#茜さすセカイでキミと詠うTranslations

[dream-meister-translations]

RECITING WITH YOU IN THE GLOWING RED WORLD

SUGITA GENPAKU CHARACTER CARD #2

━

Beneath the heavy, damp gray sky, large raindrops cascaded without pause. I found myself navigating through the sparsely populated streets, abandoned in the wake of the sudden downpour.

(Perhaps seeking shelter in a nearby building would be wise...)

Scanning for any place to escape the rain, my eyes caught sight of a lone clinic. The signboard read, Dr. Sugita Genpaku's Clinic.

(Is this Genpaku's clinic?)

(Despite the initial fright at the thought of dissection, he did take care of my wounds...He doesn't seem like a bad guy...)

Seeking refuge from the rain, I hurried under the eaves. Pushing the door open and hesitantly peering inside. 

AYUMI : Excuse me...

As I glanced around the dimly lit room, a chill rand won my spine.

(Is anyone here...? It's so dark...)

As I wandered about, a sudden creak echoed through the building—

AYUMI : Wha..!?

I was suddenly seized from behind.

??? : A burglar in broad daylight... Quite daring... Ah, frightening~ So frightening that I might just accidentally dissect you~

(Dissect?! Could it be... Genpaku!)

The grip on my throat tightened until I couldn't breathe. I writhed beneath his touch. Trying to scream at the top of my lungs.

AYUMI : Mmgh, Mmgh!!

SUGITA GENPAKU : Shhh...Don't make such a fuss. It will be over soon, I promise. With anesthesia, you won't feel a thing. It will be like drifting into a dream...You have two kidneys...Removing one won't kill you.

(That's not the issue!!)

SUGITA GENPAKU : Now then...It's time for dissection!

AYUMI : Mmgh, Mmgh!!

SUGITA GENPAKU : Hey...Be quiet...!

In my struggle, the hand covering my mouth slipped away.

AYUMI : H-Help me!!

SUGITA GENPAKU : Huh...?

Genpaku's vacant gaze suddenly sharpened, as if awakening from a daze, and he fixed his eyes upon me.

SUGITA GENPAKU : You're...My apprentice, aren't you? What are you doing here?

AYUMI : I-I just wanted shelter from the rain, so I came inside!

SUGITA GENPAKU : You should've said that from the beginning. You were on the verge of being dissected.

(Since my mouth was covered, I couldn't say anything...)

Despite my relief at avoiding dissection, an unsettling sensation lingered within me...

[sakurasakiyama]

[Announcement] Sakiyama Tsubasa with Sakura Men: NEW Song Title!

Last night it was announced that Sakiyama Tsubasa had decided the title of one of the tracks on Track List of his upcoming CD that will be available November 1st! 

The new song will be called  「君の隣へ」(Kimi no tonari he -Next to you-). This will also be the new opening song for the Mobile Game called  「茜さすセカイでキミと詠う」(Akane sasu sekai de kimi to utau). 

There were posts on Twitter from the SPACECRAFT Men’s Manager and from the Mobile Game’s Twitter also:

@spacecraftMGR

@aka-seka

I would translate them now, but I would rather translate the man himself who posted it on his Ameblo last night:

TSUBASAlon (Ameblo) -15th September 2017- (Only a section of his blog post in relation to the announcement)

And how, Everyone will be classed five times happier after looking.

Sakiyama Tsubasa with Sakura men New song「Next to you」for the popular smartphone app「Akane sasu sekai de kimi to utau」opening tune tie-up decision! Details are here→http://www.akaseka.com/

However, The Stage’s『Laughing in Purgatory』song during the play『Gekkaya』 Is also another tune on the CD! ! The title that turned up in my mind is 『Next to you』! ! Deden [1]

How the tune is that, Although it’s a CM project for a popular smartphone app I decided to tie-up the song for『Akaseka [2]』! !

I’m really happy that I cannot believe it! !

I’m thankful to be blessed with this truly valuable opportunity.

Another new story is about to begin.

『Next to you』is A fresh song that has various meaning Please look forward to it.

NOTES:

[1] Refers to another way to say “Ta-da!” [2] Refers to the nickname of the game (Akane sasu sekai de kimi to utau).

