#daniel hiroshi iwabuchi

[shunin-gumis]

Designs of Happiness - Track A02

L4mps Main Story Translation

Title: Night Office

Characters: Daniel, Yodaka

Summary: Daniel brings the protagonist to a certain bar, where they meet a cheerful bartender and the sleepy owner… 

Please note, I use Momiji, the female Hamasaki sibling, as the speaker for my stories. Kaede is the male sibling. In this chapter there are some different reactions from characters depending on the player character's gender, I'll have them noted separately.

JP Proofreading: aca @463ce6 on twt EN Proofreading: jes @arcanecrayonn on twt

Location: “Ten Nights of Dreams” BAR

Momiji: Oh?

Momiji: There’s something on the ground… A flower?

Momiji: I wonder if it fell out of someone’s bouquet… It’s so pretty… And it’s still fresh too. I wonder what kind of flower this is…

Daniel: Oi Chief! What’re you spacing out in the middle of the road for?

Momiji: Sorry! I just went to pick this up.

Daniel: A flower, huh. Can’t believe folks would drop somethin’ as nice as this.

Daniel: So, what’re you gonna do with it?

Momiji: I can’t just leave it like this to wither away. I’d like to put it in a vase or something…

Daniel: Then it’s a good thing we’re here.

Momiji: What do you mean by that? 

Daniel: C’mon, let’s go.

Daniel: Heey~

Momiji: “Ten Nights of Dreams” huh… The bar gives a really nice vibe, it’s quiet and relaxing.

Momiji: They’ve put a lot of thought into the furnishing… Are these all vintage pieces? –Ah.

Momiji: There’s a vase with a beautiful floral arrangement… 

Chouun: Welcome. Customers have arrived.

Employee: Ah, sorry~ We’re still in the middle of prepping~

Employee: Huh? Oh, it’s just Hiroshi.

Daniel: Yo!

Momiji: Huh… Daniel did say he knew the owner here, I should’ve known it’s because he’s a regular.

Momiji: Does that mean this cheery and handsome fellow is the owner?

Daniel: The last time I was here, you told me I shoulda come in earlier, so here I am. Before opening hours, even. 

Employee: Are you for real? You know that’s not what I meant. I became a bartender so I could get with some hot chicks, NOT a bulky dude like you. 

Daniel: Hey, I’m the one who’s got complaints! You always lead the women away to some lone corner; might as well get a neon sign that says you’re feeling horny.

Daniel and the employee: Ha!

Employee: With that outta the way, comin’ in hot with a Tequila Boom Boom*!

Daniel: Hitting me with the shots already?

Employee: Here you go~ You can even down the whole bottle if you want!

Momiji: Looks like they get along real well, but-

Momiji: We’re still on the clock, Manager.

Daniel: Whaat~? Drinkin’s part of the job, really.

Momiji: Nope. That’s definitely not part of the job description.

Employee: Aha! Who’s your friend? Momiji: You can call me Hamasaki. Please don’t mind my presence here.

If player character is female: Employee: Hey there~ We’ve met before, on Mars, right? Momiji: Um? Employee: It’s alright~ Let’s leave the past behind and have a do-over. This time, on Earth~ Daniel: Hit on her all you want, but remember she’s MY subordinate. Employee: Tch, the watchdog’s got a little too much muscle on him.

If player character is male: Daniel: So he says. Ain’t worth bringing to a bar, this one. Employee: You’re the one who decided to bring a dude along… Doesn’t even seem like he knows how to loosen up. Kaede: Um, is there anything wrong with me being a guy? Employee: Not really… A customer’s a customer after all, you’re more than welcome. I just don’t want this place to get any more musty with all the men y’know~? Kaede: Do I smell or something…

Daniel: Right, almost forgot, this fella’s name is-

Yunyun: It’s Yunyun~ Nice to meetcha.

Daniel: Yun…? Really? That’s what you’re going with? Not like I care.

Momiji: Yu-Yunyun-san… It’s nice to meet you too.

Yunyun: Let’s get along yeah~

Daniel: So, where’s your boss?

Momiji: Huh, Yunyun-san isn’t the owner?

Yunyun: Ew~ Don’t lump me in with Yodaka-san. Our owner’s the one lounging over there.

Owner?: *soft snoring*

Momiji: I didn’t notice earlier, but there’s actually someone sleeping on the sofa…?

Daniel: It’s time for your first mission, Chief. Operation: Rouse the Barkeeper.

Momiji: Wha- why me?? You actually know the guy, shouldn’t you do it?

Daniel: I’m gonna go have a drink first, good luck.

Momiji: …..

Momiji: Well, it shouldn’t be that big of a deal anyways.

Owner: …..

Momiji: He’s sleeping quite soundly… I wonder if shaking his shoulder would be enough to wake him up… 

Momiji: Um, excuse me… 

Owner: *quiet mumbling*

Momiji: Is he… sleep talking?

Momiji: I can’t hear him, I should lean in closer…

Owner: A bit more…

Owner: Open your mouth… a little wider… Make sure not to spill…  even a drop… 

Momiji: !?

Momiji: P-Please wake up! Right now! I get the feeling that I shouldn’t let this go any further…!

Owner: Good… job…

Owner: …Ahh, you’ve gotten so much better at this…. before I’d even realized… 

Momiji: Aaahhhhh…!!

Yunyun: Back already?

Momiji: Sorry. It seemed like he was really enjoying his dream, it didn’t feel right to disturb him.

Daniel: What kinda dream was he having that’s got your face all red?

Momiji: It’s not red. It’s just the lighting. 

Yunyun: Hiroshi~ You shouldn’t bully your juniors like that.

Momiji: Seriously.

Yunyun: Ahaha! So, what’s that about Flower Laundry again?

Daniel: We’ve got some business with the store owner. Didn’t get to meet him though.

Yunyun: Flow-Laun’s that weird store that’s both a flower shop and a laundromat in one right? He’s probably got double the deliveries to do, so it’s easy to miss him.

Momiji: He’s got a point… In fact, just earlier-

~~~~~(Flashback)

Sonia: Welcome~

Momiji: Aw, what a cute pet robot. Though it’s no longer rare to find one helping out or watching over stores while their owners are out.

Momiji: I’d love to set one up at our company but… Shuumai would probably get jealous.

Momiji: Is Nagi Hachinoya-san here right now?

Sonia: Nagi-shan is out on delivery right now. There were orders for both bouquets and laundry, sho he’ll be out all day.

Sonia: Not to mention… Nagi-shan has a tendency to attract trouble, sho I never know when he’ll be back… I’m sorry that I can’t give you a clear answer.

~~~~~(end flashback)

Owner: What do you need him for?

Momiji: Huh- wha!?

Owner: Oh, it seems I’ve startled you.

Momiji: I-It’s because you talked right into my ear all of a sudden…!

Daniel: Be careful around that guy, he’s famous around these parts for being a walking “Libido Switchman”.

Momiji: A what-

Owner: Oh please, that was a long time ago.

Momiji: Are you sure? Because your sleep-talking earlier would say otherwise… 

Owner: Was I sleep-talking? I did have a dream about sharing popsicles with a friend… I remember the flavors, orange and pineapple.

Momiji: Talk about misleading…!

Yunyun: Mornin’ Boss~

Owner: Mm, good morning. –Chouun.

Chouun: Yes.

Owner: If you could please play some music that would suit tonight’s atmosphere

Chouun: … Understood. The playlist I have selected is themed after “Nostalgia”.

Momiji: This pet robot has a music player function huh… Its star lamp emanates a gentle glow, it’s so pretty… 

Owner: The little one.

Momiji: Huh?

Owner: Would you like to place it in this vase? I think it needs the water.

Momiji: Oh, were you talking about this flower?

Owner: Yes. I just thought it was a little sad to see it drooping all on its lonesome.

Momiji: Thank you, I'd been holding onto it because I meant to give it some water.

Momiji: I’ll take you up on the offer.

Owner: ….. 

Momiji: Erm…?

Owner: ……….

Momiji: I wonder why he’s staring at me so intently for… 

Yodaka: Have we… met somewhere before?

If player character is female: Momiji: H-He’s way too close…! Momiji: No, um, I’m pretty sure this is our first time meeting…! Owner: I have a hard time believing that. Those eyes… I’m sure I remember seeing them before…  Yunyun: Ah, I already used that line, so.

If player character is male: Kaede: I don’t think so… This should be our first time meeting. Owner: Are you sure? Kaede: Probably…? Also, um… isn’t your face too close…  Owner: It is, yes.

Owner: I see… Oh well.

Owner: How about their order?

Yunyun: They haven't ordered yet~

Daniel: Oh right, that slipped my mind. 

Daniel: Chief, your drink’s on me so get yourself one too. Yodaka’s cocktails are outta this world.

Momiji: Wow, it must be really amazing to get a stingy person like you to treat me. I’m really curious, but I’ll have to refuse. We’re still on the clock.

Owner: In that case, you can try a mocktail instead.

Momiji: A mocktail?

Owner: It’s a non-alcoholic cocktail. Please wait a moment while I make it.

Notes:

Ten Nights of Dreams (Yumejyuuya) is in reference to Natsume Soseki’s work of the same name, and is important to Yodaka’s character background. (I'd recommend reading about it after L4mps main story -> Yodaka's novel)

Tequila Boom Boom is probably in reference to this Japanese commercial on Sauza Cooler that aired in 2017, featuring Shota Matsuda.

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Masterlist

[vampuppyy]

There. 18trip characters as bottles falling down the stairs. Inspired by the umineko one

[82mitsu]

{18Trip} <CHAPTER 001 SIDE-A: Sun will R1ze!> 001-A05 First Strategy Meeting

A translation of 18TRIP's CHAPTER 001 SIDE-A by 82mitsu. ENG proofreading by sasaranurude.

Kafka: Mhm, all the founding employees being assembled really makes you feel like the reality of it all has kicked in.

Kafka: However, what we’re doing here isn’t some get together for friends. Bringing proper results is our goal. For the time being I want to explain the restoration plan I came up with though, is that okay?

Yachiyo: …Um, uhm…

Yachiyo: That special tourism ward thingie mentioned in the documents… What uh, is …it?

Kafka: ………

Sakujiro: I cannot believe we have to start from there.

Yachiyo: Sosososososorry!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kaede: (Living in JPN in this day and age, and not knowing about special tourism wards… Maybe Yachiyo-kun is some sheltered boy?)

Kafka: Sakujiro, you know what to do.

Sakujiro: Of course, President. Fuefuki-kun, please look this way. It’s an educational video aimed at children titled “Tourism For Beginners”. 

Kaede: (That video…! It’s the one I saw while I was in preschool…!)

Mister Rabbit: “Hello all good boys and girls! Today Mister Rabbit and-”

Little Miss Lion: “Little Miss Lion~!”

Mister Rabbit & Little Miss Lion: “-Will be learning all about the tourism industry~!”

Little Miss Lion: “Hey hey Mister, why do people call JPN the nashion of toorism?”

Mister Rabbit: “Good question, Little Lion! You see, JPN isn’t the only “nation of tourism” out there, since many countries all over the world are the same as JPN!”

Mister Rabbit: “People from the past worked very hard and made many machines. Thanks to the power of science, everyone’s got lots and lots of free time! Which is why traveling became a very popular way of playing!”

Little Miss Lion: “People from all over the woreld are trafeling!?”

Mister Rabbit: “Yes they are! A lot of effort was put into creating a “Ministry of Tourism” so everyone can have lots of fun, even in JPN!

Mister Rabbit: “In particular, the places where lots of tourists go to play are called “special tourism wards”, and support is provided in all sorts of ways throughout the whole country so everyone can have fun!”

Little Miss Lion: “Waaah~! Does that mean taxes becoming cheaper too~!?”

Mister Rabbit: “Yes, you bet! Among other things, in a “special tourism ward”, there’s the official position of “0th Ward Mayor”, someone with a loooot of powerful authority!

Little Miss Lion: Little Lion love love loves authoreety~! What can I do if I become the 0th Ward Mayor? Can I destroy the entire neighborhood~?”

Mister Rabbit: “Ahaha! Little Miss Lion makes some funny jokes! But, maybe you can? wink”

Mister Rabbit: “The 0th Ward Mayor can advertise tourism, choose who gets to be a Ward Mayor and decide on what the local tourism should be about!”

Mister Rabbit: “Whether it's killing or reviving the neighborhood, that all depends on the 0th Ward Mayor and the other mayors!”

Little Miss Lion: “Waaauw, when I grow up Little Miss Lion will definitely become the 0th ward mayor and obtain all the authoreety in the world~!”

Kaede: (... Did this video always have such a dark twist to it…?)

Yachiyo: Tremble tremble tremble… The 0th Ward Mayor is an authoritarian figure……………!

Daniel: Hweh~ I see now, uh-huh~ That’s what special tourism wards and 0th Ward Mayors were all about, huh.

Kaede: (Hold on, what do you mean Daniel-san didn’t know about this!? The previous company he worked at WAS a travel agency…!)

Kafka: So, the mentioned 0th Ward Mayor is what I am, basically…

Yachiyo: Hieh, you’re gonna destroy the neighborhood…!?

Kafka: Well, whether the ward sinks or swims all depends on the Ward Mayor themself. In fact, my own father is the one who almost killed HAMA, so…

Kaede: (Kafka, your smile is creepy…)

Kafka: It wasn’t mentioned in the video, but special tourism wards also have their disadvantages.

