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Episode 16 (Ep.40): Festering Resentment / 第16話（第40話）『巣食う悪意（すくうあくい/Sukuu Akui）』

猫猫(マオマオ)「う～ん…、あった」

Maomao “Uuun…, atta.”

Maomao “Here it is.”

壬氏(ジンシ)「お前(まえ)、かんざしは着(つ)けないのか？じゃあ、それを着(つ)けてこい」

Jinshi “Omae, kanzashi’wa tsuke-nai-noka? Jaa, sore’o tsukete-koi.”

Jinshi “Don’t you wear a hair stick? Wear that, then.”

猫猫（約束(やくそく)だし、仕方(しかた)ない）

Maomao (Yakusoku-dashi, shikata-nai.)

Maomao (A promise is a promise, I guess.)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

虞淵(グエン)（やぶ医者(いしゃ)）「ほら見(み)てごらん、羅門(ルォメン)さん。この子(こ)は賢(かしこ)いから、小魚(こざかな)の頭(あたま)と尾(お)とはらわたは食(た)べないんだよ」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Hora mite-goran, Ruomen-san. Kono ko’wa kashikoi-kara, kozakana’no atama’to o’to hara-wata’wa tabe-nain-dayo.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “Look, Luomen. This one is so smart, she won’t eat the head, tail, or guts of the fish.”

羅門「この苦(にが)みが好(す)きなんですけどねぇ」

Ruomen “Kono nigami’ga suki-nan-desu-kedo-nee.”

Luomen “Personally, I like the bitter taste.”

猫猫（食(た)べ物(もの)は無駄(むだ)にするなと教(おし)えられたが、猫(ねこ)の残(のこ)り物(もの)まで食べるとは…。一(いち)を聞(き)いて十(じゅう)を知(し)る。おやじはこの国(くに)の最高(さいこう)の医師(いし)だと思(おも)う。なのに花街(はなまち)で貧(まず)しく暮(く)らしているのは、おやじには欲(よく)というものがないからだ）

Maomao (Tabemono’wa muda-ni suruna-to oshie-rareta-ga, neko’no nokori-mono-made taberu-towa… Ichi’o kiite ju’o shiru. Oyaji’wa kono kuni’no saiko’no ishi-dato omou. Nanoni hana-machi’de mazushiku kurashite-iru-nowa, oyaji’niwa yoku-to-iu mono’ga nai-kara-da.)

Maomao (He did teach me not to waste food, but who would’ve thought he’d eat leftovers from a cat… Learn ten things from one tip. My dad is the best doctor in this country, I think. But still, he lives in poverty in the pleasure district. Why? Because he feels no greed whatsoever.)

虞淵（やぶ医者）「嬢(じょう)ちゃん、さっきから何(なに)を作(つく)ってるんだい？」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Jochan, sakki’kara nani’o tsukutterun-dai?”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “What are you making, little lady?”

猫猫「玉葉様(ギョクヨウさま)の灸(きゅう)に使(つか)う、もぐさです」

Maomao “Gyokuyo-sama’no kyu’ni tsukau, mogusa desu.”

Maomao “Mugwort, for Lady Gyokuyou’s moxibustion.”

羅門「猫猫。ちゃんと虞淵さんに断(ことわ)ってから使いなさい」

Ruomen “Maomao. Chanto Guen-san’ni kotowatte-kara tsukai-nasai.”

Luomen “Maomao, ask for Guen’s permission before using things.”

猫猫「う…、は～い。おやじは今日(きょう)は書(か)き物(もの)？」

Maomao “U…, haaai. Oyaji’wa kyo’wa kaki-mono?”

Maomao “Yes. Are you going to write all day today, Dad?”

羅門「ああ、特(とく)にお呼(よ)びがないからね」

Ruomen “Aa, toku-ni oyobi’ga nai-kara-ne.”

Luomen “Yes. Nobody seems to need my services today.”

猫猫（おやじが翡翠宮(ひすいきゅう)専属(せんぞく)ではなく医局(いきょく)勤(づと)めになったのは、恐(おそ)らく壬氏様(ジンシさま)の計(はか)らいだ。今(いま)、後宮(こうきゅう)には少(すく)なくとももう一人(ひとり)、帝(みかど)の御子(みこ)を宿(やど)している方(かた)がいる。梨花様(リファさま)だ。次(つぎ)の子(こ)は無事(ぶじ)に育(そだ)ってほしい。そのために、まずは無事に産(う)んでもらいたい。おやじが両方(りょうほう)診(み)てくれるなら、安心(あんしん)だな）

Maomao (Oyaji’ga Hisui-Kyu sen-zoku’dewa-naku ikyoku-zutome’ni natta-nowa, osoraku Jinshi-sama’no hakarai-da. Ima, kokyu’niwa sukunaku-tomo mo-hitori, mikado’no miko’o yadoshite-iru kata’ga iru. Rifa-sama-da. Tsugi’no ko’wa buji-ni sodatte-hoshii. Sono-tame-ni, mazuwa buji-ni unde-morai-tai. Oyaji’ga ryoho mite-kureru-nara, anshin-dana.)

Maomao (Dad was assigned to the doctor’s office, not directly to the Jade Pavilion. It was probably Master Jinshi’s plan. At least one more person is carrying the emperor’s child in the rear palace. Lady Lihua. I hope her next child grows up healthy. For that, she first has to give birth safely. If Dad can look after both of them, I’ll be relieved.)

虞淵（やぶ医者）「そういえば、水晶宮(すいしょうきゅう)に新(あたら)しい侍女(じじょ)たちが入(はい)ったみたいだね。ほら、前(まえ)に会(あ)った侍女頭(じじょがしら)が辞(や)めた後(あと)」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “So-ieba, Suisho-Kyu’ni atarashii jijo-tachi’ga haitta-mitai-dane. Hora, mae-ni atta jijo-gashira’ga yameta-ato.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “Oh, did you hear about how the Crystal Pavilion got a batch of new ladies-in-waiting? You know, after the last head lady-in-waiting left?”

猫猫「あぁ…」

Maomao “Aa…”

Maomao “Yeah…”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「年配(ねんぱい)の侍女(じじょ)が多(おお)くて、急(きゅう)に宮(みや)の雰囲気(ふんいき)が落(お)ち着(つ)いたってさ」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Nenpai’no jijo’ga ookute, kyu-ni miya’no fun’iki’ga ochi-tsuitatte-sa.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “I heard many of them are older, so the atmosphere there got a lot calmer.”

羅門「経験豊富(けいけんほうふ)な侍女が増(ふ)えるのは、いいことです」

Ruomen “Keiken-hofu-na jijo’ga fueru-nowa ii-koto-desu.”

Luomen “It’s good to have many experienced ladies-in-waiting.”

猫猫（後宮(こうきゅう)には若(わか)い女官(にょかん)が多(おお)いが、年配(ねんぱい)の女官(にょかん)は極端(きょくたん)に少(すく)ない。後宮は帝(みかど)の子(こ)を産(う)み、育(そだ)てる場(ば)。なのに、それが機能(きのう)していない。今(いま)の帝(みかど)の子(こ)が何人(なんにん)いるかを考(かんが)えれば、改善(かいぜん)すべきだ。この問題点(もんだいてん)に、おやじならもう気付(きづ)いていると思(おも)うけど）

Maomao (Kokyu’niwa Wakai nyokan’ga ooi-ga, nenpai’no nyokan’wa kyokutan-ni sukunai. Kokyu’wa mikado’no ko’o umi, sodateru ba. Nanoni, sore’ga kino-shite-inai. Ima’no mikado’no ko’ga nan-nin iruka’o kangae-reba, kaizen-subeki-da. Kono mondai-ten’ni, oyaji-nara mo kizuite-iru-to omou-kedo.)

Maomao (Many of the workers in the rear palace are young. Elderly women are extremely rare. The rear palace is for birthing and raising the emperor’s children. It’s not functioning properly right now. Given how many children the emperor has right now, that needs to be improved. I’m sure my dad realizes this problem by now, but…)

羅門「うん、こんなものかな」

Ruomen “Un, konna mono kana.”

Luomen “Hmm. That should do.”

猫猫「おやじ、これは？」

Maomao “Oyaji, kore’wa?”

Maomao “What is this, Dad?”

羅門「今(いま)の後宮(こうきゅう)で気(き)になるところをまとめてみたんだ」

Ruomen “Ima’no kokyu’de kini-naru tokoro’o matomete-mitanda.”

Luomen “I wrote down the things I find concerning in the rear palace right now.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「どれどれ…羅門さん、綺麗(きれい)な字(じ)を書(か)くねぇ」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Dore-dore… Ruomen-san, kirei-na ji’o kaku-nee.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “Let’s see. Wow, Luomen, your handwriting is very pretty.”

猫猫（そこかよ）

Maomao (Soko-kayo.)

Maomao (That’s what you notice?)

虞淵（やぶ医者）「でも何(なん)か、子供(こども)っぽい文(ぶん)だねぇ。威厳(いげん)が足(た)りないんじゃないかい？」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Demo nanka, kodomoppoi bun-danee. Igen’ga tari-nainja nai-kai?”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “But the tone is kind of childish. Perhaps you need to sound more authoritative?”

羅門「いいんですよ。ここにはまだ簡単(かんたん)な文(ぶん)や文字(もじ)しか読(よ)めない者(もの)もいます��ら」

Ruomen “Iin-desu-yo. Koko’niwa mada kantan-na bun’ya moji-shika yome-nai mono’mo imasu-kara.”

Luomen “That’s fine. There are many here who can still only read simple characters and phrases.”

猫猫（なるほど…。これは侍女(じじょ)や下女(げじょ)に読(よ)ませたいのか）

Maomao (Naru-hodo… Kore’wa jijo’ya gejo’ni yomase-tai-noka.)

Maomao (I see. He wants servant girls and workers to read this.)

羅門「どうかな？見落(みお)としはないかね？」

Ruomen “Do-kana? Miotoshi’wa nai-kane?”

Luomen “What do you think? Did I miss anything?”

猫猫「足(た)りてると思(おも)うけど」

Maomao “Tariteru-to omou-kedo.”

Maomao “I think you’ve covered most of it, but…”

羅門「虞淵さん、ご実家(じっか)にこのくらいの大(おお)きさの紙(かみ)は置(お)いてありますか？」

Ruomen “Guen-san, go-jikka’ni kono-kurai’no ookisa’no kami’wa oite-ari-masu-ka?”

Luomen “Guen, does your family sell paper about this size?”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「そんな切(き)れ端(はし)、溶(と)かして新(あたら)しい紙(かみ)の材料(ざいりょう)にしてしまうねぇ」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Sonna kire-hashi, taokashite atarashii kami’no zairyo’ni shite-shimau-nee.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “A scrap like that would get melted down to make more new paper.”

羅門「ではそれを安値(やすね)で譲(ゆず)っていただくことは可能(かのう)でしょうか？」

Ruomen “Dewa sore’o yasu-ne’de yuzutte-itadaku-koto’wa kano desho-ka?”

Luomen “In that case, would it be possible to get more at a low price?”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「うん、できると思(おも)うよ」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Un, dekiru-to omou-yo.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “Yes, I think so.”

羅門「猫猫、最近(さいきん)、手習(てなら)い所(じょ)が作(つく)られたね？」

Ruomen “Maomao, saikin tenarai-jo’ga tsuku-rareta-ne?”

Luomen “Maomao, they built a school here recently, right?”

猫猫「うん」

Maomao “Un.”

Maomao “Yes.”

羅門「じゃあ、これを書(か)き取(と)り練習(れんしゅう)の手本(てほん)にできないか、聞(き)いてみてくれないかね？」

Ruomen “Jaa, kore’o kaki-tori-renshu’no tehon’ni deki-nai-ka, kiite-mite-kurenai-kane?”

Luomen “In that case, can you go and ask if they can use this as an example to practice writing with?”

猫猫「あ…、生徒(せいと)の手(て)を借(か)りて、張(は)り紙(がみ)を量産(りょうさん)するってことか。今日(きょう)あたり、ちょっと聞(き)いてみる」

Maomao “A… Seito’no te’o karite, hari-gami’o ryosan-surutte-koto-ka. Kyo-atari, chotto kiite-miru.”

Maomao “Ah. You want to get the students to help mass-produce the notice. I’ll go ask today.”

羅門「うん、頼(たの)むよ」

Ruomen “Un, tanomu-yo.”

Luomen “Thank you.”

猫猫（人(ひと)��物(もの)も無駄(むだ)にしない。商人(しょうにん)のような頭(あたま)の回(まわ)りようだ。どうしてその才覚(さいかく)を自分(じぶん)の生活(せいかつ)に生(い)かせないんだか…）

Maomao (Hito’mo mono’mo muda-ni shinai. Shonin’no-yona atama’no mawari-yo-da. Doshite sono saikaku’o jibun’no seikatsu’ni ikase-nain-daka…)

Maomao (He thinks like a merchant, not putting manpower or materials to waste. Now why can’t he use that intellect to improve his own life?)

猫猫「じゃ、もぐさもできたので、戻(もど)ります。翡翠宮用(ひすいきゅうよう)に、消毒用(しょうどくよう)のアルコール、もらっていきますね」

Maomao “Ja, mogusa’mo dekita-node, modori-masu. Hisui-Kyu-yo’ni, shodoku-yo’no arukōru, moratte-iki-masu-ne.”

Maomao “Well, my mugwort is ready, so I’ll go now. Oh, and I’m taking some disinfecting alcohol for the Jade Pavilion.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「はいよ」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Hai-yo.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “Sure.”

猫猫「あと、疲労回復(ひろうかいふく)に効くものを…」

Maomao “Ato, hiro-kaifuku’ni kiku mono’o…”

Maomao “Also, something for fatigue…”

猫猫（最近(さいきん)、玉葉様(ギョクヨウさま)が疲(つか)れやすいって言(い)ってたからな…）

Maomao (Saikin, Gyokuyo-sama’ga tsukare-yasuitte itteta-kara-na…)

Maomao (Lady Gyokuyou said she gets tired easily recently.)

猫猫「こら、破(やぶ)ける」

Maomao “Kora, yabukeru.”

Maomao “Stop, you’ll tear it.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「どうした毛毛(マオマオ)、そんなに鳴(な)いて」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Do-shita Maomao, sonna-ni naite.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “What’s wrong, Maomao? You’re making such a fuss.”

猫猫「これかな…。��らないから」

Maomao “Kore-kana… Yara-nai-kara.”

Maomao “Maybe it’s this. You can’t have it.”

猫猫（さて、どうしたもんか…。先に手習(てなら)い所(じょ)に行(い)ってみるか。壬氏様(ジンシさま)に話(はなし)を通(とお)すとなると、時間(じかん)がかかるだろうし…。ん…。一応(いちおう)、持(も)ち歩(ある)いてはいるけど、前(まえ)に着(つ)けてみたら…）

Maomao (Sate, do-shita-mon-ka… Saki-ni tenarai-jo’ni itte-miru-ka. Jinshi-sama’ni hanashi’o toosu-to-naruto, jikan’ga kakaru-daroshi… N… Ichio, mochi-aruitewa iru-kedo, mae-ni tsukete-mitara…)

Maomao (So, what to do next… Should I go to the school first? Going through Master Jinshi would probably take time. I’m carrying it with me, but the last time I put it on…)

桜花(インファ)「あ��！そのかんざし、園遊会(えんゆうかい)で壬氏様にもらったものじゃない！？」

Infa “Aaa! Sono kanzashi, en’yu-kai’de Jinshi-sama’ni moratta mono-ja nai!?”

Yinghua “Hey! Isn’t that the hair stick you got from Master Jinshi at the garden party?!”

貴園(グイエン)「急(きゅう)に着(つ)けて、どうしたの～？」

Guien “Kyu-ni tsukete, do-shita-nooo?”

Guiyuan “Why did you decide to wear it all of a sudden?!”

猫猫（後(あと)でいいや…）

Maomao (Ato’de ii-ya…)

Maomao (Maybe later.)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

老宦官(ろうかんがん)「これは…羅門の字(じ)だね」

Ro-kangan “Kore’wa… Ruomen’no ji-dane.”

Old eunuch “This is Luomen’s handwriting.”

猫猫「よくお分(わ)かりで」

Maomao “Yoku owakari-de.”

Maomao “You can tell?”

老宦官「昔(むかし)、科挙(かきょ)の試験(しけん)の時(とき)、あやつの字(じ)を真似(まね)ると受かるなんて言われて、皆(みな)で真似(まね)したからねぇ。文官(ぶんかん)としての才(さい)もあったのに、道端(みちばた)の浮浪児(ふろうじ)が、病気(びょうき)でかわいそうだからと言(い)って、医官(いかん)になるんだから…」

Ro-kangan “Mukashi, kakyo’no shiken’no toki, ayatsu’no ji’o maneru-to ukaru-nante iwarete, mina’de mane-shita-kara-nee. Bunkan-to-shite’no sai’mo atta-noni, michi-bata’no furo-ji’ga, byoki-de kawaiso-dakara-to-itte, ikan’ni narun-dakara…”

Old eunuch “Back in the day, we all used to say copying his handwriting made it easier to pass the civil service exams, so we practiced it. He had the talent to become a government official, but instead, he became a doctor, because he felt sorry for the sick, homeless children.”

猫猫「実(じつ)は今(いま)、後宮(こうきゅう)に戻(もど)ってきておりまして」

Maomao “Jitsu’wa ima, kokyu’ni modotte-kite-ori-mashite.”

Maomao “He’s actually back in the rear palace right now.”

老宦官「ほう、それは初耳(はつみみ)だ。今日(きょう)は小蘭(シャオラン)はいないのかね？」

Ro-kangan “Ho, sore’wa hatsu-mimi-da. Kyo’wa Shaoran’wa inai-no-kane?”

Old eunuch “Oh, that’s news to me. Isn’t Xiaolan here today?”

猫猫「最近(さいきん)は、年季明(ねんきあ)けの心配(しんぱい)と、若(わか)い宦官(かんがん)の話(はなし)に夢中(むちゅう)で、それどころじゃないようです」

Maomao “Saikin’wa, nenki-ake’no shinpai-to, wakai kangan’no hanashi’ni muchu-de, sore-dokoro-ja nai-yo-desu.”

Maomao “She’s a bit preoccupied lately because of her term expiring, and because of that young eunuch.”

老宦官「若(わか)い宦官(かんがん)ねぇ…。��激(しげき)が少(すく)ないとはいえ、騒(さわ)ぎ立(た)てるのもどうかと思(おも)うんだがね」

Ro-kangan “Wakai kangan-nee… Shigeki’ga sukunai-towa-ie, sawagi-tateru-nomo doka-to omoun-daga-ne.”

Old eunuch “A young eunuch, right… I know excitement is rare around here, but is that really worth all the fuss?”

猫猫「どういうことですか？」

Maomao “Do-iu-koto desu-ka?”

Maomao “What do you mean?”

老宦官「いや、南側(みなみがわ)に若(わか)い宦官(かんがん)を置(お)いておくと、女官(にょかん)たちの仕事(しごと)がおろそかになるからって、北側(きたがわ)に数人(すうにん)送(おく)られてきたんだよ。診療所(しんりょうじょ)の女官(にょかん)は、男手(おとこで)が増(ふ)えて助(たす)かっているようだけど」

Ro-kangan “Iya, minami-gawa’ni wakai kangan’o oite-oku-to, jokan-tachi’no shigoto’ga orosoka-ni naru-karatte, kita-gawa’ni su-nin oku-rarete-kitan-dayo. Shinryo-jo’no nyokan’wa, otoko-de’ga fuete tasukatte-iru-yo-dakedo.”

Old eunuch “Well, they said having the young eunuchs on the south side made the court ladies stop concentrating on work. So, they sent a few of the eunuchs to the north side. I heard the court ladies at the clinic appreciate the male help.”

猫猫（診療所(しんりょうじょ)か…。深緑(シェンリュ)様(さま)なら、若い宦官(かんがん)をこき使(つか)いそうだ）

Maomao (Shinryo-jo-ka… Shenryu-sama-nara, wakai kangan’o koki-tsukai-soda.)

Maomao (The clinic… I guess Lady Shenlü would have a lot of work for the young eunuchs.)

老宦官「それで、用(よう)と言(い)うのは？」

Ro-kangan “Sorede, yo-to iu-nowa?”

Old eunuch “So, what did you need today?”

猫猫「ああ、はい。この養父(ようふ)が書(か)いたものを手本(てほん)に、生徒(せいと)たちに書(か)き取(と)りの練習(れんしゅう)をしてもらえないかと…。紙(かみ)は用意(ようい)します」

Maomao “Aa, hai. Kono yofu’ga kaita-mono’o tehon-ni, seito-tachi’ni kaki-tori’no renshu’o shite-morae-naika-to… Kami’wa yoi-shimasu.”

Maomao “Oh, right. My adoptive father wanted you to use this text he wrote as an example for students to practice writing with. He will provide the paper.”

老宦官「ははぁ。これを書(か)き写(か)させて、あちこち張(は)ろうってことだね」

Ro-kangan “Hahaa. Kore’o kaki-utsu-sasete, achi-kochi harotte koto-dane.”

Old eunuch “Ha, ha. He wants to make copies to put them up everywhere.”

猫猫「ええ」

Maomao “Ee.”

Maomao “Yes.”

老宦官「昔(むかし)も、似(に)たようなことを書(か)いていたねぇ。あの時(とき)は、羅門一人(ひとり)でやっていたから、つい私(わたし)も手伝(てつだ)ってしまったよ。2人(ふたり)で、後宮中(こうきゅうじゅう)に張(は)る紙(かみ)をひたすら書(か)いて…。あやつも年(とし)を食(く)って、人(ひと)をうまく使(つか)う方法(ほうほう)を覚(おぼ)えたようだね」

Ro-kangan “Mukashi’mo, nita-yona koto’o kaite-ita-nee. Ano toki’wa, Ruomen-hitori’de yatte-ita-kara, tsui watashi’mo tetsudatte-shimatta-yo. Futari’de, kokyu-ju’ni haru kami’o hitasura kaite… Ayatsu’mo toshi’o kutte, hito’o umaku tsukau hoho’o oboeta-yo-dane.”

Old eunuch “He used to write similar things in the past. He made them all by himself back then, so I ended up helping. The two of us, writing and writing, to post these all over the rear palace… I guess, with age, he learned how to cleverly put other people to work.”

猫猫「以前(いぜん)にも、こうして文(ぶん)にして張(は)っていたのですか？」

Maomao “Izen’nimo, koshite bun’ni-shite hatte-itano-desu-ka?”

Maomao “So, you posted paper notices in the past, too?”

老宦官「ああ。羅門が医官(いかん)をしていた頃(ころ)だから、20年以上前(にじゅうねんいじょうまえ)だねぇ。後宮(こうきゅう)のあちこちに張(は)られていたよ。『鉛入(なまりい)りのおしろいは使(つか)わない』、『強(つよ)い香料(こうりょう)は控(ひか)える』、『後宮内(こうきゅうない)の植物(しょくぶつ)を勝手(かって)に採(と )らない』。うん、内容(ないよう)はそこまで変(か)わらないな」

Ro-kangan “Aa. Ruomen’ga ikan’o shite-ita-koro-dakara, niju-nen-ijo-mae-danee. Kokyu’no achi-kochi’ni hararete-ita-yo. ‘Namari-iri’no oshiroi’wa tsukawa-nai’, ‘Tsuyoi koryo’wa hikaeru’, ‘Kokyu-nai’no shokubutsu’o katteni tora-nai’. Un, naiyo’wa soko-made kawara-nai-na.”

Old eunuch “Yes, it was back when Luomen was a doctor here, so it was more than 20 years ago. It was all over the rear palace. ‘Don’t use whitening powder with lead in it, avoid strong scents, don’t pick plants in the rear palace without permission…’ Yes, the content is mostly the same.”

猫猫（これと同(おな)じものが…？何(なん)だ？この違和感(いわかん)）

Maomao (Kore-to onaji-mono’ga…? Nan-da? Kono iwa-kan.)

Maomao (Same as this…? What is this uneasy feeling?)

猫猫「後(のち)ほど紙(かみ)を持(も)ってきます！」

Maomao “Nochi-hodo kami’o motte-kimasu!”

Maomao “I’ll bring paper later!”

老宦官「うん」

Ro-kangan “Un.”

Old eunuch “Yes.”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（おやじは、良(よ)かれと思(おも)って注意書(ちゅういが)きを張(は)ったはずだ。それは、逆(ぎゃく)に悪意(あくい)ある者(もの)に、害(がい)をなすものを教(おし)え��ことにもなる。後宮(こうきゅう)の人員(じんいん)は、ほとんどが2年(にねん)の年季(ねんき)で入(い)れ替(か)わる。妃(きさき)もまた、先帝(せんてい)の崩御(ほうぎょ)で入れ替わっている。あの当時(とうじ)の張(は)り紙(がみ)を知(し)っている者(もの)、それは…）

Maomao (Oyaji’wa, yokare-to omotte chui-gaki’o hatta-hazu-da. Sore’wa, gyaku-ni akui-aru-mono’ni, gai’o nasu-mono’o oshieru koto-nimo naru. Kokyu’no jin’in’wa, hotondo’ga ni-nen’no nenki’de ire-kawaru. Kisaki’mo-mata, sentei’no hogyo’de ire-kawatte-iru. Ano-toji’no hari-gami’o shitte-iru-mono, sore’wa…)

Maomao (Dad must have posted the warnings out of pure goodwill. But it helps those with evil intent learn about harmful substances. Most of the workforce at the rear palace is replaced every two years. When the late emperor passed away, the concubines were replaced, too. Who would know about the warnings posted the last time? It would be…)

猫猫「失礼(しつれい)します」

Maomao “Shitsu-rei-shimasu.”

Maomao “Excuse me.”

深緑「あら」

Shenryu “Ara.”

Shenlü “Oh.”

猫猫「んっ…」

Maomao “N…”

深緑「あなた翡翠宮(ひすいきゅう)の…」

Shenryu “Anata Hisui-Kyu’no…”

Shenlü “You’re from the Jade Pavilion.”

猫猫「深緑(シェンリュ)様(さま)」

Maomao “Shenryu-sama.”

Maomao “Lady Shenlü.”

深緑「体調(たいちょう)でも悪(わる)いの？」

Shenryu “Taicho’demo warui-no?”

Shenlü “Are you feeling unwell?”

猫猫「あっ、いえ…」

Maomao “A, ie…”

Maomao “Oh, no…”

猫猫（切(き)り出(だ)すべきだろうか？でも、どうやって…）

Maomao (Kiri-dasu-beki-daro-ka? Demo, do-yatte…)

Maomao (Should I bring it up? But how…)

猫猫「あっ。あの、これ、アルコールです。蒸留(じょうりゅう)した、濃(こ)いものなので、消毒(しょうどく)にいいかと」

Maomao “A. Ano, kore, arukōru desu. Joryu-shita, koi-mono-nanode, shodoku’ni ii-kato.”

Maomao “Oh. Um, this is alcohol. It’s distilled and very strong, so it should be a good disinfectant.”

深緑「いいのですか？いただいても」

Shenryu “Ii-no-desuka? Itadai-temo.”

Shenlü　“Are you sure we can have this?”

猫猫「ええ。多(おお)めに作(つく)りましたので」

Maomao “Ee. Oome-ni tsukuri-mashita-node.”

Maomao “Yes, I made a lot.”

深緑「ありがとう。お茶(ちゃ)でも入(い)れるわ」

Shenryu “Arigato. Ocha’demo ireru-wa.”

Shenlü “Thank you. Let me make some tea.”

猫猫「ところで、ここの診療所(しんりょうじょ)にいる方(かた)は、皆(みな)、優秀(ゆうしゅう)なのですね」

Maomao “Tokorode, koko’no shinryo-jo’ni iru kata’wa, mina, yushu-nano-desu-ne.”

Maomao “By the way, the people at this clinic seem very skilled.”

深緑「どういう意味(いみ)？」

Shenryu “Do-iu imi?”

Shenlü “What do you mean?”

猫猫「後宮(こうきゅう)の女官(にょかん)は大体(だいたい)2年(にねん)が年季(ねんき)ですが、皆様(みなさま)長(なが)くいらっしゃるようなので」

Maomao “Kokyu’no nyokan’wa dai-tai ni-nen’ga nenki-desu-ga, mina-sama nagaku irassharu-yo-nanode.”

Maomao “The term length of rear palace workers is usually two years, but the workers here seem to have been here for longer.”

深緑「年増(としま)ばかりだもの」

Shenryu “Toshima-bakari-da-mono.”

Shenlü “We’re all just old.”

猫猫（10代(じゅうだい)、20代(にじゅうだい)で入(はい)ったとして、20年以上(にじゅうねんいじょう)。何(なに)か後宮(こうきゅう)を出(で)られない理由(りゆう)があるとしたら…）

Maomao (Ju-dai, niju-dai’de haitta-to-shite, niju-nen-ijo. Nanika kokyu’o derare-nai riyu’ga aru-to-shitara…)

Maomao (Assuming they had joined in their teens or twenties… There must be a reason why they’ve stayed at the rear palace for over twenty years.)

深緑「私(わたし)たちだって若(わか)かったわよ。私は10歳(じゅっさい)で後宮(こうきゅう)に入った。他(ほか)の女官(にょかん)たちも、それくらいの歳(とし)で入(い)れられた人(ひと)ばかり」

Shenryu “Watashi-tachi-datte waka-katta-wayo. Watashi’wa jussai’de kokyu’ni haitta. Hoka’no nyokan-tachi’mo, sore-kurai’no toshi’de ire-rareta hito-bakari.”

Shenlü “We used to be young. I joined the rear palace at ten years old. The other court ladies joined at a similar age.”

猫猫（今(いま)の後宮(こうきゅう)では、そこまで若(わか)い娘(むすめ)を女官(にょかん)にすることはない。だが、先帝(せんてい)の時代(じだい)は…）

Maomao (Ima’no kokyu’dewa, soko-made wakai musume’o nyokan’ni suru-koto’wa nai. Daga, sentei’no jidai’wa…)

Maomao (In the current rear palace, they don’t hire girls at such a young age. But, back in the late emperor’s era…)

年嵩(としかさ)の女官(にょかん)「先帝(せんてい)は、年端(としは)もいかぬ少女(しょうじょ)を選(えら)んではその花(はな)を散(ち)らし、手折(たお)られた少女(しょうじょ)たちは外(そと)に出(で)ることを許(ゆる)されぬまま…」

Toshi-kasa’no nyokan “Sentei’wa, toshiha’mo ikanu shojo’o erandewa sono hana’o chirashi, tao-rareta shojo-tachi’wa soto’ni deru-koto’o yuru-sarenu-mama…”

Old court lady “The late emperor chose the youngest girls, deflowering them one after the other. The girls spent their days in the rear palace, barred from ever leaving.”

猫猫（皇帝(こうてい)のお手付(てつ)きとなれば、ただの女官(にょかん)でも後宮(こうきゅう)を出(で)ることはできない）

Maomao (Kotei’no ote-tsuki-to nareba, tada’no nyokan’demo kokyu’o deru-koto’wa deki-nai.)

Maomao (Once the emperor lays his hands on you, you can’t leave the rear palace, even if you’re just a court lady.)

深緑「私(わたし)たちは誰(だれ)も迎(むか)えに来(き)てくれないから。今(いま)も…これからも…ずっと…」

Shenryu “Watashi-tachi’wa dare’mo mukae-ni kite-kure-nai-kara. Ima’mo…kore-kara’mo…zutto…”

Shenlü “There’s nobody out there waiting to welcome us back. Not before, not ever.”

猫猫（あぁ…そうか…。後宮(こうきゅう)に、帝(みかど)に、そして帝(みかど)から寵(ちょう)を得(え)る妃(きさき)たちに、巣食(すく)っていた悪意(あくい)は、ここにあった。深緑(シェンリュ)は以前(いぜん)、水晶宮(すいしょうきゅう)で病(やまい)に倒(たお)れた下女(げじょ)を心配(しんぱい)し、診(み)るように頼(たの)んできた。あの時(とき)は、よく気(き)の付(つ)く女官(にょかん)だと思(おも)った。だが…）

Maomao (Aa…soka… Kokyu’ni, mikado’ni, soshite mikado’kara cho’o eru kisaki-tachi’ni, sukutte-ita akui’wa, koko’ni atta. Shenryu’wa izen, Suisho-Kyu’de yamai’ni taoreta gejo’o shinpai-shi, miru-yoni tanonde-kita. Ano-toki’wa, yoku ki’no-tsuku nyokan-dato omotta. Daga…)

Maomao (I see now. The rear palace. The emperor. And the concubines who receive the emperor’s love. This is where the resentment toward them is festering. Before, Shenlü was worried about the servant who fell ill at the Crystal Pavilion, and asked me to check up on her. I just thought she was a considerate and observant court lady. But…)

猫猫（水晶宮(すいしょうきゅう)の侍女頭(じじょがしら)である杏(シン)に堕胎剤(だたいざい)の作(つく)り方(かた)を教(おし)えたのは、深緑(シェンリュ)ではないだろうか？直接(ちょくせつ)ではなく、あの病(やまい)に伏(ふ)せていた下女(げじょ)を使(つか)ったとしたら…）

Maomao (Suisho-Kyu’no jijo-gashira’de-aru Shin’ni datai-zai’no tsukuri-kata’o oshieta-nowa, Shenryu’dewa nai-daro-ka? Choku-setsu’dewa-naku, ano yamai’ni fusete-ita gejo’o tsukatta-to-shitara…)

Maomao (Perhaps it’s Shenlü who taught Shin, the head lady-in-waiting at the Crystal Pavilion, how to make abortifacients. What if she delivered the message indirectly, through that sick servant girl…)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

思思「咳(せき)が止(と)まらなくて…」

Su-su? “Seki’ga tomara-nakute…”

Si-si? “The coughing won’t stop.”

深緑「診(み)せてごらん」

Shenryu “Misete-goran.”

Shenlü “Let me see.”

思思「あの…、うつる病(やまい)でしょうか？」

Su-su? “Ano…, utsuru yamai desho-ka?”

Si-si? “Um, is it contagious?”

深緑「何(なに)か気(き)になることでも？」

Shenryu “Nanika ki’ni-naru-koto’demo?”

Shenlü “Is something wrong?”

思思「梨花様(リファさま)にうつしたくないんです。もしかしたら、ご懐妊(かいにん)されてるかもしれなくて」

Su-su? “Rifa-sama’ni utsushi-taku-nain-desu. Moshika-shitara, go-kainin-sareteru-kamo shire-nakute.”

Si-si? “I don’t want Lady Lihua to get it. There’s a possibility that she’s pregnant.”

深緑「へえ…。これを、侍女頭(じじょがしら)の杏様(シンさま)に渡(わた)して」

Shenryu “Hee… Kore’o, jijo-gashira’no Shin-sama’ni watashite.”

Shenlü “I see. Give this to Lady Shin, the head lady-in-waiting.”

思思「何(なん)ですか？」

Su-su? “Nan-desu-ka?”

Si-si? “What is it?”

深緑「妊婦(にんぷ)に害(がい)があるものだ。合(あ)わせると堕胎剤(だたいざい)の材料(ざいりょう)になるものもある。きっと梨花様のためになるよ」

Shenryu “Ninpu’ni gai’ga aru-mono-da. Awaseruto datai-zai’no zairyo’ni naru mono’mo aru. Kitto Rifa-sama’no tame-ni naru-yo.”

Shenlü “Things that are harmful to pregnant women. Some can even induce abortions if combined. This information will be useful for Lady Lihua.”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（避(さ)けるべきものは、悪意(あくい)ある者(もの)に、何(なに)が毒(どく)なのかを教(おし)えることにもなる。折(おり)よくキャラバンが来(き)て、その材料(ざいりょう)になるものが売(う)られていれば、手(て)にしない訳(わけ)がない…。なぜ売(う)っていたのか。診療所(しんりょうじょ)の女官(にょかん)たちが、『この香(こう)が欲(ほ)しい』と商人(しょうにん)に吹(ふ)き込(こ)んだのかもしれない。これまでのこと全(すべ)てに関(かか)わっていたかは分(わ)からない。殺意(さつい)とまでいかない悪意(あくい)が、少(すこ)しずつ後宮内(こうきゅうない)を蝕(むしば)み、巣食(すく)っていたのだろう）

Maomao (Sakeru-beki-mono’wa, akui-aru-mono’ni, nani’ga doku-nanoka’o oshieru-koto’nimo naru. Ori-yoku kyaraban’ga kite, sono zairyo’ni naru-mono’ga urarete-ireba, te’ni shinai wake’ga nai… Naze utte-ita-noka. Shinryo-jo’no nyokan-tachi’ga, ‘Kono ko’ga hoshii’to shonin’ni fuki-konda-no-kamo shire-nai. Kore-made’no koto-subete’ni kakawatte-itaka’wa wakara-nai. Satsui-to-made ika-nai akui’ga, sukoshi-zutsu kokyu-nai’o mushibami, sukutte-itano-daro.)

Maomao (Sharing information on things to avoid can also lead to those with bad intentions learning about what is poisonous. If a caravan arrived at the right time to provide those things, of course they would go for it. Why did they sell it? Perhaps the court ladies at the clinic told the merchants which scents they wanted. I don’t know if she was involved in all of the incidents so far. Even if it never became full-on murderous intent, resentment must have festered gradually, over a long time, within the rear palace.)

猫猫（問(と)い詰(つ)めるべきか…）

Maomao (Toi-tsumeru-beki-ka…)

Maomao (Should I question her…?)

深緑「どうしたんです？」

Shenryu “Do-shitan-desu?”

Shenlü “Is something wrong?”

猫猫「何(なん)でもありません」

Maomao “Nan’demo ari-masen.”

Maomao “It’s nothing.”

深緑「そう。ならいいですけど」

Shenryu “So. Nara ii-desu-kedo.”

Shenlü “I see. Alright, then.”

猫猫（いや、やめよう。証拠(しょうこ)も証言(しょうげん)もないし、曖昧(あいまい)なことは言(い)いたくない。ここは病(やまい)にかかった女官(にょかん)たちが頼(たよ)れる唯一(ゆいいつ)の場所(ばしょ)だ。なくなるのは避(さ)けたい）

Maomao (Iya, yameyo. Shoko’mo shogen’mo nai-shi, aimai-na koto’wa iitaku-nai. Koko’wa yamai’ni kakatta nyokan-tachi’ga tayoreru yui’itsu-no basho-da. Naku-naru-nowa sake-tai.)

Maomao (No, I shouldn’t. There’s no proof, not even a testimony. I don’t want to make vague accusations. This is the only place where a sick worker can get reliable treatment. I don’t want this place to go away.)

猫猫（私(わたし)にできるのは、診療所(しんりょうじょ)に巣食(すく)う悪意(あくい)が、他(ほか)に及(およ)ぶ前(まえ)に摘(つ)み取(と)るくらいか…）

Maomao (Watashi’ni dekiru-nowa, shinryo-jo’ni sukuu akui’ga, hoka’ni oyobu-mae-ni tsumi-toru-kurai-ka…)

Maomao (I guess the most I can do is to nip the bud of resentment festering in the clinic before it spreads elsewhere.)

深緑「…あの？」

Shenryu “…Ano?”

Shenlü “Um…”

猫猫「あ…、すみません。お邪魔(じゃま)しました。ん？」

Maomao “A…, sumi-masen. Ojama shima-shita. N?”

Maomao “I’m sorry to take up your time.”

深緑「もし、気(き)になる本(ほん)があれば、持(も)って行(い)っていいわよ。ただ、ちゃんと返(かえ)してね」

Shenryu “Moshi, ki’ni-naru hon’ga areba, motte-itte ii-wayo. Tada, chanto kaeshite-ne.”

