#My Translation

[blackened-angel]

Devil May Cry 3 manga translation

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Devil May Cry I've made my own translation with the purpose of clearing up misunderstanding that were caused by the official localization that took many liberties and also the fan-translation that has been around for a long time.

You can read both volumes only on Mangadex!

This was a project that took me a few months and unfortunately I wasn't able to finish it sooner due to circumstances.

I tried to stay faithful to the original text, within reason of course.

I also thought that it would be great to have a higher quality of the images because the scans of the fan-translation that has been around had some issues. Some text was difficult to read because some of the speech bubbles were too small, especially those that were near the spine of the book where the pages were bent.

So yeah, I hope you will enjoy my translation and hopefully it clears up some misunderstandings, especially if you read the Tokyopop localization...

Let me know your opinions!

[reccyls]

Victor's Main Route: Chapter 10 + Premium Story

< Previous Chapter | Masterlist | Next Chapter >

I had thought that seeing evil die would make me feel better. Instead, I felt a mix of both sadness and unease that came with death.

(Still, this was the obvious outcome.)

Death left the viscount’s body cold and empty. William looked at me.

William: We should leave now. His body will be collected soon.

I took his arm and we began walking.

William: You look down.

He seemed no different than normal. I whispered to him.

Kate: I know that the crimes he deserved what he got. But I still think that death is something sad… and frightening.

The faint tremors in my fingers were proof of my words.

Kate: I thought I’d feel relieved, but now I don’t know what I feel.

The viscount’s death wouldn’t bring back any of the people he had killed. I wonder if Victor and the others ever felt the same muddled emotions that I was now carrying. It was really sinking in now how different Crown’s lives were to my old one.

(But I made my choice.)

Death didn’t solve all problems. What was right and wrong could even vary from person to person. I was beginning to truly understand what that meant now.

William: This is why Victor didn’t want you to see this side of our missions. William: No matter how many times we pass our judgment, it doesn’t bring back the victims we were too late to save. And for every evil we exterminate, a new one is born. William: He probably thought there was no need for you to know how this feels, or to grow resigned to it.

Kate: …You’re probably right.

Helplessness and emptiness. The moment the viscount died was still crystal clear in my mind’s eye.

Kate: But if Crown didn’t exist, evil won’t just disappear on its own. Kate: Now I really understand how long the path ahead of you and the rest of Crown is.

(And Victor and Her Majesty are both also working hard to make their unreachable ideal a reality.) (And that means…)

Kate: I also need to work harder at what I can do. Kate: No matter how small the change, I believe that it has to be linked to the bigger picture. Things will change.

William’s eyes widened briefly, but he quickly smiled.

William: You truly are a woman of conviction.

His words brought back warmth to my chilled body.

-----

Attending Guard: Her Majesty Queen Victoria has arrived.

We returned to the ballroom just in time for the queen to make her appearance. The sound of heels clicking as their wearer descended the stairs echoed through the hall and everyone bowed their heads. The queen wore a pure white robe that covered her entire body, and her face was not visible.

(Huh?)

William: What is it?

Kate: I thought that the queen would have her aide nearby.

William: Ah. Yes, Victor is probably waiting somewhere. William: He’s ready to deal with any surprises before they become a threat to Her Majesty.

(So that’s also part of Victor’s duties as aide.)

I stared at Her Majesty.

(I’ve never seen her from this close before.)

I never would have thought that I’d ever be standing in the same room as her. But even from afar, her grace and sense of presence were enough to take your breath away. The queen murmured to the guard standing near her, before looking away. Just then–

Kate: What…?

Her gaze, hidden by her robe, locked onto me. I felt as if she smiled, just slightly.

Attending Guard: We are grateful for Her Majesty’s kindest words.

As I stood there dumbfounded, Her Majesty left the room.

William: What do you think of your first time seeing Her Majesty from this close?

Kate: She has a very strong presence.

Everything about her exuded poise and an aura of composure. She could be doing nothing but stand there, and every head in the room would turn her way.

Kate: It just feels so unreal that Her Majesty knows that I exist and has been so kind to me.

It was Her Majesty’s generosity, albeit indirectly, that let me stay as Crown’s guest.

(And Victor said that the queen told him to reward me for helping him with his work, too. And to give me days off.)

The queen had always been a distant figure in my imagination. Now it was easier to realize that she was a person just like I was.

William: Well then. Our mission is over, but it would be a shame to leave so early.

He suddenly took my hand and placed his lips to the tips of my fingers.

William: I feel like dancing tonight, to commemorate our robin taking one more step into our world. What do you think?

Though his words were fanciful, his smile was mesmerizing. I smiled back.

Kate: Of course, I’d–

Lady in a Yellow Dress: Look, it’s Lord Victor!

I instantly looked over. A flock of ladies hurried over to Victor, who had just entered the ballroom.

Lady in a Blue Dress: Lord Victor, would you dance with me?

Lady with Feathered Accessories: Me too!

I was startled at how quickly Victor was surrounded. Next to me, a woman laughed lightly.

Calm Lady: Oh my, popular as ever isn’t he.

Woman Holding a Fan: Indeed. Everyone is just dying to be his partner. He’s the queen’s aide, after all. Woman Holding a Fan: Everyone wants to live a dream, even if for just one night.

Despite the fact that I could stand with him, I always felt like Victor was holding himself at a distance with a smile.

(We truly live in different worlds.)

I knew that, and yet I couldn’t take my eyes off of Victor.

(I know more about Victor than they do, but still–)

He shone brighter than anyone else in the ballroom.

(I know how warm his hands can be, but even so–)

The thoughts that wouldn’t stop made my eyes sting.

(...Oh. Of course.)

I finally realized the source of the heaviness in my heart. The moment I caught sight of him, the world began to glow so brilliantly, but–

(I’m in love with Victor.)

–there was no place for this love to come true.

-----

When I was younger, I wanted to be a princess. The stories always began with ‘Once upon a time’, And the princesses and princes would always find each other in their ‘happily ever afters’. That was how all fairytales went. (Maybe someday, that’ll be me too.) As everyone cheered and celebrated, I’d reach my happily ever after with my beloved.

(How should I act now?)

It was the morning after I realized I was in love with Victor, and I was pacing up and down the hallways.

???: What are you doing?

I snapped back to reality and realized that Ring was standing next to me.

Ring: You were just walking here over and over again. I got curious.

Kate: Um…

I was thinking about something. (+4/+4)

I was feeling a bit sick…

It’s nothing.

Kate: I was just thinking about something…

Ring: Oh, okay. Ring: I… No, nevermind.

Ring cleared his throat and looked back at me seriously.

Kate: …I don’t think you’ll get any important information no matter how much you spy on me.

Ring: …Huh?

Kate: I really don’t know anything. Kate: …So why did I have to realize that now?

The more I thought about it, the sadder I felt. My gaze dropped.

Ring: Uh, are you… I mean… Do you, uh…

Seeing how depressed I was seemed to fluster Ring, who began to panic and try to comfort me.

Ring: I, um, don’t really know much about you, but I think you’re trying your best.

Kate: …Thanks.

I couldn’t stop thinking about Victor, surrounded by all those women. It just served to remind me that we lived in different worlds, and that there wasn’t any place for my feelings in his world.

(Why couldn’t I have just stayed oblivious?)

If I hadn’t realized my feelings, then I could cleanly finish my duties as Fairytale Keeper and gone back to my old life.

Ring: …Are you really okay?

I looked up to see Ring looking worriedly at me.

Kate: …Probably.

Ring: Um. If there’s anything I can do…

(He looks kind of intimidating, but he seems like a nice person.)

I didn’t think he was faking his concern.

Kate: Thank you, Ring. If there’s anything I can do for you too, let me know. Kate: I don’t know if I can be of much help, but I’ll always be willing to listen.

I felt a little bit better now, not so stuck in a spiral of negative thoughts.

(There’s no point in hesitating here.)

Kate: Once it’s over, please tell me everything you’re hiding.

(Maybe he’ll tell me more now that I’ve witnessed the viscount’s death.)

Before I twisted myself into knots about my recently-discovered feelings, I had to learn more about him like I set out to do originally.