Kafka: Instead of receiving support from the country, they’re put under surveillance by the 23 wards of Tokyo connected to the government. Our own supervisory authority is in the hands of Tokyo’s 8th Ward Mayor.

Kaede: Shigematsu Hakkei-san who was at the inauguration… right?

Kafka: Yes. Ward Mayors like him frequently come sightseeing without prior notice. So if the hospitality level is low, a negative review will be drafted up immediately—think of them like some kind of menace of a sister-in-law. 

Nayuki: However, you cut all financial support from the capital, right? Then in that case, the 8th Ward of Tokyo must not have the right to interfere with tourism policies anymore. 

Kafka: Exactly that♪ I’ll be taking bold, drastic measures with our tourism policies this year.

Kafka: If we don’t reach the quota of required tourists in a year, HAMA will lose its status as a special tourism ward and my role will disappear too. 

Kaede: We just gotta get over that hurdle of drawing in tourists, right…

Kafka: So that’s all to say, in order to revive HAMA I put a plan together under the name of “NEO18Wards”.

Nayuki: According to the documents… the benchmark is the 9 wards of KOBE? 

Yachiyo: Marking benches?

Sakujiro: A blueprint, an example, the goal we’re aiming for. That’s the meaning of it, Fuefuki-kun.

Yachiyo: Muh! Memo, memo…!

Kaede: Why KOBE-9 though, if you don’t mind telling us?

Kafka: The reason is simple. KOBE and HAMA are both port cities, making them rivals that've been getting compared for as long as they've existed. Though, KOBE is crushing the competition at the moment.

Nayuki: If I remember correctly, KOBE did a large-scale reformation on their approach to tourism a few years back, and established a plan for the Ward Mayors to be directly involved with hospitality.

Kafka: Exactly. To begin with, what people are trying to find by traveling is a fresh, personal human connection that they cannot experience on a daily basis due to the mechanization and automation of the modern age. 

Kafka: Such an element cannot be easily replicated by technology.

Kaede: (That’s true…)

Kafka: HAMA’s failure is attributed to the surplus of tourism policies attracting way too many tourists for its own good, and in turn this lowered the quality of hospitality to each individual as a whole.

Kafka: To get us out of this situation, it’s necessary to give tourists the experience of courteous hospitality just like in KOBE. 

Nayuki: A simple but a very reliable method, if I had to say. Nonetheless, what do we do about the policies to increase tourism?

Kafka: That’s the Nayuki I know, always quick on the uptake♪

Kafka: First, we’ll narrow it down to domestic affairs… When thinking about the population of JPN, there are only so many people that travel on a regular basis, after all.

Kafka: It’s a situation where every city wants a piece of the pie. Keeping that in mind, the only way to increase tourism is by increasing the amount of repeat tourists. 

Kafka: Not just touring all the famous spots as people have been until now, but transforming all of HAMA into a tourist attraction and establishing a fanbase is what’s essential here. Which is why… I intend to increase the number of Ward Mayors for exactly this reason. 

Kaede: More Ward Mayors…?

Kafka: Currently, there are three Ward Mayors left in HAMA. The plan is to appoint a Ward Mayor to all 18 wards in due time.

Nayuki: It’s the 0th Ward Mayor’s job to lead the other mayors, right. Wouldn’t management be a heavy burden with such a large number of people?

Kafka: It’s me, remember? Think I can’t pull it off?

Nayuki: … You have a point.

Kafka: Though, first we start bolstering what we have with the current Ward Mayors. Sakujiro, you know what to do.

Sakujiro: Yes, President. Click click, as you asked.

Kaede: …Splitting up the 18 wards into four areas? By morning, noon, evening and night…?

Kafka: That’s right. By the way, the intention behind the name is along the lines of “Enjoy your trip to HAMA from morning till night”♪

Kafka: Which leads us to the following. Yachiyo, Sakujiro, Nayuki and Daniel. All of you will be providing full-time support to each squad respectively. As for the role itself—I’ll simply call you “conductors”.

Yachiyo: Eh, eeeh…!? Such, such an important task, me!?

Kaede: (For Yachiyo-kun this is definitely too much… W-wonder if this is okay.)

Kafka: No worries. Yachiyo is in charge of Morning Squad, which includes me. Chief-chan, you’ll be keeping an eye on all squads, okay?

Kaede: G-got it.

Kaede: (I feel the pressure, but… I said I’ll face anything that comes at me. Gonna give it my all…!)

Nayuki: Dividing into groups and establishing squads, I can understand. However, what is the meaning behind going through the trouble of dividing?

Kafka: The fact that we’ll get the Ward Mayors of each squad to coordinate and create a superior touring plan. There's a limit on how much our tourism resources can be fortified when our time is restricted to one year. 

Kaede: (That’s true… Right now we’re unable to sit down and create new facilities, and increasing what sights to see isn’t an easy task.) 

Kafka: But, we do have something we can use immediately. What do you think that is?

Yachiyo: Eh……, eh………

Kaede: Can use immediately…?

Daniel: Our amazing Bossman’s money? Gahah, just joshing!

Nayuki: …I see, that’s what it is.

Kafka: It’s none other than human resources. 

Kaede: (Ah…!)

Kafka: I’ve said it before, right? What people look for on travels is something that cannot be replicated by technology. 

Kafka: Extremely hard to quantify that the numbers may as well be random. An existence whose pattern is indecipherable to the whole word. That’s what “humans” are.

Kafka: I’m wagering on the “human” potential of Ward Mayors. A meeting between people—there’s no personal experience more intense than that. 

Nayuki: If this is the President’s plan of action, I will provide my support.

Nayuki: Though, will the current Ward Mayors give their endorsements? All wards had been operating independently up until now. 

Kafka: I’m the 0th Ward Mayor, remember?

Kafka: Just sit back and watch how I’ll make them say yes.

<<previous chapter / next chapter>>

chapter 001 side A directory: TBA upon completion

[kfkr1ze]

[002-A07] Unbreakable Boys

Summary — ✈︎ The day before the study trip, Kaede decided to research the origins of the explosion at Asu High. He comes to realize that Akuta and the others are at the age where they may not be considered children anymore.

Characters— ✈︎ Nayuki, Daniel, Sakujiro, Akuta, Kiroku, Muneuji, Nanaki, Ushio

Location: HAMA Tours Office Floor

Nayuki: Here, coffee.

Kaede: Ah… Sorry. Thank you very much.

Nayuki: You’re not pushing yourself too much, are you?

Doesn't the Noon Squad’s study trip start tomorrow?

Kaede: Yeah… But, I still have some stuff that I really need to finish before I leave.

Nayuki: If you’ll have me, I could help. You have to be prepared for tomorrow.

Kaede: No no, I couldn’t ask that of you…

Nayuki: … Are you even aware of what time it is right now?

At the rate that you’re going, you won’t have time to sleep.

Kaede: Ehーー It’s 10PM!? I-I’m in big trouble…

Nayuki: So, where should I begin?

Kaede: I’m really sorry…! Umm… Thenーー

Location: HAMA House 

Daniel: Oh, welcome baーー... Uh, that’s a lotta luggage you got there.

Kaede: I’m back. These are just some things I’m gonna need for tomorrow’s tripーー

Excuse me, sir[1]. They’re about to slip, so if you don’t mind, could you please hold onto it for a minute…!

Daniel: No waay, I don’t like working overtime. I’ll go ahead and wait on the sofa so hurry up and get over here.

Aahh I feel so light〜 Both of my hands are completely free〜.

Kaede: Gh…!

Nayuki: You can lean on me for some help. Here.

Kaede: No, you’re barely more balanced than I am Nayuki-kun, so it’s okay. I wouldn’t want to cause you any more trouble.

Thank you so much for all of your help today. You helped me out with my work and even went shopping with me.

Nayuki: It’s no problem. I’m glad I could be of help.

Location: HAMA House Living Room

Daniel: Insect repellent, sunscreen, cooling gel sheet, body wipes, bandages, fever reducers, motion sickness medicine…

I was expecting you to buy some good stuff but… All of this is just really boring.

Where’s the sake? The snacks? Other shit you get when you're shopping?

Kaede: There’s none of that stuff. Everyone going on the trip are 16 year old children. They can’t even take certain medicines 

Daniel: They don’t need it. But, I mean, wouldn’t the adult stuff be fine for kids that age?

Kaede: Ehh?

Nayuki: I searched it up. It seems the adult version of those medicines is appropriate for people that age to use.

Kaede: Wow, quick! Thank you.

I see, it’s good that they can take the adult ones…

Nayuki: I’m sorry, I didn’t think to look it up while we were shopping together.

Daniel: Well, isn't it fine since they’re able to take it? Better than letting young kids take adult doses.

Location: HAMA House Private Room

Kaede: (Alright. Now that I’ve conquered the list of things to buy…)

(In the meantime, I managed to find more entertaining things that are aimed for adults. Now, I just have to wait until tomorrow. )

Ah, now that I think about it…

( “Hama Asunaro High School”... “Incident”... and search.)

Ummm, let’s see, let's see…

One day in June, at midnight.

At Hama Asunaro High School in the HAMA 5 ward, there was a sudden explosion in the old building.

The building collapsed, but fortunately, none of the students nor teachers were caught in the accident. There were no injuries.

The cause of the explosion remains unknown, and is currently under investigation

Kaede: (Come to think of it, I’m sure I remember seeing something about an explosion on the news…)

(Th-The old building looks so damaged…!

I’m surprised everyone’s safe, since they were all here…)

(I’m really glad no one was injured… But it’s really hard to believe a child could damage something to this scaleーー Wait no.)

Daniel: But, I mean, wouldn’t the adult stuff be fine for kids that age?

Kaede: (Like Daniel-san said earlier, they’re at that age where they wouldn’t be considered “children” exactly anymore.)

(Umm… What else is there…)

I heard this from my friend who lives in HAMA, but apparently the sound was super loud www. Like a big BOOM www.

It’s so annoying that there’s so many students there already, but because of that incident, outsiders who were curious started wandering around the school gates. It’s super troublesome. But, come to think of it, wasn’t there a student who disappeared from Asu High recently? They’re definitely related to each other.

Are there any signs of a conspiracy?

Asu High has to reveal the truth immediately!

Kaede: (Ahh… The opinions on Dazzle are also pretty rough…)

(A student’s disappearance… So something like that happened.)

……

Akuta: I’ll get them to go on that study tour thingy!

Leave it to me!

Kaede: (Earlier, I got a reply on PeChat saying “it’s all good!”, butーー)

(I wonder if the study tour will go smoothly the whole week…)

Location: Tokyo Metropolis International Airport Lobby

Akuta: Sensei, over here over here!

Muneuji: Good morning.

Sakujiro: Good morning. The weather is good today, isn’t it?

Kaede: Yes! Good morningーー……

Nanaki: ……

Kiroku: ……

Ushio: … Yawwnn…… Tired.

Kaede: ……

Ushio: What. Is it so rare for a person to yawn?

Kaede: Ah, sorry. That’s not why I was looking…

(The mood is pretty low, but everyone really showed up….

I’m so glad.)

(Akuta-kun managed to persuade everyone… Thank you…!)

Akuta: ……

Kaede: (Ahaha. I’ll have to thank him again later.)

Muneuji: Sensei, here are everyone’s parental consent forms.

Kaede: Thank you. It helps a lot that you collected them all.

By the way, you don’t have to call me “Sensei”.

I mean, I’m not even an official teacher.

Muneuji: I see. Then, what would you like us to call you?

Kaede: Hmmm… “Chief” is okay.

Muneuji: I got it. I’ll call you that then. ーーSee you later.

Sakujiro: … As I thought, he is familiar with organizing students. As expected of the Anthroposophical Astronomy Club head and the vice president of the student council.

Kaede: The An…?

Sakujiro: The Anthroposophical Astronomy Club.

Kaede: I see. So that’s why he’s able to hold himself up well.

(I feel as if everyone is a bit more cooperative than before, but I wonder what Akuta-kun said to convince them to come…)

Sakujiro: The Anthroposophical Astronomy Club.

Kaede: Ah, yes, I got it…

(Hm…?)

Akuta: Hey, Muneuji… It’s your turn next.

Muneuji: Okay, put it in here.

Kaede: ( … They put something in a cute pink drawstring bag. Is he returning something he borrowed?)

Sakujiro: Then… I’m leaving by car, so I will be leaving now. Excuse me.

Kaede: Okay. We’ll see you when we get out there. Please be careful.

Sakujiro: Yes, you as well.

By driving safely, I should arrive earlier than the plane does.

Kaede: Alright, everyone. We should also be going.

Akuta: YAAY! My heart is all prepared! Everything’s OK here, Sensei!

Ushio: Speaking of going somewhere, where are we supposed to be going? You didn’t write it down in the proposal…

Kaede: Y-Yeah… I thought it’d be nice to keep it a surprise.

(In reality, I was trying so hard to quickly write a good proposal that I just forgot to write it down…!)

Ushio: …Hmmm. That seemed like it was a lie, but I’ll pretend like I believe it.

Kaede: Thank you.. … Ahem.

Well, the place we are heading to isーー

Shodoshima!

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Notes — ✈︎

Chief here (部長) is different than the Chief (主任) that Kaede is called. In order to not cause any confusion, I put sir since I'm pretty sure Kaede is just trying to be like >_< please help me sir..! rather than trying to actually call him something out of respect.

