Translator: Flowingcloud Editor: Arocks141
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Theater 3: Genius Beauty’s Acting Showdown With Best Friend’s Papa!? – Scene 1
Rindou Affiliated Elementary School, Reception Room (Day)
Documents are spread on the desk for Tsugumi’s mother, and Tsugumi is observing.
—Rindou Affiliated Private Elementary School
It was a prestigious school that has produced or supported the activities of many celebrities. II did not know of this institution unrelated to me in my previous life, but among the students that were raised here, I knew quite a few people from my previous life. I looked at the list of graduates, which was displaying the person’s identity clearly, and my eyes followed the names I knew.
There were students in the elementary school section that had been child actors at the time. I knew some of the names listed as well. Excluding Sakura-chan, whose acting was outstanding even though she didn’t go to a specialized school.
“Oh, I see the V-cinema actress Kusunoki Oza is on the list. Here, Tsugumi.” 1
“You’re right!”
“I also heard she appeared in a horror movie… but I don’t know too much about it.”
“Really?”
“Tsugumi-chan and your mother both have refined tastes.”
The famous V-cinema actor, Kusunoki Oza, and her sworn younger brother, Koda Riku, were famous. They are both in their sixties now, right? I miss those actors. If I remember correctly, they co-starred in a horror movie about the yakuza. Kusunoki-san looked better with a dagger than a pistol, and Koda-san was very good at playing the role of her younger brother.
In the work where she co-stars with Kirio Tsugumi, Koda-san comes to the prison to pick up Kusunoki-san to celebrate her release from prison, but he suddenly became delirious and shot Kusunoki-san dead. The person who cursed Koda-san at that time was none other than me, Kirio Tsugumi.
As I recall, she must have been a child actor at that time. As I was thinking about it, I checked the elementary school section graduation list, but I couldn’t find the name I had in mind.
(I hope you’re doing well, Sara-chan.)
In a film at that time—Tomb of the Dragon, Itsuko, Kabura Sosaburo’s wife (Kabura is played by Kusunoki-san), was poisoned to death by Kabura’s mistress, Minori. It was a conspiracy by Kabura, who wanted Minori as his wife even though he could not kill Itsuko—the daughter of the previous leader of the clan—who became an evil spirit and cursed them to death. At this time, Minori’s daughter, Rumiko, was played by Sara-chan. Sara-chan was a child actor who splendidly performed the role of the villain, and received high praise for her performance.
She left the world of acting for a while due to family reasons, but later returned. I never got to meet her after her return in the end.
“Tsugumi, are you tired?”
“Nope, Daddy. I’m fine!”
When I replied to my father, he smiled and said, “Is that so?” as he picked me up. He must have thought I was tired since I was so absent-minded. I tend to get lost in thought. Gotta be careful.
“There is a salon for the students. It is open to visitors, so how about you take a little break?”
“Let’s see, Tsugumi, how about it?”
“Sure. Thanks Daddy.”
My father picked me up and took me to the so-called salon. Rather, what is a salon for students? I’m sure the tuition is quite expensive here, though it’s too late to think about it now.
“—This way.”
“Wow…”
The salon was adjacent to the botanical garden (even though the garden is inside a building!) it seems, and on the other side of the frosted glass, there were flowers, trees, and even birds spreading their wings. In the center of the dome-shaped space was a white antique table and chairs. The space was soundproofed, so it seemed that students use this space to practice acting, rest, study for exams, and bring food to eat. Depending on the student, their servants were even permitted to enter… this kind of sounds like elegant tea breaks of the rich, doesn’t it?
I slipped out of my father’s hands and quietly approached Koharu-san, who was following me. When my parents are around, you don’t have much presence, huh, Koharu-san? Rin-chan didn’t even notice you.
“Koharu-san.”
“How can I help you, Tsugumi-sama?”
“You can do some bird watching, you know?”
I am taking a break after all. As I told her while giving a few tugs on Koharu-san’s sleeve, shook her head as she smiled—her expression almost never changes.
“No, I am fine. I am filled with an inexpressible feeling just by watching Tsugumi-sama, the birds, and the flowers.”
“You’re exaggerating. But, let me know when you want to take a break.”
“Yes, I understand. I am having a blissful time, thus there is no need to worry about me, and I am fine.”
“Really?”
I nodded to Koharu-san, then returned to my parents. My mother took me by the hand and gently caressed me as I sat down on the tall chair.
“It’s a gift to be able to pay attention to others. You’re such a sweet girl, Tsugumi.”
“You are indeed our angel. Good girl. But, you must not forget to put yourself first. Okay?”
“Yeah!”
Like I thought, they were good parents. I wish my parents from my previous life would take a lesson from them. As my parents proceeded with the conversation, my job was to listen to the conversation with the president while relishing the tea and cookies in front of me.
“Tsugumi-chan, do you plan to pursue a career in theater?”
“Actually, her debut as a child actor has already been decided.”
