Even in Hell 8

Tsumugi: Ah, what a relief. I’d always wondered who she was.

I knew she was related to the fortune teller who helped my parents, at least.

But that fortune teller is really famous now. I thought that if her son was named Natsume, then you two might be one and the same...

But the genders were different~ I was so confused.

Now it all makes sense, though! That’s a weight off my shoulders; thank you for that ♪

Natsume: Don’t decide that things are settled all on your own. I suppose it’s fine, though.

But come to think of it... I remember there was a rather disgusting little boy at that school. That must have been you.

I believe everyone called him Tsumugi-nii-san, yes? Hmph, you certainly give off a different impression now.

Tsumugi: Ahaha. Since that time, my parents got involved in another religion, went bankrupt, divorced, remarried, and some other things.

But, well, I’m happy now, so it’s all okay. There’s no need to worry about me~ ♪

Natsume: I wasn’t exactly worried. Hmm, you’ve had a hard life, haven’t you...?

Tsumugi: No, not at all! But isn’t it funny how destiny works? To think we’d meet again in a place like this!

I’m glad to see you again, Natsume-chan ♪

Natsume: The next time you call me that I’ll throw sulfuric acid in your face.

Tsumugi: No, stop! An idol’s face is their greatest treasure!

Speaking of acid, though... you’ve got test tubes and lab equipment down here; are you doing some kind of experiment? Is this for chemistry club or something, Natsume-kun?

Natsume: There is no chemistry club here. I’m simply interested in the subject, and it’s a good way to pass the time.

My master prefers more fantastical magic, but I would say my own passions lie in old-school alchemy and more simple magics.

At this academy, there are no good places where I can perform experiments of this nature, and so I’ve occupied this space for use as I see fit.

Tsumugi: Well, no... This is the school’s property, so you can’t just occupy it, you know?

Natsume: It’s fine; no one uses it anyway. I’m simply making effective use of the land. And besides, I have permission.

It’s quite handy to know your teachers’ weaknesses in times like this.

Tsumugi: As long as you have permission... I’m on the library committee, though, so I need to check the collection.

Do you mind that I’ll be coming in and out occasionally to look over the books down here?

Natsume: Not at all, so long as you don’t get in my way.

My experiments hang in such delicate balance that a draft blowing in through an open door could throw my calculations into disarray.

Tsumugi: Ah, I’m sorry... But I’m happy I was able to talk with you. I won’t bother you again, so don’t worry ♪

Natsume: Mm... You’re a bit strange, Tsumugi-nii-san.

Tsumugi: Huh, do you think so? That’s the first time anyone has said that to me~ It makes me sort of happy!

Maybe it’s because we’re at an idol training school, but everyone here has a lot of character ♪

Natsume: Hm...? Something feels wrong here; it’s bugging me...

Tsumugi: Oh, are you interested in me? Then we should sit down and chat when you’re done with your experiment.

I’m sure we have a lot to catch up on ♪

Natsume: I have nothing to say to you. In the end we are mere strangers, yes?

Well... This was a place for me to escape from all the people who wanted me to solve their problems; I was supposed to be able to relax here.

But now something irritating has invaded my space.

Don’t get too familiar with me, Nii-san. I’d prefer we coexist without interfering with each other.

When normal humans involve themselves with magicians, it typically ends badly.

Eichi: You can let go of my hand, thank you. I’m able to walk on my own.

I won’t run away; I know my place. And besides, I’m no longer a child.

I won’t cause any trouble. Thank you for all your hard work.

Please just do the work you’re paid for and stop meddling beyond that. Remember your place as a servant.

(Mm... I suppose I’m paying the price for my unbelievably selfish behavior when I was a child.)

(Everyone around me will always treat me like a spoiled brat.)

(I wonder what they think I’ll do if they take their eyes off of me.)

(It’s not as if I’m going to pull any more meaningless pranks like painting all of the roses in the manor blue.)

(Well, it’ll be fine. When Grandfather passes, I intend to replace all of the servants in the manor with those who are loyal and obedient to me.)

(Until then, I’ll just live with this inconvenience.)

Hey, open the car door more quickly.

Or rather, don’t come to pick me up in a limousine. There might not be anyone around today because it’s past school hours...

But I don’t want to draw attention to myself right now.

Hm? What’s the matter? You’re looking away... Do you see something?

Wataru: ~... ♪

Eichi: (Is that...? Oh, it is him. Why is he all the way up there?)

(Rather, what is he doing? It looks like he’s... rehearsing for a play?)

(He’s beautiful... surrounded by a mystical brilliance; I can’t help but admire it.)

Wataru: ...... ♪

Eichi: (Ah—he noticed me. And he’s waving? Even though there’s so much distance between us... even though you’re so far away from me.)

(However, I know that one day... I will close this distance.)

(I will come to you. No matter what it is I have to do.)