#card story

[pjsk-story-summaries]

Want to know everything that's ever happened in Project Sekai but don't have time to read all those stories? Guess what! For the low, low price of "it seems fun", I'll be summarizing every single event!

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I do my best to get summaries out regularly, but I am a busy college student doing this in their free time, so please do be patient!

Masterpost links below the cut. All summaries will be tagged by unit, character appearances, and special type, if applicable.

THE ULTIMATE MASTERPOST SPREADSHEET

(Spreadsheet contains organized, filterable lists of all events and cards! I've tried making it as accessible as possible, but if you're unfamiliar with Google Sheets, just ask and I'll show you how to navigate it!)

Old Masterposts below! (Out of date, no longer maintained)

Key Stories

Leo/need

MORE! MORE! JUMP!

Vivid BAD SQUAD

Wonderlands x Showtime

Nightcord at 25:00

Mixed Events

Year 1 (Run! Sports Festival Committee Rush! - Scramble Fan Festa)

Year 2 (Time to Hang Out - At this Festival Bathed in Twilight)

Year 3 (Screaming!? Welcome to the Forest of Wolves! - Hello • Good • Day)

Year 4 (The Best Picture Wrap! -Wedding Live ♡ With Everyone!)

Card Stories

Any event card stories will be linked next to their respective events, as well as within the summary itself. (Initial 3* cards are part of the Main Stories)

Initial 1*/2* (Including 3rd Anniversary)

Birthday Cards

Fes Cards / Bloom Cards

Collaboration Cards

Card stories for events yet to be summarized

Miscellaneous

April Fools

[kotegiris]

[2024 Birthday Card Story - Lamli] No Matter Which Side of Me

another request! hope you enjoy it anon! again, thank you to my friend who shared this card with me

Chapters 1 & 2

Chapter 1

-The day before Lamli’s birthday-

It has become the season where the sunlight is dazzling… And Lamli’s birthday is coming up tomorrow.

For the butlers’ birthday this year… I already decided what to give them as a present.

A ring for the pinky finger…

A “pinky ring.”

Apparently, wearing a ring on the pinky finger will “prevent happiness from escaping.”

With that meaning in mind… I prepared a ring embedded with a small labradorite gemstone for Lamli. 

Then, I made preparations for the opportunity to hand him the ring… And wrote him a letter.

“Let’s have dinner together on your birthday.”

After the butlers went to bed… I placed the letter in front of the 3rd floor butlers’ room…

That night I fell asleep while looking forward to Lamli’s reaction after he reads the letter.

-The day of Lamli’s birthday-

Knock, knock…

Lamli: Aruji-sama. Can I come in?

> Yeah. > Come in.

Opens

Lamli: Good morning, Aruji-sama!

> Morning, Lamli.

Lamli: Thank you for the letter!

> Did you read it yet?

Lamli: Yes! Of course I did! Thanks to your letter, I’ve been feeling super happy since this morning.

Lamli: Thank you very much.

> I’m glad you’re happy.

Lamli: Fufu, so…

Lamli: According to your letter… We’ll be having dinner together today, right?

Lamli: Could you tell me more about that?

I explained to Lamli.

I told him that this whole day is for him…

We'll go out somewhere together and enjoy his birthday to the fullest…

And finally, we’ll have dinner together.

For dinner, we can decide where we want to go.

I told him that since it’s his birthday, I want him to enjoy himself without holding back.

> Don’t worry about anything and enjoy your birthday. > Let’s eat your favorite foods.

Lamli: W-Wow… I can have Aruji-sama all to myself today…

Lamli: That’s the best news ever!

Lamli: What should I do… I wanted to make you smile lots today, but…

Lamli: I’m the one who ended up smiling so much. I’m so happy…

> If you’re smiling, then I’m also happy. 

Lamli: Aruji-sama…

Lamli: …Geez, you’re too lovely!

Lamli: Fufu ♪ Today I can have Aruji-sama all to myself, and we can go out together…

Lamli: This will be the best day ever!

> Do you have somewhere you want to go?

Lamli: Huh? Is it okay for me to decide?

> Of course. > Let’s go where you want to go.

Lamli: Actually, there’s a place I’ve been wanting to go to with you!

Lamli: There’s a show that just opened recently…

Lamli: It seems like you can see stars there even in the daytime!

> Stars in the daytime?

Lamli: Yeah. I’m not exactly sure how since I’ve only heard rumors, but…

Lamli: From the moment I heard about it, I thought of you… I’ve been wanting to go there together with you!

Lamli: Aruji-sama, would you… Go together with me to see the daytime stars?

> Of course. > Let’s go!

Lamli: Thank you, Aruji-sama.

Lamli: Fufu. I don’t know what kind of stars we’ll see in the daytime, but…

Lamli: Just seeing it together with you… Will make it the best starry sky ever!

Lamli: Then, I’ll go back to my room and get ready to head out!

Lamli: When I’m done, I’ll let you know!

And thus… We decided to momentarily split up to get ready to go out.

-A little later-

Knock, knock…

Lamli: Aruji-sama, I’m done. Can I come in?

> Yeah. > Come in.

Opens

Lamli: Excuse me.

After I finished getting ready, Lamli came inside my room once again.

However… When he opened the door, I saw that he was wearing a different outfit from before.

> That outfit is…

Lamli: Fufu ♪ How do I look, Aruji-sama?

Lamli: It’s this year’s birthday outfit!

Lamli: How is it? Do I look good?

> It looks really good on you.

Lamli: Fufu. Thank you ♪

Lamli: Ever since I got this outfit I’ve been wanting to show it to you.

Lamli: I’m happy I finally got to let you see it ♪

Lamli: Then… Let’s go to the venue!

Lamli: It seems like you can see the daytime stars at the theater in Espoir!

And so… In the carriage that Lamli prepared, we headed to the theater.

【 Espoir - A Certain Theater】

Some time later… The carriage stopped in front of a bustling theater.

Lamli: It seems like the starry sky is on the basement floor here.

Lamli: Looking at the starry sky in the basement… It’s a bit exciting, isn’t it?

Lamli: I wonder what it’s like.

> I’m looking forward to it.

After going to the receptionist… The person in charge guided us to the venue.

Lamli: Woah~... It’s a bit cold going down these stairs.

Lamli: It feels nice since it was hot outside.

Lamli: But you might get cold. Aruji-sama, are you alright?

> I’m alright.

Lamli: Then, I’m glad.

Lamli: But let me know if you get cold!

I’ll go tell a worker and borrow a coat for you!

> Thanks.

The venue we were led to was pitch black, and I could barely see anything around me.

But from the buzz of people, I knew that there were quite a lot of guests here.

Lamli: Aruji-sama, it’s dark, so please watch your step.

Lamli: Oh, I know! Aruji-sama, excuse me for a little!

Saying that…. Lamli gently took my hand.

> Huh?

Lamli: Fufu, this is safer ♪

Lamli: The venue is dark and dangerous, so… In the meantime, can we hold hands?

> Y-Yeah. 

And so, while holding hands, we looked for our seats.

Lamli: Ah, there it is! These are our seats!

Lamli: Aruji-sama! Please take a seat!

> Thank you.

Even after we sat down, Lamli made no move to let go of my hand.

While feeling the warmth of Lamli’s hand… I patiently waited for the show to start.

Step… step… step…

From the wing of the stage, a man came out and bowed gracefully.

Announcer: Welcome. Thank you for coming, everyone. I will now take you to the sea of stars.

At the man’s signal… The dark surroundings instantly changed to a starry sky.

Lamli: Wow! There really are stars!

> (It’s like a planetarium…)

Lamli: It instantly became a starry sky… I wonder how they did that.

Announcer: First, please take a look at the brightest star on the northern side…

Announcer: It’s a star that has continued to be in the center of other stars for thousands of years…

Announcer: That star guides travelers and is also known as the guardian star of the Grovaner family, who have been protecting mankind.

Lamli: Fufu… Isn’t it pretty, Aruji-sama?

> Yeah, it really is.

Lamli: …Ah, that star… Aruji-sama, do you know what that star on the right is?

> Which one?

Lamli: That one over there…

Saying that, Lamli pointed at it.

But… As if he remembered that we were still holding hands…

He only moved his hand slightly and then went back to holding my hand.

> …Lamli?

Lamli: …Fufu. We should be quiet now since the show’s starting.

Lamli: Sorry, Aruji-sama.

When Lamli said that… He had a cheerful and tender smile. 

Then… he lightly squeezed my hand.

I knew that I should be focusing on the stars, but… I couldn’t help myself from focusing on the feeling of his hand holding mine.

Chapter 2

-A little later-

Mesmerized by the beautiful starlight… The show came to an end. 

Lamli: Aruji-sama~! That was amazing!

> It was pretty.

Lamli: It was my first time seeing stars that close up!

Lamli: Being able to see stars during the daytime and in a basement… It was so exciting!

Lamli: It was really pretty… How did they do that?

> Hm~....

Lamli: I’m a bit curious…

Lamli: Ah! Why don’t we go ask the announcer?

Lamli: I saw him go that way. If we go after him now, we can still catch up and ask him!

> Let’s go.

Lamli: Fufu. I thought you’d say that ♪

So we decided to go after the announcer.

Lamli: Ah, there he is!

Lamli: Hey! Announcer~!

After going into the hallway and walking a little… We found the middle-aged man who gave the explanation for the showing.

Lamli walked up to him and began to talk about his thoughts on the showing.

Lamli: The starry sky earlier was so pretty!

Lamli: The location of the stars was pretty much on point too… …There were some that were a little off, though.

Lamli: But it was really amazing! Hey, just how did you do that?

> Lamli, let’s calm down a little.

Announcer: Thank you for your compliments. You’re very knowledgeable about the stars.

Lamli: Yeah! I love stars!

Announcer: Fufu, I see.

Lamli: So… How did you do it?

Announcer: Hm… Normally, I cannot reveal that, but…

Announcer: Your honest feedback made me happy.

Announcer: …As a special service… Let me tell you the basics of the method.

Lamli: Yay! You’re a good person!

Announcer: Fufu, thank you very much. …Now then, about the method…

Announcer: It’s actually not that complicated.

Then, the announcer explained to us the basics of it.

Lamli: Heh~ So that’s how.

Lamli: That’s a very smart way. I look at stars a lot, but I’ve never thought of that~

Announcer: Fufu… Thank… you…

Announcer: I am honored… By your… compliments…

After the announcer answered Lamli’s question… He suddenly became unsteady.

Announcer: Ug…

Lamli: W-Woah. Are you okay?

> He doesn’t look okay.

Lamli: Yeah, he looks a bit sick.

Lamli: …Hey, are you alright?

Announcer: I-I’m alright. My apologies for causing you to worry.

Lamli: But you’re swaying a lot.

Announcer: ……..Recently, this show has been gradually becoming more popular… I’ve had to be on stage for longer.

Announcer: I knew it had been taking a toll on my body, so… I decided to have a stand-in starting today, but…

Announcer: …They’re running a little late.

Announcer: I have one more show left to do before my substitute comes… I just have to endure it a little more.

Lamli: B-But… It doesn’t seem like your body can handle one more show.

> It’d be better for you to rest…

Announcer: …The show’s finally gotten popular. I can’t cancel it now.

Lamli: Hmm~... That’s true, but…

Lamli: At this rate, you’ll collapse…

> What should we do…

Lamli: Hmm~~~…… …………

Lamli: …I know!

Lamli: I’ll do the show for you! In the meantime, you should get some rest.

> Lamli?

Announcer: What!? B-But…

Lamli: If it’s explaining the stars, then there’s no need to worry! You saw how knowledgeable I am about it earlier, right?

Announcer: C-Can I really leave it to you?

Lamli: Yup ♪ You explained to me how it works earlier, so…

Lamli: As thanks, I’ll do the show for you once as your substitute.

Announcer: T-Then… I will accept your kind offer.

Lamli: Fufu ♪ Leave it to me!

Lamli: I said that, but… Sorry for just deciding on my own, Aruji-sama…

Lamli: But… I can’t leave him alone when he’s about to collapse…

Lamli: I know I’m being selfish, but… Could you go along with it for a little?

> Uhm……

I thought it was very nice of Lamli to want to help the announcer, and I knew that he was very knowledgeable about the stars.

However… I had something else that I was concerned about…

He’s always very energetic, so I wondered if he could create a mellow atmosphere for the show…

I couldn’t get rid of my worries.

> Will you really be okay?

Lamli: I’ll be fine! We saw the show earlier, so I know what kind of mood I need to make.

Lamli: And I know which stars I need to give an explanation for!

He answered, brimming with self-confidence.

I thought it would be rude to keep worrying over him, so I decided to believe in him and leave it to him.

> Do your best, Lamli!

Lamli: I will! Thank you for believing in me, Aruji-sama!

Lamli: I’ll do it properly until the very end, so… Don’t worry and just watch me from the audience!

> Got it.

Then, the announcer guided Lamli backstage.

I sat down in the same seat as before and waited for Lamli’s show to start.

While I nervously looked around the dark venue…

The sound of elegant and light footsteps resounded in the dark.

Lamli: Welcome. Thank you for coming, everyone. I will now take you to the sea of stars.

> (That… Is that really Lamli’s voice?)

Lamli, who had a different air to him than usual, gracefully bowed.

At that moment… My surroundings were instantly enveloped in a starry sky.

Lamli: First…

Lamli: Everyone, please take a look at the brightly shining Big Dipper on your right.

Lamli: Because of its bright shine… It has been passed down for generations as a constellation that resembles a certain person’s weapon…

Lamli: That’s right… It’s the person that we all give thanks to during Thanksgiving, Goetia-sama.

Lamli: According to the legend…

Lamli: Thousands of years ago… Goetia-sama protected this land from the angels all by himself.

Lamli: He was loved and respected by the people.

Lamli: It is said that after Goetia-sama passed… Out of respect and devotion, the people created this constellation for him.

