Notes on the Eighteenth Maria-sama ga Miteru Novel, Part 3

What will happen? What will we do?

1

The "Torikaebaya."

Author unknown, was written on or about the ending years of the Heian period, sometime after the "Genji Monogatari"; it's a story that somehow has no spot to hold on to.

Once upon a time, a chief councilor and his wife were gifted with the arrival of a boy and a girl at the same time. Even more fortuitous, they were both beautiful children, which their mother said were as alike as two melons.

However, the young lord was very introverted and as a child stayed in his house drawing or playing with dolls. Completely opposite, because the young princess was energetic and liked to play outside, as their father watched them grow up, he thought, "It's as if they have somehow switched with one another."

"-baya" - Sentence ending particle.

The imperfect form of conjugation. Meaning a wish to express or reveal.

Thus, the modern version of "Torikaebaya Monogatari" would be "The Tale of Wanting to Switch."

Nonetheless, at the time, the councilor was not being serious. When they became adults, he was optimistic that they would return to their true selves.

The years piled up, and where was that return to their true selves; more and more the young Lord became feminine and the young Lady became ever more masculine. Then, gradually, they began to pretend to be the other gender while at court and in the samurai service. From that point on, they were successful in that no one noticed.

The young Lady refused an offer of marriage from the Minister of the Right's daughter's son, that girl whose body was innocent of having born a child (obviously); until one of the councilor's close friends could tell them apart, then that colleague pressed the case that "it's no good being a man," to the Lady, all of which is put to an end when she conceives a child. Because when her stomach got too large she would not be able to get along in society doing a man's job, it was necessary for her to leave the capital and give birth to the child in secret. ...So, that Lady's life was full of ups and downs.

On the other hand, in terms of the Lord's life as a woman, he lived near and served the Imperial Princess, but got too close to her so that the two of them were involved in a love relationship. At first glance this might seem to be good fortune in every way but, one day he learns of the disappearance of his older sister, he suddenly awoke, "I must leave and look for her," and resolved to do this, he had to return to the form of a man.

Once he found her safe and they came back, at that point they returned to their true natures, found a new place to live and lived happily ever after.

"...That' supposed to be good, huh." Upon finishing reading "Torikaebaya" this was Yumi's first impression.

The Lady's child that she bore. The Imperial Princess's child. Why did the story drop them in to be waved around in front of people? Their parents may have started a new life, but they were abandoned, separated without any official proclamation, and because of that, they are left to struggle to find a solution for themselves. –What did the author (unknown) want to say?

Of course, that was thinking about family the way one did in this day and age. From the children's standpoints when you leave probably wasn't "We can make it with our bare hands and reconcile one day." Even if the story ended that way, if you drew a straight line from yesterday through today into tomorrow with an end mark after that, it was still a little worrisome. But after all, the story was an original work right to the very end.

Then there was the Yamayurikai's version of the "Torikaebaya."

"The switch" was the framework, with all the patterns of love and hate between men and women cut. Of course, the strife of the pregnancy was also gone. And the love affairs had all been turned platonic. This was the school festival after all. It was natural to do so.

Wednesday

"'I am such a fortunate person. My wife has just borne two children, a daughter and a son. These beloved children look more like my beautiful wife.'"

Clap, clap, hands struck each other, interrupting the play.

"There. Chief Councilor….um, Kanako-chan. I wonder if you could you try and say that line looking a little less happy?" Sachiko-sama instructed.

"Less happy?" Kanako-chan slowly pulled her lips down from the overly large smile she had on.

"OK. Say it that way."

It'll be fine, won't it; Yumi was watching, it's a play so it'll be fine. It's okay if it's a little over-exaggerated.

"'I am such a fortunate person.'"

Uh, this time it had become a monotone. And, of course cut was called.

"That was as if you were made to lie."

"Like I was made to lie?"

"That was the feeling with which it was said."

In reality, she was being made to say it, so there really was no helping that, Yumi the amateur thought. But Sachiko-sama would never forgive a compromise of "That's good enough." If you were going to do it, you should aim for your best.

"Made to say it is pretty vague; even if it's pointed out, I don't understand. Unless you instruct me concretely, I can't do anything." Kanako-chan did not hesitate to say.

"Concretely? …Just so. Say it with a loud, clear voice. Otherwise, no one will smile afterwards when the spot hits the Yakushiji-sans."

"Yes."

Then, though it became a double challenge, as expected it didn't make her any better. Just the opposite, if anything, she became even worse than previously. She attempted to alter the way she said it in accordance to the way she was corrected.

"I wonder what the problem is. Outside of here your acting is very good. I have the feeling that it is something here that is bothering you. Oh well, let's move on to the next scene. Kanako-chan, think about you're acting on your own. As time passes, I imagine you'll come up with your own feeling."

Sachiko-sama was not an acting ogre. She didn't want those people who could not do a thing to do more. When it came to being persistent about acting, it was probably Kanako-chan who was
the "must do more" type of girl.

