Hi! Thank you very much for your translations! Lld are so interesting, I'm glad there's someone that is translating they're voice drama
I even wanted to ask if you perhaps have translated "Think of me: nothing" i can't find anything and before reading deja vù I wanted to read/listen the previous drama voices
hi! thank you for the kind words, im glad ur interested in their story!
currently, Nothing is being translated by @/amertsi here on tumblr, their translations are up on their blog, do check them out and give them some love! 🫶
[Loulou*di S3V4 L 3-20] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:DEJA VU Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
(Rui knocks on the door.)
Rui: Toki-bou. Is it alright if I come in?
(Rui enters the room.)
Rui: (draws the curtain) You’re awake.
Toki: …
Rui: (rifling through a wardrobe) Shall we go with these clothes for today? Or would you rather these? No, let’s just go with the set that’s hanging over there. Once, Ageha praised you when you wore it, and you seemed pleased by that.
(Rui walks over to Toki’s bed.)
Rui: Toki-bou. Can you sit up?
Toki: …
Rui: Allow me. (lifts Toki) … You’ve gotten a little lighter. I’ll propose to the medical team to revise your nutrition management. But before that, let’s get you changed. … Ah, we can’t forget about this–your stuffed bear. It’s something important to you, isn’t it? I’ll leave it by your hand.
(The door opens from behind.)
Ageha: How disgusting.
Rui: Ageha. Were you watching again?
Ageha: Are you saying that I have a sick hobby? That’s rich coming from a man who plays with dolls.
Rui: You told me to look after Toki-bou. I’ll stop doing it if you tell me to do so.
Ageha: … Do whatever you want.
(Ageha leaves.)
Rui: …Toki-bou, you dropped this. … Right now, you may not be that much different from me. (to himself) My true wish, huh…?
Toki: … hm…
Rui: Toki-bou. Toki-bou, are you alright?
Toki: … Rui-san?
Rui: Good morning, Toki-bou.
Toki: Why are you… in my room? And these clothes…
Rui: It may be our off day, but it’s not healthy to lay in bed all the time. And I came here to help you get changed.
Toki: Our off day… is when we don’t have work. Rui-san, was I a burden?
Rui: Nothing of the sort. With the Music Awards coming up, our schedules have been adjusted to accommodate some time for rest.
Toki: How about Ageha-san…?
Rui: If you’re asking where he is, he should be in the living room. He mentioned that he needed to do some final touches to prepare for the performance.
Toki: Then… What should I do?
Rui: You… should do as you like.
Toki: What I like…?
Rui: … The weather’s pleasant today. It would be nice to step out for a walk.
-
(Rui and Toki enter a shop)
Rui: We visited this patisserie before.
Toki: Hm? No, I’ve never been here before.
Rui: I see. The company finances this establishment. There’s nobody else in this shop except for us. Go ahead and pick whatever desserts you like.
Toki: Desserts I… like?
Rui: … It says here that their recommendation is the seasonal fruit tart.
Toki: Should we pick that?
Rui: No, we don’t have to make a decision right now. Let’s take a look at the rest. They have other kinds of desserts aside from tarts.
Toki: There’s too many to choose from.
Rui: Which seems good to you?
Toki: What about you, Rui-san?
Rui: Hm?
Toki: Which is your favorite out of everything here?
Rui: … The sachertorte from here… was something Ageha once took a liking to.
Toki: Ageha-san did? … What are these over here?
Rui: That’s an opera cake.
Toki: Both seem to suit Ageha-san.
Rui: The shortcake over here seems to be something that you would like the look of. It might appear simplistic, but the soft white stands out in a vibrant showcase.
Toki: … You’re right.
Rui: Let’s go with that for our first pick.
Toki: But… Why are we buying it? Today’s our off day, so it’s not like we would need it for a shoot.
Rui: The purpose is for us to take it back to the dorm to eat.
Toki: Eh?
Rui: But… If you’re asking why we’re buying cake, or even for a more basic explanation, then I myself don’t really understand.
Toki: You don’t understand, but you still purposely come all the way here?
Rui: Yes. Just that… When I was still living with my family, I often did this kind of thing with my younger brothers. At the time, I didn’t understand what my brothers were excited about, but the look on their faces is something that I suddenly recalled.
Toki: Really…
Rui: If… you want a goal that you can accomplish as part of Loulou*di, after we buy the cakes, shall we invite Ageha to have tea with us to talk about it?
Toki: That sounds like a good idea.
Rui: Great. Then, let’s choose the next cake. I’ll let Ageha know that you were the one who picked it out for him.
Toki: Got it.
-
Rui: We’re back.
Ageha: Rui. Where the hell were you?
Rui: The patisserie the company is partnered with.
Ageha: And you took him with you?
Toki: …
Rui: There was no one but us in the shop. The risk was at the minimum, so there’s nothing to worry about.
Ageha: Wouldn’t it be nice if that were the case.
Rui: We bought some cakes. Do you want to have tea?
Ageha: Tea…? You must be joking. You’re asking me to have a tea party at such a busy time like this? The two of you can do whatever you like with just yourselves.
Rui: Toki-bou chose a cake for you.
Ageha: Toki did…?
Rui: Yes.
Ageha: … (sighs) 30 minutes. After that, I’m gone.
Rui: Alright. I’ll prepare the tea. Toki-bou, lay out the dishes and the cakes.
Toki: Yes, understood.
Rui: Something like this happened before. Toki-bou also picked out a dessert for you and the three of us ate together. Do you remember?
Ageha: Me, doing something like that? Rui, could you keep your sick fantasies to yourself?
Rui: Did you forget, Ageha?
Ageha: What?
Rui: I’m asking if you forgot.
Ageha: … Shut up and eat.
Rui: Sure.
(The three of them eat quietly.)
Rui: Toki-bou, how is it?
Toki: Yes, it’s delicious.
Rui: That’s good. Is the tea enough for you?
Toki: Yes, it’s enough.
Ageha: You can drop the diligent butler act now. Do you genuinely want to play house with dolls that much?
Rui: You told me to look after Toki-bou. I’m simply following your instructions.
Ageha: …tch.
Rui: …
Ageha: … You look like you have something to say.
Rui: No, it’s nothing. You’re always in the right.
Ageha: In the right…? Are you the one that decides whether what I do is right or wrong?
Rui: That wasn’t what I meant.
Ageha: I wonder. Are you trying to judge me for putting you in charge of Toki?
Rui: Ageha, calm down. Don’t exert yourself. It’s not good for you.
Ageha: … What’s good for me…? What the hell do you even know about me?
Rui: Ageha, I–
Ageha: Are you trying to say you understand me? Bastard who doesn’t even know the meaning of righteous… What do you think you’re trying to pull?!
(Ageha shoves some crockery off the table and breaks them.)
Rui: Ageha.
Ageha: … Do you doubt the Loulou*di I aim for?
Rui: I wouldn’t dream of it.
Ageha: Are you unhappy that Toki turned out like this?!
Rui: Do you intend to kill me… with those hands of yours?
Ageha: (starts to strangle Rui) Are you testing me? I’m not reversing a single criterion for grabbing you by the neck.
Rui: It seems like you wouldn’t… There’s not a drop of strength in your fingers.
Ageha: Strength…? I’ll show you, dammit…! (strangles Rui further) Putting on a poker face and agreeing to everything I say, when deep down you’re laughing at me, right? You’re thinking that the path I aspire towards is nothing but a mistake!
Rui: The thought has never once crossed my mind.
(Rui grabs Ageha.)
Ageha: Let me go!
Rui: You’re not mistaken.
Ageha: Ah, you’re right, I’m not mistaken! For me… For Toki… In this world, those that fall from the stage lose, no matter the reason. Even Toki knows that! That’s why he chose this. He reveres the path I chose for him!
Rui: Calm down, Ageha. You’re agitating your body.
Ageha: I told you I don’t need your concern! If you wish to see me suffer so badly, then wipe that look off your face!
Rui: ‘Wish’...?
Ageha: Agitating my body? So what? No matter what happens, I will never fall from the stage. I’ll scale to the same peak Chihiro did, I’ll surpass him, I’ll prove to the world the human that I am!
Rui: Ageha, you–
Ageha: Move!
(Ageha shoves Rui and grabs Toki.)
Toki: …
Ageha: Toki. Toki!
Rui: Ageha, stop. Toki-bou is–!
Ageha: Listen up, Toki! I couldn’t care less if you’re a doll or anything else, but I’m sick of having our activities halted. Just why do you even want to be an idol, huh? Forget all you want, but don’t you ever forget the scum who made you like this. Do not forget your hatred! If you forget your hatred, then you would never know of happiness. Your happiness is with Loulou*di. No matter what happens, don’t you ever forget that!
Toki: Yes, Ageha-san.
Ageha: Don’t let yourself be taken over. I won’t forgive you if you die. You came so far and chose to be with Loulou*di. That will of yours… is what I will acknowledge.
Toki: Yes, Ageha-san.
Ageha: Don’t yield to anything or anyone else but me. Whatever your reason to live, wherever you want to set your sights on, I will never abandon you. Whatever I told you that day, make sure to etch them onto your heart.
Toki: Yes, Ageha-san.
Ageha: You’re not a vessel to be unjustly oppressed and trampled on. You’re an irreplaceable member who will never become a failure and who chose to fight. You were placed in a unit suited to you, as a human suited for Loulou*di. Not just anyone… but I, myself, will acknowledge that.
Toki: …
Ageha: What do you think? Who… are you?
Toki: I am… Sakurai Toki… of Loulou*di.
Ageha: Ah, I see. That’s good. Then, everything…
Toki: … (collapses)
Rui: (rushes over) Toki-bou, are you alright?
Toki: Rui-san, why are you asking something like that? I’m happy. Ageha-san acknowledges me. Rui-san is holding my hand. I’m needed, I’m loved by the people I treasure… By the both of you, by the fans. If I can be an existence befitting of Loulou*di, then I’ll always, always, forever…
Rui: That’s… Is that what you truly wish for? …Ageha.
Ageha: Rui. Follow me until the very end.
Rui: The very end… Ageha, I…
Ageha: Will you take my hand? Or will you reject it? What will you do?
Rui: I didn’t have a choice to reject your hand to begin with. There was never such a choice.
Ageha: (laughs) Rui. Toki. Listen carefully. We will never let the world of Loulou*di be tainted, nor expose its hideous state. I will never forgive anything that betrays the fans. We’re professional idols. We have always been, and we will always be. We’ll continue to wager our lives upon this stage. We will never let ourselves be swallowed by the will of the flowers. We’ll come out on top and stand proud and perfect on the stage until the very end. The time has come. Finally, the Music Awards…!
Rui: The words ‘to wager our lives’... in an era where there are plenty of expressions to mean the same thing, the words Ageha said didn’t lose their gravity, and were not things to speak of lightly. Just what is an ‘idol’? Why do we sing? Why do we talk about dreams? Like an imperfect human to take one step closer to becoming a perfect god, the flowers free us from our distortions and our abnormalities. But even as we carry on with our lives as we rightfully should, if we can become normal humans, then will we be able to see through all the deception…? Will I finally be able to know my true wish…?
(End of Hana-Doll Think of Me:DEJA VU (Season 3, Volume 4 of Loulou*di))
[Loulou*di S3V4 L 3-19] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:DEJA VU Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
Rui: (sighs) My… true wish?
(Rui suddenly winces in pain.)
Ryoga: (runs over) Hey, you okay?
Rui: You’re… Kagekawa Ryoga from Anthos*.
Ryoga: Looks like we meet again, Rui. But that aside, is there something wrong with your chest?
Rui: Why do you ask?
Ryoga: What do you mean ‘why’? You’re clutching it like it hurts and you’re shaking like a leaf. Maybe you should go get checked by the medical–
Rui: That won’t be necessary.
Ryoga: Really? Well, if you insist, then I won’t force you. By yourself today?
Rui: Ageha is upstairs.
Ryoga: Ah, with President Amagiri? Speaking of which, last time Ageha went to see the president by himself too. Are you always staying behind to watch the house?
Rui: Watching the house…?
Ryoga: !! My bad, that was a joke.
Rui: It’s nothing. I was just thinking about things.
Ryoga: Thinking about things, huh?
Rui: Hm?
Ryoga: Rui, is it okay if we chat for a bit?
Rui: If it’s until Ageha returns.
Ryoga: You really do cherish Ageha-san, don’t you? I’m the same, too. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect what I cherish. That’s why, lately all I’ve been thinking of is stupid things. Thanks to a bunch of people, Anthos* is now on the fast track, and we’re getting lots of jobs here and there. We’ve managed to put ourselves out there and be seen, and things look like they’ll go swimmingly at this rate… is what I thought, anyway.
Rui: Is that not how it is?
Ryoga: The change in environment is so drastic, it’s like my blood can’t catch up with my limbs. It’s a weird, uneasy feeling, but it seems like Loulou*di have already crossed that bridge. It made me think that you guys really are amazing seniors.
Rui: Is that so?
Ryoga: (laughs) What a typical response. I’m not saying those things because of being polite.
Rui: Then, what do you mean?
Ryoga: I mean that there are definitely more guys out there who couldn’t keep up and just threw in the towel than I thought. Anthos* has got to keep aiming forward so we don’t end up like that. That’s why… I was thinking that it’d be nice if I could get a little advice from a senior.
Rui: Advice?
Ryoga: A little while back, Setsuna said he got some advice from Ageha-san.
Rui: Yashiro Setsuna?
Ryoga: He wouldn’t tell me everything. ‘The enemy is not always lying in wait outside’--that’s what Setsuna said Ageha-san told him. Rui, do you know what that means?
Rui: The advice came from Ageha. I wouldn’t know the details.
Ryoga: Really?
Rui: Do you think I’m lying?
Ryoga: Not taking you for a liar, but you’re always close to Ageha, so I thought you might have some idea.
Rui: Did you think that simply by being by his side, I would be able to read his mind? Are you able to understand every one of Yuuki Mahiro’s thoughts?
Ryoga: … Ah, sorry. What I said was wrong.
Rui: It’s alright. I understand that what you said carelessly wasn’t something so flippant. There was a meaning to your words.
Ryoga: …Eh? H-hey, what do you mean that…?
Rui: A few words will become your will and turn into an action of impulse…
Ryoga: Rui? Sorry, did you catch what I said?
Rui: I don’t know Ageha’s true intentions of telling Yashiro Setsuna what he said. As for myself, I don’t think I can think of a piece of advice to give you.
Ryoga: O-oh…
Rui: Kagekawa Ryoga, do you have something you wish for?
Ryoga: …W-wish?
Rui: I don’t know myself. As Ageha said before, what exactly frightens you?
Ryoga: !! What are you–
Rui: This has nothing to do with me. This is about what’s on the other side of the wall that separates us, what’s beyond the boundary line between. But there are things that I am aware of. In this world, there exists things that are contradictory.
Ryoga: Contradictory?
Rui: The change you speak of is something framed by your own interpretation, but it’s not something that captures the truth.
Ryoga: What do you mean…?
Rui: Just like how the things are lost in translation, or how your interpretation of god changes depending on your belief, you can spend your whole life side by side, but you will still never become one and the same. Not as one existence.
Ryoga: Hold on, what are we talking about now?
Rui: The flower is delicate.
Ryoga: By flower, you mean… the ones inside us?
Rui: Kagekawa Ryoga. If you’re not prepared to rot together with Yuuki Mahiro, then wash your hands clean while you still can. The influence of the flower inside you is starting to show. Before that happens…
Ryoga: …Why? Why do you speak Hiro’s name? Hey, Rui. Did you do something to him?!
Rui: !!
Ryoga: S-sorry.
Rui: I’m not aware of anything. Just forget what I said.
Ryoga: Could it be that… you’re worried about me?
Rui: Sympathy…?
Ryoga: You said something?
Rui: No, it’s nothing. Let’s meet again at the music awards, in our best form. That is what Ageha hopes for. Which is why I decided to talk to you.
Ryoga: That wasn’t a warning to me?
Rui: Everything is for Ageha’s sake.
Ryoga: Rui, why do you hold onto Ageha-san that much?
Rui: Hold onto?
Ryoga: I believe that Ageha-san is someone amazing. But to you, his existence is so much more than that, isn’t it?
Rui: I…
(Both Rui and Ryoga receive notifications)
Rui: It seems we are being called.
Ryoga: Yeah. Looks like I’ve got to answer. I think we’ve got to call it here today.
Rui: So it seems.
Ryoga: I’m glad I got to talk to you. Then, until we meet again.
Rui: Likewise.
Ryoga: Rui. About our conversation… Whatever comes our way, I don’t intend to let go of Hiro’s hand. So that we’ll never lose each other ever again. That day, we made a promise to search for the truth together. Talking with you made me remember something important. Thanks for helping me make up my mind on my resolve.
(Ryoga leaves.)
Rui: I, too… if I have emotions for him, for Ageha… To let a man break and scatter while staying ignorant would be regrettable.
