#exit stage ayaka

[quickdeaths]

"Is that so," Shinobu murmured. That Sonia had somehow once been their friend, but not close with other members of their class was a bit surprising. Surely, aside from perhaps Matsuda, Shinobu was the most difficult of them to get along with - or had been, at least. And yet, Ayaka had taken a request to make her a special dessert. "I suppose there's not much sense thinking about it now, but Ayaka typically only made those sorts of custom orders for classmates." Maybe it had been someone from Sonia's own class. Though, as she'd said, there was no reason to think about it. That was a lifetime ago, surrounded by so many lives that had been cut short.

Shinobu wasn't sure if she'd detected some small shift in Sonia's expression, or whether she was merely seeing things. What the reasoning could be, she didn't know, so perhaps she was reading too much into it. Her hand found her plate, forcing herself to choke down a few more peanuts and rice crackers. Both Ayaka and Sonia had impressed upon her the importance of eating, and to let them both down at the same time was rather unbecoming of her. Besides, if she was to continue doing what she could, whether that was fishing or other physical tasks, she couldn't afford to lose her strength.

As a show of appreciation, she even took the jam once Sonia was finished, spreading a small amount on her scone, and holding onto the knife perhaps a moment longer than necessary - something that would give the Future Foundation agents hovering just out of earshot some pause, she was sure. It was justified enough, given that her first, quickly discarded thought was attempting to push the dull knife through one of her eyes. No, that would only cause trouble for Sonia, and she'd already made something resembling a promise to her.

It seemed to her that Sonia hadn't quite picked up on Ayaka's obtuse explanation - understandable, if they hadn't ever been close - and she watched as Ayaka gave a small, huffy sigh. "I don't know what you have, so I can't make any real recommendations," she mumbled, as if it was an annoying question to have to answer. "If you have fresh fruit or vegetables we don't have here, that's a start, and so is anything that's processed beyond what we can easily make here." Shinobu thought she might leave it there, but Ayaka decided to explain herself further. Perhaps, Shinobu thought, she didn't trust Sonia's kitchen knowledge.

"Gelatin and corn starch to thicken things, baking powder, seasonings, preservatives so we can save things rather than throw them out." She gave a small shrug, as though it were obvious. "I guess I can make a list when I have some free time." There was a tone to her voice that suggested, to Shinobu, that that might not be for a while. She was rather busy, after all. Still, for as busy as Ayaka was, Shinobu was sure she'd find the time to make that list, and have it delivered, for the betterment of everyone else. She simply was that sort of person, deep down - someone who kicked up a fuss, but always sacrificed herself for others.

It was only something to be thought about for a moment, as when Sonia mentioned their classmates waking up, both Shinobu and Ayaka went cold. After silence hung unpleasant in the air, Ayaka cleared her throat. "Matsuda's an ass," she mumbled bluntly. "If you want to talk about that kind of thing, you should talk to Murasame-san instead." Shinobu nodded in agreement. Murasame was more even-tempered and thoughtful, and he'd appreciate better any help Sonia could provide. "Anyway," Ayaka started, "I need to get back to preparing dinner." Her hand rubbed at the inside of her arm. "I'll get that list to you when I can, Nevermind-san. Thanks for-" Ayaka's eyes flicked to Shinobu, and Shinobu was sure she was thinking something along the lines of 'for taking care of Shinobu,' even if what she said was only, "stopping by."

"You probably think it's strange, don't you, Nevermind-san," Shinobu mumbled as she nibbled on another cracker. "We went through so much together, such that it's impossible for anyone else to really understand our experiences, and yet..." With someone like Ayaka, or even Murasame, they'd become closer than expected due to the simulation, but perhaps that came at the cost of intimacy with others for what had occurred outside it. Miss Aoyama would have every reason to hate her, when she awoke, and Anzu... And Anzu...

No longer hungry, Shinobu weakly pushed forward her plate, as if needing to get it out of her immediate reach. "I imagine most people who have lost those closest to them would do anything to be with them again, even for the briefest moment. In my case, though, the best friend I've ever had is waking up soon enough, but I feel so ill at the thought of seeing her." If Sonia knew them, then she likely knew Anzu. That much stood to reason. "It's strange, isn't it? Strange and awful of me, perhaps." In her seat, Shinobu shifted slightly, as though the discomfort could be removed with only a light lean or a shake. "I've not been keeping up much with Matsuda's progress because of it. Truthfully, when it comes to most of my classmates, I dread seeing them again."

Sonia smiled gently as she hesitated over picking from the spread of snacks. Shinobu's dietary needs came first, especially in the Hotel Mirai: she had a ship to return to, and eventually a country to return to, where a whole staff of people's entire career entailed looking after her every need. Shinobu, like the rest of the Remnants, only had each other to care for them. She wouldn't complicate that for them. "Sometimes the work that appears to be unnecessary and complicated is the most meaningful. You might just not realize at the time," Sonia replied, thinking back to how much her class had struggled initially to simply throw a class party, or come together as a team for sports day. Now, those memories meant more to her than all of the precious stones in the Novoselic Crown Jewels. More precious, more priceless.

Maybe Shinobu had a similar memory about the hoshigaki, perhaps with Anzu. Though in Sonia's imagination, Anzu was too busy on her phone, scrolling social media and texting her favorite 'hotsexy people,' to be of much help. She chuckled at the thought: only something that could have happened before everything. Maybe when they were all still friends.

Well, that was a lifetime ago. All Sonia could do now was concentrate on the situation at hand, and Ayaka's curt words. "Wait, that is not what I meant!" Sonia protested, her gaze darting to her scone and then the woman's retreating back. "Oh no, I think I just eat scones like this as a habit, especially at home. I did not want to create more work for her!"

Sonia sighed, disappointed at herself, as Shinobu smiled. Maybe it was worth it then, her blunder: if it amused Shinobu at least. It seemed nowadays like nothing did: then again, she doubted Shinobu was going on an array of dates and watching Godzilla movies in her free time. Reading, however...that was likely possible, though Sonia had a hunch it wasn't the same books they'd placed into her hands the afternoon Sonia had unknowingly interrupted their movie date with another girl.

"Truthfully, I did not know her well so I cannot say," Sonia admitted quietly. She didn't want Ayaka to overhear: it wasn't fair to any of them that Sonia had been friends with some of Class 77-B and barely knew the others. "I spoke to her once or twice. She made me a cake once, for White Day: not from her but someone commissioned her to make something for me. I never found out who it was, in the end: though a boy did try to take credit for it."

Still, she smiled when Ayaka returned. It was nothing she'd done wrong, and Sonia didn't want her to worry. "Thank you, Sato-san. It looks delicious, and I appreciate your efforts!" Maybe she needed a more comforting environment, or praise, to be open with what she wanted and needed. And nevertheless, the scone and jam did look good. She took some of the mango jam from the plastic knife and spread it on both halves of her scone before taking one in her hand, bringing it to her mouth for a bite.

"Looks, and tastes!" She decided after chewing, not hesitating to take a second bite after the first. She wasn't sure what pectin was, but if was something Ayaka would like, Sonia felt certain she could obtain it. Ayaka-

Sonia paused, mid-chew. That was what Shinobu had called her, hadn't she? Something that had once only been reserved for Anzu: addresses on a first-name basis. Sonia swallowed her bite: the scone and jam tasted a little less sweet on her tongue as she tried not to look at both of the other women in the room with suspicion. Ayaka had been through hell, Sonia couldn't be envious of her. It wasn't right: she'd spent the last few years helping the war effort in a mostly preserved and polite environment, she had no business exhibiting envy towards anyone.

She reached for her bottle of soda: the second half of her scone could wait, for a time she wasn't mulling on just how intimately they were acquainted. "Well, um," She began, letting the soda wash some of the bitterness away. "Would there be ingredients that might be more appealing to you both, or the rest of the newly awakened? Something I might be able to assist with? I tried asking Matsuda-san about the progress on that yesterday. He...did not exactly give me an answer: he preferred to disparage me over my former talent and my gender before ordering me out of the lab. I do not think he likes women at all."

[kisscara]

O8. a helping hand [fanboy!scaramouche x drummer!reader] ⎯⎯ heartbeat rhythm series

"it's so sunny, i just love spring!"

hu tao giddily stretches out her arms while jumping up and down, bathing in the delightful sunshine. you use your hand as a visor to shield your eyes from the blinding brightness. "i'm just glad it stopped snowing," you sigh out. "my outfits weren't as nice with all the cold weather..."

yanfei has her clipboard tucked beneath her arm as she makes her way to you two. "get a move on! the school fes is in three weeks, we can't be wasting time." she stops right in front of hu tao, who smugly grins at her. "looks like someone's been taking after the president's temper~"

the salmon haired female pouts, "it's not funny. he's totally stressing the student council with his demands and i agree with amber on how fast he's proceeding with things." she wearily closes her eyes, uttering, "just do your job and write up a song, quickly, at that."

yanfei places a hand on her hip, quizzically looking between you and hu tao.

"where's yun jin and yoimiya?"

you scratch the back of your head and mutter, "yun jin's trying to calm madam faruzan since we agreed to performing at the school festival without her permission and yoimiya's-" all of a sudden, a yell disrupts your sentence.

"hey, guys! i got ice cream!" yoimiya playfully giggles and makes her way onto the outdoor stage to join you three. you beam, "thanks so much, 'miya!" she hands each you, hu tao and yanfei a vanilla fudge swirl ice cream in a wafer cone. yanfei's shoulders sink in a matter of disappointment.

"thank you, yoimiya, but please do your job, guys. this is so tiring... ah, i forgot to check up on kaeya! he better not be buying useless things off of our school funds again!" yanfei hurriedly walks down the stage and back into the school building, all the while eating her ice cream.

yoimiya frowns, "what's up with her and where's ayaka?" hu tao makes kitten licks at the vanilla part of the ice cream. "something about the president stressing the council with the preparation of the school fes so ayaka's probably helping out too. anyways, she wants us to write a song by the end of today's work period."

yoimiya yelps, tightening her hold on the ice cream cone, "by the end of today's work period!? that's in an hour and a half, there's no way we can make a song without yun jin!" you place your hands on both girls' shoulders.

"we'll be alright! let's just start with the simple stuff, right? what's the song going to be about?" you take a nibble out of the ice cream to avoid any irritating brain-freeze. "hrm... what about," hu tao cheekily grins, "you write a song about your feelings for scaramouche?"

a moment of silence.

"nope. the lyrics are going to be ninety percent of nonsense." you sit onto your drum throne, mumbling, "i haven't even given him the cd of our album." hu tao and yoimiya yell in unison, "YOU HAVEN'T!?" hu tao nags, "it's nearly been a week since you got a hold of it!"

you slap either side of your face to knock some sense into yourself. "you're right, but everytime i'm about to give it to him, something just comes up. maybe it's a sign from celestia that it's a bad idea." you curiously glance up at the sky and hu tao waves around her ice cream cone, yelling, "a sign from celestia my ass!"

"i don't see any work getting done!" yanfei exclaims, exiting the school with a box of what seems to be decorations. yoimiya holds up two fingers on one hand, declaring, "we got this, yanfei! this is our thinking process!" yanfei sets the box down and kazuha follows her outside.

he sends you a kind smile and you meekly smile back. "sorry we couldn't get together on better circumstances, but from what ayaka tells me, you three should be fully capable of writing a song by the end of today, hm?" kazuha's gentle tone has the means of encouraging you.

yoimiya grins, "definitely! see, yanfei? the band would do just fine if it were us three." yanfei lets out a long exhale while opening the box, "whatever you say. oh, (name)," she turns to you and you hum in acknowledgement to her call.

"why don't you go and calm down mister angry pants? maybe he'll give you guys an extra day if you ask good enough since you're probably his favourite member." yanfei's suggestion makes you flustered. you panic, "not in front of kazuha!" the said male lightly laughs at your antics and you instantly turn red.

hu tao and yoimiya exchange sly looks. hu tao gently pushes you down the stage's stairs, whispering, "well, if you're not going to do it for yourself, do it for the band, right?" you open your mouth, about to interfere but she shoves you inside of the school building as a, 'good luck!' sort of gesture.

the doors slam behind you and you back away in surprise. here we go.

you look left and right while slowly walking through the halls. where was the student council's meeting room again? you peer into a room and find scaramouche standing there, mumbling things to himself with his eyes closed. you take great care in trying not to startle him by your arrival and you stand in front of him.

his face looks so perfect. his skin is fair and clear, his lashes somewhat long and his lips, soft and unbitten.

you carefully bring up your hand to tap his shoulder. scaramouche's eyes go wide and he immediately mistakens you for kaeya, which results in him taking ahold of your arm. "kaeya, what-!?" he freezes when he realizes his hand wrapped itself around you.

the two of you awkwardly stand in silence. "i'm sorry," scaramouche says, embarrassed by his sudden outburst. he swiftly lets go of you and squints in a flustered state. you let out a lopsided grin and shake it off with a wave of your hand, "it's okay, it's my fault for arriving out of nowhere."

scaramouche looks elsewhere and leans against the desk behind him while crossing his arms. "so... what brings you here?" his attempt of playing it off the "cool" way, even though he's still fazed by the previous moments. you deeply look back at what hu tao said to you. "if you're not going to do it for yourself, do it for the band."

that's right. yun jin's been so busy; she hasn't had the time to look after the band like she usually does, being the leader and all. with her gone and scaramouche putting you in the position as the new leader since she's absent, it's your job to do what's best for the members.

"listen, i know it's impolite of me to ask but could you give us one more day?-"

"sure." without a sliver of hesitation, he allows it. you blink in surprise. you had a whole speech planned in your mind and he... let it go? "really? i mean, thank you, scaramouche, we won't disappoint!" out of excitement, you thank him with a hug and make your way back to the outdoor stage.

after giving him that sudden embrace, scaramouche's arms are out wide and he's completely gone still. these arms of his... "these arms of mine have held the (name). i'm a changed man."

yanfei catches sight of you leaving the school building. "how'd it go," she asks, putting a pause to the decorating process around the outdoor stage's arc. you huff out with a smile. "he was super relaxed about it; i didn't even have to finish my sentence and he said he'll let it happen!"

kazuha's lips fall agape in surprise. "well, that's certainly a change for the council's president. he doesn't agree to these things so easily," the platinum blonde haired male remarks. you tilt your head and utter, "that's interesting."

yanfei swore an irk mark appeared on her forehead that very moment. she forces a grin and seethes through her teeth, "oh, yes, very interesting." she rolls her eyes and continues sorting out the decorations. 'it's totally not like he likes you or anything.'

tags: @mariusvonhangme @scaramoo @mikismusings @rizakari @akagism2 @sakiimeo @ohmyfinggod @aethersluvrr @scarafrisbee @kaoyamamegami @liliumaraneae @dreamsofminnie @starfart19 @kunisbeloved @luhvashh @makiswrld @kyouzki @mimissubway @loucaroarz @theblueblub @angelunatic @shinjuuz @thenightsflower @coquettemaiden @thefandomcrow @cotton-eee @lovely028 @hrtswinter @duckyyyx @kissingkzuha @dazaisboner @adeptusx @tomotofu @yukiipc @loverhole @star583 @soobasaur @dr8amy @scaraapologist @raideneiari @rvoulte @esquevl @pyrrhicgaze @tjjjrsj @enviouspeanut @d4y-dr3am3r @aromaticism @undecidingfate @idontwantoeatspicy

taglist is now closed as i've reached the max tags in a single post. (50/50 tags occupied + officially removed users whose names aren't linked)

what happens when you, a talented and well-known drummer across the web, grow an intense crush for the student council president, who's also your number one fan? from annoying sisters to nosy bandmates, the next event that happens is always more chaotic than the last!

© kisscara

[4stylephilosophy]

In Closing, and Moving On

Hi, you've stumbled upon a dead AKB48 fanblog! It's a blog that's already been that way for over 5 years at the time of this writing, and one where this post is being made on its 10th anniversary in order to give it some final closure and resources.

You're probably here because you're a fan of one of the former members, following their solo careers, and want to know more about their early history. Or you might be here because you're interested in the history of AKB48, or the AKB48 fandom. Can't say there's anything of value to be found here, but thanks for reading anyway. Or you could've just clicked on this link because you saw the tweet pop up in your twitter feed...in which case, welcome Ruffian?

