last crappy Hikaru translation! Episode 8
So I'm at a spa, waiting for my friend to be done with her bridal spa session. I wasn't expecting there to be Internet here but Lo and behold, after few long days WITHOUT Internet, I am connected once more. (I'm in another country so no phone, no data plan etc). Since I have to wait, I actually have time for the first time in days. What with everything that’s been happening over the past 1-2 months, it's (as I mentioned to @grandduchessmiki) a veritable Mad Hatter’s tea party on my end.
Anyways, with the advent of Internet, I discovered two things. One made me very very super duper OVERJOYOUSLY ECSTATIC. The other, well, I wanted to smack myself.
To immediately discover that Hikaru ENGLISH VERSION IS RELEASED.
This post was supposed to come out a WEEK AGO. YES, A WEEK. It turns out, when one is rushed for time, one should really REALLY check if one actually posted instead of saving a draft. I mean, when one just assumes that blue button says ‘post’ instead of ‘save draft’.....
Well, so long story short, I've assumed all this time it’s been out. And it hasn't. And I'm a guilty bunny.
As Hikaru Eng version is out, I'll stop posting the translations and hop straight into the English. I apologise for taking so long with the original translation to begin with, not to mention leaving it incomplete, but personal circumstances played a huge role. I'll definitely be able to get thru that one a lot quicker. And if my friend takes a long time in the spa, I might actually get to finish typing it out and post it. So, fingers crossed.
@beshoo-220 new character?O.o i mean I'm hoping Samejima will be a character but I don't think there's a new one yet. and I'm really really sorry for not replying 😣 I really hadn't the time
1) Spoilers. (If you haven’t already spoilt it for yourself)
2) Errors in translation. (I’m not fluent xD)
With that said, do enjoy suffer through one last weird translation xD
MC says something about there being a weird sort of tension or something while she was at Shu's place
Cue next scene being Shu going, 'Hmm this list
Apparently from what I can gather, Eisuke's given Shu some confidential documents and then Shu smiles, asking if Eisuke has finally noticed the trick (? Well noticing something at any rate)
MC's just like 'what you talking about?'
Shu used his influence a.k.a the power of the Japanese government to carry out background checks on the people on the list. How dodgy
MC thinks, could this be related to Hikaru's murders?
And her face must have reflected her thoughts to some extent coz Shu comments on her expression.
When she asks him what expression, he says something about it being an expression of worry for a certain person (my GAWD I seriously CANNOT get this sentence right in my head)
Something to do with a hand on a cheek (not in a romantic sense btw)
Shu then comments on how it's been a long time since he has seen Hikaru talking to another person as himself I.e. his real or proginal personality.
Hmm, did Eisuke leave? Or was he never there to begin with, rather Shu was just talking to himself? As in MC delivered the papers?
Anyway, Shu goes on to say that it had surprised him, since you and Hikaru are just colleagues.
MC's answer is very vague, saying that there were many things (that happened?) which resulted in what Shu saw.
The reason for this is that she knows that no matter that Shu is Hikaru's childhood friend, he is one of the merry men.
I think she is thinking to herself that she can't reveal the existence of the contract btw her and Hikaru. Personally I'm not sure if she means that she can't mention it because of that or for another reason.
She asks Shu about how Hikaru actually is like
Shu says that Hikaru was a lot more honest/straightforward back when he was younger.
MC may have commented on how that's not so in the present. Think she asked Shu about his and Hikaru's childhood history.
Hmm, so originally the Aihara family was one that served the Hishikura family.
Haha, I wanted to use the word 'vassal' originally but I don't know if that's accurate xD
Oh WOW I wasn't wrong. Vassals IS accurate. Shu just said that it had been this way since the Meiji era; from generation to generation due to or resulting in (translation liberties) a strong bond of trust.
As Shu speaks, there's a rare gentle/soft expression on his face.
MC comments on how powerful/great Shu's family must be and how it is a completely different world.
Then Shu says that 20 years ago, his family made a mistake.
Hoho, I sense some of Hikaru's mystery about to be revealed, if even a little
He goes on to say something about political opponents. And I'm not so certain this part. It's something about the Aihara family. I THINK he was saying that the family split or they suffered greatly from the consequences of that mistake.
Overcome by shame and remorse, Shu's father took Hikaru in...?
It sounds like his whole family is like in big fat trouble :S nooooooo><
OMG I want all three of these dialogue choices....
