I was gonna make an about me page on my blog but I couldn't figure it out and I already spent too much time fiddling around with the themes and such so! I'm just gonna make it into a text post~
Hi hi I'm Sleepy!~
I've been studying Japanese for about 5 years now as my college minor, and much longer than that I've been immersed in Japanese pop culture ever since I was a kid. I only started to translate things for fun recently-- it's good practice !!!
I've gotten really into music projects so I'm primarily focused on those, especially ensemble stars. I'm an EsupuriP and a SwitchP but I might dabble in other things depending on if it's Really yummy stuff
I might also post some miscellaneous things not related to idol stuff but who knows what I'll get into in the future.
In any case, please enjoy~
Just a reminder, I'm not fluent in Japanese so I may make some mistakes here and there! If you spot any glaring mistakes or typos just let me know either on here or on Twitter~
You can link or use my translations as long as I'm credited :3
Magical Uni - How to Fix a Broken Machine - Chapter 1
Characters: Esu, Kanna, Yume, Raika, Tsukasa
Translation: Sleepy
[ ♪ ]
Time: The next day
Location: The Lobby of ES
Esu: —Listen up! If we are here to get scolded then we get on our knees into a dogeza, no questions asked, got it!?
Raika: Aye aye~ (Prostrates himself)
Esu: Not right now!? Don’t just kneel down here of all places!? If anything, now you’re just giving them more reasons to be mad at us!?
Kanna: Nevertheless, to my knowledge, there has been no confirmation nor indication as to whether we have been called here to be reprimanded or not.
Yume: He’s definitely just getting ahead of himself. Esu’s always been such a careless person, after all.
Esu: If Kanna’s reasoning is anything to go by, we might be getting scolded, but then we also might not be getting scolded. So that basically means nothing!
Also could you not arbitrarily make me out to be a careless guy?
Not like I have any idea of that myself, but still!
Really, in what world would you get an urgent call from your agency and not think that maybe—just maybe—it’s because you did something wrong! I can't be alone in thinking this, right!?
Anyway, we’ll find out the reason when we get to the office, for sure!
…Hello~ good mo~rning. Spri reporting for duty~
Tsukasa: Ah, hello there everyone. My apologies for calling you here all of a sudden.
Esu: No, no! Please don’t worry about that! We’re just rookies with way too much time on our hands, so it’s no big deal!
Umm… That being said, what did you need from us exactly…?
Tsukasa: I’ve met each of you in various circumstances already, however, let me take the time to reintroduce myself.
My name is Tsukasa Suou, and I serve as the 𝐼𝒹𝑜𝓁 representative of NewDi. I look forward to working with you all. If you have any questions, or if there is anything I could be of assistance with, please be sure to let me know.
Esu: Ah, right. I heard the same from someone else in the office. Us too, we’ll be in your care.
Umm… We heard from NiceP that we were being urgently summoned, so we came as fast as we could.
But uh, what exactly did we get called here for…?
Tsukasa: Despite being a newly formed unit, you all have been working as much as possible to broaden your reach as “Spri”—taking on various activities here and there.
One of which being 𝒮𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝒲𝒽𝒾𝓉𝑒, the ad campaign for “The Princess 𝒮𝑒𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈” that you took on shortly after your debut. I heard it was a complete success.
I find your efforts to be a truly remarkable thing. Take, for example, your answers from your magazine 𝐼𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌 the other day.
Esu: ……..
Huh? So…We aren’t here to be scolded, but to be praised?
Tsukasa: ? Is something the matter?
Esu: No, well…I was bracing myself for the scolding of a lifetime the entire way over after we got told we were being summoned.
So, contrary to expectations, getting complimented made me feel somewhat relieved. I guess I wasted my time worrying!
Tsukasa: Ah, is that so? Please rest assured, in that case.
As the real scolding begins right now♪
Showing benevolence is what any good leader would do, is it not? My very own senior boasted that presenting candy before the whip is shown to be a much more effective method at putting impudent brats in their place.
Esu: You just said ‘putting impudent brats in their place,’ didn't you!? Instead of benevolence, that’s just straight up prolonging our suffering!
Are you a total sadist or something!? And also could you maybe not be more of an S than me when that’s literally my name!?
Yume: Hey, Esu. Yume’s getting the feeling that there’s something seriously wrong with this guy.
Esu: AHHHHH!? Well I thought that too, I’ll admit! But no matter how true it is, that doesn’t make it alright for you to just say it out loud, got it!?
Yume: It’s not good for your health to bottle things up like that, Esu. You’re the type of kid that can’t help but tough it out on your own, mommy’s worried about you.
Esu: I have never, not even for a single second, thought of you as my mother! I’ve told you this over and over and OVER, haven’t I!? AHH, SERIOUSLY! The more you talk, the more complicated everything gets!
Raika: Aye aye~ (Prostrates himself)
Esu: Yup, yup. I do remember saying to drop into a dogeza if we ended up getting scolded, but I think you're just a liiittle bit too early there!
How about we hear him out first and then beg for forgiveness, okay? Because you’re lookin’ like a commoner kneeling in front of a Shogun right now!
Tsukasa: Um, excuse me. May I continue with our discussion now?
Esu: Ah, yeah! Sorry about that! Being able to instantly derail conversations happens to be one of my specialties. I mean, where would we be in life if we didn’t take some detours, right?
Tsukasa: You say that, but is that not just a convoluted way of doing things…?
In any case. It is true that you all are quite inexperienced as 𝐼𝒹𝑜𝓁𝓈. Please bear this in mind.
However…That does not mean you are completely hopeless. As I told you earlier, I believe you all have been working very hard and doing as much as you can to get your name out there.
Nevertheless, Kanna-kun…Some improvements will be in order for you in particular.
Kanna: Haah, I see. So that’s how it is. I suppose that means we're in trouble?
Esu: Hey, don’t say it like it’s not your problem!?
Uh, Suou-senpai? Just out of curiosity, what might Kanna’s problem be, exactly?
Tsukasa: I received reports of your 𝐼𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌 from the other day, that he did not so much as move a single muscle. To the point where those in the surroundings not only asked if he were alright…
But even went as far as to question his wellbeing.
Raika: Ah! That did happen, didn’t it~?
When I first heard about it from Kanna-sama, I thought for sure it was a joke. An’ then I then I happened to see it with my own two eyes.
The way he was stuck right in place—you’d think he was a grey heron stalkin’ its prey or somethin’.
Esu: It’s not that I don’t get where you’re coming from, Tsukasa-senpai, but that’s just kinda how Kanna normally is.
Would it be too much to ask for you to overlook it, just this once?
It’s not that he’s mean to the fans or anything, he’s just not very…Social. He’s more of a shoebill than a grey heron in my opinion. He moves sometimes!
Tsukasa: And NewDi has no intentions of looking after a shoebill.
Moving on. I fully understand your argument, Esu-kun. However, your 𝐹𝒶𝓃𝓈 will inevitably start to complain if he continues to lack amicability.
Our profession revolves around public approval. If there are any outstanding issues that continuously harm that relationship of mutual trust with your 𝐹𝒶𝓃𝓈, consequently, your 𝐹𝒶𝓃𝒷𝒶𝓈𝑒 will cease to grow from this moment forward.
And perhaps even decline…Effectively putting your future as 𝐼𝒹𝑜𝓁𝓈 in jeopardy if the situation were to ever reach that point!
Yume: Well if that happens, then Yume and Esu could form a unit with just the two of us. That would solve all of our problems.
Esu: What are you, a demon!?
Raika: Huh!? What about me!?
Esu: NiceP put his trust in us—in Spri! So we have to succeed no matter what!
Tsukasa: You are correct, unequivocally so♪
And thus, with the intent of raising your 𝐿𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓁 as 𝐼𝒹𝑜𝓁𝓈, NewDi has given Spri an assignment!
Esu: A-an assignment…?
Tsukasa: Precisely! As for the details of that assignment—you must increase Kanna’s 𝐹𝒶𝓃 count within the deadline!
TL Note: The 'Dogeza' is a part of traditional Japanese etiquette which involves bowing deeply to express apology/regret/show deference to an individual of higher status.
I think I know what the problem is here. If you don’t have someone else there to count, you’ll get way too lost in blowing bubbles that you’ll have no clue how many you’ve made! And then they all pop right after, so it’s not like I could count them even if I tried.
Hm? A call from an unknown number?—Yes, hello?
Nice: “It’s me! Esu-kun, you are truly remarkable! Answering the phone within three rings like a true working member of society! Those are some Nice manners you have there!”
Esu: I’m sorry! I’m but a humble, inexperienced idol—I’ve no money and no prospects! Goodbye forever!
(Hangs up the phone)…..
That was SOOO scary!? Was that what I think it was?! One of those phishing scams where a stranger pretends to be someone you know and then takes all your money!?
This is the kind of thing Yume is always warning about—guys that’ll come up to you acting all buddy-buddy, buttering you up while having secret ulterior motives!
Oh come on, again~? He’s unexpectedly persistent, this scammer.
But hey, a determined spirit like that is more than enough to win me over!—Hello, what can I do for ya?
Nice: “—Esu-kun, why did you hang up on me all of a sudden? Did I do something wrong?”
“If there’s something I’m lacking as your producer, then I’d like for you to tell me what that is so I can do better going forward.”
Esu: Producer? …Huh? Now that I’ve taken a second to calm down, that voice…Isn’t that NiceP?
Uwah, I’m so sorry!