> (Lamli’s amazing…) > (I can’t help but be drawn to his explanation…)

Lamli: And on the other side is…

Without any mistakes… Lamli elegantly continued explaining.

Despite my concerns… The show ended without any issues.

The guests left the venue looking satisfied.

Lamli: Aruji-sama! How was I? Did I do well?

> You were perfect. > You were amazing. 

Lamli: Really? Yaay!

After the show ended, Lamli immediately went over to me.

Without a doubt… It was the usual cheerful him.

Announcer: Thank you very much for doing the show in my stead.

Announcer: Thanks to you, the show was able to go on without any cancellations. How could I ever repay you?

Announcer: I know! There’s still a little bit of time left before the next show.

Announcer: I’ll fully reserve the venue for just the two of you until then. Please take your time and gaze at the stars all you like.

Lamli: What!? Really?! Yaay!

> Thank you.

Lamli: Fufu, I’m so happy ♪

Lamli: …Earlier I was giving an explanation to all the guests, but… Actually, I wanted to give an explanation to only you.

Lamli: Aruji-sama… Could you leave it to me to tell you about the stars?

> Of course. > Please do.

Lamli: Thank you, Aruji-sama!

Lamli: Then… Let’s hurry before the next show starts!

> Yeah.

And so we decided to return to the venue to gaze at the stars again.

Lamli: Look! That’s the froggie constellation!

Lamli: Ah! Do you know what’s over there?

Lamli: If you connect the brightest stars together… It becomes the Aruji-sama constellation!

Lamli was telling me, not about this world’s constellations, but… His original ones that he came up with.

> Uhm… Which star is it?

Lamli: That one, Aruji-sama!

Lamli: …Ah, I know. Excuse me for a little!

Saying that, Lamli took my hand and pointed at the star.

Lamli: That star! Do you see it?

> Y-Yeah…

Lamli: Fufu… Then, next is…

> Lamli, our hands…

Saying that I looked at our joined hands…

Lamli looked as if he just got caught pulling a trick and gave me a small smile.

Lamli: …Aruji-sama… Can’t we keep holding hands like this?

Lamli: At the first show, we had to be quiet, and I couldn’t explain anything to you like how I am now, but…

Lamli: This time, I want to directly tell you about the stars while holding your hand.

Lamli: It’s just us here, so no one will see…

Lamli: So can’t I? Is it no good, Aruji-sama?

> That’s…

Lamli patiently stared at me, and I couldn’t refuse him…

I felt my heart beat faster and timidly nodded. 

> …Alright, let’s keep holding hands.

Lamli: Fufu… Thank you, Aruji-sama ♪

This was my third show of the day… My heart raced at feeling Lamli’s warmth…

We enjoyed a very happy and fun time.

-A little later-

Our small and private show came to an end… And we arrived at a restaurant with a stylish feel.

The seats were all private rooms, so there was no need to worry about the gaze of other people.

We were able to freely enjoy a delicious dinner and take our time looking back on today.

Lamli: The star show… It was so amazing!

> Yeah, it was.

Lamli: We were able to see so many stars even though it was daytime.

Lamli: I heard the rumors, but… I was surprised at how beautiful it was in person.

Lamli excitedly talked about the show. Seeing Lamli’s smile…

I thought that now would be a good time to give him his birthday present. 

> Hey, Lamli?

Lamli: Yes? What is it, Aruji-sama?

> For you.

I took out a small box from my bag.

Of course, inside the box was… The pinky ring I wanted to give him.

Lamli: Is this… a birthday present?

> Yup.

Lamli: I didn’t think you’d go out of your way to prepare a present for me…

Lamli: You spending the whole day with me today was already the best birthday present…

Lamli: I’m so happy; I think I’m gonna cry.

Lamli: Aruji-sama… Thank you.

Lamli: Uhm… Can I open it now?

> Of course. > Open it.

After getting permission from me, Lamli immediately opened the box.

Upon opening the lid… The mysterious shine of the labradorite poured out from within.

Then, I explained to him about the birthday present.

I decided to give the butlers a pinky ring for their birthdays because…

I wish for each and every butler’s everlasting happiness…

And… The reason why I chose to have Lamli’s ring embedded with labradorite is because…

Labradorite is said to be a mysterious stone with a beautiful and deep shine that changes depending on the angle it’s viewed from…

I thought it was like Lamli since the more time I spend with him, the more different and charming sides of him I see.

I told Lamli everything.

Lamli: …Charming?

Lamli: You think that someone like me is charming?

> Don’t say “someone like me.”

Lamli: Huh…

> You’re very charming.

The usual cheerful Lamli and the calm Lamli that I saw today at the show…

All of him is charming… I straightforwardly told him that.

Lamli: The me today…too?

> That’s right.

Lamli: I see… …So you like me when I’m calm too.

> Of course I do.

Lamli: …Thank you, Aruji-sama.

Lamli: ……Uhm… Aruji-sama…

Lamli: Between the calm me from today and the cheerful me… Which one do you like more?

> Huh?

Lamli: I…

Lamli: I want to live as the me you like more…

> …Which one is more comfortable for you, Lamli?

Lamli: Huh? More comfortable…?

> I don’t want you to force yourself.

Lamli: Aruji-sama… You really do care about me.

> Because you’re precious to me.

Lamli: …You’re too kind, Aruji-sama.

Lamli: …But… You don’t need to worry; I’m okay.

Lamli: If I’m able to have your love… Being either side of me isn’t tough.

Lamli: As long as you love me… I can be either one.

> Lamli…

Lamli: So please… Pick one, Aruji-sama.

Lamli: Between the calm me and the cheerful me… Which one do you like more?

> There’s no need for me to choose.

Lamli: Huh?

> Both sides are you after all.

Lamli: Aruji-sama… But…

Between the cheerful Lamli and the calm Lamli… I can’t pick one.

Both sides are precious to me because they’re both a part of Lamli.

> I love all of you.

Lamli: Aruji-sama…

Lamli: …Thank you. …I’m so, so happy…

Lamli: Fufu, me too…

Lamli: Your kindness and warmth… I…… love all of you too.

Lamli smiled, but it wasn’t his usual smile that was bright like the sun… It was an earnest and peaceful smile that was like the stars.

> Happy birthday, Lamli.

Lamli: …Thank you, Aruji-sama.

Lamli: I’m truly glad that I met you.

Lamli: I’m truly glad that I was born…

The lively Lamli and the mature Lamli…

And whatever other sides he may have… Lamli is a precious person to me.

Whatever may happen, that fact won’t change.

With those feelings in mind… From the bottom of my heart, I wished him a happy birthday.

END

[im-peech]

[Shinonome Yuhan Birthday Card 2024]

*This is my very first time translating (big help from screen translate :>) so there will be mistakes and grammatical errors, please feel free to correct them!

*Note before reading the Butler story: This story contains spoilers for the “Water Dragon Song” event story. We recommend that you read up to chapter 12 of the event story before reading this card’s story.

If you wish to avoid spoilers, please click on the button on the upper left corner.

…………

Chapter 1 - Throw away everything

[One day before Yuhan’s birthday]

Summer is almost coming to an end.

Yuhan’s birthday is tomorrow.

This year’s birthday, I have already decided what to give to the butlers.

A ring worn on the little finger… It’s a “pinky ring.”

Wearing the ring on the pinky finger of the left hand… It seems that its meaning is “preventing happiness from escaping.”

Understanding the meaning, I immediately set out the present for Yuhan… I prepared a ring with a small Spinel set in it.

And I wanted to prepare the situation for giving over the ring… I wrote a letter to Yuhan.

“On your birthday, let’s have dinner together.”

…

After the butlers have gone asleep… I left the letter in front of the door of the butler’s office in the villa.

I’m looking forward to seeing Yuhan’s reaction after reading the letter. Then, I fell asleep.

[Yuhan’s birthday day]

*Knock.. Knock…*

Yuhan: Lord, may I come in?

> “Of course.”

> “Yes.”

Sound of door opening

Yuhan: Good morning, Lord.

> “That costume…”

Yuhan: Yes, this… This will be my birthday costume this year.

Flure’s technique for making clothes… It’s truly something to behold.

> “It suits you very well.”

> “You look splendid.”

Yuhan: Fufu. Thank you very much, Lord.

Yuhan: What I asked you about today has something to do with this costume…

I would like to talk to you about my birthday.

> “About the letter?”

Yuhan: Yes. Thank you very much for the wonderful letter.

Yuhan: So it was written in the letter… I would like to ask you about the idea of “Let’s have dinner together.”

> “About that…”

I explained the situation to him.

Today is Yuhan’day… So I want to go out somewhere together, celebrate his birthday, and enjoy his birthday to the fullest.

As a finale, we will enjoy dinner together. At dinner, we will decide where to go next.

I told him that since it was his birthday, I wanted him to enjoy it without any hesitation.

> “Let’s enjoy your birthday without worrying about anything.”

> “Let’s go and eat Yuhan’s favorite food!”

Yuhan: Lord…

Yuhan: Thank you for thinking so much about me, even though I am just a servant…

Thank you very much.

Yuhan: I’m glad that the Lord thought of me like this… I am so honored that I cannot express my feelings in words.

Yuhan: However… I am happy enough thanks to the Lord’s feelings

Yuhan: Besides, I have the chance to sit at the same table as the Lord…

As a butler, this is unacceptable behavior.

Yuhan: So… Please spend today for the Lord’s happiness, not mine.

> “But I want to congratulate Yuhan.”

> “But I want Yuhan to be happy.”

Yuhan: Lord…

Yuhan: Fufu… 

I can't believe you care so much about my sake. 

Yuhan: The Lord is always so kind.

If I decline this any more, I will end up losing this chance…

> “Is there a place you want to go?”

Yuhan: A place I want to go…

Hmm, there are some but…

This is a little… That would be a selfish request.

Above all, it would be troublesome for the Lord.

> “I don’t mind it.”

Yuhan: Lord…

Fufu, thank you very much.

Yuhan: Well then…

I apologize for the inconvenience… Please accompany me with my selfishness all day today.

In this way, we can make Yuhan’s “selfishness” come true… I started preparing to go out.

[After a while]

We were visiting a fashionable clothing store. The atmosphere is somewhat different from other shops in the town… 

> “This store is…”

Yuhan: This is… 

An acquaintance of Mister Yimin has opened a kimono shop.

Yuhan: Lord, do you remember Mister Yimin?

> “Previously, in the Eastern land…”

Yuhan: Yes, in the Eastern land… He is Shinonome Yimin, who lives in the city of Shanglong.

After the Lord and Hanamaru-san returned from their request in the Eastern land…

I started corresponding with Yimin.

Since then, we were able to connect on good terms.

Yuhan: Above all, about my missing relatives… I also learned that Yutao is living a happy life.

However, if possible, at that time… I also wanted to visit the city of Shanlong with the Lord. 

> “Yuhan…”

Yuhan: Oops, I’m sorry. It seems like I’ve gotten off topic…

So… During the exchange of letters with Mr. Yimin…

An acquaintance of his was at Espoir… I heard that he had opened a kimono shop that sells clothes from the Eastern land.

> “Is that so…”

Yuhan: About that… Umm…

I think this is a really selfish request…

At the store today… The clothes from the Eastern land, I want to see the Lord wearing them…

> “Why not choose clothes for Yuhan?”

Yuhan: Yes… At that time, I was the one who couldn’t go to Shanlong city

So I was unable to see the Lord wearing the costume of the Eastern land… I’ve always regretted it…

Yuhan: So please, today…

For me only… Could you please show me the image of the Lord wearing the costume of the Eastern land?

> “Of course.”

> “I understood.”

Yuhan: Thank you very much. Now, let’s go inside the store.

Chapter 2 - Throw away everything

[Espoir’s kimono shop]

We entered the clothing shop and looked around.

Yuhan picked up the beautiful costume that caught his eye.

Yuhan: Lord, I would like you to wear this costume. I think it goes well with the color of the Lord’s eyes and hair.

Follow Yuhan’s recommendation… I decided to try the clothes.

> “How is it?”

Yuhan:...!

It suits you very well, Lord.

You look many times more stunning than I imagined.

Yuhan: Fufu… I can’t believe I could have such a wonderful Lord all to myself…

I am truly the luckiest person in the world.

> “Umm…”

Yuhan: Arara, are you embarrassed? 

Hmm.. I don’t want to cause troubles for the Lord, but it seems like the Lord doesn’t want to do it… 

Please forgive me just for now. It’s so difficult to suppress my feelings… Since the Lord is now so astonishing.

> ‘A-about that…”

Yuhan: I will not offer any unwarranted flattery to the Lord.

> “Thank you…”

Yuhan: Haa… Although I’m just one of the servants…

I would like to keep such a beautiful figure of the Lord to myself only… Could it be… I never thought I would feel this way towards the Lord I serve…

Yuhan:...

Oh… that’s right, Lord.

Actually, while the Lord was changing clothes, I also found a hair accessory that goes well with the outfit, it makes me feel relieved…

Could you please let me put it on for you?

> “Of course.”

Yuhan: Thank you.

Well then, let’s get a little closer. Please turn around, Lord.

I followed his instructions and turned around. Yuhan approached me from behind. When I see Yuhan behind me with the hair accessory, I realize that we are closer than usual.

> (S-so close…)

Yuhan: Lord, are you nervous? There’s a force on your shoulder,,, Please make it easy… It will be done soon…

> “Y-yes.”

Yuhan’s voice echoes in my ears and his hand touches my shoulder. It makes my shoulder tingling and feverish… I’m even more nervous.

Yuhan: Well, it’s done. It really suits you.

While my mind was blank with tension… Before I knew it, Yuhan had finished putting the ornament on my hair.

The hair ornament glimpsed… It suits me so well when I see myself.

When it matches with the costume, I feel like I had truly become a resident of the Eastern land.

Yuhan: I’m a little disappointed that I finished putting it on so quickly. I wish I could have touched the Lord a little more.

> “Huh?”