Sigh, I chose to ask about the reason for the family split(?)
Apparently, Shu doesn't really know either.
Well, thanks for nothing.
Shu: Except, my family's political opponents....
And Shu says that a few years later, Hikaru's parents died under mysterious circumstances -
- and that the person who discovered their corpses was Hikaru.
I...have goosebumps. And tears. I did not see that coming until it did.
Shu: From that moment onwards, Hikaru completely changed.
So saying, Shu let out a heavy sigh
Then he says that Hikaru is still searching for the answer to the mystery of his parents' deaths.
MC realises now what Hikaru sees in his flashbacks
MC's thoughts: then, what Hikaru is searching so desperately for....
She doesn't finish her thoughts but then asks Shu a question.
Basically she asks him if there is a possibility of finding out information about their deaths via the black market auctions.
If I'm not wrong, Shu says that they weren't influential people, thus it's highly unlikely that information about them would turn up at the auctions.
But the information on the reason for their deaths (since it's so obviously not for trivial reasons) might turn up.
MC thinks to herself if it is for this reason that Hikaru is doing this
Shu then says that he holds some responsibility for how Hikaru currently is.
MC asks him what he means
I think he says it was before he became a member of the merry men. And I THINK he basically says that for the sake of becoming involved in the auctions, he requested something of Hikaru. Or asked him to do something.
Whaaaaaat????? Shu was the one who asked Hikaru to become the Dubai Mad Hatter and replace the original????
Did I get the translation wrong?O.o...
MC's like, 'so the reason why Hikaru is so obsessed over the auctions is because..?!'
Before I click to the next dialogue...if this is also Shu trying to find out how much the MC knows and what Hikaru is up to, (coz we know the MC isn't the smartest light bulb) I'm going to be annoyed. Just saying
Shu basically finishes her sentence, saying that he was the trigger
MC thinks to herself: So Hikaru DOES occasionally become the Mad Hatter!
And something about this is what Mad-san meant by helping Hikaru, so that they could switch places
For some reason the MC is so shocked, going like 'should you be telling me this? What if I tell Eisuke(I have to tell Eisuke???)..'
And Shu's like: 'you won't'
Then he says something about Hikaru's obsession with the auctions. Not sure if he meant that she revealed it to him or something. The only thing I'm sure is that he mentions is Hikaru's auction obsession
My gawd..I know I'm missing something..
I actually don't understand what the hell they're talking about in this section. I'm sorry>< it's the little nuances in context and conversation that always give me such a hard time
Anyways, Shu says he might have said a little too much and that she should go back to work
Left with no choice, the MC heads for the door.
Then Shu says something that again I cannot quite get coz of context. All I'm sure of is that there is mention of stopping Hikaru. Whether he's saying that the MC could unexpectedly be the one to stop Hikaru (which I thought unlikely since hey, it's just chap 8) or he's muttering something about having to stop Hikaru. Or that unexpectedly, the one who will stop Hikaru will be...
I DON'T FREAKING KNOW...😭
MC's like eh? Just now, Hishikura-san he
But before she could ask, the door closed.
MC: I-is this really okay?!
Me: what the heck is going on??
Hikaru: Shaddup. Haven't I already said so multiple times?
I perceive this has something to do with a holiday and going out. Too lazy to translate fully.
Mc indeed says something about being allowed to go anywhere she wants without having to ask for permission beforehand.
Hikaru says that she's getting too accustomed to this life and something about this being a limited sort of escape
Mad-san asks if there's anywhere in particular she wants to go to outside of Wonderland
MC is happily exclaiming that she can finally explore London, experience high tea and waxing lyrical about some famous, delicious cream puffs that she wants to try at least once. Then she wants to go to a cake shop..
Hikaru basically says something along the lines of it's just all food or that everything's food with her
MC retorts that it's fun and that back in Japan she would often go out with her friends to eat. And thinks to herself that Sakiko isn't here while Chisato is a newlywed...nuff said. But she doesn't wanna go alone.
Well, guess who will end up going with you in the end hmmm.
MC asks Mad-san if he wouldn't like to venture outside of Wonderland (with her).
Mad-san replies, saying that he's the owner of Wonderland. Or was it caretaker
MC: I see, it can't be helped then.
I think she's thinking that it'll be scary to go alone...?
Wait for it. Wait for it.
Hikaru: what're you looking at.