(I never thought that I’d fall in love along the way…)

Before I knew it, my every thought was filled with him. But regardless of that, there was only one thing that I could do, that I’d been doing all along.

(I have to see him.)

Every time I felt awkward or unsure, being with Victor would make all those feelings disappear. The world was brighter in his presence. I nodded to Ring and was about to walk past him, but– –before I could start walking, Ring reached out to grab my arm.

Kate: What’s the matter?

Ring: …You said earlier that you could listen if I had something I needed help with.

Kate: Oh, is something wrong?

Ring: I don’t know.

Kate: What was that?

Ring: I don’t know how to get back to my room.

..

Ring: Thank you so much.

Kate: Don’t mention it!

Ring had gotten lost, so I led him back towards the rooms that were prepared for Vogel.

Kate: The palace is really big so it’s easy to get lost.

Ring: Do you get lost too?

Kate: I’ve gotten more used to the palace recently, but there’s still a lot of places I don’t know.

Ring looked slightly more relieved at my words.

Kate: I’ll be going now. Bye.

Kate: Yeah… bye.

…

Ring: …

As Ring watched Kate disappear down the corridor, his twin called out to him from behind.

???: Did you get lost again, Ring?

Ring: …Nica.

Nica looked amused as he pointed at the direction Kate left in.

Nica: You two looked friendly, how sweet. I’d like to get along better with her too.

Ring: …We were… friendly?

Nica threw his arm around Ring’s shoulder as Ring’s expression softened just a little.

Nica: But don’t forget. Nica: We’re observing her on Dari’s orders.

He cast his predator’s gaze down the corridor.

Ring: …I know.

He turned and walked into his room, and Nica began humming as he watched Ring leave.

Nica: The little robin is the one who may know the grim reaper’s true form, after all.

There was no one else around to hear his whisper, and his words vanished into thin air.

-----

Nervousness. Anticipation. My heart was racing, and my pulse was thunderous as I stood in front of the door to Victor’s office. I took a deep breath to steady myself. The sound of my knock on the door was like a bullet.

Kate: Good morning, Victor.

There was no reply from within. Only silence.

I knocked once again, but again, I got no response. When I tried the handle, I discovered that the door was locked.

(He’s normally in the office around this time.)

I waited for a minute, but still nothing happened. He really wasn’t in.

(What do I do now?)

I didn’t have any work to do, so I spent some time wondering if there was anything else I could do.

(Oh, right!)

Victor had once mentioned that the palace had a library. I decided to go check it out.

(I’ll spend an hour or so there, and then come back.)

…Or so I thought.

Kate: …This is bad.

I found myself alone in an unfamiliar hallway.

(Was it this way? Or that way?)

I thought I knew where the library was, but evidently, I was mistaken. The library continued to remain elusive. And there wasn’t even anyone around I could ask for directions. At a loss, I looked out the window. I could look out over the beautiful palace gardens.

(Even if I tried to retrace my steps, I don’t know if I’d be going in the right direction.)

I walked myself here, but I had absolutely no recollection of this part of the palace. I was beginning to lose faith in my sense of direction. I was completely, totally, lost.

(I should see if I can find someone.)

Even if I went the wrong way, as long as I found someone, I could ask for directions. With that in mind, I began walking. Soon enough, I began to hear voices.

(I’m saved!)

Just as I was about to begin running in the direction of the voices–

Suspicious Man: Up here, hurry!

(Huh?)

My breath caught as I saw a group of masked people soundlessly climb in through the window. I jammed myself into a dark corner and watched as the group gripped their guns and made signals to each other.

Leader-like Man: The audience chamber is that way. Hurry up. Leader-like Man: For the sake of the country, the queen must die.

(What!?)

Moving in formation, the group of masked people quickly departed. When their voices faded away, I dared to peek out again and saw the last of them disappear around a corner.

(I need to tell someone.)

I frantically looked left and right, but the corridor remained empty. The group must have known that there wouldn’t be anyone, and so they chose to sneak into the palace here.

(What if I yell… No, they’ll find me first.)

If I tried to find Crown, they might succeed in assassinating the queen in the meantime.

Kate: …I have to go.

There was only so much I could do.

(If I had known this was going to happen, I would have borrowed a gun…)

I could regret things and wished to turn back time all I wanted. I had to move either way.

(I have to save the queen.)

I could not let the nation’s light die. I followed after the masked group, and found them standing in front of a door.

(Where are the guards?)

There should have been guards stationed in front of the audience chamber, but there was no one there. The intruders burst into the room.

Kate: No!

My outstretched hand brushed against the door to the chamber. And then–

Queen Victoria: Well, well, well. Some republican rats have snuck in, I see.

The queen stood alone in the middle of the audience chamber. Her voice was cold and deeper than I expected. It took my breath away to hear her speak for the first time.

Leader-like Man: For this country to change, you must die!

In unison, the intruders raised their guns and aimed at the queen.

Kate: Watch out!

I barely had time to take a single step into the chamber when– The queen threw up her hand to stop me.

(What is she-?)

Leader-like Man: Fire!

As their fingers were squeezing the triggers, A deep voice rang clearly throughout the audience chamber.

Queen Victoria: By order of the king–

The queen cast aside her robe.

Kate: …Wh… what…?

The person hidden beneath those thick robes… …was Victor.

Victor: –Pledge your loyalty to my evil.

The intruders immediately dropped their guns as their hands reached for their own necks. They wrapped their hands around their necks hard enough to leave bruises, with joyful expressions on their faces. Just like that night.

Leader-like Man: So the rumors were true.

One by one the intruders fell to the floor with smiles of rhapsody on their faces, until the last of them standing began to laugh.

Leader-like Man: The queen is a man!

He collapsed on the spot. Victor stood alone in the center of a ring of blissful corpses.

Kate: N-no way…

My lip trembled. Ever so slowly, Victor turned to face me. With a sorrowful smile on his face, he opened his mouth. Although I could not hear what he said, I knew exactly what he was saying.

Victor: “You caught me.”

My mind went blank. I couldn’t support myself longer and I slumped against the door as my feet gave out. My vision began to blur and my heart raced out of control. Just before I passed out, I could hear a voice so quiet I questioned whether it was even real.

Victor: …I’m sorry.

He sounded like he was holding back tears.

Premium Story: Even After 5 Million Years

The day after Victor bought me the music box,

Victor: Oh, that’s right. Her Majesty has left you a present.

After work, Victor handed me a box. Inside was a beautiful opal brooch.

Kate: It’s beautiful… But, you already got me that music box yesterday?

Victor: I believe Her Majesty also wanted you to be able to choose something for yourself in addition to this.

I hesitated, wondering whether I should refuse it. But it was from the queen herself.

Victor: Opals are Her Majesty’s favorite gem, you know.

Kate: Thank you. I’ll treasure it.

Seeing that I had chosen to accept the brooch, Victor beamed.

Victor: Wonderful. And I was just thinking, now that we’re done with work for the day… Victor: Why don’t we take the chance to have dinner together?

He extended his hand in invitation with a wink, and I couldn’t stop myself from beaming in delight.

Kate: I’d love to.

…

A few hours later, I had changed into a dress and the two of us were in a restaurant overlooking the ocean.

Victor: This is one of the few restaurants in London that specialize in seafood.

The interior of the restaurant was dimly lit, and everyone’s gaze was focused on the sea. I was among them, enthralled by how the silver moonlight illuminated the rolling waves. A light chuckle drifted to my ears. When I looked over, Victor had a gentle smile on his face.

Victor: I’m glad you like it. Victor: This is the first time I’ve brought someone here, actually.

Kate: Really?

Victor: This is a special place, so I’d been saving it for a special person.

I knew he didn’t mean anything serious. But my heart was easy to please, and his words caused it to go into overdrive as my face flushed with joy.

Victor: By the way, you look stunning today. Victor: Not to brag, but I’ve something of an eye for fashion.

He sounded very proud. I gave myself another look-over.

The outfit I was wearing now was something Victor had ordered for me yesterday.

(He was definitely buying too much so I had to stop him. But I’m glad I got this.)