Yuhan: No, it’s nothing.

I can’t go further than this.

Yuhan’s attitude seems to be hinting at something, making my heart fluster… I take another look at my reflection in the mirror.

Then.. an elderly man called out to me from the back of the store.

The shopkeeper: Hey, those two wonderful people over there!

If you don’t mind… Would you be willing to be the subject of the photos I take as a hobby?

Yuhan: Become the models of the photo…?

I can’t believe anyone other than a photographer owns a camera as a hobby. You really like photography then.

The shopkeeper: Aa. When I see beautiful scenery, I just want to take a picture of it.

You two look so picturesque that I was wondering if I could take a picture.

As a thank you, I’ll give you both some of the photos I took.

Yuhan: Hmmm… If you take a photo…

I can keep this image of the Lord close to me forever.

> “Eh?”

Yuhan: Fufu.. It’s nothing.

Well then, Lord… If the Lord is okay with it… I would like to take a photo with you… Could you please forgive me?

> “Of course, it’s okay.”

Yuhan: Fufu, is that so. Thank you very much, Lord.

Then, we had some photos taken.

It takes some time for the photos to load.

We decided to shop inside the store until we could get the photos.

After a few minutes… The shopkeeper showed us the completed photos with a smile on his face.

The shopkeeper: Hey you brother, you had such a gentle smile in all the photos.

Yuhan: I have a gentle smile…?

> “What’s wrong?”

Yuhan: No… when I was in the military…

No one ever told me that I had a kind smile… I was a little surprised…

With the Lord by my side, I seem to have changed without even realizing it.

After saying that, his smile was just as gentle as in the photos.

Yuhan: Fufu… As a butler, I probably shouldn’t have expressed such thoughts, but…

This photo… It’s like a family photo.

> “A family photo…”

Yuhan: The Lord, dressed in the costume of the Eastern land, is truly wonderful.

This photo has become my treasure… Every time I see this…

This year’s birthday… There was an important person next to me. I will remember it forever.

Yuhan’s fingertips lightly touch me in the photo. Unlike before, I wasn’t able to touch it directly.

I once again felt a numbing, sweet sensation.

Yuhan: Well then, Lord. Shall we look for a restaurant to have dinner?

> “Understood.”

Yuhan: The costume and the hair ornament you are wearing right now… Please let me give them to you as a present.

Thank you for a wonderful date.

I was a little worried about giving him a present although it was his birthday but… Looking at Yuhan’s happy face… I decided to indulge his feelings here.

> “Well, can I return you a favor?”

Yuhan: Thank you very much, Lord.

After that, at Yuhan’s request, we head out to dinner. And I was wearing the costume of the Eastern land. 

[Espoir Restaurant]

[After a while]

Yuhan: Fufu… Thank you for the meal. 

All the dishes are very delicious, Lord.

> “It was exquisite.”

I dined out at a restaurant with Yuhan… It was a newly opened restaurant on the outskirts of Espoir which serves the flavors of the Eastern land.

Thanks to the clothes that Yuhan selected earlier, I have become accustomed to the atmosphere of the store.

Also, the seats were in private rooms… There was no need to worry about what other customers saw.

Yuhan: With my Lord wearing the same clothes as those in my hometown, eating the food in my hometown… It was truly a dream-like time.

Yuhan: Lord, we made many wonderful memories together today… Thank you very much. These memories will definitely support me in my future life.

Yuhan said that and smiled, he looked very blissful.

> “Your birthday isn’t over yet.”

Yuhan: Eh? Lord?

I stand up in front of Yuhan, who can’t hide his confusion… Then I held out a small box containing the gift I prepared for him. Of course, inside the box is the pinky ring I am going to give to him.

I took Yuhan’s hand as he stared intently at the box. I placed the box in his palm.

Yuhan: Um… Lord. What is this box?

> “Try opening it.”

Despite being confused, as instructed, Yuhan opens the box. Peeking out from the inside was a ring with a spinel set in it… The ring emitted a powerful radiance, as if it had captured Yuhan’s honesty.

Yuhan: I never expected this… Could it be.. The present the Lord prepared for me?

> “Yes. Happy birthday.”

Yuhan: It’s truly… a beautiful ring.

After that, I told Yuhan everything. I had decided that Yuhan’s birthday present would be a pinky ring. The reason is… I wish for “Yuhan’s happiness to go on…”

In particular, I chose the one with spinel inlaid… Spinel has the meaning of “supporting efforts and leading to clear thinking.” In order to support Yuhan, who spared no effort, that’s what I wanted.]

Then I took the ring out of the box and put it in Yuhan’s pinky finger of his left hand.

I’m proud of Yuhan, who doesn’t care about his work in both literary and military endeavors. I told him my true feelings.

Yuhan: Lord…

Fufu… I can’t believe I was able to have my Lord put the ring for me directly… It’s like a proposal from the Central land, I was a little surprised.

I became a demon butler with the intention of dedicating myself to fighting angels… for others’ happiness.

And to the most important person of this world, my Lord… I am so content that I can’t express it with words.

Yuhan: I will cherish this ring for the rest of my life… I promise to never let go of you.

This proof of happiness that I received from the Lord… I will never let anyone take it from me. I will live with this ring for the rest of my life… No, even if this body perished… I promise to continue to be your servant… if I could serve you for eternity.

Yuhan: I couldn’t be happier. My mind, my body, and my life will stay like this…  I want to live for you and end my life for you.

That’s right, I was able to meet someone like this… It was really good.

> “Yuhan…”

Yuhan: Lord, please… Please continue to keep me by your side. I will always be there… I am your very own butler.

> “Of course.”

Hearing my words, he burst out a soft smile and gently stroked the ring on his left hand. His eyes were quietly lowered, but… There’s one thing that can't seem to be hidden, Yuhan’s happy smile… I, too, feel happy.

THE END

[agirlattea]

ここに、心繋ぐ魔法を ・ Here, magic connecting our hearts

Nero 5th Anniversary SSR

Card Story: An umbrella for the never-ending rain

Chapter 1:

(Location: Central Kingdom, Magic Manor- Courtyard , Daytime)

Akira: Oh, Nero! Is now a good time?

Nero: Oh, Ms. Sage. What’s up?

Akira: Actually, I have a favor to ask you. Would you be willing to do another interview? Now that I’ve spent some time in this world and gotten to know everyone better, I wanted to speak with everyone again and update the Sage’s Journal.

Nero: You’re as serious as ever, huh? I might not have anything too exciting to tell ya, but if you’re okay with that…

Riquet: Nero! It’s terrible!

Nero: Riquet?

Akira: What’s wrong? You look so panicked…

Riquet: Mitile and I were making pancakes and the batter just kept expanding and expanding until the pan was overflowing… at this rate we are going to drown in pancakes!

Akira: What…!

Nero: Did ya use the powder in the back right cupboard by any chance? The one in the red paper bag?

Riquet: We did… was it not regular flower?

Nero: That’s Puffnut Powder*. When ya mix it with eggs, it’ll expand basically infinitely. If ya add water from a stream that’s been exposed to sunlight it’ll stop though…

Mitile: Riqueeet! It still isn’t stop- woah?!

Akira: Oh no! Nero, Riquet, I’ll help too!

Nero: Sorry, but can I count you two? I need ya to hurry and get water from the river in the forest!

Akira and Riquet: On it!

(Location: Central Kingdom, Magic Manor- Dining Hall , Daytime)

Akira: Sigh, what a relief… we were able to stop it somehow…

Nero: It was a close one… a little while longer and we’d’ve lost the kitchen to pancakes…

Faust: Ah, there you are! Nero, and the Sage too. Would you lend me a hand? Shino and Heath started arguing and they’ve gotten out of control.

Akira: Oh dear…

Nero: Aren’t those two regularly going at it? Isn’t it fine to just let them get it outta their systems?

Faust: No… it started over something small, but neither of them are willing to back down so things are slowly getting more serious. I don’t want this to get more complicated and end up affecting class tomorrow.

Nero: Got it, got it. They really are childhood friends, aren’t they…

Akira: Ahaha, I’ve heard that the more you fight with someone the closer you are to them.

Faust and I follow after the still-grumbling Nero.

Akira: (Everyone relies on Nero, calling out to him, and Nero always responds like it’s natural. Back when we all first got here, he was so reluctant to move into the Manor… I’m kind of happy to see him like this now.)

Chapter 2:

(Location: Central Kingdom, Magic Manor- Hallway, Afternoon)

Nero: I’m beat… pretty hard to calm things when they’re both so stubborn. Sorry, Ms. Sage, I’ve been pretty much dragging ya around all day.

Akira: No, not at all! It looks like things have calmed down, but even if we were to talk now…

Bradley: Hey, Nero!

Nero: What do ya want!? Save it for later!

Bradley: Huh? What’re ya even so mad about? Whatever, this is the example I was tellin ya about earlier. I’ve got a great idea, lemme hear yer thoughts on it.

Nero: Idiot! Right in front of the Sage?!

Akira: Is this something private? Umm, should I cover my ears?

Nero: Ya don’t have to do that! Brad, I’m busy right now. I’ll head to yer room later, so just wait.

Nero pushed Bradley’s back like he was kicking him out, and Bradley reluctantly left, despite his complaints.

Nero: Sigh… sorry, Ms. Sage.

Akira: Don't worry about it. In any case, I’m impressed.

Nero: Impressed?

Akira: Everyone relies on you… that’s how much you’re trusted, Nero.

Nero: Trust, huh…?

Akira: (…oh…)

Seeing Nero’s bitter smile, I suddenly remembered what he told me long ago. The last time I interviewed him, he closed his eyes and warned me: “Please don’t trust me”.

Akira: … Umm… just now… I didn’t mean it like that…

While I stammered, Nero tilted his head. He understood what I meant immediately, laughing softly.

Nero: I told ya before, didn’t I? “Please don’t trust me.” But, how should I say it… a lot’s changed since then. We shouldn’t stand around talking, would ya like to head to my room for now?

(Location: Central Country, Magic Manor- Nero’s Room, Evening)

Nero: Here ya go. Careful not to eat too much before dinner.

Nero stood next to the chair I sat on, offering me cold tea and a small plate of light snacks; each one of them something I once praised him for, telling him it was delicious.

Akira: Thank you, I’ll savor them.** … and… about what we were talking about earlier…

Nero: Oh, right.

I heard ice clinking as he leaned on the kitchen table, swirling his own glass of tea.

Nero: …I’m a cowardly, heartless, irresponsible guy. I’m always happy to be relied on, but I can’t ever give anything back to the guys who do. That’s why, though the root of the problem won’t ever change… right now, I’d feel a bit lonely if you guys didn’t trust me.

Akira: Nero…

Chapter 2:

(Location: Central Country, Magic Manor- Nero’s Room, Evening)

Nero: Just joking.

He scratched the back of his head, shrugging embarrassedly.

Nero: …Before I knew it, I guess I got used to “Nero,” and being called “Nero” every once in a while. Every time you guys call for me, I feel like I have to respond properly.

Nero’s voice was calm as he spoke; the corners of his mouth even rose in a smile. But I could see a faint shadow looming over every part of his face.

Peering up at the open sky, it seemed he was the only one soaked by the guilty rain pouring down from it.

Akira: …You said someday you might betray us all. You still feel that way?

Nero: Haha, more or less. You catch on pretty well, Ms. Sage.

Akira: …When you told me last time, I wrote it down in the Sage’s Journal.

Nero: Did you? I’m still unsure about it, sorry about that.

His kind face, still damp from the rain, smiled a little sadly.

Akira: Not at all…

I clasped my hands in my lap, something like Nero’s loneliness crouched inside me.

Akira: …As I’ve gotten to know you all little by little after coming to this world, I’ve grown to like you all. That’s why I try to face the things that happen every day; so I can be trusted by everyone not just as a Sage, but as Akira. But I’m still inexperienced and there are so many things that don’t go well… that’s when I get worried. Am I living up to the trust everyone places in me? Am I worrying*** them…? That’s why, even though they’re different, I think I can understand your feelings somewhat.

I wanted to hold out an umbrella for him, so I picked up the words, repeating them one by one as Nero listened quietly.

Nero: You’re not making us nervous or anything. You always respond as best you can, so much so that it makes people want to give ya a break… you’re definitely a kind person.

Akira: That… I want to be closer to you, even if just a little. After all, we’re friends.

Nero’s eyes widened for a moment, then slowly narrowed as slowly as the setting sun.

Nero: …Right.

Rays of sunset shone gently through the window, caressing his hair. The day’s**** sunset glowed with soft colors.

Nero: Speaking of which… are you recording this in the Sage’s Journal?

Akira: Yes, I was planning to…

Nero: What… that’s kinda embarrassing though…

Akira: Ahaha, then should we keep it a secret between the two of us?

Nero: Yeah, I’d appreciate that.

Even if that rain never stops pouring, we can still stay together.

Our eyes met, and we laughed secretly together.

Card Episode: What I can say to you now.

(Location: Central Country, Magic Manor- Kitchen, Morning)

Nero: Here, Ms. Sage, I made Temari Sushi.

Akira: That you very much. Wow, what cute decorations…! The vegetable slices are flower shaped and the colors are so beautiful!

Nero: I tried making it more like a salad using vegetables and beans so it can be eaten lightly. I tried lots of ingredient variations too, like chopping up herbs and mixing them.

Akira: It looks stylish and delicious, and the smell is making me hungrier. Nero, you’re really good at arranging food!

Nero: Thanks, I’ve gotten pretty used to cooking food from your world. It’s getting more and more interesting to add my own touches to things.

Akira: I’m really happy to hear you say that, but all the Japanese food you’ve made so far has been great, since your very first try. The first time, I could hardly believe it was foreign cuisine!

Nero: I’m surprised to hear that, since I didn’t know what the correct dish was supposed to be like. There were tons of ingredients, seasonings, and cooking methods I’d never heard of before. I actually found it pretty relaxing and ended up testing prototypes until morning.

