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Drama CD of The Apothecary Diaries vol.9 (3/3) / 薬屋のひとりごと 9巻ドラマCD (3/3)

Please note that the English lines are just my translation.

This post cannot be reblogged, and please do not repurpose it, since I have no intention of infringing the copyright of this drama CD and I don’t want this post to be distributed to an unspecified number of people.

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(Back to 1/3 part of the story... Click here)

(Back to 2/3 part of the story... Click here)

猫猫（さて…医局に向かって確認せねば）

Maomao (Sate…ikyokuni mukatte kakunin seneba.)

Maomao (Now… I have to go to the Doctor’s office and check.)

高順「小猫」

Gaoshun “Shaomao.”

Gaoshun “Xiaomao.”

猫猫「高順様。どうされました？お急ぎで」

Maomao “Gaoshun-sama. Do sare-mashita? Oisogide.”

Maomao “Master Gaoshun, what’s the matter, in a hurry?"

高順「リュウリュウタオ楽団について話を聞いたところ、あることが分かったもので…こちらをご覧ください」

Gaoshun “Ryu-Ryu-Tao-Gakudanni tsuite hanashi’o kiita-tokoro, aru-kotoga wakatta-monode… Kochira’o goran kudasai.”

Gaoshun “After hearing about the Ryu-Ryu-Tao Orchestra, I learned something… Please take a look here.”

猫猫（…これって…！やっぱり。予想した通りだった）

Maomao (…Korette…! Yappari. Yoso-shita-toori datta.)

Maomao (…This is…! I knew it. It was just as I expected.)

高順「楽団で残されていた原文です。私は先に��芳様の宮へと向かいますので」

Gaoshun “Gakudande noko-sarete-ita genbun desu. Watashiwa sakini Beifan-samano miya’eto mukai-masu-node.”

Gaoshun “This is the originals that were left behind by the orchestra. I will be heading to Lady Beifang’s residence first.”

猫猫（この原文からだと、怪しいのはジャンの音…歌詞を辿っていくと…）

Maomao (Kono genbun-kara-dato, ayashii-nowa Jan’no oto… Kashi’o tadotte-ikuto…)

Maomao (From this original, the suspicious thing is the sound of ‘Jan’… If you follow the lyrics…)

高順「小猫、どうしました？」

Gaoshun “Shaomao, do shimashita?”

Gaoshun “Xiaomao, what’s wrong?”

猫猫「いえ、何でもありません。ありがとうございます。あっ、あと、もう一つ用意してもらいたいものが」

Maomao “Ie, nan-demo ari-masen. Arigato gozai-masu. A, ato, mo-hitotsu yoi-shite morai-tai monoga.”

Maomao “No, it’s nothing. Thank you. Oh, there’s one more thing I’d like you to prepare.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

Vol.2

猫猫「こんにちは、医官様」（こんちゃー、やぶ医者―）

Maomao “Kon’nichiwa, Ikan-sama.” (Konchaaa, Yabu-Ishaa.)

Maomao “Hello, Doctor.” (Hello, Quack Doctor.)

やぶ医者「はいはーい、おや、嬢ちゃんじゃないか。ちょっと待っておくれ。今、茶と煎餅を用意するから」

Yabu-Isha “Hai-haai, oya, jochan-ja naika. Chotto matte-okure. Ima, chato senbei’o yoi suru-kara.”

Quack Doctor “Yes, yes, oh, it’s you, little lady. Please wait a moment. I’ll prepare some tea and rice crackers soon.”

猫猫「いえ。今日はお茶をしに来たわけじゃありません。少し調べてもらいたいことがありまして。壬氏様から、話は聞いていませんか？」

Maomao “Ie. Kyowa ocha’o shini kita wakeja ari-masen. Sukoshi shirabete morai-tai-kotoga ari-mashite. Jinshi-sama-kara, hanashiwa kiite-imasenka?”

Maomao “No, I didn’t come for tea today. I just want you to look into something. Has Master Jinshi spoke to you about it yet?

やぶ医者「あ…そうだった、そうだった。使いから、何か聞いたような気がする。それで、何だい？」

Yabu-Isha “A… So-datta, so-datta. Tsukai-kara, nanika kiita-yona kiga suru. Sorede, nan-dai?”

Quack Doctor “Ah… That’s right, that’s right. I think I heard something from the messenger. So, what is it?”

猫猫「佩芳様。先日亡くなられた、先帝の妃様についてです。どんな薬を処方していたか、お聞きしたいのですが」

Maomao “Beifan-sama. Senjitsu nakuna-rareta, senteino kisaki-samani tsuite desu. Donna kurusi’o shoho-shite-itaka, okiki-shitaino-desuga.”

Maomao “Lady Beifang. This is about the former concubine who passed away recently. I would like to ask what kind of medicine you prescribed.”

処方する(しょほうする/Shoho-suru): prescribe

やぶ医者「ああ…佩芳様だね？前回、侍女が薬を取りに来てすぐだったんだよねぇ、亡くなられたのは。えーっと、帳面出すから、ちょいと待っておくれ」

Yabu-Isha “Aa… Beifan-sama dane? Zenkai, jijoga kusuri’o torini kite sugu-dattan-dayonee, nakuna-rareta-nowa. Eeetto, chomen dasu-kara, choito matte-okure.”

Quack Doctor “Ah… Lady Beifang, right? It was just after last time the lady-in-waiting had come to get her medicine that she passed away. Umm, I’ll bring out the account book, so please wait a moment.”

帳面(ちょうめん/Cho-men): old word for “notebook”, “account book”

猫猫（頼んでいてどうかと思うが、こうも簡単に情報を教えていいのだろうか？さすがやぶ医者）

Maomao (Tanonde-ite dokato omouga, komo kantanni joho’o oshiete iino-daroka? Sasuga Yabu-Isha.)

Maomao (I shouldn’t say this while I asked for it, but is it really okay to give out information so easily? As expected of a Quack Doctor.)

やぶ医者「あっ、あっ、あららら、あらーらら、おおー、おお！」

Yabu-Isha “A, a, ararara, araarara, oooo, oo!”

Quack Doctor “Ah, ah, oh my, oh my, oh my!”

猫猫「大丈夫ですか？」

Maomao “Daijobu desuka?”

Maomao “Are you okay?”

やぶ医者「あーたったったった、はっはっは、はい、これだよ…」

Yabu-Isha “Aaatattattatta, hahhahha, hai, kore-dayo…”

Quack Doctor “Oh, ow, ow, ow… ha ha ha, yes, this is it…”

猫猫「あ…ありがとうございます」

Maomao “A…Arigato gozai-masu.”

Maomao “Oh… Thank you.”

猫猫「紫根牡蛎湯(しこんぼれいとう)、三物黄芩湯(さんもつおうごんとう)、滋陰至宝湯(じいんしほうとう)…随分たくさん処方されていますね」

Maomao “Shikon-boreito, Sanmotsu-ogonto, Jiin-shihoto… Zuibun takusan shoho sarete-imasune.”

Maomao “Shikon-boreito, Sanmotsu-ogonto, Jiin-shihoto… You’ve prescribed quite a lot.”

I don’t know English names of these Chinese traditional herbal medicines(漢方薬/かんぽうやく/Kanpo-yaku).

猫猫（だいたい宮にあった薬草と一致する。それに…）

Maomao (Daitai miyani atta yakusoto icchi suru. Soreni…)

Maomao (It roughly matches the herbs there. And…)

やぶ医者「ああ…佩芳様は十年程前に体を壊していてね、楽団も一時休止していた時があったなぁ。しばらくして楽団は再開されたけど、佩芳様は楽器を持たなくなって、作曲に専念されるようになったんだよ。侍女頭も苦労したようでねぇ。主人のために勉強したいからと、薬の本も貸したよ。薬は使うたびに作りたいからって」

Yabu-Isha “Aa… Beifan-samawa ju-nen-hodo-maeni karada’o kowashite-itene, gakudanmo ichiji kyushi-shite-ita tokiga atta-naa. Shibaraku-shite gakudanwa saikai-sareta-kedo, Beifan-samawa gakki’o motanaku-natte, sakkyokuni sennen sareru-yoni nattan-dayo. Jijo-gashiramo kuro-shita-yode-nee. Shujinno tameni benkyo shitai-karato, kusurino honmo kashitayo. Kusuriwa tsukau-tabini tsukuri-tai-karatte.”

Quack Doctor “Yes… Lady Beifang fell ill about ten years ago, and her music band was put on hold for a while. The band resumed after a while, but Lady Beifang no longer had an instrument, and instead focused on composing music. It seems the head lady-in-waiting had a hard time, too. She wanted to study for her master, so I lent her books on medicines. She said she wanted to make medicines every time she needed them.”

猫猫（やっぱり…）「もっと前の、一番最初の頃からはありますか？」

Maomao (Yappari…) “Motto maeno, ichiban saishono koro-karawa ari-masuka?”

Maomao (I thought so…) “Do you have any from further back, from the very beginning?”

やぶ医者「えっと…十年前、十年前…えー、これと…これも」

Yabu-Isha “Etto…Ju-nen-mae, ju-nen-mae… Eee, koreto…koremo.”

Quack Doctor “Um… 10 years ago, 10 years ago… um, this and… this, too.”

猫猫「ありがとうございます。これ、ちょっと借りていきます」

Maomao “Arigato gozai-masu. Kore, chotto karite iki-masu.”

Maomao “Thank you. I’ll borrow them for a bit.”

やぶ医者「え、え、ちょっと、ほんとはいけないんだからね。絶対、返しておくれよ？」

Yabu-Isha “E, e, chotto, hontowa ikenain-dakara-ne. Zettai, kaeshite-okure-yo?”

Quack Doctor “Oh, wait a second, it’s actually not okay. Please give them back to me without fail, okay?”

絶対(ぜったい/Zettai): without fail, absolutely, definitely

猫猫「分かりました」

Maomao “Wakari-mashita.”

Maomao “I understand.”

やぶ医者「絶っ対だからね？」

Yabu-Isha “Zettai dakara-ne?”

Quack Doctor “Without fail, okay?”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

嬌嬌「どうぞ。壬氏様は、先に待っておられます」

Kyokyo “Dozo. Jinshi-samawa, sakini matte-orare-masu.”

Kyokyo “Please come in. Master Jinshi is waiting ahead.”

猫猫「はい。嬌嬌様、一ついいですか？」

Maomao “Hai. Kyokyo-sama, hitotsu ii-desuka?”

Maomao “Yes. Lady Kyokyo, can I ask you something?”

嬌嬌「何でしょう？」

Kyokyo “Nan-desho?”

Kyokyo “What is it?”

猫猫「ずっと佩芳様に仕えていて、後悔したことはありませんか？」

Maomao “Zutto Beifan-samani tsukaete-ite, kokai shita-kotowa ari-masenka?”

Maomao “Haven’t you ever regretted serving Lady Beifang for so long?”

嬌嬌「あ…何をいきなり…。私は、佩芳様に仕えていなければ、…これには答えなくてはいけませんか？」

Kyokyo “A… Nani’o ikinari… Watashiwa, Beifan-samani tsukaete ina-kereba, …Kore-niwa kotae-nakutewa ike-masenka?”

Kyokyo “What happened all of a sudden? If I haven’t served Lady Beifang… Do I have to answer this?”

猫猫「いいえ。個人的な興味です。言いたくなければ別に」

Maomao “Iie. Kojin-tekina kyomi desu. Iitaku-nakereba betsuni.”

Maomao “No. It’s just a personal interest. If you don’t want to say it, that’s fine.”

嬌嬌「…後悔など、ありません。あの方の音楽は、私の青春でした。佩芳様の音楽を聴き、奏でることで、私は自分の存在を感じることができたのです」

Kyokyo “…Kokai-nado, ari-masen. Ano katano ongakuwa, watashino seishun deshita. Beifan-samano ongaku’o kiki, kanaderu-kotode, watakushiwa jibun’no sonzai’o kanjiru-kotoga dekitano-desu.”

Kyokyo “…I have no regrets. Her music was my youth. Listening to and playing Lady Beifang’s music allowed me to feel my own existence.”

猫猫「自分の存在…ですか」

Maomao “Jibun’no sonzai…desuka.”

Maomao “Your own existence…”

嬌嬌「では、私はまた部屋の外で待っておりますので」

Kyokyo “Dewa, watakushiwa mata heyano sotode matte ori-masu-node.”

Kyokyo “Then I’ll wait outside the room again.”

（ノック/Nokku/Knocking）

高順「どうぞ。中に入ってください」

Gaoshun “Dozo. Nakani haitte kudasai.”

Gaoshun “Please come in.”

猫猫「失礼します」

Maomao “Shitsurei shimasu.”

Maomao “Excuse me.”

壬氏「どうやらその顔は、何か分かったようだな」

Jinshi “Doyara sono kaowa, nanika wakatta-yodana.”

Jinshi “Your face seems like you know something.”

猫猫「確証はありません。ただの状況証拠と、それに付随した予測のみです」

Maomao “Kakushowa ari-masen. Tadano jokyo-shokoto, soreni fuzui-shita yosoku-nomi desu.”

Maomao “There is no proof. There is only circumstantial evidence and accompanying speculation.”

壬氏「何もないよりはいい」

Jinshi “Nanimo nai-yoriwa ii.”

Jinshi “It’s better than nothing.”

猫猫「何もない方が、幸せなのかもしれませんが…」

Maomao “Nanimo nai-hoga, shiawase nano-kamo shire-masenga…”

Maomao “It might be better if there was nothing…”

壬氏「それを判断するのは誰だ？」

Jinshi “Sore’o handan suru-nowa dareda?”

Jinshi “Who is to judge that?”

猫猫「私ではありません」

Maomao “Watashi-dewa ari-masen.”

Maomao “It’s not me.”

壬氏「そうだ」

Jinshi “Soda.”

Jinshi “Right.”

猫猫（断言させておいて、どっか寂しそうな顔をするな）

Maomao (Dangen-sasete-oite, dokka sabishi-sona kao’o suruna.)

Maomao (Don’t make somewhat lonely face, while making me say that.)

猫猫「では早速、話を始めさせていただきたいのですが、その前に。嬌嬌様、あなたもこちらへ」

Maomao “Dewa sassoku, hanashi’o hajime-sasete-itadaki-taino-desuga, sono maeni. Kyokyo-sama, anatamo kochira’e.”

Maomao “Well then, I’d like to get started right away, but before that, Lady Kyokyo, please come over here as well.”

嬌嬌「何でしょうか？」

Kyokyo “Nan-deshoka?”

Kyokyo “What’s the matter?”

猫猫「佩芳様の文通について聞きたいのですが」

Maomao “Beifan-samano buntsu’ni tsuite kikitaino-desuga.”

Maomao “I’d like to ask you about Lady Beifang’s correspondences.”

嬌嬌「何のことでしょう？」

Kyokyo “Nanno koto desho?”

Kyokyo “What do you mean?”

猫猫「知らないと言わないでください。これを。リュウリュウタオ楽団の工尺譜。それぞれ、ある音にあてはめられた歌詞を引き抜けば、文章になります。工尺譜を清書し、返信していたのは、嬌嬌さんですよね」

Maomao “Shiranai-to iwanaide kudasai. Kore’o. Ryu-Ryu-Tao-Gakudanno koshaku-fu. Sore-zore, aru otoni ate-hame-rareta kashi’o hiki-nukeba, bunshoni nari-masu. Koshaku-fu’o seishoshi, henshin shite-ita-nowa, Kyokyo-san desu-yone.”

Maomao “Don’t tell me you don’t know. This is the gongche notations of the Ryu-Ryu-Tao Orchestra. If you take out the lyrics that correspond to a certain note, it becomes a sentence. It was you who wrote out the gongche notations and replied, right?”

壬氏「下手な嘘はつかないほうがいいぞ」

Jinshi “Hetana usowa tsukanai-hoga iizo.”

Jinshi “It’s better not to tell silly lies.”

嬌嬌「…確かに、佩芳様が誰かと秘密のやりとりをしていたことについては、途中から気が付きました。お立場を考えれば、止めるべきだったんでしょう。しかし、佩芳様は目が見えないお方…。内容も差し障りのないものばかり。道端で小さな花を見つけるほどの些細な楽しみを、私は奪うことはできませんでした。それでもやはり、罪に問われるというのでしょうか？」

Kyokyo “…Tashikani, Beifan-samaga darekato himitsuno yaritori’o shite-ita-kotoni tsuitewa, tochu-kara kiga tsuki-mashita. Otachiba’o kangae-reba, tomeru-beki dattan-desho. Shikashi, Beifan-samawa mega mie-nai okata… Naiyomo sashi-sawarino nai mono bakari. Michibatade chiisana hana’o mitsukeru-hodono sasaina tanoshimi’o, watakushiwa ubau-kotowa dekimasen-deshita. Soredemo yahari, tsumini towareru-to iuno-deshoka?”

Kyokyo “…It’s true that I noticed midway through that Lady Beifang was having secret conversations with someone. Considering her position, I should have stopped it. However, Lady Beifang is blind… and content of her conversations was all innocuous. I couldn’t take away such a trivial pleasure as finding a small flower by the roadside. Yet should I still be found guilty?”

猫猫（この人…何気に度胸がすごいよな）

Maomao (Kono hito… nanigeni dokyoga sugoi-yona.)

Maomao (This person… She somehow has a lot of courage.)

壬氏「暗号文については、残っているものは確認させてもらった。褒められたものではないが、特に悪意は感じられない。先帝の妃であり、故人ともなれば、今さらとやかく言う者はいないだろう」

Jinshi “Ango-bun’ni tsuitewa, nokotte-iru monowa kakunin sasete-moratta. Home-rareta-mono-dewa naiga, tokuni akuiwa kanji-rare-nai. Senteino kisakide ari, kojin-tomo nareba, ima-sara toyakaku iu monowa inai-daro.”

Jinshi “I have checked what remains of the code. It is not something to be praised, but I don’t think there is any malice behind it. She was the concubine of the former emperor, and she is now deceased, so I doubt anyone would say anything about it now.”

嬌嬌「では、私はこれにて」

Kyokyo “Dewa, watashiwa kore-nite.”

Kyokyo “Well, I’m leaving then.”

猫猫「お待ちください」

Maomao “Omachi-kudasai.”

Maomao “Please wait.”

嬌嬌「まだ何か？」

Kyokyo “Mada nanika?”

Kyokyo “Still anything else?”

猫猫「次に、こちらの工尺譜について聞きたいのですが。十年ほど前から、穴が開けられていることについて」

Maomao “Tsugini, kochirano koshaku-fu’ni tsuite kikitaino-desuga. Ju-nen-hodo mae-kara, anaga akerarete-iru kotoni tsuite.”

Maomao “Next, I’d like to ask about the gongche notations. About being made holes in them from ten years ago.”

嬌嬌「先日も言いました。佩芳様は目が見えなかった。だから譜が読めるようにと、穴を開けたと」

Kyokyo “Senjitsumo ii-mashita. Beifan-samawa mega mie-nakatta. Dakara fuga yomeru-yonito, ana’o aketa-to.”

Kyokyo “I told you the other day, that Lady Beifang was blind, so I made holes in them so that she could read them.”

猫猫「はい。もちろん聞きました。でも同時にあなたはこうも言いましたよ。“佩芳様は、一度聴いた曲は決して忘れない”と。忘れないのであれば、読み直す必要はないのでは？」

Maomao “Hai. Mochiron kiki-mashita. Demo dojini anatawa komo ii-mashita-yo. ‘Beifan-samawa, ichido kiita kyokuwa kesshite wasure-nai’to. Wasure-nai-node areba, yomi-naosu hitsuyowa naino-dewa?”

Maomao “Yes, of course I heard. But at the same time, you also said, ‘Lady Beifang never forgets a song once she has heard it.’ If she doesn’t forget it, then there’s no need to re-read it, right?”

同時に(どうじに/Dojini): at the same time

嬌嬌「たまには読み返したいと言われました。歳を取るというのは怖いもの。若い頃よりも記憶力がなくなるのは当たり前です」

Kyokyo “Tamaniwa yomi-kaeshi-taito iware-mashita. Toshi’o toru-to iu-nowa kowai-mono. Wakai koro-yorimo kioku-ryokuga naku-naru-nowa atari-mae desu.”

Kyokyo “She said she wanted to reread it once in a while. Growing older is a scary thing. It’s only natural that our memory will deteriorate compared to when we were younger.”

猫猫「いいえ。なら、十年よりも前の工尺譜も、穴を開けておくべきですよね。なのにあなたは、十年よりも前の物にはしていない」

Maomao “Iie. Nara, junen-yorimo maeno koshakufu-mo, ana’o akete-oku-beki desu-yone. Nanoni anatawa, ju-nen-yorimo maeno mono-niwa shite-inai.”

Maomao “No. Then you should have made holes in the gongche notations that are older than ten years, too. Yet you haven’t made holes in the ones that are older than ten years.”

嬌嬌「過去の分まで処理する暇はなかっただけです」

Kyokyo “Kakono bun-made shori-suru himawa nakatta dake desu.”

Kyokyo “I just didn’t have the time to deal with the past ones.”

猫猫「本当でしょうか。では、もう一つ質問をば」

Maomao “Honto deshoka. Dewa, mo-hitotsu shitsumon’oba.”

Maomao “Is that true? Then, I have one more question.”

嬌嬌「一体何でしょう？私の返答が気に入らないのであれば、他の侍女を連れてきますが」

Kyokyo “Ittai nan-desho? Watakushino hentoga kini-iranai-node areba, hokano jijo’o tsurete-kimasuga.”

Kyokyo “What on earth is it? If you don’t like my answer, I’ll bring another lady-in-waiting.”

猫猫「嬌嬌様。嘘をつくなら真実を織り交ぜるのが鉄則、とご存知でしょうか」

Maomao “Kyokyo-sama. Uso’o tsuku-nara shinjitsu’o ori-mazeru-noga tessoku-to gozonji-deshoka.”

Maomao “Lady Kyokyo, did you know that if you’re going to lie, you should mix in some truth?”

嬌嬌「意味が分かりません」

Kyokyo “Imiga wakari-masen.”

Kyokyo “I don’t understand what you mean.”

壬氏「薬屋。問答ではなく結論を述べろ」

Jinshi “Kusuriya. Mondo-dewa-naku ketsuron’o nobero.”

Jinshi “Apothecary. State your conclusion, not your question and answer.”

嬌嬌「薬屋？」

Kyokyo “Kusuriya?”

Kyokyo “Apothecary?”