The dress had delicate embroidery and gorgeous lace detailing.  And since today was a special occasion, I picked out a pair of shoes that would match the opal brooch.

Victor: Your usual self is adorable, but when you’re dressed up, you’re absolutely lovely.

Kate: Stop, that’s too much…

Victor: To not tell a beauty of how stunning they are is the ruin of any man.

A charming smile drifted to Victor’s lips as he pressed a kiss to my fingers.

Victor: I’ll say it as many times as I need to. Victor: You are beautiful, Kate.

He kissed my fingers again. My heart swelled with joy, bashfulness, and how captivated I was by Victor. I smiled too.

Kate: Thank you. You’re very handsome too, Victor.

Victor: I’m honored to hear that. It was worth the effort to dress up.

(Even if he didn’t, he’s always handsome.)

Classical music played softly in the air, as our fancy meals were brought over. Victor appeared to sense my sudden nervousness, and spoke kindly.

Victor: It’s all right, you don’t have to worry about manners. Eat however you like.

Kate: No, I don’t want to embarrass you.

Victor: There’s absolutely nothing you could do that would embarrass me.

Kate: There’s a first time for everything, you know?

Victor: Haha, if that happens then today will be a day I will never forget.

Victor: In a good way, of course.

…

Kate: It was delicious…

My heart and my stomach were both satisfied, and we were now having some tea as a palate cleanser.

Victor: I didn’t think you’d enjoy it this much. Victor: Seeing you happy makes me happy as well. Thank you, Kate.

The lights reflecting off the opal brooch pinned to my chest scattered against the surface of the teacup. I remembered what Victor said about the brooch earlier.

Kate: By the way, why does Her Majesty like opals?

I ran my finger across the jewel, and Victor laughed softly.

Victor: It’s said that it takes five million years for an opal to form.

Kate: Five million!?

I couldn’t hide my surprise. That was an unimaginable amount of time. He crossed his arms on the table and looked out over the sea.

Victor: Things like simple wood or bones can, slowly over time, become incredible jewels. Victor: Her Majesty hopes that she can continue to reign over a country where the sun never sets. Victor: Perhaps she loves opals because they represent her desire to create such a country, from bone to jewel.

I touched the jewel again. Seeing how it shone, I smiled.

Kate: I feel like I understand her reasons.

From an opal’s perspective, a person’s life must pass by in a flash. However, just like Crown’s guiding principle is to erase evil from the country, People’s hopes and feelings can continue to exist after they die, if there is someone to carry them on.

Kate: No matter how much time passes, and even if everyone who remembers us no longer exists, Kate: I hope that our wishes and prayers  will continue to remain long into the future. Kate: If they could turn into a shining light like this opal… Kate: …I think that would be the happiest thing I could imagine.

Even after I died, I hoped that proof that I existed would remain in the world.

Kate: If someone’s bones became a gem after they died, that means they never fully disappeared from the world, right?

Those bones, full of love, joy, and all the emotions they have ever experienced could shine on like a jewel after five million years.

Kate: That’s a happy ending, isn’t it?

For some reason, Victor’s smile as he looked at me was melancholic.

Victor: What will England be like, when we become opals? Victor: Will it be a land where all evil had vanished, all people were equal, and able to live in happiness for all their lives?

I took his hand in mine.

Kate: It will be. I’m sure of it.

At that time, I was unaware. I had no idea of how heavy the prayer hidden in his words were.

-----

My eyes flew open, and I found myself staring at the familiar ceiling of my bedroom. My music box and opal brooch lay on the bedside table. They caught the morning light and glittered beautifully.

(...Ah. Right.)

Now I understood the weight of his words back then. A tear ran down my cheek. It slid down, dripping onto the white bedsheets. I couldn’t help the hurt and the sorrow I now felt, Because I had fallen in love with him.

Kate: …Victor.

Just saying his name drew more tears out of me. Through the gaps of my fingers, I could see the opal glimmer. Victor was kind, capable, and collected. He was the queen’s aide. Crown’s leader. The reaper of the palace. The man I loved. Cursed. Her Majesty, the Queen.

[mournfulroses]

Albert Camus, from a letter to María Casares featured in Correspondance, 1944-1959 (my translation)

[pocketseizure]

Designer's Note: Even though she still retains traces of girlishness (like keeping sand seal plushies in her room), we aimed for Riju's design to emphasize her elegant strength and refinement as a more mature leader of the Gerudo.

Other members of the dev staff asked why Riju cut her hair. The reason is that we wanted to establish Riju as a "cool beauty" who's somewhat removed from the rest of the Gerudo, who are often concerned with everyday matters of fashion and romance. We also wanted to facilitate her style of swordsmanship, in which she wields twin blades in a graceful dance. We imagine Riju as being the type of person who wouldn't hesitate to cut her hair if it became a hindrance in battle.

[cubedmango]

「安達が魔法使いにならなかった世界線の話」 + 「もしもの話」 — english translation

[yamsdiary]

'Darn Abalone' by Oh Aesun from Class 3-8

[translated by me]

Day after day, abalone, abalone. Even as typhoons rage, it's abalone, abalone. More cherished than her own daughter, still abalone, abalone.

When she dives below, shouldn't she surface soon? Why then does silence stretch, leaving no news? Is it because the abalone hides, refusing to come forth, or because her breath falter, holding her under the sea?

Her dear child’s heart burns with worry as that darn abalone scorches Mother from within.

A hundred hwan earned by selling abalone. I would pay them to buy a single day’s rest for my mother.

My mother, with her aching back, my mother, coughing and weary. If only, for a hundred hwan each day I could let my mother take a rest.

"Then grow up fast. Grow up fast, and give me a hundred hwan every day."

ㅡ

OH AE SUN, When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025) EP01

[taintedcamellia]

(SenGen R18) Marry me!! (Translation)

Marry me!! by Kawara (Empty).

New collab with Chas. We hope you enjoy it!

Read Online

[mirai-e-jump]

Uchusen Vol.186 (Autumn 2024) Kamen Rider Gavv | Detail of Heroes ft. Main Cast Interviews (other pages and translations below)

Publication: October 1, 2024 (between episode 5-6)

Chinen Hidekazu (Shouma)

"Which shows from the Kamen Rider series have you seen?"

Chinen: From my generation, I watched "Kamen Rider W," "OOO," "Fourze," and "Wizard." I've been watching "Kamen Rider Zero-One," a masterpiece by Director Sugihara, who also directed the pilot of Gavv, and recently I watched "Kamen Rider Den-O" for the sake of studying.

"Who would your all time favorite Rider be?"

Chinen: Including OOO, I like alot of them, but lately I've been particularly fond of Den-O. It was really amazing to see each of the Imagin's personalities being performed by Satoh Takeru-san, the lead actor. The theme song is good too. I listen to the OP every episode without skipping it.

"Please tell us about the time of your audition for Gavv."

Chinen: We were put into pairs, one would play a role reminiscent of the food lover Shouma, and the other played a cool role similar to Hanto. During the first audition, I made a mistake. When I was supposed to do a performance where I entered the room from outside, I mistook the door for an outward opening one instead of an inward one, so I kept trying to pull it when I should've been pushing, and it ended up making alot of noise. I also heard the Producers laughing because I was having trouble getting in, but when I finally did, I continued the performance as if nothing had happened. Thinking about it now……I guess maybe that feeling of disconnect was also linked to Shouma's.

"We're sure you must've been quite flustered at that time"

Chinen: I was really flustered because of that (laughs). I was panicking quite abit because it wasn't an act, I really made a mistake. Still, I thought, "I've come this far, so let's do this!," so it might've been a good thing that I was able to accept it and give an earnest performance.

"How were you informed that you had been chosen?

Chinen: One day, my manager called me and said, "I need you to come to the office after work." I went to the office thinking, "Maybe they're upset at me for failing something?," but they said, "We have a report. We're disappointed to tell you that the final audition for Kamen Rider is no longer available." I was frustrated because I thought I had been rejected, but I still said, "I understand, I'll do my best next time." At that exact moment, the staff came through the door and shot off party poppers. That's when I asked my manager, "This isn't a dream, is it?" I pinched myself just to be sure (laughs). Even though it hurt, I couldn't believe it, and when I finally became aware of it, I felt like, "I'm the happiest guy in the world right now!"

