Links will be added when each part has been translated!
Major spoiler warnings!!! for pretty much all of SERVAMP. Since there's no official or fan translation past ch.144 as of now, I will avoid touching content directly related to the ending (eg. Specific character profiles) until a translation comes out but it may come up in the Q&A and other parts so please read at your own risk!!
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[SERVAMP Complete Guidebook]
Timeline: Past Events | Present Events
Q&A! SERVAMP Question Corner (Page 182–200)
[Blurb] Tanaka Strike-sensei will answer the mysteries and doubts regarding Servamp collected from the reader survey as much as space allows! Packed with information being revealed for the first time including obscure setting details and the backgrounds of interesting characters…!?
Servamp Guidebook Q&A Fan Translation Izuna + Freya (Wrath pair)
[Translation Masterlist]
Super short sections for both of them, wish we got more but it is what it is.
Disclaimer!!! This is an amateur's attempt at translation, there'll probably be some mistakes so take everything with a grain of salt. If there are mistakes, please let me know!! Also, please double check reblogs for any corrections that may occur after posting.
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Izuna and Freya (Pg.196)
Izuna
1. Where are Izuna-chan's parents?
At a [C3] branch not in Tokyo.
2. Does Izuna-chan also comes from a family of magicians? How are her parents doing now?
She is from a magician family but she's only distantly related. Her parents also do development related work.
3. Will the relationship between Shuuhei and Izuna develop?
It depends on Shuuhei.
4. What do Izuna-chan and Tsuyuki-kun think of each other…?
Izuna thinks of Shuuhei as a dear childhood friend. Shuuhei tries to think of Izuna as a dear childhood friend but recently he's been having some complicated feelings since he found out that [Izuna has been] exchanging messages with Niccolo. Those feelings go something like: it couldn't be… no way… but what if… no way, no way…… Gil and Ray are keeping an eye on this conflicted state of his with glee.
5. I want to know about the headgear-wearing girl that was with Izuna-chan during her first appearance in the story — please tell us if she has a name or story details.
I didn't decide on a name… But, she's actually a subclass — Shuuhei was spending time with her as a friend, unaware of this… When he finds out after, he's conflicted… I really thought I would do a side plot like this.
6. From Izuna-chan's first appearance to when she becomes Wrath's Eve, it spans quite a few volumes. During that time, her name was kept hidden — did you decide on Izuna-chan and Wrath forming a contract from when she was introduced?
That was already decided. Izuna's name comes from the goddess "Idunn" who was the guardian of golden apples… Because of this, I thought that if I revealed her name, it might expose that she would make a contract with Wrath who was emphasised as the apple character (?)* from the beginning so I kept her name a secret. Perhaps I was too afraid of having my [plot] developments being predicted.
*This bracketed question mark is in the original text.
7. Until when did Izuna-chan stay in Japan, and when did she go overseas?
She was in Japan until around 13 years old, she skipped grades to enter a university in the USA before graduating and returning [to Japan]. She's brilliant.
8. I'm interested in Izuna and Nicco's daily schedules. I also want to know what style of casual clothes the two of them wear!
When Izuna gets absorbed [into whatever she's doing], she loses all sense of time so she doesn't seem to have much of a schedule. Niccolo also decides based on what work he has that day.
Izuna isn't particularly concerned about her casual clothes, while Niccolo collects everything from the brands he likes.
Freya
1. While the Servamp of Wrath was alive, what did she do for a living?
She lived a very normal life in a village.
2. While Freya was alive, what kind of lifestyle did she have? Did she have children?
She didn't have any children.
3. What are Freya's hobbies? (Besides [things to do with] apples)
She seems to like cooking.
4. Which of Freya's siblings does she think she gets along with the best?
Lawless. Though, he doesn't really think so.
5. Have you ever thought about The Mother becoming Tsurugi's Servamp?
Since Tsurugi is a character who himself admits that he "has nothing", he doesn't have an object to give when it is time to make a contract. I think at that point in time at the end of volume 10, he wouldn't be able to make a contract with Wrath.
6. Ray dislikes carrot cake — does he dislike carrots, or does he dislike cake, or does he like both carrots and cake but dislikes it when they are combined?
It seems that he dislikes the thing known as carrot cake.
7. Rayscent's the only one whose true face hasn't been revealed — what exactly is on his face?
He has a large scar that he got during the war.
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Sanest Ray fan in Freya's question 6. I'm honestly a bit disappointed how little new info we get on Freya... it's quite unfortunate the only interesting questions she has are the ones that aren't about her.
Planning on doing Tsubaki Qs and possibly present timeline next!
Servamp Guidebook Fan Translation - Timeline (Past)
[Translation Masterlist]
MAJOR SPOILER WARNING for the last volume of Servamp and some of the twists in it!!
I took a break from translating the questions because 1. The timeline really caught my eye and 2. I've been really busy and needed to do something simpler as a breather, sorry about that!
Disclaimer!!! This is an amateur's attempt at translation, there'll probably be some mistakes so take everything with a grain of salt. If there are mistakes, please let me know!! Also, please double check reblogs for any corrections that may occur after posting.
Notes
Again, spoiler warning for a major plot twist that happens in the last volume!!!
Chapters given by the guidebook may not be 100% accurate — I'm just copying them out as they are. If it's not in the chapter provided, it's most likely in the previous or following chapter.
Some of the dot points don't have chapter references, it's like that in the guidebook.
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The SERVAMP Timeline
[Blurb] Supervised by Tanaka Strike! Introducing the history of all 24 volumes of “Servamp” in chronological order!
The Past
???
A primitive form of the Count is born somewhere that was once prosperous. (Vol. 24, Ch. 149)
Around 13th century
Adam (Kuro) calls out to the shadow without an identity (the Count). (Vol. 24, Ch. 149)
Adam (Kuro) is accused of letting the livestock escape and is killed by the lord. (Vol. 18, Ch. 111)
Count Saint Germain revives Kuro as the vampire of Sloth in exchange for all the lives in the village. (Vol. 18, Ch. 111)
Around 14th century
Gear and Kuro meet. The demon inside of Kuro is split [from him and put] into the black rose. (Vol. 16, Ch. 94–95 & Vol. 18, Ch. 112)
Around 15th century
Algernon dies of old age. The Count places Algernon’s soul into Hugh’s body and revives him. (Vol. 20, Ch. 128)
The 2nd vampire (Pride, Hugh) meets Kuro and Gear. (Vol. 18, Ch. 112)
Around this time, the CCC (“Conjurer Control Convention”) is founded.
The 3rd vampire (Envy, Jeje) meets Kuro and Gear. (Vol. 18, Ch. 112)
Around 16th century
The 4th vampire (Wrath, Freya) meets Kuro and Gear. (Vol. 18, Ch. 112)
The Count starts using the name “Servamp” to refer to the vampires.
Around 17th century
At a Colosseum where slaves fight each other, Ildio (human) meets a kind-hearted girl. He is defeated in battle and dies. (Vol. 19, Ch. 119)
Ildio is turned into the vampire of Gluttony with the 5th vampire Lawless observing. (Vol. 19, Ch. 119)
[Ildio] returns to the Colosseum to find the young girl is dead. (Vol. 21, Ch. 130)
The 6th vampire (Gluttony, Ildio) meets Kuro and Gear. (Vol. 18, Ch. 112)
The 5th vampire (Greed, Lawless) meets Kuro and Gear. (Vol. 18, Ch. 113)
Around 18th century
The 7th vampire (Lust, Snow Lily) meets Kuro and Gear. (Vol. 18, Ch. 113)
Around 300 years ago
Lawless’ master, Ophelia, is married. Soon after that, Ophelia is executed. (Vol. 7, Ch. 33)
Around 250 years ago
Tsubaki (human) meets the Count. (Vol. 23, Ch. 141)
Tsubaki’s younger sister is killed. With an overwhelming grudge [against the villagers who killed her] he slaughters the people in the village. Tsubaki is met with a counterattack and dies. With the Count’s power, the 8th vampire, the vampire of Melancholy, is created. (Vol. 23, Ch. 142)
Around 200 years ago
The “Conjurer Control Convention” (Aka C3) requests for Kuro to suppress the Count. Kuro leaves Gear. (Vol. 18, Ch. 113)
Receiving the request from C3, a meeting is held between siblings on whether to kill the Count. Kuro kills [the Count] and has a falling out with Lawless. (Vol. 5, Ch. 23; Vol. 6, Ch. 31: Vol. 7, Ch. 34 & Vol. 18, Ch. 133)
The country Lawless was in is destroyed, Ophelia’s statue is destroyed as well. (Vol. 7, Ch. 34)
Immediately after the murder of the count, C3 seals Sloth (Kuro) and Melancholy (Tsubaki) in the Alicein family's basement. Afterwards, Envy is also sealed, voluntarily. The heads of the Alicein and Tsukimitsu families carry out the sealing ceremony. (Vol. 20, Ch. 125)
~~~ [Timeskip] ~~~
23 years ago
Touma (13) rescues Tsurugi (3) who is being abused. Tsurugi’s father goes missing. (Vol. 10, Ch. 56 & Vol. 13, Ch. 78)
21 years ago
Touma (15) kills his parents and makes it look like an accident. (Vol. 11, Ch. 62)
Nicco (7) saves his kidnapper, Tiramisu (59). Cappuccino (5) and Tiramisu join [Nicco's Mafia] family. (Vol. 17, Ch. 106)
Mikado (33) loses a game of chess against Mikuni (5). (Vol. 20, Ch. 127)
Hokaze (20) and Mikado (33) have an affair. Kiriko (31) is aware of this. (Vol. 20, Ch. 125)
Sakuya's older sister dies. (Vol. 2, Ch. 9)
Kiriko takes advantage of the weakened security following the Tsukimitsu family's change of leadership and breaks the basement seal. At that time, Lily lets Melancholy escape and keeps Sloth in his own possession. (Vol. 20, Ch. 125)
Tsukimitsu Iori (18) becomes the branch manager of Tokyo's C3.
