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apothecaryscript · 2 months ago

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The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 1 (Ep.25 in total) : Maomao and Maomao / 薬屋のひとりごと　第2期　第1話（通算第25話）『猫猫と毛毛（マオマオとマオマオ/Maomao to Maomao）』

男「これ本当か？」

Otoko “Kore hontoka?”

Man “Is this authentic?”

妓女(ぎじょ)「フフフ…」

Gijo “Fufufu…”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

梅梅(メイメイ)「フフフ」

Meimei “Fufufu.”

やり手婆「ヘ～ッヘッヘッヘッヘ」

Yarite-Babaa “Heehhehhehhehhe.”

白鈴(パイリン)「なぁに？おばば、この量」

Pairin “Naani? Obaba, kono ryo.”

Pairin “What is this huge pile, Granny?”

女華(ジョカ)「猫猫からの注文らしい」

Joka “Maomao-karano chumon-rashii.”

Joka “Maomao ordered it, apparently.”

白鈴「またぁ？」

Pairin “Mataa?”

Pairin “Again?”

やり手婆「いい稼ぎになりそうだ。言われた通りに届けてやってくれ」

Yarite-Babaa “Ii kasegini narisoda. Iwareta-toorini todokete yatte-kure.”

Madam “This’ll be a good business. Just deliver it like you’re told.”

右叫(ウキョウ)「わかりました」

Ukyo “Wakari-mashita.”

Ukyo “Understood.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

壬氏「綺麗ですね」

Jinshi “Kirei-desune.”

Jinshi “They’re beautiful.”

梨花妃「部屋に飾ろうと思って」

Rifa-hi “Heyani kazaroto omotte.”

Concubine Lihua “I’m thinking of keeping some in my room.”

壬氏「お変わりないですか」

Jinshi “Okawari-nai desuka.”

Jinshi “Is everything going well?”

里樹妃「あっ、はい…」

Rīshu-hi “A, hai…”

Concubine Lishu “Y-Yes.”

壬氏「園遊会の後、子昌(シショウ)殿から侍女の増員を打診された」

Jinshi “En’yu-kaino ato, Shisho-dono-kara jijono zoin’o dashin-sareta.”

Jinshi “After the garden party, Master Shishou did ask for more ladies-in-waiting for her.”

高順(ガオシュン)「ですが、この��数は…」

Gaoshun “Desuga, kono ninzuwa…”

Gaoshun “This seems like far too many, though…”

壬氏「ああ。これでは、他の夫人たちの矜持(きょうじ)が保てないな」

JInshi “Aa. Kore-dewa, hokano fujin-tachino kyojiga tamote-naina.”

Jinshi “Yes. It’s not a good look for the other ladies.”

壬氏「ごきげんよう。楼蘭妃」

Jinshi “Gokigen-yo. Roran-hi.”

Jinshi “Greetings, Concubine Loulan.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

鈴麗公主(リンリーひめ)「あう～あ～あう～、うい～、ウフッ…。ハハッ、う～、あ～」

Rinrī-hime “Auuu aaa auu, uii, ufu… Haha, uuu, aaa.”

玉葉(ギョクヨウ)妃「あら？何かお探し？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ara? Nanika osagashi?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh? Looking for something?”

壬氏「あぁ…いえ」

Jinshi “Aa…Ie.”

Jinshi “Oh, no.”

玉葉妃「猫猫なら医局に行ったわ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Maomao-nara ikyokuni ittawa.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Maomao is at the clinic.”

玉葉妃「フフフ…春よねぇ…」

Gyokuyo-hi “Fufufu…Haru-yonee…”

Concubine Gyokuyou “It really is spring.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

虞淵(グエン)（やぶ医者）「ふぅ～」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Fuuu.”

壬氏「何をやっている？」

Jinshi “Nani’o yatte-iru?”

Jinshi “What are you doing?”

猫猫「何をと言われましても。香油を作っております。医局を掃除していて、蒸留装置を見つけたので。先日、青薔薇(そうび)を作る際に用意した薔薇の余りです」

Maomao “Nani’o-to iware-mashitemo, koyu’o tsukutte-orimasu. Ikyoku’o soji-shite-ite, joryu-sochi’o mitsuketa-node. Senjitsu, ao-sobi’o tsukuru-saini yoi-shita sobino amari desu.”

Maomao “Why do you ask like that? I’m making scented oils. While cleaning up the clinic, I found a still. I’m using some of the blooms left over from the blue roses we grew the other day.”

壬氏「すごい匂いだな」

Jinshi “Sugoi nioi dana.”

Jinshi “The scent is really strong.”

猫猫「野生の薔薇に比べると、薄いですよ。何かご用でしょうか？」

Maomao “Yaseino sobini kuraberuto, usui desuyo. Nanika goyo-deshoka?”

Maomao “It’s still weaker than wild roses. What can I do for you?”

壬氏「これだけ香りが強いと、誰だって気になるだろう。ここでやるのは、さすがに翡翠宮ではやりにくいからか？」

Jinshi “Kore-dake kaoriga tsuyoito, dare-datte kini-naru-daro. Kokode yaru-nowa, sasugani Hisui-Kyu-dewa yari-nikui-karaka?”

Jinshi “Anyone would grow concerned, given such a strong scent. Are you making it here because you can’t do it at the Jade Pavilion?”

猫猫「それもありますが…（小声で）香油の中には子を流す作用を持つものもあります。よほど濃いものでなければ問題ないと思いますが」

Maomao “Soremo ari-masuga…(kogoede)Koyuno naka-niwa ko’o nagasu sayo’o motsu-monomo ari-masu. Yohodo koi-monode nakereba mondai-naito omoi-masuga.”

Maomao “That too, but… Some scented oils can cause miscarriages. It shouldn’t be an issue unless it’s extremely concentrated, but…”

壬氏「では、後宮内で使われている香水などは規制しなくてもいいのか？」

Jinshi “Dewa, kokyu-naide tsuka-warete-iru kosui-nadowa kisei-shinaku-temo ii-noka?”

Jinshi “So, there’s no need to restrict perfumes and things like that in the rear palace?”

猫猫「ええ。問題ないかと」

Maomao “Ee. Mondai-naikato.”

Maomao “Right. It shouldn’t be a problem.”

猫猫（やぶ医者は、人はいいが口が軽い。まだ玉葉妃の妊娠は知らせない方がいい）

Maomao (Yabu-Ishawa, hitowa iiga kuchiga karui. Mada Gyokuyo-hino ninshinwa shirase-nai-hoga ii.)

Maomao (The quack doctor is a nice guy, but can’t keep his mouth shut. He shouldn’t know about Concubine Gyokuyou’s pregnancy yet.)

壬氏「これは？」

Jinshi “Korewa?”

Jinshi “What’s this?”

猫猫「ん？酒を蒸留しています。何度も蒸留させると、濃いアルコールが取れるんです」

Maomao “N? Sake’o joryu-shite-imasu. Nandomo joryu-saseruto, koi arukōruga torerun-desu.”

Maomao “I’m distilling alcohol. By distilling repeatedly, I can create a very strong alcohol.”

壬氏「飲むのか？」

Jinshi “Nomu-noka?”

Jinshi “You’re going to drink this!?”

猫猫「消毒用です。小さな公主のいる翡翠宮は、できるだけ清潔にしておきたいので」

Maomao “Shodoku-yo-desu. Chiisana himeno iru Hisui-Kyuwa, dekiru-dake seiketsuni shite-okitai-node.”

Maomao “It’s for disinfecting. I want the Jade Pavilion to be as clean as possible, since we have a small princess there.”

壬氏「そんなことができるのか」

Jinshi “Sonna kotoga dekiru-noka.”

Jinshi “You can do that?”

猫猫「これを布に染み込ませて、拭き掃除をしたり、使い道はいろいろあります」

Maomao “Kore’o nunoni shimi-koma-sete, fuki-soji’o shitari, tsukai-michiwa iro-iro ari-masu.”

Maomao “You soak a cloth in this, and wipe surfaces, among other things.”

壬氏「よく知っているな」

Jinshi “Yoku shitte-iruna.”

Jinshi “You’re very knowledgeable.”

猫猫「西方(さいほう)では、そう使うと」

Maomao “Saiho-dewa, so tsukau-to.”

Maomao “I heard that’s what they do in the west.”

壬氏「あぁ、確かお前の養父は…」

Jinshi “Aa, tashika omaeno yofuwa…”

Jinshi “Oh, right. Your adoptive father is…”

宦官「お荷物お持ちしました」

Kangan “Onimotsu omochi shima-shita.”

Eunuch “We brought your package.”

猫猫「うわっ！」

Maomao “Uwa!”

高順「何ですか？これは」

Gaoshun “Nan-desuka? Korewa.”

Gaoshun “What is this?”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「ああ、それは嬢ちゃんが…」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Aa, sorewa jochanga…”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “Ah, the little lady―”

猫猫「シャ～～～ッ！」

Maomao “Shaaaaaaa!”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「ヒィッ！？」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Hii!?”

猫猫「壬氏様、お茶を入れますので、椅子に座っていてください」

Maomao “Jinshi-sama, ocha’o ire-masu-node, isuni suwatte-ite kudasai.”

Maomao “Master Jinshi, I will make some tea. Please have a seat.”

壬氏「何が入ってる？」

Jinshi “Naniga haitteru?”

Jinshi “What’s inside?”

猫猫「うわっ！これは実家からの荷物で、大したものではありませんので」

Maomao “Uwa! Korewa jikka-karano nimotsude, taishita mono-dewa ari-masen-node.”

Maomao “This is a package from my family. It’s nothing, really!”

壬氏「ほう、お前の実家から？」

Jinshi “Ho, omaeno jikka-kara?”

Jinshi “Oh, from your family?”

猫猫（何てヤツだ！）

Maomao (Nante yatsuda!)

Maomao (What’s wrong with this guy!?)

猫猫「し…下着が入っていますので…」

Maomao “Shi…Shitagiga haitte-imasu-node…”

Maomao “Th-There are… undergarments inside.”

壬氏「あっ…そうか…」

Jinshi “A…Soka…”

Jinshi “Oh… I see.”

高順「ですが…男二人がかりで持って来るなんて、この下着は何製でしょうか？」

Gaoshun “Desuga…otoko futari-gakaride motte-kuru-nante, kono shitagiwa nani-sei deshoka?”

Gaoshun “But what are these undergarments made of, if they require two men to carry?”

猫猫「チッ」

Maomao “Chi.”

壬氏「はっ！」

Jinshi “Ha!”

猫猫「後宮で問題なのは、性的に無垢(むく)なことが求められ過ぎていることです。後宮に集められる女官は、生娘(きむすめ)がほとんどです。帝のお眼鏡にかなったとして、無知なために粗相があったりしたら、不憫(ふびん)でなりません。事前に学習する必要があるかと」

Maomao “Kokyude mondai-nanowa, sei-tekini mukuna kotoga motome-rare-sugite-iru-koto desu. Kokyuni atsume-rareru nyokanwa, kimusumega hotondo desu. Mikadono omeganeni kanatta-to-shite, muchina tameni sosoga attari-shitara, fubinde nari-masen. Jizenni gakushu-suru hitsuyoga aru-kato.”

Maomao “The problem with the rear palace is that the women are expected to be excessively innocent in matters of sex. Most of the ladies-in-waiting gathered here are virgins. What if the emperor finds a girl to his liking, only to have her fail to perform due to her ignorance? That’s why I thought they need to be educated beforehand.”