"How did you inform your family?"

Chinen: I immediately called my mother about it. She said, "Hide, will you be okay with having the lead role?" Ever since I was little, I always said I wanted to one day play the main character in Kamen Rider. Both my mother and father supported this dream and saw me off to Tokyo. However, I really didn't think it would come true, and I think I was more worried about whether I'd be able to play the main character in such a big title before I was happy.

"Please tell us your impressions when you learned that Gavv was a Kamen Rider with a sweets motif."

Chinen: I received the proposal at the same time I was chosen to play the lead role, so that was the first time I learned about it. My first thoughts were, "A sweets Kamen Rider?" and "What will the gummies be like?" I didn't immediately understand the concept. It was the same kind of impact I felt when I first saw the orange and armor motif of "Kamen Rider Gaim." Still, when I read the proposal, it was very original and interesting. I could really feel the passion of the creators in wanting to create such a hero needed in the era we live in. I thought, "I want to be that kind of hero, and I also want to do my best!" I was impressed by the way the Rider's design incorporated gummies and potato chips, and I thought, "The person who thought this up is a genius."

"What's your absolute favorite form?"

Chinen: As of right now, it's Zakuzaku Chips. I'm a big fan of dual wielding swords, as I often use dual wielding characters in games. Also, I like the jagged potato chips on its eyes. From a distance, doesn't it look like Kamen Rider OOO? I like that about it too.

"Due to the complicated background of the character, we feel that Shouma, who you're playing, requires difficult performances. What kind of orders did the Director give you?"

Chinen: Director Sugihara said, "While he is a young man, I want him to retain a part of his innocence," and that, "He's friendly, but there seems to be a wall between his heart." He said, "He has a bright side and a dark side that he doesn't show others. I hope you can show us how well you can switch between those two personalities."

"Shouma's upbringing is one thing, but it's also cruel that the enemies he's fighting against are his family."

Chinen: Yeah, I personally think it's so cruel, that I pity Shouma. It's a harsh story for a show that's meant for small children to watch. I personally feel like it's mentally draining to play the role of blood related brothers fighting against each other as enemies. What's more, there's no escape from that fate. However, while the story and Shouma's circumstances are hard, the eating of sweets and poppin scenes help soften the situation. The gap between those scenes gives more depth to the hard story. I also try to be conscious of this when I act differently.

"It seems to strike a good balance between the poppin imagery and the hard content."

Chinen: Some fans predicted, "Is it going to be a show like Gaim?," when they saw the official announcement before the show aired. Kamen Rider productions that start out appealing to the "pop" part tend to have harsher developments (laughs). I myself don't want it to be too serious, so through trial and error, I'm still trying to figure out how to make the "pop" in Gavv stand out.

"The role sounds like a pretty high hurdle to clear."

Chinen: Still, I think it was the same for my seniors who performed in previous Riders. I believe that it's Kamen Riders who overcome their troubles, conflicts, and ordeals.

"How was filming for the transformation pose?"

Chinen: The pose was decided on three or four days before we started filming. We agreed on it through discussions among myself, Action Director Fujita-san, and Director Sugihara. In the first episode, there was no proper pose, as the transformation was done during a pinch, so the pose wasn't done until episode 2, but the transformation scene in the first episode was also very cool. Shouma's body slowly changes, and at the end, we get a closeup of his face and Gavv's mask, but he doesn't change all at once, leaving the eyes unchanged. It was very cool, and I was trembling by the way they showed the expression in my eyes until the very end! This is a special version that's only found in the first episode, so I hope you'll watch it again.

"We think that there'll also be action scenes before the transformation, but what about you?"

Chinen: The action is alot of fun……that being said though, I struggle with it quite abit. Action isn't just about being good at punching and kicking. I have to make the action visually appealing. Despite all that, I of course have to put my feelings into it. Fujita-san was by my side the whole time, and Gavv's Suit Actor Nawata Yuya-san was also always near the cameras, and he was very helpful and gave me advice like, "You did it this way before, but why don't you try it this way?" Also, I practice kyokushin karate, so that might be why I was praised for my kicks. So, when it came to direction, we also had an increase in kicking scenes. Over the next year, I'd like to improve my action skills more.

"How was post recording?"

Chinen: It was my first time, so it was much more difficult than filming. Director Sugihara spent alot of time with me for episodes 1 and 2 in particular, since they're the ones the viewers would see for the first time. After that, Director Sugihara gave me some advice. Shouts like "Hah!" and "Tah!" tend to become monotonous as it goes on, so he said, "I want to see some variation." He recommended the game "Street Fighter" as a good reference. I wrote down the shouts I thought were good in a memo and did them my own way. Naturally, I also referred to the shouts of my senior Riders.

"What's been your most passionate scene so far?"

Chinen: It would have to be the transformation scene in the first episode. Until then, the wind had been blowing so strongly, that it was like a cloud of dust, but it stopped right as it came time to do my performance. Thanks to this, we were able to shoot the cut where the wind makes Shouma's hair rise up and reveals his eyes. I also talked with Director Sugihara about it, saying, "It's a scene where the wind was on our side."

"How's the teamwork with your costars, Hino Yusuke-san and Miyabe Nozomi-san?"

Chinen: Both of them are usually friendly, but when they get in front of the cameras, they quickly switch into their roles. They're the type of people who can clearly switch on and off. Not just for Shouma, they're also my own reassuring friends.

"We were told that among the three of you, Chinen-san's plays the role of the funny guy, while Hino-san's the straight man."

Chinen: Sometimes I'll derail the conversation or make bombshell statements (laughs). Each time, Hino-san puts us back on the right track. Miyabe-san watches from a slightly removed position, but will sometimes react.

"By the way, Chinen-san, what's your favorite sweet?"

Chinen: It's gummies, naturally! However, since I'm from Okinawa, I'd also like to promote "chinsukou" and "sata andagi" (laughs).

"We'd also love to see those two appear as Gochizou."

Chinen: Will they appear?! It seems like they'd be limited to Okinawa. Of course, I'd be happy if they come out, but for now I'll just hope for it within my heart.

"Finally, please give a message directed to all the fans of Gavv."

Chinen: The story of Kamen Rider Gavv began with a young man coming from another world to the human world. I hope that you'll pay attention to how Shouma meets unique friends in the human world and grows. Especially the bond he has with his mother, family bonds is one of the themes, so if possible, I'd like you to watch it with your loved ones. If you watch it, you'll definitely want to show your love and respect to your parents. I'd like to make this a show that you can support throughout the year. I hope you'll pay attention to and enjoy the activities of not only our cast, but also the Gochizou. I look forward to your support throughout the next year!

Hino Yusuke (Hanto)

"Have you watched the Kamen Rider series?"

Hino: I have an older brother, so we had alot of transformation belts from "Kamen Rider Kuuga" and other early Heisei series at home. In terms of my generation though, it would've been "Kamen Rider Den-O." After that, I watched "Kamen Rider Kiva" and "Kamen Rider Decade."

"Who's your all time favorite Rider?"

Hino: I watched it with enthusiasm, so it'd have to be Den-O. When I was in elementary school, I commuted to school by train and was once stopped by a station attendant when I tried to walk through the ticket gate with the pass for the transformation belt (laughs).

"Did you play the role of Hanto during the audition?"

Hino: I also played the role of who I later found out was the main character, but in the end, I was frequently assigned the role of Hanto. Still, I thought his character had a cool position when they explained him to me, so I wasn't sure if he'd fit with my everyday self.

"How was it when you learned that you had been chosen?"

Hino: I was shocked because I wasn't expecting to be picked. The way my agency informed me also startled me abit. I was so happy and shocked, that I was in a state where I couldn't think straight for about five minutes.

"Did you contact your family right away?"

