Bear
Cast
Popova: Kathrina Griebel
Smirnov: Shizuka
Act One -
One day, the landowner Smirnov visited Popova's house to collect a debt repayment.
Popova had lost her husband seven months earlier, and the debt in question was one that her husband had made.
But she was still caught up in her feelings, and apparently continued to live shut away inside her house.
Understanding Popova's feelings, he did not want to press for repayment.
Those were his true feelings, but he had his own circumstances that did not allow for that.
He needed to pay interest to the agricultural bank, so he could not wait any longer.
"I don't have the money on hand, so come back another time."
That was what Popova said to Smirnov when he came to the house.
"That won't do. I'll have my estate confiscated."
"Then make it the day after tomorrow. I can prepare the money by then."
"No. Please return it right now."
Their unyielding argument continued.
But gradually, the argument's focus began to shift.
Act Two -
"You don't know how to speak to a lady. You must be uneducated, ill mannered, and completely unacquainted with virtue."
"And you are heartless, nothing but a pretentious snob putting on airs. Besides, compared to women, men are more sincere and don't change their hearts."
Before they knew it, the two were arguing about values between men and women.
"Men are more sincere? That can't be true! My husband deceived me with the most shameless methods! After he died, I found so many love letters in his desk drawer! All the men in this world are equally vulgar, boorish bears! You included, of course."
"A boorish bear! I can't stand this anymore! I won't forgive insults from anyone!"
"Boorish! Sluggard! Snot nose! Blockhead!"
"That's just plain name calling now! You...I won't show any mercy now!"
The enraged Smirnov challenged Popova to a pistol duel.
"I accept that duel! I'm going to get a pistol now, so prepare yourself and wait!"
Act Three -
Popova left for a room upstairs in high spirits.
While Smirnov waited for her, he was seized by a certain doubt.
(She accepted a duel risking her life? And her opponent was a man? Was she in her right mind?)
Smirnov had never seen such a bold and valiant woman as Popova before.
Her actions were undoubtedly robbing Smirnov of his composure.
Then she returned.
"I brought it! But before we start the duel, teach me one thing. How do I fire this?"
Popova did not even know how to fire a pistol!
Surprised, Smirnov desperately tried not to let his agitation show.
"First hold it like this, then cock the hammer, and press here with this finger...huh!?"
(W-What beautiful blonde hair! I've never seen such beautiful blonde hair before!)
He desperately tried not to let his agitation show.
"Huh. You have an unexpectedly kind side to you."
(W-What clear eyes! I've never seen such clear eyes before!)
"Now then, time for the duel! You raise your pistol too!"
"..."
"What's wrong? Don't tell me you're getting cold feet?"
"It seems I've fallen in love with you."
Act Four -
"...Huh? What are you saying? Hurry up and raise it or I'll shoot!"
"Yes. Go ahead and shoot. How happy I would be to be shot while being gazed at by those innocent eyes."
Saying this, Smirnov walked toward Popova.
"D-Don't come closer! I hate you!"
"I've been abandoned by many women, but I've never experienced love like this. I love you and seek your hand."
"I'm angry...so don't...come near me."
Smirnov quietly embraced those slender shoulders.
Popova, her face flushing, silently accepted it.
"Will you become my wife?"
"I said I hate you...you're probably just-"
With her lips sealed, those words never came from Popova's mouth.
You're probably just-a boorish bear anyway.
Aftertalk -
Kathrina Griebel
...
Shizuka
Kathrina? You're sweating a lot, what's wrong?
Kathrina Griebel
It can't be helped...I was just on stage until now.
Shizuka
The heat still hasn't cooled down, is that it?
Kathrina Griebel
Yes...that's right.
Shizuka
...
Kathrina Griebel
...
Shizuka
Kathrina? Your face is red, do you have a fever?
Kathrina Griebel
Don't make me say it again. I was on stage until just now.
Shizuka
The afterglow of the kiss we exchanged still hasn't cooled down, is that it?
Kathrina Griebel
Yes...that's right.
Shizuka
...
Kathrina Griebel
Huh!?
Kathrina Griebel
N-N-N-No! That was a mistake just now! I was just spacing out for a moment! Don't get any weird ideas!
Shizuka
Kathrina has a cute side to her too. smirk
Kathrina Griebel
I said it's not like that! And stop smirking!!