Shenlü “If you want to read any of the books here, you can take them. Just make sure to bring them back.”

猫猫「たくさんありますね」

Maomao “Takusan ari-masu-ne.”

Maomao “There’s a lot of them.”

深緑「その本棚(ほんだな)、たまに本(ほん)が増(ふ)えてるのよね」

Shenryu “Sono hon-dana, tama-ni hon’ga fueteru-no-yone.”

Shenlü “Sometimes people add books to that shelf.”

猫猫「あっ」

Maomao “A.”

深緑「返(かえ)してくれるだけでいいのに」

Shenryu “Kaeshite-kureru-dake’de ii-noni.”

Shenlü “They just have to return them.”

猫猫「随分(ずいぶん)立派(りっぱ)な虫(むし)の図説(ずせつ)ですね」

Maomao “Zuibun rippa-na mushi’no zu-setsu desu-ne.”

Maomao “This is a very impressive book on insects.”

深緑「あぁ、それもいつの間(ま)にか置(お)いてあったのよね。ひと月前(つきまえ)くらいかしら…」

Shenryu “Aa, sore’mo itsu’no-ma’nika oite-atta-no-yone. Hito-tsuki-mae-kurai kashira…”

Shenlü “Yes, that was one that was added without me noticing. About a month ago, I think.”

猫猫「これは……」

Maomao “Kore’wa……”

Maomao “This is…”

猫猫（ひと月(つき)と言うと、特使(とくし)を迎(むか)えての宴(うたげ)があった後(あと)だ。そういえば…）

Maomao (Hito-tsuki-to-iuto, tokushi’o mukaete’no utage’ga atta ato-da. So-ieba...)

Maomao (A month ago, which was around when the party with the special envoys took place. Come to think of it…)

子翠(シスイ)「ここほんとすごいよね！図鑑(ずかん)でしか見(み)たことない虫がいっぱい！」

Shisui “Koko honto sugoi-yone! Zukan’de-shika mita-koto-nai mushi’ga ippai!”

Shisui “This place is really great! There’s so many insects here I’ve only ever seen in books!”

猫猫（この図説(ずせつ)…子翠(シスイ)が持(も)ってきたのか？でも、こんな貴重(きちょう)な本(ほん)、下女(げじょ)の身(み)で持(も)てるだろうか…。子翠が虫(むし)の絵(え)を描(か)いていた時(とき)、紙(かみ)の帳面(ちょうめん)を使(つか)っていた。それに字(じ)も読(よ)める。何(なん)で下女(げじょ)をやってるんだ…？）

Maomao (Kono zu-setsu… Shisui’ga motte-kita-noka? Demo, konna kicho-na hon, gejo’no mi’de moteru-daro-ka… Shisui’ga mushi’no e’o kaite-ita-toki, kami’no chomen’o tsukatte-ita. Soreni ji’mo yomeru. Nande gejo’o yatterunda…?)

Maomao (This book… Did Shisui bring it? But how could a servant girl own such an expensive book? When Shisui was drawing pictures of insects, she used a notebook made of paper. She can read and write, too. Why is she a servant girl?)

翠苓「深緑、そいつには気(き)を付(つ)けた方(ほう)がいい」

Suirei “Shenryu, soitsu’niwa ki’o tsuketa-hoga ii.”

Suirei “Shenlü, you need to be careful with that one.”

深緑「あっ」

Shenryu “A.”

猫猫「ん？」（男(おとこ)にしては高(たか)い声(こえ)。女(おんな)にしては低(ひく)い声(こえ)。男(おとこ)にしては背(せ)が低(ひく)く、女(おんな)にしては背(せ)が高(たか)い。女官(にょかん)たちが黄色(きいろ)い声(こえ)を上(あ)げるのにふさわしい美貌(びぼう)の持(も)ち主(ぬし)…）

Maomao “N?” (Otoko’ni-shitewa takai koe. Onna’ni-shitewa hikui koe. Otoko’ni-shitewa se’ga hikuku, onna’ni-shitewa se’ga takai. Nyokan-tachi’ga ki’iroi koe’o ageru-noni fusawashii bibo’no mochi-nushi…)

Maomao (A voice uncharacteristically high for a man, but low for a woman. Shorter than an average man, but taller than an average woman. Someone beautiful, who attracts the attention of the court ladies…)

猫猫「ん…」（翠苓(スイレイ)……）

Maomao “N…” (Suirei……)

Maomao (Suirei…)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

翠苓「深緑。そいつはお前(まえ)が何(なに)をしたか、さっきの会話(かいわ)で察(さっ)しているぞ」

Suirei “Shenryu. Soitsu’wa omae’ga nani’o shita-ka, sakki’no kaiwa’de sasshite-iru-zo.”

Suirei “Shenlü, she figured out what you did from your conversation earlier.”

深緑「はっ…」

Shenryu “Ha…”

翠苓「相変(あいか)わらず勘(かん)が働(はたら)くな。おかげで私(わたし)は死体(したい)になり損(そこ)ねた」

Suirei “Ai-kawarazu kan’ga hataraku-na. Okage’de watashi’wa shitai’ni nari-soko-neta.”

Suirei “You’re a smart one, as always. Like the time you prevented me from becoming a corpse.”

猫猫（叫(さけ)ぶか…それとも、アルコールのとっくりを投(な)げ付(つ)けた隙(すき)に逃(に)げるか…）

Maomao (Sakebu-ka… Sore-tomo, arukōru’no tokkuri’o nage-tsuketa-suki-ni nigeru-ka…)

Maomao (Should I scream? Or should I throw the bottle of alcohol and run?)

翠苓「余計(よけい)なことはしない方(ほう)がいい。動(うご)けば刺(さ)す」

Suirei “Yokei-na koto’wa shinai-hoga ii. Ugokeba sasu.”

Suirei “Don’t try anything. I’ll stab you if you move.”

猫猫「ここで私(わたし)を始末(しまつ)したところで、すぐ見(み)つかりますよ」

Maomao “Koko’de watashi’o shimatsu-shita-tokoro-de, sugu mitsukari-masu-yo.”

Maomao “If you killed me here, they’d find you right away.”

翠苓「できれば穏便(おんびん)に済(す)ませたい」

Suirei “Dekireba onbin-ni sumase-tai.”

Suirei “I want to end this peacefully, if possible.”

猫猫「あ…、蘇(よみがえ)りの薬(くすり)の後遺症(こういしょう)ですか？中祀(ちゅうし)で暗殺未遂(あんさつみすい)の後(あと)、あなたは毒(どく)をあおって死(し)んだ…ように見(み)せかけた。薬(くすり)を使(つか)って、しばらく仮死(かし)状態(じょうたい)になった影響(えいきょう)が、残(のこ)ってしまったんですね」

Maomao “A…, yomi-gaeri’no kusuri’no koi-sho desu-ka? Chushi’de ansatsu-misui’no-ato, anata’wa doku’o aotte shinda…yoni mise-kaketa. Kusuri’o tsukatte, shibaraku kashi-jotai-ni natta eikyo’ga, nokotte-shimattan-desu-ne.”

Maomao “Is that an aftereffect of the resurrection medicine? After the attempted assassination at the ceremony, you pretended to drink poison and die. Being in that near-death state for a while must have taken a toll on you.”

翠苓「それがどうした？こちらの目的(もくてき)を言(い)おうか」

Suirei “Sore’ga do-shita? Kochira’no mokuteki’o io-ka.”

Suirei “So what? Do you want to know what my goal is?”

猫猫「聞(き)くと思(おも)いますか」

Maomao “Kiku-to omoi-masu-ka.”

Maomao “You think I’ll listen?”

翠苓「聞いてもらう！」

Suirei “Kiite-morau!”

Suirei “You will!”

子翠「うっ…」

Shisui “U…”

猫猫「子翠！！」（やっぱり…さっきの図説(ずせつ)の持(も)ち主(ぬし)は子翠…）

Maomao “Shisui!!” (Yappari… Sakki’no zu-setsu’no mochi-nushi’wa Shisui…)

Maomao “Shisui!” (I knew it. That book was Shisui’s.)

子翠「ごめん、猫猫…」

Shisui “Gomen, Maomao…”

Shisui “Sorry, Maomao…”

翠苓「この娘(むすめ)がどうなってもいいのか？」

Suirei “Kono musume’ga do-nattemo ii-noka?”

Suirei “Do you care if this girl lives or dies?”

猫猫「あっ…何(なに)をすれば…」

Maomao “A… Nani’o sureba…”

Maomao “What do you want?”

翠苓「後宮(こうきゅう)を一緒(いっしょ)に出(で)てもらいたい」

Suirei “Kokyu’o issho-ni dete-morai-tai.”

Suirei “I want you to come with me, out of the rear palace.”

猫猫「後宮を出る…？そんなこと…」

Maomao “Kokyu’o deru…? Sonna koto…”

Maomao “Leave the rear palace? That’s…”

翠苓「できる。それに、お前(まえ)は絶対(ぜったい)、私(わたし)についてくる。…蘇(よみがえ)りの薬(くすり)。作(つく)り方(かた)を知(し)りたくないか？」

Suirei “Dekiru. Soreni, omae’wa zettai, watashi’ni tsuite-kuru. …Yomi-gaeri’no kusuri. Tsukuri-kata’o shiri-taku-nai-ka?”

Suirei “Possible. And I know you’ll follow me. Don’t you want to know how to make the resurrection medicine?”

猫猫（何(なん)てこと…言(い)いやがる…。やはり翠苓は侮(あなど)れない…）

Maomao (Nante-koto…ii-yagaru… Yahari Suirei’wa anadore-nai…)

Maomao (Unbelievable. She really must not be underestimated.)

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語(かた)り「宮中(きゅうちゅう)には、東西(とうざい)に2匹(にひき)の獣(けもの)がいる。東(ひがし)に軍部(ぐんぶ)があることから、武官(ぶかん)に1匹(いっぴき)。西(にし)の代名詞(だいめいし)である文官(ぶんかん)に、もう1匹。つまり大尉(たいい)。軍部(ぐんぶ)の高官(こうかん)である羅漢(ラカン)が東(ひがし)の狐(きつね)。先帝(せんてい)の代(だい)からの重鎮(じゅうちん)であり、子北州(しほくしゅう)を治(おさ)める子昌(シショウ)が西(にし)の狸(たぬき)である」

Katari “Kyuchu’niwa, tozai-ni ni-hiki’no kemono’ga iru. Higashi-ni gunbu’ga aru-koto-kara, bukan’ni ippiki. Nishi-no daimeishi’de-aru bunkan-ni mo ippiki. Tsumari taii. Gunbu’no kokan’de-aru Rakan’ga higashi-no kitsune. Sentei’no dai’kara-no juchin’de-ari, Shihoku-shu’o osameru Shisho’ga nishi-no tanuki’de aru.”

Narration “There are two beasts in the palace, in the east and west. In the military headquarters to the east, a beast. To the west side, represented by bureaucracy, another. In other words, the grand commandant… Lakan, a high-ranking official, the fox in the east. And the political heavyweight from the late emperor’s era, the ruler of Shihoku-shu, Shishou, the tanuki of the west.”

馬閃(バセン)「何(なん)のご用(よう)でしょう？」

Basen “Nan’no goyo-desho?”

Basen “How may we be of service?”

羅漢「いや、何(なに)…。皇(おう)弟(てい)がひと月(つき)ぶりに、朝議(ちょうぎ)に参加(さんか)されておりますから、この後(あと)、茶(ちゃ)でもどうかと思(おも)いまして。せっかくの機会(きかい)ですから、子昌殿(シショウどの)もご一緒(いっしょ)にいかがかと」

Rakan “Iya, nani… Otei’ga hito-tsuki-buri’ni, chogi’ni sanka-sarete-orimasu-kara, kono-ato, cha’demo doka-to omoi-mashite. Sekkaku’no kikai-desu-kara, Shisho-dono’mo goissho-ni ikaga-kato.”

Lakan “Oh, it’s just that the imperial younger brother has joined the court council for the first time in a month. I was hoping to have some tea afterward. I also thought perhaps this would be a good opportunity to invite Master Shishou.”

子昌「ハハ…私(わたし)もですか。特(とく)に面白(おもしろ)い茶飲(ちゃの)み話(ばなし)はありませんぞ」

Shisho “Haha… Watashi-mo-desu-ka. Toku-ni omoshiroi cha-nomi-banashi’wa ari-masen-zo.”

Shishou “Oh, me too? I’m afraid I don’t have any interesting stories to tell.”

馬閃「付(つ)き合(あ)う、と言(い)っておられます」

Basen “Tsuki-au, to itte-orare-masu.”

Basen “He will join you.”

羅漢「では、中庭(なかにわ)にでも参(まい)りましょうか」

Rakan “Dewa, naka-niwa’ni-demo mairi-masho-ka.”

Lakan “In that case, let’s go to the center courtyard.”

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羅漢「すっかり秋(あき)めいて参(まい)りましたなぁ。銀杯(ぎんはい)を用意(ようい)しました。毒見(どくみ)の必要(ひつよう)はございませんぞ」

Rakan “Sukkari aki-meite-mairi-mashita-naa. Gin-pai’o yoi-shima-shita. Dokumi’no hitsuyo’wa gozai-masen-zo.”

Lakan “Autumn is quite visibly here. I brought silver cups. You won’t need a taster.”

馬閃「美味(びみ)だと言(い)っておられます」

Basen “Bimi-dato itte-orare-masu.”

Basen “He says it is delicious.”

羅漢「フフフ…」

Rakan “Fufufu…”

子昌「羅漢(ラカン)殿(どの)。何(なに)か話(はなし)があるのでは？」

Shisho “Rakan-dono. Nanika hanashi’ga aru-no-dewa?”

Shishou “Master Lakan, I thought you had something to discuss.”

羅漢「先日(せんじつ)、子北洲(しほくしゅう)で皇弟(おうてい)の暗殺未遂(あんさつみすい)がありましたでしょう？その調査(ちょうさ)で面白(おもしろ)いものが手(て)に入(はい)りましてな…」

Rakan “Sen-jitsu, Shihoku-shu’de otei’no ansatsu-misui’ga ari-mashita-desho? Sono chosa’de omoshiroi mono’ga te’ni hairi-mashite-na…”

Lakan “Remember the attempted assassination of the imperial younger brother the other day in Shihoku-shu? Our investigation turned up something interesting.”

馬閃「これは…飛発(フェイファ)の設計図(せっけいず)！？」

Basen “Kore’wa… feifa’no sekkei-zu!?”

Basen “Is this… schematics for a feifa?!”

羅漢「これが何(なに)かご存知(ぞんじ)ですかな？子昌殿」

Rakan “Kore’ga nani-ka gozonji desu-kana? Shisho-dono.”

Lakan “Do you know what this is, Master Shishou?”

子昌「ほう…何(なん)ですかな？これは」

Shisho “Ho… Nan-desu-kana? Kore’wa.”

Shishou “What is this?”

羅漢「犯人(はんにん)たちが所持(しょじ)していた凶器(きょうき)です。そうですよね？」

Rakan “Han’nin-tachi’ga shoji-shite-ita kyoki desu. So-desu-yone?”

Lakan “This is the weapon that the assassins were carrying. Correct?”

馬閃「うっ…失礼(しつれい)。続けてください」

Basen “U… shitsu-rei. Tsuzukete-kudasai.”

Basen “Excuse me, please continue.”

羅漢「これは、解体(かいたい)して図(ず)に起(お)こしたものですが、西方(さいほう)の最新式(さいしんしき)のようでしてね。ここ。撃鉄(げきてつ)の先(さき)に火縄(ひなわ)ではなく、火打石(ひうちいし)が付(つ)いていまして、不発(ふはつ)も少(すく)なく、構造(こうぞう)も案外(あんがい)簡単(かんたん)だ」

Rakan “Kore’wa, kaitai-shite zu’ni okoshita mono-desu-ga, saiho’no saishin-shiki’no yo-deshite-ne. Koko. Geki-tetsu’no saki-ni hi-nawa’dewa-naku, hiuchi-ishi’ga tsuite-imashite, fuhatsu’mo sukunaku, kozo’mo angai kantan-da.”

Lakan “We took it apart and drew up the schematics. It seems to be the latest model developed in the west. Here, at the tip of the hammer, instead of a fuse, there’s a piece of flint. It misfires less frequently, and the design is simpler than expected.”

子昌「それは大層(たいそう)なものですな」

Shisho “Sore’wa taiso-na mono desu-na.”

Shishou “That’s quite impressive.”

羅漢「ええ。大量(たいりょう)に作(つく)ることができれば、戦(いくさ)がガラリと変(か)わるでしょうな。より密集(みっしゅう)した陣形(じんけい)も取れるし、移動(いどう)もしやすい。それを…皇(おう)弟(てい)の命(いのち)を狙(ねら)うような不届(ふとど)き者(もの)が持(も)つとは。あやつらは、どうやってこれを手(て)に入(い)れたんですかねぇ…」

Rakan “Ee. Tairyo-ni tsukuru-koto’ga dekireba, ikusa’ga garari-to kawaru-desho-na. Yori misshu-shita jinkei’mo torero-shi, ido’mo shi-yasui. Sore’o…otei’no inochi’o nerau-yona futodoki-mono’ga motsu-towa. Ayatsu-ra’wa, do-yatte kore’o te’ni-iretan-desu-ka-nee…”

Lakan “Yes. If it could be mass-produced, it would change the shape of warfare. It would allow for more tightly-packed formations, and make travel easier. Such an item being carried by scoundrels who seek to assassinate the imperial younger brother… I wonder how they got their hands on this.”

子昌「さあ……。それを調(しら)べるのも、そちらの役目(やくめ)でしょう」

Shisho “Saa…… Sore’o shiraberu-nomo, sochira’no yakume-desho.”

Shishou “Who knows? That’s for you to find out, isn’t it?”

羅漢「ええ、そうなんですが、いやぁ、困(こま)ったものでして…。担当部署(たんとうぶしょ)の者(もの)が加減(かげん)を間違(まちが)えたようで、何(なに)もしゃべれなくなってしまいました」

Rakan “Ee, so-nan-desu-ga, iyaa, komatta-mono-deshite… Tanto-busho’no mono’ga kagen’o machigaeta-yode, nani’mo shabere-naku natte-shimai-mashita.”

Lakan “True, but we’re in a bit of a bind. The interrogator in charge got a little overzealous, and the suspect can no longer speak.”

馬閃（皇族(こうぞく)の暗殺(あんさつ)を企(くわだ)てた者(もの)に容赦(ようしゃ)ないとは言え、拷問(ごうもん)の加減(かげん)を間違(まちが)えたとは、多大(ただい)な損失(そんしつ)だ…）

Basen (Kozoku’no ansatsu’o kuwadateta mono’ni yosha-nai-towa-ie, gomon’no kagen’o machigaeta-towa, tadai-na sonshitsu-da…)

Basen (An attempted assassin of the imperial younger brother should be shown no mercy, I wonder how they got their hands on this, but still, botching the interrogation process is a huge loss.)

羅漢「それで…何(なに)か、それらしい話(はなし)を聞(き)いたことはありませんかな？子昌殿」

Rakan “Sorede… Nani-ka, sore-rashii hanashi’o kiita-koto’ga ari-masen-kana? Shisho-dono.”

Lakan “So I was wondering, Master Shishou, if you’ve heard anything about this.”

子昌「知(し)っていることがあれば、とうに報告(ほうこく)しておるよ」

Shisho “Shitte-iru-koto’ga areba, to-ni hokoku-shite-oru-yo.”

Shishou “If I had, I would have reported it already.”

羅漢「そうですか。残念(ざんねん)だ。では、本題(ほんだい)に移(うつ)りますか…。これは、昨日(さくじつ)妻(つま)と打(う)った碁(ご)の棋譜(きふ)でしてな！」

Rakan “So-desu-ka. Zan’nen-da. Dewa, hondai-ni utsuri-masu-ka… Kore’wa, saku-jitsu tsuma’to utta go’no kifu-deshite-na!”

Lakan “Is that so? That’s unfortunate. Well, let’s move on to the main topic. This is a record of the game of Go I played with my wife yesterday!”

馬閃「つ…妻(つま)ですか…？」

Basen “Tsu…Tsuma-desu-ka…?”

Basen “Y-Your wife?”

子昌「そういえば、ご結婚(けっこん)されたのでしたな、羅漢殿」

Shisho “So-ieba, go-kekkon-sareta-no-deshita-na, Rakan-dono.”

Shishou “Oh yes, I did hear that you got married, Master Lakan.”

羅漢「ええ」

Rakan “Ee.”

Lakan “Yes!”

子昌「七日七晩(なのかななばん)お祭(まつ)り騒(さわ)ぎだったと聞(き)いておりますぞ」

Shisho “Nanoka-nana-ban omatsuri-sawagi-datta-to kiite-ori-masu-zo.”

Shishou “They say that it was a whole week of festivities.”

→It sounded like the VA said “Nanoka-nano-ban,” but as far as I know 七日七晩 is read as “Nanoka-nana-ban.” I don’t know if I mis-heard it or nano-ban is also correct. Maybe it’s just common to read it as nana recently, but originally it was correct to read it as nano, because I think if he just pronounced it wrong, they would have corrected it and re-recorded it.

羅漢「そんなことまでご存知(ぞんじ)でしたか。いやぁ、頭(あたま)の切(き)れる妻(つま)でしてな。これが研(と)ぎ澄(す)まされた刃(やいば)のような筋(すじ)で、打(う)っている間(あいだ)、何度(なんど)ゾクゾクしたことか！ほら！この手！何(なん)とか避(さ)け切(き)っても、また次(つぎ)の一手(いって)で攻(せ)めてくる！ウフフ…」

Rakan “Sonna-koto-made gozonji deshita-ka. Iyaa, atama’no kireru tsuma-deshite-na. Kore’ga togi-suma-sareta yaiba’no-yona suji’de, utte-iru-aida, nando zoku-zoku-shita-koto-ka! Hora! Kono-te! Nan-toka sake-kittemo, mata tsugi’no itte’de semete-kuru! Ufufu…”

Lakan “Ah, so you’ve heard! Yes, she’s quite a clever woman, my wife. Look at these moves, sharp like a honed blade! The shivers I felt when she played them! Like this move! I somehow dodge it, but she follows with this! Yes, it’s quite exhilarating.”

馬閃（いつまで続(つづ)くんだ？この話(はなし)…）

Basen (Itsu-made tsuzukunda? Kono hanashi…)

Basen (How long is this going to go on?)

羅漢「これは…」

Rakan “Kore’wa…”

Lakan “I must say…”

子昌「失礼(しつれい)だが、仕事(しごと)があるのでこのあたりで…馳走(ちそう)になりましたな」

Shisho “Shitsu-rei-daga, shigoto’ga aru-node kono-atari’de… Chiso-ni nari-mashita-na.”

Shishou “My apologies, but I have work to do, so I’ll excuse myself. Thank you for the drinks.”

羅漢「おやぁ…それは残念(ざんねん)。では後(あと)で、棋譜(きふ)の写(うつ)しと実況(じっきょう)を書(か)いた冊子(さっし)を届(とど)けさせましょう」

Rakan “Oyaa… Sore’wa zan’nen. Dewa atode, kifu’no utsushi’to jikkyo’o kaita sasshi’o todoke-sase-masho.”

Lakan “My, that’s unfortunate. I’ll be sure to send you a copy of the game record, along with a book detailing the scene.”

子昌「いや、そこまでは…」

Shisho “Iya, soko-made’wa…”

Shishou “Oh, you don’t have to…”

羅漢「遠慮(えんりょ)なさらず。そうだ、ついでにブドウのジュースもいかがです？玻璃(はり)の杯(さかずき)に注(そそ)ぐと、赤(あか)が映(は)えますぞ」

Rakan “Enryo-nasarazu. Soda, tsuide-ni budo’no jūsu’mo ikaga-desu? Hari’no sakazuki’ni sosogu-to, aka’ga hae-masu-zo.”

Lakan “Please, no need to be modest. Oh, how about some grape juice, as well? Served in a glass cup, it really brings out the red.”

2人「ん…」

Futari “N…”

子昌「確(たし)かに美(うつく)しいですなぁ」

Shisho “Tashika-ni utsukushii-desu-naa.”

Shishou “It is quite beautiful, yes.”

馬閃「ん…！」

Basen “N…!”

羅漢「でしょう。あなたとは話(はなし)が合(あ)いそうだ。妻(つま)の話(はなし)など、ぜひゆっくりしたい」

Rakan “Desho. Anata’towa hanashi’ga ai-soda. Tsuma’no hanashi-nado, zehi yukkuri shitai.”

Lakan “Isn’t it? I think you and I will get along quite nicely. I’d love to tell you about my wife.”

子昌「また、いずれ。では…」

Shisho “Mata, izure. Dewa…”

Shishou “Some over time. Excuse me…”

羅漢「このジュース、珍(めずら)しい色(いろ)をしているだろう？世(よ)の中(なか)には、緑色(みどりいろ)のブドウも存在(そんざい)する」

Rakan “Kono jūsu, mezurashii iro’o shite-iru-daro? Yo’no-naka’niwa, midori-iro’no budo’mo sonzai-suru.”

Lakan “This drink has quite the unique color, doesn’t it? There are some grapes in the world that are green.”

馬閃（どう見(み)ても、赤(あか)ではなく緑(みどり)だ。赤と言われたのに、子昌殿はなぜ何(なに)��反応(はんのう)しなかったんだ？）

Basen (Do-mitemo, aka’dewa-naku midori-da. Aka-to iwareta-noni, Shisho-dono’wa naze nani’mo hanno-shina-kattanda?)

Basen (That’s green, not red, no matter how I look at it. Why didn’t Master Shishou react when he said ‘red?’)

羅漢「ハァ…叔父貴(おじき)の言った通(とお)りだ。ん…んっ」

Rakan “Haa… Ojiki’no itta-toori-da. N…n.”

Lakan “Just like my uncle said.”

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阿多(アードゥオ)「髪(かみ)を整(ととの)えて構(かま)わないかな？」

Āduo “Kami’o totonoete kamawa-nai-kana?”

Ah-Duo “May I fix my hair?”

馬閃「どうぞ。人(ひと)が来(こ)ぬように、私(わたし)も見張(みは)っておりますので、ご安心(あんしん)を」

Basen “Dozo. Hito’ga konu-yoni, watashi’mo mihatte-ori-masu-node, go-anshin’o.”

Basen “Yes. I’ll keep watch to make sure nobody comes in.”

阿多「ようやく覆面(ふくめん)を外せる。フゥ……。上げ底の靴というのも、疲れるものだ」

Āduo “Yoyaku fuku-men’o hazu-seru. Fuu…… Age-zoko’no kutsu-to-iunomo, tsukareru-mono-da.”

Ah-Duo “I can finally take off my mask. These platform shoes are quite tiring.”

馬閃「こたびは無理(むり)を申(もう)し上(あ)げて…」

Basen “Kotabi’wa muri’o moshi-agete…”

Basen “I apologize for making you do this.”

阿多「何(なに)、東宮(とうぐう)の身代(みが)わりなど、そうできることではない。楽(たの)しませてもらったよ」

Āduo “Nani, togu’no migawari-nado, so-dekiru-koto’dewa nai. Tanoshi-masete-moratta-yo.”

Ah-Duo “Don’t worry. Pretending to be the crown prince isn’t something you get to experience often. I enjoyed it.”

馬閃（こうして見(み)ると、美形(びけい)の文官(ぶんかん)にしか見えない。これがまさか、元上級妃(もとじょうきゅうひ)の阿多様(アードゥオさま)とは…）

Basen (Koshite-miruto, bikei’no bun-kan’ni-shika mie-nai. Kore’ga masaka, moto-jokyu-hi’no Āduo-sama-towa…)

Basen (She looks like a handsome bureaucrat. Who would guess that this is Lady Ah-Duo, the former high concubine?)

阿多「狐(きつね)が変人(へんじん)過(す)ぎて、狸(たぬき)が普通(ふつう)に見えた」

Āduo “Kitsune’ga henjin-sugite, tanuki’ga futsu-ni mieta.”

Ah-Duo “The fox was such a weirdo, it made the tanuki look normal.”

馬閃「軍師殿(ぐんしどの)にかなう方(かた)は、そうはいません」

Basen “Gunshi-dono’ni kanau-kata’wa, so’wa ima-sen.”

Basen “There aren’t many people who can match the strategist.”

阿多「嫁(よめ)には甘(あま)いようだが」

Āduo “Yome’niwa amai-yo-daga.”

Ah-Duo “He seems quite indulgent toward his wife.”

馬閃「娘(むすめ)にも甘(あま)いそうです…」

Basen “Musume’nimo amai-so-desu…”

Basen “I hear he is that way toward his daughter as well.”

馬閃（あいつが軍師(ぐんし)の娘(むすめ)だなんて…）

Basen (Aitsu’ga gunshi’no musume-da-nante…)

Basen (Who could’ve guessed she was his daughter?)

猫猫「アハ、アハ、アハハ」

Maomao “Aha, aha, ahaha.”

阿多「その娘(むすめ)の件(けん)で対応(たいおう)に追(お)われているのだろう？宦官(かんがん)・壬氏殿(ジンシどの)は。まさか…行方不明(ゆくえふめい)になるとはな」

Āduo “Sono musume’no ken’de taio’ni owarete-iruno-daro? Kangan-Jinshi-dono’wa. Masaka…yukue-fumei’ni naru-towa-na.”

Ah-Duo “And that daughter is why Master Jinsh the eunuch is busy, correct? To think she’d go missing…)

(Continue to Episode 17/Ep.41)

#apothecary english #apothecary romaji #the apothecary diaries #apothecary diaries #learning japanese #japanese #薬屋のひとりごと #薬屋のひとりごと　英語 #薬屋　英語　学習 #japan #KNH #season 2

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apothecaryscript · 9 days ago

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Maomao no Hitorigoto Episode 39 “Knowledgeable” / 猫猫のひとりごと　第39話　『物知り（ものしり/Mono-shiri）』

You can watch the video on YouTube, uploaded by the official Toho Animation account.

Please note that the English lines are just my translation.

猫猫「まさか玉葉様(ギョクヨウさま)の子(こ)が逆子(さかご)だったとは…。梨花様(リファさま)も楼蘭様(ロウランさま)もご懐妊(かいにん)の噂(うわさ)が飛(と)び交(か)っている中(なか)、注意(ちゅうい)せねば…。ま、でもおやじが来(き)てくれたから、一安心(ひとあんしん)だけど」

Maomao “Masaka Gyokuyou-sama’no ko’ga sakago datta-towa… Rifa-sama’mo Roran-sama’mo go-kainin’no uwasa’ga tobikatte-iru-naka, chui-seneba… Ma, demo oyaji’ga kite-kureta-kara, hito-anshin dakedo.”

Maomao “I never thought that Lady Gyokuyou’s baby was breech… Now it’s buzzing with rumors that both Lady Lihua and Lady Loulan are also pregnant, I have to be careful. Well, but anyway I’m relieved since my dad came here.”

飛び交う（とびかう/Tobi-kau）: fly around

注意せねば（ちゅういせねば/Chui-seneba） = 注意しなければ（ならない）: must/have to be careful

小蘭「猫猫(マオマオ)～！」

Shaoran “Maomaooo!”

Xiaolan “Maomao!”

猫猫「お、小蘭(シャオラン)」

Maomao “O, Shaoran.”

Maomao “Oh, Xiaolan.”

小蘭「この間(あいだ)は本当(ほんとう)にありがとう～！」

Shaoran “Kono-aida’wa honto-ni arigatooo!”

Xiaolan “Thanks a lot for the other day!”

この間（このあいだ/Kono-aida）: the other day = 先日（せんじつ/Sen-jitsu）, この前(このまえ/Kono-mae)

猫猫「別(べつ)に…」

Maomao “Betsu-ni…”

Maomao “No big deal.”

別に(べつに/Betsu-ni): Nothing special, No big deal

小蘭「そう言(い)えば、あの時(とき)、どうして氷(こおり)に塩(しお)を入(い)れたの？」

Shaoran “So-ieba, ano-toki, doshite koori’ni shio’o ireta-no?”

Xiaolan “Come to think of it, why did you put salt in the ice at that time?”

猫猫「ここで、猫猫の豆知識(まめちしき)。氷(こおり)は溶(と)ける時(とき)に熱(ねつ)を吸収(きゅうしゅう)し、周(まわ)りの物(もの)を冷(ひ)やす。塩(しお)はこの働(はたら)きを非常(ひじょう)に強(つよ)く、早(はや)くする。氷に塩を入(い)れたことで、氷が急激(きゅうげき)に周りの物を冷やし、牛(うし)の乳(ちち)が固(かた)まり、氷菓(アイス)ができた」

Maomao “Koko’de, Maomao’no mame-chishiki. Koori’wa tokeru-toki’ni netsu’o Kyushu-shi, mawari’no mono’o hiyasu. Shio’wa kono hataraki’o hijo-ni tsuyoku, hayaku suru. Koori’ni shio’o ireta-koto’de, koori’ga kyugeki-ni mawari’no mono’o hiyashi, ushi’no chichi’ga katamari, aisu’ga dekita.”

Maomao “Here’s Maomao’s bits of knowledge. When ice melts, it absorbs heat and cools the surrounding objects. Salt makes this process very strong and fast. By adding salt to the ice, the ice rapidly cools the surrounding objects, causing the cow’s milk to solidify, and the ice treat was made.”

小蘭「本当(ほんとう)に猫猫は物知(ものし)りだねぇ！」

Shaoran “Honto-ni Maomao’wa mono-shiri danee!”

Xiaolan “You really know a lot, Maomao!”

猫猫「全部(ぜんぶ)、おやじに教(おそ)わったことだけど…」

Maomao “Zenbu, oyaji’ni osowatta koto dakedo…”

Maomao “I was taught all of this by my father…”

教わる（おそわる/Osowaru）: be taught = 教えられる(おしえられる/Oshie-rareru) is also correct but it’s confusing with “can teach,” so 教わる is better to mean “being taught.”

小蘭「私(わたし)なんて、知(し)らないことば～っかりだから。猫猫はほんとにすごいなぁ～！」

Shaoran “Watashi-nante, shira-nai-koto-baaakkari-dakara. Maomao’wa honto-ni sugoi-naaaa!”

Xiaolan “As for me, there are so many things that I don’t know. You’re really amazing, Maomao!”

〇〇(someone or something)なんて（〇〇nante）、〇〇なんか（〇〇nanka）: 〇〇 is just/only～

私なんて（わたしなんて）: I’m just/only～ (being humble, or not being confident in myself)

〇〇(other person)なんて: It can mean being disrespectful or insulting to that person

If I translate this line directly, it’s like “I am just really ignorant.” But actually it’s not so serious and we often say this kind of thing lightly.

猫猫「噂話(うわさばなし)は小蘭の方(ほう)が詳(くわ)しいじゃん」

Maomao “Uwasa-banashi’wa Shaoran’no-hoga kuwashii-jan.”

Maomao “But you know more about rumors than me, Xiaolan.”

～じゃん（～Jan）: casual/broken conversational endings among young people

小蘭「おぉ、確(たし)かに！！エヘヘ…」

Shaoran “Oo, tashika-ni!! Ehehe…”

Xiaolan “Oh, that’s true! Hehe…”

猫猫「フフフ」

Maomao “Fufufu.”

小蘭「あ、そうだ！新(あたら)しい噂(うわさ)、仕入(しい)れてきたよ」

Shaoran “A, soda! Atarashii uwasa, shiirete-kita-yo.”

Xiaolan “Oh, right! I’ve heard some new rumors.”

仕入れる（しいれる/Shi’ireru）: lay in stock, stock up on, have/buy/get in a stock (normally, used for purchasing goods at stores for their stock to sell)

猫猫「おっ、今度(こんど)はどんな話(はなし)なんだ？化(ば)け物(もの)か？変態宦官(へんたいかんがん)か？」

Maomao “O, kondo’wa donna hanashi nan-da? Bake-mono-ka? Hentai-kangan-ka?”

Maomao “Oh, what kind of story is this time? A monster? A perverted eunuch?”

小蘭「違(ちが)うよぉ！今回(こんかい)は何(なん)と！い・か・ん（医官）！」

Shaoran “Chigau-yoo! Konkai’wa nanto! I-ka-n!”

Xiaolan “No! This time, it’s a doctor!”

猫猫「医官(いかん)？」

Maoamo “Ikan?”

Maomao “A doctor?”

小蘭「今日(きょう)、新(あたら)しい医官(いかん)が入(はい)って来(き)たみたいでさあ！年上(としうえ)のシブ～い人(ひと)なんだって～！」

Shaoran “Kyo, atarashii ikan’ga haitte-kita-mitai-de-saa! Toshi-ue’no shibuuui hito nan-datteee!”

Xiaolan “It seems like a new doctor joined here today! Apparently, he’s an older, cool man!”

シブい（渋い/Shibui）: cool (a compliment for middle-aged or older men), bitter (taste of foods)

猫猫「そ、それは……」

Maomao “So, Sore’wa……”

Maomao “T-That’s…”

小蘭「はぁ～…私(わたし)の好(この)みだといいなぁ…」

Shaoran “Haaaa… Watashi’no konomi-dato ii-naa…”

Xiaolan “Hmm… I hope he’s my type…”

好み（このみ/Konomi）: preference, like, favorite

猫猫（もう一回(いっかい)アイスを作(つく)って、頭(あたま)を冷(ひ)やしてもらおうかな…）

Maomao (Mo-ikkai aisu’o tsukutte, atama’o hiyashite-morao-kana…)

Maomao (Maybe I should make some more ice treat to cool her head…)

小蘭「エヘヘ…麗(うるわ)しの…医官様(いかんさま)ぁ～…」

Shaoran “Ehehe… Uruwashi-no…kangan-samaaaa…”

Xiaolan “Hehe… The elegant…doctor…”

麗しの（うるわしの/Uruwashi-no）～: The(My/Our) beautiful/elegant/graceful～（a term used to refer to someone you admire）

猫猫「次回(じかい)、『巣食(すく)う悪意(あくい)』。後宮(こうきゅう)の深淵(しんえん)に迫(せま)る…」

Maomao “Jikai, ‘Sukuu Akui.’ Kokyu’no shin’en’ni semaru…”

Maomao “Next episode, ‘Festering Resentment’. We’ll approach the abyss of the rear palace…”

深淵（しんえん/Shin’en）: abyss, depths

#apothecary english #apothecary romaji #the apothecary diaries #apothecary diaries #learning japanese #japanese #薬屋のひとりごと #薬屋のひとりごと　英語 #薬屋　英語　学習 #japan #KNH #maomao no hitorigoto

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apothecaryscript · 9 days ago

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Memo for Episode 15 (Ep.39) “Ice”

猫猫(マオマオ)「失礼(しつれい)しました！前方不注意(ぜんぽうふちゅうい)でした！」

Maomao “Shitsurei-shima-shita! Zenpo-fuchui deshita!”

Maomao “Please excuse us, we weren’t paying attention!”

前方不注意（ぜんぽうふちゅうい/Zenpo Fu-chui）: Not paying attention to what’s ahead

前方（ぜんぽう/Zenpo）: ahead, forward, frontward ⇔ 後方（こうほう/Ko-ho）: behind, backward

不注意（ふちゅうい/Fu-chui）: carelessness, inattention

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宦官「楼蘭妃(ロウランひ)だよ！夕涼(ゆうすず)みにと、氷菓子(こおりがし)を所望(しょもう)されたんだ！」

Kangan “Roran-hi-dayo! Yu-suzumi’ni-to, koori-gashi’o shomo-saretanda!”

Eunuch “Concubine Loulan! She wanted some icy treats for cooling her off in the afternoon!”

