Infinite Stratos - Volume 7, page 16
"You're too slow, Ichika! What were you—"
She wouldn't feel good if she didn't rant off. Just when Houki was about to stand up, turn around and throw a tantrum—the world suddenly stopped.
"Yo."
Dressed in a tuxedo, Ichika was standing there.
He was dressed completely in black, and the suave coolness around him was undoubted.
(So-So handsome.)
Houki wanted to complain, but those thoughts were gone like the wind.
Staring blankly at Ichika, Houki was handed a bouquet.
"Please accept this."
"Are these...roses...? And they're all red..."
She received the bouquet of flowers for the first time in her life (and the red ones the girls always dreamed of). At this moment, Houki seemed to see a huge dream as all sorts of confusing thoughts rushed into her head.
(Ichika was late, I was angry, unable to calm down. Ichika finally came and suddenly gave me roses.)
She was completely lost.
Blank, Houki just stood there. The waiter in the gentleman's attire came to talk to her, and she sat down.
"Then, welcome, and enjoy the special dinner of this restaurant."
The duo who were greeted respectfully greeted back half a moment later.
"Then, please allow us to serve the meal according to the menu. Since both of you are underaged, we can't provide alcohol or the likes, but we can provide mineral water for both of you."
Ichika and Houki were really tense, and they nodded their heads in agreement without knowing what was going on.
The explanation then continued for a while, and both of them were finally released from the waiter. They couldn't help but sigh.
" 'Saying that we came to the right place', that's just inappropriate."
"That's right. This isn't a restaurant we should be at."
Looking around at the other tables, it seemed that they were all adults. And they were more like adults of the upper class of society instead of being just normal adults.
(Speaking of which.)
Houki put the bouquet of flowers on the table, and turned to look at Ichika, who was dressed in the tuxedo.
Ichika now looks more mature than usual. Basically—that's right, it's great.
(Why? Why is this guy so suited to wear men's clothing...)
It was the same with the butler outfit during the school anniversary. Anyway, he's just very suited to formal clothing.
(Do-Do I look bad?)
She lowered her head to look at her dress.
As expected, anything other than the kimono couldn't calm her down. It didn't look like it suited her that well.
"..."
She was somewhat depressed.
"Houki."
Lowering her head subconsciously, Houki anxiously lifted her head up as Ichika called her.
"This dress—"
"!"
*BKU!* She curled up.
What if he says that it's weird? What if he says that it doesn't suit me? Thinking about this, her heart felt like it was going to leap out.
"Not bad. It suits you well."
"Ah..."
--*DOKI!*
Her heart pounded hard.
"Is-Is that so? That's good."
She acted like it was nothing and coughed.
But the heartbeat that was left in her chest felt like it was going to burst out, and Houki could feel her face turning red.
(The dim lights help me a lot.)
After this, dish after dish was served, and yet she didn't feel the taste.
Actually, it was unbelievable that the food could even go through the throat, as Houki's heart had been beating wildly because of Ichika in front of her.
"But this is really a top-class restaurant. Each dish's so delicious."
"Is-Is that so?"
--Huuh? Who'd know how they taste like? It's all because of you, Ichika!
Thinking about this, Houki stared at Ichika.
"Hn?"
"Su...!"
What's wrong? Facing Ichika's smiling face, Houki's ears got red.
Ichika's so handsome, so cool, I can't even look at him straight now.
(Now's the only chance! I'll confess!)
Overcome by the impulse of wanting to pass her feelings, she couldn't bring her courage out. Anxious, Houki tried to encourage herself as she picked the glass cup on the table and drank the contents.
"I-Ichika!"
"What is it?"
"I-I—"
A sudden surge of excitement and pressure caused blood to rush up to Houki's head.
Her heart felt like a damaged engine going overload. It was impossible to stop it.
(Say it! Say it!)
She clenched her fists until the fingers dug into her palms, and she didn't care even though it was hurting her.
"I, well, I—"
Like! Just when Houki was about to say it, she suddenly went limp.
"...Huuh?"
The world spun around her. What's happening? What's going on?—just like that, Houki's consciousness went out like a TV with the plug pulled out.
"Hey, Heey, Houki?"
Seeing Houki suddenly collapse on the chair, Ichika anxiously asked. But he couldn't do anything opposite the table, so he stood up and moved to Houki.
"Houki, what's wrong? Hey."
"Funya...Ihikaa..."
"Wah! What's wrong? Why do you reek of alcohol!?"
"Heh...what's going on..."
Her speech slurred, Houki swayed and leaped at Ichika.
"I'll teach you. I'll teach you!"
"Uwa! Idiot, stop it! Hey, stop hitting!"
"Nyahahahaha..."
Seeing this somewhat strange scene, the waiter hurriedly came over.
"Dear customer, what happened?"
"No, I'm not too sure. She became like this after drinking water."
"Water? Excuse me?"
The waiter took the empty cup and sniffed inside.
"Who-WHO SERVED WINE TO THIS CUSTOMER!"
"Wine?"
"Syake—"[7D 22]
"It-It was me!"
