#shiftyz

Izumi: Everybody’s curious about who’s going to take over the Kagami family business. I thought those journalists do write some bad things about you and your siblings without choosing their words.

Hiero: Well, it’s the same as always. But what are you doing here? Seems like the rain is just about to get stronger, why don’t you go home.

Izumi: Hear this, I lost my umbrella,I’m sure I put it here but it’s not here.

Hiero: Maybe someone mistakenly took it. All the umbrellas look quite similar.

Izumi: No, this has happened to me before and I had a bad experience with it, so I put a sticker on the handle this time.

Hiero: It has happened multiple times huh, well it’s normal, there’s a lot of people in the university too.

Izumi: I’m sure some person with no common sense just thought “oh let me borrow this”, but they’re never going to return it.

Hiero: Hmm.. Then you shouldn’t have put your umbrella there in the first place.

Izumi: Mm… But aren’t umbrella stands for holding umbrellas?

Hiero: They are, but if you’re just going to be upset over a peasant taking your umbrella then shouldn’t you have gotten a smaller umbrella in the first place.

Izumi: T-then do you have a small umbrella?

Hiero: No I don’t.

Izumi: But didn’t you just tell me to use a smaller umbrella?

Hiero: I have an escort, plus I have a butler who can hold the umbrella for me.

Izumi: Khh.. Oh right.

Hiero: I thought of something good, why not buy one from the school store, they should at least have umbrellas there.

Izumi: The store is closed already. Plus, the last time I lost my umbrella I bought one from there but when I opened it the logo of the Houou family was printed so big on it and it even cost 700 yen.

Hiero: So that means you spent 700 yen for an umbrella and to advertise them, hilarious.

Izumi: It was really embarrassing. But then again, how am I supposed to go home in this rain?

Hiero: Is that you talking to yourself or are you talking to me? Why is it moving in the direction that I have to send you home.

Izumi: If you could do so, that would be great, but my brother might get mad if he finds out.

Hiero: Won’t Azumi come for you? I think it’s almost about time he gets off work.

Izumi: The thing about that is that my brother has been super busy. There are days when he comes home suupppper late. He also leaves first thing in the morning.

Hiero: Well, Hekiru is extremely busy such that he doesn’t even have time to meet with ESMERALDA so I guess Azumi has to accompany him through all that.

Izumi: But my brother has to keep going with Hekiru…san. Even if he’s made plans with me first, he still prioritizes Hekiru-san.

Hiero: That’s just how it is, because that’s his job.

Izumi: But he doesn’t have time to spend with me anymore. It feels like Hekiru-san is always in our way.

Hiero: It’s because of Azumi that you’re able to attend this university right? Which means it’s because of Hekiru who’s Azumi’s employer. If Azumi wasn’t working for Hekiru then the two of you would be living in the dumps.

Izumi: That’s…

Hiero: Plus, Hekiru is the heir of the Houou family. For Azumi to be working near such a person, I would think you’re quite privileged. People who wanted to be there couldn’t even if they tried.

Izumi: Well, that… might be true.

Hiero: When you graduate, it’s also natural that you’d start working somewhere. Speaking of the Shizu family, aren’t they known for working with the Houou family.

Izumi: If you take my family name like that, it’s true. Hiero-san, you seem quite close with Hekiru-san. What do you think about working for Hekiru-san?

Hiero: That would never happen so it’s hard to imagine, but I definitely do not want to work under him because he’s so talkative. Even from my point of view I think he has too much money and doesn’t have common sense, in a way, and that kind of makes me crazy.

Izumi: Wah~ I knew you would understand me. He really doesn’t have common sense! He also treats my brother like his own brother and keeps on clinging on to him.

Hiero: Clinging?

Izumi: It was the same during the online meeting, just talking to him even when he doesn’t know how we feel. I’m so annoyed.

Hiero: I didn’t say that Hekiru was THAT bad

Izumi: Eh? But didn’t you just say he was annoying?

Hiero: I’m sure Hekiru meant what he said about your song being good. Plus, there’s no problem for me saying bad things about Hekiru, but it kind of annoys me when you do it

Izumi: Eh? Uhmm…

Hiero: Hekiru may be like that, but from a butler’s perspective I think he’s quite a good employer. Why not look at Azumi’s workplace? Your impression about Hekiru might change.