I mean, for one it was an unknown number, and then you were showering me with compliments as soon as I picked up the phone—I seriously thought it was some new kind of scam, so I hung up!
Nice: “Hm, now that you mention it… I forgot to lead with my name, didn’t I? That was my mistake. I’ll make sure to be more careful so this won’t happen again.”
Esu: Actually, if you were calling from your own phone then I don’t think there’d be an issue. Since it’d pop up with caller ID.
Nice: “Unfortunately, I left my phone in my bag in another room. I’m calling you from one of the ES phones at the moment.”
“I had just gotten off the phone regarding another matter and decided to go with the flow and decided to give you a ring while I was at it."
Esu: One of ES’ phones? No wonder I didn’t recognize the number.
Anyways, for you to take the time to make a call, did you have something you wanted to talk about with me?
Nice: “Indeed I do. I’ve been getting updates on Spri’s state of affairs through Anzu-chan, but I thought it’d be good to hear it straight from you every so often. That’s the real reason I called.”
“Are you alright on time?”
Esu: A-Okay! I’ve got so much free time that I don’t know what to do with it all, even. We haven’t gotten any big jobs since Snow White.
I’m so bored—so much so that I was just on an adventure to see if I could blow more than 50 bubbles in a single breath, and it was a complete and utter failure!
Nice: “Yes, yes. Life is a series of failures. But success is always sure to follow shortly after! It’s very Nice to see you finding enjoyment in life, Esu-kun!”
Esu: And it’s an honor to be complimented by you!
Kanna happened to pass by earlier and said, “Esu-san, you’ve got a natural gift for wasting your life away. It’s commendable.” Which left my poor heart shattered into teeny-tiny pieces. But thanks to your kind words I feel fully restored!
Nice: “In any case, I’m glad to hear that you’re doing well. Have you gotten used to life at the dorms? And what about work at NewDi?”
Esu: I’d say I’ve adapted alright, but like I said, we haven’t gotten anything big since Snow White.
Just stuff like interviews—small jobs here and there.
Sure enough, it’s tough for rookies to get the big ones, huh~? Well, not like we’re putting in the effort to get them, but still.
Life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Or better put, it’s just not gonna be all that easy, is it?
Nice: “...Hm. That may or may not be related to the message I received from Suou-kun.”
Esu: From Suou-senpai?
Nice: “That’s right. It seems they urgently need every member of Spri to head to the office…In other words, you’re being summoned.”
Esu: We’re being summoned!?
Does that mean, maybe…They’re mad at us about something…?
Nice: “I’m not so sure about that, but it certainly does not seem to be a simple matter, does it?”
Summary: Kanna is tasked by NEW DI to grow their fan base as a means to give them more experience as idols. They take on work that allows them to interact with their fans, but Kanna is struggling tremendously in putting on a natural smile...
Kanna: Was that an imitation of Yume-san? It was very similar, if so.
Esu: Stop it!? It’s even more shocking because I did it completely unconsciously!!!!
Speaking of, I heard the news! So the four of you designed your own dream glasses and started selling them as ambassadors, did I get that right?
Kanna: Yes. We’re selling them to commemorate the grand opening of the Megasphere store.
Esu: Sounds about right for the shop Saegusa-senpai’s in, alright. His ability to get the ball rolling is no joke.
I guess glasses do make you smarter, eh? Maybe I should start wearing ‘em too?
Kanna: No, the one leading the promotional efforts this time was Aoba-san.
Esu: Huh, really? That’s our Ex-Vice President for ya!
Kanna: Esu-san, did you come to our shop to chat? I’m currently doing my job as an ambassador, therefore I do not have time for idle chatter.
Esu: Ahh, my bad. Nah, it’s just that I heard you guys would be working at the Eye Fitting store again today♪
So I was thinking, “Mannn, it’d be real nice if Kanna could pick out my glasses for me, huh”~ I mean, you never ended up choosing a pair for me the other day, remember?
So c’mon, one more time, lemme hear your employee certified recommendation please♪
Kanna: …Understood. I am working as an employee at the moment, after all.
Let me see… I believe this model would suit you, Esu-san.
Esu: Ah, this pair… Aren’t these the ones you were wearing during your livestream?
Kanna: Correct. These clear frames make it seem almost as if you aren’t wearing glasses at all. I believe them to be an especially good fit for you, Esu-san, as you do not wear glasses in your day-to-day life.
We also offer a non-prescription version that comes in three different colors. Would you be interested in trying them on?
Esu: I’m super interested! This is so exciting~♪
Tsumugi: (Fufu, Kanna-kun, looks like all that studying yesterday paid off. He’s able to help out customers like a pro now…♪)
(...Oh? He’s coming over here after sending Esu-kun on his way. I might’ve been watching him a little too closely, maybe he noticed?)
Nice work there, Kanna-kun. You’re really shaping up to be a real salesperson.
Kanna: Is that so? Thank you very much.
Nevertheless, Aoba-san. Are you sure this method will really work?
For us to sell our ideal glasses as ambassadors… It seems to be a very standard approach, or rather, I find it lacks a certain panache.
I thought you had some sort of ground-breaking, ingenious plan when you initially proposed raising funds. Only to find out that it was surprisingly ordinary, anticlimactically so.
Tsumugi: Oof… But we can expect to make a profit because it’s so simple.
Besides, we didn’t go into this with the intention of making money anyways.
If this promotion succeeds, not only will we be able to build a solid track record as ambassadors…
But we could use that success to persuade the company of this being a real, worthwhile venture ♪
Kanna: Adding value to our appeal as ambassadors, while winning us a development budget in return…
In short, having a stable, albeit simple, sales strategy is guaranteed to clear the way for consistent funding. Time efficiency notwithstanding.
Tsumugi: I’m not so sure about the ‘winning a budget’ part, you might be overexaggerating a little. Well, not that you’re wrong.
Also, I’m planning on opening negotiations to gradually invest the promotion earnings into our development fund.
If all goes well, those mega-performance glasses of yours will be in your hands in no time!
Kanna: ........
I feel as if you may have misunderstood a crucial fact of the matter.
I for one, do not have any particular desire towards wanting to make those glasses.
It would strictly be for the purpose of advertising, as is our job as ambassadors.
Promotion for promotion’s sake would be nothing short of counterproductive.
Tsumugi: I-is that so…?
But, I want to see those glasses become real, so…
Kanna: …A “romance,” was it?
Tsumugi: That’s right, it’s like a romance ♪
—So, does that mean you’re finally starting to get a feel for the romance of it all?
Kanna: ........
Tsumugi: I’m not trying to come off as a know-it-all, but…
For you to take enough of an interest in something to the point where you said you wanted to try— I thought that was pretty out of the ordinary for you, Kanna-kun.
Isn’t the fact that you’re showing an interest means that somewhere, deep in your heart, you want to make them? That’s how it felt to me, at least.
That’s why I want you to make those mega-performance glasses, by any means necessary.
Fufu, but I might’ve just been meddling, huh?
Kanna: ........
You’re right. Objectively speaking, you were meddling.
Tsumugi: (Sighs) Forgive me…?
Kanna: Just why is it that you pay such close attention to me? We aren’t exactly close enough for you to do so.
Tsumugi: Why, huh…? I wonder about that myself. Maybe it’s because I’m your senior at our agency that I just can’t help but worry about you…
Or it might just be that all I wanted was to see you make a new piece of technology, Kanna-kun.
Kanna: Taking the time to desperately pool together funds despite not having the resources, let alone having no concrete evidence that it will even succeed—to be frank, it’s nothing but a fool’s errand.
I’m still only a child, so maybe it is due to the fact that I am young that these acts of whimsy are encouraged, but...
As this is a job, it is necessary for us to achieve tangible results through the shortest route possible.
…However.
If the emotion I am currently feeling is that of romance, then perhaps it would not be such a bad thing to try my hand at making them.
Romance is, after all, an unstoppable force.
— If… in the chance that those mega-performance glasses are completed. I will give you, Aoba-san, the honor of being the first to wear them.
I’d like to express my thanks, and I believe that to be the least I could do.
Tsumugi: …!
Fufu, that makes me very happy. I’m looking forward to it, Kanna-kun♪
Keito: Anyways, as I was saying, the field of smart glasses is a wide, untamed frontier with a lot of room for growth and discovery.
Perhaps a future where we go from smartphones to smartglasses… could happen one day.
Right now, “Sphere Lives” are superior, but… augmented reality features could be incorporated into glasses any day now, and I imagine when they do, they’ll join the honorable ranks of the latest devices.
Even better glasses that surpass the ones in manga and anime should be born in this world soon enough.
Heheh, yes, that’s what makes glasses a romance indeed ♪
Ibara: Hmm… Glasses that incorporate the technology of Sphere Live?
We idols are the only people benefitting from that technology right now, but…
If we were able to sell goods with that level of impact to the general markets, it would be quite a supreme promotional campaign.
Keito: Indeed. But when it comes to romance, the fact we are so far from their actual existence is what makes it romantic.
Let’s just wait with bated breath for those mega-performance glasses to come into this world for now.
Kanna: I could make those.
Tsumugi・Ibara: Eh?
Kanna: Like I just said. I could make those.
Keito: Kanna. Did you just say you could make them?
Kanna: Yes.
Keito: Really!? Are you really going to make them for me!?
Kanna: Please do not squeeze my shoulders so tightly. It hurts.
Ibara: Hasumi-shi. Didn’t you just say the romance came from the fact they were an impossibility?