[Loulou*di S3V4 L 3-18] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:DEJA VU Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
(Staff member shouting.
Staff Member: Hold it right there! You cannot meet the president without an appointment! If you have matters to discuss, please come this way.
Ageha: Please get out of the way. There’s no point if it’s not with the president himself. Excuse me.)
Amagiri: Coming in without knocking is quite a disruption.
Staff Member: I apologize, President. I’ll escort him out as soon as possible.
Ageha: President Amagiri. Do you intend to send me away?
Amagiri: No, I’d never dream of it. Besides, I have something to discuss with you. It all works out. You may leave us.
Staff Member: U-Understood. Please excuse me.
(The staff member exits the room.)
Amagiri: Now then, did you come here by yourself?
Ageha: If you’re talking about Rui, I left him behind in the car. I don’t need him around to talk to you. Unless, you are dissatisfied with me?
Amagiri: You seem quite antsy today, Ageha.
Ageha: … Why?
Amagiri: ‘Why’ as in?
Ageha: Why did Loulou*di have to turn up on such a vulgar program? Please explain yourself.
Amagiri: You came all the way just to ask me that?
Ageha: That’s not a program at Loulou*di’s level.
Amagiri: Is that what you think?
Ageha: Yes. There’s no way that you wouldn’t have a clue on what suits Loulou*di the best. You’ve said it yourself. The one who belongs on the pedestal Chihiro built, the one who can pursue your ideal is none other than me, than Loulou*di. Then, why–
Amagiri: Ageha.
Ageha: !!
Amagiri: Why would you, then, be so rash?
Ageha: ‘Rash’...? A-ah… is this about the music channel?
Amagiri: It seems it was launched without my knowledge. Did you not think that I would take this as someone like you trying to bite off more than they can chew, without heeding authority?
Ageha: That’s…!
Amagiri: If you have a good reason, I’d like to hear it.
Ageha: That’s… because you’re too soft on that good-for-nothing. The opportunity offered to something that should have been long thrown away, should have gone to Loulou*di instead!
Amagiri: So you don’t have a good reason.
Ageha: I saw it fit for us to take the initiative. With the channel, even you would be able to truly perceive Loulou*di’s strength!
Amagiri: So you wanted to prove your strength by acting on your own.
Ageha: Don’t tell me you’re unhappy just because of this? Is that why you sent Loulou*di to appear on that program? As a punishment… to me?
Amagiri: A punishment. Is that how you see it?
Ageha: If I’m wrong, tell it to me straight. Say your thoughts out loud.
Amagiri: No, I’m just becoming aware of how you think of this, Ageha. Or perhaps you’re one of those obtuse humans who demand an explanation for every single little thing?
Ageha: Obtuse…? That word should be used on them. Those things are lightyears away from perfect, and yet why…?! President, are you purposefully turning a blind eye? I’m much more, I’ve always–
Amagiri: Ageha. I understand how you feel.
Ageha: You understand…? But, you–You still keep that good-for-nothing, Yuuki Mahiro, in your eyes! I’m here, so why do you…? Didn’t you say that you can label him a good-for-nothing, but you have nothing to erase the blood tying you to him?!
Amagiri: The one who turned a blind eye away since then wasn’t me, but you.
Ageha: Huh…?
Amagiri: I did warn you before to stay out of the affairs of Anthos*, didn’t I? I mentioned that they were pebbles on a pavement placed to make you stand out. Or did you forget about that?
Ageha: There’s no way that I would forget what you said. Every single word from you has no substitution for me.
Amagiri: Then you’re saying that you didn’t forget my warning, but willfully disobeyed it?
Ageha: Please stop saying it like that. President, I’m not the sort of person who would go against–
Amagiri: Ageha. With that incident, it seemed like you had the chance to have a little chat with Yashiro Setsuna.
Ageha: Yashiro… Setsuna? Did he… say anything to you?
Amagiri: Well, I’ll let it go this time, since I managed to gather some good data. For that, I’ll express my gratitude to you.
Ageha: Good data? From Yashiro Setsuna? I didn’t think that he could gather data that could satisfy you. He’s always been gloomy since we were still training, I could never tell what goes on in his mind.
Amagiri: I’m familiar with him. And placing him in Anthos* was my decision. The kind of person he was, the extent of his capabilities, they were all put into consideration when I made my choice.
Ageha: How would I know that he was up to your standards? It’s true that he was ranked as SS class, but he was always on his own, out of sight, just like air. I can’t think of something that he has that I don’t.
Amagiri: A harsh evaluation.
Ageha: By right, he shouldn’t even have debuted. There’s not an atom in his body that has the talent to stand in front of an audience. But after he was implanted with the seed, he took on the appearance of a ghost. Without that, I don’t think you would have chosen him at all.
Amagiri: You said it well. Before, both of you were the same, outstanding idols who swore to break boundaries of human knowledge and reach the perfect world, and pivotal pieces to help me achieve my goal.
Ageha: He’s that important of a piece… and you handed him over to Anthos*? No, that doesn’t make any sense. I can’t imagine that you would call Yuuki Mahiro useless and then give him such an advantage!
Amagiri: It appears that regardless of what I say, you would still think that I’m giving that thing special treatment.
Ageha: If I’m wrong, then just look at me.
(Ageha gets down)
Ageha: President Amagiri, I beg of you. Please accept me. I’ll become the form that you and Chihiro desire. I promise you! Not as an imitation, but as the real thing, a perfect existence! That was what I promised you, on that very day. That’s why… All of this means nothing if you can’t truly accept me.
Amagiri: So you’re kneeling and pleading for me. It seems like you too are another human born with sin.
Ageha: President…?
Amagiri: Ageha, listen carefully. Humans are living creatures that are born burdened with sin. We are unlike other living things who simply repeat the same instinctual motions like clockwork. We can think and we can birth a myriad of emotions. That is the sin that we humans are born with. And within that, there is still an emotion that is steeped deeply in sin. Do you know what that is?
Ageha: !!
Amagiri: It’s love. To love is to despair, Ageha.
Ageha: Love is… a sin?
Amagiri: A perfect existence is one without sin. Ageha, do you think that you can embody that?
Ageha: I don’t possess… an emotion like that.
Amagiri: Oh?
Ageha: I don’t need… that aggravating emotion. I only have… hatred.
Amagiri: Do you hate me, Ageha?
Ageha: It’s not towards you. The one I hate… You… Only for you, I would surpass human knowledge and aim for the perfect world… You needed me… you saved me… that’s why… I would… follow you…
Amagiri: You don’t seem to be well. Leave and go to the medical tower.
Ageha: President! I still–
Amagiri: I will notify the medical team. I should let Rui know as well.
Ageha: No, you don’t have to. I’ll be fine on my own.
Amagiri: Then, I look forward to your upcoming activities, Ageha.
(Ageha leaves the room.)
Amagiri: There’s a fine line between hatred and love…
(Someone knocks on the door.)
Amagiri: Come in.
Staff Member: Please excuse me. President, we have made arrangements for Karasuma Ageha’s purging.
Amagiri: Is that so?
Staff Member: I deeply apologize for letting him barge into your office.
Amagiri: Just make sure that there isn’t a next time.
Staff Member: Understood.
Amagiri: But, I should be thanking you. Let’s consider this a small victory.
Staff Member: The medical team has been informed of the case from the other day. Would you like to take a look at the archive?
Amagiri: There’s no need for that. Once everything is over, just clean it up nice and thoroughly.
Staff Member: Heard loud and clear. I’ll take my leave now.
(Staff member leaves.)
Amagiri: Ageha, you’ve done well. With all my thanks, I shall prepare the greatest stage, just for you.
[Loulou*di S3V4 L 3-17] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:DEJA VU Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
Rui: Toki-bou.
Toki: Ageha-san, Rui-san, good morning.
Ageha: Ah, good morning, Toki. Did you hear from the medical team?
Toki: Yes. The medical staff will be coming along just in case.But I think it’s a bit much, since we’re only gonna promote one song for the music program. … Rui-san, is there something on my face?
Rui: No, you look fine. Are you sure that you’ll be alright?
Toki: I’m in tip-top condition! I apologize for being an inconvenience while I was taking a break.
Ageha: Toki. When you return, give a performance befitting of Loulou*di. As long as you can do that, then there’s no inconvenience at all.
Toki: Ageha-san…! Yes, I will. I’ll give a perfect performance!
-
(Audience cheering.)
Host: Presenting the ones who gave us that outstanding performance, Loulou*di! Please give them all a warm welcome!
Ageha: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and to Loumiels.
Host: That was a flawless performance, backed with such incredible vocals and choreography. It was amazing!
Ageha: Thank you very much. It would be an honor for us to leave an impression on everyone’s hearts, even if it’s just for a short moment.
Host: The positions of the cameras to the compositions were all Loulou*di’s ideas, right?
Ageha: Yes. We worked closely with the staff to ensure that we would be able to effectively convey our appeal.
Host: After the replay, you’ll be announcing the track list, right? As well as your new music channel.
Ageha: We wish to bring our voices and performances to the many people who have been waiting for Loulou*di, and we also want to broaden the scope of our activities.
Toki: And as a new member, I would love to have more chances to show off my charm!
Host: So what you mean is that the new Loulou*di cherishes their fans and wants to continue to maintain the high quality for them?
Ageha: We are not ‘maintaining’ the quality. Our goal is somewhere higher, above the unshakeable heavens. Right now, we are still working towards it.
Host: This level is still a work-in-progress? If that’s the case, then your junior unit Anthos* has got their work cut out for them!
Ageha: !! Anthos*, you say?
Host: If they see their senior Loulou*di as a goal, then they would surely be able to reach their full potential, don’t you think? Not just with the Dream Jam Festa, but they would also be able to challenge themselves with various genres as they try to keep up. Ah, but with the new release rankings, Anthos* is more–
Ageha: The production of the performance earlier has been synced with many parts of the new music video that has just recently been released. We hope that with it, you would be able to experience Loulou*di’s worldview.
Host: Eh? A-ah, yes, you’re right! Could you share with us your intentions of doing so?
Ageha: Gladly. For example, right before the hook, that is, the lead-up to it, there is a part in question…
-
Toki: It’s been a while since I last worked with both of you, doing work for Loulou*di. It was super fun!
Rui: I see.
Toki: Ageha-san, Rui-san, did you see? The costars and the staff and the audience were all taken in by our performance. Their mouths were wide open the whole time! (giggles) Gaping just like fish!
Ageha: (sighs)
Toki: Huh? Ageha-san, the green room isn't that way.
Ageha: Head back first.
Rui: Ageha, where are you going?
Ageha: That’s none of your concern.
Rui: …
Ageha: Take Toki and return to the green room. Now.
Rui: Understood.
-
Ageha: (winces in pain) Shit… what a disappointment… just this much and already…
Rui: Ageha.
Ageha: Rui. You ended up coming with.
Rui: If anything, I didn’t feel like calling out to you.
Ageha: Damned mongrel that can’t even heed its owner’s orders. I told you… to take Toki back to the green room.
Rui: Toki-bou is in the green room. There’s no need to worry.
Ageha: ‘Worry’?
Rui: You don’t look well. You’re sweating a lot.
Ageha: Don’t touch me! Since the start, I believe I’ve been telling you… to stop concerning yourself over me…
Rui: I’m not concerned about you. I’m simply being realistic. (opens the interface on his ring)
Ageha: Hey, what do you think you’re doing?
Rui: I’m calling the medical staff over.
Ageha: What?
Rui: The staff that came with Toki-bou are in the green room. They will surely rush over if we contact them.
Ageha: Stop that! (groans in pain)
Rui: Ageha.
Ageha: … Quit doing things that are unnecessary.
Rui: Calm down. I’ll make you feel better soon–
Ageha: I told you not to touch me!
Rui: Breathe slowly. It will be more painful if you struggle.
Ageha: Shut up… Just leave me alone…!
Rui: …
Ageha: Hey!
Rui: I can’t undo your buttons if you keep moving.
Ageha: (struggles)
Rui: Ageha.
Ageha: Do you have any idea… how humiliated I am to let you see me like this?!
Rui: Ageha. What do you wish for?
Ageha: What?
Rui: If you would let me, I will grant whatever wish you have. I’ve always watched you, so if it were up to me…
Ageha: Don’t fuck with me. That’s a horrible sick joke!
Rui: Ageha…
Ageha: I–urgh…
Rui: Earlier, you said that you were disappointed in yourself. You put your utmost faith in yourself and carry on despite being bogged by pain. Ageha, you cling so desperately onto life. And to be as such, you are more beautiful than anyone else in the world.
Ageha: Rui, let go of me…!
Rui: Save your pity. You’re putting more unnecessary strain on yourself.
Ageha: Stop talking nonsense! Like I’d ever want your help!
Rui: You won’t know when that will change. Trust me, and try to catch your breath. You’ll feel better soon.
Ageha: …
Rui: Even as Ageha suffers, he’s still a noble, unyielding man in my eyes. However, he’s ardent, and the driving force that keeps him going is… It’s not me. It’s always Yuuki Mahiro, Chihiro, or… President Amagiri. No matter if there’s no other that’s the most like Ageha like myself, no matter how much I understand him, no matter if I give myself to Loulou*di as fodder to scale to the top, I can’t become the reason for Ageha’s will. It’s not me. Not now, not ever. Just what am I… thinking about now?
-
Ageha: Rui… hey, Rui!
Rui: … Ageha.
Ageha: What are you spacing out for? That’s enough. Let go of me.
Rui: But you’re still–
Ageha: Try adding displeasure and discomfort and see what you get!
Rui: Your resolve doesn’t waver even as you tremble.
Ageha: What did you say…?
Rui: No, it’s nothing.
Ageha: … Let’s get moving. We can’t leave Toki alone.
-
Ageha: Seems like the green room is plenty lively.
Rui: The medical staff… What are they doing?
Staff Member A: Ah, you two. Thank you for your hard work today.
Ageha: Is Toki asleep? It looks like he’s not conscious.
Staff Member A: It’s been some time since he’s been at work. All the medical staff are planning an examination for him.
Rui: Toki-bou said that he felt that his condition was perfect.
Staff Member A: There’s nothing to worry about. He’d probably return to the dorm in two to three days. You there, quickly take Sakurai Toki to the car.
(The staff members carry Toki out of the room.)
Staff Member A: With that, we’ll excuse ourselves. Once both of you are ready, please return to the dorm. We’ll prepare for a car to pick you up at the exit.
Rui: Understood.
Ageha: Doctor, I believe I’ve said this before. If you do something to Toki, to Loulou*di… you understand what will happen, right?
Staff Member A: …
Ageha: Please… take good care of Toki.
-
Rui: Ageha. Is there something on your mind?
Ageha: Rui. Not a word from you.
Rui: But–
Ageha: I said keep your trap shut. It’s annoying.
Rui: Alright. I won’t say anything until we reach the dorm. I don’t wish to agitate you.
Ageha: We’re not going back to the dorm yet.
Rui: Where are we headed to?
Ageha: To somewhere where I have something I must do. (enters something in the interface)
[Loulou*di S3V4 L 3-16] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:DEJA VU Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
(Door opens)
Staff Member A: Good morning.
Toki: (breathing slowly)
Staff Member A: Do you know your own name?
Toki: I’m… Sakurai Toki. Isn’t that right?
Staff Member A: Yes. Seems like you slept well.
Toki: You can tell?
Staff Member A: From the decline in your sleep activity and muscle activity, yes. While you were asleep, did you have any dreams?
Toki: Dreams…?
Staff Member A: It’s alright if you can’t remember in full detail. Bits and pieces of it would be sufficient. When you closed your eyes, did you see anything?
Toki: I saw… a lot of light.
Staff Member A: Light? What was the light like?
Toki: It was… endless and everywhere, like stars. It was like I could stare at it forever. It was a sight I could never look away from. And sometimes… I could hear it. Voices upon voices that saw me for who I am.
Staff Member A: And how did you feel during that experience?
Toki: How I ‘felt’...?
Staff Member A: Please try to put your thoughts into words.
Toki: I thought… that this was where I belonged. The light proved to me my reason to live, my reason to exist. I felt that I had to reach my ideal, to transform into the perfect being.
Staff Member A: What is your ideal?
Toki: In the world called ‘Loulou*di’ that Ageha-san will create, I will live as one of the gears that makes it revolve. I want nothing else.
Staff Member A: A gear? That’s quite reminiscent of a machine.
Toki: I’m not a machine. A person like Doctor wouldn’t get how I feel.
Staff Member A: How you feel…?
Toki: I want… to be with Ageha-san and Rui-san soon, and together we’ll reach the top… For that, I’ll do whatever it takes…!
-
(Door opens)
Staff Member A: Good morning. Do you know your own name?
Rui: Hinagi Rui.
Staff Member A: How about the name of the unit you’re from?
Rui: It’s Loulou*di.
Staff Member A: When you were asleep, did you experience any dreams?
Rui: Considering what you might regard as ‘dreams’, how should I answer?