Youtaro (6) meets Gear in Nagano. (Vol. 14, Ch. 81)
Belkia is the target of an irrational grudge from a colleague at the hospital he worked at as a doctor and is stabbed to death. He becomes one of Tsubaki's subclass. (Vol. 22, Ch. 140)
A woman who is dear to Higan is killed for sheltering an arsonist, he himself also dies. He becomes one of Tsubaki's subclass. (Vol. 22, Ch. 139–140)
17 years ago
In an operation to subjugate Melancholy, Shamrock (28) dies. He becomes one of Tsubaki's subclass. (Vol. 12, Ch. 67)
16 years ago
Mikuni (7) proposes to Hokaze (22), a servant of the Alicein family. (Vol. 23, Ch. 144)
Hokaze (22) leaves the Alicein's.
14 years ago
Kiriko (35) and Envy form a contract. Envy kills Hokaze (24), the Alicein family takes in Misono (1). (Vol. 4, Ch. 21)
13 years ago
Otogiri is falsely accused of medical malpractice, she commits suicide. She becomes one of Tsubaki's subclass (Vol. 22, Ch. 140)
12 years ago
Six years after Sakuya's sister dies, Sakuya dies as well. He becomes one of Tsubaki's subclass. (Vol. 2, Ch. 9)
Izuna (5) meets Shuuhei (10). (Vol. 11, Ch. 64)
11 years ago
Licht (7) meets Nicco (17) in France. (Vol. 20, Ch.127)
Shamrock kills Tsuyuki Yoshimasa (36) in front of Tsurugi (15). (Vol. 13, Ch. 72)
During a concert, part of Licht's (7) hair turns white due to extreme stress. (Vol. 6, Ch. 28)
Nicco (19) succeeds his father and becomes the boss of the Carpediem Family. (Vol. 17, Ch. 106)
8 years ago
Mahiru's mother (Akira) gives her life in exchange for her son who died in a traffic accident. (Vol. 24, Ch. 147)
Youtaro (16) uses Gear's fur to create a prototype doll, it is handed over to Kiriko via C3.
7 years ago
Kiriko (42), who is attempting suicide after suffering, is shot to death by Jeje. Jeje and Mikuni (16) form a contract, it is suggested to Misono (8) that "Mikuni killed mother". Mikuni leaves the Alicein family and goes to C3 at Touma's (29) invitation. He is paired up with Tsurugi (19). (Vol. 20, Ch. 125)
Tsukimitsu Miyako (26) and Sendagaya Kei (24) get married. Yumikage (19) meets Tetsu (7). (Vol. 21, Ch. 132)
6 years ago
Misono's grandfather, Mikage, dies. Misono (9) forms a contract with Lily. (Vol. 4, Ch. 19)
Junichiro (20) confesses to his university classmate, Shifumi (future wife). (Vol. 12, Ch. 71)
4 years ago
Yumikage and Junichiro start working at C3.
Mikuni (19) leaves C3. (Vol. 10, Ch. 51.5)
3 years ago
Shuuhei (19) joins C3, he hopes to join the combat team but was put in the development team by Tsurugi. (Vol. 9, Ch. 50)
2 years ago
Kurumamori Shifumi (24) is killed by the subclass that broke out with Touma's assistance. Junichiro goes on leave and returns to his parents' house. (Vol. 10, Ch. 52)
1 year ago
Ildio and Nicco form a contract. (Vol. 17, Ch. 106)
Izuna starts working at C3 as a special exception. (Vol. 11, Ch. 64)
Half a year ago
Lawless kills his previous Eve in New York. He's picked up by Licht in Boston, they form a contract. (Vol. 6, Ch. 27.5)
Hugh arrives at Tetsu's place. (Vol. 3, Ch. 12)
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So it seems Kuro was bumming around in Gear's house for 400+ years… yeah... no wonder Gear was mad.
Anyways, I plan to slowly work through Q&A sections (will do a couple that interest me first, then I might start throwing out polls to pick). I do also want to tackle the present timeline and relationship chart too sometime, hopefully my schedule clears up by May...
Link to Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
Shorter questions this time but twice the amount!!
Disclaimer!!! This is an amateur's attempt at translation, there'll probably be some mistakes so take everything with a grain of salt. If there are mistakes, please let me know!! Also, please double check reblogs for any corrections that may occur after posting.
Please check part 1, 2 and 4 for more notes on my translation style.
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Part 6: Questions for Tanaka Strike-sensei (Pg.187-188)
1. Which character did you like drawing the most?
Kuro!
2. Which volume’s cover is your favourite?
Volume 1.
3. Which Servamp’s street name is your favourite?
“The One and Only (Lawless)”.
4. What techniques do you like?
“As You Like It (My Fair Lady)” and “Jekyll and Hyde”.
(T/N) Mikuni and Greed pair's techniques.
5. Who is your favourite character? And who did you have the most trouble creating?
As expected, I like Kuro. I had the most trouble with Ildio.
6. I love Tanaka Strike-sensei’s panel layout — do you have a favourite panel?
It’s not really a panel layout per se, but I like when Touma’s cigarette smoke is placed to hide the panels and speech bubbles when he’s speaking to manipulate someone.
(T/N) One example of this is in chapter 78! Tsubaki also does something similar in chapter 38.
7. In regards to the creation of the series, what was the best part? And conversely, what was the most painful?
The best part was when someone would write me a letter after reading and enjoying the series. The most painful parts were the times my health deteriorated and drawing became difficult.
8. I love that the characters’ catchphrases are all so catchy — do you have a favourite catchphrase? (Mine is Gear’s “I didn’t say that”!)
“It’s because… I’m an angel”!
(T/N) Licht's catchphrase.
9. There are many charming scenes [in the series] — I want to know the scene you are the most emotionally attached to/fond of.
Chapter 128 “ashes to ashes”.
10. Which character design is your favourite?
Kuro’s.
11. Which part was the most fun to draw?
The final chapter.
12. What was the most memorable scene?
The double page spread at the end of chapter 1 "Mahiru and Kuro" where the two of them have just formed a contract.
13. Which character do you find the most difficult to draw?
Kamiya Tsurugi.
14. Who's the first character you drew?
Kuro.
15. I want to know which scene's development you were the most worried about.
The C3 arc. I was busy and didn't have time to plan [the story structure] so unfortunately the beginning was a mess.
16. There are many relationships depicted [in the story] such as the bond between Servamp and Eve, the 3 idiot trios, siblings, family, loved ones, etc. Do you have a favourite character duo/group?
Gear and Kuro.
17. Please let us know if there was a chapter you drew with excitement.
Chapter 34 "Lawless 2". Looking back at it now after a long while, I thought it was exciting.
18. Which character do you think is the most "handsome*"?
Touma Taishi. Even though it's a bit funny.
*Alternate meanings of かっこいい (kakkoii): Cool, stylish, attractive, hot, awesome, etc. — exact meaning is very context/vibes based.
19. If Tanaka-sensei were to make a contract, which Servamp would you choose?
Kuro!
20. While writing the story, which character's feelings were the hardest to portray?
Kamiya Tsurugi…
21. I think [the series] has charming relationships between the Servamps and Eves — was there a pair that was the most difficult to come up with a side plot for?
The Gluttony pair.
22. Is there a character you wanted to explore a bit more?
Tsuyuki Yoshimasa.
23. There are many unique characters — if you were to make friends with a character that appears in the story, who would it be?
Gear.
24. If you could use magic or techniques from a character that appears [in the series], whose technique would you try to use?
"Swan Lake (Valkyria Brünhilde)". I want the recovery [ability].
(T/N) Tsukimitsu Miyako's spell.
25. If you became an Eve, what lead would you want?
I wonder, it's too difficult [to choose].
26. If you were to choose one person from the series be your partner*, who would it be?
Kuro!
*相棒 (aibou) = partner, buddy, pal
27. What do you do for drawing practice? (Sketches, colours, etc.)
Since I’m not good at drawing, I copied [the drawings in] a book on human anatomy…
28. Is there anything from the spin-offs that makes you go “I want to draw a story like this!”
Neko 4-koma "Nyaa-vamp*"
*A combination of "Nyaa" (meow) and "Servamp"
(T/N) This is referring to a series of 4-koma extras. Unfortunately, I could only find images of them on a JP fan's blog [Link] comparing the differences between the magazine release and tankobon volumes. It seems that there are at least two “Nyaa-vamp” 4-komas that were not added with the other 4-koma extras to the tankobon. Overall they’re short snippets of Kuro POV on daily life. If anyone has more info on these (or if they're not obscure at all and I just missed them completely), please let me know!
29. Is there something like a sequel/follow up for what happened post-battle?
I was allowed to write it in the drama CD*, so please check it out!
*I am unfamiliar with the drama CDs so if anyone knows which one the author’s referring to, please share!
30. Were you able to draw everything you thought you wanted to draw in Servamp?
There were many parts that were lacking but I think I was able to draw most of [what I wanted].
31. If you’ve ever thought “this is the theme of Servamp”, I want to hear about it.
[The theme is] “let’s face each other*”.
*Alternatively “facing each other”
32. Does Tanaka Strike-sensei appear in the series? (Did you base any character [on yourself]?)
No.
33. For characters without a voice (Touma, Gear, etc.) are there any voice actors you have in mind for them?
In regards to the character’s voices, I don't have anything in mind for them while writing most of the time.
34. If Gear and Youtaro appeared in a drama CD, who would you choose to voice them?
Please imagine it yourself.