Keito: It’s even more romantic when you can make the impossible possible!
Kanna: I must get started right away now that I’ve decided to make them. I already have a comprehensive plan in mind.
Tsumugi: That’s so like you, Kanna-kun. It’s very genius-like♪
Ibara: I wouldn’t say making it is “genius-like”— I’d say he’s an actual genius.
Kanna: An ambassador’s job is to promote their own respective storefronts. That being the case, the development of Hasumi-san’s mega-performance glasses is most likely my allotment as an ambassador.
Tsumugi: …So you want to try making them, Kanna-kun?
Kanna: I do not believe now is the time to get into my personal feelings on the matter.
Tsumugi: I’m sorry, I was just a little curious is all.
Kanna: ........
I wonder. It might just be that I am interested in making them.
To create something that does not yet exist in this world… It does not sound boring, at the very least.
Tsumugi: Well, what’s stopping you? Let’s make them, those mega-performance glasses!
If you’ve got the motivation and think it’s possible, then you should make it into a reality! No hesitation!
Kanna: Is that so?
Tsumugi: Yes! Even I’m starting to get a little excited now♪
Ibara: I don’t want to put a damper on things, Your Majesty, but what do you intend to do about the practical matter of finances?
Linked to the promotion or not, I doubt a company like Eye Fitting would fund the development of a project with no proof of success.
And I’d say the same would go for us, the Megasphere. In the world of business, it’s a plain fact that you shouldn’t invest in something that has a poor plan of action.
Keito: …That’s certainly true. There’s a limit to how much capital we can leverage at our own whims. At worst, it wouldn’t be impossible to go about it by relying on our existing connections, but…
Tsumugi: Mmm~ well we definitely can’t do that. It wouldn’t be very rational either.
Kanna: ........
Well then, it seems that it will be impossible to continue with this plan.
Ibara: It seems so. Sure enough, we should use a different approach on the promotion.
In the meantime, why don’t we all take a small recess? We can brainstorm how we’ll do our promotion after.
Kanna: ........
Tsumugi: …It’s a shame, isn’t it, Kanna-kun?
Kanna: Not particularly. It is a nonissue.
Tsumugi: (Hmm, is that really true, though? I’m getting the feeling that Kanna-kun looks a little dejected, almost…)
........
…Like I thought, we should make them after all. Those mega-performance glasses.
Kanna: ...?
Tsumugi: If we don’t have the money, then we’ll just have to make some!
Ibara: You must be joking, Your Majesty. About how much money do you think funding a development project entails, exactly?
Tsumugi: I know, I know. But it’d be such a waste to just give up here, don’t you think?
Let’s take action first and think later—that doesn't sound half bad♪
Kanna: Nevertheless, how will we solve our issue of funding? Are we going to start new part-time jobs?
Tsumugi: Nope! We already have a way to make money~
Uu, it’s starting to sound like we’re chanting some magic spell or something~
When it came to glasses, I used to think that anything would do as long as you’d be able to see—to think that there are this many kinds…
Now I know just how carelessly I’ve been choosing my glasses up till now.
Keito: Heheh, that’s right ♪
Ibara: Why the smug look, Hasumi-shi?
At any rate. What Kanna-shi was reciting just now were different frame shapes, while what His Highness was reciting were rim types, hm?
As a matter of fact, I happen to be wearing the “Wellington frames” myself.
And Kanna-shi is wearing… an oval under rim, I believe it was called?
Keito: Those are the great fruits of your labor, Saegusa
The style of frame greatly influences the impression of the glasses themselves, second only to their shape.
The difference between the plastic cell frame pair I’m wearing and the metal frame Kanna is wearing, for instance…
The way my pair would feel on your face, as well as the impression they would give to others, is completely different from his pair.
Take for example… This should be easy to understand.
This metal material’s mechanical round frame is completely different from this plastic material’s colorful round frame.
Kanna: So it seems. The colorful pair gives off a more flashy, childlike impression in comparison.
Keito: Once you decide on the material or frames, next comes the lens
You can choose a colored lens too, if it suits your objective. If you want to protect your eyes from the reflections of asphalt, you can choose grey, and if you want to deflect the sun’s rays, blue or green would do just fine.
Tsumugi: Ah, you’re right. The pair I borrowed does have a color tint to them.
I thought they were just a regular pair of trendy glasses… Who knew they could act as sunglasses on top of that?
Keito: Of course, you could choose a colored lens purely as a fashion statement too. But everyone has their own pair of eyes and lifestyles— no one is the same.
Shape, materials, and then function. Thinking, pouring over all of those things at once, until the day you meet the fated pair that meets your every need… That is what fate is.
Coming across something akin to a one-in-a-trillion answer… Do you understand? That’s what glasses are— a romance.
Kanna: ...I see.
Keito: Ooh, have you finally realized the charm of glasses!?
Kanna: No. That was in response to your earlier statement, Hasumi-san, in which I realized you essentially just likened glasses to that of a lover.
Keito: I see…
Tsumugi: Fufu, there’s no need to be so disappointed, Keito-kun.
Ibara: Anyways, I’ve come to learn that glasses have all sorts of types and functions.
Kanna: Right. With this, I believe I am now somewhat capable of performing my duty as an ambassador.
Keito: Glasses are constantly evolving. You should continue your studies from here on out.
Ibara: …But there’s something I’ve been wondering about for a while now. Where did that passion for glasses of yours come from, Hasumi-shi?
Keito: Hmph. I don’t have any particular reason for it. I’m just a young man who loves glasses.
Kanna: So there was truly no such thing that gave you these feelings then.
Keito: I have a tendency to completely bury myself into things. Once I develop an interest, it’s like I completely fall in love with it.
I was charmed by the functionality and beauty of frames, so it even carries over into my daily life, where my eyes end up getting drawn to other people’s glasses.
I keep up with the news about the latest devices too, naturally. Smart glasses have made large strides lately.
Tsumugi: Ah, I know a little about those too actually! The inside of the lens functions as a display, captioning words while they’re being spoken in real time.
Ibara: There are models on the market that are loaded with features like audio recording capabilities and cameras, hm? I supposed you could call them a type of spy camera?
They could become a threat depending on what they’re used for, such as invasions of privacy, so I expect it will become necessary to arm oneself with defensive measures.
Keito: Indeed. Such an abuse of glasses is utterly incorrigible.
However, I do think the fact that glasses are going beyond fashion and utility into uncharted realms is very interesting
In particular, it’s a dream seeing glasses that were once the work of fiction in anime and manga be brought into and made in the real world.
Tsumugi: Woah, so glasses with handy abilities like that show up in anime and manga too?
Keito: You don’t know the Great Detective Conan!?
His glasses can track criminals with homing devices and detect infrared lasers!
Kanna: I see. It would certainly be efficient to be able to track criminals on the run through your glasses.
Furthermore, there would be no need for specialized equipment or a task force if your lenses had infrared detection built into them. I’d imagine it would have the potential of being cost effective, as well.
Keito: That’s right. It’s an absolute masterpiece, you should read it later.
Ibara: I’m not sure technology has gotten to the point where the familiar functions from manga have come to fruition just yet.
Keito: That’s right. In something like our applicable day-to-day lives, naturally, cameras and recording devices are plenty common.
Now that I think about it, there was a time a while back when Kazehaya was using glasses with a wireless microphone, hm?*
…To be honest, I had wanted to try them for myself too.
Ibara: Hmm. Looking at the reactions on socials, our first stream seems to be generally well-received. As ambassadors, I’d say this is an excellent start.
At this rate, our clients should be more than pleased with us!
Kanna: ........
Tsumugi: Kanna-kun, what happened earlier? Is there something on your mind?
Keito: I’ve been worried too. It’s hard to get an exact read on your emotions, but it was clear to see you were uncertain about handling the customers.
Tsumugi: If you ever have something that’s troubling you, or if there’s something you’re ever unsure of, please feel free to rely on us, okay?
Kanna: Thank you very much… Well then, let me consult with you about one issue.
I have no interest in glasses whatsoever, what should I do about this?
Tsumugi・Keito: ...!
Ibara: Once again, quite a blunt way of putting that…
Kanna: My apologies. My phrasing was a little misleading.
To be more precise, as I have yet to have an opportunity in my lifetime to form an interest in glasses, I am ill-informed on the matter.
Keito: Doesn’t that completely change the meaning of what you said?
Kanna: To me, glasses are simply an external device made with the singular aim of assisting visual acuity, that is the extent of my knowledge.
Even the pair I usually wear—I only went to the store because my mother said she’d buy them for me. The details and the specifications are all but lost on me.
Tsumugi: I see~ So the reason you had such a troubled look on your face was…
Kanna: Yes. Due to not having accumulated enough mental data regarding eye glasses, I was unable to answer Esu-san’s inquiries.
Tsumugi: I see. It seems like you’ll be able to come up with some kind of strategy if you gain a better understanding, then.
Ibara: That may be so, but Kanna-shi. Sometimes, there are instances when an idol needs to employ the art of the lie.
Listen well. If you have no knowledge on a subject, you need to be able to act like you do.
At the end of the day, an ambassador is a proverbial billboard. They aren’t employees, nor experts.
In short, you market the charms of the product while arming yourself with enough knowledge about it. That is the job requested of us.
Are you able to put on the guise that you know enough about the product? That’s what separates a useful idol from a useless one, right?
Tsumugi: Ahaha, Saegusa-kun, as blunt as ever~ I’m glad the shop employees didn’t hear that.
