Done with midterms and wanted to translate this for Malc. So here I go!
Props to Mush for helping me translate that one Nero line near the end.
Crown [narration]: While watching over the sparkling stars of the night sky, the curtain of dreams rises somewhere...
Crown: Welcome to the Carnival Circus! Ladies and gentlemen, put on your best smiles...
Crown [narration]: Oh, what's this? Fufu... It looks like tonight, we have some cute guests coming.
Welger: UWAAAAAAH! Soooo cool! Just now, that beast, how did it fly so far?!
Drole: Ahhhh... I'm so turned on... That tightrope... Doing such a pose at a higher position than me...
Nero: For real... This is great, huh?
Morta: Yes...
Crown [narration]: Each time our squad does tricks, their eyes are shining brightly.
Crown [narration]: They are the Country of Aspiration - Circo's princes...
Welger: Hey, big bro! For our circus too, I wanna do those kinda of things that'll make everyone super excited!
Drole: I want to get turned on more... I want to make our circus the best!
Nero: Yeah. We won't lose.
Morta: Fufu...
Crown [narration]: ... Though the country has no adults, the power of the four of them who reside in the country is a very strong bond between brothers.
Crown [narration]: This is a casual, everyday story of such brothers.
Crown [narration]: For adults, it's a casual story, but for them...
... ... ...
Nero [narration]: After we finished watching and appreciating the Carnival Circus, we decided to go back to Circo.
Welger: Hah... That was soooo cool... Even now when I remember about it, it makes me so excited!
Morta: There were a lot of things to learn from them, yes?
Welger: YEAH! At that circus, I saw like, over 100 new techniques that I think I can do!
Drole: That's a lie, isn't it.
Welger: Ngh...!
Nero: Well, 100 techniques might be a lie, but I hope you still found something useful.
Welger: Big bro too...!
Nero: Haha! But still, that beast show was seriously so cool.
Welger: Not just the beast show. The trapeze act too, it was soooo much better than ours...
Morta: Isn't that right.
Welger: AH! I mean, I didn't say big bro Morta's technique was bad at all, y'know!
Morta: Fufu... I understand, Welger. But still, I also have to improve on my technique.
Nero: We all have to work hard. To be honest, a little impact is quite big.
Drole: Big brother Nero hates losing, huh?
Nero: Hey! It's not really that bad you know? Anyways, you guys, nobody wants to see us lose, right?
Drole: Yeah... It's frustrating, I was disappointed one after the other. ♪ (he has that really excited face while saying this though)
Welger: ... You're not really disappointed now are ya...
Morta: Hahaha... For tomorrow, let us do our best, shall we?
Nero [narration]: In this country without adults, the four of us are living every day together.
Nero [narration]: That's what happens when all of us brothers are together, or so I thought...
Welger: Hey big bro! The techniques were great, but their costumes were even better right?!
Nero: Yeah. Those costumes on the stage were so beautiful...
Nero: As the ringleader, I got a lot of references.
Welger: Me too, I wanna wear a costume like that!
Drole: I think so too. I want to wear a new costume. If you can, make it really tight...
Welger: ... I don't really want to feel that...
Nero [narration]: Circo is not a wealthy country.
Nero [narration]: Indeed, my younger brothers earnestly wanted costumes for our circus.
Nero [narration]: Me too, even at big brother Morta's request...
Nero: That's right. This time, the new costume for you guys...
Morta: Costumes later, practice first.
Welger and Drole: Eh?
Morta: We cannot stay out of shape. We are still inexperienced. First of all, we need to work on technique.
Welger: But, but! I know that it's wrong to worry about the costumes, but it'll motivate me...
Drole: I know right. Even for the audience, it would be more fun for them.
Morta: Certainly... That is true.
Nero: Big brother Morta...?
Morta: No matter how wonderful our costumes are, if we are still inexperienced with our technique, nobody will ever be satisfied.
Morta: I'm not wrong, am I?
Nero: No...
Welger: Ya ain't wrong, but...
Drole: Yeahhh...
Morta: Come now, everyone. We will rest for tonight.
Morta: Tomorrow, let us hurry and practice, alright?
Nero: Ah, yeah... Good night, big brother.
Morta: Yes. Good night. Have a good dream...
Welger: Hrgh...
Drole: ... There he goes.
Nero: Come on, you guys should also sleep.
Welger: ... Hey, big bro.
Welger: I get what big bro Morta's sayin', but, how do I put it...
Nero: Welger...
Drole: Big brother Morta is way older than us, so our feelings...
Nero: DROLE!!
Drole: Ah... Sorry.
Nero: No... It's my bad for yelling.
Nero: What big brother said was correct. Anyway, we need to practice. First, we need to get more experience.
Welger: Yeah. That's right... That's right, huh!
Drole: Okaaaaaay.
Nero: You two. Tomorrow, don't sleep in, okay?
Welger: It'll be okay! I've never overslept even once!
Drole: That's a lie.
Welger: THAT'S NOT A LIE!!
Drole: But even before this...
Nero: Come on. Hurry and go to your rooms and sleep.
Welger and Drole: 'kaaaaay.
Nero [narration]: What big brother Morta said was correct...
Nero [narration]: That's what I thought, but something nagged inside of me.
Nero: Well... It's always been like this until now.
Nero [narration]: Even if the fray is this small, all of us brothers will be chased down.
Nero [narration]: I pretended not to notice that little sign I felt at this time...
Yay! I translated the entire first part of the Votalia anime story!!!
Though I did slam everything into google translate, I made sure to do my best to edit any awkward phrases/etc. using my basic ass Japanese knowledge. Well, to the best of my ability, of course.
I’m going to translate the 2nd part when it comes out, too~ My back hurts though orz
Without further ado, enjoy!
Superbia (narration): "Like stars, many countries shine brightly in the dream world..."
Superbia (narration): "This is a little lo~ose everyday talk of the Princes who sparkle with a splendid shine among them."
... ... ...
Superbia (narration): "Country of Sinner, Votalia..."
Superbia (narration): "The royal family who is comprised of the seven sins, as civil servants, each houses prisoners sent to this place in a big prison..." (honestly i’m not sure how to fix this one)
Superbia (narration): "In such a country, I am gathering each prince now..."
Superbia (narration): "I am about to begin a lunch party."
... ... ...
Superbia: "It's a holiday after a long absence... Once in a while I have to see your faces."
Superbia: "All the faces are wrong... I should have coordinated properly." (I don’t know what he means by the first line but I’m pretty sure that’s what he’s saying. I just don’t really understand what he’s referring to)
Superbia: "Now then... I wonder if you are all receiving my invitation letter."
... ... ...
Ira: "Sigh... I got angry three times today as well... That prisoner was really scared of me."
Ira: "Ah, no. Why me... It seems that self-restraint does not work."
Ira: "Alright. I will definitely not get angry today. No matter what happens...!"
Las: "IRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA~♪"
Ira: "!! L-Las!"
Las: "What's wrong~? You look like you just saw a demon coming."
Las: "Ah... Well, you thought of being fair. I can't do it~"
Ira: "...! Doing it together with you?!"
Las: "Ye~s, first time~"
Ira: "... ah!"