You know, I hate it when you need to scroll through a blogger's life story to get to that pasta recipe, so I'll cut to the chase and serve you the former Ori-Minegishi Team 4 members twitter and fanclub links upfront (or in the case of a Moe and Ayaka, the groups that they're now a part of). Most of them have instagram, etc. as well but you can usually find those on their twitter profiles. Here you go! (anyone missing from here is no longer active in the entertainment industry as far as I know) Aigasa Moe: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/moeaigasa0406 - Group (METAMOL): https://metamol.jp/metamol_profile/metamol_moe/ Iwatate Saho: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/yahho_sahho - Fanclub: https://iwatatesaho-fc.jp/ Okada Ayaka: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/ayaka_o1106 - Group (SAISON): https://www.shochikugeino.co.jp/talents/okadaayaka/ Okada Nana: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/okadanana_1107 - Fanclub: https://okadanana-fc.jp/p/ Kitazawa Saki: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sakii_Kitazawa - Fanclub: https://saki-kitazawa.com/ Kojima Mako: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/mak0_k0jima - Fanclub: https://fc.sunmusic-group.com/kojimamako Nishino Miki: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikinishino4 - Fanclub: https://www.fansnet.jp/en/nishinomiki_official Shinozaki Ayana: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/ayana18_48 - Fanclub: https://shinozaki-ayana-official.jp/ - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ayana.shinozaki.official Murayama Yuiri: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/yuirii_murayama Mogi Shinobu: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/mogi0_0216 - Fanclub: https://mogishinobu-fc.jp/ Minegishi Minami: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/chan__31 - Fanclub: https://fanicon.net/fancommunities/3877 ______ Now then, let's talk a bit before I let you go.

At the time of this writing, of the 16 members of Minegishi Team 4 who were promoted on August 24th, 2013, 4 remain. And by March of next year, that number will be down to 2. I left the fandom in around 2019. The state of the management (which I won't elaborate on here, but you probably know...), combined with starting a new career in a new timezone led to me calling it quits as a 48G fan.

Okada Nana's graduation was a wakeup call to me though, that my beloved 13th gen had very little time left. So I returned briefly to the fandom in April 2023, to see the conclusion of their story. I discovered that so much had changed, much more than I could list here. But for one thing, I discovered that in my absence my kamioshi, Kitazawa Saki, had gone from being a struggling theater girl, to a full fledged stage actress! Joining an agency and becoming so busy that she was rarely in the theater! I was so proud. And it was not a moment too soon that I returned, because 2 months later, Saki announced her graduation. I got a chance to speak to her once at an online hanashikai. And then, in the greatest stroke of luck of my entire otaku existence, I was able to go to Japan to see her graduation stage in person. It was an experience I'll never forget.

As the 13th gen's time comes to a close, it is time for me to formally exit from the fandom as well. Saho and Yuiri remain for now, but I'm more interested in their activities outside the group.

In addition to tonight being 4'stylephilosophy's 10th anniversary, tonight is also the 9th anniversary of Takashima Yurina's graduation, my original kami oshi. I always found that coincidence remarkable. So even if it's only meaningful to me, this feels fitting.

I'll continue to follow the careers of some of my favorites from back then. Particularly Saki, Ayanan, Saho, Fukuoka Seina, Ino Miyabi, and Goto Moe, as well as Ishiwata Sena and Takahashi Ayane who I discovered more recently. I hope to see as many as I can in person someday too (already making plans to see one of Saki's stage plays sometime next year!), but it will no longer be as an AKB fan.

It was a fun 11 years but all things must come to an end. I'll still be on twitter, but for the most part my interests have shifted to following a certain pair of demon guard dogs (BAU BAU).

To all of those I called friends over the years, I'll always cherish the memories we shared.

Thank you all for being awesome, and for putting up with me.

Well I think that’s it then. I'm not sure if I can say this blog itself truly completed its original mission of bringing awareness of the members of Minegishi Team 4 to the foreign fandom. However, seeing how far the members came in these 10+ years, I can say that which was truly important was a success.

Anyway, finally I’m nearly out of words, so in closing, and most of all…

To Minegishi Team 4: Umemoe, and Nororinzu MogiYuri, and Triple彩 the Three Musketeers, and KabutomuChu! And to Captain Miichan…

Thank you for those unforgettable 234 days and for the wonderful years thereafter.

I’ll never forget you.

Until we meet again. 4’style

「本日の公演も皆さんの応援のおかげで無事終わりに近づいてきています。この劇場を出た後もチーム４のことを忘れないでください。私たちも忘れません。」

[unusualindigo]

Desperate For Feedback on This

They’re nearing the gates to Ronin-Gai’s lower exit when Carl realizes his error. While it’s true that the lower exit is the more direct route to the monorail, it’s also the direct route to the mountain paths leading into Kagutsuchi. The sort of place where you’d set up a caravan. Before him stand the wagons and stage of the world’s most famous dance troupe, Maiko.

At the foot of the stage, rousing his performers into a more refined dance, is Amane Nishiki.

Carl shifts uncomfortably at the sight of him, mind flashing back to that first meeting in Ikaruga.

“Become mine.”

Carl huffs under his breath as his eye glares daggers into the beautiful man’s back. He hurries his pace, hoping to forgo another encounter all together.

Alas, Amane is not the only one keeping an eye on people today.

A small voice, full of wonder, cries, “Master Amane! Look!”

Carl jolts.

A teenager, almost a miniature copy of Amane, points Carl out from the stage. “It’s Carl!”

Amane whirls around, his face slackening for an instant at the sight of Carl, stunned. Then a warm smile lights up his ice-blue eyes and he calls out, “Carl! Wait a moment, please!”

Carl’s eye widens as Amane bursts forward, and he bolts with Ada in tow. He can’t get caught up in this now, not when he’s so close.

Carl curses his luck when identical looking men block his path. One garbed in spring green, the other in autumn orange. Haru and Natsu.

Natsu huffs, “Well, that’s just rude.”

Haru hums, “You haven’t even given him a chance.”

They chime in unison, “Why don’t you hold still and listen for once?”

Carl glares as they produce flowing pink ribbons. He knows from experience just how strong they actually are.

Before he can say anything, a third ribbon materializes overhead, wrapping around his biceps and firmly pinning his arms.

Carl yelps, “What the—?!” He glares behind himself at a blue-haired man.

Azuki stoically huffs, “I don’t think so. You need to learn patience, young Carl.”

Carl scoffs, “And you need to learn to take no for an answer.”

Amane, having caught up, smiles sadly. “I already told you, that’s not the way of Amane Nishiki.” He glances coolly at Azuki. “That said, I don’t remember saying you guys could truss them up like that.”

Carl freezes at the plural, turning to see that while he was distracted, the twins have bound Ada with their own ribbons, winding her arms around her torso. The ribbons will take her a while to break, and with his cloak tied closed, his puppets are useless.

Carl glares at Amane. “You can’t just kidnap me!”

The look alike, Ayaka, has caught up. He chirps, “We’re not kidnapping you; we’re adopting you! Big difference, silly!”

Carl scoffs, “You can’t adopt me, I’m fully grown!”

Amane tuts, “Now, who put that in your head? You’re never too old for a good family, Carl.” He sighs, “But you’re right, I can’t just force you to accept us.”

Carl blinks. “What did you say?”

Amane smiles sadly again. “You heard me. I would love nothing more than to put you up on the stage for all to see. But sadly, I can’t just force you up there. That wouldn’t make for a very compelling performance now, would it?”

[thetoxicgamer]

Genshin Impact Event Bug Lets Paimon Follow You Like a True Companion

She now has the capacity to always be by your side because to the Genshin Impact Paimon glitch, which is something that is always hinted in the dialogue and cutscenes but never shown. Paimon can now float around while you move from place to place, much like every other companion item currently available in the anime game. She isn't renowned as the best travel companion for nothing. The new Fungus Mechanicus event in Genshin Impact version 3.5 brings back some of our old mushroom friends, but it also comes with an unexpected bug that can be used if you haven’t yet fully started the event. You’ll need to be at the stage where Paimon is floating next to two Fungi in Port Ormos, under a bridge. To get the bug to work, you’ll need to teleport to the waypoint that brings you to the bridge directly above Paimon and the Fungi. Then, enter co-op mode and jump down so that you land right on top of Paimon while opening up her menu at the same time. If you do it correctly, the character who jumped will likely die and there will be a second Paimon floating next to your head. She’ll now follow you around as long as you don’t open up her menu again. You can exit co-op and even teleport around – she’ll return to follow you after briefly disappearing. You can check out this video by Genshin content creator Mockermay to get a clearer visual for the whole process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv4yWHwlmmo If we’re being honest, Paimon should already be able to follow us around like this, and it would be cool if HoYoverse added the option to toggle her on and off like all of the other gadget companions we have. Take advantage of the bug while it lasts because the event won’t last much longer. You should also pull for Ayaka, Shenhe, and Mika if you’re interested, as their banners will be up for a few more weeks. Read the full article

[le-cinnamonrolls-and-roses]

🐶 Domesticity in Its Glorious Simplicity II | Genshin Impact

• content : none! | ayato, diluc, ayaka | puppy love + arranged marriage + domestic scenarios

• masterlists : genshin impact | tokyo revengers | haikyuu | obey me!

• rules and guidelines

• like | comment | reblog if you enjoyed!

✓ ayato

ayato stares at your face under the early morning sunlight that seeped in through the cracks of your open windows, a small smile on his face as he reached over to tuck you back into the blanket.

a move that, regretfully for him and unfortunately for you, aroused you from your slumber.

"my lord?" you mumble, nuzzling against the hand he placed on your cheek, "is something the matter?"

"no, nothing is wrong," he smiles, "i was just coming to check on you seeing as i had a few minutes to spare, go back to sleep my dear,"

you felt your face burn at the unfamiliar nickname and opt to now burrow your face into the comforter covering you and ayato huffs out a laugh, "adorable, but if you would prefer to get up already, that is alright as well, we can go get breakfast together,"

✓ diluc

diluc sighed deeply as the wedding planner finally, finally exits his office, rolling his shoulders and stretching his torso to get rid of the uncomfortable ache that settled in his bones in the hours spent sat down. then he glances at you, eyes closed and hands rubbing at the base of your neck.

"is your neck bothering you?" he asks, rising from his seat to stand behind you.

"a little," you admit bashfully.

"may i?"

you eyes widen and diluc wonders if he should or shouldn't have asked, after all, even if you two were meant to marry, skinship wasn't exactly a stage you were meant to cross yet, but at your nod, he relaxes - not that he noticed he had slightly tensed up himself.

you stare as he removes his gloves, biting on the tip of the middle finger and pulling it off, you blink and shake your head when your eyes meet his, and there's a shadow of a smile on his lips.

"just a few more weeks and you can sleep all you want," diluc murmurs, his warm hands that sent shivers down your spine gently pressing on the knots on your neck and shoulder.

"thank you," you say quietly after a few beats of silence.

"don't mention it,"

✓ ayaka

"oh dear," is the last thing you hear before a loud crash that has you running towards the kitchen.

"miss kamisato?" you call out, stopping short in your tracks at a familiar sweet and savory scent - albeit a little more burned than you were used to - and the culprit sat splattered at ayaka's feet.

"this is not how i wanted you to see that," she says, panicking as she scrambled for a broom and piece of cloth, "i was trying to surprise you and i thought - "

"hey, hey, hey," you grab her wrists, "it's still hot and you might burn yourself, be careful,"

"i'm sorry," she woefully sighs, "i never know what to say to you or how to bond with you and we're expected to spend the rest of our human lives together, so i tried to make this dish your mother had said you liked and -" ayaka gestures to the mess, "- see how that worked out,"

you smile appreciatively, "well, what if we clean this up, and we can make the dish again, together this time,"

she looks at you, eyes sparkling like you hung the moon and stars in them and smiling excitedly, "and, erm, can we do it all the time?"

this time, a chuckle of endearment accompanies your smile, "whenever you want to,"

[landofanimes]

Ami’s birthday at Shining Moon Tokyo

It’s not like Usagi and co. would let the day pass without a little celebration! I wonder if they sang Happy Birthday to her? XD  Also, usually Usagi is the last one to leave the stage, but this time she didn’t let Ami exit so easily ^^ The cast of the day:

Reona Samejima as Sailor Moon

Mika Taguchi as Sailor Mars

Ayaka Ozaki as Sailor Jupiter

Yu Nakanishi as Sailor Venus

Hikari Aoba as Tuxedo Mask

and, on this specific performance, Yui Hayashi as Sailor Mercury!

<<Photos by twitter user okaa0510>>

[loveaominedaiki]

Single! Dad aomine scenario continuation: Finally he dates reader for a long time (they already on the serious stage *you know what I mean ;)*, but he's not ready to marry her yet) she's pregnant with his child and Ayaka is confused at first why she's always throw up and such but happy when reader says she's pregnant and Aomine still didn't know bcause his gf don't tell him about it and Ayaka is the one who blurted it out? Ahh too detailed, sorry *bows* thanks once again

Not a problem at all anon! Give it to me as detailed as you want, I don’t mind :)

You woke up with a sharp pain in your head and a nauseous feeling in your stomach. You rushed to the toilet and empty the contents of your stomach. Aomine was at work, and you were at home with Ayaka. You made sure she couldn’t hear you because you didn’t want her to worry. Once you were done you brushed your teeth and rinsed your face before exiting the bathroom only to find Ayaka standing there frowning.

“[F/N]-onee san? Are you okay?”, she asked worriedly as she held your hand.

You gave her a nervous smile and crouched down to her level, placing a hand on top of her head. “Onee-san just has a little stomach flu, okay? Don’t worry about me, sweetie.”

Ayaka looked uncertain for a moment before smiling. “Okay [F/N]-onee san.”

After that, the morning sickness never stopped. You never told Aomine about it, and you hid it from Ayaka. But you didn’t know that Ayaka was actually watching. You never knew carrying a baby was this hard. You had planned on telling Aomine but you just had to find the right time. A part of you was to excited to tell him, but the other part of you was nervous. What if he didn’t want the baby? You knew Aomine wasn’t ready to marry you yet, would you just be tying him down? All of these thoughts held you back.

You were in the middle of throwing up when Ayaka walked in and helped you. You smiled weakly at her and stood up. After cleaning up, you knew you had to tell her. 

“Ayaka, darling, listen. [F/N]-onee san is not sick”, you said.

Ayaka frowned, “But then why is [F/N]-onee san always vomiting? Please don’t lie to me”, she whined.

You sighed and held her hands. “Ayaka, you’re going to be having a little brother soon.”, you admitted.

She froze for a second, not clearly understanding what you said. She then looked down at your stomach and saw that it was slightly increased in size compared to the last time.

She gasped, “I-Is [F/N]-onee san having a baby in her stomach?”

You smiled weakly, “Yes, sweetheart.”

Ayaka squealed and jumped up and down. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier! I can’t wait!”

You giggled and calmed her down. “I know you’re excited, sweetie, but you have to do me a favor and not tell your daddy for now okay?”

She paused, “Daddy doesn’t know?”

“No, but I’ll tell him soon. We’ll surprise him okay? But we have to wait a bit first.  Can you do that for me?”, you asked.

She nodded, “Okay, I can do that.”

That evening Aomine came home from work and was greeted by a very happy Ayaka. He chuckled and picked the little girl up.

“What’s up with you today, hm? Where’s [F/N]?”, he asked.

“Nothing”, she giggled. “[F/N]-onee san is in the bedroom”

Aomine put Ayaka down and then headed to the bedroom to find you. You had just finished throwing up and you were hurriedly cleaning up before Aomine could catch you. Luckily, you succeeded in doing so.

“Babe?”, he called out.

“Hey, Daiki, how was work?”, you said as you walked over and gave him a warm hug.

He hugged back and sighed, burying his face in your hair, “Shitty, but I have to live with it. I missed you.”

He started to plant kisses on every inch of your face until his lips met yours in a slow, heated kiss. You pulled away before things got too heated. Ayaka was still around.

Aomine grunted and you laughed softly at his disappointment. 

“Go and change, freshen up, then we can have dinner.”, you said removing his jacket for him, sliding it off his shoulders with ease. 

With a loud yawn, Aomine mumbled and okay before heading to the bathroom. Not before giving your ass a squeeze though.

As you and Ayaka set the table, soon Aomine was ready and you all sat down to have a lovely meal.

“Damn, [F/N], I’m so lucky to have someone that can cook, honestly.”, Aomine said, his mouth full of food.

You giggled. “Thank you, Daiki. But please don’t talk with your mouth full, Ayaka has better table manners than you do.”, you teased.

Ayaka burst into a fit of giggles and you smirked at Aomine playfully while he glared at you.

He scoffed, “Hey, at least I can go to the toilet on my own”

“Daddy, I can go to the toilet on my own! You just won’t let me!”, Ayaka complained making you laugh at Aomine’s failed attempt of a comeback.