[fishychoo]

A VERY rough translation for screens from Akane Sasu Sekai de Kimi to Utau (茜さすセカイでキミと詠う) for anyone getting started. There are still some features I don’t quite understand but the game overall is very enjoyable. Plays very similar to Yume100 but I think I like the system here more than in the other plus since this game just came out a week ago the pool of boys isn’t as massive YET :p Please also forgive my terrible photo shopping skills I’m very rusty xD

[dream-meister-translations]

RECITING WITH YOU IN THE GLOWING RED WORLD

SADAAKIRA CHARACTER CARD #3

━

That night, after the poetry gathering, I found myself sleeping over at Sadaakira-san's mansion. I woke to the sound of footsteps in the hallway outside my room.

(Who could that be...? Should I check...? Is it okay for me to wander around without permission...?)

I worried about upsetting Sadaakira-san.

(I'll just take a quick peek...)

After making sure I was properly dressed and internally preparing myself, I slid open the door—

SADAAKIRA : So you're finally awake. Took you long enough. 

AYUMI : Sadaakira-san...!?

In the hallway, Sadaakira-san was diligently scrubbing the floor with a rag.

AYUMI : Um...What are you doing?

SADAAKIRA : Can't you tell simply by looking? I'm cleaning. It's common sense to clean the floors first thing in the morning. Plus, it makes for good exercise. And since this is my mansion, not a speck of dust should exist.

(Sadaakira-san sure does love to clean.)

SADAAKIRA : What are you doing? Stop gawking and lend a hand.

AYUMI : Y-Yes!

Given a set of cleaning tools, I also joined in the cleaning.

SADAAKIRA : Don't overlook the dust in the corners!

AYUMI : G-Got it!

SADAAKIRA : What do you think you're doing!? You're not wringing the rag out properly!!

AYUMI : I-I'm so sorry!!

-

(Finally we're done...)

After finishing cleaning the areas assigned by Sadaakira-san, I rinsed out the rag one last time.

SADAAKIRA : Did you wring out the rag properly this time? When you're done, I'll show you where to hang it.

As he finished up what he was cleaning, he came over to check on me. 

AYUMI : Ah, thank you. 

(He's actually explaining things so politely today...Maybe he's not such a bad guy after all.)

With that thought, I finished wringing out the rag.

??? : Oh my!

Turning around at the cheerful voice from behind, I saw—

KI NO TSURAYUKI : Were the two of you cleaning together~!? 

SADAAKIRA : What do you want?

KI NO TSURAYUKI : Good morning to you too, Sadaakira-sama. I had something I needed to ask you, but you seem like you're busy~

Ki No Tsurayuki smiled brightly and turned to face me. Catching my eyes with his own.

KI NO TSURAYUKI : The two of you are cleaning together now? Seems like you are quite close~

AYUMI : I-It's not what it looks like...

KI NO TSURAYUKI : It's exactly what it looks like. Sadaakira-sama may be rough around the edges, but he's not a bad guy. I'm glad he has someone who finally understands him.

SADAAKIRA : Hey, what are you talking about? 

His brow furrowed with discontent as he firmly grasped Ki No Tsurayuki's sleeve, giving it a vicious yank.

SADAAKIRA : What are you even still doing here? Didn't you have business to take care of today? If you want to chat pointlessly, go somewhere else to do it.

KI NO TSURAYUKI : Hehehe~ It will be up to her to decide if it's pointless or not~

Ki No Tsurayuki winked flirtatiously at me before leaving.

-

(It really does feel nice when the mansion is clean, but...I can't imagine doing this every day.)

After hanging up all of the washed rags, I visited Sadaakira-san's room.

SADAAKIRA : Ugh. What do you want?

He still seemed as irritable as ever.

AYUMI : I thought you might be tired after all of that cleaning, so I brought you some tea.

I set the freshly made cup of tea down on the desk in front of him.

SADAAKIRA : .........

AYUMI : Is something wrong? 

SADAAKIRA : ...No. Thank you.

AYUMI : Huh...?

My eyes widened in surprise at his gratitude. 

SADAAKIRA : What's with that look?

AYUMI : N-Nothing. You're welcome. 

SADAAKIRA : Your approach to washing the rags was rather amateurish, but it falls within acceptable standards. By the way, what are you...Planning?