Las: "Anyway, have you looked at the invitation letter already?"
Ira: "Invitation letter...?"
Las: "You didn't see it after all. It's nice to work hard, but Superbia will be upset, won't he?"
Las: "He also sent it to Ira's place, right?"
Ira: "... 'Come to the lunch party already.'"
Ira: "Superbia, it's rare that you’re actually taking a break."
Las: "Yup. Sometimes, everyone reporting on what's new is nice, isn't it? Lately, we haven't gathered."
Ira: "That's true."
Las: "And so, have fun."
Ira: "Eh... Las, you aren't going?"
Las: "Eh~~... But, there is no reason for me to go to a meeting of only men."
Las: "I will leave this to Ira."
Ira: "...! Las, you do that again...!"
Las: "Ah~ Ira's 2nd strike."
Ira: "...! No, I (watashi)... No, I (boku)-" (Ira uses watashi when he’s angry, so basically he’s trying not to show that he’s angry here)
Las: "SCARYYYY~ Before I hit the 3rd strike, I need to leave. See you~"
Ira: "Ah...! Wait just a moment, Las! Or, well, what did you come here to do!"
... ... ...
Vashti: "And so, a lunch party sponsored by Superbia will be held."
Acedia: "Heh~..."
Vashti: "Since I'm going, you, my belonging, will go too, of course."
Acedia: "Eh~... But that's a pain..."
Vashti: "Acedia. My belongings are not lazy."
Acedia: "No... But I'm, the official of sloth..."
Vashti: "It can't be helped. You are like a baby."
Acedia: "A baby, huh... Being a baby is nice. You don't have to do anything, you get fed your meals, you get taken care of..."
Acedia: "Ah, but, it might be tiring to cry a lot... As I thought, it's such a pain..."
Acedia: "And so... Tell Superbia I won't go."
Vashti: "... Hey, servant. Prepare a loading platform."
Acedia: "Eh...?"
Vashti: "I want to take good care of my things. That's why, if I leave you alone, I won't go."
Acedia: "Eh... wait a moment, Vashti... Wahh!"
Vashti: "Don't worry. I will carry you on the loading platform."
Acedia: "... I wish you could handle it a little more carefully."
Acedia: "But... Okay, I can't complain..."
... ... ...
Vedy: "Hey Grad, did it get to you too?"
Grad: "(munching) Huh...?"
Vedy: "Eating again... as usual."
Grad: "... What?"
Vedy: "The invitation letter, invitation letter! Did ya not get it from Superbia?"
Grad: "Invitation letter..."
Vedy: "Yeah, the invitation letter... wait, the thing in your mouth right now..."
Grad: "Ah... I was getting so hungry that, what I had with me..."
Vedy: "ARE YOU OKAY?!!!!! ... Anyway, that's it, that's it! The thing in your mouth is the invitation letter!"
Grad: "I see... That's bad."
Vedy: "Get a hold of yourself... Well, are ya goin’?"
Grad: "Yeah. Because it's a lunch party, I can get full."
Vedy: "If you come, you can probably eat all the food in one go."
Grad: "... Superbia usually feeds me."
Vedy: "Haha! Well, he's concerned about your figure! What was it like, in the past..."
Vedy: "... (gasp)!"
Grad: "Hm? What's wrong?"
Vedy: "N, no... I had a chill just now..."
... ... ...
Superbia: "Achoo!"
Superbia (narration): "No~, someone is spreading rumours about me... I have a good idea of who it is."
Superbia (narration): "My intuition is sharp."
Superbia: "Is it Vashti or Vedy...?"
Superbia: "Ugh. My hand is shaking but I'm trying to put on my makeup!"
Superbia (narration): "While irritated, I took a new brush in my hand..."
Superbia (narration): "My eyes landed on a certain article of a newspaper casually placed on the table."
Superbia: "I don't really care. Street robbery occurs frequently..."
Superbia: "It may be unavoidable, since a country is a country, but if public order is bad..."
Superbia (narration): "At that time I felt so, I did not care."
Superbia (narration): "But, can it be... Such a thing happening to involve all the princes..."
finally, the DW8E cutscenes - conveniently, i’ve got them all unlocked, so let’s go take a look, yeah?
DISCLAIMER: my translations are not perfect, i’m translating very literally because it sounds more awkward that way and he should be sounding more awkward, this is also to prove that koei’s missing a lot of the essence of his character because they decided to give him generic lines with no personality in the official localization
DW8E - Cutscenes
original: how reliable... is what i think. could i also... become like that?
“so strong” is not synonymous with “i think”. please koei, you are killing me, and we’re on the very first cutscene.
original: guan xing... is aiming for the land, from here. until the end... let’s use all of our strength to the fullest.
well, koei’s got the general idea down... but, i don’t know, their wording just seems really oddly out of character to me.
original: did you call for me...? / yes. i understand.
i would’ve been pretty amazed if they fucked these lines up, but fortunately they didn’t. so good job for once, koei.
original: i... am stepping down. after this... i would like to leave it up to you... i think.
man... imagine retiring and you’re still unsure if you really want to leave this other awkward guy in charge of the army anyways. lmao poor guan xing, forever doomed to uncertainty and anxiety. i love him
original: lately, i find that i can only think about you. i finally realized it... / if it’s alright to hug you... the next time we meet... i would like to know your answer.
... HE’S SO CUTE IN THE ORIGINAL WHAT THE FUCK? WHY DID THEY REMOVE THAT WHOLE LINE ABOUT HUGGING AND TURNED IT INTO JUST ”COULD WE POSSIBLY BE TOGETHER” NOOOOOOOO HES SO SWEET AND CUTE IN THE ORIGINAL HE CAN’T EVEN CONFESS PROPERLY AW...
original: i love you. already, i... don’t want to let go of you, even for just a moment.
i think the original “i don’t want to let go of you” is a bit cuter tbh, he’s anxious... and clingy bc of it. it shows his character really well!
original: i’m so glad i met you... i would like to be by your side forever.
i mean, koei did a pretty good job, but “be by your side forever” is just so cute to me hehe i wish they kept that in there
original: this sworn sibling vow... i’m glad that it’s with you.
oops, sorry, awkward picture because i was too late to drag out snipping tool while it was focused on guan xing’s face, but i still have the line anyways. i don’t know how to translate like... the process? of sworn sibling. so i just called it a vow the same way koei did. anyways, they did it just about right.
original: not being alone makes me stronger... would it be good if i can count on you to have my back?
okay. i had to take liberties because i watched this cutscene of guan xing slicing a pot over and over with an arsonist many, many times just so i could write down what he said in romaji and figure it out somehow from there without the kanji because nobody transcribed it and it’s a pain in the ass. but koei does have the basic message across correctly, but of course they always forget that he’s always gotta ask. because he has no confidence.
original: right now, i am still immature... would it be alright to start off again from here?
hey, you know, props to koei for this. they actually got it down right, even with the uncertainty, for once!
original: this is more than enough. after this... we have to use this wisely.
yeah, this is fine actually. i have no issues with the way they worded it minus the forgotten pause.
original: ah... so this is what we’ve collected, isn’t it?