Hino: I was told it was okay to contact my parents as soon as I could. My mother cried and was delighted. Hearing my mother's tearful voice on the other end of the phone caused me to cry as well. My father never seemed very interested in my work, but when I told him that I had passed the audition, he exclaimed "seriously?!" in the loudest voice I had ever heard (laughs). It made me really happy when I heard that. My father's always worrying about me. I started this work when I was in high school, but was told, "You're a student, so your priority is your studies and to then go to college." However, my work became so busy, that it became difficult for me to attend college, and my parents were constantly worried about me. That's why I think I was finally able to reassure them by passing this audition, and it's a new starting point for me as well. In this day and age, TV dramas that run for a year are rare, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate in one, and I'll do my best this year without forgetting to keep my mind fresh.

"What was your first impression when you read the script?"

Hino: When I first heard about the motif, I thought, "What would a sweets Rider be like?" I think everyone's first guess would be a poppin, cute hero. So, while yes, the designs give off a cool, cute and modern feel, the story is very dramatic. The lives of Shouma and Hanto, who I play, will gradually overlap, and many other appealing characters appear, which always makes me wonder what will happen next. I myself look forward to the next script whenever I receive one. How will Hanto become a Kamen Rider, and how will he relate to Shouma after becoming one? I hope that you'll look forward to that.

"Did the Director give you any orders regarding your performance?"

Hino: I was told, "It's good to be more flexible." There's the way he approaches people with his fake smile when he's a freelance writer, and his "I'll crush you" anger when he confronts a Granute. It didn't matter what others would think, he told me, "I'd rather you vary his strengths and weaknesses so that he looks like a different person." At first, I thought Hanto was a cool character. It certainly looks that way when compared to Shouma and Sachika, but there are surprisingly few scenes resembling that in the show, it's more like he's clumsy around people. The Director raised the mood of my first appearance scene, up to the point where it felt like a silly older brother had appeared. That part changed the impression I had when I first received the script considerably.

"We have the impression that freelance writers are prone to being disliked, as they're always snooping around and are persistent in pestering the main character."

Hino: While I can't speak for myself, Hanto himself is a character who's teased during the show, so he's the most lovable character. He acts with conviction, and I think that's what makes him so cool, but he sometimes ends up getting nowhere, so he gets teased. And yet, when he's teased, he'll get angry and say, "Don't screw with me!," but he doesn't deny it (laughs). The reason Hanto's slowly becoming more like that may be due to the fact that my own character is starting to come out. In this sense, I feel that the synchronization with the role has risen. This way, Hanto's character has a wide range, so I'm able to play him rather freely.

"After this, Hanto reaches a major turning point when he becomes a Kamen Rider, so did you switch up your performance there?"

Hino: For Hanto, it's not so much a situation where his fate has taken a turn for the worse, it's more like his connection from the past has further unfolded. That's why rather than switching between before and after he becomes a Kamen Rider, I tried to separate his role as a freelance writer from his desire for revenge against the Granutes. To tell you the truth, after I learned about Hanto's early life, I tried to avoid "seeing" his family as much as possible in order to understand his loneliness alittle better. That's why when he confronts the Granutes, I think his eyes are pretty much burning with anger. It is of big help for him that he's surrounded by cheerful characters like the Gochizou and Sachika.

"How was the first transformation scene?"

Hino: Before his first transformation, another major event happens to Hanto which leads to him becoming a Kamen Rider. With the power he's acquired for the first time, Hanto's first transformation is a scene where he shows the anger and hatred he's been holding onto for such a long time towards the Granute. Trying to convey those emotions through my performance was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I think that Valen's transformation itself was also unrefined, unlike the image of a perfect hero with overwhelming strength. Still, he's unrefined but works as hard as he can, so I'd be happy if everyone who watches the show can feel that there's a cool feel to him. In a scene where "tears" are an important point in the direction, I was so emotional, that tears genuinely ran down my face as well. I still remember this because it was a moment when my emotions and my performance matched up.

"As Hanto, did you feel like he reached the climax from the earliest stage?"

Hino: No, no! This isn't the end of his story! (laughs). I'm sure there'll be many more climaxes from now on, and I'm personally looking forward to them.

"What did you think of Kamen Rider Valen's design?"

Hino: There was more chocolate than I expected (laughs). Despite that, it's cool. I also like that Valen is a "helmet type," while Gavv is a "mask type."

"By the way, Hino-san, what's your favorite sweet?"

Hino: Chocolate of course!

"Do you have a favorite secondary Rider from previous Riders?"

Hino: It's Kamen Rider Zeronos from Den-O. I love his "I'm pretty strong!" catchphrase! In terms of actors, I like Yoshizawa Ryo-san, who played Kamen Rider Meteor in "Kamen Rider Fourze." When you're that cool at giving a performance, you can't be beat. Director Kamihoriuchi previously told me that when Yoshizawa-san was told to "do something like this," he instantly made it his own performance instead of following instructions. He also said, "His ability to adapt was exceptional." It made me want to be an actor like him. He's a respectable person.

"We'd like to see a catchphrase from Valen as well."

Hino: Yeah. He currently doesn't have any lines that he's always saying, but I'll try to bring out Hanto's human appeal while standing beside Shouma, the hero from another world.

"Do you want to film some action of yourself before transforming?"

Hino: Action is fun! I do voluntary training on a daily basis together with Valen's Suit Actor Kaji Kotaro-san, Gavv's Nawata Yuya-san, and everyone else on the Action Team. The day before an action scene is set to be filmed, they would assist me in practicing for it. With the exception of impossible scenes, I've been challenging myself to not use a stand in.

"How's the teamwork with your co stars, Chinen-san and Miyabe-san?"

Hino: We get along very well. They're both really adorable, but they're professional actors who are reliable on set. In a good way, we're rivals and friends. I hope I can build a better relationship with them from now on.

"Not long ago you said, "It might be his own fault that Hanto's become a character who's teased," but is Hino-san himself a character who's being teased?"

Hino: Basically, I play the role of responding to Chinen-kun's jokes (laughs). However, including Miyabe-san, when the three of us are together, I sometimes play the role of a fool, and will often be the one saying, "Hey, cut it out~." That's the way things usually go. Just so you're aware, I am the oldest (laughs).

"And now finally, please give a message to all fans of Gavv."

Hino: For me, Kamen Riders are the heroes I've dreamed of being since I was a child, so I'm very happy that I'm able to be involved in this historic series. Over the next year, I'll do my best to meet and exceed everyone's expectations with sincerity, and without forgetting my original intention. I look forward to your support!

Miyabe Nozomi (Sachika)

"First, please tell us about the time of your audition for Gavv."

Miyabe: I'll be honest, the audition was a disaster. The audition script contained several assignments, each being individually numbered. At that time, act 2 was a fainting performance and act 3 was a conversation between two people, and even though I thought, "I absolutely have to pass!," I was so incredibly nervous, that I ended up doing a fainting performance for act 3. The other actor spoke to me according to the script, and that's when I realized, "This is wrong!," but it was too late. The final audition didn't go well either. The Director told me, "Act like an aunt from Osaka," but I wasn't confident that I could pull it off, and that's when I became depressed and thought, "This is a lost cause." In spite of all that, I was surprised that I was chosen.

"How did you receive the report that you had been chosen?"

Miyabe: After the audition, my manager called me to come to Ginza. As I headed there and thought, "I wonder if they're upset about something?," they messaged me with, "Take a selfie with your phone." I didn't understand what they meant and was like, "Eh? Did I gain weight or something?" but then I got a message saying, "You passed the audition." It seems that the selfie was to document me going from freaked out to smiling. I had never been so emotionally moved as I was at that moment. This video captures a memorable moment in time, so I hope to be able to release it in some form someday (laughs).

"Have you watched the Kamen Rider series?"

Miyabe: I have a younger brother who's eight years younger than me, so we watched "Kamen Rider Drive," "Ghost," and "Ex-Aid" together. After I passed the audition, I watched "Kamen Rider Gotchard" in order to study.

"We're sure your brother was happy to know that his sister was going to play a role in Kamen Rider."

Miyabe: I still haven't told my brother yet (at the time of this interview). I was given the okay to talk to them about it, so I did contact my parents right away. I plan on surprising my brother by not telling him until the official announcement.

"What were your impressions of Gavv from reading the script?"

Miyabe: Each and every character has a story to tell, so I thought it was a production that'll keep you interested even early on. That's why I can never wait for the next script. I'm sure all the viewers feel the same way.