“You don’t know a lot, daddy. You don’t even know about the new baby-”, Ayaka paused, her eyes widened and she clapped a hand over her mouth.

“New baby? What new baby? Is this some new cartoon series or something?”, Aomine asked.

You were freaking out too. “Y-Yeah, her favorite. T-They just introduced a new character so....she was talking about that”, you lied.

Aomine stared at the two of you suspiciously. “[F/N], come on”, he said getting up and then walking into the shared bedroom.

You sighed, you knew you were screwed. 

“I’m so sorry onee-san I-I I forgot”, Ayaka said in the midst of tears.

“Hey, hey, sweetie it’s okay. It’s alright, don’t worry. It’s not your fault okay?”, you said wiping her tears.

“We’ll be right back. Just wait here, darling”, you said before standing up and walking into the room where Aomine stood.

You looked at him nervously and he had this stern look on his face.

“What’s Ayaka talking about? New baby? I’m pretty sure it’s not a new cartoon character [F/N]”, he said frowning. 

You swallowed and refused to look at him. “Aomine I...I knew I shouldn’t have kept this from you and trust me I was going to tell you sooner but I was just really scared...and I was waiting for the right time but I guess there’s no more hiding it now. I’m pregnant, Aomine.”, you sighed.

Aomine sort of knew that this was coming the moment Ayaka blurted it out. So he wasn’t as surprised. But at the same time he knew that he shared the same responsibility as you did, and it wasn’t your fault.

He walked over and pulled you into his arms, kissing the top of your head. You willingly hugged back and let him hold you.

“[F/N], what were you scared of? That I’d say no? That I’d leave you? Do you honestly think I would do something like that? Moreover to you? I love you, [F/N], I don’t know why you told Ayaka but not me.”

“I-I’m just afraid that I’ll tie you down, Daiki. You told me you weren’t ready to get married and then with this baby and all I just didn’t know what to expect. Ayaka found out, there was no way I could hide it from her anymore. I’m sorry I never told you, you deserve to know.”, you mumbled.

Aomine tilted your chin up and smiled softly, “Oi, I couldn’t be happier to know that I’m having a baby with you [F/N]. And I said I wasn’t ready for marriage a long time ago. But right now? It sounds perfect to me. You shouldn’t feel bad, or be sorry because we both chose to do this and now we’re both going to take responsibility of it. I’m with you, I’m always with you, babe. We’ll raise this baby together, including Ayaka and we’ll be fine okay? I promise.”

You smiled back and nodded, “Thank you, Daiki”

The two of you held each other for what seemed like eternity, Aomine occasionally whispering compliments into your ear.

“Daddy, mommy, are you two there?”, Ayaka suddenly said, shyly stepping into the room.

“Mommy?”, Aomine chuckled. “You catch on pretty fast, don’t you?”

You blushed and hit Aomine’s arm lightly. “Come here, sweetheart”, you said reaching an arm out to her.

“We’re going to be a family. A real one. Forever I hope”, Aomine said giving Ayaka a kiss on the forehead and you a kiss on the lips.

This baby was definitely a blessing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Done! I hope you like it, thank you for requesting

[makalations-blog]

Translation: Ouhi no Yakata/Château de la Reine

Hello. Thank you for reading my translation for Ouhi no Yakata/ Château de la Reine.

As this is (somehow miraculously?) before Tokyo run, hopefully this can help people who want to see it in Tokyo understand a bit more. Or help those waiting for the DVD to prepare to watch it when it releases.

This work comes with a few necessary notes beforehand. Please read them.

1. This is a fan-created translation. Please be aware that my understanding of Japanese is not extremely high-level, and there may be some errors. I did my best. If you find something you believe is incorrect, please feel free to message me and I will make an effort to correct it. (The only reason it even got this far was thanks to my savior and editor Carol.)

2. That being said, as this is a play with conversation, etc. I attempted to make this translation flow with natural and colloquial English/conversation tendencies rather than a word-by-word exact representation- while still keeping as much of the intended meaning(s) as possible.

3. If you wish to use this translation to make subtitles for your private/personal use, please let me know via a message/ask. I ask that you do not share subtitle files created from my translations without my consent at all.

4. Please do not take, repost, or recreate this translation on Tumblr or other websites without contacting me first.

5. This is a really specific translation note. There is a character in this play (Crayon) whos self-identification is not made clear. (To my knowledge, it is not made clear in the original novels either.) The only thing really clear is that… Crayon is somewhere on the queer scale.

Crayon is referred to many times in Japanese with the word “okama”. Strictly speaking, “okama” is a slur for gay people (generally targeting gay men or crossdressers, but has [incorrectly] been used recently for trans-people as well). It is often used in Japanese humor because ?? (enter reasons I neither know nor truly understand). (However, it is also sometimes used as a “reclaimed” term. It all depends on situation and intention and interpretation.)

There are jokes in particular in this show that revolve around referring to this character as an ‘okama’. As a translator, it really isn’t my job to write a whole thing about what I think about this or why. I’m really only responsible for providing the material in a language that people can understand.

Therefore, because I didn’t want to end up editing the material to my personal ideas/tastes, and because I didn’t feel comfortable directly translating the word ‘okama’ into any English slang, I left those lines translated into English but still using the Japanese word ‘okama’ in them.

6. There is a lot of French in this show. I do not speak French. But a coworker who does speak French decided to inform me that the French they were seeing was incorrect. I have no comment on this, as I (again) do not speak French.

7. A specific note on the theme of ‘smile’ and ‘laugh’ in this show. The script simply uses the word “warau” which can be a bit interchangeable for those words. There were times where “smile” made more sense, and times where “laugh” made more sense. In the end, I decided to use both words, and at some points even used them together to get the meaning/point across.

Without further ado. Here is the actual translation:

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Château de la Reine

Main Cast:

Asaka Manato                   Kitashirakawa Ukyo              A romance novelist writing a new novel starring Louis XIV

Misaki Rion                        Sakurai Reiko                     Female president of a small-time travel agency. Tour conductor responsible for the “Light” tour.

Makaze Suzuho                Louis XIV                              King of France during the 17th Century. Former owner of the Château de la Reine.

Aizuki Hikaru                     Kanezawa Shichi               Real estate king.

Itsuki Chihiro                     Iwanami                               Former teacher at an ‘evening’ high school. (TN: There are some special schools with classes in the evening for people who work during the day.)

Kotobuki Tsukasa            Shimoda Koji                      Manager of an electrical parts factory.

Mikaze Maira                    Shimoda Fusako               Shimoda’s wife.

Sumiki Sayato                    Kondo Makoto                  Policeman.

Sorahane Riku                   Crayon                                  [Kuroiwa Gentaro] Scorned by a previous lover, on a ‘heartbreak trip’

Sakuragi Minato               Togawa Mitsuo                 A tour conductor at a small time travel agency, subordinate of Sakurai. Responsible for the “Shadow” tour.

Reimi Urara                        Diana                                     She once lived in the Château de la Reine. The woman Louis XIV loved.

Hoshikaze Madoka         Michiru                                 Former hostess, and Kanezawa’s lover.

ETC Cast:

Iwanami Masae                                Kanon Mai

Mr. Tanno                                           Rinjou Kira

Mrs. Tanno                                         Ayaka Mari

Munon                                                 Matsukaze

Hayami Ritsuko (Editor)                Junya Chitose

Pierre                                                   Kazuki Sora

Monsieur Duran                               Mitsuki Haruka

Can-Can Singer                                 Fuuma Kakeru

Accordion Singer                             Hoshibuki

Anne d’Autriche                               Seoto Risa

Marie Thérèse                                  Aishiro Moa

 Preface: Charles de Gaulle Airport (Arrival Lobby)

[Airport Background]

As announcements flow through the arrival lobby of the Charles de Gaulle Airport, the tour conductor Mr. Togawa, working for a down-on-its-luck travel agency known as “Pan World Tour Enterprise”, is eating at a bar with the irritated tour customers. Togawa is on the phone with his boss, Sakurai Reiko.

Togawa: (On the phone) Ms. Reiko, is this really going to work?? This plan…

Sakurai: (A voice over the speakers) Are you asking if it’s a ‘good’ thing? In this world, there is both ‘light’ and ‘shadow’…  so isn’t it fair to say there’s a ‘front’ and ‘back’ side to business, too?

Togawa: You just keep saying that over and over!

Sakurai: (voice) Anyway, you have to keep the customers at the airport for another 30 minutes. You got it?

Mr. Tanno: Mr. Togawa, exactly when are we going to be able to leave the airport?

Togawa hides his cellphone.

Togawa: M… Mr. Tanno… I am terribly sorry, our car… seems to be stuck in a terrible traffic jam…

Mr. Iwanami: Even so, we’ve already been waiting here an hour.

Togawa: I am truly sorry Mr. Iwanami!!

Ms. Iwanami: Dear, can’t you see Mr. Togawa is very troubled by the situation?

As the Iwanamis talk, Togawa returns to his phone.

Togawa: (on the phone) Ms. Reiko, did you hear that? How am I supposed to make more excuses to the customers!?

Sakurai: (voice) Why don’t you think about that on your own? Well then, I’ll contact you again when I arrive at the hotel.

Ms. Sakurai hangs up the phone.

Togawa: Wait-! Ms. Reiko? Ms. Reiko?!

The tour customer Kondo Makoto approaches Togawa.

Kondo: Hey, you! What’s the meaning of this? Is this some sort of scam?!

Togawa: (shocked and panicking) Mr. Kondo! What ‘scam’ could you possibly be talking about?!

Kondo: I was told I was going to be in a men’s shared room. (Points at the flashily dressed Crayon.) So what the hell is this?

Togawa: Ah, that should be Mr. Kuroiwa Gentaro…

Crayon: Don’t use that name! I go by Crayon, like at my shop~!

Kondo: What’s a ‘crayon’? Whatever shop you work at, once I get home I’ll find it and shut it down!

Crayon: My shop isn’t some shabby establishment like what you’re thinking. What a hard-headed policeman~

Mr. Tanno: A police officer?

Togawa: Mr. Tanno, is something the matter?

Mr. Tanno: No, of course not…

The Tanno couple exchange a meaningful gaze. Meanwhile, Crayon is bothering Kondo.

Kondo: Stop it! Don’t blow in my ear!

Crayon: Omg~ so shy~! How cute! Tonight is going to be so~ much~ fun~! Teehee~

Crayon exits while giggling.

Kondo: Hey!... What do you mean ‘fun’?!

Kondo chases after Crayon.

Togawa: Wait… Where are you two going?!

Togawa chases the two offstage.

Mrs. Iwanami: Well well, we seem to be grouped with some interesting folk!

Mr. Iwanami: My goodness…

The Iwanamis also exit the stage, and the bridge leads to the next scene.

 Scene 1A: The City of Paris

Visiting Paris on a research trip, the Japanese author Kitashirakawa appears, singing.

[C’est Paris! C’est la vie!]

Kitashirakawa: Oh Paris!

What illuminates this city?

I saw it in the night-  the color of dreams.

Oh, Paris!

Only Paris can capture the hearts of writers

Like no other city!

I want you to show me

Like Ernest Hemmingway

Like Scott Fitzgerald

What they sought- the color of dreams!

C’est Paris!

Selfishly, in this city,

C’est Paris!

People can see unbelievable dreams.

I want you to show me

Like the philosophers of Montmartre

Like the lovers who speak of romance

Something I have never seen-  the color of dreams!

C’est la vie!

In the city of nostalgic meetings

C’est la vie!

People can find the dreams they’ve lost!

The editor Hayami accompanying Kitashirakawa on his trip appears.

Hayami: Mr. Kitashirakawa! There you are. I thought you’d suddenly disappeared…

Kitashirakawa: Hayami! I told you I hate group activities, not to mention when I’m forced to be around such vulgar people my creative motivation is exponentially reduced!

Hayami: You’re the one who selfishly broke away from the tour. Ms. Reiko’s been looking for you, too!

Kitashirakawa: That nasty tour guide… it’s fine to leave her behind.

Hayami: Really? I found her quite likeable. She’s the president of the tour agency but still leads tours with such vitality… It’s like watching a younger version of myself.

Kitashirakawa: If that’s true, then she’s bound to become a spinster too.

Hayami: Oh ho ho, what a jokester! I’ve definitely not given up yet.

Following Kitashirakawa, the guide Sakurai and the members of the Light Tour appear breathing heavily.

Sakurai: Mr. Kitashirakawa!

Kitashirakawa: Here comes the shabby tour guide.

Sakurai: How many times do I have to explain to you that your selfish behavior is a problem for the other tour members?

Kanezawa: Bro, I was looking for you.

Kitashirakawa: Hayami, do something! If I’m around this loud, annoying riffraff much longer, my creative research will be ruined!

Hayami: I’m sorry, Ms. Reiko. He’s that kind of artist…

Sakurai: Listen, this is a tour trip, you know? Even if Mr. Kitashirakawa is a famous novelist, in order to properly take part in the tour, he needs to listen to my instructions.

Kitashirakawa: Hayami…

Mrs. Shimoda: Kitashirakawa? Do you mean the Kitashirakawa Ukyo?

Kanezawa: Huh? This guy really a famous novelist?

Hayami: Yes! Mr. Kitashirakawa’s “Beauty and Sadness of the Blue Danube” (Utsukushisa to Kanashimi no Aoki Donau) was his brilliant debut novel! It was followed by his work “The Country of Light Snow” (Sasameyuki Kuni) that won the Tanibata Award. He’s truly a rare genius!

(TN: These are jokes regarding real life famous novels “Utsukushisa to Kanashimi to” by Yasunari Kawabata and “Sasameyuki” by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki. Therefore, the (not real) Tanibata Award would be a reference to Tani(zaki) (Kawa)bata. Hahaha, good job zuka.)

Kanezawa: Sounds like a bunch of rip-off titles.

Michiru: Papa!

(TN: Michiru is referring to Kanezawa as ‘Papa’ as a lover’s pet name, rather than a father-figure. Probably due to the fact that it’s implied he is older than her. It doesn’t really hold the same connotation in English, but it’s a bit too obvious of a word to try to change to something else.)

Mr. Shimoda: Well then, have you come to Paris to write a new novel?

Kitashirakawa: I suppose.

Hayami: Mr. Kitashirakawa is working on a romance set in the court of King Louis XIV!

Michiru: Wow! What’s the title?

Kitashirakawa: Are you ready to hear its brilliance? The title is… (emphatically) “The Lily of Versailles!” (Versailles no Yuri)

Kanezawa: As I thought, just another rip-off.

Kitashirakawa: What did you say!?

Kanezawa: Geez, so grumpy! But you know, I feel like we’d get along bro. We’ve both got good taste in clothes and nice hairstyles…

Kitashirakawa: Don’t lump me in with the likes of you! (Messes up Kanezawa’s hair) My hair’s the real deal!

Kanezawa: Aaah!

Michiru: Papa!

Holding onto his wig, Kanezawa looks around in panic at everyone staring at him.

Sakurai: (amazed) Let’s end our friendly chats there. If we don’t hurry, we’ll be late to arrive at the hotel.

 Scene 1B: Places des Vosges

The stage changes to the Places des Vosges.

Kitashirakawa: Hayami! This is exactly why I said I hate group tours!

Hayami: Well, sensei, I don’t think you ever actually said that…

Sakurai: Now everyone, once we go through the corridor from the Places des Vosges, the Château de la Reine is waiting for us.

All members go onto the ginkyo.

[Château de la Reine]

Hayami: This is it, sensei! The place that Balzac (Honoré de Balzac) and Stendhal (Marie-Henri Beyle) loved! We’re almost at the Château de la Reine!

Kitashirakawa: Aah, the legendary hotel that turned away even the great Ernest Hemingway!

Michiru: (To Kanezawa) We get to stay at such a fancy hotel…. It’s like a dream!

Sakurai: But it’s not a dream! At first glance, you can see it looks like the kind of hotel normal customers wouldn’t be able to stay at… For us to stay here on a tour like this, rather than calling it a dream… it’s more like a miracle!

Château de la Reine

And the Plaza Athénée

And the Crillon and the Ritz, It’s not your imagination

A place that tourists from all over the world desire to stay!

Kanezawa: What’s that mumbo jumbo even mean? Chartoo …. (he can’t pronounce it)

Kitashirakawa interrupts Sakurai before she can explain.

Kitashirakawa: The “Château de la Reine”! In Japanese it means “The Queen’s Château”. It was owned by the ruler of 17th century France, Louis XIV, but the true meaning behind the Château’s name is still a mystery…

Château de la Reine!                                                     Others: Château

King Louis XIV himself                                                                   de

Designed the interior decoration                                              la

And still untouched-                                                                      Reine

The Royal Suite!                                                                               Château

That made VIPs worldwide                                                         de

Revere the Sun King’s                                                                    la

Legendary Hotel!                                                                            Reine!

