This story continues from Part 5: The Chancellor's Sapphire.
Part 6A
They two walk to the end of the Northern ice fields - Valhalla. The King comes to terms with his death. He realises that during his reign he has forgotten the passion he had for his kingdom, the love he had for his subjects. Obsessed with tradition, he neglected the youth and rejected the knowledge of the learned. He ruled the kingdom with an iron fist, while taxing them heavily. This was why the revolt started, starting from the knights and the peasants. With the crown jewels retrieved, he remembered everything. That day when the throne was engulfed in fire; that day when he was stabbed. He laments his foolishness. Though he still feels nothing but gratitude for the people who have once again entrusted him with the crown jewels, it was too little, too late. The Chancellor consoles him, telling him that even so, he still came to his senses and retrieved the crown jewels. The King thanks the Chancellor for guiding him even in the beyond, and remembers the reason he was here in the first place.
With that, Akira remembers why she put up this play. Even though Seisho put up their ReLive with a changed ending, their ReLive remains unchanged from the original script. For this, Akira is determined to end this play as they have always done, in true Siegfeld tradition. With all the members of Edel assembled, Akira leads the charge and skewers the Chorus boss.
『ポジション・ゼロ！
神なき舞台に 王者の光を！』
"Position Zero!
The King's radiance, for the mortal Stage!"
The king arrives at the gates of Valhalla. It's time to bid goodbye to this world. Before he continues into Valhalla, he makes his final request to the Chancellor: to pass the crown, now complete, to the Knight. The Knight who killed him, not out of lust for the throne, but for righteousness. To end a tyranny and to seek salvation for the father he never knew. The King also tells the Chancellor to tell the Knight to seek out his own crown jewels; trusted advisors who will work with him to rule benevolently. And that the start of the reign is a curse that only turns into a blessing at the end. The Chancellor acknowledges the order, only for the King to reply that he is no longer the King, and is asking the Chancellor, no longer as a subordinate, but as Johann Saphir, his friend. The Chancellor returns this last moment of familiarity, no longer to the King, but to Franz Platin, his friend.
As Franz crosses into Valhalla, he reflects on how he can no longer bring his title nor his crown with him in death, and in death, he is but a man. With everything he has done complete, and his last requests fulfilled, he crosses into Valhalla, satisfied for he has met his King, as the curtains close on the Revue Stage.
"Today's performance has come to a close. Take care when leaving the theatre and ensure that you have not left anything behind. We hope to see you again." Eru delivers the closing speech.
Part 6B
Michiru welcomes everyone back, before correcting herself and congratulating everyone on a performance well done. Shiori thanks Akira and Michiru for saving them from the stage. Meifan wonders how they ended up trapped in the performance. Yachiyo also wonders, since it just felt like they have always been performing in that stage, to which Akira quips that it's just how being a Stage Girl is.
With the missing role revue complete and the Choruses defeated, Elysion is also saved from destruction. Meifan realises Eru was there, while Shiori is surprised by Andrew, thinking that Andrew is just a costume. Andrew tries to charm Shiori with his introduction, while Meifan asks Michiru where she has seen Andrew before [can we reserve an F for Andrew?], to which Michiru replies that he was in the shop that they always go to. Meifan then asks why Andrew is here in the Revue Stage, to which Michiru shrugs. Even she has no idea what Andrew is doing here. Akira then wonders if the Choruses absorbing all the stage plays is the same issue as what happened at Seisho, and if left unchecked, would also end up absorbing Elysion. Michiru becomes angry as she notes that the Choruses have nearly absorbed Elysion--Monarch as well. Akira then asks Eru if she has any idea why this is happening, to which Eru replies that she still cannot explain where the Choruses came from or why they are coming for the stage plays. Meifan scolds Eru for letting this happen, but unfortunately Eru is not a Stage Girl herself and cannot stand on stage. Therefore she needed to enlist the most radiant Stage Girls so that they can defeat the Choruses. Michiru wonders, considering Eru knows so much about the Revue Stage, to which Andrew interjects that even though Eru can't stand on stage, she does learn quickly anyway. This interruption irritates Michiru, who asks Andrew what he meant by "learning fast", and what kind of role he plays on the Revue Stage. Merely a store mascot, or purely for comic relief? Andrew replies with a non-answer by calling himself cute and immediately gets shot down by Meifan who critisises him for being dull, unsettling and having dead eyes. That level of impunity is picked up by Akira, who immediately chastises her for it, which Meifan apologises for. Andrew then critises the entire group for being stiff and not understanding what cute means in an attempt to reverse the sledgehammer blow Meifan gave him, which results in Michiru saying that she does know what cute means, mentioning Shiori as an example to Shiori's surprise. And besides, as Stage Girls they live for the stage and they don't need to focus that much on what is cute, to Yachiyo's agreement, and Andrew's irritation. It appears that he is still bearing a grudge after what that Kyoto girl did to him. Akira then reassures Andrew that it's not like she was going to refuse to help them, since if Elysion disappears, then Edel will too. As a member of Edel, this is their duty. Shiori confirms that any Stage Girl would help too, including her sister. Eru lets out a sigh, and thanks everyone. With that, Andrew then asks that if this happens again he will ask them for help too, to which Michiru tells Andrew that this is not the way to ask for help, and to remember to say "Please", which ticks off Andrew again. Andrew and Eru leave the stage.
As Yachiyo thanks Akira and Michiru for putting up this play, Akira replies that with their help, she was able to reflect on why Elysion is the King of Stages. Elysion is the product of the hopes of the entire school community, all distilled onto this stage of the four horsemen and their King, who gives the Stage its radiance. Therefore, as the King of their Stage, she has to embody the values of passion and mercy, while keeping in mind the endless possibilities of the Stage as she is grounded in the knowledge bestowed upon her. With this, the King will shine on the Stage, brighter than even the gods. Michiru agrees, but acts coy when she is pressed about it by Akira. Michiru then tells Akira that she will pass the mantle of Frau Platin when she reaches senior year next year, just as Michiru will have to pass the mantle of Frau Saphir. This means that they will no longer be playing Elysion--Monarch with the current Edel team, which also means that their performance of Elysion--Monarch earlier will be their only performance as the current Edel team. Yachiyo wonders who is the audience for their previous performance is, to which Meifan replies in alarm that maybe the Choruses were their audience [that would be awfully impolite of the Choruses, no?]. Michiru then reassures Meifan that it was just a thought she had in mind. Shiori also wonders who was their audience for their performance [what? Stage Hands need to sit back and watch sometimes.], to which Akira then figures that it would be very confusing if they thought it was an actual performance of Elysion--Monarch. After all, this performance was to save the rest of Edel anyway. This is when Akira declares that the next Frau Platin would have to step up her game to perform Elysion--Monarch perfectly, which no doubt puts a lot of pressure on Yachiyo, while motivating Shiori and Meifan to give their best performance in the revues to come. Akira then says that while she is looking forward to the next Elysion performance, she still wants to perform with the current team for a bit longer. With that, it's time for everyone to return, for the Student Council tasks aren't going to complete themselves.
『命の炎は一瞬なれど
煌めき絶えぬは 真白の白金（プラチナ）
人の舞台は一瞬なれど
永遠（とわ）に継がるは 王者の舞台
我ら、シークフェルト音楽学院！
神なき舞台に 王者の光を！
エーデル・フォン・シークフェルト！
我らの全ては、王の舞台のために！』
"Though the fires of destiny burn fleetingly
The platinum's pure white shines unceasingly
Though the stage of men lasts momentarily
The stage of kings will continue successively
We, Siegfeld Institute of Music
The light of the king, for the mortal stage!
Edel von Siegfeld!
All of us, for the King of Stages!"
"Neither the crown nor the throne follows man in death. As he walks through the gates, leaving this world, he is merely but a man. With his responsibilities fulfilled, the story ends here. He... was the King."
End of Series 8.
Tuesday, 27 August 2019
Monday, 19 August 2019
Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight ReLive Main Story Series 8 - Part 5: The Chancellor's Sapphire
This story continues from Part 4: The Knight's Pearl.
Part 5A
"I lied," the Chancellor laments. "Though I never lied on that day at the Valley of the Heavens, today I had to lie to my Lord. My Lord who I considered an old friend." Many years after that promise at that valley, and many days spent with the Monarch, the Chancellor finds himself in a small boat on a voyage to the ice fields. He feels the passion, the mercy, and the hope that the Monarch now possesses. But to get all that hinged on a lie that he made. The lie that will become undone in due time, once the Chancellor finds the Sapphire that he has hidden in the ice fields.
The timeline moves all the way to 8 years ago.
Michiru and Akira play at the fields. They are locked in an intense battle to see who is faster to the goal. When they finish, Michiru (who Akira calls "Micchi") calls out that she is first, but Akira (who Michiru calls "Akki") manages to close it down to a tie.