"Did the Director give you any orders regarding your role?"

Miyabe: Along with Shouma's Chinen-kun, Director Sugihara gave us acting lessons even before filming began. Each time, I was told, "Cheerful, cheerful." It was required at the auditions, so I always try to have the cheerfulness of an Osakan aunt and the kindness that seems to embrace everyone. Sachika is a gyaru president, but I've personally lived a life with no connection to gyarus. I also wasn't the type to stand out in class. That's why after I was chosen for this role, I learned to be more like a gyaru by listening to songs with a cheerful tempo, reading gyaru magazines, and watching official Youtube channels and TikToks.

"What does Miyabe-san think a gyarus mind is?"

Miyabe: I wonder…….No matter how difficult a situation may be, you can always think, "Well, I'll figure it out!," and in a positive sense, I think it's important not to "overthink" things. A friend of mine often says, "Keep a gyaru in your heart,” and I thought it was a very good saying. Thanks to those words, I'm now able to have a gyaru named Amane Sachika reside in my heart.

"Playing the role of Amane Sachika is also a "transformation" for Miyabe-san."

Miyabe: You're right! There's quite a gap between myself and Sachika, so I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that it's a transformation for me. I've never played a role so different from my own self before, so it's fun (laughs). It's not just acting that I enjoy, but also doing alot of research for the role.

"Did you also make your hair blonde for the role of Sachika?"

Miyabe: I did. I've always had black hair, but I bleached it three times to make it blonde. At first, every time I looked in the mirror, I was like, "Who are you?" (laughs). Still, once I got used to looking at it, I started to see myself in photos as a different person from who I used to see when I had black hair. Sachika also wears heavy makeup, so you might not even notice me when I walk down the street during my private time. That's why I'm thinking of wearing colored contacts and false eyelashes in my private time so people will notice me (laughs).

"Sachika isn't a fighter, but are there any plans for action scenes?"

Miyabe: There are no particular scenes set for me, but I was once allowed to participate in an action session. I didn't do very well at the time, but I'd be happy if they could prepare some action scenes for Sachika too! Since I went through great lengths to appear in Kamen Rider, I'd like to try my hand at action.

"Would you like to transform into a Kamen Rider like Shouma and Hanto?"

Miyabe: I'd like to do that too! Recent series always have female Kamen Riders, and my dream is to be one of them. However, Sachika's a woman with a strong heart, so even if she can't transform, I'd like to use the strength of her feelings as her "weapon."

"Miyabe-san, which Rider do you like more, Gavv or Valen?"

Miyabe: That's a tough question! (laughs). Gavv's a Rider from another world, so he's incredibly strong, but when he's alone he usually ends up in a pinch. And since Valen's the one who helps him, it's like they're one and the same. So, I guess I'd go with both.

"Have you ever directly seen the Kamen Riders on set?"

Miyabe: They're so cool! Being able to see those forms up close and personal will definitely motivate me for the next year. Before I entered this set, I thought the camera work was what made the action so powerful. Naturally, there are scenes like that, but the action itself is very powerful. When I watched episodes 1 and 2, I was surprised to see that the scenes that were already powerful without CG were even more powerful with CG.

"Were there any other spectacles unique to tokusatsu heroes?"

Miyabe: The Gochizou are made by using both props and CG, so during filming of the CG scenes, Chinen-kun talks to Gochizou that aren't there. I thought that kind of performance was difficult. Still, Sachika doesn't know that the Gochizou exists. She also doesn't know about the Granutes, or that Shouma and Hanto are Kamen Riders. They're so close, yet she only knows about Kamen Riders through gossip. I can only imagine what would happen to Sachika if she knew of the Granute's existence. She might want to try to get along with them instead of fighting. Of course, she'd become angry if someone she cared about got hurt by them.

"What's been the most impressive scene up to episode 5?"

Miyabe: Sachika runs a general store, so she and Shouma do alot of jobs together. I enjoyed the scene where they were handing out flyers to advertise the ramen shop. I'm looking forward to seeing what other jobs they do in the future. I also like the scene in episode 3, where Hanto comes to Hapipare and Sachika pokes him with a toy. I thought it was a good representation of their relationship. It's not that Sachika can't read the room, as when she has to do something, she'll do it, but the mood of the place comes first (laughs).

"Hino-san himself said that Hanto's a character that everyone teases."

Miyabe: Hino-kun himself often makes the set feel more relaxed when he's teased. I also mess around with him alot (laughs). It's kind of easy to tease him, almost like there's a sense of security and that it's okay to tease him. He's the oldest out of the three of us (laughs). Chinen-kun lightens up the mood with his interesting remarks, like when he says, "That's one way of thinking about it!" Once Hino-kun gets into it, it becomes really noisy. We screw around when it's time to screw around, but we're very serious when we have to face our roles. They'll suggest things like, "Let's try this here," or "Let's practice this alittle." I'm glad that the three of us will be together on this set for a year.

"Miyabe-san, what kind of sweets do you like?"

Miyabe: I like plum types of sweets, like crunchy plums and dried plums. On days when we have filming, I'll stop by a convenience store and buy one of those before heading to the set. However, the makeup artist pointed out to me that I should be careful not to eat too much, otherwise my face might puff up (laughs).

"And now finally, please give a message to the fans of Gavv."

Miyabe: Kamen Rider Gavv is poppin and cute, and I think it's a show that'll be easy for all kinds of people to relate to. I really hope that people of all ages will watch it. Since I'm also "armed" with a gyarus mindset, I'll do my best to cheer up tons of people. I look forward to your support over the next year!

[1000sunnygo]

Snippets of One Piece Academy magazine exclusive extra illustration from Saikyo Jump's May issue, as shared by Twitter users (mainly @/onepiecedolls)

Apparently, these are photos exchanged in an imaginary group chat of the characters.

Only found a small snippet where the texts aren't blurred :')

Luffy: Traffy, you suck at playing, don't you?

Cora: Yeah. Rather than playing, he ended up being played by Onigiri himself.

Law: Cora san!! Stop saying unnecessary things!

There's also a relationship chart lol.

Barto -> Luffy: LU-LU-LU-LU-LUFFY SENPAI!!

Luffy -> Barto: You know me?

Kid -> Luffy: I'll crush you, idiot monkey!

Luffy -> Kidd: The hell, Jaggy! Wanna try? 💪

Luffy -> Law: Traffy! Let's throw an Onigiri party!

Law -> Luffy: Try listening to people for once, Mugiwara ya!

Doffy -> Luffy: If you come over at my side, I'll show you the new age!

Luffy -> Doffy: I'll kick your ass if you go to bad places!

Luffy -> Hancock: Thanks for the Bento!

Hancock -> Luffy: This is a confession of love!

Will update if I find anything more! Here's the official tweet.

[blackened-angel]

Translated Devil May Cry 3 column from the book "Trinity of Fates". It explores the relationship between Vergil and Dante and how they are defined by each other's existence.

[reccyls]

Victor's Main Route: Chapter 9

< Previous Chapter | Masterlist | Next Chapter >

His POV Story - spoiler warning

I am going to post the POV story separately, because this is unlocked on a 2nd readthrough of Victor's route and thus contains spoilers for developments that happen later. If you'd like to read it even with the spoilers, I'll still link it.

Also a warning that this chapter contains somewhat graphic description of death. It isn't violent, but it is lingered on for a few sentences.

-----

Elbert: …Okay. Are you ready?

Kate: I’m ready, let’s go.

The next day, Elbert and I went to infiltrate the garden party.

Elbert: Victor told me about everything. Are you sure you’re okay with it?

As we walked on the tree-line path to reach our destination, Elbert looked at me with a worried expression.

Elbert: To be honest… I agree that you shouldn’t witness our executions. Elbert: The less sad memories you have, the better…

(Lord Elbert’s ability was to make someone see their saddest memory if he stepped on their shadow.)

Although I knew his concern was born of the fact that he had seen so many people tormented by their dark memories, I had already made up my mind.

Kate: Thank you for worrying about me. But I’m not backing down.

Elbert: …Alright.

When we arrived, the park was already full of people. The moment Elbert stepped foot in the venue, heads began to turn.