All: The Queen’s Château… Château de la Reine!

 Scene 1C: Château de la Reine (Courtyard Entrance)

The set changes during the interlude, the corridor hangings rise to reveal the courtyard entrance of the Château de la Reine. The hotel employees appear one after another.

Employees: Bienvenue!

Welcome to the Château de la Reine!

Employees: Château de la Reine!

Mrs. Shimoda: A once in a lifetime luxury

Mr. Shimoda: One last souvenir from the world

Employees: Château de la Reine

Michiru: How gorgeous!

Kanezawa: It’s perfect for us!

Employees: Château de la Reine

Hayami: Being able to stay here…

Kitashirakawa: … is the miracle of a lifetime!

Employees: Château de la Reine

All: Château de la Reine

The tour members all move to enter the Hotel. In the courtyard, the ghosts of Louis XIV and his servant Munon appear.

Louis: Munon, what is this? Who are those noisy people?!

Munon: I believe some Japanese tourists who have come to experience Paris?

Louis: And so, they also come to my Château de la Reine?

Munon: I fear that the hotel management has worsened, and they do not bother to take such care in screening visitors as they used to…

Louis: They just run in and out of the building like monkeys!

The place where my soul resides-

The Château de la Reine

For over three hundred years

Continuing to search      for my lost love       Munon: Continuing to search

Those that dare to interrupt                                                                                                                                                                for the king’s lost love…

My quest to find my beloved

Will not be forgiven!

The stage turns to reveal the hotel lobby.

Employees: Upon our list of past accommodations

Are the names of many great people!

Employees (women): Mozart!

Employees (men): Einstein!

Employees: Grace Kelly and Chaplain

Like everyone throughout the world

Who desires to see the color of dreams

The legendary hotel

The Queen’s Château- Château de la Reine

Mr. Shimoda: Our lives can finally end here

Mrs. Shimoda: It suits our final days

Employees: Château de la Reine

Kanezawa: I’ll tell her my secret and then propose?

Michiru: I want to know everything about Papa!

Employees: Château de la Reine

Château de la Reine

Hayami: To create a new masterpiece!

Sakurai: To get our company out of this pinch!

Kitashirakawa: I can already feel something great will happen!

Employees: Bienvenue! Welcome to

Château de la Reine!

Moving along with the number, the stage has changed to the lobby of the hotel.

 Scene 2: Château de la Reine (Lobby)

Continuing from the front of the Château de la Reine lobby…

Kitashirakawa: Très bien!! Its sense of style is even better than what I’d heard!

The hotel manager, Monsieur Duran, appears.

Duran: Bonsoir mesdames et messieurs! (To Kanezawa) Ça va?

(*TN: The script has the French as ‘madames’ and ‘monsieurs’ which I have been told are not the plural spelling. Take it as you prefer.)

Kanezawa: Who you callin’ a saba, huh?! (TN: Saba = mackerel fish)

Michiru: Papa! How embarrassing…

Sakurai: Everyone, this is the general manager of the hotel, Monsieur Duran.

Duran: We welcome you to the Château de la Reine! For those of you just arriving from the airport, we will have your baggage delivered to your rooms right away!

Kitashirakawa: It’s here!

Hayami: Sensei?

Kitashirakawa: It’s here, it’s here, it’s here---- IT’S HERE!

Hayami: Aaah- the angels of inspiration have already appeared!?

Sakurai: What on earth…

Hayami: This happens whenever he gets an idea! It’s as if something possesses him! He’s known as the exorcist of literature!

Kitashirakawa: Hayami! Quickly- I need a pen and paper!!

Hayami: Yes, here! (To Duran) Uhm… Je voudrais la clé… We are Kitashirakawa and Hayami. Quick, our room key!

Duran: Oui! (Offers the keys.) Here you are.

Hayami: (Takes the keys) Merci! (To the boy) Now, guide us to our room!

Boy: Oh! Par ici, s’il vous plaît …

Following the boy, Kitashirakawa and Hayami exit through the hotel corridor.

Sakurai: Wait, both of you- I haven’t explained yet-

Kanezawa: Hey missy, hurry up and give us our room too.

Sakurai: I understand… (To Duran) Well then, please assign Mr. Kanezawa and Mr. Shimoda their room keys as well.

Duran: Oui, madame.

Sakurai: Everyone, we will be departing for our dinner cruise in exactly thirty minutes. I respectfully request your punctuality in meeting here in the lobby.

The steward boys lead the visitors to their rooms through the corridor.

Sakurai: Well then, please enjoy your stay.

The guests pass Sakurai and Duran on their way out, and once they are out of sight Sakurai and the manager begin speaking.

Sakurai: Monsieur Duran, being able to complete this special tour is all thanks to you…

Duran: Pas de problème. I should be the one saying that. In this recession, we in management can only do so much in the face of such abrupt cancellations. I wonder what will happen now…

Sakurai: We’ll have to keep working earnestly, but before that there’s another matter to discuss…

Duran: Oui, Madame. If it’s about the double-booking…

Sakurai: Shhhhhh!!! (looking around) Anyway, about the baggage replacements… you’ll have to pay meticulous attention.

Duran: Leave it to us, Madame Reiko.

Duran exits the stage. Now alone, Sakurai takes out her cellphone. In a different area of the stage is Togawa, still waiting at the airport.

Sakurai: Hello?

Togawa: Ms. Reiko! Aren’t you running a little late!? I don’t know how much longer I can fend off the customers’ complaints!

Sakurai: Well, that just can’t be helped. My “Light Tour” is a 7-night-8-day package at 1,500,000 yen… while your “Shadow Tour” can visit the Château de la Reine for only 198,000 yen. On a cheap course, you just have to endure some inconveniences along the way.

Togawa: Even if you say it like that…

Sakurai: Anyway, the “Light Tour” members have just checked into the hotel. We’ll be leaving the hotel soon, so go ahead and please leave the airport now.

Togawa: I’m saved!

Sakurai: Are you going to be ok? You have to do the room assignments exactly as I told you. First is room 201, where the Shimoda couple is staying. (In the corridor of the hotel, the figures of the Shimoda couple can be seen.) They seem to be in charge of management for a large electrical company, but the economy hasn’t been very good to that kind of business lately.

Then, room 202 has the real estate kingpin, Mr. Kanezawa. (Similarly, Kanezawa and Michiru can be seen in the background.) He says the reason he joined this tour is to make plans for a Paris-themed casino in Las Vegas- which is more the type of business the economy has been kind to lately. The girl with him, Miss Michiru, is a former hostess… I thought she was his fiancée, but I’m not actually sure…

Togawa: And for the “Shadow Tour”, room 201 is the Iwanamis. And room 202 is the Tannos, right?

Sakurai: Right. But then the trouble comes in room 203, with the writer Kitashirakawa and his editor Ms. Hayami.

As the stage turns, the set of room 203 appears and Kitashirakawa working at the desk comes into view, working on his novel.

Togawa: Trouble?

Sakurai: Mr. Kitashirakawa! If I take my eyes off of him for even a second I don’t know what he’ll do. He walks around with the air of a celebrity- he thinks he’s so special…

Kitashirakawa: ACHOO

Kitashirakawa sneezes.

(TN: In Japan, it’s a common superstition that when you sneeze, it means someone is talking behind your back.)

Togawa: So, after we arrive at the hotel, what should we do?...

Sakurai: After about two hours, take everyone sightseeing.

Togawa: Got it. But… after that…?

Sakurai: You’ve already got a plan, don’t you?

Togawa: The only thing the plan says is ‘don’t come back to the hotel until morning’?!

Sakurai: Oui, monsieur. Bon voyage. Have a good trip.

Sakurai hangs up the phone.

Togawa: Wait… Ms. Reiko? Ms. Reiko!?

On opposite sides of the bridge, Sakurai and Togawa exit the stage.

 Scene 3: Château de la Reine (Room 203)

As the setting of Room 203 turns to the front, Kitashirakawa is sitting as his desk with his manuscript in front of him. His writing progress is not going as well as he thought…

Kitashirakawa: Aaah, it’s no good! I can’t write anything!... I was sure the Angel of Inspiration had visited me before… As I thought from the beginning, this is impossible… writing a romance novel about Louis XIV…

Kitashirakawa sighs, walking up to look at the portrait of Louis XIV in the room.

Kitashirakawa: (impatiently) Look at this ‘perfect’ guy. Politics… Love… Everything the perfect Sun King wanted, he got! When it comes to writing novels, that kind of life is just boring.

Suddenly the light disappears, and a man’s voice echoes through the room.

Louis: (Voice) Boring?! What would someone like you know about my life?!...

Kitashirakawa: What was that voice?...

Behind Kitashirakawa, the ghostly figure of King Louis XIV appears from the painting.

Louis: Barre-toi! Remove yourself from my presence immediately!

Kitashirakawa: (happily) It’s here! It’s here, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here!

Louis: This home is not a place for lowly monkeys like you to visit!

Kitashirakawa: And look! It’s even appeared in the form of Louis XIV himself… Amazing! It’s as if the archangel Michael himself has come before me!

Louis: What nonsense are you spouting? Were you not listening to what I said?

Kitashirakawa: With such kingly flourish! As if 300 years had not past, Louis XIV has been revived before me! Now, Angel of Stories, bestow upon me thine inspiration!

Louis: I am not an angel! I am the owner of the Château de la Reine, Louis XIV.

Kitashirakawa: Louis XIV? … You mean, the actual ghost of the Sun King?

Louis: Do you finally understand? So… are you properly terrified?

Kitashirakawa: Terrified? My pure talent is what’s terrifying! That my overflowing imagination could summon forth even this level of paranormal experience!...

Louis: What is wrong with this guy?

Kitashirakawa: Hey, tell me… If you really are Louis XIV like you say, then you’ve got to know something- right? Something you’ve never told anyone… For example, a tragic love story…

Louis: Why would I speak to you about such things?

Kitashirakawa: So that I can finish my romance novel- with you as the main character!

Louis: How rude! As if I would let you write my secrets into a novel!

Kitashirakawa: Meaning… there is something!

Louis: It has absolutely nothing to do with you.

Kitashirakawa: What kind of secret could it be! Some sort of affair with a noble woman? Or perhaps- a man….?

Louis: I do not have that kind of interest.

Kitashirakawa: Then perhaps you fell prey to the machinations of a woman who only wanted you for your status and power…?

Louis: How dare you! Diana is not that kind of woman!

Kitashirakawa: ~Diana~?

Louis: Ack!

Kitashirakawa: So, that is the name of the woman you loved?

Louis: Silence!

Kitashirakawa: Diana… Diana… The name Diana wasn’t listed in anything to do with Louis that I can remember. But Diana is the name of the Moon Goddess… A forbidden love story between the Sun King and the Moon Goddess… This could work! This could definitely work!

Shocked and appalled at the monkey Kitashirakawa, Louis returns to his place in the painting. The light returns to the room, and the sound of knocking can be heard at the door.

Sakurai: (voice) Mr. Kitashirakawa? Ms. Hayami?

Kitashirakawa: What? I’m finally at a good place…

Sakurai: (voice) Mr. Kitashirakawa? You’re there, aren’t you?

Kitashirakawa: It’s that woman again? Hayami! Hayami!

Hayami comes out of a nearby door to the next room.

Hayami: Yes, yes, Hayami is here!

Kitashirakawa: (Pointing at the door) Do something about her! A wonderful Angel of Inspiration has finally appeared to me! (Realizes that Louis has disappeared) Huh? Where’d he go?

Kitashirakawa goes to inspect the portrait, but the knocking sound returns.

Sakurai: Mr. Kitashirakawa! Ms. Hayami!

When Hayami opens the door, Sakurai jumps into the room.

Sakurai: What on earth are you doing? It’s time for us to depart for the dinner cruise!

Hayami: Oh, is that so?

Sakurai: All of the other customers are already gathered and waiting!

Kitashirakawa: Really? Well, on the contrary, I will not be attending.

Sakurai: That… I cannot allow that! Such selfish behavior will cause trouble for the other customers!

Kitashirakawa: What kind of trouble could it cause? This is my room, after all.

The local guide Pierre enters the room.

Pierre: Madame Reiko, if we do not hurry, we will be late for the dinner cruise!

Hayami: What… an attractive man…

Pierre: Enchanté! I am your local guide- Pierre!

Sakurai: Monsieur Pierre, please gather the other customers and leave the hotel first. I will bring Mr. Kitashirakawa to the cruise myself.

Pierre: J’ai compris.

Sakurai: Sensei… would you mind…?

Kitashirakawa: Yeah, go and enjoy it for me, too.

Pierre escorts Hayami from the room.

Sakurai: Mr. Kitashirakawa, please come with me!

Kitashirakawa: I’d rather write my novel!

Sakurai: You can write it later, can’t you? For example, after the dinner cruise…

Kitashirakawa: You are so persistent!

Sakurai’s mobile phone begins to ring.

Sakurai: (answering the phone) Hello?

Kitashirakawa: If you’re going to chat on the phone, leave the room!

Togawa: (voice) Ms. Reiko! We finally arrived at the Château de la Reine! I just delivered everyone their room keys.

Sakurai: No! No! You have to take the customers out sightseeing immediately!

Togawa: (voice) Ms. Reiko!?

Sakurai hurriedly hangs up the phone.

Sakurai: What should I do…

Sakurai begins to clean up Kitashirakawa’s things.

Kitashirakawa: HEY! What are you doing?!

Sakurai: What does it look like- cleaning!

Kitashirakawa: But WHY?

Sakurai: Because if I don’t clean, we’ll be in a lot of trouble!

Kitashirakawa: Hey!

Crayon: (voice) Here it is! Room 203! Mako-chan, hurry and open it~

Kitashirakawa: Whose voice is that?

Kondo: (voice) Who are you callin’ Mako-chan!!

Crayon: (voice) Since your name’s Kondo Makoto, you’re now Mako-chan!

As Crayon and Kondo approach from the hall, the sound of keys opening the door can be heard. Sakurai drags Kitashirakawa behind the sofa and pushes him down.

Kitashirakawa: GYA!

Sakurai: This is bad! This is bad!

Crayon and Kondo enter the room.

Crayon: Wow! What a wonderful room! It’s kind of like being on a honeymoon~ (Crayons skips over to Kondo)

Kondo: How is it a honeymoon with two men!?

Togawa appears in the doorway.

Togawa: Mr. Kondo, Ms. (?) Crayon. It’s a bit earlier than planned, but I’d like to take you on your first sightseeing tour now…

Kondo: You saved me! Well then, quickly- to sightseeing! Sightseeing, sightseeing…

Kondo quickly runs from the room as if to escape.

Crayon: Hey, Mako-chan! Wait for me!

Crayon leaves the room, following Kondo. Kitashirakawa and Sakurai appear from behind the sofa.

Kitashirakawa: I can’t!... I can’t breathe!

Togawa: Ms. Reiko!?

Sakurai: Togawa! What are you doing? Hurry up and follow the customers!

Togawa: What are YOU doing, Ms. Reiko!? Behind a sofa… alone with a man!

Sakurai: This isn’t the time for weird misunderstandings!

Togawa: But…

Sakurai: Just hurry up and go after the customers!!

Togawa: Y-Yes!

Togawa runs out of the room in a hurry.

Kitashirakawa: HEY! What the hell just happened!? And what was with that okama couple!?

Sakurai: Ah, it must be, a slight error with the hotel…

Kitashirakawa: SLIGHT error?!

Sakurai: Anyway, it seems like there isn’t anything to worry about with the room, so please continue writing your novel at your leisure. Well then, I’ll take my leave…

Sakurai rushes from the room.

Kitashirakawa: HEY! Wait a minute!

Kitashirakawa runs from the room chasing after Sakurai. Once they’re both gone, the ghost of Louis XIV returns, accompanied by strange music.

Louis: Munon. Do something about these monkeys!

Munon: Even if you ask milord, what could I do…

Louis: With people like that around, I’ll never be able to communicate with Diana’s soul.

Munon: I’ve been searching with your majesty for Diana for over 300 years now… Could Madame Diana possibly still be in this Château?

Louis: Are you doubting me?!

Munon: I held no such intent, sire…

Louis: I am certain that I heard Diana’s voice in this Château. She must still be wandering through that deep darkness…

 Scene 4: Château de la Reine (Courtyard Entrance)

Lonely music plays. The stage changes to the Château in the 17th century, covered in moonlight. (This is a mental image by Louis.) While Louis sings on the ginkyo, Diana can be seen standing in the gardens, covered in moonlight.