Holding the teacup delicately in his hands, he looked up at me with a raised brow. 

AYUMI : P-Planning?

SADAAKIRA : With this tea. If you're hoping to get on my good side, you're doing an excellent job, I just hope there are no ulterior motives. I'll come and check to see if the room I assigned you is spotless in an hour.

AYUMI : You're going to check it?

SADAAKIRA : If it's dirty, you'll clean it again. Until I decide you've done an appropriate job. 

AYUMI : Y-Yes. That makes sense.

[dream-meister-translations]

RECITING WITH YOU IN THE GLOWING RED WORLD

SUGITA GENPAKU CHARACTER CARD #1

━

In a dim forest, overgrown with dense foliage, I found myself stepping cautiously as if guided by some unseen force. And there, amidst the thicket, I stumbled upon a sacred object. Upon chanting, a man cloaked in a white doctor's coat emerged.

SUGITA GENPAKU : ...Ah, so you're my new apprentice. The one who saved me from my prison.

After explaining my situation, the man flashed a devious smirk.

SUGITA GENPAKU : I am Sugita Genpaku. As a token of my gratitude, allow me to mend your wounds.

In his hand gleamed a dull scalpel, and in his other a syringe. 

AYUMI : N-No, it's alright!

Attempting to evade the advancing Genpaku, I turned and bolted in the opposite direction.

SUGITA GENPAKU : No need to be shy~ I assure you, there will be no pain as long as I administer anesthesia!

AYUMI : That's not the issue, I- Ahh!!

My vision obscured by tree branches, I tripped over a root in the mud and stumbled to the ground. 

SUGITA GENPAKU : ....!!

Though I was quick to push myself up to a standing position, Genpaku was already looming behind me.

(It's over...I've been caught...I'm going to be dissected...)

SUGITA GENPAKU : Come now. Extend your leg to me. Let me see the abrasion.

AYUMI : Huh...?

Unexpectedly, Genpaku retrieved medicine from his pocket and began treating my injured foot.

SUGITA GENPAKU : Naturally. I am a doctor, after all. I cannot permit injuries to occur before my very eyes without doing something about them.

(He's a doctor...Now that I think about it, it does explain the coat...)

SUGITA GENPAKU : Well then, It is time I return to the clinic. Regrettably, dissection of your foot will have to wait for another day.

After finishing the treatment, Genpaku uttered those words and departed.

(At first I was scared of him...But maybe he really is a kind doctor after all?)

Surveying the carefully tended wound, I could only tilt my head in wonder...

[dream-meister-translations]

RECITING WITH YOU IN THIS GLOWING RED WORLD

HIRAGA GENNAI CHARACTER CARD #1

━

The moment I finished reciting the given incantation, a dazzling white light flashed before me, and a boy dressed in white stepped out of it.

??? : I see... So I was spirited away... What a valuable experience...

The boy crossed his arms and took in his surroundings, nodding in curious satisfaction.

??? : So, you're the kind heroine who saved me, huh? What's your name?

AYUMI: I'm Ayumi.

??? : Okay, so you’re the priestess girl, so tell me about the familiar spirit.

The boy gazed across to me, eyes shining bright with an energizing curiosity.

...

...

HIRAGA GENNAI : Hmm, I see. That is quite interesting indeed. I'm Hiraga Gennai, a genius inventor!

HIRAGA GENNAI : It’s all thanks to you that I was saved. As a token of my appreciation, I'll give you a guided tour of my laboratory when next we’re there.

(So even at his age, he's already an established inventor with a laboratory... amazing...)

My own gaze remained firmly locked on Gennai's face, eyes full of surprise.

HIRAGA GENNAI : You… You were just thinking that I was far too young to be a successful inventor, right?

AYUMI : W-Wha-- No!

HIRAGA GENNAI : Don’t underestimate me, or I'll modify you.

(What does he mean he’ll modify me?!)

HIRAGA GENNAI : Well, well, perhaps I’ll swap the positions of your eyes and ears? Wouldn’t that be interesting?

AYUMI : I-I'm sorry, I was just a little surprised... I didn't mean to make fun of you…

HIRAGA GENNAI : ...That's good then we won’t have any issues.

