hina-the-toaster

[hina-the-toaster]

Nil Admirari No Tenbin -Teito Genwaku Kitan- (Common Route - Chapter 2)

Hiii! I'm once again sharing my really rough translations of this game. I’m just doing this so others can enjoy the game easier but if anyone has a problem with me sharing these or has suggestions, please let me know :D

I’m doing this in my free time. As such, it may be a while before you get another translation. Anyways I hope this is helpful and I’ll be back with another translation hopefully soon. Please support the original game to bask in the glory of Satoi’s amazing art (〃＾▽＾〃)

A few things before:

I put Kuze as the protag’s name for translation bc that’s her given name. This would be different if you changed her name.

TW! This game contains elements that may be uncomfortable so please proceed with caution

~Chapter 2~ Called Atonement~

After last night, I could hardly sleep and I felt heavy even when the morning came

My heart refuses to accept what happened yesterday

I wasn’t very motivated to eat and I stayed in my room all the time.

Keizaburou: “My lady, would it be alright…” 

Kuze: “Gramps, is something wrong?”

Keizaburou: “Um… actually, Ozaki from yesterday came here with his boss.”

Kuze: “Eh!?”

Keizaburou: “They said they wanted to apologize for yesterday, and for coming without notice....”

Kuze: “...Apologize…”

Keizaburou: “What would you like to do? If you’re still feeling unwell, I can tell them to go back”

Kuze: “...No. I’ll go.”

-

???: “Ah”

As soon as we entered the reception room, Ozaki and the strange woman quickly got up from the sofa.

Tokimiya: “Nice to meet you, Kuze. My name is Shiori Tokimiya, I’m the director of the Search Department of the Imperial Library Information Asset Management Bureau.”

Kuze: “Nice to meet you, my name is Tsugumi Kuze.”

Tokimiya: “...I’ll make this quick”

Tokimiya: “I’m very sorry that Ozaki didn’t read the atmosphere yesterday and was rude to you.”

Hayato: “I’m very sorry!”

The two of them lowered their heads deeply together and stayed there

Tokimiya: “Truly, I really don’t know how to apologize… On that day, such a painful thing happened, and solicitation of all things…”

Tokimiya: “I deeply apologize for the mismanagement of my subordinate”

Kuze: “Oh, um… both of you, please raise your heads. I don’t mind.”

Tokimiya: “Kuze…”

Kuze: “I was surprised, that’s true… but it’s alright”

Tokimiya: “...Please take care, I’m sure it was painful.”

Besides Tokimiya, Ozaki also smiled a little embarrassed

Tokimiya: “I knew it would be rude to ask so suddenly, but…”

Tokimiya: “I thought I should apologize as soon as possible”

Kuze: “...I really don’t mind”

Hayato: “That’s good…”

Tokimiya: “It’s not good!”

Looking at the two of them interacting like that, I feel sorry for them

Kuze: (Yesterday, I thought I didn’t want to get involved anymore, but)

In my heart, I remember the confusion when Gramps brought me tea.

Kuze: (It might be good to listen to the story just a little longer)

Kuze: “Umm… If you don’t mind, would you like some tea?”

Kuze: “I would like to ask you about yesterday’s story in a little more detail.”

Tokimiya: “Kuze…”

Kuze: “It’s also something that concerns my brother… I want to understand what’s important.”

Tokimiya: “I understand. We will do our best to answer.”

Tokimiya opened her mouth after taking a sip of black tea as if it were clearing her throat

Tokimiya: “Yesterday, I think that Ozaki went ahead and explained various things, but was there anything you didn’t understand?”

I drop a lemon slice into the cup and stir it slowly with a spoon

Kuze: “I don’t know, or rather I feel like can’t believe it”

Kuze: “It’s not that I doubt Ozaki or Tokimiya, but…”

Tokimiya: “That’s a normal reaction”

Kuze: “But… If that kind of thing really exists, then in a way I can understand what happened with my brother”

Kuze: “Sudden suicide… I couldn’t think of a reason as to why”

It may be a small lie. At least Hitaki was hurt by talks of my marriage

More than anything else, I don’t want to think that’s the reason as to why he acted like that.