Ibara: To be honest, I do not have that much of a passion for glasses myself.
Glasses are merely a tool. As long as they’re useful, any will do… That’s about as far as it goes for me.
Tsumugi: Well, honestly speaking, I’m not all that particular about them either.
The way I see it, as soon as the prescription goes bad and starts getting in the way of my daily life—that’s when it’s time to get a new pair.
Like this one time when I was at rehearsal, I couldn’t see very well because of my prescription and fell right off the stage. Natsume-kun got really mad at me for it too. Ahaha.
Ibara: …That is no laughing matter, Your Majesty
Kanna: How unexpected. It seems that everyone has around the same level of knowledge as I do.
You all were helping our customers so confidently, I believed that you already had extensive knowledge about glasses.
It seems what I’m lacking is not only information about glasses, but the communication skills to be able to bluff my way through an interaction.
Tsumugi: Well, bluffing your way through isn’t always the best answer either. But it couldn’t be helped this time—between the time we were picked to be ambassadors right up until we started the stream, there just wasn’t enough time to prepare..
That’s why it’s completely fine, Kanna-kun. We’re all in the same boat— not knowing anything about glasses, I mean. Let’s all learn bit by bit about them from here on out!
Keito: You guys…
You all sit and listen here!
Kanna・Tsumugi: ...!
Keito: So glasses are just a tool for vision to you? You’ll just replace a pair as soon as the prescription doesn’t work for you…?
You use them without understanding them because your mother picked them out for you!?
How incorrigible!
Are you guys going to let your mothers choose your spouses for you too?!
Kanna: Is that not quite the drastic leap in logic?
Keito: It’s a metaphor!
Ibara: Huh? Are you being serious when you say that? The metaphor hardly connects to anything.
Keito: Shut it. For a set of people selected to be ambassadors of Eye Fitting, you all are a very sorry bunch! You guys don’t love glasses nearly enough to be ambassadors!
While we leave the technical elements to the pros, they are leaving the role of conveying glasses’ charms to us.
Don’t you think that makes you insincere towards glasses!?
Tsumugi: Keito-kun, let’s calm down a little bit, okay? Come on, deep breaths!
Keito: You—! Who are you to say…!
…No, you’re right. I lost my head there.
(Deep breath in) … (Deep breath out) …
Sorry. All I could see was red just now. But your attitudes towards glasses are just too disrespectful.
No, it’s not just a disrespect towards glasses. Your attitude even extends towards all the people involved in this company too, who cherish glasses so dearly.
Tsumugi: …You’re not wrong. We were entrusted with this job, so we have to make sure to do it properly.
Kanna: Well then, let’s start by reading this supplemental document for the time being. I’ve just shared it with you all on your Mega Phones.
Keito: Hm? This is… a training handbook for new hires at the Eye Fitting store?
Ibara: Hmm… It’s an encyclopedic resource that covers subjects from the history of the structure of glasses to the basics of fitting, hm?
Kanna: Earlier, while Hasumi-san was losing his temper, I contacted the company and had it sent to me.
Tsumugi: I thought you were being unusually quiet. So this is what you were up to…?
Keito: I feel like a teacher whose lecture is going completely unheard by the students. It’s like talking to a brick wall.
Kanna: (Sighs) I simply thought it would be a waste of time to sit there and be scolded.
Well, let us read and learn about glasses then, shall we?
Time: A few minutes later. Preparing for the "Hands-on Job Experience" Livestream
Keito: Now then. All we need to do is wait for the staff to bring over the equipment.
Tsumugi: By the way… It’s a little strange to not see Yuuki-kun here in this particular member lineup.
Subaru: When you think of Ukki~ you think of a megane character, and when you think of megane characters, you think of Ukki~, right?!
Keito: Don’t treat glasses like a character-class. Pay them more respect.
Ibara: What does paying respect for glasses involve, exactly…?
Kanna: Nevertheless, I too find the fact that Yuuki-san was not selected to be very surprising.
He leaves a much more striking impression with his glasses, while in comparison, I am known to take mine off while performing.
The job of ambassador is one based heavily on image. Therefore, I believe Yuuki-san would have been a much more suitable candidate for the Eye Fitting campaign.
Ibara: I’ve heard that Yuuki-san took on the ambassadorship of the game center.
Tsumugi: Yeah, “G-4 HEAVEN” if I remember correctly? Sora-kun was going back and forth, wondering if he should sign up or not.
Ibara: As you said, the selection process for these jobs are determined in part by the idol’s personal proclivities, in addition to the judgement made by the Megasphere and the offers made by the brands.
After all, because your job as an ambassador is to sell the product, you won’t get good results unless you have an actual interest in the selected field.
Well, in Yuuki-san’s case, he has a good track record of streaming video games. So that establishment probably reached out to him in a clamor, and from there he accepted it.
Keito: Hmph, so he chose video games over the glasses that help him day in and day out?
Video games owe everything to glasses. And here he is just saying, “glasses are my charm point,” so nonchalantly… He completely forgot his obligation to glasses, the traitor.
Ibara: I’m not so sure he needs to be obligated to the glasses themselves…
Makoto: Hello~ Our stream ended so I thought I’d come say hi♪
Souma: Pardon me! Is Hasumi-dono here?!
Keito・ Kanna: ...
Ibara・Tsumugi: ...
Souma: …? (Looking at Makoto)
Makoto: W-What’s everyone looking at me for!? Don’t stare at me like that, it’s scary!
Subaru: Well, if it isn’t the traitor to glasses himself!
Makoto: “Traitor to glasses”!? What’s with the offensive nickname!?
Subaru: Sit right there! (Holding a rolled-up piece of paper) I’ll give this traitor-megane the punishment he deserves ☆
Makoto: Wait, wait, I have absolutely no clue what you’re talking about!?
Souma: Akehoshi-dono, do you call that a stance? You need to put your hips into it!
Keito: Kanzaki. You butting in just makes the matter even more troublesome. Sit down for a moment.
Souma: Alright. I’ll do as you say.
Keito: Yuuki…
Makoto: Eek, no seriously, you’re freaking me out!? What sin could I have possibly committed to warrant this!?
Keito: You chose video games over glasses. Is that right?
Makoto: Eh? I chose games over glasses? Umm… What does that mean?
Keito: I’m talking about being an ambassador. You did away with Eye Fitting, and took on the ambassador job for G-4 HEAVEN instead, didn’t you?
Makoto: Y-yes… And for your information, it’s not that I “did away” with it!
I was asked personally by the game center before I even had the chance to sign up.
Keito: So that’s how it is. You’ve forsaken glasses and all the times they’ve come to save you, and chose them instead…
Makoto: I-I’m sorry…
Keito: Still… The road to glasses is open to all.
Even if you treat them so flippantly the way you do, glasses will accept you.
Alright, I suppose you can come into the store too.
Makoto: T-thank you very much…? Anyways, I’ll always love glasses, whether I’m an ambassador for them or not…!
Kanna: Everyone, the staff brought over a camera for us.
Esu: WOAH!? Dude, how could you just oh so casually wander into the convo when the mood is like this!?
Kanna: I’m sorry, did I interrupt?
Ibara: Not at all, It was getting to a point where I was thinking of intervening myself, so it is actually a help.
Yuuki-san. Since when did you become a boke?*
You’re on our side, aren’t you? Please do so properly.
Makoto: Ahh yeah, sorry… Wait, huh?
Are you calling me a tsukkomi right now!? Tsukkomi, when I’m basically the boke of Trickstar!?
Keito: Mnn, I wasn’t being a boke just now, though.
Tsumugi: Alright, let’s reign it back in. Shall we start up the stream?
Keito: Hey, I said I wasn’t trying to fool around. Listen to me!
Subaru: Ukki~ and you guys came all the way over to hang out, so let’s go play customer together!
Souma: Hold on a moment. I do not think I’ve completely understood what is going on.
Esu: Don’t sweat it! We’re basically just here to act like customers on the Eye Fitting livestream!
Makoto: So they’re picking out glasses for everyone? That might be kinda fun.
Subaru: Alrighty, let’s head on over there~☆
MEGASTREAM: Starting our New Part-Time Jobs as Glasses Salesmen!
Kanna・Tsumugi: “Welcome in.”
Ibara・Keito: “Please, feel free to try on anything you like.”
Subaru: Ahaha, they really do seem like storekeepers! And everyone has their own different pair of glasses~♪
Souma: “Well then, Hasumi-dono. Will you select the pair of glasses that suits me best?”
Keito: “Of course. For you, Kanzaki, I’d recommend this pair.”
Souma: “Hmm. Silver-frame glasses, just like the ones you wear, Hasumi-dono?”
Keito: “This fine pair of glasses is as weightless as it gets. These glasses were made from material even the aerospace engineering industry uses, hammered down to its absolute limits to achieve a lightness so fine, down to its very last screw.”
“This pair of glasses won’t inhibit aggressive movements, such as… take for instance, your practice-swings– you’ll completely forget that you’re even wearing them.”
Souma: “Ohh, how very intriguing! I am not very familiar with glasses, so I fear I’ve unjustly suspected that they might be an inconvenience… but to think that there are pairs that feel like you aren’t wearing them at all!”
“Well then, let me try those on at once…–”
Keito: “Hold on now. There’s no need to be so impatient.”
“First, let your eyes savor this absolute beauty. Look at these beautiful curves. Look how supple and smooth the curve of the frames are… They’re truly beautiful, aren’t they?”
