(Sutamai) Event: ‘The Hidden Princess Kaguya’, Part 6

[nhp]

EVENT STORY INDEX

55.

 

-Hill of Chinese Bellflowers-

 

Prince (Kaname): ……

 

Scion (Otani): … So in other words, I unfortunately don’t know her whereabouts either.

Nor did I see what direction she went in. I had stopped chasing after her.

 

Messenger (Arakida): ……

 

Scion (Otani): Now then, the story’s over.

All that’s left is for you to erase my memories.

 

Messenger (Kagura): …!

 

Messenger (Maki): … So she told you that much.

 

Scion (Otani): I said so, didn’t I? That I’ve heard everything.

“If the messengers from the moon come, then all your memories to do with me will most likely be wiped out.”

And in order to do that…

The person themselves must recall their “encounter” and “parting” with her as distinctly as possible.

That’s why she told us to speak about those two points.

 

Messenger (Arakida): ……

 

Scion (Otani): After hearing all that…

I finally understood why she went out of her way to say farewell to us when she hated things that made people sad. 

Seeing as we’d be robbed of our memories in any case.

 

Prince (Kaname): … Why do you think she did it?

 

Scion (Otani): To leave behind an unmistakable goodbye.

“When was the last time again?” or “How did it go down again?”

If the memory is vague, then maybe it won’t disappear completely and still be there, right?

 

Messenger (Maki): ……

 

Scion (Otani): I’m pretty sure the other guys were also told the same story.

 

Prince (Kaname): ……

 

Scion (Otani): Someone you love more than anyone else, yet you can never see them again, let alone being able to even recall them anymore.

I reckon there wouldn’t have been a single one of them who thought of that as not a big deal.

But even after understanding all that, she had considered what was best for us, and had wanted it to be that way.

That was what she had wished for more than anything else.

So everyone accepted to let go of their memories. They chose to forget about her for her sake.

… Those people whose memories you’ve taken tonight…

Were all humans of that sort.

 

Messenger (Maki): ……

 

 

57.

 

-Hill of Chinese Bellflowers-

 

Prince (Kaname): … And what of it? Are you telling us to feel a sense of guilt?

 

Scion (Otani): This isn’t that kind of talk.

I had merely wanted to put that out there because I felt like it.

 

Prince (Kaname): ……

 

Scion (Otani): Anyway, it’s all over now.

What a weight off my shoulders.

 

Messenger (Arakida): … Who the hell said you could make that call?

We’re not finished here!!

 

Messenger (Kagura): ……

 

Scion (Otani): It’s over. Our story with Kaguya has ended.

 

Messenger (Arakida): Well then, where in the world did Lady Kaguya go!?

Someone’s hiding her somewhere!

She’s not the type to break a promise without saying anything like this! She wouldn’t—!!

 

Scion (Otani): … Are you also the same as us?

 

Messenger (Arakida): What…?

 

Scion (Otani): Powerless to stop her from leaving, but unable to go with her.

All we were capable of doing was longing for her.

 

Messenger (Arakida): …!

 

Messengers (Kagura & Maki): ……

 

Scion (Otani): … Did she really make that promise?

 

Messenger (Arakida): Of course—

 

Scion (Otani): That she would return to the moon at all cost?

Did she clearly say that?

 

Messenger (Arakida): …!

 

Scion (Otani): … Thought so.

Even up until the end, she never once told a lie.

She’s not that sort of girl, right?

 

Prince (Kaname): …… 

 

Scion (Otani): … She yearned to be free, learned what that was like, and fell in love with it.

And then, before we were even aware of it, we were in love with her tied-down self.

If there is a culprit who hid away Princess Kaguya…

Then it might be freedom, the very thing itself.

 

Messenger (Arakida): ……

 

Scion (Otani): Well, whatever. I somewhat went off topic.

But if you could get rid of my memories for me, I’d actually be grateful for that.

