𝑊𝑒𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒! 私の世界へ 🐈⬛ .•♬•. ID/日本語/ENG | Hi, I’m a pink cat and my name is Akari Nekomiya (猫宮アカリ) ฅ₍^•⩊ •マⳊ On this blog, I’ll focus on translating story cards from my six favorite butlers (but main butlers is Berrien, Miyaji and Crowther) and posting my Yume Akuneko content.
Hi, I’m a pink cat and my name is Akari Nekomiya (猫宮アカリ) ฅ₍^•⩊ •マⳊ
I'm kind of a "newbie" in Akuneko fandom. I've actually known about Akuneko since 2024–2025, but I started playing around the end of 2025 (on Christmas Eve, to be exact).
I’m more active on X (Twitter), Discord, and Facebook ( ⭑•̀ᴗ•́ )✧
Oh, I’m also a yumejoshi ✌ You can check out my yume list here [CLICK HERE] (P.S. Ruri is my another OC!)
⚠️ I'm not a professional translator, English is not my first language, it is my third language. So errors and mistranslations may occur. Thank you for your understanding.
❌ Please dont repost my translations or use them for machine learning, AI training, or any data collection purposes.
*Note : For Bulter card stories translations, I’ve only translated my top 6 favorite Butlers card stories : Berrien, Miyaji, Crowther (New butler), Lono, Boschi, and Lucas.
**Note : For progress translate, you can check -> here
For now, I’m not taking any translation requests.
[NEW BUTLER, 2026]
Crowther Knox's Story Card Archive
[ EVENT STORY ]
The Butler and a Hot Spring Vacation
2026 Butlers Card Event Story
Boschi Arenas - 義と共に生きる(Living with Justice) — Sakura Event
Bastien Kelly - 傍らで眠らせて (Let me sleep beside you) — Sakura Event
Miyaji Oldia - 音色は語る [The tone speaks] — Teacher Event
Shiro - 悪くない時間 [Not a bad time] — Teacher Event
Shinonome Yuhan - その手を掴む者 [The One Who Grabs That Hand] — Memory/Vampire Event part 1
Lucas Thompscie - 冷たい涙 [Cold Tears] — Memory/Vampire Event part 1
Miyaji Oldia - 暗闇の向こう側 [ Beyond the Darkness ] — Memory/Vampire Event part 2
Boschi Arenas 【暴君の罪と罰 - The Tyrant's Crime and Punishment】 — Memory/Vampire Event part 2
Lono Fontaine 【熱情の火元 - The Source of Passion】 — Memory/Vampire Event Part 2
Miyaji Oldia 【滅びぬ想い / An Undying Love】 — June Bride 2026 Event
Boschi Arenas 【二人の帰る場所 / A Place for Us to Return To】 — June Bride 2026 Event
Berrien Cliane June Bride 2026 SR Voice Drama
Miyaji Oldia June Bride 2026 SR Voice Drama
Lono Fontaine 【花は散れど / The Flowers May Fall】 — June Bride 2026 Event
Lucas Thompscie 【私で満たして / Fill yourself with me】 - June Bride 2026 Event
Past Butlers Card Event Story
Berrien Cliane 【Please give me your orders/どうぞご命令を】 — Mafia Casino Event
Boschi Arenas - サボりの共犯 [Accomplice in slacking off] — Academy Event
Miyaji Oldia 4th Anniv 共に生きるために [To Live Together]
Lono Fontaine 4th Anniversary — 笑顔の向にう側 [Smiling Towards the other side]
Boschi Arenas 4th Anniversary — 秘められた遺言 [ The Hidden Will ]
Lucas Thompscie - 笑顔に至る過去 [The past leading to a smile] — Mafia Casino Event
Ammon Lead - [ 隠れて咲く花 / The Hidden Flower ] — Chinese Mafia Event
Ammon Lead - 甘酸っぱさを隠して [Hiding the sweet and sour taste] — Dinner Show Event
Hii Molly! Thanks for the headcanons you wrote, especially about Berrien and Miyaji... I really love it... ((o(*>ω<*)o))
And I wanted to ask, do you have any headcanons about the butlers being youkai? Who would be the kitsune youkai etc. If possible, I’d love to hear about it 🥺👉👈💕💕
[Akuneko HCs] Butlers as Yokais
Hiii Akariiii 🥹💖 hehe thank you so much for sending me an ask and thank you for your amazing translations as always ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡ and thank you for reading my headcanons too 🥹💖💖💖 I’m so happy 💖💖💖
I remember writing about Fennesz as a Kitsune before hehe most likely because i thought Fennesz’s name was close to a Fennec Fox and it just stemmed from there but if it’s like a HC for all Butlers, it might be different :3
I can imagine Bastien or Miyaji being Kitsune, consider Bastien has been called as “Kitsune Yarou” by Lono and “Kitsune-kun” by Lamli, and with Miyaji, he has fox ears and tails hehe
Thanks to Yokai.com for the information on Yokais hehe
Berrien: Hone-onna (Bone Woman), even after death, Berrien couldn’t bear to see his partner being left alone. Carrying his former beautiful appearance, Berrien holds a peony lantern to seek Aruji and he continued to remain by their side until their last breath.
Lono: Futakuchi Onna (Two-mouthed Woman), as a connoisseur for food, Lono had wished that he would be able to enjoy more cuisines. Hidden behind his hair, he would secretly stuff food in his second mouth while he taste test with his first mouth.
Bastien: Kitsune, as a young, good Kitsune, Bastien would protect the humans who would offer him with delicious food and he would battle against the evil spirits for their sake. He’s the type who would remember and pay back favours. He enjoys huddling with other fluffy Yokais.
Haures: Inugami (Dog Spirit), pledging his loyalty forever, Haures would do whatever it takes to protect the family. He is a spirit who is diligent to his duties and he has heightened senses when it comes to danger.