--What is the problem, I wonder. Sachiko-sama had whispered, which remained in Yumi's ear. Being happy over having had two children, that was just a line of the script.

"Is it saying that the children are beautiful that's the sticking point?" Yuuki, who was standing by next to Yumi, said dryly.

"…"

Indeed. Yumi, hanging the Heian kimono over her shoulder, turned her gaze towards the Yakushiji brothers. They looked amazing.

To a woman's eyes, even if you dressed these giants in women's clothes, they did not look like women; they needed to prepare for the laughter that would surely occur even if they just appeared on stage. In that situation, saying "Beautiful" with a straight face would sure bring on a fit of explosive laughter. But, before that, the Fukuzawa siblings, who you could call "interesting," would have been painfully burdened with "beautiful." Before "Beautiful" was said again, they might look around at their surroundings and say, "well, more like a tanuki, than a beautiful person, really" came poking through.

Therefore, that line was even more abominable coming from the mouth of Kanako-chan. It was like self-torture. As if the title had been altered and this was the "Yamayurikai edition: Tale of the Change, Tanuki Country."

While she was thinking all this, her name was called.

"Next. Yumi, Yuuki-san, please."

"O-kay."

The siblings answered in uniform unison as they stepped forward. The Yakushiji brothers had held dolls in their arms, and with the entry scene of the two lead actors, the years and days passed by on a grand scale.

"Ah, let's do this in the reverse order. Yumi is the Prime Minister's son, so you should stand in front of Akimitsu-san. Yuuki-san, you're Chuunagon's daughter, so you should stand next to
Tomomitsu-san. Really, you two, you should at least be able to remember who your mothers are."

"...Even if you say that..."

It's impossible.

"What was that, Yumi?"

"Ah, nothing."

When Sachiko-sama aimed her gaze at you like that, it was better to say nothing more.

However. The Yakushiji brothers were identical twins, identical from head to toe, indistinguishable if you looked hard. Still, it was said that, if you got to know them well for many years, they would
become distinguishable. However, even if you say that, the simple costumes they wore erased any traced of those differences, and had even brought Yuuki to his knees.

"Really, what is it?"

In this version of the story, it wasn't only the masculine older sister and the feminine younger brother that changed places; all of the actors had switched gender roles. In such a situation, even the person playing the role himself could get all turned around, but that Sachiko-sama had such a concrete grasp of such a complicated schema, well, as expected Sachiko-sama is amazing.

"Uh, so my mother is Masamitsu-san."

"My mother is Gakkou-sempai."

Upon receiving their instructions the two moved to the correct location, as if they were the Yakushiji-sempai brother's goldfish droppings.

"Ah, don't move, Yakushiji-sans." Sachiko-sama waved her rolled up script left and right.

"But, I'm Yumi-chan's mother."

"I'm Yukichi's mother."

There were heavy thumps in the sweaty atmosphere.

"...Eh-"

So, in conclusion, they're original positions had been in front of the correct Yakushiji brother. But, as if she hadn't noticed, Sachiko-sama said, "Take it from the first line of the page."

As if nothing had occurred, rehearsal picked up again. --As expected.

"That's fine. Then, next. The scene between the Minister of the Right and his wife."

"But Touko-chan is off today." Rei-sama said. Since Touko-chan was concurrently acting in the Drama Club's play, she was attending practice every other day. Being a popular actress is busy work.

"That's right, isn't it? But, because we need someone to stand by Takada-san's position, will someone become the stand-in?"

"OK." At the same time Rei-sama lifted her hand holding the script and stepped forward, the door to the room opened.

"I'm sorry that I'm late!" And so, she appeared.

"Touko-chan?"

"Yes, Matsudaira Touko has just arrived. Um, Rosa Chinensis, should I proceed with my scene?"

"You can just jump right in--"

"Yes. If you'd like. Ah, Takada-san, I look forward to working with you." As if she thought it awful making them wait, Touko-chan put a crown upon her head as if it were a court noble's hat, and threw the kimono over her shoulder, then stepped forward. At the edges of the crown, her banana curls popping out was kind of funny, but as Touko-chan took on an expression of concentrating on acting, no one laughed.

"'Indeed, this house now has a son.'"

Her usual sweet speaking voice underwent a complete change, and Touko-chan took on a dignified presence, as if she truly took on the name "actress," Yumi's thought was renewed.


2


She learned that Touko-chan had many things going on Thursday after school.

"Touko-chan's been kicked out of the Drama Club's play?" When she heard that fly out like a bolt from the blue from Touko-chan's first-year Tsubaki classmate Noriko-chan's mouth, Yumi distrusted her ears.

"Yeah. One of my classmates heard it from a person in the Drama Club. It seems that she got into some trouble within her section."

"Got into trouble, you said?"

"I don't know any more than that." Shaking her head back and forth Noriko-chan had, just at the end of cleaning time, run into Yumi's cleaning area. Panting, with the information in hand, she had left without a moment's delay to bring the news to Yumi. However depressing Touko-chan always was, this appeared to be far more than just a crisis with a friend.