[patibato]

[Bitter Sweet Sixteen] 002-B04 - Happy Losers Club

*door opens*

Akuta: Hey there! Everyone working hard~~~?

Yachiyo: Ah, Isotake-kun.

Ushio: Sigh… what are you here for? This isn't the time for you to be taking dance lessons, you know?

You've gotta hurry and present a decent concept. Otherwise we'll all be in trouble.

Akuta: Is it just you two? Where's Nanaki and Kiroku?

Muneuji: We're having a brief rest right now. Nanamegi and Kinugawa went off to get drinks.

Akuta: Huuuh… okay, got it. We'll start the negativity interviews with you two then!

…Uh, or not. Yachiyo-san!

Yachiyo: Y-yes!

Akuta: Um… you're an adult, so…

Yachiyo: So… what?

Akuta: Having you here is… kinda…

Yachiyo: Y-yeah?

Akuta: Since we're gonna do a pretty serious interview…

Yachiyo: …?

Akuta: An adult will… be a hindrance…

Yachiyo: I-I… get it. I'll leave… I'm sorry for being a useless adult, I'm sorry…!

I'm so…!

*running*

*door opens*

Nanaki: Woah…! Sorry Fuefuki-san, I almost bumped into—

Yachiyo: I'm so so so so—!

*running*

Kiroku: …He, ran… away…

Nanaki: Wonder what's up with him.

Kiroku: …I, don't… know…

Nanaki: Well, whatever—…oh, Akuta. Great timing. I was just thinking I should go and find you.

Akuta: Really? I've got business with you, too.

Nanaki: You see, I've made a simple main melody based on the song I composed for the fireworks display on Shodoshima, so—

I want us all to split up the sections and decide on the lyrics together.

Akuta: Huh~ isn't it fine for you to think 'em up yourself?

Nanaki: …No, you see—

Akuta: Oh! I get it! It's 'cause it'll end up being a love song if you do!

Muneuji: Is that so?

Nanaki: Well… yeah.

Kiroku: …A… love… song.

Nanaki: Er, well… yeah.

Ushio: Aah… I see I see, so that's how it is. Haahaa, that's what it was, huh?

Nanaki: …What.

Ushio: Nothing? I don't mean anything by it, so don't glare at me.

Anyway, you've started the song before the concept's even decided? Aren't you being too hasty?

Nanaki: That's WHY I want everyone to make the lyrics… isn't it a good idea to collect suggestions?

Kiroku: …I… agree…

If we, all… give, ideas… there, might…

Be… a hint… in there… some, where…

Momiji: A-a lost article…?

??: Correct. A sphere—about yea big.

Momiji: (Shaped like an egg? Well, we only have real eggs here— hm?)

---

*thud*

*roll*

Momiji: What's this… an egg…?

---

Momiji: (Is this about the suspicious puberty-related thing from back then?)

Sorry, what is it exactly?

??: 'Tis a toy baby created by myself. An exceptional item that has certainly grown legs and gotten used to moving about by now.

Momiji: M-moving, huh. Guess it's not that… it didn't move or have legs. Is it a pet robot or something?

Shumai: Oouuugh… grrrrrrrr…!

Sakujiro: Whatever is the matter? Shumai appears to be rather uneasy.

Daniel: You're too damn loud, mutt— huh?

??: …

Momiji: Sakujiro-san, Daniel-san. Um, this customer is—

Shumai: Grr grr grr! Awoooo…!

Sakujiro: Oh me oh my.

Director Daniel, use body slam. To smithereens, if you would.

Daniel: Oi oi, the hell do you think I am?

??: Hm~ a noisy little creature, aren't you. Perhaps I should steam you red in some soundproofing material? Particularly that rich green spot of yours…

Shumai: Whimper!!

Momiji: (Shumai's suddenly frightened…)

??: Ahaha! I've suddenly got a craving for green peas.

Goodbye, now.

Momiji: Huh, but the thing you're looking for…

??: Right now, my heart is jam packed with green peas.

Momiji: Ah…

(He's gone… what a weird guy.)

Daniel: Should we report him?

Momiji: I think he was just looking for something, it'll be fine.

Sakujiro: Incidentally, Chief. Now seems like a good opportunity to let you know—

A certain person has sent these documents to Hama Tours… Please turn your eyes to this tablet.

Momiji: -…! This tour proposal has so many pages… Even just skimming it, you can see it has considerable quality…!

Who on earth sent this…!?

Sakujiro: A certain student of Asu-High. He requested that the person in charge look over it.

Momiji: H-have you already shown Kafka?

Sakujiro: No, not yet.

Momiji: (Thank good—)

Kafka: Shown me what?

Momiji: K-Kafka—

*door opens*

Yachiyo: Everyone… should we resume the lesson now…?

Akuta: Either way! Words that make you feel motivated are important, yeah!? Something to get your blood pumping!

Muneuji: Additionally, how about incorporating words related to the school and Hama? It doesn't matter if they're vague.

Being metaphorical also works. Like words that evoke the idea of the sea…

—Ah, it's come to me. We could use "ushio*", after the tides!

Ushio: Muuchan's just saying whatever, so don't comment on it.

Kiroku: Nothing's… coming, to… me. … Making lyrics, is… diffi… cult…

Ushio: Lyrics aside, your usual way of speaking is dodgy, Buddharupa.

Nanaki: Aah… lyrics about love are the only thing on my mind. I'm hopeless. Completely and utterly hopeless.

Akuta: You're not hopeless! Try turning them into lyrics about falling in love with Hama or something!

Nanaki & Ushio: Rejected.

Kiroku: In… sync.

Akuta: The movies say you can do that naturally when you have good compatibility.

Nanaki & Ushio: Excuse me!?

Akuta: Ooh~ perfectly done.

Muneuji: Is that so, Uuchan… Please, don't forget your childhood friend, with whom you collected many woodlice in plastic bags during our tender years…

Ushio: Gyaah!! I'd finally started to forget that, don't make me remember something so harrowing!!

Kiroku: Woodlice… are, cute.

Akuta: Oi, stop messing around and get with the lyrics already.

Nanaki: I don't want to hear that from you.

Akuta: Let's all make a song to blow away those guys at school who cruelly look down on us for being bottom rank!

Muneuji: Of course.

Ushio: A rebellion against the boring guys, huh.

Nanaki: Let's get the better of them.

Kiroku: …Mhm…

Yachiyo: …Aah, everyone's writing the lyrics together… How nice, making a song by gathering your ideas…

I'd love to spend my youth like that if I got isekai'd!

What's more, the song production is being led by unlove-sensei~! No doubt it'll be a God-tier hit! If I was sure it'd work, I'd gladly jump in front of a truck~!! Ahaha!

Nanaki: …!

Ushio & Muneuji: Huh?

Kiroku: unlove… …sensei?

Akuta: — Huh?

*Ushio's name is written with the kanji for tide (潮)

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Masterlist

[princess--bongwater]

I feel like Daniel's only warrior

[eighteentrip]

Conductors fullbody sprite

[ivory-lamps]

A07: The Black Cat of Good Luck

Characters: Daniel, Nagi, Toi & Netaro Location: Hama Summary: The protagonist fishes Nagi at the steamed bun cafe and asks him what he’s doing there. Nagi explains that it all started with a certain piece of food.

ㅤ

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ📍 Location: Cafe369

Momiji / Kaede: Yes, please lower him down just like that. Alright, alright.

Daniel: So the trap was laid to catch a new steamed bun ingredient and you got caught up in one? Man, what luck…

Momiji / Kaede: Thank goodness you’re here to help with the heavy lifting, Daniel-san. Oh, stop.

Hello? Nagi-kun, are you okay? Can you hear me? Are you conscious?

Nagi: ……

Toi: Are you okay? You’re alive, right? What should we do if he’s on the verge of death…?

Momiji / Kaede: Calm down. He’s breathing. It looks like he’s just fainted.

Toi: R–Really…? Thank goodness…!

Momiji / Kaede: Let’s move him to the sofa first… There.

Toi: I’ll go wet my handkerchief, then!

Employee?: My, my. There’s no need to be so panicked.

Momiji / Kaede: Well, we captured a human and not a bee! This isn’t what you said!

Employee?: It was a bee in the beginning, though. Well, humans can be ingredients, too.

Daniel: Hm~?

Oh, you’re the dude that came to the dorm before.

Employee?: Mm~? Do I remember someone with your good looks?

Daniel: Wait, did you just compliment me?

Momiji / Kaede: He said he only had green peas on his mind back then, so he mustn’t have gotten a good look at you, Chief.

Daniel: The name’s Hiroshi Daniel Iwabuchi. I wouldn’t mind recommending you as someone who’s got an eye for the beautiful to our lil’ president, ya know?

Momiji / Kaede: Oh, sorry for the late self-introduction. We’re from HAMA Tours.

Netaro: I’m Netaro Yowa. I’m happy to gain more human acquaintances ♪

I’ve taken a liking to my current face but yours is quite nice, too.

Momiji / Kaede: (...Face?)

Toi: Oh, I think Nagi-san’s about to wake!

Nagi: …Ugh…

…Where am I? Who am I…?

Momiji / Kaede: (He’s got amnesia…!)

Nagi: Sorry, I was kidding… You guys are…?

Netaro: I run this steamed bun store. I captured you as a new ingredient to add to those fillings.

Nagi: …I see.

Momiji / Kaede: Yeah, I don’t blame you for being surprised. I’ll explain everything from the top…

Nagi: Anyway, are you okay?

Momiji / Kaede: Huh?

(...Is he talking about the trap?)

I’m fine. No one ended up getting caught in the… trap thing? Inside the store.

Actually, you were the only person that got fished.

Daniel: You got fished, eh?

Nagi: I see. That’s good to hear. I shouldn’t get other people caught up in my misfortune. Oh, and…

Momiji / Kaede: (......? Nagi-kun’s hand is lightly balled into a fist…)

*Bzzzzzz*

Daniel: Woah, a bee just flew out.

Nagi: I caught it since it looked like it wanted out. Yup, there it goes. Good, good.

Netaro: All’s well that ends well!

Daniel: How is this a good ending…? Anyway, we’ve met you several times before, right?

Momiji / Kaede: Oh, yes. Nagi-kun, long time no see. We haven’t seen each other since we were at Renga-kun’s garden, right?

Nagi: Yup, it’s been a while. HAMA NICE TRIP.

Momiji / Kaede: Glad to see you’re still the same Nagi-kun. …HAMA NICE TRIP, too!

Toi: Um, if you’d like, please feel free to use this wet handkerchief. Here.

Nagi: T–Thank yo– Woah, an angel? Are those wings I’m seeing?

Toi: Ehehe, I don’t have any wings~

Momiji / Kaede: Anyway, how did you get caught in the trap? Were you out delivering flowers to this store?

Netaro: I don’t remember ordering flowers.

Nagi: Oh, are you the boss of this establishment…? I’m sorry for causing so much trouble.

Netaro: Aha! You were caught in my trap but you chose to apologise! Maybe I should take advantage of this situation and ask you to compensate for the damage.

Laika: damage!

Nagi: Okay, I’ll spend the rest of my life paying you back.

Momiji / Kaede: Wait, you don’t have to pay him anything, okay? Anyway, why did you come here if it wasn’t for a delivery?

Nagi: …It all started with an ordinary ball of chocolate.

There was a kid at one of the places I was dropping off a delivery at and they gave it to me. Just when I was thinking of eating it on the bench, my hand slipped and it fell to the ground. That’s when a thought crossed my mind: It’s poisonous for dogs and cats and I couldn’t just throw it away like that. I stood up to grab it but guess what? The bench I was sitting on was freshly painted and I couldn’t get up. But rest assured. I went back to repaint it and I even apologised. I picked up the ball of chocolate. I had plans to visit the supermarket as well, so I figured I should wash the paint off my clothes and headed towards the washing area at the park, but then I realised there wasn’t any soap. So I thought rinsing it would be better than nothing but the water wouldn’t come out. I decided to give up on my clothes since the bargain sale was about to start, but then I was attacked by a huge murder of crows. It seems I didn’t realise how much troubled I had caused at the park, so I ran away in a panic and here I am.

Momiji / Kaede: (I didn’t get a word he said but it looks like he ran into a lot of trouble…!)

Toi: I can’t believe all those things happened to you, one after the other…

Netaro: Ahaha! What an intriguing fellow!

Laika: ee, ee, ee!

Daniel: He sounds like some clumsy heroine.

Momiji / Kaede: Cheer up…! Everyone has bad days.

Nagi: In my case, it happens all the time…

Momiji / Kaede: Hm?

Nagi: No, it’s nothing. Sorry.

Anyway, are your clothes fine? If you guys helped me down from the trap, then the paint on my clothes could have transferred over to you.

Momiji / Kaede: Oh, I’m not sure. Is there anything on me?

Daniel: Nope. What about me?

Netaro: Nothing. Anything on me?

Toi: There’s no end to this. Netaro-san, you didn’t even touch him…

Nagi: I see. That’s good to hear. Angel-san, I’ll wash the handkerchief at my store and then return it to you.

Toi: Oh, uh, okay!

Nagi: Alright, see ya, then.

*Dials a number on his phone.*

Sonia: “Hello! You’ve reached Flower Laundry!”

Nagi: Sorry for not contacting you earlier. I should be able to get home in about 50 minutes with 100% safe driving.

Sonia: “Geez~! Just where have you been! I was worried!”