壬氏「だから、こんなものを用意したと？」

Jinshi “Dakara, konna mono’o yoi-shita-to?”

Jinshi “So… you had these brought in?”

猫猫（何の書物かと言えば、あれである、あれ。せっかく紅娘(ホンニャン)様にバレないよう医局に届けてもらったのに。愛読する帝のために取り寄せていたものを、少しばかり販路を増やそうと多めに頼んだのだが、間が悪かったか…。…ん？え？）

Maomao (Nanno shomotsu-kato ieba, arede aru, are. Sekkaku Hon’nyan-samani bare-nai-yo ikyokuni todokete-moratta-noni. Aidoku-suru mikadono tameni tori-yosete-ita-mono’o, sukoshi-bakari hanro’o fuyasoto oomeni tanondano-daga, maga waru-kattaka… …N? E?)

Maomao (Books, like the ones from back then. You know, then. After all the work I did to get them delivered to the clinic, out of Lady Hongniang’s sight… I used to order them for the emperor, who loves these, but I increased the order to get more business. Bad timing, though.)

高順「これは…随分綺麗に作られ��いますね。いい紙を使っています」

Gaoshun “Korewa…zuibun kireini tsuku-rarete-imasune. Ii kami’o tsukatte-imasu.”

Gaoshun “These books… are very well made. The paper is of high quality.”

猫猫（そこか…。実はむっつりなのかと思った）

Maomao (Sokoka… Jitsuwa muttsuri-nanokato omotta.)

Maomao (That’s what he noticed? I thought maybe he was a closet pervert.)

猫猫「こういう本は嫁入り道具にも使われますし、字が読めずとも絵だけで楽しめるので、需要があるんです」

Maomao “Ko-iu honwa yome-iri-dogu-nimo tsukaware-masushi, jiga yomezu-too e-dakede tanoshi-meru-node, juyoga arun-desu.”

Maomao “These books are sometimes used as part of a new bride’s package, and it’s popular because the pictures are enough to enjoy, even if you can’t read.”

壬氏「版画か」

Jinshi “Hanga-ka.”

Jinshi “A print.”

猫猫「木版画ではなく、金属板を使った印刷だそうです」

Maomao “Mokuhanga-dewa naku, kinzoku-ban’o tsukatta insatsu daso-desu.”

Maomao “Not woodblock prints, but ones that use metal plates.”

壬氏「それはすごいな」

Jinshi “Sorewa sugoina.”

Jinshi “That’s impressive.”

猫猫「はい。せっかくいい品ですので、より多くの方に見ていただくべきかと」

Maomao “Hai. Sekkaku ii shina desu-node, yori ookuno katani mite-itadaku-beki-kato.”

Maomao “Yes. Because it’s so good, I wanted as many people to see it as possible.”

壬氏「それとこれとは話が別だ」

Jinshi “Soreto kore-towa hanashiga betsuda.”

Jinshi “That’s a separate issue.”

高順「お気に召したならば、一冊お納めになっては？」

Gaoshun “Okini-meshita-naraba, issatsu oosameni nattewa?”

Gaoshun “If you find this to your liking, perhaps you should keep one?”

壬氏「いや…そういうわけでは断じてない！（咳払い）まぁ、今回だけは見逃してやらんでもない」

Jinshi “Iya…so-iu wake-dewa danjite nai! (Seki-barai) Maa, konkai-dakewa minogashite-yaran-demo nai.”

Jinshi “N-No! That’s definitely not it! I guess I can let you off the hook this one time.”

猫猫「いいのですか！？」

Maomao “Iino-desuka!?”

Maomao “Really?!”

壬氏「これを販売している店を教えてくれ。…はっ！だから違う！印刷技術を知りたいだけだ！」

Jinshi “Kore’o hanbai shite-iru mise’o oshiete-kure. …Ha! Dakara chigau! Insatsu-gijutsu’o shiritai dakeda!”

Jinshi “Tell me which shop sells these. …No! I just want to know about their printing techniques!”

猫猫「フフ」

Maomao “Fufu.”

壬氏「なっ…」

Jinshi “Na…”

猫猫「ええ、わかっております。店の名前ですね」

Maomao “Ee, wakatte-orimasu. Miseno namae desune.”

Maomao “Yes, of course. The shop, got it.”

壬氏「あぁ…」

Jinshi “Aa…”

高順「小猫(シャオマオ)」

Gaoshun “Shaomao.”

Gaoshun “Xiaomao.”

猫猫「何でしょうか？」

Maomao “Nan-deshoka?”

Maomao “What is it?”

高順「きわどいものについては、検閲の必要があるかと」

Gaoshun “Kiwadoi mononi tsuitewa, ken’etsuno hitsuyoga arukato.”

Gaoshun “Perhaps some of the more explicit ones need to be censored.”

猫猫「ですが、帝が今までのでは物足りないとおっしゃっていたので…」

Maomao “Desuga, mikadoga ima-madeno-dewa mono-tarinai-to osshatte-ita-node…”

Maomao “But the emperor said the previous ones weren’t exciting enough, so―”

高順「ダメです」

Gaoshun “Dame desu.”

Gaoshun “No.”

猫猫（ああ…。せっかく、やり手婆に厳選してもらったのに…）

Maomao (Aa… Sekkaku, Yarite-Babaani gensen-shite-moratta-noni…)

Maomao (Sigh… And after I asked Granny to do all that work to pick the best ones…)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

小蘭(シャオラン)「ハァ…。ああ、綺麗な花が咲くその下に、私は何を求めるのか…。フフフフ。ねぇ、一体何が埋まってると思う？」

Shaoran “Haa… Aa, kireina hanaga saku sono shitani, watashiwa nani’o motomeru-noka… Fufufufu. Nee, ittai naniga umatteru-to omou?”

Xiaolan “Oh, what is it that I seek, beneath those beautiful flowers? Hey, what do you think is buried there?”

猫猫「う～ん。馬糞(ばふん)？」

Maomao “Uuun. Bafun?”

Maomao “Huh. Manure?”

小蘭「ブフ～～～ッ！」

Shaoran “Bufuuuuuuu!”

猫猫「あ～あ、がっつくから」

Maomao “Aaaa, gattsuku-kara.”

Maomao “You ate too quickly.”

小蘭「猫猫のせいだよ！今、大流行なんだからね、この小説」

Shaoran “Maomaono sei dayo! Ima dai-ryuko nan-dakarane, kono shosetsu.”

Xiaolan “No, it’s your fault! This novel is really popular, you know!”

猫猫「小蘭って文字読めたっけ？」

Maomao “Shaorantte moji yometakke?”

Maomao “Can you read, Xiaolan?”

小蘭「読めないよ！でも読める子がみんなに読み聞かせてくれるの。早く続きを知りたいなぁ！フフフフ…」

Shaoran “Yome-naiyo! Demo yomeru koga minnani yomi-kikasete-kureruno. Hayaku tsuzuki’o shiri-tai-naa! Fufufufu…”

Xiaolan “Nope! But one of the girls who can is reading it out loud for us. I want to know the rest!”

猫猫（文字の読めない下女にまで話が伝わっているということは、相当な人気のようだ）

Maomao (Mojino yome-nai gejoni-made hanashiga tsutawatte-iruto iu-kotowa, sotona ninkino-yoda.)

Maomao (If even the illiterate servant girls know the story, the book must truly be popular.)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「戻りました。何です？それ」

Maomao “Modori-mashita. Nan-desu? Sore.”

Maomao “I’m back. What is that?”

貴園(グイエン)「主上様が、妃全員に配られたそうよ。読み終わったら、他の者にも見せてあげるといいって」

Guien “Shujo-samaga, kisaki zen’in-ni kuba-rareta-soyo. Yomi-owattara, hokano mono-nimo misete-ageruto iitte.”

Guiyuan “The emperor handed it out to all of the concubines. He said once they’re done reading it, they should show the others, as well.”

桜花(インファ)「猫猫も読んでみる？」

Infa “Maomaomo yonde-miru?”

Yinghua “Do you want to read it too, Maomao?”

猫猫（小蘭が言ってたのと同じもののようだな…大衆小説か。上流階級ではあまり上品なものとして扱われないのに、どうしてこれを…ん？この印…この間、壬氏様に教えたものだ。小説とはいえ帝からの贈り物にふさわしい品質。それも妃全員に配られたとすれば、100は刷られているはず。恐らく壬氏様が帝に頼んだのだろう。仲介料をもらっておけばよかった…！）

Maomao (Shaoranga itteta-noto onaji monono yodana… Taishu-shosetsu-ka. Joryu-kaikyu-dewa amari johinna mono-to-shite atsuka-ware-nai-noni, doshite kore’o… N? Kono in… Kono-aida, Jinshi-samani oshieta monoda. Shosetsu-towa-ie mikado-karano okuri-mononi fusawashii hinshitsu. Soremo kisaki zen’in-ni kuba-rareta-to sureba, hyakuwa surarete-iru-hazu. Osoraku Jinshi-samaga mikadoni tanondano-daro. Chukai-ryo’o moratte-okeba yokatta…!)

Maomao (Looks like it’s the same as the one Xiaolan talked about. A popular novel. These are considered low class in high society. So I wonder why… Hmm? This stamp… It’s from the place I told Master Jinshi about the other day. It might be a novel, but it’s of a high quality, befitting a gift from the emperor. If he gave it out to all of the concubines, there must be at least one hundred copies. Master Jinshi must have asked the emperor to do it. I should have charged a commission!)

猫猫（しかしなぜだ？品がないとされる小説を、わざわざ育ちのいい妃たちに配る理由…）

Maomao (Shikashi nazeda? Hinga naito sareru shosetsu’o, waza-waza sodachino ii kisaki-tachini kubaru riyu…)

Maomao (But why? Novels are considered lowly. Why hand it out to concubines of noble birth…)

猫猫（政(まつりごと)に関係しているのだろうとは思っていたが、やはり何か企んでいたか）

Maomao (Matsuri-gotoni kankei-shite-iruno-daro-towa omotte-itaga, yahari nanika takurande-itaka.)

Maomao (I knew it had to do with politics. He really was scheming something.)

桜花「あ～ん、もう終わっちゃった！早く続きが読みた～い！」

Infa “Aaan, mo owacchatta! Hayaku tsuzukiga yomitaaai!”

Yinghua “Oh no, I finished it! I want to read the rest!”

貴園「高順様が、新しいのができたらまた配ってくださるって」

Guien “Gaoshun-samaga, atarashii-noga dekitara mata kubatte-kudasarutte.”

Guiyuan “Master Gaoshun said he’ll hand out the next one when they’re ready.”

猫猫「どうしたのですか？」

Maomao “Doshitano-desuka?”

Maomao “Is something wrong?”

愛藍(アイラン)「翡翠宮の侍女って私達だけじゃない？せっかく玉葉様からいただいても、私たちだけで読み終わるのはもったいないなと思って」

Airan “Hisui-Kyuno jijotte watashi-tachi-dakeja nai? Sekkaku Gyokuyo-sama-kara itadaitemo, watashi-tachi-dakede yomi-owaru-nowa mottai-nainato omotte.”

Ailan “Well, we’re the only ladies-in-waiting at the Jade Pavilion, right? It feels like a waste, having a gift from Lady Gyokuyou like this enjoyed by just us.”

桜花「でも、宮の外の子に渡すのはダメよ。大切に扱わないと」

Infa “Demo, miyano sotono koni watasu-nowa dameyo. Taisetsuni atsukawa-naito.”

Yinghua “But we can’t hand it out to the girls outside the pavilion. It’s too precious.”