“Besides, these glasses aren’t just light…”
Makoto: “Wow… Hasumi-senpai is so, uh, passionate…”
Ibara: “Yuuki-san, it seems my conversation is boring you, but I would appreciate it if you would look and listen this way all the same!”
Makoto: “Uwah, my bad! I’m listening now I promise!”
Ibara: “Now then, I would personally recommend this pair of glasses!”
“Your usual style is charming as well, but I feel that the atmosphere of a chic pair like the ones I am wearing would suit you as well ☆”
Makoto: “It’s true, they’ve changed up your vibe a lot—like they’ve added this casual energy that makes you feel more approachable ♪”
“It might not be such a bad thing to change it up for myself every once in a while, huh…?”
Ibara: “Well then, allow me to ring you up over here ♪”
By the way, you and these black-frame glasses would be a complete match made in heaven too, you know. I’ll put these in your cart as well.
Makoto: “Wait, I didn’t say that I was ready to pay yet…!”
Tsumugi: “Akehoshi-kun, are there any glasses that have caught your eye?”
Subaru: “There were all kinds that felt stylish to me!”
“But, I don’t really know if I need any. It’s not like my eyesight’s particularly bad.”
Tsumugi: “Fufu, well glasses aren’t only used to improve eyesight, they can be worn as a fashion statement too. For example…”
“What about this pair? I think they would suit you very well, Akehoshi-kun.”
Subaru: “Yeah, those glasses might be super-cute on me! They suit you too, you know, Aoi-senpai☆”
Esu: “Hey, hey, Kanna. Which ones do you recommend?”
Kanna: "........"
Esu: “Huh? Hellooo~ pal, you in there?”
Tsumugi: (—Huh? Esu-kun and Kanna-kun…)
Kanna: “...My apologies, I was lost in thought.”
"........"
Tsumugi: (Huh? I wonder what happened with Kanna-kun just now?)
TL Note: Manzai is a two-man comedy act, where the two roles (the funny man-- the boke and the straight man-- the tsukkomi) have a quick and witty back and forth. The boke tends to be simple-minded or air-headed, while the tsukkomi is serious and often corrects the boke
Time: 2 years after the establishment of ES, August
Location: Eye Fitting Stream Studio
MEGASTREAM: Greetings from the New Ambassadors!
Kanna: “Good afternoon, everyone.”
“Of the members taking on the position of eyewear coordinators as the Eye Fitting ambassadors, I am Kanna of Esupuri.”
Tsumugi: “This is Tsumugi Aoba from Switch~♪”
Keito: “I'm AKATSUKI's Hasumi Keito.”
Ibara: “And I am Saegusa Ibara of Eden!”
“And so begins this large-scale project, where we idols have been entrusted to man the frontlines of promoting the countless establishments that are collaborating with the Megasphere!”
Keito: “It's not just us four who are taking part in this project either.”
“Other idols will have their own campaigns, giving it their all to advertise the charms of all the different products and stores taking part in the collaboration.”
Tsumugi: “As the Eye Fitting ambassadors, we’re going to do everything we can to show you all the charms that glasses have to offer~”
Keito: “That's right. I personally have a deep, deep emotional connection with glasses.”
“To have been chosen as an ambassador for this project...- I truly, truly am happy for it...!”
Ibara: (Don't tell me… Is he crying...?)
Tsumugi: “Fufu, there’s certainly no one more up to the task than Keito-kun here.”
Keito: “You're absolutely right about that.”
Kanna: “I will now proceed to make an announcement.”
“After the broadcast ends, the four of us will set up shop in the Megasphere where we will be selling and advertising their products.”
Ibara: “Of course, there will be photo opportunities as well! We are dressed special for the occasion, so please come and see us!”
Keito: “This is our first day working as ambassadors. We intend to do so carefully and properly.”
Tsumugi: “For everyone on their way to the Megasphere, please make sure to visit the Eye Fitting shop ♪”
Subaru: Ya-hoo, Ya~hoo☆ We saw the stream~!
Esu: Good work out there! Looks like Eye Fitting is on track to be a roaring success!!!! Yo, buddy my pal! Lookin’ good in those glasses there~☆ Lemme get a closer look at those peepers!
Kanna: Please refrain from jumping on and clinging to me suddenly. I could have fallen due to our difference in physique, generally speaking.
Tsumugi: Oh? Akehoshi-kun, Esu-kun, is everything okay with your own shop?
Esu: Yup! We finished our own ambassador stream without any problems, so we thought we’d drop in and say hi!
Subaru: That’s right! Now here’s a pop quiz for you off the bat ♪
“What is the name of the store we’re supposed to be in charge of?”—!
Keito: You guys are working at the “Outdoor Shop,” right? I’m pretty sure it was called… PETRARCA?
Subaru: Huh~? An immediate answer!? Well that’s boring, I went to the trouble of making a quiz and everything~?
Keito: Quiz or no quiz, they already shared the information of who were ambassadors in which places, didn’t they?
Tsumugi: In any case, they’ve partnered with a considerable amount of brands this time around on the Megasphere.
Ibara: It is exactly as you say. Because of the success of the Mega Stream, we idols are drawing in the eyes of the world.
The positive economic impact is immeasurable… It is already far surpassing the framework of the entertainment industry, and influencing not only the service industry, but by extension, the entire business economy!
As a result, many businesses are itching to partner with the Megasphere, and so came a flood of offers when it came time to decide which brands to sponsor during the ambassador program.
I was not there doing the selection process, but according to Anzu-san, there were many, many companies they had to regretfully turn down.
Subaru: Hmm. I sure do hope we’ll get to work with the companies we ended up rejecting this time around, huh? ♪
Keito: You say that casually, but just because a business has great accomplishments doesn’t mean just any business will do, you know.
The act of becoming an ambassador for a business isn’t just about “advertising” it: we become the face of that brand.
When advertising as a “poster boy”, the idol's image and the product’s image merge to become one.
What I mean to say is that on the off chance a business has a scandal that negatively impacts the image of the brand, that negative impact transfers right over to us idols…
And that idol’s value and reputation plummets alongside the brand’s.
You could call it… the idol and the business boarding the same boat and sharing the same fate.
That’s why I think they held such a careful, deliberate vetting process.
Ibara: That’s exactly right. That said, the work we’ve received this time is worth it, even if it means shouldering such a risk!
Esu: Meaning?
Ibara: Up until now, work of this nature has been left to models and actors, so it isn't often we get left to it.
Still. Now that the world has begun to notice the existence of idols, the status of those models and actors seem to have started to come around towards us.
As far as things are concerned for the MEGASPHERE, we cannot let this opportunity pass us by.
If we make such firm achievements like this, our leverage as idols expands within the entertainment industry after all.
This is everything we could hope for! The business side gets a large boost in publicity, and for idols, we can level a new playing field for ourselves…
It’s a Win-Win situation for both parties!
Tsumugi: This might be a bit of a taboo topic, but it certainly is a welcome thing for each idol to obtain a larger cut of the earnings for themselves.
Not to mention, as a special perk of being ambassadors, it looks like we’re able to help ourselves to some of the product♪
In our case, we’re being invited to an exhibition showcasing new products, where we’ll have priority access to high-end frames designed by famous designers. Isn’t that amazing~?
Esu: So it’s basically a Win-Win-Win for all sides! Being an ambassador rules!!!!
Keito: Esu. I know you’re excited, but this is work in its own right, you know. You should properly think through the significance of having such a privilege.
You should check the products that you’re given and appraise them for yourself, so when it comes time to advertise them, you can sincerely convey your impression of them to the customers.
It shouldn’t be, “I’m lucky to have received this product…” You should think about how to connect value to the products you were given.
Esu: I-I see… I feel like I’m learning already!
Kanna: In other words, for as much as is expected of us, the results of our efforts should be returned ten-fold.
Subaru: M~n. I feel like you don’t have to take it that seriously, though?
It seems fun! It basically looks like, “playing shopkeeper” after all. I remember doing a part-time job like that!
Esu: Eh? You’ve had a part time job before, Akehoshi-senpai?
Subaru: There were all kinds of “part-time jobs” you could have at school.
Well, I guess it varies person-to-person? Guys like Hok~ke probably haven’t worked that much.
Tsumugi: That’s because for the most part we become idols straight after graduation, there’s no need to get a job unless we absolutely need to.
Kanna: Just as each respective employee works in their own respective store, we must remember that we are, first and foremost, ambassadors. Our duty is purely for the sake of advertising, which I believe to be quite different from the job description of a regular part-time job.
Subaru: That might be so, but… doesn’t sitting at the front of the store and recommending products to customers just now feel at least a little “part-timer core” to you guys?
Keito: Don’t work as an ambassador for some “aesthetic”, how incorrigible…
Ibara: …Hm. That’s nice, playing shopkeeper.
Subaru: Huh!? Did you just say that, Barry~? That’s a little surprising!
Ibara: I don’t mean it’s nice in the way you mean it. I said it’s nice to think of it as a marketing technique.
Tsumugi: “Marketing technique”?
Ibara: Yes. As our first course of action for Eye Fitting, how about we shape the theme of our livestream as that of “Gaining Job Experience”?
Kanna: I see. So in short, we’ll be conducting our work as “one day part-timers” and using that as content for our livestream, hm?