again this is fine, they’ve even translated the “desu ne” correctly, i’m pretty proud of them. but of course they forgot the “ah...” at the beginning for some reason. also sorry, the puppy is closing his eyes, he does not see anything.
original: i... am still immature. i have to improve myself more
i mean, they have the message across all well and dandy, but it’s worded really strangely lol. “BUT IM STILL SO INEXPERIENCED!” the “!” was very unnecessary considering he... well... talks like this... DFHOASNGKFDMHKMSKDFHMKSDFMKHFGJ
original: thank you. your strength... i would like to continue to rely on it.
lol i caught guan xing’s coat doing a funny thing here. oops. but anyways, koei did alright with this, again they left out the awkwardness that should be there but still!
original: we’ve almost taken the land. for the sake of victory... fight with all your might.
yeah, i’m okay with this translation. great job koei, rare W from you guys.
original: this prosperity... it is the result of everyone’s efforts.
he uses that “using your full strength” line that he uses often (ie fight with all your might kind of thing) but like, it’s not in a battle context, it’s more of like, everyone’s working hard, as koei has actually properly translated as such.
original: this town... it has grown a lot, hasn’t it? i only noticed just now...
koei’s got it correctly this time (sorta). it’s making me think that someone else translated the first couple cutscenes and a better translator did the ones after...
original: why... was such a thing sent?
err the context of this cutscene is that an npc tries to bribe the ruler (zhong hui in this case) and guan xing’s basically asking why was the npc trying to bribe zhong hui. i mean, i don’t mind how they translated it to be honest, it gets the point across and guan xing’s still confused anyways
original: have i... become the ruler of this country? from now on... i will soar across the land.
again he uses a metaphor about flying in regards to conquering the land, but anyways... YES. HE ASKED A QUESTION. YES, HE REALLY ASKED IF HE HIMSELF ACTUALLY HAS BECOME THE RULER AFTER REBELLING. HE’S NOT EVEN SURE HE REBELLED CORRECTLY. JESUS CHRIST DOHMGAOSDGMKFDMHKSDMFH it’s like they got the translator who did the very first cutscene to do this one because this is a far cry from all the previous few cutscenes that have been translated pretty well.
hey, surprisingly they’ve got this translation done exactly correctly. i don’t even have to correct anything (except “finally... we’ve reached this point”)
original: thank you... i made it this far because of everyone’s support.
yeah so they actually have this down, definitely a pleasant surprise compared to the rest of their translations so far lol
original: from now on as well... i will continue to support you so that you can fulfill your ideals.
so this is actually translated.... decently. not terrible compared to some of the other lines in this game. i apologize on my end that i’ve translated “fulfill your ideals” maybe a bit too literally but it’s 2am and i can’t think of any better way to word it.
----------------------------------------------
tl;dr for these 4 posts about my re-translations:
koei, did you know “to omou” = verb for think? i don’t know how they constantly seem to miss that??????
“ano” = “ummm” and not a substitute for........ well, anything else.
this character has very little confidence and is usually unsure about what to do, koei seems to think the opposite for some strange reason.
they’ve also missed the entire point of his character being a sheltered introvert who has troubles speaking, and who has been protected all his life and fights so he can do the protecting instead, idk what’s up with the whole “I FIGHT CAUSE IM THE SON OF THE GOD OF WAR” stuff because that is missing the point of his character entirely. im not saying he doesnt care about his family but he isn’t fighting for the honour of his title being ~the son of the god of war~ and all, he actually doesn’t mention that at all in the japanese script at all lol, instead there’s a lot of usage of “mamoru” (the verb “to protect”), so.... i don’t know why they’re allergic to that verb for the most part!
now, that being said, while i agree with localizing generic lines like “enemy officer defeated” and “i’m the true warrior of the three kingdoms” into something unique to the character... at least make it in-character for fuck’s sake! guan xing’s were so out of character and just wrong!
tumblr hates it when i put too many images in a post so i’ve split the empires lines into two parts. here’s part 2. this covers all of his battle lines that weren’t already previously covered in part 1 (so all the new lines they added into empires basically). this is kind of short as most battle lines have already been translated all the way back in part 1, but i’m gonna split the 8E cutscenes into part 4 just in case tumblr decides to nuke my progress by spamming too many images again.
DISCLAIMER: my translations are not perfect, i’m translating very literally because it sounds more awkward that way and he should be sounding more awkward, this is also to prove that koei’s missing a lot of the essence of his character because they decided to give him generic lines with no personality in the official localization
DW8E - Battle Lines - Action
Strategem 1: now... is the time
Strategem 2: this strategy should be used now, i think (notice that he’s so awkward that he can’t even use a strategy without being uncertain ;;;; HE’S THE CUTEST)
DW8E - Battle Lines - General
original: this is our chance... i think. let’s strike the enemy at once.
i was incredibly impressed that they finally left in a “... i think” but the 2nd line suddenly sounded really out of character.
this is actually pretty much what he actually says.
original: i... don’t think i should belong here... that’s why... i would like to follow my true path...
so close, koei! you even had some of the pauses!!!
original: the enemy is... more skilled than me. but... i must do what i can...
what??? LOL he doesn’t even have any confidence in himself, what proof does he even need to prove that the enemy is stronger than him? he already has so little confidence in himself, it’s not like he ever underestimates anyone
original: this strategy... is it right to use it now?
KOEI YOU ARE KILLING ME HERE
original: around here... the defenses are thin. i think that i should protect it.
KOEI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!! I’M BEGGING YOU!!!!!!!! THE LACK OF CONFIDENCE!!!! PLEASE PUT IT BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!
original: the battle... is in our favour. this battle... we can surely win.
i honestly wouldn’t accept the use for “definitely” here even though its like, “yeah we’ll definitely win” because that’s just not his character. although of course they went with “we can’t lose” instead of “we can win” for some reason. still, same meaning.
original: this battle... i don’t see any chance [to win]. but i... can’t afford to lose this...
koei always seems to get the general message across but translate it so out of character and so... generically... like they translate it just fine for the most part, they just remove all his uncertainty, anxieties, lack of confidence, etc. anything that makes guan xing himself, out of their translations.
original: we should not fall behind. we also... have to continue on.
yes. koei literally forgot a whole sentence. no, i don’t know how they somehow missed it. maybe his voice was too quiet, it certainly is really quiet on my end. but i mean, it’s there. there’s a second sentence.
well, surprisingly, this is actually pretty much what he actually says.
original: all units... i would like for you to advance.
pretty much spot on. it’s a generic line anyways.
original: all units... i would like for you to defend your positions.
pretty much spot on. it’s a generic line anyways.
original: all units... i will leave it to you to make your own decisions.
pretty much spot on. it’s a generic line anyways.
original: preparing our strategem... i think i should start now. please be careful... so that our defenses don’t grow thin
strange how they missed so many words for a suddenly bossy guan xing who demands you to fend off the enemy. yeah, they went for a more straightforward version but at the cost of missing his entire damn personality.
original: the enemy’s strategy... is a brilliant one. but... we also have our own plan here.