Fennesz: Kyorinrin (Awe-inspiring Sutra), residing in libraries, Fennesz is made up of scrolls, books and scriptures that are left on the desk. He possessed strong knowledge of anything that is written with perfect memory. He often laments about the books that are left behind by owners and wished that more people could recognize such knowledge to use in their daily lives.
Ammon: Furutsubaki no Rei (Old Tsubaki Spirit), when a Tsubaki tree, or known as the rose of winter, withered due to old age, Ammon is born. He is able to separate himself from the tree, and he often enjoys playing pranks on the passerbys, his magic could trick others to become different animals and insects and he would eventually let them go back to their human forms when he’s finished with them.
Boschi: Hari Onago (Hook Woman). From afar, Boschi is seen with gorgeous locks of hair, but be careful not to get too close, for his hair can be like sharp locks to draw you in. He used his hair as traps for his hunts and he can enjoy delicious meat.
Lamli: Sunekosuri (Shin rubber Cat), mischievous and adorable in nature, Lamli is a cat which also resembled a dog. During raining times, you’ll see him hiding near puddles, playing pranks on people by rubbing on their shins, and the humans would have trouble walking.
Lucas: Amabie, as the symbol for warding off diseases, if you have an item related to Lucas, he can surely bless your health. Usually seen as 3-legged (perhaps it’s his cane), he travels by sea and carries interesting prophecies for people who seek him.
Nac: Maneki-Neko (Inviting Cat), inviting fortunes into the home, if you wish for good fortune and wealth, Nac will be able to bless you with all when you welcome him to your home. When Nac raised his right hand, it is said that he’ll bring on wealth, and when he raised his left hand, he can bring in customers to flourish your business. Nac is incredibly reliable who can help you through unforeseeable disasters.
Miyaji: Kokuko (Black Kitsune), possessing a pure, good heart, the wise Miyaji would grant guidance to those who feel lost. A rare, nine-failed fox who is powerful, yet peaceful in nature. He would wrapped his tails around those who are crying.
Flure: Tsuru Nyobo (Crane Woman), as someone who’s shy in nature, Flure wouldn’t come across a human until he was caught in a trap. He would transform himself into a beautiful human who repays the household with his amazing ability to create luxurious cloth to sell, he specifically asked that no one can see how he creates them.
Lato: Zashiki Warashi, Lato, who couldn’t seem to go outside, even though he really wishes to, would often run around the hallways. The happier he is, the luckier the household would be. Although, he does get bored easily, and he would make sounds for you to notice him and play with him.
Teddy: Kesaran-Pasaran, Teddy is fluffy and friendly, a healing spirit from the looks of his appearance, just by having him by your side will increase your luck 🍀
Hanamaru: Tanuki, Hanamaru, who often took the form of a human, would go to bars to host drinking contests to out drink the other humans. He is seen with a large sake gourd on his back, and he’s very carefree in nature. Although, whichever shop that he frequent will also be blessed with fortune.
Yuuhan: Baku, whenever you experienced nightmares, Yuuhan would be by your side, reassuring you that everything will be alright, while he feeds on your nightmares. He would watch over you quietly, and he wished that you could dream good dreams.
Beren: Bakeneko (Ghost Cat), shapeshifting himself to become a human, Beren often communicates with the other humans, he learned how to speak the human language through travelling between alleys, the stand owners would murmur secrets.
Shiro: Yukionna (Snow Woman), an ethereal beauty who appears in the snow mountains, if you don’t come close to Shiro, you would be spared. He has a snow barrier that doesn’t allow anyone to come close to him.
Crowther: Daitengu (Greater Divine Dog), when you visit him in the mountaintops, he flapped his large wings as his welcome. Someone who doesn’t mind guests, but rather, he wish to gather as much information as he can to enhance his knowledge. He also possessed forms of magic that can create illusions to fulfil other people wishes in exchange for benefits.
[Akuneko TL] Crowther Knox Initial Card Story 【The One Who Carries a Bad Reputation/悪名を背負う者】
⚠️ I'm not a professional translator, so errors and mistranslations may occur. Thank you for your understanding.
❌ Please dont repost my translations or use them for machine learning, AI training, or any data collection purposes.
One day, some time after Crowther became the Demon Butler…
[Espoir, the Central Land]
Crowther and I had come into town together to do some shopping.
Crowther : Espoir… It’s a lively, wonderful town.
It’s even more charming at night.
It greedily devours people’s money and desires, everything.
Aruji : Are you familiar with this town?
Crowther : Of course I am. Every mafia organization is looking to expand into Espoir if given the chance.
And now, in particular, is the perfect opportunity
thanks to certain people who’ve wiped out most of the underworld organizations.
Crowther : Since this is the Governor family’s stronghold, the gendarmerie’s crackdown is strict, though…
If we can successfully take root here… we’ll be able to make enormous profits.
Aruji : So, Crowther’s organization too…?
Crowther : Hmph… I think you’d be better off not asking that.
You’re the Devil Butler’s Master. It’s best you don’t know about the inner workings of the mafia.
Crowther : It’s best to avoid getting involved with the underworld as much as possible.
Aruji : Even so…
As long as I’m out shopping side by side with a mafia boss like this…
it would be a stretch to say I’m “not involved.”
That said, the fact that Crowther is a mafia boss… naturally, it hasn’t been made public.
Even if the two of us walk through town side by side…
people around us would probably just think, “There’s an unfamiliar demon butler walking by.”
…Or so I thought, anyway…
But the moment we arrived at the market, I realized just how wrong I was.
Townspeople : Eek…! That’s…
[Espoir Market]
(Black Fade)
Townspeople : A new demon butler… That must be the one they’ve been talking about…
Townspeople : …Ah… The boss of the “Knox Family”…
Aruji : (Eh…? )
Crowther : Hmm? Is something wrong, Goshujin-sama?