They later sit at the nearby swingset, where Michiru comments that the grand pas de chat that Akira did was very beautiful, and Akira replies that Michiru's (jeté) entrelacé was beautiful as well, and that was because they ran together. Akira expresses her enthusiasm for the continuing lessons, new ballet moves like the grande fête, and piano lessons, to which Michiru expresses enthusiasm for her singing lessons. So much to learn, so little time. And yet, if they don't learn quickly, they wouldn't be able to enter Siegfeld Institute of Music. Michiru then asks if Akira remembered the time when they watched Elysion together, which Akira never forgot. An epic, mysterious tale, but at some times tragic. It would almost make you cry with how beautiful it is. Michiru was especially impressed by how the entire school came together to do this one production. Since this year's production was "Era of the Monarchs", the next year's would be "Era of Rebirth", which Michiru promises that they will watch together. Akira then promises that she will stand on the stage, just as she watched Siegfeld's students stand on stage. Michiru then makes a solemn expression. Akira, concerned, asks Michiru what was going on. Michiru replies that she feels a bit afraid that since Siegfeld is a famous school after all, everyone from all over Japan would want to go there, and so even if Michiru works hard she may still not enter Siegfeld. Michiru assures Akira that she is already working hard, but it is still a bit scary trying to compete with everyone else. Akira then tells Michiru that she, too, is working hard herself because she wants to stand on the stage of Elysion with Michiru, so Michiru has to enter Siegfeld with her. Michiru is reassured by that, and Akira doesn't even want to entertain the possibility of Michiru not entering Siegfeld with her [ooooh that Main Character energy there].
Akira jumps off the swingset, to Michiru's surprise...
Part 5B
...and climbs to the top of the jungle gym, to Michiru's alarm. That's when Akira makes her declaration:
"It's over Michiru! I have the high ground!"
"I will enter Siegfeld Institute of Music, and stand on the 'King of Stages' --Elysion-- as 'Frau Platin'! Not 'want to', but 'will'!"
Akira then continues her entrance scene, no longer as a hopeful, but as Frau Platin:
『命の炎は一瞬なれど
煌めき絶えぬは 真白の白金
人の舞台は一瞬なれど
永遠に継がるは 王者の舞台
「フラウ・プラティーン」 雪代晶！
神なき舞台に 王者の光を！』
"Though the fires of destiny burn fleetingly
The platinum's pure white shines unceasingly
Though the stage of men lasts momentarily
The stage of kings will continue successively
--Frau Platin-- Yukishiro Akira!
The light of the king, for the mortal stage!"
Michiru, surprised, asks what Akira is doing. Akira expresses that this is her declaration, that she will enter Siegfeld, and asks Michiru what she is going to do. Michiru laughs and says that Akira is not just the Stage Idiot, but also the Siegfeld Idiot (this is new to Akira) for being so confident that she will enter Siegfeld that she already thought of her entrance scene as Frau Platin, but with that, Michiru knows what to do. First, starting with calling Akira properly, and asking Akira to call her properly as Michiru. Next, supporting Akira so that she will stand on the Stage of Kings as the headliner for Elysion. Even if Michiru won't be able to stand on the Stage with Akira, she will support Akira in her pursuit for Position Zero. Akira expresses surprise that Michiru would be satisfied even if she won't be able to stand with Akira in the end, but Michiru assures her that even if this happens, Akira will be the Monarch to everyone in Siegfeld. Michiru will put in all her effort so that Akira would be the Monarch; that is the stage which Michiru has chosen to be.
Michiru then makes her own declaration:
『煌めくゆえに 陰りを知らず
無垢なるゆえに 痛みを知らず
なれば照らさん 蒼き灯火
玉座の白金 王者の舞台を
「フラウ・ザフィーア」 凰ミチル
わが宿命は、王と共に！』
"For radiance knows not of darkness
For purity knows not of distress
The blue sparks illuminate the way
To the throne of platinum; to the Stage of Kings
--Frau Saphir-- Ootori Michiru
My destiny -- to serve alongside the King!"
Michiru then reiterates that if Akira was to become a King, then she would have to address Michiru properly. Akira asks again if Michiru is really fine with not being the main role of Elysion. If Akira can become the King, then Michiru is fine with it.
"It was at this moment that I lied. Even if... I didn't regret doing it. It wasn't as if I didn't want Position Zero as Frau Platin. But as I saw Akira climb up and call herself 'Frau Platin', I knew that more than just being the headliner for Elysion, I wanted to make Akira shine. Because of this, I lied. I knew, this is the stage we wanted to be connected by," Michiru reminisces.
Akira, after hearing Michiru, promises Michiru that she will become the Monarch of Siegfeld, and Michiru makes her promise at that. From her coronation, to her death, she will keep supporting Akira.
With the sapphire recovered, it was as if the Monarch saw that day in the Valley of the Heavens once again. He remembers the promise he made to the Chancellor. For the Chancellor to throw away his aspirations and serve the Monarch instead is selfless indeed.
The platinum crown, inlaid with the jewels of ruby, jade, pearl and sapphire, signifying the Monarch's throne, the General's passion, the Marquis's mercy, the Knight's hope, and the Chancellor's wisdom, is now complete. As the Monarch wears the crown, he tells the Chancellor that even if he can return to the capital, he has no de facto power, and yet he feels nothing but gratitude to the people who have handed him the crown jewels. His final task would be to return to the capital and pass the Crown to the Knight, for he will be the successor to the throne. Once it is all over, they will retire to the Valley of the Heavens.
That is the point where the Chancellor drops all pretense and delivers the mother of all bombshells. To ensure that the Monarch still has the motivation to recover the crown jewels, the Chancellor had to lie. When pressed about it, the Chancellor replies that on the day the revolt started, the Monarch was stabbed by the Knight's sword and died where he stood.
He was dead all along. Betrayed by the one person he anointed to be his successor.
[WTF??!!!????]
Continue on to Part 6: Epilogue.
Deleted scenes
Disclaimer: these series are not actually official, but rather from the mind of Moonstone.
Chancellor: ...I'm sorry my Lord, I'm afraid this cannot happen...
Dying King: ...What?
Chancellor: My Lord... the truth is... I lied. I did so to keep your hopes up so that we could reclaim the crown jewels...
Dying King: What's there to lie about? My friend, what were you planning behind my back?
Chancellor: I'm afraid to say... my Lord, but on the day the revolt started...
Chancellor: You were stabbed in the heart by the Knight's sword... you died back then.
Dying King:
Part 5A
"I lied," the Chancellor laments. "Though I never lied on that day at the Valley of the Heavens, today I had to lie to my Lord. My Lord who I considered an old friend." Many years after that promise at that valley, and many days spent with the Monarch, the Chancellor finds himself in a small boat on a voyage to the ice fields. He feels the passion, the mercy, and the hope that the Monarch now possesses. But to get all that hinged on a lie that he made. The lie that will become undone in due time, once the Chancellor finds the Sapphire that he has hidden in the ice fields.
The timeline moves all the way to 8 years ago.
Michiru and Akira play at the fields. They are locked in an intense battle to see who is faster to the goal. When they finish, Michiru (who Akira calls "Micchi") calls out that she is first, but Akira (who Michiru calls "Akki") manages to close it down to a tie.
They later sit at the nearby swingset, where Michiru comments that the grand pas de chat that Akira did was very beautiful, and Akira replies that Michiru's (jeté) entrelacé was beautiful as well, and that was because they ran together. Akira expresses her enthusiasm for the continuing lessons, new ballet moves like the grande fête, and piano lessons, to which Michiru expresses enthusiasm for her singing lessons. So much to learn, so little time. And yet, if they don't learn quickly, they wouldn't be able to enter Siegfeld Institute of Music. Michiru then asks if Akira remembered the time when they watched Elysion together, which Akira never forgot. An epic, mysterious tale, but at some times tragic. It would almost make you cry with how beautiful it is. Michiru was especially impressed by how the entire school came together to do this one production. Since this year's production was "Era of the Monarchs", the next year's would be "Era of Rebirth", which Michiru promises that they will watch together. Akira then promises that she will stand on the stage, just as she watched Siegfeld's students stand on stage. Michiru then makes a solemn expression. Akira, concerned, asks Michiru what was going on. Michiru replies that she feels a bit afraid that since Siegfeld is a famous school after all, everyone from all over Japan would want to go there, and so even if Michiru works hard she may still not enter Siegfeld. Michiru assures Akira that she is already working hard, but it is still a bit scary trying to compete with everyone else. Akira then tells Michiru that she, too, is working hard herself because she wants to stand on the stage of Elysion with Michiru, so Michiru has to enter Siegfeld with her. Michiru is reassured by that, and Akira doesn't even want to entertain the possibility of Michiru not entering Siegfeld with her [ooooh that Main Character energy there].
Akira jumps off the swingset, to Michiru's surprise...
Part 5B
...and climbs to the top of the jungle gym, to Michiru's alarm. That's when Akira makes her declaration:
"I will enter Siegfeld Institute of Music, and stand on the 'King of Stages' --Elysion-- as 'Frau Platin'! Not 'want to', but 'will'!"