所望する（しょもうする/Shomo-suru）: a formal word which means “want”

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猫猫（よりによって、伝手(つて)のない妃(きさき)か…。どうする？弁償(べんしょう)は無理(むり)だ。上級妃(じょうきゅうひ)の機嫌(きげん)を損(そこ)ねるのも恐(おそ)ろしい。せめて、代(か)わりになるものが用意(ようい)できれば…ハッ）

Maomao (Yori’ni-yotte, tsute’no nai kisaki-ka… Do-suru? Bensho’wa muri-da. Jokyu-hi’no kigen’o sokoneru-no’mo osoroshii. Semete, kawari’ni naru mono’ga yoi-deki-reba… Ha.)

Maomao (Out of all of them, it’s one I have no connections with. What do we do? We can’t pay for it. It would be terrible to anger a high-ranking concubine. If we could at least find something to replace it…)

よりによって(Yori’ni-yotte): (Out) of all～

せめて(Semete): at least

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宦官「勝手(かって)にしろ！」

Kangan “Katte-ni shiro!”

Eunuch “Do whatever you want!”

勝手にしろ（かってにしろ/Katte-ni shiro）: Do as you like, Do whatever you want. - A parting shot that includes “I don’t care” or “None of my business” when getting angry

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猫猫（あれからも、小蘭は伝手(つて)探(さが)しにいそしみ、下級妃(かきゅうひ)から指名(しめい)が入(はい)るようになったと喜(よろこ)んでいた。親(おや)に売(う)り飛(と)ばされて来(き)たと言(い)うが、暗(くら)い顔(かお)一(ひと)つ見(み)せたことがない。よっぽど嬉(うれ)しかったんだろう）

Maomao (Are-kara’mo, Shaoran’wa tsute-sagashi’ni isoshimi, kakyu-hi’kara shimei’ga hairu-yoni natta-to yorokonde-ita. Oya’ni uri-tobasarete-kita-to-iuga, kurai kao hitotsu miseta-koto’ga nai. Yoppodo ureshi-kattan-daro.)

Maomao (After the last time, Xiaolan continued to work on building connections. She was just telling me how she scored a direct request from a low-ranked concubine. I heard she was sold off by her parents, but I’ve never seen her look glum, even once. She must have been so happy.)

いそしむ(勤しむ/Isoshimu): work/study hard/diligently

よっぽど(Yoppodo): so～, quite～, pretty～ - the casual word of “よほど（余程/Yohodo）”

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猫猫（頭(あたま)ごなしに怒鳴(どな)られて、あの場(ば)では怖(こわ)くて動(うご)けなかったんだな）

Maomao (Atama-gonashi-ni dona-rarete, ano ba’dewa kowakute ugoke-nakattan-dana.)

Maomao (Getting yelled at like that must have made her so scared, she couldn’t move.)

頭ごなしに（あたまごなしに/Atama-gonashi-ni）: (from the beginning, scolding/getting angry at someone) without hearing any words from others, without thinking about the background of the problem

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壬氏「随分(ずいぶん)わがままだな。見返(みかえ)りは？」

Jinshi “Zuibun waga-mama dana. Mikaeri’wa?”

Jinshi “How brazen. And what do I get in return?”

わがままな(Waga-mama-na): selfish, self-centered, egoistic

見返り（みかえり/Mikaeri）: (noun) something in return 見返りに（みかえりに/Mikaeri-ni）: (adverb) in return

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猫猫（ぐっ…。もったいぶるなよ。こちらには時間(じかん)がないんだ）

Maomao (Gu… Mottai-buru-nayo. Kochira’niwa jikan’ga nainda.)

Maomao (Don’t toy with me, I don’t have time!)

もったいぶる(mottai-buru): make something or the information seem valuable even though it’s not a big deal, while trying not to give it to someone soon

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猫猫（分不相応(ぶんふそうおう)にも程(ほど)があるが、そんなことは言(い)ってられない）

Maomao (Bun-fu-so’o’nimo hodo’ga aru-ga, sonna koto’wa itte-rare-nai.)

Maomao (I couldn’t be more out of line, but this isn’t the time to worry about it.)

～にも程がある（～にもほどがある/～Nimo hodo’ga aru）: There is a limit to how～ → It’s too～

In this line’s case, “I know how inappropriate(beyond my position) I'm requesting, but…”

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壬氏「ハァ…。お前(まえ)がやらかしたことではないだろう？」

Jinshi “Haa… Omae’ga yarakashita koto’dewa nai-daro?”

Jinshi “You didn’t cause that situation, did you?”

やらかす(Yarakasu): do something very bad, cause a serious trouble/problem

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猫猫「このままだと、寝覚(ねざ)めが悪(わる)いので」

Maomao “Kono-mama-dato, nezame’ga warui-node.”

Maomao “I wouldn’t sleep well if I didn’t help.”

寝覚めが悪い（ねざめがわるい/Nezame’ga warui）: It means “wake up feeling bad,” but that’s not a phrase for physical condition. It actually means “being tormented by guilt when they wake up and remember what they did in the past.” It’s used when people feel guilty because they did something bad or cruel to someone, or because they didn’t help someone who needed it.

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壬氏「お前(まえ)、かんざしは着(つ)けないのか？翡翠宮(ひすいきゅう)の侍女(じじょ)たちは、もう少(すこ)し洒落(しゃれ)てるぞ」

Jinshi “Omae, kanzashi’wa tsuke-nai-no-ka? Hisui-Kyu’no jijo-tachi’wa, mo-sukoshi share-teru-zp.”

Jinshi “Don’t you wear a hair stick? The other Jade Pavilion ladies-in-waiting are more fashionable.”

洒落ている（しゃれている/Share-te-iru）: fashionable ＝おしゃれな（お洒落な/オシャレな/Oshare-na）, 洒落た（しゃれた/Shareta）

We hardly use the basic form 洒落る（しゃれる/Shareru） as a verb. The noun “しゃれ” has two meanings, so we add “お” to the beginning of “しゃれ” and say “おしゃれ” so that you understand it means fashionableness. Without “お”, “しゃれ” means a joke, a pun, and a witticism.

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猫猫「そう言(い)われましても、装飾品(そうしょくひん)なんて…」

Maomao “So-iware-temo, soshokuhin-nante…”

Maomao “You say that, but I don’t have any accessories.”

In my understanding, Maomao is not saying “I don’t have any accessories,” but something like “wearing accessories makes it difficult to work,” or “I’m worried that I might break or lose my accessories if I wear them at work.”

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猫猫「多分(たぶん)ね」

Maomao “Tabun-ne.”

Maomao “I think so.”

多分（たぶん/Tabun）: (casual) maybe, I think so but I’m not sure.

There are many adverbs that express certainty, and their interpretation varies from person to person. So I’m not sure if my understanding is correct, but let me show you some, from the highest to the lowest;

絶対に（ぜったいに/Zettai-ni）: definitely, absolutely

必ず（かならず/Kanarazu）, ～に違いない（～にちがいない/～Ni chigai-nai）: must be, surely, certainly

きっと(Kitto), ～だろう(～daro): surely, certainly, hopefully, may be

恐らく（おそらく/Osoraku）: (formal) probably, likely

多分（たぶん/Tabun）: (casual) maybe, probably, likely

もしかすると、もしかして（Moshika-suruto, Moshika-shite）, ひょっとすると、ひょっとして(Hyotto-suruto, Hyotto-shite), ～かもしれない(～Kamo shire-nai): possibly, perhaps, might be

ことによると（Kotoni-yoruto）: (formal) perhaps

まさか(Masaka), ありえない(有り得ない/arie-nai): It can’t be, impossible, no way

It’s not simple, because how the word is used within a whole sentence can make a big difference in the certainty it implies. For example, in case of “恐らく(おそらく)”…;

彼は恐らくその秘密を彼女に話すに違いない（かれはおそらくそのひみつをかのじょにはなすにちがいない）: He (probably) must be going to tell her the secret. → nearly 100%

彼は恐らくその秘密を彼女に話すだろう（かれはおそらくそのひみつをかのじょにはなすだろう）: He will probably tell her the secret. → 80-90%?

彼は恐らくその秘密を彼女に話すかもしれない（かれはおそらくそのひみつをかのじょにはなすかもしれない）: He may(might) possibly tell her the secret. → 50-70%?

I feel “恐らく” is a bit higher than “たぶん”, but some people think they’re almost the same. But anyway I can say that 恐らく is formal and たぶん is casual for sure.

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（まぁ、及第点(きゅうだいてん)か。もっと時間(じかん)があれば、卵(たまご)を入(い)れたり、薬草(やくそう)で香(かお)りづけもできたけど…）

Maomao (Maa, kyudai-ten-ka. Motto jikan’ga areba, tamago’o ire-tari, yakuso’de kaori-zuke’mo dekita-kedo…)

Maomao (It should do for now. If I had more time, I could have added eggs or scented it with herbs, too.)

及第点（きゅうだいてん/Kyudai-ten）: passing grade, passing mark, passing score, passable

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

玉葉妃「紅娘。あの頃(ころ)の後宮(こうきゅう)の話(はなし)は、あなたも聞(き)いているでしょう？偉大(いだい)なる女帝(じょてい)の治世(ちせい)に翻弄(ほんろう)された方(かた)が、どんなにいたことか。当時(とうじ)の罪(つみ)について、そのまま鵜呑(うの)みにはできないわ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Hon’nyan. Ano koro’no kokyu’no hanashi’wa, anata’mo kiite-iru-desho? Idai-naru jotei’no chisei’ni honro-sareta kata’ga, donna-ni ita-koto-ka. Toji’no tsumi’ni tsuite, sono-mama unomi’niwa deki-nai-wa.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Hongniang, I’m sure you’ve also heard the stories about the rear palace back then. So many lives were tossed around by the reign of the great empress. We can’t judge ‘crimes’ from back then at face value.”

翻弄される（ほんろうされる/Honro-sareru）: drift at the mercy of, be tossed around, be at the whim of, be swayed by

鵜呑み(に)する（うのみにする/Unomi-ni-suru）: take it at face value, swallow it hook, line, and sinker, blindly accept

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

玉葉妃「そうとなれば、早速(さっそく)あの子(こ)に文(ふみ)を書(か)かないとね」

Gyokuyo-hi “So-to nareba, sassoku ano ko’ni fumi’o kaka-naito-ne.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “In that case, I have a letter to write.”

In this line, she called Jinshi “あの子”: that kid/boy/child. It may sound a bit strange, but Jinshi is a younger brother-in-law for her after all.

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

玉葉妃「猫猫から聞(き)いております。よろしく頼(たの)みますね」

Gyokuyo-hi “Maomao’kara kiite-ori-masu. Yoroshiku tanomi-masu-ne.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “I’ve heard from Maomao. Thank you for your help.”

羅門「はい」

Ruomen “Hai.”

Luomen “Yes.”

I understand there is no perfect English phrase for “よろしく頼みます/よろしくお願いします”, but is it natural to just say “Yes” in response to “Thank you” in the flow of an English conversation? Anyone, please kindly tell me.

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（解(げ)せぬ…）

Maomao (Gesenu…)

Maomao (I don’t get it.)

解せぬ、解せない（げせぬ/Gesenu, げせない/Gese-nai）: old word and written language that means “I don’t understand” or “I don’t get it.” Because it’s not a word which is often spoken, it can give off a comical impression effectively.

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The reason why Maomao helped Xiaolan was just because she was her dear friend, but Maomao probably doesn’t realize what friends or friendship are yet. But still, Jinshi was a bit mean… He was indirectly helped by Xiaolan when making the blue roses and collecting moths to become the Moon Fairy, so I thought he would be willing to help her unconditionally… And now, what a relief when Luomen appeared again!

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apothecaryscript · 11 days ago

Text

Episode 15 (Ep.39): Ice / 第15話（第39話）『氷菓（アイス/Aisu）』

宦官(かんがん)「はっ…　あぁ…」

Kangan “Ha… Aa…”

小蘭(シャオラン)「はぁ…」

Shaoran “Haa��”

下女(げじょ)「あの子(こ)が宦官にぶつかって、妃(きさき)の氷(こおり)を落(お)としたんだって。かわいそうに…」

Gejo “Ano ko’ga kangan’ni butsukatte, kisaki’no koori’o otoshitan-datte. Kawaiso-ni…”

Servant girl “That girl bumped into the eunuch, and he dropped the ice he was carrying for a concubine. I feel sorry for her.”

下女２「『かわいそう』って、そりゃ氷運(はこ)んでた宦官でしょ。ムチ打(う)ちだけで済(す)めばいいけど…」

Gejo-Ni “‘Kawaiso’tte, sorya koori hakondeta kangan-desho. Muchi-uchi-dake’de sumeba ii-kedo…”

Servant girl-2 “Shouldn’t you feel sorry for the eunuch who was carrying the ice? Let’s hope he gets away with just a caning.”

小蘭「ご…ごめんなさ…」

Shaoran “Go…Gomen-nasa…”

Xiaolan “I-I’m sorry―”

猫猫(マオマオ)「失礼(しつれい)しました！前方不注意(ぜんぽうふちゅうい)でした！」

Maomao “Shitsurei-shima-shita! Zenpo-fuchui deshita!”

Maomao “Please excuse us, we weren’t paying attention!”

宦官「謝(あやま)って済(す)むと思(おも)ってるのか！？洗(あら)ってごまかすなんてマネできねえからな！もう、代(か)わりもないぞ！」

Kangan “Ayamatte sumu-to omotteru-noka!? Aratte gomakasu-nante mane deki-nee-kara-na! Mo, kawari’mo nai-zo!”

Eunuch “You think ‘sorry’ will cut it?! I can’t wash this and pretend nothing happened! We don’t have any replacements!”

小蘭「ひっ…」

Shaoran “Hi…”

宦官「クソッ、どうすんだよ！」

Kangan “Kuso, do-sun-dayo!”

Eunuch “Dammit… What do I do?!”

猫猫（今(いま)の時期(じき)、氷は貴重(きちょう)だ。人(ひと)一人(ひとり)買(か)える価値(かち)がある）

Maomao (Ima’no jiki, koori’wa kicho-da. Hito-hitori kaeru kachi’ga aru.)

Maomao (Ice is precious this time of year. You could buy a person with it.)

猫猫「どのお妃様(きさきさま)に届(とど)ける氷ですか？」

Maomao “Dono okisaki-sama’ni todokeru koori desu-ka?”

Maomao “Which concubine was this ice for?”

宦官「楼蘭妃(ロウランひ)だよ！夕涼(ゆうすず)みにと、氷菓子(こおりがし)を所望(しょもう)されたんだ！」

Kangan “Roran-hi-dayo! Yu-suzumi’ni-to, koori-gashi’o shomo-saretanda!”

Eunuch “Concubine Loulan! She wanted some icy treats for cooling her off in the afternoon!”

Maomao (Yori’ni-yotte, tsute’no nai kisaki-ka… Do-suru? Bensho’wa muri-da. Jokyu-hi’no kigen’o sokoneru-no’mo osoroshii. Semete, kawari’ni naru mono’ga yoi-deki-reba… Ha.)

猫猫「この氷、いただけますか？」

Maomao “Kono koori, itadake-masu-ka?”

Maomao “Can we have this ice?”

宦官「勝手(かって)にしろ！」

Kangan “Katte’ni shiro!”

Eunuch “Do whatever you want!”

猫猫「では、これを使(つか)って私(わたし)が別(べつ)のものを用意(ようい)します。それを楼蘭妃の元(もと)へ持(も)って行(い)ってもらえないでしょうか？」

Maomao “Dewa, kore’o tsukatte watashi’ga betsu’no mono’o yoi-shimasu. Sore’o Roran-hi’no moto’e motte-itte-morae-nai-desho-ka?”

Maomao “In that case, I’ll use this to make something else. Could you pass that along to Concubine Loulan?”

宦官「できるものなら、やってみろ。あと一時間(いちじかん)もないがな！」

Kangan “Dekiru-mono-nara, yatte-miro. Ato ichi-jikan’mo nai-ga-na!”

Eunuch “Try it, if you can. You have less than an hour!”

猫猫「分(わ)かりました」

Maomao “Wakari-mashita.”

Maomao “Understood.”

猫猫（ギリギリ間(ま)に合(あ)うか…？それ以前(いぜん)に材料(ざいりょう)が揃(そろ)うかどうか。とにかく利用(りよう)できるものを使(つか)うしか…ん？な…なぜ、こんな所に…）

Maomao (Giri-giri ma’ni-au-ka…? Sore-izen’ni zairyo’ga sorou-ka-doka. Toni-kaku riyo-dekiru mono’o tsukau-shika… N? Na…Naze, konna tokoro’ni…)

Maomao (I might have exactly enough time. But I don’t even know if the other ingredients are available. I have to use what I can to― W-Why is he here?)

小蘭「うぅ…、うっ…」

Shaoran “Uu…, u…”

猫猫（そんなこと考(かんが)えてる場合(ばあい)じゃない）

Maomao (Sonna koto kangae-teru baai-ja nai.)

Maomao (There’s no time to dwell on that!)

小蘭「うぅ…、あっ…。あぁ！あ…あっ…あぁ…！」

Shaoran “Uu… A… Aa! A…a…aa…!”

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小蘭「（泣(な)き声(ごえ)）どうしよう、猫猫…（泣き声）」

Shaoran “(Naki-goe) Do-shiyo, Maomao… (Naki-goe)”

Xiaolan “What do I do, Maomao?”

虞淵(グエン)（やぶ医者(いしゃ)）「あぁ、かわいそうに」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Aa, kawaiso-ni.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “Oh, poor girl.”

猫猫（妃(きさき)にかんざしをもらえたと、浮(う)かれて前(まえ)を見(み)ず歩(ある)いていたから…）

Maomao (Kisaki’ni kanzashi’o moraeta-to, ukarete mae’o mizu aruite-ita-kara…)

Maomao (A concubine gave her a hair stick, so she was happily admiring it while walking, and…)

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小蘭「あのお妃様(きさきさま)、私(わたし)のこと気(き)に入(い)ってくれたかなぁ。『またマッサージお願(ねが)い』だって！ウフフ…」

Shaoran “Ano okisaki-sama, watashi’no koto kini-itte-kureta-kanaa. ‘Mata massāji onegai’datte! Ufufu…”

Xiaolan “I wonder if that concubine likes me! She wants me to give her another massage sometime!”

猫猫「よかったね」

Maomao “Yokatta-ne.”

Maomao “Good for you.”

小蘭「エヘヘヘ～」

Shaoran “Eheheheee.”

小蘭「（泣き声）」

Shaoran “(Naki-goe)”

猫猫（頭(あたま)ごなしに怒鳴(どな)られて、あの場(ば)では怖(こわ)くて動(うご)けなかったんだな）

Maomao (Atama-gonashi-ni dona-rarete, ano ba’dewa kowakute ugoke-nakattan-dana.)

Maomao (Getting yelled at like that must have made her so scared, she couldn’t move.)

猫猫「ん？」

Maomao “N?”

壬氏(ジンシ)「フッフフ。…何(なに)か用(よう)か？」

Jinshi “Fuffufu. …Nanika yoka?”

Jinshi “Is there something you need?”

猫猫「調理場(ちょうりば)と材料(ざいりょう)を貸(か)していただけませんか？」

Maomao “Chori-ba’to zairyo’o kashite-itadake-masen-ka?”

Maomao “May I borrow a kitchen and some ingredients?”

壬氏「随分(ずいぶん)わがままだな。見返(みかえ)りは？」

Jinshi “Zuibun waga-mama dana. Mikaeri’wa?”

Jinshi “How brazen. And what do I get in return?”

猫猫（ぐっ…。もったいぶるなよ。こちらには時間(じかん)がないんだ）

Maomao (Gu… Mottai-buru-nayo. Kochira’niwa jikan’ga nainda.)

Maomao (Don’t toy with me, I don’t have time!)

猫猫「私が壬氏様(ジンシさま)に与(あた)えられるものはございません。でも、貸(か)してください！」

Maomao “Watashi’ga Jinshi-sama’ni atae-rareru mono’wa gozai-masen. Demo, kashite-kudasai!”

Maomao “I have nothing to give you in return. But I must ask regardless!”

猫猫（分不相応(ぶんふそうおう)にも程(ほど)があるが、そんなことは言(い)ってられない）

Maomao (Bun-fu-so’o’nimo hodo’ga aru-ga, sonna koto’wa itte-rare-nai.)

Maomao (I couldn’t be more out of line, but this isn’t the time to worry about it.)

壬氏「ハァ…。お前(まえ)がやらかしたことではないだろう？」

Jinshi “Haa… Omae’ga yarakashita koto’dewa nai-daro?”

Jinshi “You didn’t cause that situation, did you?”

猫猫「そうですね」

Maomao “So-desu-ne.”

Maomao “You’re right.”

猫猫（元々(もともと)、噂話(うわさばなし)を聞(き)くのに、ちょうどいい存在(そんざい)だっただけだ。それだって、おやつを土産(みやげ)にやっていたので、貸(か)し借(か)りはない。助(たす)ける義理(ぎり)もない。だけど…）

Maomao (Moto-moto, uwasa-banashi’o kiku-no’ni, chodo-ii sonzai-datta-dake-da. Sore-datte, oyatsu’o miyage’ni yatte-ita-node, kashi-kari’wa nai. Tasukeru giri’mo nai. Dakedo…)

Maomao (She was originally just someone who was a good source of gossip. Even for that, I gave her snacks in exchange, so we owe each other nothing. I’m not obligated to help her. But…)

猫猫「このままだと、寝覚(ねざ)めが悪(わる)いので」

Maomao “Kono-mama-dato, nezame’ga warui-node.”

Maomao “I wouldn’t sleep well if I didn’t help.”

壬氏「あ…。ぷっ！ウフフ…」

Jinshi “A… Pu! Ufufu…”

猫猫「ん？」

Maomao “N?”

壬氏「そうか、寝覚めが悪いか」

Jinshi “Soka, nezame’ga warui-ka.”

Jinshi “I see. You won’t sleep well, is that it?”

猫猫「はい。その日(ひ)の仕事(しごと)に差(さ)し支(つか)えます」

Maomao “Hai. Sono hi’no shigoto’ni sashi-tsukae-masu.”

Maomao “Yes. It would affect my work for the next day.”

壬氏「それは困(こま)るな。ハハッ、アハッ…フゥ…。では、条件(じょうけん)を付(つ)けよう」

Jinshi “Sore’wa komaru-na. Haha, aha…fuu… Dewa, joken’o tsukeyo.”

Jinshi “We certainly can’t have that. Fine, but there’s one condition.”

猫猫「ん…んっ」

Maomao “N…n.”

壬氏「人(ひと)の話(はなし)は、最後(さいご)まで聞(き)け」

Jinshi “Hito’no hanashi’wa, saigo’made kike.”

Jinshi “When someone is talking to you, let them finish and pay attention.”

猫猫「え…？そんなことでいいのですか？」

Maomao “E…? Sonna koto’de iino-desuka?”

Maomao “That’s all?”

壬氏「ん…。そんなこともできないのは誰(だれ)だ？」

Jinshi “N… Sonna koto’mo deki-nai-no’wa dare-da?”

Jinshi “You can’t even do that much.”

猫猫「ん？」

Maomao “N?”

壬氏「そうか。なら、別(べつ)の条件(じょうけん)にしよう。何(なに)がいいかな？」

Jinshi “Soka. Nara, betsu’no joken’ni shiyo. Nani’ga ii-kana?”

Jinshi “Never mind then, I’ll think of something else. What should it be?”

猫猫（ぐっ！？嫌(いや)な予感(よかん)がする！やっぱり玉葉様(ギョクヨウさま)を頼(たよ)るか？いや、楼蘭妃(ロウランひ)のことで頼(たよ)るわけには…）

Maomao (Gu!? Iya-na yokan’ga suru! Yappari Gyokuyo-sama’o tayoru-ka? Iya, Roran-hi’no koto’de tayoru-wake’niwa…)

Maomao (I have a bad feeling about this! Should I rely on Lady Gyokuyou instead? No, I can’t ask for her help on something related to Concubine Loulan.)

猫猫「あっ…」

Maomao “A…”

壬氏「おっ」

Jinshi “O.”

猫猫「ありがとうございます」

Maomao “Arigato gozai-masu.”

Maomao “Thank you.”

壬氏「お前(まえ)、かんざしは着(つ)けないのか？翡翠宮(ひすいきゅう)の侍女(じじょ)たちは、もう少(すこ)し洒落(しゃれ)てるぞ」

Jinshi “Omae, kanzashi’wa tsuke-nai-no-ka? Hisui-Kyu’no jijo-tachi’wa, mo-sukoshi share-teru-zp.”

Jinshi “Don’t you wear a hair stick? The other Jade Pavilion ladies-in-waiting are more fashionable.”

猫猫「そう言(い)われましても、装飾品(そうしょくひん)なんて…」

Maomao “So-iware-temo, soshokuhin-nante…”

Maomao “You say that, but I don’t have any accessories.”

壬氏「園遊会(えんゆうかい)でやったのがあるだろ。あっ。まさか売(う)り払(はら)ってないだろうな？」

Jinshi “En’yu-kai’de yatta-no’ga aru-daro. A. Masaka uri-haratte-nai-daro-na?”

Jinshi “I gave you one at the garden party, remember? Don’t tell me you sold it off.”

猫猫「売(う)っていません」（今(いま)はまだ）

Maomao “Utte-ima-sen.” (Ima’wa mada.)

Maomao “I haven’t.” (Not yet, anyway.)

壬氏「じゃあ、それを着(つ)けて来(こ)い」

Jinshi “Jaa, sore’o tsukete-koi.”

Jinshi “Wear that, then.”

猫猫「えっ？それだけですか？」

Maomao “E? Sore-dake-desu-ka?”

Maomao “Is that all?”

壬氏「悪(わる)いか？」

Jinshi “Warui-ka?”

Jinshi “Is there a problem?”

猫猫「うう、うう…」

Maomao “Uu…uu…”

壬氏「着(つ)けてきたら、その時(とき)言(い)おう」

Jinshi “Tsukete-kitara, sono-toki iou.”

Jinshi “When you wear it, I’ll tell you.”

猫猫「ん？」

Maomao “N?”

壬氏「調理場(ちょうりば)だな。用意(ようい)させる」

Jinshi “Chori-ba dana. Yoi saseru.”

Jinshi “A kitchen, yes? I’ll have someone prepare it.”

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宦官「持(も)ってきたぞ！」

Kangan “Motte-kita-zo!”

Eunuch “I brought it!”

猫猫「そこに置(お)いてください」

Maomao “Soko’ni oite-kudasai.”

Maomao “Please place it there.”

宦官「分(わ)かった」

Kangan “Wakatta.”

Eunuch “Got it.”

小蘭「猫猫、これ…。砂糖(さとう)と果物(くだもの)と…牛(うし)の乳(ちち)？」

Shaoran “Maomao, kore… Sato’to kudamono’to…ushi’no chichi?”

Xiaolan “Maomao, is this… Sugar and fruits and… Cow milk?”

猫猫「新鮮(しんせん)なのがあって良(よ)かった。牛の乳は特(とく)に腐(くさ)りやすいし」

Maomao “Shinsen-nano’ga atte yokatta. Ushi’no chichi’wa toku-ni kusari-yasui-shi.”

Maomao “I’m glad they had fresh milk, it goes bad pretty fast.”

小蘭「これでほんとに氷菓子(こおりがし)みたいなのができるの？」

Shaoran “Kore’de honto-ni koori-gashi-mitai-nano’ga dekiru-no?”

Xiaolan “Can you really make something like an ice treat out of these?”

猫猫「多分(たぶん)ね」

Maomao “Tabun-ne.”

Maomao “I think so.”

猫猫（作(つく)ってるとこを一度(いちど)見(み)ただけだけど…）

Maomao (Tsukutteru-toko’o ichido mita-dake-dakedo…)

Maomao (I’ve only watched it being made once, though.)

宦官「頼(たの)むぞ、本当(ほんとう)に…！」

Kangan “Tanomu-zo, honto-ni…!”

Eunuch “I’m counting on you, really!”

猫猫「できたらお呼(よ)びしますから」

Maomao “Dekitara oyobi-shimasu-kara.”

Maomao “I’ll call you when it’s done.”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「これ、かき混(ま)ぜて」

Maomao “Kore, kaki-mazete.”

Maomao “Stir this up.”

小蘭「う、うん。…はっ！何(なに)してるの！？」

Shaoran “U, un. …Ha! Nani shiteru-no!?”

Xiaolan “R-Right! What are you doing?!”

猫猫「氷(こおり)を砕(くだ)いてる」

Maomao “Koori’o kudai-teru.”

Maomao “Crushing the ice.”

小蘭「わわ…こんなに小(ち)っちゃく…」

Shaoran “Wawa… Konna-ni chicchaku…”

Xiaolan “Wow, so small…”

猫猫「大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)」

Maomao “Daijobu.”

Maomao “Don’t worry.”

小蘭「あぁ…」

Shaoran “Aa…”

猫猫「これで良(よ)し」

Maomao “Kore’de yoshi.”

Maomao “Good.”

小蘭「塩(しお)？」

Shaoran “Shio?”

Xiaolan “Salt?”

猫猫「小蘭。そっちの器(うつわ)、中(なか)に突(つ)っ込(こ)んで」

Maomao “Shaoran. Socchi’no utsuwa, naka’ni tsukkonde.”

Maomao “Xiaolan, put your bowl in here.”

小蘭「はいっ！」

Shaoran “Hai!”

Xiaolan “Yes!”

小蘭「あっ…！えっ？ウソ…！固(かた)まってきてる！」

Shaoran “A…! E? Uso…! Katamatte-kiteru!”

Xiaolan “What? No way. It’s starting to harden!”

猫猫「小蘭は果物(くだもの)切(き)って。小(ち)っちゃくね」

Maomao “Shaoran’wa kudamono kitte. Chicchaku-ne.”

Maomao “Xiaolan, cut up the fruit. Tiny pieces, okay?”

小蘭「う…、うん！」

Shaoran “U…, un!”

Xiaolan “Y-Yeah!”

猫猫（果物(くだもの)を入(い)れて、さらに混(ま)ぜて、器(うつわ)��盛(も)りつければ…）

Maomao (Kudamono’o irete, sara-ni mazete, utsuwa’ni mori-tsuke-reba…)

Maomao (Add fruits, mix some more, and place it in the bowl…)

小蘭「わぁ～～～！完成(かんせい)！？ねね、これって…」

Shaoran “Waaaaaaaa! Kansei!? Ne-ne, korette…”

Xiaolan “Is it finished?! Hey, is this…”

猫猫「見(み)ての通(とお)り、アイスだよ」

Maomao “Mite’no-toori, aisu-dayo.”

Maomao “Yep, it’s an ice treat.”

小蘭「うわぁ～～…」

Shaoran “Uwaaaaaa…”

Maomao (Maa, kyudai-ten-ka. Motto jikan’ga areba, tamago’o ire-tari, yakuso’de kaori-zuke’mo dekita-kedo…)

Maomao (It should do for now. If I had more time, I could have added eggs or scented it with herbs, too.)

猫猫「早(はや)く持(も)って行(い)ってもらおう」

Maomao “Hayaku motte-itte-morao.”

Maomao “Let’s get this to her right away.”

小蘭「うん、でも……味見(あじみ)って必要(ひつよう)じゃない？」

Shaoran “Un, demo……ajimitte hitsuyo-ja nai?”

Xiaolan “Yeah, but… Shouldn’t we taste it first?”

猫猫（いつもの調子(ちょうし)が戻(もど)ってきたな）

Maomao (Itsumo’no choshi’ga modotte-kita-na.)

Maomao (Back to her usual self.)

小蘭「フフフ…」

Shaoran “Fufufu…”

猫猫「フフ…。残(のこ)ったやつなら」

Maomao “Fufu… Nokotta yatsu-nara.”

Maomao “There are some leftovers.”

小蘭「あ～む。ん～～～、おいしい～～！」

Shaoran “Aaamu. Nnnnnnn, oishiiiiii!”

Xiaolan “Mmm, delicious!”

宦官「何(なん)だ、おい、できたのか！？」

Kangan “Nan-da, oi, dekita-noka!?”

Eunuch “What? Hey, is it done?!”

猫猫「こちらを届(とど)けてください」

Maomao “Kochira’o todokete-kudasai.”

Maomao “Please deliver this.”

宦官「あ、ああ…。本当(ほんとう)に大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)なんだろうなっ…んっ…はわわ…」

Kangan “A, aa… Honto-ni daijobu nan-daro-na… N… Hawawa…”

Eunuch “Are you sure it’s good enough for―”

猫猫「何(なに)か問題(もんだい)ありますか？」

Maomao “Nani-ka mondai ari-masu-ka?”

Maomao “Do you see any issues with it?”

宦官「はわわ…、はっ」

Kangan “Hawawa…, ha.”

猫猫「早(はや)く楼蘭妃の元(もと)へ」

Maomao “Hayaku Roran-hi’no moto’e.”

Maomao “To Concubine Loulan, quickly, please.”

宦官「あ…分(わ)かった！」

Kangan “A…wakatta!”

Eunuch “G-Got it!”

小蘭「よかった～～…。ありがとう、猫猫！」

Shaoran “Yokattaaaaa… Aritago, Maomao!”

Xiaolan “I’m so glad! Thanks, Maomao!”

猫猫「どうだろ？楼蘭妃が気(き)に入(い)ってくれるかな？」

Maomao “Do-daro? Roran-hi’ga kini-itte-kureru-kana?”

Maomao “I don’t know. I hope Concubine Loulan likes it.”

小蘭「はっ！意地悪(いじわる)～！」

Shaoran “Ha! Ijiwaruuu!”

Xiaolan “Don’t be mean!”

猫猫「フフッ」

Maomao “Fufu.”

猫猫（壬氏様から、好(す)き嫌(きら)いの類(たぐ)いは聞(き)いておいた。口(くち)はつけてくれるだろ）

Maomao (Jinshi-sama-kara, suki-kirai’no tagui’wa kiite-oita. Kuchi’wa tsukete-kureru-daro.)

Maomao (Master Jinshi told me about her likes and dislikes. She’ll take a taste, at least, for sure.)

小蘭「もうっ、それより、溶(と)けちゃう前(まえ)に食(た)べようよ」

Shaoran “Mo, sore-yori, tokechau mae’ni tabeyo-yo.”

Xiaolan “Come on! Anyway, let’s eat the rest before it melts.”

子翠「そうだよ、食べようよ！」

Shisui “So-dayo, tabeyo-yo!”

Shisui “Yeah, let’s eat it!”

小蘭「子翠(シスイ)！」

Shaoran “Shisui!”

Xiaolan “Shisui!”

猫猫「何(なん)でここに？」

Maomao “Nande koko’ni?

Maomao “What are you doing here?”

子翠「なんか騒(さわ)がしかったから、仕事(しごと)放(ほう)り出(だ)して来(き)てしまいました！」

Shisui “Nanka sawagashi-katta-kara, shigoto hoori-dashite kite-shimai-mashita!”

Shisui “I heard the commotion, so I ditched work and came over.”

小蘭「ろくでもないね！」

Shaoran “Roku-demo nai-ne!”

Xiaolan “You’re so bad!”

子翠「あむっ。おいひいわ（おいしいわ）、これ」

Shisui “Amu. Oihii-wa(Oishii-wa), kore.”

Shisui “This is delicious!”

小蘭「…って、一人(ひとり)でおいしいとこだけ持(も)ってかないでよ～」

Shaoran “…tte, hitori’de oishii-toko-dake motteka-naide-yooo.”

Xiaolan “Come on, don’t just take the best part.”

子翠「あむっ。ん～！」

Shisui “Amu. Nnn!”

小蘭「あっ！あぁ…」

Shaoran “A! Aa…”

猫猫「あぁ…」

Maomao “Aa…”

子翠「ふっふ～ん」

Shisui “Fuffuuun.”

小蘭「あ～！」

Shaoran “Aaa!”

子翠「も～らい～！」

Shisui “Moooraiii!”

Shisui “Mine!”

小蘭「だめ～！」

Shaoran “Dameee!”

Xiaolan “Come on!”

子翠「ハハハ…！」

Shisui “Hahaha…!”

小蘭「全部(ぜんぶ)食(た)べないで～！」

Shaoran “Zenbu tabe-naideee!”

Xiaolan “Don’t take it all!”

子翠「独(ひと)り占(じ)めだ～！」

Shisui “Hitori-jime-daaa!”

Shisui “Mine, all mine!”

猫猫（こりゃあ足(た)りないなぁ）

Maomao (Koryaa tarinai-naa.)

Maomao (I’m gonna need more of this.)

子翠「あっ！」

Shisui “A!”

小蘭「ん～、とりゃあ～！」

Shaoran “Nnn, toryaaaa!”

Xiaolan “Come on!”

子翠「うぅ、捕(つか)まった～」

Shisui “Uu, tsukamattaaa.”

Shisui “Oh! You caught me!”

小蘭「エヘヘヘ…」

Shaoran “Ehehehe…”

子翠「な～んてね！」

Shisui “Naante-ne!”

Shisui “Or maybe not!”

猫猫（もう一回(いっかい)くらいなら、作(つく)れるかな）

Maomao (Mo ikkai-kurai-nara, tsukureru-kana.)

Maomao (Maybe I have enough for one more batch.)

小蘭「待(ま)ってよ～！」

Shaoran “Matte-yooo!”

Xiaolan “Wait up!”

子翠「はい！あ～ん！」

Shisui “Hai! Aaan!”

Shisui “Okay, open up!”

2人「おいし～い！」

Futari “Oishiii!”

The two “Mmm, so delicious!”

小蘭「はい、次(つぎ)、子翠。あ～む！」

Shaoran “Hai, tsugi, Shisui. Aaamu!”

Xiaolan “Your turn next, Shisui. Open up!”

子翠「あ～ん！」

Shisui “Aaan!”

猫猫「フフッ」

Maomao “Fufu.”

小蘭・子翠「アハハハ…」

Shaoran, Shisui “Ahahaha…”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

玉葉妃「あら…？動(うご)いたわ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ara…? Ugoita-wa.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh, it’s moving.”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

鈴麗公主(リンリーひめ)「ふふっ、ふふふ…みゃうみゃう…」

Rinrī-hime “Fufu, fufufu… Myau-myau…”

玉葉妃「鈴麗」

Gyokuyou-hi “Rinrī.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Lingli.”

鈴麗公主「ん？」

Rinrī-hime “N?”

玉葉妃「触(さわ)ってみる？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Sawatte-miru?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Do you want to touch?”

鈴麗公主「ん！あっ…フフッ…ん？わぁ！ウフフ…」

Rinrī-hime “N! A… Fufu…N? Waa! Ufufu…”

玉葉妃「ウフッ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ufu.”

猫猫（生(う)まれるまで、あともう少(すこ)し）

Maomao (Umareru’made, ato mo sukoshi.)

Maomao (She’s going to give birth soon.)

鈴麗公主「ん…。フフ～」

Rinrī-hime “N… Fufuuu.”

玉葉妃「ウフッ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ufu.”

猫猫「フフッ」（今(いま)の所(ところ)、順調(じゅんちょう)かな）

Maomao “Fufu.” (Ima’no tokoro, juncho-kana.)

Maomao (Everything seems good, for now.)

玉葉妃「不思議(ふしぎ)ね。鈴麗の時(とき)と違(ちが)って、下(した)ばかり蹴(け)ってるの」

Gyokuyo-hi “Fushigi-ne. Rinrī’no toki’to chigatte, sita-bakari ketteru-no.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “It’s strange. Unlike with Lingli, this one only kicks downwards.”

猫猫「下？」

Maomao “Shita?”

Maomao “Down?”

玉葉妃「赤子(あかご)のうちから、個性(こせい)が出(で)るのね」

Gyokuyo-hi　“Akago’no uchi’kara, kosei’ga deru-no-ne.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “I guess quirks come out this early.”