35. If there are any Easter Eggs* or bits of foreshadowing that are easy to miss in the main story, I want to know.
Tsurugi holds his phone weirdly while taking calls (as seen in Volume 9/Chapter 50, final chapter, etc.) due to Mikuni's influence. As such, Tsurugi holds his phone normally during his high school days (Volume 12/Chapter 69) as he had not met Mikuni yet. Meanwhile, Mikuni has held his phone [in this strange] way from the beginning (Volume 3/Chapter 11). This isn't really foreshadowing or anything but it's a bit of trivia.
*Aka anecdotes, tidbits, trivia, etc.
(T/N) Quick compilation of the scenes Tanaka-sensei is referring to:
Left to right: Tsurugi (present), Tsurugi (high school), Mikuni (present)
36. Your word choices are way too good — does Tanaka-sensei read a lot of books?
I like reading books.
37. Since the appearance of Sensei* changes depending on the viewer, what kind of form is Tanaka Strike-sensei able to see?
It's hard to describe in words…
*Count Saint-Germain
38. If there's a criteria for the character chosen to be on the cover of each volume, I'd like to hear.
Since the series can't continue if the comic doesn't sell, I just… chose characters that look good…
(T/N) Was expecting lore but got a surprisingly practical answer…
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Tanaka-sensei is so enthusiastic about Kuro, it’s very cute. Anyways I can’t believe this is already 138 questions… 25% done… Everything from this point onwards is questions specifically about the characters and so I’m probably going to go in semi-random order just so I can keep myself interested. Additionally, I'll be taking my time and slowly translating other bits of the guidebooks too!
Link to Part 1 | Link to Part 2 | Link to Part 3 | Link to Part 4
I need to preface this part by saying there was some guesswork involved — a couple words in the Q&A raws have been blurred to the point I personally cannot read them plus there are some references to manga details/other guidebook that I'm unable to confirm. I'll be pointing them out in my tl notes in case anyone can clarify and will add corrections once I get a hold of the guidebooks/manga myself but until then, please take this section in particular with an extra large grain of salt, thank you.
Disclaimer!!! This is an amateur's attempt at translation, there'll probably be some mistakes so take everything with a grain of salt. If there are mistakes, please let me know!! Also, please double check reblogs for any corrections that may occur after posting.
Please check part 1, 2 and 4 for more notes on my translation style.
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Part 5: About the Production Process Pt.2 (Pg.186-187)
21. Each character's technique name and some character names have an inspiration, and they are generally grouped* by faction (Alicein family, C3, etc.). If there are any characters who were purposely placed in a different faction or character and technique names that cross factions, please tell us.
Mikuni's "Humpty Dumpty". Because he's an Alicein, he has elements of characters that appear in "Alice Through the Looking-Glass" and because he's a magician, he has an element of "Mother Goose**" — it's a combined motif.
Then there's Shamrock who has Kenji Miyazawa's "The Nighthawk Star" as a motif due to being part of team Melancholy, but was also assigned the tarot card of "The Devil" due to him originally being part of C3.
*Kanji for this verb is too blurred for me to read but based on context it's likely something like grouped/decided/inspired — I'll add a note to clarify once I confirm what the word is. Clarification: the word is "collected"/"put together" but grouped is close enough!
**Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes (that would be the Humpty Dumpty reference)
22. Were any technique names based on an inspiration or specific image you had in mind? And which ones made you think "woah, this technique name is too good"?
Maybe "As You Like It (My Fair Lady)"...? I feel like this technique name captures everything about Mikuni.
23. I want to know the difference between the series' first draft and the current version.
Kuro became a laid-back cat.
24. It's become a story where everyone's feelings and schemes have become entangled, so I wonder if you decided everything at the beginning including the ending, everyone's relationships and the side plots.
The general outline [of the story] was decided but there were also parts that were changed while watching reactions to the series.
25. I felt there was a lot of foreshadowing from the beginning, like Mahiru's comments only mentioning his mother or Hugh and Tetsu not having formed a contract! Did you work out the foreshadowing from the start of the series?
There were both things I decided on from the beginning and things I came up with mid-way.
26. I have a feeling that there were many cases of foreshadowing set up fairly early on that were able to be resolved over time (the identity of Licht's friend, etc.). I wonder how far into future events you anticipated during the writing of the story?
At that time there were quite a few elements of foreshadowing I set up while thinking that they might not get resolved (as they were not related to the main story). I think I was able to resolve them to some extent so I'm relieved.
27. Maybe I'm just misunderstanding or missed some information but did the art style change mid-series?
During the creation of the series my back unfortunately got worse and I had to change my way of drawing to something that would let me continue without putting as much strain on my back. I think that's why you could feel the art style change.
28. I felt that the art style and expression* changed during the second half [of the series] — did Tanaka-sensei get influenced by any people or works while writing "Servamp"?
I don't have any particular awareness of being influenced along the way. About my art style, my intention was to consider and change it each time to match the story or side plot of the character I was trying to depict at the time.
*In reference to artistic expression.
29. I heard that "Servamp" was originally supposed to end with volume 2 but I was wondering if the Alicein Mikuni, who had already appeared in volume 2, wanted to rewind the world at that time? Or was this something that was added after the series was confirmed to be continuing?
The details of Mikuni's story such as his goals and feelings towards Misono had already been decided since the beginning.
30. I had a feeling that I read some info before about the original plan to end [the story] after volume 2 but now that there's over ten times the amount of volumes, how much has changed from the initial concept? Also, how much were you planning to write?
Truthfully, I thought that even if I could continue the series to some extent I wouldn't be able to write side plots involving Pride, Wrath and Gluttony so I think it's a miracle that I could write all 7+1 Servamps' parts. I intended to draw as much as I could until the comic's sales dropped and the series got cancelled.
31. Are the extra chapters something you came up with and inserted afterwards? Or were they decided with the main story from the beginning? I really liked the chapter 51.5 extra "Once, We Ate Together".
I come up with the extra chapters when it's decided to include them. It often involves stories that I think may disrupt the flow if they were to be added to the main story.
32. Did you decide what kind of ending [the story] would reach from the time you began the series? Since there were so many sudden plot twists regarding the Alicein family, I have doubts that the details of the Aliceins were decided from the beginning and so I asked this question.
The details of the Alicein family were already decided. If it looks like it was made up afterwards, then it means I've failed at telling the story… I'm sorry…
33. At what point in time did you come up with the meaning of inner-Kuro's reversed speech?
I think it's from the moment of you realising "don't these reversed words have meaning?" (lol)
(T/N) I am genuinely unsure about this question because I don't know if the reversed words have specific meaning? Maybe it just went over my head but if anyone knows what this is supposed to mean, let me know. Otherwise, I'll have to wait until I can get my hands on a copy of the manga to double check. Also I can't quite tell if this is supposed to be the author doing a cheeky non-answer or if they actually mean it and think it's funny...
34. Are there any characters whose names have changed since the initial planning stage, such as Mahiru originally being "Hanamaru*" or Sakuya being "Kiyoharu"?
In the first place, they were the only characters I had in the initial concept. "Kuro" seemed to have been a "Claude" though… (lol)**
*These probably came from a previous guidebook or trivia that I've missed so I've just taken the most common readings — Hanamaru for 花丸 and Kiyoharu for 清春. I'll update this if I ever find out where they're from.
**The Kuro/Claude thing is basically that they sound similar since they share two letters in Japanese — Kuro is 「クロ」 and Claude is 「クロード」
35. There are some locations that can be guessed in the main story, like from the email in chapter 5*, but if there are any areas or buildings that the story's setting is based on, I'd like to know.
I didn't decide on specific places. Roughly this area in Tokyo… this area in London… — it was more like that.
*Lily's email regarding the Servamp meeting mentions a specific location in Japan.
36. What year does the story of Servamp occur?
I think it's better left vague.
37. In the Re:Servamp world, how many loops occurred?
At least a few hundred loops.
38. The spells "The Black Bird of Kensington*" and "Sleep, Little One, Go to Sleep" seem to be drawing emotions from Touma while using Tsurugi's energy, but it seems that [the Tsukimitsu sibling's] "Silver Shoes, Take Them Home" awakens the emotions of all three [siblings] yet allows the person using the spell to set it up freely. I want to know how each one works.
I can't fully explain it but "Silver Shoes, Take Them Home" is a collaborative technique that is only possible because the three are siblings. It's because magic in this world often involves following various "connections**".
*This first spell is a reference to "Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens" — I've chosen to translate it as "Black Bird" rather than "Blackbird" or any plural variants since it's more likely referencing the crow character "Solomon Caw". Crows also thematically tie back to Tsurugi more so I suspect that's the reason for this specific reference and I honestly think it's just another big brain moment from Tanaka-sensei to link Touma's Peter Pan references with Tsurugi's crows.
**Can also be translated as relationships/bonds.
39. Are there vampires and magicians existing in the Asia region outside of Japan?
Yes.
40. Besides werewolves, do species that are different to humans exist?
Yes. The setting allows for it.
=========
This part literally made me order the actual guidebooks (and I'm currently considering buying the manga once I have enough cash to spare) cos there are actually so many things that I wish I had the JP raws to double check, especially for the spells, names and literary references. I'm hoping to cram all of the "Questions for Tanaka Strike-sensei" into one part but I'll see how I go... thanks for reading!
I've just taken a quick look at the volume 10.5 handbook, looks like Mahiru and Sakuya's concept names come from there! (Following images taken from page 13)
Translation:
(1) Kuro of Sloth's Master
Shirota Hanamaru
Protagonist
Nickname is "Hana", "Hana-chan"*
*His name means "flower"
Translation:
Good friends with Kiyoharu (currently)
Haven't been able to find furigana for Sakuya's old name at the moment so the pronunciation is still not 100% confirmed, but here they are!!