Akira then continues her entrance scene, no longer as a hopeful, but as Frau Platin:
『命の炎は一瞬なれど
煌めき絶えぬは 真白の白金
人の舞台は一瞬なれど
永遠に継がるは 王者の舞台
「フラウ・プラティーン」 雪代晶！
神なき舞台に 王者の光を！』
"Though the fires of destiny burn fleetingly
The platinum's pure white shines unceasingly
Though the stage of men lasts momentarily
The stage of kings will continue successively
--Frau Platin-- Yukishiro Akira!
The light of the king, for the mortal stage!"
Michiru, surprised, asks what Akira is doing. Akira expresses that this is her declaration, that she will enter Siegfeld, and asks Michiru what she is going to do. Michiru laughs and says that Akira is not just the Stage Idiot, but also the Siegfeld Idiot (this is new to Akira) for being so confident that she will enter Siegfeld that she already thought of her entrance scene as Frau Platin, but with that, Michiru knows what to do. First, starting with calling Akira properly, and asking Akira to call her properly as Michiru. Next, supporting Akira so that she will stand on the Stage of Kings as the headliner for Elysion. Even if Michiru won't be able to stand on the Stage with Akira, she will support Akira in her pursuit for Position Zero. Akira expresses surprise that Michiru would be satisfied even if she won't be able to stand with Akira in the end, but Michiru assures her that even if this happens, Akira will be the Monarch to everyone in Siegfeld. Michiru will put in all her effort so that Akira would be the Monarch; that is the stage which Michiru has chosen to be.
Michiru then makes her own declaration:
『煌めくゆえに 陰りを知らず
無垢なるゆえに 痛みを知らず
なれば照らさん 蒼き灯火
玉座の白金 王者の舞台を
「フラウ・ザフィーア」 凰ミチル
わが宿命は、王と共に！』
"For radiance knows not of darkness
For purity knows not of distress
The blue sparks illuminate the way
To the throne of platinum; to the Stage of Kings
--Frau Saphir-- Ootori Michiru
My destiny -- to serve alongside the King!"
Michiru then reiterates that if Akira was to become a King, then she would have to address Michiru properly. Akira asks again if Michiru is really fine with not being the main role of Elysion. If Akira can become the King, then Michiru is fine with it.
"It was at this moment that I lied. Even if... I didn't regret doing it. It wasn't as if I didn't want Position Zero as Frau Platin. But as I saw Akira climb up and call herself 'Frau Platin', I knew that more than just being the headliner for Elysion, I wanted to make Akira shine. Because of this, I lied. I knew, this is the stage we wanted to be connected by," Michiru reminisces.
Akira, after hearing Michiru, promises Michiru that she will become the Monarch of Siegfeld, and Michiru makes her promise at that. From her coronation, to her death, she will keep supporting Akira.
With the sapphire recovered, it was as if the Monarch saw that day in the Valley of the Heavens once again. He remembers the promise he made to the Chancellor. For the Chancellor to throw away his aspirations and serve the Monarch instead is selfless indeed.
The platinum crown, inlaid with the jewels of ruby, jade, pearl and sapphire, signifying the Monarch's throne, the General's passion, the Marquis's mercy, the Knight's hope, and the Chancellor's wisdom, is now complete. As the Monarch wears the crown, he tells the Chancellor that even if he can return to the capital, he has no de facto power, and yet he feels nothing but gratitude to the people who have handed him the crown jewels. His final task would be to return to the capital and pass the Crown to the Knight, for he will be the successor to the throne. Once it is all over, they will retire to the Valley of the Heavens.
That is the point where the Chancellor drops all pretense and delivers the mother of all bombshells. To ensure that the Monarch still has the motivation to recover the crown jewels, the Chancellor had to lie. When pressed about it, the Chancellor replies that on the day the revolt started, the Monarch was stabbed by the Knight's sword and died where he stood.
He was dead all along. Betrayed by the one person he anointed to be his successor.
[WTF??!!!????]
Continue on to Part 6: Epilogue.
Deleted scenes
Disclaimer: these series are not actually official, but rather from the mind of Moonstone.
Chancellor: ...I'm sorry my Lord, I'm afraid this cannot happen...
Dying King: ...What?
Chancellor: My Lord... the truth is... I lied. I did so to keep your hopes up so that we could reclaim the crown jewels...
Dying King: What's there to lie about? My friend, what were you planning behind my back?
Chancellor: I'm afraid to say... my Lord, but on the day the revolt started...
Chancellor: You were stabbed in the heart by the Knight's sword... you died back then.
Dying King:
Sunday, 18 August 2019
Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight ReLive Main Story Series 8 - Part 4: The Knight's Pearl
This story continues from Part 3: The Marquis's Jade.
Part 4A
Before the Monarch ascended the throne, he never quite understood the idea that the start of the reign is a curse that only turns into a blessing at the end [1]. For this reason he ignored the warnings that there were factions plotting against him. And as he now stands at the path to death...
The Monarch collapses, and the Chancellor helps him up. They are running out of water, and they are nearing the end of the line. Yet, the Chancellor tells him their task is not done. Surely if the crown jewels were not found before the Monarch dies, the Crown will crumble, and with it the Kingdom.
They approach a Chorus attacking Yachiyo. With that, the Monarch draws his strength and slices the weird bird monster into tiny little shreds. That's when Akira remembers -- Tsuruhime Yachiyo.
The timeline moves to 2 months ago. Michiru reports a note she found to Akira. In the notebook it reads:
"After Yukishiro Akira became Frau Platin, the status quo has started to fall into place. As ordered by the Chairman, I have been tasked with not only keeping an eye on 'Edel', but also to infiltrate their operations. However, this task never seems to end.
...
What am I to do?"
Akira asks if this is all that was written, and Michiru replies that this fell out of Yachiyo's notebook, and given that Yachiyo came back to look for it, there is no doubt it was really Yachiyo's. Akira wonders how Michiru managed to recover the note without being detected, but Michiru asks Akira what is her next move. Akira has noticed that Yachiyo has stepped up with the weird behaviour, and wonders if this note Michiru found has any connection with that behaviour. Michiru wonders if there really is a spy in Edel working for an as-of-yet-unknown Internal Affairs department. Maybe that would be the reason why she is being so secretive. Akira tries to figure out what the student council needs an Internal Affairs department for and Michiru turns up a blank. Nevertheless, Akira decides to put a stop to this.
The next day, Yachiyo sums up the materials needed for the props (500 deci of leather, 4×50m bolts of cloth, 20 pieces of plywood, nails, glue gun and other consumables) and sends the report to Michiru. She leaves afterwards, and as she walks down the hallway she sums up the day's happenings:
"After lessons today, I continued my duties as the treasurer. No changes from yesterday. Everyone in the student council seems to be getting along well. Clearly with Yukishiro Akira at the helm the status quo has solidified..."
"My task to surveil Edel and infiltrate their operations is about to be coming to an uneventful end,"
Akira cuts inas the jazz music stops. She pushes Yachiyo to the wall and questions her on what she was doing. As Yachiyo tries to push the blame on Akira for peeking into her notes, Akira counters that she has already been noticing suspicious behaviour from Yachiyo, and she wants to know what is happening. Yachiyo then asks how she knew, considering it's not like Akira has been watching her every move, to which Akira replies that there is nothing that slips from the eyes of the Student Council Chairman --Frau Platin--. Knowing that she has been caught red-handed, Yachiyo spills the beans that everything she wrote in her notebook was...
"...all true,"
Akira completes the sentence, just as Yachiyo was about to say it was all out of her imagination.
What?
Akira continues that she has found out that Yachiyo has been sent from the Internal Affairs department to spy on Edel. Yachiyo is puzzled at this turn of events. Akira then continues that she has noticed that there has been quite the web of intrigue within Edel. At this point Yachiyo senses what is happening and compliments Akira on how she has managed to find out everything. Yachiyo then questions Akira if she knew about the "thirteenth basement stage". This is new to Akira, and she now knows she has an interesting source in her hands. Akira continues that she also knows the past that Yachiyo thought she has expunged long ago.
Being a spy for Internal Affairs was just a cover: the truth behind Yachiyo's activities was that Yachiyo is the sister of the 58th Student Council Chairman, who mysteriously disappeared, and Yachiyo has arrived to find the truth behind her sister's disappearance. Yachiyo confirms that she is the sister of Siegfeld's 58th Student Council Chairman, Tsuruhime Chitose. She infiltrated Siegfeld to find out the truth behind Chitose's disappearance during a performance of Elysion. Her infiltration into Internal Affairs was the way to enter the Student Council and gather information about the disappearance of her sister. Akira knows that Yachiyo knows too much and issues an ultimatum to Yachiyo: Either help Akira and double-cross Internal Affairs, or die for her crimes. Yachiyo mocks Akira for wanting to destroy Internal Affairs despite the trust they have for her, and if she were burned Akira may also see the same fate under Internal Affairs. Akira continues, saying that she has no worries about being burned, for only she knows what has happened, and the Student Council will surely continue as normal without Yachiyo. In this time of grave danger, Akira reiterates her ultimatum. Before she can give her answer...