Yumi put away the cleaning implements, and accompanied Noriko-chan to a corner of the school building. Touko-chan had been coming to their daily after-school gatherings at the Rose Mansion, but she had not begun any kind of discussion with Touko-chan.

As if she were sighing, Noriko-chan said, "I can't be sure that the confusion with the Drama Club has anything to do with the Yamayurikai's play, but I can't help but feel that it does."

"It was a hindrance to the Drama Club practice?"

"It may be. Excuse me, I don't really know anything about what happened. With this being so vague a consultation, I don't like to offer a suggestion."

"That's fine. Thank you for telling me. Does anyone at the Rose Mansion know about this?

"Not yet." After saying this, Noriko-chan muttered, "Ah" as if at the last moment she had remembered something. "What was I thinking? Why did I tell Yumi-sama--"

Always cool Noriko-chan. Upon finding her friend in real trouble, apparently she became completely disordered.


3


Yumi and Noriko-chan went together to the Rose Mansion, where they found that Touko-chan was already there, humming as she prepared tea. However, if you listened very, very carefully, you could make out that it was an old Enka (E: Japanese folk music, like American Country & Western) tune, with lyrics about a "Woman's Grudge." Being sung so brightly, it somehow felt a little uncanny.

"Touko-chan, you're not with the Drama Club today?" Rei-sama asked lightly, not knowing the situation.

"Mm. Because everything is going well, while they are doing the finishing touches, we have a special holiday."

"Ah, that's why you're in such a good mood."

"It looks that way? Heheheh."

Not heheheh, Touko-chan. Yumi watched, trembling. You're not in am good mood, and it's either bravado or desperation that's making you do this, isn't it?

"I'm jealous that it's going so well. After we drink our tea, we ought to rehearse. We can't lose to the Drama Club." Sachiko-sama came flying from a corner.

Yumi did not take her eyes off Touko-chan during that day's rehearsal. And so, she came to a conclusion. Touko-chan's ability to act was spectacular. She was even able to completely deceive Sachiko-sama who was a relative and had had a long association with her.

Matsudaira Touko was undoubtedly a gifted actress and, an extraordinary liar.

At the end of practice, because the first-years were allowed to return at their own discretion, Yumi explained what she had learned from Noriko-chan.

At first, everyone was surprised. "So you say," but, as they thought back Touko-chan's mood today, they found some strange things and agreed.

"Is there anything we can do?" Yumi consulted. When she said that, of course she was directing it at the two third-years.

"There's no other choice."

"Are we really thinking of doing it?" Sachiko-sama and Rei-sama met each other's gaze across the table.

"Um, what are you talking about..." she asked timidly.

"Think about it objectively. Which of these weighs more heavily on Touko-chan's mind?"

"That would be, obviously, the Drama Club."

If one is speaking of the Lillian Jogakuen Drama Club then, in terms of putting on a play, one had to acknowledge their superiority. When thinking about it in terms of advantage or disadvantage, not of which play she might want to choose, clearly the Drama Club would be better for Touko-chan.

Catching Rei-sama's "yes yes" nods out of the corner of her eye; she appeared to feel the same as Sachiko-sama.

Thereupon, Yoshino-san stood slowly up from her chair. "Is it all right to just fire her? Because Touko-chan didn't actually discuss with anyone whether she was thrown out of the Drama Club play, did she? If you think about it, we're going to be making her pay the price for our decision."

"Yoshino-chan's point of view is, to some extent, the correct one. She is still a first-year, I wonder if it would be all right to make her leave." Sachiko-sama crossed her arms. "What is Rosa Gigantea's opinion on this?"

Having been called upon, Shimako-san quietly rose from her seat and stated her opinion. "I also believe that the two are incompatible and that it would be better for Touko-chan to return to the Drama Club. After all, Touko-chan is an established member there, but here she is merely a temporary assistant."

"That's true. If she is a formal member, then she ought to concentrate her efforts on the Drama Club activities," muttered Rei-sama, the president of the Kendo club, although who could tell which group she concentrated on.

"Well...guiding one so that one does not choose the incorrect road is the duty of a sempai." Both Yoshino-san and Shimako-san, who had been standing, used this as an opportunity to retake their seats.

"So, we're generally in agreement. Then," Sachiko-sama said. "Yumi, please go tell Touko-chan."

"Eh?"

"That she should step down from the Yamayurikai production and return to the Drama Club's play."

"But, me?"

"Yes. You were the one who got her involved, weren't you."

"But, I..."

She had certainly been the one who had recruited Kanako-chan's assistance until the school festival, but in Touko-chan's case, she had come along like an uninvited wife, volunteering from her own desire.

But.

Yumi rethought this saying "that's not so." It wasn't really relevant, and it wouldn't allow her to get out of this.

During the rainy season, Sachiko-sama had taken time out of school because of her grandmother, and Yumi had asked Touko-chan to help out. Thinking about it, Touko-chan had also gotten involved when Kanako-chan had been brought in to assist. There wasn't any doubt
about it, mostly.