(Not a new occurrence for Lord Elbert…)

Enchanted by his looks, a group of women approached.

Elbert: Kate.

Kate: Got it.

I looped my arm around Elbert’s, causing the women to stop in their tracks as they regarded how close we appeared.

(Not that I doubted Victor when he told me, but I didn’t think it’d be this effective.)

After telling me that Elbert would be joining me for the garden party infiltration mission, Victor also gave me a piece of advice.

Victor: When you go to the party, Elbert is almost immediately going to be swarmed by women, so you’ll find it difficult to move around. Victor: And that’s when you come into the picture. Victor: If you two act like you have some kind of close relationship, it’ll keep them from approaching you. Victor: It may be a bit awkward, but there’s no harm in giving it a try.

(It does feel deceitful, but…)

Because he wasn’t in danger of accidentally stepping on someone’s shadow, Elbert seemed to relax just a little.

Elbert: …Thank you, Kate.

Kate: No problem. Let’s hurry and finish the mission so we can leave.

I didn’t like being the center of attention, But we still pretended to enjoy the party as we slowly began to approach our target: Viscount Baker.

Viscount Baker: It’s lovely weather today. It’s usually so cloudy all the time that clear skies like this are hard to come by.

Slender Noble: Yes, that’s true… By the way, I heard that business has been booming for you recently. Slender Noble: If you could spare any advice, I’d love to hear it.

Viscount Baker: Oh, so you’re interested as well! It’d be lovely to have another fellow in the industry.

Kate: Thank you for inviting me to such a wonderful party.

Elbert: …I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.

We stood with our backs to them, sipping champagne and making small talk. I strained my ears to listen to the viscount, who had begun to whisper.

Viscount Baker: It’s all quite simple, you see. You don’t need beautiful gems, even ordinary rocks are good enough. Viscount Baker: Quality over quantity, I say. That’s where the money is. Viscount Baker: A jewel disappearing causes a ruckus, but who cares if a pebble on the roadside goes missing?

The viscount’s words were laden with insinuation. I exchanged glances with Elbert.

Viscount Baker: It’s just a matter of rounding them up and selling them off. Simple work. What do you say?

Slender Noble: I’d love to hear more.

Viscount Baker: Then let us find somewhere else to talk, there are too many eyes and ears here.

Staying hidden behind the trees, we tailed the two noblemen. Elbert had a distressed look on his face.

Elbert: Gems… rocks… collecting and selling…

‘Collecting and selling’ means… (+4/+4)

‘Gems’ means…

‘Rocks’ means… 

Kate: When he says ‘collecting and selling’, he means…

Elbert: …He’s speaking in code. When he talks about selling rocks… he means selling children.

Hidden away in the shadow of a tree, I overheard something horrific.

Viscount Baker: Just recently a customer who bought a rock from me destroyed it almost right away. Viscount Baker: But ah, no harm, no foul, isn’t that right? I just prepared another rock to send over. Viscount Baker: They’re all homeless anyway. Nobody cares about them. Viscount Baker: No matter what happens to them, they’ll all enjoy it anyway.

(How dare he…!?)

The two of them looked like demons with how carelessly they were laughing. My blood boiled and I had to clamp my hand over my mouth to stop myself from yelling. Elbert looked down sadly.

Elbert: …That’s enough evidence.

After making sure that the viscount and the other noble were far away enough, I let go of my mouth.

Elbert: Are you okay?

I couldn’t respond, still hearing the viscount’s laughter ringing in my ears.

(How could he laugh like that…?)

My hands began to shake out of both sorrow and anger as I imagined all the children he must have hurt. Elbert noticed. The tone of his voice when he next spoke was gentle.

Elbert: Let’s go back… to the castle.

Kate: …Okay.

There wasn’t any more reason to stay here. I nodded at Elbert’s suggestion, and we began to make our way back. Just then–

Elbert: …Victor?

Kate: Huh?

When I looked up, I saw Victor at the garden party. He was speaking to a woman off to the side.

(What is he doing here?)

The atmosphere between him and the woman was different than normal. He whispered something to the woman, who looked delighted as she playfully smacked his arm. I found myself slowing to a halt to watch them, mesmerized by how close they appeared. What were they talking about? Why was he here? The questions rose to mind and then faded away, leaving me with only a vague longing.

(...I thought that I was the only one he talked that closely with.)

I didn’t know why I thought that. Maybe I had come to expect too much, after all the time that we had spent with each other.

Elbert: …Kate.

When Elbert called my name, my gaze snapped away from the scene.

Kate: Sorry about that. Let’s go.

Actually, I wanted to call out to Victor. But I couldn’t bring myself to, due to the heavy weight that had settled in my chest. And so I headed home after this mission where I encountered the worst kind of evil, with a sense of loneliness and an indescribable emotion in my heart.

Victor: …

But little did I know that the reaper had been watching.

-----

Kate: “Thank you.”

I lifted the paper where I had written out my thanks to the maid, who smiled brightly. She bowed her head and then exited my room. I looked at my reflection in the mirror.

(She did amazing work. I almost can’t believe this is me.)

I was wearing a much more elaborate dress than I usually did, since I was going to tonight’s social gathering. I lightly brushed my hand against my music box.

(I didn’t see Victor at all today.)

Because the queen would be appearing at the social gathering tonight, Victor had been unavailable all day.

(But maybe that’s for the best.)

If I saw him, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from asking about the woman from yesterday. What kind of relationship did they have? What else about him did I not know? I could easily picture him dodging the question.

(I’m probably just going to end up feeling upset again if I don’t get the answer that I want.)

Even if he told me there isn’t any relationship, or if he just brushed off my question, I didn’t think I’d be satisfied. And I didn’t even understand where this uneasiness was coming from.

???: It’s me. Are you ready?

There was a knock at my door and I hurried to open it. William was standing there as I opened the door. He gave me a look over, and sounded impressed.

William: You look lovelier than usual. It suits you.

Kate: Thank you.

William: Well then, let’s go.

…

Inside the carriage, William was enjoying the sights out the window as we spoke.

William: I received the information you and Elbert brought back yesterday. William: As you thought, those ‘rocks’ were indeed homeless children.

(I knew it.)

I was still concerned about Victor, but this was my primary aim tonight.

William: Viscount Baker started a membership club for guests of the hotel he had invested in. William: That’s where he was prostituting the children he picked up. William: He lured them in with promises of food and the chance to live a comfortable life with a roof above their heads. William: And once he had them in his grasp, they were nothing more than products to be sold.

Kate: And if they didn’t…

William: You can probably imagine what happened to them.

I understood what he was insinuating and had to shut my eyes. Viscount Baker's laughter still echoed in my mind.

William: So have you determined whether this is an evil that needs to be punished?

I slowly nodded.

Kate: Yes, I’ve decided.

I opened my eyes, and took a breath.

William: And your decision is?

His blood-red eyes pierced right through me. I opened my mouth to speak.

Kate: Viscount Baker– Kate: –is evil, and must be punished.

-----

Shining chandeliers cast their light on the finely dressed ladies and tuxedo-wearing gentlemen below. There was not yet any music playing in the dancehall, so the room was filled with the sound of gossip flying every which way and gazes cast our way.

(I thought the same when I was with Lord Elbert, but William stands out too.)

Everyone was dressed very formally tonight, as Her Majesty would be in attendance later.

William: He hasn’t arrived yet.

I cast my gaze over the ballroom, and didn’t spot the viscount.

William: Just as well.

Kate: Do you want to kill him before anyone else sees him?

William: Full marks for our robin. William: If we take care of him before he arrives in the main hall, then it’ll be simple to just act like he never showed up at all.

In high spirits, William led me from the ballroom to the foyer. There was a line of carriages dropping off their occupants one after the other. We were just in time to see the viscount stepping out of his carriage.

William: Perfect timing.

As soon as I saw him, my heart began to race.

(Soon, he’s going to–)

A cold sweat began to form on my forehead. William noticed.

William: You can stand somewhere else while I do it. What do you think?

Kate: …No. I’m okay.