Staff Member A: What’s the matter?
Rui: I’m asked about my dreams every time, and I’m beginning to think that I’ve been giving the wrong answers.
Staff Member A: I see. It seems like we’ve given off the wrong impression. This is simply standard as part of the examination, so you’ll be fine as long as you answer according to what you think is right.
Rui: Understood. But it seems like I’ve forgotten what dreams I had.
Staff Member A: Then, allow me to change the question.
Rui: Hm?
Staff Member A: Right now, what is the one thing you wish for the most?
Rui: Is that question also standard for the examination?
Staff Member A: That’s for us to handle.
Rui: My wish… is to maintain Loulou*di’s worldview and to reach the peak set by Ageha’s desires.
Staff Member A: Is that truly what you yourself want?
Rui: Why do you ask?
Staff Member A: What I’m asking for is not superficiality, but what’s from the bottom of your heart, your true wish, according to your instincts.
Rui: True…?
Staff Member A: Please think about how your feelings stand as they are now.
Rui: Are you thinking about something that might waver my instincts?
Staff Member A: I don’t know. To us, data is everything. (types in something) I’ll ask once again. What is the one thing you wish for the most, from the bottom of your heart?
-
(A clock chimes)
Ageha: …This is…?
(Door opens)
Staff Member A: Ah, you’re awake.
Ageha: The medical team…?
Staff Member A: Good morning. Are you able to state your own name?
Ageha: … It’s Karasuma Ageha.
Staff Member A: How about the name of the unit–
Ageha: Just why… am I here? I believe the schedule for routine examinations hasn’t been decided yet.
Staff Member A: It’s not out of the question during times of emergency. You were brought here after you collapsed in your dorm.
Ageha: !! I collapsed?
Staff Member A: We’ve prescribed some sleeping pills. Please take them after you return to your dorm.
Ageha: I’ll do without. Are you aware, Doctor, that those don’t even work as placebos?
Staff Member A: For the purpose of maintaining fairness, even the number of prescriptions for medications, be it of any type, are being monitored. You seem particularly more on edge than usual today.
Ageha: An accurate observation. It’d be more strange to not be on edge in this situation. Do you think of me as some emotionless, helpless mouse that’s playing along with your experiments?
Staff Member A: Not reigning in your agitation will affect your flower. We’ll also prepare to prescribe some medication for your mental state. Allow me to collect some data to determine whether that will be necessary.
Ageha: (sighs)
Staff Member A: I’ll carry on with the questions. When you were asleep, did you experience any dreams?
Ageha: No, not at all.
Staff Member A: A rough impression of it will suffice. Do you remember, even just a little?
Ageha: I would have told you if I did. I don’t have a reason to hide from you. My honest cooperation is pivotal to the success of the Hana*Doll Project. I understand that clearly.
Staff Member A: Then, my next question pertains to when you collapsed in the dorm. Do you remember what you were doing before you lost consciousness?
Ageha: … I was checking the music video for the new song.
Staff Member A: Why?
Ageha: Because I was thinking about the perfect performance for the music awards. Is that something so strange?
Staff Member A: No. Let’s move on.
Ageha: I, too, have a question for you, Doctor.
Staff Member A: What is it?
Ageha: When I was asleep, did you inject Water into me?
Staff Member A: That’s… Why do you ask?
Ageha: Did you or did you not? It’s a simple question. It’s a drug that stabilizes the influence on the flower, isn’t it? Haven’t you all been utilizing it like a convenience many times, this whole while?
Staff Member A: That’s…
Ageha: It’s injected into Anthos*. But is there a reason why it’s not injected into me?
Staff Member A: … Where did you hear that from?
Ageha: As I thought. That’s how it was.
Staff Member A: !! Don’t move. Your body is still–
Ageha: I couldn’t care less about what happens to them. I will do anything to become perfection itself, to be recognised by President Amagiri. Like a pupa that cannibalizes its own skin to become a beautiful butterfly, like Chihiro, turning into a form befitting of them–it’s what I will do. Then the President surely would acknowledge me, above anyone else. I’ll ask again. When I was unconscious, did you inject Water into me?
Staff Member A: Just why are you so fixated on the Water?
Ageha: It’s nothing like fixation. Please stop saying as though I want it.
Staff Member A: Then are you saying that you don’t need it?
Ageha: Perhaps I should answer that question of yours about dreams, Doctor. I only dreamt of one thing: surpassing order to reach the new heights of idols and scaling to its summit, becoming perfect. It would be possible for me, was what President Amagiri said.
Staff Member A: The existence you hope for aligns with our goals.
Ageha: But we’re not in agreement at all.
Staff Member A: Excuse me?
Ageha: The perfection you aim for is an imitation. Something born from a man-made invention put in a bottle. A defective monster who derides heaven. I will never become something like that. I won’t rely on drugs, but on my own strength, and become a new pioneer. Without fail.
Staff Member A: Please hold on–(something clatters) A-ah! What are you–?!
Ageha: Like I’d let myself be swallowed by some useless flower!
-
Staff Member B: Seems like you had a lot to deal with here.
Staff Member A: I apologize. I’ll clean this up in a bit.
Staff Member B: Did something happen with the Doll?
Staff Member A: Yes. When talking about Water his response is nothing short of deranged, but he takes his obsession with becoming the perfect Doll like it’s a normal thing for him.
Staff Member B: Humans will naturally obsess over things that are beyond their reach. That’s why we don’t give Water to that Doll. Like with plants, there are seeds that are harder to raise, and seeds that can be raised without hassle. The flowers and their hosts, too, have their own natures.
Staff Member A: Are you saying that even without Water, his flower can stabilize on its own?
Staff Member B: Not at all. Whether the Water is injected or not depends on the situation. There’s a high possibility that the flower will start to weaken if we inject more Water at this state.
Staff Member A: If I recall, administration of Water to Kisaragi Kaoru from Anthos* has also been stopped, right? But right now, his flower is stable and seems to be progressing towards full bloom.
Staff Member B: That’s a special case. I’m not sure of the details, but if there’s one thing I know, it’s that he’s completely different from the other Dolls.
Staff Member A: Different as in…?
Staff Member B: Since the seed was implanted in him, the method of blooming and the progress of growth for the flower have all been different. So, there’s not much to talk about if we want to draw comparisons.
Staff Member A: …But, even now, Karasuma Ageha’s condition has been making progress. Just now, and even before he was admitted, his memories are…
Staff Member B: It’s better if you keep your emotions out of your judgments. Beyond assisting in the growth of the Dolls, the slow-release effect of Water enables some quality of life. It might seem like a miracle pill at first glance, but the toll it takes on the Dolls is too much to bear.
Staff Member A: But what if we put stabilizing their condition as our forefront priority? Even if the toll gets raised, it would still be a favorable treatment to them, right? Maybe we could start administration for Anthos*.
Staff Member B: Ah, if you’re talking about the example Doll Shorai Chitose, that was Dr Toudou’s orders. The effect of his mental state on his flower turned out to be greater than expected. Taking into account the other Dolls’ conditions, administering Water seems to be the most optimal treatment.
Staff Member A: But even with a case like that, Karasuma Ageha might still refuse the Water. He might have realized something beyond what we predicted.
Staff Member B: Whether he’s realized something or not, his fate has already been sealed. He can chase those dreams all he wants, but without scientific clinical trials, he can’t escape reality. Well, we should get a move on with cleaning up. The next task is…
Staff Member A: Seems there’s been people talking about us returning Sakurai Toki to the House very soon. If we continue trying to keep things under wraps, it might become a problem for their idol activities and we’ll have to deal with a lot of heat. Besides…
Staff Member B: Besides?
Staff Member A: Even when he seemed entirely desensitized to emotion, he still desperately wanted to be with those two. If we return him to the House now, it would be like a repeat of that case with Anthos*.
Staff Member B: When with a flower that rejects Water, the success rate of the Water will be shared… Whatever action we decide to take next, we need to keep a close eye on the situation.
-
Ageha: I collapsed… and had to be carried over? What I was doing before? Dammit! I’m running out of time, I still have things I absolutely have to finish…
[Loulou*di S3V2 L 3-10] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:ARK Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
Project Archive: L 3-10
(A group of medical staff rushes over.)
Staff Member A: What’s the matter? We received a notification from PLANTs that you’re returning to the dorm.
Ageha: We were leaving the dual-use facility, so I thought about dropping a notice upfront. Is there a problem with that?
Staff Member A: We received the report and the specifics from the inspection this morning. If there’s no issues with your condition, then you may return to–
Ageha: Please share Loulou*di’s latest schedule with us. It was empty when I checked on the online board earlier, so I was wondering if there were any technical errors, or perhaps there was something you didn’t want us to know. Which is it?
Staff Member A: Scheduling isn’t under the medical team’s responsibilities.
Ageha: Speaking of which, your position in the executive committee is still pending, am I right?
Staff Member A: Headquarters have already been informed that the reports from the dual-use facility retreat returned favorable.
Ageha: That isn’t a secret to us, it seems.
Staff Member A: At the very least, this order doesn’t withhold us from carrying out our duties. We’re not clear on the details of the schedule, so please wait for further instructions.
Ageha: Then… Please pass a message along to the president.
Staff Member A: To the president?
Ageha: I have something to discuss with him.
Staff Member A: Understood. We will arrange for a meeting with him.
Ageha: I would like to meet him immediately.
Staff Member A: I understand where you’re coming from, but that won’t be possible at the moment.
Ageha: I didn’t come all this way… just to speak with you.
Staff Member A: We, from the medical facility, are here to ensure your health and safety–
Ageha: And who the hell said that we’ll leave our lives to you?! Our health? Safety? Like I even asked in the first place. I had the impression that it was the norm, but it looks like every single one of the doctors here have slick tongues.
Staff Member A: I–
Ageha: I’m sick of hearing it from you. I made a promise to President Amagiri that I will scale to the peak of becoming an idol and embody the perfect idol himself. For that, I will do whatever it takes. And yet, just why on earth is the schedule blank and not one damn member of the staff contactable?!
Staff Member A: But–
Ageha: I want an explanation straight from the president’s mouth. Relay that message… please.
Toki: Ageha-san, welcome back!
Ageha: (sighs) I’m back. Where’s Rui?
Toki: He’s in his room. He seems busy doing the task you asked him to do. Besides, how was it?
Ageha: It’s just as I thought. We’re back to square one. Meetings and visits have been canceled for today.
Toki: That’s just rude. Ageha-san took the time to ask them personally, and they won’t even follow through.
Ageha: I’m tired of them being so useless, but the matter of fact is that they simply don’t have much authority.
Toki: Eh? Even though they sure were acting like it.
Ageha: They were all just flaunting power they didn’t have.
Toki: But even so, they should have listened to you and taken you more seriously! After all, Loulou*di is Amagiri Production’s flagship artist.
Ageha: Lately, the president has been deeply misunderstanding how to play observer to nurturing an idol.
Toki: Misunderstanding?
Ageha: Idols are thought to produce the best results when they work together in mutual benefit and challenge. Otherwise, there would be no reason to create Anthos*.
Toki: No way… Anthos* is just small fry, no matter how good or bad they get, they can’t change the fact that Loulou*di will always be number one.
Ageha: Perhaps they just happen to have a bad egg. Take for instance… Yuuki Mahiro.
Toki: Who’s that?
Ageha: Anthos*’ center and President Amagiri’s own son.
Toki: That’s just unfair! Getting his way just ‘cuz he’s the president’s kid!
Ageha: Let me say this, Toki. President Amagiri is a man of exceptional character. I respect him from the bottom of my heart.
Toki: But… even if that’s what Ageha-san says, I don’t think… I can like that sort of person.
Ageha: That person is only human, and a parent on top of that. There may be something that can be done from our end, but… Ah, Rui.
Rui: You’ve returned.
Ageha: How’s the task I gave you coming along?
Rui: I’ve made the preparations. It’s ready for launch at any time. But is this really okay?
Ageha: Stupid question. Do you think you can stand to rot in the dorms forever?
Rui: If that’s what you wish.
Ageha: Are you taking me for a fool?
Toki: I don’t want that! Anthos* are all just playing dirty. Disturbing us during our break and even stealing our offer from Dream Drama Festa!
Ageha: The offer for the drama appearance as well. A newcomer at that level could never attain a handpicked offer. He can feel good about himself, not knowing that it’s all down to the company’s doing.
Toki: All that when they’ve done nothing for Ageha-san… they’re the worst!
Ageha: It seems that like we have to put out Loulou*di’s strength, Loulou*di’s message, in a much clearer way. The president, too, should be opening his eyes soon.
Fan A: Ah, you’re finally here!
Fan B: Wow… the design of the virtual room is amazing!
Fan A: Really?
Fan B: Mmhm! It’s just like the garden stage from the recent live show!
Fan A: It was such a pain to get my hands on this, so I got my family to help out!
Fan B: Will we use this the next we all meet up together?
Fan A: Of course! That’s what I planned to do anyway. Let’s see… (keys something in)
(Something starts playing)
Fan B: Oh!
Fan A: There’s more. (continues keying in)
Fan B: Flower petals!
Fan A: You totally get the feels when you match it up with the music, right?
Fan B: Yep. Everyone will be so psyched about this!
Fan A: Phew… well, I was just thinking about checking this first with you.
Fan B: Sorry about coming in late. I got stuck trying to pick out an outfit for my avatar.
Fan A: It’s so cute! Is that the motif from the tour?
Fan B: You can tell?
Fan A: Of course! It totally matches Ageha-sama’s outfit!
Fan B: Really? I’m so glad you noticed!
Fan A: The pheasant patterns are so detailed that it looks real!
Fan B: I wanted to experience Loulou*di’s feelings, even if it’s only just this much.
(A sound goes off.)
Fan B: A message?
Fan A: Mmhmm. (opens the message) Eh? This…
Fan B: What’s wrong?
Fan A: Look.
Ageha: (on video) Please forgive me for making an appearance in this form.
Fans A and B: Ageha-sama?!
Fan B: What is this?
Fan A: No idea…
Ageha: This is Ageha from Loulou*di. I would like to announce that from this moment, I will be starting my own personal music channel. This footage is being streamed to everyone directly from myself.
Fan A: You’re kidding… What does this mean? From Ageha-sama directly… to us?
Ageha: Right now, I have a song I want to share with every Loumiel. It can’t wait, I can’t hold myself back.
Fan A: What’s with this gentle behavior…?
Fan B: I thought so…
Fan A: Eh?
Fan B: I had a hunch ever since the tour. Ageha-sama is already… not the same Ageha-sama as before.
Fan A: Stop it!
Fan B: Ageha-sama, Loulou*di… they’ve never been that kind of unit.
Fan A: Quit talking like that.
Fan B: They were one-of-kind, noble, radiant, beyond our reach… that was the kind of unit they were!
Fan A: I told you to stop it!
Fan B: A broadcast shared with everyone equally? Are you hearing what Ageha-sama is saying? That’s too much… It’s not Ageha-sama…!
Ageha: I hope that the music full of our feelings… will reach right to your heart.
(End of Hana-Doll Think of Me:ARK (Season 3, Volume 2 of Loulou*di))
[Loulou*di S3V2 L 3-9] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:ARK Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
Project Archive: L 3-9
Setsuna: Hey, what did the situation earlier mean? Do you know?
Rui: It’s nothing to concern yourself over.
Setsuna: I’m curious. After all–
Rui: That was just an impulse from the mention of Anthos*.
Setsuna: But…
Rui: Ageha speaks the truth. The flower is not much of an outside threat even during the window when it is at its most potent. Furthermore, internal wounds are barely noticeable when the situation is stable.
Setsuna: Internal…wounds?
Rui: Take care that you head off in the right direction. But that aside, the tea must have scalded you earlier on.
Setsuna: Not at all. Anyway, Mahiro–
Rui: That conversation ends here.
Setsuna: …
Rui: There’s no need for you to mention Yuuki Mahiro the next time you see Ageha.
Setsuna: Is it okay to break my promise with Ageha then?
Rui: Why did you even make such a promise with Ageha in the first place?
Setsuna: Hm? ‘Why’?
Rui: You’re not plotting something with Ageha, are you? As far as I know, you two had no interaction when we were at the training academy.
Setsuna: Are promises something you only make with people you’re close with?
Rui: Considering the risks, the question is why would you make a promise with someone you don’t know and what can you hope to gain from it? It’s beyond my comprehension.
Setsuna: Risk?
Rui: You let slip a job that has yet to be publicly announced. If anybody knew that word of it reached Ageha, you’ll be first one to be suspected by Anthos*. Are you okay being branded a traitor?
Setsuna: A traitor? Will Mahiro doubt me?
Rui: Likely.
Setsuna: I don’t want that.
Rui: That’s why I’m telling you to stop.
Setsuna: Okay, I understand. Thanks.
Rui: No need to thank me.
Setsuna: Huh?
Rui: ?
Setsuna: Just now, you looked just like him. Like Ryoga.
Rui: Kagekawa Ryoga?