猫猫「はい。私はこう見えて、薬屋を営んでいました。なので、薬については多少分かるつもりです。この宮では、生薬をいくつも調合しているようなので、気になっておりました」

Maomao “Hai. Watashiwa ko miete, kusuriya’o itonande imashita. Nanode, kusurini tsuitewa tasho wakaru-tsumori desu. Kono miya-dewa, shoyaku’o ikutsumo chogo-shite-iru-yo-nanode, kini natte ori-mashita.”

Maomao “Yes. I may look like this, but I used to run a pharmacy. So I think I know a thing or two about medicines. It seems like you have compounded a lot of herbal medicines, so I was curious.”

私はこう見えて(わたしはこうみえて/Watashiwa ko miete): I may look like this, but…

嬌嬌「婦人病の薬です。私も服用しておりました」

Kyokyo “Fujin-byono kusuri-desu. Watakushimo fukuyo shite ori-mashita.”

Kyokyo “It’s medicines for gynecological diseases. I was taking it too.”

猫猫「はい。医局で調べさせてもらったところ、不眠や冷え性に効く薬が多かったです。調薬はこちらでやっているということで、材料のみ受け取っていた。気になることはそこで」

Maomao “Hai. Ikyokude shirabe-sasete-moratta-tokoro, fumin’ya hieshoni kiku kusuriga ookatta desu. Choyakuwa kochirade yatte-iruto iu-kotode, zairyo-nomi uketotte-ita. Kini naru kotowa sokode.”

Maomao “Yes. I looked into it at the medical office and found that there were many medicines that were effective for insomnia and poor circulation. You prepare medicines here, so you only received the ingredients. And that’s what I’m concerned about.”

壬氏「何だ？」

Jinshi “Nanda?”

Jinshi “What is that?”

猫猫「材料を組み合わせると、滋腎通耳湯(じじんつうじとう)ができることが分かりました」

Maomao “Zairyo’o kumi-awaseruto, Jijin-tsujitoga dekiru kotoga wakari-mashita.”

Maomao “I found that by combining ingredients, you can create a ‘Jijin-tsujito.’”

I don’t know the English name of the Chinese traditional herbal medicine.

壬氏「どんな薬だ？」

Jinshi “Donna kusurida?”

Jinshi “What kind of medicine is it?”

猫猫「めまい、耳鳴り、聴力低下に効用がある薬です」

Maomao “Memai, mimi-nari, choryoku-teikani koyoga aru kusuri desu.”

Maomao “It’s a medicine that’s effective for dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss.”

壬氏「耳鳴り…聴力低下…」

Jinshi “Mimi-nari… choryoku-teika…”

Jinshi “Tinnitus… hearing loss…”

猫猫「十年程前から、後宮の医局で材料を手に入れているようですね。ちょうど、譜に穴を開け始めた時期と一致します。佩芳様は、十年前から体を壊していた、と言っていましたが、本当は耳を患っていたのではないでしょうか」

Maomao “Ju-nen-hodo mae-kara, kokyuno ikyokude zairyo’o teni-irete-iru yo-desune. Chodo, funi ana’o ake-hajimeta jikito icchi shimasu. Beifan-samawa, ju-nen-mae-kara karada’o kowashite-ita,to itte-imashitaga, hontowa mimi’o wazuratte-itano-dewa nai-deshoka.”

Maomao “It seems that you started to obtain the materials from the medical department of the rear palace ten years ago. This coincides with the time when you started making holes in the scores. You said that Lady Beifang had been in poor health for the past ten years, but I think she was actually suffering from ear problems.”

猫猫（だとすれば、譜面に穴が開けられている理由も分かる。歌詞はともかく、音の高さまで区別するのは難しいはずだ）

Maomao (Dato-sureba, fumen’ni anaga ake-rarete-iru riyumo wakaru. Kashiwa tomokaku, otono takasa-made kubetsu suru-nowa muzukashii hazuda.)

Maomao (If that’s the case, it makes sense why there are holes in the scores. Regardless of the lyrics, it’s hard to tell the pitch of the sounds apart.)

嬌嬌「ただの偶然です。言いがかりはよしてください」

Kyokyo “Tadano guzen desu. Iigakariwa yoshite kudasai.”

Kyokyo “It was just a coincidence. Please stop making false accusations.”

言いがかり(いいがかり/Iigakari): accusation, false charge

壬氏「偶然と言い切るか…��と言いたいところだが、薬屋、お前の話は矛盾しているぞ。佩芳殿は、亡くなられる直前まで曲を作っていた。その曲を誰に譲るのか…今解決すべき問題はそこだろう」

Jinshi “Guzento iikiruka…to iitai-tokoro-daga, Kusuriya, omaeno hanashiwa mujun shite-iruzo. Beifan-donowa, nakuna-rareru chokuzen-made kyoku’o tsukutte-ita. Sono kyoku’o dareni Yuzuru-noka… Ima kaiketsu-bubeki mondaiwa soko-daro.”

Jinshi “I’d like to ask how you can declare it was a coincidence, but... Apothecary, your story is contradictory. Lady Beifang was composing music right up until the time of her death. To whom should she give the music… That’s the problem that needs to be solved now.”

猫猫「はい。しかし、佩芳様ほどの音楽の才があれば、記憶で作曲くらいできるのではないでしょうか。過去に、耳が聞こえなくなっても曲を作り続けた人がいると聞いたことがあります。もちろん、耳が聞こえづらいのであれば、曲を弾くことは難しくてできなくなったかもしれませんが…」

Maomao “Hai. Shikashi, Beifan-sama-hodono ongakuno saiga areba, kiokude sakkyoku-kurai dekiruno-dewa nai-deshoka. Kakoni, mimiga kikoe-naku-nattemo kyoku’o tsukuri-tsuzuketa hitoga iruto kiita-kotoga arimasu. Mochiron, mimiga kikoe-zurai-node areba, kyoku’o hiku-kotowa muzukashikute dekinaku-natta-kamo shire-masenga…”

Maomao “Yes. But if you have musical talent like Lady Beifang, surely you could compose music from memory? I’ve heard of people in the past who continued to compose music even after losing their hearing. Of course, if you’re hard of hearing, it may be difficult to play a song, and you may not be able to…”

壬氏「ああ…確かに。佩芳殿の演奏は聴いたことがない。演奏をしなくなった時期も、十年前と一致する」

Jinshi “Aa…Tashika-ni. Beifan-donono ensowa kiita-kotoga nai. Enso’o shinaku-natta jikimo, ju-nen-maeto icchi suru.”

Jinshi “Yes… it’s true that I have never listened to Lady Beifang’s play. And the time when she stopped playing also coincides with ten years ago.”

嬌嬌「演奏をしなくなったのは、体調を崩してのこと。だから薬を作り始めたのですから。作曲も確かに記憶を頼りにできるかもしれません。でも編曲や変奏はどうされます？より複雑な音の組み合わせもまた、耳を患った方ができると言い張るのですか？素人の耳は騙せても、楽団に所属する玄人の耳は、騙せないのでは？」

Kyokyo “Enso’o shinaku-natta-nowa, taicho’o kuzushiteno koto. Dakara kusuri’o tsukuri-hajimetano-desu-kara. Sakkyokumo tashikani kioku’o tayorini dekiru-kamo shire-masen. Demo henkyokuya hensowa do sare-masu? Yori fukuzatsuna otono kumi-awasemo mata, mimi’o wazuratta kataga dekiruto iiharuno-desuka? Shirotono mimiwa damasetemo, gakudanni shozoku-suru kurotono mimiwa, damase-naino-dewa?”

Kyokyo “The reason she stopped playing was because her health was deteriorating. That’s why I started making medicine. It’s true that you can compose music from memory. But what about arrangements and variations? Are you saying that even more complex combinations of sounds can be made by someone with an ear disorder? You may be able to fool the ears of an amateur, but you can’t fool the ears of a professional musician who belongs to an orchestra, can you?”

素人(しろうと/Shiroto): amateur ⇔ 玄人(くろうと/Kukoro): professional

猫猫「ですよね。私には、音楽のことはよく分かりません。なので、もし誰かが代わりにやっていたとしても、気づきもしないでしょう」

Maomao “Desu-yone. Watashi-niwa, ongakuno kotowa yoku wakari-masen. Nanode, moshi darekaga kawarini yatte-itato shitemo, kizukimo shinai-desho.”

Maomao “I agree. I don’t know much about music. So, if someone else had done it for her, I probably wouldn’t even notice.”

壬氏「薬屋。つまり、何が言いたいのだ？」

Jinshi “Kusuriya. Tsumari, naniga iitai-noda?”

Jinshi “Apothecary. So what do you want to say?”

猫猫「壬氏様なら、もうお気づきではないでしょうか。なぜ嬌嬌様が曲の相続について、何も知らないふりをするのか。まるで、遺された工尺譜を処分したがっているように、私は思えました」

Maomao “Jinshi-sama-nara, mo okizuki-dewa nai-deshoka. Naze Kyokyo-samaga kyokuno sozokuni tsuite, nanimo shira-nai furi’o suru-noka. Marude, noko-sareta koshaku-fu’o shobun shita-gatte-iru-yoni, watashiwa omoe-mashita.”

Maomao “Master Jinshi, you must have noticed by now. Why does Lady Kyokyo pretend not to know anything about the inheritance of the music? It seems to me as if she wants to dispose of the scores left behind.”

嬌嬌「そんなわけがありません。私は佩芳様を大事に思っておりました。何の意味があって…」

Kyokyo “Sonna wakega ari-masen. Watakushiwa Beifan-sama’o daijini omotte-ori-mashita. Nanno imiga atte…”

Kyokyo “That can’t be true. I cared deeply about Lady Beifang. What’s the point that…”

猫猫「何の意味…それは、佩芳様を大事に思うからこそ、知らないふりをしていたのでしょう。今までの佩芳様の作品が、嬌嬌様のものだったからです」

Maomao “Nanno imi… Sorewa, Beifan-sama’o daijini omou-kara-koso, shiranai-furi’o shite-itano-desho. Ima-madeno Beifan-samano sakuhinga, Kyokyo-samano mono datta-kara desu.”

Maomao “What’ the point… It’s because you care so much about Lady Beifang that you pretended not to know. Because Lady Beifang’s work up until now was Lady Kyokyo’s.”

壬氏「…何だと!？…いやしかし、佩芳殿は作曲し、演奏も行っていたと」

Jinshi “…Nan-dato!?... Iya shikashi, Beifan-donowa sakkyoku-shi, ensomo okonatte-itato.”

Jinshi “What!? …But Lady Beifang composed and perfomed music.”

猫猫「��ちろん、全て嬌嬌様作ではありません。中には、佩芳様本人が作った曲もあったでしょう。ただ、一人で全てを片付けるには多すぎた。受け過ぎた仕事は、嬌嬌様が手伝っていた。不可能ではないでしょう。元々、音楽の才を認められて引き取られたのですから」

Maomao “Mochiron, subete Kyokyo-sama-saku-dewa ari-masen. Naka-niwa, Beifan-sama hon’ninga tsukutta kyokumo atta-desho. Tada, hitoride subete’o katazukeru-niwa oo-sugita. Uke-sugita shigotowa, Kyokyo-samaga tetsudatte-ita. Fukano-dewa nai-desho. Moto-moto, ongakuno sai’o mitome-rarete hikito-raretano-desu-kara.”

Maomao “Of course, not all of them were written by Lady Kyokyo. Some of the songs were written by Lady Beifang herself. However, there were too many for one person to handle alone. Lady Kyokyo helped out when she had too many jobs. It’s not impossible. Since she was originally adopted because her musical talent was recognized.”

嬌嬌「勝手な憶測はやめてください。あなたは相続人を見つけるためにやって来たのではないのですか！」

Kyokyo “Kattena okusokuwa yamete-kudasai. Anatawa sozoku-nin’o mitsukeru-tameni yatte-kitano-dewa naino-desuka!”

Kyokyo “Please stop making your own speculation. You just came here in order to find an heir, didn’t you?”

猫猫「はい。もちろん分かっています。だから、必要な事なのです」

Maomao “Hai. Mochiron wakatte-imasu. Dakara, hitsuyona koto nano-desu.”

Maomao “Yes, of course I understand. That’s why it’s necessary.”

高順「失礼ですが、調べさせていただきました。嬌嬌様は、元は妓女になる為、禿として働いていたそうですね。佩芳様に曲の指南をするのに、歳の近い者を一緒に習わせようと、佩芳様の御父上が遊郭から引き取ったと。音楽の才がある禿たちの曲をそれぞれ聴かせ、佩芳様がその中で、たった一人を選んだと」

Gaoshun “Shitsurei desuga, shirabe-sasete itadaki-mashita. Kyokyo-samawa, motowa gijoni naru-tame, kamuro-to-shite hataraite-ita-so-desune. Beifan-samani kyokuno shinan’o suru-noni, toshino chikai mono’o isshoni narawase-yoto, Beifan-samano ochichi-uega yukaku-kara hikitotta-to. Ongakuno saiga aru kamuro-tachino kyoku’o sore-zore kikase, Beifan-samaga sono nakade, tatta hitori’o eranda-to.”

Gaoshun “Excuse me, but I did some research. It seems that Lady Kyokyo originally worked as a serving girl to become a courtesan. In order to teach music to Lady Beifang, her father took you, who was of a similar age and can learn with Lady Beifang, from the brothel. He had Lady Beifang listen to the songs of the musically talented serving girls, and she chose just one of them.”

禿(か��ろ/Kamuro): a serving girl working in a brothel to become a courtesan in the future

嬌嬌「そ…そんなことまで…」

Kyokyo “So…Sonna koto-made…”

Kyokyo “E-Even something like that…”

猫猫「異国では、芸術作品を分業することもあるそうです。例え弟子が描いた画でも、その師匠となる人の名前で市場に出回る。もちろん、贋作ではありません。師匠は弟子の作品を、自分の作品として売ることを良しとしています。誰が描いたかではなく、誰の名前が付けられたかが、問題とされるのです」

Maomao “Ikoku-dewa, geijutsu-sakuhin’o bungyo-suru kotomo aru-sodesu. Tatoe deshiga kaita e-demo, sono shishoto naru hitono namaede shijoni demawaru. Mochiron, gansaku-dewa ari-masen. Shishowa deshino sakuhin’o, jibun’no sakuhin-to-shite uru-koto’o yoshi-to shite-imasu. Darega kaitaka-dewa naku, dareno namaega tsuke-raretaka-ga, mondaito sareruno-desu.”

Maomao “It seems that in foreign countries, works of art are sometimes created by dividing labor. Even if a painting is made by an apprentice, it will be sold on the market under the name of the master. Of course, it is not a fake. The master is happy to sell the work of his apprentice as his own. The issue is not who painted it, but whose name were held.”

弟子(でし/Deshi): an apprentice ⇔ 師匠(ししょう/Shisho): the master

贋作(がんさく/Gan-saku): a fake, counterfeit

猫猫（最も、この国で息づいている考えとは違う。嬌嬌にとって、自分が主人の名前を使って曲を作っていたことは、汚名としか思えないだろう）

Maomao (Mottomo, kono kunide ikizuite-iru kangae-towa chigau. Kyokyo-ni totte, jibunga shujin’no namae’o tsukatte kyoku’o tsukutte-ita kotowa, omei-to-shika omoe-nai-daro.)

Maomao (Although, this is different from the thinking that is prevalent in this country. To Kyokyo, the fact that she used her master’s name to write a song must be a stigma.)

汚名(おめい/Omei): stigma

壬氏「そうか…そういうことか…」

Jinshi “Soka… So-iu Kotoka…”

Jinshi “I see… That’s how it is…”

猫猫「ええ。佩芳様は先帝の妃。今では扶持も雀の涙ほどで、実家の援助はない。で��たら、自分で稼ぐより他ない」

Maomao “Ee. Beifan-samawa senteino kisaki. Ima-dewa fuchimo suzumeno namida-hodode, jikkano enjowa nai. Deshitara, jibunde kasegu-yori-hoka nai.”

Maomao “Yes. Lady Beifang was the concubine of the previous emperor. Nowadays her stipend is barely a pittance, and she has no support from her family. In that case, she has no choice but to earn her own money.”

雀の涙(すずめのなみだ/Suzumeno namida): pittance, drop in the bucket, insignificant amount, sparrow tears

壬氏「この宮と言い、楽器や譜の管理、維持費はかなり必要だったはずだ」

Jinshi “Kono miyato-ii, gakkiya funo kanri, ijihiwa kanari hitsuyo datta-hazuda.”

Jinshi “It must have been quite costly to care for and maintain the instruments and scores as well as this building.”

猫猫「仕切っていた嬌嬌様なら、誰よりもお分かりですよね。佩芳様の名前を使ってあなたが依頼を受ければ、その分報酬は増える。音楽隊の維持費にも使える。あなたが本当に隠したかったのは、佩芳様の秘密の文通ではない。佩芳様が作ったという曲、それが偽物だとバレたくなかった。さらには、耳を患っていたという事実を隠しておきたかった。だから、万が一にでも気づかれないようにと、相続人をぼやかし、過去の譜面を処分してしまう宮廷楽団に渡そうとした」

Maomao “Shikitte-ita Kyokyo-sama-nara, dare-yorimo owakari desu-yone. Beifan-samano namae’o tsukatte anataga irai’o ukereba, sono-bun shigotowa fueru. Ongaku-taino ijihi-nimo tsukaeru. Anataga hontoni kakushi-takatta-nowa, Beifan-samano himitsuno buntsu-dewa nai. Beifan-samaga tsukutta-to-iu kyoku, sorega nisemono-dato bare-taku nakatta. Sara-niwa, mimi’o wazuratte-ita-to-iu jijitsu’o kakushite okita-katta. Dakara, manga-ichi-nidemo kizukare-nai-yonito, sozoku-nin’o boyakashi, kakono fumen’o shobun shite-shimau kyutei-gakudan’ni watasoto shita.”

Maomao “As the person in charge, you know better than anyone, Lady Kyokyo. If you accept a request using Lady Beifang’s name, the reward will increase. It can also be used to cover the upkeep of the orchestra. What you really wanted to hide wasn’t Lady Beifang’s secret correspondence. You didn’t want it to be discovered that the songs that you said Lady Beifang had composed were fakes. Furthermore, you wanted to hide the fact that she had an ear problem. So, just in case anyone found it, you blurred the heir and tried to give them to the palace orchestra, who were disposing the old scores.”

嬌嬌「…そんなことありません！私があなたたちに非協力的だったのは、ただ…嫉妬したんです！ずっと…ずっと私が、私だけ��仕えてきた。それなのに…他の誰かと…わざわざ最後の曲を私にも全て見せずに…」

Kyokyo “…Sonna koto ari-masen! Watakushiga anata-tachini hi-kyoryoku-teki datta-nowa, tada…shitto shitan-desu! Zutto…zutto watakushiga, watakushi-dakega tsukaete-kita. Sore-nanoni…hokano darekato…waza-waza saigono kyoku’o watakushi-nimo subete misezuni…”

Kyokyo “…That’s not true! The reason why I was uncooperative with you was because… I was just jealous! I have always served her, and I am the only one who has served her. And yet… she didn’t even bother to show me the last song… and to someone else…”

猫猫「嘘をつかないでください。あなたは、暗号めいた文通を、道端で小さな花を見つけるほどの些細な楽しみ、と言いました。まさにその楽しみは本来、嬌嬌様のものだったのではないでしょうか。あなたは嫉妬どころか、自分が本来受け取るはずだった些細な楽しみを主人に渡していた。そうですよね、壬氏様」

Maomao “Uso’o tsuka-naide kudasai. Anatawa, ango-meita buntsu’o, michibatade chiisana hana’o mitsukeru-hodono sasaina tanoshimi, to iimashita. Masani sono tanoshimiwa honrai, Kyokyo-samano mono-dattano-dewa nai-deshoka. Anatawa shitto-dokoroka, jibunga honrai uketoru hazu-datta sasaina tanoshimi’o shujin’ni watashite-ita. So-desu-yone, Jinshi-sama.”

Maomao “Don’t lie. You described the cryptic correspondences as a trivial pleasure, like finding a small flower by the roadside. Wasn’t that very pleasure of you originally, Lady Kyokyo? Far from being jealous, you were giving your master the trivial pleasure that was rightfully yours. Isn’t that right, Master Jinshi?”

壬氏「佩芳殿と文通をしていた相手。リュウリュウタオ楽団というのは、三十年程前にできた、妓女を団長にした楽団だ。レイレイという女性は記憶にないか」

Jinshi “Beifan-donoto buntsu’o shite-ita aite. Ryu-Ryu-Tao-Gakudan-to iu-nowa, sanju-nen-hodo maeni dekita, gijo’o dancho-ni shita gakudan-da. Reirei-to-iu joseiwa kiokuni naika.”

Jinshi “The Ryu-Ryu-Tao Orchestra, who was exchanging letters with Lady Beifang, was formed about 30 years ago and was led by a courtesan. Don’t you remember a woman called Leilei?”

嬌嬌「！…知りません」

Kyokyo “! …Shiri-masen.”

Kyokyo “! …I don’t know.”

壬氏「嘘をつくな。調べはついている。お前の姉もまた、遊郭に売られたそうだな。姉妹揃って音楽の才を持っていたとは」

Jinshi “Uso’o tsukuna. Shirabewa tsuite-iru. Omaeno anemo mata, yukakuni urareta-sodana. Shimai sorotte ongakuno sai’o motte-ita-towa.”

Jinshi “Don’t lie. I’ve checked. I hear your elder sister was also sold to a brothel. Both sisters had musical talent.”

猫猫「佩芳様宛にずっと送られてきた暗号は、本当は嬌嬌様、あなたに宛てたものだったのでしょう。禿だった妹が、どこかの屋敷に引き取られ、その娘が入内したと知っていた。暗号はきっと嬌嬌様にしか分からないと思い、曲を佩芳様に送っていた。しかし、佩芳様は暗号に気づき、あなたはそんな主に、自分宛てのものだとは言えなかった」

Maomao “Beifan-sama-ateni zutto oku-rarete-kita angowa, hontowa Kyokyo-sama, anatani ateta mono dattano-desho. Kamuro datta imotoga, dokokano yashikini hiki-torare, sono musumega judai-shita-to shitte-ita. Angowa kitto Kyokyo-sama-ni-shika wakara-naito omoi, kyoku’o Beifan-samani okutte-ita. Shikashi, Beifan-samawa angoni kizuki, anatawa sonna arujini, jibun-ateno monoda-towa ie-nakatta.”