Nagi: Oh, speaking of which… I’ll buy some burnable rubbish bags on my way back. Tomorrow’s burnable rubbish day and we’re all out, right? I’ll also buy us some snacks – it’ll be a nice little extra something.

Sonia: “If you’re bringing back snacks, then I’ll allow you to be a little late.”

Nagi: Great. Then, I’ll do my best to hurry back.

*Nagi walks out*

Momiji / Kaede: ……

Daniel: Hey.

Momiji / Kaede: Woah!

Daniel: You sure you just wanna let ‘em go?

Momiji / Kaede: Crap. He leaves just like the wind so I ended up naturally sending him off on his way… Nagi-kun, wait a second!

Don’t leave on your motorbike just yet!

Nagi: What’s wrong?

…Actually, you shouldn’t run in front of me. That’s dangerous.

Momiji / Kaede: Sorry! Um, I was looking everywhere for you, Nagi-kun – there’s something we need to talk about.

Nagi: Talk about?

Momiji / Kaede: Actually, I wanted to ask if you’d be interested in being a member of the Night Group.

Nagi: What do you mean?

Momiji / Kaede: The thought came to me when I saw you teaching Renga-kun how to care for his garden.

You’re detail-oriented and thorough in your work. I think it would be wonderful if we could work with each other and provide hospitality to guests together.

Nagi: ……

Momiji / Kaede: Anyway, would you like to be a part of the Night Group… Well, actually, I was planning on asking if you’d be willing to be the leader.

Nagi: ……

Huh?

Momiji / Kaede: Oh, uh, like I said, I’d like you to be the leader…

Nagi: What?

Momiji / Kaede: Could you be the leader…

Nagi: Who?

Momiji / Kaede: You, Nagi-kun.

Nagi: ……

So, you’re saying I’ll be living with other people, going on trips with them and working alongside them?

Momiji / Kaede: Yes.

Nagi: Me?

Momiji / Kaede: Yes.

Nagi: ……

……

Momiji / Kaede: (H–He’s blushing…?)

Nagi: ……!

Momiji / Kaede: (Now, he’s glancing around with a stern look on his face…)

(Well, he looks like he's interested at least. But what does this reaction mean…?)

So, what do you say? I’d be really happy if you’d accept.

Nagi: ……

Momiji / Kaede: O–Oh, you must be feeling anxious, right? I know the feeling!

So, um, it’s fine if you want to go through a trial period to see what it’s like first…!

Nagi: ……………

Momiji / Kaede: ……

Black cat: Meow.

Momiji / Kaede: Ah, a black cat.

Nagi: …Cute.

We’re at a standstill right now. In other words, it means that nothing counts at the moment since a black cat has crossed paths with us.

Momiji / Kaede: Ahaha, I’ve had that thought before, too. It’s bad luck to come across a black cat in this country, but it can also be seen as a sign of good luck in other countries.

Nagi: …I see. Then, the black cat must feel relieved.

Alright.

If you’re fine with me going through a trial period, then… I’ll try it out.

← Previous ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Index ≡ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤNext →

[82mitsu]

{18Trip} <PROLOGUE SIDE-A: Still blank> 000-A03 Hospitality Beginnings SIDE:B

A translation of 18TRIP's PROLOGUE SIDE-A by 82mitsu. ENG proofreading by sasaranurude.

TL note:

Yamanote Line is a railway line from JR East in Tokyo. Connecting various stations and city centers with each other. Considered to be one of the busiest lines.

Kaede: Phew… somehow got it solved.

Liguang: Making me of all people clean up your mess… How unpleasant.

Renga: It’s not like I asked or anything!

Kaede: (One way or another, Liguang-san lent us a hand after I asked him to… even if it’s just by coincidence, it was a huge help to have both Ward Mayors here.)

Kaede: Um, thank you very much for your help!

Liguang: Hmph… a waste of my time.

Renga: And my wasted time is more valuable than yours!

Renga: Crap, wait Liguang! Don’t you walk in front of m—

Kaede: Please wait!

Renga: Geez! Still bothering me or what!?

Kaede: I keep trying to say, that suitcase is…!

Renga: What’s wrong with my suitcase… Ah? Why do you have the same…?

Kaede: I believe that one is actually mine.

Renga: Ah…! You’re right, my precious Woof Woof Paradise charm isn’t on it…! 

Renga: D-damn you! Spit it out sooner if that was the case! Don’t you dare think commoners are worthy of owning the same stuff as me!

Kaede: (Again with the commoner thing…)

Kaede: Haaah… and he’s gone. Well, I got my luggage back so it’s fine.

Kaede: (Apart from what’s inside, this suitcase is a purchase in itself, so no way I’d want to lose it.)

Announcer <(It’s almost time for the last bus towards HAMA to depart. Please make your way to the bus terminal, platform number 11 as soon as possible.)

Kaede: Oh no… gotta hurry!

Kaede: Haaah~ ….Made it just in time.

Announcer <(The bus will be departing. Please fasten your seatbelt attached next to your seat.)

Kaede: (That being said…)

Kaede: (The bus is pretty empty. I guess it’s because it’s the last one, but… In the past it used to be chock full of people.)

???: Oh? If it ain’t Hamasaki.

Kaede: Eh… Daniel-san!?

Daniel: Yo, hope all went well for you.

Kaede: Same goes to you. Looks like we caught the same bus, huh.

Daniel: ‘Cuz there’s only one to HAMA every four hours. Been waiting for such a long time, got me more tired than that flight.

Kaede: Yeah… missing it does end up being quite the hassle. And yet the Tokyo one is on par with the Yamanote Line…

Daniel: Well, ain’t like much can be done about it. HAMA’s recession becomes clear as day once you catch a glimpse of our current situation.

Daniel: Want one too? A can of beer. Let’s have a toast to being jobless comrades in arms.

Kaede: Already claiming to be jobless… that’s for next week, technically speaking.

Kaede: (—Daniel-san and I are tour conductors working at the same travel agency… or rather, were—it’s a shame, but the business declared bankruptcy.)

Daniel: Just as a last celebration for wrapping up the work day, y’know.

Kaede: (That’s right… Today Daniel-san and I wrapped up the last of our work for tour guiding and headed right back home.)

Kaede: Daniel-san… What are you planning to do next, now that the company isn’t around anymore?

Daniel: Stuff just got done and over with and you’re already bringing that up…

Kaede: I already said it’s not over just yet.

Daniel: Hahaha! Naw, I’ll be taking it nice and easy here.

Daniel: Does that mean you already got something in mind, Hamasaki?

Kaede: I…

Kaede: (Being a tour conductor was a pretty fun job. Of course I love traveling too, besides….)

Kaede: (Earlier, it felt a bit different compared to the hospitality usually given to tourists at work… I was also happy to think I might’ve done something to help HAMA.)

Kaede: (....I want to continue doing travel work no matter what. But, even when I was working overseas, I could always feel a tiny bit of regret somewhere within my heart.)

Kaede: (....What kind of travel work I genuinely want to do—it's something I can’t help but wonder about.)

Daniel: Oi, what’s wrong? You’re looking lost in thought there.

Kaede: Oh, no... just thinking nice and easy.

Daniel: Haha! Nice nice, taking it nice an easy is the way to go.

Kaede: Nah, compared to you I’m actually giving it some proper thought.

Daniel: Right, right. Well… the end of one trip is the start of another, as they say.

Kaede: True… that’s how it is. Would be nice if it turns out like that.

Daniel: Also~ If you keep working seriously until the bankruptcy goes in next week, I can take it easy all the way. 

Kaede: …I’ll have you know I’m on paid leave tomorrow.

Daniel: Eeeeh~? C’mon, let’s work together now~

Kaede: Please do your best out there.

Kaede: (Since tomorrow is when I’ll be going to see Kafka.)

Kaede: (And after that, I’ll look for a new job…. I’m sure there’ll be some new meetings along the way too. This time, I’m going to find the kind of travel work I want to do from the bottom of my heart. Just thinking about it like this has me excited.)

Kaede: (Can’t wait to see what kind of people I’ll run into on my next trip!)

<<previous chapter / next chapter>>

prologue directory: A01 / A02 / A03 (x) / A04 / A05 / A06 / A07 / A08

[shunin-gumis]

Designs of Happiness - Track A06

L4mps Main story Translation

Title: Cafe369’s New Flavored Bun

Characters: Toi, Daniel, Netaro, Nagi

Summary: To find the fated person who would lead him to his brother, Toi guides the protagonist to the local meatbun shop. But as they were about to enter, strange noises echo throughout the premises… 

JP Proofreading: aca @463ce6 and tsukimi @rurumiiii on twt EN Proofreading: jes @arcanecrayonn and tsukimi @rurumiiii on twt

Also big thanks to you three for helping me with Netaro speech!

Location: A Town in HAMA

Toi: Ani-sama… please be safe, wherever you are… I’ll bring you back soon… 

Momiji: He’s been praying this whole time we were walking… I can tell he loves his brother very much.

Momiji: 5 minutes to 11 pm… 

Momiji: Toi-kun, how’s it going? It’s almost 11 pm, do you think we can make it in time?

Toi: It’s ok, we’re almost– Ah!

Toi: That’s the place! I’m sure of it!

Location: Cafe369

Momiji: Wait, this is Cafe369… 

Daniel: You been here before?

Momiji: I’ve dined here once, with Akuta-kun. It’s advertised as a meat bun shop, but there are  quite the unusual variety of buns sold here, including fillings other than meat… All of which are equally delicious.

Toi: Wow, it’s wonderful to see fate already at work again!

Daniel: I’m glad yer getting along with those kids but– Was this meatbun place always here?

Toi: Eh?

Momiji: What are you talking about? This place has been around for a long time. Right, Toi-kun?

Toi: Even though I’ve never gone in before, I do remember passing by it often… But, when did they first open…? 

Momiji: Now that I think about it, I’m not sure either… 

Daniel: I swear this was just an empty lot until recently though… 

Momiji: But… it’s right there.

Toi: Right?

Daniel: … Well, whatever. Can’t say much when it’s right in front of us. Maybe I’m just rememberin’ it wrong.

Daniel: …Hm?

Daniel: That’s… You two go on ahead.

Momiji: Daniel-san? Where are you–

Momiji: Aaaand he’s gone… Well, I guess the two of us can go in first. Though, considering how late it is, the shop might be closed already… 

Toi: That’s true… 

Toi: Ah, there’s a notice put up on the entrance.

Momiji: “Temporarily closed for ingredient procurement”...? No way–

*loud explosive noises*

Momiji: Woah!?

Toi: *startled gasp*

Momiji: Ah, did it stop…?

Momiji: What was that just now? So loud too… 

Toi: It came from inside the cafe! Maybe someone’s in trouble…!

Momiji: That may be so, but…  

Momiji: We don’t know what went down in there, so I don’t think heading in without Daniel-san would be a good idea… 

Momiji: Toi-kun, you should wait here–

???: Boo!

Pet Robot: Bwoo!

Momiji: AAAHHHHHHH!!! 

Toi: AAAHHHHHHH!!

???: WOOOAHH!

Toi: Eek…!

???: Ahaha~ Did I frighten you?

Momiji: H-huh? This person is… 

~~~(flashback)

???: Hrmm… Indeed, I do catch a whiff of it around here but…

Momiji: …..

???: You, human.

???: Tell me, would you know where my missing item might have wandered off to?

~~~(end flashback)

Momiji: Ah! You were the person who came by HAMA house the other day!!

???: Hm?

???: Oh~ You’re from that place where that green-pea canine resides. 

Momiji: Yes, I remember you saying you were in the mood for some green peas… So you’re the owner of this cafe? 

Toi: Um, do you know this person?

Momiji: I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say that… We did have a chat in passing a while ago. 

Toi: … Is that your pet robot next to you? Good evening, little one.

Laika: La~ i~ ka~

Momiji: So your name’s Laika! It’s nice to meet you.

Cafe Owner?: More importantly, do you have time to spare right now? I’m in a bit of a pickle, you see~

Momiji: In a... pickle?

Cafe Owner?: I simply do not have enough hands to get the job done right now… At this rate, perhaps it would be better if I just have this entire place go up in flames… 

Momiji: Huh!? That’s more than just a “bit” of a pickle!

Toi: We’ll help you however we can! I’m sure that’s the reason we were guided here! 