 

Messenger (Maki): Huh?

 

Scion (Otani): C’mon, wouldn’t you agree?

This feeling isn’t entirely unbearable, but I don’t think I can live with it till death.

 

Messenger (Kagura): ……

 

Scion (Otani): I almost want to ask for it as a favour.

Sorry, but I’ll have to pass up on forever suffering from some make-believe feeling.

 

Prince (Kaname): … Human lies don’t work on us.

 

Scion (Otani): Lies? What are you talking about all of a sudden?

 

Prince (Kaname): I’m sure she definitely wouldn’t have mentioned this, so I’ll say it instead.

People of the moon unconditionally captivate Earthlings.

So it’s been decided that the memory of those humans whose hearts have then been misled are to be erased.

 

Scion (Otani): I’ve heard about that, yes.

 

Prince (Kaname): That’s why there’s no reason to erase anything for the people whose hearts haven’t been affected.

 

Scion (Otani): … What… 

 

Prince (Kaname): There’s no basis to wipe out your memory, so it won’t be.

… If you honestly want to forget…

Then do it yourself.

 

Scion (Otani): … That really isn’t funny.

 

Prince (Kaname): I’m not trying to be.

… Let’s go.

 

Messengers (Kagura & Maki): … Yes, your Highness.

 

Messenger (Arakida): ……

 

Scion (Otani): … Haha. Well, isn’t this just great.

So I’m truly being left here for cold, huh.

You going home already?

 

Prince (Kaname): … Someday, we will. Together with her.

I made a promise, after all.

That I would come fetch her, no matter what.

 

Scion (Otani): … I see.

In that case, if you do find her, tell her… 

 

 

Scion (Otani): That I was serious about her.

 

Prince (Kaname): ……

 

{Page flips}

 

* * *

 

 

Seasons change, and the gorgeous autumn months come around once again.

 

While the men who lost their memories were living out their lives peacefully…

 

 

* * *

 

 

The man who failed to lose his memories would this year too, aimlessly visit a certain hill.

 

And blossoming in all their glory were the Chinese Bellflowers that she had loved.

 

 

Scion (Otani): ……

… They’re blooming this year as well.

 

 

Her bright smile that appeared to light up all nights would cross his mind, and then gently fade away.

 

The man would then softly close his eyes…

 

For he had no hope of finding the moon hidden somewhere in the blue sky.

 

 

59.

 

-Hotel: Bedroom-

 

{Page flips}

 

Man (Otani): … The End.

 

Woman: ……

 

Man (Otani): Wasn’t it a boring story?

 

Woman: Yeah. It was roundabout and kind of ironic.

But… let’s see…

For an on-the-spot and made-up tale to end things with me for good, you did well.

 

Man (Otani): Haha. Is that how you heard it?

 

Woman: Were you aiming to tell it so that it didn’t sound like that?

 

Man (Otani): Your sarcasm is a cut above mine.

 

Woman: There was no need for you to do something this dull.

“I will never show my face around you again.”

“I’m severing all ties with you, so I want you to forget everything.”

“If you forget, what awaits you are peaceful and happy days.”

“If you don’t forget, you’ll forever be suffering by yourself.”

You could’ve simply wrapped it up by saying that.

 

Man (Otani): … That so?

 

Woman: To think you were a guy who sucked this badly at breaking up with a girl. I’m speechless to the bitter end.

 

Man (Otani): Reckon you can forget a guy such as this, no worries?

 

Woman: … Thanks to your efforts.

Just go already.

 

Man (Otani): I promised that I’d stay by your side till you drifted off.

 

Woman: I passed out long ago. This is me sleep-talking.

 

Man (Otani): Sleep-talking, huh.

You know, I loved that part about you.

 

Woman: I hated it.

 

Man (Otani): Haha.

 

Woman: For the record, this is also me sleep-talking.

 

Man (Otani): I know. Goodnight.