You’re used to being stared at by the townspeople, right?
Aruji : …How did they find out Crowther’s true identity…
Crowther : My true identity…? Oh, you mean that I’m a mafia boss.
I don’t know. Apparently, rumors have been going around town for a while now.
I don’t really care, though. …Anyway, what was it we was buying?
Crowther calmly looks around at the merchandise.
But as for me…
I can’t focus on shopping at all because I’m bothered by the voices of the people around me.
Townspeople : …Why would the Mafia…
be working with the Devil Butler…?
Townspeople : Watch out…
They say he takes ruthless revenge on anyone who defies him…
Townspeople : No, surely not…
Does he plan to team up with the Demon Butler to rule over us…?
Aruji: (They are scared…)
Crowther : Whoa, Goshujin-sama. Watch out, or you’ll bump into someone.
Aruji: Huh?
Suddenly, Crowther pulls my hand,
and I’m pulled to the side of the road.
The woman walking toward us seemed to be looking at her shopping list…
but Crowther and I
Shopper: Oh…! …S-sorry.
Watching the woman hurry past with a quick bow…
I’m left with an uneasy feeling.
It might be better than being disliked for no reason…
but being feared isn’t exactly something to be happy about either.
As for Crowther… he was watching my confusion with obvious amusement.
Crowther : *chuckles* Well? How does it feel to be the object of people’s awe?
Well, it’s no wonder. After all, I’m the kind of person who has the head of the Knox Family serving as your butler.
Crowther : The big boss, indeed… To ordinary citizens who know nothing about it, I must seem quite terrifying.
Certainly, if they heard that “a mafia boss became a demon butler”…
From the townspeople’s perspective, it might be natural for them to be afraid.
But as far as I know…
including Crowther, the butlers haven’t done anything that would make anyone point fingers at them.
Aruji: We need to clear up this misunderstanding…
Crowther : Fuu… Why not just leave it as it is?
They’re just misunderstanding things on their own…
In fact, this way might be easier to live with than before, don’t you think?
Crowther : A little fear can sometimes make people act the right way.
Aruji : …That’s not the right way.
Crowther : I see. So you prioritize the correctness of procedure over the outcome.
Well, that’s one way of thinking. You should just stick to your own way of doing things.
Aruji: Do you think I’m… naive?
Crowther : I didn’t say that. I’m just saying it’s different from my way of thinking.
As long as the result is good, the means don’t matter… That’s the mafia way of thinking, after all.
Crowther : …Well then. We’ve bought everything we need around here.
Next up is booze. Let’s head over to that shop over there.
Aruji: Yeah…
“As long as the result is good, the means don’t matter”
… For some reason, Crowther’s words lingered in the back of my mind.
If it means the demon butlers won’t be hated…
Maybe it’s actually better for them to continue being feared just as they are.
But is that really… a state of true happiness for everyone?
Pondering such things… I followed Crowther into the liquor store.
Crowther : Shopkeeper. Where’s the whiskey shelf?
[Espoir’s Liquor Store]
Liquor Store Owner : H-huh…! Oh, you’re…
Liquor Store Owner : W-whiskey, right…?
In that case, over there…
The moment he saw Crowther’s face… the owner’s face turned pale.
Even his finger, pointing at the shelf, seemed to be trembling slightly.
Crowther : Hmm… You’ve got some pretty good liquor here, don’t you?
Shopkeeper, I’ll take a bottle of this.
Liquor Store Owner : Y-yes…! Thank you very much…
Liquor Store Owner : You don’t have to pay for it… Please just take it…
Aruji : Huh…?
Crowther : For free? That’s quite generous of you.
But you can’t run a business like that. I can’t have a shop that stocks such fine liquor going out of business.
Liquor Store Owner : N-no…! Really, it’s fine…
Crowther : Hmm… Well then, let’s do this.
Why are you so afraid of me…? Tell me the reason.
Who told you what kind of rumors?
Liquor Store Owner : W-well, that’s… um…
Liquor Store Owner : …A while back, someone claiming to be a member of the Knox Family came by… and… said that if I didn’t hand it over for free, “this is what would happen”…
The shopkeeper placed his hand on his neck… and made a swift slicing motion to the side.
What that meant… even I, who’m not part of the mafia, could understand.
Crowther : ……I see. My subordinate did something like that?
I see. Now I understand the reason.
Crowther : It seems… an imposter claiming to be from the Knox Family has appeared.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘∘₊✧──────✧₊∘∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
EPISODE 2
Liquor Store Owner : H-what…? A-an imposter…?
Crowther : That’s right. I don’t have any underlings who would use the Family’s name to threaten law-abiding citizens.
And even if I did… I’d take care of that scum myself the moment I found him.
Crowther : …Shopkeeper. Tell me what that guy looks like and his build.
Is this enough to cover the fee?
Liquor Store Owner : T-This much…!? No, no, I couldn’t possibly…
Crowther : Just take it. It covers the cost of the liquor, the information fee, and compensation for the trouble.
Even if it was the work of an imposter… it’s still a fact that I caused you anxiety because of the Family’s name.
He takes the note the shopkeeper wrote… and in exchange, Crowther hands over a small piece of paper of his own.
It appears to be… a business card from some shop.
Crowther : If that same guy shows up, after you serve him his drink… let this bar know right away.
My men there will handle it. Don’t worry about the bill either.
Crowther : And listen. If any other mafia comes to threaten you, make sure you collect the fee.
If anyone refuses to pay, let me know. I won’t treat them badly.
Liquor Store Owner : Y-yes… Thank you, Boss…
Crowther : Stop calling me “Boss.” I’m just a customer.
Just treat me the same as everyone else, alright?
Liquor Store Owner : O-okay… Crowther-san…
Crowther : Hmph… Looks like my face and name are pretty famous around here, huh?