Part 4B
...Michiru bursts in. She's had enough with these two girls. From Michiru's point of view, what was supposed to be a basic wellness check turned into an extended improv drama. Yachiyo confirms that was what happened, and Akira explains that she thought Yachiyo wanted a drama scene. Yachiyo continues that she basically got dragged further into it by Akira. Michiru wonders how long Yachiyo has been playing the role of a spy for Internal Affairs, and Akira expresses her admiration that Yachiyo was able to weave that role into her daily life, while Yachiyo returns the compliment by saying how Akira managed to make up such an intriguing thriller out of what is basically an improv. Michiru then explains that Akira does these kinds of improvs all the time, and deduced that whatever Yachiyo has written on her notebook was nothing but imagination from Yachiyo's overactive mind. Yachiyo then mentions that she has always had an active imagination from young, and always thinks up of scenarios where she is someone else, somewhere else. This has always met with puzzlement from the people around her. Basically, as Akira summarises, to Yachiyo, the entire world is a stage for her. Yachiyo wanted to see if she can play the role as a member of a shadowy faction without anyone noticing. Akira figures that playing this role can actually be quite thrilling, to which Yachiyo wholeheartedly agrees. Yachiyo thought she played her role well enough and wonders where she has left the cracks open. Akira explains that there is really an Internal Affairs department, and it is chaired by...
Michiru.
What?
Yachiyo, in her confusion, asks if Internal Affairs really exists, and if Michiru really chairs it. Michiru tries to play along, saying that discovering Yachiyo's notes has made her nervous. Michiru then scolds Akira for revealing it to Yachiyo. Yachiyo then asks what kind of organisation Internal Affairs is and what they do. Michiru replies and says that the head of the department is the school principal, Viktoria Siegfeld, and that is already written in the Student Handbook. It is also a large organisation composed of 108 students [Press X to doubt: that's already 16% of my high school's population. Stasi, one of the largest secret police departments by percentage of population, only comprised 1.6% of East Germany's population.]. Yachiyo then apologises for acting out her delusions right in front of the actual organisation. Akira then concludes that acting out different roles, whether real or imagined, is the essence of being a Stage Girl. The world of imagination and possibilities is the world that the Stage Girl lives for. As Shakespeare put it in As You Like It, "All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players." Clearly something Akira learnt from Junna over at Seisho. Therefore there is no shame in acting out any delusions that one holds over here in Siegfeld. This is met with relief by Yachiyo, who notes that this is the first time anyone understood what she was doing, or even tried to play along with the scenes she thinks of. It's something only the Stage Idiot can understand, as Michiru interjects to Akira's displeasure. Maybe she could be the successor to the role of Frau Platin, Akira thinks, to Yachiyo's surprise. Akira then continues with the possibilities Yachiyo can build up once she becomes Frau Platin, with Shiori and Meifan alongside her. When Yachiyo expresses her concern that Akira would no longer be Frau Platin if the helm passes to her, Akira replies that this is the essence of the quote, that the start of the reign is a curse that only turns into a blessing at the end. Akira then tells Yachiyo that until then, she shall fulfill her duties as Frau Perle.
『千代に八千代に 独演かさね
磨き上げたる 孤独の真珠
舞台の境界 芝居の彼岸
そこで光るは 真実の白金
「フラウ・ペルレ」 鶴姫やちよ
この世は舞台 王すらも役者――ですよ？』
"A solitary performance spanning aeons
A lone pearl, continuously polishing
The platinum shines absolutely
From the frontiers of the stage, to the dramatic finish
--Frau Perle-- Tsuruhime Yachiyo
This world is the stage, and the King -- its actor."
As they walk home together, Akira comments that Michiru might have made the organisation a bit too large. Michiru complains that it was Akira's idea to suddenly drag Michiru into the improv and make her the Internal Affairs chairman, to which Akira replies that it's an improv after all. Michiru then comments that Yachiyo was impressive to play such different roles in her daily life, and Akira replies that this is the essence of a Stage Girl. This is the first time that Michiru has seen such a girl in real life [Maybe she hasn't seen chuunibyous before]. Akira concludes that this constant playing of such roles has had its results, which Michiru connects that this was why Yachiyo was chosen to be the Goddess of the Earth.
As the Monarch walks along after pearl is recovered, a spring overflows from the ground. The Chancellor figures that this is the guiding path of the pearl. The Monarch feels rejuvenated with the courage for the future. The courage for the future that the Knight holds. A perfect successor to the Crown. Such a sudden decision for the Monarch to make, but the Monarch continues, saying that the Knight isn't just some random person, but rather the product of a one night stand [?] between the Monarch and a girl he knew in his travels [??]. If he can find the last crown jewel, return to the capital and pass it to the Knight, there is still hope for the Kingdom.
The Chancellor is taken aback by this development, but remains cordial. They then set the course for the ice fields in the North, where the Sapphire lies.
[1]『生きる王の開演は呪縛なり・死せる王の終幕は祝福なり』
Continue on to Part 5: The Chancellor's Sapphire
Part 4A
Before the Monarch ascended the throne, he never quite understood the idea that the start of the reign is a curse that only turns into a blessing at the end [1]. For this reason he ignored the warnings that there were factions plotting against him. And as he now stands at the path to death...
The Monarch collapses, and the Chancellor helps him up. They are running out of water, and they are nearing the end of the line. Yet, the Chancellor tells him their task is not done. Surely if the crown jewels were not found before the Monarch dies, the Crown will crumble, and with it the Kingdom.
They approach a Chorus attacking Yachiyo. With that, the Monarch draws his strength and slices the weird bird monster into tiny little shreds. That's when Akira remembers -- Tsuruhime Yachiyo.
The timeline moves to 2 months ago. Michiru reports a note she found to Akira. In the notebook it reads:
"After Yukishiro Akira became Frau Platin, the status quo has started to fall into place. As ordered by the Chairman, I have been tasked with not only keeping an eye on 'Edel', but also to infiltrate their operations. However, this task never seems to end.
...
What am I to do?"
Akira asks if this is all that was written, and Michiru replies that this fell out of Yachiyo's notebook, and given that Yachiyo came back to look for it, there is no doubt it was really Yachiyo's. Akira wonders how Michiru managed to recover the note without being detected, but Michiru asks Akira what is her next move. Akira has noticed that Yachiyo has stepped up with the weird behaviour, and wonders if this note Michiru found has any connection with that behaviour. Michiru wonders if there really is a spy in Edel working for an as-of-yet-unknown Internal Affairs department. Maybe that would be the reason why she is being so secretive. Akira tries to figure out what the student council needs an Internal Affairs department for and Michiru turns up a blank. Nevertheless, Akira decides to put a stop to this.
The next day, Yachiyo sums up the materials needed for the props (500 deci of leather, 4×50m bolts of cloth, 20 pieces of plywood, nails, glue gun and other consumables) and sends the report to Michiru. She leaves afterwards, and as she walks down the hallway she sums up the day's happenings:
"After lessons today, I continued my duties as the treasurer. No changes from yesterday. Everyone in the student council seems to be getting along well. Clearly with Yukishiro Akira at the helm the status quo has solidified..."
"My task to surveil Edel and infiltrate their operations is about to be coming to an uneventful end,"
Akira cuts in
"...all true,"
Akira completes the sentence, just as Yachiyo was about to say it was all out of her imagination.
What?
Akira continues that she has found out that Yachiyo has been sent from the Internal Affairs department to spy on Edel. Yachiyo is puzzled at this turn of events. Akira then continues that she has noticed that there has been quite the web of intrigue within Edel. At this point Yachiyo senses what is happening and compliments Akira on how she has managed to find out everything. Yachiyo then questions Akira if she knew about the "thirteenth basement stage". This is new to Akira, and she now knows she has an interesting source in her hands. Akira continues that she also knows the past that Yachiyo thought she has expunged long ago.
Being a spy for Internal Affairs was just a cover: the truth behind Yachiyo's activities was that Yachiyo is the sister of the 58th Student Council Chairman, who mysteriously disappeared, and Yachiyo has arrived to find the truth behind her sister's disappearance. Yachiyo confirms that she is the sister of Siegfeld's 58th Student Council Chairman, Tsuruhime Chitose. She infiltrated Siegfeld to find out the truth behind Chitose's disappearance during a performance of Elysion. Her infiltration into Internal Affairs was the way to enter the Student Council and gather information about the disappearance of her sister. Akira knows that Yachiyo knows too much and issues an ultimatum to Yachiyo: Either help Akira and double-cross Internal Affairs, or die for her crimes. Yachiyo mocks Akira for wanting to destroy Internal Affairs despite the trust they have for her, and if she were burned Akira may also see the same fate under Internal Affairs. Akira continues, saying that she has no worries about being burned, for only she knows what has happened, and the Student Council will surely continue as normal without Yachiyo. In this time of grave danger, Akira reiterates her ultimatum. Before she can give her answer...