Ibara: If anything, I feel that the content will lean more towards entertainment, like a certain job-experience theme park.*
Keito: Hm… They’ll certainly get more than enough content from us idols going about as storekeepers. So that element of surprise was what they honed in on, hm?
Tsumugi: It’s fine, isn’t it? Now that we’ve become ambassadors, why not do something special with it?
Ibara: Actually handling regular customers would cause crowding, so… let’s see…
Let us have Akehoshi-san and Esu-shi lend us a hand as our esteemed customers!
Esu: Wait, so Kanna is gonna be giving me glasses recommendations!? I’m in, I’m so IN! HECK YEAHHH ☆
Ibara: Now then, we must strike while the iron is hot. Let us begin our preparations at once!
Labor at a minimum, results at a maximum!
It should definitely become a successful promotion…☆
TL Note: Ibara is likely referring to 'KidZania', a Mexican family entertainment center where kids come to roleplay different jobs and earn play-money. There are multiple locations throughout Japan.
TL Comment: Hi hiii it was so much fun to work with Rin on this story! and once again if you'd like to read Rin's version up on their site then please check it out here!
Summary: Kanna, Keito, Ibara, and Tsumugi have been appointed as brand ambassadors for [Eye Fitting]. They put themselves into roles of store clerks during a stream for a promotional campaign, but it seems Kanna isn't very good at showcasing the glasses...?
Yume: Snff, snff… This is way too much. The world is so cruel to Yume…
Esu: Look, complain all you want but it’s not gonna help you here. You don’t have much time left until you have to submit this, y’know?
Yume: But! Yume doesn’t get what it’s asking at all! Why? Why should Yume go out of Yume’s way to solve a question that’s already been proven?
That’s such a waste of time. People who want to solve it should go ahead and solve it, why should Yume care?
Esu: Oh save me the sob story!
Anyways, isn’t this kind of bad? You have to go back to school soon but you haven’t finished any of your homework.
You did get an exemption on most of your assignments because of our activities on the Megasphere, but c’mon, you gotta at least do the ones that you weren’t let off the hook for.
Yume: If they were going to be nice enough to make exceptions then they shouldn’t have made Yume do any of it!
It’s all the Megasphere’s fault that Yume couldn’t enjoy summer vacation to the fullest, so forgive Yume for being a little selfish!
Raika: Is that so?
Kanna: “Couldn’t enjoy summer vacation to the fullest,” I clearly remember you having your fair share of working on cosplay and watching anime all day.
Yume: The peanut gallery can shut it. Anyway, there’s no way Yume can accept this.
It’s not too late. Yume is going to stage a protest to those teachers, hmph!
Esu: Nah, nah, could we stop it with the sudden uncalled for aggression…!
Haah… Honestly, I never thought I’d be helping someone with their homework on the last day of summer break.
Yume: Yume won’t forgive them for making you sigh so heavily like that. Yume knew it, Yume has to go complain to those teachers now.
Esu: And could you please not give me more things to sigh about!?
On that note, take a look at Raika. He finished all his homework a couple days ago.
Yume: Well that’s because Raika-chan goes to a different school, doesn’t he? The subjects and the amount of work he got are completely different.
Esu: If I remember correctly, you had a research project for your summer work, right?
Raika: Aye, that I did!
I never woulda thought that research projects could be so much fun! An’ Kanna-sama even praised me for it too♪
Yume: Hmm? If you have that much to say about it, then Yume might as well go ahead and check your work for you♪
Esu: Hm? Hey, wait! I know that tone… Don’t tell me—does that mean you haven’t finished your research project either…?
Yume: That’s Esu for you. Always able to see right through Yume no matter what♪
Esu: HUUHHH!? You’re joking, there’s literally no way you could finish an entire research project in a single day, you know that right?
Yume: O-of course Yume knows that!
…But, Yume doesn’t have a choice. We got to pick our own topic, but when Yume was told to just pick whatever, naturally Yume’s mind went blank.
Raika: In that case, what if you chose outfit makin’ for your topic?
Yume: Ew no. Yume will only make outfits for Yume’s sake. And especially not for an assignment.
Esu: Okay, then what are you gonna do for your project? You don’t really have the luxury to think it over.
Yume: It’ll be fine if Raika-chan helps out.
Raika-chan, could Yume see what you did for your project?
Raika: On it! I wrote it all down in my notebook, lemme run an’ grab it!
Yume: And now all Yume has to do is copy his work, it’s the perfect plan♪
Esu: Seriously, you take advantage of his kindness way too much. Don’t come crying to me later if it doesn’t work out, you hear me?
Raika: Sorry for the wait! I found my notebook!
Yume: Let’s see here… Geh!?
Raika: Yume-san, how’dya like it? My masterpiece!
Esu: Oh! Hey, isn’t this picture from that time we went on our mountain adventure?
Raika: Aye! I went ahead an’ stuck the photo you took in my notebook!
Esu: But man, look at all that bug research! Though it is kind of worrying me that your explanations are almost entirely hiragana...
Yume: Yume can’t believe you, there has to be something severely wrong with your head for you to pick bugs as your topic of all things…! Yume HATES this!
Raika: T-that’s cruel! Beyond cruel even~!
Yume: It might’ve only been for a second, but this is what Yume gets for having any expectations of Raika-chan in the first place.
…Oh yeah, wasn't Kanna-chan good at coming up with ideas and making things?
Kanna: I refuse. Please leave me out of this.
Yume: Don’t interrupt when Yume is talking please. Still, you understood what Yume was getting at, didn’t you?
Since it’s Kanna-chan, there’s no way you would come up with something weird, right? Which is why Yume wants you to use those brains of yours and make something perfect for Yume’s project.
Kanna: You won’t be able to nurture good study habits if you pass off your assignments to others. It completely defeats the purpose of assignments, if I might add.
Yume: Ugh, Yume doesn’t need your logic. More importantly, you’re the only person Yume can rely on right now.
Raika: Umm? I didn’t really get all that, but… I’m real curious about what kinda thing Kanna-sama is gonna make♪
Kanna: I suppose there’s no other way around it. I’ll make an exception, just this once.
Esu: Eh, huh!? But you just said you weren’t doing it…?
Yume: Alright, Yume’s counting on you♪ Yume can’t wait to see what you’ll make.
Time: A few hours later
Kanna: —And after tightening this last screw, it is done.
Esu: T-that’s crazy…
Yume: It’s floating up in the air!
Kanna: By the way, this robot is capable of transformation as well. As for the other features, let me think…
Raika: Uhya! It’s followin’ right behind me!
Kanna: It is equipped with a sensor, I configured it to track and follow humans once they have been detected.
Esu: So it comes with its own built in anti-theft protection, huh? But how is it floating like that?
Kanna: I employed the law of action and reaction. The high velocity of these transparent, silent-type, propellers make movement almost invisible to the naked eye.
Esu: …Which means?
Kanna: It is essentially of the same principle that allows drones to float.
Esu: I kind of get it but I also kind of don’t get it…?
Anyways, with this you might even get a prize or something!
Yume: There’s no way…
Esu: Eh?
Yume: There’s no way Yume could’ve made this! If Yume brought this in, the teachers would find out and get mad at Yume!
Esu: Ah~ well, that’ll happen, yeah.
Yume: Uu, now Yume has to start over from scratch and think of a new topic. Yume will take responsibility, but Yume will need everyone’s help to do it…!
(Nice… This one felt a sneaking sense of foreboding after hearing that man was involved, and lo and behold, getting around this facility is an absolute nightmare.)
(If they were going to build an airship of such massive proportions, they should have at the very least arranged a means of transport to shuttle oneself around it…)
(Thanks to the lack thereof, this one took great pains getting to this studio.)
(Haah, this truly puts a damper on things, doesn’t it? Shall we just ignore the recording session and go home?...)
(If this one remembers correctly, today is—)
Mayoi: Excuse me, I heard Madoka-san would be coming in today…
Nozomi: ……….
Mayoi: S-so it really is true? I didn’t mishear then…
He hasn’t come to the studio yet, so I was under the impression that there was some sort of misunderstanding, that’s why—
Ahh, I’m sorry! I’m getting in the way of your preparations, aren’t I…! That’s all I wanted to ask…!
Nozomi: Do you have business with us? Ayase Mayoi.
Mayoi: EEK! Ma-Ma-Madoka-san!? W-when did you get here?
Nozomi: This one arrived mere seconds ago.
We had similar thoughts about ES as well, but for what reason are these facilities so needlessly complicated?
It’s massive enough as it is, and traveling around is a massive hassle… This one is certain, it must have been created by a person with no concept of the word “convenience.”
It would be better if the layout were easier to understand, like those of the intestines of a large snake for instance… You think much of the same, don’t you?
Mayoi: Me!? Umm, well I was certainly a little puzzled when I first came here…
I made sure to thoroughly check the map when making my way to each building so I wouldn’t end up getting lost.
Megasphere aside, it’d be almost impossible to get lost in ES…
Nozomi: Impossible you say? How incredibly confident.
Mayoi: That’s only when it comes to ES though? That place is practically a part of my own body, after all…♪
If you’re having trouble, Madoka-san, then I think I could show you around ES if that’d be alright with you?
Nozomi: …Hmph. This one does not require your paltry alms.
Mayoi: EEK! Y-you’re right. My greatest apologies for speaking out of turn…!
Nozomi: Good. Though if you insist, this one may be open to the matter…
Mayoi: No, no! It would be much too presumptuous for someone as unworthy as me to take up the precious time of someone from the esteemed Madoka lineage!
