set theory 4

Koga: Hmph. If you can’t keep goin’ without leanin’ on your buddies for support, you aren’t cut out for this.

You’re just a baby who can’t even stand up on its own.

I’m not like that, though. I’m fine being alone. I just grit my teeth and take everything that comes at me as an opportunity.

And one day, I’m gonna be just like Sakuma-senpai.

I’d be stupid to think I could make my dream come true without being prepared to fight on my own.

You’d do better to go on home, pull up your nice, warm covers, and enjoy your sweet, happy dreams far away from the real world.

Oops... I shouldn’t be standin’ around talkin’. I can’t get home if I miss the train. Shit, I’m wastin’ time.

Later, Akehoshi. Don’t talk to me again, got it?

Oh right: you should keep Daikichi on a leash when you walk him. And give him a haircut, too. His fur’s all matted.

That’s your responsibility as his owner, you stupid bastard.

Anyway, bye for real this time!

Subaru: Yeah, bye-bye...?

...And he’s gone. He’s a lot like a stray dog.

(Gotta be prepared to fight on your own, huh? But Gami-san, don’t you know even the strongest person alive will be crushed if he fights alone?)

(Just like Dad... So I want a partner I can trust to watch my back.)

(But it’s hard to come by anyone who’s actually motivated in this place, much less a partner or a friend.)

(I guess if you have a strong sense of purpose like Gami-san... you can keep going without having to worry about silly stuff like that.)

(I don’t really have a purpose like that... or a dream I can take pride in.)

(Hey, Dad. Why did I want to be an idol, anyway?)

Hokuto: ......

Heh. I... am a prince.

His nationality isn’t stated, but he’s likely to be the first-, second-, or third-born son of the royal family in a monarchic country.

He speaks in Japanese, but that’s coincidental; the original script was written in English.

It says, “Looks good with red roses.” So he probably has hair and eyes that match the color red.

Okay, I have a good idea of what I’m going for.

I am a prince. An English-speaking prince.

Wataru: Um... So, you’re still here, are you?

Hokuto: Hey. It’s bad manners to enter a room without knocking. At least, that’s what the prince would say.

That’s what was established by the script, anyway. He’s a prince with that sort of personality.

Fufu. How am I doing, Buchou?^[1]

You told me that I seemed like a prince, so I found a script with a prince as a character and started rehearsing it.

I think that’s what you wanted me to do. It’s how I interpreted it, anyway, so I’ve been practicing since you left.

Wataru: I’m impressed, truly, that you only listen to what you find convenient.

You might recall that what I actually said was, “You look so gallant that you seem a prince, but you don’t have even an ounce of talent for acting.”

“As such, I will not allow you to join the drama club. To practice acting would be a wasted effort.”

Hokuto: I get it. You were harsh to me with the intention of seeing my reaction.

If I get discouraged by criticism of that caliber, I’ll never fulfill my dream of becoming a skilled actor.

Wataru: No, it was supposed to be an insult.

Hokuto: Either way, there’s no reason not to let me join the club. I’ll even pay the dues.

As long as you give me some direction, I’ll practice on my own, so I won’t burden you at all.

Besides, someone came in while you were gone claiming to be from the student council... He said the drama club will be disbanded because it doesn’t have enough members.

If I join, the membership will increase, and that should save the club. It benefits you, too, so what’s the problem?

Explain it in a logical way, or I won’t accept this decision.

Wataru: Umm... Well, there’s honestly no reason for me to force you out. Plenty of people apply for the club because they admire me.

But they typically give up and leave on their own after a few days...

It makes me feel quite lonely every time we part, so I’ve been thinking I should refuse to let them join from the start to avoid that.

Hokuto: Don’t worry. I won’t leave. I always see things through once I’ve made up my mind about them.

Wataru: Hm. I feel a bit sorry dragging you into the world of theater whilst knowing it’s a futile effort...

But then again, humans have infinite potential.

Perhaps I’ll wait and see how things turn out. You’re the son of a famous actress, yes? Your pedigree couldn’t be more excellent.

There’s a slim chance you may surprise me.

Hokuto: Yeah, I’m going to become an actor worthy of my mother’s name. I’ll need to work hard to accomplish that, so don’t hold back in your instruction.

Here is my application again. I want you to sign it, Buchou.

Wataru: Yes, yes... I give in. At least you have gumption, I admit. I suppose I can kill some time training you.

Hm. Hidaka Hokuto-kun, the son of the famous actress Hidaka-san. I ought to say I look forward to working with you.

Hokuto: Yes, me too. I won’t spare any effort or waste any time.

Now, Buchou. I’d like your advice. I can’t seem to grasp this “prince” role.

Why does he keep saying “heh” over and over? Does he have something wrong with his diaphragm?

Wataru: Oh, my. What does destiny have in store for me, that such a bothersome child has joined the club...?