#mini translation

In the raw manga, Riza says “死なないでくださいね” which literally translates to “please do not die, alright?” but so much is lost in this straightforward translation since the inflection is not the same in Japanese as it is in English. Riza adds ね at the end of her line on top of the polite request verb form in her speech, which indicates some sort of emotional involvement or closeness. 

Interestingly enough, Riza uses the exact same words when she visits Roy in his tragically empty office after the transfer orders for Team Mustang were carried out (Chapter 62, Volume 16):

This time, instead of being wary of getting jinxed, Roy simply acknowledges her request (fondly, if i may say so, based on the expression on his face).

I really love how Arakawa manages all these little details! These two scenes - which may simply have been added for comic relief despite their morbid undertones - when juxtaposed show the passage of time and consequently, the change in the relationship and dynamics between Riza and Roy. The parallelism is so subtly woven into the story, but once you notice it, it just floors you *dies*

...or maybe I’m just reading into it too closely with my Royai shipping lenses??

If you follow the RDG twitter, you might have seen that I’m reading a new Japanese book. The title is 「いま、会いにゆきます」(Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu). I’ve seen it translated to, “Be With You” in English. The story follows a single father, Takumi, and his six year old son, Yuji. A year after Takumi’s wife, Mio’s death, Mio reappears but has no memories of who Takumi or Yuji are. Takumi and Yuji take her in and help her remember.

The book was turned into a movie in 2004 and I watched it for a class in college. When I found the book in the library the other day, I decided to pick it up! (Don’t worry, I’m still working on RDG, too.)

Anyway, this set of scenes (pre Mio’s reappearance) made me giggle so I decided to translate them.Takumi is just so cute with Yuji.

[Art by いぬじ for Rune Factory 1hr fanart challenge]

Theme: Lies