猫猫「あ…。…少(すこ)し、触(ふ)れてもよろしいでしょうか？」

Maomao “A… …Sukoshi, fure-temo yoroshii-deshoka?”

Maomao “May I touch, just a little?”

玉葉妃「ええ…いいけど」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ee… Ii-kedo.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Well, sure.”

猫猫「失礼(しつれい)します。…ん…。…鈴麗公主の出産(しゅっさん)は、どうでしたか？」

Maomao “Shitsurei-shimasu. …N… …Rinrī-hime’no shussan’wa, do-deshita-ka?”

Maomao “Excuse me. How did Princess Lingli’s delivery go?”

紅娘「安産(あんざん)だったわよ。初産(ういざん)とは思(おも)えないくらい」

Hon’nyan “Anzan-datta-wayo. Uizan-towa omoe-nai-kurai.”

Hongniang “It was really easy, especially considering it was her first time.”

玉葉妃「この子(こ)の体(からだ)が小(ちい)さかったのも、幸(さいわ)いしたのかしら」

Gyokuyo-hi “Kono ko’no karada’ga chiisa-katta-nomo, Saiwai-shitano-kashira.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Maybe it helped that her body was rather small.”

猫猫「助産(じょさん)は、どなたが？」

Maomao “Josan’wa, donata’ga?”

Maomao “Who assisted with the delivery?”

紅娘「私(わたし)がやりました。ここの医官(いかん)は頼(たよ)りないし、助産(じょさん)のために雇(やと)った女官(にょかん)は体調(たいちょう)を崩(くず)してしまって。勉強(べんきょう)をしていたから何(なん)とかなったけど…」

Hon’nyan “Watashi’ga yari-mashita. Koko’no ikan’wa tayori-naishi, josan’no tame’ni yatotta nyokan’wa taicho’o kuzushite-shimatte. Benkyo’o shite-ita-kara nantoka natta-kedo…”

Hongniang “I did. I don’t trust the doctors here, and the court lady we hired for the delivery became ill. I did a lot of studying beforehand, so it worked out.”

猫猫「では、今回(こんかい)もその女官(にょかん)に？」

Maomao “Dewa, konkai’mo sono nyokan’ni?”

Maomao “So, will you be requesting that court lady again?”

紅娘「いいえ。また大事(だいじ)な時(とき)に体調(たいちょう)を崩(くず)されてはたまらないわ。梨花妃(リファひ)の時も、別(べつ)の方(かた)が入(はい)ったそうよ。元々(もともと)、臨時(りんじ)で後宮(こうきゅう)入(い)りした助産師(じょさんし)だったの」

Hon’nyan “Iie. Mata daiji-na toki’ni taicho’o kuzu-sare-tewa tamara-nai-wa. Rifa-hi’no toki’mo, betsu’no kata’ga haitta-soyo. Moto-moto, rinji’de kokyu-iri-shita josanshi-datta-no.”

Hongniang “No, I don’t want her to fall ill at the worst time again. I heard Concubine Lihua also had someone else come in when giving birth. A midwife who temporarily entered the rear palace, originally.”

猫猫「そうですか…」

Maomao “So-desu-ka…”

Maomao “I see…”

猫猫（今回(こんかい)も後宮(こうきゅう)の外(そと)から迎(むか)えるんだろうか。前回(ぜんかい)立(た)ち会(あ)ったとはいえ、紅娘様(ホンニャンさま)も本業(ほんぎょう)ではないし…）

Maomao (Konkai’mo kokyu’no soto’kara mukaerun-daro-ka. Zenkai tachi-atta-towa-ie, Hon’nyan-sama’mo hongyo’dewa nai-shi…)

Maomao (Are they bringing someone from outside the rear palace again? Even if Lady Hongniang assisted last time, she’s not a professional in the field.)

玉葉妃「何(なに)かあるなら、言(い)ってちょうだい」

Gyokuyo-hi “Nani-ka aru-nara, itte-chodai.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “If you have a concern, please let it out.”

猫猫「断言(だんげん)はできませんが、逆子(さかご)かもしれません」

Maomao “Dangen’wa deki-masen-ga, sakago-kamo shire-masen.”

Maomao “I can’t say for certain, but this could be a breech delivery.”

玉葉妃「逆子？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Sakago?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “A breech delivery?”

猫猫「はい。随分(ずいぶん)下(した)の方(ほう)ばかり蹴(け)られているようなので。鈴麗公主(リンリーひめ)の時(とき)、上(うえ)ばかりを蹴っていたなら、頭(あたま)が下にあったはず。一番(いちばん)大(おお)きな頭が先(さき)に出(で)ることで、赤子(あかご)が円滑(えんかつ)に生(う)まれます。逆(ぎゃく)に、細(ほそ)い足(あし)から出(で)てしまうと、出産(しゅっさん)の危険性(きけんせい)が一気(いっき)に増(ま)してしまうのです」

Maomao “Hai. Zuibun shita’no-ho-bakari kerarete-iru-yo-nanode. Rinrī-hime’no toki, ue-bakari’o kette-ita-nara, atama’ga shita’ni atta-hazu. Ichi-ban ookina atama’ga saki-ni deru-koto’de, akago’ga enkatsu-ni umare-masu. Gyaku-ni, hosoi ashi’kara dete-shimau-to, shussan’no kiken-sei’ga ikki-ni mashite-shimau-no-desu.”

Maomao “Yes, the kicking downwards suggests as much. If Princess Lingli was kicking upwards, her head must have been facing down. A baby delivery goes most smoothly when the head, the largest part, comes out first. In contrast, when the feet, which are smallest, come out first, it drastically increases the risks associated with the birth.”

玉葉妃「あ…」

Gyokuyo-hi “A…”

紅娘「ん…」

Hon’nyan “N…”

玉葉妃「本当(ほんとう)に、逆子(さかご)なの？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Honto-ni, sakago-nano?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Are you sure it’s a breech delivery?”

猫猫「あくまで可能性(かのうせい)です。もう少(すこ)し詳(くわ)しく触診(しょくしん)すれば、分(わ)かるかもしれませんが」

Maomao “Aku-made kanosei-desu. Mo-sukoshi kuwashiku shoku-shin-sureba, wakaru-kamo shire-masen-ga.”

Maomao “It’s just a possibility. If I can examine a bit more thoroughly, I might know more.”

玉葉妃「できるの？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Dekiru-no?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Can you?”

猫猫（断言(だんげん)はできない。おやじから教(おそ)わったのは、薬(くすり)の知識(ちしき)だけだ。後(あと)は見(み)よう見まねで…）

Maomao (Dangen’wa deki-nai. Oyaji’kara osowatta-nowa, kusuri’no chishiki-dake-da. Ato’wa miyo-mimane’de…)

Maomao (I can’t say for sure. My dad only taught me about medicine. Everything else is just things I’ve observed.)

玉葉妃「やってちょうだい」

Gyokuyo-hi “Yatte-chodai.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Do it, please.”

猫猫「ん…。…ちなみに、方法(ほうほう)は…」

Maomao “N… …Chinami-ni, hoho’wa…”

Maomao “By they way, by ‘examine,’ I mean…”

→I think it’s a simple mistake.

玉葉妃「あら…本当(ほんとう)？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ara…honto?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh, is that so?”

鈴麗公主「う？」

Rinrī-hime “U?”

玉葉妃「この子(こ)を産(う)んだ時(とき)に比(くら)べたら、大(たい)したことないわ。ウフッ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Kono-ko’o unda-toki’ni kurabe-tara, taishita-koto nai-wa. Ufu.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “That’s nothing compared to delivering her.”

猫猫（『母(はは)は強(つよ)し』か…）

Maomao (‘Haha’wa tsuyoshi’ka…)

Maomao (Mothers are strong, I guess.)

猫猫「分(わ)かりました」

Maomao “Wakari-mashita.”

Maomao “Understood.”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

紅娘「どう？」

Hon’nyan “Do?”

Hongniang “How was it?”

猫猫（何(なん)とも言(い)い難(がた)いが…）

Maomao (Nan-tomo ii-gatai-ga…)

Maomao (This is a hard thing to say, but…)

猫猫「可能性(かのうせい)は、高(たか)いかと思(おも)います。お腹(なか)の中(なか)で向(む)きを変(か)えることもありますが、出産(しゅっさん)までの時間(じかん)を考(かんが)えると…」

Maomao “Kanosei’wa, takai-kato omoi-masu. Onaka’no naka’de muki’o kaeru-koto’mo ari-masu-ga, shussan’made’no jikan’o kangaeru-to…”

Maomao “It seems quite likely. Sometimes they just change direction on their own before birth, but given how little time there is left…”

玉葉妃「どうすればいいの？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Do-sureba ii-no?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “What should we do?”

猫猫「花街(はなまち)では、灸(きゅう)や、体(からだ)を動(うご)かしたりすると良(よ)いと聞(き)きます。灸(きゅう)なら私(わたし)が」

Maomao “Hana-machi’dewa, kyu’ya, karada’o ugokashi-tari suru-to yoi-to kiki-masu. Kyu’nara watashi’ga.”

Maomao “In the pleasure district, I heard moxibustion and good exercise is helpful. I can help with moxibustion.”

玉葉妃「お願(ねが)いするわ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Onegai suru-wa.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Please.”

紅娘「他(ほか)の方法(ほうほう)もないか、後宮(こうきゅう)の外(そと)で当(あ)たってみます」

Hon’nyan “Hoka’no hoho’mo naika, kokyu’no soto’de atatte-mimasu.”

Hongniang “I’ll ask around outside the rear palace for anything else that might help.”

玉葉妃「ええ。…もし、逆子(さかご)のままだったら…どうなるのかしら」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ee. …Moshi, sakago’no mama-dattara… do-naruno-kashira.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Yes. What happens if it ends up being a breech delivery?”

猫猫「腹(はら)を切(き)ることになるかもしれません」

Maomao “Hara’o kiru koto’ni naru-kamo shire-masen.”

Maomao “We might need to cut into your belly.”

玉葉妃「そう…」

Gyokuyo-hi “So…”

Concubine Gyokuyou “I see.”

紅娘「玉葉様…」

Hon’nyan “Gyokuyo-sama…”

Hongniang “Lady Gyokuyou…”

猫猫（だがそうなれば、玉葉様の命(いのち)が危(あぶ)ない。ちゃんとした助産師(じょさんし)がいても危険(きけん)だというのに…。やぶがもっとまともな医者(いしゃ)だったら…。だからって、代(か)わりなんかどこにいる？後宮(こうきゅう)に入(はい)る以上(いじょう)、タマがあってはいけない。腕(うで)が良(よ)くて宦官(かんがん)でもある医官(いかん)なんて…）

Maomao (Daga so-nareba, Gyokuyo-sama’no inochi’ga abunai. Chanto-shita josanshi’ga itemo kiken-dato iu-noni… Yabu’ga motto matomo-na isha dattara… Dakaratte, kawari-nanka doko’ni iru? Kokyu’ni hairu-ijo, tama’ga attewa ike-nai. Ude’ga yokute kangan’demo aru ikan-nante…)

Maomao (But if we do that, Lady Gyokuyou’s life would be at risk. It’s risky enough even with a proper midwife. If only the quack was a proper doctor… But who else can replace him? To enter the rear palace, a doctor has to be castrated. But where can we find a good doctor who’s also a eunuch―)

猫猫「あっ」（いた。一人(ひとり)、最適(さいてき)な人物(じんぶつ)が。だけど…）

Maomao “A.” (Ita. Hitori, sai-teki-na jinbutsu’ga. Dakedo…)

Maomao (There is. The perfect candidate. But…)

玉葉妃「ん？」

Gyokuyo-hi “N?”

紅娘「猫猫？」

Hon’nyan “Maomao?”

Hongniang “Maomao?”

猫猫「一人(ひとり)、心当(こころあ)たりがあります」

Maomao “Hitori, Kokoro-atari’ga ari-masu.”

Maomao “I do know of someone.”

玉葉妃「あ…そうなの？」

Gyokuyo-hi “A… So-nano?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “You do?”

猫猫「医術(いじゅつ)の腕(うで)は申(もう)し分(ぶん)ありません。切開(せっかい)で赤子(あかご)を取(と)り上(あ)げた経験(けいけん)もあります」

Maomao “Ijutsu’no ude’wa moshi-bun ari-masen. Sekkai’de akago’o tori-ageta keiken’mo ari-masu.”

Maomao “Someone with outstanding skills as a doctor, and also has experience delivering babies by incision.”

玉葉妃「まあ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Maa.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh.”

紅娘「そんな方(かた)が…、あっ、ま…まさか、じ…壬氏様の侍女(じじょ)の…」

Hon’nyan “Sonna kata’ga…, a, ma…masaka, Ji…Jinshi-sama’no jijo’no…”

Hongniang “Really? Ah… Could it be… Master Jinshi’s lady-in-waiting…”

猫猫「違(ちが)います。医者(いしゃ)です」

Maomao “Chigai-masu. Isha desu.”

Maomao “No. He’s a doctor.”

紅娘「ほっ」

Hon’nyan “Ho.”

猫猫（水蓮様(スイレンさま)…一体(いったい)、何(なに)をしたんだ？）

Maomao (Suiren-sama… Ittai, nani’o shitanda?)

Maomao (What in the world did Lady Suiren do?)

玉葉妃「どんな方(かた)なの？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Donna kata nano?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Who is the person?”

猫猫「その人(ひと)は、一度(いちど)後宮(こうきゅう)を追放(ついほう)された…罪人(ざいにん)です」

Maomao “Sono hito’wa, ichido kokyu’o tsuiho-sareta… zai-nin desu.”

Maomao “He was once exiled from the rear palace. A criminal.”

玉葉妃「あっ」

Gyokuyo-hi “A.”

紅娘「認(みと)められません！玉葉様と御子(みこ)の命(いのち)に関(かか)わることです。信頼(しんらい)のおける者(もの)でなければ」

Hon’nyan “Mitome-rare-masen! Gyokuyo-sama’to miko’no inochi’ni kakawaru koto desu. Shinrai’no okeru mono’de nakereba.”

Hongniang “Unacceptable! Lady Gyokuyou and the baby’s lives are at stake. It needs to be someone trustworthy!”

猫猫「信頼(しんらい)できます！この国(くに)一番(いちばん)の医者(いしゃ)です」

Maomao “Shinrai deki-masu! Kono kuni ichiban’no isha desu.”

Maomao “He is trustworthy! He’s the best doctor in this nation.”

紅娘「…珍(めずら)しく、随分(ずいぶん)大(おお)きな口(くち)を叩(たた)くのね。だけど罪人(ざいにん)でしょう？」

Hon’nyan “…Mezurashiku, zuibun ookina kuchi’o tataku-none. Dakedo zainin desho?”

Hongniang “Those are some big words, rare from you. But he’s still a criminal, right?”

猫猫「くっ…」

Maomao “Ku…”

紅娘「とても��(まか)せられないわ」

Hon’nyan “Totemo makase-rare-nai-wa.”

Hongniang “There’s just no way.”

猫猫「ですが…！」

Maomao “Desuga…!”

Maomao “But―”

玉葉妃「待(ま)って、二人(ふたり)とも」

Gyokuyo-hi “Matte, futari-tomo.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Wait, both of you.”

猫猫「あ…」

Maomao “A…”

玉葉妃「紅娘、頭(あたま)から押(お)さえつけないで。猫猫も、落(お)ち着(つ)いて説明(せつめい)してちょうだい」

Gyokuyo-hi “Hon’nyan, atama’kara osae-tsuke-naide. Maomao’mo, ochi-tsuite setsumei-shite-chodai.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Hongniang, don’t stop her before she’s finished. Maomao, please calm down and explain.”

紅娘「あ…」

Hon’nyan “A…”

猫猫「ん…」

Maomao “N…”

玉葉妃「どんな罪(つみ)を犯(おか)した方(かた)なの？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Donna tsumi’o okashita kata nano?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “What crime did he commit?”

猫猫「その者(もの)は宦官(かんがん)で、後宮(こうきゅう)の医官(いかん)でした。過去(かこ)には帝(みかど)と、今(いま)の東宮様(とうぐうさま)、そして阿多妃(アードゥオひ)の御子(みこ)を取(と)り上(あ)げています。後宮を追放(ついほう)された理由(りゆう)については、阿多妃(アードゥオひ)関連(かんれん)、としか…」

Maomao “Sono mono’wa kangan-de, kokyu’no ikan deshita. Kako’niwa Mikado-to, ima’no togu-sama, soshite Āduo-hi’no miko’o tori-agete-imasu. Kokyu’o tsuiho-sareta riyu’ni tsuitewa, Āduo-hi-kanren-to-shika…”

Maomao “This person is a eunuch, and was a doctor in the rear palace. In the past, he helped deliver the emperor, the current crown prince, and Concubine Ah-Duo’s baby. As for the reason for his exile, all I know is that it’s related to Concubine Ah-Duo.”

猫猫（実際(じっさい)、おやじから何(なに)か聞(き)いたわけでも、確信(かくしん)があるわけでもない。記録(きろく)はあれど、ただの憶測(おくそく)だ）

Maomao (Jissai, oyaji’kara nanika kiita-wake-demo, kakushin’ga aru-wake-demo nai. Kiroku’wa aredo, tada’no okusoku-da.)

Maomao (It’s not like he actually told me, or that I know all the facts for sure. There are some records, but most of it is conjecture.)

玉葉妃「その人は、猫猫とどういう関係(かんけい)なの？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Sono hito’wa, Maomao’to do-iu kankei nano?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “What is this relation to you, Maomao?”

猫猫「養父(ようふ)です。薬師(くすし)としての、師(し)でもあります」

Maomao “Yofu desu. Kusushi-to-shite’no, shi-demo ari-masu.”

Maomao “He is my adopted father, and the person who taught me the ways of the apothecary.”

紅娘「ん…」

Hon’nyan “N…”

玉葉妃「フッ、分(わ)かったわ。その方(かた)を呼(よ)べないか、壬氏殿(ジンシどの)に提案(ていあん)してみましょう」

Gyokuyo-hi “Fu, wakatta-wa. Sono kata’o yobe-naika, Jinshi-dono’ni teian-shite mimasho.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “I understand. Let’s ask Master Jinshi if we can bring that person in.”

猫猫「え…」

Maomao “E…”

紅娘「玉葉様！」

Hon’nyan “Gyokuyo-sama!”

Hongniang “Lady Gyokuyou!”

玉葉妃「紅娘、私(わたし)は優秀(ゆうしゅう)な方(かた)に任(まか)せたいの。信頼(しんらい)できるなら、なおいいわ。それに悪(わる)い人(ひと)だとは思(おも)えないのよ。野良猫(のらねこ)みたいな子(こ)が、これだけ懐(なつ)いてるんだもの」

Gyokuyo-hi “Hon’nyan, watashi’wa yushu-na kata’ni makase-tai-no. Shinrai-dekiru-nara, nao ii-wa. Soreni warui hito-da-towa omoe-nai-noyo. Nora-neko-mitai-na ko’ga, kore-dake natsui-terun-da-mono.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Hongniang, I want to consult someone who’s a real professional. It would be best if it’s someone we can trust. Besides, I just can’t believe he’s a bad person. Look at how this stray cat respects him.”

猫猫（野良猫(のらねこ)？）

Maomao (Nora-neko?)

Maomao (Stray cat…?)

紅娘「でも罪人(ざいにん)です！」

Hon’nyan “Demo zainin desu!”

Hongniang “But he’s a criminal!”

紅娘「ハァ…。分(わ)かりました」

Hon’nyan “Haa… Wakari-mashita.”

Hongniang “Understood.”

玉葉妃「そうとなれば、早速(さっそく)あの子(こ)に文(ふみ)を書(か)かないとね」

Gyokuyo-hi “So-to nareba, sassoku ano ko’ni fumi’o kaka-naito-ne.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “In that case, I have a letter to write.”

猫猫（さすがの貫禄(かんろく)。これが、母(はは)になる妃(きさき)というものか…）

Maomao (Sasuga’no kanroku. Kore’ga, haha’ni naru kisaki-to-iu mono-ka…)

Maomao (That’s what I call dignity. I guess that’s what a concubine becoming a mother is like.)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（玉葉様に話(はなし)をした、2日後(ふつかご)…）

Maomao (Gyokuyo-sama’ni hanashi’o shita, futsuka-go…)

Maomao (Two days after speaking to Lady Gyokuyou…)

羅門「すまないね」

Ruomen “Sumanai-ne.”

Luomen “Thank you.”

高順「お待(ま)ちしておりました。羅門殿(ルォメンどの)」

Gaoshun “Omachi-shite-ori-mashita. Ruomen-dono.”

Gaoshun “We’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival, Master Luomen.”

羅門「やれやれ…。また戻(もど)って来(く)ることになるとはねぇ…」

Ruomen “Yare-yare… Mata modotte-kuru-koto’ni naru-towa-nee…”

Luomen “Well, well. Who would’ve thought I’d come back here?”

猫猫（老婆(ろうば)のような姿(すがた)をした男(おとこ)が、後宮(こうきゅう)にやって来(き)た）

Maomao (Roba’no-yona sugata’o shita otoko’ga, kokyu’ni yatte-kita.)

Maomao (A man, who looked more like an elderly woman, arrived at the rear palace.)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

羅門「羅門でございます。臨時(りんじ)の医官(いかん)として、しばらく後宮医局(こうきゅういきょく)に仕(つか)えることになりました」

Ruomen “Ruomen’de gozai-masu. Rinji’no ikan-to-shite, shibaraku kokyu-ikyoku’ni tsukaeru-koto’ni nari-mashita.”

Luomen “I am Luomen. I will be temporarily serving in the rear palace’s medical office.”

玉葉妃「猫猫から聞(き)いております。よろしく頼(たの)みますね」

Gyokuyo-hi “Maomao’kara kiite-ori-masu. Yoroshiku tanomi-masu-ne.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “I’ve heard from Maomao. Thank you for your help.”

羅門「はい」

Ruomen “Hai.”

Luomen “Yes.”

猫猫（臨時雇(りんじやと)いか。まぁ、妥協点(だきょうてん)ってところかな。やぶが解雇(かいこ)されたらどうしようかと思(おも)ったが、その心配(しんぱい)もなくてよかった）

Maomao (Rinji-yatoi-ka. Maa, dakyo-tentte tokoro-kana. Yabu’ga kaiko-sare-tara do-shiyo-ka-to omotta-ga, sono shinpai’mo nakute yokatta.)

Maomao (Temporarily? Well, that makes sense, I guess. I was a bit worried that the quack would get fired. Good to know I don’t have to worry about that.)

羅門「では、失礼(しつれい)します」

Ruomen “Dewa, shitsurei-shimasu.”

Luomen “Well then, please excuse me.”

高順「どうぞ」

Gaoshun “Dozo.”

Gaoshun “Please.”

羅門「あぁ」

Ruomen “Aa.”

Luomen “Yes.”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

桜花(インファ)「ねぇ、ねぇ！あの人(ひと)、猫猫のお父(とう)さん、なんだよね？」

Infa “Nee, nee! Ano hito, Maomao’no otosan, nanda-yone?”

Yinghua “Hey! That’s your father, right?”

猫猫「ええ、まぁ…」

Maomao “Ee, maa…”

Maomao “Well, sort of.”

猫猫（正確(せいかく)には、大叔父(おおおじ)だけど）

Maomao (Seikaku’niwa, oo-oji dakedo.)

Maomao (Technically, he’s my great uncle.)

桜花「何(なん)か、全然(ぜんぜん)想像(そうぞう)と違(ちが)ったんだけど…」

Infa “Nanka, zen-zen sozo’to chigattan-dakedo…”

Yinghua “He’s not at all what we imagined.”

猫猫「ん？」

Maomao “N?”

愛藍(アイラン)「優(やさ)しそうよね。穏(おだ)やかだし」

Airan “Yasashiso-yone. Odayaka-dashi.”

Ailan “He seems gentle and calm.”

貴園(グイエン)「うん。普通(ふつう)の人(ひと)みたい」

Guien “Un. Futsu’no hito mitai.”

Guiyuan “Yes, like a normal person.”

桜花「この人(ひと)が猫猫を育(そだ)てたの？みたいな…」

Infa “Kono hito’ga Maomao’o sodateta-no? Mitai-na…”

Yinghua “It’s like, did he really raise Maomao?”

赤羽(セキウ)「すごく分(わ)かる」

Sekiu “Sugoku wakaru.”

Seki-u “My thoughts exactly.”

玉葉妃「ウフフッ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ufufu.”

紅娘「あなたたち…」

Hon’nyan “Anata-tachi…”

Hongniang “All of you…!”

桜花「あっ！いや…」

Infa “A! Iya…”

Yinghua “Oh, I mean…”

猫猫「何(なに)を想像(そうぞう)してたんですか？」

Maomao “Nani’o sozo-shitetan-desu-ka?”

Maomao “What were you imagining?”

桜花「まぁ…何(なん)て言(い)えば…ねぇ。常識人(じょうしきじん)っぽくない？」

Infa “Maa… Nante ieba…nee. Joshiki-jinppoku nai?

Yinghua “Well… you know… He seems like he has common sense.”

愛藍・貴園・赤羽「だよね～」

Airan, Guien, Sekiu “Dayo-neee.”

Ailan & Guiyuan & Seki-u “Exactly.”

玉葉妃「アハハハ…」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ahahaha…”

猫猫（解(げ)せぬ…）

Maomao (Gesenu…)

Maomao (I don’t get it.)

(Continue to Episode 16/Ep.40)

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apothecaryscript · 15 days ago

Text

Maomao no Hitorigoto Episode 38 “The Magic Mirror and Secrets” / 猫猫のひとりごと　第38話　『魔鏡と秘め事（まきょうとひめごと/Makyo’to Himegoto）』

You can watch the video on YouTube, uploaded by the official Toho Animation account.

Please note that the English lines are just my translation.

壬氏「猫猫～！猫猫～！」

Jinshi “Maomaooo! Maomaooo!”

Jinshi “Maomao! Maomao!”

猫猫「んん…　何(なん)でしょうか？壬氏様」

Maomao “Nn… Nan-desho-ka? Jinshi-sama.”

Maomao “Hmm… How may I help you? Master Jinshi.”

猫猫（名(な)を呼(よ)ばれているだけなのだが、違和感(いわかん)しかない…）

Maomao (Na’o yobarete-iru-dake-nano-daga, iwakan-shika nai…)

Maomao (Even though he’s just calling me by my name, it feels so strange…)

違和感（いわかん/Iwa-kan）: feeling strange/odd/different, discomfort, unease, awkwardness

どこか（何か）違和感を感じる(weak) → かなり違和感を感じる(strong) → 違和感しかない(the strongest)

壬氏「そこにいたか。金剛宮(こんごうきゅう)での一件(いっけん)、お見事(みごと)であった」

Jinshi “Soko’ni ita-ka. Kongo-Kyu’deno ikken, o-migoto’de atta.”

Jinshi “There you are. You did a splendid job for the incident at the Diamond Pavilion.”

猫猫「とんでもございません」

Maomao “Ton-demo gozai-masen.”

Maomao “Not at all.”

猫猫（元侍女頭(もとじじょがしら)をコテンパンに諫(いさ)めた壬氏様の方(ほう)がお見事でしたよ）

Maomao (Moto-jijo-gashira’o kotenpan-ni isameta Jinshi-sama’no-hoga o-migoto deshita-yo.)

Maomao (Master Jinshi was the one who was admirable for completely admonishing the former head lady-in-waiting.)

コテンパンに（こてんぱんに/Kotenpan-ni）: totally, completely (only when beating someone or being beaten in a battle or a competition.)

諫める（いさめる/Isameru）: admonish, remonstrate, warn

壬氏「しかし、あの魔鏡(まきょう)というものは、実(じつ)に摩訶不思議(まかふしぎ)な品(しな)であったなぁ」

Jinshi “Shikashi, ano makyo-to-iu mono’wa, jitsu-ni maka-fushigi-na shina’de atta-naa.”

Jinshi “That said, that magic mirror was indeed an ineffably mysterious item.”

猫猫「ここで、猫猫の豆知識(まめちしき)。銅鏡(どうきょう)の裏面(うらめん)に投影(とうえい)したい像(ぞう)を極限(きょくげん)まで深(ふか)く彫(ほ)り込(こ)むと、おもて面(めん)に凹凸(おうとつ)ができる。凹凸に光(ひかり)が乱反射(らんはんしゃ)することで、裏面に彫られた像が浮(う)かび上(あ)がる。高度(こうど)な技量(ぎりょう)と根気(こんき)がないと作(つく)れない代物(しろもの)」

Maomao “Koko’de, Maomao’no mame-chishiki. Dokyo’no ura-men’ni toei-shitai zo’o kyokugen’made fukaku hori-komu-to, omote-men’ni o-totsu’ga dekiru. O-totsu’ni hikari’ga ran-hansha-suru-koto’de, ura-men’ni horareta zo’ga ukabi-agaru. Kodo-na giryo’to konki’ga naito tsukure-nai shiro-mono.”

Maomao “Here’s Maomao’s bits of knowledge. If you carve the image you want to project onto the back of a bronze mirror as deeply as possible, it creates bumps on the front surface. The light is diffused by the bumps, causing the image carved on the back to appear. It requires a high level of skill and perseverance to make.”

代物（しろもの/Shiro-mono）: thing, stuff, item, goods (代物 refers to something special only, both in a good and bad way.)

品物（しなもの/Shina-mono）・品(しな/Shina): item, goods (品物 refers to goods that are for sale or that have value for sale.)

猫猫「信仰上(しんこうじょう)、異端(いたん)とされた人(ひと)たちが、教祖(きょうそ)を彫(ほ)って隠(かく)し持(も)っていたという話(はなし)も聞(き)いたことが…」

Maomao “Shinko-jo, itan-to sareta hito-tachi’ga, kyoso’o hotte kakushi-motte-ita-to-iu hanashi’mo kiita kotoga…”

Maomao “I’ve also heard stories of people who were considered heretics in terms of their faith carving images of their religious leader and keeping it concealed…”

壬氏「ほう？秘(ひ)め事(ごと)のある者(もの)の努力(どりょく)は、実(じつ)に凄(すさ)まじいなぁ」

Jinshi “Ho? Hime-goto’no-aru-mono’no doryoku’wa, jitsu-ni susamajii-naa.”

Jinshi “Oh, the efforts of those who have secrets are truly amazing.”

猫猫（秘(ひ)め事(ごと)と言(い)えば…！壬氏様はどうやって触診(しょくしん)をかいくぐっているのだ…？）

Maomao (Hime-goto-to ieba…! Jinshi-sama’wa do-yatte shoku-shin’o kai-kugutte-iru-noda…?)

Maomao (Speaking of secrets…! How does Master Jinshi manage to avoid a physical exam…?)

かいくぐる（Kai-kuguru）: dodge/avoid/pass through something very difficult to do so

猫猫「じ―――っ」

Maomao “Jiiiiiii.”

Maomao (Staring)

壬氏「ん？どうかしたか？」

Jinshi “N? Doka shita-ka?”

Jinshi “Hmm? What’s wrong?”

猫猫（うーん…この美(うつく)しさの前(まえ)では、カエルの存在(そんざい)は些末(さまつ)なこと。やはり、触診(しょくしん)を担当(たんとう)する3人(さんにん)の官(かん)・全員(ぜんいん)と、秘(ひ)め事(ごと)を…！）

Maomao (Uuun… Kono utsukushisa’no mae’dewa, kaeru’no sonzai’wa samatsu-na koto. Yahari, shoku-shin’o tanto-suru san-nin-no kan-zen’in-to, hime-goto’o…!)

Maomao (Hmm… In front of this beauty, the existence of the frog is insignificant. I guess he has secrets with all three officers in charge of the exam…!)

些末な（さまつな/Samatsu-na）: trivial

猫猫「じと―――っ」

Maomao (Jitooooooo.)

Maomao (Staring more)

壬氏「何(なん)だ…？言(い)いたいことがあるなら、はっきりと申(もう)せ！」

Jinshi “Nan-da…? Iitai-koto-ga aru-nara, hakkiri-to mose!”

Jinshi “What? If you have something to say, say it clearly!”

申す（もうす/Mo-su）: Keigo(humble) of “言う(いう/iu): say”

申せ（もうせ/Mo-se）: Imperative form of 申す. “Say it.” (From a high-ranking person to the lower.)　

猫猫「いえ。失礼(しつれい)いたします。いつ揉(も)め事(ごと)に発展(はってん)してもおかしくはない。やはり麻酔薬(ますいやく)は大量(たいりょう)に作(つく)っておこう」

Maomao “Ie, shitsu-rei itashi-masu. Itsu mome-goto’ni hatten-shitemo okashiku’wa nai. Yahari masui-yaku’wa tairyo-ni tsukutte-oko.”

Maomao “Nothing. I’ll take my leave. It wouldn’t be surprising if this escalated into a trouble at any time. I think I should make a large amount of anesthetic.”

揉め事（もめごと/Mome-goto）: trouble

壬氏「麻酔薬(ますいやく)…？お、おい！何(なん)の話(はなし)だ？おい待(ま)て、猫猫！」

Jinshi “Masui-yaku…? O, oi! Nan’no hanashi-da? Oi mate, Maomao!”

Jinshi “Anesthetic? Hey, what are you talking about? Hey, wait, Maomao!”

猫猫「次回(じかい)、『氷菓』。小蘭が窮地(きゅうち)に立(た)たされる…！」

Maomao “Jikai, ‘Aisu.’ Shaoran’ga kyuchi-ni tata-sareru…!”

Maomao “Next Episode, ‘Ice.’ Xiaolan will face a predicament…!”

窮地（きゅうち/Kyu-chi）: predicament

氷菓（ひょうか/Hyo-ka）: We usually call them アイス in general, but the Kanji 氷菓 is read as ひょうか. It refers frozen fruits juice or frozen dessert. If it contains a lot of milk, it’s classified as アイスクリーム/ice cream.

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apothecaryscript · 17 days ago

Text

Memo for Episode 14 “The Dancing Ghost”

猫猫（あんなことを聞(き)いて、首(くび)を突(つ)っ込(こ)むなという方(ほう)が無理(むり)だ。ん？）

Maomao (Anna koto’o kiite, kubi’o tsukkomu-na-to-iu-hoga muri-da. N?)

Maomao (Who wouldn’t be interested after hearing that?)

首を突っ込む（くびをつっこむ/Kubi’o tsukkomu）: stick/put/push/poke one’s nose into, meddle in, get involved (more than necessary), interfere too much

あんなことを聞いて、首を突っ込むなという方が無理だ: (direct translation)　After hearing such a story, it’s impossible for me not to put my nose into that, even if you tell me not to.

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猫猫（案(あん)の定(じょう)、お鉢(はち)が回(まわ)って来(き)たか）

Maomao (An’no-jo, ohachi’ga mawatte-kita-ka.)

Maomao (Here we go, just as I expected.)

案の定（あんのじょう/An’no jo）: As expected, sure enough

お鉢が回って来た（おはちがまわってきた/Ohachi’ga mawatte-kita）: My turn has come (round).

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玉葉妃「あらっ、まあ、おいたわしいわ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ara, maa, oitawashii-wa.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh, no. That must be terrifying.”

いたわしい(労しい/Itawashii): pitiful, heart-rending, heartbreaking, saddening, pathetic　＝気の毒な（きのどくな/Kino-doku-na）, 不憫な（ふびんな/Fubin-na）

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猫猫（またこのやりとりか…ん？）

Maomao (Mata kono yaritori-ka… N?)

Maomao (This exchange again…)

やりとり(遣り取り/Yari-tori): exchange, giving and taking, conversation, communication

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壬氏「いえ、『返して』ですよ。この…猫猫を。戻(もど)った後(あと)、この娘(むすめ)に何(なに)を聞(き)いても無駄(むだ)ですよ。口止(くちど)めは、しっかりいたしますゆえ…。では、そういうことで」

Jinshi “Ie, ‘kaeshite’ desu-yo. Kono… Maomao’o. Modotta-ato, kono musume’ni nani’o kiitemo muda desu-yo. Kuchi-dome’wa, shikkari itashi-masu-yue… Dewa, so-iu koto’de.”

Jinshi “No, I’d like her ‘returned’… This ‘Maomao.’ You won’t be able to ask her anything when she gets back. I’ll make sure her lips are sealed. With that, I’ll take my leave.”

口止め（くちどめ/Kuchi-dome）: forbidding someone from telling the secret, ordering someone to keep quiet

“ゆえ（故/yue）” in “しっかりいたしますゆえ”: because, since = ので(casual) *ゆえ is very formal.

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河南「こちらです。…手前(てまえ)が脱衣所(だついじょ)で、奥(おく)が浴室(よくしつ)なのですが…里樹様は、こちらの物置(ものおき)の窓(まど)から、奇妙(きみょう)な人影(ひとかげ)を見(み)たというのです」

Kanan “Kochira desu. …Temae’ga datsui-jo’de, oku’ga yokushitsu-nano-desu-ga… Rīshu-hi’wa, kochira’no mono-oki’no mado’kara, kimyo-na hito-kage’o mita-to iuno-desu.”

Kanan “This way. The first room is the changing room, and the bath is beyond. Lady Lishu said she saw a strange human figure from the window of this warehouse.”

手前（てまえ/Temae）: in the front ⇔ 奥(おく/Oku): beyond, the depths

I have seen many translations of 奥 as “back”, but it depends. In the straight direction in front of you, the closest is “手前” and the furthest is “奥”.

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猫猫「ふむ…」（何(なん)の変哲(へんてつ)もないただの銅鏡(どうきょう)に見(み)えるが…）

Maomao “Fumu…” (Nan’no hentetsu’mo-nai tada’no dokyo’ni mieru-ga…)

Maomao (It looks like an ordinary copper mirror, but…)

何の変哲もない(なんのへんてつもない/Nan’no hen-tetsu’mo nai): nothing special, completely ordinary

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猫猫「透光鑑(とうこうかん)と呼(よ)ばれることもある、跳(は)ね返(かえ)した光(ひかり)が絵(え)や文字(もじ)になる、摩訶不思議(まかふしぎ)な鏡(かがみ)です。作(つく)る際(さい)に鏡面(きょうめん)に凹凸(おうとつ)を施(ほどこ)して、絵(え)や文字(もじ)を映(うつ)すそうです。かなりの技術(ぎじゅつ)が必要(ひつよう)だと、養父(ようふ)から聞(き)いたことがあります」

Maomao “Toko-kan-to yobareru-koto’mo aru, hane-kaeshita hikari’ga e’ya moji’ni naru, maka-fushigi-na kagami desu. Tsukuru-sai’ni kyomen’ni o-totsu’o hodokoshite, e’ya moji’o utsusu-so-desu. Kanari’no gijutsu’ga hitsuyo-dato, yofu’kara kiita-koto’ga ari-masu.”

Maomao “It’s a very special mirror that can reflect light and turn it into an image or text. I hear it’s built by applying bumps into the mirror face. I’ve heard from my adopted father that it takes quite a bit of skill to create.”

摩訶不思議な（まかふしぎな/Maka-fushigi-na）: mysterious beyond comprehension, ineffably mysterious

凹凸（おうとつ/O-totsu）: bumpy and uneven, rough and jagged = 凸凹(でこぼこ/Deko-boko)

I don’t know if they are Kanji or not, but we usually use them just like Kanji. 凹 is read as おう(Ou) or ぼこ(Boko) and it means “dent(ed)”. 凸 is read as とつ(Totsu) or でこ(deko) and it means “bump” or “protrusion”.

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猫猫（一見(いっけん)、妃(きさき)を敬(うやま)う侍女(じじょ)のようなたしなめ方(かた)だが、本性(ほんしょう)が端々(はしばし)に現(あらわ)れている。今更(いまさら)な猫(ねこ)かぶりだ）

Maomao (Ikken, kisaki’o uyamau jijo’no-yona tashiname-kata-daga, honsho’ga hashi-bashi-ni arawarete-iru. Ima-sara-na neko-kaburi-da.)

