Translation: Code Realize ~Princess of Genesis~ -Van Character CD Mini Drama: ~ A Nighttime Conversation ~
This has been a long time coming & in the making, but real life has been keeping me busy, but no complaints about Suwabe fever! But here it is as promised to many that have been asking for this one and in tribute to meeting him in person.
What’s it like to get inside Van’s head & go through all his thoughts, as well as just how he feels about a very special lady? That’s what you’re about to find out. This story takes place somewhere along the beginning of Van’s route, possibly being after Cardia’s kidnapping by Jack the Ripper but before the attack by Neuntote. Of course, feel free to make your own guess. Also note, although this is a full monologue, Cardia is present in the room & his words are directed to her.
The translation was commissioned to and is courtesy of Lijakaca - thank you very much for all your hard work on this! Be sure to check out her blog! CD information available Here.
Do not re-post or re-translate without requesting permission . Thank you & enjoy!
*Internal monologue
**Denotes an action
The more peaceful things are, the more powerful and clear some memories are recalled
The gun blasts piercing my ears
The flames surrounding my body
The crimson shadow shimmering on the other side
Since the day I vowed revenge, without a moment of respite, as if it’s telling me
Just like the flames burning in my chest, telling me “There’s no peace for you.”
Overwhelming, overpowering, as if it’s ridiculing me.
*sound of gun handling*
This gun is well-used. It’s started to show inaccuracy
Maybe it’s about time to switch it out
I need to check ammunition and top up those supplies as well
Although, since I teamed up with Lupin and everyone
It’s a frustrating fact, but I’m definitely getting closer to my goal
The enemy, though it doesn’t act like it, is a national organization. It’s a formidable foe.
*Van continues handling a gun*
However, I have no intention of finishing this all together like a close-knit group
And for that, right now…
*There’s a knock on the door. It’s opened followed by Cardia walking in. She carries a serving tray with dishes and sets them down on a table*
*Van sighs*
Well? How long do you intend to stay there?
*sigh*
I’m grateful to you for bringing tea and dinner, but…
You don’t have anything specific you need from me, do you?
You say that, but you just continue to stand there…isn’t this a waste of your time?
It’s fun to watch me maintain my weapons?
Huh, you’re as odd as always.
I can’t understand your thinking.
*annoyed sigh*
You ask strange questions.
I’m only doing this because it’s necessary.
I’ve never even considered whether it’s enjoyable or not.
Fu…Of course I’ve never slacked on maintenance.
In a dire situation, if this isn’t usable, it’s worthless
And this gun isn’t here just to protect my life, but also to protect you guys…
*clears throat*
No, it’s nothing.
Anyways, you can’t miss taking care of your weapons.
*grunt*
Really, you should have let that comment slide…
But you don’t have to say thank you.
I didn’t intend to say that.
*gun clicking sounds*
Hm? What’s wrong?
A-ah…do you want to learn how to handle a gun?
Yes, that’s definitely true.
If you learn to use a gun, you can have a broader role in our future strategies.
For our activities, that will definitely be a major advantage.
But, remember this: this is a weapon. A weapon that can take someone’s life by squeezing one finger.
You’re not stupid. I’m sure that you made the suggestion wanting to help all of us.
But…but even so, a weapon is not something you should use without being ready.
*short breath*
Well, knowing you, I’m sure that’s not a worry.
OK, fine. I’ll teach you the basics while I do my maintenance.
Yes, I’ll teach you thoroughly so you won’t make any mistakes.
But, as I said, now that you’re getting ready to use guns, never forget what kind of thing they are.
They don’t always kill, but still, they exist in order to hurt people.
*Sometime later…Music fades to bells tolling and gun handling in the background.…*
Hm, good, you’re doing well.
OK, next one.
Put that part in the gap and lock it in position.
That’s right, you can go slowly.
Rushing and making a mistake would be worse.
Huh, you’re much better than I’d expect a first timer to be.
Just like when I taught you fighting, you really pick things up quickly.
Ha ha, even if you say you’re going to assemble it, I’m sure it will be difficult for you.