Izumi: Sure I want to see my brother working, but won’t I get found?

Hiero: That should be alright. Just right, my car’s here, come with me.

Izumi: Oh, wait! Hiero-san? Hiero-san!!

Episode 42 (ENLIGHTRIBE RADIO　第42回　With DRAMA)

Izumi: Hiero-san, I know we’re in a car, but won’t we get caught being this close to Hekiru-san and my brother?

Hiero: You don’t have to whisper, this car can insulate sound quite well so you can speak normally.

Izumi: Even if you say that… Doesn’t it seem suspicious that your car is parked outside when you don’t have business inside the house?

Hiero: This is the property of the Kagami family so it won’t be weird if my car is here.

Izumi: But don’t you think we should still stay low. It might not be weird for you to be here, but if my brother finds me, he’s going to get mad so please stay low..

Hiero: You might have not noticed but the tint of this car is quite dark so they can’t see us from the outside.

Izumi: Is that so?! I’ve been crouching all this time, you should have told me that earlier. Oh it looks like the gate is about to open.

Hiero: They’re finally done.

Izumi: Oh it’s my brother! Let me take a picture~

Hiero: Hey, I didn’t bring you here to take Azumi’s picture.

Izumi: He’s just standing there but he looks so cool~ If I make it my lock screen will my brother find out?

Hiero: He’s not even listening. Take a look at Hekiru, he’s taking the time to properly talk to him.

Izumi: Hmm is that so. Uhm, can I ask something? Does the Houou family often visit the Kagami family?

Hiero: I don’t know, I live in a different house so I don’t know how often Hekiru comes here, but it seems like he’s been coming here a lot recently. The Houou business has been using the Kagami family’s AI in a lot of their products.

Izumi: I see. You don’t live here anymore.

Hiero: Yeah, I live alone. But sometimes I drop by the main house so I run into Hekiru and Azumi here about once a month.

Izumi: I see. So that’s why you kind of knew that they would be here?

Hiero: Exactly. It’s about time they came back here for business. Then Hekiru’s car was really there.

Izumi: That’s amazing, you got it right. Come to think of it, why did you leave the main house? If I were you I would have loved to live in this place with a huge garden.

Hiero: It’s just big, but there’s nothing here. I’m sure you’d get bored after living here for a few days. It also felt like stress having a lot of house helpers because it feels like I’m constantly being monitored.

Izumi: I see, there’s also those kinds of struggles. Oh right, I heard from an alumni who works for the Kagami family that the Kagami family works hard on improving their AI technology, but how is it actually going?

Hiero: They’re getting used to it so much you would think there’s no need for human helpers. Though some of them are still undergoing testing so they’re not yet perfect.

Izumi: That’s amazing. I want to see one for myself. They must be convenient to have.

Hiero: If you come here as the butler of the Houou family you might have the chance of seeing one.

Izumi: I see. Guess I’ll have to ask my brother about it later.

Hiero: It seems like Azumi is talking about something. But we’re too far to hear what they’re talking about.

Izumi: My brother is really so good looking. I wonder if it’s because he has a different expression compared to when he’s talking to me. He’s really so cool. Let’s take another picture~

Hiero: I didn’t bring you here to take pictures. If I knew this would happen-

Izumi: Look, Hiero-san. My brother is holding the umbrella for Hekiru-san. If my brother does that he might catch a cold.

Hiero: Hey, he’s a butler so that’s normal. Look, Hekiru’s even matching Azumi’s pace so that they don’t get wet.

Izumi: I guess it really is thanks to my brother who is working hard that I am able to attend college.

Hiero: Hey, you’re not listening to anything I say. I brought you here to look at Hekiru.

Izumi: If you didn’t bring me there I would have never seen my brother working like that. My impression towards Hekiru-san might not have changed, but it was a good experience. 

Hiero: Is that so?

Izumi: I guess it’s almost time for me to go home too. If I don’t leave now I won’t be able to prepare for dinner.

Hiero: Oh sure, have the driver send you home. I have something to do at the main house.

Izumi: Eh?! Is that okay?

Hiero: Yeah. I’m the one who brought you here, plus it’s hard to go home in this rain and I don’t want you to catch a cold because of this.

Izumi: Thank you so much.

Hiero: Also, let’s not tell anybody about this, it would be bad for you too if Azumi found out right?