May you find happiness with him.

 

Woman: … What, you serious?

Even though you’re running away, you’re going to oh so courteously leave behind some hocus-pocus while you’re at it?

 

Man (Otani): Is that also you talking in your sleep?

 

Woman: … You flee from the women who hang onto you, but you can’t stop yourself from pursuing the ones who escape.

If you don’t do something about that sickness of yours, you’ll never be able to find happiness your whole life.

 

Man (Otani): ……

 

Woman: This is all sleep-talk.

If you can find it though, be happy. Goodbye.

 

Man (Otani): … Sweet dreams.

 

* * *

 

 

Since long ago, I haven’t been able to help but lovingly think of people who are bound to a promise they never made.

 

Perhaps it was because I was in the same position that it was laughable beyond control.

 

As I wished for the happiness of the woman whose name I didn’t even know—whom towards the end, had sent back a curse of her own—I left Room 3021, never to return again.

 

The smell of the Cabernet that was lazily drawn out during its drinking, slipped out from under the crack of the door and disappeared.

 

 

* * *

 

{Door opens}

 

-Makoto’s House: Living Room-

 

Kyosuke: Oh, rough day, huh.

 

Makoto: Yeah…

That’s…

 

Kyosuke: Right, sorry. It was left lying around here so I read it. That’s cools, yeah?

 

Makoto: I don’t mind. I wouldn’t leave it in such a spot in the first place if it was going to bother me that someone would read it.

 

Kyosuke: That’s what I had thought. Phew.

It was interesting! I finished it in one sitting.

 

Makoto: I see.

 

Kyosuke: But there’s a cross marked on the front page, so I’m guessing that means…

 

Makoto: Yeah.

It’s a scrapped idea.

 

 

60.

 

-Makoto’s House: Living Room-

 

Kyosuke: But you took the trouble of completing it until the end. Why are you scrapping it?

 

Makoto: … Because no matter how many times I rewrote the ending scene, I wasn’t satisfied with it.

Then, in the midst of all that, a much better story popped up using the same theme.

 

Kyosuke: Okay, I see… Incidentally, what’s that story about?

 

Makoto: It’s a tale leading up to how the Kaguya who came down to Earth becomes Abe no Seimei*.

 

 

T/N: Google “Abe no Seimei” if you’re curious and wanting a small history lesson.

 

 

Kyosuke: Woah, I really can’t imagine how that would play out, but it definitely sounds interesting.

I kind of feel like it’s a waste, but if that’s what you’ve decided, then that’s that, I guess.

Are you going to model your characters after everyone else for that story too, like you did with this one?

 

Makoto: … You could tell, huh.

 

Kyosuke: Duh~ Firstly, the Moon Prince is Kana-kun, right?

Next is the messenger who erases memories, which is Kei-chan, and the one that complements him is Kagura-kun.

I’m assuming the bodyguard messenger that uses the blade is Arakida-san?

 

Makoto: Yeah.

 

Kyosuke: Also, there’s no description whatsoever on the appearance of the “man”, but I knew straight away that it was Hatori-san.

And each and every one of the noblemen are the people involved with STAND.

Did you research into all their individual perspectives on love?

 

Makoto: No. This time I simply took the personalities that I saw for myself…

And combined it with my imagination to put together something fictional. That’s it.

If I could gather data on them, then there’s the possibility that a taste of an even deeper story would come to me.

 

Kyosuke: They do say that “truth is stranger than fiction”.

Hatori-san, for example, seems like someone who would have a bunch of wild stories on him.

By the way… is the model for Kaguya, Rei-san?

 

Makoto: There are parts where I used her as a reference, but not so far as to be a model.

 

Kyosuke: Figures, huh? Of course.

If this Kaguya was Rei-san, then I don’t think this kind of turn of event would happen.

 

Makoto: You’re right about that.

 

Kyosuke: Rather than calling her the Moon, she fits the image of the Sun.