(Phew, thankfully I won't be modified… Whatever that means…)

As I gazed at Gennai’s energized profile, still retaining every ounce of his youthful exuberance, I felt my heart flutter in my chest...

[dream-meister-translations]

RECITING WITH YOU IN THE GLOWING RED WORLD

ONO NO IMOKO CHARACTER CARD #1

━

Amidst the familiar hustle and bustle of an ancient countryside, I found myself pausing abruptly at the roadside, my attention captured by an anomaly amidst the routine.

ONO NO IMOKO : Zzzz....Zzzzz....

Imoko-san was peacefully snoring away, showing no sign of waking up.

(Seems like he's sleeping soundly, but if he stays like this, he might catch a cold...)

AYUMI : Um...Imoko-san, are you okay?

Giving him a gentle shake, Imoko-san suddenly jolted awake.

ONO NO IMOKO : S-Sorry Taishi! I'll continue right awa...Huh!?

-

ONO NO IMOKO : Ayumi-chan, you caught me at such an embarrassing moment...Before returning to the palace, I had stopped to sit and rest my legs for a bit. I've been on duty for a hundred days straight, and I've barely had a single break, so I got sleepy...

Imoko-san chuckled while sipping on his tea. 

(No break for almost half a year!? That's even more intense than some corporations...)

ONO NO IMOKO : Taishi can be really strict.

AYUMI : That sounds tough...Can't you ask him to take a break?

ONO NO IMOKO : That's not really an option...More importantly...

Imoko-san turned to me and bowed his head. 

ONO NO IMOKO : Please! Keep my dozing off a secret from Taishi! 

AYUMI : Ah, you don't need to bow! I won't tell Taishi-san, I promise. 

ONO NO IMOKO : R-Really!?

Imoko-san lifted his head, looking at me with wide sparkling eyes. 

AYUMI : Y-Yes, really.

ONO NO IMOKO : Thank you! I'll definitely repay the favor!

With that, he grabbed both of my hands and energetically shook them up and down. 

ONO NO IMOKO : How about having a meal with me later? There's a popular restaurant nearby that I've heard is good. My treat! 

Imoko-san suddenly let out a gasp and stood up straight as if realizing something. 

ONO NO IMOKO : N-No! I can't! I still have to finish the task assigned to me by Taishi! Taishi can be scarier than a shikigami when he's angry. I must hurry! I'm so sorry for inviting you and then cancelling! Next time, for sure!

(He's difficult to keep up with...)

After finishing my tea, as I reached for the bill, I realized Imoko-san, who had hastily left, had already paid for my portion too.

(He's so thoughtful...Imoko-san must be quite popular with the ladies...)

(The next time we have a meal together, I'll make sure to cover the bill.)

With those thoughts in mind, I left the restaurant and carried on with my day.

[dream-meister-translations]

AKASEKA TRANSLATION MASTERLIST 

DONATE : HERE. If you’d like to help us out! Would be much appreciated & will help us keep banging out content faster! 

CHARACTERS

FUJIWARA NO FUHITO

HIRAGA GENNAI

INOU TADATAKA

MAEDA KEIJI

NATSUME SOUSEKI

OKITA SOUJI

ONO NO IMOKO

SADAAKIRA

SUGITA GENPAKU

YAMAZAKI SUSUMU

EVENTS

"Sakura Spectrum: Welcoming Delegates from Afar"

(please like or reblog posts to support the work we do! :D keep in mind that the two of us on this blog don't speak japanese nor are we professionals. these translations aren't going to be perfect. but we are trying our best to portray the chars accurately & get the story across so that english-speakers can enjoy it <3 ) 

[dream-meister-translations]

RECITING WITH YOU IN THE GLOWING RED WORLD

SADAAKIRA CHARACTER CARD #1

━

In the Country of Elegance, as I stopped at a shrine on the outskirts of Miyabi to recite a prayer, a man appeared. His cold gaze fixed intensely on me. 

(Why is he staring at me like that...?)

MAN : You're the one who helped me, aren't you?

AYUMI : Y-Yes! My name is Ayumi.

SADAAKIRA : I'm Sadaakira. A poet. I wish to repay the favor. If you are free, accompany me to my mansion. 

(Phew. He was only thanking me.)