[The Sun and the Moon]

Louis: Diana… even if you never forgive me, my soul will eternally search for you, my love…

No one knows

How the Sun King of France

Hid darkness within his heart

And how that darkness

Was illuminated by the light of the gentle moon.

In the interlude of the song, Petit Louis appears from inside the house.

Petit Louis: Maman!

Diana: Petit Louis…

As Petit Louis approaches Diana, one leg drags behind him as if hurt.

Petit Louis: Maman! Tell me about father! He was a soldier, right? A soldier who courageously fought against Spain and was a hero of France?

Diana: No. Your father was but a weakling. He gave into the Spanish blood running in his veins and abandoned us.

Petit Louis: Papa… abandoned…?

Diana: Forgive me, Petit Louis. If mama hadn’t believed in your father so much, then your leg wouldn’t…

Petit Louis: Don’t cry, Maman! I’m fine as long as I have Maman! I won’t ever ask about Papa again. So please… don’t cry, Maman.

Diana: Petit Louis…

Diana and Petit Louis share a strong embrace.

Louis: Forgive me! … Diana! Petit Louis!...

Diana                                                                                                    

Goddess of the moon, who illuminated my heart

I search only for you

Diana

The only proof I ever lived                                                                                                                                              Diana: The only proof I ever lived

I will keep searching for you                                                                                                                                                           I wish to forget it…

If only to be able to express to you                                                                                                                                              The cruel Sun King’s

My sincere love…                                                                                                                                                                                ‘Sincere’ love…

Diana!

As the light fades around them, the stage turns to the next scene.

 Scene 5: The City of Paris

Sakurai appears on a dark street outside of the hotel, quickly followed by Kitashirakawa chasing after her.

Kitashirakawa: HEY! Wait a minute! Stop trying to escape!?

Sakurai: Escape?... No, I’m only trying to join everyone on the dinner cruise…

Kitashirakawa: You can’t hide this sham from me anymore! I figured it out the moment I saw those other guys that came in earlier. This double-booking situation was planned from the beginning!

Sakurai: … I’m truly truly sorry!

Having been found out, Sakurai begins apologizing and bowing vigorously in defeat.

Kitashirakawa: You can’t fool the keen eyes of a novelist!

Sakurai: I truly had no choice! Although we planned this expensive tour with the Château de la Reine, we couldn’t attract as many customers as we thought! So… we had to plan a second, cheaper tour attraction…

Kitashirakawa: As I thought! … Well, in planning this second fraudulent trip, were you able to satisfy your greed for money?

Sakurai: If we didn’t manage to collect enough for our settlement by this month’s deadline, my company would go bankrupt!...

Kitashirakawa: Your circumstances really don’t mean anything to me…

Sakurai: Yes, you are right… No matter what the circumstances are, I did something terrible to everyone here… At the very least, I plan to take full responsibility for my actions. I apologize, it is all my fault that this tour will end prematurely…

Kitashirakawa: End?...

Sakurai: Of course, we will offer full reimbursement of your money…

Kitashirakawa: Wait a minute, who said anything about stopping the tour?

Sakurai: I’m truly sorry, but there’s no way for me to reserve the necessary amount of rooms… So, there’s no other way.

Kitashirakawa: Then, you should just continue as is, right?

Sakurai: …What?

Kitashirakawa: The double-booking tour.

Sakurai: What are you saying?

Kitashirakawa: As of now, the only one who’s noticed your little plan is this brilliant author here. None of the other customers have noticed anything at all.

Sakurai: To continue the tour… Are you saying you’ll help me?

Kitashirakawa: Well, I guess something like that…

Sakurai: You would do that for me…

Kitashirakawa: Don’t misunderstand! It’s really not for you.

Sakurai: Then, instead… you don’t mean, for me to spend the night with you…!?

Kitashirakawa: It’s nothing like that!? If the tour were to stop now, it would be a huge problem for me!

Sakurai: What do you mean?

Kitashirakawa: While on this tour, I HAVE to write a new novel by any means necessary! A brilliant masterpiece to resurrect the name of Kitashirakawa Ukyo! Recently I’ve been squeaking by with small serializations here and there- my career as a novelist hangs on the success of this tour!

Sakurai: But, to continue tricking the other customers with the double booking for such a reason…

Kitashirakawa: Anyway, in order to keep up with your sham, I’ll go along with your plan starting tomorrow morning and follow your boring sightseeing or whatever…

Sakurai: Thank you so much! … Well, I don’t know if I should really be thanking you or…

Kitashirakawa: Well, then! I’m going back to my room to write my novel, so don’t interrupt me again! (He goes to leave, then stops.) And make sure none of the others catch on to your plan- do your job properly! Huh!

Turning his back on Sakurai, Kitashirakawa exits the stage. The music slowly changes to Sakurai’s song.

[Another étranger] (TN: étranger means ‘stranger’? This could potentially be very wrong.)

Sakurai: To suddenly chase after someone

I feel something pass through my heart

With kindness                   And with coldness-                         The feelings I avoided

Seem to be reaching out.

The bustle and laughter of the city

All belong to someone other than me.

Just another étranger

Like I see reflected in the shop windows

I desired a time long past.

A temperamental traveler

Just another étranger.

But I can see it reflected              In someone’s eyes…

The destination I’ve been searching for

Another me

Like a lost child.

And staring at myself when I cannot move…

Is just another étranger.

Finishing the song, Sakurai exits the stage.

 Scene 6: Parfum de la Lune

A cabaret in Montmartre, a can-can singer appears during a drum roll. He begins to introduce the start of the show.

[Parfum de la Lune]

Cancan singer: Bonsoir mesdames et messieurs. C’est parti CAN CAN! (TN: Again, was told the French was incorrect idk)

At the singer’s signal, the music picks up pace, and the back of the stage starts a brilliant and shocking Cancan dance. In the audience sit the members of Togawa’s tourist group. Half way through the show, the dancers move to dance among the audience, urging them to dance along. Crayon happily dances along, while Kondo seems embarrassed. The Tannos watch everyone suspiciously.

Cancan singer: Parfum de la Lune

The sweet scent invites you

Parfum de la Lune

Gaze up at the moon in the night sky

Like a fragrant aphrodisiac

Parfum de la Lune

Cancan girls: Even if you’re bored

Or been sightseeing all day

Anyone is welcome here!

Garçon: Do you want to forget that lonely feeling?

Well, let’s get started!

It’s time for our dazzling show!

Cancan singer: Parfum de la Lune

Those are magical words

Parfum de la Lune

The song here is always one of love

Until the moon finally sets!

With the customers: Parfum de la Lune

Parfum de la Lune

Parfum de la Lune Ah!

All: Let’s play through the night!

Ah          Ah          Ah          Ah!

Once the song is over, everyone makes their way back to their seats.

Crayon: To be able to dance the cancan at a real cabaret! It’s like a dream! Right, Mako-chan~?

Kondo: I keep telling you, don’t involve me!

Mr. Tanno: Mr. Togawa, shouldn’t we be getting back to the hotel?

Togawa: That… Mr. Tanno, our sightseeing has only just begun?

Mr. Tanno: We didn’t come here just to play around!

Kondo: Oh, so did you come here for work?

Mrs. Tanno: (Scrutinizing) We… work in import sales. So, we’re looking to buy rare brand items.

Crayon: Amazing! When we get back, can I visit your shop sometime?

Mrs. Tanno: Yes, of course! (Trying to change the course of the conversation) So, Crayon, why did you come to Paris?

Crayon: I guess you could call it a ‘heartbreak trip’. I’m trying to heal my broken heart…

Kondo: I guess okama are miserable on their own.

Crayon: How rude! Aren’t you on your own, too, Mako-chan?

Kondo: I… The person I invited… rejected me…

Crayon: Your lover?

Kondo: No, just someone I liked…

Crayon: So, you invited someone you weren’t even dating to travel to Paris with you?

Kondo: So what if I did?!

Crayon: That… for a first date, that’s a bit too much~

Mr. Tanno: Mr. Togawa, can’t we just do as we like from here? We really want to go back to the hotel.

Togawa: Mr. Tanno!

Mrs. Iwanami: Well then, we will also go back with you…

Togawa: The Iwanamis too?... Please, I can’t allow you to go off on your own!

Mr. Tanno: Why?

Togawa: The streets of Paris at night can be dangerous! If anything happened to you…

Crayon: (Grabs onto Kondo’s arm) Well then, why don’t we all go back together?

Togawa: Ms. Crayon!?

Crayon: I sure would like to be alone with Mako-chan here~ (Shimmies up to Kondo)

Kondo: STOP IT!

Togawa: That, I can’t allow it! No matter what, I will make sure that you all enjoy sightseeing in Paris ALL NIGHT!

Everyone is amazed at Togawa’s raised voice.

Crayon: Well that was sudden… I’m kind of surprised.

Togawa: (returning to his senses) I… I am so terribly sorry!

Kondo: But what do you mean by “all night”?

Togawa: That is… to say… returning to the hotel right now… would be bad…

Mr. Tanno: “Bad”?

Togawa: Actually, about our situation at the Château de la Reine… there is something that I haven’t told you all…

Mr. Iwanami: Well, how ominous! Come now, tell us…

Togawa: Then, I will tell you truthfully… The truth is, all of your guestrooms… are limited to use only during the daytime…

Mrs. Tanno: What!?

Mr. Tanno: Then what are we supposed to do during the night?

Togawa: That is why… I want you to enjoy sightseeing through the evening…

Kondo: Are you saying we’re just supposed to stroll around the city all night?

Togawa: Please don’t worry about that, there are many shops open until the early morning hours!

Kondo: That’s not actually the problem here, is it!?

Mrs. Iwanami: Mr. Togawa, what is the reason behind all this?

Togawa: That is…

Kondo: You… if you don’t tell us the full truth right now, I’m gonna arrest you!

Togawa: A-arrest!? Please, have mercy…

Mrs. Iwanami: Now, now, Mr. Kondo… Stop acting all tough, won’t you? Let’s first listen to what Mr. Togawa has to say. After all, there has to be some sort of extenuating circumstance for all this?

Prepared to divulge all, Togawa vigorously bows to them.  (dogeza)

Togawa: I am so truly sorry! I… have betrayed everyone’s trust with my outrageous actions!... (crying)

Kondo: Now what’s wrong?

Crayon: Seems like he’s just crying…

Mr. Iwanami: Mr. Togawa, raise your head now. At the least, we’ve all agreed to listen to what you have to say, ok?

The stage fades into darkness.

 Scene 7: The City of Paris

On the ginkyo, the members of the “Light Tour” return from their dinner cruise with Pierre. Hayami and Pierre are especially drunk…

Pierre: Everybody~! Did you enjoy the dinner cruise~?

Hayami: Yes, amazing!

Pierre: Non, the amazing one… is you~!

Hayami: Oh, Pierre… In truth, I… am a ~terrible~ woman…

Michiru: Gross! Lady, you’ve really got it bad…

Hayami: What? Are you jealous?

Michiru: That’s impossible…

Kanezawa: Is that true?! Michiru…

Michiru: Papa?

Kanezawa: Really, compared to an old man like me… (he suddenly grabs Pierre’s shoulder) you prefer young guys like this!

Michiru: What are you saying!? The only one Michiru loves is Papa!

Kanezawa: Ya swear it?

Pierre: Well, anyway… there are many places that I wish to take you as your guide!

Mrs. Shimoda: Well then, Mr. Pierre, would it be alright if I asked you something then?

Pierre: Oui, madame.

Mrs. Shimoda: I’d like for you to tell me… What is the quietest and most beautiful place in all of Paris?

Pierre: The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur!

Mr. Shimoda: Where was that?

Pierre: The Sacred Heart temple in Montmartre! It was painted by Utrillo (Maurice Utrillo) as the white temple~!

Mrs. Shimoda: Really… The Sacred Heart temple? Thank you very much.

The Shimoda couple share a meaningful gaze.

Pierre: Well then, let us return! I shall guide you all back to the hotel~!

Hayami: Eh!? We’re going home already?

Michiru: You’ve already had enough to drink, haven’t you?

Kanezawa: (Seeing Hayami tripping over her own feet) Hey, hey, lady, are you ok?

Everyone begins to exit the stage. Mr. Shimoda does not move, and Mrs. Shimoda calls back to him.

Mrs. Shimoda: Dear?

Mr. Shimoda: We… are going to end up causing some trouble for those people, aren’t we?

Mrs. Shimoda: Isn’t ok to do as we like, at least at the end? Just at the end…

Mr. Shimoda smiles at his wife, who looks at him with a sweet smile.

Mr. Shimoda: You always show me such a loving smile, even at times like this. It makes me wish I could have spared you all this…

Mrs. Shimoda tries to keep smiling.

Mr. Shimoda: Fusako… you don’t have to keep smiling. Don’t force yourself to smile.

Mrs. Shimoda tries to hide her tears. As the ending falls, the two exit the stage.

 Scene 8: Château de la Reine (Room 203, Mr. Kitashirakawa’s room)

Room 203 in the Château de la Reine. After returning to the room, Kitashirakawa approaches the portrait of Louis XIV.

Kitashirakawa: Now then! No more interruptions! Come, let me once again gaze upon your true form!

After Kitashirakawa’s voice fades, there is nothing but silence.

Kitashirakawa: Please, I need to know! The truth between you and Diana- Who exactly was Diana? What is the true identity of the Moon Goddess…!?

As the lights disappear, Louis’s voice echoes through the room.

Louis: I will not forgive you…. You dare to speak Diana’s name so lightly!?

Kitashirakawa: It’s here! It’s here, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here!

Louis appears from the portrait.

Louis: Remove yourself from my presence immediately! My soul will never speak to the likes of you…

Kitashirakawa: Even with that kind of threat, do you think I would miss an opportunity like this? Now, come… tell me the story of you and Diana…!

Louis: Silence! You dare to speak her name a second time?!

Kitashirakawa: Why are you trying to hide it? What on earth happened between the two of you?

Louis: There’s no reason I should speak to the likes of you.

Kitashirakawa: Please listen. All I want is to write about your one and only true love.

Louis: True love?

Kitashirakawa: Yes! In the memoirs written about you, you’re almost like a myth- a man with only brilliant achievements and no human faults to be found. But what I want to write is about you as a man and your one true love!

Louis: How foolish… You think the King of France could ever live as a simple person?

Kitashirakawa: Well then, what was Diana to you?

Louis: …

Kitashirakawa: I’ll bet that love was your only proof you ever lived! That is the story of the Sun King that should be passed down through history!

Louis: To live as a king… there is no such thing as true love!... In order to become the Sun King of France, I expelled Dianna from Versailles and sent her here to live in this Château. No matter how much you ask, there is no ‘love story’ for you to find. I still only ask for her forgiveness, and for that reason continue to search for her soul…

Kitashirakawa: Très bien! Beautiful! The anguish of the King who had to throw his own love away… And now continues his eternal search for Diana, as just a simple man. This is the theme I’ve been looking for in my next work!

Louis: After all this, you’re still talking about such things…

Kitashirakawa: Kitashirakawa Ukyo’s second name is the Genius Romance Novelist! Within my creation, the love between two people not bound by time… Well, in my story, you would definitely be able to meet Diana again!

Louis: Foolish! For your scenario to work, Diana would have to appear before us.

Kitashirakawa: You’ll see… What’s needed to bring your reunion about… is Versailles!

Louis: Versailles!? But, she’s still here, in this Château…

Kitashirakawa: Rather, we should summon her in the place of your beautiful, shared memories! To Versailles!

The rhythm begins to change with the Background music.

[To Versailles]

Kitashirakawa: Beyond the boundaries of time

Your two souls are tied together

Louis: A man like you appeared unexpectedly

Bringing hope with you

Kitashirakawa: A fantastic story!

Louis: An absurd idea…

Kitashirakawa: Let’s draw her out!

Louis: Let’s give it a chance.

Kitashirakawa: Like                                                                                                                                                                                       Louis: Like

A feeling of a déjà vu-                                                                                                                                                             The feeling of falling in love

A chance to meet again!                                                                                                                                                              A chance to create anew,

The story of the Sun King and Moon Goddess!                                                                                                                       My story with Diana.

Kitashirakawa: Well then, to Versailles!

Louis: To Versailles!

Kitashirakawa and Louis: Let’s go find the next part of the story!

During the interlude, Munon suddenly appears without warning and interrupts the two.

Munon: But the problem is, exactly how is his Majesty to get to Versailles?