Cafe Owner?: Ooh~ How wonderfully helpful indeed! 

~~~

Location: Inside Cafe369

Momiji: Woah, I can barely see in here… 

Momiji: Toi-kun, are you alright? Maybe it’d be better if you just wait outside… 

Toi: I feel terribly lonely and afraid without Ani-sama but… I can’t just stand back when I know this path will lead me to him! 

Cafe Owner?: Shh–! Hush now! Lower your volume, lest we be overheard by the pesky trespasser!

Momiji: An intruder!? Are you sure it’s not just a customer or an employee who got lost…? 

Cafe Owner?: Indeed.

Toi: Oh no…!

Cafe Owner?: This is a tale of what unfolded this very evening, when I was about to take a respite… I had been in the middle of picking my brain, pondering what new ingredient I could possibly stuff into my meat buns, when suddenly, my sixth sense went zing! and… EUREKA!

Cafe Owner?: It drew my attention to the fact that there was a suspicious individual inside the building, watching me…!

Toi: Eek… 

Cafe Owner?: I could sense their gaze drilling into me…  And so, I took a big gulp, steadied my beating heart… and BAM! I turned right around to face them!

Cafe Owner?: But alas, their presence had already faded away like mist… I’m certain the fellow is still lurking somewhere, within these walls… 

Laika: Lurker.

Momiji: … I really, really hope he’s not talking about a cockr*ach… 

Toi: What do we do if they’re a bad person… I’m not really strong so… 

Cafe Owner?: This particular individual is adorned with wings, sips the sweet nectar from blossoms, scatters pollen across the lands, and wields a deadly stinger….

Momiji: Wait… 

Toi: That’s… 

Laika: Bzzz… 

Toi: A bumblebee?

Cafe Owner?: Indeed, you got it right.

Toi: Yay!

Momiji: So all those explosions we heard were from when you were trying to… deal with the bees?

Cafe Owner?: Ehehe~ I simply had to have my hands on them, so I made a little bit of a mess, you could say. Back home, we don’t have these critters–

Cafe Owner?: Bees… Insecta class: Hymenoptera. This order includes both bees and ants, and as implied by the etymology, they are classified by their transparent but membranous forewings and hindwings.

Cafe Owner?: All hymenoptera are capable of undergoing complete metamorphosis. While ants are not as widely recognized as being part of the order, the others are generally considered so.

Cafe Owner?: These include Siricidae, Tenthredinidae, Pamphiliidae, Cimbicidae, Argidae, Orussidae, Evanioidea, Ichneumonoidea, and much more… 

Cafe Owner?: Such variety~ It certainly follows that there even exist cultures that consume insects! I must also mention, they are explosively nutritious as well!

Cafe Owner?: And so~  As you may have put two and two together, I had set up various, perhaps potentially dangerous, contraptions to ensnare some of these critters so that I may procure some fresh ingredients. This is all for the sake of experimenting with new flavors for my buns, you see!

So here, catch this!

Momiji: Woah, hey…!

Momiji: This is… a fishing reel…?

Cafe Owner?: It would be unwise to space out at this time, lest you commit a blunder.  Make sure to hold it properly!

Momiji: Sorry, that was an… extraordinary amount of information you just dumped on us. I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed for a moment there… 

Toi: You must be an expert on bumblebees!

Cafe Owner?: Ho ho ho!

Momiji: So, what am I supposed to do with this reel?

Cafe Owner?: You must reel it in at my signal. In the event the pest escapes the trap, I must give chase immediately. So, you will have to spin the reel in my stead!

Momiji: O-okay, got it… Well, I didn’t get it at all but if this helps you, then I’ll do it.

Toi: Please give it your best pull!

Momiji: I’ll give it my all.

Cafe Owner?: …..

Toi: ….. 

Momiji: ….. 

???: Um–

Cafe Owner?: NOW—!!!

Momiji: Got it!!!

Momiji: This is some heavy reel…! Since it’s so sturdy, it should be alright even when pulling in a heavy load…!

Momiji: The grip on this handle is good, and the line seems pretty strong! There’s little drag too– I’m sure we can haul in a big one!

Toi: Wow! You sound just like a professional fisherman! 

Momiji: Ahaha…! All of that info was drilled into me… by a friend of mine… named Kafka…! 

Momiji: C’mon!

Momiji: We’re… bringing… you… home…!

Momiji: *grunts*

Momiji: Got it…! 

Cafe Owner?: Huzzah!

Toi: Wow, that’s a big bumblebee… (?)

Momiji: Huh…?

Momiji: That’s… a human, right?

Cafe Owner?: Bumbling humans are acceptable ingredients as well!

Momiji: What!?

Daniel: Yo! I’m pretty sure the SR parked outside is the bike that fella had–

Nagi: …..

Daniel: What, found him already?

Momiji: Daniel-san… Please help me get him down…!

Notes:

Netaro’s Bug Report: Siricidae | Tenthredinidae | Pamphiliidae | Cimbicidae | Argidae | Orussidae | Evanioidea | Ichneumonoidea Also in the original Japanese, I believe they either typo’d the bug family names of Argidae (In script: ミツフシハバチ科, Correct name: ミフシハバチ科) and Orussidae (In script: ヤドリギキバチ科, Correct name: ヤドリキバチ科) or they are somehow two new bug families in the future.  The pdf I referred to is the Hymenoptera classification by Hirohiko Nagase

Green-pea canine is what Netaro calls Shuumai.

The Hachi Pun: Netaro wants to capture a bee(ハチ hachi in Japanese) to test them out as a new flavor for his buns, so he set a trap. But in the end it was actually Nagi (whose last name is Hachinoya) who was caught in the trap. 

Nagi’s bike is the Yamaha SR400, or at least a futuristic bike modeled after one.

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Masterlist

[82mitsu]

{18Trip} <CHAPTER 001 SIDE-A: Sun will R1ze!> 001-A04 Dependable(?) founding employees

A translation of 18TRIP's CHAPTER 001 SIDE-A by 82mitsu. ENG proofreading by sasaranurude.

TL Note:

As mentioned in Kafka’s interview: The dog is named Shumai which is Siu Mai, a chinese dumpling. 

Kaede: (The first day of work is finally here! The other new employees will be here too, right… I’m nervous.)

Kaede: (That reminds me… I ran into Renga-kun here last week—I wonder if he turned out to be okay. He wasn’t looking too good there.)

Kaede: (Not that I can do much just sitting around and worrying! Alright, time for work!)

Daniel: Nah, what’cha making all these faces for. Someone’s a busy fella as always.

Kaede: !? Eh, Da-Daniel-san!? What are you doing here!?

Daniel: Ah? ‘Cuz this is my workplace, duh.

Daniel: Lemme take it from the top again, I’m director of HAMA Tours, Iwabuchi Daniel Hiroshi. Nice to meet’cha~

Kaede: …! …! …!

Kaede: (Y-you have got to be kidding me… Does that mean he’s my boss again…!? This guy who doesn’t lift a finger…!? Kafka, why did you hire him of all people…)

Daniel: While it’s our new workplace, you better be working till ya drop~ Chief-san♪ ‘Kay, I’mma head off first.

Kaede: D-Daniel-san, you are one of the founding employees, remember!? So please actually put effort into working this time around, okay!?

Daniel: Wahaha, I’unno ‘bout that.

Sakujiro: A good morning to you two, Chief, Director.

Sakujiro: Chief, we received the flowers you ordered. Thank you kindly for your consideration.

Kaede: Sakujiro-san, good morning to you too! So the flowers arrived safely then.

Sakujiro: Indeed. Young Master… Pardon, the President is most delighted with these.

Kaede: (...Oh, I see now. Sakujiro-san’s also one of the founding employees. Working together with someone who has been looking out for me since I was a kid—it does feel a little bit strange…)

Sakujiro: I am no more than a mere newbie of an ordinary employee, so please do give me orders regarding anything, even miscellaneous affairs at work.

Kaede: Eh… that’s really a bit too…

Daniel: Gotcha, Sakujiro. I’ll let ya take charge of all the annoying things.  

Kaede: Daniel-san… Don’t you have any common sense…!?

Daniel: Gotta use whatever’s at your disposal~

Kafka: Good morning. Everyone’s in high spirits already. Chief-chan, thanks for the flowers ♪ Could it be that you got these arranged in my image?

Kaede: Ah, Kafka, goo-

Daniel: Top of the mornin’ to ya, Bossman. 'Nother day of you looking all spiffy there.

Kaede: (Daniel-san, your tune sure changes with Kafka…) 

Kafka: Good morning. The other two who will also be founding employees are already here. Allow me to introduce them.

???: Good morning, Chief-san and Director-san if I’m right. 

Kaede: (Wah… A calm, proper looking fine young man!)

Kafka: He’s Kitakata Nayuki. He’s an old friend I connected with back in the investor community. This time I brought him on board as the manager for accounting.

Nayuki: If there are any problems related to accounting, please don’t hesitate to ask me about anything. I will properly follow through with you.

Kaede: (Woah, a genuine guy who has it all together…! Thank god…)

Kaede: (Hm? I kinda… feel like I’ve seen him before… Where was it again, like a magazine interview or something…)

Kafka: By the way, Nayuki also has experience establishing JPN’s biggest metaverse service mahorova under the role of COO under his belt. He’s your go-to guy to rely on. 

Kaede: Ah…! You’re the boy genius who created mahorova at the tender age of 12…!?

Nayuki: That is something from 11 years ago. Currently I’m a mere section manager for accounting so please treat me as such without reservation.

Kaede: (Such an amazing track record, yet so friendly and humble… Kafka, you actually hired a respectable guy…!)

Kaede: (...Honestly, why come to our company with a background like that? is what I’m thinking, but… maybe it’s because he’s friends with Kafka?)

Kaede: (...That also reminds me, something’s telling me I heard “Kitakata” somewhere else… What was it again?)

Kafka: Well, Nayuki will be taking on another job besides accounting sometime soon. Leaving that aside for now…

Kafka: There’s one more person, a guy that I employed as an intern but…

(Sounds of glass breaking and rattling)

???: Wah, uwaaaaah, I fell over and the flower vase is………..Guh! Hweeehsorrysorrysorrysorrysorry—--!!!

Sakujiro: Oh good heavens. The flowers we received from Chief are a mess.

???: P-picking them right now!!! Ouch!!! There’s blood from touching the vase shards… bloooooood~!!  

Kafka: Sigh… Sakujiro, lend him a hand, and put the flowers back together.

Sakujiro: I shall wrap this up within three seconds. 

Sakujiro: SWISH, SHWIWIWIWIWISH!!

Kaede: (T-they’re the perfect picture of a clumsy boy and overpowered butler…!?)

???: Ah, awawawah, I blinked and there’s band-aids… G-God, was that you~!?

Kafka: Yachiyo. Come here. Those flowers are VERY! important to me so you better not be coming near them ever any time soon, okay?

Yachiyo: S-s-sorry… I won’t ever be in the same room as them ever again… 

Sakujiro: Fuefuki-kun, if I may. Once you open the door first look to your right, and then to your left. Then proceed to keep a one meter distance from anything that seems breakable on impact. 

Yachiyo: Ye-yeshhhh!!! I’ll write it down!! I’ll make a memo of exactly every single spoken word!!!

Daniel: Oooh, whatta hard worker, takin’ proper notes and all. Intern-kun fella.

Kaede: (It’s kind of like… another unique person joined the bunch…)

Kafka: This is Fuefuki Yachiyo. The details of his application form were unusual and funny so I hired him ♪ Do get along with him.

Kaede: (Hired because it was funny… Kafka, your bad habits are coming out again!)

Kafka: And~ last~ but~ not least~ Ta-daaah, our poster dog Shumai.

Shumai: Borf!

Kaede: Eh, where did Shumai pop up from!? Wait, why did you bring him here!?

Nayuki: What a cute little doggy. Are you acquainted with him, Chief?

Kaede: Uuh, more than knowing him, we found him injured in the courtyard of the hospital Kafka was staying at back in the day…

Kafka: Chief-chan and I rescued him and looked after him at the hospital. I took him in my care when I got discharged from the hospital. Since he came running after me, and all.

Kaede: Really? It’s been so long, I’m glad to see you again, Shumai.

Shumai: Pant pant, boworf!

Kafka: Ah~ so unfair. Only wrapping your arms around Shumai. You should embrace me like you used to in the past, Chief-chan.

Kaede: W-what are you saying, geez…

Nayuki: Fufu, the president and Chief sure are good friends.

Kaede: Eh, no no it’s because we’re childhood friends…! Sorry for messing around at work…!

Kafka: It's not like we're messing around for the hell of it, this is how good friends act ♪ Manager Nayuki, don't go making eyes at Chief-chan, okay.

Kaede: (No, but seriously, what are you going on about, Kafka…)

Yachiyo: Do not make eyes at Chief… I-I jotted that down!!

Kaede: Yachiyo-kun, you don’t gotta take notes of that!

Kafka: Now then, given how all founding members have come together… Suppose it’s time to hold our first strategy meeting.

<<previous chapter / next chapter>>

chapter 001 side A directory: TBA upon completion

[shunin-gumis]

As Master Joe Wishes - Track EP

Seasonal Team Event - L4mps

Thank you Myun for handling this chapter!

Location: Tokyo Metropolis International Airport – Arrivals Terminal

Samejima: Thank you all so much for your assistance. 

Samejima: Thanks to you all, I was able to cover up my blunders in this operation.

Hiramei: Joe is safe and the Anonymous members were taken into police custody!! The dignity of JPN’s police force, and my career, are safe and sound!!

Daniel: Treat us to some of the good stuff this time.

Netaro: But, didn’t the guy dressed up as Sammy get away~?

Samejima: Who, and what now? I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Yodaka: Samejima-san, do you have a moment?

Toi: Master, we’ll definitely meet again, so when the time comes we’ll serve you once more.

Joe: Very well, then~! 

Toi: Ah, but I won’t let you have Ani-sama!

Joe: Ufufu, how unfortunate.

Nagi: Master, please call us anytime you feel lonely. Also, anytime you might need your laundry done, Flower Laundry offers overseas delivery.

Joe: You have done well as my laundry maid, Nagi. 

Joe: I will most certainly be in touch.

Ryui: …..

Ryui: Ahh, sorry. For real. 

Joe: ? Whatever for?

Ryui: I left you behind in the bedroom. Sorry.

Joe: … Ryui.

Joe: Look…

Ryui: Hm? Oh, it’s that candy-themed pin badge.

Ryui: You didn’t throw it out?

Joe: Could I ask you to put it on my ear, please?

Ryui: ……

Ryui: … Yeah, sure.

Toi: ……

Nagi: Toi, do you want me to help you pierce your ears sometime? 

Toi: Nagi-kun, you’re younger than me.

Nagi: Oh, right. Sorry, you’re right. 

Ryui: — There ya go. It’s a little crooked, though. 

Joe: Ryui, I owe you an apology as well for all my rudeness. 

Joe: I’m terribly sorry. Furthermore, thank you very much for saving me.

Ryui: (.....) 