Tokimiya: “Let me tell you a little more about Fukuro.”

Tokimiya: “We were originally a division of the Imperial Library, whose purpose was to widely collect and store domestic and foreign books.”

Tokimiya: “Therefore, I am a public servant… Just in case”

For some reason, Tokimiya gave a wry smile.

Tokimiya: “However, there were a series of incidents that seemed to involve cursed books, and it was decided to become an independent special agency, which is what it is today.”

Tokimiya: “We’re a bit like a book police”

Kuze: “...So that’s it”

Tokimiya: “However, because it’s such a special position, the police and some politicians who are sensitive to public opinions do not like it.

I vaguely understood the meaning of Tokimiya’s wry smile earlier.

Tokimiya: “This is a bit off topic, but there are many different personalities of humans”

Kuze: “Eh? Eh…”

Tokimiya: “I get the impression that relatively sensitive people are more likely to be affected by cursed books”

Tokimiya: “I don’t know how to put it… It’s kind of like if is one is very sensitive, and the wavelength matches”

Kuze: “...Wavelength?”

Tokimiya: “Even if it is a rare cursed book, there are still various types”

Tokimiya: “I’ve seen many books, but there were times when only the relatives of the person who wrote them were affected.”

Tokimiya: “Blood ties have become that ‘wavelength’”

Tokimiya: “Of course, the reader is not the only problem”

Tokimiya: “If very strong emotions are embedded in the book, the reader may be dragged into it without any wavelengths, and it may have an effect on them.”

Tokimiya: “Such an incident… Has certainly happened”

The more I hear, the more I can’t believe it

Kuze: (If it wasn’t for Hitaki and Nabari, I might have been treated as a charlatan*...)

*Charlatan= a person who falsely claims to have a special skill/power

Tokimiya: “Regarding your younger brother, when I checked the book that was brought back yesterday, it was an author not yet in our records.”

Tokimiya: “By the way… Do you remember the name ‘Yoji Nozaki’?”

Kuze: “...Not at all”

Tokimiya: “In that case, the line of Kuze’s blood relatives or acquaintances can be ruled out”

Tokimiya: “It must have been yesterday that I finally got my hands on the cursed book that I got by chance, and luckily it was lying dormant in the library without being seen by anyone.”

Tokimiya: “Of course, neither your brother nor you are guilty”

Kuze: “...”

Come to think of it, even from an older sister’s point of view, my younger brother Hitaki seems to have a sensitive nature.

If anything, my personality is more like my father, and Hitaki is more like my mother it seems.

I’m still young, maybe it’s because of my age

Tokimiya: “Also, the case of the Prime Minister Ukai’s son that happened on the same day, was written by another author, so it seems that there is very little connection.”

Tokimiya: “Even more bad coincidences…”

Just imagining it makes me dizzy. Even if it isn’t the case for all books, they have such a terrifying effect on those who read it.

Tokimiya: “Those of us at Fukuro work strictly for the purpose of ‘collection’ and ‘storage’.”

Tokimiya: “Collected books are safely stored in special archives so that they cannot be easily touched.”

Tokimiya: “Of course, as I mentioned earlier, the fact that it is an organization derived from the library is also a big factor…”

Tokimiya: “The significance of researching the mysterious existence of cursed books is also a big factor.”

Kuze: “Research…”

Tokimiya: “Yes. Maybe the word research isn’t exactly the right word… I don’t know.”

Is it pompous or does it have implications?

Tokimiya: turned to me with a searching gaze.

Tokimiya: “As for cursed books, I hope you understood” 

Kuze: “...Yes… Just in case…”

Tokimiya: “Then, let me ask you…”

Tokimiya: “Kuze, do you think the author of the book your brother read should be punished?”

Kuze: “Eh…? Ah…”

I was at a loss for words and could only look at the two of them

Anxiety and fear about the existence of cursed books came first, and I didn’t even think about the person who would have written it.

Tokimiya: “‘Books kill people.’ It’s a strange way of saying it, but it’s not something you can think of with common sense, is it?”