Kitashirakawa: (Shocked) Who are you?!

Louis: Munon. What’s the problem?

Munon: In that kind of dress, you would stand out to people in this modern era…

Kitashirakawa: Aah, If that’s the case, you don’t need to worry. You can just accompany me as a local guide who dresses the part for the tour.

Reassuring Louis with his bright idea, Kitashirakawa begins to lead them in song again. The three of them begin to sing together.

Kitashirakawa: When past and present intersect

An unpredictable story!

Come, to Versailles!

Louis and Munon: Quickly, to Versailles!

All three: Let’s go find the next part of the story!

Kitashirakawa: To Versailles!

Louis and Munon: Quickly, to Versailles!

Kitashirakawa: Now-

All three: Let’s begin… the next part of the story!

As the music ends, the curtain falls.

 Scene 9: The City of Paris

Togawa appears on the ginkyo, followed by the members of the “Shadow Tour”. Mr. Iwanami is singing the military song “Song of the Young Eagle” while supporting the crying Togawa by the shoulder.

Mr. Iwanami: (Singing) The seven buttons of the young-blooded trainee pilots are…

(TN: This was a song used when drafting potential aviators?)

Crayon: (To Togawa) How long are you going to keep crying? Didn’t we already agree to cooperate with you so the people in the “Light Tour” don’t figure out your plan?

Togawa: But, why are you all being so nice!? After I betrayed your trust like that… you should never forgive me! (cries again)

Kondo: Stop blaming yourself so much. It was something you had to do to save your company, right?

Crayon: Mako-chan, you’re so nice!~ And after you kept going on about arresting him earlier…

Kondo: I’m making an exception. If we don’t return to the hotel, then I don’t have to worry about being attacked by an okama in the middle of the night…

Crayon: What did you just say!??

Kondo: No-Nothing in particular…

Mr. Iwanami: Mr. Togawa.

Everyone freezes at the severe tone of Mr. Iwanami’s voice.

Togawa: Y-Yes!?

Mr. Iwanami: Just smile.

Togawa: What?

Mr. Iwanami: When I was young, I left junior high school and applied to military training, where I became a zero-fighter pilot (TN: Mitsubishi A6M planes in the war). The cockpits in those planes were very small, and whenever we intercepted a B29 (TN: American Boeing B29 super fortress) … there was no guarantee whether we would live to the next day or not.

Kondo: Are we about to have to listen to this old man’s war stories?

Crayon: Mako-chan!

Mr. Iwanami: However, even when we were prepared for death, we continued to smile and laugh.

Togawa: Mr. Iwanami!

Mr. Iwanami: After my time there, I became a teacher at a special night high school because I wanted to pass that message along to the children. Do you understand? Especially when things are difficult, you just smile and laugh. Smile for someone that you care about.

Togawa: Mr. Iwanami…! (crying again)

Crayon: Aaah… He’s crying again.

Mr. Tanno: Mr. Togawa… How about this? If you just leave the “Light Tour” customers’ baggage in the rooms, we’ll make sure not to touch or disturb them. Then you can save the time needed for having to move things around, right?

Mrs. Iwanami: Oh, I think that’s a very nice idea! With that plan, we can all work together to help Mr. Togawa!

Togawa: Everyone! I, Togawa Mitsuo, will never ever forget this blessing!

Crayon: Well then, why don’t we head to the next shop? (Takes Kondo’s arm) Somewhere we can have some fun~

Mr. Iwanami: Well then, Mr. Togawa. You must continue to guide us!

Togawa: Yes!!... Well then, please follow me!

With Togawa in the lead, everyone follows along. Only the Tanno couple remain on stage.

Mrs. Tanno: How stone cold. Pretending to be honorable- like you won’t touch a thing.

Mr. Tanno: Sharing a room with a bunch of rich people from the “Light Tour” when only we’ll be there during the day. We won’t get another chance like this.

Mrs. Tanno: You… really are a bad person.

Mr. Tanno: Do you dislike it?

Mrs. Tanno: It makes me love you even more.

The couple also leaves, the stage turning to the next scene.

 Scene 10: The Palace of Versailles (The Hall of Mirrors)

The Palace of Versailles is bustling with plenty of sightseeing tourists. The guide Pierre appears, leading the members of the “Light Tour”.

Pierre: Here we are! Everyone, this is the famous Palace of Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors!

Michiru: How flashy!? This is so my style.

Kanezawa: Wow! This is something! I’ve gotta have a hall like this in my hotel in Vegas, bro.

Hayami: Excuse me, everyone… would you terribly mind not speaking in such loud voices? My head feels like it’s going to break…

Mr. Shimoda: Fusako. What in the world is this place? I can’t believe that one person could have such a place built in only one generation.

Mrs. Shimoda: Well, Louis the XIV was known for his excessive spending. It was the reason the country went into bankruptcy before the French Revolution, I think…

Kitashirakawa, Louis, and Munon appear.

Louis: The one who caused bankruptcy was not I, but Louis XVI! I’m utterly embarrassed to call that man my descendant.

Mr. Shimoda: Fusako, look. There are paintings that reach up to the ceiling.

Louis: Ah, so you noticed! After I was crowned, I had these impressive paintings completed in a mere eighteen years- each one painted by Le Blanc himself. This one here is the War of Flanders, while this one is the War with the Netherlands…

Michiru: (To Kanezawa) Don’t you think that guide is amazing?!

Sakurai: (To Kitashirakawa) So you’re saying he’s… really the ghost of Louis XIV?

Kitashirakawa: Yes! The savior of my novel!

Sakurai: But, to go so far as to make him a tour guide…

Kitashirakawa: It’s a great idea, right!? The idea to make him a tour guide of Versailles suddenly struck me!

Everyone begins praising Louis’ explanations.

Kitashirakawa: Thankfully, everyone really believes he’s just a really devoted guide impersonating Louis XIV.

Mrs. Shimoda: Even so, I wonder why… For such a beautiful palace, this place seems to have a feeling of sadness to it.

Mr. Shimoda: Yes, I thought so too.

Sakurai: Mr. Shimoda, are you feeling alright?

Mr. Shimoda: Oh, yes of course! I was just… thinking about something a former teacher used to tell me all the time.

Sakurai: What was it?

Mrs. Shimoda: When times are difficult or painful… or even sad. You must laugh and survive for someone you care about.

Sakurai: Even in difficult times, for someone you care about…

Mrs. Shimoda: For us, those words are irreplaceable.

Mr. Shimoda: I think our teacher definitely wanted to pass on that hope to live to those of us with no money and no hope.

Sakurai: It’s a lovely story.

Kanezawa: Could you not tell depressing stories when we managed to come all the way to Versailles?

Mr. Shimoda: I’m sorry!... What was I thinking, ruining the mood like that…

Kitashirakawa: I disagree! It is a very interesting life view. Even if you think like that in regards to the Sun King… A king carrying darkness deep within his heart. As he thirsts for the light that can eradicate the darkness, it leads him to build this masterpiece…

Hayami: That’s Kitashirakawa-sensei for you!... What a beautiful interpretation… (suddenly feels sick)

Kitashirakawa: Hayami?

Hayami: I… need to go… to the restroom…

Pierre: Oh, Madame! I will show you the way!

Pierre accompanies Hayami off stage.

Mr. Shimoda: Well then, please excuse us as well. Come, Fusako…

Mrs. Shimoda: Ms. Reiko, are you coming?

Sakurai: Yes!

The Shimodas also exit the stage. Suddenly looking at Kanezawa, Kitashirakawa notices an incident.

Kitashirakawa: Shouldn’t you go as well?

Kanezawa: Me? … Why?

Kitashirakawa: (in a whisper) You’re crooked… (indicating Kanezawa’s wig)

Kanezawa: Crooked!?... CROOKED!?

Michiru: Papa! Where are you going!?

Kanezawa runs off stage while holding down his wig with his hands. Michiru follows him off stage.

Sakurai: That isn’t the restroom, Mr. Kanezawa! Miss Michiru!

Ms. Sakurai chases after them.

Louis: And why did I have to pretend to be your silly guide?

Kitashirakawa: Contrary to your words, you seem to be enjoying yourself quite a bit.

Munon: Yes, it did seem as if you were coming to enjoy it.

Louis: Do not make fun! Forget all that, what about Diana? When will she reveal herself to me?

Kitashirakawa: Don’t panic. We’ve set up the perfect situation for a reunion scenario!

[Reminiscence]

The background music begins.

Kitashirakawa: Our story begins with the Sun King giving a monologue. While alone in this corridor, gather all your nostalgia for Diana, and speak of the beautiful memories you shared here together! Led by your voice, other ghosts may appear and disappear… And among them, you alone can locate her true form! Now, call out to the Moon Goddess, to Diana’s soul…!

As the lights change with the music, aristocratic looking men and women begin to fill the corridor with dancing. Among a group of a dancers, the nervous Diana appears. Kitashirakawa and Munon move to the front of the stage to ‘watch’.

Louis: The first time I met Diana… was at the ball to celebrate the victory of my first battle as king. Although she was only brought into the palace to serve as a maid to the queen, she was luminous… as bright and beautiful as the moon goddess herself…

Aristocrats: Dance!          Dance!

Together with the unsetting sun

Dance!  Dance!

Even as the night begins to fall

Louis dances his way through the people, arriving in front of Diana and offering her his hand.

Diana: Forgive me, I cannot dance.

Louis: Do I displease you?

Diana: No, but I must present myself to the king…

Louis: In that case, you need not worry. I can assure you the king will not be at his station this evening.

Offering his hand again, Diana slowly accepts. The two begin to dance.

Munon: When His Majesty was young, he narrowly escaped death due to the actions of some unreasonable nobility- causing His Majesty a lifetime of pain and mistrust in people. No one could truly understand the depths of suspicion and loneliness in his heart.

(TN: Possible reference to the Fronde Rebellion?)

Kitashirakawa: So, the one who lifted that loneliness was the Moon Goddess Diana…

Aristocrats: Dance!          Dance!

Together with the unsetting sun

Dance!                  Dance!

Diana disappears in the crowd of noblemen, and Queen Maria Theresa and Louis’s mother Anne appear.

Maria Theresa: Your Majesty, answer me. Is it true that vile woman you’ve taken in is now with child?

Louis: Watch your tongue, Queen. If the child is born a boy, then Diana will be the mother to my heir.

Maria Theresa: So… you even intend to hand over the throne to that child!?

Anne: My Queen, His Majesty has been fooled by that woman. His sanity may be lost for now, but soon he will come to realize his own mistake!

Louis: No, mother. My only mistake was ever accepting a princess of the enemy Spain as my Queen! My child with Diana will be my true legacy!

Maria Theresa: What are you saying!?

Anne: Apparently, his Majesty seems to have forgotten. That the child born to him of that woman will also have the blood of Spain running in their veins.

Anne makes a face to indicate that she has a plan and urges Maria Theresa to follow her, and they disappear into the dancing. Louis, angry and with no place to go, dances among the middle.

Aristocrats: Praise! Praise!

The birth of a long desired son

Cutting through the darkness of night    the child of the Sun of France!

A baby’s first cries echo through the halls, and Louis breaks away from the dancers.

Louis: Petit Louis!... The child of the Sun of France!

As Louis moves to try to go to Diana, Anne stands in his way.

Anne: Your Majesty, where do you think you are going?

Louis: To see Diana!

Anne: You cannot. Your Majesty must, for the sake of France, always continue to dance!

In an eerie formation, the noblemen gather around Louis and dance, tossing him about.

Aristocrats: Dance!          Dance!

Even if the sun sets

Dance   Dance

Within the great darkness,          The King continues to dance.

In a cross formation, the nobles move around Louis and swallow him. The back of the hall of mirrors changes to a balcony in the palace. On the balcony, Diana is holding her newborn baby close. Maria Theresa approaches her.

Maria Theresa: Madame Diana… Allow me to hold the child.

Diana: My Queen, it would be too high of an honor…

Maria Theresa: Well, show him to me quickly!

Maria Theresa takes Petit Louis from Diana by force.

Diana: My Queen!

Maria Theresa: Well, how adorable… he looks just like His Majesty…

Diana: My Queen?

Standing over the handrail, Maria Theresa lifts Petit Louis high. A disturbing twilight begins to spread in the background.

Maria Theresa: Louis de Soleil de France… The child of the Sun of France!!

Louis: Stop!!...

As the music hits a shocking accent, Maria Theresa drops Petit Louis off the edge of the balcony. At the same time, Louis manages to shake off the smothering nobles. Along with the accented music, the scene changes. While the nobles continue their disturbing song, they slowly move off stage.

Aristocrats: Dance           Dance

Together with the unsetting sun

Dance   Dance

The glory of the King shines…

Kitashirakawa: But… Petit Louis… What happened to Petit Louis…!?

Munon: Fortunately, his life was spared. But one leg was severely injured, and never properly healed… And so that no more danger would ever befall those two, his Majesty sent Diana away to that Château under the pretext of exiling her…

Kitashirakawa: So, the reason Louis continued to live as the Sun King of France was to protect the ones he loved… but, that love became nothing but despair for Diana…

Finally released from the memories, Louis approaches Kitashirakawa.

Louis: Diana… Where is Diana? (To Kitashirakawa) Why hasn’t she revealed herself?

Kitashirakawa: …

Louis: Answer me! When will Diana be revealed to me?

Kitashirakawa: … I don’t know.

Louis: You don’t know? Didn’t you say if we followed your scenario, then I could find her?!

Kitashirakawa: I don’t know! If you say that the thing that drove Diana’s heart deeper into the darkness was your love, then what would be the light that summons her back to you… How would I write that?

Louis: You have deceived me! Because you just wanted to write your little novel, you tricked me into telling you about Diana!

Kitashirakawa: No, that’s not it!

Louis: You said you wanted to write about true love? For someone that plays with others’ hearts and only thinks about himself… you’ll never be able to write about something like love! No, not of love, and not of anything that could ever touch a person’s heart! Leave my Château immediately… That is my final warning to you.

Louis spares Kitashirakawa one last glare as he leaves.

Munon: Your Highness! Please wait… Your Highness!

Munon chases after Louis. As Kitashirakawa is left on stage by himself, the setting falls into darkness.

[The Story I Wanted to Write]

Kitashirakawa: An empty heart-

And writing to fill it

With the memories of someone other than myself.

And never allowing anyone to read…

The tightly closed            and blank pages               deep in my heart

What I wanted to write

Were the words of the magic I believed in as a child

Adults always spun                         Such kind stories of lies.

What I wanted to write                was the continuation of an unseen dream

But I don’t even know                   the truth of a ‘story’.

And the resulting scratches of pain hidden in my heart…

I never noticed them.

 Scene 11: Château de la Reine (Room 201 and Room 202)

In room 202 of the Château de la Reine, The Tanno couple is going through Kanezawa and Michiru’s baggage.

Mrs. Tanno: Darling, look!

Mr. Tanno: This is amazing! These are all top brand goods!

Mrs. Tanno: What’s this? (She pulls a hair bundle out of the suitcase.)

Mr. Tanno: Isn’t that a wig?

Mrs. Tanno: Gross!! (She tosses it away.)

On the other side of the stage, the Iwanamis are relaxing with some tea from room service.

Mr. Iwanami: No matter how you think about it, this is quite a strange tour. Even if it’s only during the day, being able to stay in such a nice hotel sure is fun. We should really be thankful, don’t you think?

Mrs.  Iwanami: Yes, even though we’re sharing with the Light Tour.

Back to room 202.

Mr. Tanno: Even so, this is exactly the kind of thing that will build up our reputation! *

Mrs. Tanno: Right! With high-end goods to resell, it’s much more efficient than something like card fraud.

Mr. Tanno: Let’s go and sell some of these things in the Jewish shops, then we’ll quickly slip away with no one the wiser.

Mrs. Tanno: Right!

The Tannos begin packing up all the brand goods they’ve found in the room into one suitcase. Meanwhile, in room 201, Mr. Iwanami walks over to the side table and picks some stationary he finds.

Mr. Iwanami: Oh, what’s this? A letter?

Mrs. Iwanami: You know reading other people’s letters without their permission is bad taste.

Mr. Iwanami: You read it too!

Mrs. Iwanami runs her eyes over the stationary her husband hands to her.

Mrs. Iwanami: (as she’s reading) On our journey to Paris… we will also depart on another journey… Dear, is this… is this a suicide note?!

Mr. Iwanami: Yes, it looks like their factory went bankrupt, and they’ve written that they’re hundreds of millions of yen in debt.

Mrs. Iwanami: This is terrible… We have to tell Mr. Togawa right away!