Maomao “The code that had been sent to Lady Beifang all this time was actually intended for you, Lady Kyokyo. She knew that her younger sister who used to be a serving girl had been taken in by some mansion and that the daughter in the mansion had come to the rear palace. She thought that only Lady Kyokyo would know the code, so she sent the song to Lady Beifang. But Lady Beifang noticed the code, and you couldn’t tell her that it was intended for you.”

嬌嬌「そんなわけが…」

Kyokyo “Sonna wakega…”

Kyokyo “That’s not possible…”

猫猫「私は、あなたと佩芳様のことについて、よく知りません。だから、今、目の前にある情報だけで判断するのみです」

Maomao “Watashiwa, anatato Beifan-samano kotoni-tsuite, yoku shiri-masen. Dakara, ima, meno maeni aru joho-dakede handan-suru-nomi desu.”

Maomao “I don’t know much about you and Lady Beifang. So I can only make a judgement based on the information I have in front of me right now.”

高順「小猫。言われたものを用意しました。壬氏様、よろしいですか？」

Gaoshun “Shaomao. Iwareta mono’o yoi shimashita. Jinshi-sama, yoroshii-desuka?”

Gaoshun “Xiaomao, I have prepared what you asked for. Master Jinshi, is it okay?”

壬氏「構わん。出してくれ」

Jinshi “Kamawan. Dashite-kure.”

Jinshi “Right. Let it out.”

高順「分かりました」

Gaoshun “Wakari-mashita.”

Gaoshun “I understand.”

嬌嬌「…それは…」

Kyokyo “…Sorewa…”

Kyokyo “…That’s…”

猫猫「嬌嬌様は、佩芳様の最後の曲の全容を知らないと言っていましたね。これこそ、佩芳様の最後の言葉です。演奏して、とは言いません。ただ、目を通してください」

Maomao “Kyokyo-samawa, Beifan-samano saigono kyokuno zen’yo’o shiranai-to itte-imashitane. Kore-koso, Beifan-samano saigono kotoba desu. Enso-shite-towa iimasen. Tada, me’o tooshite kudasai.”

Maomao “Lady Kyokyo, you said that you didn’t know the full story of the last song of Lady Beifang. This is Lady Beifang’s last words. I won’t ask you to play it. Just please take a look.”

嬌嬌「ああ…佩芳様…」

Kyokyo “Aa… Beifan-sama…”

Kyokyo “Oh… Lady Beifang…”

猫猫「あなたには、佩芳様が誰に何を遺したかったのか、分かるはずです。彼女が素人の目から見ても下手な歌詞など作るわけがないと」

Maomao “Anata-niwa, Beifan-samaga dareni nani’o nokoshi-takatta-noka, wakaru-hazu desu. Kanojoga shirotono me-kara mitemo hetana kashi-nado tsukuru-wakega naito.”

Maomao “You should understand what Lady Beifang wanted to leave behind and to whom. There is no way she would have written poorly written lyrics even to the untrained eye.”

猫猫（明らかに韻が踏まれていない、下手くそな歌詞があるはずだ。秘密の文通を知っているなら解ける、簡単な暗号）

Maomao (Akirakani inga fumarate-inai, heta-kusona kashiga aru-hazuda. Himitsuno buntsu’o shitte-iru-nara tokeru, kantanna ango.)

Maomao (There must be some lyrics that are obviously out of order and poorly written. If you know the secret correspondence, you can easily decipher it.)

猫猫「佩芳様が、本当は何をしてほしかったのか、ちゃんと確かめてください」

Maomao “Beifan-samaga, hontowa nani’o shite-hoshi-katta-noka, chanto tashikamete kudasai.”

Maomao “Please check carefully to see what Lady Beifang really wanted you to do.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

佩芳「謝謝、嬌嬌。今までずっと、ありがとう。これからは自分の曲を奏でて。私の遺せるものは、これくらいしかない」

Beifan “Shei-shei, Kyokyo. Ima-made zutto, arigato. Kore-karawa jibun’no kyoku’o kanadete. Watashino nokoseru monowa, kore-kurai-shika nai.”

Beifang “Thank you, Kyokyo. Thank you for everything you have done for me. From now on, play your own tunes. This is all I can leave behind.”

嬌嬌「ああ…あああ…佩芳…佩芳様！佩芳様ぁ！」

Kyokyo “Aa…Aaa…Beifan…Beifan-sama! Beifan-samaa!”

Kyokyo “Ah… Ahh… Lady Beifang! Lady Beifan!”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

佩芳「ねぇ、嬌嬌。あなたは曲を作らないの？」

Beifan “Nee, Kyokyo. Anatawa kyoku’o tsukura-naino?”

Beifang “Hey, Kyokyo, don’t you write songs?”

嬌嬌「…えっ、どうしたんです？」

Kyokyo “…E, do-shitan-desu?”

Kyokyo “…Huh? What’s wrong?”

佩芳「きっと素敵な曲が作れるわ。あなたの歌も琴も素晴らしいもの」

Beifan “Kitto sutekina kyokuga tsukureruwa. Anatano utamo kotomo subarashii-mono.”

Beifang “I’m sure you can write a wonderful song. Your singing and your koto are wonderful.”

嬌嬌「私が作ったところで、誰も聴いていただけませんよ」

Kyokyo “Watashiga tsukutta-tokorode, daremo kiite-itadake-masen’yo.”

Kyokyo “Even if I made it, no one would listen to it.”

佩芳「私が聴きたいの。もし、他の人に聴いてもらいたいなら、私の名前を使ってもいいわ」

Beifan “Watashiga kikitaino. Moshi, hokano hitoni kiite-morai-tai-nara, watashino namae’o tsukattemo iiwa.”

Beifang “I want to listen to it. If you want other people to listen to it, you can use my name.”

嬌嬌「そ、そんな…！バレたらどうするんですか」

Kyokyo “So, Sonna…! Bare-tara do-surun-desuka.”

Kyokyo “Oh, no way…! What will you do if it gets found out?”

バレる(Bareru): get caught ～ing, get found out (It’s a slang and not used in formal conversations.)

佩芳「大丈夫。バレたりしない。だから、これは私とあなたの秘密よ」

Beifan “Daijobu. Bare-tari shinai. Dakara, korewa watashito anatano himitsuyo.”

Beifang “Don’t worry. No one will find out. So this is our secret.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「本当なら、もっと早く解決していただろうに」

Maomao “Honto-nara, motto hayaku kaiketsu-shite-ita-daroni.”

Maomao “It could have been solved much sooner, originally.”

壬氏「罪作りだな」

Jinshi “Tsumi-tsukuri-dana.”

Jinshi “It was deceitful.”

罪作りな(つみつくりな/Tsumi-tsukurina): deceitful, sinful, heartless, cruel

猫猫「ええ。罪作りですね」

Maomao “Ee. tsumi-tsukuri desune.”

Maomao “Yes, it was deceitful.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

玉葉妃「曲の相続人は侍女頭でした…って、意外だわ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Kyokuno sozoku-ninwa jijo-gashira deshita…tte, igai dawa.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “The heir to the song was the head lady-in-waiting… How unexpected.”

壬氏「そうですか？」

Jinshi “So-desuka?”

Jinshi “Is that so?”

猫猫「侍女頭が見てる…」

Maomao “Jijo-gashiraga miteru…”

Maomao “The head lady-in-waiting is watching…”

玉葉妃「あっ！訂正！私も紅娘になら何か遺すかも！…それで、嬌嬌さんと言ったかしら？彼女はどうなったの？」

Gyokuyo-hi “A! Teisei! Watashimo Hon’nyan-ni-nara nanika nokosu-kamo! …Sorede, Kyokyo-santo itta-kashira? Kanojowa do-nattano?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh! Correction! I also might leave something behind for Hongniang! …And what happened to her…Lady Kyokyo, right?”

壬氏「後宮を出たら、以前より曲の依頼を受けていた楽団に所属することになりました。佩芳殿をずっと支えてきたということもあって、音楽に関しては、どこに所属しても引けを取らないでしょうし」

Jinshi “Kokyu’o detara, izen-yori kyokuno irai’o ukete-ita gakudan’ni shozoku-suru-kotoni nari-mashita. Beifan-dono’o zutto sasaete-kitato iu-kotomo atte, ongakuni kanshitewa, dokoni shozoku-shitemo hike’o tora-nai deshoshi.”

Jinshi “After leaving the rear palace, she is going to join the orchestra that had been asking them to write songs for them. She has supported Lady Beifang for a long time, so I’m sure she’ll be able to hold her own in terms of music no matter where she joins.”

引けを取らない(ひけをとらない/Hike’o tora-nai): hold one’s own, stand one’s ground

猫猫（例の文通相手とやらだ。嬌嬌の姉で、妹が買い取られた後も、連絡を取ろうとしていた）

Maomao (Reino buntsu-aite-toyarada. Kyokyo-no anede, imotoga kai-torareta atomo, renraku’o toroto shite-ita.)

Maomao (The aforementioned pen pal. She is Kyokyo’s older sister, and tried to keep in contact with her even after her younger sister was bought off.)

玉葉妃「うーん…大体わかったけど、何か隠しているようにも感じるわね」

Gyokuyo-hi “Uuun… Daitai wakatta-kedo, nanika kakushite-iru-yonimo kanjiru-wane.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Hmm… I understand it roughly, but it feels like you’re hiding something.”

大体(だいたい/Daitai): roughly, mainly, generally, pretty much

壬氏「気のせいでしょう」

Jinshi “Kino-sei desho.”

Jinshi “It’s probably just your imagination.”

気のせい(きのせい/Kino-sei): just one’s imagination, overthinking, feeling like something happened although nothing actually happened.

猫猫（玉葉妃、鋭い！そして、壬氏は笑顔でサラリと誤魔化す！佩芳の功績は、実は侍女頭との合作だった、なんて口にしない方が平和だろう）

Maomao (Gyokuyo-hi, surudoi! Soshite, Jinshiwa egaode sararito gomakasu! Beifan’no kosekiwa, jitsuwa jijo-gashira-tono gassaku-datta, nante kuchini shinai-hoga heiwa daro.)

Maomao (Concubine Gyokuyou is so sharp! And Master Jinshi just covers up the issue with his nice smile! It’s more peaceful if he doesn’t mention that Lady Beifang’s achievement was actually a collaboration with the head lady-in-waiting.)

誤魔化す(ごまかす/Gomakasu): cover up, cheat, play, deceive

玉葉妃「うちの猫猫を貸したのに、なんかしっくりこないけど、まぁいいかしら」

Gyokuyo-hi “Uchino Maomao’o kashita-noni, nanka shikkuri-konai-kedo, maa ii-kashira.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “It doesn’t feel right in spite that I lent you my Maomao, but I guess it’s alright.”

壬氏「ああ、言い忘れておりました。佩芳殿の遺作を受け継いだ侍女頭が曲を組み直して変奏するとのことです。後宮を出る前に」

Jinshi “Aa, ii-wasurete-ori-mashita. Beifan-donono isaku’o uketsuida jijo-gashiraga kyoku’o kumi-naoshite henso-suru-tono koto desu. Kokyu’o deru maeni.”

Jinshi “Oh, I forgot to mention that the head lady-in-waiting who inherited Lady Beifang’s work will rearrange the piece and perform variations on it, before she leaves the rear palace.”

玉葉妃「本当？とても楽しみだわ！一番いい席を用意してもらわなくちゃ！」

Gyokuyo-hi “Honto? Totemo tanoshimi-dawa! Ichiban ii seki’o yoi-shite-morawa-nakucha!”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Really? I’m really looking forward to it! I’ll have to ask you to get the best seat!”

猫猫（うまくはぐらかしたぁ～！）

Maomao (Umaku hagurakashitaaa!)

Maomao (He successfully evade it!)

はぐらかす(Hagurakasu): evade, dodge

壬氏「では、私はこれで」

Jinshi “Dewa, watashiwa korede.”

Jinshi “Well, that’s all for me.”

玉葉妃「ええ。また何か話題があれば持ってきてください」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ee. Mata nanika wadaiga areba motte-kite kudasai.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Yes. If there’s anything else you’d like to talk about, please bring it up.”

壬氏「ええ。妃のためなら」

Jinshi “Ee. Kisakino tame-nara.”

Jinshi “Yes, if it’s for you, Concubine Gyokuyou.”

猫猫（胡散臭い！）

Maomao (Usan-kusai!)

Maomao (Suspicious!)

胡散臭い(うさんくさい/Usan-kusai): shady, suspicious, sketchy, fishy

壬氏「ああ、そうそう、侍女の賃料代わりとしてはどうかと思いますが、珍しい酒を一本持ってきましたので、ぜひ召し上がってください。念のため、毒見を使ってお飲み頂ければ、と」

Jinshi “Aa, so-so, jijono chinryo-gawarito-shitewa dokato omoi-masuga, mezurashii sake’o ippon motte-kimashita-node, zehi meshi-agatte kudasai. Nenno tame, dokumi’o tsukatte onomi-itadake-reba, to.”

Jinshi “Oh, by the way, I’ve brought a bottle of rare alcohol, which I’m not sure is a good substitute for the rent of your lady-in-waiting, so please enjoy it. I’d like you to test if for poison just in case.”

召し上がる(めしあがる/Meshi-agaru):eat(食べる/たべる/Taberu) or drink(飲む/のむ/Nomu) in Keigo(respectful form)

猫猫（おお！おおおおおお～！）

Maomao (Oo! Oooooooo!)

Maomao (Oh! Ohhhhhhh!)

（完/End）

#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 · 16 days ago

Text

Drama CD of The Apothecary Diaries vol.9 (2/3) / 薬屋のひとりごと 9巻ドラマCD (2/3)

Please note that the English lines are just my translation.

So if you’d like to share this post with someone, please advise them to visit my blog. I’ll put a link to this post on the home page of my blog.

(back to 1/3 part of the story → Click here)

猫猫（無茶言うなよ… こんなの一人でできるか！―って、投げ出しても終わらない。とりあえず、情報を整理するか）

Maomao (Mucha iu-nayo… Konnano hitoride dekiruka!―tte, nagedashi-temo owara-nai. Tori-aezu, joho’o seiri-suruka.)

Maomao (Don’t be ridiculous… How can I do this alone? But even if I just give up, it won’t end. Let’s organize the information first.)

無茶を言うな(むちゃをいうな/Mucha’o iu): Don’t be ridiculous, Don’t be absurd

猫猫（長らく後宮にいた先帝の妃、佩芳が死んだ。名のある楽人であった彼女は、最後に作った曲を誰かに譲るつもりであったが、相続人を口にする前に亡くなってしまった。残されたのは、後宮外の者との文のやりとり。文の多くは宛名が無く、楽団名のみ。筆跡で探ろうにも、代筆を使っている場合が多く、難しい…）

Maomao (Nagaraku kokyuni ita senteino kisaki, Beifanga shinda. Nano aru gakujinde atta kanojowa, saigoni tsukutta kyoku’o darekani yuzuru-tsumoride-attaga, sozoku-nin’o kuchini-suru maeni nakunatte-shimatta. Noko-sareta-nowa, kokyu-gaino mono-tono fumino yaritori. Fumino ookuwa atenaga naku, gakudan-mei-nomi. Hissekide saguro-nimo, daihitsu’o tsukatte-iru baaiga ooku, muzukashii…)

Maomao (The former emperor’s concubine Beifang, who had been in the rear palace for a long time, passed away. She was a famous musician and had intended to pass on her last composition to someone, but she died before she could name an heir. All that was left was correspondences with people outside the rear palace. Many of the letters were unaddressed, only with the name of the orchestra. Even if you try to find out the handwriting, it is difficult because in many cases someone else wrote it for them…)

猫猫（かろうじて分かるのは、佩芳が気に入っていた曲。結構あるんだよなぁ… あの侍女頭が、もっと意見を言ってくれたらいいのに…。大事にしているように見えて、案外雑な保管方法だよな。たまには日陰干しもしないと虫食いだらけ…あ…）

Maomao (Karojite wakaru-nowa, Beifanga kini-itte-ita kyoku. Kekko arun-dayo-naa… Ano jijo-gashiraga, motto iken’o itte-kure-tara ii-noni… Daijini shite-iru-yoni miete, angai zatsuna hokan-hoho dayona. Tama-niwa hikage-boshimo shinaito mushi-kui-darake… A…)

Maomao (All the information I got are the songs that Lady Beifang liked. There are quite a lot… I wish the head lady-in-waiting would give me more opinions… They seem to treasure the scores, but they’re storing them carelessly. She needs to dry them in the shade every now and then, or they’ll get eaten by moths… Ah…)

猫猫「すみません、嬌嬌様」

Maomao “Sumi-masen, Kyokyo-sama.”

Maomao “Excuse me, Lady Kyokyo.”

嬌嬌「どうされました？」

Kyokyo “Do sare-mashita?”

Kyokyo “What happened?”

猫猫「工尺譜に、わざと穴が開けられているようですが。原文ではなく、写しにばかり」

Maomao “Koshakufu-ni, wazato anaga ake-rarete-iru-yodesuga. Genbun-dewa naku, utsushini bakari.”

Maomao “It seems like holes have been intentionally made into the gongche notations. Not into the original, but all into copies.”

わざと(Wazato): intentionally, deliberately, on purpose

猫猫（手紙には虫食い痕はほとんどない。譜面にばかりだ。形と配置からして、あえて穴を開けられていることが分かる。十年くらい前の物からか…）

Maomao (Tegami-niwa mushi-kui-atowa hotondo nai. Fumen-ni-bakarida. Katachito haichi-kara-shite, aete ana’o ake-rarete-iru-kotoga wakaru. Ju-nen-kurai maeno mono-karaka…)

Maomao (The letters have almost no holes. Holes are in the scores only. Judging from its shape and placement, I can tell the holes were deliberately made. It must be from about ten years ago…)

あえて(Aete): deliverately (わざと and あえて are very similar. Strictly to say there are differences but if I explain here simply, わざと sounds a little bit negative, and あえて sounds positive.)

嬌嬌「あ…申し訳ありません。伝えておりませんでした。佩芳様が読み返せるようにと、指先で触れて分かるように、紙に穴を開けていました」

Kyokyo “A… Moshi-wake ari-masen. Tsutaete ori-masen deshita. Beifan-samaga yomikae-seru-yoni-to, yubi-sakide furete wakaru-yoni, kamini ana’o akete imashita.”

Kyokyo “Ah… I’m sorry. I didn’t tell you that. I made holes in the papers so that Lady Beifang could feel them with her fingertips and read it again.”

猫猫「穴を開けたのは、全てあなたが？」

Maomao “Ana’o aketa-nowa, subete anataga?”

Maomao “Were you the one who made all the holes?”

嬌嬌「はい。こうして…穴を開けます。他の侍女たちは、佩芳様は一度聞けば曲を覚えてしまうので意味がないと、やってくれなかったんですけどね」

Kyokyo “Hai. Ko-shite…ana’o ake-masu. Hokano jijo-tachiwa, Beifan-samawa ichido kikeba kyoku’o oboete-shimau-node imiga naito, yatte-kure-nakattan-desu-kedo-ne.”

Kyokyo “Yes. Like this… This is how you make the holes. The other ladies-in-waiting didn’t want to do it because Lady Beifang would memorize the tune after hearing it just once and they thought there was no point in doing it.”

猫猫（ふん…穴を開けた位置の組み合わせで音階を表すわけか… これなら読めるな）

Maomao (Fun… Ana’o aketa ichino kumi-awasede onkai’o arawasu-wakeka… Kore-nara yomeruna.)

Maomao (Hmm… So the musical scale is expressed by the combination of hole positions… She must have been able to read it.)

猫猫「清書した物のみ、穴を開けているのですね」

Maomao “Seisho-shita mono-nomi, ana’o akete-iruno-desune.”

Maomao “You only make holes in the clean copies, don’t you?”

清書(せいしょ/Seisho): clean copy, fair copy

嬌嬌「はい。清書は二枚用意し、一枚は、送られて来た楽団へと返します」

Kyokyo “Hai. Seishowa ni-mai yoi-shi, ichi-maiwa, oku-rarete-kita gakudan’eto kaeshi-masu.”

Kyokyo “Yes. I prepare two clean copies and return one to the orchestra that sent it.”

猫猫「確か、証拠として残しておくと」

Maomao “Tashika, shoko-to-shite nokoshite-okuto.”

Maomao “You said you would leave it as evidence.”

嬌嬌「はい。先程も言いましたが、佩芳様の作曲、または変奏・編曲を、全て自分の手柄にしている方がいらっしゃいました。今後そのようなことが起きないようにと、送られて来た譜は、こうして楽団の印を押してもらっており、それを添削したものを保管しています」

Kyokyo “Hai. Saki-hodomo ii-mashitaga, Beifan-samano sakkyoku, matawa henso, henkyoku’o, subete jibun’no tegarani shite-iru kataga irasshai-mashita. Kongo sono-yona kotoga oki-nai-yonito, oku-rarete-kita fuwa, koshite gakudan’no in’o oshite-moratte-ori, sore’o tensaku-shita mono’o hokan shite-imasu.”

Kyokyo “Yes. As I said earlier, there were some people who were taking all of Lady Beifang’s compositions, variations, and arrangements for themselves. To prevent this from happening again, we have the orchestra stamp the scores that are sent to us, and we keep the corrected versions.”

添削する(てんさくする/Tensaku-suru): check and correct

猫猫「聞いているとどんどん質問が湧いてくるのですが…構いませんか？多少不躾な内容があるので、答えられる範囲で構いません」

Maomao “Kiite-iruto don-don shitsumon-ga waite-kuruno-desuga… kamai-masenka? Tasho bushitsuke-na naiyoga aru-node, kotae-rareru han’ide kamai-masen.”

Maomao “As I listen, more and more questions come to mind… Is that okay? Some of the content may be a little rude, so you don’t have to answer the questions any more than you desire.”

どんどん(Don-don): more and more, rapidly

嬌嬌「どうぞ」

Kyokyo “Dozo.”

Kyokyo “Please go ahead.”

猫猫「こちらの宮には、多数の楽器があるようですが、正直、先帝の妃の扶持(ふち)で用意できるとは思えません。だからと言って、女官たちが個別で楽器を持ってくるのは難しいと思います。作曲・編曲などで見返りに金銭は受け取っていますか？」

Maomao “Kochirano miya-niwa, tasuno gakkiga aruyo-desuga, shojiki, senteino kisakino fuchide yoi dekiru-towa omoe-masen. Dakarato-itte, nyokan-tachiga kobetsude gakki’o motte-kuru-nowa muzukashii-to omoi-masu. Sakkyoku, henkyoku-nadode mikaerini kinsenwa uketotte-imasuka?”