I nodded slightly

Tokimiya: “Even if a serial killer writes a novel about the main character, the author will not be punished.”

Tokimiya: “Even if someone read that book and wished for death… it would be extremely difficult for the law to judge.”

Kuze: “...”

Tokimiya: “In fact, as I mentioned earlier, many government and police officials are skeptical about cursed books and our work.”

Tokimiya: “However, I do believe that their opinions will probably change a little again due to the incident with the Prime Minister’s son the other day.”

Tokimiya: “Well, it’s not unreasonable. People’s emotions and thoughts are too uncertain as evidence of a crime.”

Tokimiya: “However, as long as the incident is happening, I can’t let it go unchecked.”

At that point, Tokimiya gave a wry smile and then stared straight at me.

Tokimiya: “Since your brother got involved in this way, I think Kuze probably hates cursed books now.”

Tokimiya: “You don’t want to get involved with such things… It’s only natural to think so”

Kuze: “...”

Tokimiya smiled, as if she could see through my heart

Tokimiya: “But… on top of that, I would like to ask you again.”

Tokimiya: “Can you lend us your power?”

Kuze: “Eh…!”

Beside her, Ozaki is bowing deeply again.

Kuze: “Oh, um, but…”

Tokimiya: “I am aware that you are saying it is unreasonable. However, as expected, Kuze’s power is very valuable.”

A book wrapped in flames floats in my mind

No, it’s not on fire. It’s someone’s feelings that sway beautifully and mysteriously.

Tokimiya: “Of course, it’s true that I came to apologize for my subordinate who can’t seem to read the room.”

Tokimiya: “However, it is also true that I was asked to serve as Fukuro’s search director.”

Tokimiya: “I’m not saying this is a job without danger. Of course, there is also the possibility of being involved in some kind of incident.”

Tokimiya: “Looking for cursed books means touching people’s emotions… You may feel uncomfortable. But still…”

Tokimiya: “We believe that we have a duty to see things that cannot be judged by law.”

Kuze: “...!”

Tokimiya: “...Please, consider it…”

-

After Tokimiya and the other left, I shut myself up in my room again

The mansion was quiet. Of course, because of Hitaki’s incident, the servants have become quiet.

But more than that, it’s hard to breathe, as if you were trapped in a world with no exit

Meanwhile, I was looking at the sky from the window

-

Keizaburou: “My lady, are you ready?”

Kuze: “...What’s wrong?”

Just like in the morning, there was the sound of Gramps’s polite knocking.

Kuze: “Ah…”

As soon as the door opens, a sweet, delicious smell fills the air

*Pancake picture* 

Keizaburou: “You haven’t eaten all day today. How about having these pancakes?”

Kuze: “...Gramps”

Keizaburou: “I understand how you feel, my lady. But you shouldn’t go all day with nothing in your stomach”

Kuze: “...Sorry”

Keizaburou: “I don’t care how much, just one bite”

He put the plate on the table

Hitaki isn’t the only one who loves pancakes cooked by Gramps

It was baked into a golden brown round shape and layered into two layers, with a large piece of butter on top. It’s topped with a dark honey-like syrup.

Kuze: “Hey… Gramps”

Keizaburou: “What is it?”

Kuze: “Even if I’m gone from the mansion, I’m sure it’ll be fine as long as Gramps is here.”

Keizaburou: “My lady!?”

Kuze: “Ah…”

Kuze: “...Ah, I think I’ll go visit those people”

Keizaburou: “...”

Kuze: “I’ve been thinking about it all day today. Last night I couldn’t think about it calmly”

Kuze: “I think I’m relatively calm now…”

I smiled a little and put a knife in the pancakes

Kuze: “But… I want to put this power to use, even if it isn’t for a cool reason.

Kuze: “I… it’s a little hard to stay in this mansion.”

Keizaburou: “My lady…”

Kuze: “I thought he was… an outcast. Even if the cause of his attempted suicide was because of that creepy book, I’m sure I hurt him”

Keizaburou: “If that’s the case… It’s not just my lady’s fault. It is also my responsibility and your father’s.”