~~~(Flashback)

Sakujiro: When a person senses that they are not being valued, that is when they experience true anger. The duty of a servant is to find the true meaning hidden within their master’s demands, and act accordingly.

Location: Tokyo Metropolis International Airport – Arrival Terminal

Ryui: Joe, if you don’t wanna go to Germany, I’ll help, if there’s something I can do.

Joe: Ryui… Thank you.

Joe: I see you worry about me dancing along to my new owner’s tune. But there’s no need for such things.

Ryui: You’ll be fine?

Yodaka: Joe-sama, sorry to keep you waiting. We were talking with the detective.

Toi: Danny-san and Samejima-san, too.

Nagi: What were you talking about?

Yodaka: Joe-sama’s owner has changed to a new individual. The details were arranged by me, and fully discussed behind-the-scenes.

Yodaka: Just now, we’ve settled on various agreements after scoping out the new owner’s management system. It’s now been made official that Joe-sama will be sent to this new party.

Joe: Rather than an “owner”, “partner” is much more fitting.

Joe: It was myself, after all, who scoured the auction sites and dating apps in search of a companion.

Samejima: This would've been impossible to achieve if it weren't for JPN’s relative leniency surrounding AI rights. I’m glad it got taken care of just in time.

Ryui: You’re saying she’s not gonna be locked up in some safety box? 

Netaro: Eeeeexactly!

Ryui: (I see. Thank god.)

Joe: Once again, thank you. Everyone… No, you are all honorary members of the Senba Family. 

Location: HAMA House – Kitchen

Ryui: (Time to make some tea…)

Sakujiro: Oya, are you perhaps taking a tea break?

Ryui: Yeah, I guess.

Sakujiro: These tea leaves should be steamed for precisely 40 seconds to maximize their flavor.

Ryui: Yeah, yeah. Whatever.

Ryui: I’m not officially a servant anymore.

Sakujiro: Indeed so.

Ryui: …But.

Ryui: I guess I learned a lot. 

Sakujiro: Oya. Oyaoyaoya…!

Sakujiro: Rules of the Oguro Family’s butlers, “Butler Oblige –108 Commandments” —  Pledge, “one must be willing to sacrifice themselves!”

Ryui: Can you fuck off��!?

Location: HAMA House – Living Room

Sakujiro: I implore you to stop! Pledge, “one must not speak!”

Ten: Eh, a PeChat… 

Ten: Ugh, how does this guy have my contact info?

Kuguri: Oya? Could it be a stalker?

Ten: Who knows~

Ten: "Get a load of this treasure I got recently."  Eh, don't really care… into the trash, aaand blocked.

Location:  HAMA House – Boar Room

Ryui: Toi, I made tea.

Toi: Yaay♪ I’ll open the cookies I bought earlier. 

Toi: Netaro-san, do you wanna have some with us?

Netaro: I bet there’s no tea for little old me~

Ryui: Take it. 

Netaro: Ohh~! Ryui, you’ve finally decided to quit your rebellious phase and become a good, upstanding boy~!

Ryui: Fuck off, it's as thanks for the jelly ok? The jelly!

Toi: His jelly-bullet saved you, after all.

Netaro: Yupp~. It was suuuper sticky. 

Ryui: Just this once. I made you tea. 

Ryui: And? What were the results of your fortune-telling?

Toi: Oh, yeah!

Toi: It said that somewhere a bit to the west from here, she would have a chance meeting with a wonderful partner.

Netaro: Joe seemed so happy. Isn’t that great, Ryui!

Ryui: Yeah, I guess. 

Ryui: Eh- Oi! Don’t fucking drink my tea!!

Netaro: I want a refill. Reeefillll.

Ryui: Don’t care. Get it yourself.

Toi: Ah. I’m thirsty too, I drank all of mine.

Ryui: I’ll go make more. Wait here and eat your cookies. 

Netaro: What blatant favoritism~~~!

Ryui: …Shut up… 

Ryui: (But I guess making someone happy outta your own will every once in a while isn’t all that bad.)

Ryui: (Though, nobody matters as much as Toi.)

[shunin-gumis]

Designs of Happiness - Track A16

L4mps Main Story Translation

Title: The Lost Brother

Characters: Toi, Netaro, Nagi, Yodaka, Daniel

Summary: The group has landed at Hakodate, where the protagonist tries to explain the purpose of the study trip before they go their separate ways. Toi has made posters of his brother, however… 

Thank you aca @463ce6, myun @/myuntachis and Niri @/Niri_riri for helping me with proofing!

Location: Flight - Passenger seat

Toi: *gasp*

Toi: *startled breathing*

Toi: I’m… on the plane..

Toi: Why did I sweat so much in my sleep… 

Netaro: Toi~ Have you finally awoken?

Toi: Netaro-san! Sorry for falling asleep… 

Netaro: I would have preferred it if you’d slept a wee bit longer!

Toi: (He’s looking at me all excited but, did something happen…?)

Toi: (Wait, don’t tell me…!)

Toi: Netaro-san… Um, did I say something strange in my sleep…?

Netaro: Something strange… That parameter is quite ambiguous as it is lacking in definition, however—

Netaro: I believe you didn’t. Indeed, you did not!

Toi: I see… That’s good. A… lot of things tend to happen when I’m asleep.

Netaro: A lot??

Toi: Oh, sorry! It’s nothing.

Toi: (I don’t want to cause trouble for the others, I should be more careful not to fall asleep carelessly, but…)

Netaro: You did indeed speak in a different manner, mumbling “foolish human” and what not… 

Toi: (I wonder why I fell asleep immediately after boarding? Maybe it’s because flying through the air puts me at ease…?)

Netaro: But that was not strange at all, not to worry.

Toi: (Ani-sama must have gotten to Hakodate by flight too, right…? I wonder if he felt sleepy onboard too…)

Toi: (Ani-sama… I want to see you soon…)

Toi: Ah… We can see the town now! 

Netaro: So that’s Hokkaido! Do you see any bovine? Kidnapping them was quite the craze back in the day—

Toi: (Wait for me, Ani-sama…! I’ll come find you soon…!)

Location: Hakodate - Near the brick warehouse in Kanemori

Nagi: *deep breaths*

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: *even deeper breaths*

Nagi: …… 

Momiji: Whatcha doing there, Nagi-kun?

Nagi: Taking in the air.

Momiji: I see. This may be a port town just like HAMA, but it has a completely different vibe, huh?

Nagi: Yeah. The air is so crisp and clear here… It’s like we’re in a completely different world.

Momiji: (Nagi-kun seems to be enjoying this, his eyes are practically sparkling…)

Nagi: Also, I’ve never left the Kanto region before.

Netaro: The stratosphere? I have.

Yodaka: He said “Kanto region.”

Daniel: Even though you’ve got some nice wheels on ya? Don’t you tour around or somethin’?

Nagi: I’ve gone to places near HAMA, but never too far… I’d be too worried about the trouble I’d run into.

Daniel: Huh, what a waste.

Toi: Aside from school trips, I’ve never been far from home either… So I’m feeling pretty excited too.

Momiji: I see. I hope this study trip helps broaden your horizons, even just a little bit. 

Yodaka: Well then… Now that we’ve landed safely, I have some sightseeing to do. Let’s part ways here. 

Netaro: The rickshaw over there, ahoy! We must advance upon Goryōkaku immediately!

Daniel: Ah, that’s my cue to head to the beer hall. See ya later. 

Momiji: Huh!? Just wait a sec! Why are you guys splitting up already?

Yodaka: I thought it was obvious. None of us are children you need to worry over. I think the experience would be more fruitful for everyone if we all head to where our interests lie.

Netaro: Indeed, I have no patience for getting dragged into a mundane outing~

Momiji: Oh… 

Daniel: Well, I don’t mind joining y’all if we’ve all got the same place in mind. Hakodate’s beer is calling out to me. 

Yodaka: Regretfully, I’m being called upon by Hijikata Toshizo and freshly shucked scallops.

Netaro: Bah, you have no taste! If not a fortress, then you must at least go see the clay figurines, don’t you know?

Momiji: …Understood. I suppose we’re all adults here, and it’s not really necessary for us to stick together, but…!

Momiji: The goal of our study trip this time is not only to research the tourism scene at Hakodate, but to also search for Toi-kun’s older brother. Please do keep that in mind as you pursue your own activities. 

Toi: Please do! Um, I’ve also made some posters for this…! 

Yodaka: Let’s see… “Searching for my older brother. His name is Ryui-kun. He’s 21 years old.” …An excellent poster.

Daniel: …Looks exactly like one of those lost pet posters. 

Momiji: (He’s got a point…)

Nagi: Wow, you’ve made a whole bunch… 

Toi: Yes! I want to do everything I can to find clues, so I’ve made 800 copies to hand out to people!

Netaro: Is this the visage of that Ryui fellow? He looks an awful lot like one of those handsome men that appear in your ‘otome games’.

Toi: Ani-sama isn’t a fan of taking photos, so I had to draw his portrait for the poster myself… Sorry, I’m not skilled enough to truly capture his essence… 

Toi: Please imagine someone 10 times more handsome than the portrait I’ve drawn here while you’re searching! 

Momiji: Let’s split these posters amongst us then. Please prioritize gathering information for this first. 

Momiji: We don’t have many clues to work with, which means we’ll have to search every nook and cranny, but let’s try our best!

Daniel: Got it. Then I’m heading this way.

Yodaka: I shall search in the opposite direction, then. See you. 

Momiji: (That’s the direction of the beer hall, and the opposite is where the Hekketsu-hi monument is… Oh well, as long as they do as they promised, it’s fine…)

Netaro: Yayy~ Rickshaw~!

Momiji: Netaro-kun, make sure you don’t go too far so we can meet up later!

Netaro: Okay~!

Momiji: Phew.

Toi: …Oh, um, I’m… 

Nagi: Right, uh… I… 

Momiji: The two of you can just stay with me. 

Momiji: Neither of you are really experienced in traveling, so it might be too taxing for you to try to find clues while exploring.

Toi: Okay…!

Nagi: Got it. 

Momiji: All right then, I’ll give you a brief explanation of Hakodate as we walk. 

Momiji: Hakodate is a port city that flourished as the gateway to Hokkaido, so much so that Perry, along with his fleet of black ships, wanted to alight the region through its port. 

Momiji: Just like in HAMA, the port here has a large brick warehouse that acts as a landmark to the bay area.

Toi: I’d love to go there if we have the time. Maybe Ani-sama has been there himself.

Nagi: That’s true. 

Momiji: Along the 18th of the many slopes of Hakodate, you can find a series of churches from England, Russia, and France lined up. This is a must-see sight if you’re in the area!

Momiji: Although Hokkaido gives the impression of being too large and impossible to get around without a car, Hakodate has the advantage of having all its tourist spots within walking distance. 

Momiji: In addition to that, you can also get to Goryōkaku from here by tram or bus. As such, this is one of the rare places where you can get around to multiple other tourist spots without the need for a car. 

Momiji: And now— 

Location: Hakodate - Lucky Pierrot

Momiji: Hakodate is a popular spot amongst gourmands too! This is their local specialty burger! 

Toi: Wow~~!

Nagi: Amazing. We got to witness a professional guide at work. 

Momiji: Thank you for listening so attentively! I figured you guys must be getting hungry by now. 

Momiji: I thought it’d be a good idea to think about our next destination as we eat here. 

Nagi: The next destination… 

Momiji: That’s right. If there’s any place the two of you would like to visit, I’d love to know where it is! 

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: You don’t have to worry about me. What about you, Toi? 

Toi: Huh? Um… I don’t really… 

Nagi: You don’t have to hold back. 

Toi: That’s not it… I’m used to having my family, or Ani-sama, make the decisions for me, so… 

Toi: I can’t really think of anything… Sorry. 

Nagi: …I see. 

Toi: …Yes. 

Nagi: I can’t really think of anything either… 

Toi: Is that so… 

Nagi: Yeah… 

Momiji: (L-Looks like they’ve given up thinking about it… Let’s just order for now…) 

Momiji: Well, is there any burger or combo you’d like to try?

Toi: Yes, um… 

Toi: Wow…! There’s quite the variety of burgers here, huh.

Nagi: It’s kind of overwhelming… 

Toi: It’s hard to pick just one isn’t it?

Nagi: …Right. 

Toi: …… 

Nagi: …… 

Momiji: (And now they’re agonizing over what to order too…)

Momiji: O-Oh! How about this one!? 

Momiji: The most popular item on the menu, the Chinese Chicken Burger!

Nagi and Toi: …! 

Nagi: You can tell it’s delicious just by looking at it. 

Toi: Yes! I’ll go with this too!

Nagi: I think I’d like to go with this too… 

Momiji: (Looks like I just had to give them a little nudge to get them moving… that’s good.)

Toi: “Fortune comes to those who eat.” They have a nice catchphrase, too! 