Part 4B
...Michiru bursts in. She's had enough with these two girls. From Michiru's point of view, what was supposed to be a basic wellness check turned into an extended improv drama. Yachiyo confirms that was what happened, and Akira explains that she thought Yachiyo wanted a drama scene. Yachiyo continues that she basically got dragged further into it by Akira. Michiru wonders how long Yachiyo has been playing the role of a spy for Internal Affairs, and Akira expresses her admiration that Yachiyo was able to weave that role into her daily life, while Yachiyo returns the compliment by saying how Akira managed to make up such an intriguing thriller out of what is basically an improv. Michiru then explains that Akira does these kinds of improvs all the time, and deduced that whatever Yachiyo has written on her notebook was nothing but imagination from Yachiyo's overactive mind. Yachiyo then mentions that she has always had an active imagination from young, and always thinks up of scenarios where she is someone else, somewhere else. This has always met with puzzlement from the people around her. Basically, as Akira summarises, to Yachiyo, the entire world is a stage for her. Yachiyo wanted to see if she can play the role as a member of a shadowy faction without anyone noticing. Akira figures that playing this role can actually be quite thrilling, to which Yachiyo wholeheartedly agrees. Yachiyo thought she played her role well enough and wonders where she has left the cracks open. Akira explains that there is really an Internal Affairs department, and it is chaired by...
Michiru.
What?
Yachiyo, in her confusion, asks if Internal Affairs really exists, and if Michiru really chairs it. Michiru tries to play along, saying that discovering Yachiyo's notes has made her nervous. Michiru then scolds Akira for revealing it to Yachiyo. Yachiyo then asks what kind of organisation Internal Affairs is and what they do. Michiru replies and says that the head of the department is the school principal, Viktoria Siegfeld, and that is already written in the Student Handbook. It is also a large organisation composed of 108 students [Press X to doubt: that's already 16% of my high school's population. Stasi, one of the largest secret police departments by percentage of population, only comprised 1.6% of East Germany's population.]. Yachiyo then apologises for acting out her delusions right in front of the actual organisation. Akira then concludes that acting out different roles, whether real or imagined, is the essence of being a Stage Girl. The world of imagination and possibilities is the world that the Stage Girl lives for. As Shakespeare put it in As You Like It, "All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players." Clearly something Akira learnt from Junna over at Seisho. Therefore there is no shame in acting out any delusions that one holds over here in Siegfeld. This is met with relief by Yachiyo, who notes that this is the first time anyone understood what she was doing, or even tried to play along with the scenes she thinks of. It's something only the Stage Idiot can understand, as Michiru interjects to Akira's displeasure. Maybe she could be the successor to the role of Frau Platin, Akira thinks, to Yachiyo's surprise. Akira then continues with the possibilities Yachiyo can build up once she becomes Frau Platin, with Shiori and Meifan alongside her. When Yachiyo expresses her concern that Akira would no longer be Frau Platin if the helm passes to her, Akira replies that this is the essence of the quote, that the start of the reign is a curse that only turns into a blessing at the end. Akira then tells Yachiyo that until then, she shall fulfill her duties as Frau Perle.
『千代に八千代に 独演かさね
磨き上げたる 孤独の真珠
舞台の境界 芝居の彼岸
そこで光るは 真実の白金
「フラウ・ペルレ」 鶴姫やちよ
この世は舞台 王すらも役者――ですよ？』
"A solitary performance spanning aeons
A lone pearl, continuously polishing
The platinum shines absolutely
From the frontiers of the stage, to the dramatic finish
--Frau Perle-- Tsuruhime Yachiyo
This world is the stage, and the King -- its actor."
As they walk home together, Akira comments that Michiru might have made the organisation a bit too large. Michiru complains that it was Akira's idea to suddenly drag Michiru into the improv and make her the Internal Affairs chairman, to which Akira replies that it's an improv after all. Michiru then comments that Yachiyo was impressive to play such different roles in her daily life, and Akira replies that this is the essence of a Stage Girl. This is the first time that Michiru has seen such a girl in real life [Maybe she hasn't seen chuunibyous before]. Akira concludes that this constant playing of such roles has had its results, which Michiru connects that this was why Yachiyo was chosen to be the Goddess of the Earth.
As the Monarch walks along after pearl is recovered, a spring overflows from the ground. The Chancellor figures that this is the guiding path of the pearl. The Monarch feels rejuvenated with the courage for the future. The courage for the future that the Knight holds. A perfect successor to the Crown. Such a sudden decision for the Monarch to make, but the Monarch continues, saying that the Knight isn't just some random person, but rather the product of a one night stand [?] between the Monarch and a girl he knew in his travels [??]. If he can find the last crown jewel, return to the capital and pass it to the Knight, there is still hope for the Kingdom.
The Chancellor is taken aback by this development, but remains cordial. They then set the course for the ice fields in the North, where the Sapphire lies.
[1]『生きる王の開演は呪縛なり・死せる王の終幕は祝福なり』
Continue on to Part 5: The Chancellor's Sapphire
Friday, 16 August 2019
Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight ReLive Main Story Series 8 - Part 3: The Marquis's Jade
This story continues from Part 2: The General's Ruby.
Part 3A
As they continue on to where the jade lay, the monarch laments that he has not been an effective ruler. He laments that even though it seems like he did his best, he was unable to maintain his kingdom's stability and through this, he lost his allies and close friends in the ensuing civil war. As they pass through a forest, a cold wind blows. Though it sounds forboding, the monarch knew from there that the Marquis's Jade is close by, and it is down to him to reawaken the Marquis in their time of need. On the revue stage, they see Shiori attacked by another Chorus, and the monarch and his grand chancellor handily defeat them. That's when Akira remembers--Yumeoji Shiori.
The timeline moves back to 4 months ago, and they return to the student council room. Shiori has just finished compiling the documents for Michiru's approval. Shiori also tells Michiru that the documents for the meeting the next day are on Yachiyo's desk. After Shiori exits the room, Akira asks Michiru how Shiori has been handling the duties, to which Michiru replies that Shiori has been handling them very well, which Akira notes is not a comment Michiru gives out lightly. Yet, Akira still senses something off, and presses Michiru to explain what she meant by "general duties". Michiru replies that she has heard from the junior high section that Shiori hasn't been focusing in class these past few days. As Akira mulls over the situation, Michiru continues that even the teachers were starting to become worried about this, and it may be a bit too hasty to pull a junior high student to be part of the Edel team. Akira stands by her decision, as she believes that the role of Frau Jade remains best filled by Shiori, to which Michiru is starting to think that Akira may have set her expectations too high for Shiori to fill. Akira has already considered that the role may seem too heavy for Shiori, what with her not being physically strong to start with, but Michiru brings up another idea, which Akira immediately understood. It definitely has to be something to do with Fumi, Shiori's older sister who transferred out of Siegfeld under unknown circumstances.
At the music room, Shiori had finished playing a piano piece. Akira comes up to Shiori congratuating her on another great performance. Shiori stands up, to which Akira tells her to continue playing the piano. As Akira compliments her on another well played performance, Shiori tries to bring herself down by bringing up her sister, to which Akira reitierates that she was complimenting Shiori's performance, not Fumi's. Shiori then starts to cry, and tries to console herself that Fumi's transfer out of Siegfeld had nothing to do with her. It is obvious that Shiori has not gotten over Fumi's transfer out of Siegfeld. Akira encourages Shiori to talk about it, and so Shiori asks Akira why Fumi transferred out of Siegfeld, especially considering Fumi, like all Siegfeld students, have aspired to be part of Edel. Shiori remembered that day when Fumi transferred out, and she saw that Fumi had a pained look on her face. She wanted to know if it was because of her that Fumi transferred out. She also thinks that the role of Frau Jade might be too heavy on her, and yet she also wants to do her role of Frau Jade as best as she can, for her sister and also her seniors. If only her sister was in Siegfeld... Akira then asks Shiori if she is doubting Akira's judgement. Akira put Shiori up for the role of Frau Jade, not Fumi, and she expected Shiori to discharge her duties accordingly. To deny this role therefore would be to doubt Akira's judgement. Akira reminds Shiori that she is not Fumi, and tells Shiori to not be weighed down by what she thinks of her sister. After a bit of hemming and hawing, Shiori tells Akira that she wanted to be on the stage of Elysion with Fumi, but now Fumi has suddenly left Siegfeld. Shiori wanted to continue with her role of Frau Jade to prove herself to her sister, that she will succeed where her sister failed, and that's why she hasn't let go of the thought of Fumi suddenly leaving Siegfeld. [As Shiori cries, I cry for my ears as they get killed.]