貴園「なくされちゃうかもしれないし」

Guien “Nakusare-chau-kamo shire-naishi.”

Guiyuan “What if they lost it?”

愛藍「そうよね～」

Airan “Soyoneee.”

Ailan “You’re right.”

猫猫「フフ、この冊子本体を渡さずとも、書き写せばよろしいのではないですか？」

Maomao “Fufu, kono sasshi hontai’o watasazu-tomo, kaki-utsuseba yoroshiino-dewa nai-desuka?”

Maomao “Instead of handing out the originals, you could create copies yourself.”

愛藍「えっ？」

Airan “E?”

猫猫「挿絵などは難しいかと思いますが、愛藍様は字がお綺麗ですので、写すのは問題ないと思いますよ」

Maomao “Sashie-nadowa muzukashii-kato omoi-masuga, Airan-samawa jiga okirei-desu-node, utsusu-nowa mondai-naito omoi-masuyo.”

Maomao “Maybe the pictures are too difficult, but Lady Ailan, your penmanship is excellent. It shouldn’t be a problem for you to make copies.”

愛藍「そ…そうかな…」

Airan “So…Sokana…”

Ailan “Y-You think so?”

桜花「うわ～、そんな面倒なことやるの？」

Infa “Uwaaa, sonna mendona koto yaruno?”

Yinghua “Yikes, that sounds like a lot of work!”

愛藍「桜花、そんなこと言わない」

Airan “Infa, sonna koto iwa-nai.”

Ailan “Yinghua, don’t say that!”

猫猫（壬氏様たちの考えに沿うなら、たぶんこれが正解だろう）

Maomao (Jinshi-sama-tachino kangaeni sou-nara, tabun korega seikai-daro.)

Maomao (This is probably the correct interpretation of Master Jinshi’s idea.)

猫猫（後宮内に書物が出回れば、文字を読もうとする者たちが増える。それが流行りの大衆小説であれば、なおさら。前に壬氏様のお付きの下女をしていた時、聞かれたことがあった）

Maomao (Kokyu-naini shomotsuga demawa-reba, moji’o yomoto suru mono-tachiga fueru. Sorega hayarino taishu-shosetsu-de areba, naosara. Maeni Jinshi-samano otsukino gejo’o shite-ita-toki, kikareta kotoga atta.)

Maomao (If books became popular in the rear palace, many will want to try to learn to read, especially if the book is a popular novel. Back when I was Master Jinshi’s servant, he did ask me…)

壬氏「薬屋。女官の識字率を上げるには、どうすればいいと思う？」

Jinshi “Kusuriya. Nyokan’no shikiji-ritsu’o ageru-niwa, do-sureba iito omou?”

Jinshi “Apothecary, what do you think we can do to improve the literacy rate of the court ladies?”

猫猫（それにしても、回りくどいことをするものだな）

Maomao (Soreni-shitemo, mawari-kudoi koto’o suru-mono-dana.)

Maomao (Still, he chose a very roundabout way of doing it.)

小蘭「ねぇ、猫猫！字を教えて欲しいの！」

Shaoran “Nee, Maomao! Ji’o oshiete-hoshiino!”

Xiaolan “Hey, Maomao! Please teach me how to read and write!”

猫猫「いきなりどうした？」

Maomao “Ikinari doshita?”

Maomao “Where’d that come from?”

小蘭「いつも小説を読んでくれてた子が、何度も読み過ぎちゃって声が枯れちゃったんだ。代わりに本の写しを作ってくれたんだけど、私、字が読めないから」

Shaoran “Itsumo shosetsu’o yonde-kure-teta koga, nandomo yomi-sugi-chatte koega kare-chattanda. Kawarini hon’no utsushi’o tsukutte-kuretan-dakedo, watashi, jiga yomenai-kara.”

Xiaolan “The girl who read the novels out loud for us wore out her voice by reading too much. Instead, she made copies of the books for us, but I can’t read.”

猫猫「なら、私��読もう…」

Maomao “Nara, watashiga yomo…”

Maomao “Then I could read them to you��”

小蘭「それはダメ！せっかく時間かけて書いてくれたのに、私がそんなズルしちゃいけないよ」

Shaoran “Sorewa dame! Sekkaku jikan kakete kaite-kureta-noni, watashiga sonna zuru-shicha ike-naiyo.”

Xiaolan “No! That girl spent so much time making copies for me. I can’t cheat like that.”

猫猫（偉い）

Maomao (Erai.)

Maomao (Good girl.)

小蘭「も～急に何、何～！？」

Shaoran “Mooo kyuni nani, naniii!?”

Xiaolan “Hey, what’s this, all of a sudden?!”

猫猫「これが名前。真似して書いてみて」

Maomao “Korega namae. Mane-shite kaite-mite.”

Maomao “This is your name. Try to write it yourself.”

小蘭「わかった！む～…私の名前って結構難しかったんだね」

Shaoran “Wakatta! Muuu… Watashino namaette kekko muzukashi-kattan-dane.”

Xiaolan “Got it! I didn’t know my name was so complicated.”

猫猫「書いた方が読めるようになるけど、読み方だけ勉強する？」

Maomao “Kaita-hoga yomeru-yoni naru-kedo, yomi-kata-dake benkyo-suru?”

Maomao “Writing helps you learn to read too, but do you want to just focus on reading?”

小蘭「ううん。せっかくだから書けるようになりたい。後宮を出たら自分で仕事を探さなきゃならないし。文字を書けると便利なんでしょ？」

Shaoran “Uun. Sekkaku-dakara kakeru-yoni nari-tai. Kokyu’o detara jibunde shigoto’o sagasa-nakya nara-naishi. Moji’o kakeruto benri-nan-desho?”

Xiaolan “No, I might as well learn to write, too! Once I leave the rear palace, I have to work on my own. Being able to read and write helps, right?”

小蘭「ウフフ…何、何～」

Shaoran “Ufufu…nani, naniii.”

Xiaolan “What is this?!”

猫猫（小蘭なりに、将来のことを考えているようだ）

Maomao (Shaoran-narini, shoraino koto’o kangaete-iru-yoda.)

Maomao (Xiaolan is thinking about her future in her own way.)

猫猫「じゃあ、少し詰め込み気味でいこうか」

Maomao “Jaa, sukoshi tsume-komi-gimide ikoka.”

Maomao “Let’s go a bit quickly, then.”

小蘭「うん、ありがとう！これは何て読むの？」

Shaoran “Un, arigato! Korewa nante yomuno?”

Xiaolan “Yes, thank you! What does this say?”

猫猫「冬虫夏草(とうちゅうかそう)」

Maomao “Tochukaso.”

Maomao “Mushroom fungus.”

小蘭「じゃあ、これは？」

Shaoran “Jaa, korewa?”

Xiaolan “And this?”

猫猫「曼荼羅華(まんだらけ)」

Maomao “Mandarake.”

Maomao “Thornapple.”

小蘭「これは？」

Shaoran “Korewa?”

Xiaolan “This?”

猫猫「葛根(かっこん)」

Maomao “Kakkon.”

Maomao “Kudzu root.”

小蘭「ねぇ、それ��て、普段使うような言葉なの？」

Shaoran “Nee, sorette, fudan tsukau-yona kotoba-nano?”

Xiaolan “Hey, are those commonly used words?”

猫猫「まずは挨拶(あいさつ)からね」

Maomao “Mazuwa aisatsu-karane.”

Maomao “We should start with greetings.”

小蘭「そうして」

Shaoran “So-shite.”

Xiaolan “Sounds good.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

鈴麗公主「あぅ、あぅ、あぅ、あ～う！ウフフフ…！」

Rinrī-hime “Au, au, au, aaau! Ufufufu…!”

猫猫「鈴麗公主のお散歩の許可が下りたんですか」

Maomao “Rinrī-himeno osanpono kyokaga oritan-desuka.”

Maomao “Is Princess Lingli allowed to go on walks now?”

玉葉妃「ええ。そろそろ宮内だけじゃ狭くなってきたから、お伺いしてみたの。もうあちこち走り回るんだから。猫猫、どう思う？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ee. Soro-soro kunai-dakeja semaku-natte-kita-kara, oukagai shite-mitano. Mo achi-kochi hashiri-mawarun-dakara. Maomao, do omou?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Yes. The pavilion has become a bit too small for her, so I asked. She really likes to run around all over the place. What do you think, Maomao?”

猫猫「確かに、公主の健康を考えると、外に出る機会を増やした方がいいと思います」

Maomao “Tashikani, himeno kenko’o kangaeruto, sotoni deru kikai’o fuyashita-hoga iito omoi-masu.”

Maomao “I agree. For the princess’s health, it would be best for her to go outside more.”

玉葉妃「護衛として宦官が二人つくけど、紅娘と一緒に猫猫もついていってくれないかしら？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Goei-to-shite kanganga futari tsuku-kedo, Hon’nyan-to isshoni Maomaomo tsuite-itte kurenai kashira?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Two eunuchs will follow her as guards. Could you and Hongniang accompany her?”

猫猫「わかりました」

Maomao “Wakari-mashita.”

Maomao “Understood.”

猫猫（今まで帝の子は��、幼くして亡くなっている。たかだか散歩に過保護な気もするが、それも仕方ないだろう）

Maomao (Ima-made mikadono kowa mina, osanaku-shite nakunatte-iru. Taka-daka sanponi kahogona kimo suruga, soremo shikata-nai-daro.)

Maomao (All of the emperor’s previous children have passed away very young. This seems like a bit of an overreaction for a simple walk, but I guess it’s understandable.)

玉葉妃「猫猫は花や生き物に詳しいから、散歩のときに鈴麗に教えてあげてくれる？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Maomaowa hanaya ikimononi kuwashii-kara, sanpono tokini Rinrī-ni oshiete-agete-kureru?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Maomao, you know a lot about flowers and creatures. Can you teach Lingli while we’re outside?”

紅娘「あっ��玉葉様、それはダメです。ろくでもないものばかり教えます」

Hon’nyan “A, Gyokuyo-sama, sorewa dame-desu. Roku-demo-nai mono-bakari oshie-masu.”

Hongniang “Lady Gyokuyou, no! She’ll teach the princess all sorts of nasty things.”

玉葉妃「あら、役に立つと思うんだけど。将来どこへ嫁ぐか分からないでしょ？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ara, yakuni tatsuto omoun-dakedo. Shorai doko’e totsugu-ka wakara-nai-desho?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh? I think it’s useful. Who knows where she’ll get married off?”

猫猫（まだ幼い公主だが、あと10年もすれば、どこかへ嫁ぐ可能性が出てくる。もし他国へと渡った場合、必ずしも歓迎されるとは言い切れない）

Maomao (Mada osanai hime-daga, ato ju-nenmo sureba, dokoka’e totsugu kanoseiga dete-kuru. Moshi takoku-eto watatta baai, kanarazu-shimo kangei-sareru-towa iikire-nai.)

Maomao (The princess is still a baby, but in a decade or so, talks of marriage may arise. If she went to a foreign nation, she might not necessarily be welcome.)

鈴麗公主「あ～う～」

Rinrī-hime “Aaa uuu.”

猫猫（薬や毒の知識は、あって困るものではないと。やはり食えない妃だ）

Maomao (Kusuriya dokuno chishikiwa, atte komaru mono-dewa naito. Yahari kuenai kisakida.)

Maomao (Knowing about medicines and poisons can only help her. She really is a clever concubine.)

