Madara's FS2 4* - Winter, in the Street Corners of Paris
Characters: Madara, Shu
Season: Winter
Shu: Mm… Yaawn...
(Perhaps it’s from pulling an all-nighter, or perhaps it’s burnout from finishing my deliveries, but it seems I’ve been fast asleep until the afternoon)
(Fortunately, I have plenty of time to spare until I must work again. So as to maintain perfection when working, I ought to rest properly)
(Perhaps I could relax with a stroll—)
Madara: Excuse meeee!!! ☆
Shu: Gyoh!? M-mikejima….!? What in good heavens brought you here!?
Do not bother me! Leave this instant! I do not want to have a barbarian such as you stampeding upon my atelier!
Madara: Ahaha! This banter is so nostalgic! (1)
Didn’t we have a similar exchange back in Yumenosaki? If I’m not wrong, it was during Steamp—
Shu: Non! I have no intentions of taking a trip down memory lane with you!
You must have some business with me, right? Make it brief.
Madara: Business, huh. And if “no” was my answer?
Shu: …………
Madara: Sorry, sorry! I was just joking, you don’t have to glare at me all scary like that!
Basically, Leo-san needed something from me.
Shu: Tsukinaga did…?
Madara: Yep. Apparently he’s been taking good care of a pen case that he borrowed from you.
So much so in fact that he accidentally left behind the case’s stationary in this atelier.
Shu: He’d only taken a pen case? Well, I suppose he is dexterous.
And that’s it? You came all the way to Paris just for Tsukinaga?
Madara: Nah, I already had some work here in Europe, so I’m just dropping by.
Shu: “Dropping by”? No matter how trivially you say it, Europe’s not a place you can just casually travel through.
Either way, Tsukinaga’s forgotten belongings are not here.
I had to send some luggage to the Starmony Dorms the other day, and I crammed in similar items as well. It’s probably all the way over there now.
Good grief, why must everyone forget every little thing here? If they want to spend time overseas, perhaps consider bringing in some caution alongside?
Madara: Mmhm. Since both language and culture are different, the way to do things here are bound to contrast with Japan’s. There’s no harm in being attentive.
But also this atelier’s got such a homely feeling to it, it really calms you down. Maybe that’s why everyone’s losing their belongings here ♪
Shu: I'm not happy to hear that. This place isn’t a playground.
Seems to me that you’ve been on a fool’s errand. Are you departing Paris after this?
Madara: Nah. I’ve got time until my flight, so I’m planning on relaxing ‘til then.
….Hmm? Why’re you dressing up?
Are you going out? If so, please allow me to join you ☆
Shu: I refuse. I cannot relax when I’m near you.
Madara: Now now, don’t say that! A journey is not just about the companions you have, but the people you care for along the way! (2) Having a friend is better than none…♪
<one hour later>
Shu: …Seems like there’s a weekend flea market going on.
Madara: Ooh, quite the Parisian spectacle!
As you may or may not know, Paris is the one and only homeland for flea markets.
It supposedly originates from many apparently flea-infested second-hand goods being sold in these markets!
Shu: I’m aware even without your quips, so please refrain from spouting such things. Just thinking about it makes my back itch.
Plus, that isn’t the only theory regarding its origin.
I personally prefer the theory that it comes from the saying that “there is enjoyment found in taking the the time needed to search for treasure in the same way one would search for a flea”.
Madara: Enjoyment found in taking the time to search for things, huh. Truly, it must come from the exceptional feeling of accomplishment that comes with finding that rare piece of treasure.
….Oh myyy? Something’s already caught my eye!
This ceramic pot would be perfect for displaying plants ☆
Shu: Hm. Is gardening a hobby of yours?
Madara: I wouldn’t quite call it a “hobby”.
I’m not sure who started it, but my dorm room’s filled with plants, so I like bringing in some new ones from time to time.
“Excuse me, shopkeeper-san! I’d like to buy this pot—”
Shu: (....Ooh, looks like his constant traveling has lent him a rather good grasp on French)
(The real thrill of flea markets is the haggling. You must put your negotiation skills to its truest test….)
<ten minutes later>
Madara: —Thanks for waiting, Shu-san!
Sorry for how long it took. I really hit it off with the shopkeeper. Before I knew it, we’d already talked for so long!
Shu: It’s alright. It’s good that your negotiations went well.
It is of no concern to me what happens to you, however. But it would be a shame to watch an acquaintance get blatantly ripped off.
Madara: Ah, so you were worrying about me. Thank you Shu-san, you’re a nice soul…♪
Shu: Don’t misunderstand. I simply do not want to feel unpleasant.
Madara: Even then, that makes me happy to hear ♪
My haggling went great, so let me treat you to something as thanks for waiting.
Tell me aaall about the specialties you’d recommend, Shu-san… ☆
Shu: Hmm… How about marron chauds— roasted chestnuts, then?
It’s a winter specialty that you can find sold all around the city during the season.
Madara: Sounds good! I’m sure it’ll warm us up.
I can smell something fragrant over there, let’s go eat!
---
TL Notes:
Shu’s lines aimed at Madara here is basically a 1-1 replica of a similar exchange in Steampunk Museum, which Madara tries to mention right after
Good old Madara idioms :] the original is 道連れ世は情け which doesn’t have an eng equivalent afaik? So I just used a shortened version of the meaning
This isn't proofread and was done in one go so feel free to correct me on anything!