“Oh my! I will be sure to watch the program on the day it airs.”
“Yes, I am sure that will make Tsugumi very happy.”
Listening to the conversation between my father and the president, I drank the tea that Koharu-san had prepared for me. Occasionally, I would eat a cookie that my mother offered me, feeling embarrassed, and before I knew it, my father had joined the group. Stop it, I’m going to get fat.
“—Well then, it’s about time we go.”
“Tsugumi, did you find out more about your school?”
“Yeah! I’m looking forward to it!”
“Haha, good girl.”
They left the salon and had one last administrative talk. We were about to enter the reception room together when I suddenly felt a gaze piercing my skin.
“Ah.”
“Hm?”
When I turned around, it was Rin-chan’s brother, Kou-kun, in his lesson clothes sticking to them as he was walking with his friend.
He wiped his sweat off his face with a white towel and talked to his friend with a serious expression. Was it feedback for today? I would use the words enthusiastic to describe him, indicating that I don’t know much about him yet.
“You’re still here.”
“Hello, Kou-kun.”
“Who are you to call me Kou-kun?”
“Oh my, you don’t like it when my daughter calls you that?”
I could hear my father’s voice above me. Then, what do you think happened? Kou-kun quivered his shoulders in surprise, then looked away somewhat embarrassed. Kou-kun’s appearance is that of an angel’s, but the fact that he’s a naughty child is amusing.
Through my analogical reasoning, I felt that he was fundamentally a good-natured and serious person, with a touch of kindness in his bluntness. Rin-chan really has a good family. Kou-kun responded to my father’s words overwhelmed.
“No, it’s not like that.”
“I see, isn’t that great, Tsugumi.”
“Yup!”
“Ahh, that’s right. If you could, would you keep Tsugmi company?”
“Eh?”
I could not help but ask again without thinking after hearing my father’s suggestion. There’s no problem even if I’m with Koharu-san, no, even by myself.
I don’t know what Kou-kun thought of my confusion, but he nodded with a small sigh.
“Well, sure. I’m used to taking care of Rin after all.”
“Thank you. Well then, Tsugumi, be a good girl.”
“O-Okay, I will! Daddy, Mommy, see you later.”
“Yes, we’ll see you later.”
…Thus, one way or another, this weird situation occurred. When I nervously looked up, I saw a boy, who was probably Kou’s friend, grabbing his shoulders and having a private conversation with him.
Though I should say, I wonder if they were trying to seriously hide the contents of their conversation. Their voices were quite loud, and frankly, I could hear everything perfectly.
“Dayumn, she’s like a fairy. Hey, Kou, where did you meet her?”
“She’s my sister’s friend.”
“Your sister’s a beauty too, you know.”
“Putting that aside, you good, Tanaka? You were called by Uemura, right?”
“Crap, you’re right. There were a lot of those idiotic problems. See you later, Fairy!”
“Eh, ah, bye.”
Having said so, Kou’s cheerful friend ran off at a brisk pace. The remaining person, Kou-kun, brought me to the bench beside a vending machine and sat down next to me.
“You’re peeping at me every time I see you.”
“I apologize for bothering you that time.”
“I don’t really mind.”
When I bowed my head, Kou-kun scratched his cheek awkwardly. Boys at this age are somehow very awkward. I found it strangely lovely, and I found myself giggling, letting my feelings show.
I feel like I understand the reason why Rin-chan is attached to him, always calling him, “Brother, Brother.”
“What are you laughing at?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Hey, kids shouldn’t be using honorifics.” 2
“Hahaha, sure, got it.”
“Gosh.”
A sigh. Narrowed eyes. Eyes that look like the night sky peeping out from his light black hair were like a moody cat.
“Are girls your age this cheeky?”
“There are all kinds of girls.”
“I’m sure there are, but that’s not it. Rin is easy to understand. Is it because you’re rich? —Ah.”.
Kou-kun felt perplexed and tilted his head. Why’d he suddenly tilt his head in contemplation? I figured out the reason for that immediately. I must have been surely teased as a rich person, and his pangs of conscience must be at work. It would be simple to tell him to not worry about it as he was bewildered, but that seems like it would make things awkward.
Since you’re talking to such an intelligent girl, I might as well exercise my tactfulness. Switch lightly. I pretended to wipe the sweat off my face to hide my youthfulness from my friend’s older brother.
“Then, if you were to strip me of my money and tiara, what would you have said to me?”
Line of sight. My eyes, which had been looking at the ceiling, sank as if I had come upon an idea as I looked at Kou-kun.
Enucation. Words that were wooing him. As if I was conveying to him that I was testing him.
Expression. Boredom, hogging, distorted love. How could one tell that it was still love?
Breath. A shallow breath means nervousness. If it were you, how would you perceive it?
“—Nothing.”
A beat. In the one breath it took to bring his gaze from the ceiling down back to me, Kou-kun understood my intent.
“Huh? But, you would not be able to get anything out of saying nothing. Even so?”