Here’s part 4, apologies for the long wait!! I’ll be honest, it's not the most riveting section, but the last question had me locked in at least.
Disclaimer!!! This is an amateur's attempt at translation, there'll probably be some mistakes so take everything with a grain of salt. If there are mistakes, please let me know!! Also, please double check reblogs for any corrections that may occur after posting.
Notes
References to the series name will be in quotes ("Servamp") to differentiate it from the vampire Servamps
Please check part 1 and 2 for more notes on my translation style.
=========
Part 4: About the Production Process Pt.1 (Pg.185-186)
1. Why did you choose the title "SERVAMP"?
I think it came down to a battle between that and "VAMPET" (lol).
2. When you first came up with the idea for the series, did you come up with the idea of the Servamps or the story first?
I came up with the characters first. It originated from "a vampire that can transform into a cat - Kuro".
3. Sloth is a cat, pride is a bat, envy is a snake, etc. Do the Servamps' associated animal come from the impression of each emotion*.
Yes.
*Referring to the sins.
4. There's a cat, bat, snake, wolf, hedgehog, boar, butterfly and fox. Were there any other animals/insects that could have been chosen?
Rabbits and crows were very close contenders until the very end.
5. In Volume 10.5*, each character's animal motif, theme, etc. was introduced. If the characters who appeared after Volume 10.5 have motifs, please tell us.
As I have received many questions regarding character motifs, I've written as much as possible in each character's behind-the-scenes section**.
*Servamp Official Guide Book
**Unsure what specific section this is referring to as I don't have access to the full guidebook, if anyone with the book can clarify that'd be great!
6. Since you often include lines from Shakespeare's works in the story, could it be that you like Shakespeare?
It's more like one motif among many so it's not a case where I like Shakespeare in particular. But, I think the root of what ultimately makes a story interesting is all there.
7. The characters incorporate many elements of mythology, literature and animals. Did Tanaka-sensei like these things (mythology, etc.) from the beginning?
I realised after I started writing "Servamp" that I quite liked that sort of thing from the beginning.
8. I see that special moves and character lines, etc. in this series have been inspired by works of literature. Did you like books and poetry from childhood? Or did you study for the sake of writing "Servamp"?
I've liked books since long ago. Basically, since I chose themes that match the characters from works I have already read or seen before, I didn't necessarily have to study for the sake of writing this series. Things I only knew by name or feeling (eg. mythology) I would investigate and look into further.
9. There is an extraordinarily large amount of motifs in "Servamp", from literature and mythology for example. About that, I'm very curious how you make [these motifs] match with the characters and what aspects of the original works were so good that led to them being adopted?
For each character's motif, my intention was to choose themes that were similar to the ones held by the character while coming from famous and well-known works if possible.
Since "Servamp" has gained many young readers (eg. primary school kids), in cases where they've never come across the works that the motif of their favourite characters were inspired by, I hope that this becomes an opportunity for them to enjoy [those works] as well.
10. What is important to you when making a character?
Giving each character a different set of values, like what they consider a virtue and what they find unforgivable.
11. Many charming and lovely characters have made an appearance — I want to know how their names were decided.
I feel like I decide by thinking about the kanji and sounds I want to use, hoping that it'll be easy to visualise an image that matches [that character's] theme.
12. Is there a rule to how furigana* is assigned to character names? [Paraphrased starting here to make more sense in English] Shirota Mahiru who is a human has the furigana in his name written in hiragana while Tsubaki who is a vampire has his written in katakana. For Sakuya, the furigana of his family name "Watanuki" is in hiragana while his first name "Sakuya" is in katakana. [End paraphrase] I think they are written differently, is this a coincidence?
The furigana used for Sakuya and Tsubaki's names was actually not specifically requested — it was done by the person initially in charge**. I thought it was interesting that it hinted towards Sakuya being a vampire so I kept it as is.
*Actual word used here is rubi/Ruby characters but I chose to use furigana because it's more well known; for those who don't know what furigana/Ruby is, please check out the Wikipedia page, it gives a better summary than I could give here.
**Likely referring to an editor or similar.
(T/N) A visual reference for what the question is referring to: (hiragana in blue, katakana in red)
Shirota Mahiru = しろた まひる
Tsubaki = ツバキ
Watanuki Sakuya = わたぬき サクヤ
13. I want to know how you decided the character birthdays!
I make a conscious decision to give [dates] that I think are appropriate for the character. For the characters who are connected in the story, I've decided on dates that are relevant somehow or other.
14. Depending on the character, the first person pronoun "I" [ore] is differentiated by having it written in either kanji [俺] or katakana [オレ], please tell me the difference between them.
I decided based on what would be most in character*.
*Direct translation is "bring out the character's essence" if that makes more sense.
15. The relationships between the characters, such as Niccolo and Licht having met long ago, Shuuhei and Shamrock, etc. are revealed one after another. Were these relationships decided during the creation stage of these characters?
Since character relationships are an important part in creating a character, many things are decided to some degree during the creation stage. There are also cases where [the relationships] are expanded upon later.
16. With everyone having unique personalities, I wonder how you come up with idea for characters?
I hope that I can carefully depict people who have different ways of thinking.
17. I wonder if you've already decided everyone's backstories from the beginning of the series?
Since [their past] is mostly related to their personality, way of thinking, etc. I feel like many characters appear after their backstories have been decided. But this wasn't the case for everyone.
18. Are the words used by the characters in the story based on Tanaka Strike-sensei's own way of thinking?
I think the interesting thing about writing stories is being able to depict characters who live with a completely different way of thinking to your own.
19. There are a variety of characters — were any of them inspired by a model*?”
I'm not the type to create characters modelled after specific people, so not really.
*Model as in existing character/person (not fashion model).
20. How do you decide the names of the characters' techniques? There's an impression of paying homage to the classics but how do you choose the works and make up the spells? (I'm particularly curious about the origin of Yumi-chan's "I am already complete (cry for the moon)"...)
I consider a character's themes and the words that would best represent who they are before deciding. Also, whether it has a ring to it that makes you want to say it out loud (lol). The technique names vary from being directly taken from the title of the works, to having a slight twist to them, to being completely original ideas. "Cry for the moon" means "asking for the impossible" in English* — with this meaning and the inclusion of the "moon**", I thought it was a phrase that fit Yumikage's character well and so I used it. Yumikage is a character who moved forward upon realising he was asking for the impossible, so I purposefully chose the phrase "I am already complete" which is similar to Yumikage telling himself "there is nothing more to ask for". It's one of my favourite technique names.
*Other variants of idiom you may have heard are "asking for the moon" or "ask for the sun, moon and stars".
**Yumikage's family name "Tsukimitsu" (月満) has the kanji for "moon" (月) in it, and also if you remember that scene in chapter 71 with Yumi looking out a window to see Tsurugi fighting with a crescent moon in the background and that being the thing that led to him actively reaching out to Tsurugi and becoming his friend… cry for the moon… (I recommend for everyone to just reread chapter 69–72 and join me in my insanity)
Chapter 71, page 19 or 20 (depending on where you read)
=========
Man, this was a long one... if you made it this far, thanks for reading! Part 5 will be the second half of this “About the Production Process” section. I’m slowing down translating due to irl commitments but I’ll try to get 1-2 parts out per month at least!
I hope you don’t mind me adding on, but about question 14, I can expand on what sensei means a little more?
Since there are so many different ways to write personal pronouns in japanese, authors will frequently choose a way that helps to further expand a character’s personality or provide insight into who they are. It’s pretty interesting.
“Ore” is the masculine “I” and has a stronger connotation of pride, adulthood, and sense of identity than its similarly masculine counterpart, “boku”
Writing it in kanji could indicate a mature personality, while katakana might signal a more rough way of speaking, a particularly emotional moment where the author wanted to indicate that a character is enunciating the word very strongly, or a rash personality, and hiragana could be used for a child character who is very sure of themselves, a moment of tenderness and vulnerability, an adult character who is very immature, or an uncharacteristically soft spoken moment for an otherwise self assured character.
Naturally, these are things that aren’t possible to be translated into English, but I really like how much characterization can be contained in a single decision!
Link to Part 1 | Link to Part 2 | Link to Part 3 | Link to Part 4
I need to preface this part by saying there was some guesswork involved — a couple words in the Q&A raws have been blurred to the point I personally cannot read them plus there are some references to manga details/other guidebook that I'm unable to confirm. I'll be pointing them out in my tl notes in case anyone can clarify and will add corrections once I get a hold of the guidebooks/manga myself but until then, please take this section in particular with an extra large grain of salt, thank you.
Disclaimer!!! This is an amateur's attempt at translation, there'll probably be some mistakes so take everything with a grain of salt. If there are mistakes, please let me know!! Also, please double check reblogs for any corrections that may occur after posting.
Please check part 1, 2 and 4 for more notes on my translation style.
=========
Part 5: About the Production Process Pt.2 (Pg.186-187)
21. Each character's technique name and some character names have an inspiration, and they are generally grouped* by faction (Alicein family, C3, etc.). If there are any characters who were purposely placed in a different faction or character and technique names that cross factions, please tell us.
Mikuni's "Humpty Dumpty". Because he's an Alicein, he has elements of characters that appear in "Alice Through the Looking-Glass" and because he's a magician, he has an element of "Mother Goose**" — it's a combined motif.
Then there's Shamrock who has Kenji Miyazawa's "The Nighthawk Star" as a motif due to being part of team Melancholy, but was also assigned the tarot card of "The Devil" due to him originally being part of C3.
*Kanji for this verb is too blurred for me to read but based on context it's likely something like grouped/decided/inspired — I'll add a note to clarify once I confirm what the word is. Clarification: the word is "collected"/"put together" but grouped is close enough!
**Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes (that would be the Humpty Dumpty reference)
22. Were any technique names based on an inspiration or specific image you had in mind? And which ones made you think "woah, this technique name is too good"?
Maybe "As You Like It (My Fair Lady)"...? I feel like this technique name captures everything about Mikuni.
23. I want to know the difference between the series' first draft and the current version.
Kuro became a laid-back cat.
24. It's become a story where everyone's feelings and schemes have become entangled, so I wonder if you decided everything at the beginning including the ending, everyone's relationships and the side plots.
The general outline [of the story] was decided but there were also parts that were changed while watching reactions to the series.
25. I felt there was a lot of foreshadowing from the beginning, like Mahiru's comments only mentioning his mother or Hugh and Tetsu not having formed a contract! Did you work out the foreshadowing from the start of the series?
There were both things I decided on from the beginning and things I came up with mid-way.
26. I have a feeling that there were many cases of foreshadowing set up fairly early on that were able to be resolved over time (the identity of Licht's friend, etc.). I wonder how far into future events you anticipated during the writing of the story?
At that time there were quite a few elements of foreshadowing I set up while thinking that they might not get resolved (as they were not related to the main story). I think I was able to resolve them to some extent so I'm relieved.
27. Maybe I'm just misunderstanding or missed some information but did the art style change mid-series?
During the creation of the series my back unfortunately got worse and I had to change my way of drawing to something that would let me continue without putting as much strain on my back. I think that's why you could feel the art style change.
28. I felt that the art style and expression* changed during the second half [of the series] — did Tanaka-sensei get influenced by any people or works while writing "Servamp"?
I don't have any particular awareness of being influenced along the way. About my art style, my intention was to consider and change it each time to match the story or side plot of the character I was trying to depict at the time.
*In reference to artistic expression.
29. I heard that "Servamp" was originally supposed to end with volume 2 but I was wondering if the Alicein Mikuni, who had already appeared in volume 2, wanted to rewind the world at that time? Or was this something that was added after the series was confirmed to be continuing?
The details of Mikuni's story such as his goals and feelings towards Misono had already been decided since the beginning.
30. I had a feeling that I read some info before about the original plan to end [the story] after volume 2 but now that there's over ten times the amount of volumes, how much has changed from the initial concept? Also, how much were you planning to write?
Truthfully, I thought that even if I could continue the series to some extent I wouldn't be able to write side plots involving Pride, Wrath and Gluttony so I think it's a miracle that I could write all 7+1 Servamps' parts. I intended to draw as much as I could until the comic's sales dropped and the series got cancelled.
31. Are the extra chapters something you came up with and inserted afterwards? Or were they decided with the main story from the beginning? I really liked the chapter 51.5 extra "Once, We Ate Together".
I come up with the extra chapters when it's decided to include them. It often involves stories that I think may disrupt the flow if they were to be added to the main story.
32. Did you decide what kind of ending [the story] would reach from the time you began the series? Since there were so many sudden plot twists regarding the Alicein family, I have doubts that the details of the Aliceins were decided from the beginning and so I asked this question.
The details of the Alicein family were already decided. If it looks like it was made up afterwards, then it means I've failed at telling the story… I'm sorry…
33. At what point in time did you come up with the meaning of inner-Kuro's reversed speech?
I think it's from the moment of you realising "don't these reversed words have meaning?" (lol)
(T/N) I am genuinely unsure about this question because I don't know if the reversed words have specific meaning? Maybe it just went over my head but if anyone knows what this is supposed to mean, let me know. Otherwise, I'll have to wait until I can get my hands on a copy of the manga to double check. Also I can't quite tell if this is supposed to be the author doing a cheeky non-answer or if they actually mean it and think it's funny...
34. Are there any characters whose names have changed since the initial planning stage, such as Mahiru originally being "Hanamaru*" or Sakuya being "Kiyoharu"?
In the first place, they were the only characters I had in the initial concept. "Kuro" seemed to have been a "Claude" though… (lol)**
*These probably came from a previous guidebook or trivia that I've missed so I've just taken the most common readings — Hanamaru for 花丸 and Kiyoharu for 清春. I'll update this if I ever find out where they're from.
**The Kuro/Claude thing is basically that they sound similar since they share two letters in Japanese — Kuro is 「クロ」 and Claude is 「クロード」
35. There are some locations that can be guessed in the main story, like from the email in chapter 5*, but if there are any areas or buildings that the story's setting is based on, I'd like to know.
I didn't decide on specific places. Roughly this area in Tokyo… this area in London… — it was more like that.
*Lily's email regarding the Servamp meeting mentions a specific location in Japan.
36. What year does the story of Servamp occur?
I think it's better left vague.
37. In the Re:Servamp world, how many loops occurred?
At least a few hundred loops.
38. The spells "The Black Bird of Kensington*" and "Sleep, Little One, Go to Sleep" seem to be drawing emotions from Touma while using Tsurugi's energy, but it seems that [the Tsukimitsu sibling's] "Silver Shoes, Take Them Home" awakens the emotions of all three [siblings] yet allows the person using the spell to set it up freely. I want to know how each one works.
I can't fully explain it but "Silver Shoes, Take Them Home" is a collaborative technique that is only possible because the three are siblings. It's because magic in this world often involves following various "connections**".
*This first spell is a reference to "Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens" — I've chosen to translate it as "Black Bird" rather than "Blackbird" or any plural variants since it's more likely referencing the crow character "Solomon Caw". Crows also thematically tie back to Tsurugi more so I suspect that's the reason for this specific reference and I honestly think it's just another big brain moment from Tanaka-sensei to link Touma's Peter Pan references with Tsurugi's crows.
**Can also be translated as relationships/bonds.
39. Are there vampires and magicians existing in the Asia region outside of Japan?
Yes.
40. Besides werewolves, do species that are different to humans exist?
Yes. The setting allows for it.
=========
This part literally made me order the actual guidebooks (and I'm currently considering buying the manga once I have enough cash to spare) cos there are actually so many things that I wish I had the JP raws to double check, especially for the spells, names and literary references. I'm hoping to cram all of the "Questions for Tanaka Strike-sensei" into one part but I'll see how I go... thanks for reading!
Here’s part 4, apologies for the long wait!! I’ll be honest, it's not the most riveting section, but the last question had me locked in at least.
Disclaimer!!! This is an amateur's attempt at translation, there'll probably be some mistakes so take everything with a grain of salt. If there are mistakes, please let me know!! Also, please double check reblogs for any corrections that may occur after posting.
Notes
References to the series name will be in quotes ("Servamp") to differentiate it from the vampire Servamps
Please check part 1 and 2 for more notes on my translation style.
=========
Part 4: About the Production Process Pt.1 (Pg.185-186)
1. Why did you choose the title "SERVAMP"?
I think it came down to a battle between that and "VAMPET" (lol).
2. When you first came up with the idea for the series, did you come up with the idea of the Servamps or the story first?
I came up with the characters first. It originated from "a vampire that can transform into a cat - Kuro".
3. Sloth is a cat, pride is a bat, envy is a snake, etc. Do the Servamps' associated animal come from the impression of each emotion*.
Yes.
*Referring to the sins.
4. There's a cat, bat, snake, wolf, hedgehog, boar, butterfly and fox. Were there any other animals/insects that could have been chosen?
Rabbits and crows were very close contenders until the very end.
5. In Volume 10.5*, each character's animal motif, theme, etc. was introduced. If the characters who appeared after Volume 10.5 have motifs, please tell us.
As I have received many questions regarding character motifs, I've written as much as possible in each character's behind-the-scenes section**.
*Servamp Official Guide Book
**Unsure what specific section this is referring to as I don't have access to the full guidebook, if anyone with the book can clarify that'd be great!
6. Since you often include lines from Shakespeare's works in the story, could it be that you like Shakespeare?
It's more like one motif among many so it's not a case where I like Shakespeare in particular. But, I think the root of what ultimately makes a story interesting is all there.
7. The characters incorporate many elements of mythology, literature and animals. Did Tanaka-sensei like these things (mythology, etc.) from the beginning?
I realised after I started writing "Servamp" that I quite liked that sort of thing from the beginning.
8. I see that special moves and character lines, etc. in this series have been inspired by works of literature. Did you like books and poetry from childhood? Or did you study for the sake of writing "Servamp"?
I've liked books since long ago. Basically, since I chose themes that match the characters from works I have already read or seen before, I didn't necessarily have to study for the sake of writing this series. Things I only knew by name or feeling (eg. mythology) I would investigate and look into further.
9. There is an extraordinarily large amount of motifs in "Servamp", from literature and mythology for example. About that, I'm very curious how you make [these motifs] match with the characters and what aspects of the original works were so good that led to them being adopted?
For each character's motif, my intention was to choose themes that were similar to the ones held by the character while coming from famous and well-known works if possible.
Since "Servamp" has gained many young readers (eg. primary school kids), in cases where they've never come across the works that the motif of their favourite characters were inspired by, I hope that this becomes an opportunity for them to enjoy [those works] as well.
10. What is important to you when making a character?
Giving each character a different set of values, like what they consider a virtue and what they find unforgivable.
11. Many charming and lovely characters have made an appearance — I want to know how their names were decided.
I feel like I decide by thinking about the kanji and sounds I want to use, hoping that it'll be easy to visualise an image that matches [that character's] theme.
12. Is there a rule to how furigana* is assigned to character names? [Paraphrased starting here to make more sense in English] Shirota Mahiru who is a human has the furigana in his name written in hiragana while Tsubaki who is a vampire has his written in katakana. For Sakuya, the furigana of his family name "Watanuki" is in hiragana while his first name "Sakuya" is in katakana. [End paraphrase] I think they are written differently, is this a coincidence?