I had to see things through to the very end. Before Viscount Baker entered the hall, he went out into the gardens in search of a place to smoke. The only sound in the garden was water running through the fountain. He lit a match and the flame danced in the breeze. Just as he was about to put the cigar to his lips–

Viscount Baker: What–

William put it out.

William: It’s a nice night, isn’t it, Viscount Baker?

Viscount Baker: You’re… Lord Rex.

When he saw William’s face, he instinctively took a step back. However, he was right against the fountain, and there was nowhere to retreat to.

William: Trying to run away as soon as I show my face? Am I so frightening?

Viscount Baker: N-no, I was just… er…

William’s grin only grew as the viscount floundered.

William: I have something I want to ask you. William: Recently the hotel you invested in has become very popular. Quite mysterious.

Anxiety raced across the viscount’s face.

William: I believe you know what I’m about to ask.

The viscount, who had been staying silent, then began to laugh uncontrollably.

Viscount Baker: Ahahaha, hahaha! So it’s true after all! William Rex is the queen’s dog!

William: I don’t know where you happened to hear that from, but I don’t belong to anyone. William: If it appears that way, it’s only because our wills and values align.

Viscount Baker’s curled into a deranged smile at William’s words.

Viscount Baker: If you know already, then I don’t need to beat around the bush. Viscount Baker: It’s true, I sell the rocks I find to other nobles.  Viscount Baker: What’s so wrong about that?

The viscount, still defiant, spread his arms wide and laughed.

Viscount Baker: I’m just giving those brats a purpose instead of leaving them to dirty our country. Isn’t that the greatest charity I can give them?

Kate: How dare–

Viscount Baker: The poor are sinners. Those who are born into nothing aren’t even people. Viscount Baker: They’re barely worth any more than livestock.

Every single cell in my body was instantly filled with rage. As I listened to the viscount laugh, I was gripping the hem of my dress so hard I was afraid it’d rip.

Kate: …You’re wrong.

Viscount Baker: Hah?

Kate: There’s nothing sinful about that!

I couldn’t stop myself.

Kate: People can’t choose what they’re born into! They can only live with the circumstances and the world they’re born into. Kate: It’s because you call them sinners that you don’t see anything wrong with exploiting and killing them. Kate: If there’s anyone who’s a sinner, it’s you, and your sin is a thousand times worse than anything you claim they’re guilty of. Kate: You can never be forgiven for all the lives you took.

My eyes were burning. I could only imagine the pain of everyone he had taken advantage of, and it battered at my heart like waves. But I still forced my temper back, took a deep breath, and looked again at the viscount. I had to sentence him.

Kate: You are pure evil. You have no place in this country. Kate: Evil must be paid unto evil.

William: Now that’s a proper Fairytale Keeper.

As soon as I finished speaking, William gave me a pat on the shoulder and took a step forward. It was time for the viscount’s sentence to be carried out.

William: “Strangle yourself.” William: “So that you know the pain of everyone you’ve trampled, draw it out. Make it last.”

Viscount Baker: Agh- ah, my hands are–!!

He gurgled and writhed in agony as his hands squeezed tighter and tighter around his own neck, then toppled over and fell to the ground. After a few minutes, the viscount’s face grew pale, and spittle dribbled from his mouth. His convulsions stopped and his eyes had fully rolled up into his head. His hands slid away from his neck as he grew limp, and laid motionless there in the garden.

William: His sentence is complete.

The half-moon peeking through the clouds cast its cold light on the viscount’s body.

[crepes-suzette-373]

I found this image, apparently it was sensei's notes to the anime staff?

I really can't tell how Zoro and Sanji's jawline is supposed to be different, but maybe it makes more sense in full size.

Dang, this picture is tiny as hell, but what can you do. This was never released officially, the only reason this was leaked out was because someone was selling it in an auction.

Edit: My sincerest apologies, the previous version had a mistake because the text was very small and blurry.

[pocketseizure]

Designer's Note: It was a deliberate choice not to provide backstories for the Ancient Sages, so we were concerned about minimizing the narrative noise potentially generated by designs that had too strong of a sense of individual character.

Regardless, we needed to convey the impression that “these are people who should be feared and respected.” We therefore approached their designs with an academic abstraction and focused on their masks as art objects. The sheer strangeness of these masks weakens the sense of the Sages as individual characters while hopefully drawing a mysterious connection to the technology of the ancient Sheikah.       

[cubedmango]

watch the radio drama on youtube or gdrive. ok goodbye

[summerscaries]

For the Karin Boye stans among us this was Wille’s wall quote:

This is the first stanza of Karin Boye’s poem “Sköldmön” (Shield-Maiden) first published in 1924.

(Swedish)

Jag drömde om svärd i natt.

Jag drömde om strid i natt.

Jag drömde jag stred vid din sida

rustad och stark, i natt

(English)

I dreamt of swords last night.

I dreamt of battle last night.

I dreamt I fought by your side

armored and strong, last night.

[lyculuscaelus]

The Odyssey, book 5, line 151–155:

τὸν δ᾽ ἄρ᾽ ἐπ᾽ ἀκτῆς εὗρε καθήμενον: οὐδέ ποτ᾽(1) ὄσσε δακρυόφιν τέρσοντο, κατείβετο δὲ γλυκὺς ��ἰὼν νόστον ὀδυρομένῳ, ἐπεὶ οὐκέτι ἥνδανε νύμφη.(2) ἀλλ᾽ ἦ τοι νύκτας μὲν ἰαύεσκεν καὶ ἀνάγκῃ(3) ἐν σπέσσι γλαφυροῖσι παρ᾽ οὐκ ἐθέλων ἐθελούσῃ:(4) She (Calypso) found him (Odysseus) sitting on the shore—never once were his eyes Dry of tears, while his sweet life was passing away Lamenting his homecoming, for the nymph no longer pleased him. But indeed in the nights he slept, by force, In her hollow caves, unwilling beside the willing (nymph).

(1) οὐδὲ ποτέ: this is a good phrase to invoke pathos, as we see οὐδέ, “never”, being put alongside ποτέ, “once, at any time”, showing the picture of Odysseus crying on Ogygia since day one, never once free from sorrow. Notice, too, how this phrase comes first and foremost, presenting itself as a lead-up to the entire sentence, overshadowing this part with a sense of melancholy.

(2) ἐπεὶ οὐκέτι ἥνδανε νύμφη: I’ve been seeing a lot of interpretations based on this one single sentence, “…since she no longer pleased him”—but you know what? Just a reminder that in Ancient Greek, the word ἥνδανε (it’s 1st person singular indicative form being ἁνδάνω), with the meaning “pleased, delight”, is mostly used in the context of “being pleased with ransoms/words/food and drink…”, which is anything that promises material gains:

(e.g. “ἀλλʼ οὐκ Ἀτρεΐδῃ Ἀγαμέμνονι ἥνδανε θυμῷ”, Iliad. 1.24: but it (Achaeans’ assent to Chryses’s speech that promised ransoms) did not please the heart of Agamemnon son of Atreus; “…ἐμῷ δ᾽ οὐχ ἥνδανε θυμῷ”, Odyssey. 10.373: but it (Circe’s urging of Odysseus to eat the food) did not please my heart; “…μάλιστα δὲ Πηνελοπείῃ / ἥνδανε μύθοισι…”, Odyssey, 16.397–398: but he (Amphinomus) pleased Penelope the most with his words; etc.)

Which means, in this case, the pleasure Calypso could’ve brought Odysseus was only material: food and drink to keep him from starving, shelter to keep him from dying… and nothing more.

(3) ἀνάγκῃ: the dative singular of the word ἀνάγκη means “force, constraint, necessity” and sometimes even more, “torture; anguish, pain” (the latter is more seen in tragic plays), but here I believe the former meaning alone is more than enough to demonstrate the lack of consent in Odysseus when he slept beside Calypso.

(4) παρ’ οὐκ ἐθέλων ἐθελούσῃ: I love this line so much—the way Homer uses the participle of the verb ἐθέλω “to be willing” twice, each in different gender—the masculine nominative one for Odysseus being οὐκ έθέλων “ not willing”, the feminine dative one for the nymph being ἐθελούσῃ “too willing”, and putting them together to fit both the meter and the theme? This is literally perfect.