鈴麗公主「ウフッ、ハハハ…あぅ～」

Rinrī-hime “Ufu, hahaha…auuu.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（公主を見た者の反応は様々だ。それぞれ、公主に対する考え方が違う。公主もいずれ、その視線の意味がわかってくるだろう）

Maomao (Hime’o mita-monono hannowa sama-zamada. Sore-zore, himeni taisuru kangae-kataga chigau. Himemo izure, sono shisen’no imiga wakatte-kuru-daro.)

Maomao (Reactions to seeing the princess are varied. They represent the differing views towards her. Perhaps soon, she’ll learn what those eyes mean.)

鈴麗公主「あっ、あっ、あぅ～あぅ～」

Rinrī-hime “A, a, auuu auuu.”

猫猫「それはサクラソウですね」

Maomao “Sorewa sakuraso desune.”

Maomao “That’s a primrose.”

鈴麗公主「あぅぁ～、あぅ～」

Rinrī-hime “Auaaa, auuu.”

鈴麗公主「あ～！ウ～フフッ！」

Rinrī-hime “Aaa! Uuufufu!”

紅娘「あっ、公主様！公主様！公主様、いけません！」

Hon’nyan “A, Hime-sama! Hime-sama! Hime-sama, ike-masen!”

Hongniang “Oh, Princess! Princess! Princess! You mustn’t!”

猫猫「見てまいります」（…子猫？）

Maomao “Mite-mairi-masu.” (…Koneko?)

Maomao “I’ll go take a look.” (A kitten?)

猫猫「ふっ、んっ、うっ……あっ！」

Maomao “Fu, n, u……A!”

鈴麗公主「あっ、なう～！みゃうみゃう！」

Rinrī-hime “A, nauuu! Myau-myau!”

紅娘「公主様！」

Hon’nyan “Hime-sama!”

Hongniang “Princess!”

鈴麗公主「みゃう！」

Rinrī-hime “Myau!”

猫猫（捕まえよと…仕方ない）

Maomao (Tsukamaeyo-to… Shikata-nai.)

Maomao (I have to catch it? Oh, well.)

猫猫「うわっ！あっ！」

Maomao “Uwa! A!”

紅娘・鈴麗公主「あっ」

Hon’nyan, Rinrī “A.”

子翠(シスイ)「見つけた！」

Shisui “Mitsuketa!”

Shisui “Found you!”

猫猫「がはっ。あ、あ、あ…」

Maomao “Gaha. A, a, a…”

子翠「これ、いるの～？」

Shisui “Kore, irunooo?”

Shisui “You want this?”

猫猫「えっ」

Maomao “E.”

子翠「フフフッ。…あれ？捕まえようとしているふうに見えたけど、違った？」

Shisui “Fufufu. …Are? Tsukamae-yoto shite-iru-funi mieta-kedo, chigatta?”

Shisui “Oh, I thought you were tying to catch it. Was I wrong?”

猫猫「あっ…ありがとうございます」

Maomao “A…Arigato gozai-masu.”

Maomao “Thank you.”

子翠「はい。この子、お腹すいてるのかも。後は任せるね。じゃあ！」

Shisui “Hai. Kono ko, onaka suiteruno-kamo. Atowa makaserune. Jaa!”

Shisui “Here. It might be hungry. I’ll leave it to you! See ya!”

紅娘「猫猫、それって…」

Hon’nyan “Maomao, sorette…”

Hongniang “Maomao, is that…”

猫猫「ええ、猫です」

Maomao “Ee, neko desu.”

Maomao “Yes, a cat.”

鈴麗公主「みゃうみゃう～」

Rinrī-hime “Myau-myauuu.”

猫猫「汚れていますし、公主様が触れるのは控えた方がいいかと」

Maomao “Yogorete-imasushi, hime-samaga fureru-nowa hikaeta-hoga iikato.”

Maomao “It’s dirty. The princess shouldn’t touch it for now.”

鈴麗公主「みゃう…」

Rinrī-hime “Myau…”

紅娘「そ、そうよね」

Hon’nyan “So, soyone.”

Hongniang “R-Right…”

紅娘「とりあえず保護しましょうか。上に話は通しておくから」

Hon’nyan “Toriaezu hogo shimashoka. Ueni hanashiwa tooshite-oku-kara.”

Hongniang “Let’s keep it safe for the time being. I’ll let management know.”

猫猫「はい」

Maomao “Hai.”

Maomao “Yes.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

虞淵（やぶ医者）「おや珍しい。子猫じゃないか」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Oya mezurashii. Konekoja naika.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “Oh, how rare. A kitten.”

猫猫「拾いました」

Maomao “Hiroi-mashita.”

Maomao “I found it.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「かわいそうに。震えているね。ちょうどお湯が沸いたところなんだ。ちょっと待ってておくれ」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Kawaisoni. Furuete-irune. Chodo oyuga waita-tokoro nanda. Chotto mattete-okure.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “How sad. It’s trembling. I just boiled some water. Hold on a moment.”

猫猫（しかし、おかしなことだ。後宮には愛玩動物の類いはほとんどいない。動物を飼うには許可が必要で、犬猫の場合、去勢も必要である。一体どこで生まれた子猫なのか）

Maomao (Shikashi, okashina kotoda. Kokyu-niwa aigan-dobutsuno taguiwa hotondo inai. Dobutsu’o kau-niwa kyokaga hitsuyode, inu-nekono baai, kyoseimo hitsuyode aru. Ittai dokode umareta koneko nanoka.)

Maomao (This is strange, though. There are almost no pets in the rear palace. Keeping an animal requires a permit, and cats and dogs need to be castrated. Where was this kitten born?)

虞淵（やぶ医者）「こうやって布で巻いたとっくりに湯を入れて、置いてやるといいんだよ」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Ko-yatte nunode maita tokkurini yu’o irete, oite-yaruto iin-dayo.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “Wrap a bottle of hot water with cloth, and put it next to it.”

猫猫「お詳しいようで」

Maomao “Okuwashii-yode.”

Maomao “You seem to be familiar with this.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「昔、拾ったことがあってねぇ。かわいい三毛だったよ」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Mukashi, hirotta-kotoga atte-nee. Kawaii mike dattayo.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “I found a cat before, too. It was a very cute calico.”

猫猫「へぇ。…だいぶ痩せていますね。家畜の乳はありませんか？」

Maomao “Hee. …Daibu yasete-imasune. Kachikuno chichiwa ari-masenka?”

Maomao “I see. It’s very skinny. Do we have any livestock milk?”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「ああ、食堂で貰ってこようか」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Aa, shokudode moratte-koyoka.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “Sure, I’ll go ask the kitchen.”

猫猫「あと、家畜の腸も」

Maomao “Ato, kachikuno chomo.”

Maomao “Also, a livestock intestine.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「ちょっ、腸！？」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Cho, Cho!?”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “I-Intestine?!”

猫猫「親猫の乳首の代わりにしようかと。何度か、食事に腸詰めが出たので、厨房になら…」

Maomao “Oya-nekono chikubino kawarini shiyokato. Nandoka, shokujini chozumega deta-node, chuboni-nara…”

Maomao “I was thinking of using it as a replacement for its mother’s teat. We had sausages a few times, perhaps there’s some in the kitchen…”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「わかったよ。聞いてみるね」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Wakattayo. Kiite-mirune.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “Sure, I’ll go ask.”

猫猫（さて、できるなら湯に浸けたかったが、この状態では体力が持たない。仕方ないので、汚れた体は手拭いで拭き、ノミを油につけて殺していく）

Maomao (Sate, dekiru-nara yuni tsuke-takattaga, kono jotai-dewa tairyokuga mota-nai. Shikata-nai-node, yogoreta karadawa tenuguide fuki, nomi’o aburani tsukete koroshite-iku.)

Maomao (It would have been best to bathe it in warm water, but in its current state, it won’t survive. Instead, I’ll have to wipe off the dirt with a cloth, and kill any fleas with oil.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「お嬢ちゃん、ヤギの乳ならあったよ！腸ももらえた」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Ojochan, yagino chichi-nara attayo! Chomo moraeta.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “Little lady, I found some goat milk! And some intestine, too.”

猫猫「ありがとうございます」

Maomao “Arigato gozai-masu.”

Maomao “Thank you.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「フッ、ヘッヘッヘ～」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Fu, hehhehheee.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「かわいいねぇ、かわいいねぇ」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Kawaii-nee, kawaii-nee.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “So cute. So cute!”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（その夜、翡翠宮に帝が来た）

Maomao (Sono yoru, Hisui-Kyuni mikadoga kita.)

Maomao (That night, the emperor visited the Jade Pavilion.)

皇帝「子猫を飼うことにした」

Kotei “Koneko’o kau-kotoni shita.”

Emperor “We’ve decided to keep the kitten.”

鈴麗公主「みゃ～う！」

Rinrī-hime “Myaaau!”

皇帝「引き続き、世話を頼む」

Kotei “Hiki-tsuzuki, sewa’o tanomu.”

Emperor “Do continue to take care of it.”

猫猫（帝も大概、親ばかである）

Maomao (Mikadomo taigai, oya-bakade aru.)

Maomao (The emperor can be a doting parent, too.)

皇帝「猫猫が子猫の世話とは、名前の通りぴったりだろう」

Kotei “Maomaoga konekono sewa-towa, namaeno toori pittari-daro.”

Emperor “Maomao, taking care of a kitten. It suits your name, too.”

玉葉妃「ウフフ…」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ufufu…”

猫猫「アハハ…」

Maomao “Ahaha…”

猫猫（子猫に体力がついてきたところで、石鹸豆をつぶした洗剤で体を洗った）

Maomao (Konekoni tairyokuga tsuite-kita-tokorode, sekken-mame’o tsubushita senzaide karada’o aratta.)

Maomao (When the kitten grew healthier, I washed it with a detergent made of crushed soap beans.)

猫猫「お～、湯が灰色に…」

Maomao “Ooo, yuga hai-ironi…”

Maomao “Wow, the water went grey.”

猫猫（しばらく乳を与えていたが、元気になってくると、ほぐした鶏肉も食べられるようになった。砂を入れた木箱を置いてやると、排泄(はいせつ)も自らするようになった）

Maomao (Shibaraku chichi’o ataete-itaga, genkini natte-kuruto, hogushita tori-nikumo tabe-rareru-yoni natta. Suna’o ireta kibako’o oite-yaruto, haisetsumo mizukara suru-yoni natta.)

Maomao (I fed it milk for a while, but as it improved, it started to be able to eat shredded chicken. When we put down a box filled with sand, it relieved itself on its own.)

猫猫「公主を引っかいたりしたら大変だ」

Maomao “Hime’o hikkai-tari-shitara taihenda.”

Maomao “We can’t have you scratching the princess.”

壬氏「子育ては順調か？」

Jinshi “Kosodatewa juncho-ka?”

Jinshi “How goes the child-raising?”

猫猫「そろそろ公主に見せても問題ないかと思います」

Maomao “Soro-soro himeni misetemo mondai-naikato omoi-masu.”

Maomao “I think she’s ready to be presented to the princess.”

壬氏「そうか」

Jinshi “Soka.”

Jinshi “Good.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「小魚ですか？そのままでは少し硬いので、茹でましょうか」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Kozakana desuka? Sono-mama-dewa sukoshi katai-node, yude-mashoka.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “Small fish? They might be a bit tough as-is. Shall I boil them?”

高順「そ、そうですよね」

Gaoshun “So, So-desu-yone.”

Gaoshun “O-Of course.”

壬氏「雌か」

Jinshi “Mesu-ka.”

Jinshi “She’s female.”