Akira: Really…?! Even someone as skilled as Nero had to stay up all night practicing…

Nero: Yeah, I was doing it secretly ‘cuz I was embarrassed that anyone would find out I was trying so hard… keep quiet about that to everyone else, okay?

Translator’s Note:

*Literally ふっくらナッツパウダー

ふっくら(Plump/Fluffy/Puffy) + ナッツ(nut) + パウダー (powder), I chose Puffnut because the powder puffed up when mixed with eggs.

**セーブしつついただきますね。

セーブ should be a cognate of save, but I extrapolated it to “savor” to make the meaning work since I’m a little confused and couldn’t find much online about it.

An alternative explanation I did find said that セーブcould refer to moderation or cutting down on something, so Akira could’ve been saying something like “I’ll eat in moderation” in response to Nero’s “don’t eat too much before dinner”, but I’m not sure.

If anyone has an answer, I’d appreciate it!

***Idk if I expressed this correctly but rather than worrying about her, it's supposed to be her worrying them by being unreliable. Akira’s stressed about whether or not people feel uneasy about her leading as the Sage. The kanji is 不安.

****Technically “Today’s sunset,” but I didn’t know how to make that work in the past tense.

Back to Card Stories

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[miaomiao42]

True Strength (Episode 1 and 2)

-2XXX Years Ago- 

Shink! Shink! 

Bellen: Hey, Berrien! Your arms are down.

Berrien: Gghh... Not yet...

Berrien: Aaah...!

Thud... 

Bellen: Berrien...! Are you okay?

Berrien: Uh, yeah... I'm sorry. My foot just staggered.

Berrien: Sigh.... Another loss to Bellen.

Berrien: Instead of closing the gap... With each passing year, the gap gradually widens.

Bellen: Hehe. Berrien is growing too. But with this kind of thing, some people are better at it than others.

Bellen: I have a role to play in the fight against the angels. You don't have to force yourself to match me, Berrien.

Berrien: That may be true, but...

Berrien: But I... I feel bad that I have to put all the responsibility on you.

Berrien: If I could, I would too... I wanted to be strong enough to fight with the angels next to Bellen....

Bellen: ...Just having that feeling is enough to help me. Because Berrien supports me, I can face forward and keep fighting.

Bellen: And... have you noticed? Berrien is by no means weak. I think he's stronger than the average soldier around here.

Berrien: That's because... Bellen has a good teaching style. If you train with strong people... you will naturally improve your skills.

Bellen: Hehe. Then I'll have to practice a lot so I can be stronger.

Bellen: Even if I'm no longer here... I want to make sure that the skills I have acquired will be passed on to future generations.

Berrien: Bellen...please don't say such ominous things. When you're gone, I'm going to...

Bellen: Haha, sorry, sorry. Anyway... I'm sure Berrien can be stronger.

Berrien: ...I really hope that's the case....

Berrien: But... if Bellen says so.... I believe those words. 

Berrien: Bellen. Could I please try again?

Bellen: Of course. That's the spirit, Berrien.

...................

...............

..........

Bellen: .................

Bellen: ....A... dream. It somehow feels so nostalgic...

Bellen: For me... It feels like it's only been two years or so since then...

Bellen: For Berrien... It's a story from way back when...

Bellen: To really experience the length of time that has passed...

Bellen: ...I think it's time to give it a shot....

One day, a little while after Bellen became a demon butler... 

As I was walking in the garden...

I heard some lively voices coming from the backyard.

I was wondering what was going on...

I decided to go in the direction of the voice to see what was going on.

[Devil's Palace Backyard]

Bellen: ...Well then, Berrien. Are you ready?

Berrien: Yes... of course, Bellen.

Berrien: ...I'm kind of nervous. I never thought Bellen would challenge me to a mock battle...

Berrien: What I’m about to do is face you once again... It’s been a full two thousand years.

Bellen: Hehe. But I'm in a different position than I was then.

Bellen: While I was asleep... Berrien had been training constantly all his life.

Bellen: Now Berrien is much more competent... Please be gentle with me today.

Berrien: T-That's not true... Please don't buy into it.

Berrien: But... I sure wanted Bellen to see me grow up for a long time.

Berrien: I will fight with all my might today.... Please take care of me.

Bellen: Ah. Let's be careful not to hurt each other.

...It appears that Bellen and Berrien are about to engage in a mock battle.

The butlers in the villa also watched with interest.

Hanamaru: Oh, Lord. You've come to just the right place.

You: So Bellen is going to have a mock battle.

Teddy: Yes, that's right! Apparently, this will be the first time he's played against Berrien-san in two thousand years!

Yuhan: I have heard that Bellen-san used to be much stronger....

Yuhan: I wonder how much Berrien-san has made up for that difference...

Hanamaru: Hehehehe... This is getting interesting.

Hanamaru: Since the number of spectators has increased... I guess it's time for the grand reveal here.

Hanamaru: Alright, it's starting, it's starting! Either Bellen will win or Berrien will win!

Hanamaru: Which way to bet, Teddy? This is your chance to make a fortune by guessing right!

Teddy: Eh? Um... Well, I...

Teddy: I bet "Hanamaru-san, who started betting in front of the master, will be scolded by Yuhan-san"!

Yuhan: Heh... good read, Teddy. I'd bet on the same thing.

Hanamaru: Oh, I'll bet on that one too... Well then, since everyone bet on the same side, I guess this bet is dead...

You: (Oh dear...)

Bellen: Hehe. It seems that even the Lord came to watch our mock battle.

Bellen: Which means... we can't lose each other, can we? Berrien.

Berrien: Yes... that's right, Bellen.

Berrien: As the Lord's butler... I can never fight an embarrassing battle.

Berrien: But Bellen... Can you tell me one thing before we fight?

Berrien: Why now...? Why did you suddenly want to make a deal with me?

Berrien: There are many other butlers who are stronger than me....

Bellen: Hehe. That's the same reason as Berrien, of course.

Bellen: While I was asleep... I want to see how strong Berrien has become, too.

Bellen: You can't measure something until you actually see it. ...Right?

Berrien: ...Yes. I guess so.

Berrien: I will be honest with you... I have never lost my aversion to fighting, even after all these years....

Berrien: Only the moment I face you again like this... I have been waiting for it for a long time.

Bellen: ...Hehe. When I look at those serious eyes of yours.... I can feel that you've really become stronger.

Bellen: But... I also can't show my embarrassing side to my master. I'm going to show you all my true feelings right now.

Bellen: All right... let's go, Berrien!

Berrien: Yes...!

-After a while-

Shink! Shink! 

Hanamaru: Hey, hey...those two are going for it. They haven't taken a step back from each other since the beginning.

Yuhan: Yes...honestly, the battle is more intense than I imagined.

Yuhan: Especially Berrien-san.... He seems to move much better than the usual mock battles....

Teddy: That's right... In the mock battle, I had the impression that he was being too reserved to show his true ability and wasn't able to show his true potential...

Teddy: Today, Berrien seemed to be fighting very freely.

Hanamaru: Hehe. I guess you don't have to be so reserved when you're with your older brother, right?

You: I hope he doesn't get hurt...

Yuhan: Don't worry. They both seem to know that point by heart.

Teddy: That's right. In fact, it feels like they're actually enjoying this time!

Bellen: Hah, hah... Good job, Berrien. I can't believe you avoided the attack just now...

Berrien: Hah....hah....hehe....that's Bellen's signature move, isn't it? I've imitated it many times so I know the moves very well....

Berrien: So... I'll go next!

Bellen: Ah! Now let's see some your tricks!

Shink! Shink! 

Their mock battle continued for a long time after...

By the time they finally settled the matter....

The sun was already setting.

-A few hours later-

I was alone with Bellen in the garden.

Bellen: H~mm....Ah! Okay, that's it for the post-mock battle stretch.

Bellen: Oh no~ I lost, I lost. That Berrien has really gotten strong.

Bellen: I wanted to show my good side in front of the Lord, but.... I knew I couldn't compete with the current Berrien.

You: But it was a close call.

Bellen: Hehe... That's what it looked like to the Lord?

Bellen: But the feeling I got from the fight was.... The difference between us felt even more than before the fight.

Bellen: Thanks to this, I was able to see how much training Berrien has been doing.... I could feel it firsthand.

Earlier, after the long mock battle.... Bellen dropped the weapon he was holding and it was settled. 

The spear that Bellen is using now is a new one.... The difference in familiarity with the weapons may have been what determined the outcome.

That's what Berrien said... From Bellen's point of view, perhaps the difference was even greater than that.

Bellen: Hehe... I'm sorry, Lord. I let you down.

You: Disappointed?

Bellen: Because... from Lord's perspective, I'm the long-awaited helper who has awakened after two thousand years, right?

Bellen: In reality, it wasn’t really that big of a deal... I thought you might have been a bit let down.

You: That's not true.

Bellen: Hehe...thank you. But that's okay, I'm not that depressed either.

Bellen: Of course I feel frustrated... But I'm also happy.

Bellen: Because back in the day, when I was fighting the angels.... Everyone relied only on me.

Bellen: I alone carried the future of mankind on my shoulders... I was under tremendous pressure that if I lost, it would be the end....

Bellen: Right now, starting with Berrien... I have so many reliable companions.

Bellen: I have a certain hope for the future.... There is nothing more wonderful than that.

Bellen: Of course me too... I do have a strong desire to be more useful for the future, though.

You: Bellen...

Bellen: All right...! Let's get back on track and start training again today!

You: I'm rooting for you, Bellen.

Bellen: Fufu. Thank you, Lord.

Bellen: ...It's strange, isn't it? When the Lord is by my side.... The desire to do my best keeps coming up from within my body.

Bellen: It was the same during the mock battle.... In front of the Lord, even if I'm tired, my body moves...

Bellen: Fufu... If anything, I feel like running right now.

You: Don't push yourself.

Bellen: It's okay, It's okay. I have confidence in my physical strength.

Woo! Woo! 

Bellen: ...! This siren sound...

You: Angel alert...?

Bellen: Lord, stay close to me. First, go back to the mansion and assess the situation...

Bellen: !! Lord, look out!

You: What...?!

Clang! 

Angel: ".................."

At the same time that Bellen shouts... He holds up his spear and catches the attack of the angel that attacked him from above.

Bellen: An ambush, huh... You guys sure don't have any openings or moments of carelessness...

Angel: "Die. For your life."

Bellen: Haa! 

Whoosh!

Swish, swish! 

Bellen shook off his spear and pushed the angel back... He stood in front of me, poised to protect me.

Bellen: My Lord! Release the demon's power...!

You: All right...!

You: “Come. O, friend of the darkness! I summon thee.”

You: “Hereby release the power of Bellen, through a covenant with the devil…”

Bellen: All right...

Bellen: Let’s go, angel. I won't let you touch my Lord…

Clang! 

Bellen, who has released his demonic power and changed his form... With blinding speed, he attacks the angel.

The onslaught was even more caustic than what I had seen in the mock battle....

It was hard to believe that this was the same person who had just fought.

Tap, tap, tap…

Berrien: Lord! Are you safe...!

You: Ah, Berrien.

Berrien and the butlers of the villa, who must have heard the commotion, immediately rush to our side.

They, too, saw how Bellen was fighting.... Like me, they could not hide their surprise.

Hanamaru: Oh, But wow...Bellen is amazing. He had just been engaged in a long mock battle a moment ago...

Yuhan: Yes, I know. Even though he has released his power, he could still move that much...

Teddy: Does he still have any stamina left? Or maybe it's just that he has incredible recovery powers…?

Berrien: Hehe...yes, that may be true, but…

Berrien: When there is something to protect close by, he is more powerful… That is the true strength of Bellen.

Saying this, Berrien looks at me and smiles… Then he immediately returns to his serious expression.

Berrien: Lord. Release my power as well.

Berrien: Hanamaru and the others are here to protect the Lord...!

Hanamaru: Ah. 

Yuhan: Understood.

You: I'm releasing the power, Berrien!

You: “Come. O friend of the darkness! I summon thee.”

You: “Hereby release the power of Berrien, by his covenant with the devil…”

Berrien: Thank you very much.

You: Be careful.

Berrien: Yes...!

Tap, tap, tap…

Berrien: Bellen! Leave it to the butlers of the villa to guard the Lord.

Berrien: That angel… You and I will defeat him together!

Bellen: Ah. I've been waiting for you, Berrien.

Bellen: ...No. I made you wait quite a while, didn't I?

Bellen: From now on, let's all work together to protect humanity and our Lord!

Berrien: Yes…! Bellen…! 

-THE END-

[backtothe99]

(18Trip Translation) Tao Kinouchi SSR: The Brave - Beyond the Invitation Lies...

This translation uses the male protagonist’s name (Kaede), but the story doesn’t change regardless of the chosen protagonist

proofread by myuntachis, naginins77, jellyfish_apple and niri

Part 1

Location: HAMA House Living Room

Kaede: (Phew… I’m glad today’s job went smoothly.)

Kaede: (Not only was there interest in my proposal, I was also given an invitation to the pop-up store promoting the game.)

Kaede: (I may be excited, but I don’t actually know anything about this “Final Brave” game…)

Kaede: (Is it okay for someone like me to go there?)

Tao: Did you just get back, Chief?

Kaede: Hi, Tao-kun. Yup, I just got done with work.

Tao: Good work. I was just about to make some coffee. If you’d like, I could make some for you too—

Tao: Is this a ticket to FB’s pop-up store!?

Kaede: (FB… Oh, he’s talking about Final Brave.)

Kaede: It is. Our business client today was a game company, and they gave me an invitation to their upcoming limited-time store.

Tao: Huh, that’s like, some crazy luck!

Tao: This event is so popular right now, it’s been sold out for the next 3 months!

Kaede: I didn’t know that…! Was it really okay for them to give me something so valuable?

Kaede: I know that Final Brave is popular, not only in JPN but also globally, but I’ve never played it…

Tao: You’ve never played Final Brave!? How have you lived up till now!?