Izumi: Y-yes. It would be nice if you could keep it like that.

Hiero: Okay, see you.

Azumi: That’s not it. Plus, it’s impossible to see someone from the Houou family walking alone, isn’t it?

Izumi: That might be true, but I think that he should at least keep his time. He’s even making you wait. That’s overtime. The time you spend with me gets shorter too.

Azumi: Sorry, but it can’t be helped because it’s part of work. I’ll go straight home after this, okay?

Izumi: …

Azumi: Izu

Izumi: Fine. Give me a message when you’re done.

Azumi: Oh, looks like Hekiru-san’s done. I’ll get back to you later.

Izumi: Okay

Azumi: Hekiru-san, good evening.

Hekiru: I made you wait a while, didn’t I

Azumi: No worries sir.

Hekiru: There were quite a number of guests tonight. Recently I’ve been keeping you waiting. The Madams won’t let me go even if they know my ride is waiting for me.

Azumi: So that was the case. I did think that you might have been held by some people after the dinner party.

Hekiru: You’re right. It seems like the Madams forget their stress when they’re with me.

Azumi: You’re as popular with them as ever. I’ve heard that some people even come from afar to see you.

Hekiru: It’s a surprise. To think that they would want to see me. It’s an honor.

Azumi: It must be expected that they want to see you, with you being the heir of the Houou family.

Hekiru: It’s just the name that they’re looking at. According to my father, the grand prize always gets the honor but it easily creates enemies for you.

Azumi: Come to think of it, I often see a lot of supporters around your father. Mostly women recently.

Hekiru: Well, there’s the right people for the right place. I have to do well with the Madams my father doesn’t deal well with.

Azumi: You really can’t underestimate women in authority these days so the pressure on you must be heavy. You do seem tired these days.

Hekiru: You can tell? Well, just a little. As you know, I’ve been living this kind of life ever since. I’m used to it.

Azumi: But I still think you shouldn’t push yourself too hard.

Hekiru: You worry too much. It makes me happy that you’re concerned. Thank you. Come to think of it, what’s my schedule tomorrow?

Azumi: Tomorrow, in the morning you have a regular meeting in Houhou University followed by a lunch party. In the afternoon you have three meetings, and in the evening, you have another dinner party at 8PM. 

Hekiru: Three meetings huh, that’s fewer than usual. Can you put in a meeting with Ramo in my spare time in the afternoon?

Azumi: Understood. Would it be good to assume that this would be in your secondary house?

Hekiru: Yes, no problem.

Azumi: Understood. I’ll contact him.

Hekiru: I’m looking forward to tomorrow.

Azumi: Is there a new song?

Hekiru: Yes! He told me about it last week but we haven’t been able to work out a schedule for it.

Azumi: I see. You have indeed gotten busier recently. Is Ramo-san feeling sad about it?

Hekiru: I’m the one who’s sad! But thanks to the schedule you made I have time to meet with my friends next week. Thanks.

Azumi: That’s nice to hear. Please do get more time to relax.

Hekiru: Oh right.

Azumi: What’s the matter?

Hekiru: I heard something interesting from the dinner party a while ago and thought that you might be interested in it too.

Azumi: What is it?

Hekiru: It seems like a big event called ENLIGHTRIBE will be taking place.

Azumi: ENLIGHTRIBE? It’s the first time I’m hearing about it.

Hekiru: Me too. Apparently it’s a music fes with the concept of making the world together with the best music.

Azumi: The best music huh. That sounds rather romantic.

Hekiru: The registration is open to all classes and they’re aiming for it to be the biggest event with the largest audience.

Azumi: Where will this big event be held?

Hekiru: I haven’t heard about the details myself but I think they would be making a new place for it, since they're aiming for the largest audience.

Azumi: It can’t be?!

Hekiru: It’s not impossible. On top of that, the fes will be streamed all over the world, so the number of participants both online and offline will be out of this world.

Azumi: Then I guess the idea of making a new place doesn’t sound too wild anymore.

Hekiru: Right?! I’m so excited about it.

Azumi: Isn’t it hosted by your family?

Hekiru: I just heard about it a while ago so there’s no way. But it seems like our company is already one of the main sponsors of the event. It’s the first time I’m hearing about it so I’m thinking of asking my father but it might be a bad idea.