Part 3B
They return to the student council room, where Akira pours Shiori a cup of houjicha (not English tea: they don't have it). Shiori then apologises for the scene which she had subjected Akira [and the translator] to. Akira then apologises for asking such probing questions previously. Akira continues mulling awkwardly over the situation, that Shiori's problems still come back to Fumi. Not a very usual thing for the usually steely-faced Akira, which makes Shiori laugh. Akira then continues and says that even as the student council chairman --Frau Platin-- that there are still some things that she is not the best at, which is why she always had to trouble Michiru. She also sensed this uncertainty when Fumi went to her to request the transfer out of Siegfeld. At the same time, Fumi transferring out meant that Akira lost a friend who was in the production of Elysion--Rebirth. It was definitely a problematic situation. Shiori then asks Akira if she was angry at Fumi leaving Siegfeld. Akira was, a slight bit, confirming Shiori's suspicions, but Akira reminds Shiori that Shiori's appointment to the role of Frau Jade had nothing to do with Fumi. Fumi left Siegfeld on her own accord, and it was Akira's incompetence that she was unable to convince Fumi to not leave. Were she able to watch over the student community more closely, she might have been able to help Fumi, or something, or maybe that was just asking too much of herself. Though, there is a small bit of reassurance. After Fumi left Siegfeld for Rinmeikan, she has gone back to stage acting. Even if Fumi wasn't able to stand on Siegfeld's stage, at least she hasn't given up on stage acting. Shiori then apologises for having troubled Akira with her family issues, to which Akira says that ultimately her goal is to make sure that Shiori doesn't leave her role as Frau Jade. Akira then continues that the calm atmosphere that Shiori brings with her, and showed during her piano performance, was what Edel needed. A calm demeanour, a wide view, yet having an eye for details: only Shiori possesses them all at once. Shiori's words have made Akira aware of how self-righteous and arrogant she was being. How she thought being so harsh on Meifan three months ago was the only way to go about doing things. After Akira finishes, Shiori suddenly stands up and shouts that Fumi was a massive idiot [RIP ears]. Akira, shocked, asks why, to which Shiori continues and asks why Fumi quit Siegfeld by herself, and why she never asked anyone about this. And because of this, everyone was so worried about her, and she never even talked to her own sister. Shiori shouts again, that Fumi was a massive idiot [RIP ears 2]. After all that shouting, Shiori has now lifted that weight off her heart, and tells Akira that she will not quit her duties as Frau Jade. After all, she did join Siegfeld so that she could stand on the stage of Elysion.
『守り包まる つぼみを開きて
導かれたる 白金の道
涙に濡れたる想い文
秘めて歩み出したる 翡翠の夢路
「フラウ・ヤーデ」 夢大路栞
共に征きます 王の頂！』
"Protecting the buds until their bloom
Guiding the path of platinum
With memories filled with sorrow
To walk down a hidden jade path of dreams
--Frau Jade-- Yumeooji Shiori
To conquer together - The summit of Kings!"
After Shiori assures Akira that she will continue her duties in the student council, Akira expresses surprise that Shiori was capable of shouting this loud, and that has left quite the impression on Akira. And therefore, maybe she should do as Shiori did [oh god]. Akira takes a deep breath, then shouts that Fumi is a massive idiot [whyyyyyy RIP ears 3]. She then shouts and asks why Fumi left Siegfeld on her own, why she left her and Shiori behind. After that, Akira tells Shiori to never tell this to Michiru, for this would be very unbecoming of a monarch [yeah no shit Sherlock].
[I don't remember jade being this green]
Back at the Revue Stage, the monarch has found the jade. He reminiscences about how he learnt to be caring to his subjects from the Marquis. Even if the wind is strong, having a warm and caring heart is necessary to be an effective ruler. With that, they set off for the south, where the Knight's Pearl lies.
Continue on to Part 4: The Knight's Pearl.
Part 3A
As they continue on to where the jade lay, the monarch laments that he has not been an effective ruler. He laments that even though it seems like he did his best, he was unable to maintain his kingdom's stability and through this, he lost his allies and close friends in the ensuing civil war. As they pass through a forest, a cold wind blows. Though it sounds forboding, the monarch knew from there that the Marquis's Jade is close by, and it is down to him to reawaken the Marquis in their time of need. On the revue stage, they see Shiori attacked by another Chorus, and the monarch and his grand chancellor handily defeat them. That's when Akira remembers--Yumeoji Shiori.
The timeline moves back to 4 months ago, and they return to the student council room. Shiori has just finished compiling the documents for Michiru's approval. Shiori also tells Michiru that the documents for the meeting the next day are on Yachiyo's desk. After Shiori exits the room, Akira asks Michiru how Shiori has been handling the duties, to which Michiru replies that Shiori has been handling them very well, which Akira notes is not a comment Michiru gives out lightly. Yet, Akira still senses something off, and presses Michiru to explain what she meant by "general duties". Michiru replies that she has heard from the junior high section that Shiori hasn't been focusing in class these past few days. As Akira mulls over the situation, Michiru continues that even the teachers were starting to become worried about this, and it may be a bit too hasty to pull a junior high student to be part of the Edel team. Akira stands by her decision, as she believes that the role of Frau Jade remains best filled by Shiori, to which Michiru is starting to think that Akira may have set her expectations too high for Shiori to fill. Akira has already considered that the role may seem too heavy for Shiori, what with her not being physically strong to start with, but Michiru brings up another idea, which Akira immediately understood. It definitely has to be something to do with Fumi, Shiori's older sister who transferred out of Siegfeld under unknown circumstances.
At the music room, Shiori had finished playing a piano piece. Akira comes up to Shiori congratuating her on another great performance. Shiori stands up, to which Akira tells her to continue playing the piano. As Akira compliments her on another well played performance, Shiori tries to bring herself down by bringing up her sister, to which Akira reitierates that she was complimenting Shiori's performance, not Fumi's. Shiori then starts to cry, and tries to console herself that Fumi's transfer out of Siegfeld had nothing to do with her. It is obvious that Shiori has not gotten over Fumi's transfer out of Siegfeld. Akira encourages Shiori to talk about it, and so Shiori asks Akira why Fumi transferred out of Siegfeld, especially considering Fumi, like all Siegfeld students, have aspired to be part of Edel. Shiori remembered that day when Fumi transferred out, and she saw that Fumi had a pained look on her face. She wanted to know if it was because of her that Fumi transferred out. She also thinks that the role of Frau Jade might be too heavy on her, and yet she also wants to do her role of Frau Jade as best as she can, for her sister and also her seniors. If only her sister was in Siegfeld... Akira then asks Shiori if she is doubting Akira's judgement. Akira put Shiori up for the role of Frau Jade, not Fumi, and she expected Shiori to discharge her duties accordingly. To deny this role therefore would be to doubt Akira's judgement. Akira reminds Shiori that she is not Fumi, and tells Shiori to not be weighed down by what she thinks of her sister. After a bit of hemming and hawing, Shiori tells Akira that she wanted to be on the stage of Elysion with Fumi, but now Fumi has suddenly left Siegfeld. Shiori wanted to continue with her role of Frau Jade to prove herself to her sister, that she will succeed where her sister failed, and that's why she hasn't let go of the thought of Fumi suddenly leaving Siegfeld. [As Shiori cries, I cry for my ears as they get killed.]
Part 3B
They return to the student council room, where Akira pours Shiori a cup of houjicha (not English tea: they don't have it). Shiori then apologises for the scene which she had subjected Akira [and the translator] to. Akira then apologises for asking such probing questions previously. Akira continues mulling awkwardly over the situation, that Shiori's problems still come back to Fumi. Not a very usual thing for the usually steely-faced Akira, which makes Shiori laugh. Akira then continues and says that even as the student council chairman --Frau Platin-- that there are still some things that she is not the best at, which is why she always had to trouble Michiru. She also sensed this uncertainty when Fumi went to her to request the transfer out of Siegfeld. At the same time, Fumi transferring out meant that Akira lost a friend who was in the production of Elysion--Rebirth. It was definitely a problematic situation. Shiori then asks Akira if she was angry at Fumi leaving Siegfeld. Akira was, a slight bit, confirming Shiori's suspicions, but Akira reminds Shiori that Shiori's appointment to the role of Frau Jade had nothing to do with Fumi. Fumi left Siegfeld on her own accord, and it was Akira's incompetence that she was unable to convince Fumi to not leave. Were she able to watch over the student community more closely, she might have been able to help Fumi, or something, or maybe that was just asking too much of herself. Though, there is a small bit of reassurance. After Fumi left Siegfeld for Rinmeikan, she has gone back to stage acting. Even if Fumi wasn't able to stand on Siegfeld's stage, at least she hasn't given up on stage acting. Shiori then apologises for having troubled Akira with her family issues, to which Akira says that ultimately her goal is to make sure that Shiori doesn't leave her role as Frau Jade. Akira then continues that the calm atmosphere that Shiori brings with her, and showed during her piano performance, was what Edel needed. A calm demeanour, a wide view, yet having an eye for details: only Shiori possesses them all at once. Shiori's words have made Akira aware of how self-righteous and arrogant she was being. How she thought being so harsh on Meifan three months ago was the only way to go about doing things. After Akira finishes, Shiori suddenly stands up and shouts that Fumi was a massive idiot [RIP ears]. Akira, shocked, asks why, to which Shiori continues and asks why Fumi quit Siegfeld by herself, and why she never asked anyone about this. And because of this, everyone was so worried about her, and she never even talked to her own sister. Shiori shouts again, that Fumi was a massive idiot [RIP ears 2]. After all that shouting, Shiori has now lifted that weight off her heart, and tells Akira that she will not quit her duties as Frau Jade. After all, she did join Siegfeld so that she could stand on the stage of Elysion.