For someone of your stature, Madoka-san, I’m sure you could ask for any ES staff member and they’d be honored to show you around!
In addition, to prevent this miserable, wretched ground beetle from crossing your noble self’s path—I’ll be sure to hide myself away from sight in the furthest corner possible…!
Nozomi: ……….
Mayoi: (Weh, for some reason or other, the atmosphere has become somewhat awkward…)
(Somehow, I’m getting the feeling that Madoka-san’s expression has turned rather grim…)
(—Wait, did I just refer to him as someone from the Madoka lineage!?)
(If I accidentally let that slip, then Madoka-san might have realized that I know about his family…!)
(Perhaps—don’t tell me! Is the reason for Madoka-san’s sudden silence from him starting to suspect that I’m from the Underground Clan…!?)
…. (Gulps and takes an anxious peek at Madoka)
Nozomi: …Kaka, what an admirable disposition you have, Ayase Mayoi.
Your aptness in your natural ability to know your place—shown first and foremost by paying respect to this one. You are a worthy specimen to serve as an example for others.
Mayoi: (Phew… It seems he didn’t notice…)
Nozomi: However, for you to use such a metaphor, comparing ES to your own body… It’s quite the strange thing to say, as you were not born and raised there.
Mayoi: Fufufu, of course, while I did not grow up there, I have known that place for quite a long time now…♪
In fact, a portion of the ES building was dedicated to me—
Nozomi: …? Whatever is the matter? For you to cover your mouth all of a sudden…
Mayoi: N-no! It’s nothing!
(It’s hopeless. If I let my guard down for even a second I’ll most definitely let something slip…!)
(Talking about ES is dangerous. I have to change the subject, no matter if it comes off a little pushy or not!)
A-anyways! It looks like we’re still a ways off from starting filming, huh…? I wonder if the setup got delayed or something?
Nozomi: ……….
Mayoi: (Wehh… Please don’t look at me with those eyes! I’m woefully aware of just how forced that subject change felt, okay!?)
Nozomi: …Ayase Mayoi.
Mayoi: Y-yes…!
Nozomi: This one has been pondering it for some time now, but whyever are you so afraid to meet the gaze of others?
Mayoi: …? Umm?
Nozomi: You possess hidden talents that set you apart from the common riffraff. Naturally, you cannot be compared to our illustrious self…
Nevertheless, we simply cannot understand why you become so overly timid at the drop of a hat despite having those rare, sought after abilities.
Mayoi: Forgive me but that is not the case whatsoever! My abilities are insignificant at best!
I might have appeared that way onstage, but that’s not because I’m amazing—rather, you could say it's in part due to my members pulling me up with them…
…The real me is someone so foolish and ugly. A puny creature who doesn’t deserve to exist in a world touched by the sun.
A creature that, If permitted, would spend the rest of its days in a dark and quiet place… That is who I am.
Nozomi: A dark place, hm? If this one were to surmise an example…
—Beneath the ground, for instance?
Mayoi: …….!
Nozomi: Kaka, so you were a shut-in before becoming an idol? Well, it’s not all that surprising.
Mayoi: Y-yes, you’re right! That’s exactly what I was…!
…Ah, it seems like one of the staff members is calling for me, pardon me!
Nozomi: ……….
(Ayase Mayoi. To think he would resort to keeping secrets from us.)
(...This one is displeased.)
(Well acquainted with ES, and having a preference for dark and gloomy places, was it?)
(It is difficult to draw a conclusion from meagre words and actions alone, and it would certainly be rash to do so.)
(However, we are certain this is not just our imagination. If our judgement is correct…)
(He is of Yumenosaki’s “Underground Clan”)
(...No. That is not something that can be concluded right now.)
(And if this one’s conjecture does indeed prove to be correct, then he who has defied the natural order shall face the appropriate retribution.)
(—And when that moment comes, everything will be exposed beneath the light of the sun.)
TL NOTE: Just in case you guys haven't read Nozomi before, he uses an archaic version of ore (己) which some fan-tlers have taken to localizing him with essentially the royal 'We,' in line with his queen imagery.
+ a comment - I might fill in the other MDU things if I get bored ~ I didn't know how much I'd love the tension between these two... And the foreshadowing at the end. Yeah that's gonna be a main story at some point or something big bet.
Do you think it could be possible to translate VS Audience? Or have a place to read a tl of it?
Hi hiiii, I personally have no plans of translating VS Audience or any of the 4piece series stories, but I do know that citrinesea has a done a partial tl for it actually which you can read here!
Madara: Alright! That should keep them from going after us for a while.
Esu: Hey Mikejima-shisho, Fushimi-pro, aren’t you both a little too good at all this? I mean, I don’t think people normally know how to tie knots like this…
Yuzuru: Fufu, please stay exactly as you are, Esu-sama.
Esu: Your smile is scaring me.
Madara: Alrighty. Now that we’ve made sure these guys can’t move, what’s the plan?
Esu: I don’t have a watch so I’m not sure what time it is exactly, but seeing how we were brought here when it was still dark, it’s probably morning already…. Meaning we’ve gotta make it to the White Wonderland by the end of the day!
Uwah, what do we do? We don’t even know where we are right now, so how could we possibly get there by the end of the day!?
Madara: Hahaha, calm down there, Esu-san. In the meantime let’s start by getting out of this warehouse….
Oh right, even if we get out of here we don’t have a car. It’d take too long to walk there……
Yuzuru: True enough, I suppose our best course of action would be to borrow a car from one of these gentlemen, would it not?
Yuta: You just said we should steal a car so casually.
Madara: Oya? Looks like someone walked in.
Esu: Who is it? The backlighting is too harsh, I can’t see.
Oh no…! Those guys’ boss just walked in!
Yuta: Yeah no, and how would you know that that’s their boss?
Esu: That’s definitely their boss! I mean, just look at him, he’s twice as tall and wide as me, so like, it’s gotta be…!
Yuzuru: Oh my…. It seems quite the formidable foe has made an appearance.
Esu: What do we do, Mikejima-shisho…. Shisho?
Madara: No way, is that….
Oh man, what a surprise! I would’ve never thought I’d run into you here of all places☆
—Hahaha, you were surprised too, huh? At any rate, I’m really glad to see that you’re doing well man! Tell me what you’ve been up to recently will ya?
Esu: …..I think we’re the most surprised here out of anyone though. I can’t believe that Mikejima-shisho knew the boss of those guys who kidnapped us.
Yuzuru: Mikejima-sama certainly has a broad network.
Yuta: Are we sure it’s not too broad? Because really, him being good friends with the head of the local self-governing organization is unbelievable no matter which way you spin it.
Esu: It turns out those rough looking guys dressed head to toe in black were actually just members of the local self-governing group this whole time.
Yuzuru: Indeed. Their group was formed to protect the residents of this town as it is a rather dangerous area. As for the matter with us, it seems there was some sort of misunderstanding.
For me to have physically restrained them, and beaten them to a pulp, no less….. Perhaps I may have gone a little overboard.
Yuta: (It looked to me like Fushimi-senpai really enjoyed himself though…. Nah, I won’t go there, it’s better to not say anything.)
Madara: —Hahaha, that festival was a total blast☆ You better call me the next time it comes around! ‘Cause I’ll come running no matter where I’m at in the world!
Esu: …..No seriously, just who is Mikejima-shisho? Acting all buddy-buddy, laughing with his arm thrown over the boss's shoulder like that.
Yuzuru: If I were to phrase it—the type of person with friends all throughout the world, a somewhat peculiar idol—something along those lines.
Esu: ………….
Yuta: We went through a lot in the process, but at least we lucked out in having the boss offer to give us a ride in his helicopter.
Yuzuru: They cannot simply broadcast that we were held captive in a warehouse, therefore the story may very well be turned into something like the townspeople very graciously lending us their helicopter.
Yuta: Ahaha, those sure are some shady townspeople, huh?
Time: One hour later
Esu: Woah~! So this is the White Wonderland!!!!
Just like the name says, white as far as the eye can see! It really feels like we’re in the middle of a snowy landscape!
Yuzuru: Indeed. The white sand dunes make for quite the lovely scene.
Yuta: It was no easy feat getting here, but this scenery really makes up for it. It’s absolutely breathtaking~♪
Madara: Mhm, you really get a feel for the power of nature! It’s perfect for the last stop of our trip.
Esu: Welp, guess it’s time for us to go ahead and do the final sendoff.
“We made it all in one piece to the White Wonderland~☆ Well everyone, seeya next time~!”
Yuzuru: Now then, the car has come to pick us up and take us to the airport, shall we get going?
Yuta: Haah~ I’m exhausted. I just wanna hurry back to the dorm and go to sleep.
Esu: —Mikejima-shisho. I know this is sudden but I wanted to ask properly, would it possibly be alright for me to call you ‘Mikejima-shisho’ from now on!
Madara: What’s gotten into you? Why so formal?
Esu: Well to be honest, I only started calling you ‘Shisho~’ on a whim.
But… I really came to respect you over the course of this trip, Mikejima-shisho. Your communication skills, your English proficiency, your solid judgement. It’s all so incredible, I couldn’t possibly hold a candle to it all.
…..And then there’s me, I did nothing but make a mistake that ended up dragging everyone into a big mess….
But! I've decided that from now on I’ll go all over the world and meet a bunch of different people, just like you!
As both an adventurer, and as an idol—I respect you Mikejima-shisho! That’s why, well…!
Madara: ………..