"Right. Because of me, certainly."

Thinking in this way, Noriko-chan had come to Yumi to discuss the situation with Touko-chan originally, which somehow gave her the feeling of consenting to it.


4


The day after, after school, escaping from cleaning just a little early, she turned towards the Rose Mansion quickly. She wanted to intercept Touko-chan before she got to the water's edge and went in.

Just as she thought, Touko-chan, who was skipping club activities, had arrived early and, standing in front of the Rose mansion entrance, gazed at Yumi with a strange expression as she approached.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" Yumi inquired.

"Like what?"

Concerned that Touko-chan might try and enter, Yumi grabbed her arm. "Why aren't you at your club?"

"Today is an off day."

With all her might, Yumi hung onto Touko-chan's arm, as she tried to shake her off and handed her over a single sheet of paper.

"This is a copy of the Drama Club's schedule. They received a license to use the gymnasium for the play today, it is not an off day. It's going well, in fact."

There was no way to evade this. At which Touko-chan became defiant. "It's a day off for only me. That's all right, isn't it?"

"It is not all right. That's called playing hooky, isn't it. If you continue to not go to your club for days, it will become difficult to return."

"..." Although she was silent, she had to acknowledge herself that that was true. Yumi broached the main subject.

"I hard the rumor that you were kicked out. It is true?"

"Yes."

"For what?"

"Nothing," Touko-chan said, quietly, looking out at the inner grounds. "It wasn't anything, it's just boring, that's all."

"Liar." It wasn't her intention to stir things up, it just inadvertently, popped out of her mouth. Because it was what she thought.

"Liar?" At Yumi's word, Touko-chan's eyebrows puckered.

"Touko-chan likes performing, don't you? I could see as much. So Drama Club can't really be boring."

"Please don't talk like you understand anything."

"What happened?"

"Nothing."

Again, nothing. However, this was different from the previous "nothing"; this time there was more afterwards. "Just, the level is very low. As soon as one bites into a line, one is attacked
for doing so. Well...I guess there's no helping it, that kind of jealousy of a first-year with such a large part. It appears that they don't like my attitude."

Apparently it was someone in the Drama Club.

"I was 'Amy' in 'Wakakusa Monogatari'."
(E: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ai_no_Wakakusa_Monogatari)

"'Wakakusa Monogatari'?"

"It's the well-known story of four sisters written by Alcott. Amy is the youngest child, the older ones are Meg, Jo and....someone, I can't remember the name of the oldest sister."

But, that's pretty great, isn't it. You're one of the leads." Yumi was happy, bouncing up and down on her toes. That she was one of the leads of the Yamayurikai's "Torikaebaya Monogatari" was completely forgotten. Because what they were talking about now was the Lillian Jogakuen School Festival play by the Drama Club, so if you drew a line from the School Council's entertainment to a performance a cut above, this would be the real thing.

"Wow, I'll look forward to it. I'll definitely go see it."

"But, I was using the past tense. Touko-chan smiled bitterly.

"Ah..." That's right, Yumi remembered. This was a conversation about her being knocked out. "But, why?"

This conversation seemed to have gained a little momentum, as Touko-chan ducked her head and spoke.

"It's not everyone, just one picky, persistent sempai. It's practice, so it's natural to make a mistake once in a while. If we're perfect for the performance, it's because of that. That was what I said and, even though I chose my words carefully, I was told that I was impertinent. Ah, even remembering it now makes me get angry. Huh, why am I telling Yumi-sama all of this? But, since I've already begun, I guess it can't be helped. ....Anyway, this sempai's speeches were always beating me over the head with 'stupid' 'you idiot.' 'Really, you're so difficult,' that kind of thing. Then, it had to come to a head, right? And it just popped out of my mouth."

"W, what did?"

"I said, then, you do it."

Even thought it was not that situation, blood rose to Touko's face. Scary, Touko-chan.

Yumi felt most sympathetic, that the entire Drama Club has witnessed this quarrel. That was a frightening thing.

"Then, the sempai is taking the role of Amy?"

"I don't know. Since I ran out of practice, I haven't shown my face."

"I see."

"If I'm not there, I still think that they can perform 'Wakakusa Monogatari.' But, it will be impossible for that sempai to play Amy with her abilities, you see. I said that, that I knew that. Probably, she knew as well. ...I see. Because she knew that, I became the object of her criticism."

Halfway through this, Touko-chan left Yumi behind and, muttering to herself as if she was thinking aloud, she put it all together. She had flown into a rage and her reaction had been to return tit for
tat, Yumi thought.

"We Rosa Chinensis think that it would be best if Touko-chan returned to the Drama Club."

"So I'm not needed?" Suddenly Touko-chan lifted her eyes. She, who hard bared her fangs a moment ago towards the Drama Club, underwent a radical change as she turned toward the Yamayurikai.

"I'm not saying that you aren't needed. Probably, Sachiko-sama is, for Touko-chan's sake, liberating you."