Maomao “It seems that there are many musical instruments here, but to be honest, I don’t think that the former emperor’s concubine’s stipend would be enough to provide them all. That being said, I think it would be difficult for the ladies-in-waiting to bring their own instruments. Did she receive money in return for composing and arranging music?”

だからと言って(だからといって/Dakarato-itte): that being said

猫猫（先程の話では、実家からの仕送りは期待できない。子がいない先帝の妃となれば、さほど重視しないもんだ）

Maomao (Sakihodono hanashi-dewa, jikka-karano shiokuriwa kitai deki-nai. Koga inai senteino kisakito nareba, sahodo jushi shinai-monda.)

Maomao (According to what Lady Kyokyo has told me, Lady Beifang had not been able to expect any money from her parents. In the position of the concubine of the previous emperor without children, she would not have been given as much attention.)

仕送り(しおくり/Shiokuri): money to be given among family members to support

嬌嬌「お察しの通りです。佩芳様は対価と見返りに曲を作っておられました。受け取った金銭については、音楽隊の運営に使っていました。やましいところはありません」

Kyokyo “Osasshino toori desu. Beifan-samawa taikato mikaerini kyoku’o tsukutte-orare-mashita. Uketotta kinsen’ni tsuitewa, ongaku-taino un’eini tsukatte-imashita. Yamashii tokorowa ari-masen.”

Kyokyo “As you may have guessed, Lady Beifang composed the songs in return for money. As for the money she received, she used it to run her music band. There is nothing shameful about this.”

やましい(Yamashii): feeling a guilty conscience

猫猫「仕事によって受け取ったのであれば、問題ないかと思います。それと…嬌嬌様以外の古参の侍女はいらっしゃらないのですか？」

Maomao “Shigotoni yotte uketotta-node areba, mondai-naikato omoi-masu. Soreto… Kyokyo-sama-igaino kosan’no jijowa irasshara-naino-desuka?”

Maomao “If she received it for work, I don’t think there’s any problem. Also… are there no other senior ladies-in-waiting besides you, Lady Kyokyo?”

古参の(こさんの/Kosanno): veteran, senior

嬌嬌「佩芳様のもとに、先の帝が通われたのは、二年程。その間、子を授かることはありませんでした。当時は、二十人を超える侍女や下女がいましたが、皆離れていきました。お通りが無くなれば、妃としての扶持も減りますので、皆年季を終えると実家へと帰っていきました」

Kyokyo “Beifan-samano motoni, sakino mikadoga kayo-wareta-nowa, ni-nen-hodo. Sono aida, ko’o sazukaru-kotowa ari-masen-deshita. Tojiwa, niju-nin’o koeru jijoya gejoga imashitaga, mina hanarete iki-mashita. Otooriga naku-nareba, kisaki-to-shiteno fuchimo herimasu-node, mina nenki’o oeruto jikka’eto kaette iki-mashita.”

Kyokyo “The previous emperor visited Lady Beifang for about two years. During that time, she did not have any children. At the time, she had more than twenty ladies-in-waiting and servants, but they all left. When the emperor stopped visiting, her stipend as concubine would decrease, so they all returned to their parents’ homes when their term was over.”

猫猫（世知辛い話だ…）

Maomao (Sechi-garai hanashida…)

Maomao (It’s a tough story…)

猫猫「嬌嬌様は、ご実家に戻られようとは思わなかったのですか？」

Maomao “Kyokyo-samawa, gojikkani modorare-yotowa omowa-nakattano-desuka?”

Maomao “Lady Kyokyo, haven’t you ever thought about returning to your parents’ home?”

嬌嬌「私は…引き取られた身です。実家などありません。帰ったところで、私に居場所はないでしょう」

Kyokyo “Watakushiwa… hikito-rareta mi-desu. Jikka-nado ari-masen. Kaetta-tokorode, watakushini ibashowa nai desho.”

Kyokyo “I…was adopted. I don’t have a family home. Even if I went back, there would be no place for me.”

猫猫（…もしかしてこの人の出身って…いや、確認するのは野暮だ）

Maomao (…Moshika-shite kono hitono shusshintte… Iya, kakunin-suru-nowa yaboda.)

Maomao (…Could it be that this person is from… No, it would be rude to check.)

野暮な(やぼな/yabona): rude, boorish, inappropriate, senseless

嬌嬌「それに」

Kyokyo “Soreni.”

Kyokyo “And”

猫猫「それに？」

Maomao “Soreni?”

Maomao “And?”

嬌嬌「自分で言うのも何ですが、佩芳様の笛と私の琴は、とても良く合っていたんです。できればもう一度、佩芳様と合わせてみたかった…」

Kyokyo “Jibunde iu-nomo nan-desuga, Beifan-samano fueto watashino kotowa, totemo yoku atte-itan-desu. Dekireba mo-ichido, Beifan-samato awasete-mitakatta…”

Kyokyo “Even if I do say so myself, Lady Beifang’s flute and my koto matched extremely well. I wanted to play it with Lady Beifang once again, if possible…”

自分で言うのも何ですが(じぶんでいうのもなんですが/Jibunde iu-nomo nan-desuga): (Even) if I say so myself

猫猫（悲しい笑いだ…）

Maomao (Kanashii waraida…)

Maomao (Sad smile…)

猫猫「込み入ったことを聞いてしまいました」

Maomao “Komi-itta koto’o kiite shimai-mashita.”

Maomao “I’ve heard something complicated.”

This line means almost the same as “I’m sorry to ask you such private questions.” But Maomao didn’t say “sorry,” so I didn’t translate it. Actually Maomao expressed her feeling of apology and Kyokyo understood it. That’s why Kyokyo will say “No.” in the following line.

嬌嬌「いえ。これで終わりなら、私は少し席を外しますが、よろしいでしょうか？他の女官を寄越しますので、何かあれば言って下さい」

Kyokyo “Ie. Korede owari-nara, watakushiwa sukoshi seki’o hazushi-masuga, yoroshii deshoka? Hokano nyokan’o yokoshi-masu-node, nanika areba itte kudasai.”

Kyokyo “No. If this is all you need, I will leave my seat for a while. Is that okay? I’ll send another lady-in-waiting, so please let her know if you need anything.”

寄越す(よこす/Yokosu): send, forward

猫猫「お忙しいですよね」

Maomao “Oisogashii desu-yone.”

Maomao “You’re busy, aren’t you?”

嬌嬌「はい。この宮も、近いうちに引き揚げないといけませんので」

Kyokyo “Hai. Kono miyamo, chikai-uchini hikiage-naito ike-masen-node.”

Kyokyo “Yes. Since we will have to withdraw from here soon.”

引き揚げる(ひきあげる/Hiki-ageru): withdraw, leave

猫猫（そうか… 妃がいなくなれば、宮も解体しなくてはいけないか）

Maomao (Soka… Kisakiga inaku-nareba, miyamo kaitai shinakutewa ikenaika.)

Maomao (I see… If the concubine is gone, the building will have to be dismantled as well.)

猫猫「分かりました。もう少し、私はこちらにいますので」

Maomao “Wakari-mashita. Mo-sukoshi, watashiwa kochirani imasu-node.”

Maomao “Okay. I’ll stay here for a little while longer.”

嬌嬌「失礼します」

Kyokyo “Shitsurei-shimasu.”

Kyokyo “Excuse me.”

猫猫（…とは言いつつ…本当に終わるのだろうか？楽団一つ一つをあたれば、誰がどの曲を作ったか分かるかもしれないが、時間と労力が半端ない。原文に何か書いてあればいいのに……ん？なんかやけに赤字が多いな、この曲。…これも。さっきと同じ楽団。この楽団は確か…それに、同じ音階ばかり訂正が入っている。これは…もしかして…！）

Maomao (…Towa ii-tsutsu…hontoni owaruno-daroka? Gakudan hitotsu-hitotsu’o atareba, darega dono kyoku’o tsukuttaka wakaru-kamo shire-naiga, jikanto roryokuga hanpa-nai. Genbun-ni nanika kaite-areba ii-noni…… N? Nanka yakeni akajiga ooina, kono kyoku. …Koremo. Sakkito onaji gakudan. Kono gakudanwa tashika… Soreni, onaji onkai-bakari teiseiga haitte-iru. Korewa…moshika-shite…!)

Maomao (…That said…will it really be finished? If I go through each orchestra one by one, I might be able to find out who composed which song, but it would take an incredible amount of time and effort. I wish there was something written in the original… Huh? There seems to be a lot of red ink in this song. …This one, too. They’re from the same orchestra. I’m sure this orchestra is… and only the same scale has been corrected. This… could be…)

とは言いつつ(とはいいつつ/Towa-ii-tsutsu): that said

半端ない(はんぱない/Hanpa-nai): incredible, awesome, amazing (It’s youth slang.)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（あ～～、目が痛い。気になったところを調べていたら、もう真っ暗だ）

Maomao (Aaaaa, mega itai. Kini-natta-tokoro’o shirabete-itara, mo makkura-da.)

Maomao (Ahh, my eyes hurt. I was checking something that caught my eye, and now it’s pitch black outside already.)

真っ暗(まっくら/Makkura): pitch black

猫猫「よくもまあ下っ端をこき使う…」

Maomao “Yokumo-maa shitappa’o koki-tsukau…”

Maomao “How dare you work me of lower position hard…”

こき使う(こきつかう/Koki-tsukau): work someone hard, drive someone hard

壬氏「何だ？弱音か？」

Jinshi “Nanda? Yowaneka?”

Jinshi “What is it? Are you whining?”

猫猫「うわ！」

Maomao “Uwa!”

Maomao “Whoa!”

高順「小猫…」

Gaoshun “Shaomao…”

Gaoshun “Xiaomao…”

猫猫「高順様」

Maomao “Gaoshun-sama.”

Maomao “Master Gaoshun.”

高順「夜食にと、ザッ茶?と煎餅、肉入り饅頭と、ついでに葛をお持ちしました。冷えますので、温かくしてください」

Gaoshun “Yashoku-nito, zaccha?to senbei, niku-iri-manjuto, tsuideni kuzu’o omochi-shimashita. Hiemasu-node, atatakaku shite-kudasai.”

Gaoshun “I’ve brought some tea, rice crackers, meat buns, and arrowroot as well for your midnight snack. It’s cold, so please stay warm.”

葛(くず/Kuzu): arrowroot, kudzu

壬氏「そうだぞ。夜は冷えるからな」

Jinshi “So-dazo. Yoruwa hieru-karana.”

Jinshi “Yes. It’s cold at night.”

猫猫「壬氏様… その言い様ですとまるで、私に夜なべして調べろと言っているようですが…」

Maomao “Jinshi-sama… Sono iiyo-desuto marude, watashini yonabe-shite shirabero-to itte-iru-yodesuga…”

Maomao “Master Jinshi… the way you say it sounds like you’re telling me to stay up all night and find out…”

夜なべする(よなべする/Yonabe-suru): stay up all night (to work or study)

壬氏「ん？しないのか？」

Jinshi “N? Shinai-noka?”

Jinshi “Huh? You won’t?”

猫猫「私に、寝るなと？」

Maomao “Watashini, neruna-to?”

Maomao “Are you telling me not to sleep?”

壬氏「そうは言ってないが、ちょっと急いでもらいたい。ここで調べられる時間は限られるからな」

Jinshi “Sowa itte-naiga, chotto isoide-morai-tai. Kokode shirabe-rareru jikanwa kagi-rareru-karana.”

Jinshi “No, I’m not telling that, but I’d like you to hurry up a bit. We only have limited amount of time to investigate here.”

高順「夜でしたら私も手伝いますので」

Gaoshun “Yoru-deshitara, watashimo tetsudai-masu-node.”

Gaoshun “I can help out at night.”

壬氏「わ・た・し・も・な！」

Jinshi “Wa, ta, shi, mo, na!”

Jinshi “Me, too!”

猫猫「げ…」

Maomao “Ge…”

Maomao “Ugh…”

壬氏「何か言ったか？」

Jinshi “Nanika ittaka?”

Jinshi “Did you say something?”

猫猫「いえ、何でもありません。しかし、壬氏様は明日も忙しいのではないでしょうか？」

Maomao “Ie, nan-demo ari-masen. Shikashi, Jinshi-samawa asumo isogashiino-dewa nai-deshoka?”

Maomao “No, it’s nothing. But I think you will be busy tomorrow too, Master Jinshi.”

高順「私からも、壬氏様にはしっかり睡眠を取っていただきたいのですが…」

Gaoshun “Watashi-karamo, Jinshi-sama-niwa shikkari suimin’o totte itadaki-taino-desuga…”

Gaoshun “I also want you to get a good night’s sleep, Master Jinshi.”

壬氏「何だ、高順？仲間外れか？」

Jinshi “Nanda, Gaoshun? Nakama-hazureka?”

Jinshi “What? Gaoshun, do you make me outcast?”

仲間外れ(なかまはずれ/Nakama-hazure): outcast, black sheep, odd one out (This word has a nuance of bullying or harassment.)

高順「いえ、そういうことではなく…」

Gaoshun “Ie, so-iu koto-dewa naku…”

Gaoshun “No, that’s not it…”

猫猫（従者を困らせるなよ）

Maomao (Jusha’o koma-raseru-nayo.)

Maomao (Don’t bother your servant.)

猫猫「急いでいるのではなかったのですか？」

Maomao “Isoide-iruno-dewa nakattano-desuka?”

Maomao “Aren’t we in a hurry?”

壬氏「そうだったな。三日以内に片をつけたい」

Jinshi “So-dattana. Mikka-inaini kata’o tsuke-tai.”

Jinshi “That’s right. I want to settle this within three days.”

片をつける(かたをつける/Kata’o tsukeru): settle, get done with

猫猫「三日って…ほとんど情報も無いのに探せと言うのですか？」

Maomao “Mikkatte… Hotondo johomo nai-noni sagaseto iuno-desuka?”

Maomao “Three days… Are you telling me to find with almost no information?

猫猫（嬌嬌��近いうちに出て行くって言ってたけど、そんなに早いのか）

Maomao (Kyokyoga chikai-uchini dete-ikutte itteta-kedo, sonnani hayai-noka.)

Maomao (Kyokyo said she was leaving soon, but is it that soon?)

壬氏「残念ながら、お役所の仕事に理不尽は付き物だ。葬儀を終えたら、宮から出て行け。処分できない荷は置いて行けと、先程言われた。荷物の中には、例の最後の曲も含まれる」

Jinshi “Zannen-nagara, oyakushono shigotoni rifujinwa tsukimono-da. Sogi’o oetara, miya-kara dete-ike. Shobun deki-nai niwa oite-ike-to, sakihodo iwareta. Nimotsuno naka-niwa, reino saigono kyokumo fuku-mareru.”

Jinshi “Unfortunately, unreasonableness is an inevitable part of bureaucratic work. I was just told to leave the palace after funeral and to leave behind any belongings that they cannot dispose of. That includes the final song.”

理不尽(りふじん/Rifujin): unreasonableness

例の(れいの/Reino): In English, it will be “the”, but this sentence actually means like “That includes the final song, which we were talking about.” 例の(Reino) can indicate the meaning of “which we were talking about.” It’s used for a something special or something which they don’t want to say its name clearly.

猫猫「言われた、ということは…壬氏様の命では、ないんですよね。何だか、どなたかの思惑が感じられるのですが」

Maomao “Iwareta, to-iu kotowa… Jinshi-samano mei-dewa, nain-desu-yone. Nandaka, donatakano omowakuga kanji-rareruno-desuga.”

Maomao “So…if that’s what you were told… then it wasn’t your order, was you? I can sense that someone else has their own plans.”

命(めい/Mei): order. In case we read as いのち/Inochi, it means “life.”

壬氏「佩芳殿の曲が、それだけ価値があるということだ。急がせて遺言を有耶無耶にし、遺された曲を戴こうとしている輩がいる。生前、文のやりとりで一番多かったのは、宮廷音楽隊だからな」

Jinshi “Beifan-donono kyokuga, sore-dake kachiga aruto iu-kotoda. Iso-gasete yuigon’o uya-muyani shi, noko-sareta kyoku’o itadako-to shite-iru yakaraga iru. Seizen, fumino yaritori-de ichi-ban ookatta-nowa, kyutei-ongaku-tai dakarana.”

Jinshi “That just goes to show how valuable Lady Beifang’s music is. There are those who are rushing to obscure her will and take the music she left behind. When she was alive, the people with whom she exchanged letters most often were the palace orchestra.”

有耶無耶にする(うやむやにする/Uya-muya-ni-suru): obscure, leave unsettled

猫猫「つまり、三日以内に相続人が見つからなければ、宮廷音楽隊が全て曲を持って行ってしまうのですね」

Maomao “Tsumari, mikka-inaini sozoku-ninga mitsukara-nakereba, kyutei-ongaku-taiga subete kyoku’o motte-itte-shimauno-desune.”

Maomao “So, if we don’t find an heir within three days, the palace band will take all songs, right?”

壬氏「ご名答」

Jinshi “Gomeito.”

Jinshi “You’re right.”

ご名答(ごめいとう/Gomeito): excellent answer, good answer

猫猫「火事場泥棒みたいですね」

Maomao “Kajiba-dorobo mitai desune.”

Maomao “It’s like a looter at a fire.”

火事場泥棒(かじばどろぼう/Kajiba-dorobo): someone who commits theft where there is a fire or in such a messed situation.

壬氏「気に食わないのは分かるが、こういうものだ。というわけで、ほんの少しの手掛かりでもいい。誰か、気になるところは見つかったか？」

Jinshi “Kini kuwanai-nowa wakaruga, ko-iu monoda. To-iu wakede, honno sukoshino tegakari-demo ii. Dareka, kini naru tokorowa mitsukattaka?”

Jinshi “I know you don’t like it, but that’s how it is. So even the slightest clue would be nice. Have you found anyone with something that caught your attention?”

猫猫「とりあえず…折角ですので、お茶を用意してもよろしいですか？」

Maomao “Tori-aezu… sekkaku-desu-node, ocha’o yoi-shitemo yoroshii-desuka?”

Maomao “For now… since you brought some food, may I prepare some tea?”

折角(せっかく/Sekkaku): This means “since” in “since you brought some food,” and we often omit other words and just say 「折角なので」. We can only guess what words are following, but it has a nuance of “since we have a chance to do…” or “since you kindly did….”

猫猫（正直、腹が減った。饅頭食べたい！目も休ませたい！）

Maomao (Shojiki, haraga hetta. Manju tabe-tai! Memo yasumase-tai!)

Maomao (Honestly, I’m hungry. I want to eat some buns! I also want to rest my eyes!)

高順「それなら女官を…」

Gaoshun “Sore-nara nyokan’o…”

Gaoshun “Then let’s have the lady-in-waiting…”

猫猫「いえ、気分転換も兼ねて、用意してきます」

Maomao “Ie, kibun-tenkan’mo kanete, yoi-shite-kimasu.”

Maomao “No, I’ll go prepare as a change of pace.”

壬氏「ならば、白茶と月餅で頼む」

Jinshi “Naraba, hakuchato geppeide tanomu.”

Jinshi “Then I’ll have white tea and mooncakes.”

猫猫「この宮にあるか知りませんよ」

Maomao “Kono miyani aruka shiri-masen’yo.”

Maomao “I don’t know if those are here.”

高順「用意してきましたので、これを」

Gaoshun “Yoi shite-kimashita-node, kore’o.”

Gaoshun “I’ve prepared this, so take it.”

猫猫「さすが高順様ですね」

Maomao “Sasuga Gaoshun-sama desune.”

Maomao “As expected of Master Gaoshun.”

さすが(流石/Sasuga): As expected.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「すみません」

Maomao “Sumi-masen.”

Maomao “Excuse me.”

嬌嬌「どうかされましたか？猫猫様」

Kyokyo “Doka sare-mashitaka? Maomao-sama.”

Kyokyo “Is something wrong, Lady Maomao?”

猫猫「嬌嬌様。お茶を入れたいのですが、食器と茶器を貸していただけないでしょうか？」

Maomao “Kyokyo-sama. Ocha’o ire-taino-desuga, shokkito chaki’o kashite itadake-nai-deshoka?”

Maomao “Lady Kyokyo, I’d like to make some tea. Could I borrow some tableware and tea utensils?”

嬌嬌「まあ…それでしたら、下女に言ってくれたらご用意しましたのに…」

Kyokyo “Maa…sore-deshitara, gejoni itte-kure-tara goyoi shimashita-noni…”

Kyokyo “Oh, my… If that was the case, you could have just told the servant and we would’ve prepared it for you…”

猫猫「いえ、気分転換も兼ねております。壬氏様がいらっしゃっているので、席を外すわけにはいかないでしょうから」

Maomao “Ie, kibun-tenkan’mo kanete-orimasu. Jinshi-samaga irasshatte-iru-node, seki’o hazusu-wake-niwa ikanai-desho-kara.”

Maomao “No, it’s also a way to refresh my mind. Since Master Jinshi is here, she can’t leave her seat.”

嬌嬌「かしこまりました。お湯は用意しますので、食器は棚の物を、好きにお使いください」

Kyokyo “Kashikomari-mashita. Oyuwa yoi shimasu-node, shokkiwa tanano mono’o, sukini otsukai kudasai.”

Kyokyo “I Understood. I’ll prepare hot water, so please feel free to use the dishes on the shelf as you like.”

猫猫（お？）「あの…」

Maomao (O?) “Ano…”

Maomao (Oh?) “Um…”

嬌嬌「どうかしましたか？」

Kyokyo “Doka shimashitaka?”

Kyokyo “What’s wrong?”

猫猫「薬草が置いてありますが…佩芳様に煎じていたものでしょうか？」

Maomao “Yakusoga oite-arimasuga… Beifan-samani senjite-ita mono-deshoka?”

Maomao “There are some medicinal herbs here… Are they the ones brewed for Lady Beifang?”