The furigana used for Sakuya and Tsubaki's names was actually not specifically requested — it was done by the person initially in charge**. I thought it was interesting that it hinted towards Sakuya being a vampire so I kept it as is.
*Actual word used here is rubi/Ruby characters but I chose to use furigana because it's more well known; for those who don't know what furigana/Ruby is, please check out the Wikipedia page, it gives a better summary than I could give here.
**Likely referring to an editor or similar.
(T/N) A visual reference for what the question is referring to: (hiragana in blue, katakana in red)
Shirota Mahiru = しろた まひる
Tsubaki = ツバキ
Watanuki Sakuya = わたぬき サクヤ
13. I want to know how you decided the character birthdays!
I make a conscious decision to give [dates] that I think are appropriate for the character. For the characters who are connected in the story, I've decided on dates that are relevant somehow or other.
14. Depending on the character, the first person pronoun "I" [ore] is differentiated by having it written in either kanji [俺] or katakana [オレ], please tell me the difference between them.
I decided based on what would be most in character*.
*Direct translation is "bring out the character's essence" if that makes more sense.
15. The relationships between the characters, such as Niccolo and Licht having met long ago, Shuuhei and Shamrock, etc. are revealed one after another. Were these relationships decided during the creation stage of these characters?
Since character relationships are an important part in creating a character, many things are decided to some degree during the creation stage. There are also cases where [the relationships] are expanded upon later.
16. With everyone having unique personalities, I wonder how you come up with idea for characters?
I hope that I can carefully depict people who have different ways of thinking.
17. I wonder if you've already decided everyone's backstories from the beginning of the series?
Since [their past] is mostly related to their personality, way of thinking, etc. I feel like many characters appear after their backstories have been decided. But this wasn't the case for everyone.
18. Are the words used by the characters in the story based on Tanaka Strike-sensei's own way of thinking?
I think the interesting thing about writing stories is being able to depict characters who live with a completely different way of thinking to your own.
19. There are a variety of characters — were any of them inspired by a model*?”
I'm not the type to create characters modelled after specific people, so not really.
*Model as in existing character/person (not fashion model).
20. How do you decide the names of the characters' techniques? There's an impression of paying homage to the classics but how do you choose the works and make up the spells? (I'm particularly curious about the origin of Yumi-chan's "I am already complete (cry for the moon)"...)
I consider a character's themes and the words that would best represent who they are before deciding. Also, whether it has a ring to it that makes you want to say it out loud (lol). The technique names vary from being directly taken from the title of the works, to having a slight twist to them, to being completely original ideas. "Cry for the moon" means "asking for the impossible" in English* — with this meaning and the inclusion of the "moon**", I thought it was a phrase that fit Yumikage's character well and so I used it. Yumikage is a character who moved forward upon realising he was asking for the impossible, so I purposefully chose the phrase "I am already complete" which is similar to Yumikage telling himself "there is nothing more to ask for". It's one of my favourite technique names.
*Other variants of idiom you may have heard are "asking for the moon" or "ask for the sun, moon and stars".
**Yumikage's family name "Tsukimitsu" (月満) has the kanji for "moon" (月) in it, and also if you remember that scene in chapter 71 with Yumi looking out a window to see Tsurugi fighting with a crescent moon in the background and that being the thing that led to him actively reaching out to Tsurugi and becoming his friend… cry for the moon… (I recommend for everyone to just reread chapter 69–72 and join me in my insanity)
Chapter 71, page 19 or 20 (depending on where you read)
=========
Man, this was a long one... if you made it this far, thanks for reading! Part 5 will be the second half of this “About the Production Process” section. I’m slowing down translating due to irl commitments but I’ll try to get 1-2 parts out per month at least!
This section was quite fun to do but at the same time sent me down a rabbit hole regarding baseball (I have dedicated a section at the end to Talk about it).
Disclaimer!!! This is an amateur's attempt at translation, there'll probably be some mistakes so take everything with a grain of salt. If there are mistakes, please let me know!!
Please check part 1 and 2 for more notes on my translation style.
=========
Part 3: About the Characters + Graphs (Pg.183-186)
1. Who receives the most Valentine's chocolate? (I want to ask who gets a lot of "true feelings*" chocolates and who gets a lot of obligatory chocolates.)
Iori gets the highest number of chocolates, but almost all of his are obligatory chocolates. Tetsu gets the most "true feelings" chocolate. Please refer to the graph on page 183 for the other characters**.
*Chocolates given out of genuine romantic feelings.
**Has been translated as Q17 in this section!
2. Are there characters who have had a lover?
There are.
3. Who's the strangest character in the story?
Isn't it Kuro?
4. Where are the grandparents of Mahiru, Shuuhei and Tsurugi, and what are they doing now?
Shuuhei's grandparents live somewhere a little far away but are living a normal lifestyle. Mahiru and Tsurugi's grandparents have already passed away.
5. Are there characters who can unexpectedly play an instrument?
Niccolo can play the accordion, Iori can play the violin.
6. Who's particularly good with horror*?
Junichiro's particularly bad with it, Sakuya is good with it.
*Likely referring to horror movies/games.
7. I want to know what perfumes are worn by the characters who wear it!
The ones who use perfume are Mikuni, Lily, Touma, all members of the Tsukimitsu family, Shamrock, Niccolo, Cappuccino, Sigurd, Youtaro, Gear, Crantz, Lawless, etc. Please imagine the scents yourself.
8. If Sakura, Mahiru, Koyuki and Ryuusei were to go on a trip, where would they go?
A certain theme park in Kansai.
(T/N) If anyone knows which one they're referencing I'd love to know!
9. Please give a ranking of the characters with the worst handwriting!
1. Mikuni, 2. Tsurugi — these two are unrivalled.
10. Please rank the characters who are good at singing!
1. Licht, 2. Tsubaki, 3. Tetsu
11. Which characters like, dislike, are good at, and are bad at studying, respectively.
Likes studying: Misono
Dislikes studying: Ildio
Good at studying: Mikuni
Bad at studying: Tetsu
12. In volume 10.5*, Shuuhei's dislike of karaoke is mentioned, what about the others? Are there characters who are particularly good or bad at karaoke?
Karaoke is Licht's specialty while Izuna is bad at it.
*Servamp Official Guide Book
13. Between Misono's ahoge and Sakuya's curl, which one is tougher?
Sakuya's curl WINS!
14. In Servamp, many characters who can use guns make an appearance such as Jeje, Niccolo, Touma, etc. Please rank the characters who are good at handling guns.
In order of skill: Jeje > Touma > Sigurd > Yumikage > Niccolo >>>>>> Cappuccino >>> Shuuhei
15. If the C3 members and Servamps plus their Eves played baseball, what position would everyone play?
C3
1: Shortstop - Tsurugi
2: Pitcher - Touma
3: Second Base - Yumikage
4: Left Field - Junichiro
5: Catcher - Tooru
6: First Base - Shuuhei
7: Third Base - Shamrock
8: Right Field - Izuna
9: Center Field - Iori
This team's selling point is that they stop all home runs thanks to center fielder Iori cheating (using magic) in his defensive plays.
Servamps and Eves
1: Center Field - Mahiru
2: Second Base - Mikuni
3: First Base - Kuro
4: Right Field - Tetsu
5: Left Field - Ildio
6: Catcher - Lawless
7: Shortstop - Jeje
8: Third Base - Niccolo
9: Pitcher - Licht
Manager Misono's command shines! They're a very good team if you can prevent the catcher and pitcher from getting into a fight right away.
(T/N) More notes and visuals on this section at the end of the post!
16. Of the Servamp cast, does anyone besides Iori keep a pet?
Sigurd has a corgi.
17. Who is the most popular in-universe? [Pg.183]
X-axis: Doesn't receive Valentine's chocolate <> Receives a lot of Valentine's chocolate
Y-axis: Popular <> Not popular
18. I want to know about everyone's housework skills. [Pg.184]
X-axis: Doesn't do housework <> Does the housework
Y-axis: Strong point <> Weak point
19. If the body weights of the characters have been decided, please tell me the characteristics of their physiques. [Pg.185]
X-axis: Soft <> Muscular
Y-axis: Light <> Heavy
20. I want to know each character's alcohol tolerance. Also please tell me what everyone is like when drunk. [Pg.186]
X-axis: Becomes sleepy <> Becomes energetic*
Y-axis: Strong tolerance <> Weak tolerance
*Direct translation is "high" as in "high spirits" but that sounded a bit strange so I chose to describe it as energetic (opposite of sleepy) instead
=========
I Need to Talk About the Baseball (Q15 Extended notes)
So here's the two baseball teams respectively:
I've just edited names under each position (numbers don't match with what the author assigned so ignore those). Original image by Michael J, CC BY-SA 4.0
Here are some interesting things I found:
The shortstop is generally considered the most physically demanding and requires the player to cover a lot of the field… if Tsurugi doesn't fit that to a T, I don't know who would.
The center field is another difficult position as they have the largest field coverage which demands a lot of running/throwing and they also lead the outfield, which fit both the branch manager of C3 and our dependable protagonist who takes on everything himself.
Meanwhile first base is considered one of the least demanding positions as it usually doesn't involve a lot of running/throwing… perfect for Kuro (and Shuuhei).
The pitcher and catcher pairs for each team are Touma and Tooru, and the greed pair respectively... of course Licht is throwing balls at Lawless.
I don't know why this question captivated me so much but it's probably the same phenomenon that happens with sports anime. Something something homoerotic ball symbolism or whatever.
Anyways, for context, baseball isn't really a big thing where I live so ended up going down a rabbit hole to understand what its deal was. Apologies if this is all common knowledge to everyone else but I needed to share it with the entire class.