Listen… I don’t plan on becoming your ‘Shisho’.
What you’ve seen of me up till now is just one part of me—the squeaky clean side on the surface. I really appreciate that you respect me and all, but I’m just not the kind of person you think I am, Esu-san.
Esu: No way...!
Madara: ….Still. If you really wanna call me that, then suit yourself.
There’s not an ounce of shisho-ness in my body. But if you’re that deadset on following in my footsteps, then who am I to stop you?♪
Esu: Ahaha, that’s Mikejima-shisho for ya! I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth…☆
Esu: Crap crap CRAP! This cannot be happening right now!?
First we get blindfolded and pushed into a car, then the next thing you know we’re locked up in some sort of warehouse god knows where!
And to make it even worse, they tied our hands together with rope….. What is this, a movie!?
What do we do? What are we going to do!? Can we even broadcast this!? Actually will we even survive this!?
Yuta: Hey, you’re being a little too loud there, newbie. Be quiet.
Esu: No, but like, we’re kind of in a pinch here! They wanted us to sing and dance, so maybe we could give dancing a try? That might be our ticket out of here!
Yuta: You idiot! That’s the situation that got us kidnapped in the first place!
Yuzuru: Please compose yourselves, you two. Our situation will not change no matter if you make a fuss or not.
Madara: He’s right, y’know? The best thing to do at a time like this is to conserve your energy.
Those men in black seem to have left to go drink, now’s as good a time as any to catch some Z’s…
Yuta: Absolutely not! Lying down and going to sleep—wouldn’t that be a little too relaxed!?
Esu: …………
Um! Mikejima-shisho! I’ll get us out of this!
Madara: …….?
Esu: I’m smaller than you guys, so I could probably sneak around and search for a way out. If I get caught I can just make some noise and act as a decoy.
Madara: You can’t. That’s way too dangerous.
There’s no need for you to go and do something like that just because you’re the youngest one here.
Esu: No, it’s not because I’m the youngest.
I mean the whole reason we ended up getting caught in the first place is because I messed up when giving directions…
But there’s no way I can let it end like this!
I was given the chance of a lifetime to be part of an overseas shoot. I’ll give it everything I’ve got to make sure it succeeds!!!!
Madara: (...I guess he wasn’t kidding when he called himself an adventurer. I’ve gotta give him more credit, he’s braver than I thought—wanting to act as a decoy in a situation like this.)
(Well, whether it’s bravery or pure recklessness, who can say.)
(....Hahaha. It’s almost like I can see my old self through him. Hate that, what a nasty thought♪)
(“Mikejima-shisho,” huh? ….Honestly, having that kid call me “shisho” is embarrassing to the point where I'd give anything for him to knock it off, but…)
(Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea for me to give him a little push, so he doesn't end up putting that bravery of his in the wrong direction.)
Esu: With that settled, the first order of business is figuring out a way to escape…!
Yuta: Wait, are you really planning on breaking out of here!?
Yuzuru: —Mikejima-sama. Do you mind if I ask a question? It will take but a moment.
Mikejima-sama, how many people can you take?
Madara: “How many”...... Ahh, I see what you're getting at.
(That Yuzuru-san, he managed to slip out of the ropes right under our noses. Just what you’d expect from a Himemiya family butler. Guess that means he’s used to things like this.)
We’ve got 7 opponents in total. I can take four.
Yuzuru: Well then, I shall dispose of the remainder.
Esu: Eh, what are you guys doing?
Yuzuru: Three, two……
Madara: One. START!
Madara・Yuzuru: …….♪
Esu: Ehh!? Did they seriously just start beating those guys up!?
Yuta: Esu-kun, what are you doing spacing out? Come here!
Esu: Eh, wai–!? Yuta-senpai!?
Yuta: You’d just get in the way if you stand in the middle of an all out brawl like that, wouldn’t you? So c’mon, let’s go hide until it’s over.
Madara・Yuzuru: ……♪ (Beating up the guys dressed in black)
Esu: Ehh…… They’re taking those brawny guys down one by one like it’s nothing….
Hey so, do you need skills like these to be an idol, or…..?
Yuzuru: Now then. It is safe for you to come out now, Esu-sama, Yuta-sama.
Esu: Insane…… You flattened them all in no time.
Yuta: Hello~? Oh what, you knocked them all unconscious?
Ugh, now what are we gonna do? We can’t ask them for directions to the White Wonderland anymore.
Madara: Really? I thought I was going relatively easy on them though?
Madara: Man, am I stuffed♪ We really hit the jackpot with this place. Authentic American Hamburgers are absolutely delicious!
Yuzuru: Indeed. Getting a taste of the regional delicacies is one of the real pleasures of traveling, isn’t it?
Yuta・Esu: ……….
Madara: Hey you two. Still sulking about falling asleep in the car?
Esu: I mean! I just can’t believe I fell asleep, after I made such a big stink about it and everything!
Yuta: Me too, I feel so bad for passing out and leaving the drive to you...
Madara: Hahaha, don’t worry about that! It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten the chance to get behind the wheel, so I’m having a blast!
Besides, you were such a champ giving me directions up until about halfway, weren’tcha Esu-san?
Esu: Wehh… I’m sorry. I’ll make up for it next time, just you wait!
Yuzuru: On the subject of regional items, the souvenir shop we went into earlier was just wonderful. The aisles were fully stocked with well-known items from all over the country, as well as other miscellaneous goods.
Esu: I know you said you were getting the other members of fine some goodies, but what exactly did you buy, Fushimi-Pro?
Yuzuru: I purchased some black tea that is unique to the area. I intend to brew it for them the next time we gather to meet for an Eichi Day.
While they are no strangers to drinks such as these, I thought I could make use of these tea leaves as the catalyst to bring us all together for a day of relaxation♪
Yuta: That’s so nice~ It’s very you, Fushimi-senpai.
As for me, I bought some gummy candies. I was thinking they’d be perfect for Aniki since he’s got such a sweet tooth.
Esu: Woahh, you bought so many different kinds too. Maybe I should’ve bought some!
Yuta: Wanna try one? I don’t think Aniki would really mind if the seal is already broken.
Esu: Really? Alrighty then, I’ll go with this pretty yellowish greenish one!
*Nom nom* …
Blegh, what is this!? It tastes like grass!
Madara: Hahaha! Honestly, keep your guard up around this one, Yuta-san never misses a chance to get ya!
That’s prank candy, right? The red one is tabasco flavored, white is toothpaste, and the one that Esu-san just ate… Tastes something like leaves, or maybe freshly cut grass?
Esu: Eh!? Freshly cut grass?
Yuta: Aww what~ you already knew about these, Mikejima-senpai? You knew and only waited until after he ate one to say it, that’s sooo~ mean of you♪
That’s right, these are America’s infamous prank candy! I figured since I was going to be buying souvenirs anyway, it’d be way too boring to do it the normal way.
Yuzuru: Esu-sama, please have a sip of my water.
Esu: Eww~ I can still taste it in my mouth~
But I can’t just help myself, I wanna try all the other flavors now too! I think I’ll go buy my own pack later…!
Madara: Hahaha, looks like Esu-san here is quite the challenger♪
Yuzuru: And you, Mikejima-sama, what did you end up buying?
Madara: Oh y’know, just regular stuff. I bought some things that are individually wrapped that I can just give out to people at work, or people I happen to run into. That’s what I usually do whenever I go overseas for work.
Esu: Woah, goes to show what experience does for ya! I’m gonna do that too!
By the way, I bought this massive bag of snacks.
Buying something special for each of my group members would be way too complicated, but…
As of right now they aren’t all that interested in being idols, so I was thinking we could hold a strategy meeting while eating all these snacks!
Madara: Welp, it’s about time we get moving. Esu-san, whereabouts are we on our arrival time?
Esu: On it! Wait just a sec, I gotta open the map app!
…Huh?
…I’m sorry! It looks like we made a wrong turn somewhere and now we’re in the complete opposite direction.
Madara・Yuzuru: Eh!?
Esu: I’m pretty sure I had it right up till a certain point though…! Maybe there was a fork in the road and we just ended up going the wrong way?
(Oh no… Did I maybe read the map wrong as I was falling asleep…!?)
I’m really sorry! We ended up taking a huge detour because of me….
Madara: Aw, c’mon this is nothing to get all teary-eyed over. Fortunately, we still have a little over a day until we have to go back to Japan. We should still have plenty of time if we turn back now.
Esu: But we’ve already gone so far out of the way… If we don’t make it to the White Wonderland by tomorrow… The program will have been a total failure and it’d be all my fault.
Yuzuru: Let’s get into the car for the time being. As for what comes next, we can ponder that as we make our way back to our initial destination.
Yuta: ….Um? Is it just me, or are there some really tough looking guys dressed all in black surrounding our car?
Esu: Uwah!? They’re getting closer!?
One… Two…. Three…..
Oh man, there are four of them! I’m seeing double! Like literally seeing double there are two of them with the exact same face!?
Yuta: Oh they’re twins, I can tell!
Yuzuru: Pardon me, but do you gentlemen have some business with us?
Esu: W-whatever it is he sure is going on and on nonstop…!
Madara: —”Where did you come from? We don’t often see folks like you ‘round here, state your business.” Seems like they’re questioning us.
Esu: Umm, how do you say we’re here for a TV show in English again…?
Madara: Leave the explaining to me.
…..Seems they don’t believe that we’re performers. Said we should sing and dance right here to prove it.