"How is that?" Not something Touko-chan liked, not wanting to believe "beloved Sachiko-oneesama."

"As for me, Touko-chan. I am incredibly thankful for you coming to assist us. But, if it has become an obstacle to your continuing on with your club activities, then I think it's a problem."

"I don't want to hear such pretty words. It's like Yumi-sama is saying to me, be a good girl, and it makes my stomach knot up. Isn't it that Yumi-sama is being pushy, and is just performing last rights over me? Because I would have preferred the single phrase, 'You're fired.' Then, with a word, the whole thing is resolved, isn't it?"

"No, it's not." This wasn't "you're fired." And even if that had been what they meant, it wouldn't be settled. "Certainly, it does seem that I'm performing last rites over Touko-chan, however. If that's the case, then at this point you should say nothing and understand."

"Huh?"

"Touko-chan. Go to Drama Club now. I'll be here for you. Then, if you have once more taken on the role of Amy, let me watch you. Be quiet, and take on the role of Passerby A or Passerby B or even it's all right if you're a helper, but come and tell me."

"Those aren't roles."

"This is what if. In any case, it's no good if you're not part of the Drama Club performance in any kind of role. Because you are very talented at the role of the Minister of the Right. If they don't allow you to participate, I think that it would be an incredible loss for the Lillian Jogakuen Drama Club, a serious loss."

"Is this a praise-to- kill-campaign now?" Touko-chan's brows drew together.

A praise-to-kill-campaign. Like when politicians often praise opponents over and above necessity to make them self-destruct.

"That's not it. Since I think it would be a loss, I said it would be a loss. If you do and just go out for our play here, it would be a waste."

"Um..."

"In the first place, you prefer the club activities of the Drama Club. Right?" It seems that the members have no complaints against your performance. So, you'll reserve power to work on 'Torikaebaya'. If there's not enough time to practice during rehearsals, I'll be your practice partner. Right. Can you come to my house? Yuuki will be there, so that will be good."

Imagining what fun that would be, Yumi got a totally happy expression. In inverse proportion to that attitude, Touko's face became ill-humored.

"Please don't say things that can't be thought about."

"Why do you say that it's something you can't think about?"

"Why, you say?" Was all Touko-chan said.

"Is it because I'm interfering that's causing you discomfort?"

"That's not it all."

Yumi took Touko-chan's hand and gave it a tight squeeze. "Compared with Sachiko-sama's and Kashiwagi-san's houses, it's quite small but, my parents love guests. I think we should try for dinner. How about it?"

"...Again with that guileless face."

"Eh?"

"I understand. Since I understand, will you let go of my hand?"

"Then."

Against Yumi and her shining gaze, Touko-chan's attitude was cold.

"Please don't jump to any hasty conclusions. I don't need to intrude upon your household, I'll return to the Drama Club on my own."

"Oh, ...you will?" That was a little boring.

"I will not be one of those children who gets into an argument outside and must be made to reconcile by her parents."

"Well, I don't really understand, but that's not important."

Touko-chan began walking towards the school buildings, it somehow seemed that she was flowing away. "Therefore, please don't follow me, is what I am saying. Really, it's just embarrassing, isn't it?"

Her face was red with anger, so Yumi halted her steps and gave up. Touko-chan walked as if she was on two springs, shaking and trembling. The power of anger, no doubt, because she seemed to be walking with incredible power, and she wondered if it was all right to let her go alone.

"Touko-chan." As she approached the entrance to the school building, Yumi called out for her to stop. "It's just, impossibility is taboo. Sleep well and eat well and stress won't build up. If you want to
complain, just come to wherever I am. Okay?"

Touko-chan answered neither "yes" nor "no," but lowered her head with a bitter smile. Nevertheless, Yumi was satisfied.

When she could no longer see Touko's form, she turned around and returned to the Rose Mansion, where she stood next to the door and put her hands together to save a Novena, before opening it.

"Really, you're so..."

"Wah, wah, Onee-sama!"

What, what, she didn't know why, but she was filled with panic, as it wasn't just Sachiko-sama; behind her Rei-sama and Yoshino-san appeared.

Then, she comprehended. Everyone had been worried and, it appeared, had been standing just inside the door, listening. It's no wonder that everyone had appeared.

Because they had no confidence, they gave the impression of being mad. But, everyone had been worried that Yumi would not be able to accomplish the role as lead actress.

"I'm so sorry, just acting selfishly like that."

"Really." Sachiko-sama smiled like she was amazed, and fixed Yumi's collar. "But, probably, Yumi was the best possible choice for Touko-chan."

"...I didn't believe it though."

At those muttered words Yoshino-san just blurted out, "Be quiet and believe it. Yumi-san's heart was all set up with vigor, and made Touko-chan willing."

"It's as Yoshino says." Rei-sama smiled.

Then, until the school festival Yumi's favorite motto suddenly became 'You can become successful.'

"So, now then let's go to the second floor. Shimako-san has been babysitting the first-years by herself."

