Part 2: The Senju Residence
Ramona: To think there was such a magnificent mansion in Ueno…
Hikari: Woah! Itʼs so spacious! And so beautiful! And I think I can sense the smell of wood!
Ramona: Look, everyone! Thereʼs an engawa*! And stone lanterns, too! Itʼs a real traditional Japanese home!..
Xue: You two have no shame, being so loud when you’re guests…
Lilja: Itʼs very clean here. You have a beautiful house, Koyomi.
Koyomi: Thank you.
Ramona: But is this really okay? I mean, the four of us suddenly showing up…
Koyomi: Well, yes. I’ve explained that we are going to rehearse for the next play, so there should be no problem.
Ramona: Guess, we should try to contain ourselves so as not to cause any trouble. But first, I’d love to take a peek at that wonderful garden…
Koyomi: Please, feel free to do so. I’ve been told that today we aren’t expecting any other guests.
Iroha: Ah! The girls from Gingaza! You’re here already! Nice to see you.
Hikari: Iroha-san! So this is what your home is like.
Iroha: Yes! Everyone got so nervous, when they heard that you were coming!
Xue: Nervous?
Lilja: Everyone, you say?
Iroha: I mean Hikawa and the other attendants! They’ve been eager to meet Xue-chan, ever since they learned of her hot pot…
Hikawa: Very much so. The rumors of the friendship hotpot party have been going around for a while now. We would love to have you taste our cooking, Xue-sama.
Xue: Oh?..
Hikawa: Today I, Hikawa, and our chef Hayashi along with the other attendants of the Senju household will put our skills to test and entertain you with our hospitality.
Iroha: Chef Hayashi’s dishes are delicious! This morning she seemed very enthusiastic, so, please, look forward to dinner!
Xue: A-alright.
Lilja: So, are we expecting a cooking duel between Xue and chef Hayashi tonight?
Hikari: Are we?! Then we’ll be the jury!
Koyomi: You must be kidding… Um, Iroha-san.
Iroha: Ah! Right! Well then, good luck with your practice, everyone!
Ramona: Yeah, thanks.
Hikawa: Now, please, let me show you to the rehearsal hall.
Hikawa: Here’s our rehearsal hall. If there’s something you need, please, don’t hesitate to ask.
Lilja: Thank you.
Xue: Everything possible is provided… Being taken care of like this makes me feel slightly uncomfortable.
Lilja: It’s fine once in a while, isn’t it? It seems the attendants themselves are glad to be of help.
Koyomi: Yes. I asked them to act on a less-is-more principle, but they got quite excited about meeting Gingaza members.
Koyomi: If there’s anything you find discourteous, please, let me know.
Ramona: I canʼt imagine there being such a problem.
Ramona: But likewise, please, correct me if I happen to disrupt Japanese etiquette in some way.
Hikari: Um, Koyomi-san, are you and Iroha-san the only ones to use this huge rehearsal hall?
Koyomi: Well, yes. The previous generations of my family used to practice here, but nowadays Iʼm the one who uses it most of the time.
Koyomi: Iroha-san usually practices with Denki members, so I suppose she’s willing to let me occupy it.
Hikari: Wow!~ So thatʼs where you hone your fantastic acting skills!
Ramona: …
Ramona: (Right, this is where Koyomi…)
Ramona: “Yes, Fahai-sama. Please, accept my deepest apologies. I was chasing the young man we met earlier, but unfortunately I lost track of him...”
Xue: Germany? Whatʼs that all of a sudden?!
Lilja: Your line from the next play?
Hikari: Have you memorized the script already?!
Ramona: S-sorry. Itʼs just… I couldnʼt wait to see what it felt like to practice here.
Koyomi: “I see. Did you notice where he was heading?”
Ramona: Koyomi!..
Koyomi: Hey, the next line is yours.
Ramona: W-wait a moment, please, Iʼll get the script.
Hikari: Me too!
Xue: Heh, looks like our theatre idiots canʼt wait to get started.
Lilja: Even though you say that, youʼve opened the script too, so youʼre no different.
Xue: Yeah. I canʼt just stare at them all day, can I? You too, Finland, hurry up and join in.
TL note
* Engawa is a strip of non-tatami-matted flooring in Japanese architecture, often finished in wood or bamboo, that exists between the periphery of the Japanese house and the garden.