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ririya-translates · 1 year ago

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Kai Mutsumi's Short Story

For Kai's birthday, September 23rd, I translated his short story from the official Jack Jeanne website. They were all written by Shin Towada, the main writer of Jack Jeanne who worked closely with Ishida in creating the world. Concept art by Lownine (who I mistakenly referred to a Ronin before). Spoilers are minimal since it takes place before the first performance.

From a thick tree trunk, countless outstretched branches and leaves blocked out the light from the sky. Moss carpeted over its roots as the the fern leaves swayed up and down, still clinging with moisture despite an absence of rain. "….." On that shaded mountain, one person lingered as if melting into the silence. This person was Kai Mutsumi, although most people just called him Kai. Rather than following the cheeping songs of birds, his eyes remained fixed on the scenery. He stood in place like the trees, their roots stretched deep into the earth over tens, even hundreds, of years to mark the passage of time.

In ancient times, Mount Oodate came to be an object of religious worship. While once considered a sacred mountain separate from the human realm, it presently stood as the backdrop for Univeil Drama School. In an unimagined turn of events, it now ushered in crowds of people for the brilliantly captivating performances.

Kai was also a student, entering into his final year. He was part of the Quartz class. Their class theme was 'transparency' since many were unexperienced actors who had yet to fully develop their true colours. Kai was like that once too. "…Start of classes, hmm" It was spring. A fresh group of students had just enrolled in the Quartz class. ― How are this year's new students looking in your eyes, Kai? The words flashed clearly through his mind. It was only natural since they were from just a bit earlier that day.

The one asking was Kokuto Neji. He had a unique background as the Quartz class lead as well as the script writer and a performer. He was responsible for many aspects of setting their stage and was a man of immense talent, but had some strong peculiarities. The eyes behind his glasses were always seeking out things of interest. Today was no different. Kai closed his eyes to the remember the conversation with Neji.

"What I see in the first-years?" "Yes! I'm curious how the determined attempts of these baby birds to fly in the Newcomers' Performance look in your eyes." Did he have a reason for asking this or was it just on a whim? Regardless, Kai knew that trying to resist him would just be a waste of time. He surveyed the first-year students while sorting his thoughts. (Those three…) His eyes stopped on the three first-years who had grouped up and seemed to be discussing something. The one who attracted notice everywhere through his brightness was Suzu Orimaki. Another who was reserved, but listened intently to everyone else with a face of careful consideration, was Soushiro Yonaga. And finally, standing between the two of them, was the one speaking with the sincere expression ― "Ah, they're fascinating, those guys." The sharp-eyed Neji adjusted his glasses and looked at them. "When starting here, it's easy for people to have the mentality of 'I'm number one! Get outta the way, classmates!' But those three are always together. For better or worse, they stand out." Excitement spread to the corners of Neji's lips. "Well anyways, whether it would bring us good luck or bad…" The eyes deep behind the glasses looked over the new students as if appraising them. "…Don't put on an act to try to test them," Kai warned. "Hey! You think I have that kinda free time? I only use use my time for creating the best performance possible!" "…." "Ohh, is that a look of concern I see? Can't you trust me, Jack Ace?" Neji's words triggered an unconscious grimace. At Univeil Drama School where both male and female roles were played by male students, male roles were called Jacks and female roles were called Jeannes. Being blessed with a tall stature, strong physical ability, and sincere acting talent, Kai was given the lead role among Jacks: the Jack Ace. Next to the lead Jeanne, known as the Al Jeanne, they formed the face of the class. But unlike the current Al Jeanne, Sarafumi Takashina, Kai never adjusted to the title. "I will always be just a vessel." A vessel was meant for the purpose of making the Al Jeanne flower radiate even more brilliantly. He was the shadow to contrast Sarafumi Takashina's sparkle. Kai felt that this was his role. And the one who put Kai in this position was the same Kokuto Neji. "Are you unsatisfied with something?" "…No." There was nothing unsatisfying about supporting Fumi. Kai felt fully determined to dedicate himself to the Quartz class with every ounce of his ability. That being said, he felt a painfully large disparity between himself and the title of Jack Ace. He was well aware of the amount of talent Fumi possessed in order to be an Al Jeanne ever since joining the school.

Kai looked again towards the trio of first-years. He felt a twinge of jealousness seeing them standing as equals as they seriously discussed their acting. However, he was unsure when their equilibrium would be thrown off balance. "Hmm, I wonder who will show results at the Newcomers' Performance."

Wind blew past carrying the scent of greenery and rustle of leaves. Kai opened his eyes and calmly observed the drizzle of sunlight falling through the trees. The blinding light emitted at Univeil from people pursuing their dreams was at times too brilliant for Kai's eyes to bear. For that reason, he surrounded himself in nature where he could be his honest self. He took in a breath. (…I'll just do what is required of me). With this thought in mind, right as he was about to close his eyes, something white suddenly appeared in the corner of his vision. "…? Ahh…" Once he got a better look through the gaps in the fern leaves, he saw a white weasel peeking its face out. It shot a glance at Kai then dashed off down the mountain. A number of wild animals lived on Mount Oodate. But out of all of them, the weasel was said to be the most important to the mountain worshippers. That being said, they almost never approached people but… "Whoa!" He heard a voice from the behind the corner where the white weasel had just disappeared. "That voice is…" Kai headed in the voice's direction. On the other end was one of his juniors, a person from the first-year trio. Compared to Suzu Orimaki, Soushiro Yonaga and the rest, he had a smaller frame and no Adam's apple. It was as if he hadn't been made to experience puberty. The white weasel began to affectionately circle around the student's feet. After enjoying this for a while, perhaps satisfied, it left with a leap. After watching it move out of sight, the first-year opened his script. It was probably the script for the Newcomers' Performance. He made a complicated expression as he stared intently at the same page. Maybe something wasn't coming together. Having big eyes on a delicate and petite frame was a valuable asset for boys performing as women at Univeil. Naturally, it was assumed he would be living as Jeanne from here on. (But…) Seeing such passion for the stage slip out on this student's face, Kai felt a strength that wasn't just limited to being a Jeanne. Jack Ace and Al Jeanne candidates were generally chosen during the first year. Those with talent had something different that set them apart from the beginning. For Kai's grade, Fumi was one of these people. In that case, this first-year might… "…? Oh, Kai! Great practice today!" After possibly noticing Kai's gaze, the younger student popped up his head. A particularly soft air brushed across Kai's cheek. He had come here to be alone, but he felt a relaxing atmosphere even with his junior here. Kai opened his mouth and said, "If there something you don't get, we can practice together."

#jack jeanne #jackjeanne #otome game #translation #kai mutsumi #hbd mountain man

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