Kuze: “...”

When I put the pancakes that had been baked for me many times since I was a child, a gentle sweetness spread in my mouth.

Keizaburou: “...Actually, just a little while ago, I got a call from the hospital again.”

Kuze: “So what is his condition!?”

Keizaburou: “It seems that his high fever… will not go down”

Kuze: “...No way”

Keizaburou: “The burns themselves weren’t that bad, partly because they were over his clothes.”

Keizaburou: “However, the fever must be psychogenic…”

Kuze: “Hitaki…”

Keizaburou: “They said they would carefully monitor the situation”

Kuze: “...Alright”

I look at my plate. How many times have I eaten these pancakes with Hitaki?

Kuze: “Gramps. I have a lot of emotions right now…”

Kuze: “The feeling of wanting to make amends with Hitaki and the feeling of wanting to help those people…”

Kuze: “A feeling of wanting to run away… To somewhere that’s not here”

Kuze: “Is that cowardly?”

Keizaburou: “No… no…”

Gramps shook his head a lot

Kuze: “...”

There was one more thing- a real intention

Now that my family is in this state, if I go to work, I can at least cover my own food expenses

Keizaburou: “I understand how my lady feels… And I have no right to stop you.”

Kuze: “Gramps…”

Keizaburou: “But… That’s right. With my lady gone and Hitaki in the hospital… It’ll be a little… Lonely… No, nevermind…”

Gramps hastily pulled out a handkerchief from inside of his jacket and wiped his eyes.

Keizaburou: “Please… Let my lady decide. If anyone objects, it’s okay, I’ll take care of it then.”

- - - *Kuze CG*

Hitaki and I are very similar

Hair color, eye color, chin shape. It’s a face that looks like it got half of its characteristics from its father and mother.

Flashback Tokimiya: “We believe that we have a duty to see things that cannot be judged by law.”

Kuze: “...Hitaki”

My only brother by blood.

Hitaki read what was on my desk.

Maybe if fate had been just a little bit different, I might have been the one who was engulfed in flames.

No… If it were me, I might have felt uneasy and threw the book away. Then something like this…

Kuze: “…”

I burst into tears. This is a waste of time.

No matter how many assumptions you make, you can’t turn back time.

Kuze: “Hitaki. I really want to get out of this mansion.”

Kuze: “When you get out of the hospital… You’ll be angry.”

Kuze: “The truth is, I’m still confused and scared. But…”

Kuze: “But if I can find such a book with this strange power of mine… There will be fewer people who suffer like you.”

-Snip, Snip-

Kuze: “...Really, really, I’m scared to get involved in something like that. Remembering you from that time… it’s scary, but…”

Kuze: “But right now, I think this is what I can do… Please understand”

Kuze: “...Sorry”Kuze: “...Sorry, Hitaki”

[hina-the-toaster]

Nil Admirari No Tenbin -Teito Genwaku Kitan- (Common Route - Chapter 1)

Hiii! This is my first time sharing translations and they're probably not the best that one could do since my Japanese is very lacking. But I really love this game and noticed that no other translations had been posted in years. I'm just doing this so others can enjoy the game easier but if anyone has a problem with me sharing these or has suggestions, please let me know :D

I'm doing this in my free time and as of posting, I'm still working on chapter 3 of the common route. As such, it may be a while before you get another translation. Anyways I hope this is helpful and I'll be back with another translation hopefully soon. Please support the original game to bask in the glory of Satoi's amazing art (〃＾▽＾〃)

A few things before:

The green text is what I think to be the right choice to stay on a good ending.

I translated the dialogue after both selections and if the rest is the same dialogue, this symbol (❊) indicates the start of repeated dialogue.

I put Kuze as the protag's name for translation bc that's her given name. This would be different if you changed her name.

TW! This game contains elements that may be uncomfortable so please proceed with caution

~Chapter 1~ Midnight Visitor~

Kuze: (...Hitaki? I’m so glad, he’s fine)

When I tried to run to him, he ran away

Hitaki: “Why didn’t you say anything? You were hiding it”

Kuze: “Wait…no…”

Hitaki: “Sister doesn’t like me. That’s why… you’re so mean to me”

Kuze: “What are you talking about!? You’re wrong!”