“Yes, that’s right. Unfortunately, I’m not good at putting things into words. Still, my thoughts are more plentiful than words.”
“Even if you were to be driven to the depths of the earth with only that truth in your heart?”
“Yes. Also, let me make one thing clear: Even if I am driven to a distant land, it would be because I do not have the eyes of desire and the slippery flattering, not because I have lost the truth of my love for you.”
The way he straightened his back, then said so in a lively manner was more mature than what his age would suggest. He immediately swallowed down the subject that contained hints of a disaster, understood my meaning, then spoke powerfully as if challenging me back.
I feel a little embarrassed by his brief comment. It was not him, but me, who subconsciously underestimated him deep inside.
At the very least, I should follow his sincere performance to the end.
I am an arrogant king.
A king who wished for words that flattered him from his children, and died in tragedy.
I am a lonely madman who banished his youngest child, whom he loved more than anyone else, over a trivial matter.
(Well then, once again—Scene, Action.)
Well now, dress me in a dress of words, my sweet children.
Rindou Affiliated Elementary School, Hallway (Day)
Kou told Tsugumi words that ridiculed her coming from a wealthy family and braced himself against his own rule of thumb.
(Ah, this is going to make her cry.)
The words just came out. Also, my rule of thumb. Generally, girls that are treated curtly would cry, and behind a guilty conscience, memories of her painful experiences would mock her.
But why? This girl doesn’t cry or scream, but instead replies aloofly. Moreover, her engine started up much faster than mine. Last time, I was the one who sold her the fight. Now, I was the one being sold a fight. When I thought about it, an irritation similar to elation rushed through my veins to my heart.
(Interesting!)
In response to my words, Sorahoshi Tsugumi stood up. We were being seperated like Romeo and Juliet, but we were in conflict with each other like Hamlet and Laertes.
“Then, I have no more family like you.”
Eyes. Chilly, frozen eyes.
They were not the eyes of a loved child. It was a whirlwind of madness spun, even stronger than her cruelty. This is the same girl who was smiling so happily just now?
I almost didn’t feel the oddness as I did before, but only at this one moment. I don’t believe in any illusions where a girl, who immediately became friends with Rin, can certainly look people in the eye, and more than anything else, skillfully perform the “evil” role.
“Then tell me, my lord, that the reason I have lost your heart is because I do not have the power of glib, and the way I operate in silence is displeasing to you.”
I raised my voice and declared like I was scolding myself harshly as I trembled.
“Do not implore me—it’s sickening. The arrow has already been fired. My body and heart that you loved are all a curse to me. Carry that curse with you as baggage wherever you go.”
Even so, it was meaningless in the face of the storm of madness. The corners of her mouth were raised in a thin, drawn-out sneer that could not be misinterpreted. It was mocking one’s own child who was banished for displeasing her.
“I wish you had never been born.”
A word that’s truer than any other. Darkness. Ahh, that’s right, she’s embracing the darkness. If that was the case, I won’t lose. Who do you think I am?
In contrast to the symbol of darkness, Kirio Tsugumi, I am the second coming of Kiritani Ouka, symbol of light, and eventually, the man who will surpass them.
“So for now, let us part with tears in our eyes. However, remember this. Hidden schemes will one day be exposed to the light, and anyone who extols evil will end up suffering pain.”
Silence. Okay, so you’re backing down here. Ahh, but you can’t. There’s still something I need to tell you. I can’t put it well into words, but that’s right, it’s something import—ah.
“…”
“…”
“…?”
Suddenly, I felt a gaze in between my interrupted concentration. Looking around, I saw Tsugumi’s parents, Rin and co, and the president, watching us with their arms crossed.
“Aren’t you going to continue? Brother?”
“Rin-chan, perhaps this is where the scene ends.”
“Ohh, I see. That’s Tsugumi’s mother for you.”
When I moved my neck like a tin man that had forgotten to oil themselves, the usual bunch were there. As if her switch was flipped off, she was completely out of her role, and was just the usual Sorahoshi Tsugumi.
…How does this fella switch so easily?
“Are you done, Tsugumi?”
“Yup! Thanks for playing with me, Kou-kun.”
“Y-Yeah.”
Why do I have to be so depressed? I don’t even know who to swear at, so I just pretend to wipe my sweat off and look up at the ceiling again. However, her chilly, despising figure did not disappear from within my chest.
If you are reading from a pirate or aggregator site, please read from the translator’s site: yado-inn (dot) com I have to put the link like this or else the bots will remove it, sorry 🙁
- Flowingcloud: Direct-to-video is referred to as V-cinema in Japan. I included the link for those zoomers who don’t know what direct-to-video is. There’s a “V-Cinema” section in there as well for those who want to read up a little on it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct-to-video - Flowingcloud: I tried my best to make her sound somewhat formal, but anyway, Tsugumi defaults to honorific language whenever she speaks to someone she’s not familiar with.
Thanks for the chapter