MC: pretty pretty please come with me on my London tour, please do I'm begging you.
If his open mouth is any indication
He recovers very quickly though
Hikaru: You have no friends huh
MC then laments on how she wanted to make friends with her colleagues but she got immediately stuck in wonderland
MC: fine, if you hate the idea so much then I'll just go alone
Shock is an understatement for the MC's reaction.
Hikaru asks if it's that surprising.
Well, you're going with Hikaru. Sweet!
I must say, while I kinda get why the MC says nothing about her conversation with Shu, I think that she should say something nevertheless. Or at least if she says nothing about the past Shu told her of, she could at least mention the background checks right? But then again...unlike me, the MC is basically clueless still at this point
I see Big Ben and um...London bridge..? (I am not familiar with London so I hope I didn't commit some unforgivable faux pas)
MC is spazzing, saying stuff about how no matter how many times you see it on tv, the real thing is still the best.
Hikaru on the other hand is like meh. It's just an old bridge, he says.
MC retorts that Hikaru has the emotions of a rock I.e. none before going, 'ah!!i wanna take photos!'
Hikaru:...Alright I get it
I'm finding this really funny coz Hikaru seems resigned to his fate
From what I can gather, Hikaru is the kind that likes to have an itinerary.
MC on the other hand is all, 'Nope! Today's going to be a day of free planning!!'
Hikaru's like, 'Huh? What do you mean 'free planning' and goes on to mention crowds and the hassle.
MC's adamant so Hikaru basically shrugs and says 'have it your way'
So MC is excitedly running about like a headless chicken while Hikaru follows behind unwillingly (read: grumpily)
Hikaru mutters about how he can't believe there're women like the MC and something about women generally preferring if the man has carefully planned the day? Could be wrong
MC tells him that it depends on the type of person.
I think she either teased him or simply asks him, saying something along the lines of, you mean you don't only make plans to extort information? (If I got the context AND translation right)
Hikaru's reply is basically telling her it's none of her business.
MC says she knows it's none of her business, therefore(?) today will be a day to simply have fun.
I cringe at my translation.
Hikaru: you're really a strange woman.
MC: Squirrels!! There are SQUIRRELS!!how cute!!!
Me: =.= it must be the bushy tails
Hikaru: I'm not blind (xD translation liberties!! or literally, even if you said nothing, I know).
And something to do with a tiring but fun walk at Buckingham Palace?
MC asks if he's thirsty and wants a drink.
I think he says that something like this wouldn't make him thirsty and tells her she has the energy levels of an elementary schooler
Looking at the squirrels bounding around joyfully, Hikaru sighs.
Dialogue choice. I chose to ask him what he wants to do
Pffffft xD xD he did not hesitate. Oh Hikaru, you're so endearing
MC: That's not what I meant! I mean today, in London, is there anywhere you'd like to go..something you'd like to eat..'
Hikaru: not really. Don't have anything of that sort
Then he falls silent, apparently deep in thought.
The sound of a rumbling tummy. Whose could it be?
It's the MC's. Of course.
She apologises immediately, trying to explain that she hadn't been able to eat breakfast
Surprisingly, there isn't a snarky reply from Hikaru
Instead, he says, 'there's a pretty famous tea room within walking distance. I'll take you there
Hikaru of course has to say something about not going in that case. MC then says she definitely wants to go and is like 'Lead the way!'
MC is gushing over the cakes and the scones, saying how this is like a dream
I think Hikaru mutters something about how watching you is enough to give a person secondhand heartburn (likely a mistranslation haha)
There's a three-tier stand with cakes and scones
MC obviously has taken a bite because she's in the seventh heaven of delight. She asks Hikaru if he came here for work in the past
HAHA, talk about putting a damper on things. He says that he came her with one of his targets who was a woman, and asks scornfully if the MC thought he would waste his time smiling and eat cakes otherwise.
Hikaru: I would NEVER come here otherwise.
Hehe, I think he takes a sip of the tea because he says that Mad-san's tea is more delicious.
I think the MC says this particular cake is delish plus not too sweet and tries to get Hikaru to try some.
Hikaru: Are you for real..
But he does eat a small slice of chocolate cake.
That's Hikaru: Liar. This is damned sweet.
MC is surprised since it's dark chocolate and thus supposedly not the sweetest of morsels.
I love dark chocolate, esp those with a cocoa percentage of 80 and above .
