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.

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Pub: 10 Sep 2024 19:20 UTC
Edit: 04 Nov 2024 14:44 UTC
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