猫猫「はい。去勢する必要がなくてよかっ…はっ！申し訳ありません」

Maomao “Hai. Kyosei-suru hitsuyoga nakute yokatt… Ha! Moshi-wake ari-masen.”

Maomao “Yes. I’m glad we don’t have to castrate―My apologies.”

壬氏「いや、気を使う必要はない」

Jinshi “Iya, ki’o tsukau hitsuyowa nai.”

Jinshi “No, don’t worry about it.”

猫猫「お詫びに何か茶菓子でも…ハハ…」

Maomao “Owabini nanika chagashi-demo…haha…”

Maomao “Let me get you a snack as an apology…”

猫猫（さすがにこれを出すのはな…）

Maomao (Sasugani kore’o dasu-nowa-na…)

Maomao (Can’t put these out, I guess.)

壬氏「お前もするか？」

Jinshi “Omaemo suruka?”

Jinshi “You want to try?”

猫猫「あまり猫は好きではありません」

Maomao “Amari nekowa suki-dewa ari-masen.”

Maomao “I don’t actually like cats.”

壬氏「その名前でか？」

Jinshi “Sono namae-deka?”

Jinshi “With your name?”

猫猫「よく言われます。壬氏様こそ、猫が好きそうですね」

Maomao “Yoku iware-masu. Jinshi-sama-koso, nekoga sukiso-desune.”

Maomao “I get that a lot. Master Jinshi, you seem to like cats.”

壬氏「うん…あの二人ほどではない。具体的にどこがいいのかわからない」

Jinshi “Un… Ano futari-hodo-dewa nai. Gutai-tekini dokoga ii-noka wakara-nai.”

Jinshi “Not as much as those two. I don’t really understand the appeal.”

猫猫「私もそうですね。でも、猫好きによると、何を考えているのかわからないところがいいようで」

Maomao “Watashimo so-desune. Demo, neko-zukini yoruto, nani’o kangaete-iru-noka wakara-nai tokoroga ii-yode.”

Maomao “I agree. However, according to cat lovers, the fact that you can’t tell what they’re thinking is part of the appeal.”

壬氏「ほう」

Jinshi “Ho.”

Jinshi “Oh.”

猫猫「見ていると飽きず、目が離せなくなり、そのうちに触りたくなるとか」

Maomao “Mite-iruto akizu, mega hanase-naku-nari, sono-uchini sawari-taku-naru-toka.”

Maomao “They’re fun to watch. You can’t keep your eyes off of them. After a while, you start to want to touch them.”

壬氏「うむ」

Jinshi “Umu.”

Jinshi “Hmm.”

猫猫「普段はそっけないくせに、餌を与える時だけ愛想が良くなるのが腹立たしいですが」

Maomao “Fudanwa sokke-nai kuseni, esa’o ataeru-toki-dake aisoga yoku-naru-noga hara-datashii-desuga.”

Maomao “They usually behave coldly, but suddenly become friendly when you feed them, which is annoying.”

壬氏「あ、あぁ…」

Jinshi “A, aa…”

Jinshi “R-Right…”

猫猫「そこまで来ると、もう諦めてしまうらしいですね」

Maomao “Soko-made kuruto, mo akiramete-shimau-rashii-desune.”

Maomao “At that point, they say you just kind of give up.”

猫猫（肉球ぷにぷにしたり、接吻したり、不衛生だと思うんだが）

Maomao (Nikukyu puni-puni-shitari, seppun-shitari, fueisei-dato omoun-daga.)

Maomao (Poking at their paws, kissing them… it all seems very unsanitary.)

猫猫（うわ…）「どうしたんですか、壬氏様」

Maomao (Uwa…) “Doshitan-desuka, Jinshi-sama.”

Maomao “What’s wrong, Master Jinshi?”

壬氏「ハァ…。わからなくもない気がしてきた」

Jinshi “Haa… Wakara-nakumo-nai kiga shite-kita.”

Jinshi “I’m starting to see it, too.”

猫猫「…そうですか」

Maomao “…So-desuka.”

Maomao “Is that so?”

語り「結局、子猫がどこから来たのかはわからず、後宮に出入りする荷車に入り込んだのだろうと結論づけられた。その後、子猫は、皇帝より『盗賊改』という大層な役割が与えられた。要するに医局の備蓄を荒らすネズミを退治するのである」

Katari “Kekkyoku, konekoga doko-kara kitanokawa wakarazu, kokyuni deiri-suru nigurumani hairi-kondano-daroto ketsuron-zuke-rareta. Sonogo, konekowa, kotei-yori ‘Tozoku-Aratame’-to-iu taisona yakuwariga atae-rareta. Yo-suruni ikyokuno bichiku’o arasu nezumi’o taiji-suru-node aru.”

Narration “They never figured out where the kitten came from, so they assumed she must have snuck in with a luggage cart. Later, the kitten… was bestowed the title of ‘Admonisher of Thieves’ by the emperor. In other words, she was tasked with chasing down rats threatening the clinic’s reserves.”

猫猫（しかし…名前が毛毛(マオマオ)になったことだけは、解せないな…）

Maomao (Shikashi… Namaega Maomaoni natta-koto-dakewa, gesenaina…)

Maomao (But… I’ll never understand why they decided to name her Maomao.)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

愛藍「さぁ、手早く片付けましょう」

Airan “Saa, tebayaku katazuke-masho.”

Ailan “Let’s get this cleaned up fast.”

桜花「そうね。もうすぐキャラバンが来るから」

Infa “Sone. Mosugu kyarabanga kuru-kara.”

Yinghua “Yes. The caravan is coming soon.”

猫猫「キャラバン？」

Maomao “Kyaraban?”

Maomao “Caravan…?”

(Continue to Episode 2/Ep.26)

#apothecary english #apothecary romaji #the apothecary diaries #apothecary diaries #learning japanese #japanese #薬屋のひとりごと #薬屋のひとりごと　英語 #薬屋　英語　学習 #japan #KNH #KNH season2 #script

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apothecaryscript · 8 months ago

Text

Episode 1 "Maomao" / 第1話『猫猫(Maomao)』

羅門(ルォメン)「猫猫」

Ruomen “Maomao”

Luomen “Maomao”

猫猫「ん？」

Maomao “N?”

Maomao “Hmm?”

羅門「緑青館(ろくしょうかん)に薬を届けてくれないかい？」

Ruomen “Rokushokanni kusurio todokete kurenai-kai?”

Luomen “Could you deliver some medicine to the Verdigris House?”

猫猫「うん、分かった、おやじ」

Maomao “Un, wakatta, Oyaji.”

Maomao “Yeah, got it, Dad.”

羅門「最近、女狩りが多いから、気を付けて行くんだよ」

Ruomen “Saikin Onna-gariga ooi-kara, kio tsukete ikundayo.”

Luomen “Be careful out there. Kidnappings are on the rise.”

猫猫「大丈夫だって。帰りに畑寄ってくるよ」

Maomao “Daijobu datte. Kaerini hatake yotte-kuruyo.”

Maomao “I’ll be fine. I’ll stop by the herb plot on my way back.”

羅門「ああ、よろしく」

Ruomen “Aa, yoroshiku.”

Luomen “Yes, please do.”

猫猫「行ってきまーす」

Maomao “Ittekimāsu.”

Maomao “I’m off!”

ーーーーー

やり手婆「ふーん…これっぽっちかい」

Yarite Babaa “Fūn… Koreppocchi kai.”

Madam “Huh, is this all you’ve got?”

客「全財産だ、頼むよ」

Kyaku “Zen-zaisain da, tanomuyo.”

Customer “It’s my life savings! I beg you!”

やり手婆「これじゃ、お話にならないね」

Yarite Babaa “Koreja, ohanashini naranaine.”

Madam “This is a non-starter.”

客「あれが緑青館の誇る三姫の一人、売れっ子の白(パイ)鈴(リン)か！」

Kyaku “Arega Rokushokanno hokoru San Hime no hitori, urekkono Pairinka!”

Customer “That must be Pairin, one of the famous Three Princesses of the Verdigris House!”

やり手婆「タダで見んじゃないよ！」

Yarite Babaa “Tadade minja naiyo!”

Madam “If you want to gawk, pay up!”

ーーーーー

猫猫「んー、治りが悪いな。配合を変えてみよう」

Maomao “Ñ, naoriga waruina. Haigo’o kaete-miyo.”

Maomao “Hmm, it’s taking too long to heal. I’ll tweak the recipe some.”

白鈴「あら、猫猫」

Pairin “Ara, Maomao”

Pairin “Oh, Maomao!”

猫猫「白鈴姐ちゃん」

Maomao “Pairin-neechan”

Maomao “Hey, Pairin”

白鈴「…って、また傷増えてるじゃないの」

Pairin “…Tte, mata kizu fueteruja naino”

Pairin “Hey, you have more wounds again!”

猫猫「ああ…いつもの薬の実験だよ…わっ」

Maomao “Aa… Itsumono kusurino jikken dayo… Wa.”

Maomao “It’s just my usual drug experiments.”

白鈴「ちゃんとご飯食べてる？」

Pairin “Chanto gohan tabeteru?”

Pairin “Are you eating well?”

猫猫「姐ちゃんは相変わらずご立派なことで…」

Maomao “Neechanwa aikawarazu gorippana kotode…”

Maomao “You seem to be very well nourished, as always.”

やり手婆「猫猫！また実験とか言って、部屋を爆発させたりしちゃ、承知しないよ。…それとも、うちで妓女として働くかい？」

Yarite Babaa “Maomao! Mata jikken-toka itte, heyao bakuhatsu sasetari shicha, shochi shinaiyo. …Soretomo uchide gijoto-shite hataraku kai?”

Maomao “You’d better not be setting off explosions again for your so-called experiments! Or, would you like to start a career as a courtesan?”

猫猫「げっ！ばあちゃん、薬、置いとくよ」

Maomao “Ge! Baachan, kusuri oitokuyo.”

Maomao “Yikes! Granny, I left your meds here!”

やり手婆「爺（じじい）によろしくな。…ったく」

Yarite Babaa “Jijiini yoroshikuna. …Ttaku.”

Madam “Say hi to your old man for me. Sheesh.”

女華(ジョカ)「猫猫の声がしたけど」

Joka “Maomaono koega shitakedo.”

Joka “Did I just hear Maomao’s voice?”

梅梅(メイメイ)「あれ？猫猫は？」

Meimei “Are? Maomaowa?”

Meimei “Hey, where’s Maomao?”

白鈴「行っちゃった」

Pairin “Icchatta.”

Pairin “She took off.”

ーーーーー

猫猫「やり手婆め… 隙あらば妓女になれって言ってくる」

Maomao “Yarite Babaame… Suki-araba gijoni narette itte-kuru.”

Maomao “That shrewd old bag, always trying to make me a courtesan…”

猫猫「おお～！フフフッ、おお～！フフフフッ…」

Maomao “Ooo! Fufufu. Ooo! Fufufufu…”

三人組「ヘヘヘヘヘッ…」

San-nin-gumi “Hehehehehe…”

猫猫「まさか、人さらい？うわっ！」

Maomao “Masaka hito-sarai? Uwa!”

Maomao “Could it be? Kidnappers?!”

猫猫「…あ～あ…おやじ、心配するだろうな…」

Maomao “…Aaa… Oyaji shinpai suru-darona…”

Maomao “Dad’s gonna be really worried…”

ーーーーー

やぶ医者「東宮のご誕生です！梨花(リファ)様、おめでとうございます！」

Yabu Isha “Toguno gotanjo desu! Rifa-sama, omedeto gozaimasu!”