Azumi: What if your father was hoping that you and your friends would join the event?

Hekiru: Hahaha, it might be possible. As you know, my father doesn’t really think well of me doing music. He also wants me to put more focus on my job.

Azumi: What do you think about it?

Hekiru: I’m joining. Regardless of what he says.

Azumi: That’s…

Hekiru: It’s not just because I want to perform, I also want to improve myself, and to be able to do that, I need a rival. Do you see where I’m getting at?

Azumi: I apologize, I don’t think I quite understand. 

Hekiru: What I want to say is how about you join together with your little brother. I think there’s no other place where we can compete head on like this.

Azumi: Out of nowhere… Unlike you, I have no talent for music, so I wouldn’t.

Hekiru: Oh what are you saying? You were the one who taught me about music in the first place.

Azumi: Music… I only taught you how to hold the instrument.

Hekiru: That’s not true. I think of you as my mentor.

Azumi: Mentor… Holding the instrument and playing it are two different things. Your skill now is because of your efforts.

Hekiru: Hekiru… san… You used to call me just Hekiru. At least call me like that when we’re alone.

Azumi: We have to be careful because of the statuses. You never know who could be listening to us.

Hekiru: Don’t say that. I think of you as my brother. Who would even care about statuses at this point.

Azumi: I apologize.

Hekiru: That! You really are too serious. Ah, can you stop the car here for today

Azumi: Are you really okay here? There’s still quite a distance from your house.

Hekiru: It’s fine. Thank you.

Azumi: If it’s because I made the mood bad with my actions, then-

Hekiru: No no, I just wanted to feel the night breeze. You’re too stiff with me now. I don’t mind if you treated me like before.

Azumi: Is that so

Hekiru: For now try considering ENLIGHTRIBE, I’ll look into the details.

Azumi: With regards to that-

Hekiru: Well then, see you tomorrow. Good night.

Azumi: Understood. Please have a good night. ENLIGHTRIBE huh… It doesn’t matter to me.

Izumi: You’re late~ And I told you to message me when you’re coming home.

Azumi: Oh, sorry, I forgot.

Izumi: Try to be in my place waiting for you to come home who knows what time.

Azumi: My bad.

Izumi: It’s fine. The stew has gotten cold so let me reheat it first.

Azumi: Okay, thank you.

Izumi: Hey, listen! Something annoying happened in class today.

Azumi: Was there any problem?

Izumi: You know how International Business is a popular course in the economics department? People were using my name badly because they knew you’re working for the Houou family.

Azumi: I see.

Izumi: He was saying something like “I’m close with Izumi so I have a connection to the Houou family”. I’m not even close with him, he’s just in the same class. I don’t even remember his face.

Azumi: And then?

Izumi: That’s terrible right? It would have been fine if he just wanted to talk to me, but it was really unpleasant that he was using my name like that behind my back. Well, those kinds of people will end up hurting themselves. It would be hard for him to attend class tomorrow.

Azumi: I see.

Izumi: Those kinds of people should just miss their units and repeat the year. And then eventually they won’t have enough money and drop out of college.

Azumi: I see.

Izumi: I’ll let them know that they messed with the wrong person. Hey! Are you listening to what I said?

Azumi: Today’s class was boring?

Izumi: That’s not it. You’re not listening at all.

Azumi: I was thinking about something.

Izumi: Thinking about something? You look high in the clouds. Is that thing you’re thinking about more important than my story?

Azumi: That’s not the case. But I was remembering something Hekiru-san said.

Izumi: That guy again?! That’s enough of him, I don’t want to hear about that guy anymore.

Azumi: Izu, I told you, don’t call him “that guy”, he’s Hekiru-san. It would be bad if that slipped out outside.

Izumi: I don’t care about that, he annoys me. Houou is just a name. I’m not scared of anything.

Azumi: You might think that way, but if word gets out I might lose my job. I’ve been working for them ever since. Please understand this.

Izumi: Fine, I got it. So what was this Hekiru-san talking about?

Azumi: On the way home, he asked if I would join this music fes called ENLIGHTRIBE.

Izumi: ENLIGHT…? Music fes? What’s that?

Azumi: It’s a music fes that will be broadcasted around the world.

Izumi: And he invited you to join? Are you going to perform with Hekiru?!