Maomao (At a quick glance, she might sound like a strict but caring lady-in-waiting. But her true nature is seeping out from time to time. It’s too late to pretend now.)

たしなめる(窘める/Tashinameru): chide, rebuke, reprove

It’s completely different from the word “たしなむ（嗜む/Tashinamu）” which means “enjoy” or “have a taste for.”

今更な（いまさらな/Ima-sara-na）: too late now, at this point

猫をかぶる（ねこをかぶる/Neko’o kaburu）: play the hypocrite, put on an act, play coy

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壬氏「たとえ下賜(かし)されたものであっても、上級妃(じょうきゅうひ)の紋(もん)が付(つ)いたものを、一侍女(いちじじょ)風情(ふぜい)が身(み)に着(つ)けるとは…分不相応(ぶんふそうおう)と思(おも)わなかったのですか？」

Jinshi “Tatoe kashi-sareta-mono’de attemo, jokyu-hi’no mon’ga tsuita mono’o, ichi-jijo-fuzei’ga mi’ni tsukeru-towa… bun-fu-soo-dato omowa-nakatta-no-desu-ka?”

Jinshi “Even if it was a gift, for you, a regular lady-in-waiting, to wear an item engraved with the crest of a high-ranking concubine… Did it not occur to you how deeply inappropriate that would be?”

一侍女風情（いちじじょふぜい/Ichi-jijo-fuzei）が = ただの侍女に過ぎないお前が He is insulting her, “You, just a lady-in-waiting”

分不相応（ぶんふそうおう/Bun-fu-so’o）: beyond one’s means or position ＝ “分・身分（ぶん・みぶん）: position, status” ＋ “不（ふ）: not, no” ＋ “相応な（そうおうな）: appropriate”

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猫猫（おぉ。里樹妃が侍女(じじょ)たちからないがしろにされていたことは、壬氏様も知(し)っていただろう。公(おおやけ)にしなかったのは、里樹妃の面子(めんつ)をつぶすことになるからだ。しかし物的証拠(ぶってきしょうこ)があれば、くぎを刺(さ)すことができる）

Maomao (Oo. Rīshu-hi’ga jijo-tachi’kara naigashiro’ni sarete-ita koto’wa, Jinshi-sama’mo shitte-ita-daro. Ooyake’ni shinakatta’nowa, Rīshu-hi’no mentsu’o tsubusu-koto’ni naru-kara-da. Shikashi butteki-shoko’ga areba, kugi’o sasu-koto’ga dekiru.)

Maomao (Master Jinshi must have known that Concubine Lishu’s ladies-in-waiting were mistreating her. He didn’t say as much openly, since it would reflect poorly on Concubine Lishu as well. But now that he has physical evidence, he can make his point freely.)

ないがしろにする（蔑ろにする/Naigashiro’ni suru）: don’t think it important, make light of, despise, slight

公にする（おおやけにする/Ooyake’ni suru）: make public

面子をつぶす（めんつをつぶす/Mentsu’o tsubusu）: cause to lose face 面子（めんつ）: face, honor

くぎを刺す（くぎをさす/Kugi’o sasu）: give a warning to someone

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高順「毒(どく)をもって毒(どく)を制(せい)してください」

Gaoshun “Doku’o motte doku’o seishite-kudasai.”

Gaoshun “Please fight poison with poison.”

毒を以て毒を制す（どくをもってどくをせいす/Doku’o motte doku’o seisu）: Japanese saying, which means the same as “Fight fire with fire.”

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壬氏「ん…」（大尉(たいい)・漢(カン)羅漢(ラカン)。数年前(すうねんまえ)に実父(じっぷ)と異母弟(いぼてい)から家督(かとく)を奪(うば)い、羅(ラ)の家(いえ)の主(あるじ)となった男(おとこ)は、皇帝(こうてい)すら一目(いちもく)置(お)く存在(そんざい)だ。大尉(たいい)という立場(たちば)でありながら、どこの派閥(はばつ)にも入(はい)らず、のらりくらりと立(た)ち回(まわ)る。多(おお)くの者(もの)が出(で)る杭(くい)として打(う)とうとしても、その誰(だれ)もが、火傷(やけど)程度(ていど)では済(す)まない痛手(いたで)を負(お)わされる。あの男(おとこ)の頭(あたま)の中(なか)は、どうなっているのか分(わ)からない。むやみに関(かか)わるな…という暗黙(あんもく)の了解(りょうかい)が宮廷内(きゅうていない)でできている）

Jinshi “N…” (Taii, Kan Rakan. Su-nen-mae’ni jippu’to ibo-tei’kara katoku’o ubai, Ra’no ie’no aruji-to natta otoko’wa, kotei-sura ichimoku-oku sonzai-da. Taii-to-iu tachiba’de ari-nagara, doko’no habatsu’nimo hairazu, norari-kurari-to tachi-mawaru. Ooku’no mono’ga deru-kui-to-shite uto-to-shitemo, sono daremo’ga, yakedo-teido’dewa suma-nai itade’o owa-sareru. Ano otoko’no atama’no naka’wa, do-natte iru-noka wakara-nai. Muyami’ni kakawaru-na…to-iu anmoku’no ryokai’ga kyutei-nai’de dekite-iru.)

Jinshi (Grand Commandant Kan Lakan. He took over as head of his family through force, from his father and half-brother. He is now someone even the emperor himself respects. Even though he’s a grand commandant, he doesn’t belong to any specific group, wandering between people at will. Many tried to subdue him before he caused trouble, but they all were beat back, with more than a few light burns to pay for it. Nobody knows what goes on in his head. The unspoken rule in the castle is, ‘Don’t interact with him unless necessary.’)

のらりくらりと(Norari-kurari-to): slippery as an eel, skating on thin ice, elusively, non-committally, lazily, vaguely

出る杭は打たれる（でるくいはうたれる/Deru kui’wa utareru）: Japanese saying which means “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.”

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壬氏「まだ慣(な)れぬだろうが、いずれ適(てき)した仕事(しごと)を割(わ)り振(ふ)る。しばし待(ま)たれよ」

Jinshi “Mada narenu-daro-ga, izure tekishita shigoto’o wari-furu. Shibashi mata-reyo.”

Jinshi “They might need some help still, but we promise we’ll find work more suited to their skills.”

しばし待たれよ(しばしまたれよ/Shibashi matareyo)： (Please) wait for a while.

I’m not sure if “please” should be added or not. This way of saying is usually used when a high-ranking person speaks to someone lower, but it has a bit polite nuance. I don’t know why this sentence was missing in the English subtitles in the video I watched.

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Finally, Jinshi called Maomao by her name. Maomao’s words “No matter what, you will always be Master Jinshi to me” seemed to give him confidence, and his warning to the former head lady-in-waiting of the Diamond Pavilion was brilliant. By the way, Concubine Lishu has been in a really pitiful situation. Watching this anime, we can see that even people who are generally in a privileged position also have various sufferings.

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apothecaryscript · 17 days ago

Text

Episode 14(Ep.38): The Dancing Ghost / 第14話（第38話）『踊る幽霊（おどるゆうれい/Odoru Yurei）』

赤羽(セキウ)「信(しん)じられません。玉葉様(ギョクヨウさま)以外(いがい)の上級妃(じょうきゅうひ)の世話(せわ)をするなんて」

Sekiu “Shinji-rare-masen. Gyokuyo-sama-igai’no jokyu-hi’no sewa’o suru-nante.”

Seki-u “That’s unbelievable! That you’d take care of a high-ranking concubine that’s not Lady Gyokuyou!”

猫猫(マオマオ)（そう言(い)われても…）

Maomao (So iware-temo…)

Maomao (You say that, but…)

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里樹妃(リーシュひ)「出(で)るの…あの宮(みや)の湯殿(ゆどの)には…その…幽霊(ゆうれい)が…！」

Rīshu-hi “Deru-no…ano miya’no yudono’niwa…sono…yurei’ga…!”

Concubine Lishu “Something’s there. The pavilion’s bath has… Um… A ghost!”

猫猫「一度(いちど)、壬氏様(ジンシさま)に相談(そうだん)されてみてはいかがでしょう？」

Maomao “Ichido, Jinshi-sama’ni sodan-sarete-mite’wa ikaga-desho?”

Maomao “Why don’t you try and consult Master Jinshi?”

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猫猫（あんなことを聞(き)いて、首(くび)を突(つ)っ込(こ)むなという方(ほう)が無理(むり)だ。ん？）

Maomao (Anna koto’o kiite, kubi’o tsukkomu-na-to-iu-hoga muri-da. N?)

Maomao (Who wouldn’t be interested after hearing that?)

紅娘(ホンニャン)「猫猫」

Hon’nyan “Maomao.”

Hongniang “Maomao.”

猫猫（案(あん)の定(じょう)、お鉢(はち)が回(まわ)って来(き)たか）

Maomao (An’no-jo, ohachi’ga mawatte-kita-ka.)

Maomao (Here we go, just as I expected.)

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猫猫「お呼(よ)びでしょうか」

Maomao “Oyobi-desho-ka.”

Maomao “Did you summon me?”

猫猫（しまった…。牛黄(ごおう)をもらって忘(わす)れていたが、先日(せんじつ)の狩(か)りで、とんでもない秘密(ひみつ)を知(し)ってしまったんだ。後宮(こうきゅう)にいる男(おとこ)は、皇帝(こうてい)以外(いがい)は皆(みな)、宦官(かんがん)。しかし壬氏様は、そうではなかった。そこそこ立派(りっぱ)なカエルをお持(も)ちなのだ）

Maomao (Shimatta… Goo’o moratte wasurete-ita-ga, senjitsu’no kari’de, tondemo-nai himitsu’o shitte-shimattanda. Kokyu’ni iru otoko’wa, kotei-igai’wa mina, kangan. Shikashi Jinshi-sama’wa, so’dewa nakatta. Soko-soko rippa-na kaeru’o omochi nanoda.)

Maomao (Yikes. The joy of getting the ox bezoar made me forget, but I learned a huge secret about him during that hunting trip. All of the men in the rear palace, except for the emperor, are eunuchs. But Master Jinshi was not. He has a somewhat sizable frog.)

猫猫「うぅ…」

Maomao “Uu…”

玉葉妃「ウフフ…それで今日(きょう)は、どんなお願(ねが)いかしら？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ufufu… Sorede kyo’wa donna onegai kashira?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “So, what is your desire today?”

壬氏「とある妃(きさき)の部屋(へや)で、幽霊(ゆうれい)が出(で)るようで」

Jinshi “Toaru kisaki’no heya’de, yurei’ga deru-yode.”

Jinshi “I’ve heard that a ghost appears in a certain concubine’s room.”

��葉妃「あらっ、まあ、おいたわしいわ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ara, maa, oitawashii-wa.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh, no. That must be terrifying.”

紅娘「ハァ…」

Hon’nyan “Haa…”

玉葉妃「どの妃かしら？お見舞(みま)いに行(い)かなければ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Dono kisaki kashira? Omimai’ni ika-nakereba.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Which concubine is it? I must visit to send my well wishes.”

紅娘「玉葉様、そのお体(からだ)で外(そと)へ出るのはいけません」

Hon’nyan “Gyokuyo-sama, sono okarada’de soto’e deru’nowa ike-masen.”

Hongniang “Lady Gyokuyou, you mustn’t go outside in that state.”

玉葉妃「それなら使(つか)いを出(だ)しましょう。そうねぇ…紅娘、あなたと猫猫、2人(ふたり)で行くのはどうかしら？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Sore-nara tsukai’o dashi-masho. So-nee… Hon’nyan, anata’to Maomao, futari’de iku’nowa do-kashira?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “I’ll send someone in my stead, then. Let’s see… Hongniang, why don’t you go, and take Maomao with you?”

壬氏「玉葉妃、これは内密(ないみつ)のことですので、見舞いはお控(ひか)えください。そういうわけなので、また返(かえ)していただけますか？」

Jinshi “Gyokuyo-hi, kore’wa naimitsu’no koto-desu-node, mimai’wa ohikae kudasai. So-iu wake-nanode, mata kaeshite-itadake-masu-ka?”

Jinshi “Concubine Gyokuyou, this is a secret affair, so please allow me to decline your visitation. Instead, can I have her ‘returned’ to me again?”

玉葉妃「貸(か)して、ならあげるわよ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Kashite, nara ageru-wayo.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “I can certainly ‘lend’ her to you.”

2人「ハァ…」

Futari “Haa…”

猫猫（またこのやりとりか…ん？）

Maomao (Mata kono yaritori-ka… N?)

Maomao (This exchange again…)

Jinshi “Ie, ‘kaeshite’ desu-yo. Kono… Maomao’o. Modotta-ato, kono musume’ni nani’o kiitemo muda desu-yo. Kuchi-dome’wa, shikkari itashi-masu-yue… Dewa, so-iu koto’de.”

Jinshi “No, I’d like her ‘returned’… This ‘Maomao.’ You won’t be able to ask her anything when she gets back. I’ll make sure her lips are sealed. With that, I’ll take my leave.”

猫猫「うぅ…」

Maomao “Uu…”

高順「ん…」

Gaoshun “N…”

紅娘「あぁ…」

Hon’nyan “Aa…”

玉葉妃「あなたたち、狩(か)りで何かあったの？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Anata-tachi, kari’de nanika atta-no?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “What happened between you two during the hunting trip?”

猫猫「あぁ…カエルのせいです…」

Maomao “Aa… kaeru’no sei desu…”

Maomao “It’s all the frog’s fault.”

2人「カエル？」

Futari “Kaeru?”

The two “The frog?”

猫猫（墓(はか)まで持(も)って行く秘密(ひみつ)の代償(だいしょう)に、牛黄(ごおう)は安(やす)かったかもしれない…）

Maomao (Haka’made motte-iku himitsu’no daisho’ni, goo’wa yasu-katta-kamo shire-nai…)

Maomao (Maybe the ox bezoar wasn’t worth the secret I have to carry to my grave.)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

河南(カナン)「お待(ま)ちしておりました」

Kanan “Omachi-shite ori-mashita.”

Kanan “We’ve been awaiting your arrival.”

女官たち「あぁ…」

Nyokan-tachi “Aa…”

猫猫「ん…」

Maomao “N…”

壬氏「フフフ…」

Jinshi “Fufufu…”

猫猫「う…」（高順様(ガオシュンさま)はどこまで知(し)っているんだろうか。それとも、高順様も実(じつ)は宦官(かんがん)ではないのだろうか。考(かんが)えても仕方(しかた)のないことだな…）

Maomao “U…” (Gaoshun-sama’wa doko’made shitte-irun-daro-ka. Sore-tomo, Gaoshun-sama’mo jitsu’wa kangan’dewa naino-daro-ka. Kangae-temo shikata’no nai koto dana…)

Maomao (How much does Master Gaoshun know? Or, could it be that Master Gaoshun isn’t a eunuch, either? There’s no point in thinking about this.)

里樹妃「あっ…」

Rīshu-hi “A…”

壬氏「ごきげんよう。里樹妃」

Jinshi “Gokigen-yo. Rīshu-hi.”

Jinshi “Greetings, Concubine Lishu.”

里樹妃「わぁ、壬氏様！」

Rīshu-hi “Waa, Jinshi-sama!”

Concubine Lishu “Master Jinshi!”

壬氏「早速(さっそく)、幽霊(ゆうれい)が出(で)るという湯殿(ゆどの)に案内(あんない)して頂(いただ)けますか？」

Jinshi “Sassoku, yurei’ga deru-to-iu yudono’ni annai-shite-itadake-masu-ka?”

Jinshi “Could you show us to the bath that has the ghost?”

里樹妃「あ…はい…」

Rīshu-hi “A…hai…”

Concubine Lishu “Oh… Yes…”

侍女たち「ん…」

Jijo-tachi “N…”

猫猫（分(わ)かりやす過(す)ぎないか？上級妃(じょうきゅうひ)の立場(たちば)でこれだと心配(しんぱい)になる…）

Maomao (Wakari-yasu-sugi-nai-ka? Jokyu-hi’no tachiba’de kore-dato shinpai’ni naru…)

Maomao (Can they be more obvious? It’s concerning that they have that attitude towards a high-ranking concubine…)

Kanan “Kochira desu. …Temae’ga datsui-jo’de, oku’ga yokushitsu-nano-desu-ga… Rīshu-hi’wa, kochira’no mono-oki’no mado’kara, kimyo-na hito-kage’o mita-to iuno-desu.”

Kanan “This way. The first room is the changing room, and the bath is beyond. Lady Lishu said she saw a strange human figure from the window of this warehouse.”

壬氏「どんな人影が見えたのですか？」

Jinshi “Donna hito-kage’ga mietano-desu-ka?”

Jinshi “What kind of human figure did you see?”

里樹妃「そ、それは…」

Rīshu-hi “So, sore’wa…”

Concubine Lishu “W-Well…”

侍女「まだそんなことを言(い)ってらっしゃるのですか？何(なに)かの見間違(みまちが)いでしょう？里樹様はそうやって、皆(みな)の気(き)を引(ひ)きたがるのですわ」

Jijo “Mada sonna koto’o itte-rassharuno-desu-ka? Nanika’no mi-machigai desho? Rīshu-sama’wa so-yatte, mina’no ki’o hiki-tagaruno-desu-wa.”

Lady-in-waiting “Are you still going on about that? You must be mistaken. Lady Lishu always wants to get everyone’s attention in that way.”

里樹妃「うぅ…」

Rīshu-hi “Uu…”

河南「ん…」

Kanan “N…”

侍女「大(たい)したことではないのに、こんな大(おお)ごとにして…。それをいさめるのが、本来(ほんらい)侍女頭(じじょがしら)の務(つと)めだと思(おも)いますのに…。元毒見役(もとどくみやく)だと、そんなことも分からないのかしら」

Jijo “Taishita koto’dewa nai-noni, konna oogoto’ni shite… Sore’o isameru’noga, honrai jijo-gashira’no tsutome-to omoi-masu-noni… Moto-dokumi-yaku-dato, sonna koto’mo wakara-naino-kashira.”

Lady-in-waiting “Making such a big deal out of nothing… I believe the head lady-in-waiting’s job is to keep that kind of behavior in check. Perhaps you don’t know that, since you were merely a taster.”

河南「申(もう)し訳(わけ)ありません…」

Kanan “Moshi-wake ari-masen…”

Kanan “My apologies…”

猫猫（口(くち)ぶりからすると、あの偉(えら)そうな侍女(じじょ)は元侍女頭(もとじじょがしら)か。毒見役(どくみやく)にその座(ざ)を奪(うば)われて、日常的(にちじょうてき)に嫌味(いやみ)を言(い)いたくなるほど悔(くや)しいのだろう。ん？…あのかんざしは…）

Maomao (Kuchi-buri’kara suruto, ano eraso-na jijo’wa moto-jijo-gashira-ka. Dokumi-yaku’ni sono za’o uba-warete, nichijo-teki’ni iyami’o iitaku-naru-hodo kuyashii-no-daro. N? …Ano kanzashi’wa…)

Maomao (Judging from the way she’s talking, that arrogant-sounding woman must be the former head lady-in-waiting. I’m sure she’s upset her role was taken from her by a taster and can’t stop complaining about it on a daily basis. Hmm? That hair stick…)

元侍女頭「そうは思(おも)われませんか？」

Moto-jijo-gashira “So’wa omoware-masen-ka?”

Former head lady-in-waiting “Don’t you agree?”

壬氏「そうですね。しかし、妃(きさき)の話(はなし)を聞(き)くのも私(わたし)の務(つと)めです。その仕事(しごと)を取(と)らないで頂(いただ)けますか？」

Jinshi “So-desu-ne. Shikashi, kisaki’no hanashi’o kiku’nomo watashi’no tsutome desu. Sono shigoto’o tora-naide-itadake-masu-ka?”

Jinshi “Perhaps. However, it is still my job to listen to the concubines. Could you let me go about my work?”

元侍女頭「は…はい…」

Moto-jijo-gashira “Ha…hai…”

Former head lady-in-waiting “Y-Yes…”

壬氏「ん…少(すこ)し喉(のど)が渇(かわ)くな…」

Jinshi “N… Sukoshi nodo’ga kawaku-na…”

Jinshi “Hmm. My throat’s a bit parched…”

侍女たち「ハッ！」

Jijo-tachi “Ha!”

元侍女頭「すぐにお茶(ちゃ)を！」

Moto-jijo-gashira “Sugu’ni ocha’o!”

Former lady-in-waiting “I’ll bring tea, immediately!”

侍女１「私(わたくし)が！」

Jijo-Ichi “Watakushi’ga!”

Lady-in-waiting 1 “I will!”

侍女２「いえ、私が…！」

Jijo-Ni “Ie, watakushi’ga…!”

Lady-in-waiting “No, I will!”

壬氏「さて、里樹妃。詳(くわ)しくお聞(き)かせ願(ねが)えますか？」

Jinshi “Sate, Rīshu-hi. Kuwashiku okikase negae-masu-ka?”

Jinshi “So, Concubine Lishu, can you fill me in on the details?”

里樹妃「は…はい…」

Rīshu-hi “Ha…Hai…”

Concubine Lishu “Y-Yes…”

猫猫（ほぉ…。里樹妃が��縮(いしゅく)しないように人払(ひとばら)いしたのか…）

Maomao (Hoo… Rīshu-hi’ga ishuku shinai-yoni hito-barai shita-noka…)

Maomao (I see. He sent them off to make sure Concubine Lishu could speak freely.)

里樹妃「あれは…いつも通(どお)りに湯(ゆ)あみを終(お)えた時(とき)でした。本当(ほんとう)はぬるめがいいのに、侍女(じじょ)たちはいつも熱(あつ)いお湯を用意(ようい)するから、冷(さ)めた…少(すこ)し遅(おそ)い時間(じかん)に入(はい)るのが日課(にっか)でした。うすうす気(き)づいていたけど、侍女たちは私(わたし)のことを、あまり好(この)ましく思(おも)っていないようです」

Rīshu-hi “Are’wa… itsumo-doori’ni yuami’o oeta-toki deshita. Honto’wa nurume’ga ii-noni, jijo-tachi’wa itsumo atsui oyu’o yoi-suru-kara, sameta…sukoshi osoi jikan’ni hairu’noga nikka deshita. Usu-usu kizuite-ita-kedo, jijo-tachi’wa watashi’no koto’o, amari konomashiku omotte-inai-yo-desu.”

Concubine Lishu “That night, it was after I finished bathing as always. I prefer lower temperatures, but the ladies-in-waiting always make my bath very hot. So, it became a habit of mine to take a bath a little later, after the water cooled down. I noticed this a little earlier, but it seems like the ladies-in-waiting don’t think very positively about me.”

里樹妃「お風呂(ふろ)は尼寺(あまでら)にいた時(とき)から、一人(ひとり)で入(はい)っていました。着替(きが)えだけ河南(カナン)に…あ、えっと…侍女頭(じじょがしら)に手伝(てつだ)ってもらっていました。体(からだ)を拭(ふ)いている時、暑(あつ)いと思(おも)って御簾(みす)を上(あ)げたんです。そしたら、窓(まど)は閉(し )まっているのに、ゆらゆらとカーテンが揺(ゆ)れていて…白(しろ)い顔(かお)が笑(わら)いながら、踊(おど)っていたのです…！私を見(み)つめながら…」

Rīshu-hi “Ofuro’wa ama-dera’ni ita-toki-kara, hitori’de haitte-imashita. Kigae-dake Kanan’ni… a, etto…jijo-gashira’ni tetsudatte-moratte-imashita. Karada’o fuite-iru-toki, atsui-to omotte misu’o agetan-desu. Soshitara, mado’wa shimatte-iru-noni, yura-yura-to kāten’ga yurete-ite… shiroi kao’ga warai-nagara, odotte-ita-no-desu…! Watashi’o mitsume-nagara…”

Concubine Lishu “I always take baths alone, starting from back in my days at the nunnery. Kanan… I mean, my head lady-in-waiting, helps me with my clothes. While I was wiping myself down, it felt warm, so I opened the drapes. Then… Even though all of the windows were closed, the curtains were billowing. And a white face was dancing and laughing! Staring at me…!”

猫猫「周(まわ)りに誰(だれ)かいたということは考(かんが)えられませんか？」

Maomao “Mawari’ni dareka ita-to iu-koto’wa kangae-rare-masen-ka?”

Maomao “Is it possible that someone else was there?”

里樹妃「近(ちか)くには河南しかいませんでした。河南も同(おな)じ幽霊(ゆうれい)を見(み)たのです！」

Rīshu-hi “Chikaku’niwa Kanan-shika imasen-deshita. Kanan’mo onaji yurei’o mitano-desu!”

Concubine Lishu “Kanan was the only one nearby. She saw the ghost, too!”

河南「ん…。正体(しょうたい)を確(たし)かめようと近(ちか)づいてみたら、幽霊は消(き)えていて、カーテンは何事(なにごと)もなかったように動(うご)かなくなっていました」

Kanan “N… Shotai’o tashikame-yoto chikazuite-mitara, yurei’wa kiete-ite, kāten’wa nani-goto’mo nakatta-yoni ugoka-naku-natte-imashita.”

Kanan “I approached it, trying to find out what it was, but is had disappeared, and the curtain stopped moving, like nothing happened.”

猫猫（建物(たてもの)の外(そと)につながる窓(まど)は皆(みな)閉(し)まっていて、風(かぜ)が通(とお)らない部屋(へや)。しかし、カーテンは揺(ゆ)れていた。確(たし)かに幽霊を見たと怯(おび)えても仕方(しかた)ない…。それにしても、変(へん)な間取(まど)りだ。水晶宮(すいしょうきゅう)や翡翠宮(ひすいきゅう)では、湯殿(ゆどの)は別棟(べつむね)になっていて、湯上(ゆあ)がりにくつろげる空間(くうかん)がある。普通(ふつう)、湯殿の隣(となり)に物置(ものおき)なんて作(つく)るだろうか？）

Maomao (Tatemono’no soto’ni tsunagaru mado’wa mina shimatte-ite, kaze’ga toora-nai heya. Shikashi, kāten’wa yurete-ita. Tashika’ni yurei’o mita-to obie-temo shikata-nai… Soreni-shitemo, hen-na madori-da. Suisho-Kyu’ya Hisui-Kyu’dewa, yudono’wa betsu-mune’ni natte-ite, yuagari’ni kutsurogeru kukan’ga aru. Futsu, yudono’no tonari’ni mono-oki-nante tsukuru-daro-ka?)

Maomao (All of the windows connected to the outside were closed, so no wind could have gone through. But the curtains were moving. It’s not unreasonable to think it was a ghost and get scared. What a strange layout, though. At the Crystal Pavilion and the Jade Pavilion, the baths are a separate building, and come with a space to relax after bathing. Why would anyone build a warehouse next to the bath?)

猫猫「向(む)こうの部屋(へや)は、元々(もともと)物置(ものおき)だったんですか？」

Maomao “Muko’no heya’wa, moto-moto mono-oki dattan-desu-ka?”

Maomao “Was that room always a warehouse?”

河南「あ…いえ、前(まえ)は…」

Kanan “A…ie, mae’wa…”

Kanan “Oh, no, not always…”

猫猫「では、どうして物置に？」

Maomao “Dewa, doshite mono-oki’ni?”

Maomao “Why is it a warehouse now?”

河南「それは…。こちらを見ていただけると分かると思いますが……うぅ…」

Kanan “Sore’wa… Kochira’o mite-itadakeru-to wakaru-to omoi-masu-ga……Uu…”

Kanan “Well… I think it’s faster if we just show you.”

猫猫・壬氏「あっ」

Maomao, Jinshi “A.”

壬氏「ああ、なるほど」

Jinshi “Aa, naruhodo.”

Jinshi “Ah, I see.”

猫猫「ひどくカビてますね」

Maomao “Hidoku kabite-imasu-ne.”

Maomao “That’s a lot of mold.”

猫猫（翡翠宮(ひすいきゅう)の侍女(じじょ)たちなら、原因(げんいん)を追究(ついきゅう)して、カビが生(は)えない工夫(くふう)くらいするだろうが…ここの侍女にそれを求(もと)めるのは難(むずか)しいだろう。結果(けっか)、物置にしてごまかしたと。もしかすると、土台(どだい)から腐(くさ)っているのかもしれない）

Maomao (Hisui-Kyu’no jijo-tachi-nara, gen’in’o tsuikyu-shite, kabi’ga hae-nai kufu-kurai suru-daro-ga… Koko’no jijo’ni sore’o motomeru’nowa muzukashii-daro. Kekka, mono-oki’ni shite gomakashita-to. Moshika-suruto, dodai’kara kusatte-iruno-kamo shire-nai.)

Maomao (The Jade Pavilion workers would have figured out the cause and done something to prevent the mold, but… I wouldn’t expect that from the ladies-in-waiting here. They just turned it into a warehouse to hide it. I wonder if the foundation’s rotten, too.)

猫猫「この建物(たてもの)は他(ほか)より古(ふる)いんですか？」

Maomao “Kono tatemono’wa hoka-yori furuin-desu-ka?”

Maomao “Is this building older than the others?”

河南「いえ、むしろ新(あたら)しいです。里樹様が入内(じゅだい)された時に建(た)てられたので…」

Kanan “Ie, mushiro atarashii desu. Rīshu-sama’ga judai-sareta-toki’ni tate-rareta-node…”

Kanan “No, it’s actually newer. It was built when Lady Lishu joined the rear palace.”

猫猫（数年(すうねん)でここまで…？里樹妃は、このカーテンが揺(ゆ)れていたと言っていた…）

Maomao (Su-nen’de koko’made…? Rīshu-hi’wa, kono kāten’ga yurete-ita-to itte-ita…)

Maomao (This bad, in just a few years? Concubine Lishu said this curtain was moving.)

猫猫「あっ…！風呂場(ふろば)を見せてください」

Maomao “A…! Furoba’o misete kudasai.”

Maomao “Please let me see the bath house.”

猫猫「あった」

Maomao “Atta.”

Maomao “Found it.”

猫猫（この穴(あな)の先(さき)は、後宮(こうきゅう)の水路(すいろ)につながっているはずだ）

Maomao (Kono ana’no saki’wa, kokyu’no suiro’ni tsunagatte-iru-hazu-da.)

Maomao (This hole must connect to the waterways of the rear palace.)

猫猫「里樹様」

Maomao “Rīshu-sama.”

Maomao “Lady Lishu.”

里樹妃「あ…」

Rīshu-hi “A…”

猫猫「もしかして幽霊(ゆうれい)が出(で)た日(ひ)、間違(まちが)えて風呂(ふろ)の栓(せん)を抜(ぬ)きませんでしたか？」

Maomao “Moshika-shite yurei’ga deta hi, machigaete furo’no sen’o nuki-masen-deshita-ka?”

Maomao “The day you saw the ghost. Did you unplug the bathtub by mistake?”

里樹妃「ええ…何(なん)で分(わ)かるの？」

Rīshu-hi “Ee… Nande wakaru-no?”

Concubine Lishu “I did. How did you know?”

猫猫「やっぱり…」

Maomao “Yappari…”

Maomao “I knew it.”

猫猫（閉(し)め切(き)った窓(まど)…揺(ゆ)れるカーテン…そして、抜(ぬ)かれた風呂(ふろ)の栓(せん)…。推理(すいり)が正(ただ)しければ、踊(おど)る幽霊(ゆうれい)の正体(しょうたい)は…）

Maomao (Shime-kitta mado… Yureru kāten… Soshite, nukareta furo’no sen… Suiri’ga tadashi-kereba, odoru yurei’no shotai-wa…)

Maomao (Closed windows, moving curtains, unplugged bathtub… If my deduction is correct, the true nature of the dancing ghost is…)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「高順様、この棚(たな)を動(うご)かすのを手伝(てつだ)って頂(いただ)けますか？」

Maomao “Gaoshun-sama, kono tana’o ugokasu-no’o tetsudatte-itadake-masu-ka?”

Maomao “Master Gaoshun, can you help me move this cabinet?”

高順「はい」

Gaoshun “Hai.”

Gaoshun “Yes.”

壬氏「これはひどいな」

Jinshi “Kore’wa hidoi-na.”

Jinshi “This is very bad.”

猫猫「ええ。ひどく腐(くさ)っています」

Maomao “Ee. Hidoku kusatte-imasu.”

Maomao “Yes, it’s quite rotten.”

猫猫（床(ゆか)が歪(ゆが)んで隙間(すきま)ができている。だとすると…）

Maomao (Yuka’ga yugande sukima’ga dekite-iru. Dato suruto…)

Maomao (The floor is warped and has gaps. In that case…)

猫猫「この下(した)に水路(すいろ)が通(とお)っているか確認(かくにん)できませんか？」

Maomao “Kono shita’ni suiro’ga tootte-iruka kakunin-deki-masen-ka?”

Maomao “Can you check if the waterways pass under here?”

高順「すぐに金剛宮(こんごうきゅう)の設計図(せっけいず)を用意(ようい)しましょう」

Gaoshun “Sugu’ni Kongo-Kyu’no sekkei-zu’o yoi-shimasho.”

Gaoshun “I’ll bring the Diamond Pavilion’s blueprint immediately.”

高順「こちらです」

Gaoshun “Kochira desu.”

Gaoshun “Here you are.”

猫猫「ありがとうございます。やはり、床(ゆか)の下(した)に水路(すいろ)が通(とお)っています。湯(ゆ)がこの下(した)を通(とお)れば、湯気(ゆげ)で床(ゆか)や壁(かべ)が腐敗(ふはい)しやすくなります。そして、湯気(ゆげ)がこの隙間(すきま)から上(あ)がって風(かぜ)を起(お)こし、カーテンを揺(ゆ)らしたのです」

Maomao “Arigato gozai-masu. Yahari, yuka’no shita’ni suiro’ga tootte-imasu. Yu’ga kono shita’o tooreba, yuge’de yuka’ya kabe’ga fuhai-shiyasuku-nari-masu. Soshite, yuge’ga kono sukima’kara agatte kaze’o okoshi, kāten’o yurashita-no-desu.”

Maomao “Thank you. As I thought, the waterway passes under the floor. When hot water passes under here, the vapor makes the floor and walls rot easily. Then, the vapor came up through this gap, causing a wind and moving the curtains.”

里樹妃「じゃ…じゃあ、あの丸(まる)い顔(かお)は何(なん)だったのよ！？」

Rīshu-hi “Ja…Jaa, ano marui kao’wa nan-datta-noyo!?”

Concubine Lishu “W-What was that round face I saw, then?!”

猫猫「ん…。あっ、あれか」

Maomao “N… A, are-ka.”

Maomao “That must be it.”

里樹妃「あの、それは…」

Rīshu-hi “Ano, sore’wa…”

Concubine Lishu “Um, that’s…”

猫猫「ん？」

Maomao “N?”

里樹妃「その銅鏡(どうきょう)、大事(だいじ)なものだから大切(たいせつ)に扱(あつか)ってくれる？」

Rīshu-hi “Sono dokyo, daiji-na mono-dakara taisetsu-ni atsukatte-kureru?”

Concubine Lishu “That copper mirror is precious to me. Can you be careful with it?”

猫猫「分(わ)かりました。これは、いつからここに？」

Maomao “Wakari-mashita. Kore’wa, itsu’kara koko’ni?”

Maomao “Understood. How long has this been here?”

里樹妃「以前(いぜん)はよく使(つか)ってたの。今(いま)は特使(とくし)が贈(おく)ってきた鏡(かがみ)があるから…」

Rīshu-hi “Izen’wa yoku tsukatteta-no. Ima’wa tokushi’ga okutte-kita kagami’ga aru-kara…”

Concubine Lishu “I used to use it often. But right now, we have that mirror that the special envoy gave us, so…”

猫猫（特使(とくし)の鏡(かがみ)は玻璃製(はりせい)で、銅鏡(どうきょう)の何倍(なんばい)も良(よ)く映(うつ)る。しまい込(こ)むのも仕方(しかた)ない。それにしても…）

Maomao (Tokushi’no kagami’wa hari-sei’de, dokyo’no nan-bai’mo yoku utsuru. Shimai-komu’nomo shikata-nai. Soreni-shitemo…)

Maomao (The special envoy’s mirror is made of glass, making it much clearer than the copper mirror. Naturally they’d use that one, and tuck this one away. But still…)

猫猫「毎日(まいにち)磨(みが)かれているのですね」

Maomao “Mai-nichi miga-karete-iruno-desu-ne.”

Maomao “You must be cleaning this every day.”

里樹妃「ええ、母様(かあさま)が遺(のこ)してくれた鏡(かがみ)だから…」

Rīshu-hi “Ee, Kaasama’ga nokoshite-kureta kagami-dakara…”

Concubine Lishu “Yes, it’s an heirloom from my late mother.”

猫猫「ふむ…」（何(なん)の変哲(へんてつ)もないただの銅鏡(どうきょう)に見(み)えるが…）

Maomao “Fumu…” (Nan’no hentetsu’mo-nai tada’no dokyo’ni mieru-ga…)

Maomao (It looks like an ordinary copper mirror, but…)

猫猫「里樹様。せっかくなので、久々(ひさびさ)に使(つか)われてみてはいかがでしょう？」

Maomao “Rīshu-sama. Sekkaku-nanode, hisa-bisa-ni tsuka-warete-mitewa ikaga-desho?”

Maomao “Lady Lishu, why don’t we put it to use?”

里樹妃「えっ？」

Rīshu-hi “E?”

猫猫「どうぞ」

Maomao “Dozo.”

Maomao “Please.”

里樹妃「あ…あぁ…使うって…」

Rīshu-hi “A…aa…tsukautte…”

Concubine Lishu “To use?”

猫猫「明(あか)るい所(ところ)で使うと、より見やすいと思います」

Maomao “Akarui tokoro’de tsukau-to, yori miyasui-to omoi-masu.”

Maomao “I think it’d be easier to see under good lighting.”

里樹妃「あ…」

Rīshu-hi “A…”

猫猫「こちらを向(む)けると、よく映(うつ)るやもしれません」

Maomao “Kochira’o mukeru-to, yoku utsuru-yamo shire-masen.”

Maomao “If you point it this way, it might come out better.”

里樹妃「はあ…！」

Rīshu-hi “Haa…!”

3人「ハッ！」

San-nin “Ha!”

猫猫（なるほど、こう映るのか…）

Maomao (Naru-hodo, ko utsuru-noka…)

Maomao (I see. This is how it appears.)

壬氏「どういうことだ？」

Jinshi “Do-iu koto-da?”

Jinshi “What’s going on?!”

猫猫「『魔鏡(まきょう)』というそうです。本物(ほんもの)を見るのは初(はじ)めてですが」

Maomao “’Makyo’to iu-so-desu. Honmono’o miru’nowa hajimete desu-ga.”

Maomao “It’s called a ‘magic mirror.’ I’ve never seen one in person, though.”

壬氏「魔鏡(まきょう)？」

Jinshi “Makyo?”

Jinshi “A magic mirror?”

猫猫（磨(みが)かれた鏡(かがみ)が月明(つきあ)かりに照(て)らされ、顔(かお)を映(うつ)す。隙間(すきま)から湯気(ゆげ)が上(あ)がり、カーテンが揺(ゆ)れる…。これは、色々(いろいろ)な偶然(ぐうぜん)が重(かさ)なって生(う)まれた幽霊(ゆうれい)だったわけだ）

Maomao (Miga-kareta kagami’ga tsuki-akari’ni terasare, kao’o utsusu. Sukima’kara yuge’ga agari, kāten’ga yureru… Kore’wa, iro-iro-na guzen’ga kasanatte umareta yurei datta-wake-da.)