Relieved, I followed him into the mansion. As soon as we entered, he began inspecting the floors and ceilings, seemingly ignoring my presence.

SADAAKIRA : What is the meaning of this!! Who allowed my mansion to be in such a miserable state!?

SERVANT 1 : S-Sadaakira-sama!? W-Welcome back!

The faces of the servants who rushed out from the depths of the mansion seemed noticeably pale.

AYUMI : Is...Something wrong with the mansion?

SADAAKIRA : Is something wrong? Just look at this!

He dragged his fingertip across one of the light fixtures, revealing a faint layer of dust.

SERVANT 2 : W-We just cleaned it yesterday! 

SADAAKIRA : I specifically instructed you to check every few hours, given how prone this place is to getting dirty! I can't believe it's turned into a dump in my absence! Since when did this place become a pigsty!?

(A pigsty...? It looks perfectly fine to me.)

SADAAKIRA : How am I meant to entertain guests in such a filthy environment!? Ugh. Forget it! I'll clean it myself!

Without another word, he dashed off and returned with cleaning supplies in hand. The servants followed suit, armed with their own cleaning tools, and began tidying up.

SADAAKIRA : There's dirt here too...! I told you to clean every nook and cranny! Between every board!

SERVANTS : W-We apologize!!

(He has quite the forceful demeanor...Could he be a germaphobe?)

SADAAKIRA : Ayumi, I'm sorry, but please leave for today. Once the mansion is properly cleaned, I'll extend another invitation. 

AYUMI : Y-yes. Thank you very much.

Just then, he noticed another speck of dirt and angry shouts echoed throughout the mansion. Ignoring the commotion, I quickly made my leave.

[dream-meister-translations]

RECITING WITH YOU IN THE GLOWING RED WORLD

NATSUME SOUSEKI CHARACTER CARD #2

━

The city, bathed in crimson hues, welcomed a refreshing breeze. Amidst the bustling streets, I awaited Souseki-san's arrival.

(He's still not here? Where could he be?)

Scanning the streets for any sign of Souseki-san, my gaze swept through the crowd until...

??? : Wow~...!!

The drawn-out exclamation echoed from a nearby alleyway.

(Is that... Souseki-san!?)

Curiosity piqued, I cautiously approached the alley, where a peculiar scene unfolded before me: a multitude of felines surrounded Souseki-san, who lay sprawled out on the ground.

NATSUME SOUSEKI : Haha~ This has turned into quite the predicament...!

(There are cats everywhere...What in the world?)

AYUMI : Souseki-san, are you alright!?

NATSUME SOUSEKI : Can't you tell~?

(No, I can't...!!)

Rushing over to Souseki-san in a panic, I stood momentarily frozen and unsure of what to do. Then, one of the cats licked at his face.

NATSUME SOUSEKI : Hehe~ That tickles! Stop that. Stop! ...Ah, that's enough~!

Unable to contain it, Souseki-san burst out into laughter.

(Does he want my help or not? I really can't tell...)

AYUMI : Um, should I help?

(He seems to be enjoying himself, but with so many cats on his chest...It must be heavy...)

In a moment of indecision, I turned to Souseki-san for guidance.

NATSUME SOUSEKI : What do you think~?

He chuckled, surrendering to the whims of the cats.

(I have absolutely no idea...)

NATSUME SOUSEKI : Ah, wait a second... Hahaha!

His laughter reverberated throughout the alley, legs kicking playfully in the air.

NATSUME SOUSEKI : H-help me~... Hahaha!

(He doesn't seem troubled at all...)

Uncertain of how to proceed, I stood by, silently observing Souseki-san amidst the sea of cats...

[dream-meister-translations]

RECITING WITH YOU IN THIS GLOWING RED WORLD

FUNYA NO YASUHIDE CHARACTER CARD #1

━

Amidst the abundant overgrowth of trees and brush that decorated the mountain path, I chanted a soft, quiet prayer...

??? : ...

A gentle light joins the glow of the warm sun filtering through the trees and from it, a tall man appears.

??? : Where am I... Oh, right, I was attacked by a shikigami. Did you save me?

AYUMI : I did.

As I nod, the man smiled kindly.

FUNYA NO YASUHIDE : I'm Funya No Yasuhide. Thank you for saving me.