I’ll be counting on you from now on. Just like my “Goshujin-sama”
Crowther : …Alright, let’s go. There’s somewhere I’d like to stop by.
Aruji: Huh? Sure…
Watching the exchange unfolding before me as if it were happening in some distant world…
I was suddenly pulled by the arm, snapping me back to reality.
Just as I thought, “So this man really is a mafia boss,”
I was also shocked by the revelation that “the family’s name had been used.
Just as I had been feared by the citizens earlier…
perhaps Crowther Knox is also feared more than his true nature warrants.
Watching his interaction with the liquor store owner…
that was the thought that crossed my mind.
Bartender : …Welcome.
[A Bar in Espoir]
Crowther : I’ll have a whiskey. What are you having?
Aruji: But I just bought some alcohol a little while ago…
Crowther : It’s different at home than it is at the shop. Or are you planning to make me drink alone?
Since we’re here, have a drink with me. Juice is fine, too.
Aruji: …Well then……
I order something from the menu that even I could drink.
As I took my drink, I tried to gauge the bar owner’s reaction…
but he didn’t seem particularly intimidated.
Does he not know who we are…? Or is he just keeping a poker face?
Crowther : Well then… shall we sit at a table in the back, goshujin-sama?
Aruji: U-uh…
“Goshujin-sama” echoed through the quiet bar.
Maybe because it was still daytime, there were no other customers…
but I started to worry a little about how the bartender might be perceiving us.
Crowther : Hmm… What’s the matter, goshujin-sama?
You seem a bit uneasy. You’re not a first-timer here, are you?
Aruji: …I just hope that don’t get misunderstood again.
Crowther : Ah, I see… Come to think of it, we did talk about that.
But you’ll be fine at this table.
Any customers who come in later won’t be able to see you—you’ll be out of their line of sight.
Aruji: It’s not about me…
Crowther : Unlike at the market, no one here is afraid of you.
Just relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about what others think.
What I was worried about was…
the kind of misunderstanding Crowther faced at the tavern.
Being blamed for someone else’s faults…
Even if someone doesn’t show it, there’s probably nothing more frustrating for the person involved.
That helpless sadness in the face of an unreasonable misunderstanding…
I told Crowther that I understood how he felt.
Crowther : ……………………….
Crowther : …Goshujin-sama. I appreciate your kindness.
I never would have guessed you were thinking something like that…
Crowther : It seems, Goshujin-sama … you’re even more…
…naive than I had imagined, aren’t you?
Aruji : ……Huh?
As Crowther, smiling, glanced over my shoulder…
the Master approached us.
Then, holding the documents in his hands…
he respectfully presented them to Crowther.
Crowther : …Hmm. It seems our expansion is going smoothly.
Master : Yes. The Family is consolidating its position in Espoir.
Master : Just as the Boss instructed… It’s thanks to the “rumors” we spread in advance.
Watching the Master call Crowther “Boss”…
I finally realized he was a member of the Family.
But more than that realization…
I was preoccupied with another statement.
Aruji : “Spread rumors”…?
Crowther : Ah, yeah. Things like, “The boss of that fearsome Knox Family has become a demon butler.”
There are others too, like “He shows no mercy to those who defy him”… well, all sorts of things.
Crowther : “But don’t get the wrong idea. I don’t threaten ordinary folks to get free drinks.
That guy’s a fake using our name. He’s got to be made to pay for it.”
Crowther : “…Find the person on this note. I’ll leave the rest to you.”
Master : Yes, sir… Leave it to me, Boss.
Even after the Master left…
Crowther remains impassive, sipping his drink.
…It seems he has no intention of explaining things on his own.
Aruji: …Why spread those rumors?
Crowther : What…? Do I really have to explain that much?
Fuu… There’s only one reason, isn’t there?
(Black Fade)
Crowther : It’s because it’s easier to get my point across if I instill fear first.
Once the rumors have spread…
anyone who actually comes into contact with the Knox Family…
Crowther : …will get the impression that they’re “more reasonable than I expected.”
The “fear” that existed up until then…
gets transformed into a perception of “reliability.”
Crowther : …People jump on bad rumors right away.
You can’t completely erase all their anxiety and doubts.
So I just used that as a tool. Or is this approach… not to Your Lordship’s liking?
Crowther’s provocative tone… left me unable to respond immediately.
(Black Fade)
An attitude of “convincing others through results”…
That must be the very reason Crowther was able to become the boss at such a young age.
But even so… if there’s one attitude a demon butler should cherish…
It must surely be “sincerity” toward others.
No matter what the goal may be…
I thought to myself that using methods that make people anxious is something that shouldn’t be used.
Aruji : It’s not good to scare everyone.
Crowther : Oh my… That’s an impossible request to make of the Mafia.
That said… I am, after all, your butler right now.
I understand. I’ll make sure to keep your orders close to my heart.
English and Japanese are not my first languages, so this may contain some mistakes.
Voice: “When I’m with Master, I lose track of time. Even thousand of years would surely feel like a mere instant if I were with you.”
※ A notice before reading the Butler Story
This story contains spoilers for the “Butler’s Hot Spring Vacation” event story. It is recommended to read up to Chapter 9 of the event story before proceeding.
Chapter 1 - Like a Summer Camellia
We, who visited the Eastern Land as goodwill ambassadors, received permission from Finlay-sama and were spending our holiday at an inn.
“The inn, currently in its soft opening, has several twin rooms… We would very much like for the goodwill ambassador to use one of those rooms.”
Having been entreated thus by the innkeeper, though bewildered, I decided to invite Lucas. Placed in the situation of sharing a twin room with his master, he was surprised at first, but he happily agreed, saying it was “to cooperate with the inn as an ambassador.”
Around noon… I moved to the twin room together with Lucas, carrying our luggage.