Looking up at Sachiko-sama's back ahead of her as she climbed the stairs, Yumi met Yoshino-san's gaze and laughed.

"Babysitting, huh?"

"Right."

She was walking towards the best possible future she could imagine, Yumi thought.

From now until the school festival, the road might take her through ravines and gorges but, if she cleared each thing one at a time, the goal of a great future awaited. If she could believe that, softly and a little bit at a time, she would not be discouraged and the power would well up.

"Hey, you two, don't stand there and laugh, hurry up and come up here."

Rei-sama's voice responded with "Ye-s," and with that, Yoshino-san and she, for no reason, started to giggle.



5


After that, they almost never saw Touko-chan at the Rose Mansion.

"She appears to be going to Drama Club practice properly. Both the club president and the advisor say that her performance is even better than before the break, worthy of fame."

Wednesday after school. She heard from Noriko-chan - who she had met upon the way to go meet the Hanadera Council members - that, on that day, after Touko-chan had left her and headed to the gymnasium non-stop and, in front of all the club members in dress rehearsal, had silently bowed her head deeply and apologized for skipping practice, then requested earnestly to be reinstated in the role of Amy.

'Frankly, it caused trouble for the Drama Club when Touko went missing. Therefore, there was no way that they could hold out their hand and tell her to come back whenever she wanted to. It would set a bad precedent for the other club members. However, Touko continued to bow her head in front of them. So, to preserve face, they allowed a reconciliation, it's said."

"So, I'll be able to see Touko-chan's Amy."

As you say. Thanks to you, Yumi-sama."

"Me? I didn't do anything." Without thinking about her words, Yumi's eyes grew round and she pointed at herself.

"Really? Whatever you said to Touko roused her, is what I think."

"Mm. Not really. I wanted to be useful, but I was rejected." She had said let's go together to the Drama Club, she had said, come to my house to practice for the play, every word had been followed with a grumbled remark, all of them. "Well. Whatever it was, Touko-chan is taking club activities seriously, which is good."

"That's right."

Avoiding the gingkoes that had begun falling, she walked leisurely along with Noriko-chan, as if they were a married couple of many years. Somehow, it was a very
"peaceful" feeling. Of course, it was probably just "the calm before the storm."

At any rate, the guys had entered the premises, and the problem became, should they meet and guide them each one by one or not? It was tradition at that girls' school, but there was an understanding that that might not happen. If they had to do that every time, it would be burdensome.

"So, she won't be coming until the actual performance?"

"Touko? No, Saturday, when we go to Hanadera Gakuin for the last rehearsal, she'll come. The Drama Club's advisory teacher won't be there in the afternoon so they'll be preparing for the performance the day afterward by resting, she said."

"You're going to go off and suddenly get some kind of reward for Touko-chan for working so seriously, huh."

"No way."

Noriko-chan laughed explosively but, Yumi couldn't actually deny the possibility. Thinking about it felt kind of nice.

"Speaking of which, Yumi-sama, are there any extra admission tickets for the school festival?"

"Ah, all of them are accounted for."

"I see."

Yumi asked, "why," to which Noriko-chan responded with frankness, "The truth is."

"At the public school I went to, I have some middle school classmates who are interested in what a girls' school festival is like. They wanted to know if they could come. But, our tickets are limited. I was just asking lightly if a few tickets hadn't yet been prepared."

Noriko-chan was living apart from her parents and her little sister, staying with her grand-aunt; she had also given one ticket to her fellow hobbyist Takuya-kun, so she had one ticket left over.

Yumi had also given a ticket to her parents and to Yuuki, and after that, if she was able to come, would mail one to her grandmother in Yamanashi. And, after that, one would be delivered at the home of Ikegami Yumiko along with a letter.

Basically, each student was able to receive five tickets for the school festival. Basically, that is to say, they would be accommodated, if they applied for a few more. But the formalities were, sadly, very troublesome. Having to submit an application for every person, their name, and what relation they had to the student, was a lot of trouble.

Therefore usually, friends would give excess tickets to friends. Those students who had attended Lillian since kindergarten had no friends from other schools, so there were only a few with not enough for all their siblings.

"Touko also said she didn't have any extra...., maybe I should check with Kanako-san."

Kanako-san. As Noriko-chan uttered the name, it just seemed right for Yumi to ask. "Hey, Noriko-chan, do you know about Kanako-chan's family situation?"

"No? Eh, does she have a big family?"

"Uh-uhn, no. I mean, no, I don't know."

She hadn't heard whether she had any siblings or what kind. She probably had a mother but, her father...there was some reason there.

"You don't know, either, Yumi-sama?" Noriko-chan asked unexpectedly.

"Mm. So, I can't predict if she'd have any extras."

"But, like me, Kanako-chan came her from another school. Surely she has some friends from her middle school days that she wants to give them to."

That seemed to be well thought out. Noriko-chan had given up a line on receiving Kanako-chan's tickets.