『守り包まる つぼみを開きて
導かれたる 白金の道
涙に濡れたる想い文
秘めて歩み出したる 翡翠の夢路
「フラウ・ヤーデ」 夢大路栞
共に征きます 王の頂！』
"Protecting the buds until their bloom
Guiding the path of platinum
With memories filled with sorrow
To walk down a hidden jade path of dreams
--Frau Jade-- Yumeooji Shiori
To conquer together - The summit of Kings!"
After Shiori assures Akira that she will continue her duties in the student council, Akira expresses surprise that Shiori was capable of shouting this loud, and that has left quite the impression on Akira. And therefore, maybe she should do as Shiori did [oh god]. Akira takes a deep breath, then shouts that Fumi is a massive idiot [whyyyyyy RIP ears 3]. She then shouts and asks why Fumi left Siegfeld on her own, why she left her and Shiori behind. After that, Akira tells Shiori to never tell this to Michiru, for this would be very unbecoming of a monarch [yeah no shit Sherlock].
[I don't remember jade being this green]
Back at the Revue Stage, the monarch has found the jade. He reminiscences about how he learnt to be caring to his subjects from the Marquis. Even if the wind is strong, having a warm and caring heart is necessary to be an effective ruler. With that, they set off for the south, where the Knight's Pearl lies.
Continue on to Part 4: The Knight's Pearl.
Thursday, 15 August 2019
Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight ReLive Main Story Series 8 - Part 2: The General's Ruby
This story continues from Part 1: The lost ones.
Part 2A
The monarch continues on as he tells the grand chancellor the immense gravity of the situation they are in. They trudge on through the path as they walk towards the first landmark: the volcano where the Goddess of Fire resided. This is also the place where the ruby has flown to.
The ruby is the gemstone that represents military might, and was held by a legendary general. The ruby represents the power the monarch has over the military, and with the ruby in the crown jewels, the monarch can control his armies and achieve victory over his enemies.
They arrive at the volcano, where they find the ruby. On the Revue Stage, they find Liu Meifan being attacked by a Chorus. Michiru and Akira defeat the Chorus handily, and this is when Akira remembers Frau Rubin - Liu Meifan.
The scene goes back to 7 months ago, when the term just started, and Akira has just taken the mantle of Frau Platin.
The silence of the student council room is unceremoniously broken by loud knocking at the door. Shocked, Akira opens the door to see Meifan congratulating her on her new appointment as the new student council chairman. After an enthusiastic exchange of formalities (mostly from Meifan), Meifan tells the both of them about her background in Peking opera, and how she was so impressed by Akira's performance in Elysion--Rebirth the previous year that she learnt Japanese (wtf?) and applied to enter Siegfeld. With her entrance into Siegfeld secured, she wishes to be on the same stage as Akira as an Edel. When asked by Akira about what being on the Monarch of Stages means, Meifan answers that it means bringing the student community together to bring out the best in the Monarch of Stages, and that means serving the school community as the student councillors by supporting the student council chairman in their specific functions. This is immediately followed by Akira flatly rejecting Meifan for the running of the student council and Michiru showing her the door.
Part 2B
The next day, Akira and Michiru continue on with the search for who will be the next student councillors. They arrive at the student council room to see Meifan cleaning the student council room windows. After another confirmation from Akira that Meifan is still not in consideration to be in the Edel team, Michiru shows Meifan the door.
The day after, Akira and Michiru look through the budget estimates and the to-do list for the student council. As Michiru teaches Akira on the finer aspects of behaving more king-like and enters the room, they see Meifan prostrating at the student council room. Meifan mentions that she has been doing that since 6 in the morning, in the hopes that she can star in the same stage as Akira. She continues that Akira was the reason that she left her hometown and applied to enter Siegfeld. Michiru counters that this was exactly the reason why the both of them rejected Meifan. The role of an Edel is not to single-mindedly serve the monarch, but to serve the student community with equal importance. Meifan's obsession with Akira meant that she lost sight of the need to serve the student community as a member of Edel, and therefore will not be considered for any of the vacant roles.
After Michiru shows Meifan the door (again), Akira thanks her for tanking the role as the bad news bearer, to which Michiru tells her that as the monarch of Edel she didn't need to really use words for that. Michiru looks closer at Meifan's profile and thinks about how out of all the foreign applicants to Siegfeld, Meifan was the only one who actually succeeded in entering Siegfeld. Nevertheless, Akira remains steadfast that regardless of performatory skill, to be accepted as a member of Edel it is important to have a mind to serve the student community as a whole and not just the monarch.
Just as they were about to begin their student council duties, they hear a loud clanging of a gong outside. That is when Akira remembers Meifan as Frau Rubin.
『万里を越えし 覇王の風に
巡り見つけた 己の舞台
胸に秘めたる 龍の紅玉
命をささぐは 貴き白金
「フラウ・ルビン」 リュウ・メイファン！
燃燒吧，激情烈焰，王道擔當
（情熱の炎で、王道を作る！）』
"Crossing a thousand miles, through a warlord's wind
A stage of my own, for which I came across
From the dragon's ruby, to which I have kept hidden
To dedicate my life, to the nobility of the platinum
--Frau Rubin-- Liu Meifan!
The fires of passion burn, to light the royal path!"
[this is what I think Meifan was saying, but her pronunciation is so bad I can't be certain]
As Meifan continues, Michiru tells Akira that Meifan was exactly like how Akira was like back then. Akira reiterates her point that what she is looking for in a member of Edel is not a fan of her, but then she reconsiders. Meifan doesn't want to be a member of Edel because she is Akira's fan, but rather because of Akira's role of Frau Platin, who Meifan wants to support with her ability. With that, Michiru agrees, and asks Akira what kind of role she wants Meifan to fill, to which Akira thinks that since Meifan is good in kanji (wtf that's not how it works) she would fit in as the secretary.
Michiru and Akira return to the Elysion stage. With the ruby secured, the monarch now feels the passion that the ruby exudes, they exit the volcano towards the west, where the Marquis's Jade lies.
Continue on to Part 3: The Marquis's Jade.
Part 2A
The monarch continues on as he tells the grand chancellor the immense gravity of the situation they are in. They trudge on through the path as they walk towards the first landmark: the volcano where the Goddess of Fire resided. This is also the place where the ruby has flown to.
The ruby is the gemstone that represents military might, and was held by a legendary general. The ruby represents the power the monarch has over the military, and with the ruby in the crown jewels, the monarch can control his armies and achieve victory over his enemies.
They arrive at the volcano, where they find the ruby. On the Revue Stage, they find Liu Meifan being attacked by a Chorus. Michiru and Akira defeat the Chorus handily, and this is when Akira remembers Frau Rubin - Liu Meifan.
The scene goes back to 7 months ago, when the term just started, and Akira has just taken the mantle of Frau Platin.
The silence of the student council room is unceremoniously broken by loud knocking at the door. Shocked, Akira opens the door to see Meifan congratulating her on her new appointment as the new student council chairman. After an enthusiastic exchange of formalities (mostly from Meifan), Meifan tells the both of them about her background in Peking opera, and how she was so impressed by Akira's performance in Elysion--Rebirth the previous year that she learnt Japanese (wtf?) and applied to enter Siegfeld. With her entrance into Siegfeld secured, she wishes to be on the same stage as Akira as an Edel. When asked by Akira about what being on the Monarch of Stages means, Meifan answers that it means bringing the student community together to bring out the best in the Monarch of Stages, and that means serving the school community as the student councillors by supporting the student council chairman in their specific functions. This is immediately followed by Akira flatly rejecting Meifan for the running of the student council and Michiru showing her the door.
Part 2B
The next day, Akira and Michiru continue on with the search for who will be the next student councillors. They arrive at the student council room to see Meifan cleaning the student council room windows. After another confirmation from Akira that Meifan is still not in consideration to be in the Edel team, Michiru shows Meifan the door.
The day after, Akira and Michiru look through the budget estimates and the to-do list for the student council. As Michiru teaches Akira on the finer aspects of behaving more king-like and enters the room, they see Meifan prostrating at the student council room. Meifan mentions that she has been doing that since 6 in the morning, in the hopes that she can star in the same stage as Akira. She continues that Akira was the reason that she left her hometown and applied to enter Siegfeld. Michiru counters that this was exactly the reason why the both of them rejected Meifan. The role of an Edel is not to single-mindedly serve the monarch, but to serve the student community with equal importance. Meifan's obsession with Akira meant that she lost sight of the need to serve the student community as a member of Edel, and therefore will not be considered for any of the vacant roles.
After Michiru shows Meifan the door (again), Akira thanks her for tanking the role as the bad news bearer, to which Michiru tells her that as the monarch of Edel she didn't need to really use words for that. Michiru looks closer at Meifan's profile and thinks about how out of all the foreign applicants to Siegfeld, Meifan was the only one who actually succeeded in entering Siegfeld. Nevertheless, Akira remains steadfast that regardless of performatory skill, to be accepted as a member of Edel it is important to have a mind to serve the student community as a whole and not just the monarch.