Nagi: Fortune… 

Toi: One can never have too much!

Nagi: …… 

Toi: Then, let’s order this burger… 

Netaro: Toi, you have a power that is capable of guiding you, yes?

Toi: Woah! You surprised me… 

Netaro: Why not try using that divination power of yours to decide both your destination as well as your choice of burger? 

Notes: 

Tourist spots mentioned in this chapter Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Hakodate Beer Hall Goryōkaku  Hekketsu-hi Monument Motomachi Lucky Pierrot

The Perry Expedition

“Fortune comes to those who eat” is a play on the phrase “fortune comes to those who smile.” Lucky Pierrot’s catchphrase in Japanese is うまい門には福来たる (Fortune comes through a tasty gate) which is a play on another phrase 笑う門には福来る (Fortune comes through a merry gate).

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Masterlist

[shunin-gumis]

Designs of Happiness - Track A18

L4mps Main Story Translation

Title: As many lights as there are

Characters: Nagi, Toi, Ryui, Daniel, Netaro

Summary: The group finally finds Toi’s brother, Ryui, but he immediately runs away. They chase him all the way up Hachiman-zaka, but… 

Thank you aca @463ce6, myun @/myuntachis and Niri @/Niri_riri for helping me with proofing!

Location: Hakodate - Near the Kanemori Brick Warehouse

Ryui: *panting* Sorry, Toi, but it’s still too soon for us to meet… Please, try and understand… 

Location: Hakodate - Hachiman-zaka

Ryui: ( —The hell is with this steep slope…!)

Ryui: (But, I’m sure I could use that now, even if it’s almost out of juice…!)

Toi: Ani-sama~~!!

Ryui: Khh…!

Nagi: ! He’s running up the slope…!

Daniel: Yikes, I’m out. I’m just gonna walk the rest of the way. 

Momiji: This is… Hachiman-zaka…!

Momiji: There are *wheeze* a total of 19 slopes that connect the bay area to Mount Hakodate…!

Momiji: After the era where a great many fires had plagued the area, the slopes were widened to act as a firebreak, which is why they look like this now…! *wheezing*

Nagi: I…see…!

Momiji: Amongst those slopes *wheeze* the Hachiman-zaka, spanning 300 meters *wheeze* provides an amazing view at the end of *wheeze* the steep slope…! Ugh!

*falls down*

Toi: Ch-Chieeeeeef!

Daniel: Don’t look back, if your flank gives in then it’s all over.

Momiji: *pained wheezing*

Yodaka: Chief, are you alright? You did well getting all the way up here. Don’t worry, I’ll remain by your side until you can catch your breath.

Daniel: You could’ve tried a little harder, y’know! Damn…! 

~~~

Ryui: *panting*

Toi: *panting* P-Please, don’t leave me behind…!

Toi: Ani-sama…!! *coughing* A-Ani-sama…..

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: Toi, hand… 

Toi: …?

*smack*

Nagi: Leave it to me. 

Ryui: Who the hell—? 

Nagi: (I’ve got some confidence when it comes to running. Just catch up with us later.)

Toi: (Nagi-san…!)

Nagi: Alright…!

Ryui: Tch…!

~~~

Momiji: Phew… My sides aren’t dying anymore… Yodaka-san, what’s the situation with Ryui-kun…?

Yodaka: Nagi’s giving chase after receiving the baton from Toi. There’s only one other person with enough energy to catch up to them.

Momiji: D-Daniel-san~~!

~~~

Daniel: Bloody hell, this slope’s killing me… 

Ryui: *panting*

Nagi: *wheezing*

Ryui: (This prick’s sure persistent despite looking like he couldn’t give a shit…!)

Nagi: (Even though we’re practically walking right now, I feel like my heart’s about to explode…!)

Nagi: (There’s only about… 50 centimeters left…!)

Nagi: Stop…!

Ryui: Fuck off…!

Ryui: (If I don’t bring it out now, he’ll really catch up to me…!)

Nagi: !

*Ryui takes out his hoverboard*

Daniel: What the— That’s cheating!

Ryui: (I’m sure it’s got enough juice to get me down the hill!)

Ryui: See ya never…!

Nagi: Urk…!

Ryui: (As if I’ll let you catch me…!)

Momiji: No! He had a hoverboard this whole time! 

Yodaka: Looks like we’ve been outwitted.

Toi: Ani-sama…!

Ryui: (Sorry, Toi.)

Nagi: *wheezing*

Nagi: (Even though he was right there, I still couldn’t catch him…)

Nagi: So that’s… Toi’s family… 

~~~

Location: Hakodate - Mount Hakodate Observatory

Momiji: This is… 

Momiji: (The Hakodate Observatory… The place where you can see the beautiful nightscape of Hakodate… It’s considered amongst the top 3 night views in the world.)

Momiji: (But… No one’s in the mood to appreciate it right now…)

Netaro: Uuuuugh~ My thighs hurt~

Yodaka: Perhaps it’s strange coming from me but, you didn’t run all that much either.

Netaro: Toooiii, Yoda’s being mean to me.

Toi: Oh… yes… 

Momiji: (Toi-kun’s especially upset about letting Ryui-kun get away… Is there anything I can do to cheer him up…?)

Nagi: I’m sorry I couldn’t catch him, even though he was right in front of me… I’ll try harder next time.

Toi: It’s ok, you did more than enough. Thank you for trying, Nagi-san. 

Nagi: …… 

Netaro: Yoda, have a look here. There are cuts on my palm from when I fell down. This is too much… 

Yodaka: You’re right. Make sure you wash it well when we get back to the hotel.

Daniel: Kicking back in a sauna after a good workout sure hits different~ I’m already lookin’ forward to it!

Netaro: If I exercised as well, could I be all bulky as you, Daa?

Daniel: D-Daa…?

Nagi: I guess that’s his nickname for Buchi-san.

Daniel: Pfft, that’s a new one. Well, you can call me whatever.

Momiji: C’mon guys, the view’s great right now! Let’s get up a little closer.

All 4: *in awe*

Yodaka: How beautiful… The sky darkens further every time I close my eyes, and the lights from the town glow just that much brighter in contrast… 

Toi: My chest feels tight… I can’t help but feel lonely… 

Netaro: Aha… at the source of each illumination lies some human activity, does it not?

Nagi: …You’re right.

Nagi: Those moving lights probably belong to people heading home. And the lights beyond those must be from houses that are waiting for them to come back, with a warm meal ready for them…  

Momiji: That’s right. This view is the result of countless little happinesses that you wouldn’t give a second thought to, all gathered in one spot. 

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: (I’m standing somewhere close to the heavens, and looking down on that very same happiness…)

Nagi: (It’s so far away…)

Nagi: (Those lights twinkle far, far away from my reach, just like stars… Where I could never reach them…)

Daniel: …Heh, I’m sure some of those lights belong to some unhappy fellows, too.

Momiji: You just had to ruin the mood, huh. 

Daniel: What’s so great about chasing after happiness? I think it’s much kinder to yourself if you settle with just the right amount of happiness to fit the bill.

Daniel: The world just ain’t built to give everyone exactly what they wish for.

Yodaka: My, how bitter of you… But I suppose I can’t deny it either. People learn how to enjoy themselves and move forward, even if they aren’t happy.

Yodaka: Unlike the unknowable future, past memories are something you can look back upon fondly. 

Toi: …… 

Toi: …You can only say that because you’re satisfied with what you have now. But I… I can’t be happy if I’m not with Ani-sama.

Netaro: How come?

Toi: Because he’s my precious family, of course. 

Netaro: Family, relations of blood, a small group that live their lives together, or perhaps it could refer to a partner as well. To be acknowledged, to be loved, to be wanted… All of these require the presence of an “other” to bear a result. 

Netaro: And yet, when you die, you go alone. No matter how much I read or research on this topic, comprehension eludes me. 

Toi: I-It’s alright if that’s how other people choose to live, but I— I’m sure my brother, too…! 

Momiji: Yeah, there’s as many answers as there are people. 

Nagi: …… 

Momiji: Nagi-kun?

~~~(flashback)

??: “I’m home.”

??: “Welcome home.”

??: “How was your day?”

??: “It was alright. Nothing good, nothing bad either.”

~~~(end flashback)

Momiji: Nagi-kun? Are you okay? You’re spacing out… 

Nagi: I believe—

Nagi: I believe families are supposed to be together, Toi.

Toi: …! Nagi-san!

Nagi: Chief, I have a favor to ask. 

Momiji: Yes?

Nagi: When Ryui comes back, and if we manage to convince him… I’d like him to be a Ward Mayor for Ward 15 along with Toi.

Toi: Huh…?

Yodaka: That’s sudden.

Netaro: I approve! Twin Mayors sounds like a fun concept~

Daniel: You say that, but I don’t see someone who ran for the hills agreeing to this.

Nagi: Sometimes, people are forced to take actions that go against their own wishes. I’m sure. Probably. That’s why— 

Nagi: Even if it requires some brute force, if we tether him with a bond that can’t be broken, I’m sure he’ll have no choice but to return. Then Toi won’t have to be separated from his family anymore. 

Netaro: In other words, meddling.

Yodaka: Now, now, isn’t this fine? I wonder how long it’s been since I involved myself in others’ business. 

Daniel: Well, it’s true the Night Team is short one person. 

Momiji: …Alright, got it. If that’s what the leader of the team wants, I’ll put in a request to Kafka myself. 

Toi: Nagi-san… 

*bell gongs*

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: (The night view really is beautiful. The breeze feels good, and I can’t help but feel reassured knowing I have people beside me.)

Nagi: Chief. I may not be a great leader, but I’ll try my best.

Momiji: ! Me too! 

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Masterlist

[shunin-gumis]

Designs of Happiness - Track A21

L4mps Main Story Translation

Title: As a Human Representative

Characters: Daniel, Nagi, Netaro

Summary: Daniel finds Nagi collapsed in the lounge area. Although Nagi did not reveal the reason for it, he had discovered Netaro’s true identity… 

Thank you aca @463ce6, myun @/myuntachis Niri @/Niri_riri and jes @/arcanecrayonn for helping me with proofing!

Location: Hakodate - Hotel Lounge

Daniel: Phew… This is pure bliss~ Saunas really are the best… 

Daniel: Huh?

Nagi: …… 

Daniel: Nagi, what’re you all sprawled out on the ground for? 

Nagi: …… 

Daniel: I get that it was too hot for you, but you're just gonna end up catching a cold if you do that right after a bath.

Nagi: …… 

Daniel: You could at least— Wait, is he knocked out!? 

Daniel: Nagi, you okay!? Get a hold of yourself! 

Nagi: Ugh… Buchi-san… 

Daniel: Good, at least you’re conscious. Did you get dizzy? 

*Netaro pops out from behind Nagi*

Netaro: I believe this is a minor case of anemia. 

Daniel: Woah– Damn, you scared me. Didn’t know you were here too. 

Netaro: Mhm.

Daniel: At least help him out instead of just sitting on your ass with popsicles in both hands!

Netaro: Nyam nyam. 

Daniel: Nagi, think you can stand?

Netaro: Can you~?

Nagi: …Oh, yeah. 

Daniel: What’s wrong? Was it really just anemia? 

Nagi: …… 

~~~(flashback)

Netaro: Hm… So be it. I was inclined to hold back for a while longer, but now that it’s come to this—

Netaro: You’ll have to suffice.

Nagi: *fearful breathing*

Nagi: (I feel like I’ve been struck with sleep paralysis— )

Netaro: You’re unable to move, aren’t you~ It seems the heat from the sauna has caused me to glitch, you see. 

Netaro: I cannot even mimic the human form at this moment… 

Nagi: (M-Mimic…?)

Netaro: Would you like to see my true form? I’m right beside you. 

Nagi: !?

Netaro: Those retinae of yours cannot retain my image, so I’m Invisible Netaro now.

Netaro: In accordance with Article 1156 of the Interstellar Constitution established by my planet, any local lifeform that learns of my true form is applicable to receive necessary information and given the opportunity to make a choice.

Netaro: At the same time, exceptional measures are to be taken in the event of the endangerment of an official investigator, such as myself.

Nagi: (????)

Netaro: I, Netaro Yowa, am an extraterrestrial lifeform from the planet “Proxima Centauri b,” designated as such by you earthlings. I have arrived here for the sake of a certain mission.

Netaro: As this mission is top secret, you will not be made aware of the details, even if you choose to follow Article 1156.

Netaro: My main goal is to conduct an investigation on the primary lifeform on this planet, the human race, at a military-level secret operation. However, in the event of an emergency, my life is to be prioritized over that of the local lifeform. 

Nagi: (W-Which means…?)

Netaro: In order to maintain my continued activities on this planet, as well as my mimicry of the human form, I need to intake a specific amount of adaptive factors within a fixed timeframe.

Netaro: I would like you to act as my prospective donor. 

Nagi: (I don’t get what he’s saying…)

Netaro: This is all you need to understand—

*Netaro reveals a contract*

Netaro’s Proposed Contract

The following agreement is made and entered into by and between Netaro Yowa (hereafter referred to as “Recipient”) and Nagi Hachinoya (hereafter referred to as “Donor”):

The Donor is to provide the Recipient with a specified amount of his body whenever it is requested of him. a) The frequency and volume may vary, as long as it does not lead to the Donor’s loss of life.

The Donor must not reveal any confidential information about the Recipient to any other lifeform (including AI).

The Donor must cooperate with the Recipient to ensure that no confidential information is revealed to any other lifeform (including AI).

In the event that the Donor breaches any terms of this Agreement, the Interstellar Court will act as the court of instance with exclusive jurisdiction over the matter. The Recipient has the right to restrain the Donor until a resolution is reached.

Netaro: I’m certain those back on my planet will have no complaints in this case. 

Nagi: (This is getting more and more confusing… What does he even mean by “a specified amount of his body”...)

Netaro: As long as it is something produced by your body, anything is fine. I quite prefer blood, myself.

Nagi: !!

Netaro: To put it simply, if you refuse to act as my donor and protect my secret, you will die. 

Nagi: !?

Netaro: Local lifeform Nagi: You have two choices.

Netaro: To agree to this contract, or to be eaten whole by me; which do you prefer?

Nagi: …!

Netaro: Will you cry? Are you tearing up~? I enjoy tears almost as much as I do blood~

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: Will it hurt…?

Netaro: I could indeed compound a drug that could numb your sense of pain, but that will have to be for next time!

Nagi: I won’t… die, right…?

Netaro: You just read the Agreement, did you not!? I wouldn’t want to destroy a precious dispenser of adaptive factor!

Netaro: Though, I’m not entirely confident, as I’m far too hungry at the moment. 

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: Okay. I’ll do it. 

Netaro: Yaaayyyy~!

Nagi: Even if I did die, it’s not like it would affect anybody. 

Nagi: You might be an alien, but I don’t think it’s very nice to leave someone alone when they’re suffering… 

Nagi: I don’t want you to have a bad impression of earthlings… 

Netaro: Good. You are prepared, yes? 

Nagi: Huh, wait– Right now? Here!? Hold on–

Nagi: A-Ahhhhhhhhhhh………

~~~(end flashback)

Location: Hakodate - Hotel Lounge

Daniel: …Nagi, you listening? 