"Ah, if I can free up Yuuki's portion that would be okay. After all, he's helping the Yamayurikai so, he shouldn't need a separate admission ticket." And, as Yumi muttered this, they came within sight of the school gates. In the middle of the group awaiting them, Yuuki was noticeable with his hand raised lightly. He didn't know that he had been deprived of his ticket.

However.

"No, because the truth is." As he listened to his older sister's story, Yuuki became increasingly nervous, confessing at the end.

"No?"

"I'm sorry. It's already taken."

"Liar." Yumi froze her right palm onto her younger brother. "Wait, what have you done? My name is affixed to the back of that. If the person you give it to does something bad to Lillian, I'm the one who will be called out for it. In former days, these tickets, which can't be bought, have been sold for money. It's your duty to keep that from happening."

"I don't think that person will harm Lillian or sell it." Yuuki said dryly, while they walked. "But, I'm sorry. Don't get desperate. What I'm saying is, everyone just aimed to get a ticket with Yumi's name on it. I didn't even realize that there had been a struggle to get it, of course, if I had heard rumors, I wouldn't have had any intention of anyone getting it. It started a real Battle Royale."

"B, Battle Royale."

A Battle Royale, he says. To be the one who remains alive, anyone other than one's self must become the enemy, is what they called that kind of hand to hand melee'. But, why is something like that going on at Hanadera?

"Everyone knew that Yukichi was getting a ticket from the Yamayurikai. Moreover, after our school festival, the number of Yumi-chan fans increased." From behind, Arisu's voice hurried up to them.

"By the time the Student Council noticed, there was no way to honestly settle the situation. But, Yukichi faced down the whole group. But even with Yukichi defending it to the last, he had to back down."

"Then?"

He then said that it was taken from her little brother. Not Sachiko-sama but..., the thought swirled around in her head. What on earth kind of place was a boy's school?

"But, in front of Yukichi, who had given up, a savior appeared," Arisu said, with shining eyes. If the real savior appeared at Hanadera, it would have been a topic of conversation, so this must be a metaphor.

"Who was that?"

"Hikaru-no-kimi."

"...If you mean that it was Kashiwagi-san, say that. I beg you." She collapsed under pressure. If you weren't accustomed to the nicknames at Hanadera, it was severe.

"Kashiwagi-sempai, who had just happened to be passing by by chance, said, "Yukichi already promised to give me his ticket" and took it. In the student body, there aren't too many guys who want to be that person's opponent." Yuuki said.

"Do I just not remember that kind of a promise between Yuuki and Kashiwagi-san?"

"But, because of that, no one had to see my blood. Yumi wouldn't like to see anyone injured because of her ticket, right?"

"I wouldn't, but." She understood the circumstances. However, she couldn't permit her brother to just hand over a ticket so easily. Because it was a shock, she allowed herself to pick at it for a little bit.

"Hmm. I see. Even now, Kashiwagi-san has a lot of influence at Hanadera Gakuin."

"...ut up." Yuuki avoided a gingko.

Ah, how interesting. Well, it couldn't be helped, so for now, it would have to be forgiven, right?



6


"I've got extras. How many do you want?" Kanako-chan answered Noriko's question of "Do you have any extras" lightly, without expression.

"H, how many?" It seemed strange to hear that, how many do you want. She thought she could see Yumi out of the corner of her eye.

Sachiko-sama and Rei-sama were not in their seats, and the Rose Mansion was shrouded with the same atmosphere of disorder as a classroom at recess.

"Two, wait, as many as four would be fine."

"Wah, rich." Arisu and Kobayashi-kun, who were watching said at the same time. At Hanadera Gakuin there was a black market for admission tickets to Lillian's school festival. For Kanako-chan to give them away to her friend free of charge made her a beautiful, magnanimous, young lady, you could say.

Ignoring the arbitrary excitement of the guys, Kanako-chan took five tickets out of her school bag, took one back for herself, then held the remainder out for Noriko-chan.

"She may not be able to come, but for the moment, this one for my mother can't be taken."

"Are you sure?"

"Please. It's pointless if I just carry them. However, these tickets come with a condition. You may not give one to a man."

This was said not minding that in this small room there were six men. Somehow in order for Kanako-chan to be able to work on a play together with men, it seemed that she was completely disregarding their existence as the opposite gender.

"Roger." Noriko-chan took the four tickets from Kanako-chan, then pulled two out and returned them.

"Why? Two aren't enough are they."

"Mm. But, somehow I think doing this is the right thing."

"...I see."

Kanako-chan added the two returned tickets to the one she had previously kept, putting them in her bag. This chain of action was watched droolingly by the boys, although being "men" they would never be able to ask "if those two are extra, can I have them please." Obviously.

When Sachiko-sama and Rei-sama had returned from their business outside the Mansion, as they began practice, she thought, when the two had come in, the group had become more lively with more and more people.

"It's second-year Sakura class. We're doing a café for the school festival, so we've brought coffee and cake."

"Yay!"

Because young girls have a genuine love for sweets. The boys from the boys' school were positively starving for something "handmade by girls."