Just as they were about to begin their student council duties, they hear a loud clanging of a gong outside. That is when Akira remembers Meifan as Frau Rubin.
『万里を越えし 覇王の風に
巡り見つけた 己の舞台
胸に秘めたる 龍の紅玉
命をささぐは 貴き白金
「フラウ・ルビン」 リュウ・メイファン！
燃燒吧，激情烈焰，王道擔當
（情熱の炎で、王道を作る！）』
"Crossing a thousand miles, through a warlord's wind
A stage of my own, for which I came across
From the dragon's ruby, to which I have kept hidden
To dedicate my life, to the nobility of the platinum
--Frau Rubin-- Liu Meifan!
The fires of passion burn, to light the royal path!"
[this is what I think Meifan was saying, but her pronunciation is so bad I can't be certain]
As Meifan continues, Michiru tells Akira that Meifan was exactly like how Akira was like back then. Akira reiterates her point that what she is looking for in a member of Edel is not a fan of her, but then she reconsiders. Meifan doesn't want to be a member of Edel because she is Akira's fan, but rather because of Akira's role of Frau Platin, who Meifan wants to support with her ability. With that, Michiru agrees, and asks Akira what kind of role she wants Meifan to fill, to which Akira thinks that since Meifan is good in kanji (wtf that's not how it works) she would fit in as the secretary.
Michiru and Akira return to the Elysion stage. With the ruby secured, the monarch now feels the passion that the ruby exudes, they exit the volcano towards the west, where the Marquis's Jade lies.
Continue on to Part 3: The Marquis's Jade.
Saturday, 10 August 2019
Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight ReLive Main Story Series 8 - Part 1: The Lost Ones
Part 1A
The story starts with the background of Siegfeld's play: Elysion. The three acts of Elysion: "Era of the Gods", "Era of the Monarchs", "Era of Rebirth". Each of the three acts are played once a year and cycles back after the end of "Rebirth". This continues on to the explanation of how "Elysion" is the emblematic play of Siegfeld, and the cast of five who, as the main cast of this play, are also the members of the student council.
Turns out the what happened before Akira dreaming of standing on stage as part of the production of "Era of the Gods" introducing the play, even though their upcoming play is "Era of the Monarchs". Michiru wakes her up and they walk to school together, where Michiru points out a particular park that they went to and allegedly Akira made a promise to Michiru there, which Akira doesn't remember. Because Akira forgot whatever promise she made at that park Michiru becomes sad and stomps off. Any attempts by Akira to get Michiru to explain what has happened are rebuffed.
The student council session starts as usual, but the atmosphere remains tense, beginning with Michiru asking Akira to properly recite her starting lines before beginning the session. They start with taking stock of things that need to be done around Siegfeld, since the production of "Elysion--Monarch" means that most, if not the rest of the student population will be supporting them as backstage crew. Things like lesson room renovation budgets (approved), expansion of the library repertoire (in progress), and shower room timings (no answer) and the collation of the practice uniform sizes of the students.
More critically, the roles of Frau Rubin, Frau Jade and Frau Perle have not been selected, and no one appears to be signing up. Without this the next year's production "Elysion--Monarch" would be missing three critical roles.
When Akira accepted the role of Frau Platin, no new members came in, and the scouted students were all rejected, so Akira had to put up "Elysion--Gods" with Michiru only. Akira noted that the previous "Elysion--Gods" production was unprecedented in that they somehow managed to put up that production with only Akira and Michiru.
After realising what happened, Akira started to laugh at the absurdity of what they happened, which justifiably makes Michiru very concerned, but then Akira reminds Michiru that there is no way they could have made "Gods" with only two people.
Part 1B
If everyone's goal in entering Siegfeld was to be part of the five-man cast in Elysion, it would be impossible to not fill the roster for Elysion.
Her promise to Michiru at the park was to make a production of "Elysion--Gods" with all five people.
When Akira recited the lines of "Elysion--Gods" again (near-perfectly filling in the voices of the missing roles), she realised it was impossible to do this play with only two people.
That dream in the first part of the story... wasn't a dream.
It was a memory.
Word had already gotten around of Maya's disappearance from Seisho, and Akira deduced that this was happening to their group as well.
Their realisation of what has happened has caused the curtains to draw, and they find themselves in the Revue Stage.
As they find themselves on the Revue Stage, they meet Eru, who had a bit of a snag trying to summon Andrew.
Eru explains that the Choruses are imprisoning stage productions, and their only way to stop them from straight up destroying them was to put up these "missing role" revues.
Which Andrew wasn't thrilled to explain again after putting up with Kaoruko's verbal abuse in the previous chapter. Andrew then made a critical failure mentioning that to Michiru since Michiru remembered what Kaoruko nicknamed Andrew, which Akira very quickly picked up much to Andrew's chagrin.
RIP Andrew (you will not be missed)
To bring back the lost ones, Akira and Michiru now have to re-produce "Elysion--Monarch" on their own, on thefield of honour Revue Stage.
Elysion--Monarch: ReLive
A dying king entrusts his grand chancellor with the task of succeeding him and recovering the lost crown jewels.
They had to escape the palace due to a surprise attack by antiroyalists.
Now the grand chancellor has to assemble the four horsemen, each representing a lost crown jewel, and take back their rightful place on the throne.
Continue on to Part 2: The General's Ruby.
The story starts with the background of Siegfeld's play: Elysion. The three acts of Elysion: "Era of the Gods", "Era of the Monarchs", "Era of Rebirth". Each of the three acts are played once a year and cycles back after the end of "Rebirth". This continues on to the explanation of how "Elysion" is the emblematic play of Siegfeld, and the cast of five who, as the main cast of this play, are also the members of the student council.
Turns out the what happened before Akira dreaming of standing on stage as part of the production of "Era of the Gods" introducing the play, even though their upcoming play is "Era of the Monarchs". Michiru wakes her up and they walk to school together, where Michiru points out a particular park that they went to and allegedly Akira made a promise to Michiru there, which Akira doesn't remember. Because Akira forgot whatever promise she made at that park Michiru becomes sad and stomps off. Any attempts by Akira to get Michiru to explain what has happened are rebuffed.
The student council session starts as usual, but the atmosphere remains tense, beginning with Michiru asking Akira to properly recite her starting lines before beginning the session. They start with taking stock of things that need to be done around Siegfeld, since the production of "Elysion--Monarch" means that most, if not the rest of the student population will be supporting them as backstage crew. Things like lesson room renovation budgets (approved), expansion of the library repertoire (in progress), and shower room timings (no answer) and the collation of the practice uniform sizes of the students.
More critically, the roles of Frau Rubin, Frau Jade and Frau Perle have not been selected, and no one appears to be signing up. Without this the next year's production "Elysion--Monarch" would be missing three critical roles.
When Akira accepted the role of Frau Platin, no new members came in, and the scouted students were all rejected, so Akira had to put up "Elysion--Gods" with Michiru only. Akira noted that the previous "Elysion--Gods" production was unprecedented in that they somehow managed to put up that production with only Akira and Michiru.
After realising what happened, Akira started to laugh at the absurdity of what they happened, which justifiably makes Michiru very concerned, but then Akira reminds Michiru that there is no way they could have made "Gods" with only two people.
Part 1B
If everyone's goal in entering Siegfeld was to be part of the five-man cast in Elysion, it would be impossible to not fill the roster for Elysion.
Her promise to Michiru at the park was to make a production of "Elysion--Gods" with all five people.
When Akira recited the lines of "Elysion--Gods" again (near-perfectly filling in the voices of the missing roles), she realised it was impossible to do this play with only two people.
That dream in the first part of the story... wasn't a dream.
It was a memory.
Word had already gotten around of Maya's disappearance from Seisho, and Akira deduced that this was happening to their group as well.
Their realisation of what has happened has caused the curtains to draw, and they find themselves in the Revue Stage.
As they find themselves on the Revue Stage, they meet Eru, who had a bit of a snag trying to summon Andrew.
Eru explains that the Choruses are imprisoning stage productions, and their only way to stop them from straight up destroying them was to put up these "missing role" revues.
Which Andrew wasn't thrilled to explain again after putting up with Kaoruko's verbal abuse in the previous chapter. Andrew then made a critical failure mentioning that to Michiru since Michiru remembered what Kaoruko nicknamed Andrew, which Akira very quickly picked up much to Andrew's chagrin.
RIP Andrew (you will not be missed)
To bring back the lost ones, Akira and Michiru now have to re-produce "Elysion--Monarch" on their own, on the
Elysion--Monarch: ReLive
A dying king entrusts his grand chancellor with the task of succeeding him and recovering the lost crown jewels.
They had to escape the palace due to a surprise attack by antiroyalists.
Now the grand chancellor has to assemble the four horsemen, each representing a lost crown jewel, and take back their rightful place on the throne.
Continue on to Part 2: The General's Ruby.
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