Setsuna: Your aura is a little similar to his. When I talk about Mahiro to Ryoga, he makes a face like he’s kind of irritated.
Rui: I… don’t really care about Yuuki Mahiro, or Anthos* for that matter. Besides… (winces)
Setsuna: What’s the matter?
Rui: No, it’s nothing.
Setsuna: Hmm… Then, I’ll be going.
Rui: Setsuna.
Setsuna: I didn’t get burned so I’m okay. Bye-bye.
(Setsuna leaves.)
Rui: (winces in pain) What is this…? I don’t care about Anthos*, yet… why do I…
(Sound of a device being activated.)
Staff Member A: Medical team. What’s the–
Rui: Why was Yashiro Setsuna here?
Staff Member A: …The notification didn’t arrive on time. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Rui: Please answer my question. Why was he here?
Staff Member A: I apologize.
Rui: The application for all personnel to be vacated should have been accepted.
Staff Member A: You’re right.
Rui: Then why?
Staff Member A: I will explain shortly. Please calm down. He sometimes is allowed to be away from the facility as part of his retreat. His cultivation programme is different from the other members.
Rui: In other words, he’s more of a guest than we are.
Staff Member A: We made sure that his schedule wouldn’t allow him a chance to meet you. Apologies.
Rui: He mentioned that he came for maintenance that was scheduled earlier than usual. Does that have something to do with Anthos*’ appearance on Dream Drama Festa?
Staff Member A: Yes, we were doing some adjustments for his condition.
Rui: My understanding is that Dream Drama Festival is traditionally held every year outdoors. Am I correct?
Staff Member A: Yes.
Rui: For the sake of clarity, how about Loulou*di’s offer?
Staff Member A: For the time being, none has been made.
Rui: It would be better to have an understanding with a head start.
Staff Member A: We have not received any information in detail since yesterday.
Rui: Understood, doctor. Thank you.
Staff Member A: Don’t mention it. On another note, has he given you any trouble lately?
Rui: Not particularly.
Staff Member A: Then, has anything happened the past few days that has caused you distress?
Rui: Why do you ask?
Staff Member A: The medical research team has been carefully monitoring your brain waves.
Rui: I think I heard about that being possible through the seed implanted in the body.
Staff Member A: Exactly. Over the past few days, your ERP[1] has been showing waveforms that have not been observed until now.
Rui: That’s…
Staff Member A: ERPs are thought to halve when facing inhibitory stimuli and secondary stimuli. The measurements recorded from the seed are still somewhat of a mystery to unpack, and with the possibility of noise…
Toki: (in the distance) Rui-san?
Rui: Toki-bou.
Toki: Oh, there you are. I thought I heard you talking. What are you doing here? …Who is this?
Rui: A member of the emergency staff from the medical facility.
Toki: Oh. One of those people butting in just because I’ve been complaining that I haven’t been feeling so good lately, right?
Staff Member A: As mentioned, you appear to be doing well.
Toki: But of course. Rui-san and Ageha-san are with me here, after all. Right, Rui-san?
Ageha: Just what are you all gathering here for?
Toki: Ageha-san!
Ageha: I leave for a minute and come back to this… (to the staff member) Hello, thank you for your hard work.
Staff Member A: You look like you’re in high spirits as well.
Ageha: Thank you. It wouldn’t have been possible without such a serene environment.
Staff Member A: About… Yashiro Setsuna’s case–
Ageha: I don’t really understand what’s the point of this meeting, but could we just end the correspondence once and for all? Actually, this is the first time the three of us have seen each other today.
Toki: Exactly. We finally got to get together, so please don’t get in our way.
Ageha: I was just thinking about enjoying some precious time with this modest happy few.
Staff Member A: Heard loud and clear. We hope for nothing less than the best for both your body and mind.
Ageha: Thank you very much. Then, please excuse us.
(Ageha ends the call.)
Ageha: (sighs) Seriously. Those fools from the research facility… How many times must I tell them to stay out of this?
Toki: They don’t even respect Ageha-san’s instructions. They should all just be sacked.
Ageha: You’re being lively as always today.
Toki: Right? It’s ‘cuz I took a nap and rested up a lot!
Ageha: Mm. It’s good that you’re following instructions.
Toki: (giggles)
Ageha: If you’re well enough for it, let’s go have a meal. Go and change.
Toki: Okay!
Ageha: Rui bought some souvenirs this afternoon. The sweet things are what you requested, right?
Toki: You managed to buy them? Yay! …Rui-san?
Ageha: Rui.
Rui: … Sorry, did you say something?
Toki: Ageha-san said you bought souvenirs for me.
Rui: Ah, of course. Cake, pudding and macaroons, right?
Toki: Eh? All of them?
Rui: I wasn’t sure which would be the best choice. I couldn’t pick just one. Do you not want all of them?
Toki: I’ll eat everything! Rui-san, I love you!
Ageha: Toki, before that, go freshen up.
Toki: Got it, I’ll go change my clothes now! (leaves)
Ageha: Let’s head back to the living room.
Rui: Ageha.
Ageha: I don’t need an explanation or excuses. I knew you were sneaking behind my back and talking with the medical research team. For now, just focus on humoring Toki. I’ll take responsibility for–
Rui: Ageha!
Ageha: What’s with that face?
Rui: Right back at you. Why are you looking at me like that?
Ageha: Ah. Unfortunately, I can’t see my own face without a mirror.
Rui: Ageha would never turn around for me. He would move forward even if it meant trampling me. He wouldn’t normally cross paths with me, much less turn my way. Up until now, there wasn’t a single time when those things–
Ageha: You… Do you really want to be stepped on so badly? You truly are a freak. Listen well, Rui. This isn’t reality. It’s the inside of an ephemeral dream.
Rui: Ageha…
Ageha: It won’t be long before we will leave. We have to take up our responsibilities as Loulou*di. But now… in this moment, we’re inside a special dream. Peering from inside an isolated illusion. This is a nice, relaxing dream.
Rui: Stop it.
Ageha: Listening to the sound of the wind, feeling the ebbs and flows of an invisible stream… In the arts, such a serene feeling would be poured into music, written onto a music sheet with the heart still weighing heavy. If I think about all the smiles the sound I create will bring, I believe that even now, I will be able to leave behind my greatest song. There won’t be a second for–
Rui: Ageha!
Ageha: (sighs) Your wish will surely be granted soon. I will disgracefully flail and struggle to breathe, and then finally die. My body will cease as a beautiful corpse, mounted on a magnificent frame, and placed as a grave marker[2]. That’s what you want to see, isn’t it?
Rui: That’s…
Ageha: I will wait for that day. This must have been the path Chihiro sprinted on.
Toki: Ageha-san, Rui-san! Let’s have tea!
Ageha: Let’s go, Rui.
Translator’s Notes:
ERP likely refers to ’Event-related potential’.
Ageha’s word of this album is ‘bohyou (墓標, meaning gravestone)/bouhyou (妄評, meaning unfair criticism)’. Unfortunately I was unable to discern which is which between this drama track and the previous one where he mentions it again in his long monologue in the art museum. I don’t believe the context changes a lot but I thought it was important to highlight this recurring word used.
[Loulou*di S3V2 L 3-8] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:ARK Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
Rui: Your fever’s a little high. A whole day’s rest for you seems to be in order.
Toki: But it’s boring.
Rui: Toki-bou.
Toki: Why did this have to happen when we just earned ourselves a special break…
Rui: The environment here is optimal for you to rest both your body and mind. It’s one of the luxuries we are afforded.
Toki: I get it, but still…
Rui: Is there anything you would like?
Toki: Something I’d like?
Rui: I can stop by town and pick it up for you.
Toki: Rui-san, you’re not going to stay here with me?
Rui: Would you rather I be here?
Toki: I mean, being all by myself is kinda…
Rui: Mm.
Toki: … it’s lonely.
Rui: I see.
Toki: Just a little! Just only about this much.
Rui: Then I’ll do my best to finish the task while you’re asleep.
Toki: What if I wake up?
Rui: Have PLANTs contact me. I’ll immediately return.
Toki: Something I want… Can I ask for anything?
Rui: As long as it’s something within my abilities.
Toki: I want… to have something sweet.
Rui: Something sweet? Like what?
Toki: Pudding, cake, and… macaroons, maybe.
Rui: (hums)
Toki: … is that a no?
Rui: I will do my best.
Toki: Yay!
Rui: Ageha, I’ll be out for a while.
Ageha: Out? For what?
Rui: I’m getting some things requested by Toki-bou.
Ageha: How diligent.
Rui: What Louloud*di’s Toki-bou truly needs to make a full recovery is you, Ageha.
Ageha: And here I thought you finally have some feelings like a real person.
Rui: I also have a place I’d like to go to.
Ageha: You? Have a place you want to go?
Rui: I will be back in two to three hours. If anything happens, just contact me–
Ageha: Wait. It just so happens the place I need to be at is rather remote, so I’ll come along with you.
Ageha: An art museum… I couldn’t have guessed at all that this is where you wanted to go.
Rui: You can wait in the car if you’re bored. I don’t mind.
Ageha: Who said I was bored? It’s a nice exhibition. This line map… is a scene?
Rui: So it seems. According to the leaflet, this permanent exhibition has been laid out quite systematically. Most of these pieces were donated by the bereaved families of the artists who passed away while staying in the sanatorium.
Ageha: I see. Anyway, it’s even a stretch to say that artists are creatures sound in both body and mind.
Rui: Don’t you think that’s a little too far a leap of logic?
Ageha: Willfully setting their own engine ablaze to the point of destruction, doing things that contribute nothing to the essence of existence and survival… it’s enough to make one puke. Art is that sort of thing. Every work created a reverent piece of excrement, paraded in grotesque shows called museums… It’s unfair for me to say that about them.
Rui: Unfair?
Ageha: We aren’t the exception. Loulou*di, too, is just a glorified fetish, dancing on top of a chopping block. On top of that, no matter how much you carve a piece of your soul to put into it, it doesn’t necessarily give it any meaning. When you place the value of a work on the majority vote of thousands of self-centered laymen, it becomes impossible to control the audience. On the contrary, if the true intention of the work is communicated fully, it would be considered the pinnacle of foolishness. Ha, perfection? Setting our ambitions with nobility? That’s just nothing more than crap’s worth of ego. Even bearing that in mind, you can’t stop yourself from creating something, from spewing something out. Whether the flower’s there or not makes no difference in the fact that I can’t go on with it with a peace of mind. It’s a sickness imprisoned in my body that I can’t be cured of.
Rui: …
Ageha: Hm?
Rui: No, it’s nothing.
Ageha: You’re not really one for words these days, are you?
Rui: The same can be said about you.
Ageha: Me? What is it?
Rui: The look on your face is different than usual.
Ageha: … I don’t think that’s the case, but my head’s been clear since we’ve been at the dual-use facility. As if a part of mind just left the eye of a typhoon. I’ve been able to remember that there are in fact sounds in silence as well.
Rui: Sounds in silence?
Ageha: For the longest time, there’s been a siren in my head that’s ringing like it will split my skull in half. It’s like a constant premonition, always keeping me on my toes. I’ve been grasping at straws, desperately trying to kill that sound. The fact that the world has an overflowing abundance of sounds… feels like something I forgot about a long time ago.
(Ageha and Rui get back into the car)
Ageha: The change of pace wasn’t a bad idea. Visiting art museums is a good choice of hobby for you.
Rui: Visiting art museums was a suggestion from my doctor.
Ageha: You continue to heed orders without fail… just like the obedient mutt you proclaim yourself to be.
Rui: But I understand that there’s no meaning behind it. I suppose it’s just another one of my attempts at pretending to be human.
Ageha: Hmm?
Rui: Up until now, not a single exhibit I’ve laid my eyes on have stoked any sort of emotion in me. It’s more like I’ve been imagining myself becoming more disillusioned.
Ageha: The moment you step into the world of the arts, there’s not just one type of scenery that welcomes you. Didn’t I mention it earlier? You can’t control how other people feel about it. You’re not me. It’s clear that our opinions won’t be the same.
Rui: I see.
Ageha: Besides, it’s not like I want to talk your ear off about it.
Rui: I guess you’re right.
(An interface lights up)
Rui: Continue the route. Arrange for a pick-up at a shop that sells western-style desserts.
(Interface sounds off as it processes the task)
Ageha: Western-style desserts?
Rui: Is it alright if we make a few detours?
Ageha: Do whatever you like. …Hm? (rolls down the window) Looks like a shower is going to come down.
(The car pulls to a stop)
Rui: Get indoors first. I’ll get the car to the garage.
Ageha: Wait. That person…
Rui: Hm?
Setsuna: You’re finally back. Rui. And Ageha, too.
Ageha: Yashiro Setsuna?
Setsuna: I have an umbrella. Coming in?
Rui: It’s been a while.
Setsuna: Has it?
Rui: I wonder when was the last time I saw you.
Setsuna: I forgot. Nobody else is here?
Rui: Just the members.
Setsuna: Hmm…
Rui: Do you have business with us?
Setsuna: It’s not business. I heard you all are here, so I wanted to see you.
Rui: In the first place, why all the way here?
Setsuna: Maintenance. But not in this building. Somewhere further away.
Rui: Do you come often?
Setsuna: About once every three months.
Rui: I had no idea. What about the other Anthos* members?
Setsuna: I don’t think everyone’s been here before. Are you curious about Anthos*?
Rui: Not really. But Ageha is, a little.
Setsuna: Really. Can’t blame him. Ageha always talks to me about Anthos*. About Mahiro.
Rui: Have you been in contact with Ageha?
Setsuna: Just a bit. Anyway…
Rui: Hm?
Setsuna: Isn’t Loulou*di going to die soon?
Rui: Why ask?
Setsuna: Aren’t you all here because of that?
Rui: The dual-use facility is a place to recuperate. We completed our tour live and are having a vacation here. All of us are in prime condition because of it.
Setsuna: Hmm…
(Ageha enters the room)
Ageha: Huh. He’s still here.
Setsuna: Ageha?
Ageha: Get out.
Setsuna: Okay.
Ageha: But before that, how are they? Anthos*, I mean.
Setsuna: What do you mean ‘how’?
Ageha: I remember asking you to report their status to me in detail.
Setsuna: They’ve been the same. Normal.
Ageha: Well, I suppose there’s been no major developments.
Setsuna: Ah, but…
Ageha: Hm?
Setsuna: It’s been decided that we’ll be going to Dream Drama Festa.
Ageha: When… was that decided?
Setsuna: Just recently. That’s why I’ve been coming here more frequently. For maintenance.
Ageha: Rui.
Rui: I’ve heard no news about this.
Setsuna: And Mahiro will be acting in a drama.
Ageha: Was he selected by name?
Setsuna: I don’t know the details.
Ageha: Anything else?
Setsuna: Ageha. Are you worried?
Ageha: Mm?
Setsuna: Are you worried? Because of Mahiro?
Ageha: That’s foolish.
Setsuna: But Ageha asked me Mahiro that time, too.
Ageha: That was…
Setsuna: I was told that being really concerned without reason is a gateway to love. But you don’t have to worry. After all, I’m by Mahiro’s side–
Ageha: (splashes liquid on Setsuna from a cup)
Setsuna: … It’s hot.
Ageha: You just need to answer my questions.
Rui: Ageha!
Setsuna: I promised Ageha that I’ll talk about everything I’ve seen and heard from Anthos*.
Ageha: Correct.
Setsuna: But I didn’t promise anything else.
Ageha: Aren’t you a talkative one today?
Setsuna: I talked about Anthos* going to Dream Drama Festival and Mahiro acting in a drama. I kept my promise with Ageha. So, why? Why did Ageha throw his tea at me?
Ageha: I’m unimpressed. I don’t remember asking you to take pity on me.
Setsuna: That wasn’t my intention. But I didn’t say that I was.
Ageha: Full of backtalk today, aren’t we?
Setsuna: Besides, my relationship with Mahiro is always on my mind. I love Mahiro.
Ageha: … What did you say?
Setsuna: I’m… surely in love with Mahiro. I wanted you to smile and be happy for me. I don’t want you to look like you’re hurting.
Ageha: Rui. Throw this cretin out. Now.
Rui: Understood.
Ageha: You can stay as Yuuki Mahiro’s precious pup for all I care, Yashiro Setsuna. Bear in mind that the enemy is not always lying in wait outside.
Setsuna: What do you mean?
Ageha: Who knows? I don’t feel like explaining it to you, and I don’t remember promising you that I’ll do so.
Setsuna: (in the distance) Ageha?
Ageha: Are all those without units this vague and ambiguous…? I can’t get a clear grasp of it.[1] However… The summit for idols is an existence high above where many that is impure and beyond reason lie… isn’t that right, President Amagiri?
Translator’s Notes:
This line is translated inaccurately as I wasn’t able to make out the dialogue here.
[Loulou*di S3V2 L 3-7] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:ARK Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
Project Archive: L 3-7
Toki: This goes over here, and then here… and it’s done! Rui-san! Ta-dah! Look at this.