Kaede: I-Is that really so strange!?

Tao: Um, no– I’m sorry. That’s not it at all.

Tao: … If anything, I’m the strange one for acting like this over a video game at my age.

Kaede: Huh?

Tao: Uhh, it’s nothing. So… Will you go to that pop-up store?

Kaede: I’d like to go, since I was invited, but… I’m worried about whether I should, since I don’t know much about the game. Besides—

Kaede: You seem more interested in this, Tao-kun. So how about I give you the ticket so you can go, instead?

Tao: What, really!?

Kaede: Really. I don’t know much about it at all, so I think it’d be better if someone who can enjoy it properly goes instead.

Tao: W-Well… I am interested.

Tao: It says “Can bring a plus one” here.

Kaede: Huh? Oh, you’re right. I didn’t notice…

Tao: Then, since we can, how about we go together?

Tao: If I go by myself, you might get in trouble next time you meet with those company people…

Tao: And I’m sure you’ll also be able to talk about it to them next time!

Kaede: … You’re right. This will definitely be a good chance for me to learn more about FB.

Tao: Huh, you want to learn more about FB, Chief?

Kaede: Of course I do, since it’s that strange that I’ve lived up till now without playing it once.

Tao: Uuu… You took what I said to heart, didn’t you… I’m sorry.

Kaede: Hehe, I’m just messing with you. I’m really grateful that someone as knowledgeable as you will be coming with me, Tao-kun.

Kaede: It’s a plan!

Tao: Okay. I’m looking forward to it, too!

Part 2

Location: Anime Store

Kaede: Wow… There’s a lot more merch than I expected there to be.

Tao: I know, right! I didn’t know there’s so much official FB merch out there—

Tao: Is that the Hero’s Sword from II!?

Kaede: Is this life-sized? It looks like you can take photos here.

Tao: There are customers of all ages here, and they seem to be pretty evenly split between men and women. Everyone looks like they’re having fun—

Tao: …

Kaede: Do you want me to take a picture of you, Tao-kun? The line’s a little long, but since we’re here—

Tao: No, I’m good!

Kaede: Huh? But there’s a lot of people having their photo taken…

Tao: Anyway, let’s go look further inside! I’m sure there’s a lot left to discover!

Kaede: O-Okay…

-

Kaede: Wow, the stuff here is cute, too!

Kaede: Little trinkets with monsters printed on them, chopstick rests shaped like castles… They all look like they can be used as normal items, it makes me want to buy them.

Tao: Right. But nothing else’s gonna fit in our basket.

Kaede: Woah, when did you get that basket, Tao-kun!? And it’s filled to the brim, too…

Tao: Well, when I saw them, I couldn’t help but get my hands on ‘em. The coaster with the hero’s crest is sorta cute, and the keychain is an amazing reproduction of a monster from III—

Tao: … That’s only part of it, though. More importantly, I want to get a little something for everyone!

Tao: Like, I think Natsume-san would love this Demon King’s Sword muddler. 

Kaede: (Would he…? It doesn’t really fit the image of Yodaka-san I have in my mind…)

Kaede: (Actually—)

Kaede: … Tao-kun, are you holding back for some reason?

Tao: Huh?

Kaede: I think you like FB a lot more than you let on, Tao-kun.

Kaede: If I’m right, I just wish you’d go on about it as you’d usually do. Unless… is there something bothering you?

Tao: It’s not that something’s bothering me…

Tao: I just figured you’d find it off putting if someone my age was so into a video game…

Kaede: Huh!?

Kaede: I don’t care about something like that at all! Your age has nothing to do with your interests, and I think it’s lovely that you have something you’re so passionate about!

Kaede: Besides, it’s fun hearing you talk so enthusiastically about video games, so I wish you wouldn’t let something like that bother you. 

Tao: Chief…

Tao: Thank you. … I think my attempt to act indifferent was so weird that it kinda backfired.

Tao: Alright! From this point onwards, I’ll be putting my all into having fun! Let’s go look into every nook and cranny of this store!

Kaede: Yup, that’s the spirit! I’d also be really happy if you could tell me lots about the series.

Tao: Of course I will! I’ll keep going until you say you’ve had enough! So–

Tao: I’ll go get another basket, too!

Kaede: Whaaa, you’ve got more you want to buy!?

-

Tao: Hoo… I enjoyed this to the fullest!

Tao: Delivery drones sure are convenient. They carry two full cardboard boxes like it’s nothing.

Kaede: You got two whole cardboard boxes!? … You really bought a lot of stuff.

Tao: Yeah. I kept thinking that I’ll definitely regret it if I don’t buy everything now!

Kaede: Right, a lot of these items are exclusive to this pop-up store.

Kaede: But I’m glad you enjoyed yourself till you were satisfied. Alright, let’s go home for today.

Tao: Oh… Can I say one last thing?

Kaede: Hm?

Tao: I know I said I was good before, but—

Tao: I really want to take a picture with the hero’s sword after all…

Tao: So, could I ask you to take it for me?

Kaede: Tao-kun…

Kaede: … Sure thing. Alright, I’m taking it! Give me a smile!

[Snap]

Kaede: How’s this?

Tao: Thank you so much! Ummm…

Tao: Uh, Chief. Can I actually ask for one more thing?

Kaede: Sure?

Tao: I’d like to take a picture together. Is that alright?

Tao: It’ll be a memento of coming here together.

Kaede: Ah, yeah. That’s fine…

Tao: Let’s take a selfie, then. Chihiro taught me how to take one.

Tao: Uhhh, hold it up like this…

Tao: Sorry, Chief, could you come a little closer?

Kaede: O-Okay!

Tao: And… cheese.

[snap]

Tao: Yup, it came out alright. Thank you so much!

Kaede: (... I’m really glad Tao-kun’s having fun!)

[pardi-real]

Palace of Rose - SSR Boschi Card story

Chapter 1 - Awkward Reliance

※ A notice before reading the Butler Story This story contains spoilers for the "Palace of Rose" event story. It is recommended to read up to Chapter 5 of the event story before proceeding. If you wish to avoid spoilers, please return by pressing the button in the upper left corner

Context: the request/mission this time is to investigate the rundown and probably haunted Palace of Rose.

…………

Several days after staying at the Palace of Rose... We encountered paranormal activity. Since then, there was always at least 1 butler by my side.

[Palace of Rose - Main Hall]

Clang, clang *sounds of hammer*

Boschi: “Alright. This should be enough for reinforcing the pillars. Next up, replacing the wall panels. My lord. it’ll make loud noises, so it's better to stay a bit further away. But... stay within my sight, okay? It’s my duty to guard you this time, after all."

> "Okay, got it"

Boschi: “Heh... It's nice to have a lord who listens. Now then... I’ll cut the floor from here to here... As for the new planks, I guess this will do. And for the measurements..."

Boschi proceeds with the repairs around the mansion with practiced skill, just like a seasoned craftsman. 

> "You're used to this, huh?"

Boschi: "Hm? Yeah, well, sort of.  I've been in charge of maintaining the mansion's facilities for a long time, but even before that... I've been doing this kind of work since I was a kid."

> "Since you were a kid?"

Boschi: "Yeah. I used to live in a village in the western land with my grandmother... The house we lived in back then was not only old, but also cramped..."

[Western Land, Small Village]

……….

Clang, clang

Boschi: "Alright. One more plank to nail down and it's done, I guess? Hmmm~... But it looks kinda uneven in shape. It really is tough to do with just trial and error, huh? But... this might make things a bit easier for Grandma..."

Boschi's Grandmother: "I'm home, Boschi."

Boschi: "Oh, Grandma, you're back! Wait, it's already evening? When did…? And It's not finished yet... Sigh~~... I wanted to surprise you with the finished goods, though..."

Boschi's Grandmother: "Well, well. What's the matter, Boschi? Did you make something?"

Boschi: "Yup! Look, Grandma... Ta-da! I'm making a step stool out of wooden planks!"

Boschi's Grandmother: "Ooh~, that's amazing... Did you make it yourself, Boschi?"

Boschi: "Yup! You know how you mentioned the other day that 'the steps in this house are kinda scary’?  Especially that step by the door, it was too tall, and you nearly fell down...  But it's all good now! With this new step, those scary tall steps from before... can be taken one step at a time, nice and easy!"

Boschi's Grandmother: "Is that so... You did this for grandma… Boschi, you're such a good child. Sniff…”

Boschi: "O-oh geez, Grandma… don't cry. And, it troubles me to see you so happy over something like this. 

I... once I get better at carpentry work, I'll renovate this house even more. I'll build you a much more comfortable, super huge house than this one! 

Hey, Grandma, what kind of house would you like to live in? I guess one with a huge bath… Oh, and I also want to add a ‘sauna’! I've never been in one before, but... I bet it feels amazing, right?”

Boschi's Grandmother: "Fufu… Right. A long time ago, grandma went to a sauna once… it felt great for sure."

Boschi: "I see. Then we absolutely need to include ‘sauna’!”

Boschi's Grandmother: "But you know, Boschi, I don't really need a big house. Even if it's small... As long as I have you by my side, that's all I need.  So, if you're thinking of expanding the house... Keep it until when you need it… or when you find someone special."

Boschi: "What are you talking about, Grandma? My special person... That's you, Grandma.  Don't be shy! I'll build a house for you real soon!”

Boschi's Grandmother: "Boschi..."

Boschi: "Hehe. But for now, I need to finish this step stool. Wait for me, Grandma! I just have to attach this plank!"

Boschi's Grandmother: “Alright. But, be careful, okay?"

Boschi: "Hehe, I'll be fine! I'm getting used to it. Look, even this nailing, I'll finish it in no time..."

Clang, clang

Thwack

Boschi: "Ouch…!"

Boschi's Grandmother: "Bo-boschi…!”

Chapter 2 - Awkward Reliance

Boschi's Grandmother: "Boschi... Are you okay?"

Boschi: "Y-Yeah…! I'm fine...  Hehe… I fumbled my grip..."

Boschi's Grandmother: "Poor thing... I'm sorry, Boschi. I didn't mean to make you go through such a painful experience for me..."

Boschi: "W-What are you talking about, Grandma! It's my own mistake. And... It doesn't really hurt."

Boschi's Grandmother: "What are you saying? Look how swollen and blue it is... Wait a moment. I'll bring some ointment now."

Boschi: "I-It's really okay! Ointment is valuable, right?  Besides, look! Thanks to you for massaging it earlier... The pain is gone!"

Boschi's Grandmother: "Boschi... You're truly a strong and kind child. But sometimes, it's okay to rely on others, you know?  Grandma cares about you, Boschi... While we're living together like this... I want you to rely on me more."

Boschi: "Grandma..."

…………

*Close-up* Boschi: (In the end, it was tough to break free from poverty...) (The promise to "build a big house" remained just a dream...) (Even though I wanted to show Grandma affection...) (Still, Grandma never uttered a word of complaint until the end...)(Hmm... maybe my resilience comes from Grandma.)

“Oops, Sorry, my lord. I just zoned out there for a moment. My apologies. Once I nail down this plank, let me brew some tea.”

> “Thank you... Boschi”

Boschi: “I'll finish this up quickly, so just wait a moment.”

> “Yeah, got it”

Clang, clang

Boschi: "............ ‘So, if you're thinking of expanding the house... Keep it until when you need it…’  ‘or when you find someone special’ ……Phew. What am I remembering...?

Thwack

Boschi: “Ouch…!”

> Boschi...!?

Boschi: “Ah, yeah... it's nothing. Just slipped my hand a bit. It's nothing serious.”

Boschi has a calm expression on his face, but… he might just be suppressing the pain to not worry me. Anyway, I decided to at least check the wound.

> “Let me see your hand”

Boschi: “H-Hey... my lord.”

Slowly removing his left glove, I cautiously touched Boschi's fingers. There seems to be nothing wrong at a glance... But If I were to accidentally hit my hand, it would be the thumb or index finger.

> “Does it hurt here?”

Boschi: “I told you, I'm fine. It's not a big… ………… No... Maybe it does hurt… a little?”

> “In that case, I'll go get some ointment or bandages…”

Boschi: “It's okay, my lord. You don't need to go that far. Just... if you could massage it for a while.”

> “Massage...?”

Boschi: “Yeah. That's the best cure for me. With that, even this kind of pain will quickly go away. It might make me rely on you, my lord... But... it's okay for me to indulge in this from time to time, right?”

> “O-of course, it's fine”

Boschi: “I see. Thanks, my lord. Then... I'll leave it to you, my lord.”

As Boschi requested… I gently massage his hand. I'm not sure if this will really make the pain go away, but seeing Boschi smile satisfactorily… I couldn't bring myself to stop halfway.

Boschi: “............ I see... This kind of thing is nice once in a while.”

> “Feeling better?”

Boschi: “No, not yet. Keep going a bit longer.”

> “O-Okay”

Boschi: “Heh... I thought repairing this rundown mansion were nothing but a hassle… But... It's giving me interesting ideas.”

> Like what?

Boschi: “Yeah. Like... For example, if someday I were to build my own house... It might be nice to build it with my own hands.”

> “Building your house?”

Boschi: “That’s right. Both the size and layout would be completely up to me. Unlike the old me... I can build any kind of house now. ………Hey, my lord. What kind of layout would you want?”

> “Huh?”

Boschi: “No. On second thought, never mind.  Let's just keep this as a daydream, until the time comes… when it's a reality.”

> “U-um…”

The phrases "House made by Boschi" and "the layout I want" swirl around in my head... In order to suppress my agitation... All I could do was keep massaging Boschi's hand.

END

[akuaya-eng]

(Card story) Kai SSR - Clumsy Messenger of Love

- ANGEL'S SMILE -

EPISODE 1

Kai: A kind smile and a cheerful tone… right…

Mere: Talking to someone with a smile is spreading love. This also helps to heal those who are hurt and suffering.

Kai: Mr. Mere gives difficult orders…

Tis: Eeh. It's super easy.