Hikaru insults her taste buds
She watches him chew on the cake..? I think?
Now they are in some high up observatory.
MC is excited, saying that she can see the Tres Spades from here and how small it looks
Hikaru says that from above, it looks like a grain of rice
Something about a gondola. I didn't think it was important enough xD
I could smack the MC. Only now it occurs to her how much like a date their entire outing has been. Y'know..spending the whole day together, eating, in a high place staring at the view...
Hikaru on the other hand is thinking about other, much more unromantic things.
Like how it's so much more easier to keep tabs on a target from a higher spot. And something about buying some tiny aircraft to aid in that purpose
I'm giggling like an idiot because it's a very funny image in my mind. Talk about single-minded focus 😂😂
Hikaru, I cannot express just how much I love you right now xD
MC's immediately like, nope, nope! This is so not like a date at all.
She asks him if he's actually thinking about work even now.
He replies that it's what he does, and that even with her, it's all just a part of work to him.
Listening to the casual way he said those words coupled with his casual smile, some part of the MC's heart hurts
She then says something about Shu.
I will honestly say that I cannot grasp the meaning of what he says next.
There is some mention of Shu's dad and something which I can't tell is meant to be good or bad. I will assume that it is good and about Hikaru being rescued
Then Hikaru says that if it weren't for the incident with parents, (his, I assume) he would probably be serving the Shu's household as a butler (I couldn't resist adding the butler part)
MC thinks to herself that she heard a little about this from Shu (and that Hikaru was revealing bits and pieces...? )
She says something about his parents being important but for him to do such things
Ergh, please take the previous few and subsequent translations with the mindset that they are damn confusing and I likely got them wrong than not.
Hikaru then says that for all he knew, he was the cause of his parents' death
And that he got himself involved with the auctions, took advantage of clients, all simply to find out the truth
If I am correct, he says that whether for his parents' sake, or to find out the truth about his own culpability in the incident, he has to continuing reducing the number of names on the list.
While I'm certain of the first two parts, the last part about the list is unfortunately too ambiguous for me :(
His eyes reflect that darkness that appears in them sometimes
MC is hesitant to speak but she says that even so, it isn't reason enough to be a murderer.
Hikaru laughs, says something about your being so innocent
Um..did MC just say something along the lines of her not hating it as much as she used to? I think she did.
Well she definitely is wondering to herself why that is.
Hikaru's like 'is that so/I see'
His eyes narrowed, he smiles bitterly or was it wryly? I prefer wryly. Yeah I think it's wryly.
The darkness in his eyes from earlier has receded and the MC feels relieved at the sight
He then says that he too doesn't hate that almost stupidly straightforward attitude of yours.
Then, your gaze meeting his, the both of you smile.
Words cannot describe how much I enjoyed that dialogue part.
Okay, next day you're at work and you're suddenly questioned by your colleague.
Apparently, they all think you went on a date with Hikaru yesterday.
Someone from reception happened to catch sight of you by chance.
Well, word travels fast huh.
You try to deny it. Erika pops up.
I'm not even going to bother translating her words. Her face says it all.
Panicked MC thinks that things might be getting out of hand and she needs to tell Hikaru
Methinks Hikaru might not be as bothered as the MC. He'll probably find a way to bend it to his advantage.
You will not believe me, but it took a certain number of hours to get this one done xD. It seems like each chapter is longer and the terminology is much more difficult than the ones preceding it. It is a fun challenge, if mentally taxing.
I'm very very very happy with whatever I can glean from Hikaru's story so far. The pacing, the gradual reveals, while frustrating because of how long it takes to let us know more, are just enough to make me hanker for more. Like in this chapter? How we learn a bit more about Hikaru's past, about his parents. The progress in their relationship? It's understated but at the same time, it's solid. They are on the way to becoming friends. While I'm not sure what will happen (backtracking or some bad things which will undoubtedly rain upon them all), I have a little more faith in the writing. Even if I still hold a part of myself separate and cynical. And the way Hikaru is written is, in my honest opinion, the best so far. Then again, I haven't actually sat down and played Luke properly. I'm saving him for a bad day. Is that wise?
Edit: obviously I wrote all that before today xD
Edit 2: I just got browbeaten into getting a manicure. I will somehow have to play and type with one hand but it shall not thwart me!
Edit 3: i actually saved it instead of posting it again....lucky I realised it this time
AWAIT THE ENGLISH.IM IN LOVE