Maomao (The well-polished mirror projects a face under the moonlight. The hot vapor creates a wind that moves the curtain. This ‘ghost’ was created from multiple coincidences converging.)

里樹妃「この顔(かお)…死(し)んだ母様(かあさま)に似(に)ている気(き)がする…。母様、この鏡(かがみ)を使(つか)わなくなっちゃったから、怒(おこ)ったのかなぁ。だから出(で)てきたのかなぁ」

Rīshu-hi “Kono kao… shinda Kaasama’ni nite-iru ki’ga suru… Kaasama, kono kagami’o tsukawa-naku-nacchatta-kara, okotta-no-kanaa. Dakara dete-kita-no-kanaa.”

Concubine Lishu “This face… It resembles my dead mother, I think. Did she get angry because I stopped using this mirror? Did she come out to scold me?”

猫猫「偶然(ぐうぜん)が重(かさ)なっただけです」

Maomao “Guzen’ga kasanatta dake desu.”

Maomao “It’s just a coincidence.”

里樹妃「踊(おど)るのが好(す)きだったって聞(き)いたの。私(わたし)を産(う)んだ後(あと)、体(からだ)を壊(こわ)して踊(おど)れなくなって、そのまま死(し)んじゃったから…こうして幽霊(ゆうれい)になって踊ってたのかな…」

Rīshu-hi “Odoru’noga suki-dattatte kiita-no. Watashi’o unda-ato, karada’o kowashite odore-naku-natte, sono-mama shinjatta-kara… Koshite yurei’ni natte odotteta-no-kana…”

Concubine Lishu “I heard she loved to dance. When she gave birth to me, it ruined her health. She was no longer able to dance, and died soon after. Maybe that’s why she was dancing like this, as a ghost.”

猫猫「幽霊なんて…」

Maomao “Yurei-nante…”

Maomao “Ghosts don’t―”

里樹妃「うっ、うぅ…（泣(な)き声(ごえ)）」

Rīshu-hi “U, uu… (Naki-goe)”

猫猫（本来(ほんらい)なら、もっと伸(の)び伸びとしていい年頃(としごろ)だ。母親(ははおや)の形見(かたみ)を毎日(まいにち)磨(みが)くことで、後宮(こうきゅう)での日々(ひび)を慰(なぐさ)めていたのかもしれない。母親を思(おも)う気持(きも)ちは、よく分(わ)からない。けれど、里樹妃にとっては、慕情(ぼじょう)を抱(いだ)くに値(あたい)する存在(そんざい)なのだろう）

Maomao (Honrai-nara, motto nobi-nobi-to shite-ii toshi-goro-da. Haha-oya’no katami’o mai-nichi migaku-koto’de, kokyu’deno hibi’o nagusamete-itano-kamo shire-nai. Haha-oya’o omou kimochi’wa, yoku wakara-nai. Keredo, Rīshu-hi’ni totte’wa, bojo’o idaku’ni atai-suru sonzai nano-daro.)

Maomao (At her age, she deserves a more relaxed life. Perhaps she dealt with the loneliness of being in the rear palace by taking care of her mother’s heirloom every day. I don’t really understand what it feels like to think fondly of a mother. But for Concubine Lishu, she must have been important enough to warrant sentiment.)

侍女たち「ウフフ…」

Jijo-tachi “Ufufu…”

元侍女頭「失礼(しつれい)します。外(そと)にお茶(ちゃ)をご用意(ようい)しました。ん？」

Moto-jijo-gashira “Shitsurei-shimasu. Soto’ni ocha’o go-yoi shima-shita. N?”

Former head lady-in-waiting “Excuse me. We’ve prepared tea outside.”

里樹妃「うっ…」

Rīshu-hi “U…”

元侍女頭「ん…まぁ、里樹様？何(なに)を泣(な)いているのですか？皆様(みなさま)の前(まえ)で恥(は)ずかしいですよ」

Moto-jijo-gashira “N…maa, Rīshu-sama? Nani’o naite-iruno-desu-ka? Mina-sama’no mae’de hazukashii desu-yo.”

Former head lady-in-waiting “Goodness, Lady Lishu, why are you crying? Don’t you think that’s embarrassing?”

Maomao (Ikken, kisaki’o uyamau jijo’no-yona tashiname-kata-daga, honsho’ga hashi-bashi-ni arawarete-iru. Ima-sara-na neko-kaburi-da.)

Maomao (At a quick glance, she might sound like a strict but caring lady-in-waiting. But her true nature is seeping out from time to time. It’s too late to pretend now.)

元侍女頭「あら、その鏡(かがみ)。まだ持(も)っていらしたのですか？」

Moto-jijo-gashira “Ara, sono kagami. Mada motte-irashita-no-desu-ka?”

Former head lady-in-waiting “Oh, you still had that mirror?”

里樹妃「あっ、あぁ！」

Rīshu-hi “A, aa!”

元侍女頭「特使様(とくしさま)に頂(いただ)いた鏡(かがみ)があるのだから、これはもういらないでしょう？誰(だれ)かに下賜(かし)してはいかがでしょう」

Moto-jijo-gashira “Tokushi-sama’ni itadaita kagami’ga aruno-dakara, kore’wa mo ira-nai desho? Dareka’ni kashi-shite’wa ikaga-desho.”

Former head lady-in-waiting “You already have the mirror from the special envoys, so you don’t need this one. Why don’t you gift is to one of your subordinates?”

里樹妃「…して」

Rīshu-hi “…shite.”

Concubine Lishu “Give it…”

元侍女頭「何(なん)ですか？」

Moto-jijo-gashira “Nan-desu-ka?”

Former head lady-in-waiting “What was that?”

里樹妃「返(かえ)して！返して～～～！うっ…あぁ…」

Rīshu-hi “Kaeshite! Kaeshiteeeeeee! U…Aa…”

Concubine Lishu “Give it back! Give it back!”

元侍女頭「あぁ！何ですか！？来客(らいきゃく)の前で、はしたないですよ？あっ…」

Moto-jijo-gashira “Aa! Nan-desu-ka!? Raikyaku’no mae’de, hashita-nai desu-yo? A…”

Former head lady-in-waiting “W-What is this?! You’re embarrassing yourself in front of the guests!”

壬氏「それは、里樹妃にとって大切なものです。よく確認(かくにん)もせず取(と)るのは、いかがなものかと思(おも)います」

Jinshi “Sore’wa, Rīshu-hi’ni-totte taisetsu-na mono desu. Yoku kakunin’mo sezu toru’nowa, ikaga-na-mono-kato omoi-masu.”

Jinshi “That item is precious to Concubine Lishu. I find it may be improper to take it from her without asking.”

元侍女頭「あっ…あっ、あぁ…」

Moto-jijo-gashira “A…a, aa…”

壬氏「これも下賜(かし)されたものでしょうか？」

Jinshi “Kore’mo kashi-sareta-mono desho-ka?”

Jinshi “Did she gift you this, as well?”

元侍女頭「はぁ…えっ！？」

Moto-jijo-gashira “Haa…e!?”

Jinshi “Tatoe kashi-sareta-mono’de attemo, jokyu-hi’no mon’ga tsuita mono’o, ichi-jijo-fuzei’ga mi’ni tsukeru-towa… bun-fu-soo-dato omowa-nakatta-no-desu-ka?”

元侍女頭「ハッ！」

Moto-jijo-gashira “Ha!”

壬氏「今後(こんご)は、自分(じぶん)の立場(たちば)をわきまえない行動(こうどう)は止(や)めていただきたい」

Jinshi “Kongo’wa, jibun’no tachiba’o wakimae-nai kodo’wa yamete-itadaki-tai.”

Jinshi “I kindly ask that you refrain from behaving in ways that contradict your status.”

元侍女頭「はぁ…。はっ…あ…あぁ…」

Moto-jijo-gashira “Haa… Ha…a…aa…”

侍女たち「うっ…」

Jijo-tachi “U…”

猫猫（あぁ、怖(こ)えぇ）

Maomao (Aa, koee.)

Maomao (Yikes. That’s scary.)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

下女「あの人(ひと)じゃない？ステキ！」

Gejo “Ano hito-ja nai? Suteki!”

Servant girl “Isn’t that him? So handsome!”

宦官「また新入(しんい)りを覗(のぞ)きに来(き)たのか」

Kangan “Mata shin-iri’o nozoki’ni kita-noka.”

Eunuch “Coming to gawk at the new guy again, huh?”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

虞淵(グエン)（やぶ医者(いしゃ)）「はいはい、分(わ)かったよ毛毛(マオマオ)～。嬢(じょう)ちゃん。また麻酔(ますい)になりそうな薬(くすり)を調(しら)べてるのかい？」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Hai-hai, wakatta-yo Maomaooo. Jochan. Mata masui’ni nari-sona kusuri’o shirabeteru-no-kai?”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “Yes, yes, I know, Maomao. Little lady, are you looking for a drug that can be used as an anesthetic again?”

猫猫「はい」

Maomao “Hai.”

Maomao “Yes.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「もう宦官(かんがん)は作(つく)られないんだから、調(しら)べなくていいのに」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Mo kangan’wa tsukurare-nain-dakara, shirabe-nakute-ii-noni.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “There’s no point anymore, since they’re not going to make any more eunuchs.”

猫猫「そう言(い)えば、宦官って、どうやって後宮(こうきゅう)に入(はい)るのですか？」

Maomao “So-ieba, kangantte, do-yatte kokyu’ni hairuno-desu-ka?”

Maomao “Coming to think of it, how do eunuchs enter the rear palace?”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「手術(しゅじゅつ)を受(う)けてだよ」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Shujutsu’o ukete-dayo.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “By receiving surgery, of course.”

猫猫「そうじゃなくて、どうやって宦官(かんがん)だと証明(しょうめい)するのですか？」

Maomao “So-ja-nakute, do-yatte kangan-dato shomei-suruno-desu-ka?”

Maomao “No, I mean, how do they prove that they’re a eunuch?”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「ああ…昔(むかし)は証明書(しょうめいしょ)があれば入(はい)れたけど、いろいろ不正(ふせい)があってねぇ。今(いま)は触診(しょくしん)だよ」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Aa… Mukashi’wa shomei-sho’ga areba haireta-kedo, iro-iro fusei’ga atte-nee. Ima’wa shoku-shin dayo.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “Ah, well, there used to be a document that you could show. But there were a lot of fraudulent ones. So, now there’s a physical exam.”

猫猫「つかむんですか？」

Maomao “Tsukamun-desu-ka?”

Maomao “They grab you, then?”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「あけすけ過(す)ぎるよ、嬢(じょう)ちゃん。不正(ふせい)が無(な)いように、部署(ぶしょ)の違(ちが)う3人(さんにん)の官(かん)に触診(しょくしん)されて、なければ入(はい)れるんだよ」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Akesuke-sugiru-yo, Jochan. Fusei’ga nai-yoni, busho’no chigau san-nin’no kan’ni shoku-shin-sarete, nakereba hairerun-dayo.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “Can you be less direct, little lady? In order to prevent fraud, they’re examined by three officers from different divisions. If there’s nothing there, they’re allowed in.”

猫猫「それって初回(しょかい)だけですか？」

Maomao “Sorette shokai-dake desuka?”

Maomao “Is that for just the first time only?”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「一応(いちおう)、出入(でい)りするたびにやってるよ」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Ichio, deiri-suru-tabi’ni yatteru-yo.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “It’s actually done every time we enter and exit.”

猫猫（宦官(かんがん)でなければ、後宮(こうきゅう)に入(はい)れるのは皇帝(こうてい)とその血族(けつぞく)のみ。とすれば壬氏様は…いや、なわけないか）

Maomao (Kangan’de nakereba, kokyu’ni haireru’nowa kotei’to sono ketsu-zoku-nomi. To-sureba Jinshi-sama’wa…iya, na-wake-nai-ka.)

Maomao (Unless they’re a eunuch, the only men who can enter the rear palace are the emperor and his kin. Which makes Master Jinshi… Nah, that can’t be.)

虞淵（やぶ医者）「宦官(かんがん)と言(い)えば、新(あたら)しく入(はい)った宦官(かんがん)の話(はなし)は知(し)ってるかい？」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “Kangan-to-ieba, atarashiku haitta kangan’no hanashi’wa shitteru-kai?”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “Speaking of eunuchs, have you heard about the newcomers?”

猫猫（あぁ、小蘭と子翠が話(はな)してたな）

Maomao (Aa, Shaoran’to Shisui’ga hanashiteta-na.)

Maomao (Oh yeah, Xiaolan and Shisui were talking about them.)

猫猫「噂(うわさ)には聞(き)きましたが、30人(さんじゅうにん)ほど入(はい)ったとか」

Maomao “Uwasa’niwa kiki-mashita-ga, sanju-nin-hodo haitta-toka.”

Maomao “I’ve heard the rumors, like that there’s about thirty of them.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「そうそう！若(わか)くてきれいどころが多(おお)いから、みんな浮(う)かれちゃってねぇ。この間(あいだ)は、風呂焚(ふろた)きの準備中(じゅんびちゅう)に下級妃(かきゅうひ)に絡(から)まれて大変(たいへん)そうだったよ～」

Guen (Yabu-Isha) “So-so! Wakakute kirei-dokoro’ga ooi-kara, minna ukarechatte-nee. Kono-aida’wa, furo-taki’no junbi-chu’ni kakyu-hi’ni karamarete taihen-so-datta-yooo.”

Guen (Quack Doctor) “Yes! They’re all young and good-looking, so everyone’s a bit excited! The other day, they all got swarmed by the low-ranking concubines when they were preparing the baths.”

猫猫（わざわざ確認(かくにん)しに行(い)ったのか…）

Maomao (Waza-waza kakunin-shini itta-noka…)

Maomao (And you went all the way out there to watch?)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

高順「一体(いったい)いつ話(はな)すのですか？」

Gaoshun “Ittai itsu hanasu-no-desu-ka?”

Gaoshun “When will you tell her?”

壬氏「そのうち話す」

Jinshi “Sono-uchi hanasu.”

Jinshi “At the right time.”

高順「態度(たいど)があからさま過(す)ぎて、逆(ぎゃく)におかしくなっていますよ。小猫(シャオマオ)も、干(ひ)からびたミミズでも見(み)るような目(め)をしていました」

Gaoshun “Taido’ga akara-sama-sugite, gyaku’ni okashiku natte-imasu-yo. Shaomao’mo, hikarabita mimizu’demo miru-yona me’o shite-imashita.”

Gaoshun “Your attitude is far too obvious, it seems unnatural. Xiaomao was looking at you like you were a dead worm.”

壬氏「うるさい。分(わ)かってる」

Jinshi “Urusai. Wakatteru.”

Jinshi “Shut up. I know.”

高順「早(はや)めに決(き)めてしまわないと、面倒(めんどう)なことになりますよ」

Gaoshun “Hayame’ni kimete-shimawa-naito, mendo-na koto’ni nari-masu-yo.”

Gaoshun “You need to make up your mind fast, or else there will be trouble.”

壬氏「さっさとこちら側(がわ)に引(ひ)き入(い)れろと言(い)うのだろう。だが、軍師殿(ぐんしどの)が出張(でば)ってくるぞ」

Jinshi “Sassa-to kochira-gawa’ni hiki-irero-to iuno-daro. Daga, gunshi-dono’ga debatte-kuru-zo.”

Jinshi “You want her on our side right away. Our strategist will interfere, though.”

高順「毒(どく)をもって毒(どく)を制(せい)してください」

Gaoshun “Doku’o motte doku’o seishite-kudasai.”

Gaoshun “Please fight poison with poison.”

壬氏（しかし、猫猫を引(ひ)き入(い)れるつもりなら、切(き)り離(はな)しては考(かんが)えられない。本当(ほんとう)の話(はなし)をしたい。なぜ今(いま)の立場(たちば)にいるのか。なぜ本当の姿(すがた)を隠(かく)しているのか。あいつに知(し)ってほしい。だがその後(あと)、どんな反応(はんのう)をするのか…）

Jinshi (Shikashi, Maomao’o hiki-ireru-tsumori-nara, kiri-hanashite’wa kangae-rare-nai. Honto’no hanashi’o shitai. Naze ima’no tachiba’ni iru-noka. Naze honto’no sugata’o kakushite-iru-noka. Aitsu’ni shitte-hoshii. Daga, sono-ato, donna hanno’o suru-noka…)

Jinshi (But in order to bring Maomao into our camp, he needs to be dealt with as well. I want to tell her the truth. I want her to know why I’m in my current position and why I’m hiding my true self. But when she learns the truth, how will she react?)

壬氏「ハァ…。次(つぎ)は後宮(こうきゅう)の案件(あんけん)か。多(おお)いな」

Jinshi “Haa… Tsugi’wa kokyu’no anken-ka. Ooi-na.”

Jinshi “More business for the rear palace. That’s a lot.”

高順「半分(はんぶん)は、楼蘭妃(ロウランひ)に関(かか)わるもので…女官(にょかん)が多(おお)すぎる。衣装(いしょう)が派手(はで)過(す)ぎて、後宮(こうきゅう)の景観(けいかん)を損(そこ)なう…などといった内容(ないよう)です」

Gaoshun “Hanbun’wa, Roran-hi’ni kakawaru-monode… Nyokan’ga oo-sugiru. Isho’ga hade-sugite, kokyu’no keikan’o sokonau…nado-to-itta naiyo desu.”

Gaoshun “About half is regarding Concubine Loulan. She has too many servants, her dress is too flashy and ruins the atmosphere of the rear palace, and so on.”

壬氏「いつもと変(か)わらんな」

Jinshi “Itsumo’to kawaran-na.”

Jinshi “So, the same as always.”

高順「こちらは、新(あたら)しい案件(あんけん)ですが…」

Gaoshun “Kochira’wa, atarashii anken desuga…”

Gaoshun “This one is new.”

壬氏「新入(しんい)りの宦官(かんがん)に色目(いろめ)を使(つか)う女官(にょかん)がいると…あらかた予想(よそう)できたがな」

Jinshi “Shin-iri’no kangan’ni irome’o tsukau nyokan’ga iru-to… Ara-kata yoso-dekita-ga-na.”

Jinshi “A court lady is trying to flirt with the new eunuchs. Well, that was to be expected.”

高順「ええ。彼(かれ)らには力仕事(ちからしごと)を任(まか)せています。おいおい適性(てきせい)を見(み)て、他(ほか)の部署(ぶしょ)に移(うつ)す予定(よてい)ですが、元(もと)は異民族(いみんぞく)に捕(と)らえられていた奴隷(どれい)たちです。慎重(しんちょう)に考(かんが)えませんと」

Gaoshun “Ee. Karera’niwa chikara-shigoto’o makasete-imasu. Oi-oi tekisei’o mite, hoka’no busho’ni utsusu yotei desu-ga, moto’wa iminzoku’ni torae-rarete-ita dorei-tachi desu. Shincho’ni kangae-masen-to.”

Gaoshun “Yes. They handle a lot of the physical labor. We plan to transfer them out to other divisions based on their skills, but they are all former slaves from a different land. We need to be very careful.”

壬氏「うむ…。一応(いちおう)、形(かたち)として見(み)ておく必要(ひつよう)があるだろうな」

Jinshi “Umu… Ichio, katachi-to-shite mite-oku hitsuyo’ga aru daro-na.”

Jinshi “Yes. I should probably take a look, even if as just a formality.”

高順「はい」

Gaoshun “Hai.”

Gaoshun “Yes.”

壬氏「面倒(めんどう)だな」

Jinshi “Mendo dana.”

Jinshi “How troublesome.”

高順「諦(あきら)めてください」

Gaoshun “Akiramete kuda-sai.”

Gaoshun “You don’t have a choice.”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

高順「白(しろ)い帯(おび)を着(つ)けている者(もの)がそうです」

Gaoshun “Shiroi obi’o tsukete-iru mono’ga so-desu.”

Gaoshun “The ones we’re looking for are wearing the white belts.”

壬氏「痩(や)せていて、どこか怯(おび)えているな」

Jinshi “Yasete-ite, dokoka obiete-iru-na.”

Jinshi “They’re skinny, and seem somewhat afraid.”

壬氏（元奴隷(もとどれい)たちは自由(じゆう)になったとて、普通(ふつう)の民(たみ)のようにうまく生(い)きていくことは難(むずか)しい。後宮(こうきゅう)への仕官(しかん)は、ある意味(いみ)適(てき)した方策(ほうさく)と言(い)える）

Jinshi (Moto-dorei-tachi’wa jiyu’ni natta-tote, futsu’no tami’no-yoni umaku ikite-iku koto’wa muzukashii. Kokyu’eno shikan’wa, aru-imi tekishita hosaku’to ieru.

Jinshi (Former slaves, even after being freed, have a hard time living life as a normal civilian. Assigning them to the rear palace is, in a way, a good decision.)

壬氏「あれが噂(うわさ)の宦官(かんがん)か…。左腕(ひだりうで)をどうかしたのか？」

Jinshi “Are’ga uwasa’no kangan-ka… Hidari-ude’o doka shita-noka?”

Jinshi “And that must be the one from the rumors. Is something wrong with his left arm?”

高順「ひどい折檻(せっかん)を受(う)けたようで、体(からだ)の左側(ひだりがわ)が痺(しび)れているとのことです。体中(からだじゅう)に傷(きず)があって、肌(はだ)を見(み)せたがらないとか」

Gaoshun “Hidoi sekkan’o uketa-yode, karada’no hidari-gawa’ga shibirete-iru-tono koto desu. Karada-ju’ni kizu’ga atte, hada’o mise-tagara-nai-toka.”

Gaoshun “He was heavily abused, causing the left side of his body to go numb. He doesn’t want to show his skin, since he has scars all over.”

壬氏「そうか」

Jinshi “Soka.”

Jinshi “I see.”

壬氏「…それにしても、人気者(にんきもの)だな」

Jinshi “…Sore’ni-shitemo, ninki-mono dana.”

Jinshi “He really is popular, though.”

高順「ええ。頭(あたま)はいいらしく、女官(にょかん)たちへの気(き)くばりがうまいのです」

Gaoshun “Ee. Atama’wa ii-rashiku, nyokan-tachi’eno ki-kubari’ga umai-no-desu.”

Gaoshun “Yes. Apparently, he’s very intelligent, and is quite thoughtful toward the women.”

壬氏「何(なん)だ？」

Jinshi “Nan-da?”

Jinshi “What is it?”

高順「あなたが言(い)えることですか？」

Gaoshun “Anata’ga ieru koto desu-ka?”

Gaoshun “Are you really one to talk?”

壬氏「ん？ウフフ…」

Jinshi “N? Ufufu…”

女官たち「キャ～！」

Nyokan-tachi “Kyaaa!”

壬氏「新人(しんじん)たちはどうだ？」

Jinshi “Shin-jin-tachi’wa do-da?”

Jinshi “How are the newcomers?”

宦官「あっ、壬氏様」

Kangan “A, Jinshi-sama.”

Eunuch “Master Jinshi.”

壬氏「まだ慣(な)れぬだろうが、いずれ適(てき)した仕事(しごと)を割(わ)り振(ふ)る。しばし待(ま)たれよ」

Jinshi “Mada narenu-daro-ga, izure tekishita shigoto’o wari-furu. Shibashi mata-reyo.”

Jinshi “They might need some help still, but we promise we’ll find work more suited to their skills.”

宦官「はっ」

Kangan “Ha.”

Eunuch “Of course.”

高順・壬氏「ん？」

Gaoshun, Jinshi “N?”

宦官「どうしてくれんだ！妃(きさき)の！上級妃(じょうきゅうひ)のための氷(こおり)だぞ！！あぁ…あぁ、くそ！もう終(お)わりだ！」

Kangan “Do-shite-kurenda! Kisaki’no! Jokyu-hi’no tame’no koori-dazo!! Aa…aa, kuso! Mo owari-da!”

Eunuch “What are you doing?! That ice was for a high-ranking concubine! Damn it… I’m finished!”

小蘭「はっ…ご…ごめんなさい…」

Shaoran “Ha…Go…Gomen-nasai…”

Xiaolan “I― I’m sorry…”

(Continue to Episode 15/Ep.39)

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apothecaryscript · 20 days ago

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Memo for Episode 13 (Ep.37) “The Baths”

検査官(けんさかん)「次(つぎ)！…何(なん)だ、お前(まえ)、足(あし)が不自由(ふじゆう)なのか？」

Kensa-kan “Tsugi! …Nanda, omae, ashi’ga fujiyu-nanoka?”

Inspector “Next! What’s this? What’s wrong with your leg?”

不自由な（ふじゆうな/Fujiyu-na）: disabled, physically handicapped, inconvenient

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「つい、癖(くせ)で」

Maomao “Tsui, kuse-de.”

Maomao “Just a habit of mine.”

つい、癖で（つい、くせで/Tsui, kuse’de.）: By force of habit, out of habit

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

小蘭「うわぁ！ダ…ダメだってば！こっちは妃(きさき)専用(せんよう)だよ！入っていいの？」

Shaoran “Uwaa! Da…Dame-datteba! Kocchi’wa kisaki-sen’yo-dayo! Haitte ii-no?”

Xiaolan “Whoa! W-Wait! This area’s for the concubines. Are you sure we should be here?”

専用（せんよう/Sen’yo）: for exclusive use, for private use

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

侍女「これ、香油(こうゆ)ね」

Jijo “Kore, koyu-ne.”

Lady-in-waiting “Here’s the scented oil.”

中級妃「少(すこ)し��(つよ)めにお願い」

Chukyu-hi “Sukoshi tsuyome’ni onegai.”

Mid-ranking concubine “Lay it on me a bit thick, would you?”

In my understanding, 「少(すこ)し強(つよ)めにお願い」 means 「少し強めにマッサージをお願い」, so the English translation would be “(Massage me) a little harder.” I think if she was talking about the scented oil, she would have said 「少し多めにお願い」.

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（つい呼(よ)び捨(す)てにするほど、仲(なか)が良(よ)かったのか…。だったら、そばにいる怪(あや)しい女官(にょかん)が気(き)になるのも当然(とうぜん)だ）

Maomao (Tsui yobi-sute’ni suru-hodo, naka’ga yokatta-noka… Dattara, soba’ni iru ayashii nyokan’ga kini-naru-nomo tozen-da.)

Maomao (They used to be very close, I guess. First-name level. In that case, it’s natural for them to be concerned by the suspicious servant so close by.)

呼び捨て（よびすて/Yobi-sute）: calling someone only by first/last name, without “様(さま/SamaI)”, “さん”, “ちゃん”, “くん”, or any other titles.

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

This time, Seki-u joined the trio of girls. There are many bathhouses in Japan, but we have to go in completely naked, and we can’t even bring towels into a bathtub. (If you are holding the towel on your head or in your hands without immersing it in the hot water, that’s fine.) So, I thought it was nice to have simple bathing clothes like the ones Maomao and the others were wearing. I wondered why Maomao had her hair accessories on when she was washing her hair… Haku-u and Koku-u must have felt relieved that Seki-u can now go to the bathhouse.

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apothecaryscript · 20 days ago

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Maomao no Hitorigoto Episode 37 “Modest” / 猫猫のひとりごと　第37話『つつましやか（Tsutsumashi-yaka）』

You can watch the video on YouTube, uploaded by the official Toho Animation account.

Please note that the English lines are just my translation.

小蘭「つって（伝手/Tsute）を作(つく)るぞ～♪」

Shaoran “Tsutte’o tsukuru-zooo♪”

Xiaolan “Let’s make some connections♪”

The reason that she says つって instead of つて is just to say rhythmically.

子翠「お――！くっし（櫛/Kushi）をもらうぞ～♪」

Shisui “Ooooo! Kusshi’o morau-zooo♪”

Shisui “Yeah! Let’s get a comb♪”

おー！: In Japan, just before a group challenge, such as a sports game or a stage performance, all the members gather and someone says “えい、えい(Ei, ei)” to inspire themselves, and then everyone will shout “おー！(Ooo!)”. “えい、えい、おー！” is a typical phrase, but in reality, each group will use a different shout. In this scene, the conversation flow is “Let’s do it!”, followed by “Yeah!” You can see that the two are fired up to take on the same challenge.

小蘭「お―！おー！」

Shaoran “Ooo! Ooo!”

Xiaolan “Yeah! Yeah!”

おー！: Same here as above

猫猫「フゥ…。魂胆(こんたん)がダダ漏(も)れだな…」

Maomao “Fuu… Kontan’ga dada-more-dana…”

Maomao “Phew… Your true intentions are all too obvious…”

魂胆（こんたん/Kontan）: an ulterior motive, secret/true intention

ダダ漏れ（だだもれ/Dada-more） = ダダ（だだ/Dada）: over-, excessive, extreme ＋漏れる（もれる/Moreru）: leak out, escape, shine through, seep from

子翠「あっ！猫猫～！」

Shisui “A! Maomaooo!”

Shisui “Ah! Maomao!”

小蘭「もーぅ、遅(おそ)いよ～！湯殿(ゆどの)に行(い)くよー！」

Shaoran “Mooo, osoi-yooo! Yudono’ni iku-yooo!”

Xiaolan “Come on, you’re late! Let’s go to the bathhouse!”

猫猫「ごめんごめん」

Maomao “Gomen gomen.”

Maomao “Yeah, sorry.”

ごめんごめん is more casual than ごめん. In Japanese, it’s sometimes impolite to repeat the words like ごめん(sorry) or はい(yes), so we don’t say ごめんごめん　or はいはい to a higher-ranking person. It’s okay when speaking to friends or someone close.

子翠「あれ？赤羽様(セキウさま)は？」

Shisui “Are? Sekiu-sama’wa?”

Shisui “Huh? Where’s Lady Seki-u?”

猫猫「先(さき)に行(い)くって」（また引(ひ)っぺがされるのを恐(おそ)れたか…）

Maomao “Saki’ni ikutte.” (Mata hippega-sareruno’o osoreta-ka…)

Maomao “She said she would go first.” (I guess she’s afraid of having her clothes pulled off again…)

引っぺがす(rough) = 引きはがす（ひきはがす/Hiki-hagasu）: pull off, remove, peel off, tear off

小蘭「そういえば、今日(きょう)も脱毛(だつもう)の予約(よやく)、いーっぱい入(はい)ってるよ！」

Shaoran “So-ieba, kyo’mo datsumo’no yoyaku, iiippai haitteru-yo!”

Xiaolan “By the way, there’re a ton of hair removal appointments booked today!”

猫猫「ここで、猫猫の豆知識(まめちしき)。糸脱毛(いとだつもう)は、近隣国(きんりんごく)で古来(こらい)より行(おこな)われていた脱毛方法(だつもうほうほう)。産毛(うぶげ)の除去(じょきょ)だけでなく、肌表面(はだひょうめん)の老廃物(ろうはいぶつ)や古(ふる)い角質(かくしつ)などを、少(すく)ない負担(ふたん)で取(と)り除(のぞ)くこともできる」

Maomao “Koko’de, Maomao’no mame-chishiki. Ito-datsumo’wa, kinrin-goku’de korai’yori okonawa-rete-ita datsumo-hoho. Ubuge’no jokyo-dake’de-naku, hada-hyomen’no rohai-butsu-ya furui kakushitsu-nado’o, sukunai futan’de tori-nozoku-koto’mo dekiru.”

Maomao “Here’s Maomao’s bits of knowledge. Threading is a hair removal method that has been used since ancient times in neighboring countries. It’s not just for removing fuzz, it can also remove waste products and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin with minimal stress.”

子翠「猫猫って、薬(くすり)のことだけじゃなくて、美容(びよう)にも詳(くわ)しいんだね～！」

Shisui “Maomaotte, kusuri’no koto-dake-ja nakute, biyo’nimo kuwashiin-daneee!”

Shisui “Maomao, you know a lot not only about medicines, but about beauty care too!”

猫猫「花街(はなまち)にいたからね」

Maomao “Hana-machi’ni ita-kara-ne.”

Maomao “Because I was in the pleasure district.”

小蘭「もしかして！…つつましやかじゃない胸(むね)にする方法(ほうほう)、知(し)ってる！？」

Shaoran “Moshika-shite! …Tsutsumashi-yaka-ja-nai mune’ni suru hoho, shitteru!?”

Xiaolan “Perhaps, …do you know how to make breasts more than modest!?”

つつましやか(Tsutsumashi-yaka): (seems like) modest = つつましい（Tsutsumashii）: modest ＋やか(yaka): like～, close to～ It’s not completely modest but close to modest.

猫猫「えっ？」（気(き)にしてたのか…）

Maomao “E?” (Ki’ni shiteta-noka…)

Maomao “Huh?” (So she’s worried about it…)

子翠「こんなの重(おも)たいだけだよ～！つつましやかな方(ほう)が身軽(みがる)で、虫(むし)も捕(つか)まえやすそうだし、うらやま…」

Shisui “Konna’no omotai-dake-dayooo! Tsutsumashi-yakana-ho’ga migaru’de, mushi’mo tsukamae-yasuso-dashi, urayama……”

Shisui “This is just heavy! The modest one is lighter and good to catch insects easily, so I envy―”

小蘭「む―――…」

Shaoran “Muuuuuuu…”

Xiaolan “Hmmmmm…”

子翠「はっ！！さっ、さ、早(はや)く行(い)こ～っ！伝手(つて)を作(つく)るぞ～♪」

Shisui “Ha!! Sa, sa, hayaku ikooo! Tsute’o tsukuru-zooo♪”

Shisui “Oh! Come on, let’s go quickly! Let’s make some connections♪”

小蘭「むむむむむむ…」

Shaoran “Mumumumumumu…”

Xiaolan “Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm…”

子翠「お――ぅ…」

Shisui “Oooooo…”

Shisui “Yeah…”

猫猫「ハァ…。次回(じかい)、『踊(おど)る幽霊(ゆうれい)』。今度(こんど)は金剛宮(こんごうきゅう)で、騒動(そうどう)が巻(ま)き起(お)こる…」

Maomao “Haa… Jikai, ‘Odoru Yurei’. Kondo’wa Kongo-Kyu’de, sodo’ga maki-okoru…”

Maomao “(Sigh) Next Episode, “The Dancing Ghost.” A commotion will break out at the Diamond Pavilion this time…”

#apothecary english #apothecary romaji #the apothecary diaries #apothecary diaries #learning japanese #japanese #薬屋のひとりごと #薬屋のひとりごと　英語 #薬屋　英語　学習 #japan

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apothecaryscript · 20 days ago

Note

hi, sorry if you get this twice but I wasn't sure the first ask sent. Lately there's been concerns Tumblr will shut down because of a staff shortage. I hope that's not true but just in case. Is there any other place on social media to follow you? Thanx.

Oh no, really? I also hope that's not true. At this moment, I don't have any other place to upload these scripts. I don't know much about web or blog and I don't think I can create my own page all by myself. But if Tumblr really finishes, I'll continue my blog somewhere else, although I have no idea if there's good one... In Japan, if this kind of service finishes, the company would inform their users in advance, maybe half a year or several months before. I wonder if Tumblr does that way, or could it suddenly shut down without prior notice? (In case of X/Twitter, that seems possible...) If you can send me DM, I'll inform you of my private e-mail address just in case. I have my accounts on X and Instagram, but I only use them to gather information and I haven't posted anything...

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apothecaryscript · 23 days ago

Note

Hi, Toho Animation released a April Fools video for kusuriya and it was great. SO nice seeing Gaoshun with his hair out again. How do you like the new op/ed? Seeing that one character in it was SO exciting.

Oh, School Diaries, right? It's very interesting! I guess they're really planning to create a new game or something, perhaps. I was surprised to know new OP was performed by Mrs. GREEN APPLE, who was one of the most popular artists in Japan currently. And the ED video...almost makes me cry, you know.

Since yesterday morning, I've had a fever and been on bed. I was really disappointed that I couldn't accompany my son to his high school entrance ceremony today. The cherry blossoms around here are in full bloom right now, so I want to recover quickly and go see them.

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apothecaryscript · 23 days ago

Text

Episode 13 (Ep.37): The Baths / 第13話（第37話）『湯殿（ゆどの/Yudono）』

検査官(けんさかん)「次(つぎ)！…何(なん)だ、お前(まえ)、足(あし)が不自由(ふじゆう)なのか？」

Kensa-kan “Tsugi! …Nanda, omae, ashi’ga fujiyu-nanoka?”

Inspector “Next! What’s this? What’s wrong with your leg?”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

柘榴宮(ざくろきゅう)の侍女頭(じじょがしら)「楼蘭様(ロウランさま)」

Zakuro-Kyu’no jijo-gashira “Roran-sama.”

Head lady in waiting of the Garnet Pavilion “Lady Loulan.”

楼蘭妃「そう」

Roran-hi “So.”

Concubine Loulan “I see.”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

小蘭「はぁ～あ…」

Shaoran “Haaaa…”

Xiaolan “Sigh!”

猫猫(マオマオ)「どうしたの？小蘭(シャオラン)」

Maomao “Do-shita-no? Shaoran.”

Maomao “What’s wrong, Xiaolan?”

小蘭「どっかにいい働(はたら)き口(ぐち)ないかなぁ？」

Shaoran “Dokka’ni ii hataraki-guchi nai-kanaa?”

Xiaolan “Where do I go to find a good job?”

猫猫「働き口？」

Maomao “Hataraki-guchi?”

Maomao “A job?”

小蘭「そう。あと半年(はんとし)で後宮(こうきゅう)の年季(ねんき)明(あ)けるからさぁ。実家(じっか)がお金持(かねも)ちの女官(にょかん)なら縁談(えんだん)が来(き)たりするけど、うちは違(ちが)うからさ～。猫猫、何か伝手(つて)ない？」

Shaoran “So. Ato han-toshi’de kokyu’no nenki akeru-kara-saa. Jikka’ga okane-mochi’no nyokan-nara endan’ga kitari suru-kedo, uchi’wa chigau-kara-saaa. Maomao, nanka tsute nai?”

Xiaolan “Yep. My term of service here is over in six months. If I was from a rich family, I could expect offers for marriage. But that’s not the case for me. Maomao, do you have any connections?”

猫猫「伝手ねぇ…」

Maomao “Tsute-nee…”

Maomao “Connections, huh?”

猫猫（出会(であ)った頃(ころ)は噂話(うわさばなし)ばかりしていた小蘭も、今(いま)は手習(てなら)い所(じょ)の一期生(いっきせい)として勉強(べんきょう)に励(はげ)んでいる。後宮を出(で)てからも、いい仕事(しごと)に就(つ)いてほしい）

Maomao (Deatta-koro’wa uwasa-banashi-bakari shite-ita Shaoran’mo, ima’wa tenarai-jo’no ikkisei-to-shite benkyo’ni hagende-iru. Kokyu’o dete-kara’mo, ii shigoto’ni tsuite-hoshii.)

Maomao (When I first met her, Xiaolan was just a gossipy girl. But now, as one of the first students at the new school, she studies hard. I’d hope she’d find a good place to work after she leaves the rear palace.)

猫猫「紹介(しょうかい)できるとこと言(い)ったら…」

Maomao “Shokai-dekiru-toko-to ittara…”

Maomao “Well, there is a place I could introduce you to, but…”

小蘭「あるの！？」

Shaoran “Aru-no!?”

Xiaolan “There is?!”

猫猫「あるっちゃ、あるけど…」

Maomao “Aruccha, aru-kedo…”

Maomao “Technically yeah, but…”

猫猫（花街(はなまち)の緑青館(ろくしょうかん)で歓迎(かんげい)されるのは、若(わか)くて器量(きりょう)の良(よ)い、愛嬌(あいきょう)のある娘(むすめ)。小蘭は幼(おさな)さは残(のこ)るが、顔立(かおだ)ちは悪(わる)くない。何(なに)より素直(すなお)な性格(せいかく)は、しつけがしやすい。やり手婆(てばばあ)なら欲(ほ)しがるだろう。しかし妓女(ぎじょ)は、生半可(なまはんか)に勧(すす)める仕事でもない）

Maomao (Hana-machi’no Rokusho-kan’de kangei-sareru-nowa, wakakute kiryo’no yoi, aikyo’no aru musume. Shaoran’wa osanasa’wa nokoru-ga, kaodachi’wa waruku-nai. Nani-yori sunao-na seikaku’wa, shitsuke’ga shiyasui. Yarite-Babaa-nara hoshigaru-daro. Shikashi gijo’wa, nama-hanka’ni susumeru shigoto’demo nai.)