Rui: A crown made out of flowers?
Toki: Rui-san, come sit over here.
(Rui goes over and takes a seat)
Toki: Stay really still, okay? (places the crown on Rui) Hehe, how cute!
Rui: This sort of thing would look better on Ageha’s head than mine.
Toki: Not at all! It suits Rui-san 100%. You look really gentle.
Rui: …is that so?
Toki: This pink flower’s a red clover. That’s what PLANTs told me earlier, right?
(PLANTs chirps)
Toki: It was my first time seeing it. It’s super cute to begin with, but on Ageha-san it’d look even more gorgeous.
Rui: You’re not wrong. (removes his flower crown)
Toki: Ah, why did you have to take it off? You looked so nice in it.
Rui: I can’t see your workmanship when it’s on my head.
Toki: When you put it that way… well…
Rui: Besides… (places the crown on Toki) This color suits you far better.
Toki: Huh?
Rui: I see, you’ve made it well. Toki-bou has nimble fingers.
Toki: (giggles)
Rui: Hm?
Toki: Sorry, I just remembered that Rui-san isn’t really on the dexterous side. Whenever I look at the stitch on Mr Bear that Rui-san fixed, I can’t help but laugh.
Rui: I apologize. Looking at it from this angle, it really does look like I did a terrible job.
Toki: (laughs)
Rui: I’ll try searching for something to mend it while we’re on our break.
Toki: You don’t have to, it looks okay this way.
Rui: But it’s a dear friend of yours, isn’t it?
Toki: It’s fine! It’s an important memory between Rui-san and I, so Mr Bear will definitely let it slide. Back then, I talked to him a bunch, especially when I was sad. There were lots of times I took out my anger on him, too. But lately, all I’ve been talking to him about are happy stuff.
Rui: Is it?
Toki: I’m sure that he’s happy that I’m happy. But if all those traces from then got fixed, then it’ll be the same as though those things never happened. Now Mr Bear will remember how hard Rui-san tried to help him.
Rui: I understand. Whatever makes you happy.
Toki: I want to leave my marks, too. Deep down, I’ve been feeling like I’m in a dream I can’t wake up from.
Rui: Toki-bou…
Toki: Huh?
Rui: What’s the matter?
Toki: Do you hear something? No, wait, I definitely hear it. Such a pretty sound… it’s coming from over there.
Rui: You’re going to wander off? But–
Toki: Let’s go take a look-see! Besides, I wanna go look around the building!
Rui: This sound is… a violin?
Toki: See? Just like I said. But I wonder where it’s coming from.
Rui: Hold on, Toki-bou. Don’t walk ahead too far.
Toki: Hm? Why?
Rui: This place is larger than what I thought it would be.
Toki: You don’t have to worry that much about me. I’m not a kid–hey, I got it. In that case… Let’s hold hands! Did you know? We’ll feel much safer if we hold our hands.
(Toki and Rui continue walking further in. The sound of the violin gets louder. A door opens.)
Toki: Ageha-san!
Ageha: What–oh. It’s only you two.
Toki: That violin was from you?
Ageha: Are you surprised?
Toki: It totally suits you!
Rui: A room in a place like this…
Ageha: There are some musical instruments left here. They may have been for music therapy.
(Rui lifts a piano’s fallboard and plays some keys.)
Toki: Rui-san, could it be that you know how to play piano?
Rui: Somewhat.
Toki: Eh? That’s wonderful! You’re amazing.
Rui: It was recommended that I pick it up for emotional education.
Ageha: I suppose that was why you were able to be promoted to an idol, on top of those undisputable numbers.
Rui: That’s right.
Toki: Rui-san, could you try playing something?
Rui: I can’t play the pieces from memory. If there’s a score around…
Ageha: Then how about this?
(Ageha mounts a score on the music board)
Rui: Was this the piece you were playing?
(Ageha and Rui start playing the song while Toki watches them)[1]
Toki: (clapping) Both of you are amazing!
Ageha: (sighs) So much for ‘somewhat’.
Rui: If it’s at this level, then I will be able to play.
Toki: How nice… both of you are so talented.
Ageha: Toki, can you not play an instrument?
Toki: I didn’t get a chance to learn. And with piano… I couldn’t use my legs back then, so stepping on the pedals was impossible anyway.
Rui: Toki-bou.
Toki: Y-Yes!
Rui: Come over here.
(Toki walks over)
Rui: Take a seat on this chair.
Toki: Okay.
Rui: Let’s adjust the height. (adjusts the seat for Toki) Place your feet on the floor, sit up straight… Yes, like that. Maintain that posture and try playing some notes on the keyboard.
Toki: Huh?
Rui: There’s no need to be nervous.
Toki: B-But… Where should I start playing?
Rui: (plays a note) This is a basic ‘do’.
Toki: (follows along) ‘Do’...
Rui: With more strength.
Toki: (presses the key harder, amplifying the note) It’s a pretty sound…
Ageha: Rui, this opportunity is hard to come by. Teach him some basic piano.
Rui: Understood.
Toki: B-But I…
Ageha: You’re interested in learning it, aren’t you?
Toki: Yes…
Ageha: It’s nothing to fuss about. Even Rui can do it.
Toki: Ageha-san, that’s kinda mean…
Rui: No, Ageha is right. Although they are all instruments, the flute and violin demand a lot of rigorous practice just to be able to sound a different note. On the other hand, simply hitting the keys on a piano is sufficient to produce a sound.
Ageha: Furthermore, you can read sheet music and sing.
Rui: What do you think?
Toki: I’ll give it a try. I want to learn!
Rui: Then we’ll start with some basic practice. Position your right hand like this. You should be able to reach that ‘do’ key with your thumb.
Toki: Like this?
Rui: Yes. Starting from your thumb, ‘do’.
Toki: ‘Do’...
Rui: ‘Re’.
Toki: ‘Re’...
Rui: ‘Mi’.
Toki: ‘Mi’...
Rui: ‘Fa’ is played with your thumb.
Toki: Is it like this?
Rui: That’s right, hold that position.
Toki: ‘Fa’...
(Rui and Toki play through the tonic sol-fa, ending with ‘do’.)
Toki: I did it! Rui-san, could you go through it with me again?
Rui: Certainly. We’ll start again from the first ‘do’.
(Rui and Toki run through the tonic sol-fa again, their conversation fading into the background as Ageha distances himself from them.
Toki: That’s amazing!
Rui: Once more.
)
Ageha: (sighs) That Rui… He’s much more like a nursery school teacher than an idol. (checks his ring interface) A sound far from perfection… a perfect sound… perfect…
Toki: Um, Ageha-san!
Ageha: What’s the matter?
Toki: Was the sound from the piano disturbing you?
Ageha: I’d rather the sounds from the piano. Please continue.
Ageha: How’s Toki?
Rui: He has a slight fever. Probably from all the running he was doing during the day.
Ageha: …
Rui: I let him sleep and left PLANTs to accompany him.
Ageha: (sighs) I see.
Rui: How about yourself? Are you not retiring for the night soon?
Ageha: I could, but…
Rui: Hm?
Ageha: … It’s peaceful here, but at the same time there are so many sounds that surprise me. All in discord and irregularity.
Rui: Do they agitate you?
Ageha: No, rather… (inhales) It’s nothing. Good night, Rui.
Rui: Ageha.
Ageha: Hm?
Rui: … never mind.
(Ageha leaves)Rui: Ageha’s usually disgruntled when he has to go to sleep, yet… and myself as well… For both of us to be so… (exhales) The night is falling…
Translator’s Notes:
Out of curiosity, I Shazamed the song Ageha and Rui were playing and the result was this very drama track. I guess this is a Hana-Doll original, but I don’t think it’s been released as any official track. I’m also guessing this piece of music will make a return someway or another (and I hope so! The melody is really pretty).
[Loulou*di S3V2 L 3-6] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:ARK Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
Project Archive: L 3-6
Ageha: (wakes up) …This is…?
(Ageha walks forward and draws a curtain)
Ageha: (sighs) I see.
(Someone knocks and enters the room)
Rui: Oh, so you were awake.
Ageha: I very much am. Your knocking’s just a tired formality.
Rui: It’s better than if I don’t.
Ageha: You don’t say.
Rui: Did you manage to sleep well?
Ageha: Yes. I’m wide awake now.
Rui: And how are you feeling?
Ageha: (inhales) … Fine.
Rui: I see. Then–
Ageha: No, that’s not what I meant.
Rui: Hm?
Ageha: I can’t remember when was the last time I ever woke up this refreshed. No matter how much medication I asked for, not even once could I dream.
Rui: So that’s how it is.
Ageha: I’ve completely forgotten what it feels like to just wake up, to face the start of the day with my head this clear.
Rui: (hums)
Ageha: What is it?
Rui: It’s nothing, I just wanted to have your reaffirmation. Your judgment is always correct. I’m glad we decided to come here.
Ageha: The solo concert was nothing short of a success. Seeing the soulless white walls of the medical facility on our opening night just dampened the entire mood. Surely we have the right to spend a few days here for that.
Rui: You’re right. Coming here is–
Ageha: –a first. It’s nice and quiet. I always knew there was a dual use facility. The one who financed Amagiri Production to own this place was my father.
Rui: I had no idea.
Ageha: It was a desolate mountain recess, with no real value or importance. At least, that was what I gathered.
Rui: No wonder this place is located so far away from civilization.
Ageha: I heard that it will be reconstructed as a cultural asset once it has fulfilled its purpose. It’s more convenient that way, with my father filling a government seat and the production company unable to use it in public.
Rui: I see. That’s why the facility is dual use.
Ageha: All that aside, didn’t you come here because you needed something?
(Ageha and Rui enter another room)
Ageha: …Toki. Is he conscious?
Rui: Yes. He’s alright.
Rui: (walks over) Toki-bou.
Toki: Rui-san.
Rui: Ageha’s here.
Toki: Ageha-san! Good morning.
Ageha: Good morning.
Toki: Sorry for not noticing you earlier, I was just lost in my own thoughts.
Ageha: … You seem to be in high spirits today.
Toki: That’s right, I feel amazing.
Ageha: That’s good.
Toki: I don’t even really need the wheelchair anymore. I can walk perfectly fine on my own, but Rui-san insisted that I use it.
Ageha: It’s because he just absolutely loves meddling with other people’s business.
Rui: … I’ll go prepare a meal.
Toki: Rui-san, you can cook?
Rui: I can if it’s something simple, but there’s no ingredients to use at the moment. The meal will be tablets. House system, morning plates for Ageha, Rui and Toki.
Ageha: In the training academy and star class dormitories, the meals are entirely monitored.
Toki: Ah, I see.
Rui: I would cook if I had the chance.
Ageha: I’ll pass on putting anything you make into my mouth.
Rui: The AI here functions more or less at the same capacity as the one in the dormitory. With the medical monitoring protocol, there’s not much I can do, even if I wanted to.
Ageha: ‘Even if I wanted to’?
Rui: I meant to say it as a form of reassurance.
Toki: I get it… so that’s why there’s nobody else here.
Rui: The staff were ordered to leave as per Ageha’s wishes, to be exact. With the AI, the level of monitoring is the same as in the dormitory. It will be enough for daily activities, even unmanned.
Ageha: I didn’t want to put up with their excessive instructions and counseling. This is our time off from work.
Toki: Time off?
Ageha: Yes. It’s not an ordinary rest day. It’s our special reward, for attaining a worthy achievement.
Toki: It’s special? So that’s why it’s just the three of us here in this nice place.
Ageha: Will you be bored, with just me and Rui?
Toki: No, not at all! I’m glad it’s just us three. There’ll be no one else getting in our way and disturbing us!
Rui: I’m pleased as well. Having our days off at the dormitory becomes dull after a while. Especially for Ageha.
Ageha: Rui…
Rui: I’m only stating the truth, not my concern.
Toki: That’s ‘cause resting up is also a part of our job, right?
Rui: As you said.
Ageha: (sighs) Toki. You can do the things you like during this time.
Toki: Do what I like? Oh, I wonder what I should do?
Rui: If you can’t decide, then we’ll have our meal first.
Toki: I’ll get the plates!
(Toki gets up and walks over to help Rui. They converse away from Ageha.
Toki: Is this my plate?
Rui: Go back and sit down.
Toki: Come on, I’ll be okay taking the plates!
Rui: Are you really that hungry?
Toki: Eh? (giggles)
)
Ageha: (laughs to himself)
Ageha: Rui. Toki. The tablets don’t have any flavor anyway, and with this nice weather, why don’t we eat outside in the garden?
Rui: …That concludes my report.
Staff member A: Seems like his condition has stabilized; that’s a relief. Now let’s take a look at the results of the medical check. (types something in) Looks good. It’s perfectly stable.
Rui: It might be from the success of the live performance, or even being able to be at ease in this environment. It seems that both treatments are having a noticeable effect.
Staff member A: I was initially worried about what would happen.
Rui: I sincerely apologize for causing concern.
Staff member A: I hope that this stability won’t be temporary. Changing the topic, what about you?
Rui: What about myself?
Staff member A: How are you feeling about your current condition?
Rui: There’s nothing in particular to report. Has there been a drastic change observed?
Staff member A: It’s just a personal compulsion. Besides…
Rui: Hmm?
Staff member A: The dual-use facility isn’t a place of fond memories for you, am I right?
Rui: Are you talking about Amemiya?
Staff member A: That’s right. When you came to check up on him, he–
Rui: There’s no need to concern yourself. I’ve said it once before: The emotions I was born with aren’t pretty.
Staff member A: Yes, I remember you saying that. But you are still an idol of Amagiri Production, a test subject of the Hana-Doll Project, and a member of Loulou*di. Please keep that in mind.
Rui: Of course.
Staff member A: I won’t police you about what you can or can’t do during your break, but please take care of yourselves. Also, please don’t enter any rooms that you don’t need to use.
Rui: Understood. I will be in touch.
(The screen switches off)
Staff member B: Good work out there.
Staff member A: Ah, thanks.
Staff member B: Loulou*di seems to be in good spirits, don't they?
Staff member A: Well, at least that’s what the latest data’s saying.
Staff member B: Please don’t try to scare us.
Staff member A: It’s scary to begin with. To think that just one performance could stabilize everything. We didn’t even need to step in to amp up their condition.
Staff member B: Isn’t that a good thing?
Staff member A: This recovery isn’t some touching success story.
Staff member B: What happened to the guy that was all ‘Now this is the positive emotion that should be used to influence the flower’?
Staff member A: That’s what I thought would work. But as the caretaker of the host[1] who bears the weight of this influence, how am I going to report and present the data to Dr Toudou? (types something in) No consistency across the data means no possibility of replicating the result. Carving the miracles of God on slabs of clay can’t be called research.
Staff member B: … What’s this? Their biorhythm is being sent here in real-time, isn’t it?
Staff member A: That’s right. Something got your attention?
Staff member B: Yes. Could you give me a moment with this? (goes to type something) A few days ago, I was here wiping out all of Loulou*di’s old data.
Staff member A: Eh? And what about it?
Staff member B: I wanted to get a deeper understanding of the project. There wasn’t much data left on Chihiro and with Anthos* being the latest addition, there’s been too many new entries popping up for them. It hasn’t been that long since they debuted, right? So I thought about using Loulou*di as my subject of analysis.
Staff member A: You were able to pull all of that up from just those few operations? Looks like you’ve got more of a backbone than a thought.
Staff member B: I’ve simply decided to graduate from being a greenhorn and start being a real researcher. As for the summary for this… here it is.
Staff member A: I see. Your perspective isn’t a bad start, but next time, send in a request to access the library before you begin your work.
Staff member B: Eh?
Staff member A: If you need this level of data… (types a few keys) …then this should do.
Staff member B: …Oh, my god.
Staff member A: Now let’s not put all your hard work to waste. What’s next?
Staff member B: Ah, yes… These values are from this morning, right? See, over here.
Staff member A: Hmm?
Staff member B: These values from him… Just what type of waveform is this? I’ve never encountered it before, so I’m just wondering what it was.
Staff member A: Now that you’ve mentioned it…
Translator’s Notes:
The dialogue for ‘host’ is spoken as ‘yadonushi (やどぬし)’, for which the kanji is ‘宿主’ and the definition is ‘landlord’. However, this kanji can also be read as ‘shukushuu (しゅくしゅ)’, which means ‘parasitic host’. This is also the more common understanding of the kanji.
[Loulou*di S3V1 L 3-5] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:MONO Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
Project Archive: L 3-5
Interviewer A: In regards to the impromptu live show recently, I actually got a chance to see it personally. It was truly amazing!
Ageha: Thank you very much. I’m glad we got to spend some of your precious time together.
Interviewer B: With this, Loulou*di’s had their full comeback, right?
Ageha: Yes. We were able to welcome another day together without a hitch. It’s just that, right now, I’m overwhelmed by feelings of pride and gratitude.
Interviewer C: On the topic of the addition of a new member to the current lineup, have there been any instances of opposition or–
Ageha: None at all.