Lucas: “Oya… so this is the room we’ll be staying in today. The four-person room was lovely as well, but this one is also splendidly appointed.”
“It’s spacious and comfortable.”
Lucas: “Yes, however, since we have the rare opportunity of being alone together, Master. Personally, I would have been quite happy with a slightly more snug little room ♪
Don’t you think so too, Master?”
“...Actually, I’m a little relieved right now.”
Lucas: “Oh my, my? Fufu, how curious.
Well, no matter. Just because the room is spacious doesn’t mean we must keep our distance.
Let us spend a wonderful day together, just the two of us.”
“Yeah, I look forward to it.”
(Will I be okay…?)
Lucas, emphasizing the words “just the two of us”, seems somehow more amused than usual.
Spending a whole day in the same room as Lucas, it’s doubtful whether my heart will survive intact, but… more than anything, I hope he enjoys this holiday and finds respite from his everyday fatigue.
Lucas: “The garden visible from the veranda is also well-tended, isn’t it?
After getting out of the bath, it might be nice to cool off here.”
“There’s a breeze, too. It seems pleasant.”
Lucas: “Yes, I’m looking forward to it.
Oh my, what about that folding screen over there…? Could it be that beyond it lies the hot spring?
I believe this inn had an open-air bath attached to every room, if I recall, and judging by the screen’s position, it’s fair to assume there is a space on the other side.”
“Indeed, that seems likely.”
Lucas: “Fufu, shall we confirm it? It appears the bathing area connects from that room over there.
I see… as I thought, beyond the folding screen there is indeed an open-air bath.
Even so, what a magnificent and lovely bath it is. I can hardly wait to get in.”
“Since we’re here, why not try it now?”
Lucas: “Now?
Hmm…”
“You should enjoy the hot spring to the fullest.”
Lucas: “Thank you. That is certainly a tempting idea as well.
However… I think I’ll refrain from entering just now.
I am sure that if I enter later, I will be able to spend an even more pleasant time.
You see, this hot spring seems to have a special feature meant to delight its guests.”
“A feature…?”
Lucas: “Yes. Do you see the white flowers blooming on that tree over there?
That is called a summer camellia, and as its name suggests, it is a flower very much like a camellia that blooms in summer.
And the summer camellia has another characteristic besides its appearance, it is a one-day flower that blooms in the morning and falls, whole, by evening.
Surely, when evening comes, the summer camellias will drop into the bathwater and a refined fragrance will rise up.”
“I see… I’m looking forward to that.”
Lucas: “Yes.
That is why I think I will refrain from bathing right now. Above all, it is not only the hot spring that I wish to savour fully.
This time I can spend with you, Master, is what I want to treasure most right now.”
“...I feel the same way.”
Lucas: “Fufu, is that so? I am glad that we share the same sentiment.
Now then, shall we end our inspection of the room here and relax in the tatami room?”
“Yes, let’s go.”
I spend a leisurely time in the room with Lucas.
The sky visible beyond the garden is clear blue and sunny, the loud chirping of cicadas seems to proclaim the high temperature. Even indoors, the heat is unavoidable.
Lucas, who is not fond of perspiration—is he able to rest in this situation?
(...Is there some way to cool down… Right!)
I tell Lucas to wait and leave the room.
In order to carry out my idea, I go and negotiate with the people at the inn.
⁓ A few minutes later ⁓
Lucas: “Phew⁓⁓⁓…
I can feel the heat leaving my body from deep within. It’s cold and feels so good…
Just when I wondered why you dashed out of the room… you return having procured buckets filled with water.
Fufu, as expected of Master. You always do the unexpected and surprise me.”
“Sorry for making you wait alone.”
Lucas: “Please don’t worry. I understand perfectly that you acted out of concern for me.
Thank you very much.”
After leaving the room, I consulted with the inn staff to see if they could provide two buckets and some cold water. And then, thanks to the inn staff who kindly granted my wish, we have reached the present moment.
If we line up buckets of water on the veranda and dip our feet inside, as expected, it is very cool and pleasant.
Lucas: “Hmm, however…
Could it be, Master, that you are holding back or showing some reserve towards me?”
“Hm? Reserve?”
Lucas: “Yes. Had you but commanded me, I would have prepared the things myself…
Yet you acted on your own, instructed me to rest in the room…
Therefore, I wondered if you might be excessively considerate of me.”
“I just… wanted you to rest, Lucas.”
Lucas, who always appears composed, at heart, has a sensitivity just like anyone else. His body, too, properly feels fatigue, and can break down at times.
It is precisely because I know this, that I wanted him to take this opportunity to have a good rest, I told him.
Lucas: “You care for me, that deeply…
Fufu… being worried over as ‘sensitive’ is something I’m not quite used to. But… I am very happy.
Allow me to thank you once more, for thinking of me. Thank you.”
“It’s only natural to care for a precious butler.”
Lucas: “Natural, you say… Fufu, your existence, which says such things to me, is, for me, not something natural but a miracle in itself.
I must make it a point to convey that to you more often.”
“Fufu, you’re exaggerating, Lucas.”
When I smile… Lucas, also amused, returns a gentle smile.
A pleasant warmth, different from the summer heat, seems to slowly kindle a happiness in my heart.
Lucas: “...The cicadas are quite loud, aren’t they?
Hearing that sound, one truly feels it’s summer.”
“Yes, it seems to make the heat feel even stronger.”
Lucas: “Fufu, indeed… It's curious how human senses perceive a season more intensely through sound.
However, is it also a human trait that we cannot quite bring ourselves to hate that heat-bearing chorus? There is a somehow earnest, poignant resonance in their voices that makes me project my own feelings onto them.”
“...Project? What kind of feelings?”
Lucas: “Let me see… The happiness of meeting someone precious, perhaps.