FUNYA NO YASUHIDE : Wait, you're the Priestess of the Sun, right? You're amazing... Or rather, you will become amazing in time.

AYUMI : What does that mean?

FUNYA NO YASUHIDE : The Priestess of the Sun has the potential to become amazing. ...It’s as simple as that. That’s the virtue of being the Sun’s Priestess.

AYUMI : ...Huh?

(What is he talking about?)

FUNYA NO YASUHIDE : Hehehe...

(Potential as the Priestess... By virtue of being the Priestess... Wait, could it be...)

Yasuhide-san chuckles, shaking his shoulders as if amused.

FUNYA NO YASUHIDE : By the way, are you single?

AYUMI : Y-Yes, but...

FUNYA NO YASUHIDE : I knew it! The Priestess is unmarried... Hehehe!

(It was a pun after all...)

Ignoring my puzzled reaction, Yasuhide-san continues speaking.

FUNYA NO YASUHIDE : I'm a poet, always seeking laughter.

FUNYA NO YASUHIDE : I hope one day my tanka will bring smiles to the faces of every last person in this beautiful country.

(That's an admirable thought but...)

FUNYA NO YASUHIDE : If you’re ever looking for a good laugh, feel free to stop by my temple.

I return Yasuhide-san's warm smile with a gentle one.

FUNYA NO YASUHIDE : Oh, right. My poem is about a white dog.

AYUMI : A… White… Dog?

FUNYA NO YASUHIDE : Its tail is also white... Pure white. Hehehe!

(How am I supposed to react to that exactly…?)

Feeling the muscles in my face twitching, I could only stare at Yasuhide-san in total confusion...

[dream-meister-translations]

RECITING WITH YOU IN THIS GLOWING RED WORLD

HIRAGA GENNAI CHARACTER CARD #2

━

I found myself walking down the street, scanning the houses and surrounding area…

Gennai-kun had invited me to come visit his home in the Country of the Bay.

(He said it’d be easy to spot, so where is it...?)

While searching for Gennai-kun's house, the sudden crackle of an explosion echoed through the once undisturbed air.

(Huh!?)

…And a thick plume of smoke rose from one of the houses...

AYUMI : ...Could that be it... over there?

Suppressing feelings of deep anxiety, I swung open the door of the house the explosion had shook its way out of.

AYUMI : U-Um, excuse me?

(Smells like burning...)

It didn’t take long to find Gennai-kun sitting calmly in amongst the rubble.

HIRAGA GENNAI : ...Oh? You've arrived. Welcome.

I slowly surveyed the room… Suffice to say, it was in terrible condition…

AYUMI : What was that explosion just now...?

HIRAGA GENNAI : Huh? Oh, there wasn't an explosion.

HIRAGA GENNAI : What you witnessed was a rapid chemical reaction, the heat produced by the reaction ignited a flammable gas burning through the oxygen in the air, causing sparks to fly outward.

(Yeah, I’d call that an explosion...)

HIRAGA GENNAI : In any case… Please… Take a seat.

Gennai-kun placed the smoking apparatus in the kitchen and brought back something akin to a box.

HIRAGA GENNAI : This isn’t much of anything. Just a little something I invented.

AYUMI : What is it?

HIRAGA GENNAI : Ta-da! I call it the Elekiter Massager Mechanical Model.

AYUMI : Elekiter Massager?

HIRAGA GENNAI : Yes, I believe that by passing the electric current generated by this box through the body, it will relieve stiffness from the muscle and skeleton… That’s the idea anyway….

His once enthusiastic explanation began to trail off into a softer murmur the more Gennai-kun spoke.

AYUMI : Have you… tested it yet?

HIRAGA GENNAI : I… Have…

AYUMI : So its failure caused this explosion, then!?

HIRAGA GENNAI : That is correct. Though it was not an explosion and I assure you there isn't a single element of failure in my invention. Here, I'll show you.

Gennai-kun took hold of a tube protruding from the box.

HIRAGA GENNAI : See, if I do this, it... uh… huh?

HIRAGA GENNAI : Zzzrrrhhaahhhh...! (Zapping noises)

(...Is he getting electrocuted!?)

AYUMI : Wai-wait!