Interviewer C: Eh? But…
Ageha: We deeply apologize for keeping you all waiting as well as for the concern caused. I cannot deny that there were obstacles. However, let me make myself clear: the original members are also the new Loulou*di.
Interviewer D: There are high expectations for the continuously improving Loulou*di. During the tour after this, will there be a chance to hear from Rui-san and Toki-san?
Ageha: Of course, there will be an opportunity for them to give their comments. However, we will still continue to put on live shows for a while, so in order to adjust to conditions, we will have to end here for today.
(Screen switches off)
Girl A: What an amazing interview… as expected of Ageha-sama!
Girl B: Right? I’m so glad I got to see them have a full comeback! The recent live show somehow felt just like a dream.
Girl A: I feel you.
Girl B: But now that I think about it, I feel like maybe Ageha-sama’s not really back to form yet…
Girl A: Aren’t you just imagining it? You probably think so ‘cause it’s been a long time.
Girl B: But, during that interview, Ageha-sama spoke as if Kaito-san wasn’t even a member at all… It’s kinda sad.
Girl A: It’s because that guy betrayed Ageha-sama’s expectations and backed out by himself. Can’t help it if he feels like he didn’t suit Loulou*di.
Girl B: Yeah, sure, but…
Girl A: Could it be that… you don’t like Toki-san?
Girl B: N-no, I think it’s great that he joined.
Girl A: Then are you saying that Ageha-sama was wrong?
Girl B: That’s not what I meant…
Girl A: Then I think it’s better if you stop saying things like that.
Girl B: … Yeah, you’re right. Sorry. Loulou*di’s finally back and I’m saying all these uncalled-for things…
Girl A: No, I’m sorry too. I might have come off too strongly.
Girl B: Not at all, don’t worry about it!
Girl A: Thanks. I get that it feels strange with a new member joining, but let’s make this conversation just between us. I won’t tell anyone, so relax. … Ah, look at the time! I’ve got to go.
Girl B: Okay, see you!
(Girl A leaves, starts talking on the phone)
Girl A: Hello? Yep, I’m just leaving the karaoke box. Yeah, we watched the interview together. Everyone’s meeting in 30 minutes, right? … Mm, yeah, that’s what it felt like. I think she better be more careful with what she says. I get that she’s still worked up about Kaito-san leaving, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to say stuff that might sound like you doubt Ageha-sama. If she talks like that at a venue where there’s other Loumiels, who knows what they might say? Let’s persuade her again the next time we all meet up. … Mm, see you later then.
Girl A: (hangs up) Seriously, that girl is just way too honest. Like she can say what she thinks when it comes to stuff like that! Even way before they went on hiatus, she keeps saying that Ageha-sama and Rui-san aren’t charismatic at all…
Ageha: (grunting as he exercises)
Rui: So you’re still here.
Ageha: Is there something you need?
Rui: It’s about time for Toki-bou to return from the medical facility.
Ageha: I see. No matter what, he has to come back.
Rui: It seems like you’re being soft on Toki-bou.
Ageha: I can drag him over the coals and he will still happily follow me. Even if it’s to hell. How can I not use him?
Rui: I see. By the way, it seems that you’ve been into training up your body lately.
Ageha: Allow me to enlighten you, since you don’t know. Since I was young, it was drilled into me that a healthy body will lead to a healthy mind.
Rui: But, I don’t think you should push yourself too hard.
Ageha: (sighs)
Rui: … It looks quite difficult. You don’t seem to be struggling, meaning…
Ageha: Quit nitpicking and get used to it. That’s an order.
Rui: Could it be that you want to bulk up?
Ageha: No.
Rui: If you force yourself and end up ruining your body, you won’t be able to fulfill your wish.
Ageha: I won’t force myself.
Rui: Your weight has been decreasing.
Ageha: Don’t go around looking at the medical check results as you please.
Rui: Taking everything into both your mind and body may be your strength, but it backfires on you sometimes when you surpass Toki’s level.
Ageha: That’s none of your business.
Rui: Besides… (grabs Ageha)
Ageha: !! You bastard–what are you doing?! Let go of me!
Rui: A lean body and fine bones… No matter how much you hope, you won’t be able to outdo me. You should focus your attention on other areas.
Ageha: Enough with your shameless charade! I didn’t do this to challenge you!
Rui: Then why?
Ageha: It’s obvious. It’s to maintain a top condition at all times!
Rui: I don’t think putting your body through all this torture will lead to results.
Ageha: Shut up and get out of the way!
Rui: Not to mention, you won’t be able to resist the flower’s effects, no matter how much physical strength you have.
Ageha: Something like that can’t be corrected or criticized at this stage!
Rui: For all you know, everything you’re doing now may be all for naught.
Ageha: So what?!
Rui: (scoffs) Good grief.
Ageha: Shit, this is stupid!
Rui: It’s my loss, as expected.
Ageha: Rui, I have something to ask of you.
Rui: Hmm? What is it?
Ageha: Face this way and bend.
Rui: Like this?
Ageha: Yes. Maintain that position and grit your teeth.
(Ageha hits Rui)
Rui: (groans in pain)
Ageha: You’re a hundred years too early to consider yourself inferior to me.
Rui: That was… rather effective.
Ageha: It might just be thanks to my training. In return for letting me round it off by punching you in the gut, let me express my gratitude.
Rui: Then what do you intend to do to me when hitting me is not enough?
Ageha: After the live show, I’ll leave your face alone and kill you halfway.
(Ageha leaves)
Rui: … (laughs to himself) By that, you mean that no matter how many times I tick you off, you still can’t bear to kill me. I see.
Ageha: … Toki!
Toki: Ageha-san…
Ageha: You came back safely, Toki.
Toki: Came back…?
Ageha: To Loulou*di’s dorm. It’s the one and only place for you where I will be and where you can call your home. Isn’t that right?
Toki: This is… my… home?
Ageha: That’s right. You are a part of Loulou*di, both in name and reality. Every single person who watched our live show that day bore witness to that.
Toki: A part of Loulou*di…? I’m… Loulou*di’s Toki.
Ageha: Exactly.
Toki: I’m perfect. I’m perfect, right, Ageha-san?
Ageha: Yes, you’re perfect. Listen, and remember this: You’re Loulou*di’s Toki. That’s a fact no one can deny. And, from now on, if anyone dares to hurt you, no matter what, I will absolutely not let them off.
Toki: Ageha-san…
Rui: (walks in) Toki-bou.
Toki: Rui-san.
Rui: Welcome back. It seems you’ve returned safely.
Toki: I did. I’m back home.
(Audience cheering)
Ageha: (panting and starts to stumble)
Rui: Ageha.
Ageha: Don’t take it the wrong way. I’m not the one you need to bother yourself with.
Toki: (laughing)
Rui: Toki-bou.
Toki: Ageha-san, Rui-san, I did good, right?
Rui: Yes, of course.
Ageha: These never-ending cheers are proof of that.
Rui: In any case, it doesn’t seem like this enthusiasm is going to die down anytime soon. What do you say?
Ageha: We’ll reciprocate, of course. It’s the last day of the live shows, after all.
Rui: But, what about Toki-bou?
Toki: Excuse me, I’ve got something to ask of both of you.
Ageha: What is it?
Toki: It’s okay if it’s just for a little while, but could you… could you hold hands with me?
Ageha: I was wondering what you were asking for so formally. (takes his hand)
Rui: If you’re alright with this, then anytime. (takes Toki’s other hand)
Ageha: Ladies and gentlemen, please prepare yourselves, for the night is not yet ever. Bear witness to the curtain of the creeping night being shredded apart by these hands, and the screeching nightingales being torn from limb to limb.
(Audience cheers louder)
Ageha: We will never fear sin and death. We will watch the pitiful last breaths of the wretched in its full glory. There is a duty for you to fulfill, until the very end. This is a breathtakingly beautiful story of destruction.
(End of Hana-Doll Think of Me:MONO (Season 3, Volume 1 of Loulou*di))
[Loulou*di S3V1 L 3-4] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:MONO Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
Project Archive: L 3-4
Musumi's Colleague: Did you find him?
Musumi: Not at all.
Musumi's Colleague: Let’s search at the far end of the facility.
(Medical staff members run off)
Kaoru: Just why am I…? When did I arrive here?
(Kaoru walks down and opens a door)
Kaoru: There’s a garden all the way here? (hears some rustling noises, walks over to investigate) A teddy bear?
Toki: It’s my friend.
Kaoru: Is someone there?
Toki: Hmm? No, there’s nobody. No–body at all. It’s always been like that. I’m alone.
Kaoru: …Then, is it alright for me to be here today?
Toki: Eh? But…
Kaoru: If you’re not opposed to it, that is.
Toki: …But, but, it’ll be bad if someone finds me.
Kaoru: I won’t come any closer. In any case, I’ll sit down with my back towards you. That way, even if anyone comes through the door, they won’t be able to see you.
Toki: … I see. Mm, then it’s okay. I’ll let you.
Kaoru: Thank you very much.
Toki: …Say.
Kaoru: Yes?
Toki: Why are you here?
Kaoru: … I wonder why.
Toki: You don’t know?
Kaoru: I’m not very clear myself.
Toki: Hmm.
Kaoru: How about you? Why are you here?
Toki: … I don’t know either. When I woke up, I was in the car and I couldn’t move. It hurt, so I ran away.
Kaoru: Why?
Toki: I don’t want them to see me. They can’t ever know.
Kaoru: They can’t know?
Toki: If I’m in pain, they’ll be happy.
Kaoru: Happy? Just who do you mean? That’s…
Toki: My family.
Kaoru: Your family will be happy if you aren’t well?
Toki: Yeah.
Kaoru: No way…
Toki: That’s why… they can’t ever know. Nobody can know… the truth…
(Leaves rustle)
Kaoru: Are you alright?
Toki: Don’t come near me. I’m okay, I’m okay. That’s why, please, please, don’t throw me away…!
Kaoru: …….
Toki: Please, please! Don’t leave me…!
Kaoru: I’m right here.
Toki: … Your hand’s… warm.
Kaoru: Yes. I’m holding your hand. But, that’s all I’m going to do. You don’t want to be seen, right? Don’t worry.
Toki: … Mm.
Kaoru: I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.
Toki: (whimpers)
Kaoru: Besides, I won’t tell anybody. I’ll keep it a secret.
Toki: … Hey.
Kaoru: Yes?
Toki: Thank you.
Kaoru: Don’t mention it. I was just doing an imitation.
Toki: An imitation? Of what?
Kaoru: A long time ago, when I was struggling, some kind people held my hand. I really liked that.
Toki: Hmm.
Kaoru: They held my hand gently, told me it was going to be okay, and gave me sweet things to eat.
Toki: Sweet things? What kind?
Kaoru: All kinds. Pudding, cake, and macarons too.
Toki: Sounds tasty. I love sweet things.
Kaoru: Me too.
(Both of them giggle)
Toki: That sounds nice. If only I could have that too.
Kaoru: But…
Toki: Hmm?
Kaoru: That might have been a dream.
Toki: A dream?
Kaoru: Lately, I can’t tell just what are dreams and what is reality.
Toki: … Isn’t it okay for it to be either?
Kaoru: Either?
Toki: Mm. You get to feel sweet and nice either way.
Kaoru: (chuckles) You’re right.
Toki: Aren’t I?
Kaoru: Yes. Your hand’s all warm now.
Toki: Mm. The hurt’s gone.
Kaoru: That’s great.
Toki: I want to stay like this forever.
Kaoru: Yes, me too.
Toki: I wonder if this nice, warm feeling is all just a dream too.
Kaoru: Maybe it is.
Toki: Oh, that’s right. I remembered something. Wanna hear about it?
Kaoru: Of course.
Toki: I’ve always had amazing dreams.
Kaoru: What kind of dreams were they?
Toki: I was standing in the middle of sparkling light, being watched by a crowd of happy people. And, best of all, I wasn’t all. I was with the people I loved, and we were walking in that light together.
Kaoru: That sounds like a dazzling dream.
Toki: Yep. And then, I thought of something. That I could do anything. That’s when I realized that that pretty world was all just a dream.
Kaoru: What do you mean?
Toki: I’m a weak and pathetic human, so there hasn’t been a single thing I’ve been able to do right. I don’t even have the hope to wish for it.
Kaoru: Just because you couldn’t do it in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t be able to in the future. If you could do it in your dreams, then you can do it in reality.
Toki: Do you think so?
Kaoru: Yes. If you were really incapable of anything, then you wouldn’t even be able to dream in the first place. Dreams are proof that you know it in your heart. It’s precisely why you know that the possibility isn’t 0–you’ve seen that it could be done.
Toki: I see. It’ll be nice if it’s really like that.
(Sound of footsteps)
Musumi's Colleague: Over here!
Toki: (gasps) Someone’s here!
Kaoru: It’s okay. Stay calm.
Toki: What should I do? I don’t want to be caught, I don’t want to take that medicine anymore…!
Kaoru: Medicine?
Toki: It makes me feel all soft inside and I feel really good… I’m so scared of it! It makes me feel like I’ll lose myself!
Kaoru: Please leave this to me. Just stay and hide here.
(Kaoru walks over)
Kaoru: Um, excuse me.
Musumi's Colleague: You are…
Kaoru: I’m sorry for entering without permission. I got lost.
Musumi's Colleague: Shouldn’t you be in the Observation Room?
Kaoru: I’m done with the post-observation hearing, so I was heading back to the dorm. But I forgot how to go back while I was trying to leave.
Musumi's Colleague: Is that why you’re here?
Kaoru: Yes. It was dark and I couldn’t tell where I was going. I got scared, so I hid in the bushes.
Musumi's Colleague: So that’s how it is. You must have been terrified.
Kaoru: I’m really sorry for the trouble.
Musumi's Colleague: No, we apologize as well. We should have done a proper follow-up. Come, let’s head back.
Kaoru: Yes.
Musumi's Colleague: The car will drop you off near your dorm.
Kaoru: Thank you very much. By the way, well, about the–
Musumi's Colleague: If you’re referring to him, then rest assured.
Kaoru: Did you already find out?
Musumi's Colleague: There are many cameras in this place. There’s probably much more of those kinds of things around that you can imagine.
Kaoru: I see…
Musumi's Colleague: You had contact with him, didn’t you? Did you two talk?
Kaoru: … Just a little.
Musumi's Colleague: What do you think?
Kaoru: He seemed terribly lonely and it seemed like something awful happened to him. It’s like he didn’t want anyone to find out what really happened to him.
Musumi's Colleague: Do you think the both of you could get along?
Kaoru: I can’t tell. It was dark so I couldn’t see his face, and I didn’t manage to ask for his name. Anyway, even if we were able to meet again, I can’t say that I will recognize that it’s him.
Musumi's Colleague: Anything else strange you noticed? Did he say anything?
Kaoru: He said he didn’t want to take the medicine. He said it made him feel like he would lose himself. Um, I don’t know what exactly this medicine is, but, please, do you think you could hold back from administering it to him?
Musumi's Colleague: That’s–
Kaoru: I know fully well that I’m not in a place to ask something like that. But I think he was genuinely afraid. It wasn’t for show.
Musumi's Colleague: (sighs) I understand. We will take proper action.
Kaoru: Thank you very much.
Musumi's Colleague: Leave the rest to us. You should head back to the dorm. The security guard over there will see you to your vehicle.
Kaoru: Alright. Then, I’ll take my leave.
(Kaoru leaves. The medical staff makes a call)
Musumi's Colleague: Please send the Anthos* Doll back to the dorm. As for the remaining Doll, immediately secure him and send him to the treatment room.
Musumi: I apologize. I put too much trust in Kaoru-kun and ended up taking my eyes off him.
Musumi's Colleague: You’re lucky that it was him. He’s a Doll that’s normally honest and obedient. He’s not the type to lie.
Musumi: That’s right… at least, he gave off the vibe that you could trust him unconditionally.
Musumi's Colleague: It’s because within Anthos*, he’s the one that’s the closest to full bloom.
Musumi: Oh, so that’s what it is! The flower’s ability truly is amazing. I heard that he’s suffering from severe memory loss, but what does that have to do with the water?
Musumi's Colleague: Nothing at all. We haven’t administered water to Anthos*. That’s a special case from Dr Toudou.
Musumi: I see. I had no idea.
Musumi's Colleague: It truly is our blessing in disguise this time. In that state, it’s only a matter of time before he forgets everything that happened today.
(The staff head back inside)
Musumi's Colleague: More importantly, we have the one from Loulou*di to worry about. If we don’t start regulating his condition before the next live show…
Musumi: The next live show… is another lavish one, isn’t it?
Musumi's Colleague: That’s right. It’s next week.
Musumi: Can we make it?
Musumi's Colleague: We’ve got no other choice. Right now we’ve only got the water to fall back on, but there’s still cause for concern. Live shows have a great impact when it comes to emotional state.
