マイセンタ : 感謝いたしますわ！ では、あなたには「聖歌隊のタクト」と「聖歌隊の衣装」の、 調達をお願いいたします。 マイセンタ : それぞれ、「木工師ギルド」の「ベアティヌ」さんと、 ウルダハの「裁縫師ギルド」にいる、 「レドレント・ローズ」さんに発注してありますの。 マイセンタ : あなたは、それらを引き取ってくださるだけでかまいませんわ！ その後は「ミィ・ケット野外音楽堂」の、 「アム・ガランジ」さんに渡してくださいませね。 マイセンタ : 私たちも、歌い手の手配をしたらまいりますわ！ どうかよろしくお願いいたしますね。

MAISENTA: I hate to trouble you, [PLAYER], but as you can see, I’ll have my hands full with all of... this. Could you lend us a hand with a different task? MAISENTA: It’s much appreciated. I’d like you to pick up the conductor’s baton and the choir surplices we’ll need for the performance. MAISENTA: Beatin of the Carpenter’s Guild will have the first item, and Redolent Rose of the Weaver’s Guild will have the rest.  MAISENTA: Afterwards, please take everything to Amh Garanjy in Mih Khetto’s Amphitheatre. She’ll know what to do. MAISENTA: In the meantime, we’ll have to rehearse for our performance. I can’t thank you enough!

LOCALIZATION Maisenta: Francel, might I be able to ask a favor of you? Two favors, actually. Maisenta: Keen as always! And I haven't even told you what the favors are yet! Maisenta: I need you to collect a conductor's baton from Beatin of the Carpenter's Guild, as well as an order of choir surplices from Redolent Rose over at the Weavers' Guild in Ul'dah. Maisenta: After paying a visit to these master artisans, head straight to Amh Garanjy in Mih Khetto's Amphitheatre. She will be expecting you. Maisenta: In the meantime, it seems prudent for us to rehearse away from prying...ears. Now, make haste, Francel!

→ If you are not a member of the Carpenter’s Guild...

ベアティヌ : 私に……なにか用ですか……？

BEATIN: ...What business do you have with me...?

LOCALIZATION Beatin: How might I help you?

→ If you are a member of the Carpenter’s Guild...

ベアティヌ : [PLAYER]さん…… どうしました……？ 先生に質問でもあるのですか……？

BEATIN: [PLAYER]... What seems to be the matter? Have you some question for your Master Beatin...?

LOCALIZATION Beatin: So, [PLAYER], are you any closer to becoming one with the wood?

ベアティヌ : ああ……マイセンタさんから頼まれた、タクトですね……。 もちろんできあがってますよ……。 ベアティヌ : 本体は、なめらかなメープル材を使って…… 持ち手はコルクで、手になじみやすいように作っています……。 美しい逸品に仕上がりましたよ……フフ、フフフ……。 ベアティヌ : マイセンタさんは、金に糸目はつけないから、 いい品をつくってほしいと注文してきました。 ホムンクルスのことになると、ずいぶん熱心なようだ……。 ベアティヌ : 私も気持ちはわかりますよ……。 好きなものについては、こだわりが強くなるのも、 当然のことです……フフフ……。

BEATIN: Ah, yes, of course... The conductor’s baton that Miss Maisenta requested. BEATIN: See here, the body of the baton is wrought from maple, whereas the handle is made of cork, allowing for a certain comfort of grip... A most beautiful piece, is it not...? Haha... hahaha.... BEATIN: Miss Maisenta asked for only the finest quality of craftsmanship, heedless of the expense involved. When it comes to her Homunculi, she becomes possessed of an ardent zeal unlike aught else... BEATIN: Ah, but I understand her passions... Men and women alike know no barriers when it comes to the obsessions of the heart. Is that not true of all things...? Hahaha...

LOCALIZATION Beatin: Ah, yes. I have the conductor's baton right here. Beatin: Since the guild seldom receives orders for such items, I thought it best to deal with this one personally. The maple gives it a certain degree of flexibility while the cork grip allows it to be held between thumb and index finger without fear of dropping it. Beatin: I am confident that Maisenta will appreciate the quality of the craftsmanship. While my services do not come cheap, she is sure to feel that her money was well spent. Beatin: And spend she did. In all honesty, a simple twig would probably suffice, but nothing is too good for her Homunculi. I must admit, I do not see the appeal in those preening pretty boys. The sigh of a saw on wood and the tap of a hammer on chisel are all the music I need.