猫猫（あれは…当帰(トウキ)か？横のが知母(チモ)だとすると、牛蒡(ゴボウ)みたいなのは芍薬(シャクヤク)に見える。葛根(カッコン)もあるな。加工した葛粉はあるかな…）

Maomao (Arewa… Tokika? Yoko-noga Chimo dato-suruto, gobo-mitaina-nowa Shakuyakuni mieru. Kakkon’mo aruna. Kako-shita kuzukowa aru-kana…)

Maomao (Is that…Angelica? The one next to it is Anemarrhena Rhizome? If so, the burdock-like thing looks like a peony. There are also Kudzu roots. I wonder if there is some arrowroots starch that were processed already…)

I’m not sure if these herb names are correct…

嬌嬌「はい。私も体のあちこちが悪いので、使わせてもらっておりました」

Kyokyo “Hai. Watashimo karadano achi-kochiga warui-node, tsuka-wasete-moratte-ori-mashita.”

Kyokyo “Yes. I have a lot of body aches, so I also have been using it.”

猫猫「えっと、やぶ…あ、…医官様が調薬を？」（一気に不安になった… 変な物渡して、それで寿命を縮めたとか、ないよな？）

Maomao “Etto, Yabu…a, …Ikan-samaga choyaku’o?” (Ikkini fuan’ni natta… Henna mono watashite, sorede jumyo’o chijimeta-toka, nai-yona?)

Maomao “Um, Quack…no, the Doctor prepared the medicine?” (I’m feeling worried all at once… I hope he didn’t give her something strange and shorten her lifespan, right?)

嬌嬌「いえ。材料をこちらで指定して、いただいておりました。毎日使う物なので、自分でこさえた方が早いと思いまして」

Kyokyo “Ie. Zairyo’o kochirade shitei-shite, itadaite ori-mashita. Mainichi tsukau mono-nanode, jibunde kosaeta-hoga hayaito omoi-mashite.”

Kyokyo “No. I specified the materials and they were given to me. Since it’s something I use every day, I thought it would be quicker to make it myself.”

猫猫「あ…そうですね。あの…折角なので、葛湯を作りたいのですが、葛粉があればいただけないでしょうか？」

Maomao “A… So-desune. Ano… Sekkaku-nanode, kuzuyu’o tsukuri-taino-desuga, kuzukoga areba itadake-nai-deshoka?”

Maomao “Oh… that’s right. Well, I’d like to make arrowroots gruel. Could you give me some arrowroots starch if you have?”

嬌嬌「葛粉ですね。ちょっと待ってください」

Kyokyo “Kuzuko desune. Chotto matte-kudasai.”

Kyokyo “Arrowroots starch, right? Please wait a moment.”

猫猫「お願いします」

Maomao “Onegai shimasu.”

Maomao “Thank you very much.”

猫猫（他にもたくさんある。どんだけ調薬してるんだ？）

Maomao (Hoka-nimo takusan aru. Dondake choyaku shiterunda?)

Maomao (There are many more. How many medicines do they prepare?)

嬌嬌「どうぞ」

Kyokyo “Dozo.”

Kyokyo “Here you are.”

猫猫「ありがとうございます」

Maomao “Arigato gozai-masu.”

Maomao “Thank you.”

嬌嬌「あ…お湯が沸きましたね。他に何か要る物はありませんか？」

Kyokyo “A… Oyuga waki-mashitane. Hokani nanika iru monowa ari-masenka?”

Kyokyo “Ah… The water is boiling. Is there anything else you need?”

猫猫「いえ、問題ありません。ありがとうございます」（それより、気になることができたかな…）

Maomao “Ie, mondai ari-masen. Arigato gozai-masu.” (Sore-yori, kini-naru kotoga dekita-kana…)

Maomao “No, there’s no problem. Thank you.” (Other than that, a new concern has arisen, maybe…)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「どうぞ」

Maomao “Dozo.”

Maomao “Here you are.”

壬氏「ああ」

Jinshi “Aa.”

Jinshi “Thanks.”

高順「ありがとうございます」

Gaoshun “Arigato gozai-masu.”

Gaoshun “Thank you.”

壬氏「お前は飲まないのか？」

Jinshi “Omaewa nomanai-noka?”

Jinshi “Don’t you drink?”

猫猫「お二方が飲み終えた後に」

Maomao “Ofuta-kataga nomi-oeta atoni.”

Maomao “After you two finish drinking.”

壬氏「気にするな。飲め」

Jinshi “Kini suruna. Nome.”

Jinshi “Don’t worry about it. Just drink it.”

猫猫「はい、分かりました」（最初から言ってくれると助かるんだがなぁ～。何はともあれ、いただこう）

Maomao “Hai, wakari-mashita.” (Saisho-kara itte-kureruto tasukarun-daga-naaa. Naniwa tomo-are, itadako.)

Maomao “Yes, I understand.” (It would have been helpful if you had told me that from the beginning. Anyway, I’ll drink it.)

壬氏「ん？何だそれは？めちゃくちゃにかき混ぜて」

Jinshi “N? Nanda sorewa? Mecha-kuchani kaki-mazete.”

Jinshi “Hmm? What’s that? Stirring it up thoroughly.”

猫猫「葛湯です。お湯が冷えないうちにかき混ぜないと、どろどろにならないんです」

Maomao “Kuzuyu desu. Oyuga hienai-uchini kakimaze-naito, doro-doroni nara-nain-desu.”

Maomao “It’s arrowroots gruel. You have to stir it before the water gets cold, otherwise it won’t melt and become sticky.”

壬氏「楽しそうだな…作りたい！」

Jinshi “Tanoshiso-dana… Tsukuri-tai!”

Jinshi “That sounds fun… I want to make it!”

猫猫（目をキラキラさせている！）

Maomao (Me’o kira-kira sasete-iru!)

Maomao (With sparkling eyes!)

高順「小猫…」

Gaoshun “Shaomao…”

Gaoshun “Xiaomao…”

猫猫（準備してやってくれと、目で訴えかけている！）

Maomao (Junbi-shite-yatte-kureto, mede uttae-kakete-iru!)

Maomao (He’s begging me with his eyes to prepare it for his master!)

猫猫「ああ…お湯をもう一度沸かさないと無理ですよ」

Maomao “Aa… Oyu’o mo-ichido wakasa-naito muri desuyo.”

Maomao “Oh… I’ll have to boil the water again.”

高順「火鉢で沸きますが…かまどで沸かしてこなくていいですか？」

Gaoshun “Hibachide waki-masuga… Kamadode wakashite-konakute ii-desuka?”

Gaoshun “It will boil in the brazier, but do I have to go boil it in a stove?”

猫猫「お湯も残ってますし…すぐに沸くと思います。少々お待ちください」

Maomao “Oyumo nokotte-masushi… Suguni wakuto omoi-masu. Sho-sho omachi kudasai.”

Maomao “There’s still hot water left…so I think it’ll boil soon. Please wait a moment.”

壬氏「ああ」

Jinshi “Aa.”

Jinshi “Okay.”

猫猫（たまに変な所で興味を持つから困る）

Maomao (Tamani henna tokorode kyomi’o motsu-kara komaru.)

Maomao (It’s annoying because sometimes he gets interested in strange things.)

壬氏「うん…へぇ…ふっふっ、うんうんうん、ああ…結構楽しいな。てっきり葛湯は、湯を入れるだけでできるものだと思っていた」

Jinshi “Un… Hee… Fu,fu, un-un-un, aa… Kekko tanoshiina. Tekkiri kuzuyuwa, yu’o ireru-dakede dekiru-monodato omotte-ita.”

Jinshi “Yes… Hmm… Yeah, yeah, oh, it’s quite fun. I thought that arrowroots gruel could be made just by adding hot water.”

猫猫「そうですか良かったですね（棒）」

Maomao “So-desuka, yokatta-desune.”

Maomao “I see, that’s good for you.”

壬氏「なんか雑じゃないか？返事」

Jinshi “Nanka zatsuja naika? Henji.”

Jinshi “Isn’t that a bit sloppy reply?”

雑な(ざつな/Zatsuna): sloppy, careless, rough

猫猫「いえ、滅相も無いです～。それより、先程の続きを調べたいのですが」

Maomao “Ie, messomo nai-desuuu. Sore-yori, saki-hodono tsuzuki’o shirabe-taino-desuga.”

Maomao “No, not at all. Anyway, I’d like to continue what I looked into earlier.”

壬氏「ああ…その前に」

Jinshi “Aa… Sono maeni.”

Jinshi “Yes… Before that,”

猫猫（何だ？高順に目配せか？）

Maomao (Nanda? Gaoshun’ni mekubase-ka?)

Maomao (What’s this? Are you giving a signal with his eyes to Gaoshun?)

目配せ(めくばせ/Mekubase): a signal with eyes

壬氏「寒くなったので、戸を閉めようか」

Jinshi “Samuku-natta-node, to’o shimeyoka.”

Jinshi “It’s getting cold, so shall we close the door?”

高順「かしこまりました」

Gaoshun “Kashiko-mari-mashita.”

Gaoshun “I understood.”

猫猫（ああ…あまりこの宮の連中に聞かせたくない話か。演奏の音も途絶えたし、宮にはほとんど人がおるまい）

Maomao (Aa… Amari kono miyano renchuni kikase-taku-nai hanashika. Ensono otomo todaetashi, miya-niwa hotondo hitoga oru-mai.)

Maomao (I see… This is not a story they want the other people to hear. The music has stopped, and there is probably hardly anyone around here.)

壬氏「まずは情報交換だな。何か分かったことはあるか？」

Jinshi “Mazuwa joho-kokan dana. Nanika wakatta kotowa aruka?”

Jinshi “Let’s start by exchanging information. Have you found out anything?”

猫猫「分かるも何も、とりあえず、時系列順から、楽団ごとに並べ替えてみました。おかしいと思ったことは…あると言えばあるのですが」

Maomao “Wakarumo-nanimo, tori-aezu, jikeiretsu-jun-kara, gakudan-gotoni narabe-kaete mimashita. Okashiito omotta kotowa… aruto ieba aruno-desuga.”

Maomao “Well, I don’t know but first I tried to sort them by orchestra, starting from chronological order. There may be some things that I thought were odd…”

壬氏「どこか気になることがあるようだが？」

Jinshi “Dokoka kini-naru kotoga aru-yodaga?”

Jinshi “It seems there’s something that bothers you, isn’t it?”

猫猫「敢えて言うなら、こちらでしょうか。この譜面なのですが、壬氏様は何かお気づきになりませんか？」

Maomao “Aete iu-nara, kochira deshoka. Kono fumen nano-desuga, Jinshi-samawa nanika okizukini nari-masenka?”

Maomao “If I had to say, perhaps it’d be this one. Don’t you notice anything about it, Master Jinshi?”

敢えて言うなら(あえていうなら/Aete iu-nara): If I had to say, If you ask me, If I was to say it.

壬氏「ふむ… 特に気になることと言えば、どことなく、歌詞が下手だな」

Jinshi “Fumu… Tokuni kini-naru kototo ieba, dokoto-naku, kashiga heta dana.”

Jinshi “Hmm… If there’s one thing that bothers me, it’s that the lyrics are somehow poor.”

下手な(へたな/Hetana): bad, poor, unskilled

高順「韻の踏み方が雑ですね」

Gaoshun “Inno fumi-kataga zatsu desune.”

Gaoshun “Its rhyming is sloppy.”

韻を踏む(いんをふむ/In’o fumu): rhyme 韻の踏み方(韻の踏み方/In’no fumi-kata): the way of rhyming

猫猫「なんで気づくんですか？」

Maomao “Nande kizukun-desuka?”

Maomao “How did you notice?”

壬氏「歌を作る時、ダメ出しされていた内容に似ていたからな。何より、赤字も入っているし」

Jinshi “Uta’o tsukuru-toki, dame-dashi sarete-ita naiyoni nite-ita-karana. Nani-yori, akajimo haitte-irushi.”

Jinshi “Because it is similar to the things that were being criticized when I was writing songs. And what’s more, it even has some red ink in it.”

ダメ出しする(だめだしする/Dame-dashi-suru): point out faults, criticize, disapprove, demand better work

猫猫（歌を作るって…どこの雅(みやび)な生まれだよ？）

Maomao (Uta’o tsukurutte… Dokono miyabina umare-dayo?)

Maomao (Writing songs… where are you from, elegant background?)

壬氏「…で、何が問題なんだ？」

Jinshi “…De, naniga mondai-nanda?”

Jinshi “So, what’s the problem?”

猫猫「音を変えることは依頼にあっても、歌詞を勝手に変えるのはどうかと思いまして。気になったのです。すると、同じ楽団ばかり、歌詞に赤字が入っていました。ここの楽団です」

Maomao “Oto’o kaeru-kotowa iraini attemo, kashi’o katteni kaeru-nowa dokato omoi-mashite. Kini nattano-desu. Suruto, onaji gakudan-bakari, kashini akajiga haitte-imashita. Kokono gakudan desu.”

Maomao “Even if the request was to change the sound, I wondered if it was Okay to change the lyrics without permission. So it bothered me. Then, I noticed that the lyrics for the same orchestra were written in red. It is the orchestra here.”

壬氏「リュウリュウタオ楽団？聞いたことないな…」

Jinshi “Ryu-Ryu-Tao-Gakudan? Kiita-koto naina…”

Jinshi “Ryu-Ryu-Tao Orchestra? I’ve never heard of it…”

I don’t know the correct Kanji and spelling of the orchestra name.

高順「大衆向けの楽団ですので、壬氏様は聞いたことがないのかと。大きな楽団ではありませんが、良い曲を奏でます。先帝時代に一度だけですが、宮廷に呼ばれたこともあったくらいですから…」

Gaoshun “Taishu-mukeno gakudan desu-node, Jinshi-samawa kiita-kotoga nai-nokato. Ookina gakudan-dewa ari-masenga, yoi kyoku’o kanade-masu. Sentei-jidaini ichido-dake-desuga, kyuteini yobareta kotomo atta-kurai desu-kara…”

Gaoshun “It’s a mass-oriented orchestra, so I think you’ve never heard of it, Master Jinshi. It’s not a big orchestra, but they play great music. They were even invited to the palace once during the reign of the previous emperor…”

猫猫「高順様が知っているのは意外でした。ちょっと特殊な楽団ですのに」

Maomao “Gaoshun-samaga shitte-iru-nowa igai deshita. Chotto tokushuna gakudan desu-noni.”

Maomao “I was surprised that you knew about it, Master Gaoshun. It’s a bit of an unusual orchestra.”

意外な(いがいな/Igaina): unexpected, surprising

高順「えっと…付き合いで何度か聴くことがありまして」

Gaoshun “Etto… Tsukiaide nandoka kiku-kotoga ari-mashite.”

Gaoshun “Um… I’ve listened to their music a few times socially.”

付き合いで(つきあいで/Tsukiaide): socially (It means he does not do it in private but in his social or business relationship.)

壬氏「特殊とは…どういうことなんだ？」

Jinshi “Tokushu-towa… do-iu koto nanda?”

Jinshi “What do you mean by ‘unusual’?”

猫猫「あ…所属している団長が女性でして…」

Maomao “A… Shozoku shite-iru danchoga josei deshite…”

Maomao “Ah… the leader of the orchestra is a woman…”

壬氏「ほう、それは珍しいが、別に全くないわけでもあるまい。どうして言いにくそうな顔をする？」

Jinshi “Ho, sorewa mezurashiiga, betsuni mattaku nai-wake-demo aru-mai. Doshite ii-niku-sona kao’o suru?”

Jinshi “Oh, that’s unusual, but it’s not completely unheard of. Why do you look so reluctant to say it?”

猫猫「花街を中心に活動している…と言えば、お察しいただけますか？」

Maomao “Hanamachi’o chushin’ni katsudo shite-iru…to ieba, osasshi itadake-masuka?”

Maomao “If I say that they are mainly active in the pleasure district… would that give you an idea?”

壬氏「ああ…つまり、団長というのは妓女か」

Jinshi “Aa… Tsumari, dancho-to iu-nowa gijoka.”

Jinshi “Ah… So the leader is a courtesan.”

猫猫「はい。正しくは、元妓女ですね。妓女を引退し、楽団を作ったとのことで、所属の団員にも、元妓女が多くいます」

Maomao “Hai. Tadashikuwa, moto-gijo desune. Gijo’o intai-shi, gakudan’o tsukutta-tono-kotode, shozokuno dan’in-nimo, moto-gijoga ooku imasu.”

Maomao “Yes. To be precise, she is a former courtesan. She retired from being a courtesan and started the orchestra, and there are many former courtesans among the members.”

猫猫（花街にいた時、何度か演奏を聞いたことがあった）

Maomao (Hanamachini ita-toki, nandoka enso’o kiita-kotoga atta.)

Maomao (I’ve heard their play a few times when I was in the pleasure district.)

壬氏「元妓女の楽団が、拙い歌詞を書いたのが、どこかおかしいのか？」

Jinshi “Moto-gijono gakudanga, tsutanai kashi’o kaita-noga, dokoka okashii-noka?”

Jinshi “Is there something strange about a former courtesan’s orchestra writing poor lyrics?”

拙い(つたない/Tsutanai): poor, unskillful, clumsy

猫猫「妓女の世界は、生存競争が厳しいのです。楽団に所属するような女であれば、芸を極めた、元高級妓女です。そんな人が後宮の、ましてや妃あてに下手な歌詞を送り付けるのかと思いまして…」

Maomao “Gijono sekaiwa, seizon-kyosoga kibishiino-desu. Gakudan’ni shozoku suru-yona onna’de areba, gei’o kiwameta, moto-kokyu-gijo desu. Sonna hitoga kokyuno, mashiteya kisaki-ateni hetana kashi’o okuri-tsukeru-nokato omoi-mashite…”

Maomao “The world of courtesans is a tough place to survive. A woman who belongs to an orchestra is a former high-ranking courtesan who has perfected her art. I was wondering why such a person would send such poorly written lyrics to the rear palace, let alone to the concubine…”

壬氏「たまたま作詞が下手だったのかもしれんぞ」

Jinshi “Tama-tama sakushiga heta-dattano-kamo shirenzo.”

Jinshi “Maybe she just happened to be weak in writing lyrics.”

猫猫「ならば、作詞が上手い者に依頼するくらいできるでしょう。妓女の中には、��歌に秀でている者もたくさんいますから。なので、ついつい確認してしまいました」

Maomao “Naraba, sakushiga umai mononi irai-suru-kurai dekiru-desho. Gijono naka-niwa, shiikani hiidete-iru monomo takusan imasu-kara. Nanode, tsui-tsui kakunin shite-shimai-mashita.”

Maomao “In that case, she can probably ask someone who is good at writing lyrics. There are many courtesans who excel in poetry, after all. So I couldn’t help but check.”

壬氏「で？確認したらどうだった？」

Jinshi “De? Kakunin-shitara do-datta?”

Jinshi “So, what happened when you checked?”

猫猫「妙な共通点に気が付きました」

Maomao “Myona kyotsu-ten’ni kiga tsuki-mashita.”

Maomao “I noticed a strange similarity.”

壬氏「どんな？」

Jinshi “Donna?”

Jinshi “What is it like?”

猫猫「赤字で添削されている歌詞にあたる音が、全て同じなんです。これだと、同じ「ハ」の音にあたる歌詞ばかり添削されているんです」

Maomao “Akajide tensaku sarete-iru kashini ataru otoga, subete onaji nan-desu. Kore-dato, onaji ‘Ha’no otoni ataru kashi-bakari tensaku sarete-irun-desu.”

Maomao “All the sounds for the lyrics that have been corrected in red are the same. In this case, only lyrics that have the same ‘Ha’ sound have been corrected.”

壬氏「ん？ああ…本当だが、偶然というわけでは…」

Jinshi “N? Aa… Honto-daga, guzen-to-iu wake-dewa…”

Jinshi “Hmm? Ah… That’s true, but isn’t it just a coincidence…?”

偶然(ぐうぜん/Guzen): coincidence, by chance

猫猫「だと思ったのですが…気になって、「ハ」の音にあたる歌詞を書き出してみました」

Maomao “Dato omottano-desuga… kini natte, ‘Ha’no otoni ataru kashi’o kaki-dashite-mimashita.”

Maomao “I thought so…, but I was curious, so I wrote out the lyrics that correspond to the ‘Ha’ sound.”

壬氏「ニー…ハオ…マ…って、文章になるぞ」

Jinshi “Nii…hao…ma…tte, bunshoni naruzo.”

Jinshi “How…are…yo… it makes a sentence.”

猫猫「お元気ですか。と…ごく普通の、挨拶の定型文ですね」

Maomao “Ogenki desuka. To…goku futsuno, aisatsuno teikei-bun desune.”

Maomao “‘How are you?’ That’s a very ordinary, standard greeting.”

壬氏「暗号文か！」

Jinshi “Ango-bun-ka!”

Jinshi “Ciphertext!”

猫猫「はい。でも、後宮の検閲を避けるための暗号かと思いきや、随分のんびりとした内容で唖然としました。歌詞が下手だった理由は、暗号を成立させるためだったようです」

Maomao “Hai. Demo, kokyuno ken’etsu’o sakeru-tameno ango-kato omoi-kiya, zuibun nonbiri-to shita naiyode azento shimashita. Kashiga heta-datta riyuwa, ango’o seiritsu-saseru-tame datta-yodesu.”

Maomao “Yes. However, I was surprised at how leisurely the content was, as I had thought it was a code to avoid the censorship of the rear palace. It seems that the reason the lyrics were poorly written was to make the code work.”

壬氏「なんでまた…。もしかして、さらにここから暗号になっている…というわけでもなさそうだな」

Jinshi “Nande mata… Moshika-shite, sarani koko-kara angoni natte-iru…to-iu wake-demo nasaso-dana.”

Jinshi “Why on earth…? Maybe it’s going to be coded further from here… No, it’s not like that.”

猫猫「リュウリュウタオ楽団は、二十五年程前から文を送っていたようです。内容といい相手といい、文が恋文という訳でもない。一体何の意味があって、いつから暗号でやりとりをしていたのか気になるのですが、初期の原文が見つからないのです。写しで、文の内容が書き換えられているのなら、暗号を読むことは不可能です」

Maomao “Ryu-Ryu-Tao-Gakudanwa, niju-go-nen-hodo-mae-kara fumi’o okutte-ita-yodesu. Naiyo-to-ii aite-to-ii, fumiga koibumi-to-iu wake-demo nai. Ittai nanno imiga atte, itsu-kara angode yaritori’o shite-ita-noka kini-naruno-desuga, shokino genbunga mitsukara-naino-desu. Utsushide, fumino naiyoga kaki-kae-rarete-iruno-nara, ango’o yomu-kotowa fukano desu.”