WHAT?! ASGOASNGDKFHMKSDHF WHY ARE YOU BRAGGING??? KOEI, DID YOU CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE TRANSLATING GUAN XING AND NOT ZHONG HUI???
original: our strategem has failed... what should i do... i can’t think of how to solve this...
again, WHAT??? ASMGAKSGMKDFMHKSDFH if he’s in trouble he’s always in a goddamn anxious panic, why does this always get removed in the translations???
original: the enemy’s plan... i didn’t notice it until now... still... is there anything i’m able to do?
?????????? koei never fails to impress me with how they screw up their translations so terribly. normally i wouldn’t be mad because “there’s nothing we can do now” lines up with guan xing’s sore lack of confidence, BUT he’s not a pessimist. he does still try to think unless he gets too anxious and is unable to think. he thinks to himself “what should i do?” in these situations usually. he wouldn’t just give up right away FHMASMGKDFMH
DW8E - Battle Lines - General (Friendly)
original: i will advance. i would like you... to come with me.
again - he is NOT demanding at all, he shouldn’t be demanding that he will need you to accompany him.
original: i think that i should advance. if it’s okay with you... i would like you to come with me.
again - he always says that he would like for you to do this or that. here he sounds like he’d really like it if you accompanied him but he’s not giving you an option to say no. does it make sense? it just feels a bit oddly worded in the sense that it feels a bit more assertive than it should be. and also, “i intend to” is not a substitute for “i think i should”. LACK OF CONFIDENCE. PLEASE. KOEI.
original: ah. i understand.
generic line with a simple translation. not hard to translate.
this is actually pretty much what he actually says.
original: that strength... has caught my interest. it seems like they will become a renowned officer one day.
LOL nice typo koei. “with suck”???
original: i want to... leave that area up to you.
i don’t know how but the english translations make him seem so much ruder than he should be lol
original: the way the enemy fights... is interesting. but... don’t leave them alone. i would like someone to stop them.
name a more iconic duo: koei and somehow missing entire sentences to translate
DW8E - Battle Lines - General (Enemy)
original: for the sake of protecting everyone... i must defeat you. guan xing... heads into battle
the key thing i want to emphasize is the removal of the word “protect”. that’s a whole big ass part of his character, to protect those who have protected him. i’ve already emphasized this a few times previously. they’ve done it again and removed it. boo koei
original: i thought you might come. show no hesitation... i would like you to fight me with all your might.
er... koei, who are we translating here again? “there’s no need to be shy” coming from possibly the shyest character in the game?
original: even though they’re the enemy... i can’t take my eyes off the way they fight. one day... i would like for them to become my ally
again, koei manages to miss an entire sentence. somehow.
DW8E - Battle Lines - Mission Battles
original: guan xing... will use his strength to fight.
well... i mean... yeah. that’s, that’s kind of it. but he says this “i’ll use my strength to fight” thing a lot, so i’m not sure cutting it to just “i shall do my best” is great. but it does fit his character for once at least.
this is actually pretty much what he actually says, but the 2nd part of the sentence is more like “i would like you to lend me a hand” BECAUSE HE’S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE SO DEMANDING
this is actually pretty much what he actually says.
man just delete me. tumblr didn’t want to save my hours of hard work so i’ll summarize as such.
the rest of guan xing’s ambition mode facility lines are fine, i’m not gonna screencap all of them all over again because i did it twice now and tumblr refused to save it. there’s some minor corrections id make to make them a bit more awkward sounding to suit his character but other than that it seems a different translator worked on those lines so they ended up being more exact than the mess that was the general lines.
the cutscenes are fine as well for the most part. there was one scene in particular that was very good (shu - broken bonds) because they actually put in all his pauses and that was... surprisingly well done imo.
now this post will cover empires, i actually finished retranslating all his lines but tumblr killed my hours of hard work so im just... gonna do it all over again.
DISCLAIMER: my translations are not perfect, i’m translating very literally because it sounds more awkward that way and he should be sounding more awkward, this is also to prove that koei’s missing a lot of the essence of his character because they decided to give him generic lines with no personality in the official localization
(honestly i don’t want to have to retranslate everything but im a masochist...)
DW8E - Politics Lines - General
original: what... do you think?
this is fine, i’ll give it a pass since it’s a generic line.
original: i’d like to... speak with you.
this is fine, i’ll give it a pass since it’s a generic line.
original: um... may i...?
????????????????????????????????????? honestly don’t know what happened here. why does he sound so chill and casual and friendly? that’s so off from his character (and what he’s ACTUALLY saying) i have no clue what happened here
original: ah... i understand.
again a little more casual than he should be but it’s a pretty generic line so i’ll give it a pass.
this is exactly the same in the original as well.
original: that......... i can’t do...
he can’t even form that sentence properly, how did you manage to make it a proper sentence koei?
original: that....... is not possible...
same as above. how did you create a full sentence out of a guy who can’t seem to form full sentences?
this is exactly the same as in the original as well.
this is exactly the same as in the original as well.
this is exactly the same as in the original as well.
original: i see... i understand it well.
honestly same thing more or less so it’s fine.
original: honestly... i don’t really know... but, because it’s your opinion... i think i will believe in it.
i... guess it’s passable...
original: as i thought... no matter what, i just cannot agree... let’s just finish up [this discussion]...
whoa whoa why is he suddenly so rude with the “I THINK WE’RE THROUGH HERE”??? where did it come from??? look how different the original is compared to the translation lmao what the fuck even
original: this time... i think we should do this...
this is passable but it should sound a lot more awkward.
original: that... seems wrong doesn’t it...?
again koei has to remember this guy doesn’t have a shred of confidence and has trouble, well, speaking in the first place... he’s not even sure it sounds wrong.
original: this... i would like you to have. since... you are always helping me...
i don’t really like their wording choice in the 2nd half of this sentence here lol it just seems... off to me. he seems weirdly confident and i don’t like it
original: i’m... depending on you. from now on, too... i would like for you to keep helping me...
seriously they could use some work in trying to make an awkward character speak awkwardly as he should...
original: your strength... i don’t know why, but i am fascinated... from now on... i want to fight alongside you...
ok you know, this is actually fine. passable.
original: you are in need of my strength? in that case... i will do anything i can...
yeah you know what? this is passable.
original: that strength... i think i am longing to be just like that... in that case, from now on... i would like to fight alongside you.
errr...??? i mean they get the general message across, i guess, but it’s translated in a way that just doesn’t suit his character at all.
original: i am... guan xing. um... i’ll do my best... to fight.
i don’t even know where to begin with this one. i don’t know how you can fuck up something as simple as what he said (because he’s so fucking awkward). he literally said exactly as what i’ve translated it into, complete with the “um...” he didn’t say anything about YOU fighting, he’s talking about how he’s gonna do his best to fight. it’s literally as simple as that, you could even ram it into google translate and it should pop out to something of this effect because it’s literally just that simple of a sentence. i don’t know how or why they translated it the way they did.
original: it’s nice... to gain more allies. that power... from now on, i would like to rely on it.
i mean... they have the general message across but the 2nd part seems weirdly assertive, which he is the furthest thing from... also, “definitely”?? when 80% of his lines are riddled with “... probably” and “... i think”????? WHAT???
original: i can’t seem to reach... my full potential in this place... what should i do... i’ll have to keep searching...
i mean... sure. they have the general message across. it just sounds a little strange when he’s so uncertain all the time and suddenly he’s like “ah yes i know i must go elsewhere”.
original: there are many... rare dishes. i’m at a loss... with which one i should try first...
honestly, this is passable.
original: today... i would like to talk to you until the morning. i want to... learn more about you.
erm... he says “asa made”... asa = morning. so where the hell did evening come from? LOL
original: i would like to reach an agreement with you. the conditions are... how about this?
why does he always have random confidence in these translations? he’s never sure about anything so he’s asking if it’s fine!!!!
original: here... is our conditions. please... let’s make a deal.
he comes off as weirdly pushy in the translation and i don’t like it. he shouldn’t be because he is absolutely the most passive and non-assertive and least confident person ever.
original: if it’s possible... i’d like you to agree quickly... i’m not really... open to adjustment...