Hitaki: “I hate you sister! I won’t believe you anymore!”

Kuze: “Hitaki!!”

-

Keizaburou: My lady! Are you alright!?

There was a familiar voice, and a large gentle hand. I blinked several times, while being supported by Gramps

Kuze: “...Gramps? Don’t tell me, I fell asleep? I had such an awful dream…”

Kuze: “Hitaki…”

I’m too afraid to say it, I bite my lip.

But- The first thing to reach my ears, were words of affirmation.

Keizaburou: “…Unfortunately, it’s not a dream.”

Kuze: “It’s not… a dream…?”

Keizaburou: “Please calm down, My lady. Hitaki was just taken to the Teito University Hospital

Kuze: “Eh…!”

Keizaburou: “Luckily, there are no life threatening injuries. Just burns…”

Kuze: “Lies!!”

Kuze: “You’re lying!  That child… Hitaki, doing that kind of thing…!”

Keizaburou: “My deepest apologies. It’s not… a lie”

I felt like I was going to cry at any moment, my body stiffened when I heard that voice and expression

Keizaburou: “If it was a lie… How good that would’ve been” 

Kuze: “Gramps”

Keizaburou: “I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry! I was there and yet… Young Master Hitaki…

Keizaburou: “I don’t know where to begin apologizing… If something could replace Hitaki-sama’s pain, then I’d like you to give it to me in place of him…”

Kuze: “That’s…”

My head is spinning. I still feel like I’m having a bad dream, I don’t even know what to think

Keizaburou: “Why… Hitaki-sama like that…

Keizaburou’s words made my eyes go dark

Kuze: “...Gramps”

Kuze: “Perhaps… it’s my fault?”

Keizaburou: “My lady?! That’s not true!”

Kuze: “But, he… he said he hated me…”

The corners of my eyes get hot and I can’t breathe properly.

Kuze: “I don’t want to think that either. But other than that, I can’t think of any other reason as to why he would try to commit suicide.

Keizaburou: “Th- That’s…”

Kuze: “My grades have always been excellent, and in my lessons… I was praised by the teachers…”

Kuze: “Or are you worried about something that we don’t know about?”

If so, I couldn’t wipe away the shamelessness from being noticed 

Kuze: “I… What should I do?”

It was when tears were about to overflow and I closed my eyes tightly.

Maid: “My lady, I’m terribly sorry to disturb you at this hour, um… you have a guest.”

Keizaburou and I immediately look at the clock in the room

It’s already 1:00 AM. Not normal for a visitor to come at this time.

Keizaburou: “You fool! Don’t let guests through at this hour! My lady is very tired…”

Maid: “Th-that’s… They said they were sent by Nabari Yutaka…”

Kuze: “...Nabari Yutaka?”

Yutaka used to live in this house as a student

Kuze: (If I’m not mistaken, he must be working at a library or book facility…)

Keizaburou: “I don’t want to doubt you, but are you sure of their identity? It’s not the time to visit someone’s house.”

Maid: “It doesn't seem like it’s the police, but they said they wanted to talk about Hitaki-sama as soon as possible.”

Keizaburou and I look at each other in shock.

Kuze: “About Hitaki…? What kind of relationship do they have with Yutaka…?”

Keizaburou: “I have no idea…”

Maid: “What would you like me to do? It might be better for me to send them back after all…”

Keizaburou: “Ah, no. Let’s listen to what they have to say. For the time being, please show them to the reception room.”

Maid: “Understood.”

After the servant leaves, Gramps lets out a big sigh.

Keizaburou: “...Anyways, I should go listen to them”

Kuze: “Wait, I’m going too”

Keizaburou: “You shouldn’t, my lady must be tired.

Kuze: “It’s okay now. And now that there’s no Hitaki or Father, I should be the one to welcome guests”

Keizaburou: “Th-that’s true but…”

Kuze: “It has something to do with Hitaki, right?”

Kuze: “I’m alright. Let’s go.”