Maomao “It seems that the Ryu-Ryu-Tao Orchestra has sent messages for about 25 years. Judging by the content and the recipient, it’s not like the letters were love letters. I’m curious as to what the significance is and when they started exchanging messages in code, but I can’t find the original texts. If they’re copies and the content has been altered, it’s impossible to read the code.”

壬氏「最初は原文を添削し、そのまま返却していたと言っていたな」

Jinshi “Saishowa genbun’o tensaku-shi, sono-mama henkyaku shite-itato itte-itana.”

Jinshi “She said that at first they corrected the original text and returned it as is.”

高順「佩芳様が、依頼で編曲を始めたのが、二十五年ほど前。初めの5年程は、原文が残っていません」

Gaoshun “Beifan-samaga, iraide henkyoku’o hajimeta-noga, niju-go-nen-hodo mae. Hajimeno go-nen-hodowa, genbunga nokotte-imasen.”

Gaoshun “Lady Beifang began arranging songs as requested about 25 years ago, and no originals text remains for the first 5 years or so.”

猫猫「二十年前の時点では、もう暗号でやりとりをしていたようです。一度聞いただけで曲を覚えてしまうという佩芳様なら、何度もおかしな歌詞を送りつけてくる楽団の意図を、読めたのかもしれません。あれだけ牧歌的な内容であれば、返信も、一筆書き添えるくらいで終わりましょう」

Maomao “Niju-nen-maeno jiten-dewa, mo angode yaritori’o shite-ita-yodesu. Ichido kiita-dakede kyoku’o oboete-shimau-to-iu Beifan-sama-nara, nandomo okashina kashi’o okuri-tsukete-kuru gakudan’no ito’o, yometano-kamo shire-masen. Aredake bokka-tekina naiyode areba, henshin’mo, ippitsu kaki-soeru kuraide owari-masho.”

Maomao “It seems that they were already communicating in code twenty years ago. Since Lady Beifang could remember a song after hearing it just once, she may have been able to read the intention of the orchestra that kept sending her strange lyrics. If the content was so idyllic, the reply would have been as simple as adding a line.”

壬氏「ふむ… では、仮に、後宮の検閲を欺くように文通していたとしよう。それが何になる？」

Jinshi “Fumu… Dewa, karini, kokyuno ken’etsu’o azamuku-yoni buntsu shite-ita-to shiyo. Sorega nan’ni naru?”

Jinshi “Well… Let’s say that they were exchanging letters to deceive the censors at the rear palace. What would that mean?”

仮に～としよう(かりに～としよう/Karini～to-shiyo): let’s say that～

猫猫「私には分かりません。私は、佩芳様とは立場が違います。解読できる文の暗号を見る限り、怪しいものでも何でもなく、親しい姉妹にでも話しかけるような内容が多いです」

Maomao “Watashi-niwa wakari-masen. Watashiwa, Beifan-sama-towa tachibaga chigai-masu. Kaidoku dekiru fumino ango’o miru-kagiri, ayashii mono-demo nan-demo naku, shitashii shimaini-demo hanashi-kakeru-yona naiyoga ooi-desu.”

Maomao “I don’t know. I’m not in the same position as Lady Beifang. From what I can decipher from the codes in the messages, they’re not suspicious at all, and most of them seem like they’re being spoken to by close sisters.”

猫猫（…あ？姉妹？）

Maomao (…A? Shimai?)

Maomao (…Huh? Sisters?)

壬氏「相手の意図は分からないが、他の楽団と扱いが違うことは明らかだな」

Jinshi “Aiteno itowa wakara-naiga, tano gakudan-to atsukaiga chigau kotowa akiraka-dana.”

Jinshi “I don’t know what their intentions are, but it’s clear that they’re treated differently from other orchestras.”

高順「早速楽団を調べてみます」

Gaoshun “Sassoku gakudan’o shirabete-mimasu.”

Gaoshun “I’ll check out the orchestra right away.”

早速(さっそく/Sassoku): right away, at once, immediately

猫猫（さすが…マメな男は動きが早い）

Maomao (Sasuga…mamena otokowa ugokiga hayai.)

Maomao (As expected… a diligent man moves quickly.)

壬氏「これで相続人がはっきりすればいいが…」

Jinshi “Korede sozoku-ninga hakkiri-sureba iiga…”

Jinshi “I hope this will clarify who the heir is…”

猫猫「そのことで、一つ質問が」

Maomao “Sono-kotode, hitotsu shitsumonga.”

Maomao “About that, I have a question.”

壬氏「何だ？」

Jinshi “Nanda?”

Jinshi “What?”

猫猫「佩芳様が作った曲が、宮廷楽団に渡されるとして、ここにある残りの譜面も文も一緒に送られるのでしょうか？」

Maomao “Beifan-samaga tsukutta kyokuga, kyutei-gakudan’ni wata-sareru-to-shite, kokoni aru nokorino fumen’mo fumi’mo isshoni oku-rareruno-deshoka?”

Maomao “If the piece composed by Lady Beifang is to be given to the palace orchestra, will the remaining music sheets and letters here be sent along with it?”

壬氏「宮廷楽団はそう主張しているが…恐らく焼却処分する気だろう」

Jinshi “Kyutei-gakudanwa so shucho shite-iruga…osoraku shokyaku-shobun suru-ki daro.”

Jinshi “That’s what the palace orchestra claims, but they probably plan to incinerate it.”

猫猫「どうしてですか？」

Maomao “Doshite desuka?”

Maomao “Why?”

壬氏「曲を自分だけの曲にするなら、証拠は残したくないだろ。それに、曲によっては、佩芳殿の編曲がなければ、凡庸すぎるものもある。原曲を大っぴらにされたら、恥をかく人間はいくらでもいよう」

Jinshi “Kyoku’o jibun-dakeno kyokuni suru-nara, shokowa nokoshi-taku-nai-daro. Soreni, kyokuni yottewa, Beifan-donono henkyokuga nakereba, bon’yo-sugiru monomo aru. Genkyoku’o ooppirani sare-tara, haji’o kaku ningenwa ikura-demo iyo.”

Jinshi “If you make a song your own, you don’t want to leave any evidence behind. Besides, some songs are too mediocre without Lady Beifang’s arrangements. If the original song were made public, many people would be embarrassed.”

猫猫（なるほど…。このままだと主の功績がなくなってしまうのに、嬌嬌はいいのだろうか。…いや、もしかすると…！）

Maomao (Naruhodo… Kono-mama-dato arujino kosekiga naku-natte-shimau-noni, Kyokyowa iino-daroka. …Iya, moshika-suruto…!)

Maomao (I see… If things continue like this, the master’s achievements will be lost, yet is it okay for Kyokyo? No, maybe…!)

壬氏「何か言いたそうだな？」

Jinshi “Nanika iitaso-dana?”

Jinshi “You seem to have something to say, don’t you?”

猫猫「いえ、何でもありません」

Maomao “Ie, nan-demo ari-masen.”

Maomao “No, it’s nothing.”

壬氏「本当か？」

Jinshi “Hontoka?”

Jinshi “Is that true?”

猫猫（顔近い！顔近い！）

Maomao (Kao chikai! Kao chikai!)

Maomao (Your face is so close! Your face is so close!)

高順「小猫…。黒光りする虫を前にした表情はやめてください」

Gaoshun “Shaomao… Kuro-bikari-suru mushi’o maeni-shita hyojowa yamete-kudasai.”

Gaoshun “Xiaomao… Please stop making that face as if you’re faced with a shiny black insect.”

猫猫（高順…まだいた。…フッ。ああ、いかん、いかん。顔の体操っと）

Maomao (Gaoshun…mada ita. …Fu. Aa, ikan, ikan. Kaono taisotto.)

Maomao (Gaoshun…he was still there. Oh, no, no. Time to do some facial exercises.)

壬氏「高順の言うことなら聞くのか？」

Jinshi “Gaoshun’no iu-koto-nara kiku-noka?”

Jinshi “Do you follow only if what Gaoshun says?”

猫猫「そういう訳ではないのですが」

Maomao “So-iu wake-dewa naino-desuga.”

Maomao “That’s not the case though.”

壬氏「情報が足りないか」

Jinshi “Johoga tarinaika.”

Jinshi “Is there not enough information?”

猫猫「はい」

Maomao “Hai.”

Maomao “You’re right.”

壬氏「何が必要か？」

Jinshi “Naniga hitsuyo-ka?”

Jinshi “What do you need?”

猫猫「もう少し時間と…あと、やぶ…あ、じゃなくて…医官様に聞きたいことがあります」

Maomao “Mo-sukoshi jikanto…ato, Yabu…a, ja-nakute… Ikan-samani kikitai kotoga ari-masu.”

Maomao “I need a little more time and… Also, Quack… Ah, no, I mean… There’s something I’d like to ask the Doctor.”

壬氏「医官殿にか？別にいいが、明日でも問題は無いか？許可は出しておこう」

Jinshi “Ikan-dono-nika? Betsuni iiga, asu-demo mondaiwa naika? Kyokawa dashite-oko.”

Jinshi “The Doctor? That’s fine, but is there any problem with doing it tomorrow? I’ll give you permission.”

猫猫「問題ありません。今日は、他にやることがありますので」

Maomao “Mondai ari-masen. Kyowa hokani yaru-kotoga ari-masu-node.”

Maomao “No problem. I have other things to do today.”

壬氏「それで、何が分かる？」

Jinshi “Sorede, naniga wakaru?”

Jinshi “What will we know by that?”

猫猫「分かるかもしれませんし、分からないかもしれません」

Maomao “Wakaru-kamo shire-masenshi, wakara-nai-kamo shire-masen.”

Maomao “We may be or may not be going to know.”

壬氏「はっきりさせてほしい」

Jinshi “Hakkiri-sasete hoshii.”

Jinshi “I want to be clear.”

猫猫「私にも、できることとできないことがありますので。むしろ、壬氏様こそ、妙にこだわっているように思えますが」

Maomao “Watashi-nimo, dekiru-kototo dekinai-kotoga ari-masu-node. Mushiro, Jinshi-sama-koso, myoni kodawatte-iru-yoni omoe-masuga.”

Maomao “Since there are things I can and cannot do. Rather, it seems to me that you are the one who is strangely particular about this matter.”

猫猫（故人の意向を聞きたいというのは分かるが、お偉いさんが出張ってすることだろうか？ましてや徹夜してまで）

Maomao (Kojin’no iko’o kikitai-to-iu-nowa wakaruga, oerai-sanga debatte suru-koto daroka? Mashiteya tetsuya shite-made.)

Maomao (I understand that he wants to know the wish of the deceased, but is this something that a high-ranking official should do? Especially even by staying up all night.)

壬氏「皇太后は、佩芳殿の曲を好まれている。もし子がいなければ、皇太后もまた、佩芳殿と同じ道を辿ることになったのだ」

Jinshi “Kogaigowa, Beifan-donono kyoku’o konomarete-iru. Moshi koga ina-kereba, kotaigomo mata, Beifan-donoto onaji michi’o tadoru-kotoni natta-noda.”

Jinshi “The Empress Dowager likes Lady Beifang’s music. If she had no children, she would have followed the same path as Lady Beifang.”

猫猫（皇太后の意向…。なら、こだわるわけか。元はどちらも、幼女趣味の皇帝に人生を狂わされた人たちだものな…）

Maomao (Kotaigono iko… Nara, kodawaru-wakeka. Motowa dochiramo, yojo-shumino koteini jinsei’o kuruwa-sareta hito-tachi damonona…)

Maomao (The Empress Dowager’s wish. So, that’s why he’s very particular about it. After all, both of them had their lives ruined by the former emperor’s taste for young girls…)

猫猫「できる限りのことは、させていただきます」

Maomao “Dekiru-kagirino kotowa, sasete-itadaki-masu.”

Maomao “I’ll do everything I can.”

壬氏「頼んだぞ」

Jinshi “Tanondazo.”

Jinshi “I’m counting on you.”

(Continue to 3/3...)

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apothecaryscript · 16 days ago

Text

Drama CD of The Apothecary Diaries vol.9 (1/3) / 薬屋のひとりごと 9巻ドラマCD (1/3)　

Please note that the English lines are just my translation.

So if you’d like to share this post with someone, please advise them to visit my blog. I’ll put a link to this post on the home page of my blog.

（ノック/Nokku/Knocking）

猫猫「失礼いたします」

Maomao “Shitsurei-itashi-masu.”

Maomao “Please excuse me.”

失礼致します(しつれいいたします/Shitsurei-itashi-masu): “Please excuse me.”

失礼する(Simple form, without Keigo)

失礼します(With Keigo, polite form)

失礼致します(With Keigo, humble form, the politest)

玉葉妃「猫猫ね。どうぞ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Maomao-ne. Dozo.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Maomao. Come in.”

猫猫「何かご用でしょうか。玉葉様、と…壬氏様に高順様」

Maomao “Nanika goyo deshoka? Gyokuyo-sama, to… Jinshi-sama-ni Gaoshun-sama.”

Maomao “Is there something I can help you with? Lady Gyokuyou, and… Master Jinshi and Master Gaoshun.”

壬氏「久しぶりだな」

Jinshi “Hisashi-buri dana”

Jinshi “It’s been a while.”

高順「お久しぶりです」

Gaoshun “O-hisashi-buri desu.”

Gaoshun “It has been a while.”

猫猫「数日ぶりですけど」（面倒ごとの予感…）

Maomao “Sujitsu-buri desu-kedo.” (Mendo-gotono yokan…)

Maomao “It’s been just a few days since I last saw you, though.” (I have a feeling this is going to be troublesome…)

玉葉妃「あら？私を置いてお話はずるくない？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ara? Watashi’o oite ohanashiwa zuruku-nai?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh? Isn’t it unfair to leave me out of conversation?”

ずるい/Zurui: unfair, sneaky, shady, cunning, cheating

猫猫「滅相もございません、玉葉様」（玉葉妃、目が爛々としている…！）

Maomao “Messomo gozai-masen, Gyokuyo-sama.” (Gyokuyo-hi, mega ran-ran-to shite-iru…!)

Maomao “That’s not true, Lady Gyokuyou.” (Lady Gyokuyou’s eyes are shining…!)

滅相(めっそう/Messo)もございません: very polite and formal way of saying “Not at all”, words that completely deny what has been said just before. Without Keigo(Honorific words), it will be 「滅相もない」.

玉葉妃「まあいいわ。誰の用で呼び出されたか分かるわよね。今日はどんな厄介事を持ってきたのかしら？ほら、猫猫も座ってちょうだい」

Gyokuyo-hi “Maa iiwa. Dareno yode yobida-saretaka wakaru-wayone. Kyowa donna yakkai-goto’o motte-kitano-kashira? Hora, Maomao-mo suwatte chodai.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Well, that’s fine. I’m sure you know who called you here for business. I wonder what kind of trouble they’ve brought today. Come on, please sit down too, Maomao.”

猫猫「では、お言葉に甘えさせていただきます」（一体何なんだか…）

Maomao “Dewa, okotobani amae-sasete itadaki-masu.” (Ittai nan-nandaka…)

Maomao “I appreciate your kind words.” (What on earth is that…?)

お言葉に甘えて(おことばにあまえて/Okotobani amaete): I’ll gladly take you up on that, Accepting your kind offer, Thanks for your kind offer. It’s the phrase which is often used when accepting other person’s kind offer. “～させていただきます” is Keigo(humble type) of “する(do)”.

壬氏「先日、とある方が亡くなった」

Jinshi “Senjitsu, toaru-kataga nakunatta.”

Jinshi “A certain someone passed away the other day.”

猫猫「とある方？」（まさか、殺人とか言い出さないだろうか…！）

Maomao “Toaru-kata?” (Masaka, satsujin-toka iida-sanai-daroka…!)

Maomao “A certain someone?” (Don’t tell me that’s murder or something…!)

玉葉妃「最近？もしかして、その人って…」

Gyokuyo-hi “Saikin? Moshika-shite, sono hitotte…”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Recently? Mabe the person is…”

壬氏「玉葉妃も、ご存知ですよね。先日、後宮内で葬儀があったばかりですから」

Jinshi “Gyokuyo-himo, gozonji desu-yone. Senjitsu, kokyu-naide sogiga atta-bakari desu-kara.”

Jinshi “Concubine Gyokuyou, you also know her, right? The funeral was held in the rear palace just the other day.”

玉葉妃「ええ…ずっと後宮にいた人ですから。長年伏せっていた中、風邪をこじらせたそうですね」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ee… Zutto kokyuni ita hito desu-kara. Naga-nen fusette-ita-naka, kaze’o koji-raseta-so-desune.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Yes… She has been in the rear palace for a long time. It seems that she developed a bad cold while lying down for many years.”

こじらせる/Kojiraseru: complicate, aggravate

猫猫（風邪？ということは、事件性はなさそうだ）

Maomao (Kaze? To-iu-kotowa, jiken-seiwa nasa-soda.”

Maomao (Cold? So it doesn’t seem like an incident.)

壬氏「はい。玉葉妃の言う通り、先帝の中級妃、佩芳（ベイファン）殿です。彼女が死の間際に、遺言を遺しました。彼女が作った最後の曲、及び、残した他の曲を、ある人物に譲渡したいと」

Jinshi “Hai. Gyokuyo-hino iu-toori, senteino chukyu-hi, Beifan-dono desu. Kanojoga shino magiwani, yuigon’o nokoshi-mashita. Kanojoga tsukutta saigono kyoku, oyobi, nokoshita hokano kyoku’o, aru jinbutsuni joto-shitai-to.”

Jinshi “Yes. As you said, it’s Lady Beifang, a mid-ranking concubine of the previous emperor. On her deathbed, she left a will saying that she wanted to give the last piece she composed, along with the other pieces she left behind, to a certain person.”

遺言(ゆいごん/Yuigon): a will

玉葉妃「あら。誰が譲り受けるのかしら。佩芳様の曲なら誰でも欲しがるわよね。あの優しい音色は、彼女にしか作れないわ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ara. Darega yuzuri-ukeruno-kashira. Beifan-samano kyoku-nara dare-demo hoshigaru-wayone. Ano yasashii neirowa, kanojo-ni-shika tsukure-naiwa.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh, I wonder who will inherit it. Anyone would want Lady Beifang’s music. Only she can create that gentle melody.”

壬氏「はい、その通りです。未公開の曲があれば、誰もが欲しがりましょう。しかし困ったことに、肝心の誰に渡すかというのが分からないまま、息を引き取られた」

Jinshi “Hai, sono toori desu. Mikokaino kyokuga areba, daremoga hoshi-gari-masho. Shikashi komatta-kotoni, kanjin’no dareni watasuka-to-iu-noga wakara-nai-mama, iki’o hikito-rareta.”

Jinshi “Yes, that’s true. If there were unreleased songs, everyone would want them. But the problem was, she passed away without telling who she was going to give them to.”

息を引き取る(いきをひきとる/Iki’o hiki-toru): take one’s last breath, breathe one’s last, pass away

玉葉妃「つまり、誰が相続人か分からないと？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Tsumari, darega sozoku-ninka wakara-naito?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “So you don’t know who the heir is?”

猫猫（ほうほう）

Maomao (Ho-ho.)

Maomao (I see.)

壬氏「その通りです。佩芳殿は、名も知らぬ人たちと、文で曲のやりとりをしていたのです。その誰かだろうと、当たりはつけてみたものの、はっきりと分からない。誰か分からないと、故人も浮かばれない。ということで、調査のために、玉葉妃の侍女を一人貸してもらいたいのですが」

Jinshi “Sono toori desu. Beifan-donowa, namo shiranu hito-tachito, fumide kyokuno yaritori’o shite-itano-desu. Sono dareka daroto, atariwa tsukete-mita-monono, hakkirito wakara-nai. Dareka wakara-naito, kojinmo ukabare-nai. To-iu-kotode, chosano tameni, Gyokuyo-hino jijo’o hitori kashite-morai-taino-desuga.”

Jinshi “That is correct. Lady Beifang exchanged musical compositions in writing with unknown people. I have tried to guess that the heir may be one of them, but I am unable to identify it. If we do not know who it is, the deceased will not rest in peace. Therefore, I would like to borrow one of Concubine Gyokuyou’s ladies in waiting to investigate.”

故人(こじん/Kojin): the deceased

玉葉妃「あらあ～。どうしましょうか？ねえ、猫猫？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Araaaa. Do shima-shoka? Nee, Maomao?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh my. What should we do? Hey, Maomao.”

猫猫「同意を求められても全く分からないのですが…」

Maomao “Doi’o motome-rare-temo mattaku wakara-naino-desuga…”

Maomao “Even if I’m asked for consent, I have no idea what to do…”

玉葉妃「そうよね。でも何事も挑戦よ。後で話を聞かせてね」

Gyokuyo-hi “So-yone. Demo nanigoto-mo chosen’yo. Atode hanashi’o kikasetene.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “That’s true. But everything is a challenge. Tell me more about it later.”

猫猫（妃…！楽しそうに送り出さないで…！）

Maomao (Kisaki…! Tanoshi-soni okuri-dasa-naide…!)

Maomao (Lady…! Don’t send me off so happily…!)

壬氏「というわけだ。行くぞ、薬屋」

Jinshi “To-iu wakeda. Ikuzo, Kusuriya.”

Jinnshi “Well then, let’s go, Apothecary.”

猫猫「…はい」（こりゃまた、めんどくさそうな話だ）

Maomao “…Hai.” (Korya mata, mendo-kusa-sona hanashida.)

Maomao “…Yes.” (This seems like a quite troublesome story.)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

高順「小猫。ここが佩芳様が安置されていた廟です。既に遺体は墓地に埋葬されていますが、別れを惜しむ女官たちが毎日やって来るのです」

Gaoshun “Shaomao. Kokoga Beifan-samaga anchi sarete-ita byo desu. Sudeni itaiwa bochini maiso sarete-imasuga, wakare’o oshimu nyokan-tachiga mainichi yatte-kuruno-desu.”

Gaoshun “Xiaomao. This is the temple where Lady Beifang was laid to rest. Her body has already been buried in the cemetery, but servants come here every day to say goodbye.”

猫猫「随分、愛された方のようですね」

Maomao “Zuibun, ai-sareta katano yodesune.”

Maomao “It seems like she was a very loved person.”

壬氏「十歳で入内して、三十五年。昔はよく、後宮の北で自慢の横笛を披露されていたらしいが、十年ほど前から体を壊してしまい、作曲に専念されるようになった。どの曲も名曲で、宮廷楽団にも曲を提供することもあった」

Jinshi “Jussaide judai-shite, sanju-go-nen. Mukashiwa yoku, kokyuno kitade jimanno yoko-bue’o hiro sarete-ita rashiiga, ju-nen-hodo mae-kara karada’o kowashite-shimai, sakkyokuni sen’nen-sareru-yoni natta. Dono kyokumo meikyokude, kyutei-gakudan-nimo kyoku’o teikyo-suru-kotomo atta.”