Nagi: *gasp* Oh, sorry… 

Daniel: You sure it’s just anemia? 

Nagi: Yeah. I’m okay now. 

Daniel: Alright, then sit down over there. You want a popsicle? 

Nagi: Oh, but I already had one so… 

Daniel: Then I’ll give you my share. What flavor do you want? 

Nagi: Thank you… Then, I’d like pineapple. 

Daniel: Got it. Netaro over there is just stuffing himself on these though, geez. 

Netaro: Nyam nyam.

Nagi: …… 

Daniel: Here. 

Nagi: Thank you.

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: (This is orange…)

Netaro: Delicious, is it not? Gii.

Nagi: Urk… Yeah, it is… 

Netaro: Shall I share some of my grape-flavored one with you? 

Nagi: …!

*Nagi bumps into Daniel*

Daniel: Woah there, what’s wrong? You just sprang out of your seat like some grasshopper. 

Nagi: It’s… nothing. Sorry. 

Netaro: Even though it’s so delicious… 

Nagi: …… 

Notes:

Proxima Centauri b is an exoplanet orbiting within the habitable zone of the red dwarf star Proxima Centauri, which is the closest star to the Sun and part of the larger triple star system Alpha Centauri.

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Masterlist

[shunin-gumis]

Designs of Happiness - Track A19

L4mps Main Story Translation

Title: Way of the Sauna

Characters: Nagi, Daniel, Netaro

Summary: Nagi heads to the sauna, where he finds Daniel and Netaro already present. Daniel enthusiastically explains the greatness of a sauna to them.

Thank you aca @463ce6, myun @/myuntachis Niri @/Niri_riri and jes @/arcanecrayonn for helping me with proofing!

Location: Hakodate - Hotel Room

*knock on the door*

Momiji: Come in!

Nagi: …Good evening.

Momiji: Good evening! What brings you here this late?

Nagi: Mm… Here. 

Momiji: Oh, you’ve brought the cassette for the weekly report… Thank you for taking the time during the trip to record it! Great work today!

Nagi: You too. I brought these too… 

Momiji: Woah, flowers and… a vase!?

Nagi: I was sure you’d be needing a vase, so I brought one with me.

Momiji: Don’t get me wrong, I’m super grateful and happy for these, but I didn’t think you’d be bringing them on the trip too… 

Momiji: (Now that I think about it, Nagi had a crazy amount of luggage with him… Don’t tell me those were all packed full of flowers?)

Nagi: I brought a lot of flowers with me to counter the Yajirobe effect… Though I’m not sure it’ll be enough. 

Nagi: This trip is… too much happiness for someone like me.

Momiji: (Nagi-kun looks worried. I want him to feel more relaxed, though… Oh, I have an idea!)

Momiji: Nagi-kun, you haven’t taken a bath yet, right?

Nagi: Yeah, I’m going right after this.

Momiji: I know you could just use the bath in your room, but I’d like to suggest you give the public bath a try! It’s a really good experience!

Momiji: It even has a sauna, so I’m sure it’s a great way to refresh!

Nagi: A public bath, and a sauna… 

Momiji: Yeah!

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: I’ve never gone to either of those.

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: But okay, I’ll give it a try. 

~~~

Location: Hakodate - Hotel Sauna

Nagi: …Ah.

Daniel: Well if it ain’t Nagi! C’mon, join us. The sauna here is perfect; the temperature and humidity are just how I like ‘em.

Netaro: Uweh…

Nagi: Netaro’s here too?

Netaro: Daa here enticed me, claiming that the sauna could “clear the mind.”

Daniel: We literally just got here, and you’re even sitting on the lower bench where the temperature’s not that high. How ‘bout you, Nagi? Wanna work up a sweat on the upper bench with me? 

Nagi: Um, I’ll go with the lower one… You’re a fan of saunas, Buchi-san?

Daniel: ‘Course I am! I’ve been to about 300 saunas thanks to all my travel and business trips. I’ve even gone to Finland, the Holy Land of Saunas, too! You’re looking right at a hot-blooded sauna enthusiast!

Nagi: Woah.

Netaro: Are you certain this is supposed to make me feel refreshed…?

Nagi: The Chief recommended the sauna to me so… I figured I’d give it a shot. 

Daniel: Got it. So that makes you a beginner, too. Alright, time to put my back into this!

Daniel: I’ll teach you how to master the Iwabuchi Way of the Sauna; In other words, how to completely revitalize yourself!*

Nagi: Oh, okay. I’m looking forward to it, master.

Netaro: Master~~

Daniel: Oh, first things first: Don’t get in a sauna right after eating your fill or getting sloshed. Ain’t good manners when they gotta haul your butt-naked ass outta here.

Nagi: He’s actually serious about this… 

Daniel: One rep includes sweating it out in the sauna, then getting into a cold bath, and finally cooling off either indoors or outdoors. They say doing three reps improves your sleeping quality or somethin’.

Daniel: 7 to 8 minutes in the sauna should be more than enough for a beginner. 

Netaro: Uuugh~ There is still 5 minutes and 52 seconds, 51 seconds… 

Nagi: What about the cold bath? 

Daniel: Depends on the person, but I guess 1 minute should do? The water is bloody cold, so I wouldn’t recommend staying in there even a second longer.

Daniel: The revitalization comes after that. When you sit down somewhere and take in the breeze… That’s when the happy hormones are released, and you’re in a state of bliss. 

Netaro: I’ve read of this before! Despite the fact that the body is in a completely relaxed state, the brain achieves a state of awakening! It gets your brain juices flowing and is supposed to feel amazing! Isn’t that so? 

Nagi: That’s kinda scary. 

Daniel: Well, there’s no need to get so deep about it. If you ask me, you can revitalize right here in the sauna— 

Netaro: It’s toooo hoooot… I’m in desperate need of some water… 

Nagi: Honestly, me too. 

Daniel: I mean, people use their heads too much on the daily, y’know? That’s why it’s important to hit your limit under extreme conditions once in a while so you can just let your mind go blank.

Daniel: Just think of it as switchin’ off your brain for a sec. 

*steam intensifies*

Nagi: Hoo… 

Netaro: 3 minutes and 59 seconds… 58 seconds… 

Daniel: When you think about it, all your worries are connected either to the past or the future. But you don’t exist in either of those times, so there’s nothin’ you can do about it. It just leads to an infinite loop of anxiety. 

Daniel: Nothin’s better than holing away in the sauna to break yourself outta that loop.

Daniel: Your brain’s at full capacity just thinkin’ about how bloody hot it is, so in a way, your mind’s getting a break, letting everything else go… Now that’s what I call a detox.

*steam intensifies further*

Nagi: Oi… how much longer? A minute…? 

Netaro: *dry wheezing* Wah… tah… 

Daniel: This is just like meditation, or being mindful and all that…. Hey, are you even listening? 

Netaro: AUUUGHH IT’S. TOO. HOT!! I can’t take it anymore! There’s no revitalization happening at all!

*Netaro runs out*

Nagi: His face was bright red.

Daniel: Hahaha! Well, he shouldn’t have tried so hard. You’re doin’ pretty well though Nagi, you’ve got the makings of a true sauna enthusiast.

Nagi: I should’ve probably gotten one of those sauna hats… 

Daniel: Just let me know when you decide to get one, I’ll recommend the best one for ya.

Nagi: Okay, thank you. 

Nagi: …… 

Daniel: …… 

Nagi: (The conversation has fallen off… Should I try to start it up again?)

Daniel: …… 

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: (So I say, but I don’t even know what to talk about… What’s something we can connect on…)

Daniel: Imagine if that Ryui fella is stayin’ in this hotel too.

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: Buchi-san, I need to ask… 

Daniel: Hm? 

Nagi: Why didn’t you catch Ryui back at Hachiman-zaka? 

Nagi: (I’m pretty sure he had a better chance at catching him than I did…)

Daniel: Right… How do I put this… 

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: (It’s hot… It’s way too hot… Please answer a little faster…) 

Daniel: Well, he’s an adult too. I’m sure he’ll come home when he feels like it. 

Daniel: That’s all it is. 

Nagi: (He’ll come home when he wants to? Would it be so simple for someone who decided to leave in the first place?)

Nagi: Are you sure? If they’d change their minds so easily, they wouldn’t bother leaving in the first place, right… 

Nagi: Maybe they had some unavoidable reason to do what they did— 

Nagi: (Ryui, and that person, too…)

Nagi: (I’m sure they had their— Oh…ough…)

Daniel: Ooh, I was thinkin’ this earlier at the observatory too, but you’re actually more of a positive thinker than I thought you were, huh.

Nagi: HOT…! I’m at my limit…! 

Daniel: Haha! Another one bites the dust!

~~~

Location: Hakodate - Hotel Lounge

Nagi: Phew… 

Nagi: (The temperature was way too high… I don’t think I have what it takes to be the best sauna enthusiast there ever was…) 

Nagi: (But, it’s true that I do feel like my mind’s all cleared up. Maybe this is what he was referring to as feeling revitalized.)

Nagi: Woah… They even have all-you-can-eat popsicles… 

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: (Strawberry, grape, orange, pineapple, mango, dainagon azuki, condensed milk… There’s a lot to choose from.)

Nagi: (I want something refreshing, so I can cross out the dainagon azuki and the condensed milk flavors… They’d probably be too sweet.)

Nagi: (Strawberry and grape are quite refreshing, but when it comes to popsicles, their sourness leaves something to be desired…)

Nagi: (Mango… The tropical flavor doesn’t really fit the setting. Condensed milk is perfect for Hokkaido, but I’ve already crossed it off the list.)

Nagi: (Then all that’s left are the flavors beloved by everyone, orange and pineapple. They have the perfect amount of sourness too. Though, pineapple is also a tropical flavor.)

Nagi: (Right then. I’ll go with the safest choice that has no room for mistake, orange.)

Nagi: Is it really for free…? I hope this doesn’t affect my luck unfavorably… 

*opening the wrapper*

Nagi: …Mm, tasty.

Nagi: (Guess I picked the wrong one. This is pineapple.)

Nagi: I think it turned out for the best though.

Nagi: (Pineapple’s pretty good too. But it’s strange… I wasn’t hit by bad luck this time.)

Nagi: …Wait. 

*checking his phone*

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: (I guess my theory that the misfortune’s rebound won’t happen if the air pressure is stable is spot on after all.)

Nagi: …Huh?

Nagi: (No, this is HAMA’s atmospheric pressure. What about Hakodate—)

Nagi: (A sudden updraft, and even a ‘bomb’ mark… This looks really bad for me…)

??: ○※А◆×▽×◎……。

Nagi: Huh?

Nagi: (I hear some strange sounds from the reclining chair further ahead… Is there someone there…?)

??: Φ×▲□▽η……。

Nagi: (...The voice sounds really weak.)

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: Excuse me. Are you… not feeling well?

??: …… 

Netaro: Gii?

Nagi: Oh, Netaro?

Nagi: Are you okay? It sounded like you were moaning. If you’re not feeling well, you should talk to the Chief— 

*a ringing sound*

Nagi: …!?

Nagi: (What… is this? It’s so abnormally chilling…)

Nagi: (Why can’t I move? And I feel… really scared. Like some sort of unfathomable fear is welling up within me…)

Netaro: Hm… So be it. I was inclined to hold back for a while longer, but now that it’s come to this—

Netaro: You’ll have to suffice. 

Notes:

“Totonoi” means to experience a feeling of euphoria and a clear head by repeating several sets of sauna, water bath, and outdoor air bath. 

Sauna hats are used to prevent one’s head from heating excessively, and are traditionally made of felt.

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