????? WHAT?????????? I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN WITH THIS ONE ASKGASNMGKFMHKSDFH how can he be impatient when he’s constantly spacing out and it takes him 5 minutes to say one sentence????? actually, no, where did they even get “not a patient man” from??? do the translators actually know anything about the character... wait no, even just from listening to his japanese speech, with all his awkward pauses and phrasing, HOW are they translating it as if he’s confident and assertive all the time???
this is exactly the same as in the original as well.
original: i understand. but... i will not forget the foul methods you used...
lol he sounds so weirdly aggressive in the translation. i don’t think i like it very much.
original: that... i cannot accept.
again this is fine since it’s a generic line but it should be more awkward.
original: i see... that’s good, then.
same as above. generic line, fine, passable, should be more awkward though.
original: why would you refuse...? you... should be cornered...
err this was kind of hard to translate but he definitely doesn’t have so much confidence that he knows it “should have been an easy choice for you to make”. he’s saying something along the lines of like, you shouldn’t be refusing because now you’re screwed. but in the most polite and awkward way possible.
original: i see... that’s too bad...
generic line. fine. passable.
original: the enemy is attacking us... we’re in trouble. um... please lend your strength...
i’m really not sure what he seems so demanding in the english dub all the time when he clearly went “ano...” (which is, “um...”) this time. he’s got issues asking things from people (evidently)!!!!! so his lines should reflect it!!!
original: our enemy is the same... is what i think. would i be able to ask for your cooperation...?
removing all the awkwardness out of his lines does not make guan xing a more likeable character. it in fact makes him more generic and bland.
original: even if we don’t have any land right now... there are still things we can do. together with everyone... we need to raise an army.
again, strangely assertive. i’m beginning to wonder if the translation team was just given the script in japanese without knowing which lines belonged to which character and just translated it as they saw. except, you know, the fact that there are quite a few “um...” “probably...” “i think...” in this guy’s script, i’m not sure how they consistently leave those out.
original: your strength... has me interested. please... i would like to fight alongside you.
WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HE’S BEGGING YOU TO LET HIM FIGHT ALONGSIDE YOU, NOT HIM ASKING YOU TO FIGHT WITH HIM!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS SO BACKWARDS PLEASE KOEI HOW DID YOU MISS THE PART WHERE HE WENT “douka...” HE IS BEGGING. PLEADING!!!!!
original: why... do you continue to remain there? we need you more than they do...
LOL well that just sounds cocky, koei, last i checked, you’re translating for guan xing and not for zhong hui. also, this was a difficult line to translate but it’s something along those lines that guan xing’s forces is in need of your services, rather than, uh... “youd be better off staying with us :^)” ??????? no idea how koei got to that point in the translation.
original: you... are able to spread your wings and fly across the land. so that’s why... right now, i would like you to rise up
yeah he’s a lot more flowery in the jpn in the way that i can’t even translate it properly. but he’s making a metaphor along the lines of spreading wings and flying (as in, i translated that part correctly but i don’t know how to describe the metaphor if it is not making sense - but yeah it’s basically to conquer the land, just being described with a flying metaphor)
original: i... think i have always been hoping for this to happen. to take flight across the land...
same as above where he’s using a flight metaphor for conquering the land.
original: right now... i will rise up. as a new force, let us do what we can.
i mean they have the general message across, but they’ve like... really buttered up the sentence with a lot of words that weren’t previously there. it’s also a lot more full of full sentences that he can never actually complete.
original: your words from the other day... made me happy. if you still like me, i would like for you to be by my side forever...
NOOOO!!!! ASOGNASKGMDFH Koei you’re missing out that he’s clingy (probably bc he’s got anxiety) and you should keep that in!!!! they take all the personality out from the translations i fucking swear!!!!
original: about your words from the other day... i’m sorry. i’m not able to... respond to your feelings.
hey he’s not THAT direct.
original: would it be alright if i hugged you? during a time when we are not in battle, i want to feel your warmth...
well actually, what they have there is pretty good!
original: the baby is born... i’m so happy... i can’t seem to find the words [to express myself]
again this is a rather decent job as well. good job koei, rare W for your translation team!
original: the blood of the god of war... flows through your veins as well. i would like you to do your best to fight.
i mean... it’s alright. the second half of his lines are always strangely direct/assertive.
original: this is... you can have this. i think that you will find it useful
hey this is pretty good. rare W, koei
original: this... please take this...
that’s also pretty much on point maybe because it’s a generic line. good job koei
original: this... you may have this. i... would like for you to use it
same as above. pretty much a generic line, so they can translate this easily.
original: i have... always loved you. i would like you to take this... as a sign of my affections
well, it’s alright, the 2nd sentence could use some work because it sounds.... strange? not even in the sense that the awkwardness fits him, but the “therefore” makes it sound like he’s writing an essay or something LOL
original: i can’t help... but to be worried about you. everything that you do... feels suspicious.
this is a little hard for me to translate bc i wasn’t too familiar w some of the words but basically koei had the right idea. rare W.
this is exactly the same as in the original as well. (but more formal)
original: the way you fought during that last battle... was interesting. your battle prowess... i think i want to see more of it.
errr i don’t know how to translate that word so i just used “battle prowess”, hopefully that’s ok to use here. basically just like, he likes how you do battle. and as always koei really shouldn’t ever be using the word “definitely” with this character.
.... okay, this is not an essay at all. this is really just a rant on how the english localization of DW ruined one of my favourite characters.
so yes, without further ado... the issue with guan xing’s localization and why the original japanese guan xing is infinitely better than anything they could ever do with that kind of localization effort (pls hire me i’ll retranslate all his lines properly to actually fit his character as intended ;;;;)
DISCLAIMER: my translations are not perfect, i’m translating very literally because it sounds more awkward that way and he should be sounding more awkward, this is also to prove that koei’s missing a lot of the essence of his character because they decided to give him generic lines with no personality in the official localization
HELLO, and welcome to my ramble, it’s going to be long so don’t waste your time reading unless you are very, VERY bored.