Maomao (At the Verdigris House in the pleasure district, young, pretty, sociable girls are always welcome. Xiaolan looks rather young, but has a good face. More importantly, she’s honest and easy to train. The old lady would easily hire her. That said, becoming a courtesan isn’t a suggestion I’d make lightly.)

猫猫「私(わたし)のは、最後(さいご)の最後、どうしてもって時(とき)の伝手かな…」

Maomao “Watashi’nowa, saigo’no saigo, do-shitemotte toki’no tsute-kana…”

Maomao “I would say my connections should be the last, final, desperate choice…”

小蘭「え～？何それ～」

Shaoran “Eee? Nani soreee.”

Xiaolan “What? How come?”

猫猫「他(ほか)に頼(たよ)れそうな人(ひと)…」

Maomao “Hoka’ni tayore-sona hito…”

Maomao “Someone else with connections…”

猫猫（ダメだ。壬氏様(ジンシさま)に紹介(しょうかい)したら、小蘭を厄介(やっかい)ごとに巻(ま)き込(こ)むかもしれない）

Maomao (Dame-da. Jinshi-sama’ni Shokai-shitara, Shaoran’o yakkai-goto’ni maki-komu-kamo shire-nai.)

Maomao (No. If I introduce Xiaolan to Master Jinshi, I might get her mixed up in whatever trouble he’s in.)

子翠「どうしたの？」

Shisui “Do-shita-no?”

Shisui “What’s up?”

猫猫「うおっ！」

Maomao “Uo!”

Maomao “Whoa!”

小蘭「あ～！子翠(シスイ)！ねぇ、いい働き口知(し)らな～い？」

Shaoran “Aaa! Shisui! Nee, ii hataraki-guchi shira-naaai?”

Xiaolan “Hey, Shisui! Do you know any good workplaces looking to hire?”

子翠「何の話(はなし)？」

Shisui “Nan’no hanashi?”

Shisui “What’s this about?”

小蘭「もうすぐ年季(ねんき)が明(あ)けるから、仕事探(さが)してるんだ。何か伝手とかない？」

Shaoran “Mo-sugu nenki’ga akeru-kara, shigoto sagashite-runda. Nanika tsute-toka nai?”

Xiaolan “My term’s almost up, so I’m looking for work. You have connections or anything?”

子翠「あると言(い)えば、あるかも」

Shisui “Aru-to ieba, aru-kamo.”

Shisui “I guess, yeah, in a way.”

小蘭「ほんと！？」

Shaoran “Honto!?”

Xiaolan “Really?!”

子翠「あると言うか、作(つく)りに行(い)くと言うか」

Shisui “Aru-to iu-ka, tsukuri’ni iku-to iu-ka.”

Shisui “Well, more like I know where to make connections.”

猫猫・小蘭「ん？」

Maomao, Shaoran “N?”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「湯殿(ゆどの)？」

Maomao “Yudono?”

Maomao “The baths?”

小蘭「まだこの時間(じかん)だと、人(ひと)少(すく)ないね」

Shaoran “Mada kono jikan-dato, hito sukunai-ne.”

Xiaolan “It’s pretty empty at this hour.”

猫猫（湯(ゆ)をたっぷり使(つか)った湯殿は、後宮ならではの贅沢(ぜいたく)なものだ。一度(いちど)に千人(せんにん)も入(はい)れる広(ひろ)さがあり、大浴場(だいよくじょう)の湯船には数百人(すうひゃくにん)が一度に浸(つ)かれる。上級妃(じょうきゅうひ)は、それぞれの宮(みや)の中(なか)に専用(せんよう)の浴場を持っている。この建物(たてもの)にあるのは、中級妃(ちゅうきゅうひ)以下(いか)の妃(きさき)が入る小部屋(こべや)の浴場と、下女(げじょ)たちが使う大浴場だ。緑青館(りょくしょうかん)の浴場を当(あ)たり前(まえ)のように使ってたけど、庶民(しょみん)は水(みず)で体(からだ)を拭(ふ)くくらいだ。下女が風呂(ふろ)を使えるのは、それだけで有難(ありがた)いよな）

Maomao (Yu’o tappuri tsukatta yudono’wa, kokyu-nara-dewa’no zeitaku-na mono-da. Ichido’ni sen-nin’mo haireru hirosa’ga ari, dai-yokujo’no yubune’niwa su-hyaku-nin’ga ichido’ni tsukareru. Jokyu-hi’wa, sore-zore’no miya’no naka’ni sen’yo’no yokujo’o motte-iru. Kono tatemono’ni aru-nowa, chukyu-hi-igai’no kisaki’ga hairu kobeya’no yokujo’to, gejo-tachi’ga tsukau dai-yokujo-da. Rokusho-kan’no yokujo’o atari-mae’no-yoni tsukatteta-kedo, shomin’wa mizu’de karada’o fuku-kurai-da. Gejo’ga furo’o tsukaeru-nowa, sore-dake’de arigatai-yona.)

Maomao (The giant baths, which use a lot of hot water, are a luxury unique to the rear palace. Over a thousand people can enter at once. The huge baths can fit several hundreds of people. Each high-ranking concubine has their own exclusive bath in their pavilions. This building contains small room-sized baths for the mid-ranking concubines, and the huge baths for the servant girls. I got used to using the bath at the Verdigris House, but… Normal citizens usually just wipe themselves down with water. Being able to use a proper bath as a servant is really nice.)

子翠「ウフ…ハハハ…」

Shisui “Ufu…hahaha…”

小蘭「あっ！」

Shaoran “A!”

猫猫「あっ、子翠…」

Maomao “A, Shisui…”

Maomao “Oh, Shisui…”

子翠「うわ～！熱(あつ)っ！あつ～！あっ、あっ…！フゥ…」

Shisui “Uwaaa! Atsu! Atsuuu! A, a…! Fuu…”

Shisui “Ah! Hot! Hot!”

小蘭「もう…早(はや)い時間のお風呂は熱いに決(き)まってるでしょ。だんだん冷(さ)めて、ちょうどいい温度(おんど)になっていくんだから…」

Shaoran “Mo…hayai jikan’no ofuro’wa atsui’ni kimatteru-desho. Dan-dan samite, chodo ii ondo’ni natte-ikun-dakara…”

Xiaolan “Of course it’s hot at this hour, it’s too early. It cools down gradually to the right temperature later.”

子翠「エヘヘ…。いつもはもっと遅(おそ)い時間だから、知(し)らなくて」

Shisui “Ehehe… Itsumo’wa motto osoi jikan-dakara, shira-nakute.”

Shisui “Yeah, I usually come a bit later, so I didn’t know.”

猫猫「ほう」

Maomao “Ho.”

子翠「何？猫猫」

Shisui “Nani? Maomao.”

Shisui “What is it, Maomao?”

猫猫「いや…子翠って着痩(きや)せする方(ほう)なんだなと思って」

Maomao “Iya… Shisuitte kiyase-suru-ho nan-dana-to omotte.”

Maomao “Nothing, just that your clothes make you look… smaller.”

子翠「どこ見(み)てんの～？」

Shisui “Doko mitennooo?”

Shisui “Where exactly are you looking?”

猫猫「つい、癖(くせ)で」

Maomao “Tsui, kuse-de.”

Maomao “Just a habit of mine.”

小蘭「ねぇ子翠、ダメだよ。湯船(ゆぶね)に入る前に、ちゃんと洗(あら)わないと」

Shaoran “Nee Shisui, dame-dayo. Yubune’ni hairu-mae’ni, chanto arawa-naito.”

Xiaolan “Come on, Shisui. You have to wash up before going into the tub.”

子翠「エヘヘ…」

Shisui “Ehehe…”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

子翠「猫猫、私もそれちょうだい」

Shisui “Maomao, watashi’mo sore chodai.”

Shisui “Maomao, can I use that too?”

猫猫「どうぞ」

Maomao “Dozo.”

Maomao “Here you go.”

小蘭「何？それ」

Shaoran “Nani? Sore.”

Xiaolan “What is that?”

猫猫「医局(いきょく)にあった洗髪剤(せんぱつざい)。小蘭も使ってみる？」

Maomao “Ikyoku’ni atta senpatsu-zai. Shaoran’mo tsukatte-miru?”

Maomao “Hair cleaning soap I found in the clinic. You want to try it too, Xiaolan?”

小蘭「うん！…お～…うわ～！何か目(め)に染(し)みる～！」

Shaoran “Un! …Ooo…uwaaa! Nanka me’ni shimiruuu!”

Xiaolan “Yeah. Whoa! It stings my eyes!”

猫猫「目つぶってて」

Maomao “Me tsubuttete.”

Maomao “Keep your eyes closed.”

小蘭「うぅ…うぐ…うあ～…ひぃ！ブルブルブル…」

Shaoran “Uu…ugu…uaaa… Hii! Buru-buru-buru…”

猫猫（犬(いぬ)みたいだな…）「おっ。…あぁ…」

Maomao (Inu-mitai-dana…) “O. …Aa…”

Maomao (She’s like a dog.)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

子翠「ハァ～」

Shisui “Haaaa.”

猫猫「この辺(へん)、あんまり熱くないよ」

Maomao “Kono-hen, anmari atsuku-nai-yo.”

Maomao “It’s not very hot over here.”

小蘭「私は水拭(みずぶ)きでいいかなぁ」

Shaoran “Watashi’wa mizu-buki’de ii-kanaa.”

Xiaolan “I think I’ll just wipe down with water.”

子翠「そう？気持(きも)ちいいのに」

Shisui “So? Kimochi-ii-noni.”

Shisui “Really? It feels good.”

小蘭「エヘヘ…」

Shaoran “Ehehe…”

猫猫（小蘭は農村育(のうそんそだ)ちで、熱い湯に浸かる習慣(しゅうかん)がないから、その方が気持ちいいんだろうな…）

Maomao (Shaoran’wa noson-sodachi’de, atsui yu’ni tsukaru shukan’ga nai-kara, sono-hoga kimochi-iin-daro-na…)

Maomao (Xiaolan grew up in the countryside, so she’s not used to bathing in hot water, so the regular water feels better, I guess.)

猫猫「それで子翠、伝手って言うのは？」

Maomao “Sore’de Shisui, tsutette iu-nowa?”

Maomao “So, Shisui, what about those connections?”

子翠「あぁ、そうだった！」

Shisui “Aa, so-datta!”

Shisui “Oh, right!”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

子翠「こっちこっち！」

Shisui “Kocchi kocchi!”

Shisui “This way!”

小蘭「うわぁ！ダ…ダメだってば！こっちは妃(きさき)専用(せんよう)だよ！入っていいの？」

Shaoran “Uwaa! Da…Dame-datteba! Kocchi’wa kisaki-sen’yo-dayo! Haitte ii-no?”

Xiaolan “Whoa! W-Wait! This area’s for the concubines. Are you sure we should be here?”

子翠「大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)！入っていいし、伝手はこの先(さき)にあるんだから」

Shisui “Daijobu! Haitte ii-shi, tsute’wa kono saki’ni arun-dakara.”

Shisui “Don’t worry! We can go in, and the connections are this way!”

小蘭「はぁ…？」

Shaoran “Haa…?”

猫猫「はは～ん、なるほどね」

Maomao “Hahaaan, naruhodo-ne.”

Maomao “Ah, I see.”

子翠「失礼しま～す」

Shisui “Shitsurei-shimaaasu.”

Shisui “Excuse me!”

中級妃「あら、新入(しんい)り？」

Chukyu-hi “Ara, shin-iri?”

Mid-ranking concubine “Oh, are you new?”

子翠「は～い！よろしくお願(ねが)いします！」

Shisui “Haaai! Yoroshiku onegai-shimasu!”

Shisui “Yes, pleasure to serve you!”

侍女「これ、香油(こうゆ)ね」

Jijo “Kore, koyu-ne.”

Lady-in-waiting “Here’s the scented oil.”

中級妃「少(すこ)し強(つよ)めにお願い」

Chukyu-hi “Sukoshi tsuyome’ni onegai.”

Mid-ranking concubine “Lay it on me a bit thick, would you?”

子翠「分(わ)かりました～！ほら、2人(ふたり)も」

Shisui “Wakari-mashitaaa! Hora, futari’mo.”

Shisui “Understood. Come on, you two.”

小蘭「えっ！？」

Shaoran “E!?”

Xiaolan “Huh?”

猫猫「小蘭、これ」

Maomao “Shaoran, kore.”

Maomao “Xiaolan, here.”

小蘭「わわわ…」

Shaoran “Wawawa…”

子翠「じゃあ、失礼(しつれい)しま～す」

Shisui “Jaa, shitsurei-shimaaasu.”

Shisui “Alright, excuse me.”

中級妃「あぁ…もう少し右(みぎ)…」

Chukyu-hi “Aa… Mo-sukoshi migi…”

Mid-ranking concubine “A little to the right.”

猫猫（この妃、帝(みかど)のお手付(てつ)きがないんだろうな…。お手付きがあれば、嫌(いや)がらせを警戒(けいかい)して、見(み)ず知(し)らずの下女に体を触(さわ)らせたりはしない）

Maomao (Kono kisaki, mikado’no otetsuki’ga nain-daro-na… Otetsuki’ga areba, iyagarase’o keikai-shite, mizu-shirazu’no gejo’ni karada’o sawarase-tari’wa shinai.)

Maomao (I guess this concubine doesn’t get visits from the emperor. If she did, she’d be more cautious, and wouldn’t let some unknown servant girl touch her.)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（花街(はなまち)で姐(ねえ)ちゃんたちを見てきたから、細(こま)かいことが気(き)になるんだよな～）

Maomao (Hana-machi’de neechan-tachi’o mite-kita-kara, komakai koto’ga kini narun-dayo-naaa.)

Maomao (Growing up with my big sisters in the pleasure district made me care too much about small details.)

猫猫「戻(もど)りました」

Maomao “Modori-mashita.”

Maomao “I’m back.”

侍女「それ何？」

Jijo “Sore nani?”

Lady-in-waiting “What is that?”

猫猫「糸(いと)です」

Maomao “Ito desu.”

Maomao “Some thread.”

侍女「何に使うの？」

Jijo “Nani’ni tsukau-no?”

Lady-in-waiting “What’s it for?”

猫猫「こうやって、糸で毛(け)を絡(から)め取(と)るんです。お試(ため)しになりますか？」

Maomao “Ko-yatte, ito’de ke’o karame-torun-desu. Otameshi’ni nari-masu-ka?”

Maomao “I can pull out hairs, like this. Do you want to give it a try?”

侍女「ん…」

Jijo “N…”

猫猫「痛(いた)みは大丈夫ですか？」

Maomao “Itami’wa daijobu desu-ka?”

Maomao “Does it hurt much?”

侍女「結構(けっこう)痛(いた)いけど、なまくらな剃刀(かみそり)よりマシね」

Jijo “Kekko itai-kedo, namakura-na kamisori-yori mashi-ne.”

Lady-in-waiting “It does, but not as bad as a dull razor.”

猫猫「仕上(しあ)げに香油で肌(はだ)を整(と��の)えます」

Maomao “Shiage’ni koyu’de hada’o totonoe-masu.”

Maomao “Finishing up with scented oil.”

中級妃「ふ～ん、とりあえず様子見(ようすみ)ね。次はいつ入るの？」

Chukyu-hi “Fuuun, toriaezu yosumi-ne. Tsugi’wa itsu hairu-no?”

Mid-ranking concubine “Hmm. I guess I’ll see how this goes. When are you coming next?”

猫猫「いつにしましょうか？」

Maomao “Itsu’ni shimasho-ka?”

Maomao “What’s a good time?”

子翠「明後日(あさって)あたりでしょうか」

Shisui “Asatte-atari desho-ka.”

Shisui “Maybe the day after tomorrow?”

猫猫（なるほど、こうやって普段(ふだん)お近(ちか)づきになれない妃(きさき)たちと知(し)り合(あ)う…これが子翠の言ってた『伝手(つて)』か）

Maomao (Naruhodo, ko-yatte fudan ochikazuki’ni nare-nai kisaki-tachi’to shiri-au… Kore’ga Shisui’no itteta ‘tsute’ka.)

Maomao (I see. We use this to get close to concubines we usually don’t connect with. This must be the ‘connection-making’ Shisui was talking about.)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

小蘭「フ～。マッサージって結構(けっこう)疲(つか)れるねぇ」

Shaoran “Fuuu. Massājitte kekko tsukareru-nee.”

Xiaolan “Phew. Massages are hard work.”

子翠「あの後(あと)、列(れつ)ができてたもんね。この間(あいだ)までやってた女官(にょかん)が、年季(ねんき)明(あ)けてやめちゃったとこなんだ」

Shisui “Ano-ato, retsu’ga dekiteta-mon-ne. Kono-aida-made yatteta nyokan’ga, nenki akete yame-chatta-toko nan-da.”

Shisui “We ended up getting a queue and everything! The court lady who used to do it left because her term ended.”

猫猫「へぇ～。子翠よく知ってるね」

Maomao “Heeee. Shisui yoku shitteru-ne.”

Maomao “I see. Shisui, you know a lot.”

子翠「その女官は中級(ちゅうきゅう)妃(ひ)の一人(ひとり)に気(き)に入(い)られて、その伝手(つて)で今(いま)は妃(きさき)の実家(じっか)で働(はたら)いてるんだって」

Shisui “Sono nyokan’wa chukyu-hi’no hitori’ni ki’ni-irarete, sono tsute’de ima’wa kisaki’no jikka’de hatarai-terun-datte.”

Shisui “That court lady became a favorite of one of the mid-ranking concubines, and found work back with that concubine’s family.”

小蘭「そっかぁ。そういうこともあるんだ！」

Shaoran “Sokkaa. So-iu koto’mo arunda!”

Xiaolan “I see. I didn’t think about that!”

子翠「こういう、使(つか)わない櫛(くし)とか、首飾(くびかざ)りをくれることもあるよ」

Shisui “Ko-iu, tsukawa-nai kushi-toka, kubi-kazari’o kureru koto’mo aru-yo.”

Shisui “Sometimes they give us things too, like combs and necklaces they stopped using!”

小蘭「お～！」

Shaoran “Ooo!”

Xiaolan “Wow!”

子翠「壊(こわ)れてても、素材(そざい)が良(よ)ければ高(たか)く売(う)れるからね」

Shisui “Kowarete-temo, sozai’ga yokereba takaku ureru-kara-ne.”

Shisui “Even if they’re broken, they sell well if the material is good.”

猫猫（子翠は抜(ぬ)け目(め)ないなぁ…。下女が湯殿を使えるのは2日(ふつか)に一度(いちど)。そのたびに他(ほか)の妃(きさき)をマッサージするために長居(ながい)するなんて紅娘様(ホンニャンさま)に何(なん)て言われるか…）

Maomao (Shisui’wa nukeme-nai-naa… Gejo’ga yudono’o tsukaeru-nowa futsuka’ni ichi-do. Sono-tabi’ni hoka’no kisaki’o massāji-suru-tame’ni nagai-suru-nante Hon’nyan-sama’ni nante iwareru-ka…)

Maomao (Shisui really never misses a good deal. A servant girl is allowed to use the bath once in two days. Overstaying every time to give massages to the other concubines… What would Lady Hongniang think?)

小蘭「よ～し、伝手(つて)を探(さが)すぞ～！」

Shaoran “Yoooshi, tsute’o sagasu-zooo!”

Xiaolan “Okay! Time to find connections!”

子翠「お～！」

Shisui “Ooo!”

Shisui “Yeah!”

猫猫「フフフ…」

Maomao “Fufufu…”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

玉葉妃「まぁ、湯殿でマッサージを？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Maa, yudono’de massāji’o?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “I see, massages at the baths?”

猫猫「はい。知り合いの下女の付(つ)き合(あ)いで」

Maomao “Hai. Shiriai’no gejo’no tsukiai-de.”

Maomao “Yes, I’m accompanying an acquaintance of mine.”

紅娘「む～…」

Hon’nyan “Muuu…”

猫猫「ええ、ダメですよね、はい…分(わ)かってます…」

Maomao “Ee, dame-desu-yone, hai… Wakatte-masu…”

Maomao “I know. You won’t allow it. I get it―”

玉葉妃「あら、いいじゃないの、紅娘」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ara, iija naino, Hon’nyan.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh, it sounds like a good idea. Right, Hongniang?”

紅娘「玉葉(ギョクヨウ)様(さま)！」

Hon’nyan “Gyokuyo-sama!”

Hongniang “Lady Gyokuyou!”

玉葉妃「ああいう場(ば)では気(き)が緩(ゆる)んで、思(おも)わぬ話(はなし)が飛(と)び出(だ)すものよ。宮中(きゅうちゅう)の噂話(うわさばなし)とか。猫猫、面白(おもしろ)い話があったら、ぜひ聞(き)かせてね！」

Gyokuyo-hi “Aa-iu ba’dewa ki’ga yurunde, omowanu hanashi’ga tobi-dasu-mono-yo. Kyuchu’no uwasa-banashi-toka. Maomao, omoshiroi hanashi’ga attara, zehi kikasete-ne!”

Concubine Gyokuyou “People drop their guards in those places, and sometimes tell interesting stories. Like palace rumors and such. Maomao, please let me know if you hear anything interesting, okay?”

紅娘「…だそうです！」

Hon’nyan “…Da-so-desu!”

Hongniang “You heard her!”

猫猫（さすが玉葉様。子翠並(なみ)に抜け目がない…）

Maomao (Sasuga Gyokuyo-sama. Shisui-nami’ni nukeme’ga nai…)

Maomao (Yeah, Lady Gyokuyou is just as clever as Shisui.)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（確(たし)かに、ここでは色(いろ)んな話が聞けるんだよなぁ。玉葉様ご懐妊(かいにん)の噂(うわさ)は、とうに広(ひろ)まっている。男(おとこ)か女(おんな)か、いつ生(う)まれるのかというところまで噂されている。ちらほらと、梨花(リファ)様(さま)も…という話が聞こえてくる。だけど、それ以上(いじょう)に気になるのは…楼蘭妃(ロウランひ)も懐妊しているのでは、という噂だ）

Maomao (Tashika’ni, koko’dewa ironna hanashi’ga kikerun-dayo-naa. Gyokuyo-sama go-kainin’no uwasa’wa, to-ni hiromatte-iru. Otoko-ka onna-ka, itsu umareru-noka-to iu-tokoro-made uwasa-saraete-iru. Chira-hora-to, Rifa-sama’mo…to-iu hanashi’ga kikoete-kuru. Dakedo, sore-ijo’ni ki’ni naru-nowa… Roran-hi’mo kainin-shite-iruno-dewa, to-iu uwasa-da.)

Maomao (She’s right, though. I do hear a lot of stories here. Rumors of Lady Gyokuyou’s pregnancy are already pretty widespread. People are already talking about the sex of the baby and when they’re expected. Occasionally, people also speculate Lady Lihua might also be expecting. But more often, I hear about… How perhaps Concubine Loulan might be pregnant as well.)

妃「もしかしたらって思(おも)うのよねぇ。いっつも奇抜(きばつ)な服(ふく)を着(き)てるじゃない？でも最近(さいきん)めっきり外出(がいしゅつ)が減(へ)ってるし、ゆったりした服を着(き)ていることが多(おお)いらしいから…」

Kisaki “Moshika-shitaratte omouno-yonee. Ittsumo kibatsu-na fuku’o kiteru-ja nai? Demo saikin mekkiri gaishutsu’ga hetteru-shi, yuttari-shita fuku’o kite-iru koto’ga ooi-rashii-kara…”

Concubine “I keep thinking, what if? You know how her outfits are always so unique? But recently she hasn’t been seen outside much, and when she is, I hear she’s often wearing relaxed clothes.”

猫猫（楼蘭妃が来て半年以上(はんとしいじょう)たつ。先代(せんだい)から仕(つか)える高官(こうかん)、子昌様(シショウさま)の娘(むすめ)として、鳴(な)り物(もの)入(い)りで上級妃(じょうきゅうひ)になったのだから、帝(みかど)も通(かよ)わない訳(わけ)にはいかない。そうなると、上級妃4人(よにん)のうち3人(さんにん)がご懐妊か…。めでたいというか、物騒(ぶっそう)というか…）

Maomao (Roran-hi’ga kite han-toshi-ijo tatsu. Sendai’kara tsukaeru kokan, Shisho-sama’no musume-to-shite, narimono-iri’de jokyu-hi’ni nattano-dakara, mikado’mo kayowa-nai wake’niwa ika-nai. So-naruto, jokyu-hi yo-nin’no-uchi san-nin’ga go-kainin-ka… Medetai-to iu-ka, busso-to iu-ka…)

Maomao (It’s been over six months since Concubine Loulan arrived. As the daughter of Master Shishou, an important official since the last emperor’s reign, she became a high-ranking concubine with huge fanfare. The emperor has to spend time with her. If that’s the case, that’s three of the four high-ranking concubines pregnant. It’s cause for both celebration and caution.)

下級妃「ねぇ、足(あし)もっと強(つよ)くして」

Kakyu-hi “Nee, ashi motto tsuyoku-shite.”

Low-ranking concubine “Hey, go harder on the legs, please.”

小蘭「はい！」

Shaoran “Hai!”

Xiaolan “Yes!”

下級妃「あ～、すっごく気持(きも)ちいい。あなた、次はいつ来るの？」

Kakyu-hi “Aaa, suggoku kimochi-ii. Anata, tsugi’wa itsu kuru-no?”

Low-ranking concubine “Ah, that feels really good. When are you coming next?”

小蘭「はい！あさってです！」

Shaoran “Hai! Asatte-desu!”

Xiaolan “I’ll be here on the day after tomorrow!”

下級妃「フフ…ハァ～…」

Kakyu-hi “Fufu…Haaaa…”

猫猫「フゥ…」（それと、もうひとつ、ここの噂話(うわさばなし)でよく聞くのが…）

Maomao “Fuu…” (Sore-to, mo-hitotsu, koko’no uwasa-banashi’de yoku kiku-noga…)

Maomao (And one more thing. The other rumor I hear often is…)

3人「フゥ…」

San-nin “Fuu…”

小蘭「あっ、あそこにいるかなぁ？一人(ひとり)カッコいい宦官(かんがん)が入(はい)ったんだって。見(み)てみたいなぁ～！」

Shaoran “A, asoko’ni iru-kanaa? Hitori kakko-ii kangan’ga haittan-datte. Mite-mitai-naaaa!”

Xiaolan “Oh, is he over there? I heard there’s a new, good-looking eunuch that joined. I wanna take a look at him!”

猫猫（どっかで聞いたような話(はなし)…）

Maomao (Dokka’de kiita-yona hanashi…)

Maomao (Where have I heard that before?)

小蘭「噂(うわさ)で聞いたんだよね。新(あたら)しい宦官が30人(さんじゅうにん)も増(ふ)えたんだって！」

Shaoran “Uwasa’de kiitan-dayone. Atarashii kangan’ga sanju-nin’mo fuetan-datte!”

Xiaolan “I heard a rumor that there’s thirty new eunuchs.”

猫猫「新(あたら)しいって…もう宦官(かんがん)になる手術(しゅじゅつ)はやってないんじゃなかった？」

Maomao “Atarashiitte… Mo kangan’ni naru shujutsu’wa yatte-nainja nakatta?”

Maomao “New? I thought they stopped performing the surgery that makes them.”

子翠「元(もと)奴隷(どれい)だよ」

Shisui “Moto-dorei-dayo.”

Shisui “They’re former slaves.”

小蘭「奴隷？もうこの国には、いないんじゃないの？」

Shaoran “Dorei? Mo kono kuni’niwa, inainja naino?”

Xiaolan “Slaves? I thought we didn’t have those in our country.”

子翠「異民族(いみんぞく)の奴隷(どれい)だと思(おも)う。他国(たこく)の人間(にんげん)を去勢(きょせい)して奴隷にする所(ところ)もあるんだって。そこから逃(に)げ出(だ)したか、助(たす)け出(だ)されたか…。30人もいるってことは、大規模(だいきぼ)な討伐(とうばつ)でもあったんだろうね」

Shisui “Iminzoku’no dorei-dato omou. Takoku’no ningen’o kyosei-shite dorei’ni suru tokoro’mo arun-datte. Soko’kara nige-dashita-ka, tasuke-dasareta-ka… Sanju-nin’mo irutte-koto’wa, dai-kibo-na tobatsu’demo attan-daro-ne.”

Shisui “I think they’re from foreign races. I hear there are some countries that castrate and enslave foreigners. So maybe they escaped or were rescued from those places. If there’s thirty of them, maybe there was a large-scale raid or something.”

猫猫「ふ～ん…」

Maomao “Fuuun…”

Maomao “Hmm.”

小蘭「は～…」

Shaoran “Haaa…”

猫猫（子翠って虫(むし)にしか興味(きょうみ)無(な)さそうに見(み)えて、結構(けっこう)賢(かしこ)いんだな…）

Maomao (Shisuitte mushi’ni-shika kyomi-nasaso-ni miete, kekko kashikoin-dana…)

Maomao (Shisui seems like she only cares about insects, but is actually quite smart.”

小蘭「お風呂(ふろ)のお湯(ゆ)汲(く)みって、新人(しんじん)の宦官(かんがん)の仕事(しごと)だよね。噂(うわさ)の人(ひと)いるかな？」

Shaoran “Ofuro’no oyu-kumitte, shinjin’no kangan’no shigoto-dayo-ne. Uwasa’no hito iru-kana?”

Xiaolan “The new eunuchs are in charge of putting hot water in the baths, right? I wonder if the rumored guy is there?”

子翠「いいの？宦官だよ？」

Shisui “Iino? Kangan-dayo?”

Shisui “Are you sure? He’s a eunuch, right?”

小蘭「でもカッコいいんでしょ？まぁ、壬氏様ほどじゃないと思うけどね」

Shaoran “Demo kakko-iin-desho? Maa, Jinshi-sama-hodo-ja nai-to omou-kedo-ne.”

Xiaolan “But he’s good-looking, right? I’m sure he’s not as handsome as Master Jinshi, though.”

猫猫「ぐ…」

Maomao “Gu…”

小蘭「どうしたの？猫猫」

Shaoran “Do-shita-no? Maomao.”

Xiaolan “What’s wrong, Maomao?”

猫猫「別(べつ)に…」

Maomao “Betsu-ni…”

Maomao “Nothing.”

子翠「そういえば、猫猫って壬氏様とよく一緒(いっしょ)に…」

Shisui “So-ieba, Maomaotte Jinshi-sama’to yoku issho’ni…”

Shisui “Come to think of it, you’re spending a lot of time with Master Jinshi―”

猫猫「妃(きさき)の使(つか)いでね！あぁ…うぅ…」

Maomao “Kisaki’no tsukai’de-ne! Aa…uu…”

Maomao “On orders from the concubine!”

子翠「猫猫？」

Shisui “Maomao?”

猫猫（考(かんが)えるな。あれはカエル。カエル…）

Maomao (Kangaeru-na. Are’wa kaeru. Kaeru…)

Maomao (Don’t think about that. That was a frog. A frog!)

猫猫「あっ」（ん？あれは…。何で里樹(リーシュ)様(さま)が…？）

Maomao “A.” (N? Are’wa… Nande Rīshu-sama’ga…?)

Maomao (Hmm? Is that… What’s Lady Lishu doing here?)

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（何か睨(にら)まれている気がする…）

Maomao (Nanka niramarete-iru ki’ga suru…)

Maomao (I feel like they’re staring holes through me.)

猫猫「休憩中(きゅうけいちゅう)ですし、お召(め)し上(あ)がりになられては…」

Maomao “Kyukei-chu-desu-shi, omeshi-agari’ni nararete’wa…”

Maomao “We’re on break. Won’t you have some tea?”

白羽「質問(しつもん)があるんだけど、あなた、どういう経緯(けいい)で翡翠宮(ひすいきゅう)に仕(つか)えているの？」

Hakuu “Shitsumon’ga arun-dakedo, anata, do-iu keii’de Hisui-Kyu’ni tsukaete-iru-no?”

Haku-u “I wanted to ask you… How did you end up serving the Jade Pavilion?”

猫猫（どうと言われても…）

Maomao (Do-to iwarete-mo…)

Maomao (How? Well…)

猫猫「人手不足(ひとでぶそく)の翡翠宮に、毒見(どくみ)として遣(つか)わされただけですが…」

Maomao “Hitode-busoku’no Hisui-Kyu’ni, dokumi-to-shite tsukawa-sareta-dake-desu-ga…”

Maomao “The Jade Pavilion was short-staffed, so I got sent to serve as the taster. That’s all.”

白羽「それは聞いたわ。私が知りたいのは、なぜ疑(うたぐ)り深(ぶか)い玉葉が、あなたを信頼(しんらい)しているかということよ」

Hakuu “Sore’wa kiita-wa. Watashi’ga shiritai-nowa, naze utaguri-bukai Gyokuyo’ga, anata’o shinrai-shite-iru-kato iu-koto-yo.”

Haku-u “I’ve heard that already. What I really want to know is why is Gyokuyou, who rarely trusts anyone, so comfortable with you?”

黒羽「姉様(ねえさま)」

Kokuu “Neesama.”

Koku-u “Dear sister.”

白羽「あっ」

Hakuu “A.”

Haku-u “Oh.”

Maomao (Tsui yobi-sute’ni suru-hodo, naka’ga yokatta-noka… Dattara, soba’ni iru ayashii nyokan’ga kini-naru-nomo tozen-da.)

Maomao (They used to be very close, I guess. First-name level. In that case, it’s natural for them to be concerned by the suspicious servant so close by.)

猫猫「私はただの毒見役(どくみやく)です。もし玉葉様に毒(どく)が盛(も)られたら、私が先(さき)に死(し)にます。そういう役割(やくわり)の者(もの)と割(わ)り切(き)っていただければよろしいかと」

Maomao “Watashi’wa tada-no dokumi-yaku desu. Moshi Gyokuyo-sama’ni doku’ga morare-tara, watashi’ga saki-ni shini-masu. So-iu yakuwari’no mono-to warikitte-itadake-reba yoroshii-kato.”

Maomao “I am merely a taster. If someone attempts to poison Lady Gyokuyou, I will be the one to die first. That’s my role, and there’s no need for you to mind me any further.”

白羽「聞いてはいたけど、本当(ほんとう)にさっくりした性格(せいかく)ね」

Hakuu “Kiitewa ita-kedo, honto’ni sakkuri-shita seikaku-ne.”

Haku-u “I was told this already, but you really are cut-and-dry.”

猫猫「はぁ…ありがとうございます」

Maomao “Haa… Arigato gozai-masu.”

Maomao “Um, thank you.”

白羽「それと、外(そと)にお友達(ともだち)が多(おお)いようだけど、ほどほどにしてもらいたいわ。慣(な)れない後宮で、先輩(せんぱい)の女官がよ��にばかり行っていたら、寂(さび)しくなるじゃない。特(とく)にうちの末(すえ)っ子(こ)の赤羽(せきう)とあなたは、同(おな)い年(どし)なんだから」

Hakuu “Soreto, soto’ni otomodachi’ga ooi-yo-dakedo, hodo-hodo’ni shite-morai-tai-wa. Nare-nai kokyu’de, senpai’no nyokan’ga yoso’ni-bakari itte-itara, sabishiku naru-ja nai. Toku’ni uchi’no suekko’no Sekiu-to anata’wa, onai-doshi nan-dakara.”

Haku-u “Also, it seems you have many friends on the outside, but please try to keep it under control. When a senior worker in this unfamiliar pavilion keeps wandering off without us, we feel a bit lonely. Especially Seki-u, the youngest of us, who’s the same age as you.”

赤羽「ん…」

Sekiu “N…”

猫猫（確(たし)かに…最近(さいきん)は子翠や小蘭とつるんでばかりだ。毒見役がフラフラしてたら、不審(ふしん)に思われるよな～）

Maomao (Tashika’ni… Saikin’wa Shisui’ya Shaoran’to tsurunde-bakari-da. Dokumi-yaku’ga fura-fura-shite-tara, fushin’ni omowareru-yonaaa.)

Maomao (She’s right. Lately, I’ve almost exclusively been hanging out with Shisui and Xiaolan. The taster always wandering off does seem a bit suspicious.)

猫猫「でしたら、今日(きょう)、湯殿に一緒(いっしょ)に行(い)きませんか？」

Maomao “Deshitara, kyo, yudono’ni issho’ni iki-masen-ka?”

Maomao “In that case, would you like to join me at the baths today?”

赤羽「へっ！？湯殿！？」

Sekiu “He!? Yudono!?”

Seki-u “Huh? The baths?!”

黒羽「ふふっ」

Kokuu “Fufu.”

白羽「いいかもね。赤羽もたまには私たち以外(いがい)の子(こ)と付(つ)き合(あ)った方(ほう)がいいわよ」

Hakuu “Ii-kamo-ne. Sekiu’mo tama’niwa watashi-tachi-igai’no ko’to tsuki-atta-hoga ii-wayo.”

Haku-u “That might be good. Seki-u, you should hang out with others sometimes, too.”

赤羽「白羽姉様(ハクウねえさま)！」

Sekiu “Hakuu-neesama!”

Seki-u “Haku-u!”

黒羽「湯殿に行くのは、玉葉様の命(めい)もあってなんでしょ？」

Kokuu “Yudono’ni iku-nowa, Gyokuyo-sama’no mei’mo atte nan-desho?”

Koku-u “Going to the baths is partly an assignment from Lady Gyokuyou too, right?”

猫猫「そうですね」

Maomao “So-desu-ne.”

Maomao “That’s correct.”

赤羽「黒羽姉様(コクウねえさま)！」

Sekiu “Kokuu-neesama!”

Seki-u “Koku-u?!”

黒羽「仕事と思って、行ってらっしゃい」

Kokuu “Shigoto-to omotte, itte-rasshai.”

Koku-u “Just consider it part of your job, and go.”

赤羽「え…え～～～！」

Sekiu “E…Eeeeeee!”

Seki-u “W-What?!”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

子翠「ほっほ～う、この子が猫猫のお友達(ともだち)ですかぁ～」

Shisui “Hohhooou, kono ko’ga Maomao’no otomodachi desu-kaaaa.”

Shisui “I see, so this is a friend of Maomao’s?”

小蘭「それはそれは！」

Shaoran “Sore’wa sore’wa!”

Xiaolan “Is that so?”

赤羽「な…何なの、この人たち！」

Sekiu “Na…Nan-nano, kono hito-tachi!”

Seki-u “W-Who are these people?!”

猫猫「害(がい)はありません、多分(たぶん)」

Maomao “Gai’wa ari-masen, tabun.”

Maomao “They’re harmless. Mostly.”

子翠「今日は、そんなに大変(たいへん)じゃないよ」

Shisui “Kyo’wa, sonna’ni taihen-ja nai-yo.”

Shisui “Work shouldn’t be too tough today.”

小蘭「他(ほか)にもマッサージやる子が増(ふ)えたんだよ～」

Shaoran “Hoka-nimo massāji yaru ko’ga fuetan-dayooo.”

Xiaolan “More girls are performing massages now!”

猫猫「そうなんだ？」

Maomao “So-nanda?”

Maomao “Is that so?”