Quack Doctor “The prince is born! Congratulations, Lady Lihua!”

ーーーーー

紅娘(ホンニャン)「無事にお生まれになったそうです」

Hon’nyan “Bujini oumareni natta sodesu.”

Hongniang “The prince was born safely.”

玉葉(ギョクヨウ)妃「そう、よかった」

Gyokuyo-hi “So, yokatta.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “I see. Wonderful.”

ーーーーー

〈三ヶ月後〉

〈San-kagetsu-go〉

〈Three months later〉

猫猫「露店の串焼きが食べたいなあ…、おやじ、ちゃんと飯食ってんだろうか」

Maomao “Rotenno kushi-yakiga tabetainaa… Oyaji, chanto meshi kutten-daroka.”

Maomao “I want meat skewers from a stall… I wonder if Dad’s eating properly.”

猫猫（はた迷惑にも売り飛ばされたか、身代わりにされたのか知らないが、あれからもう３か月。御殿も花街も大して変わらないな。できれば後宮なんて一生関わりたくなかったが…まあ、来てしまったものは仕方ない。せっかく薬師としてそれなりの生活をしてたのに。）

Maomao (Hata-meiwaku-nimo uritoba-saretaka migawarini saretanoka shiranaiga, arekara mo san-kagetsu. Gotenmo hanamachimo taishite kawaranaina. Dekireba kokyu nante issho kakawari-taku-nakattaga… Maa, kite-shimatta-monowa shikata nai. Sekkaku kusushi toshite sorenarino seikatsuo shiteta-noni.)

Maomao (I’m not sure if I was sold off or ransomed, but annoyingly, it’s already been three months. The palace and the brothels are really similar. If I had a choice, I’d have nothing to do with the rear palace, ever. But…Well, what can I do, now that I’m here? I was living a pretty good life as an apothecary, and now…)

猫猫(後宮は帝の子を成すための女の園だ。男子の立ち入りは一切禁止。入れるのは国で最も高貴な方と、その血縁。あとは大切なものを失った、元男性である宦官(かんがん)だけ。妃、女官、合わせて2000人、宦官1000人の大所帯だ。上級妃や中級妃、下級妃と違って、私たちのような使いっ走りの下女は、いつ命をなくしてもおかしくない)

Maomao (Kokyuwa Mikadono ko’o nasu tameno onnano sonoda. Danshino tachiiriwa issai kinshi. Haireru-nowa kunide mottomo kokina katato, sono ketsu-en. Atowa taisetsuna mono’o ushinatta, moto danseide aru kangan dake. Kisaki, nyokan, awasete ni-sen-nin, kangan sen-ninno oojotaida. Jokyu-hiya chukyu-hi, kakyu-hito chigatte, watashi-tachino yona tsukaippashirino gejowa, itsu inochio nakushitemo okashiku nai.)

Maomao (The rear palace is a garden of women who are to give birth to the emperor’s children. No men are allowed to enter. The only people allowed in here are the emperor, his kin, and eunuchs, “formerly male” individuals who lost an important part of their body. It’s a huge collective of two thousand concubines and servants, and one thousand eunuchs. Unlike the high, mid, and low-ranking concubines, we serving girls are expendable and can lose our lives at any moment.)

猫猫「次は引きこもりの下級妃様か…。まあ、お給金が出てるだけ、まだマシか」

Maomao “Tsugiwa hiki-komorino kakyuhi-samaka…　Maa okyukinga deteru-dake mada mashika.”

Maomao “Next in line are the shut-in, low-ranking concubines. I guess, at the very least, I get paid.”

小蘭(シャオラン)「ねえ、猫猫！この札、どこの部屋か分かる？」

Shaoran “Nee, Maomao! Kono fuda dokono heyaka wakaru?”

Xiaolan “Hey, Maomao…Do you know which room this plate is for?”

猫猫「ああ…これは藤の九だから、あそこだよ」

Maomao “Aa… Korewa fujino kyu dakara asoko dayo.”

Maomao “Oh, this one is Wisteria-9, so over there.”

小蘭「ありがとう！」

Shaoran “Arigato!”

Xiaolan “Thank you!”

猫猫（女官の中には字が読めない者も多い。後宮に勤める以上、最低限の礼儀はたたき込まれるが、文字の読み書きになれば話は別だ。文字が読めてお給金が上がったとしても、結局人さらいに間引かれる金額が増えるだけ。そんな下女でもごくまれに、下級妃になることがある。要は…見た目だ。そばかす、絶壁、肉なし体型…私には関係ない話だな。けっ。悪目立ちして命の危険が増えるくらいなら、今のままがいい。おとなしく働いていれば、2年で出れる。）

Maomao (Nyokanno naka-niwa jiga yomenai monomo ooi. Kokyuni tsutomeru ijo, saiteigenno reigiwa tataki-komareruga, mojino yomi-kakini nareba hanashiwa betsuda. Mojiga yomete okyukinga agattato shitemo, kekkyoku hito-saraini mabikareru kingakuga fueru-dake. Sonna gejo demo goku mareni, kakyu-hini naru-kotoga aru. Yowa…mitameda. Sobakasu, zeppeki, nikunashi-taikei… Watashiniwa kankei-nai hanashi dana. Ke. Waru-medachi shite inochino kikenga fueru kurai-nara, imano mamaga ii. Otonashiku hataraite-ireba, ni-nende dereru.)

Maomao (Many of the servants are illiterate. In order to work in the rear palace, they’re taught the bare minimum essentials of etiquette. But reading and writing is a whole different story. The raise I would get for being literate would just get swiped by my kidnappers. That said, even servants like us could become low-ranking concubines. What’s key is…Looks. Freckles. Flat. Given my skin-and-bones look, that’s not applicable to me. If I stood out, my life would be at risk. I’m better off just laying low. All I have to do is work hard. I’ll be out in two years.)

猫猫「酒飲みてぇ～…」

Maomao “Sake nomiteee…”

Maomao “I need a drink.”

ーーーーー

小蘭「ねえねえ、聞いた？中央に、ものすご～くきれいな宦官がいるんだって！ここんとこ、みんなその話で持ち切りなんだよ！」

Shaoran “Nee nee, kiita? Chuoni, monosugooku kireina kanganga irundatte! Kokontoko, minna sono hanashide mochikiri nandayo!”

Xiaolan “Hey, did you hear? I heard there’s a super beautiful eunuch in the central area. Everyone’s been talking about him!”

猫猫「へえ…」

Maomao “Hee…”

Maomao “I see.”

小蘭「そんなに美形なら、一度は見てみたいよね。そう思わない？」

Shaoran “Sonnani bikei nara, ichidowa mite-mitai yone. So omowanai?

Xiaolan “I’d like to get a glimpse of him, if he’s so handsome! Am I right?”

猫猫「宦官ねえ…」

Maomao “Kangan nee…”

Maomao “An eunuch, huh?”

ーーーーー

高順(ガオシュン)「随分とお痩せになって…」

Gaoshun “Zuibunto oyaseni natte…”

Gaoshun “She has lost much weight.”

壬氏(ジンシ)「ああ…」

Jinshi “Aa…”

Jinshi “Yes.”

玉葉「小鈴(シャオリン)…」

Gyokuyo-hi “Shaorin…”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Xiaoling…”

壬氏「申し訳ないのですが…医官は今、東宮の処置にかかりきりでして…」

Jinshi “Moshiwake naino-desuga… Ikanwa ima, toguno shochini kakari-kiri deshite…”

Jinshi “I’m sorry, the physician is busy attending to the prince.”

玉葉妃「…そうですか」

Gyokuyo-hi “…So desuka.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “I see…”

ーーーーー

下女「まだ3か月と半年だっけ？」

Gejo “Mada san-kagetsuto han-toshi dakke?”

Serving girl “They’re only three months and six months old, right?”

下女「そうそう、東宮と鈴麗公主(リンリーひめ)のお二人ともよ」

Gejo “So so, toguto Rinrī himeno ofutari-tomoyo.”　

Serving girl “Yeah, both the prince and Princess Lingli…”

小蘭「や…やっぱり呪いなのかな？」

Shaoran “Ya…Yappari noroi nanokana?”

Xiaolan “Is it really a curse?!”

猫猫「何の話？」

Maomao “Nanno hanashi?”

Maomao “What are you talking about?”

小蘭「猫猫、知らないの？今、後宮内はこのウワサで持ち切りなんだよ。後宮で生まれるお世継ぎの連続死！今��での帝の御子が三人とも、生まれてからだんだん弱って亡くなったんだって。おかしいと思わない？」

Shaoran “Maomao, shiranaino? Ima, kokyu-naiwa kono uwasade mochikiri nandayo. Kokyude umareru oyotsugino renzoku-shi! Imamadeno mikadono mikoga san-nin-tomo, umarete-kara dandan yowatte nakunattan-datte. Okashiito omowanai?”

Xiaolan “You didn’t hear, Maomao? The entire rear palace is buzzing about this rumor. The deaths of all the heirs born in the rear palace!　All three of the emperor’s children born so far grew weak and passed away! Doesn’t that seem weird?”

猫猫「３人とも？」

Maomao “San-nin-tomo?”

Maomao “All three?”

小蘭「今回も似たような感じみたい」

Shaoran “Konkaimo nita-yona kanji mitai.”

Xiaolan “And it looks like the same thing’s happening now.”

猫猫「具合が悪いってこと？」

Maomao “Guaiga waruitte koto?”

Maomao “You mean they are unwell?”

小蘭「そう！そして今度は、玉葉様のところにも、梨花様のところにも、お医者様が入って行ったんだって！」

Shaoran “So! Soshite kondowa Gyokuyo-samano tokoro-nimo Rifa-samano tokoronimo, oisha-samaga haitte-ittan-datte!”

Xiaolan “Yes! And this time, the doctor went to visit both Lady Gyokuyou and Lady Lihua!”

猫猫「ふーん…」

Maomao “Fūn…”

Maomao “Huh…”

小蘭「今の帝には皇后がいないから、東宮が生まれたら梨花様が皇后になるんだよね？」

Shaoran “Imano mikado-niwa kogoga inaikara, toguga umaretara Rifa-samaga kogoni narun-dayone?”

Xiaolan “The emperor doesn’t have an empress consort, so that makes Lady Lihua, who gave birth to the prince, the empress consort, right?”

猫猫「まあ、当然だろう。帝に皇后がいない今、東宮を持つ妃、梨花妃は後宮のトップと言えるだろう」

Maomao “Maa tozen daro. Mikadoni kogoga inai ima, toguo motsu kisaki, Rifa-hiwa kokyuno topputo ierudaro.”

Maomao “Naturally, I guess. Since there is no empress consort, Concubine Lihua gave birth to the prince, so she should be considered the top of the rear palace.”

小蘭「だけど帝の寵愛は玉葉様に傾いているってウワサなの。そのへんのことも、呪いと関係あるかもしれないって」

Shaoran “Dakedo mikadono choaiwa Gyokuyo-samani katamuiterutte uwasa nano. Sono henno kotomo, noroito kankei arukamo shirenaitte.”

Xiaolan “But then, rumor says the emperor favors Lady Gyokuyou. They say that could be related to the curse, too.”

猫猫「権力争いか…」

Maomao “Kenryoku arasoika…”

Maomao “A power struggle…”

小蘭「梨花様の方が、容体は重いのかな。お医者様がつきっきりらしいよ」

Shaoran “Rifa-samano hoga, yodaiwa omoinokana. Oisha-samaga tsukikkiri rashiiyo.”