SO... im going to go through every line in dw8xl and dw8e (not bothering w dw9/dw9e bc i dont have those on my pc) and point out what is wrong w... like most of his lines.
first thing’s first so i don’t have to repeat myself for every single translated line - THEY OMITTED HIS SPEECH ISSUES. as someone w speech issues myself im pretty offended! keep that shit in, its part of his character and i like it a lot bc its relatable! basically he talks like this: “hello... i hope that you... are having a good day.” every few words he will pause. yeah i probably made it a bigger deal than it sounds like but it’s important i point that out bc it pisses me off that they just completed omitted it except in like, one cutscene line. he’s got speech issues, fuckin’ keep them in. jesus good god
okay. so without further ado...
In-battle lines
i don’t have the official translations because i refuse to play this game in english, i refuse to hear anything english dub for any musou game, etc etc. and the sound gallery doesn’t provide the text of however they dubbed/translated it, so i’ll just list each line and which action they are.
Musou attack 1 - “i won’t miss.”
Aerial Musou attack - “there... is that your weak point?” (HE’S GOT NO CONFIDENCE EVEN WHEN HE DOES A MUSOU SOGNFDJKHMSDKFH HE’S SO CUUUUTE)
Musou attack 2 - “in this hand... is power...!” (this is the alt musou where he uses papa’s weapon)
EX attack - “you’re open...!”
Rage attack - “watch...! haaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”
Storm rush - “how is this move? ... it went well”
Switch counter - “i won’t let you.”
Somersault - “i must be careful, right?” (err he phrases "i must be careful” as a question which is awkward but... it’s guan xing, he is very awkward)
General Lines
original: “enemy officer... defeated”
i understand that everyone’s “enemy officer defeated” line gets personalized in localization, i support that decision. but this is just kind of weird bc he actually doesnt really say the stuff his siblings say about being the child of the god of war and everything. most of the stuff he says instead is “i fight to protect” “i will protect”... so i mean this isn’t the worst line. it’s still alright, he does want to seek revenge for his father’s death and all, so i get it. i’ll give it a pass, honestly.
original: “i am a true warrior of the three kingdoms...???”
YES HE IS LITERALLY ASKING A QUESTION BECAUSE HE DOES NOT HAVE CONFIDENCE IN HIMSELF AND THIS WILL BE SHOWN VERY CLEARLY IN A LOT OF HIS LINES. I DONT KNOW HOW THIS GOT TRANSLATED INTO... THIS MESS OF A LINE. this is the furthest thing from his personality, this guy has not much confidence bc he has been babied a lot when growing up (bc hes a huge introvert). i dont know, this is one of the wrongest lines in the entire game because where does this confidence come from? why does he sound so cocky? “watashi wa shin no sangoku musou ka...?” -> “ka” literally denotes a question. HE IS QUESTIONING HOW THE HELL HE IS THE TRUE WARRIOR OF THE THREE KINGDOMS. HE DOESNT EVEN KNOW HOW OR WHY IT HAPPENED!!!!!!!!!!!! FIX THIS SHIT THIS IS SO WRONG
the above line is actually translated correctly. good job for once, koei!
original: “is it over...? thats good then...”
here, i’m making my point already about him having little confidence in himself and being unsure about like everything. the localization is not awful, honestly it’s passable, but i personally would have loved to see more of the lack of confidence/being unsure. it’s a huge thing going on w his lines in general and i relate to it a lot, please dont remove that. (they did)
original: “just... where did i go wrong...?”
passable, pretty much an exact translation without the speech struggle :/
original: “they caught us off-guard... what should i do...? i need to think...”
it’s... kind of passable. again i’m not satisfied bc... man. keep his anxiety and panic in there. helps him feel more human!! also bc it’s relatable for me so >:( KEEP THAT SHIT IN THERE.
original: “you came here from a strange place... why?”
he’s more questioning the enemy directly in the original which i like better. dunno, the localization kind of has a different feel to it where he, i guess, Knows its an ambush? where as hes just asking what the heck you are doing at that place that you are trying to ambush, in the original. not very satisfied w the localization but again it’s not the worst (compared to the 1000 KO’s line lol)
the above line is actually translated correctly. good job for once, koei!
original: i’m not... done for yet...
honestly... i don’t want to be too picky. so i’ll consider it passable.
the above line is actually translated correctly. good job for once, koei!
original: [i’ll] defend this place... i should protect it, i think.
again i’m only nitpicking bc they got rid of his “i think” at the end. let him be uncertain!!!!!!!!
original: that officer... has interested me. i shall take them on.
more or less the same. passable
original: our allies are currently fighting... it might be good [to meet up with them]
honestly passable.
more or less the same in the original. therefore, the above line is actually translated correctly. good job for once, koei!
this is a generic line with a generic translation. therefore, the above line is actually translated correctly. good job for once, koei!
more or less the same in the original. therefore, the above line is actually translated correctly. good job for once, koei!
original: ah... did you come here for me...? thank you very much...
this is kind of a generic line so i’ll give it a pass. i’m just nitpicking on the removal of his little “ah...” at the beginning
same as the earlier generic “congrats on 1000 KO’s” line. therefore, the above line is actually translated correctly. good job for once, koei!
original: your skills... have interested me. i want to keep watching you.
passable. again pls keep the pause in there :/
original: i’m struggling... please lend me a hand.
passable. i just worded it differently is all lol
same as the previous generic “congrats on 1000 KO’s” lines. therefore, the above line is actually translated correctly. good job for once, koei!
original: the way father fights... that is why he is the god of war.
i mean... i’ll give it a pass honestly. can’t be too nitpicky until they translate some line completely stupidly off the rails like guan xing’s personal 1000 ko’s line lol
the above line is actually translated correctly. good job for once, koei!
same as the previous generic “congrats on 1000 KO’s” lines. therefore, the above line is actually translated correctly. good job for once, koei!
original: big brother... i’ve been relying on you. ever since we were little... always.
it sounds awkward bc he sounds awkward, im not making this up lol. they did basically just reword it and make it flow better but i think his awkwardness is a huge part of his charm :/ so they shouldve kept it more fragmented and awkward as it should be.
the above line is actually translated correctly. good job for once, koei! (though of course not mentioning they forgot the pause in there so it’s more like “big brother... please let us fight together”)
same as the previous generic “congrats on 1000 KO’s” lines. therefore, the above line is actually translated correctly. good job for once, koei!
original: “suo... good work. father would be happy as well.”
honestly it’s passable. just difference in word choices i think
original: suo... thank goodness you came [to help]
it’s passable. like it’s pretty much more or less the same i guess
same as the previous generic “congrats on 1000 KO’s” lines. therefore, the above line is actually translated correctly. good job for once, koei!
original: you’re a lot like sunshine... that’s how you seem like, zhang bao
that was really hard to translate because i didnt know what 眩い武 meant lol and then i went to search for the appropriate kanji bc i had no idea what he was saying. anyways i think the japanese line is a lot cuter, but it does sound a bit like an awkward/cheesy compliment, but he IS awkward so....
original: zhang bao, i’m sorry... as i thought, i’m still immature...
it’s... kind of the same, i guess? errr but his whole thing about not liking being babied bc hes an introvert + “i’m no longer a child” thing comes across better in the original so.... eh.
same as the previous generic “congrats on 1000 KO’s” lines. therefore, the above line is actually translated correctly. good job for once, koei!