Musumi: But live shows are also a source for a lot of positive emotions, right? In any case both the mind and body will stabilize, so there’s the possibility that the need for water can be weaned off.
Musumi's Colleague: That’s all just a facade.
Musumi: What do you mean?
Musumi's Colleague: Just who gets to decide whether emotions are positive or negative?
Musumi: ‘Who’...?
Musumi's Colleague: Is the seed capable of judgment and thought?
Musumi: But… That’s what it says on the written material.
Musumi's Colleague: Emotions that leave an impact will influence the flower’s development. That much is true. But, that’s all it does. Do you think that the emotions experienced by a 20-something-year-old being cheered on by a large crowd of people is something that it can imitate?
Musumi: That’s…
Musumi's Colleague: By administering the water, we can complete the flower’s development and give it flesh and blood that can be controlled. However, in exchange, whatever human emotion that’s there dies. An eternal beauty is preserved, but can we really say that what remains is living? I’m no expert in philosophy, so unfortunately I can’t open myself to that discussion.
Musumi: Then, what if we just leave the seed in for a short period of time and just remove it after? How about transferring the same seed between different people? We can lessen the strain across individuals. A singular cycle may become shorter, but the seed will be able to accumulate the progress across clinical trials while in an idol, right?
Musumi's Colleague: Yes, it’ll be a little better if we could do it that way.
Musumi: So we can’t?
Musumi's Colleague: We don’t have a perfect successful example to draw from. Both the body and the inserted seed are tightly bound to their host.
Musumi: No way…
Musumi's Colleague: Have you heard of this idol that was in Loulou*di, Amemiya Kaito?
Musumi: Yes, from the written material.
Musumi's Colleague: Currently, we know that whether the flower withers or the host dies, the seed will start to rot from within the body. Where we managed to retrieve this evidence was from none other than Kaito.
Musumi: E-Eh? Hang on, Amemiya Kaito should have withdrawn from Loulou*di…
Musumi's Colleague: We are researching unexplored territory at the forefront of medical research. It’s as you said. The mindset of pioneers is a weight too much to bear for the average Joe. (starts to walk away) Ah, that’s right. As your senior, let me offer you a word of advice: It’s better if you don’t refer to the Dolls by their names. If you let your feelings get a hold of you, you’ll regret it later.
Translator’s Notes:
The medical staff in this drama track should be the recurring medical staff from the previous drama track. This was only what I gathered by ear, but if anyone owns the physical CD and has the credits for the characters, feel free to let me know!
[Loulou*di S3V1 L 3-3] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:MONO Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
Project Archive: L 3-3
(Crowd cheering, Loulou*di catching their breath)
Fan A: Ageha-sama!
Fan B: Welcome back, Ageha-sama!
Fan C: I’ve always believed in Loulou*di!
Ageha: (to himself) Ah… I can hear them; the cheers of the fans who admire Loulou*di–Loumiels… I see. I’ve finally beaten death as imposed by a nightmare and arrived here…! I’ve finally returned to the stage filled with light!
Rui: Ageha. Ageha!
Ageha: !! Rui.
Rui: Toki is acting strange.
Toki: Ah… (shakily giggling to himself)
Ageha: That expression…!
Rui: We should step back and let him rest.
Ageha: (addresses the crowd) Ladies and gentlemen, please kindly forgive me[1], the one who will lower the curtain of darkness. And please listen closely to the song of the nightingale that will appear in your dreams tonight. You should already know, but be it darkness or dreams, there’s nothing that can tear us both apart.
Rui: You finally regained consciousness. How are you feeling?
Toki: Why am I–What happened to the performance?
Ageha: The performance has been long over.
Toki: Huh? But, the encore–
Rui: The transport team will arrive shortly. You’ll head to the medical facility to rest.
Toki: Hmm? But I’m fine. After all, it’s the first time I got to be on Loulou*di’s solo show and I gave a perfect performance. My body felt so light that it’s like it’s not even mine, moving even better than I expected. It’s the first time I ever felt that way–it’s the best I’ve ever felt. If only I could stay on that stage forever. But… since when did we get back from the stage?
Ageha: … Toki.
(Doors open, staff comes in with equipment)
Rui: Over here, please. We’ll leave it to you.
Medical Staff A: Understood. Hey, over here.
Medical Staff B: Got it.
(The staff walks over, starts strapping something onto Toki)
Toki: Huh? What?
Rui: A mattress[2]? Why would you need something like that?
Medical Staff A: Prepare the ampoule.
Rui: That ampoule…
Medical Staff A: Orders from above. We’ve got clearance to inject the water if it comes down to it.
Rui: Regardless of the circumstances, don’t you think the intervals between doses are too short? During the administration of the medicine a few days ago–
Medical Staff A: The dosages are being monitored to ensure they don’t lose their efficacy. There’s no need for you to worry.
Rui: But–
Medical Staff A: Only things that will pose a hindrance to Loulou*di’s activities must be avoided. Those were the orders from the president himself.
Ageha: … I see. Then we’ll let you handle it.
Rui: Ageha!
Toki: (gasps)
Medical Staff A: The dose has been administered successfully. Everything after is up to you.
Ageha: Understood. However, if anything happens to Toki, I will never forgive you.
Medical Staff A: …
Ageha: Go ahead and try. My intentions are clear.
Medical Staff A: …Please excuse me.
(The staff leave)
Rui: Ageha, there’s no doubt about it. Toki-bou was showing signs of assimilating the preserve.
Ageha: So it seems. Unconsciously performing on stage, and that trance-like expression. However, if we just let it be and allow the effects of the medicine to wear off, it will only cause confusion to the mind. It’s exactly like what happened to Amemiya.
Rui: But between then and now, the frequency of administration is too high.
Ageha: The progression of preserve assimilation is also too fast. After that many incidents under those circumstances, I would have failed to advance long ago.
Rui: I don’t feel the need for that comparison. At any rate, the progression of your fortitude only appears to travel downhill.
Ageha: Are you saying that you see my futile resistance as unmatched?
Rui: No. You’re unmatched in every way.
Ageha: …Dammit, you’re pissing me off.
Rui: Toki-bou’s flower bloomed faster than any others’ we’ve ever seen. To suppress the possibility of betrayal from his growth and loyalty, do you think they could have purposefully accelerated the water administration cycle?
Ageha: Don’t joke around like that.
Rui: It’s simply a guess. But regardless, the answer should be in the medicine.
(Door knocks, a staff member enters)
Staff C: Please excuse me. The reporters are waiting outside.
Ageha: Ah… I’ll speak to them. Rui, you stay here.
Rui: I’ll come with you. I can’t have you work–
Ageha: If both of us were to go, then it would look like we ourselves are suspicious of Toki’s absence.
Rui: …
Ageha: If I were to go as our representative, then we could get those irritating reporters off our backs. Just listen to me and wait here.
Rui: Alright.
(Ageha leaves)
Ageha: (sighs) I’ve had enough of that demon… Whether what I’m up against is God or fate, I won’t let it get in my way again. Ever.
(Sound of equipment)
Medical Staff C: Oh, this antibody…. The numbers aren’t stabilizing. Let’s see, the Doll in Observation Room 1 is…
Medical Staff D: (on the phone) President, you don’t mean…! You’re kidding, right? Administering water to Loulou*di at this pace… You do understand what will happen regardless of what results we obtain, don’t you? …That’s–well, but… Understood. As long as it’s what the president wants, we won’t object. Then, please excuse me. (hangs up)
Medical Staff C: Um, that call earlier…
Medical Staff D: I must have been pretty loud if you could hear that, Musumi.
Medical Staff C (Musumi): Sorry.
Medical Staff D (Musumi's Colleague): No, I apologize as well for raising my voice.
Musumi: Not at all. Well… is there a problem with the administration of the water?
Musumi's Colleague: Ah, you haven’t been assigned to it since you came here.
Musumi: That’s right. I went through all the materials thoroughly during my training, but there was nothing much written in detail about the water.
Musumi's Colleague: How much do you know about the water?
Musumi: It works like a photosensitive personal assistant that helps the Dolls continue to thrive even with growth abnormalities, and by extension the withering. In short, if Dolls are flowers, then the absence of the water would be significant. Am I wrong?
Musumi's Colleague: You’re right. But it’s not as good as it sounds. Instead of achieving a state of pleasurable high, other emotions are heavily suppressed.
Musumi: The materials did say that the sense of euphoria is heightened.
Musumi's Colleague: (scoffs) You said it well.
Musumi: Emotions change and vary during the peak period, and I heard that the answers collected from the research show that the physical state has an influence on the results. If the priority is to alleviate as much suffering as possible while stabilizing the condition, then I think it’s fine.
Musumi's Colleague: But the efficacy of the medicine isn’t permanent. If we don’t keep a close eye on the administration schedule, then it’s a one-way express to drug reliance.
Musumi's Colleague: …Mind if I ask you something?
Musumi: What is it?
Musumi's Colleague: Why did you come to work here?
Musumi: I wanted to have a hand in the forefront of medical research. Well, even though this isn’t what the public recognizes as ‘medical’.
Musumi's Colleague: I don’t blame them. The one calling the shots is a production company and the results are in the form of idols. Both are inextricably linked. A weekly publication mentioned it sometime back too, that research that involves putting something nobody can fully grasp into a human and making them sing and dance like dolls doesn’t fall in the same category as finding out cures for diseases.
Musumi: Then we can put a more positive spin on it.
Musumi's Colleague: Positive?
Musumi: It’s not something easy for a layman to understand, is it? If there’s such a strong opposition, it’s proof that there’s potential for it in the future. That’s what I think. …
Musumi's Colleague: That sure is optimistic.
(An alert notification starts sounding off)
Musumi: The Doll scheduled for emergency admission has arrived.
Musumi's Colleague: I see. I’ll go take a look. Discharge the Doll in the Observation Room.
Musumi: Understood.
Kaoru: … This is…?
Musumi: Good morning. Um… your name is…?
Kaoru: Kisaragi Kaoru.
Musumi: Yes, yes. Kaoru-kun.
Kaoru: Excuse me, but could you be a doctor I haven’t met before?
Musumi: That’s right, I was recently assigned here.
Kaoru: I thought so.
Musumi: ?
Kaoru: Doctors here rarely call me by name.
Musumi: I-I see. I’ll keep that in mind. (clears his throat) Right, during the examination, did you experience any dreams?
Kaoru: Yes, I did.
Musumi: What kind of dreams?
Kaoru: I wonder…
Musumi: Do you not remember?
Kaoru: More importantly, Doctor, have you ever wondered, between what you see in dreams and what you see in reality, which one is the real one? Or rather, perhaps the view you thought was a dream is reality, and what you are experiencing right now in the present is all a dream. Have you ever thought about that?
Musumi: That’s…
(An alert notification starts sounding off. Musumi picks up the phone in the room.)
Musumi: This is Observation Room One. I heard the alarm, what’s happening?
Musumi's Colleague: The Doll that just came in for emergency admission has disappeared in the presence of staff.
Musumi: Eh?
Musumi's Colleague: Instructions now are that nobody is allowed to leave the premises. Hurry and start searching the medical facility.
Musumi: U-Understood. (hangs up)
Kaoru: Emergency admission?
Musumi: A-Ah, that’s right. Your hearing is not done yet.
Kaoru: It’s okay. I’m going to head back to the dormitory.
Musumi: Huh, b-but…
Kaoru: I felt like I did dream, but I forgot everything. So I can’t tell you anything more. I’m sorry. Besides, someone went missing, right?
Musumi: Ah, yes, but…
Kaoru: Please quickly find them. I’ll be okay. I’ll change my clothes and go back like usual.
Musumi: … Then, it’ll be of great help if you do that. Thank you.
(Musumi leaves)
Kaoru: Like usual… How is it like ‘usually’?
Translator’s Notes:
Ageha uses ‘boku (僕)’ instead of his usual ‘ore (俺)’ to refer to himself when addressing his audience, or in the presence of others aside from Loulou*di.
I believe the word here used is ‘teishou (低床)’, which usually refers to the low floor of a platform or vehicle. In this context I translated it as ‘mattress’.
[Loulou*di S3V1 L 3-2] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:MONO Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
Project Archive: L 3-2
Ageha: That will be all for now, but that is more or less the full picture of this project. Please distribute the materials I’ve given earlier to all parties involved as soon as possible.
Staff: But, Ageha-san, headquarters aren’t going to listen to reason now–
Ageha: Either way, they will come back with a strongly-worded reply. Furthermore, if we were to let this drag any longer, it would be detrimental to our schedule.
Staff: Of course, we understand where you’re coming from, but–
Ageha: There’s no need to worry. If it comes down to it, I will take responsibility.
Staff: …Understood.
Ageha: Thank you. I have some business to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.
(Ageha leaves)
Ageha: (sighs) Hey, you. Why are you here?
Rui: I arrived earlier than the meeting time, so I dropped by.
Ageha: A stalker as always. Stop looking into the schedules of other people as you please.
Rui: It seems that you have time blocked out for training later.
Ageha: And?
Rui: You should be exhausted from all your other appointments. How about canceling it?
Ageha: Instructions from above are absolute.
Rui: Your condition seems to be stable at the moment, that’s why I’m asking–
Ageha: You’re annoying. Rui, are you my manager or something?
Rui: I’m not. I’m your fellow unit member.
Ageha: Again with your excuses. You should be sick of your own creepy behavior by now.
Rui: I’m telling you the truth. There’s nothing unnatural about it, just as how a loyal dog looks out for its owner.
Ageha: (scoffs) Says the one who’s enjoying themselves when they see me at my worst.
Rui: … You’re right for one half, but totally off for the other. I want to witness every facet of Ageha, but I also want to grant your desires. I bear the same commitment to both. How weak and vulnerable you are, down to the parts of yourself that you don’t accept, is something I’m more than familiar with.
Ageha: The gall to dare say that out loud… You’re seeing through someone and toying with them.
Rui: Hmm… I don’t remember doing something like that.
Ageha: Then hurry up and get rid of that oh-so-important ampoule.
Rui: Did you forget? It’s already been used up. You were begging for it to be used–
Ageha: Stop it. It was all your fault anyway, zeroing in on every single little thing–
(Notification sound rings.)
Ageha: (sighs before accepting the call) Speaking. Yes, understood. Then please proceed as discussed earlier. (ends the call) Rui, what is Toki up to today?
Rui: He should be in the dorm.
Ageha: Then, let’s make some changes to the schedule. Head back to the dorm for now. We’ll have a meeting.
Rui: A solo live performance.
Toki: Showing nationwide next month, to boot!
Ageha: It’s just been officialized. PLANTs.
PLANTs: (beeps and moves over)
Ageha: Display the latest documents for the solo live performance project.
PLANTs: (beeps and pulls up a display)
Rui: This is… an image of the venue?
Toki: Seems like we’ll be using the boundary.
Ageha: It will be an appropriate stage for Loulou*di’s complete comeback. For the guests seating at more disadvantageous seats, we will prepare the materials to elevate the premium experience for them. It’s an efficient three-stage area that keeps the equipment usage to the minimum while utilizing the environment to its full extent.
Toki: It’s so pretty… It has so many flowers too.
Rui: It’s a stage that’s fully decked with flowers, huh…
Ageha: That’s right. Now, decide on a theme for the venue. Each choice should best portray the beauty of our performance.
Toki: But doesn’t that mean that the experience will be totally different for those watching from the seats?
Ageha: Exactly. We should take into consideration the intensity of the light coming through the windows and the possible weather conditions for that day to produce an experience that cannot be replicated. As far as the venue and the audience are concerned, we should be aiming for a uniquely grand performance.
Toki: Wow… That sounds amazing!
Rui: But to kick off a plan like this is quite sudden.
Ageha: … Do you have any problems with that?
Toki: None at all!
Ageha: That’s good. Rui, do you have something to say? If there’s something you’re not satisfied with, just come out and say it.
Rui: No, there’s nothing. If it’s decided by you, then I would do anything.
Ageha: Then how about at least acting more compliantly?
Rui: I just would like to know the reason. If this live performance was to go according to plan–
Ageha: And it will. Without a doubt.
Rui: … This performance seems special, matching the extravagance of the previous one. It is possible to come out with a venue design that utilizes the location and resources on hand to create a premium experience that’s only limited to the on-site staff and a select number of people. Even taking into account the safety measures to be put in place, it’s important to put out a quality to the standard of serendipitous. With this, being called for a grand hall tour would only be a matter of time.
Ageha: Exactly. All the more that a show like this cannot be brought to life by none other than us. There couldn’t be a more befitting stage.
Rui: But, why now?
Ageha: There are several reasons for it, but the biggest being Toki.
Toki: Me?
Ageha: When we resumed our activities, the spotlight was on you. Though you’ve already made your appearance on video programs, magazines and web media, it’s about time to reach out to Loulou*di’s dedicated fans, Loumiels, and give them a special time, a special space. All to show them the face of the new Louloud*di.
Toki: Ageha-san…!