"Afterwards, we'll take away the tableware, so at that time, please give us your honest opinions."

These girls who were seeking knowledge were wearing pink aprons with "Sakuratei" written on them. (E: the word would be something like "Café Sakura") which she knew by sight. Last year they made something as well. She thought could see the stains on the aprons from last year where curry had been dropped, but because she couldn't be sure, she decided to not see them.

It was very nostalgic meeting them again, after one year had passed she felt keenly. One year ago, it was still "which one will play Cinderella" rivalry with Sachiko-sama. Or, more properly, it was "which one won't do it?"

Noriko-chan, helping out the second year Sakura class carried the coffee over to the table so, as expected, Kanako-chan carried over the cake without being asked.

"Kanako-san, I think will be it for the time being."

Kanako-chan had no answer then as, in the few minutes from coffee time to the beginning of practice, she was seen taking the tickets from her bag.


7


The three tickets Kanako-chan originally had left were, for a little while, asleep in her bag. Not that they were seen, but they were just understood to be there.

Kanako-chan was chatting during an interval in the play, and while letting her mind wander, happened to look at her bag.

But, she wasn't uneasy about the bag itself, she was just concerned for what was inside. After what Noriko-chan had said, she hesitated a bit. The ticket's future.

Yumi had not asked Kanko-chan about the tickets. She had given Noriko-chan her advice once. That was enough, she thought. But it wasn't her imagination. She had a thought that one of those tickets was for her father.

Kanako-chan had previously said that she had no father. But, the expression hadn't been one of bereavement. She could assume that they probably didn't live together. What the circumstances were, she didn't know. One didn't usually intrude upon other's family situations by asking.

She didn't know the circumstances but, she understood why Kanako-chan had hesitated. Obviously, it was over a ticket for her separated father, about which she was thinking for quite a while.

As if, would mailing it now would it arrive on time.
If she sent it out express mail today, it ought to arrive the day before the festival.
If she used a city delivery company, half a day.

If she kept on that way, maybe a bad day-to-day situation might gradually be sent off. And, maybe her father's ticket is still inside the bag. Today was Saturday. The school festival was tomorrow.

But, it wouldn't be good to give up. Grit one's teeth, tomorrow
Father will come to the front gate, and maybe the method of handing it over will be in person before he comes in.

(Huh...?")

Yumi, who had a pleasant desire for Kanako-chan to hand her father a ticket, noticed something. Somehow, maybe she had the feeling that Kanko-chan wished that her father would come to the School Festival.

"Hey, Sachiko-sama? Did you give a ticket to Suguru-oniisama?" Touko-chan asked Sachiko-sama directly, during the short break at the end of rehearsal. Although it had been a while and this was the final rehearsal for the play, the feeling from Touko-chan had been anything but blank, instead her performance had had an overwhelming power, to the extent that Sachiko-sama had instructed her to "hold back just a little more." The Minister of the Right, Touko-chan's wife, Kobayashi-kun, had received a power up now that his husband had returned, which had made it very interesting.

"Ticket?" Sachiko-sama stopped her hand from writing things to remember on the script. "Yes, tentatively."

Tentatively or not, of course she had presented one to him. When Yumi heard that, she honestly became a little interested. Laugh at a younger sister's jealousy. But, even if it was an unexpected accident that Kashiwagi-san had in his hand one of her tickets, when it came to Sachiko-sama, there had to be some of his will in there, surely.

Tentatively, since they were cousins. And tentatively, they were still to be called engaged. Naturally she would give one, or conversely, it would be strange if she didn't give one. --So her heart muttered, so she consented. However, she joined Sachiko-sama and added "tentatively" to the thought.

"Then, when I present one, the tickets will have doubled. The truth is that I was thinking that tonight, the plan was to go over the Kashiwagi house and give him one to the Drama Club play together
with ours."

Should I not do that, Touko-chan was asking. If Sachiko-sama were opposed, of course she would keep it in reserve.

"Ah, you don't think it would be good to present that to him?" Sachiko-sama said lightly. "If you use this one now, Touko-chan's feelings of what you wish will be transmitted."

Nicely said, Sachiko-sama. Those words would probably reach Kanako-chan sideways. Yes, important feelings are important.

As she thought that, Yumi was startled. So by saying that, maybe Sachiko-sama had given thought of her wishes to Kashiwagi-san. ...It was complicated.

"Yes, that's right. I'll do it." Touko-chan stepped on the cuff of her hakama, then grabbing it at the crotch and pulling, she skipped off, swish-swished off the stage.

"I'm a little jealous, Kashiwagi-sempai..." The two guys, who had been pretending to be working and had been eavesdropping on the conversation, let out a little sigh.

"It won't be doubled. It'll be tripled."

And so, the final practice ended safely.

Fitting the costumes perfectly in time, tomorrow would be the actual performance of the Yamayurikai's play.

Continued in Part 4


Tags: Maria-sama ga Miteru, Marimite, Tokubestsu Denai Tada no Ichihi