Alright, we’ll stop here for assembling and loading it. Next, I’ll show you how to stand in battle.
Hm? You intend to try it on your own? I don’t mind, but an amateur won’t have the steadiness—
*Sound of gun being cocked very steadily. Van stops abruptly mid -sentence*
You– is this really your first time?
Sometimes I can barely believe it.
I see, you were imitating me.
Even still, can an imitation be done this skillfully?
Really, you’re scary sometimes, heh.
Now, next you should learn how to take guns apart.
When it really counts, knowing how to remove your enemy’s firepower is a way to find an escape route from even the tightest corner.
*gun clicking sounds*
Oh, that’s right– you could also use your poison to render guns useless.
Ah, no— that should only be your last resort
It’s best to have at least basic knowledge and countering strategies.
Ok then, first I’ll quickly teach you about the outline of a battle.
I’ll go through it in order, so memorize it.
Ready? First, if the enemy is standing in front of you– that’s right, as you say… (*speech fades out*)
*Music fades in and some unknown time has passed*
*How long has it been since then? The time passed so quietly
It’s unusual to have another person in this room for so long.
To have that person’s presence not be unpleasant is even more strange…and surprising.
But truly, the more I know her the more I’m amazed at her aptitude.
That she can follow my instructions so closely…
Now I can understand why the others value her so highly.
This one, left behind by Isaac Beckford, and my only connection to the source f my revenge, of all my suffering, Finis.
That’s all she is to me
There’s no way I can think of her as more than that
*sigh*
There should be no way…but…
*Van snaps back into the moment*
Hm? What?
There are many marks on the gun?
Of course, I’ve been using it a long time.
*Yes, since that day I swore revenge
That day, etched on my mind, impossible to wash off
That red, red, horrible memory
I’ve continued my journey doggedly as if to shake off that nightmare
With no one to have my back, no one to share my heart with
With anger and hatred as my nourishment, wishing only to be alone
Just, continuing, slowly, on the road to destruction…
*shifting sound in background*
And now look at me, one of a thief’s gang.
*Gun clicking sounds in the background come to a stop as Cardia turns to Van*
Eh-did I say that aloud?
Ah, it wasn’t anything.
I was just thinking how life never goes the way we expect, although that worry doesn’t suit me.
No, apart from that, someone who’s ruined as many lives as me doesn’t even have a right to think that.
I’m sorry– please forget you heard that.
Ah…
*heavy sigh*
Now, that’s all for today.
It’s getting late. Go to your room and get some rest.
*Van gets up, steps towards the door and opens it*
I’ll do the cleanup.
*Cardia starts to walk out but stops*
Hmn? What’s wrong? Did you forget something?
*Cardia turns back, walks up to Van and grabs hold of his hands. He is caught by surprise & remains silent for a moment*
I’m a kind person? How did you get that from what I just said…
Sometimes I’m surprised by what you say.
No that’s fine, there’s nothing to blame in what you just said.
I’m helping you because you are worth helping in my view.
Nothing more and nothing less.
Is that all you had to say?
Ok, goodnight– sweet dreams.
*Cardia walks out and leaves Van’s room. There is a pause followed by a long-drawn sigh*
*What am I thinking?
She’s not supposed to be anything to me except a stepping stone to my goal.
But though I say that, right now, this feeling in my chest, it’s almost like…
*heart beat sounds follow another long sigh*
I’m an instrument of revenge. No matter what, that won’t change.
I will just…shoot through everything.
No matter what this feeling is, I won’t take my eyes off the goal.
Afterthoughts:
And that’s it!. Many people felt that Van’s feelings for Cardia seem to come out of nowhere at the end of the game, but that was never the case. He is so split between this feeling growing in his heart as well as the anger he has in it due to everything that happened to him.
If the line “I’ve continued my journey doggedly as if to shake off that nightmare…With no one to have my back, no one to share my heart with“ isn’t an indication of just how lonely this man is & deep down wants someone, then I don’t know what is!
But as you see right here, Cardia’s actions little by little conquer Van’s fragile heart and helps him grow past the anger dominating it. This is why they will always be my OTP from this game.