By crying out like that, the cicadas are desperately calling for the partner they are destined to meet.
Spending many long years beneath the earth, when they finally emerge above ground, they only have a mere two to three weeks to live there. In that short time, they find a partner… and then, their life comes to an end.
Thinking of that, one can’t help but wish to cheer on that loud chorus.”
“...That’s rather sad, somehow.”
Lucas: “Yes.
When one thinks of how brief the time spent with a precious other is, it does feel somewhat hollow.
However, in my personal opinion… a cicada can perhaps end its life in a state of happiness.
…Is what I believe.”
“Even though the time they can be together is short?”
Lucas: “Yes.
Even if it is but a moment of happiness, surely there is no regret in that heart.
I am much the same as the cicadas. Having passed through thousands of years, I was finally able to meet you, Master.
And the time I am able to spend with you is surely… something that could be called a mere instant within my lifetime.
However, this single instant is richer and happier than anything else. Even if it is short, this happiness will never waver.”
When I think of Lucas’s long life, the time with me must be but an instant.
The incessant chorus of the cicadas, somehow sounded brighter and more gentle now, just for this moment.
Chapter 2 - Like a Summer Camellia
A little later, we enjoyed some watermelon that the innkeeper brought to us.
The well-chilled sweet watermelon was delicious, it felt as though I could eat as much as I pleased.
Lucas: “That was delicious, wasn’t it?
I must thank the innkeeper again later.”
“I ended up eating a bit too much, didn’t I?”
Lucas: “Yes, I’m quite full.”
Saying that… Lucas flopped down onto the tatami floor.
Lucas: “I know one shouldn’t lie down right after eating, but… somehow I can’t resist this desire right now.
Fufu… why is it that things one shouldn’t do are so terribly appealing?”
“Shall I become your accomplice?”
Lucas: “Oya?
You too, Master?”
“Pardon me, I’ll join you right here.”
I flop down next to Lucas in the same manner.
The calming scent of the tatami fills my nose, and the tension drains from my body.
Lucas: “Even though we’re on a special trip, here we are lazing about like this.
To an onlooker, they might say it’s a waste.”
“But it’s fine once in a while.”
Lucas: “Fufu… I knew it, but you and I really do seem to get along well, Master.
To say it’s a ‘waste’... means we are spending our time in a truly luxurious way. Let us stay like this, just a little longer… and bask in this pleasant moment.”
“Yes, an occasional luxury.”
Lucas: “Indeed.
Having you all to myself like this, Master, is also an occasional luxury ♪
That said, it’s so pleasant I’m liable to fall asleep as it is.
To fall asleep without fully savouring this time, that would be far too wasteful a luxury indeed.”
“It’s okay if you fall asleep.”
If Lucas can rest, I want him to spend the time however he wishes.
If he calls this time with me a luxury, then even while he sleeps… I won’t leave his side; I’ll stay with him like this.
Perhaps it’s the comfort that has loosened my emotions, my thoughts slip out just as they come.
Lucas: “...’Won’t leave your side, will stay with you like this,’ is it?
Fufu, thank you, Master.
…Today truly is a luxurious day…
……………..
………………….
…………………….”
(It’s gotten quiet… did he fall asleep?)
I turn my face toward Lucas to check
…And I meet his eyes, gazing steadily at me.
Lucas: “Fufu…”
“Um… aren’t you going to sleep?”
Lucas: “I am trying, but the cicadas are rather noisy. It seems it will take just a little longer before I drift off.”
“...You won’t fall asleep unless you close your eyes, you know?”
Lucas: “Hmm, but… I feel more at ease this way. Because I can truly sense that someone precious to me is right here.
Until I fall asleep…… will you stay by my side?”
Along with a sense of “he got me,”... a ticklish feeling wells up.
I nod softly… and I too let Lucas’s figure be reflected in my eyes.
A while later, the evening sun illuminates our surroundings, and we decide to take a bath.
I am allowed to enjoy the bath first, and now I’m cooling off on the veranda, waiting for Lucas to finish.
Lucas: “......ster…… Master.”
(Lucas…? From beyond the folding screen…)
Lucas: “Master, are you there?”
“Yes, I’m here. What is it?”
Lucas: “No, nothing in particular… I simply wanted to confirm that my voice could reach you.
Fufu, forgive me for suddenly calling out to you.”
From beyond the folding screen of the open-air bath, Lucas’s voice resounds.
Though we were right beside each other just moments ago, hearing his voice like this puts me somehow at ease.
Lucas: “...Master. May I talk a little longer, like this?
Being alone, I feel somewhat lonely.”
“Of course, as long as you don’t get dizzy from the heat.”
Lucas: “Fufu, understood.
Thank you.
…This hot spring truly does feel good. Perhaps it’s the effect of the waters, but I feel as though I’m growing younger.”
“ ‘growing younger’... aren’t you ageless?”
Lucas: “Ah, so I am.
Fufu, what a strange thing to say. It seems I’ve let my guard down entirely.
Were you able to relax thoroughly in the hot spring as well, Master?”
“Yes, it felt lovely.”
Lucas: “I’m glad. The heat does sap one’s strength, after all.
I’m relieved to know you were properly soother.
Ah, yes… did you take a liking to the summer camellias?
When you were bathing too… I believe some summer camellias had fallen into the water.”
“They were beautiful, and the fragrance was lovely too.”
Lucas: “Fufu, nothing could please me more than knowing you were satisfied.
Oh, that reminds me, Master, do you know the flower language of the summer camellia?
There are several, but they are…
…………”
(...The flower meanings of the summer camelia are “fleeting beauty” and “lovely person.”)
(This time I can spend with you is, to me, but an instant… And at the same time, it could also be called an entire lifetime.)
(So much so that I find myself thinking… I was born to meet you.)
(My… very precious, lovely person.)