 

Makoto: … I see. So that’s how she appears to you.

 

Kyosuke: Hm?

 

[BAM BA-BA-BAAAM! CLANG A-DANG-DANG-CLANG!]

 

Makoto: !!

 

Kyosuke: Oh, Namihara-san is calling.

 

Makoto: … I’m not done yet.

 

[Beep]

 

Kyosuke: Er, no, they’re not going to know that if you don’t pick up and tell them…

Ah, there you go again, hiding it away in that sort of spot.

 

 

My brother turned off his phone and promptly shoved it into the gap of the sofa.

 

Then on top of that, he placed a cushion.

 

 

Kyosuke: Is your manuscript not coming along?

 

Makoto: … The overall plot is in order.

 

Kyosuke: (Which means he hasn’t started writing anything yet.)

(I’ll give Namihara-san a call later…)

Well… Hang in there somehow as you take your mental break.

I brought over dumplings for us today and all.

 

Makoto: !

 

Kyosuke: Let’s eat them together later tonight.

 

Makoto: … Why must it be later tonight?

 

Kyosuke: Because I bought them, hoping to enjoy them while watching the moon.

 

Makoto: While watching the moon?

 

Kyosuke: … “This world, I think, is indeed my world.”

“Like the full moon I shine, uncovered by any cloud.”

 

 

T/N: From the “Full Moon Poem” written by Fujiwara no Michinaga. There are several variations in translations and interpretations, so I picked the one cited on Wikipedia. The meaning of the poem can range from “This world is my oyster, and like the full moon, I lack for nothing” to “This world is mine, and like how the full moon has no flaws, everything is as I wish” depending on how much of his personal history and background you take into account.

 

 

Makoto: Why are you bringing up Fujiwara no Michinaga?

 

Kyosuke: That’s right, today’s full moon is exactly 1000 years after the night he recited this poem.

They were going over it in the news.

 

Makoto: … I see.

 

Kyosuke: There’s always this sense that historical figures are like characters appearing from out of a story.

So when you hear those discussions, somehow, you kind of think to yourself that yeah, these people really did live in this world.

It’s a strange feeling.

 

Makoto: It certainly is difficult to experience a “reality” in the information we take in for knowledge.

But in each of their memoirs, and within their poetry…

Their living and breathing remains pronounced.

 

Kyosuke: … Their living and breathing?

 

Makoto: ……

 

 

My brother then paused for a moment before reciting a poem.

 

 

Makoto: “At evening time, beyond the streaming clouds are my thoughts…”

“In the firmament with the one I love.”

 

 

T/N: Poem 484, in Volume 11 of the “Kokin Wakashu” by Anonymous. This translation is available online here [LINK] at Waka Poetry and is done by Dr Thomas McAuley. The meaning can be interpreted as “When I look beyond the clouds illuminated by the sunset, I am suddenly lost in thought. For I am in love with the person on the other side of that sky…” The poem is often used to express a love for someone whose class, status, or rank is beyond that person’s reach.

 

 

Kyosuke: … I haven’t heard of that one.

 

Makoto: It dates back to a short time before the birth of Fujiwara no Michinaga.

But it’s included in the collection of Japanese poetry that was compiled in the same Heian era. It’s a poem by an unknown composer.

… It sang of a heart longing for someone out of reach, at the ends of the evening sky.

 

Kyosuke: ……

 

Makoto: It just means that even after 1000 years, the thoughts of those who once gazed up at the sky haven’t really changed.

 

Kyosuke: … It’s a nice poem.

Do you also find yourself thinking of someone in that way?

 

Makoto: ……

 

 

After a slightly long pause, the only answer my brother gave was “I suppose”.

 

So I didn’t reply back with anything more than an acknowledgement either.

 

His eyes that were imperceptibly glancing outside the darkening window…

 

Appeared to be somewhere far off, as if he was looking at someone.