Kai: I'm not as casual as Tis. Always smiling and being friendly…

Mere: Then let's practice smiling. Once you're confident, you'll be able to openly express your love in a daily basis.

Kai: Sigh… So I just have to do it, right…

Mere: Then, let's start with Tis. Think of Kai as a new patient and give him a smile, okay?

Tis: Sure! Let's try it. Let's go see the doctor! Don't worry, I'll be with you.

Mere: What a bright, sunny smile. Can Kai imitate it?

Kai: L-like this…

Tis: Whoa, your eyes aren't smiling at all!

Mere: This is… It looks like the journey is going to be a more difficult than expected.

Kai: (thinking) I knew it, my smile looks unnatural…

Tis: Well, well~. Let's stop the serious practice for now. How about exploring the hospital? I've always been curious about what it's like!

Kai: Tis, be quiet.

Tis: Instant cut-off!? So cold!

Kai: I'll keep practicing… There should be a hand mirror over there… (walks away)

Mere: Mere will stay with you. If you can feel a mother's love up close, your smile will surely become warmer. (walks away)

Tis: I have a bad feeling about this. I hope Kai doesn't try too hard…

EPISODE 2

Kai: Smile gently… casually start a conversation… then bring out the other person's smile… Alright. I should be able to do this… perharps.

Patient with bandaged leg: ……

Kai: (thinking) I guess that person is heading to their room. They're all alone and their steps seem heavy… I wonder if they're okay.

Mere: Kai. Please accompany that person. I'm sure Kai can be there for them.

Kai: I don't know if I can really be there for them, but… I'll try. (walks over to the patient) Um… nice weather today, right…

Patient with bandaged leg: Hmm…? It's cloudy outside...

Kai: Now that you mention it… the weather isn't that great…

Patient with bandaged leg: ……

Kai: (thinking) That's no good… it's not a conversation at all… At least I should show the results of my practice… I'll smile now... ... Would you like me to accompany you to your room… I'm here, so... if we walk slowly, it'll be alright… I guess.

Patient with bandaged leg: … No need to force yourself. If you're going to give me a fake smile, don't bother. (walks away)

Kai: …I knew it... I can't do it…

--------------------

Kai: I shouldn't have tried so hard… Everything would have gone better without me… If only... I could smile like Tis…

Tis: Kaaii?

Kai: … Tis. You're up in that tree, aren't you…?

Tis: Hehe. Correct!

Kai: Did you come here to laugh at me?

Tis: Of course not!

Kai: Tis managed to do well at the hospital. Much better than me…

Tis: But you know aht. I thought about it. Kai should just be himself!

Kai: Be myself…?

Tis: It was so cool when Kai was trying hard. But I like the usual Kai! The one who's a bit negative. Who rarely smiles. Who thinks things through carefully, and is serious about the angels' mission. It's Kai's charm. Since I've been with you all the time, I know best.

Kai: … Are you trying to cheer me up? (thinking) To be myself? I don't think that's worth anything… But… if Tis says so… Maybe I can try believing in my usual self…?

Tis: You're smiling! Think of it as a revelation, and go see that patient one more time. This time, it'll definitely work!

EPISODE 3

Kai: (walks in) This should be the right room for that patient from earlier…

Patient with bandaged leg: You're the one from earlier…

Kai: I'm here as a substitute for the nurse… I'll change your bandages…

Patient with bandaged leg: …You're an angel, right? Do angels do such menial tasks?

Kai: I'm here as a nurse right now… I know you probably don't want someone like me changing your bandages, but please bear with it…

Patient with bandaged leg: I see, go ahead…

Kai: Alright…

Patient with bandaged leg: ……

Kai: ………

Patient with bandaged leg: …Hey. Can you talk about something? Anything is fine.

Kai: (thinking) Even if I'm asked to talk about something… I can't think of anything interesting… No, it doesn't have to be interesting. It's fine to just be myself, right… In that case… I'm really bad at smiling…

Patient with bandaged leg: …?

Kai: Even though I practiced in front of the mirror many times, when I actually see someone’s face, I can't smile properly… And honestly, talking to anyone other than Tis or Mr. Mere is a hassle… You probably don't want to deal with such a gloomy angel either…

Patient with bandaged leg: You're pretty self-deprecating for an angel…

Kai: Self-deprecating… But you… From what I can see, you've been keeping your distance from the other patients. I'd normally refrain from saying this, but you might want to try getting along with them. You'll be here for a while…

Patient with bandaged leg: Haha. Right where it hurts…

Kai: Oh… I'm sorry. Did that hurt?

Patient with bandaged leg: Not in that way. Ever since I was admitted, everyone has felt sorry for me… The more people smiled at me, the more I felt miserable. I can't walk without a cane. That makes me feel so helpless…

Kai: I see… You... you've been feeling that way all along…

Patient with bandaged leg: I'm sorry. Such a boring story. But talking to someone like you who doesn’t try too hard is a relief.

Kai: …Is that so…? To think there are strange people like you on Earth…

Patient with bandaged leg: Sorry for being different.

Kai: (thinking) Oh… I made him smile… It was okay to be myself… Maybe Tis was right… I need to tell Tis… I also like Tis' smile just as it is.

[akuaya-stories-tl]

[SSR] [Kai] Each Person's Resolve In Their Heart

Chapter 1: What Begets From Bond

Kai: (What kind of doll should I make today…)

[he starts drawing]

(Master Mere? Or maybe Tis? Making a different outfit than the one yesterday sounds nice too.)

Tis: Kai!

… Woah, the floor looks like it's getting swallowed by papers. What doll are you making today?

Kai: That's what I'm thinking right now.

Anyway, what about your lecture with Master Mere? Don't tell me you're skipping again…

Tis: No, not at all! I attended it till the end properly today.

Kai: I see. That's fine then…

Tis: So let's go outside and play! The weather's nice, so how about we go river rafting in the human world?

Kai: Why must you choose the human world out of all places? I refuse to go if there's a crowd there.

Tis: Eh~

Kai: [he continues to draw]

(I could try making a different color version of the stuffed doll that Master Mere gave me. Oh, then making tons of different sizes for it sounds like a nice idea too.)

Tis: If you want somewhere quieter… Oh, what about playing darts? I don't think there's many drunkards around this time, so it might be a surprisingly great spot.

Kai: [he's still drawing]

(Oh right. I could try changing the eye buttons one by one. Where's the box I stored my decorative buttons…)

Ah…

Tis: Oh, are we going to play darts?

Kai: There's no more decorative buttons left…

Tis: Huh?

Kai: Giving them eyes is the last step anyway, I'll think about it later. Now that I know what I wanna make, I'll cut the fabric and sew the body.

Tis: Geez! Kai!

Kai: ……

Tis: Hello? Tis calling to Kai!

Kai: ……

Tis: Sigh. This is hopeless.

Tis: Haaa~...

Mere: Oh? Weren't you going to play with Kai?

Tis: That was my first plan too. But he started making dolls so I thought it's impossible.

Nothing gets through him once he puts his mind to it. I didn't wanna interrupt him, so I came out of his room.

I'm bored now~ What should I do…

(... Wait. Didn't Kai say he ran out of decorative buttons?)

Mere: Then, how about you attend Mere's lecture?

Tis: Ah, err… Oh, I remember I have an errand to do. See ya!

Chapter 2: What Begets From Bond

Kai: Now I only need to put the eyes…

Ah.

(Oh right. I forgot I'm out of decorative buttons.)

(… What should I do? I don't wanna go out to a crowded place. I think I'll leave it at this today.)

(But even if I don't go out to buy it today, I'll have to go out someday or otherwise it'll never be completed.)

(In that case, I should ask Tis since he's here at the moment…)

Tis, I'm out of materials, could you—

… Tis?

(Wasn't he talking about something next to me just now? When did he disappear?)

(And wasn't he the one who started making conversation with me? Why did he decide to go off on his own…)

……

… Sigh. No choice then. I'll go to the town by myself.

Kai: (This place is so lively. This isn't a place for someone like me. I'm out of this place as soon as I'm done buying all the materials.)

Fiori: Oh? It's Kai! What a surprise to see you here.

Are you okay? You've been looking around like crazy.

Kai: … I'm fine. I'll be heading back soon after I've done my business at the handicraft store.

Fiori: Are you perhaps finally interested in making clothes for me…!?

Kai: I'm sorry, but I can't make clothes for you. I'm here just to buy materials to make my stuffed doll.

Fiori: Oh, I see now. So that's what it is… Fufu, well, maybe I should go with you~⁠♪

Kai: Pardon?

Fiori: I'm curious to see what kinda doll Kai is making. Let's go, the handicraft store is over here.

Kai: I'm fine by myself… ah.

Handicraft store employee: Thank you for your patronage~

Tis: Oh man, I bought a lot ⁠♪

Kai: Tis…!?

Tis: Oh, Kai's here too! Wait, why's Princess here?

Fiori: We met by chance. When I asked him about it, Kai said he was out shopping for doll materials, so I came along.

Tis: Oh, I have the same idea. I bought the materials too!

Kai: You're out shopping for doll materials too? … But why?

Tis: You're asking that!? Kai, weren't you the one who said you don't have any decorative buttons left!

Kai: I did? When…?

Tis: Oh gee! You must've been so focused, you didn't notice you said it out loud.

Kai: … Maybe.

You heard me talking to myself and went out of your way to buy it?

Tis: Look, Kai! These decorative buttons look like jewels, aren't they so sparkly and beautiful?

Kai: …! Their colors are so beautiful… They're perfect for the doll I'm making now.

Tis: Right~?⁠♪ Let's go back and continue making your doll! I'll lend you a hand too.

Kai: Yeah. Thank you.

Fiori: Woah! These buttons are so sparkly, they're so cute! You really bought a lot of them.

What kinda doll are you making with this?

Kai: Um, about that…

Tis: If Princess wanna know, you should come and see it too. Maybe he could teach you how to make it?

Fiori: Sounds fun! Having Kai as your teacher for a stuffed toy class sounds great.

Tis: Good idea! Let's hurry back then!

Kai: Eh… Wait…

Chapter 3: What Begets From Bond

Kai: How did I end up like this…

Fiori: Don't sulk at this point already. We're all set. Please treat us well, Teach!

Tis: Besides, two students are better than one, am I right?

Kai: I guess you could put it like that…

… Alright. So, what kind of dolls are you two planning to make?

Fiori: I want it cute!

Tis: I want it cool!

Kai: ……

Well, I'll teach you all the basics, then you two can go ahead and make whatever you want with these materials here.

Fiori & Tis: Okay~!

[later]

Tis: Oh no! It's ripped again! Kai~ the insides of the stuffed doll are flowing out!

Kai: Let me see… Tis, you didn't make the seam allowance.

Tis: Huh? Seam what?

Kai: Sigh. Okay then, Tis, you finish up this doll instead. You can at least sew on the eyes and mouth, right?

Tis: Roger~!

Fiori: Hey, Kai. This doll looks kinda flat, it's not cute at all.

Kai: Err, there’s a way to make it look more filling…

Wait, it must've been so annoying to have someone like me to order you around…

Fiori: I've told you, nothing like that! Please tell me, Teacher Kai!

Kai: Calling me a teacher is a bit…

Tis: Sew this part… and it's done!

… Wait, huh? The doll’s face looks kinda sad.

Alrighty then, I'll give a “cheer-up charm” for this doll.

Kai: !

Fiori: Cheer-up charm?

Oh! You stick a felt under its eye. That's quite chic! Fufu, it's matching with Kai.

Kai: (“Cheer-up charm”...)

(I remembered he said that too when he did my butterfly makeup before. But Tis had supposedly forgotten about it…)

Tis: Kai! Don't you think it looks good now?

Kai: … Yeah. It doesn't look bad.

[later that night]

Kai: … Sigh.

(When is Tis coming back? I hope he'll come home straight away after dropping Miss Fiori off.)

(At any rate, I've gotten so many stuffed dolls today.)

(Each of us chose our favorite colors and fabric to make it, so there's not a single sense of consistency.)

(The one that Miss Fiori made has a bright color scheme, and there's a big flower on its chest that suits it very well.)

(And this big and a bit clumsier looking one is made by Tis.)

(… None of them are based on my designs. I doubt that I alone can create these children at all…)

All of them are surprisingly cute.

(… But I'm really tired today. I'll lie down for now until Tis comes back.)

Kai: I'm not built to be a teacher…

But, doing something with someone from time to time isn't so bad… I guess?

[Fin]

[mightybee113]

PAREO's Dream Fes 2 card story

[cuiizhu]

Helios Rising Heroes - Patience and Explosion

ARCANA: The High Priestess - Marion Blythe Card Story

Marion: —And, that’s a review of what we’ve covered so far. 

Ren & Gast: ……..

Marion: Gast….you’ve been neglecting your duties, haven’t you? 

Gast: Uu…..

Ren: ……….

Marion: And these are all basic questions… disappointing

Gast: Sorry….I didn’t think I’d get this rusty either. Things were starting to come back as I listened to you talk but…. 

Marion: Ah well. I’ll have to drill it in again, including the events that occurred during your absence. 

Gast: Y-yeah… Sigh~~......

Ren: ……Oi, no sighing. 

Marion: …….. >:(

Gast: Ah, shit……! 

Gast: Hh……..

[long pause]

Marion: Here. Next question set. Do it quickly. 

Gast: Huh?

Ren: ……….

Marion: What is it? 

Gast: Aah~ ….No, I thought for sure the whip was gonna come flying….

Marion: What are you talking about? Stop dilly-dallying and get on with it. Ren’s already started. 

Gast: Geh-! Not fair, Ren! 

Ren: What isn’t? You’re the one who’s distracted. 

Marion: He’s right. Less grumbling, more answering. You have 30 minutes…got it? 

Gast: Y–yeah! 

[In the training room]

Ren & Gast: [panting]

Marion: Combat training is alright….both your results aren’t bad. 