"YOU AGAIN! HOW MANY TIMES DID I TELL YOU NOT TO MESS THE ORDER!?"
The young man lowered his head and bowed as he faced the lecturing waiter. Houki was completely drunk, and Ichika just sighed.
◆
It's like a dream.
I'm waiting for a certain someone in the wide flower field.
A precious someone.
No, I knew who I was waiting for—a prince.
"—"
Someone called my name.
And I answered.
"Come up."
The Prince lifted my arm and guided me onto the horse.
I was carried by the Prince in front of his chest, and my chest felt like it was playing a tune.
"Shall we go?"
To where? I didn't ask.
Anywhere. To the ends of the world.
Anywhere will do as long as I'm with you.
"..."
I held onto the Prince tightly.
The warm, existent heartbeat was pure, undiluted happiness.
"Houki."
Gyaahh, the wind blew.
◆
"Fufufufuufu..."
GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!
"GUEEEEH! HOUKI, STOP IT! MY NECK'S ABOUT TO BREAK!...GUUEE!!"
Carrying the completely drunk Houki, I walked all the way back to IS Academy.
I'll return the dress next time. I told the restaurant staff, and came out. However, it's still a heavy journey.
(Besides, I'm in a tuxedo. And Houki's in a dress...)
It can't be helped if someone asks us which party did we come back from.
And Houki continued to smile as she slept, and the surrounding eyes would look at us.
"Haa...a lot of things sure happened today. I'm so tired..."
But never mind. It's not like I felt any worse.
(Houki looks beautiful in a dress.)
Considering that she's leaning on my back and sleeping, Houki let out stable breathing.
My childhood friend, who gave a completely refreshing charm after changing clothes, really looks cute to my somewhat biased eyes.
"...Ichika..."
"Hm? Are you awake?"
"Uu."
Nope. She's still drunk. Speaking of which, maybe she's all dizzy now.
"Anyonya."[7D 23]
"I don't understand what you're trying to say."
"Funi."
"Do you want some water?"
"...Syuki."[7D 24]
Hn? What do I need to take note of?[7D 25]
"Houki."
"...Suu..."
Ahh, she fell asleep again.
Really, you.
...
......
.........
"Then, Takatsuki-san. I'll leave her to you."
Finally making my way to the first year dorm of IS Academy, I brought Houki to her room and left her with her roommate.
Most likely, there'll be gossip of me carrying Houki back. I tried my best to avoid a few people, but some girls caught me.
Thinking about this, as I walked out, I met Chifuyu-nee.
"What's the matter, Orimura? Why are you dressed like this?"
"Erm, I went to watch a musical."
*PAK!* My brain got smashed by the karate chop.
"Oww!"
"Who are you trying to fool?"
How does she know?
(Huh, more than that. Isn't there something I need to ask?)
Luckily, there's no one else on the corridor.
I walked to Chifuyu-nee and asked sternly.
"Chifuyu-nee."
"Call me Orimura-sensei."
"Erm...it's about family..."
It's hard to say it out.
Having been abandoned by our parents, we siblings have always treated family matters as taboo.
But even so, I had to ask.
"Well, is there anyone else...in the family...other than us...?"
"..."
Chifuyu-nee's expression changed.
I got overwhelmed by the suffocating tension.
"Like, an imouto, or something..."
"Nope."
"No? But..."
--Someone who looked just like Chifuyu-nee existed.
"You are my only family."
"Bu—"
Seeing that I intended to inquire until the end, Chifuyu-nee walked away with large strides.
That back figure of hers indicated that this is the end of the conversation.
"..."
I'm unable to understand at all, and I remained rooted to the spot even after Chifuyu-nee escaped my vision.
Epilogue: The Beautiful Night Under the Moon
Inside the room that was swallowed in darkness, only the light from the monitor could be seen.
The things that were shown by the light were numerous machines with unknown functions. This scene looked just like some Middle Age witch's ritual.
"Fu—mu...the system's efficiency finally improved."
The owner of the room continued to mutter to herself as she looked at the display screen.
The face that roughly appeared in this room belonged to Shinonono Tabane.
"Even so, [Golem III]'s complete destruction was really unexpected."
Humming along as she said that, she continued to play with the IS core.
That's right. An IS core that hadn't been introduced—in other words, the new cores were all created by Tabane. That was because no one other than her could create them.
"Well, ISes need humans to pilot them to trigger their maximum abilities. It can't be helped that an unmanned suit's ability is inferior."
Unmanned IS technology. This belongs to Tabane—only Tabane has this technology.
It'd be a bad thing if this technology was revealed to the world.
Nobody knew how much this action could be limited.
"But you got stronger, Houki-chan. Just like that time."
Confirming that she received the data of the battle between Houki and [Golem III], Tabane smiled happily.
In order to attain Houki's personal data and update the battle capabilities of [Akatsubaki], she sent an unmanned suit to attack.
Tabane caused so much damage just to get Houki's personal data.
"But that's really unexpected."
Tabane thought that Chifuyu would launch as she sent in so many ummanned suits.
The first generation Japanese IS [Kurazakura] that earned Chifuyu the first title of [Brunhilde]; Tabane didn't know where it went, but she felt that Chifuyu still had it.