original: very nice, yinping... father would be happy as well, i think.
haha there’s his awkwardness and uncertainty showing up again. hes too cute and good for this world lol
original: yinping, i’d like for you to lend a hand... you’re worth 100 people in one
errr okay i kind of translated the last part awkward but basically he’s saying she has the strength of 100 people in one person. because you know, she’s fuckin STRONG as hell (and probably uses him as a weight when she lifts). this is quite different from how they localized it, it just comes across as kinda generic instead...
original: allow me to fight you. guan xing... heads into battle
kinda weird how a lot of character has “[name], MAIRU” lines but it only ever gets translated for zhao yun and zhao yun only huh. but yeah quite a number of characters have this generic “[name] heads/charges/etc into battle”, i opted to go with “heads into battle” for guan xing bc hes awkward. he wouldn’t say he’s charging into battle LMAO
original: alone...? what kind of tactic is that?
honestly, passable. it’s more or less the same.
original: how strong... i’ve become interested. i would like to fight you again...
errr i mean it’s kind of the saaaame i guess?? though he specifically mentions being interested in your strength in the original rather than like nice skills. so it’s a slight difference there but...... i’d say it’s.... kinda passable
original: i can’t... think anymore... this is... the end... right...?
yeah it’s passable i guess... although of course they love to leave the uncertainty out as always :’)
Ambition Mode Lines
original: “guan xing... will fight with all his power.”
it’s basically the same, i’ll consider it passable.
original: this base... i won’t let you set foot in it...
again it’s pretty much the same, i would consider it passable.
original: for the sake of protecting you... i will do all i can in my power
hey there’s what i mentioned earlier about how, in the original, he has this big thing about wanting to be the one doing the protecting instead of being the one being protected! the original really gets that point across that he wants to do the protecting and he is going to do his utmost best at it! the localization sounds generic as fuck!
original: for your sake... i will protect you.
??? why did the localization barely change it from the other one LOL. it somehow sounds more formal than the previous but this should be the more casual one. again i like his japanese lines better bc he looks out for others and not so much himself (which will become pretty evident later), with his “for the sake of protecting you / for your sake” .... it really gets that point across.
original: this... it will rid you of your tiredness... i think.
guan xing the most awkward character in the entire game, strikes again! he really does awkwardly just be like “this...........” and YEAH OF COURSE THE “I THINK” AT THE END TOO he’s so awkward and cute. the struggles of speaking is too relatable :(
original: aah, you have some scratches... it would be good if you used this...
i guess it’s kind of the same, i’ll consider it as passable.
original: um... could you please lend your strength...?
SGIHASNGJKFHF THEY REALLY TOOK OUT HIS LITTLE “ANO...” (um...) AT THE BEGINNING IM SO ANGY!!!!!!!!!!! LET HIM BE AWKWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!! LET HIM!!!!!!!
original: ah... good thing you’re here. please lend a hand...
it’s more of like “thank god you’re here so i dont have to run around looking for you” instead of “good timing! how convenient that you’re here” let’s be real guan xing can’t talk his way out of a conversation vs a chirping bird, so i enjoy how much more awkward and introverted he sounds in the original
original: um.............. ... thank you very much...
you are so awkward it’s adorable ;; this is “to superior” too so maybe he’s just anxious but ;;;;; he’s so cute
original: you really helped... thank you...
passable.
original: from here on... i won’t let anyone pass...
passable. a bit more fragmented sounding in the original but that’s just how he always sounds like
original: this plan... now would be a good time to use it, right...?
hey! where did the confidence come from in the localization! HE DOESN’T KNOW THAT IT’S A GOOD TIME TO USE IT HE’S QUESTIONING HIMSELF!!!!!!!! PUT THAT CONFIDENCE AWAY, IT DOES NOT FIT HIS CHARACTER AT FUCKIN ALL
original: your power... i would like to see all of it.
again the original just sounds more awkward because he just IS and should be more awkward, but this is a passable translation.
original: guan xing... from now on, will participate in the fight...
huh........ i don’t know where they got “at your service” from? this is “joining battle” as u can see highlighted in the bg lol he sounds like he’s coming in w a tray of food instead with “at your service”???
original: for the sake of victory... i’ll do anything in my power...
yeah it’s... passable.
original: doing what you can... i think, for that... you have to do your best.
why does the... huh? why is the localization like that? why is it so smoothly worded when he’s supposed to be struggling to just piece the damn sentence together???
original: you are...... i don’t know why, but i am fascinated by you. please let me also fight alongside you...
lol, he’s so much more awkward in the original than the localization makes him seem. tsk, tsk, koei.
original: your strength... it has me interested. from now on... i want to fight with you.
lots of pauses + awkward. too good. please don’t un-awkward him >:(
original: being able to fight against father... as a warrior, i am happy...
the last part is... different. he’s looking forward to it, not placing some high ass expectations on himself hoping not to disappoint papa!!
original: big brother... you have always protected me. how much i’ve grown... i will show you now.
it’s kind of the same meaning either way but again the original is a more fragmented and awkward sentence. but also, it’s important to note that he mentions guan ping has been specifically PROTECTING him this whole time, again ties in to how guan xing wants to be the one doing the protecting instead of being protected, which is why he wants to show how much he has grown to guan ping.
original: guan suo, don’t hesitate... i want you to give it your all against me.
kinda the same again, but i think he’s more encouraging in the original which is nicer imo
original: zhang bao... i am no longer a child. this...... i will prove to you...
it’s kind of the same but just a lot more awkward. he does this a lot where he’s just like “this....... [blahblah something about the “this” thing he is referring to]”. which again i get is really awkward to translate but that’s just how he is as a person. keep his awkward speech in!!!!!
original: yinping, i know how strong you are... i’m prepared.
yeah i’d say it’s passable but he doesn’t have that much confidence that he thinks he can beat her so it shouldnt be “i wont go easy on you” (which implies he is already stronger??), more like “im prepared to fight my hardest against you”
original: father, you really are the god of war... that power... when will i be able to catch up to it...?
you know... i’m willing to say this localization is passable (of course needs to be a bit more awkward but yeah)
original: i’m still... no match for big brother. but, next time... i will be stronger...
again, it’s passable... same message but just much more awkward in the original
original: guan suo... you’ve become strong. it’s my complete defeat...
dunno why they changed the last line like that? he pretty much just straight up admits defeat
original: zhang bao, it’s no wonder why you still worry for me... i am... still immature.
:( he has no confidence in himself...
original: as i thought, i can’t defeat yinping, huh...? i also need to continue training...
i don’t have any idea why he sounds so cocky and condescending in the localization. what do you mean “i cant even defeat my sister”, where does this confidence of “knowing” he’s better than her comes from? he ISNT SUPPOSED TO think he’s stronger than her, he in fact knows he is NOT.
original: weapons... there are a variety of them. please choose the only you like...
in general a lot of his ambition mode facility lines are... like.... pretty close, just that they removed the awkwardness. so i’ll just provide a translation and say passable when applicable unless i have more to say than just “it should be more awkward”.
original: weapons are... you can choose one instinctively. probably... you will be able to learn to use it...