HIRAGA GENNAI : S-See? Behold the power… Of my… Invention… The… Elekiter…

Finishing the last of his speech, he collapsed on the spot.

AYUMI : …Gennai-kun? Gennai-kun…? Gennai-kun!!

My voice bounded against the walls of the now quiet laboratory...

[dream-meister-translations]

RECITING WITH YOU IN THE GLOWING RED WORLD

"Sakura Spectrum: Welcoming Delegates from Afar" - PART 1

━

Following the riverbank adorned with cherry blossoms, we arrive at the viewing spot, where everyone who had arrived earlier welcomes us with smiles.

NATSUME SOUSEKI : Sorry to keep you all waiting~ I wanted to show up earlier, but my manuscript wasn't finished.

OMOIKANE : It's okay. We had things to finish up on our end too. 

ONO NO IMOKO : I heard you were busy setting up the venue. Thanks for your hard work. 

SERIZAWA KAMO : Alright. Now that everyone's here.

As we settle into our seats, cups are distributed.

SERIZAWA KAMO : Despite all the challenges we faced, let's appreciate the opportunity to drink under the cherry blossom trees once again this year.

EVERYONE : Cheers!

-

The banquet features a variety of dishes, including sake personally recommended by Kamo-san and delicacies from all over the world.

NATSUME SOUSEKI : Wow! It's an impressive spread. Makes it tough to figure out where to start~

AYUMI : Indeed. It all looks delicious. 

SERIZAWA KAMO : I had them brought in from my favorite restaurant. I can vouch for both the presentation and the taste.

SHIMA SAKON : In addition to Kamo-san's recommendation, Mitsukuni-san's taste test rated it four and a half stars!

TOKUGAWA MITSUKUNI : Almost a perfect five, and with the sake, it's definitely a five-star dish!

TAKASUGI SHINSAKU : Well, if YOU rate it so high then I'm eager to try it....Ah? It's true! This is amazing!

SERIZAWA KAMO : Told you so.

OMOIKANE : Shinsaku-kun, aren't you usually accustomed to more refined banquets in the Land of Elegance?

TAKASUGI SHINSAKU : Yeah. Banquets in the Land of Elegance are nice too. But, the cherry blossom viewing here is colorful and fun.

FUJIWARA NO MICHINAGA : Indeed. People from all walks of life, nobles and commoners alike, seem to be enjoying themselves. It creates a wonderful atmosphere.

NATSUME SOUSEKI : The free-spirited vibe is really nice~ While cherry blossoms are stunning wherever you encounter them, it's fascinating how the atmosphere varies across different regions.

ONO NO IMOKO : There are so many people gathered here today. Perhaps it's because the cherry blossom trees are all located in one place?

TAKASUGI SHINSAKU : Come to think of it, you're right. I never knew such a breathtaking place existed.

SERIZAWA KAMO : Yeah. It's what I like to call, a hidden gem.

TAKASUGI SHINSAKU : Why did we choose to hold it here, though? We usually have cherry blossom viewing in town, don't we?

At the question, Kamo-san raises his cup and takes a sip.

SERIZAWA KAMO : Actually, there were some unavoidable circumstances. 

Kamo-san proceeds to explain the unique circumstances surrounding this year's cherry blossom viewing to the newly arrived guests...

[dream-meister-translations]

RECITING WITH YOU IN THE GLOWING RED WORLD

INOU TADATAKA CHARACTER CARD #1

━

Stumbling upon a sacred object, I chanted the incantation, and a man with brown hair materialized before me. Tripping over his own feet and falling flat on his bottom.

??? : Ouch...

AYUMI : Oh my goodness! Are you alright!?

??? : Wait. Don't come any closer. To be precise, don't come within 125 centimeters of me.

(Well, that's oddly specific...)

As I hesitated, the man scrambled to retrieve a wheeled contraption.

??? : Damn it, it's 100% broken! It was almost finished...

AYUMI : What is that thing?

??? : It's a device used to measure distance. Can't you tell?

The man let out a frustrated sigh, pulling out what looked like measuring tape from his bag.

??? : I'll need to start over from scratch...Here, hold this for me.

AYUMI : Huh?

??? : Stay right there and don't move until I come back. Even if you so much as breathe too heavily, it won't work. 

Handing me what appeared to be the end of the measuring tape, the man dashed off into the distance.