=========
Unfortunately, I can't do much about the image quality for the graphs in Q17 - Q20 but if there are any other issues with the images, please let me know!!
Anyways, part 4 will be the first half of the "About the Production Process" section. I'm aiming to finish part 4 before New Year's, but I'm gonna be busy leading up to Christmas so it might take a bit longer than usual 🙏
Correction: The answer to question 9 should be Mikuni and Tsurugi, not Misono and Tsurugi! I've already edited the post but it appears that it hasn't been showing up for some people, not sure what's going on but I don't want to spread further misinformation.
This section was quite fun to do but at the same time sent me down a rabbit hole regarding baseball (I have dedicated a section at the end to Talk about it).
Disclaimer!!! This is an amateur's attempt at translation, there'll probably be some mistakes so take everything with a grain of salt. If there are mistakes, please let me know!!
Please check part 1 and 2 for more notes on my translation style.
=========
Part 3: About the Characters + Graphs (Pg.183-186)
1. Who receives the most Valentine's chocolate? (I want to ask who gets a lot of "true feelings*" chocolates and who gets a lot of obligatory chocolates.)
Iori gets the highest number of chocolates, but almost all of his are obligatory chocolates. Tetsu gets the most "true feelings" chocolate. Please refer to the graph on page 183 for the other characters**.
*Chocolates given out of genuine romantic feelings.
**Has been translated as Q17 in this section!
2. Are there characters who have had a lover?
There are.
3. Who's the strangest character in the story?
Isn't it Kuro?
4. Where are the grandparents of Mahiru, Shuuhei and Tsurugi, and what are they doing now?
Shuuhei's grandparents live somewhere a little far away but are living a normal lifestyle. Mahiru and Tsurugi's grandparents have already passed away.
5. Are there characters who can unexpectedly play an instrument?
Niccolo can play the accordion, Iori can play the violin.
6. Who's particularly good with horror*?
Junichiro's particularly bad with it, Sakuya is good with it.
*Likely referring to horror movies/games.
7. I want to know what perfumes are worn by the characters who wear it!
The ones who use perfume are Mikuni, Lily, Touma, all members of the Tsukimitsu family, Shamrock, Niccolo, Cappuccino, Sigurd, Youtaro, Gear, Crantz, Lawless, etc. Please imagine the scents yourself.
8. If Sakura, Mahiru, Koyuki and Ryuusei were to go on a trip, where would they go?
A certain theme park in Kansai.
(T/N) If anyone knows which one they're referencing I'd love to know!
9. Please give a ranking of the characters with the worst handwriting!
1. Mikuni, 2. Tsurugi — these two are unrivalled.
10. Please rank the characters who are good at singing!
1. Licht, 2. Tsubaki, 3. Tetsu
11. Which characters like, dislike, are good at, and are bad at studying, respectively.
Likes studying: Misono
Dislikes studying: Ildio
Good at studying: Mikuni
Bad at studying: Tetsu
12. In volume 10.5*, Shuuhei's dislike of karaoke is mentioned, what about the others? Are there characters who are particularly good or bad at karaoke?
Karaoke is Licht's specialty while Izuna is bad at it.
*Servamp Official Guide Book
13. Between Misono's ahoge and Sakuya's curl, which one is tougher?
Sakuya's curl WINS!
14. In Servamp, many characters who can use guns make an appearance such as Jeje, Niccolo, Touma, etc. Please rank the characters who are good at handling guns.
In order of skill: Jeje > Touma > Sigurd > Yumikage > Niccolo >>>>>> Cappuccino >>> Shuuhei
15. If the C3 members and Servamps plus their Eves played baseball, what position would everyone play?
C3
1: Shortstop - Tsurugi
2: Pitcher - Touma
3: Second Base - Yumikage
4: Left Field - Junichiro
5: Catcher - Tooru
6: First Base - Shuuhei
7: Third Base - Shamrock
8: Right Field - Izuna
9: Center Field - Iori
This team's selling point is that they stop all home runs thanks to center fielder Iori cheating (using magic) in his defensive plays.
Servamps and Eves
1: Center Field - Mahiru
2: Second Base - Mikuni
3: First Base - Kuro
4: Right Field - Tetsu
5: Left Field - Ildio
6: Catcher - Lawless
7: Shortstop - Jeje
8: Third Base - Niccolo
9: Pitcher - Licht
Manager Misono's command shines! They're a very good team if you can prevent the catcher and pitcher from getting into a fight right away.
(T/N) More notes and visuals on this section at the end of the post!
16. Of the Servamp cast, does anyone besides Iori keep a pet?
Sigurd has a corgi.
17. Who is the most popular in-universe? [Pg.183]
X-axis: Doesn't receive Valentine's chocolate <> Receives a lot of Valentine's chocolate
Y-axis: Popular <> Not popular
18. I want to know about everyone's housework skills. [Pg.184]
X-axis: Doesn't do housework <> Does the housework
Y-axis: Strong point <> Weak point
19. If the body weights of the characters have been decided, please tell me the characteristics of their physiques. [Pg.185]
X-axis: Soft <> Muscular
Y-axis: Light <> Heavy
20. I want to know each character's alcohol tolerance. Also please tell me what everyone is like when drunk. [Pg.186]
X-axis: Becomes sleepy <> Becomes energetic*
Y-axis: Strong tolerance <> Weak tolerance
*Direct translation is "high" as in "high spirits" but that sounded a bit strange so I chose to describe it as energetic (opposite of sleepy) instead
=========
I Need to Talk About the Baseball (Q15 Extended notes)
So here's the two baseball teams respectively:
I've just edited names under each position (numbers don't match with what the author assigned so ignore those). Original image by Michael J, CC BY-SA 4.0
Here are some interesting things I found:
The shortstop is generally considered the most physically demanding and requires the player to cover a lot of the field… if Tsurugi doesn't fit that to a T, I don't know who would.
The center field is another difficult position as they have the largest field coverage which demands a lot of running/throwing and they also lead the outfield, which fit both the branch manager of C3 and our dependable protagonist who takes on everything himself.
Meanwhile first base is considered one of the least demanding positions as it usually doesn't involve a lot of running/throwing… perfect for Kuro (and Shuuhei).
The pitcher and catcher pairs for each team are Touma and Tooru, and the greed pair respectively... of course Licht is throwing balls at Lawless.
I don't know why this question captivated me so much but it's probably the same phenomenon that happens with sports anime. Something something homoerotic ball symbolism or whatever.
Anyways, for context, baseball isn't really a big thing where I live so ended up going down a rabbit hole to understand what its deal was. Apologies if this is all common knowledge to everyone else but I needed to share it with the entire class.
=========
Unfortunately, I can't do much about the image quality for the graphs in Q17 - Q20 but if there are any other issues with the images, please let me know!!
Anyways, part 4 will be the first half of the "About the Production Process" section. I'm aiming to finish part 4 before New Year's, but I'm gonna be busy leading up to Christmas so it might take a bit longer than usual 🙏
Anyways, here's part 2 of *checks hand* at least 15 parts. Probably more (I'm scared).
Disclaimer!!! This is an amateur's attempt at translation, there'll probably be some mistakes so take everything with a grain of salt. If there are mistakes, please let me know!!
Notes
Any () brackets you see in the translation exist in the original text.
Any [] square brackets are me adding the implied part of the sentence if I feel it's required for clarity.
Please check part 1 for more notes on my translation style.
=========
Part 2: About the Vampires Pt.2 (Pg.183-184)
22. Are the Servamps' weapons related to their cause of death?
There are many cases where it is related.
23. Can Servamps or subclass reproduce*?
They can't.
*In the biology class way, not the vampire way.
24. Servamps can't drink blood from people who aren't their Eve, but in chapter 35 Licht gets his blood drank by Higan — is the reverse allowed* under the contract? In the first place, does an Eve's blood become more tasty/valuable to regular vampires like magician's blood after entering a contract with a Servamp?
They can't drink it, or rather, the nuance is that even if they do drink it, there's no effect. The act of drinking blood from someone not your Eve itself is possible. In regards to the second question, a person's blood doesn't change just because they are an Eve.
*The asker is likely clarifying whether the contract restricts the Servamp and Eve pair to exclusively drink from/give blood to each other.
(T/N) In chapter 35 Higan immediately powers up with his fire ability after drinking Licht's blood so that's probably what prompted the question on whether an Eve's blood has special properties or not (it's normal blood).
25. If Servamps can 'only' drink blood from their Eve, what happens if they receive blood from someone else?
Nothing in particular happens.
26. Does a Servamp's blood have restorative effects for a subclass? In a situation where a Servamp bites a subclass, does the subclass die?
It has no restorative effects. If a Servamp sucks the blood of a subclass, the subclass will disappear.
27. Lawless's black scarf was created when he went through mental trauma. Does this mean that Servamps receive a weapon when they undergo some sort of trauma and do not have a weapon until then?
Since the form of a vampire is influenced by their mental state, they often gain power at times like that.
(T/N) You can see Lawless's scarf appear as he cradles Ophelia's broken statue in ch.34 - it's where he pulls his weapon from so the question's probably talking about that.
28. I want to know about the situation regarding the Servamps' earrings. Personally, I think besides the ones who got them when they were human, any attempt to get a piercing would heal due to the Servamps' regenerative abilities, what do you think? Please tell me if they are wearing them in the story and merchandise.
Since they do not have a true form, if they want to wear them, they can wear them.
(T/N) TL;DR the asker really wants to know if the Servamps are canonically wearing earrings in the manga and official merch artwork, etc.
29. If a Servamp doesn't form a contract with an Eve, can that Servamp be killed normally? What's the power level of a Servamp when they aren't under a contract?