小蘭「うん！櫛(くし)とかもらってるの見て、興味(きょうみ)持(も)ったみたい」

Shaoran “Un! Kushi-toka moratteru-no mite, kyomi motta-mitai.”

Xiaolan “Yeah. The combs and stuff getting handed out got their attention, I think.”

猫猫（これまでやってた女官は、うまく隠(かく)してたってことか…）

Maomao (Kore’made yatteta nyokan’wa, umaku kakushi-tetatte koto-ka…)

Maomao (I guess the previous worker kept the gifts well hidden.)

猫猫「ん？赤羽様、着替(きが)えないのですか？」

Maomao “N? Sekiu-sama, kigae-naino-desu-ka?”

Maomao “Lady Seki-u? Aren’t you going to get changed?”

赤羽「き…着替えるわよ！えっ…な…何？」

Sekiu “Ki…Kigaeru-wayo! E…na…nani?”

Seki-u “I-I will! W-What?!”

小蘭・子翠「フッフッフ…」

Shaoran, Shisui “Fuffuffu…”

赤羽「いやぁ～～～！」

Sekiu “Iyaaaaaaaa!”

Seki-u “No!”

赤羽「あ…あの…着(つ)けるのって、これだけ…？」

Sekiu “A…Ano… Tsukeru-notte, kore-dake…?”

Seki-u “U-Um… This is all I’m going to wear?”

小蘭「うん！中では、これでも暑(あつ)いよ～」

Shaoran “Un! Naka’dewa, kore’demo atsui-yooo.”

Xiaolan “Yeah. It’s really hot inside, even with that!”

赤羽「うぅ…」

Sekiu “Uu…”

子翠「恥(は)ずかしがることないよ～」

Shisui “Hazukashi-garu-koto nai-yooo.”

Shisui “Don’t be shy.”

赤羽「うわ～！」

Sekiu “Uwaaa!”

2人「お～」

Futari “Ooo.”

子翠「十分(じゅうぶん)立派(りっぱ)じゃない！」

Shisui “Jubun rippa-ja nai!”

Shisui “Pretty impressive.”

赤羽「立派って何よ！つつましやかな方がいいじゃない！」

Sekiu “Rippatte nani-yo! Tsutsumashiyaka-na-hoga ii-ja nai!”

Seki-u “What do you mean, impressive?! It’s better to be modest!”

小蘭「むむ…」

Shaoran “Mumu…”

猫猫（これは敵(てき)に回(まわ)したぞ…）

Maomao (Kore’wa teki’ni mawashita-zo…)

Maomao (She just made an enemy.)

子翠「そんなに恥(は)ずかしがって、これまでどうしてたの？」

Shisui “Sonna’ni hazukashi-gatte, kore-made do-shiteta-no?”

Shisui “How did you get by this long, being so shy?”

赤羽「姉様(ねえさま)たちは、この大風呂(おおぶろ)を使(つか)っているけど、私(わたし)は玉葉様にお願(ねが)いして、宮(みや)の湯殿を借(か)りてるの。西(にし)の国(くに)は砂漠地帯(さばくちたい)で、あまり湯(ゆ)あみの習慣(しゅうかん)ないし…」

Sekiu “Neesama-tachi’wa kono oo-buro’o tsukatte-iru-kedo, watashi’wa Gyokuyo-sama’ni onegai-shite, miya’no yudono’o kariteru-no. Nishi’no kuni’wa sabaku-chitai’de, amari yuami’no shukan nai-shi…”

Seki-u “My sisters use this bathhouse, but I asked Lady Gyokuyou to allow me to use the bath at the pavilion. The western region is a desert, and we don’t bathe in hot water often, so…”

猫猫「まぁ、恥(は)じらう余裕(よゆう)もなくなりますよ。フッ」

Maomao “Maa, hajirau yoyu’mo naku-nari-masu-yo. Fu.”

Maomao “Well, you’re going to be too busy to be shy.”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「脱毛(だつもう)終(お)わりました。香油(こうゆ)をお願(ねが)いします、赤羽様」

Maomao “Datsumo owari-mashita. Koyu’o onegai-shimasu, Sekiu-sama.”

Maomao “Hair removal complete. Lady Seki-u, the scented oils, please.”

子翠「赤羽様、こちらも！」

Shisui “Sekiu-sama, kochira’mo!”

Shisui “Lady Seki-u, over here too!”

赤羽「は…はい！あっ…」

Sekiu “Ha…Hai! A…”

Seki-u “Y-Yes?!”

猫猫「塗(ぬ)りたくることくらいできますよね？」

Maomao “Nuri-takuru koto-kurai deki-masu-yone?”

Maomao “All you have to do is smear this all over.”

赤羽「塗りたくるの！？」

Sekiu “Nuri-takuru-no!?”

Seki-u “Smear?!”

猫猫「はい。鶏肉(とりにく)のように塗りたくってください。（小声(こごえ)で）気(き)が緩(ゆる)んで、口(くち)が軽(かる)くなりますから」

Maomao “Hai. Tori-niku’no-yoni nuri-takutte kuda-sai. (Kogoe’de) Ki’ga yurunde, kuchi’ga karuku nari-masu-kara.”

Maomao “Yes. Do it like she’s a slice of chicken meat. It lowers their guard and makes them talkative.”

赤羽「分(わ)かった…」

Sekiu “Wakatta…”

Seki-u “Got it…”

子翠「じゃあ、もみますね～」

Shisui “Jaa, momi-masu-nee.”

Shisui “Okay, rubbing you down!”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「ハァ…」（あれは…里樹様？この前(まえ)も見かけたけど…上級妃(じょうきゅうひ)がこっちの湯殿にわざわざ来(き)たら、周(まわ)りが委縮(いしゅく)するんじゃ…）

Maomao “Haa…” (Are’wa… Rīshu-hi? Kono-mae’mo mikaketa-kedo… Jokyu-hi’ga kocchi’no yudono’ni waza-waza kitara, mawari’ga ishuku-surun-ja…)

Maomao (Is that… Lady Lishu? I saw her the other day too, but… Wouldn’t a high-ranking concubine showing up here scare everyone else?)

里樹妃「うわぁ！」

Rīshu-hi “Uwaa!”

河南「あっ！だ…大丈夫ですか？里樹様」

Kanan “A! Da…Daijobu-desu-ka? Rīshu-sama.”

Kanan “Are you alright, Lady Lishu?”

里樹妃「ええ、河南(カナン)…」

Rīshu-hi “Ee, Kanan…”

Concubine Lishu “Yes, Kanan.”

河南「うわぁ！」

Kanan “Uwaa!”

猫猫（あ～あ～あ～…もっと使(つか)える侍女(じじょ)はいないのかと思(おも)ったけど、そもそもあそこの侍女は、ろくなのがいないんだった…。まぁ、あれなら委縮(いしゅく)されないか…）

Maomao (Aaa-aaa-aaa… Motto tsukaeru jijo’wa inai-noka-to omotta-kedo, somo-somo asoko’no jijo’wa, roku-nano’ga inain-datta… Maa, are-nara ishuku-sare-nai-ka…)

Maomao (Yikes. I was wondering if they had any good ladies-in-waiting over there, but I forgot the entire workforce in that place is no good. I guess they’re not scaring anybody at that rate.)

猫猫（里樹妃は、齢(よわい)十五(じゅうご)で、上級妃(じょうきゅうひ)と言(い)っても、帝(みかど)は閨(ねや)に通(かよ)っていない。まだまだ気弱(きよわ)なお姫様(ひめさま)というわけだ）

Maomao (Rīshu-hi’wa, yowai ju-go’de, jokyu-hi-to ittemo, mikado’wa neya’ni kayotte-inai. Mada-mada kiyowa-na ohime-sama-to iu-wake-da.)

Maomao (Lady Lishu is fifteen years old. She’s a high-ranking concubine, but the emperor doesn’t visit her in the bedroom. She’s still a scared little princess.)

猫猫「どうぞ」

Maomao “Dozo.”

Maomao “Please.”

河南「あっ、ありがとうござ…」

Kanan “A, Arigato goza…”

Kanan “Oh, thank you…”

河南・里樹妃「うわぁ！」

Kanan, Rīshu-hi “Uwaa!”

Kanan & Concubine Lishu “Whoa!”

猫猫（また人(ひと)を、化(ば)け物(もの)を見(み)るような目(め)で…。少(すこ)しは慣(な)れてほしいんだけど）

Maomao (Mata hito’o, bakemono’o miru-yona me’de… Sukoshi’wa narete-hoshiin-dakedo.)

Maomao (Looking at me like a monster again… I wish she’d get used to me by now.)

猫猫「ん？」（剃刀(かみそり)負(ま)けしてる…）

Maomao “N?” (Kamisori-make-shiteru…)

Maomao “Hmm?” (Razor rashes…)

猫猫「あの、里樹様」

Maomao “Ano, Rīshu-sama.”

Maomao “Um, Lady Lishu…”

里樹妃「あ…はい」

Rīshu-hi “A…Hai.”

Concubine Lishu “Y-Yes!”

猫猫「新(あたら)しい脱毛法(だつもうほう)、試(ため)してみませんか？」

Maomao “Atarashii datsumo-ho, tameshite-mima-sen-ka?”

Maomao “Would you like to try a new hair removal technique?”

里樹妃「えっ？あぁ！あああ…あの…」

Rīshu-hi “E? Aa! Aaa…ano…”

Concubine Lishu “Huh? Um… Uh…”

河南「里樹様～！」

Kanan “Rīshu-samaaa!”

Kanan “Lady Lishu!”

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猫猫「さっ、ここに横(よこ)たわってください」

Maomao “Sa, koko’ni yokotawatte-kudasai.”

Maomao “Please lie down here.”

赤羽「り…里樹妃！どうして上級妃(じょうきゅうひ)がこんな所(ところ)に！？」

Sekiu “Ri…Rīshu-hi! Do-shite jokyu-hi’ga konna tokoro’ni!?”

Seki-u “C-Concubine Lishu?! What is a high-ranking concubine doing here?!”

里樹妃「あぁ…」

Rīshu-hi “Aa…”

猫猫「安心(あんしん)してください。優(やさ)しくしますから…」

Maomao “Anshin-shite kudasai. Yasashiku shimasu-kara…”

Maomao “Please relax. I’ll be gentle.”

2人「うぅ」

Futari “Uu.”

侍女「お疲(つか)れ様(さま)」

Jijo “Otsukare-sama.”

Lady-in-waiting “Good work.”

子翠「ありがとうございます」

Shisui “Arigato gozai-masu.”

Shisui “Thank you.”

小蘭「ほ～…」

Shaoran “Hooo…”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「お疲(つか)れさまでした。香油(こうゆ)も塗(ぬ)りましたので、肌荒(はだあ)れも少(すく)ないと思(おも)います」

Maomao “Otsukare-sama-deshita. Koyu’mo nuri-mashita-node, hada-are’mo sukunai-to omoi-masu.”

Maomao “Thank you for your patience. I applied some scented oils, so your skin shouldn’t get too irritated.”

里樹「そう…」

Rīshu “So…”

Concubine Lishu “I see…”

猫猫「里樹様は、あまりこういうのに慣(な)れていないのでしょうか？」

Maomao “Rīshu-sama’wa, amari ko-iuno’ni narete-inaino-desho-ka?”

Maomao “Is Lady Lishu unaccustomed to this type of thing?”

河南「え…ええ、そうですね…。金剛宮(こんごうきゅう)では、その…みんなあんまり細(こま)かいことは気(き)にしませんし。その前(まえ)は出家(しゅっけ)されていましたから」

Kanan “E…Ee, so-desu-ne… Kongo-Kyu’dewa, sono…minna anmari komakai koto’wa ki’ni shimasen-shi. Sono mae’wa shukke-sarete-imashita-kara.”

Kanan “Y-Yes, you could say that. At the Diamond Pavilion, nobody cares much about… the details. Before that, she’d gone to a monastery.”

猫猫（ああ、そうか。里樹妃は幼(おさな)い頃(ころ)、政治(せいじ)の道具(どうぐ)として先帝(せんてい)に嫁(とつ)がされ、後宮(こうきゅう)に入(はい)った。先帝が亡(な)くなって出家(しゅっけ)した後(のち)に、また妃(きさき)にされて後宮(こうきゅう)に戻(もど)って来(き)た。よくよく考(かんが)えると可哀相(かわいそう)な身(み)の上(うえ)だな…。元(もと)は毒見役(どくみやく)の彼女(かのじょ)が侍女頭(じじょがしら)になって、良(よ)かったのかもしれない）

Maomao (Aa, soka. Rīshu-hi’wa osanai koro, seiji’no dogu-to-shite sentei’ni totsuga-sare, kokyu’ni haitta. Sentei’ga naku-natte shukke-shita-nochi’ni, mata kisaki’ni sarete kokyu’ni modotte-kita. Yoku-yoku kangaeruto kawaiso-na mino-ue-dana… Moto’wa dokumi-yaku’no kanojo’ga jijo-gashira’ni natte, yokattano-kamo shire-nai.)

Maomao (Oh, right. Lady Lishu was an infant when she first entered the rear palace as part of a political scheme. After the late emperor passed away, she entered a monastery. Then, she was made into a concubine again, and came back to the rear palace. Now that I think about it, it’s a pretty cruel story. Perhaps it’s for the best that the former taster became head lady-in-waiting.)

猫猫「せっかくなので…ついでにどうです？」

Maomao “Sekkaku-nanode…tsuide’ni do-desu?”

Maomao “Since you’re here, would you like a pass too?”

河南「ひっ…けけけ…結構(けっこう)です！」

Kanan “Hi… Kekeke…kekko desu!”

Kanan “N-N-No, thank you!”

里樹妃「あの…ありがとう。よかったらお礼(れい)に、冷(つめ)たいジュースでも…」

Rīshu-hi “Ano… Arigato. Yokattara orei’ni, tsumetai jūsu-demo…”

Concubine Lishu “Um, thank you. Would you like some cold juice, as a token of gratitude?”

小蘭「やった～！」

Shaoran “Yattaaa!”

Xiaolan “Yay!”

赤羽「あぁ…」

Sekiu “Aa…”

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

小蘭「ん～！」

Shaoran “Nnn!”

猫猫「ところで、里樹様はどうして大浴場(だいよくじょう)にいらしたんですか？金剛宮(こんごうきゅう)にも湯殿があるはずでは？」

Maomao “Tokorode, Rīshu-sama’wa doshite dai-yokujo’ni irashitan-desu-ka? Kongo-Kyu’nimo yudono’ga aru-hazu-dewa?”

Maomao “By the way, why are you in the big bathhouse, Lady Lishu? I thought the Diamond Pavilion had a bath of its own.”

河南「それは…」

Kanan “Sore’wa…”

Kanan “Well…”

里樹妃「ん…」

Rīshu-hi “N…”

猫猫「ん？」

Maomao “N?”

里樹妃「出(で)るの…。あの宮(みや)の湯殿には…その…幽霊(ゆうれい)が…！」

Rīshu-hi “Deru-no… Ano miya’no yudono’niwa…sono…yurei’ga…!”

Concubine Lishu “Something’s there. The pavilion’s bath has… Um… A ghost!”

小蘭「ひぇっ！」

Shaoran “Hie!”

猫猫「幽霊？」

Maomaso “Yurei?”

Maomao “A ghost?”

(Continue to Episode 14/Ep.38)

3 notes · View notes

apothecaryscript · 28 days ago

Text

Very sorry! I made a big mistake about Maomao's real name. She is a member of "La(羅)" clan, not "Kan(漢)." I revised accordingly.

Memo for Episode 12 (Ep.36) “Ka Zuigetsu”

馬閃（そんなわけがあるか、馬鹿(ばか)らしい！しかし、あの方(かた)が席(せき)を外(はず)されて２時間(にじかん)…部下(ぶか)を捜索に向(む)かわせてはいるが、進展(しんてん)はない。今(いま)は父上(ちちうえ)を頼(たよ)るわけにもいかん。先程(さきほど)あの下女(げじょ)に、何(なに)かを命(めい)じたようだが…やはり主(あるじ)に何(なに)を言(い)われようと、ついていくべきだった！形(かたち)だけの役割(やくわり)など、うんざりだ。せめて主催(しゅさい)が、この場(ば)をお開(ひら)きにしてくれたら…）

Basen (Sonna wake’ga aruka, baka-rashii! Shikashi, ano kata’ga seki’o hazusarete ni-jikan… buka’o sosaku’ni mukawasetewa iruga, shinten’wa nai. Ima’wa chichi-ue’o tayoru-wake’nimo ikan. Saki-hodo ano gejo’ni, nanika’o meijita-yoda-ga… Yahari aruji’ni nani’o iware-yoto, tsuite-iku-beki datta! Katachi-dake’no yakuwari-nado, unzari-da. Semete shusai’ga, kono ba’o ohiraki’ni shite-kuretara…)

Basen (That’s impossible, idiots. But he’s been gone for two hours now. I’ve already sent men out to search, but no updates. I can’t ask Father for help right now. He did seem to issue an order to that servant girl. I should have gone after him, no matter what he said! I’m sick of roles that are pure formalities! If the organizer could at least wrap up the party...)

うんざり（な）(Unzari-na): be sick of, be tired of

お開きにする（おひらきにする/Ohiraki’ni suru）: wrap up, break up, wind up

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（知(し)ってしまえば、墓(はか)まで持(も)って行(い)くことになる）

Maomao (Shitte-shimaeba, haka’made motte-iku-koto’ni naru.)

Maomao (Once I learn this, I’ll have to take it to my grave.)

秘密を墓まで持って行く（ひみつをはかまでもっていく/Himitsu’o haka’made motte-iku）: take/carry a secret to one’s/the grave

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猫猫（何事(なにごと)も、知り過(す)ぎては良(よ)くない。壬氏様と私は高官と下女。それ以上(いじょう)でも、それ以下(いか)でもない。必要(ひつよう)以上の秘密(ひみつ)なんて、いらな…）

Maomao (Nani-goto’mo, shiri-sugite’wa yoku-nai. Jinshi-sama’to watashi’wa kokan’to gejo. Sore-ijo-demo, sore-ika-demo nai. Hitsuyo-ijo’no himitsu-nante, irana…)

Maomao (I must now know too much. Master Jinshi and I are an official and his servant. Nothing more, nothing less. There’s no need to share any unnecessary secrets―)

それ以上でも、それ以下でもない（それいじょうでも、それいかでもない/Sore-ijo-demo, sore-ika-demo nai）: Nothing more, nothing less.

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

壬氏「こたびの狩(か)り、飛発を持(も)ってきている者は？」

Jinshi “Kotabi’no kari, feifa’o motte-kite-iru mono’wa?”

Jinshi “Has anyone brought feifas to this hunt?”

こたび（Kotabi）: old and formal way of saying “this time” ＝この度（このたび/Kono tabi）

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下官「鷹(たか)狩(が)りの験担(げんかつ)ぎに、こしらえた物(もの)でしょうか？」

Gekan “Taka-gari’no gen-katsugi’ni, koshiraeta mono desho-ka?”

Low-ranking official “Was it made to wish for good luck in falconry?”

験担ぎ（げんかつぎ/Gen-katsugi）: superstitious (for good luck)

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魯袁「だ…誰(だれ)かが私(わたし)の矢(や)と入(い)れ替(か)えたんだ！私(わたし)を陥(おとしい)れるために！」

Roen “Da…Dareka’ga watashi’no ya’to irekae-tanda! Watashi’o otoshi-ireru-tame’ni!”

Lo-en “Someone must have stolen my arrow to entrap me!”

入れ替える（いれかえる/Ire-kaeru）: switch, replace, swap

陥れる（おとしいれる/Otoshi-ireru）: frame, entrap, trick

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

馬閃（うまく食(く)い付(つ)いてくれるといいが…）

Basen (Umaku kui-tsuite-kureru-to ii-ga…)

Basen (I hope he takes the bait.)

食い付く（くいつく/Kui-tsuku）: take a bait

Just like in English, it can be used to mean biting into food, or biting into a topic or a trap set by others.

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

男「ハッ！…ハッ…それは！…くっ。返(かえ)せ！ぐっ！うっ…いっ…うう…貴様(きさま)、さっきの！」

Otoko “Ha! …Ha…Sore’wa! …Ku. Kaese! Gu! U… I… Uu… Kisama, sakki’no!��

Man “That’s… Give it back! You… You’re from earlier…”

貴様（きさま/Kisama）: “you”(a second person) used when looking down and insulting the person

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「中身(なかみ)は押収済(おうしゅうず)みです。飛発(フェイファ)が３丁(さんちょう)入(はい)っていました」

Maomao “Nakami’wa oshu-zumi-desu. Feifa’ga san-cho haitte-imashita.”

Maomao “We’ve already confiscated the contents. We found three feifas.”

丁（ちょう/Cho）: the counter word for guns

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猫猫（鎌(かま)をかけるためとはいえ、ダシに使(つか)われたおっさんたちには悪(わる)いことしたなぁ）

Maomao (Kama’o kakeru-tame-towa-ie, dashi’ni tsukawareta ossan-tachi’niwa warui-koto shita-naa.)

Maomao (I feel bad for that old man and his crew, who we used as bait.)

鎌をかける（かまをかける/Kama’o kakeru）: trick/trap someone

ダシに使う/する（だしにつかう・する/Dashi’ni tsukau, suru）: take advantage of someone/something, use someone/something for one’s own advantage

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

高官「して…どうなのです？先(さき)の皇子(みこ)様の薨御(こうぎょ)以来(いらい)、誰(だれ)か身(み)ごもった妃(きさき)などは…」

Kokan “Shite… Do-nano-desu? Saki’no miko-sama’no kogyo-irai, dareka migomotta kisaki-nado’wa…”

High-ranking official “So, do you happen to know? After the tragedy earlier, have any of the concubines come to be with child?”

薨御（こうぎょ/Kogyo）: the death of someone royal or in a quite high-position

Although it’s translated as “After the tragedy earlier”, the original Japanese directly means “After the death of the price earlier.”

崩御（ほうぎょ/Hogyo）: the death of the current emperor, empress, or limited someone quite close to the emperor

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「ハァ…」（今日(きょう)の連中(れんちゅう)が何(なに)か吐(は)いてくれたらいいけど）

Maomao “Haa…” (Kyo’no renchu’ga nanika haite-kuretara ii-kedo.)

Maomao (I hope the culprits today can tell us something.)

吐く（はく/Haku）: it usually means “throw up/vomit”, but it’s also used when a criminal confesses wrongdoing.

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猫猫「私にとって、壬氏様は壬氏様です」

Maomao “Watashi’ni-totte, Jinshi-sama’wa Jinshi-sama desu.”

Maomao “No matter what, you will always be Master Jinshi to me.”

This is a commonly used expression in Japanese. Jinshi couldn’t tell her about his real status after all, but this line must have been the happiest one for him to hear from her.

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猫猫（壬氏様が宦官(かんがん)かどうかなんて、どうでもいい。ただ、牛黄(ごおう)分(ぶん)の恩(おん)はある。もし秘密(ひみつ)がバレて窮地(きゅうち)に立(た)たされたら、その時(とき)は…ちゃんと本物(ほんもの)の宦官にしてあげよう）

Maomao (Jinshi-sama’ga kangan-ka-doka-nante, do-demo ii. Tada, goo-bun’no on’wa aru. Moshi himitsu’ga barete kyuchi’ni tata-sare-tara, sono toki’wa… chanto honmono’no kangan’ni shite-ageyo.)

Maomao (I don’t care whether or not Master Jinshi is a real eunuch. But I do owe him for the ox bezoars. If his secret gets out and it gets me into trouble… I’ll make him into a eunuch for real.)

→Oh, no! This should be “him”, definitely! It means like “…and it puts him into a tough situation…”

The official translation of KNH has been always correct until now, and this is the first obvious mistake I’ve found. Judging from the context, the subject of this part of the sentence is Jinshi. If I add each subject to the original Japanese line, it’ll be;

壬氏様が宦官かどうかなんて、（私には）どうでもいい。ただ、（私には）壬氏様に牛黄（をもらった）分の恩はある。（だから）もし壬氏様の秘密がバレて（壬氏様が）窮地に立たされたら、その時は…（私が）ちゃんと（壬氏様を）本物の宦官にしてあげよう。

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語り「この国(くに)で、『華(はな)』の文字(もじ)を冠(かん)する者(もの)は、今現在(いまげんざい)2人(ふたり)のみ」

Katari “Kono kuni’de, ‘hana’no moji’o kansuru mono’wa, ima-genzai futari-nomi.”

Narration “There are only two people in this land with ‘Ka’-for ‘flower’- in their names.”

There is another Kanji, “花”, which means flowers. How to read is the same, “hana” and “ka”. But the image of “花” is simple flower, and that of “華” is more gorgeous and elegant.

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高順（壬氏様…いえ、月(つき)の君(きみ)。いつまでも仮初(かりそ)めの立場(たちば)ではいられませんよ。あなたは、この国(くに)の帝(みかど)の弟君(おとうとぎみ)、華瑞月(カズイゲツ)なのだから…）

Gaoshun (Jinshi-sama…ie, Tsuki’no-Kimi. Itsu’mademo karisome-no tachiba’dewa irare-masen-yo. Anata’wa, kono kuni’no mikado’no ototo-gimi, Kazuigetsu nano-dakara…)

Gaoshun (Master Jinshi… Or rather, the Moon Prince. You cannot stay in your temporary position forever. After all, you are our emperor’s younger brother, Ka Zuigetsu.)

仮初めの（かりそめの/Karisome’no）: temporary, provisional, tentative

月の君（つきのきみ/Tsuki’no Kimi）: the Moon Prince. That’s Ka Zuigetsu’s common name or nick name used by people. Because only the emperor can speak his real name, if anyone except for the emperor utters his real name without permission, it’s punishable even by death, apparently.

君(きみ/Kimi): you. In modern times, it’s a second person pronoun used for casual relationship, but in the past, it was used to address nobles and people of high rank with respect. I don’t really understand how names work in this country “Li,” but I guess that, of the three Kanji “華瑞月”, “華” is a character only the emperor or princes have, the second “瑞” is a character indicates something auspicious, and the third “月: moon” may be iconic for himself. Maomao doesn’t appear to have a surname, but I recall the original novel saying that her actual legal name has “羅""漢”(like 羅漢: Lakan) between her surname and first name. It’s very confusing… In Japan, we only have family name and first name. Most likely, 羅門: Luomen has a Kanji of surname which Maomao also has, so her real name may be 〇羅漢猫猫. (I’m not sure…)

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This episode was amazing! Maomao may have unconsciously sensed that Jinshi was an extremely special person, and she was afraid to face the fact, so she may have been suppressing her feeling for him so that they would not develop affection or romance. I thought that way the two of them communicated a little through the door, but not face-to-face, was particularly Japanese. My favorite scene is when Jinshi is rendered speechless by Maomao’s big smile.

Gaoshun’s monologue revealed some very important points. As a member of the Ma clan, he had been Jinshi’s attendant since he was a child. On the surface, he was made a eunuch for the false reason of “incurring the wrath of the empress,” and he abandoned the Ma name and changed his name to Gaoshun, and came to the rear palace with Jinshi. It has not been revealed why Jinshi went to such lengths to come to the rear palace.

Jinshi(Kousen) is participating in the hunt as the emperor’s younger brother, and he is wearing a mask so that no one will know that he is Jinshi, spreading a false rumor that he’s wearing a mask because he has a severe burn scar on his face. His attendant is Basen from the Ma clan.

Meanwhile, Jinshi as an eunuch is absent from the hunt, and Gaoshun is attending in his place. The reason is that Jinshi is too beautiful, and would be unpleasant to Kousen who has a burn scar on his face… Though he didn’t say so, people around him think so. Gaoshun is on the hunt in his capacity as the manager of rear palace, so even if Kousen goes missing, he’s not in a position to take the initiative and worry about him. Therefore, Basen cannot consult or rely on Gaoshun.

This was a bitter experience for Basen. It must have been humiliating to have Lihaku take complete control. Basen is a man of great strength, unmatched by anyone in physical strength, but he’s still too young and inexperienced. He has already accompanied Maomao and seen her solve several cases up close, yet he still looks down on her, which shows just how immature and clueless he is.

From the next episode, the story will enter the second half of Season 2. This is one of the best stories in the entire original novel. Let’s continue to enjoy it together!

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apothecaryscript · 29 days ago

Text

Maomao no Hitorigoto Episode 36: Dogs / 猫猫のひとりごと　第36話『犬（いぬ/Inu）』

You can watch the video on YouTube, uploaded by the official Toho Animation account.

Please note that the English lines are just my translation.

猫猫「猫猫の豆知識(まめちしき)。犬(いぬ)の聴力(ちょうりょく)は、人間(にんげん)の約4倍(やくよんばい)あるらしい。また、人間には聴(き)こえない高音(こうおん)を聞(き)き取(と)ることもできるとか。耳(みみ)を動(うご)かし、音源(おんげん)の方向(ほうこう)も感知(かんち)する」

Maomao “Maomao’no mame-chishiki. Inu’no choryoku’wa, ningen’no yaku yon-bai aru-rashii. Mata, ningen’niwa kikoe-nai ko-on’o kiki-toru-koto’mo dekiru-toka. Mimi’o ugokashi, ongen’no hoko’mo kanchi-suru.”

Maomao “Maomao’s bits of knowledge. Apparently dogs have hearing that is about four times stronger than humans. They can also hear high-pitched sounds that human s can’t hear. They can also move their ears to sense the direction of the source of a sound.”

猫猫「狩(か)りは災難続(さいなんつづ)きだったなぁ…。だが…遂(つい)にアレを手(て)に入(い)れた～！ご・お・う！ご・お・う！」

Maomao “Kari’wa sainan-tsuzuki datta-naa… Daga…tsuini are’o teni-iretaaa! Go-o-u! Go-o-u!”

Maomao “I had one disaster after another in the hunt… But… I finally got it! Ox bezoar! Ox bezoar!”

壬氏「お前(まえ)は騒(さわ)がしい奴(やつ)だな。独(ひと)り言(ごと)を言(い)ったり、歌(うた)ったり…」

Jinshi “Omae’wa sawagashii yatsu-dana. Hitori-goto’o ittari, utattari…”

Jinshi “You’re a noisy person. You talk to yourself, and sing…”

猫猫「壬氏様(ジンシさま)！…失礼(しつれい)しました」

Maomao “Jinshi-sama! …Shitsu-rei shima-shita.”

Maomao “Master Jinshi! My apologies.”

壬氏「牛黄(ごおう)、異国(いこく)より取(と)り寄(よ)せた甲斐(かい)はあったようだな」

Jinshi “Goo, ikoku’yori tori-yoseta kai’wa atta-yodana.”

Jinshi “It seems like it was worth ordering the ox bezoar from a foreign country.”

～する甲斐（かい）がある（～suru kai’ga aru）: be worth ～ing

猫猫「はい。あの妙薬(みょうやく)を見(み)ているだけで、ひと月(つき)は不眠不休(ふみんふきゅう)で働(はたら)けそうな気(き)がします！」

Maomao “Hai. Ano myo-yaku’o mite-iru-dake’de, hito-tsuki’wa fumin-fukyu’de hatarake-sona ki’ga shimasu!”

Maomao “Yes. Just looking at that elixir makes me feel like I could work without sleep and rest for a month!”

不眠不休（ふみんふきゅう/Fumin-fukyu）: without sleep and rest

壬氏「それは体(からだ)に毒(どく)だろう…」

Jinshi “Sore’wa karada’ni doku daro…”

Jinshi “That would be toxic to your body…”

猫猫「では、私(わたし)は翡翠宮(ひすいきゅう)に…」

Maomao “Dewa, watashi’wa Hisui-Kyu’ni…”

Maomao “Then, I’ll go back to the Jade Pavillion…”

壬氏「待(ま)ってくれ！先日(せんじつ)の話(はなし)の続(つづ)きが、まだ…！」

Jinshi “Matte-kure! Senjitsu’no hanashi’no tsuzuki’ga mada…!”

Jinshi “Wait! I still have more to say about what I talked the other day…”

猫猫（うわっ！至近距離(しきんきょり)はまずい！）

Maomao (Uwa! Shikin-kyori’wa mazui!)

Maomao “Whoa! Close range is no good!)

至近距離（しきんきょり/Shikin-kyori）: Close range

（口笛(くちぶえ)/Kuchi-bue/whistle）

壬氏「うわっ！…どこだ！？今度(こんど)は、どこから犬が降(ふ)って来(く)る！？…どこだ！？」

Jinshi “Uwa! …Doko-da!? Kondo’wa, doko’kara inu’ga futte-kuru!? …Doko-da!?”

Jinshi “Whoa! Where?! Where is a dog falling down from this time?! …Where?!”

猫猫「次回(じかい)、『湯殿(ゆどの)』。後宮内(こうきゅうない)にある大浴場(だいよくじょう)へ行(い)くことに…。乞(こ)うご期待(きたい)」

Maomao “Jikai, ‘Yudono.’ Kokyu-nai’ni aru dai-yokujo’e iku-koto’ni… Ko gokitai.”

Maomao “Next episode, ‘The Baths.’ We’ll be going to the large bathhouse in the rear palace… See you again!”

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apothecaryscript · 29 days ago

Text

Memo for Episode 12 (Ep.36) “Ka Zuigetsu”

うんざり（な）(Unzari-na): be sick of, be tired of

お開きにする（おひらきにする/Ohiraki’ni suru）: wrap up, break up, wind up

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猫猫（知(し)ってしまえば、墓(はか)まで持(も)って行(い)くことになる）

Maomao (Shitte-shimaeba, haka’made motte-iku-koto’ni naru.)

Maomao (Once I learn this, I’ll have to take it to my grave.)

秘密を墓まで持って行く（ひみつをはかまでもっていく/Himitsu’o haka’made motte-iku）: take/carry a secret to one’s/the grave

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Maomao (Nani-goto’mo, shiri-sugite’wa yoku-nai. Jinshi-sama’to watashi’wa kokan’to gejo. Sore-ijo-demo, sore-ika-demo nai. Hitsuyo-ijo’no himitsu-nante, irana…)

Maomao (I must now know too much. Master Jinshi and I are an official and his servant. Nothing more, nothing less. There’s no need to share any unnecessary secrets―)

それ以上でも、それ以下でもない（それいじょうでも、それいかでもない/Sore-ijo-demo, sore-ika-demo nai）: Nothing more, nothing less.

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壬氏「こたびの狩(か)り、飛発を持(も)ってきている者は？」

Jinshi “Kotabi’no kari, feifa’o motte-kite-iru mono’wa?”

Jinshi “Has anyone brought feifas to this hunt?”

こたび（Kotabi）: old and formal way of saying “this time” ＝この度（このたび/Kono tabi）

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下官「鷹(たか)狩(が)りの験担(げんかつ)ぎに、こしらえた物(もの)でしょうか？」

Gekan “Taka-gari’no gen-katsugi’ni, koshiraeta mono desho-ka?”

Low-ranking official “Was it made to wish for good luck in falconry?”

験担ぎ（げんかつぎ/Gen-katsugi）: superstitious (for good luck)

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魯袁「だ…誰(だれ)かが私(わたし)の矢(や)と入(い)れ替(か)えたんだ！私(わたし)を陥(おとしい)れるために！」

Roen “Da…Dareka’ga watashi’no ya’to irekae-tanda! Watashi’o otoshi-ireru-tame’ni!”

Lo-en “Someone must have stolen my arrow to entrap me!”

入れ替える（いれかえる/Ire-kaeru）: switch, replace, swap

陥れる（おとしいれる/Otoshi-ireru）: frame, entrap, trick

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馬閃（うまく食(く)い付(つ)いてくれるといいが…）

Basen (Umaku kui-tsuite-kureru-to ii-ga…)

Basen (I hope he takes the bait.)

食い付く（くいつく/Kui-tsuku）: take a bait

Just like in English, it can be used to mean biting into food, or biting into a topic or a trap set by others.

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男「ハッ！…ハッ…それは！…くっ。返(かえ)せ！ぐっ！うっ…いっ…うう…貴様(きさま)、さっきの！」

Otoko “Ha! …Ha…Sore’wa! …Ku. Kaese! Gu! U… I… Uu… Kisama, sakki’no!”

Man “That’s… Give it back! You… You’re from earlier…”

貴様（きさま/Kisama）: “you”(a second person) used when looking down and insulting the person

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猫猫「中身(なかみ)は押収済(おうしゅうず)みです。飛発(フェイファ)が３丁(さんちょう)入(はい)っていました」

Maomao “Nakami’wa oshu-zumi-desu. Feifa’ga san-cho haitte-imashita.”

Maomao “We’ve already confiscated the contents. We found three feifas.”

丁（ちょう/Cho）: the counter word for guns

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猫猫（鎌(かま)をかけるためとはいえ、ダシに使(つか)われたおっさんたちには悪(わる)いことしたなぁ）

Maomao (Kama’o kakeru-tame-towa-ie, dashi’ni tsukawareta ossan-tachi’niwa warui-koto shita-naa.)

Maomao (I feel bad for that old man and his crew, who we used as bait.)

鎌をかける（かまをかける/Kama’o kakeru）: trick/trap someone

ダシに使う/する（だしにつかう・する/Dashi’ni tsukau, suru）: take advantage of someone/something, use someone/something for one’s own advantage

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高官「して…どうなのです？先(さき)の皇子(みこ)様の薨御(こうぎょ)以来(いらい)、誰(だれ)か身(み)ごもった妃(きさき)などは…」

Kokan “Shite… Do-nano-desu? Saki’no miko-sama’no kogyo-irai, dareka migomotta kisaki-nado’wa…”

High-ranking official “So, do you happen to know? After the tragedy earlier, have any of the concubines come to be with child?”

薨御（こうぎょ/Kogyo）: the death of someone royal or in a quite high-position

Although it’s translated as “After the tragedy earlier”, the original Japanese directly means “After the death of the price earlier.”

崩御（ほうぎょ/Hogyo）: the death of the current emperor, empress, or limited someone quite close to the emperor

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猫猫「ハァ…」（今日(きょう)の連中(れんちゅう)が何(なに)か吐(は)いてくれたらいいけど）

Maomao “Haa…” (Kyo’no renchu’ga nanika haite-kuretara ii-kedo.)

Maomao (I hope the culprits today can tell us something.)

吐く（はく/Haku）: it usually means “throw up/vomit”, but it’s also used when a criminal confesses wrongdoing.

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猫猫「私にとって、壬氏様は壬氏様です」

Maomao “Watashi’ni-totte, Jinshi-sama’wa Jinshi-sama desu.”

Maomao “No matter what, you will always be Master Jinshi to me.”

This is a commonly used expression in Japanese. Jinshi couldn’t tell her about his real status after all, but this line must have been the happiest one for him to hear from her.

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→Oh, no! This should be “him”, definitely! It means like “…and it puts him into a tough situation…”

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語り「この国(くに)で、『華(はな)』の文字(もじ)を冠(かん)する者(もの)は、今現在(いまげんざい)2人(ふたり)のみ」

Katari “Kono kuni’de, ‘hana’no moji’o kansuru mono’wa, ima-genzai futari-nomi.”

Narration “There are only two people in this land with ‘Ka’-for ‘flower’- in their names.”

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Gaoshun (Jinshi-sama…ie, Tsuki’no-Kimi. Itsu’mademo karisome-no tachiba’dewa irare-masen-yo. Anata’wa, kono kuni’no mikado’no ototo-gimi, Kazuigetsu nano-dakara…)

Gaoshun (Master Jinshi… Or rather, the Moon Prince. You cannot stay in your temporary position forever. After all, you are our emperor’s younger brother, Ka Zuigetsu.)

仮初めの（かりそめの/Karisome’no）: temporary, provisional, tentative

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From the next episode, the story will enter the second half of Season 2. This is one of the best stories in the entire original novel. Let’s continue to enjoy it together!

22 notes · View notes