Jinshi “She entered the rear palace at the age of ten, and it has been 35 years since then. It seems that she used to often show off her proud transverse flute playing in the north of the rear palace, but about ten years ago, her health began to deteriorate, and she began to devote herself to composing. All of her compositions are masterpieces, and she has even provided pieces for the palace orchestra.”

入内する(じゅだいする/Judai-suru): enter the palace to get married with the emperor or someone of extremely high-ranking.

猫猫「それは、一度聴いてみたかったです」

Maomao “Sorewa, ichido kiite-mita-katta desu.”

Maomao “I wish I could listen to it even once.”

壬氏「宮廷楽団が演奏したものは、まさに、天上の調べのようだったぞ」

Jinshi “Kyutei-gakudanga enso-shita-monowa, masani, tenjono shirabeno yo-dattazo.”

Jinshi “The music performed by the palace orchestra sounded exactly like a heavenly tune.”

猫猫「お前が言うか」

Maomao “Omaega iuka.”

Maomao “Look who’s talking.”

壬氏「なんか言ったか？」

Jinshi “Nanka ittaka?”

Jinshi “Did you say something?”

猫猫「いいえ、何も言っていません」（あー危ない、危ない）

Maomao “Iie, nanimo itte ima-sen.” (Aaa abunai, abunai.)

Maomao “No, I said nothing.” (Oh, that was a close one.)

高順「では、佩芳様の宮に向かいます」

Gaoshun “Dewa, Beifan-samano miyani mukai-masu.”

Gaoshun “Then, let’s head to Lady Beifang’s residence.”

宮(みや/Miya): In the rear palace, there are a lot of concubines. High-ranking concubines have their palaces, middle-ranking concubines have their buildings, and low-ranking concubines have their rooms. 宮(Miya) means palace or buildings, but it’s confusing with “the rear palace” itself, so I translate it as Lady Beifang’s 'residence' here.

猫猫「季節の変わり目に体調を崩し、そのまま息を引き取られたそうですが、後宮内でまともに治療ができないとはいえ、お里下がりはできなかったのでしょうか？十年前から体調を崩しているのなら、なおさら」

Maomao “Kisetsuno kawarimi-ni taicho’o kuzushi, sono-mama iki’o hikito-rareta so-desuga, kokyu-naide matomoni chiryoga deki-nai-towa-ie, osato-sagariwa deki-nakattano-deshoka? Ju-nen-mae-kara taicho’o kuzushite-iruno-nara, naosara.”

Maomao “She apparently fell ill with the change of seasons and passed away. Even though she couldn’t receive proper treatment within the palace, couldn’t she have been sent home? Especially if she had been in poor health for the past ten years.”

お里下がり(おさとさがり/Osato-sagari): someone in the palace’s going back her home (Once she entered the palace for marriage, she can never go back home basically. So it means the same as a dismissal and a divorce.) Just for your information, we say “里帰り(さとがえり/sato-gaeri)” or “帰省(きせい/Kisei)” for normal people’s going back their parents’ home.

猫猫（やぶの腕を考えたら、後宮にいても意味がないと分かるはずなのに…）

Maomao (Yabuno ude’o kangae-tara, kokyuni itemo imiga naito wakaru-hazu-nanoni…)

Maomao (Considering Quack Doctor’s skills, it should be obvious that there are no point in her being in the rear palace…)

高順「佩芳様は、本格的な治療を受けるつもりはなかったようです。意識が朦朧とするまで、侍女たちには何も言うなと口止めしていたくらいですから。それに――」

Gaoshun “Beifan-samawa, honkaku-tekina chiryo’o ukeru tsumoriwa nakatta-yodesu. Ishikiga moroto suru-made, jijo-tachi-niwa nanimo iuna-to kuchi-dome shite-ita-kurai desu-kara. Soreni――”

Gaoshun “Lady Beifang did not seem to have any intention of undergoing any serious treatment. Since she had told her ladies-in-waiting not to tell anything about her bad health to others outside, until just before she became unconscious. And―”

猫猫「それに？」

Maomao “Soreni?”

Maomao “And?”

壬氏「お里下がりはできなかった。佩芳殿は、実を伴った妃だったからな」

Jinshi “Osato-sagariwa deki-nakatta. Beifan-donowa, jitsu’o tomonatta kisaki datta-karana.”

Jinshi “She couldn’t leave the rear palace. Lady Beifang was a concubine both in name and in reality.”

実を伴う(じつをともなう/Jitsu’o tomonau): real, with the facts

名実共に(めいじつともに/Meijitsu Tomoni): both in name and in reality

I translated into “both in name and in reality” as it means almost same and is easier for you to understand.

猫猫「あ…つまり、お手付きだったわけですね」（お手付き…すなわち、先の帝と閨を共にしたことを言う）

Maomao “A… Tsumari, otetsuki datta wake desune.” (Otetsuki… Sunawachi, sakino mikadoto neya’o Tomoni shita-koto’o iu.)

Maomao “Ah… so in other words, she ‘had been touched.’” (‘Had been touched’… meaning that she had spent the nights with the previous emperor.)

お手付き(おてつき/Otetsuki): Normally it means “touching a wrong card in playing card games” but it also means “being touched by someone in a high-ranking position in a sexual meaning,” especially in old times.

壬氏「そうだ。例え子は産まずとも、国の頂に立つお方に触れられた者は、後宮から出ることはできない。よほど家臣に望まれて下賜されることがなければ、生涯を後宮で過ごすことになる」

Jinshi “Soda. Tatoe kowa umazu-tomo, kunino itadaki-ni tatsu okatani fure-rareta monowa, kokyu-kara deru-kotowa deki-nai. Yohodo kashin’ni nozo-marete kashi sareru-kotoga nakereba, shogai’o kokyude sugosu kotoni naru.”

Jinshi “That’s right. Even if she doesn’t give birth to a child, once she has been touched by the person who stands at the top of the country, she cannot leave the rear palace. Unless she is bestowed on one of his vassals who strongly wishes to receive her, she will spend the rest of her life in the rear palace.”

猫猫「しかも十で入内したのですね…」(うわぁ…うわぁ…！)

Maomao “Shikamo too-de judai shitano-desune…” (Uwaa…uwaa…!)

Maomao “And she entered the rear palace at the age of ten…” (Ugh…ugh…!)

壬氏「そうだ。先帝の性癖について、聞いたことがあるのか？」

Jinshi “Soda. Senteino seiheki-ni tsuite, kiita-kotoga aru-noka?”

Jinshi “Right. Have you ever heard about the previous emperor’s sexual proclivity?”

猫猫「園遊会の時に、熟れた果実よりも、青い果実を好むと聞きました。今の主上のお好みが正反対で良かったとすら思います」（つまり幼女趣味だ。今の主上は巨乳好き）

Maomao “En’yu-kaino tokini, ureta kajitsu yorimo, aoi kajitsu’o konomuto kiki-mashita. Imano shujono okonomiga sei-hantaide yokatta-to-sura omoi-masu.” (Tsumari yojo-shumi-da. Imano shujowa kyonyu-zuki.)

Maomao “During the garden party, I heard that he preferred unripe fruit to ripe fruit. I even think that it’s good that the current emperor has the exact opposite taste.” (In other words, he had a taste for young girls. The current emperor likes big breasts.)

壬氏「考えると頭が痛い」

Jinshi “Kangaeruto atamaga itai.”

Jinshi “It gives me a headache just thinking about it.”

猫猫「壬氏様には関係ないでしょう。ただ、当事者にとっては、たまったものではないでしょうね」

Maomao “Jinshi-sama-niwa kankei-nai-desho. Tada, tojisha-ni-tottewa, tamatta-mono-dewa nai-deshone.”

Maomao “It probably has nothing to do with you, Master Jinshi. However, it must be very unpleasant for the people involved.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

壬氏「ここが、佩芳殿の宮だ」

Jinshi “Kokoga, Beifan-donono miyada.”

Jinshi “This is the residence of Lady Beifang.”

猫猫「随分と年季が入っていますね」

Maomao “Zuibun’to nenkiga haitte-imasune.”

Maomao “It’s pretty old-fashioned.”

壬氏「五十年ほど前、佩芳殿が入内する前に建てられたものだ。その前の主(あるじ)は、妃としての役割が果たせないと、お里下がりになったと聞いたことがある」

Jinshi “Goju-nen-hodo mae, Beifan-donoga judai-suru-maeni tate-rareta monoda. Sono maeno arujiwa, kisaki-to-shiteno yakuwariga hatase-naito, osato-sagarini nattato kiita-kotoga aru.”

Jinshi “It was built about 50 years ago, before Lady Beifang entered the rear palace. I’ve heard that the previous master here was returned her parents’ home because she was unable to fulfill her role as a concubine.”

猫猫「後宮は厳しいところですね…」

Maomao “Kokyuwa kibishii tokoro desune…”

Maomao “The rear palace is a tough place…”

壬氏「むしろ、外に出られたことは、幸福かもしれない」

Jinshi “Mushiro, sotoni derareta kotowa, kofuku kamo shire-nai.”

Jinshi “In fact, it might be a blessing that she was able to go outside.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

嬌嬌「お待ちしておりました、壬氏様」

Kyokyo “Omachi-shite ori-mashita, Jinshi-sama.”

Kyokyo “We’ve been waiting for you, Master Jinshi.”

猫猫（中年の女官…。四十後半くらいか？佩芳とやらの侍女か）

Maomao (Chunenno nyokan… Yonju-kohan kuraika? Beifan-to-yarano jijoka.)

Maomao (A middle-aged court lady… in her late forties? She may be the lady-in-waiting for a Lady Beifang.)

壬氏「早速だが、部屋を調べさせてもらおう。あと、この女官は書類の仕分けなど、事務作業が得意なので連れて来た。何か質問されたら、答えてやってくれ」

Jinshi “Sassoku-daga, heya’o shirabe-sasete-morao. Ato, kono nyokanwa shoruino shiwake-nado, jimu-sagyoga tokui-nanode tsurete-kita. Nanika shitsumon sare-tara, kotaete-yatte-kure.”

Jinshi “Let me check the room right away. Also, I brought this lady over because she’s good at clerical work, like sorting documents. If she has any questions, please answer them.”

猫猫「猫猫といいます」

Maomao “Maomao-to ii-masu.”

Maomao “My name is Maomao.”

嬌嬌「かしこまりました」

Kyokyo “Kashiko-mari-mashita.”

Kyokyo “I understand.”

猫猫「すみません。一応お名前を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか？」

Maomao “Sumi-masen. Ichio onamae’o ukagattemo yoroshii-deshoka?”

Maomao “Excuse me. Can I just ask your name?”

一応(いちおう/Ichio): just in case, for now, just a little (Maomao gave her name to Kyokyo, and in general Kyokyo should have given her name to Maomao in return. So Maomao had to ask her name to Kyokyo, and added “一応” in order to show her it’s not big deal in asking her name.)

嬌嬌「嬌嬌と申します。佩芳様の侍女頭でした」

Kyokyo “Kyokyo-to moshi-masu. Beifan-samano jijo-gashira deshita.”

Kyokyo “My name is Kyokyo. I was the head lady-in-waiting for Lady Beifang.”

猫猫「よろしくお願いします。この宮は、随分賑やかですね」

Maomao “Yoroshiku onegai-shimasu. Kono miyawa, zuibun nigiyaka desune.”

Maomao “Nice to meet you. This place is very lively.”

嬌嬌「申し訳ありません。佩芳様が好きな曲なのでございます。せめて喪に服している間は演奏したいと、皆の意見が一致しました。うるさいのであれば止めますが、どうしましょうか？」

Kyokyo “Moshi-wake ari-masen. Beifan-samaga sukina kyoku-nanode gozai-masu. Semete moni fuku-shite-iru aidawa enso-shitaito, minano ikenga icchi shima-shita. Urusai-node areba tome-masuga, do-shimashoka?”

Kyokyo “I’m sorry. It’s a song that Lady Beifang liked. We all agreed that we wanted to play it at least while we were in mourning. If it’s too noisy we’ll stop, but what do you think?”

壬氏「いや、気にしないでいい。佩芳殿の音楽隊だ」

Jinshi “Iya, kini shinaide ii. Beifan-donono ongaku-tai-da.”

Jinshi “No, don’t worry about it. It’s the Lady Beifang’s music band.”

猫猫「音楽隊？」

Maomao “Ongaku-tai?”

Maomao “Music band?”

高順「音楽隊は、後宮女官たちの有志が集まってできたものです。長年、佩芳様を中心に活動しておりました。娯楽が少ない後宮では人気なのですが、小猫は知りませんでしたか？」

Gaoshun “Ongaku-taiwa, kokyu-nyokan-tachino yushiga atsumatte dekita-mono-desu. Naga-nen, Beifan-sama’o chushin’ni katsudo-shite ori-mashita. Gorakuga sukunai kokyu-dewa ninki nano-desuga, Shaomaowa shiri-masen-deshitaka?”

Gaoshun “The music band was formed by volunteers from the ladies-in-waiting of the rear palace. For many years, it has been led by Lady Beifang. It is popular in the rear palace where there is little entertainment. Didn’t you know about it, Xiaomao?”

猫猫「そんなのがあったんですね。若い人が多いですね」

Maomao “Sonna’noga attan-desune. Wakai hitoga ooi desune.”

Maomao “I didn’t know there was such a thing. There are a lot of young people here, right?”

猫猫（音楽には興味ないからなあ。花街にいた頃は、せいぜい手習い程度に仕込まれたぐらいだし）

Maomao (Ongaku-niwa kyomi-nai-kara-naa. Hanamachi-ni ita korowa, seizei tenarai-teidoni shiko-mareta gurai-dashi.)

Maomao (I’m not interested in music. When I was in the pleasure district, I was only taught music to a basic level at most.)

高順「後宮の年季は基本二年ですし、延長しても五年が限度です。よほど上に気に入られない限り、五年以上勤める女官はいません」

Gaoshun “Kokyuno nenkiwa kihon ni-nen desushi, encho-shitemo go-nen-ga gendo desu. Yohodo ueni kini-irare-nai-kagiri, go-nen-ijo tsutomeru nyokanwa imasen.”

Gaoshun “The standard term for a position in the rear palace is two years, and even if it is extended, it is limited to five years. Unless a woman is favored by her superiors, no woman will stay there for more than five years.”

猫猫（後宮という制度を考えたら、そういうものだろうな。当たり前のことを聞いてしまった）

Maomao (Kokyuto-iu seido’o kangae-tara, so-iu mono darona. Atari-maeno koto’o kiite-shimatta.)

Maomao (Considering the institution of the rear palace, that’s probably how it is. I’ve asked the obvious question.)

壬氏「何をコソコソ話している？」

Jinshi “Nani’o koso-koso hanashite-iru?”

Jinshi “What are you whispering about?”

高順「いえ、何でもございません」

Gaoshun “Ie, nan-demo gozai-masen.”

Gaoshun “No, it’s nothing.”

猫猫「特に何もありません��

Maomao “Tokuni nanimo ari-masen.”

Maomao “Nothing in particular.”

壬氏「そうか」

Jinshi “Soka.”

Jinshi “Is that so?”

猫猫「部下が勝手に話してるのが気に食わないなんて、器が小さい」

Maomao “Bukaga katteni hana-shiteru-noga kini kuwanai-nante, utsuwaga chiisai.”

Maomao “You have a small heart if you don’t like your subordinates talking on their own.”

壬氏「何か言ったか？」

Jinshi “Nanika ittaka?”

Jinshi “Did you say something?”

猫猫「いいえ、何でもありません」

Maomao “Iie, nan-demo ari-masen.”

Maomao “No, it’s nothing.”

嬌嬌「こちらでございます」

Kyokyo “Kochirade gozai-masu.”

Kyokyo “Here it is.”

猫猫「これが妃の部屋ですか…！」

Maomao “Korega kisakino heya desuka…!”

Maomao “Is this the room of Lady Beifang…?”

壬氏「ああ。ちょっと驚くだろう？」

Jinshi “Aa. Chotto odoroku-daro?”

Jinshi “Yeah. It’s a bit surprising, isn’t it?”

猫猫（なぜ壬氏が誇らしげに言うのだろう？）

Maomao (Naze Jinshiga hokorashi-geni iuno-daro?)

Maomao (Why does Jinshi say it so proudly?)

猫猫「すごい本の数ですね」（寝台と机、あと楽器が一つある以外は棚だらけだ。かさ張るからか。紙の本が多いな）

Maomao “Sugoi honno kazu desune.” (Shindaito tsukue, ato gakkiga hitotsu aru igaiwa tana-darakeda. Kasabaru-karaka. Kamino honga ooi-na.)

Maomao “That’s an incredible number of books.” (Apart from the bed, desk, and one instrument, the room is full of shelves. Because they are bulky, maybe. There are a lot of paper books.)

嬌嬌「ほとんど本ではなく、佩芳様に送られて来た文と譜面を束ねています。佩芳様は、後宮の外でも有名で…、作曲だけではなく、編曲や変奏��依頼が数多くありました」

Kyokyo “Hotondo hon-dewa naku, Beifan-samani oku-rarete-kita fumito fumen’o tabanete-imasu. Beifan-samawa, kokyuno soto-demo yumeide… Sakkyoku-dake-dewa naku, henkyoku-ya henso’no iraiga kazu-ooku ari-mashita.”

Kyokyo “Most of the books are not books, but a collection of letters and musical scores sent to Lady Beifang. Lady Beifang is famous even outside the rear palace… and she has received many requests not only for composition but also for arrangements and variations.”

壬氏「後宮に入らなければ、もっと楽人として名を馳せただろう」

Jinshi “Kokyuni haira-nakereba, motto gakujin-to-shite na’o haseta-daro.”

Jinshi “If she hadn’t entered the rear palace, she would have been more famous as a musician.”

名を馳せる(なをはせる/Nao haseru): make a name for oneself, establish a reputation, become famous

猫猫「そんな才ある方を入内させたのですね…」

Maomao “Sonna sai aru kata’o judai sasetano-desune…”

Maomao “So, even such a talented person was sent into the rear palace…”

嬌嬌「差し出がましいことですが、弁明を。佩芳様の御父上は、佩芳様のことを思って入内させられました」

Kyokyo “Sashide-gamashii koto-desuga, benmei’o. Beifan-samano ochichi-uewa, Beifan-samano koto’o omotte judai sase-rare-mashita.”

Kyokyo “I’m afraid but I’d like to explain. Lady Beifang’s father had her enter the rear palace out of consideration for her.”

壬氏「そうだろうな」

Jinshi “So darona.”

Jinshi “That’s probably true.”

猫猫「どうしてですか？」

Maomao “Doshite desuka?”

Maomao “Why?”

壬氏「佩芳殿は生まれつき、両の目を患っていた」

Jinshi “Beifan-donowa umare-tsuki, ryono me’o wazuratte-ita.”

Jinshi “Lady Beifang was born with problems in both eyes.”

生まれつき(うまれつき/Umare-tsuki): born with, by nature

嬌嬌「はい。佩芳様の御両親は、なかなか子宝に恵まれませんでした。ようやく佩芳様が生まれたのは、旦那様が四十八の時だったそうです。財を遺そうにも、後見人がおられず、将来を不安に思っていらっしゃいました。そこに、後宮へ入って妃の位につけばと、話が舞い込んで…」

Kyokyo “Hai. Beifan-samano goryoshinwa, naka-naka kodakarani megumare-masen-deshita. Yoyaku Beifan-samaga umareta-nowa, danna-samaga shiju-hachino toki datta-sodesu. Zai’o nokoso-nimo, koken-ninga orarezu, shorai’o fuan’ni omotte-rasshai-mashita. Sokoni, kokyu’e haitte kisakino kuraini tsukeba-to, hanashiga maikonde…”

Kyokyo “Yes. Lady Beifang’s parents were not blessed with children for a long time. Finally, Lady Beifan was born when the Master was 48 years old. Even though they wanted to leave their fortunes for her, they had no guardian and were worried about her future. Then, they received an offer to enter the rear palace and become a concubine…”

猫猫（きっと旦那様とやらも騙されたのだろう。まさか帝が幼女趣味とは思うまい）

Maomao (Kitto danna-sama-to-yaramo dama-saretano-daro. Masaka mikadoga yojo-shumi-towa omou-mai.)

Maomao (I’m sure the master was fooled as well. There’s no way he knew the emperor had a taste for young girls.)

騙される(だまされる/Dama-sareru): be deceived, be fooled

騙す(だます/Damasu): deceive

猫猫「随分詳しいのですね。入内前からお仕えしていたのですか？」

Maomao “Zuibun kuwashiino-desune. Judai-mae-kara otsukae-shite-itano-desuka?”

Maomao “You know a lot about this. Have you served her since before she became the concubine?”

お仕えする(おつかえする/Otsukae-suru): serve = お(Keigo, humble) + 仕え(つかえ) + する

仕える(つかえる/Tsukaeru) : serve (simple form)

嬌嬌「はい。私(わたくし)は、琴が得意でしたので、佩芳様がたまたま私の曲を聞き、気に入って下さり、侍女にと引き取られました。目が見えぬことで不自由がないようにと、後宮までお供させてもらった次第でございます」

Kyokyo “Hai. Watakushiwa, kotoga tokui deshita-node, Beifan-samaga tama-tama watashino kyoku’o kiki, kini itte-kudasari, jijo-nito hikitorare-mashita. Mega mienu-kotode fujiyuga nai-yonito, kokyu-made otomo sasete-moratta shidaide gozai-masu.”

Kyokyo “Yes. I was good at playing the koto, so when Lady Beifang happened to hear my music, she liked it and took me in as her lady-in-waiting. I was allowed to accompany her to the rear palace so that she would not be inconvenienced by her blindness.”

琴(こと/Koto): Japanese harp

たまたま(Tama-tama): happen to, by chance = 偶然(ぐうぜん/Guzen)

猫猫（元は平民の子か何かか…）

Maomao (Motowa heimin’no koka nanika-ka…)

Maomao (Maybe she was originally a commoner or something…)

壬氏「というわけだ。せめて、佩芳殿の遺言だけは、聞き届けてやるべきだろう」

Jinshi “To-iu-wakeda. Semete, Beifan-donono yuigon-dakewa, kiki-todokete-yaru beki-daro.”