There are methods to weaken vampires who've had their contract broken, but there's truly no way to kill (completely get rid of) a Servamp no matter what. Servamps without a contract are similar in strength to subclass; you could say that they're already in a weakened state.
30. Apart from Hugh, the vampires don't really have a typical vampire aesthetic and feel more like humans. Obviously, there's the "subclass will turn into ash under sunlight" thing, but are there any other parts of the story's setting that feels really "vampiric"?
They can't cross running water.
31. If a Servamp gives their blood to their Eve, can their Eve become a subclass? What happens in a situation where an Eve receives blood from a Servamp they aren't contracted to?
If they have died, even previous Eves can become subclass. Everything about being an Eve is forgotten upon death and they just become a subclass to the Servamp that gave them blood.
32. Lily and Hugh have something like a reason for turning people into subclass (orphans and suicide victims respectively), are there others who are particular about who they turn into subclass?
Freya: people who died in wars
Jeje: people with physical disabilities
Lawless: people he has a connection with
Ildio and Kuro don't create subclass; for Tsubaki, please refer to chapter 140.
33. Until now, by what criteria have the Servamps been choosing their Eves with?
Lily has always made contracts with the head of the same family line. That family was originally from Europe but around 200 years ago, they came to Japan and became the Alicein family. Hugh and Lawless pretty much pick based on their own liking. Ildio, Jeje and Freya mostly just let things happen and aren't picky about who they make a contract with.
34. To what degree do the demons* know about each other?
In the beginning, they were close to being one existence so they know each other quite well.
*Inner-sloth, wrath, gluttony, etc.
35. Are there any demons that are close?
Everyone should be close.
36. Of the vampires that have appeared in the main story, how many have never killed anyone (whether they have a policy* or not)?
Many of those who have become a subclass in recent years [have never killed], such as Sagami and Lilac.
*Likely referring to a personal code of honour or similar.
37. Among the 8 Servamps, who has the fastest reply time when contacted?
Ordered from the fastest: Lawless, Tsubaki, Hugh, Lily, Kuro, Jeje, (they missed the message and didn't reply:) Freya, Ildio
38. Please give a ranking of the 8 Servamp siblings based on how good they are at taking care of others.
In order: Lawless, Tsubaki, Freya, Hugh, Jeje, Kuro, Lily, Ildio
39. Among Kuro and his siblings, who is the smartest?
Tsubaki by a narrow margin.
40. If the Servamps lived in modern times, what kind of jobs would they have?
Kuro: University student prone to slacking off
Hugh (grown up): University professor
Jeje: Priest
Freya: Farmer
Lawless: Actor
Ildio: PE teacher
Lily: Model
Tsubaki: Surprisingly, an ordinary office worker
=========
And that's the end of the "About the Vampires" section! Part 3 will be the "About the Characters" section plus all the axis chart graph memes — I should be able to get that done by next week.
I don't know if anyone else has posted a translation of the Servamp guidebook Q&A but I can't find any so I guess I'll do it myself. Due to how long this is, I'll be posting it in parts as I slowly translate them. I can't guarantee I'll get through all of them but I'll do my best.
Disclaimer!!! This is an amateur's attempt at translation, there'll probably be some mistakes so take everything with a grain of salt. If there are mistakes, please let me know!!
Notes
Some questions may be summarised at my discretion if I feel like I can explain the core of what they're trying to ask without so many words. Most are direct translations though.
The questions aren't numbered in the Q&A but I've added numbers so it's easier for me to track as I work on them.
I've added some translation notes and personal observations along the way because I have many thoughts -> tl notes will be indicated by asterisk, regular notes will just a (T/N) at the end of the answer
Terminology notes have been added at the end.
Thank you @kuro-ashh for posting the guidebook pages!
============
Part 1: About the Vampires Pt. 1 (Pg. 182)
1. Do the Servamps remember the name they had as humans?
None of the Servamps know exactly how many subclass they have. The number of subclass can decrease without their knowledge.
(T/N) Aka Servamps can't magically tell if a subclass of theirs has died or not. Both Kuro and Ildio don't have any subclass.
4. Do the Servamps have an approximate place of origin? Tsubaki is from Japan, I want to know about the other seven!
The time period is different so it's not too strict but...
UK: Kuro, Hugh, Lawless
Germany: Jeje, Freya
Eastern Europe: Ildio
France: Lily
Imagine somewhere around there.
5. I want to know the eye colours of the Servamps from when they were human.
Kuro: Sky blue
Hugh: Brown
Jeje: Green
Freya: Amber
Lawless: Bluish-grey
Ildio: Grey
Lily: Blue
Tsubaki: Black
6. Lily, Jeje, Sakuya and Belkia can all use magic; Lily is especially good at it. Is it a skill that all vampires can use to some extent?
Yes.
7. What's the method of breaking the Servamp contract that Mikuni was talking about in volume 2?
Only the death of the Eve [can break the contract]. At that time, Mikuni was just testing Mahiru and had no intentions of telling him about it.
8. Belkia can become a doll, Higan can temporarily become younger with his "scorpion fire". Are there other vampires who can change their appearance in some way?
In C3's point of view, vampires are not tangible living beings in the first place. Rather, they are a kind of illusion that has the ability to interfere with reality as they exist there, just like if they were real. Due to this, there are a lot of cases where vampires can create a different appearance by strongly imagining it.
(T/N) Might explain the various appearance changes throughout the series such as Tsubaki and Lawless's costume changes
9. How frequently do subclass need to drink blood?
It varies a lot between individuals. Some want to drink blood everyday, some don't require it for over a month.
10. What kind of role does the blood type* of each Servamp play? For example, the 8th isn't afraid of the sun.
The 8th is particularly strong against sunlight but apart from that, there isn't a big difference among them. There are some things that each is good at (the 3rd is good with physical weapons, the 7th is good at magic).
*I've translated it literally, but I assume this refers to their ranking (from 1 to 8) since they refer to the Servamps via their number rank in the question and answer. 8th is Tsubaki, 3rd is Jeje, 7th is Lily.
11. What improvements have been made to the youngest Servamp*?
The distance limit got longer and durability increased.
*The literal translation is "youngest vampire" but they're definitely referring to the Servamps here.
12. What happens if Servamps and subclass don't drink blood for a long time? Are there any changes that occur?
They come close to starvation and become unable to move.
13. What's the length of each Servamp's distance limit?
The Servamp distance limit gets longer.
Sloth: ~13m
Pride: ~25m
Envy: ~50m
Wrath: ~100m
Greed: ~200m
Gluttony: ~500m
Lust: ~2km
Melancholy: ~20km
14. What are the side effects for each Servamp and Eve pair if they are separated?
Sloth: Take on the appearance of a beast
Pride: Loss of sight
Envy: Inability to move legs
Wrath: Loss of hearing
Greed: Inability to move arms
Gluttony: Loss of voice
Lust: Revert into an infant
Melancholy: No effect*
This was decided based on a combination of each Servamp's animal form and sin but this was a setting I never had the chance to use.
*I'm 90% sure this means there are no side effects but I need a second opinion (phrase is 影響なし)
15. When a Servamp's Eve dies, the Servamp forgets the name that was given to them. In a situation where the name given was a proper noun (eg. name of a candy or object), would the Servamp forget the name of that object? Or, would they recognise the name of the object but are unable to associate it with their previous name?
The latter scenario. They won't remember the object name as their previous name.
16. I want to know what the Count looked like to the eight Servamps.
It didn't show up in the main story but Jeje saw him as a demon he couldn't understand the shape of, Freya saw him as a child and Lily saw him as an elderly person.
17. Are the Servamps' birthdays the day they were born as a human or the day they became a vampire?
The day they awakened as vampires. However, I was careless with Kuro's birthday. Even though it's December 31st, I didn't draw it* with a cold feeling at all... apologies for that...
*In reference to the scenes in Kuro's backstory, it should have been winter but the author forgot about that.
18. Do vampires have a functioning heart, body temperature, etc.?
Vampires are close to being magic so if the person touching a vampire thinks that they're human, everything will feel like it's functioning.
19. Around volume 9, Hugh fakes losing his Djinn* by acting like an old man. Was Lily also acting when he started becoming smaller and regressing in age after losing his Djinn? Considering how Lawless was unstable after losing his Djinn, I wonder if it had some impact. Or, was it only Lawless who became weak due to his temperament?**
Everyone who suddenly lost a large amount of Djinn was impacted.
*I can't make out the kanji for this word but based on context it looks like it's talking about Djinn, if anyone has clearer pics of the Q&A questions please let me know! Clarification: it's Djinn/Jinn!
**This entire question is super long and I probably translated it wrong somewhere, but from what I understand, the asker wants to know if Lily's age regression was an act, and if Lily was acting, did Lawless lose his powers due to his own weakness (lol) to which the answer for both is no, they were just impacted by the Djinn-loss.
20. Whats the reason for the distance limit disappearing*?
The magic in this world comes from someone's prayers, so when Mahiru's prayers were accepted by the demon**, the binding disappeared from that moment onwards.
*In reference to Kuro and Mahiru's lack of distance limit in ch.131
**Demon = inner Kuro, referencing scene from ch.128
21. How frequently do the Servamps drink blood?
It varies for each individual. Recently, none of the Servamps drink blood very frequently.
============
And that's part 1 done! Unsure of how far along I'll get but hopefully I'll get another part done soon.
Terminology
For "Servamps", "Subclass" and "Vampires", I've made sure to not use the words interchangeably so:
"Servamp" in the translation means the text is referring to the Servamps specifically (真祖/サーヴァンプ)
"Subclass" means it's referring to subclass vampires specifically (下位吸血鬼/サブクラス)
"Vampire" means the text is referring to vampires in general (吸血鬼)
Any reference to master/contractor, I've translated them as "Eve"