As the stage turns, we see the corridor of the hotel. The Iwanamis exit the door of their room in a hurry.

Mr. Iwanami: Mr. Togawa! Mr. Togawa! It’s terrible!

At the same time, the Tannos are trying to leave their room, causing the two men to run into each other.

Mr. Tanno and Mr. Iwanami: Wah! Gya!

In the collision, the bag that Mr. Tanno was carrying suddenly opens and the goods fall onto the floor. Having heard Mr. Iwanami’s yells, Mr. Togawa approaches.

Togawa: Mr. Iwanami, Mr. Tanno, are you alright?

Mr. Iwanami: Don’t worry about us! Quickly, come here!

The Tannos quickly begin picking up their stolen goods.

Togawa: These brand goods… aren’t these Mr. Kanezawa’s things he left in the room!?

Mr. Iwanami: What!? Then that means?

Togawa: You don’t mean, you two are stealing!?

Mr. Tanno: Damn it!

Mr. Iwanami: (To Togawa) The police! Call the police now!

Togawa: If you need the police, then Mr. Kondo is in room 203…

Mr. Iwanami: Right! (He puts Mr. Tanno into an iron grip)

Mr. Tanno: Ouch! For an old man, how are you this stupidly strong!?

Mr. Iwanami: Whaddya think? Don’t mistake this former navy seal as a sweet old man!

Mrs. Iwanami: Dear! Worry about that later! Hurry, look at this…

Mrs. Iwanami hands the stationary to Togawa.

Togawa: (reading quickly) Is this… a suicide note!? Who wrote this!?

Mrs. Iwanami: It was left in our room. So it definitely belongs to whoever else is staying there!

Togawa: The guest staying in room 203 from the ‘Light Tour’… That’s the Shimodas! What should we do?! Right now, they might be…

Mrs. Iwanami: We have to tell the police now!

Togawa: Then we should go to room 203!

Everyone leaves the stage in a hurry as the ending music plays.

 Scene 12: Palace of Versailles (Gardens)

At a garden in the palace, Kitashirakawa stands alone. Sakurai appears on stage, finding him.

Sakurai: Mr. Kitashirakawa! Just when I thought everyone else had come back, I realized you were gone again. Didn’t you say you were going to cooperate with me?

Kitashirakawa: Is it ok for you to not be watching over the others?

Sakurai: The others are all following Pierre and looking for you. Alright, let’s get back to the group and continue our sightseeing for the day.

Kitashirakawa: Sorry, but… I’m going to go home. Alone.

Sakurai: Are we back at this again? Right now, the ‘Shadow Tour’ members are at the hotel…

Kitashirakawa: I don’t mean go back to my room. If I could just have my baggage collected, I’d like to leave the hotel as soon as possible.

Sakurai: What do you mean?

Kitashirakawa: It’s earlier than planned, but I’m leaving Paris. I know it’s last minute, but could I ask you to help me book a flight?

Sakurai: What…?

Kitashirakawa: You don’t have to worry. I won’t tell anyone about the double booking arrangement. Ah, you can tell the other tour members that I had to leave for some sudden work or something…

Sakurai: But, what about your novel?

Kitashirakawa: My novels… they’re really not important, are they?

Sakurai: Not important!? You said that your career as a writer was hanging in the balance, didn’t you? You said you had to write a masterpiece, right?

Kitashirakawa: Yes, you’re right… But as I am now, I cannot hope to write the masterpiece I wished for…

Sakurai: But… I mean, if you work with that ghost of Louis XIV from earlier…

Kitashirakawa: No, Louis won’t appear to me again. And even if he were here, it doesn’t change the fact that my talent is what’s truly missing.

Sakurai: Saying such self-deprecating things is really not like you. You’re usually walking around with that celeb-aura and brimming with overconfidence?!

Kitashirakawa: Are you… trying to make me feel better?

Sakurai: I’m sorry, I just…

Kitashirakawa: No, it is as you say. I always had confidence in my own talent and believed that I could create any kind of story. But as I have always lived thinking only about myself, how can I even begin to write a story about someone else?

Sakurai: Then, what is your story? Shouldn’t you just write a story about yourself? Actually, I thought about it earlier while listening to the Shimodas’ story. Every person holds within them the words to give another person hope. So, you just have to find them! Those irreplaceable words… your story definitely has them, too.

Kitashirakawa: My story… Could it be that I, as the protagonist, lost sight of my own story?

[A Novel Without a Protagonist]

Kitashirakawa: I wonder when it began?

That I was writing

Such selfish scenarios.

Decorating my words

With only self-recognition-

Of a Celebrity Novelist!                                To distract from

And erase my anxiety…

Sakurai: At some point, I chose without realizing

A journey full of trouble.

On a road without a map

I continued with strength!

When all I really wanted

Was for someone to walk with me.

Kitashirakawa and Sakurai: What vanity-

To walk alone on this road

Like a novel without a protagonist.

Seeking for…     And performing as…

An idealized version of myself.

And even, perhaps,        without realizing            

Hurting                                 someone else

And continuing to search

Kitashirakawa: What I lost sight of…

Sakurai: What I forgot…

Together: The true protagonist

Of my life.

Kitashirakawa: Can I write it someday? My own story that gives someone else hope?

Sakurai: Yes! For someone like me, who’s lost their own way in life…

Suddenly, Sakurai’s phone begins to ring.

Sakurai: (Checking the phone) It’s Togawa. (answers) Hello?

Togawa: (voice) This is terrible! P-Please, calm down and listen!...

Sakurai: I think you should probably calm down first…

Following Pierre, the other members of the ‘Light Tour’ notice Kitashirakawa and Sakurai. Sakurai moves to a separate area to talk.

Kanezawa: Hey! We found ‘em!

Pierre: Oh! We finally found you! We searched everywhere!

Hayami: Sensei! (notices Sakurai) and… Ms. Reiko!? What are the two of you doing!?

Kitashirakawa: What? Nothing in particular?

Michiru: All alone, just the two of you? Suspicious~

Kitashirakawa: There’s nothing suspicious about it!

Sakurai: What did you say!? That can’t be true. They’re right here with everyone else in the ‘Light Tour’ now… (Notices that the Shimodas are missing) Where are the Shimodas?

Pierre: Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen them for a while…

Kitashirakawa: Is something wrong?

Sakurai: (in shock) It seems… a suicide note was found in their room…

All: A suicide note?!

Sakurai: What should I do?... (She begins to put together the signs so far.) Those two, from the beginning… they must have been planning this all along…

Michiru: They’ve gotta be somewhere in the palace?

Kitashirakawa: Why would anyone plan something like that here?

Kanezawa: If it were me, I’d wanna go in the most magnificent place possible!

Kitashirakawa: (amazed) The only one who thinks that way is you. Anyway, we have to find them as quickly as possible! (To Sakurai) The other group of tourists, can we ask them for their help too?

Sakurai: (preparing herself) Yes! Of course we can! I’ll relay the plan to Togawa by phone…

Hayami: What do you mean by the other group of tourists?

Kitashirakawa: Right now, finding the Shimodas comes first! We have to find them before it’s too late!

The intro to the next number begins.

 Scene 13A: The City of Paris

The ‘Light Tour’ members line up in front of the curtain.

[An Extraordinary Search!]

Kitashirakawa: There is no time

For us to waste!

                               All: It’s an emergency!

Kitashirakawa: We’ll succeed with our

Imaginations!

                               All: Where could they be?

Kitashirakawa: Like opening a guide map

Believe in your intuition!

Kanezawa: The Arc du Triomphe or the Eiffel Tower?

Michiru: How about a gorgeous and luxurious opera house?

Kitashirakawa: Those weren’t on the sightseeing course!

Sakurai: If it’s a forest then the Boulogne             or Vincennes

Hayami: How about the Montparnasse Cemetery?

Pierre: Notre Dame could be suspect, too!

Kitashirakawa: We’ll have to find them ourselves!

All: Let’s go through the city of Paris

On an Extraordinary search!

Let’s go through the city of Paris

On an Extraordinary search!

Kitashirakawa: Hurry!

The Light Tour members break off into pairs to search and exit the stage in different directions: Kitashirakawa and Sakurai, Kanezawa and Michiru, and Hayami and Pierre.

 Scene 13B: Château de la Reine (Room 203)

The curtain rises to reveal room 203 of the Château de la Reine. The Tannos have been handcuffed. The music fades into BGM.

Kondo: It was lucky we were on the same tour. I’ll be taking these two back to Japan to face responsibility for their actions.

Mr. Tanno: Are you stupid?

Kondo: What’d you say!?

Mr. Tanno: Don’t you know that a Japanese policeman has no right to arrest people in another country?

Kondo: I dunno anything like that! All I know is when I see a criminal in front of me, I arrest ‘em!

Crayon: Kya~! Mako-chan, you’re so cool! … Even if what you’re saying is a bit unreasonable…

Togawa: Forget all that, we should hurry to help in the search for the Shimodas!

Mr. Iwanami: That’s right! What about the ‘Light Tour’?

Togawa: They’ve split up and are visiting famous places!

Mr. Iwanami: Then, we should also split up and search…

Mrs. Iwanami: But, I have no idea where in Paris someone might want to commit a lovers’ suicide!

Suddenly, the light in the room disappears as Louis’s voice sounds.

Louis: Lovers’ suicide?!

Crayon: (clinging to Kondo) What… what was that voice? Scary!!!

Kondo: Quite clinging to me so suddenly!

Stepping out from the painting, Louis and Munon appear.

Louis: First daring to deceive me, and then finding thieves amongst your allies… Does your shame know no end?! And now you dare to bring about death upon my territory!? I will not allow it!

Togawa: Um, excuse me but, what… are you?

Kondo: (To Crayon) Friend of yours?

Crayon: I dunno this guy!

Louis: Silence, now! Before it is too late, hurry and find those poor souls!

Togawa: But… where should we start looking?

Louis: Must I do everything!? Munon! You will be the leader.

Munon: Yes!

Louis: Come people, follow!

Everyone hurriedly follows Louis from the room. The hotel employees enter the stage from all sides.

Duran: The customer is in trouble!

Workers: The Hotel is in trouble, too!

Duran: What an unprecedented incident!

Workers: Brought to light by the double booking…

All: We need to find a solution!

To protect the Château de la Reine’s

Pride!

Louis and the Shadow Tour members appear on the bridge.

Louis: Now, continue to follow                                                                                                                      Shadow Tour: Being led by the Sun King

You selfish monkeys!                                                                                                                                              On a search!

These Japanese tourists-                                                                                                                         Let’s go through the city of Paris

In my country!                                                                                                                                            On an extraordinary search!

These kinds of actions                                                                                                                             An interesting collaboration

I will never                                                                                                                                                   Let’s go through the city of Paris

Allow them!                                                                                                                                                 On an Extraordinary search!

 Scene 13C: The City of Paris (2)

As people come and go in the city, the Light Tour members run into them, causing a racket.

Kitashirakawa: Well, how’d it go?!

Hayami: We didn’t find them!

Kanezawa: We got nothin’ too. I give up.

Kitashirakawa: Aren’t there any clues? You were all with them all last night, weren’t you?

Michiru: Now that you mention it…

Sakurai: Do you have an idea?

Michiru: Hey, Pierre… Didn’t the wife ask you something? Like ‘what’s the most beautiful and quiet place’ or something?

Kitashirakawa: Why didn’t anyone say that earlier!? Hayami, you were there too, weren’t you!?

Hayami: I’m afraid I drank too must last night, my memory is…

Kitashirakawa: Miserable! Well then, what did you tell her?

Pierre: Oh! I remember! The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur!

Sakurai: The Sacred Heart Temple in Montmartre!

Kitashirakawa: Alright, let’s hurry!

All the members run off stage, forcing their way through the people, ending the scene.

 Scene 14: Montmartre- The Sacred Heart Temple

Montmartre at nighttime. The stage changes to the gardens in front of the Sacred Heart Temple. A chanson singer carrying an accordion appears on stage, singing.

[Chanson]

Accordion player: As your silhouette continues to dance

My memories disappear into a dream

Those happy days are naught but nostalgia

In a phantom-like dream.

The Shimodas appear amongst other random couples, seeming confused.

Mrs. Shimoda: Darling, aren’t you cold?

Mr. Shimoda: I’m not cold, but… I’m scared. You?

Mrs. Shimoda: No, not at all.

Mr. Shimoda: But… we’re going to die?

Mrs. Shimoda: But I’m together with you.

Mr. Shimoda: Did you bring it? The hydrocyanic acid?

Mrs. Shimoda pulls a small bottle from her bag.

Mrs. Shimoda: Even the specialists don’t have this, do this?

Mr. Shimoda: It’s an old product from our factory… but it finally has some use.

Mrs. Shimoda: Look, darling, how beautiful this place is…

Mr. Shimoda: Being able to spend the last moments of our life in a place like this… is a blessing.

Mrs. Shimoda: Yes, dear.

The couple moves to sit down on the bench. Trying to hide her tears, Mrs. Shimoda turns away to hide her face.

Mr. Shimoda: Fusako?

Mrs. Shimoda forces herself to smile before turning back to him.

Mr. Shimoda: I told you, didn’t I? You don’t have to force yourself to smile. Whether you laugh or cry… these are our last moments together…

Suddenly, following Kitashirakawa, the members of the Light Tour appear.

Sakurai: You’re here! Mr. Shimoda!

Mr. Shimoda: You all…!

Kitashirakawa: Thank goodness, we made it! Now, let’s go back to the hotel…

Kitashirakawa begins to approach the couple.

Mr. Shimoda: Please don’t come any closer!

Kitashirakawa: Mr. Shimoda. I heard about the note you two left. That managing your factory took a turn for the worse, and you’ve been left in a great amount of debt…

Mr. Shimoda: Then, you understand! So please, allow us to die in peace, together…

Louis and the Shadow Tour members arrive on stage.

Louis: I will not allow any death here! Do you have no pride in your own lives? In this peaceful world, while being allowed to live freely- you would dare to not only throw away your own life, but the life of your beloved as well?

Mr. Iwanami looks at the Shimodas in surprise.

Mr. Iwanami: Y-You two…!

Mr. Shimoda: Mr. Iwanami!

Mrs. Shimoda: Sensei…

Sakurai: Do you know each other?

Mr. Iwanami: In a way… They were my students. You mean to say… you were the ones who left that note?

Mr. Iwanami begins to approach the Shimodas.

Mrs. Shimoda: Please stop! Please just… look away for a bit. Please…

Sakurai: Ms. Fusako… What was it you said before? In painful times, or in sad times, you have to smile and live for someone? Isn’t that what you told us? You said that those words gave you hope. Even so… are you saying you would choose to die like this?

Hearing Sakurai’s words, Mr. Iwanami’s facial expression looks shocked and pained.

Mr. Iwanami: Koji… Fusako… Forgive me!

Mr. Iwanami bows deeply to the couple.

Mrs. Shimoda: Sensei!

Mr. Shimoda: Please stop! Why are you apologizing…

Mr. Iwanami: I… just wanted to offer poor children a chance at equal education! I wanted you to survive- to live despite the circumstances of the environment you were born in… But in the end, it seems like I was unable to teach you anything at all…

Mrs. Shimoda: Sensei, please… raise your head. It was because your words encouraged us that we were even able to get this far!

Mr. Shimoda: Fusako…

Kitashirakawa: Mr. Shimoda. You are not the only ones dealing with misfortune. Surely everyone is doing their best to live while holding their difficulties in their heart…

Sakurai: I was also unable to properly manage my company. But… in order to protect myself, I did something much more terrible than you!

Kanezawa: For me, well money ain’t really a problem, but… I’ve got worries I can’t tell people about… (He touches a hand to his wig)

Kondo: For me, I haven’t had a girlfriend in thirty years!

Hayami: Forty-two years single!

Crayon: And I’m an okama!

Kitashirakawa: And I… hurt someone. I realized that I had lost something important as a person. But it’s something that the two of you have never forgotten! And that is how to care for someone. Even if you think that your lives have no value… to me, it’s something I can never capture in words alone… an irreplaceable story!

Mr. Iwanami: Koji Shimoda! Fusako!

The Shimodas: Yes!

Mr. Iwanami: Smile. No matter what, smile! This is the only life you get, so if you smile and laugh together… you can go on living!

The Shimodas: Ha… hahaha… (they begin to cry while laughing)

The other members of the group all begin laughing as well. As dusk falls in the sky, the Japanese tourists’ strange crying-laughter fills the air. Louis’s expression changes, as if he’s realized something, and he and Munon exit the stage. As the scene ends, the light fades.