... HEY! THEY ACTUALLY KEPT IN HIS “probably...” !!!!!!!!! WOW KOEI I’M SO PROUD OF YOU (wipes away tear) LOOK THEY KEPT IN A BIT OF THE AWKWARDNESS!!!! AAAAAAAAAAA
here’s the first half of votalia’s special talk story from my yume100 3rd anniversary book, featuring ira, vedy, superbia, and vashti. i’ll translate the las, acedia, grad, micaela, camilo one some other time orz
i tried to take vedy + superbia’s ways of speaking into mind while i was translating also
this is mostly for personal reference / for friends!
thanks malc for being my proofreader!
Country of Sinner, Votalia...
This country with prisons to house sinners is enveloped within a deep fog even during the day.
In a particular corner of Votalia is Superbia’s castle, which the princes from the same Country of Sinner, Vashti, Ira, and Vedy were visiting.
Superbia: Here, take this. Clothing to wear for you all.
Vedy: Oooh, so cool!
Superbia’s arrangement of the clothes, hand-picked and fits perfectly for princes. Today, for the sake of Superbia’s Fashion Brand’s photoshooting, they were gathered here.
Ira: Hey, is it really okay for us to be your models?
Superbia: The clothes I made this time fit your images the best, you know.
Vedy: How am I supposed to wear these? My head ain’t goin’ through.
Vedy was trying to put the clothes on through his head, and he was struggling as his horn got caught on the clothes.
Superbia: Hold on! Don’t forcibly put it on like that! Pull down the zipper on the back!
Vedy: Eh? Zipper?
Vashti: Hey, I’m wearing it. Is this good?
Superbia: ...!
For Vashti, Superbia’s clothes fit perfectly on him.
Superbia: You are still soooo mean since from a long time ago.
Vashti: What are you talking about?
Superbia: Because you will wear anything I make. Really, you’re so annoying.
Ira: Yes. It really suits you, Vashti.
Vashti: Is that so. These clothes are also mine, since they suit me well.
Superbia: Hold on, who said I was giving those to you? But, whatever.
Superbia smiled bitterly and shrugged.
Superbia: It’s natural that you would like it. After all, I was the one who made it.
Vashti: But, I also liked those tailor-made example clothes you made when you were a child.
Ira: Example clothes...?
Superbia: Hold on! Stop talking about that!
Vedy: What is it, I wanna hear about it!
In order to stop Vedy, Superbia placed his hand over Vedy’s mouth. However, Vedy pulled on Superbia’s arm to stop him.
Vashti: That was a time when Superbia was still chubby.
Vashti: Superbia saw some clothes he really liked on display at the front of a clothing store, but there wasn’t a size that fit him. Even though a tailor was called and made it his size, it still didn’t fit.
Vedy: The size didn’t fit?
Ira: ... Why?
The two of them aimed their gazes at Superbia, who inhaled sharply as he conceded.
Superbia: It was completely wrong. The difference between the silhouette of the clothes I saw at the store and how I wore it made me feel disappointed.
Ira: Ah, so it’s like that.
Vashti: By the way, those clothes are kept as an important treasure as part of my collection.
Superbia: Stop that. You, do you still have it?
Vashti: I said it was my favourite, didn’t I? I also have the clothes that Ira tore back then.
Ira: I did?
After tilting his head, Ira thought about his memories from when he was younger and smiled bitterly.
Ira: Ah... That must have been the first time I wore clothes with a hood, huh.
Vedy: I wanna learn ‘bout this too. I betcha you were angry when your horns got stuck in the hood, right?
Ira: In those days, I was unable to suppress my anger, and it was far worse than it is now... I’m really embarrassed.
Vashti: But, I liked the unique way you tore it. Superbia’s clothes are decorated with it.
Superbia and Ira made perplexed looks at Vashti’s words.
Ira: Somehow... That doesn’t make me very happy...
Superbia: I totally get it. It’s because the embarrassing memories from your childhood still live on within Vashti’s castle...
Vedy: Nah, ain’t it better if it lives on in his castle?! ‘Cuz that guy’s still got my horn too, yeah?!
During childhood, Vedy lost his horn in an accident, and Vashti now carries it around every day. Whenever he sees that horn now, Vedy starts to feel a little uneasy...
Vedy: Aaagh, I’m getting the chills! Throw it away! Or give it back to me, I’ll throw it away!
Vashti: What are you saying? It is mine. You are not allowed to throw it away without my permission.
Superbia: More importantly than that... I’m like, totally getting tired of seeing it.
Ira: You two haven’t changed since you were kids, huh.
Ira smiled, filled with nostalgia, and Vedy returned the smile.
Vedy: Then in that case, ya haven’t changed either, y’know.
Ira: No, because I’ve been changing little by little.
Vashti: The one who has changed is Superbia, when it comes to his body type... How he is now and how he was before, I think both are cute.
Superbia: ... Hey, are you still talking about that? It’s about time for the photoshoot to begin soon.
As Superbia speaks in a low voice, the three of them stand in front of the full-length mirrors.
Vashti: Fumu. These are great clothes once again. As expected of Superbia.
Superbia: Do not make me say it over and over. Just who do you think designed these?
Vedy: Hoodies fit Ira after all!
Superbia: Put it on soon, or else I will get angry, and I will tear an even bigger hole in it.
Ira: Okay. It feels really nice.
Vedy: It’s great ain’t it~
Vedy looked at Ira’s clothes enviously.
Vedy: I think the hood looks really cool from the front, y’know.
Ira: Eh? You think so?
Vedy: I also kinda wanna wear one...
Vashti: In that case, it’s fine to have the same thing as him, right?
Superbia: ... Yes, that’s totally like, not bad at all.
Vedy: Eh? Seriously?!
Superbia: You two have quite similar tastes in clothes, so like, it’s fine to make you two a matching pair. The base will be Ira’s clothes and to make it match, Vedy’s clothes will have a hood on it...
Superbia took the nearby paper and pen and drew the design of the new clothes.
Vedy: Awesome! It’s gonna feel super great, ain’t it!!!
Ira: Your horn won’t get caught in the clothes either, so I’d recommend it.
As the two chatted happily, Superbia put a hand on his chin as he came up with some thoughts.
Superbia: Next time, when I’m making clothes, I should keep the concept of matching pairs in mind, hm?
Ira: If you make matching clothes, everyone will be able to be together. It’s nice, isn’t it? It won’t be a problem.
Vedy: You mean Grad and the others too? Yeah! That would be soooo awesome!
Superbia: Then, I’ll design formal suits in accordance to each and every single one of our personalities.
Ira: Each and every single one of us? Then, all the designs will be different... Is that really going to be alright?
Superbia: I should hope so.
Superbia raised his chin with confidence as Vashti nodded in satisfaction.
Vashti: As expected of my belonging.
Superbia: When will you learn that I do not belong to you?!
Vedy: Alright! Let’s get this done super fast, then!
Superbia: Right now? That’s like, way too soon, you know!
And so, the sinner princes decided to go all-out on making the clothes... Since the photoshoot time that was originally planned was delayed, Superbia was said to have worked for the whole night...