AYUMI : But won't it take forever if you measure everything like this? It'll be dark soon...

It was several hours later, after being forcibly enlisted to help, that the man introduced himself as Inou Tadataka, a surveyor of the land.

[dream-meister-translations]

RECITING WITH YOU IN THE GLOWING RED WORLD

YAMAZAKI SUSUMU CHARACTER CARD #1

━

Under the crimson sky, the town was filled with the aroma of food, and I stood on the outskirts chanting an incantation to a sacred object. After I finished the incantation, a man with dark skin and hair materialized. 

AYUMI : Um...

??? : Who are you?

AYUMI : ..Ah!!

With lightning speed, the man drew his sword and pointed it at my throat.

??? : Answer my question. Who. Are. You?

AYUMI : I-I'm Ayumi!

Cautiously explaining my presence, I watched as the tension in the man's face gradually eased, and he returned his blade to its sheath.

??? : Apologies, I mistook you for a Shinsengumi spy...

AYUMI : It's alright. I was a bit surprised, but I'm not hurt.

The intensity in the man's gaze softened, replaced by a hint of regret.

AYUMI : May I know your name...?

His brow furrowed at my inquiry.

AYUMI : Ah... If you don't want to tell me, it's okay. I don't want to force you.

??? : Due to my line of work, I'm not to reveal my name...However, it would be impolite not to introduce myself to someone who has freed me from that prison. 

YAMAZAKI SUSUMU : I am Yamazaki Susumu of the Shinsengumi. Thanks to your assistance, I am still among the living. I am indebted to you.

From his pocket, Yamazaki-san produced a rice ball wrapped in bamboo leaves.

AYUMI : Is this...

YAMAZAKI SUSUMU : Are you unfamiliar with it? It's a rice ball. What's wrong...?

AYUMI : Oh, no, nothing. Thank you.

As I accepted the rice ball, Yamazaki-san nodded with satisfaction.

(Yamazaki-san seems to have a mysterious aura...)

As I held the rice ball, Yamazaki-san stared at me intently. Feeling somewhat uneasy, I took a bite of it...

[dream-meister-translations]

RECITING WITH YOU IN THE GLOWING RED WORLD

NATSUME SOUSEKI CHARACTER CARD #1

━

One afternoon, I decided to visit Souseki-san's grand mansion. While admiring the garden, a flurry of white papers descended from the sky, catching me by surprise.

AYUMI : What could these be?

Curious, I plucked one from the air and examined it closely.

(Manuscript pages? But why are they falling from the sky?)

Looking up to where they came from, I spotted Souseki-san standing on the rooftop.

AYUMI : Souseki-san, what are you doing up there!?

NATSUME SOUSEKI : As you can see~

(Does he expect me to understand...?)

With an exaggerated motion, Souseki-san flapped his arms like wings.

AYUMI : Are you pretending to be a bird?

NATSUME SOUSEKI : Close! I was trying to become a bird and fly into the sky!

(Become a bird... You mean he intended to jump?!)

A surge of panic washed over me, causing me to inadvertently crumple the manuscript paper in my hand.

AYUMI : Souseki-san, please get down from there! It's dangerous!

NATSUME SOUSEKI : Then, I'll flutter down to you like a bird~

AYUMI : No! Please use the ladder!

NATSUME SOUSEKI : Flap, flap, flap~

I felt a chill run down my spine as I anxiously awaited his descent.

-

Upon his safe return to solid ground, he presented me with the collected manuscript papers, smiling brightly.

NATSUME SOUSEKI : The manuscript papers dancing in the wind looked like beautiful white birds, didn't they?

AYUMI : ...I suppose so.

(I'm so shocked by what happened afterward, I can hardly remember...)

AYUMI : Why were you up there?

NATSUME SOUSEKI : I was writing about a cat, and then birds showed up.

AYUMI : So...You tried to become a bird?

NATSUME SOUSEKI : Yeah. But then, I got a stomachache.

As if on cue, his stomach rumbled loudly.

NATSUME SOUSEKI : Ah, it's time for some fried chicken. Then, back to writing~

AYUMI : W-Wait, Souseki-san.

Flapping his arms he headed back inside the mansion. 

(He really is a strange man...)