Gast: Just a passing grade…..strict as ever huh. The drill was harder than usual. 

Marion: That’s exactly why it’s only passing. Your movements have become more intentional, but you’ve got a long way to go. Keep working on it. 

Gast: Haha…saying it like that…… 

Ren: Oi….

Marion: ……… >:(

Gast: Marion, that’s not it! I’m not making excuses, just talking to myself….!

Marion: …..Looks like you still have enough energy to run your mouth huh. Then next time, I’ll add—

Ren & Gast: ………….

Marion: ……? Again, what is it? You’ve been looking at me weird. 

Gast: S, sorry….. Wasn’t intending to but....uh, Marion, are you feeling alright? 

Marion: Huh? 

Ren: Oi, Gast….

Gast: Ah, no! I’m not saying you’ve been weird or anything like that……! 

Marion: If you have something to say, just spit it out. It’s annoying. 

Gast: Uuh, how do I say this…. You’ve been able to control……no, that you can just feels weird…

Marion: ……….

Marion: (What’s up with him…. maybe he still hasn’t fully recovered?)

Marion: ……If you aren’t feeling well, say so from the start.  

Gast: ………….Eh?

Marion: That’s all for today, get some proper rest.

[Marion walks off]  

Gast: Wh-what was that…..?

Ren: No idea…..

[At Victor’s lab]

Marion: Their theoretical knowledge is a little shaky,  but the rest were passable. 

Victor: In terms of theoretical knowledge, Ren shouldn’t be an issue. Gast maybe just needs some time to refresh his memory. 

Victor: Since it seems to me he has a good grasp of what he studied at the Academy. 

Marion: …..Yeah, he was definitely distracted by other things. He couldn’t concentrate at all. 

Victor: Other things like?

Marion: That I don’t know. It’s why I thought maybe he hasn't fully recovered yet….. 

Victor: Hmm, just an example, but would it perhaps include things like….staring without saying a word…?

Marion: Huh? What is that, gross….. 

Marion: Hm?

Ren & Gast: ………….

Victor: They saw all that, Marion. 

Marion: You two, didn’t I tell you to go rest?

Gast: …..It really is weird. 

Marion: ……This is the second time already, but I’ll ask anyways. What is?

Gast: Your “Blood Rules”. 

Marion: Huh……? 

Gast: I’ve broken them a bunch of times already, but nothing happened….

Gast: I’ve already pushed your boundaries a lot. Isn’t that weird…..? 

Marion: ………..

Marion: …..I see. So you’re at least self-aware?

Gast: Eh? 

Ren: ……!

Marion [smirking]: Hmph….

Gast: Ma-marion….?

Marion [bringing out the whip]: Guess worrying you weren’t feeling well was too soft of me. 

Marion: Now I get it…...I shouldn’t have been spoiling you!

[whipping noises]

Gast: Eh, now!???

Ren: Why am I included…..!

Marion: It’s a collective responsibility, so get ready. 

Gast: W-wait wait. Control! Control, Marion! 

Marion: Make no mistake, I am in full control! 

Ren: Oi, Gast do something!

Gast: Don’t be absu–aGH–!

[Gast dodges a whip strike]

Marion: No running! Just accept your punishment! 

Gast: I’m sorry! It's my bad so—

Gast: (But, I’m glad we’re back to usual….)

Marion: Stop grinning like that! You haven’t reflected enough!

[whip strike]

Gast: Oww–!

[whip strike]

Ren: I had nothing to do with this….!

Victor: Oya oya…..they get along well, huh. 

Victor: ,,,,,Though, Marion, please refrain from starting scuffles in my lab. 

[pjsk-story-summaries]

Kamishiro Rui "Gazing at One's Treasure" Bloom Card Story Summary

Fan translation (Tsukasa's #3 Fan)

Part 1: Wonderlands x Showtime are helping the Virtual Singers with a magic trick performance. Miku runs over with the bag of marbles they need for the trick, but in her enthusiasm, the bag rips and the marbles scatter everywhere. Everybody works together to gather them up.

Rui, Miku, and Len search backstage. Miku recites a line from their upcoming show about a friend helping another reach their goals, to which he reflects upon how important friends are. Suddenly, they hear the voices of some of Rui's old classmates from elementary school talking about how weird he is. Rui discovers the source of the sound- a glowing fragment he hypothesizes could be related to the "Fragment of Feelings" he'd found once before. Len and Miku run over right before the fragment sends all three of them to a new SEKAI.

The fragmented SEKAI is full of a creepy, oppressive mist. A young Rui walks out, visibly upset. He's mad the current Rui is so happy despite their past. Current Rui walks over to the kid to try and talk, but the kid runs into him, causing the two to swap bodies. The young Rui, now in current Rui's body, runs off, leaving current Rui, trapped in young Rui's body, behind.

Part 2: Despite the body change, Rui himself remains the same. He begins rambling about what it could mean, which ends up reassuring Miku and Len that he's fine. The three decide to explore the SEKAI to learn more about what feeling of Rui's may have brought this place to life.

They find a room filled with picture frames. Each frame contains a memory of Rui. All the frames from elementary and middle school are cracked, excluding those with his family and Nene. Rui realizes this place is formed from his loneliness, and that the young version of him is upset because he believes Rui is trying to forget their past. The revelation causes Rui to regain his usual body and the fog to dissipate.

Young Rui and Middle School Rui approach the group. Current Rui greets his middle school self, who had been taking a backseat to watch what happens. Young Rui's rage is gone, replaced by sadness.

Current Rui tells him that he'll never forget their loneliness. He wouldn't want to, even if he could. Those versions of himself will always remain a part of him, because without them, what he has now wouldn't mean nearly as much as it does now. It's because of his sadness and his loneliness that he's truly able to appreciate the value of Wonderlands x Showtime's company. It's because of the past him that he was able to fight for the future in which they all stay together. This is why Wonderlands x Showtime is is most valued treasure.

Rui, Len, and Miku return to the Wonderland SEKAI. Tsukasa, Emu, and Nene run over, concerned over why they all disappeared so suddenly. Rui reassures them that he's fine (because they're all there with him).

[kotegiris]

[Card Story - Shiro] Inheriting Life

Chapters 1 & 2

Chapter 1

-Before daybreak-

One day a little after Shiro became a Devil Butler…

While it was still dark out… I suddenly woke up.

Not in the mood to go back to sleep… I went to the window and looked outside.

Out the window… I saw Shiro carrying his sword and heading to the forest.

> I wonder what he’s doing.

I was curious, so I decided to go after him. 

【Nearby Forest】

Step… step… step…

Shiro: Hm? You…

> Good morning, Shiro.

Shiro: ………Why are you here?

> I saw you and got curious.

Shiro: ……… Curiosity killed the cat.

Shiro: As long as you are my lord… Refrain from acting on your emotions.

> S-Sorry…

Shiro: ……… I am only giving you advice.

Shiro: I am not upset. 

Shiro: Do not be frightened and… Do not needlessly apologize.

> G-Got it.

Shiro was being harsh this morning, but… When I looked at his indifferent expression, he did not seem upset.

He has an intimidating air about him. I don’t know much about him yet.

> What are you up to?

Shiro: I haven’t done anything yet. I’m about to start training.

> At this time?

Shiro: Yes. Normally, I train at a later time, but…

Shiro: Today in particular… I felt like training by myself.

Shiro: If I train at a later time… …Bellen will come.

Shiro: If he sees me… He’ll say, “Let’s train together,” and persistently follow me.

Shiro: I had no other choice… Thus, today I woke up early.

> I-I see…

“But if you can train by yourself at this time, then why don’t you train at this time every day?”

That question suddenly came to mind. 

> Then why don’t you do this every day?

Shiro: ……Hmph. A good question.

Shiro: There is danger in the forest. The same goes for when it’s nightfall and dark…

Shiro: Some animals are also more active early in the morning.

Shiro: To avoid them… I normally do my training at daybreak.

> So that’s why.

Shiro: You… Don’t treat this like it has nothing to do with you.

Shiro: …Entering the forest this early in the morning…

Shiro: From now on, no matter where your curiosity may lead you… Do not enter the forest at dangerous hours alone.

Shiro: Understood?

> Y-Yeah.

Hearing that the animals are more active at this time…

I suddenly felt a little scared of the forest that I was currently in.

> ……… > (Following him might have been a mistake.)

Shiro: ………

Shiro: …Don’t be scared. I said, “Do not enter the forest alone.”

Shiro: There are no problems if you’re with me.

Shiro probably sensed that I was scared, so he told me that with a calm voice.

> Thank you.

Shiro: Let’s go. If we go a little further, there’s an open space ahead.

Shiro: I’ll do my training there.

After he finished speaking, he turned around and began walking.

I followed him from behind.

-A few minutes later-

As we walked through the forest, Shiro, who had been silent, spoke.

Shiro: Hey. Watch your step.

Shiro: In the middle of the path, there are flowers. Do not, by any means, step on them.

> O-Okay.

Just as Shiro said, there were small flowers blooming on the ground.

They were so small that if I just walked normally, I might have missed them…

Observing him from behind… I noticed that he paid attention to the ground and his surroundings as he walked.

> (He probably cares a lot about nature…)

While I was thinking about that… Once more, Shiro spoke.

Shiro: We’re here. This is the place.

Shiro: …Hmph. Then, I will start training.

Shiro: It’ll be bothersome to take you back to the mansion.

Shiro: So be quiet and stay close to me.

> Got it.

And thus… I ended up watching Shiro train.

-A little later- 

Shiro’s training was so beautiful that I couldn’t help but stare at him.

I lost track of time listening to the sound of him powerfully swinging his sword and watching him move so effortlessly. 

Shiro: ……Hah. That’s enough for today.

Shiro: It’s been a while since I was able to focus on training.

> Nice work.

Shiro: ……Yeah.

Looking satisfied, Shiro wiped his sweat and sheathed his sword.

Shiro: Now then…… I’ve kept you waiting. Let’s return to the mansion.

> Alright.

I reluctantly nodded, feeling a little disappointed I couldn’t spend more time with him.

At that moment… I suddenly heard a loud sound from the thicket close to me.

Rustle…

> W-What is it!?

Shiro: Don’t make any noises…

Saying that… Shiro protectively stood in front of me.

Shiro: I said that if you’re with me, there are no problems. Don’t tell me you already forgot.

> I-I didn’t forget… but…

Shiro: Then, don’t make any noises.

Shiro: If we make a racket, they will only be more cautious.

Shiro: …Don’t worry. You stay there.

> O-Okay…

Rustle…

Shiro: ………How unlucky of you.

The moment Shiro muttered that… A huge bear appeared from the thicket.

Huge Bear: Grrrr…

> A-A bear!? > I-It’s huge…

Shiro: …Listen. Do not move. Understood?

> Yeah… I won’t.

Shiro: ……Hmph…. Seems like it’s quite hungry.

Shiro: There are no signs of it being intimidated by us.

Seeing us, the bear came closer while drooling.

Huge Bear: Grrrr…

> …!! > (I-It’s coming towards us…!)

The bear seemed so intense that I unconsciously took a step back.

Chapter 2

Shiro: Hey. I said don’t move.

> S-Sorry…

Even as I said that… The bear came closer, swaying its huge body. 

Shiro: Do not leave my side by any means. Understood?

Shiro: If you try to run… you’ll die.

Shiro: If you don’t want to die, do not move from there.

> …Okay.

The bear was breathing heavily and seemed like it would pounce at any moment…

Shiro kept his gaze on the bear and quietly pulled out his sword.

Shiro: …You must be hungry before your hibernation. You’re quite agitated.

Shiro: ……Leave immediately.

Shiro: If you do… I will forgive you for baring your fangs at us.

Shiro: However…

Shiro: If you come any closer… I will show no mercy.

For a moment the bear seemed to hesitate, but…

As if to shake it off, it roared loudly and… With its eyes on Shiro, it pounced.

Huge Bear: GRRR!!!

> Shiro!!

Shiro: …So you’ve lost your reasoning…

Muttering that, Shiro moved towards the bear and swiftly swung his sword.

Swing…!

……Thud.

After the sound of his sword… Came the sound of the bear’s huge body falling to the ground.

> W-What just happened…

It all happened in an instant, and I couldn’t comprehend what I just saw… Dumbfounded, I stared at Shiro, who was splattered in blood.

Shiro: ……Don’t think badly of me. You should have left when I gave you the chance.

Shiro: No matter who it is, I will not forgive anyone who tries to attack my lord…

Shiro approached the now motionless bear and quietly closed his eyes.

Shiro: …Your life was taken by me.

Shiro: I will not let this life go to waste.

After he came up to the bear and closed his eyes for a moment… He turned to me.

He was covered in blood.

Shiro: …Are you injured?

> I’m alright…

Shiro: I see… Good.

> Are you okay, Shiro?

Shiro: A creature like that could never injure me.

> I’m glad…

Earlier, Shiro had faced the bear and closed his eyes, but… I wonder what he was doing.

Curious, I decided to ask him directly.

> Why did you close your eyes earlier…?

Shiro: ……I was praying.

> Praying?

Shiro: After taking a life, we Folk of the Valley will always offer a prayer.

Shiro: And as those who are still alive… We inherit that life.

> Inherit a life…?

Shiro: …Is it easier to understand if I say we “consume” it?

Shiro: The only two situations in which we would take a life are…

Shiro: When it's to protect our comrades or for sustenance.

Shiro: For that bear’s life too… I swore to inherit it as sustenance.

> So that’s what you were doing…

Shiro: Protecting comrades or for sustenance… For these purposes, taking lives is an unavoidable part of life.

Shiro: However… There are people like the Seiran family and angels…

Shiro: Who toy with human life and take them in vain.

Shiro: ……There is no such thing as a worthless life in this world.

Shiro: I will not forgive those who take lives so easily and unsympathetically… 

> Shiro…

Shiro: Of course, not only the lives of humans…

Shiro: But animals, birds, and bugs too… All lives are equal.