Xiaolan “Lady Lihua might be worse off, since the doctor is always with her.”

猫猫「梨花様ご自身も？」

Maomao “Rifa-sama gojishinmo?”

Maomao “Lady Lihua herself is sick, too?”

小蘭「うん、母子共に。頭痛とか腹痛とか、吐き気もあるって聞いたなあ」

Shaoran “Un, boshi tomoni. Zutsu-toka fukutsu-toka, hakikemo arutte kiitanaa.”

Xiaolan “Yeah, mother and child both. Head and stomach aches. Nausea too, I think.”

猫猫「頭痛、腹痛、吐き気…」

Maomao “Zutsu, fukutsu, hakike…”

Maomao “Headache, stomachache, nausea…”

小蘭「やっぱり絶対、呪いだよ～！”

Shaoran “Yappari zettai, noroi dayoo!”

Xiaolan “It has to be a curse!”

猫猫「呪いだなんて、くだらない」

Maomao “Noroi danante, kudaranai.”

Maomao “Curses are stupid.”

小蘭「え～！」

Shaoran “Eeee!”

Xiaolan “Huh?”

ーーーーー

猫猫「頭痛に腹痛に吐き気… 考えられるのは毒殺か… いや、皇位争いなら公主が狙われる理由はない。毒を盛られた可能性は少ないだろう。疑うとすれば、病気か… もしかして、血筋だろうか」

Maomao “Zutsuni fukutsuni hakike… Kangae-rareru-nowa dokusatsuka… Iya, koi-arasoi-nara himega nerawareru riyuwa nai. Dokuo morareta kanoseiwa sukunai-daro. Utagauto sureba, byokika… Moshika-shite, chisuji daroka.”

Maomao “Poison is a possibility. No, if it’s over the position of imperial heir, it doesn’t make sense to go after the princess. Deliberate poisoning is low on the list of possibilities. Could an illness be more likely? Perhaps something hereditary?”

猫猫「たかがウワサ話に何を真剣になってるんだ。こんなのは、ただの憶測にすぎない。すぎないが…ちいとばかし、行ってみるか。そそそそそ…」

Maomao “Takaga uwasa-banashini nanio shinkenni natterunda. Konnanowa tadano okusokuni suginai. Suginaiga…chiito-bakashi itte-miruka. Sososososo…”

Maomao “Why am I taking a rumor so seriously? It’s all just conjecture. But still… I guess I can take a quick peek.”

ーーーーー

猫猫「さすが上級妃の宮が集まっているだけあって、柱一つとっても、私たちのいる建物よりよっぽど洗練されてるな…」

Maomao “Sasuga jokyu-hino miyaga atsumatte-irudake atte, hashira hitotsu tottemo watashi-tachino iru tatemono-yori yoppodo senren sareteruna…”

Maomao “Given this is where all the high-ranked concubines’ pavilions are, every building is exquisite, right down to the individual pillars.”

梨花妃「お前が悪いんだ！」

Rifa-hi “Omaega waruinda!”

Concubine Lihua “It’s your fault!”

桜花(インファ)「玉葉様！」

Infa “Gyokuyo-sama!”

Yinghua “Lady Gyokuyou!”

梨花妃「自分の子が娘だからと、男子の吾子を呪い殺す気だろう！」

Rifa-hi “Jibunno koga musume dakarato, onokono ako’o noroi-korosu kidaro!”

Concubine Lihua “You’re trying to curse my son, because your child is a daughter!”

玉葉妃「そんなわけないと、あなたも分かっているでしょう。小鈴(シャオリン)も同じように苦しんでいるのですから」

Gyokuyo-hi “Sonna wake naito, anatamo wakatte-irudesho. Shaorinmo onaji-yoni kurushinde iruno-desukara.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “You know that’s absurd! My Xiaoling is sick, too!”

宦官「梨花様は、相当お怒りだな」

Kangan “Rifa-samawa, soto oikari dana.”

Eunuch “Lady Lihua is furious.”

宦官「玉葉様も、お気の毒に」

Kangan “Gyokuyo-samamo, okinodokuni.”

Eunuch “I feel sorry for Lady Gyokuyou.”

ーーーーー

高順「壬氏様…」

Gaoshun “Jinshi-sama…”

Gaoshun “Master Jinshi…”

壬氏「はぁ…」

Jinshi “Haa…”

Jinshi (Sigh)

ーーーーー

玉葉妃「ですので、娘の容体も診ていただきたいのです。」

Gyokuyo-hi “Desunode, musumeno yodaimo mite-itadaki-taino desu.

Concubine Gyokuyou “That’s why I’d like to examine my daughter’s state, as well.”

やぶ医者「ええ…でも、あの…」

Yabu Isha “Ee… Demo, ano…”

Quack Doctor “Yes… Well… Um…”

猫猫（あの真ん中のオロオロしてる宦官が医官か？バカだろ、あのヤブ。あれだけ妃二人のそばにいて本当に気づいてないのか？いや、それ以前に知らないのか？幼児の死亡、頭痛と腹痛と吐き気。そして何より、梨花様のげっそりとした様子。やはりこれは呪いでも何でもない。問題はどう伝えるかだ。）

Maomao (Ano mannakano oro-oro shiteru kanganga ikanka? Baka daro, ano yabu. Aredake kisaki futarino sobani ite hontoni kizuite-nainoka? Iya, sore-izenni shiranai-noka? Yojino shibo, zutsuto fukutsuto hakike. Soshite naniyori, Rifa-samano gessorito shita yosu. Yahari korewa noroi-demo nandemo nai. Mondaiwa do tsutaerukada.)

Maomao (Is that flustered eunuch in the middle the physician? What a stupid quack. He seriously still hasn’t noticed? After spending all that time near the concubines? Or rather…Maybe he really doesn’t know? Death of the infants. Headache, stomachache, nausea. And most of all, how Lady Lihua seems so worn out. As I thought, this is no curse. The only issue is, how do I tell them?)

猫猫「何か書けるものさえあれば…」

Maomao “Nanika kakeru mono sae areba…”

Maomao “If only I could find something to write with…”

ーーーーー

杏（シン）「フンッ…」

Shin “Fun…”

ーーーーー

猫猫（東宮が亡くなられたという話が回ってきたのは、それからひと月もしない頃だった）

Maomao (Toguga nakuna-rareta to-iu hanashiga mawatte-kitanowa, sorekara hito-tsukimo shinai koro datta.)

Maomao (Barely a month passed before word got around that the prince had passed away.)

ーーーーー

玉葉妃「何か聞きたいことでもあるようですね」

Gyokuyo-hi “Nanika kikitai koto-demo aru-yodesune.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “It seems like you have a question for me.”

壬氏「それは…」

Jinshi “Sorewa…”

Jinshi “Is that…”

玉葉妃「私が水晶宮を訪ねて、娘を診てもらいたいと言った日です。あのあと、窓辺に置いてありました。この枝に結んで。」

Gyokuyo-hi “Watashiga Suisho-kyuo tazunete, musumeo mite moraitaito itta hidesu. Ano ato, madobeni oite arimashita. Kono edani yunde.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “The day I visited the Crystal Pavilion, to ask to have my daughter examined, I found this on the windowsill, tied to this branch.”

壬氏「石楠花(しゃくなげ)、ですか」

Jinshi “Shakunage, desuka.”

Jinshi “A rhododendron.”

玉葉妃「“おしろいはどく、赤子にふれさすな”…無知は罪ですね」

Gyokuyo-hi “‘Oshiroiwa doku. Akagoni fure-sasuna.’ …Muchiwa tsumi desune.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “‘The white face powder is poison. Don’t let the baby touch it.’ …It truly is a sin to be ignorant.”

壬氏「宮中の医官は、このような遠回しなことをしないでしょう」

Jinshi “Kyuchuno ikanwa, kono-yona toomawashina koto’o shinaidesho.”

Jinshi “The palace physician would not take such a roundabout approach.”

玉葉妃「ええ。最後まで東宮の処置が分からないようでしたから」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ee. Saigo-made toguno shochiga wakaranai-yodeshita-kara.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Agreed. He never could seem to figure out how to treat the prince.”

壬氏「この文、一体誰が…」

Jinshi “Kono fumi, ittai darega…”

Jinshi “Who could have sent this message?”

玉葉妃「それを探していただきたいのです」

Gyokuyo-hi “Soreo sagashite itadaki-tainodesu.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “I’d like you to find out.”

壬氏（…そういえば、あの時…）

Jinshi (…Soieba, ano toki…)

Jinshi (Coming to think of it, back then…)

ーーーーー

猫猫「何か、書けるものさえあれば…」

Maomao “Nanika, kakeru mono sae areba…”

Maomao “If only I could find something to write with…”

ーーーーー

壬氏「承知しました。これはしばらく預かってよろしいですか？」

Jinshi “Shochi shimashita. Korewa shibaraku azukatte yoroshii-desuka?”

Jinshi “Understood. May I keep this for the time being?”

ーーーーー

小蘭「帝は生き残った公主様を慈しんで、玉葉様のもとに通っているんだって」

Shaoran “Mikadowa ikinokotta hime-samao itsukushinde, Gyokuyo-samano motoni kayotte-irundatte.”

Xiaolan “I heard the emperor is visiting Lady Gyokuyou a lot, to show his love for the surviving princess.”

猫猫「梨花様のところへは？」

Maomao “Rifa-samano tokoro-ewa?”

Maomao “What about Lady Lihua?”

小蘭「全然、ウワサ聞かないね」

Shaoran “Zen-zen, uwasa kikanaine.”

Xiaolan “Haven’t heard anything about her.”

猫猫「ああ…都合のいいことで」

Maomao “Aa… Tsugono iikotode.”

Maomao “How convenient.”

宦官「ああ、こんなところにいた。今すぐ、宮官長の部屋に来るようにとのことだ」

Kangan “Aa, konna tokoroni ita. Imasugu, Kyukan-chono heyani kuruyoni tono kotoda.”

Eunuch “Oh, there you are. You are to report to the Matron of the Derving Women immediately.”

猫猫「へ？」

Maomao “He?”

小蘭「呼び出し？」

Shaoran “Yobidashi?”

Xiaolan “You’re being summoned?”

猫猫「何の用だろう…」

Maomao “Nanno yodaro…”

Maomao “For what, I wonder?”

ーーーーー

宦官「よし、ではここに集まった全員、中に入るように」

Kangan “Yoshi, dewa kokoni atsumatta zen’in, nakani hairu-yoni.”

Eunuch “All right, all of you who’ve gathered here, head inside.”

猫猫（下女が偉い人に呼び出されるなんて…嫌な予感しかしない。ただの人手不足か？）

Maomao (Gejoga erai-hitoni yobidasareru-nante… Iyana yokan-shika shinai. Tadano hitode-busokuka?)

Maomao (Serving girls getting summoned by the high officials can’t be good news… Or do they just want more workers?)

壬氏「わざわざ集まってもらって申し訳ない」

Jinshi “Waza-waza atsumatte-moratte moshiwake nai.”

Jinshi “Thank you all for coming.”

猫猫（なんだ、この偉そうな女官は…）

Maomao (Nanda, kono erasona nyokanwa…)

Maomao (Who is this arrogant-looking woman?)

壬氏「私は、後宮管理者の壬氏だ」

Jinshi “Watashiwa, kokyu-kanrishano Jinshi da.”

Jinshi “I am Jinshi, manager of the rear palace.”