Ageha: No other idol can pursue the true strength of Loulou*di. Loulou*di’s fortitude is nailed in the numbers and the circumstances. However, it’s all the more we cannot rest on our laurels, and aim for the top. This has always been the way Loulou*di was and is, from conception to the present, without change or hesitation. Don’t you think?
Toki: Yes, I do!
Ageha: Rui, how about you? Is there something you still want to say?
Rui: No, I understand what you mean.
Ageha: Then, that’s all I have for today. Both of you, make sure your individual condition is up to mark.
Toki:Yes!
(Ageha is about to leave)
Toki: A-Ageha-san! Are you heading somewhere else?
Ageha: The training room. It’s nothing to concern yourself with, go and rest for the day.
Toki: Take care!
(Ageha leaves)
Toki: (sighs happily) I’m so excited… A special live show in a special place, being in front of Loumiels… It means my debut is official, right?
Rui: So it seems.
Toki: For Ageha-san to take me so far into consideration… It's like a dream.
Rui: Ageha is always thinking about it.
Toki: (giggles) I’ll have to give it my all if I want to keep being in Loulou*di!
Toki: … Yeah, I have to do my best.
Rui: Toki-bou, are you alright?
Toki: Alright about what?
Rui: Did you visit the medical facility for a check-up?
Toki: Of course I did. I took the medicine like the doctor told me to. I even got a jab.
Rui: A jab?
Toki: (rolls up his clothes) Over here, there’s the mark from the injection. See, I’m not lying.
Rui: (to himself) The water again, huh…
Toki: I’m… perfect. A perfect member of the perfect Loulou*di.
Rui: Ageha.
Ageha: If it’s a complaint, I’m not hearing it. Keep your mouth shut and do as I say.
Rui: Of course I will. But…
Ageha: (sighs) But what what?
Rui: There was the reason with Toki, but what’s the true reason? The reason for you to be in such a rush.
Ageha: Is there a problem with being ahead? To transform the worth of an idol into something special as soon as possible: that is the earnest wish of Chihiro, of the president, and of myself.
Rui: I know.
Ageha: If you know then don’t ask pointless things. How many times do I have to repeat myself? I won’t stand for the fruits of my labor being robbed by an ignorant bunch!
Rui: Anthos*, huh. But they are far from Loulou*di’s standard. There’s no need for you to make an enemy out of–
Ageha: I know that! Then how did it end up like this?! (throws something on the floor)
Rui: This is… a magazine? (picks it up and flips through) “Up-and-coming Newbie Group Anthos*: Preparing for the Ambition of the Music Award”.
Ageha: (sighs) It was the president’s idea.
Rui: The president’s?
Ageha: If it wasn’t then something that tasteless would have been destroyed before it was made into an article.
Rui: In short, this means that Loulou*di and Anthos* are both competing against and improving each other as rivals.
Ageha: Loulou*di doesn’t need this to be at the top.
Rui: Yes, you’re right.
Ageha: Then, why…?! No matter how matter times he recoups, I still want to trust in Loulou*di!
Rui: Ageha, calm down. I’m going to have to touch you if you get that emotional.
Ageha: Don’t touch me! (slaps Rui’s hand away)
Rui: …
Ageha: Rui, listen to me, this is an order. From now on, do not come near me.
Rui: Why?
Ageha: If you’re that considerate, I’d rather have you die instead.
Rui: … Understood. If that’s what you wish, then I won’t do it again.
Ageha: Throw out whatever ampoules you’re still holding onto. I’m not going to choose the easy way out. I won’t rely on that again. I will succeed and overcome the flower’s self-destruction.
Rui: Don’t tell me you suddenly came to train because of that?
Ageha: I’m planning the things I can do with what limited time we have. But, there’s something else that takes first priority. Do you know what that is?
Rui: Holding a surprise live and making a performance worthy of media attention… all to completely quell the Music Awards.
Ageha: Exactly. I have no intention of letting them have a single Category Award. We’ll make it loud and clear to them that Loulou*di is superior to them in terms of raw talent, name recognition and media attention. We won’t yield in anyone’s eyes… we’re perfect.
[Loulou*di S3V1 L 3-1] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:MONO Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
Project Archive: L 3-1
Ageha: Stories are, without exception, tragedies. In the shadows of happiness, there is calamity.
Rui: In the shadows of glory, there is despair.
Toki: In the shadows of salvation, there is sacrifice.
Ageha: And there, affixed to a stage tailor-made just for them, stands three. Each one born talented and gifted, but there was nary a single soul that would give them the time of day. Hence, from the sliver of opportunity they created and bestowed themselves with, they found deliverance and hope.
Rui: What lies in these hands of mine is nothing more than a singular husk of a vessel. Then, a peerless strength manifested before my very eyes, unveiling the glory and ruin that lined the journey ahead, enrapturing my soul.
Toki: Fearing the brand seared onto the weak from birth, I lived only to worship the false god named envy, until, finally, the hand promising deliverance appeared.
Ageha: There was no mistake. I was chosen.
Rui: My continued existence was granted by that entity.
Toki: This time, it will not slip past my grasp.
Ageha: Even if it meant I would be devoured by my own hubris.
Rui: No matter how fragile, or how foolish it was.
Toki: I would not waver, even if the lambs that were slaughtered could fill the oceans.[1]
Ageha: That’s right. I will not be daunted, for our utmost goal is the pedestal in the clouds.
Rui: Surely that brilliance will never disappear and remain undying.
Toki: There would be no regrets…
Ageha: …no matter how much I would suffer…
Rui: …no matter how unsightly, how cravenly I would become…
Toki: …even if I would lose something important to me…
Ageha: … I have to climb higher, aim farther.
Rui: Raise my head higher.
Toki: Become stronger.
Ageha: I will see nothing, hear nothing.
Rui: I will become one with the prowling darkness.
Toki: All for the sake of happiness.
Ageha: Carrying what little pride I have left, I–we–will surpass a horizon nobody has reached.
Rui: All I wish is for that journey to be well until the very end.
Toki: Holding that one little wish to my heart, I stepped forth onto the boundless earth.
(Audience claps and cheers)
Ageha: The curtains have risen. Come, let us begin. This is a story of a legend.
Rui: This is a story of ruin.
Toki: This is a story of deliverance.
(Glass breaks)
Narrator: Hana-Doll Project: a marriage of entertainment and medical science. A special seed will be sowed into the human body, and subsequently the seed will resonate with the human’s growth, allowing the latent abilities of the human to bloom forth. It is a project that can artificially produce highly-talented idols, idols that are close to ‘perfection’.
Translator’s Notes:
This drama track reads like a story/legend/fairy tale/folk tale. A lot of liberties were taken for the translation and not all the words were one-to-one translated. e.g. Toki does not actually mention any lambs at all in this line. A literal translation pertaining to the sacrifices mentioned would simply be ‘a lot of sacrifices’, but a problem would be discerning how the word ‘sacrifice’ is used here as Toki is referring to the ritualistic act rather than the more common usage in the context of giving up time or commitment, hence my choice for translation. This is applied in other instances in this track as well.
Rui and Toki both use ‘onore (己)’ to refer to themselves here, which is an archaic first-person pronoun. In modern context, this could be used to address someone else in a derogatory manner. Conversely, Ageha uses his usual first-person pronoun ‘ore (俺)’ throughout, of which its outdated kanji form is the same as ‘onore’.
[Anthos* S2V3 A 2-15] Hana-Doll 2nd Season INCOMPLICA:IT~ICON~ Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
Project Archive: A 2-15
Chise: Everyone all ready for the photo? …Okay! (camera shutter goes off) Mm, perfect!
Haruta: Chise-nii, lemme see!
Ryoga: Oh, nice shot.
Haruta: Yep. Hm? Hey, Sena-nii…
Setsuna: What is it, Haruta?
Haruta: You’re not mad here, are you?
Setsuna: I can’t say.
Haruta: What. You’re totally pissed. The heck happened?
Ryoga: …
Mahiro: Hey, Chi-san, could you send me the photo?
Kaoru: Me too.
Haruta: Me three!
Chise: Of course! I’ll send it to everyone. Litto, come take a look too.
Lihito: I’ll look later. More importantly, the rehearsal time.
Mahiro: Ah, you’re right! Let’s get going.
(Anthos* starts walking to rehearsal)
Haruta: Sena-nii, whatcha mad about?
Setsuna: Don’t know.
Mahiro: Sena-san, it’s okay, I’m fine.
Setsuna: …
Ryoga: (clears his throat)
Haruta: C’mon, something definitely happened!
Ryoga: Not at all, not at all!
Kaoru: Huh? Chise-san?
Lihito: Chise?
Chise: You guys go ahead first. I’m just gonna upload this to social media.
Lihito: … Catch up with us as soon as you can.
Chise: Mm!
Kaoru: It’s taking some time, isn’t it?
Haruta: Wonder when it’s our turn to be up.
Lihito: If you’re that curious, go look at the cast list.
Mahiro: Let’s see… (opens a screen from his ring) Maybe we’re right after this segment? They’ve been doing adjustments for a while and it looks like they still need some time.
Ryoga: …
Mahiro: (whispers) Ryo-san, do you want to find a place to sit?
Ryoga: I’m fine.
Mahiro: It’s okay to lean on me, okay?
Ryoga: …Thanks.
Haruta: Gah, I can’t stand still! (starts doing some footwork)
Haruta: Yep, then the both of us will go, in three, two, one…
Kaoru/Haruta: Go!
(They both accidentally bump into Mahiro)
Kaoru: Oh, no, sorry, Yuuki-kun!
Mahiro: Eh? Kaoru, by ‘Yuuki-kun’...?
Kaoru: Um… I apologise.
Setsuna: Did you do something you were not supposed to just now?
Mahiro: No, it’s not anything wrong.
Ryoga: Been a while since I heard that name.
Haruta: Kinda feels nostalgic.
Kaoru: Sorry, it was the spur of the moment…
Mahiro: Don’t apologise! I wasn’t offended, just a little surprised too since it has been a while.
Haruta: Yep, yep! It’s cool to just play polite with the surnames once in a while. Better than all those corny nicknames Litto-nii comes up with all the time, anyway.
Lihito: Did you say something, munchkin?
Haruta: Quit calling me ‘munchkin’!
Ryoga: This guy’s about to completely overwrite my name as ‘Dad’ too.
Lihito: It’s simple to say from the tip of your tongue and there’s no other immediate person that qualifies for the same title, so it serves as a definite and easy identifier. It’s only logical.
Haruta: There he goes…
Mahiro: Li-san, give me a nickname too! And I mean outside of social media.
Lihito: If you insist.
Haruta: Oh, yeah, Hiro-nii is ‘Mahiro’ to you, right? Chise-nii too… huh, where’s Chise-nii?
Kaoru: Now that you’ve mentioned it…
Mahiro: He hasn’t come back. I wonder what’s the hold-up.
Ryoga: We still have time, so it should be okay.
Lihito: I’ll go get him.
(Door opens)
Chise: !!
(Lihito approaches)
Lihito: Chise.
Chise: Sorry! Did rehearsals start already?
Lihito: (sighs) You saw what was on social media?
Chise: ….Mm.
Lihito: Three minutes is more than enough to upload a photo online. Let me see your phone.
Chise: Ah…
Lihito: Chise.
(Chise hands over his phone for Lihito to take a look)
Lihito: (sighs) There’s no need to look. This is just superficial gossip, nothing on the level of libel and slander.
Chise: Still… It’s a fact that I had to take a break from work, and I really might be lacking in professionalism, so… It can’t be helped.
Lihito: You were injured. While it is unfair to have your reputation take a hit for a reason as vague as an accident, that’s not for the outsiders to know. There’s nothing against saying whatever you want based on sheer speculation.
Chise: Even so…
Lihito: I was with you the whole time. I know better than anyone how much work you put in for your comeback. Between me and the outsiders, who would you rather believe?
Chise: That’s… but…
Lihito: Are you still afraid of standing on stage?
Chise: I…
Lihito: Then what’s with the habit of coming up with an excuse to hang around in the green room right up until it’s time?
Chise: It’s because…
Lihito: Chise, calm down and listen to me. I’m not angry with you. You don’t have to push yourself. It’s okay to say that you’re scared when you’re scared. And if stage performances are too much, you could always refuse and take a break–
Chise: No way! If I did something like that, then… things will start happening again… not just to me, but to everyone–
Lihito: Don’t mind the others. Of course, that’s including myself.
Chise: But, I’m already aware that our performances are being cut or cancelled altogether. Things like that aren’t happening to the regular talents at the company. All of it is just happening to Anthos*.
Lihito: You’re overthinking it.
Chise: Our green room for today is tiny. The music program that was scheduled for us recently also bailed out. And it’s not just them–
Lihito: Even if that were the case, they’re not your troubles for today. This program has connections to our company. They are aware of your accident and have increased the security. As for the other programs you mentioned, we can just bring it up to the company for them to investigate. If we’re really being pinpointed then it’s the company they’ll make an enemy out of. What do you say? Feel a little more assured?
Chise: Litto…
Lihito: Don’t cry. You’ll ruin your makeup. It’ll be a waste after all that effort you put into it.
Chise: But…
Lihito: There’s not a single thing for you to cry over.
Chise: But it was all because I was injured that the other members who were fine got told that they’re not suited to win a music award… and I thought that Anthos*, everyone, turned their backs on me and left me behind… that’s why…
Lihito: Nothing like that happened.
Chise: Besides, there’s definitely still people who think I stick out like a sore thumb, and that I’m just a hindrance…
Lihito: Don’t let yourself get hurt by people that don’t know you or treasure you.
Chise: (sobbing)
Lihito: That being said, if you find yourself being tormented by such words, it’s alright for you to direct them back to me. Just like what you did just now.
Chise: Litto…
Lihito: As much as I told you not to worry, I understand that you’re still uncertain, so I’ll be here to hear you out. No matter what happens, I’ll be by your side, Chitose.
Chise: …Mm.
Chise: Litto, are you sure it’s okay? Won’t everyone notice that I’ve been crying?
Lihito: It’s fine. Your makeup was fixed properly. All that’s left is for you to hold your head up.
Chise: Mm, got it.
Staff Member A: Crap, I can’t seem to find that card key.
Staff Member B: For real, for real, we had to up all this security just ‘cause of one dime-a-dozen idol and his accident.
Chise: …Eh? Litto, that was–
Lihito: Shh.
Staff Member A: Talk about making a big deal out of nothing. They’re the guests for today too, right? Uh, what were they called again?
Staff Member B: Anthos*.
Lihito: !!
Staff Member A: Yep, yep, them. I know jack about the Hana-Doll Project, but they can gas themselves up all they like and we small guys can still see through all their bullshit.
Staff Member B: Exactly. Just like that other group Louloudi*, raking in figures just can’t cover up how screwed-up they are.
Staff Member A: Something about not wanting to take in anymore greenhorns?
Staff Member B: Well, today’s gonna be no sweat, just gotta half-ass the camera and then whack together some edits in the software.
Staff Member A: Hey now, say that a bit louder and the higher-ups are gonna get mad at you.
Staff Member B: But seriously, must be a nice job if all you need to do is grin a bit and have people fawn over you.
Staff Member A: You said it, man. Wonder if I’ve got a shot at joining in. With Anthos*, that is.
(Both the staff members laugh)
Lihito: (fuming, about to walk over and fuck them up)
Setsuna: You won’t be able to join Anthos*.
Lihito: Yashiro-san?
Staff Member A: Huh? The hell are you?
Staff Member B: Idiot! That’s one of Anthos*.
Setsuna: Say, could I ask you something?
Staff Member B: A-and what might that be…?
Setsuna: Does hating Anthos* and doing your job properly have anything to do with each other?
Staff Member A/Staff Member B: (uncomfortable noises)
Setsuna: What is it about ‘half-assing’ it?
Staff Member A: Um… about what we said earlier…
Setsuna: It is a given that we will give our all. We’re not a special case. This is our job, after all. I’ll do it. So will everyone else. So why is it alright for you to not do your best?
Staff Member A: That’s…
Setsuna: Is not liking someone a reason for you to not put in any effort?
Staff Member B: Well, that’s… uh… Sorry, it’s about time for us to get back to work so we gotta go!
Staff Member A: Please excuse us!
(Both the staff members leave)
Setsuna: …They left. Even though I wanted to hear it from them. (footsteps approaching) Ah, Lihito. Chise.
Lihito: Hello.
Setsuna: What were you doing over there? Chise too, you didn’t come back with Lihito so everyone’s worried.
Chise: I apologise.
Setsuna: Hm? Chise, why are you apologising?
Chise: It’s my fault for troubling you to come all the way here for me.
Setsuna: It’s not Chise’s fault. I wanted to come, so I came.
Lihito: You wanted to come?
Setsuna: When everyone was back there together, Mahiro… kept looking worried. I prefer to see Mahiro smiling. So, let’s quickly return.
Chise: …Sena, you’re pretty tough. You were so cool back there!
Lihito: If you had just been a minute late, I would have stepped in and said the same thing.