Jinshi “That’s why. We should at least make Lady Beifang’s last wish come true.”

聞き届ける(ききとどける/Kiki-todokeru): listening to and meeting the request

聞き届けてやる(simple) = 聞き届けてあげる(friendly)

猫猫（そこだけは賛成だ）

Maomao (Soko-dakewa sanseida.)

Maomao (That’s the point I agree with.)

猫猫「ところで、遺された曲というのは？」

Maomao “Tokorode, noko-sareta kyokuto iu-nowa?”

Maomao “By the way, what song was left behind?”

遺された(のこされた/Noko-sareta): being left behind (The owner already passed away.)

遺す(のこす/Nokosu): leave behind (The Kanji “遺” means the death. If living one leaves, we use “残す” which is also read as “nokosu”.)

壬氏「それなら、こちらで預かっている。佩芳殿が生前に、最後の曲になるからと、持ってきたのだ。私もまだ見ていない」

Jinshi “Sore-nara, kochirade azukatte-iru. Beifan-donoga seizen’ni, saigono kyokuni naru-karato, motte-kita-noda. Watashimo mada mite-inai.”

Jinshi “We keep it. When Lady Beifang was still alive, she brought it to us and said it would be her last song. I haven’t seen it yet.”

生前(せいぜん/Seizen): When the deceased was still alive

猫猫（なるほどねぇ。貴重な曲なら、情報漏洩はいけないものねぇ）

Maomao (Naruhodo-nee. Kichona kyoku-nara, joho-roei’wa ikenai-mono-nee.)

Maomao (I see. If it’s a valuable song, it’s not good to leak information about it.)

情報漏洩(じょうほうろうえい/Joho-roei): information leak

嬌嬌「では、私はしばし待機しておりますので」

Kyokyo “Dewa, watakushiwa shibashi taiki-shite orimasu-node.”

Kyokyo “Then I will wait here for a while.”

しばし(Shibashi): for a while, = しばらく

壬氏「ああ。聞きたいことがあったら呼ぶ」

Jinshi “Aa. Kikitai kotoga attara yobu.”

Jinshi “Yes. If there’s anything to ask, I’ll call you.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

壬氏「どうだ？何か分かりそうか？」

Jinshi “Doda? Nanika wakari-soka?”

Jinshi “How is it? Do you think you can figure anything out?”

猫猫「分かるも何も、まだ来たばかりで何も見ておりません。とりあえず、文を確認してもよろしいでしょうか？」

Maomao “Wakarumo-nanimo, mada kita-bakaride nanimo mite-ori-masen. Tori-aezu, fumi’o kakunin-shitemo yoroshii-deshoka?”

Maomao “Well, I don’t know at all, as I’ve just arrived and haven’t seen anything yet. For now, can I take a look at the letters?”

とりあえず(Tori-aezu): for now, for the moment, anyway, tentatively

壬氏「好きにしろ」

Jinshi “Sukini shiro.”

Jinshi “Do as you like.”

猫猫「はい、っと」（とりあえず、上から順番に見ていくか…）

Maomao “Hai, tto.” (Tori-aezu, ue-kara junban’ni mite-ikuka…)

Maomao “Okay, okay.” (For now, let’s look at them in order from the top…)

順番に(じゅんばんに/Junban-ni): in order, in turn

高順「小猫、これを使って下さい。身長が届かないでしょうから。他に取りたい物があれば、取りますので」

Gaoshun “Shaomao, kore’o tsukatte-kudasai. Shinchoga todoka-nai-desho-kara. Hokani tori-tai monoga areba, tori-masu-node.”

Gaoshun “Xiaomao, please use this. Otherwise, you can’t reach it. If there’s anything else you want to get, I’ll get it for you.”

猫猫「助かります」

Maomao “Tasukari-masu.”

Maomao “That would be helpful.”

壬氏「高順は気が利くなぁ～」

Jinshi “Gaoshunwa kiga kiku-naaaa.”

Jinshi “Gaoshun is so attentive.”

気が利く(きがきく/Kiga-kiku): attentive, thoughtful

猫猫「ええ、大変素晴らしい官だと思いますぅ」（誰かと違って、マメである）

Maomao “Ee, taihen subarashii kan-dato omoi-masuu.” (Darekato chigatte, mame-de aru.)

Maomao “Yes, I think he’s a wonderful officer.” (Unlike someone, he’s diligent.)

マメな(Mamena): diligent, methodical, meticulous

高順「小猫、少し黙ってください」

Gaoshun “Shaomao, sukoshi damatte kudasai.”

Gaoshun “Xiaomao, please be quiet for a moment.”

猫猫「失礼しました。大人しく仕事をします」

Maomao “Shitsurei shima-shita. Otonashiku shigoto’o shimasu.”

Maomao “Excuse me. I’ll just do my job quietly.”

大人しく(おとなしく/Otonashiku): quietly, obediently

猫猫「うーん、ほとんどが工尺譜(コウシャクフ)ですね。手紙というべきものはありますが、時節の挨拶と、作曲か変奏か編曲かの依頼内容くらいです」

Maomao “Uuun, hotondoga ‘koshaku-fu’ desune. Tegami-to-iu-beki-monowa ari-masuga, jisetsuno aisatsuto, sakkyoku’ka henso’ka henkyoku’ka-no irai-naiyo kurai-desu.”

Maomao “Well, most of them are the scores called ‘gongche notation.’ There are letters, but they are just seasonal greetings and requests for compositions, variations, or arrangements.”

猫猫（工尺譜。音を一音ずつ、ハ、ス、イ、ジャン、チェ、コン、ハン、リュ、ウ、イ、で表した楽譜だ。音と共に歌詞も書かれている。楽譜は、花街で遣り手婆(やりてばばあ)に暗記するまで読ませられたことを思い出すなあ）

Maomao (Koshaku-fu. Oto’o ichi-on-zutsu, Ha, Su, I, Jan, Che, Kon, Han, Ryu, U, I, de arawashita gakufu-da. Ototo tomoni kashimo kakarete-iru. Gakufuwa, hanamachi-de Yarite-Babaa-ni anki-suru-made yomase-rareta koto’o omoi-dasu-naa.)

Maomao (Gongche notation. It’s a musical score in which each note is represented by Ha, Su, I, Jan, Che, Kong, Han, Ryu, U, I. The lyrics are written along with the notes. It reminds me of the time when an old Madam at the pleasure district made me read the score until I had it memorized.)

楽譜(がくふ/Gakufu): score, sheet music

猫猫「上から順に、古いもののようです」（どれも工尺譜の字が同じだ。写し取ったものだろうな。おや、この段から赤字が入れられた譜面が入っているぞ）

Maomao “Ue-kara junni, furui monono-yodesu.” (Doremo koshakufu-no jiga onajida. Utsushi-totta-mono darona. Oya, kono dan-kara akajiga ire-rareta fumenga haitte-iruzo.)

Maomao “It seems like sorted from top, in order from oldest to newest.” (All gongche notations have the same handwriting. They must have been transcribed. Oh, from this shelf onwards, there are scores with red corrections.)

猫猫「赤字が入っている譜面がありますが、こちらが原本ですか？」

Maomao “Akajiga haitte-iru fumenga ari-masuga, kochiraga genpon desuka?”

Maomao “There’s some scores with some correction in red ink. Are these the original?”

原本(げんぽん/Gen-pon): the original

嬌嬌「はい、そうですが何か？」

Kyokyo “Hai, so-desuga nanika?”

Kyokyo “Yes, that’s right, but why?”

猫猫「年代が古い冊子には、原本の譜面が入っていないのですが…別に保存してあるのかと」

Maomao “Nendaiga furui sasshi-niwa, genpon’no fumenga haitte-inaino-desuga… Betsuni hozon shite-aru-nokato.”

Maomao “The old booklets don’t contain the original music score… I wonder if it’s been stored somewhere else.”

壬氏「そうなのか？」

Jinshi “So-nanoka?”

Jinshi “Is that so?”

嬌嬌「以前は原本に赤字を入れて、そのまま返却しておりました。しかし、原本を返すことで、佩芳様が変奏・編曲したことを隠し、全て自分の手柄にする人が現れましたので、証拠として原本を取っておくことにしたのです。日付も入れてもらっています」

Kyokyo “Izenwa genponni akaji’o irete, sono-mama henkyaku shite-ori-mashita. Shikashi, genpon’o kaesu-kotode, Beifan-samaga henso, henkyoku-shita-koto’o kakushi, subete jibun’no tegarani suru hitoga araware-mashita-node, shoko-to-shite genpon’o totte-oku-kotoni shitano-desu. Hizukemo irete-moratte-imasu.”

Kyokyo “Previously, we would mark the originals in red and return them as is. By returning the originals, however, there were people who would hide the fact that Lady Beifang had made variations and arrangements and take all the credit for themselves, so we decided to keep the originals as evidence. We also have the date marked in.”

～の手柄にする(～のてがらにする/～no tegarani suru): take credit for～

手柄(てがら/Tegara): credit, achievement

証拠として(しょうことして/Shoko-to-shite): as evidence

猫猫（原本の譜面には、楽団の印(いん)が入っている。これで自作発言をしてしまえば、個人だけではなく、楽団の名誉もなくなるな）

Maomao (Genpon’no fumen-niwa, gakudan’no inga haitte-iru. Korede jisaku-hatsugen’o shite-shimaeba, kojin-dake-dewa naku, gakudan’no meiyomo naku-naruna.)

Maomao (The original score has the orchestra’s stamp on it. If he were to claim it as his own work, not only would he lose his reputation, but the orchestra’s reputation as well.)

猫猫「ところで、佩芳様はどうやって編曲・変奏をしていたのですか？」

Maomao “Tokorode, Beifan-samawa do-yatte henkyoku, henso’o shite-itano-desuka?”

Maomao “By the way, how did Lady Beifang arrange and vary the music?”

嬌嬌「佩芳様は、文や譜面を読むことができないので、主に私や他の侍女たちが曲を弾き、佩芳様が一通り聴いたところで、修正箇所を口頭で入れておりました」

Kyokyo “Beifan-samawa, fumiya fumen’o yomu-kotoga dekinai-node, omoni watakushiya hokano jijo-tachiga kyoku’o hiki, Beifan-samaga hito-toori kiita-tokorode, shusei-kasho’o kotode irete ori-mashita.”

Kyokyo “Since Lady Beifang could not read letters or music scores, I and the other ladies-in-waiting mainly played the music, and when Lady Beifang had listened to it, she verbally made any corrections.”

猫猫「えっと…つまり、初めて聴いた一曲を通しただけで、おかしなところが分かるのですか？」

Maomao “Etto… Tsumari, hajimete kiita ikkyoku’o tooshita-dakede, okashina tokoroga wakaruno-desuka?”

Maomao “Um… so you’re saying that she could tell there’s something strange about a song just by listening to it once for the first time?”

嬌嬌「はい。一度聴いた曲は、歌詞も忘れませんでした。音階も全て覚えていました」

Kyokyo “Hai. Ichido kiita kyokuwa, kashimo wasure-masen-deshita. Onkaimo subete oboete-imashita.”

Kyokyo “Yes. Once she listened to the song, she never forgot the lyrics. She remembered all the notes as well.”

音階(おんかい/Onkai): musical notes, musical scale

猫猫（大した才能だな…）

Maomao (Taishita saino dana…)

Maomao (What a talent…)

壬氏「さすがだな。私も数回聞かないと、覚えられないぞ」

Jinshi “Sasuga-dana. Watashimo su-kai kika-naito, oboe-rare-naizo.”

Jinshi “That’s impressive. I have to listen to it a few times before I can remember it.”

猫猫「数回で覚えられれば、十分かと思います」

Maomao “Su-kaide oboe-rarereba, jubun-kato omoi-masu.”

Maomao “If you can remember it after a few times, I think that’s enough.”

壬氏「そ、そうか？」

Jinshi “So, soka?”

Jinshi “Oh, really?”

猫猫（けっ。何気に優秀なんだよな。変態でなければ）

Maomao (Ke. Nanigeni yushu nan-dayona. Hentai-de nakereba.)

Maomao (tsk. He’s kind of excellent. If only he wasn’t a pervert.)

何気に(なにげに/Nanigeni): somehow, kind of

猫猫「では、作曲する時は、歌詞と音階を口頭で言ってもらい、それを書き留めていたんでしょうか？」

Maomao “Dewa, sakkyoku-suru tokiwa, kashito onkai’o kotode itte-morai, sore’o kaki-tomete-itan-deshoka?”

Maomao “So when she was composing, did you have her say the lyrics and the notes out loud and then you wrote them down?”

嬌嬌「はい。書き留めたら、歌いながら楽器で演奏し、音階に変更が無いか、確かめておりました」

Kyokyo “Hai. Kaki-tome-tara, utai-nagara gakkide enso-shi, onkaini henkoga naika, tashikamete-ori-mashita.”

Kyokyo “Yes. After I wrote it down, I would play the instrument while singing it to make sure there were no changes to the scale.”

歌いながら(うたいながら/Utai-nagara): while singing

～しながら(～shi-nagara): while ～ing

猫猫「では、最後の曲も、嬌嬌様が書き留めていたんですか？」

Maomao “Dewa, saigono kyokumo, Kyokyo-samaga kaki-tomete-itan-desuka?”

Maomao “Then, did you write down the last song as well, Lady Kyokyo?”

嬌嬌「いえ、私は全て書き留めていたわけではないです。佩芳様は持病のため、長時間作曲ができなかったので…」

Kyokyo “Ie, watakushiwa subete kaki-tomete-ita wake-dewa nai-desu. Beifan-samawa jibyono tame, cho-jikan sakkyokuga deki-nakatta-node…”

Kyokyo “No, I didn’t write everything down. Because Lady Beifang’s chronic illness meant she couldn’t compose for long hours…”

持病(じびょう/Jibyo): chronic illness

猫猫「ぶつ切りになって、複数の手で書き留めていたと」

Maomao “Butsu-giri-ni natte, fukusuno tede kaki-tomete-ita-to.”

Maomao “You mean, it was chopped up and written down by multiple hands.”

嬌嬌「その通りです」

Kyokyo “Sono-toori desu.”

Kyokyo “That’s right.”

猫猫「では、曲の全容は嬌嬌様も分からないわけですね」

Maomao “Dewa, kyokuno zen’yowa Kyokyo-samamo wakara-nai wake desune.”

Maomao “So even you don’t know the full story of the song, Lady Kyokyo.”

嬌嬌「あいにく…申し訳ありません」

Kyokyo “Ainiku… Moshi-wake ari-masen.”

Kyokyo “Unfortunately… I’m sorry.”

壬氏「手紙は、宛名ごとには並べられていないのか？」

Jinshi “Tegamiwa, atena-goto-niwa narabe-rarete-inai-noka?”

Jinshi “Aren’t the letters sorted by addressee?”

嬌嬌「はい。個人からの依頼は受けませんでした。個人で送ってこられる方は、以前自作発言をした人もいたので…楽団のお墨付きでないと、受け取らないようにしたのです」

Kyokyo “Hai. Kojin-karano iraiwa uke-masen-deshita. Kojinde okutte-korareru katawa, izen jisaku-hatsugen’o shita hitomo ita-node… Gakudan’no otsumi-tsukide naito, uketora-nai-yoni shitano-desu.”

Kyokyo “No. We didn’t accept requests from individuals. Some people who sent in pieces individually had previously claimed they made the pieces themselves, so we decided not to accept pieces without the orchestra’s approval.”

お墨付き(おすみつき/Osumi-tsuki): stamp of approval, endorsement

壬氏「個人では、検閲で弾くのか」

Jinshi “Kojin-dewa, ken’etsu-de hajiku-noka.”

Jinshi “Do you censor and block it from individuals?”

検閲する(けんえつする/ken’etsu-suru): censor

猫猫（検閲… 後宮の文は、全て内容を確認されてからでしか、届けられないからなぁ）

Maomao (Ken’etsu… Kokyuno fumiwa, subete naiyo’o kakunin-sarete-kara-de-shika, todoke-rare-nai-kara-naa.)

Maomao (Censored… All letters to the rear palace can only be delivered after their contents have been checked.)

高順「楽団ごとにも分けていないのですね」

Gaoshun “Gakudan-goto-nimo wakete-inaino-desune.”

Gaoshun “But you don’t separate them by orchestra either, do you?”

嬌嬌「はい。違う楽団に移動した方もいますので、あえて分けておりません」

Kyokyo “Hai. Chigau gakudan’ni ido-shita katamo imasu-node, aete wakete-ori-masen.”

Kyokyo “No. Some of them have moved to other orchestras, so we haven’t separated them.”

移動する(いどうする/ido-suru): move

猫猫「文があるのでしたら、筆跡鑑定をして分類しますか？面倒だけど、できないことはない」

Maomao “Fumiga aruno-deshitara, hisseki-kantei’o shite bunrui shimasuka? Mendo-dakedo, dekinai-kotowa nai.”

Maomao “As there are letters, shall we do a handwriting analysis and classify it? It’s a hassle, but it’s not impossible.”

筆跡鑑定(ひっせきかんてい/Hisseki-kantei): handwriting analysis, handwriting identification

壬氏「それは私も提示したが、楽人というのは、音楽以外のことはあまりしたくない性格らしい」

Jinshi “Sorewa watashimo teiji-shitaga, gakujin-to-iu-nowa, ongaku-igaino kotowa amari shitaku-nai seikaku rashii.”

Jinshi “I also suggested that, but it seems that musicians are not the type to want to do much other than music.”

猫猫「すなわち？」

Maomao “Sunawachi?”

Maomao “That is?”

高順「字が達者ではないので、上手い者に代筆をさせるのです」

Gaoshun “Jiga tassha-dewa nai-node, umai mononi daihitsu’o saseruno-desu.”

Gaoshun “They are not good at writing, so they get someone who is good at writing to write it for them.”

達者な(たっしゃな/tasshana): be good at = 得意な(とくいな/Tokuina)、～するのが上手(じょうず/Jozu)な、上手い(うまい/Umai)

猫猫（字くらい自分で書け！…とは言えないか。何だよ、どこまでも不親切すぎる！というか、こんなんで分かるかよ。いや、不親切すぎないか？）

Maomao (Ji-kurai jibunde kake! …towa ie-naika. Nan-dayo, doko-mademo fushinsetsu-sugiru! To-iuka, konnande wakaru-kayo. Iya, fushinsetsu-sugi-naika?)

Maomao (I can’t say ‘at least write it yourself!’ What’s this? Everything’s too unkind! Or rather, how can I find in the situation like this? Oh no, isn’t it really too unkind?)

不親切な(ふしんせつな/Fushinsetsuna): unkind 不(ふ/Fu): un + 親切な(しんせつな/shinsetsuna): kind

猫猫「では、その中で、佩芳様が気になっていた譜などありますか？覚えていればでいいのですが」

Maomao “Dewa, sono nakade, Beifan-samaga kini natte-ita fu-nado ari-masuka? Oboete-irebade iino-desuga.”

Maomao “Then, among those, is there any particular piece of music that Lady Beifang was interested in? If you remember, please tell me.”

猫猫（楽人なら、いい曲を作る相手にこそ、自分の曲を贈りたいと考えるかもしれない）

Maomao (Gakujin-nara, ii kyoku’o tsukuru aiteni-koso, jibunno kyoku’o okuritai-to kangaeru-kamo shire-nai.)

Maomao (As she’s a musician, she might want to give her song to someone who writes great songs.)

嬌嬌「あ、それなら…、これと…これも。あとこれ、これと…」

Kyokyo “A, sore-nara…, koreto… koremo. Ato kore, koreto…”

Kyokyo “Oh, then… this and… this, too. And this, and this…”

猫猫「ず、随分多いですね」（簡単に割り出せる量じゃないぞ）

Maomao “Zu, Zuibun ooi desune.” (Kantanni wari-daseru ryo-ja naizo.)

Maomao “Th-That’s quite a lot, isn’t it?” (It’s not an amount that can be easily checked.)

量(りょう/Ryo): amount, quantity, volume

嬌嬌「多くの曲を愛する人でしたから…」

Kyokyo “Ookuno kyoku’o aisuru hito deshita-kara…”

Kyokyo “Since she loved a lot of music…”

猫猫「ああ…。嬌嬌様に心当たりとかは…」

Maomao “Aa… Kyokyo-samani kokoro-atari-tokawa…”

Maomao “Ah… Don’t you have any idea, Lady Kyokyo?”

嬌嬌「申し訳ありません」

Kyokyo “Moshi-wake ari-masen.”

Kyokyo “I’m sorry.”

猫猫「ううう…」

Maomao “Uuu…”

Maomao “Ugh…”

壬氏「頑張ってくれ。次の仕事に行ってくる。夕方にもう一度来る」

Jinshi “Ganbatte-kure. Tsugino shigotoni itte-kuru. Yugatani mo-ichido kuru.”

Jinshi “Do your best. I’m off to my next job. I’ll come back in the evening.”

高順「小猫、差し入れは何がよろしいでしょうか？」

Gaoshun “Shaomao, sashi-irewa naniga yoroshii deshoka?”

Gaoshun “Xiaomao, what would you like to bring?”

差し入れ(さしいれ/Sashi-ire): small gift, treat, bringing some food for working people

猫猫「お二人共、帰るのですか!?」

Maomao “Ofutari-tomo, kaeruno-desuka!?”

Maomao “Are you two going home!?”

高順「仕事が溜まっております故」

Gaoshun “Shigotoga tamatte-orimasu-yue.”

Gaoshun “We have a lot of work piling up.”

猫猫（後は任せたってか!? この野郎）

Maomao (Atowa makasetatteka!? Kono yaro.)

Maomao (You leave the rest to me!? You bastard!)

猫猫「ザッ茶?と煎餅。あと肉入りの饅頭があれば十分です。できれば酒があれば…」

Maomao “XX-chato senbei. Ato niku-irino manjuga areba jubun desu. Dekireba sakega areba…”

Maomao “Tea, rice crackers, and some meat buns will be enough. If possible, some alcohol…”

I heard “zaccha” and I searched for it on the internet, but couldn’t find any matching name of tea. So I’m not sure but it may be a kind of tea.

壬氏「酒は却下だ」

Jinshi “Sakewa kyakkada.”

Jinshi “No Alcohol.”

却下(きゃっか/Kyakka): rejection, to be rejected

猫猫（ハァ…。やるしかないか…）

Maomao (Haa… Yaru-shika naika…)

Maomao (I guess I have no choice…)

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