 Scene 15: The City of Paris  - Places des Vosges

On the way back to the hotel, Kitashirakawa begins to sing.

[Kitashirakawa’s Song ~ Sakurai’s Song]

Kitashirakawa: I couldn’t even manage the easy things,

And every time I lost my way-

I hid my face and watched you from far away.

If I could laugh for someone

If I could laugh for myself

Then surely, I can follow my heart forward

To the person who’s smiling face I most wish to see.

During the musical interlude, the background setting changes.

1. Crayon and Kondo

Crayon runs on stage crying, followed by a confused/angry looking Kondo.

Crayon: U-Uwaaaa!!!...

Kondo: You were laughing a moment ago- why are you suddenly crying so much!?

Crayon: I just remembered when I was dumped… It feels like… I’ll never meet anyone who could possibly love me!... Uuuhuu…

Kondo: Don’t cry! Kuroiwa Gentarou.

Crayon: But… the more I try to laugh… the more miserable I feel…

Kondo: If that’s the case, then smile for me instead.

Crayon: …What?

Kondo: When you’re sad like this, I start feeling sad too…

Crayon: Mako-chan!!

Crayon runs over and tries to give Kondo an intense kiss. Kondo struggles and tries to push Crayon away, but then they face each other and Kondo kisses Crayon instead.

2. Kanezawa, Michiru, and the Tannos

Kanezawa: So ya’ll are the thieves who’ve run card scams around the world, huh?

The Tannos: …

Kanezawa: How ‘bout it? Ya’ll leave that rotten lifestyle behind and come work for me?

Mr. Tanno: What do you mean?

Kanezawa: Ya’ll’s language proficiencies and fearlessness are just a bonus! I’m saying come to Vegas and be the general managers of my casino!

Michiru: Papa!

Mrs. Tanno: In Las Vegas??

Mr. Tanno: General managers?

Kanezawa: A’ight, let’s go talk it over.

Kanezawa and Michiru get the Tannos to follow them offstage. The background music changes for Sakurai’s song.

Sakurai: The important things I forgot

When I became an adult…

Every time I lost sight of myself                I kept running

With no place to go.

If I could laugh for someone

If I could laugh for myself

Then I should be able to live

Following the truth of my heart

To the person who I most want to show a smile to…

As the music fades to background, Sakurai exit the stage.

 Scene 16: Château de la Reine (Courtyard Entrance)

Under the moonlight in the courtyard of the hotel, Kitashirakawa happens upon the still, thinking form of Louis.

Kitashirakawa: Louis…

Louis: It seems like you dared to return to this Château anyway.

Kitashirakawa: Once I gather my things, I’ll leave immediately. But- there’s something I want you to hear. I had no intention of deceiving you! I truly, honestly thought that I could bring you and Diana together again. But now I understand, because I didn’t take your sadness and pain seriously, there’s no way I could ever write about something like ‘true love’. But now… I feel like I understand the pain you’ve felt…

Kitashirakawa turns to enter the hotel.

Louis: Wait. Well, I can be patient for a few more days. Patience is a virtue after all… Really, when it comes to you… You really pile up trivial matters and create quite a big fuss of it all. There are many things you do that are foolish. But… what was even more foolish was that I did not truly understand what I had learned from you.

Kitashirakawa: Louis?

Louis: I realized I had forgotten how to laugh. For Diana and our son…

Petit Louis: (voice) Maman! Tell me about Papa!

Diana: (voice) Your father… is a true hero.

Petit Louis: (voice) But… why isn’t he here with us?

Diana: (voice) Your father is the Sun King who illuminates all of France. Even when he cannot be by our side, he still loves us very much.

Louis: I finally realized… that their voices were always full of laughter…

Diana and Petit Louis: (laughing)

Looking up at the moon, Louis smiles softly as the sound of Diana and Petit Louis’s laughter lift his spirits.

Louis: I finally feel as though I can truly meet Diana again. And… I’m looking forward to reading it- the novel about me.

Kitashirakawa: Is… it ok for me to write about you?

Louis: As long as you portray me as an exceptionally ‘good handsome man’, of course.

Kitashirakawa: Ha, I wonder how it’ll turn out?

Kitashirakawa, Sakurai, and Louis come together.

All three: If I could laugh for someone

If I could laugh for myself

Then surely I can meet the one I love from the bottom of my heart.

The person who’s smiling face I most wish to see…

The person who I most want to show a smile to…

 Scene 17: Château de la Reine (Courtyard Entrance)

The next morning, in the opening of the hotel people begin to appear: Kanezawa and Michiru, Kondo and Crayon, and Duran. Some hotel staff follow, carrying everyone’s bags.

Duran: Oh! Monsieur Kanezawa! Is there nothing we can do to thank you for investing in the future management of the Château de la Reine?

Kanezawa: I don’t need no thank yous. Vegas may be my base, but it’s always been my dream to have hotels all over the world.

Crayon: A hotel in Vegas sounds amazing! (To Kondo) It’d be perfect for our wedding~

Kondo: W-Wedding!?

The Tanno and Shimoda couples appear.

Mr. Shimoda: Mr. Kanezawa, what is the meaning of this? I was just told that you’ve taken over our entire debt?!

Mr. Tanno: Seems like everyone here’s been hired by Kanezawa.

Mrs. Tanno: Mrs. Shimoda! Let’s go to Las Vegas together!

Kanezawa: If ya’ll were managin’ a factory all on your own, then you’re like- really good with mechanics, right? To build up my casino in Vegas, I need an advisor who understands all that state-of-the-art stuff.

Mrs. Shimoda: But…

Togawa and the Iwanamis appear.

Mr. Iwanami: Shouldn’t you just gratefully accept?

Mrs. Shimoda: Iwanami-sensei!

Mr. Iwanami: Mr. Kanezawa, I can personally vouch for these two’s personalities. (To the Shimodas) Now then, give him a proper reply.

Upon Iwanami’s words, the Shimodas gather their determination.

Mr. Shimoda: Although we are not worthy of your kindness, we humbly accept!

Kanezawa: Hey hey hey…

Mrs. Iwanami: Doesn’t it sound like you’re replying to a marriage proposal?

Togawa: Everyone! It’s about time to go! The car has arrived in the plaza!

While everyone exits the stage, Kanezawa is left with a relaxed looking Michiru.

Kanezawa: Hey, what’s wrong Michiru?

Michiru: Do you have no intention of saying anything to me?

Kanezawa: Say… something to you?

Michiru: Maybe a ‘proposal’ like what you said to those people just now…

Kanezawa: Michiru… I… I ain’t good enough to marry you. There’s something I been hiding from you…

Michiru: It really doesn’t matter to me. If you’re talking about the lie you’ve told about your looks…

Kanezawa: Michiru!? You… knew?

Michiru: For a while now.

Kanezawa: But is it really alright? Marryin’ someone like me?

Michiru: Did you really think I’d hate you for something like that?

Kanezawa: Michiru!!

Michiru: Papa!

Kanezawa holds Michiru close, kissing her passionately. As the door opens behind them, Kitashirakawa appears.

Kitashirakawa: Ugh! Why did have to see that first thing in the morning??

Kanezawa: Hey bro! Listen! Michiru and I are gonna get married!

Kanezawa: Well, congratulations on that. But, shouldn’t you look in the mirror before you do such a thing?

Kanezawa: Why?

Kitashirakawa: You’re crooked. (Indicating his wig)

Kanezawa: C-Crooked!?.... Crooked!?!

Kanezawa, looking horrified, runs off stage.

Michiru: Papa! Wait!

Michiru runs after Kanezawa off stage. Hayami appears.

Hayami: (Finishing reading the novel) Amazing… To write an entire novel of this caliber in less than a week… Sensei truly is a genius… No, a master…

Kitashirakawa: I changed the title as well. The new title is “The Queen’s Château”.

Hayami: Amazing! To create such a hypothesis that King Louis XIV’s true love lived here- and that she was the true Queen of his heart!

Kitashirakawa: Well, even so…

Hayami: Weaving the intricacies of the non-fiction tale of our real-life double booking and a fiction retelling of the ghost of Louis XIV… A story of love that transcends the boundaries of time! Make no mistake, this will become an instant best seller!

Kitashirakawa: Even though everything was actually non-fiction…

Hayami: Did you say something?

Kitashirakawa: No, just thinking out loud…

Hayami: You don’t need to worry. I’ll be editing this on the plane ride home!

As Hayami goes to leave, Pierre appears in front of her.

Hayami: Pierre!...

Pierre: Madame! Are you really… returning to Japon?

Hayami: Pierre, forgive me… I am truly… a terrible woman who can only live for her work!

Hayami runs away from Pierre.

Pierre: Ma chérie! At least let me embrace you one last time!...

Pierre chases after Hayami.

Kitashirakawa: (Speaking to himself) So even Hayami experienced such a miracle…?

Gradually, Sakurai also appears in front of Kitashirakawa, gazing up at the sky.

Sakurai: Ah, Mr. Kitashirakawa, you were still here?

Kitashirakawa: Yes, I just wanted to enjoy the scenery here one last time.

Kitashirakawa looks up to the sky, and Sakurai follows his line of sight.

Sakurai: You can see the sun and the moon together in the dawn sky…

Kitashirakawa: They were finally able to meet, the sun and the moon…  I heard from Togawa. You’re closing your travel agency?

Sakurai: Yes. I need to start over from the beginning. The double booking was just too much.

Kitashirakawa: So you’re graduating from being a shabby tour guide, too?

Sakurai: Rude.

Kitashirakawa: I’m joking. So, what are you planning to do?

Sakurai: I haven’t decided yet. I think I need to take some time to really figure myself out first. You?

Kitashirakawa: Same as usual- I’ll be writing novels and chased by the pressure of deadlines.

Sakurai: I’ll be looking forward to it. The novel about your own story, like you said.

Kitashirakawa: Right.

Sakurai: Well then, I should be getting to the customers…

Sakurai begins to leave in the direction of the others.

Kitashirakawa: Actually! I have… a favor to ask of you…

Sakurai: (Stops, turning back)…

Kitashirakawa: When we get back to Japan… I’d like to interview you.

Sakurai: Me? … But, why?

Kitashirakawa: I can’t write a story with just the protagonist alone, right? So, I want to interview you… the one who reminded me of what’s important.

[Duet]

Kitashirakawa: Filled with undecorated words

Like monthly novels

Full of overflowing feelings

And interspersed with silence

Everything felt like an incomplete story.

Naturally, I was overwhelmed by this miracle.

Although I’m clumsy,

I want to move forward as myself

And grow with the passing of the seasons.

Sakurai: Even if I unexpectedly remember sadness

I don’t want to forget how to smile.

Towards an unknown world,

I will not hesitate            when it’s time for that new journey.

Together: The story you write

I want to watch over it with kindness.

Using the words we believed in

Together, we can pass on

Our new story that starts now.

 Scene 18: Versailles (Gardens)

After the song, the hotel area of the stage rises to reveal the fantasy-like gardens of Versailles. Meeting again at long last, Louis and Diana embrace each other. Nearby, Petit Louis and Munon watch them happily.

Kitashirakawa, embarrassed, offers his hand to Sakurai. The two leave hand in hand, with Louis, Diana, Petit Louis, and Munon watching after them. The curtain falls.

The end.

[thisdaynews]

Women's World Cup: England beat Japan to finish top of Group D

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Women's World Cup: England beat Japan to finish top of Group D

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England beat Japan 2-0 to top their group

England face a favourable draw in the Women’s World Cup last 16 after they beat 2011 winners Japan to finish top of Group D thanks to two Ellen White goals.

Lionesses boss Phil Neville seemingly took a gamble by making eight changes to the side that beat Argentina in the second group game.

But in White, who returned to the side, they have a finisher of real class as she scored her 30th and 31st England goals either side of the break from clever through balls.

England still stuttered playing out from the back against the 2015 finalists, who beat the Lionesses in the semi-finals four years ago.

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Kumi Yokoyama’s early 35-yard free-kick was tipped onto the bar by Karen Bardsley while Japan took control of midfield and peppered England’s goal as Neville’s side suffered another second-half dip.

But they could not find the decisive touch and finished second in the group, where they will now face the winners of Group E, which includes the Netherlands and Canada.

England will face a seemingly easier task – in the next round at least – as they travel to Valenciennes on Sunday to play a best third-placed team, which could be one of China, New Zealand, Cameroon, Chile or Thailand.

However, topping the group does leave England in the half of the draw containing hosts France and potentially the holders the USA.

Relive the action from Nice

Fixtures and BBC coverage

Stanway and Daly offer encouraging cameos to White’s starring role

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‘What a finish!’ – White scores England’s opener

England started their World Cup campaign well by winning their opening two games for the first time, yet there had been questions about their link play in attack with Fran Kirby starting in the number 10 position.

Georgia Stanway, who was making her first World Cup start, replaced the Chelsea forward but instantly looked at home by firing in two trademark shots, which were saved, before a clever through ball which allowed White to slot past Ayaka Yamashita.

White, who will link up with Stanway at Manchester City having joined the club last month, also scored the opening goal against Japan in England’s final group game of the 2011 World Cup, which they won before losing to France in the last eight.

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White gets the second England needed with a composed finish

Rachel Daly impressed despite starting in an unfamiliar role on the right wing in place of Nikita Parris.

While she is unlikely to replace the now Lyon forward in England’s last-16 game, she was full of running and complemented Lucy Bronze on England’s right-hand side.

White’s second came after Stanway’s replacement, Karen Carney, slipped the ball through for the forward’s third goal of the tournament.

It proved how important the 30-year-old will be as England aim to go one better than their third-place finish four years ago.

Japan take advantage of England’s ‘stand-still football’

In the first half, England impressed on the counter-attack and in the final third, but they still showed signs of struggling to play their way out from the back at times, and also yielded possession too easily after the break.

Neville has warned of playing ‘stand-still football’ before, and it almost cost them early on after Keira Wash gave the ball away, allowing Yokoyama to shoot over.

The Japanese forward was more accurate after eight minutes when her 35-yard free-kick was superbly tipped onto the bar by Bardsley, who returned to the side after missing out against Argentina.

Japan, who lost 3-0 to England in the SheBelieves Cup in March, were often more inventive in midfield, but lacked the cutting edge that England offered.

Substitute Yuika Sugasawa twice came closest to an equaliser, firstly when she stretched to meet a left-wing cross but poked inches wide with Bardsley struggling to cover.

Bardsley then made a superb last-ditch save to deny Sugasawa once more.

Although England will need to tighten up in midfield, and have plenty to work on, in White and Bardsley they at least have two players at the most important ends of the pitch on top form.

Player of the match – Ellen White (England)

Three shots, two on target and two goals – an exceptional display from the England forward. Goalkeeper Karen Bardsley deserves a mention because her superb keeping kept Japan at bay.

‘A few players got a little tired’

England manager Phil Neville on BBC Radio 5 Live:“The objective before the game was to win the game, get the three wins and top the group – we’ve done that.

“We needed this game I think to have a different test and we got that. Some of our play in the first half was fantastic, but in the second half a few of the players that maybe hadn’t played as much got a little bit tired. But it’s job done and we’re looking forward to the last 16.

“We don’t need to do much work [on our sloppy passing] we just need to take care with our simple passes and need to keep it tight. My experienced players Stephanie Houghton, Lucy Bronze and Karen Bardsley did well and Ellen White is banging them in so it’s a happy house.

“[White and Jodie Taylor] have scored four goals between them in three games. I love it when my centre-forwards are scoring goals.”

Japan coach Asako Takakura:“England are a very good team, very powerful. Their attack was very quick and we were trying to respond to that. We conceded a goal in the first half because of an error, and then we backed off a little because of that.

“But in the second half we did manage to gain our composure but unfortunately we couldn’t score. Then, again, England scored. We managed to get through to the knockout stage and the things we should do have been defined in our past matches.”

Scott equals Shilton’s record – stats

England, who now progress as Group D winners, have won all three of their group stages matches at the Women’s World Cup for the first time.

England have now won each of their five final group stage games at the Women’s World Cup – the Lionesses are the only side to have played at multiple tournaments and maintain a 100% win ratio.

Japan have lost a group stage match at the Women’s World Cup for the first time in six games, since they also lost to England 2-0 in 2011. However, the Japanese went on to win that tournament, beating the USA on penalties in the final.

Only Fara Williams (five) has netted more Women’s World Cup goals for England than White, whose second goal this evening was her fourth for the Lionesses in World Cups.

Jill Scott equalled Peter Shilton’s record for the most appearances by an England player in Fifa World Cup matches (17).

Including the eight they made tonight, England have made 12 changes to their starting XI at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, the most of any nation at the competition so far.

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