Shiro: There is no excuse for killing in vain.

> …Yeah, you’re right.

Shiro: …I’ve talked a little too much.

Come to think of it, ever since he entered the forest… He was walking while paying close attention to the ground and our surroundings.

(Flashback)

Shiro: Hey. Watch your step.

Shiro: In the middle of the path, there are flowers. Do not, by any means, step on them.

(End of flashback)

At that time, I listened to his warning and avoided stepping on any of the flowers, but…

Since he said that the lives of bugs are also important…

He may have been warning me so that I would be careful not to step on any bugs too.

> You’re very kind.

Shiro: …I only do what I think is right.

Shiro: Kindness or whatever you think… Don’t apply your values on me without my permission.

> ...Thank you for saving me.

Shiro: ………Hmph.

Even though he values life, he went as far as to take one to save me.

I felt a little sorry, but at the same time… I also felt a little happy…

Shiro: ……My clothes are filthy.

Shiro: Follow me. I’m going to wash the blood off.

> Okay.

After he said that, Shiro began to walk away… I hurried after him so that he wouldn't leave me behind.

-A little later-

Shiro walked without hesitation… And we came to a calm, flowing river.

Shiro: Normally… I would not do something so improper, such as removing my clothes in front of you, but…

Shiro: I cannot leave you by yourself while I wash my clothes.

Shiro: …Stay there.

> A-Alright.

Once Shiro saw me nod… He took off his top.

His body, coupled with his pale skin, was as beautiful as a sculpture.

However, more than his beauty… The strength from his well-toned body was more prominent.

Shiro: …………

Shiro: ……Hey. What are you staring at?

> U-Uhm…

I couldn’t tell him that I was admiring his body… Flustered, I looked away.

Shiro: ……Hmph. Well, it’s fine.

Shiro: …How long are you going to keep standing there for?

Shiro: Come closer.

> Huh?

Shiro: Sit near me.

Shiro: Unless… You want to be attacked by another wild animal like earlier. 

After saying that… Shiro began to clean the blood off at the river.

With my heart slightly racing… I sat down by his side. 

END

T/N: The flashback indicators are not part of the actual text, but I added it to make it more clear for people who are only reading this translation.

[fallingangeltl]

Vanis SSR Story - The Fallen Angel's Temptation

Chapter 1

Rosé: Hm? Is that…… Elder brother and Vanis?

What could those two be chit chatting about?

Vanis: Let’s talk about the Six Demon Houses for a moment.

Rosé: The Six Demon Houses? Ahhh, I’ll pass on that annoying chatter.

But I would l-o-v-e♡ to know why Vanis has been so chipper lately. His skin looks clearer too?

Adder: As of late, you haven’t been pestering me for mana.

Vanis: Well, things have been going well as of late, you know?

Rosé: Heeeh? Spill the tea♡

Vanis: I didn’t do all that much.

There’s a nobleman I’ve gained the favor of. I’ve been asking him for mana.

Rosé: Hm~? The kind of mana you eat is the super pure kind isn’t it, though? So there really are people out there who are kind enough to give away something expensive like that?

Adder: …… Don’t be a burden to others, Vanis.

Vanis: Adder is still so mean.

I’m just helping him out a little. Because for me, mana is vital.

Rosé: So basically he’s trying to pleeease his patrons? He does that kind of thing a lot.

Adder: That’s not something you can get from that sort of thing alone

Vanis: I didn’t do anything major. You just have to give the person what they want. 

Simply provide a conversation to those who want to converse, knowledge to those who want it, and profits to those who wish for it.

Rosé: Isn’t that annoying though? You should stop eating mana and eat souls instead♪

Vanis: It doesn’t work like that. You know I can’t eat human souls, don’t you?

All I need to do is be what the other person wants, so if anything I’m having fun doing it.

Rosé: You’re good at going with the flow— for better or worse.

Adder: Well, if that’s what it takes to secure your needs then it’s acceptable.

Vanis: That’s all it is.

Servant: Excuse me. I’ve come to deliver a letter for Vanis-sama.

Vanis: For me? From who?

Chapter 2

Vanis: ………

Rosé: Do you have to go get your pet food from your patron right away?

Vanis: Ahh. …… It seems he’s died. He was involved in an unfortunate accident.

Adder: Could it be, your patron is from House Morgan?

Vanis: That’s correct, but…

Adder: In that case, that unfortunate accident must have been an assassination enacted by the Six Demon Houses

Vanis: …… Adder, surely you didn’t-

Adder: I’m telling you now that I had nothing to do with it.

But I suspect that’s not what House Morgan thinks. Since they were trailing behind all the Six Demon Houses except for Belladonna.

You should choose the people you surround yourself with wisely.

Vanis: …… Alright, I’ll deal with it properly.

Rosé: But, whaaaat next since your patron died before you could get your pet food? Should I give you a soul to snack on♪

Vanis: I appreciate the offer, but I want to refrain from becoming a demon.

And regardless, it hasn’t been decided yet that I won’t receive mana.

Rosé: Hmmmmm?

Vanis: I’ll be going out for a bit.

Adder: …… Do well.

Vanis: Fufu, of course.

(Time passes)

Noble’s Son: …… Are you maybe the fallen angel?

Vanis: Yes, I’m Vanis.

While he was alive, your honorable father treated me very well. He was kind enough to provide me with mana.

Noble’s Son: I heard about it from him. He said you were well-learned, and that you were emotional support for him.

Um, Vanis-san. I have something I sincerely need to talk to you about.

Vanis: What is it?

Noble’s Son: I’m saying this to you because my father was assassinated.

I’m worried that from here on my family and I will be targeted like my father was.

Vanis: I understand how you feel.

Because they’re hostile towards the Six Demon Houses you support, Belladonna is frightening, aren’t they?

Noble’s Son: ………

Vanis: Shall I talk to Adder for you?

Noble’s Son: ! Is that sort of thing possible?

Vanis: Personally, I don’t want to see my benefactor’s family fall into ruin.

In return—

You will have to swear allegiance to Adder, the head of House Belladonna.

Chapter 3

Noble’s Son: So that means…… From now on, I’ll be supporting House Belladonna?

Vanis: On the outside, you can still support the other houses as usual. As long as you pass some information along to House Belladonna.

Noble’s Son: ………

If Belladonna can guarantee our safety, then we would really appreciate it.

However, I do wonder if I’ll be able to go between two opposing forces easily……

Vanis: It’s alright, I’ll support you. I wish you well with House Belladonna and the other houses.

Besides, if I’m pulling the strings behind the scenes then I’m also an accomplice. You’re not alone…… There’s nothing to be afraid of.

If you fall, I’ll fall with you.

Noble’s Son: Th-That sort of thing! I’ll never let it get to that point! …… But……

I can’t believe you would take this house into such consideration. Truly, thank you, Vanis-san.

Ah, right. If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know.

Vanis: Fufu, then I suppose I’ll ask you for one thing.

I would especially like a little bit of mana. And at the moment, I want yours.

Noble’s Son: You want m-my mana? How do you intend to……

Vanis: Mana dwells within a pure heart. I know…… Imagine your deceased honorable father.

Noble’s Son: Father?

Vanis: Yes. Just close your eyes.

It’s over.

Noble’s Son: …… Thank you. Vanis-san— No, Vanis-sama.

While you were extracting the mana, I felt like I was able to meet my father.

Vanis: I’m sure your honorable father is also pleased that you made a wise decision.

(Internally) There’s nothing easier than manipulating the hearts of weak humans.

(Time passes)

I’m home, Adder.

Adder: How did it go?

Vanis: I’ve gotten a useful spy for House Belladonna.

Adder: And he won’t betray you, will he?

Vanis: As long as I’m in Belladonna, I’ll be alright.

It seems like he fully trusts me, and that he’ll even handle my mana.

Belladonna has even more reasons to let me stay here, don’t you think, Adder?

Adder: Hmph. I’ll tell you now, if you leave and someone betrays you, it’ll be fine to cut you off.

Vanis: You’re still as cold as ever, huuuh. You could’ve been a little happier about it.

Then, shall I  fawn even more over you, the beloved head of house?

Adder: You’d act like that with anyone.

Vanis: Maybe so.

Vanis: (In order to live in this absurd world……

For the sake of my “wish,” right?)

[agirlattea]

Card Stories:

- Nero 5th Anniversary SSR

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[hanyahlos]

Operation Wedding! Dino Albani 3★ — Hero Story

"Dear Grandpa and Grandma"

Operation Wedding! Dino Albani 3★ - Hero Story 「おじいちゃんとおばあちゃんへ」

---

— On the day of opening ceremony.

Dino: Uhh... Uh... Grandpa, Grandma...

Keith: Are you still crying? Grandpa and grandma's wedding ceremony has already ended. you know?

Dino: I, I know... But, It was such a wonderful ceremony...!

Keith: Alright, alright. It makes you more emotional.

Faith: Aha, Dino really cry too much. It's about time for the wedding reception, let's look forward to it.

Faith: Look, Dino's Grandfather and Grandmother's cake will be cut soon...

Faith: No, it's the pizza that gets cut.

Junior: What a huge pizza. Ah, they started the cut session.

Keith: Haa, It would have been perfect if there was alcohol here.

Junior: We're at work so you can't drink anyway.

Dino: Grandpa, Grandma...

Faith: They look happy.

Dino: Yeah...

Dino: Ah, that's right! Faith and Junior's performance was really good. It was filled with love and peace ♪

Faith: Aha, thank you ♪ Since it's a wedding ceremony song, I tried playing around without ruining the atmosphere.

Grandpa: Ooi, everyone!

Grandma: So, you were all here. There, wedding pizza.

Dino: Wow, Thank you! Please eat too everyone. This is the pizza we always eat on their wedding anniversary.

Junior: It's delicious! It's taste I haven't eat before.

Grandpa: We use ingredients that are not very familiar here.

Keith: Is this salt-cured beef? The one matured in wine..

Grandma: Yes, you know a lot...

Keith: Aah, it made me want to drink alcohol...

Hotel's Owner: We can't serve alcohol, but we do provide non-alcohol drinks.

Keith: Non-alcohol, huh...

Faith: Owner, how is the guest's reaction?

Hotel's Owner: I'm surprised when I was asked to prepare a wedding pizza instead of wedding cake but, it turned out to be a big hit with all the guest.

Faith: Aha, I'm glad. I'm grateful to the owner for accepting my sudden request to hold a wedding here.

Grandpa: Thank you everyone for such a wonderful surprise.

Junior: I was really surprised when Keith suggested this.

Keith: I just thought what just right at the time. Well, I'm glad it went well.

Grandma: I'm really sorry for getting you involved in our trouble...

Faith: Don't worry about it. Thanks to you we could make the ceremony more exciting.

Grandpa: We've caused trouble to Dino too.

Dino: We're family so I don't think it's a nuisance. I was confused because it was the first time I ever seen Grandpa and Grandma fight.

Grandma: Hehe, thank you. I'm so glad Dino is our child.

Grandpa: That's right. If it wasn't for Dino, our relationship might have remained strained.

Dino: Grandpa, Grandma...

Dino: Oh, I'm the one who—

Guest: Excuse me. Can you tell me the topping for this Pizza? I want to make it at home.

Grandma: Oh, my, of course. Isn't okay, Grandpa?

Grandpa: Of course. It's made with a salt-cured beef, Bresaola. And the cheese is...

Dino: .....

Faith: .....

Faith: I'm sorry, Owner. I have one more suggestion...

Hotel's Owner: Hmmm... Understood, Let's set it up.

Faith: Thank you very much ♪

---

Hotel's Owner: "Now I would like to hear some messages from the families of the bride and groom."

Dino: Eh, family?

Faith: There's only Dino.

Dino: What? Huh? Messages... I haven't prepared anything though...

Faith: Wouldn't it be a good idea to just tell your grandfather and grandmother how you feel right now?

Dino: Faith...

Dino: Thank you... Okay, I'll go then.

Hotel's Owner: "Then, Mr. Dino. Please share your messages."

Dino: "Well, thank you very much for preparing a place like this."

Dino: "I have a lot of things I want to say... I'm not sure where to start... But first..."

Dino: "Happy anniversary to both of you. You both look so happy it made me happy too"

Dino: "I was surprised to see the two of you, who have always been cheerful and kind, fighting for the first time. But I always believed both of you could get back together."

Dino: "And then..."

Dino: "I'm also, I'm also glad I am both of your child...!"

Grandpa & Grandma: ..... !

Dino: "Thank you for picking me up... I'm sorry I made you worry a lot..."

Dino: "I, I'm sorryyyyy~~~!"

Grandpa: Dino...

Grandma: Oh my... He cry so much...

Dino: "What should I do, I can't stop my tears..."

Faith: "Ahh, well, it seems like Dino had a lot of things spilling out."

Junior: "We will translate it! Hey, Keith, what did Dino say?"

Keith: "Haa? There's no way I'll understand..."

Junior: "You will know it! You're Keith!"

Keith: "That's so unreasonable..."

Dino: "Uhh..."

Keith: "....."

Keith: "Well, thanks to Grandpa and Grandma, Dino became an unparalleled pizza lover and a great Love and Peace Alien. He then lived happily ever after."

Junior: "What's that! It's not a fairy tale! Take it seriously, shitty mentor!"

Keith: "Then, you should try it. No matter how long we' hang out 've known each other, what's impossible is impossible!"

Faith: "Well... Dino is doing well with these cheerful friends. I hope Grandpa and Grandma stay healthy forever. That's all."

Grandma: That's wonderful...!

Grandpa: Dino, that was a great speech!

Dino: Th-thank you...

Grandma: I'm glad you're surrounded with good friends.

Grandpa: We are also happy to see Dino having fun.

Dino: Yeah...

Dino: They're my companions that I proud of ... ♪

---

Translator Note;

Hello, thank you for reading this translation! West sector is so sweet together.

Feel free to reach me through twt if there's something I can fix!