→ If you are not a member of the Weaver’s Guild...

レドレント・ローズ : あら、私になにかご用？

REDOLENT ROSE: Yes? What do you want with little old me?

LOCALIZATION Redolent Rose: Oh, what's this? A customer? Or perhaps some lackey sent on an errand?

→ If you are a member of the Weaver’s Guild...

レドレント・ローズ : あら、[PLAYER]ちゃんじゃないの！ 今日はどうしたのかしら？

REDOLENT ROSE: Oh, goodness, if it isn’t [PLAYER]! Darling! What brought you here today?

LOCALIZATION Redolent Rose: Well, well. If it isn't [PLAYER]. I trust you have not been neglecting your needlework.

レドレント・ローズ : ああ、マイセンタちゃんから頼まれた、 聖歌隊にふさわしい衣装ね！ これから売り出そうと思ってた、可愛いのがあるのよぅ！ レドレント・ローズ : ほら、これよこれ、持っていきなさい！ ちょっと数が多いけど、 黒兎堂に卸す分まで、ついでに持ってってちょうだいな！ レドレント・ローズ : それにしても、やり手のマイセンタちゃんでも、 あなたみたいな冒険者に仕事を頼むほど、 追い込まれることもあるのねぇ。 レドレント・ローズ : ふふっ、あんなにお固そうな子でも、 好きな男のためには頑張っちゃうってことかしら。 可愛いところあるじゃなーい！

REDOLENT ROSE: Oh, yes, the choir surplices that sweet Maisenta requested? Are they not the most adorable things you’ve ever seen? Darling, these are going to sell like chilled juice down at Vesper’s Bay. REDOLENT ROSE: There’s more of them here, too, if you don’t mind taking them off my hands. It’s a lot, I know, but the Weaver’s Guild is selling them to Black Rabbit Traders in bulk. I’m sure they’re planning to turn quite the profit at the Starlight Celebration. REDOLENT ROSE: But my, my, that Maisenta is a smooth little hustler, isn’t she? I never thought she’d have an adventurer like you running her errands! That girl can talk anyone into anything. REDOLENT ROSE: Oh, I don’t mean that in a bad way. She might know how to drive a hard bargain, but she’s soft when it comes to those boys she loves. Isn’t it absolutely darling to watch her doing her best? Tee hee!

LOCALIZATION Redolent Rose: The choir surplices? Not the most challenging request the guild has received, but a welcome change from all the plebeians asking us to add arse flaps to their culottes. Redolent Rose: Another pleasant surprise was the amount Maisenta was willing to pay for them. So generous was she that I thought it only fair to include a few more. Knowing her, she will find a way to pitch them to festival-goers, so any surplus surplices could be sold on for a profit. Redolent Rose: This could even mark the beginning of a very lucrative venture for Black Rabbit Traders and the Weavers' Guild. Redolent Rose: Our mutual acquaintance is undoubtedly counting the gil as we speak, so I suggest you deliver these garments to her posthaste. Best of luck with the Starlight Celebration!

TRANSLATOR’S NOTES Cute details for those of you who understand Japanese on, like, a weeaboo level (no shade, I’m also a weeb):

Maisenta refers to her Homunculi, generally, as “kono kotachi,” or “those children.” It’s more or less commonly understood that you refer to things that you are fond of — like pets, and cute animals, and people you think are endearingly childish — as “ko” in this way. To approximate this, I had Maisenta refer the Homunculi as “boys” (or, of course, her “boy band”) — you know, like they’re hot, but they’re naive, and she needs to keep them safe and watch out for them.

At one point, Maisenta mentions that the Homunculi are popular with the 婦女子 (fujoshi), or women, of Gridania. Note that this is not the term 腐女子 (also fujoshi), or rotten women, commonly used to denote fans of the boy’s love genre — 婦女子 is a term for women that is very slightly outdated, sort of like womenfolk. However, the two words are homonyms, and intentionally so, since the BL term is a pun on the older word. I’m honestly not here to suggest that BL fans exist in Eorzea, but I definitely laughed.

Maisenta really does call Augustiniel “Ogu,” or “Aug,” which is a bit of a rarity as I don’t normally see character names abbreviated in this way.

Beatin refers to himself as “sensei,” with the effect that he’s one of those mildly creepy teachers who kind of gives you the heebie-jeebies, but he’s well-meaning at heart and really just wants to help you learn. Maybe.