(This fleeting time, which seems as though it might slip away in the span of a blink…)
(I pray, let it continue just a little longer.)
As we talked, Lucas’s voice suddenly fell silent.
Did something happen on the other side of the screen…?
“Lucas? Are you alright?”
Lucas: “...Oh, my apologies for worrying you.
I’m fine, I just felt a little light-headed from the bath.
I’ll be out shortly. Will you wait for me there?”
For someone who says he felt light-headed from the bath… Lucas’s voice carries a sweet, somehow happy resonance.
When I naturally answer “of course”... from beyond the screen, I hear the sound of him slowly getting out of the hot spring.
Being in the same place as Lucas, spending the same time together… at that fact, my heart too overflows with a sweet happiness.
[AKNK] A Hot Springs Holiday With The Butlers - Beren Cliane
⚠️ Please note that I am by no means a professional and there may be mistakes/mistranslations along the way.
🚫 DO NOT use my translations for Machine Learning/AI training or repost them anywhere.
もっとワガママに
To Be More Selfish
Episode 1
As the goodwill ambassadors, we visited the eastern lands…
and with permission from Lord Finlay, were spending our vacation at an inn.
“The inn that’s currently in its soft opening phase has several double rooms…
We'd be delighted if the Goodwill Ambassador would use one of those rooms.”
The innkeeper made that request of me... Though I was a little hesitant, I decided to invite Beren.
The situation of spending time together in a shared room with his master...
At first, he was surprised, but...
He happily agreed, saying “It’s so I can help with the inn as an ambassador.”
- One afternoon -
Beren: Arujisama…
I’ll leave the luggage here.
Aruji: Thank you, Beren.
Beren: Hehe…
Anyway, this room has a nice view.
The wind coming through the window is also pleasant.
Even though it’s summer, it feels quite cool.
Aruji: I’m glad we got to stay in a nice room.
Beren: Yeah…
And, I’m with arujisama.
I feel happy, and at the same time…
I feel a bit of responsibility.
Aruji: Responsibility?
Beren: Yeah…
Because I want arujisama to have the best vacation possible.
For that reason, I need to pull myself together, since I’m the one by your side.
Aruji: You don’t have to push yourself.
Beren: Hehe, sorry, sorry.
It’s not like I’m nervous or anything.
I’m so excited that I might be getting a little nervous. Do know that feeling?
It may not be the same as the night before a school trip... but I feel like I understand that feeling of excitement when you step into your inn room.
Hearing Beren was looking forward to it, made me feel happy too.
Aruji: I’m looking forward to it too.
Beren: That’s good.
So then, what should we do now?
Since we've come all the way to a place I've never been before…
I'd like to explore all kinds of places together with arujisama.
Aruji: Well then, shall we go out?
Beren: That’s right…
Actually, I heard from the innkeeper that there’s a shrine nearby.
It seems like a really wonderful place, but...
Apparently, there are hardly any tourists there right now.
That won't be the case once the inn officially opens, though.
Aruji: So it’s like is a hidden gem around here.
Beren: Yeah.
Let’s go there first.
Following Beren’s lead, we made our way through the forest…
We eventually came to a path paved with cobblestones.
As the man-made surroundings came into sight... the clang of metal, an unnatural sound in the wilderness, echoed in our ears.
*ring…ring…*
Aruji: This sound…
Beren: Ah…
Look at that, arujisama.
It’s wind chimes...
And there lots of them.
I see...
They're hanging wind chimes in a row on the wisteria trellis.
Wow...
There seem to be well over 100 of these.
The sound of the wind chimes itself could be heard clearly from the first floor of the villa, though...
With this many of them, it's quite a sight.
Not only are they overhead, the wind chimes are hanging on both sides as well…
It feels like a tunnel of wind chimes.
Colorful strips of paper flutter in the wind…
Along with them, a refreshing melody fills the air.
The scenery looks just like it’s a pathway for the wind.
Beren: Oh, there’s a sign up front.
Let’s see…
It says, ‘It is said that wind chimes have the power to ward off evil spirits’…
I see…
The sound of wind chimes really does make you feel as if your heart has been cleansed…
If you walk through this tunnel of wind chimes, it feels like your heart would be cleansed as well.
Well then, arujisama.
Shall we have our evil spirits cleansed away too?
Aruji: Yeah.
Feeling the wind with our eyes, ears, and skin...
We walked side by side through a tunnel of wind chimes.
In that moment…
I felt as if my body had became a little lighter.
Beren: Hehe…
Somehow, it really feels like all the evil spirits have been cleansed away.
Aruji: Me too.
Beren: I’m glad.
That itself makes coming here worth it.
If it helps to reduce any misfortunes that might befall arujisama…
I’ll rely on anything and everything that I can.
Because there are limits to what I can do on my own.
Aruji: That’s not true.
Beren: Oh, sorry.
That was a rather awkward way of putting it, wasn't it?
But…
I want arujisama to be happier than they are now.
I want to keep arujisama away from any danger or malice.
I'll do anything to achieve that.
All the butlers, and of course me too…
We love to see arujisama’s cheerful smile.
Aruji: Thank you, Beren.
Beren: Hehe…
If anything, I should be the one to thank you.
Because arujisama is here, we can spend a happy and peaceful time like this.
You believed in us...
And you cared about us...
That's exactly why I want to protect you with my life.
Because in this world, arujisama is the only person who makes me feel that way.
Oops…
Before I knew it, I ended up getting carried away.
Well then…
Since we came all the way to the shrine…
Shall we stop by the shrine and make a wish?
We should think of a wish to make too.
Aruji: Okay, let’s go.
I headed to the shrine with Beren.
With the sound of the wind chimes on my back…
I wished for Beren’s happiness to the gods of the shrine.
･──✽──୨୧──✽──･
Episode 2
[In front of the shrine]
Beren:…
Aruji:…
After ringing the bell, I finished silently making my wish...