猫猫（男なのか。さては小蘭が言っていた、ものすごく美しい宦官というのはこいつのことか…。もったいないな、この美貌があるのに子供が成せないなんて）

Maomao (Otoko nanoka. Satewa Shaoranga itteita, mono-sugoku utsukushii kanganto iunowa koitsuno kotoka… Mottai-naina, kono biboga arunoni kodomoga nasenai-nante.)

Maomao (That’s a man? Ah, that must be the good-looking eunuch that Xiaolan was talking about. That’s a waste. He’s so handsome, but he can’t have children.”

『そこのそばかす女、お前は居残りだ』

“Sokono sobakasu-onna, omaewa inokorida.”

“You with the freckles, stay here.”

猫猫「ん？ソバカスお…んな、やばい！」

Maomao “N? Sobakasu-o…nna, yabai!”

Maomao “Huh? Freckles? Stay…? Oh, no!”

壬氏「今日はこれで解散だ。部屋に戻っていいぞ。」

Jinshi “Kyowa korede kaisanda. Heyani modotte iizo.”

Jinshi “We’re done here. You may all return to your rooms.”

下女「え？どういうこと？」

Gejo “E? Doiu koto?”

Serving girl “Huh? What was that about?”

猫猫（何か目を付けられるようなヘマをしたか？まさか、先日の文が…　そうか！この中で文字を読める下女は私だけ！それをあぶりだすためにあの書き物を…　やばい、早く逃げよ…！）

Maomao (Nanika meo tsuke-rareru-yona hemao shitaka? Masaka, senjitsuno fumiga… Soka! Kono nakade mojio yomeru gejowa watashi-dake! Soreo aburidasu tameni ano kaki-mono’o… Yabai, hayaku nigeyo…!)

Maomao (Did I do something to get attention?! Wait, did the message from the other day… Ah! I’m the only servant here who can read! He wrote that just now to single me out! Oh, no! I have to get out!)

壬氏「ダメじゃないか。君は、居残りだよね？黙ってついてこい。」

Jinshi “Dameja naika. Kimiwa inokori dayone? Damatte tsuite-koi.”

Jinshi “Come now. I just told you to stay. Just keep quiet and follow me.”

猫猫（ハメられた…）

Maomao (Hamerareta…)

Maomao (It was a trap…)

壬氏「不思議だ…調べたところ、君は文字が読めないことになってるんだが…」

Jinshi “Fushigida… Shirabeta-tokoro, kimiwa mojiga yomenai-kotoni natterun-daga…”

Jinshi “This is odd. I looked you up. It said you couldn’t read.”

猫猫「はい、卑賎の生まれでして…何かの間違いでしょう」

Maomao “Hai, hisenno umare deshite… Nanikano machigai desho.”

Maomao “I am of lowly birth. It must be a mistake.”

猫猫（誰が教えるか！世の中は、無知なふりをしていたほうが立ち回りやすい。大体、この男になんで文のことがバレてるんだ？十分周りに気を付けていたのに…ぐぬぬぬぬぬ…なんて疑り深いんだ！…てか、暇人すぎるだろ！）

Maomao (Darega oshieruka! Yono-nakawa, muchina furio shiteita-hoga tachimawari-yasui. Daitai, kono otokoni nande fumino kotoga barete-runda? Jubun mawarini kio tsukete-itanoni… Gunununununu… Nante utaguri-bukainda! …Teka, himajin-sugiru-daro!)

Maomao (I’ll never admit it. Pretending to be ignorant makes everything easier in this world. Besides, how did this man find out about the messages? I made absolutely sure nobody was around… He’s so mistrustful! Rather, he must have nothing better to do!)

紅娘(ホンニャン)「どうぞ」

Hon’nyan “Dozo.”

Hongniang “Please.”

壬氏「失礼します」

Jinshi “Shitsurei shimasu.”

Jinshi “Excuse me.”

猫猫（何をとがめられるのやら…　生きて帰ってこれるといいけど…）

Maomao (Nanio togame-rareruno-yara… Ikite kaette koreruto iikedo…)

Maomao (What will I be punished for? I hope I make it out of this alive.)

壬氏「かの者を連れてまいりました」

Jinshi “Kano mono’o tsurete mairi-mashita.”

Jinshi “I brought her.”

玉葉妃「どうぞ。手数をかけました」

Gyokuyo-hi “Dozo. Tesuo kakemashita.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Come in, Thank you for your trouble.”

猫猫「あ……よかった」

Maomao “A……Yokatta.”

Maomao “I’m so glad.”

玉葉妃「…あなたが…。鈴麗の命を助けていただき、感謝しています」

Gyokuyo-hi “…Anataga… Rinrino inochio tasukete itadaki, kansha shiteimasu.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “So, it was you. Thank you for saving Lingli’s life.”

猫猫「そ…そのようなことを、される身分ではございません」

Maomao “So…Sono-yona kotoo, sareru mibun-dewa gozaimasen.”

Maomao “P-Please, I’m not worthy of such kindness!”

玉葉妃「いいえ、どれほど感謝してもしきれません。あなたは、やや子の恩人ですもの」

Gyokuyo-hi “Iie, dorehodo kansha shitemo shikire-masen. Anatawa, yayakono onjin desumono.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “No, I can’t ever thank you enough. You are my baby’s savior.”

猫猫「人違いではありませんか？何か勘違いをされているのです」

Maomao “Hito-chigai dewa arimasenka? Nanika kan-chigaio sarete-irunodesu.”

Maomao “Perhaps you have the wrong person? There must be a misunderstanding.”

猫猫（否定して首をはねられると困るが、関わり合いにもなりたくない！）

Maomao (Hitei-shite kubio hanerareruto komaruga, kakawari-ainimo naritaku nai!)

Maomao (I don’t want to get beheaded for lying, but I don’t want to get involved, either!)

壬氏「実は、玉葉妃から、あるものをお預かりしている。これは、下女の仕事着に使われる布だと知っているか？」

Jinshi “Jitsuwa, Gyokuyo-hikara arumono’o okari-shiteiru. Korewa, gejono shigotogini tsukawareru nuno-dato shitte-iruka?”

Jinshi “Concubine Gyokuyou showed me something. Did you know this fabric is used in the clothing for the serving girls?

猫猫「そういえば、似てますね」

Maomao “Soieba, nitemasune.”

Maomao “It does look similar, I suppose…”

壬氏「ああ、尚服に関わる下女用のものらしいな。例えば、君のような洗濯係とか…。もしかして、スカートの裾でも裂いたのだろうか？」

Jinshi “Aa, shofukuni kakawaru gejo-yono mono rashiina. Tatoeba, kimino-yona sentaku-gakari toka… Moshika-shite, sukātono suso-demo saitano-daroka?”

Jinshi “Yes, for those who work on clothing, I hear. Like laundry worker, such as yourself. Did you rip apart a skirt, perhaps?”

猫猫（そこまでバレていたのか…）

Maomao (Soko made barete itanoka…)

Maomao (So, he figured out that much already…)

壬氏「説明してもらおうか。なぜ、石楠花の枝を窓辺に置いたのだ？」

Jinshi “Setsumei shite moraoka. Naze, shakunageno edao madobeni oitanoda?”

Jinshi “Now, you will explain why you put that flower on the windowsill.”

猫猫「……あの日、事件の真相に気づいたからです。原因は、おしろいだと。私の育った花街でも、高級おしろいを使っている妓女は多くいました。そしてほとんどが、おしろいに含まれる毒に体をむしばまれ、命を落としました。命と美貌を天秤にかけ、結局どちらも失ってしまった…。私は、薬屋でしたので、毒には詳しいのです。」

Maomao “……Anohi, jikenno shinsoni kizuita-karadesu. Gen’inwa, oshiroi dato. Watashino sodatta hana-machidemo, kokyu-oshiroio tsukatte-iru gijowa ooku imashita. Soshite hotondoga, oshiroini fukumareru dokuni karadao mushibamare, inochio otoshi-mashita. Inochito bibo’o tenbinni kake, kekkyoku dochiramo ushinatte-shimatta… Watashiwa kusuriya deshitanode, dokuniwa kuwasiino-desu.”

Maomao “Because I figured out what was wrong that day. That the cause was the makeup powder. There were many courtesans who used high-end powder in the brothels that I grew up in. Most of them were poisoned by it and lost their lives. They tried to trade life for beauty and lost both. I used to be an apothecary, so I know a few things about poisons.”

壬氏「そのおしろいは…」

Jinshi “Sono oshiroiwa…”

Jinshi “That face powder…”

玉葉妃「子供の乳母が使っていたものです。他のおしろいに比べて白さが目立つと、好んで使っていました。乳母も体調が悪かったようなので、暇を出しました。金子も十分与えて…」

Gyokuyo-hi “Kodomono ubaga tsukatte-itamono desu. Hokano oshiroini kurabete shirosaga medatsuto, kononde tsukatte-imashita. Ubamo taichoga warukatta-yonanode, himao dashimashita. Kinsumo jubun ataete…”

Concubine Gyokuyou “It was used by the baby’s nurse. She said it has a better whitening effect compared to other powders. She seemed to have gotten ill too, so I gave her a break. I paid her properly, too.”

壬氏「そうですか」

Jinshi “Sodesuka.”

Jinshi “I see.”

玉葉妃「無知は罪ですね。子供の口に入るものを、もっと気にかけるべきでした」

Gyokuyo-hi “Muchiwa tsumi desune. Kodomono kuchini hairu mono’o, motto kini kakeru-beki deshita.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “It truly is a sin to be ignorant. I should have paid more attention to the things that go into my baby’s mouth.”

壬氏「私も同様です。もっと早くに気づいていれば、多くの命が救えたかもしれない。東宮も…」

Jinshi “Watashimo doyo desu. Motto hayakuni kizuite-ireba, ookuno inochiga sukueta-kamo shirenai. Togumo…”

Jinshi “I am guilty, as well. Had I noticed sooner, I might have been able to save more lives. The prince, too…”

玉葉妃「文を見つけて、梨花妃にもおしろいのことを伝えましたが…私が何を言っても、逆効果だったみたいです」

Gyokuyo-hi “Fumio mitsukete, Rifa-hi-nimo oshiroino koto’o tsutae-mashitaga… Watashiga nanio ittemo, gyaku-koka datta mitai desu.”

Concubine Gyokuyo “When I saw the message, I told Concubine Lihua about it, as well. But it seemed like everything I said only made her believe me less.”

猫猫「それで…私は何をすればよろしいのでしょうか」

Maomao “Sorede…watashiwa nanio sureba yoroshiino-deshoka.”

Maomao “So… What can I do for you?”

玉葉妃「それでは今日から、私の侍女になってもらいます！」

Gyokuyo-hi “Soredewa kyokara, watashino jijoni natte-moraimasu!”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Well, starting today, you’ll be my lady-in-waiting!”

ーーーーー

語り「猫猫が抑えられないもの。それは、好奇心と知識欲。そして、ほんの少しの正義感。」

Katari “Maomaoga osae-rarenai mono. Sorewa, kokishinto chishiki-yoku. Soshite, honno sukoshino seigi-kan.”

Narration “There are some things Maomao cannot hold back. Curiosity, a thirst for knowledge…And just a smidgen of a sense of justice.”

猫猫「ヤバい、ヤバい、ヤバい、ヤバい、ヤバい、ヤバい、ヤバい、ヤバい…いや、おとなしく働いていれば、どこにいたって…」

Maomao “Yabai, yabai, yabai, yabai, yabai, yabai, yabai, yabai… Iya, Otonashiku hataraite-ireba, dokoni itatte…”