"Mn—..."
Tabane tilted her head and placed her hand at her chin.
Those eyes were looking at the sea of thoughts.
"Ahh, don't tell me—"
Tabane didn't think that this was something big at the beginning, but on thinking about this carefully, it made sense.
"Is it, is it? Is it there? Fufu."
Like a kid that just thought of a new prank, the naive face had ill intent in it.
Just when Tabane was making a ruckus like this, someone walked into the room.
She was short and skinny, and 12 years old, or that was the impression she gave.
The one thing people were really mindful of was the flowing silver hair and the braiding of the long hair down to waist level.
As for why the hair was braided, it was because Tabane had braided it.
To the girl, Tabane was more important than anything in the world. Her savior or rescuer, these things couldn't describe her fully. She swore eternal allegiance to Tabane the day she met Tabane.
"Tabane-sama."
"Yaa yaa, Ku-chan. What's wrong?"
"The bread's burnt."
More than half of it was burnt, but Tabane's eyes were glowing.
"Mn—a—ma—zi—ng—"
"You're lying. It's definitely not nice."
To be honest, the girl didn't want to serve Tabane such lousy food.
But she followed Tabane's words that 'Girls must be able to make a dish', and continued to make, but just ended up making carbon and gluey stuff.
Even so, Tabane didn't look irritated, but continued to eat on and on.
And when Tabane said that it was really good, it made the girl feel even more guilty than happy.
"..."
"Hey, Ku-chan."
The girl that was called lifted her head.
Her eyes were always shut ever since she entered the house.
But by using the girl's unique characteristics, it didn't matter whether she could see or not.
"Well, this is a presumptuous request, you know?"
"What is it?"
"Mu—that's too serious, too serious—. Ku-chan, just call Tabane-san mama, okay?"
—She had only one sister.
So when Tabane adopted the girl, she decided to treat her as her daughter.
"Then, what is it that you want to tell me?"
"Mn, I want you to deliver something for me."
"Yes, the location?"
Watching the girl who asked, Tabane answered with a smile,
"IS Academy, in the Special Area underground—"
Afterwords
It’s been a while since I last went home. Hello. This is Yumizuru.
After writing the 7th volume, I understood something.
That is, ‘humans won’t be crushed so easily’.
However, it’ll be really troublesome if one’s crushed and unable to recover.
Speaking of which, Ichika’s really amazing. He was nearly killed, and still remained positive like that. If that guy’s not some once-in-a-lifetime great, he’s a fool without a limit. Oh yeah, Laura started to fawn too. Yack Deculture (TN : Macross Frontier saying. Means ‘so amazing’.)
K-shi, the editor. I’m sorry for causing you lots of trouble up till now. You helped me out a lot this time. I’m really grateful.
On the production side, I-producer, I’m really sorry for saying a lot of nonsense to you on the phone. But it’s been a great help that you were willing to hear my complaints. I’m really grateful to you.
Chief editor Misaka, I’m sorry for being overdue. I’m really, really sorry.
I’m sorry to keep the readers waiting. Though I wanted it to catch up like Ichika in volume 6, I was unable to do it.
Okiura-sensei, I’m sorry for handing in the design specifications so late. Also, the design of this new IS [Uchigane Nishiki]’s brilliant. But it’s not right to put every picture of Kanzashi as ‘Tatenashi Kanzashi’, right? It’s Sarashiki Kanzashi. Also, Tatenashi’s actual name was clearly shown. So well—
Akaboshi-sensei and Kon-sensei’s mangas are interesting. Can you continue to serialize my manga? Eh, no?
And to improve my writing speed, even when I have to head to a family restaurant to write during midnight, there would be insiders accompanying me. I’m really grateful.
But this is just the 7th volume. Though I wrote for so long, it’s just the 7th volume…see, this is the anxiety over being chased by other popular works. Should I retreat to the mountains…
Speaking of which, it’s thanks to everyone that the anime was highly rated, and I’m really grateful for that.
If you don’t mind, please buy the DVD/BD of the anime. Each volume’s really well done.
Also, can everyone listen to the IS radio show? It’s very interesting every time Hisaka Youko and Shimoda Asami-san are on. While this is being sold, my guest-starring in the recording should be over. That was nerve-wrecking.
Then, the 8th volume will finally reveal the mysterious veil of Chifuyu.
In this gradually intense battle, what the imprisoned princess dreamt of is—
Next volume will be [Black Key Chapter/ World’s Purge]. We’ll meet again then. Goodbye!
Translation Notes and References
Chapter 1
↑ Other katakana given wasヴォーダン オージェ, which would mean Wodan Auge. Heads up to the anon who pointed that out.
↑ Chawanmushi, 茶碗蒸し.
↑ It means taking the lead
↑ Jii is a 'sound effect' normally used to refer to staring at something. The fact that the girls said it out loud was probably because they wished to let the two know they were being watched.
↑ Sanjo, 惨状
↑ See Gyokuro for more details.
↑ Imouto means little sister. But that sounds a little too long, and in order to preserve the Japanese feel in the LN, it's left as it is.