Beren didn’t stop praying for a quite some time.
I wonder what kind of wish he was making...
I continued to clasp my hands together, glancing at him out of the corner of my eye.
Beren:…
Thank you for waiting, arujisama.
Hehe…
I hope that both our wishes come true.
Aruji: What kind of wish did Beren make?
Beren: Me?
Well I…
Hmmm….
I think I’ll keep it a secret for now.
“If you tell someone your wish, it won’t come true,” I have heard something like that recently.
“It’s not because I’m too embarrassed to tell arujisama…” it’s not like that, you know?
Aruji: If you put it that way, I’m getting curious…
Beren: Sorry, sorry.
I guess I’ve made you anxious.
Now then, arujisama.
Let’s clear our heads and take a stroll around here.
We walked around the shrine grounds together, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery.
Eventually, after going around the area…
We returned to the place where the wind chimes were at.
Beren: Huh…?
I didn’t notice it when we were here earlier but…
The wind chimes here...
Apparently, visitors are free to hang them up too.
It looks like you can buy wind chimes at the stalls up here.
Since we're here, why don't we give it a try?
Aruji: In that case, let’s do it together.
Beren: Okay…
It will be a good memory of the trip.
Well then…
Shall we hang it around here?
We bought two wind chimes and hung them side by side on the wisteria trellis.
Listening to the refreshing sound of wind chimes carried on the breeze...
My heart was filled with a brighter, more peaceful feeling than when I first arrived.
- After a while -
When we returned to our inn, we decided to take turns soaking in the hot springs to wash away our sweat.
Having taken my bath first, while Beren was bathing...
I asked the innkeeper to prepare two bottles of milk for me.
The bottled milk, which had apparently been chilled in the spring water...
...was ice-cold, as if it had been kept in a refrigerator.
Beren: Phew…
That was a nice bath.
Aruji: Welcome back, there’s some cold milk for you.
Beren: Hm? …Milk?
Thank you.
You went to the trouble of preparing it.
But...
This kind of thing tastes more delicious after a bath, right?
You could have drank ahead without waiting for me.
Aruji: I want to drink it with Beren.
Beren: Hehe…
Thank you.
…Actually, I feel the same way.
I'm sure milk tastes great after a bath, but...
It would taste even better if I drank it with arujisama.
Well then…
Thank you for the meal.
Aruji: Thank you for the meal.
Beren: Phew…
This is definitely delicious.
To be able to share this deliciousness with arujisama…
I’m really happy.
Aruji: Me too.
Beren: Hehe…
Arujisama is really…
To think you'd give me such a luxurious time...
Aren't you spoiling me a little too much?
If you you’re too nice to me…
I, might start taking advantage of it.
I want you to do this more and more...
I might just be honest with my own desires, you know?
Aruji: Beren’s desires…?
Beren: That’s right.
I also have my own wishes and desires.
As arujisama’s butler, I always behave well, but...
…There are plenty of butlers around me who aren't very butler-like.
Even after becoming a butler, these men remain their true to themselves…
Seeing them like that...
I might end up wanting to compete with them too.
Aruji: [U-uhhh…]
[That…]
Beren: Oh dear….
Even though the wind chimes have warded off the evil spirits…
It seems my selfish thoughts won’t go away at all.
This is all…
it’s arujisama’s fault, isn’t it?
Hmmm…
I wonder how I should make them take responsibility…
Aruji: B-beren…?
Beren: Hehe…
Just kidding.
Sorry, sorry.
As expected, I might have gotten carried away.
I was just so happy...
Looks like it all went to my head for a bit.
I should cool myself off with some cold milk.
…Phew.
Delicious.
As Beren drank his milk, I also brought my glass bottle to my lips.
After calming down myself down…
I turned myself to face Beren again.
Aruji: It’s okay for you to be more selfish.
Beren:…Arujisama…
Good grief...
You really are too kind, arujisama.
That's how you spoil me to the very end.
If you’re so kind to me…
I have to spoil arujisama even more than that.
Ah, could it be…
Was that arujisama’s wish?
Aruji: T-that’s not what I mean…
Beren: Hehe…
Either way, it’s my decision that I’m going to spoil arujisama.
I hope you’re ready.
…Since there is only the two of us, I won’t be able to hold myself back.
Aruji: I’m getting a little excited.
Beren: Really?
…Actually, me too.
Because arujisama said, “It’s okay to be more selfish”…
Since you said so…
I ended up letting loose even more than I usually do.
I guess when going on a trip, you can’t help but get excited and get carried away.
Aruji: I’m glad that Beren is having fun.
Beren: Hehe…
Say, arujisama.
Since I’m being selfish anyway…
Can I ask for one more thing?
Aruji: What?
Beren: …From now on…
I want you to stay by my sude.
Because my wish…
Is for arujisama to be happy.
So from now on, by my side…
I want to fulfill arujisama’s wish with my own hands.
…Actually…
That was the wish I made at the shrine.
Aruji:…Didn’t you want to keep your wish a secret?
Beren: No, it’s fine.
It’s not a secret anymore.
This isn’t so much as a wish…
Because it’s my ‘vow’.
In the future, no matter what happens…
I want to be able to protect and support arujisama at their side.
From anything bad that may happen…
I will protect arujisama.
This wish isn't something someone else should grant for me...
It's something I should fulfill myself.
Aruji: Beren…
Beren: Hehe…
I guess I really am getting carried away.
But…
I might want to bask in this heat a little longer.
Each time I gripped the cold glass bottle, the warmth in my palms gradually drains away.
Even so, the heat that’s warmed me to the very core… doesn’t look like it’ll go away anytime soon.
As we savored the comforting lingering warmth after our bath, we sipped our milk...
Almost as if cherishing this peaceful moment, we slowly drank in the happiness we shared.