Azumi: No, he suggested that I join with you. The events up until now were all class-restricted, but this ENLIGHTRIBE is different and allows entry from all classes. It’s a never before seen music fes with the largest audience.

Izumi: Hmmm. But it’s unusual for him to bring that up to you. He doesn’t even know you’re still into music.

Azumi: I wonder. He might have a special sense because he interacts with all kinds of people.

Izumi: Sounds like a dog. A high-class bred dog.

Azumi: The Houou would have their own ways. And he said he wants to compete with music head on.

Izumi: Hmm. I see. He’s joining too.

Azumi: Izu?

Izumi: If he’s joining I want in too.

Azumi: Are you serious?

Izumi: Yeah! I know your talent the best and it would be a waste to just keep it in.

Azumi: My talent is not world class quality.

Izumi: What are you saying, if it’s a fes it would be up to the audience to decide that. And this is a good chance for us.

Azumi: It’s not that easy. If it’s a world class fes there would be a lot of popular artists and groups who would be joining too. Do you have the confidence that we’ll make it amongst that.

Izumi: But didn’t you tell me about this because you thought it was possible?  

Azumi: Uh

Izumi: What are you worried about?

Azumi: Izu, I’m uncertain. I know you have the talent to charm people, but if people like us from the middle class start to stand out, what would the people around us think?

Izumi: Then just leave them be!

Azumi: Also, try thinking about it. Do we even have the time to prepare for it? We need time to make the songs, it’s not something that we can do half-heartedly. Can you handle it?

Izumi: Don’t underestimate me, I’m the best student in class. If the goal is to defeat him, I’ll do even better.

Azumi: It’s not just about the practice time. Our instruments now are not good enough. Plus we need to look for a practice space.

Izumi: Those are just physical problems, are you still not convinced? Then I’ll use my last resort. If you don’t want to perform with me, I’m dropping out of college tomorrow. Wasn’t it your dream for me to graduate from Houou University?

Azumi: That’s a different topic.

Izumi: Because if I don’t say that you won’t be convinced.

Azumi: Izu

Izumi: But you love playing the guitar! Don’t you want the world to hear it?

Azumi: Izu, Do you not remember the troubles we ran into before? What are you planning to do going back there and throwing away this peaceful life we have now away from music?

Izumi: That’s true. But class doesn’t matter here right. Then maybe this time- It feels frustrating not being able to do anything.

Azumi: Frustrating...

Izumi: It might be peaceful now, but are you really okay with this forever? You know what you really want right? I know it. I know what you want to do. I know what I want to do.

Azumi: To think that you’d leave me speechless.

Izumi: I guess that’s my win.

Azumi: Okay. I was thinking that I can’t stay like this forever, but we’re joining after we get enough information.

Izumi: Then we can join together?!

Azumi: It’s not yet decided. We’re withdrawing if anything looks suspicious.

Izumi: Okay, I’ll leave that to you. Guess we’re going to need a practice studio.

Azumi: We can probably rent a studio, but I wonder if there’s a better place…

Izumi: Why not just have a street live. If it’s with you I feel like it’s going to be fun.

Azumi: I know it will be fun, but it’s not very realistic.

Izumi: Is that so? Then what about the music room in the university.

Azumi: Isn’t that room used by the band?

Izumi: What are you saying? The last few members graduated last year, and now it’s gone. I told you that last time.

Azumi: Is that so? There were a lot of people back in my time.

Izumi: Anyway, I’ll try asking if we can use it tomorrow.

Azumi: Even if I’m an alumni, wouldn’t it be bad for me to just enter campus?

Izumi: Is that so? But if you’re working for the Houou family wouldn’t it be normal for you to enter the campus of Houou University?

Azumi: As long as it doesn’t become a problem.

Izumi: I’ll be sure to get permission so don’t worry.

Azumi: Then I’ll leave that to you.

Izumi: Yeah! I’ll let you know.

Azumi: Izu, if we’re going to join we’re going for the top. We’re going to be the best regardless of class.

Izumi: Of course! We’re going to show those who were just born in rich families what they’re really worth.

Azumi: Right.

Izumi: Oh, the stew’s probably good now.

Azumi: Izu. Let me help you too.

Izumi: Just stay there. I thought about it, all this time we’ve been supporting each other, haven’t we?

Azumi: That’s true.

Izumi: So now, let me be your support.