-

Then, when I went to the reception room with Gramps, what caught my eye was–

???: “Ah, I’m sorry we came at such a late hour.”

???: “...Hello”

The uniform was unfamiliar. It’s different from the police, but he has something like a cane on his waist

He looks a little older than me, but he looks like he’s still a student.

Keizaburou: “Ah, um? Who are you? I don’t think you’re from the police?”

Hayato: “Oh, my apologies for the delay. My name is Hayato Ozaki. I’m from the Imperial Library Information Asset.”

Akira: “...Of the same, I’m Akira Kougami.”

–

Kuze: “The Imperial… Library…?”

Kuze: “Oh, umm… I’m sorry, but what kind of job is that? What does it have to do with Hitaki…?”

Hayato: “Tsugumi-san, was it?”

Kuze: “!?”

Suddenly my name was called, and I reflexively backed away.

Even though the situation was serious, it was my first time that a man close to my age had called my name face-to-face, and I was filled with shame.

Kuze: “My name… why”

Hatato: “I asked Nabari-san”

Kuze: “Ah… ah, that’s right… I’m sorry”

Hayato: “It’s alright, you don’t have to be so nervous. We didn’t come to arrest you, nor did we come to harm you.”

Hayato: “I just have to explain a few things, so if you would give me your time.”

Hayato: “I know it’s disrespectful at a time like this, but every minute counts”

His expression and voice are both serious

Kuze: “What… is that…?”

Hayato: “I promise you that we are not suspicious people. Just in case, this is the national seal” *

*Seal picture* They both pulled out their notebooks from their pockets. A feather-like crest on navy blue leather

When I turned it over further, I found their names, the organization name, and what seems to be their addresses in detail.

Hayato: “However, I don’t think there are many people who have seen this sign itself, so the credibility is a bit lacking.”

Gramps and I look at each other again.

Kuze: (He says he’s an acquaintance of Yutaka and his identity seems to be certain, so it might be a good idea to ask him about it.)

Kuze: “...I understand. Please take a seat.”

Kuze: “Gramps, please bring a cup of tea for the guests.”

Keizaburou: “Of course, my lady.

Kuze: “That being said, I’m nervous…”

Even though I’m here on behalf of the head of the family, to be in the same place with two men who aren’t my family at a late night like this.

If an etiquette teacher at the all girls’ school found out, I would be severely punished.

I really wanted to talk about Hitaki, but I couldn’t say a word until the tea was served.

Hayato: “Um, are we that scary?”

Kuze: “Eh!?”

Hayato: “You been looked down as to not make eye contact for awhile now”

Kuze: “Oh no! I didn’t mean to do that…”

Akira: “Hey Hayato, if you just had an accident with your brother, you wouldn’t be able to talk brightly, would you?”

Hayato: “...Yeah, you’re right”

Hayato lowered his head

Hayato: “I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking. I got a little too impatient”

Kuze: “No, it’s okay.”

Kuze: (That’s right, it’s not time to be nervous. I have to be firm.)

Kuze: “Um… Ozaki-san and Kougami-san, are you friends of Yutaka-san?”

This time, it was their turn to look at each other

Akira: “An acquaintance, he’s a colleague. I’m working in the same workplace.”

Hayato: “Hey Akira, I’m beginning to feel like Nabari-san didn’t explain anything about his work at all.”

Akira: “Don’t worry about it”

Kuze: “Is that Nabari-san’s job? Some time ago, I heard that he was doing book research at some facility.”

Hayato: “Ah, this is no good. We’ll have to start from the beginning”

Kuze: “?”

Hayato: “Um, in other words, we and Nabari-san are part of an organization that manages book with intense emotions called “cursed books”

Kuze: “...eh”

Akira: “Hey, you’re gonna start from there? Isn’t it more confusing?”

Hayato: “I hate going about it in a roundabout way.”

Hayato: “This is”

*Book picture* Hayato puts a slightly old book on the table

Hayato: “This is a little old… a handwritten Japanese bound book. Recently, they have decreased considerably.”

I couldn’t see the connection to Hitaki at all, and unintentionally frowned.

Hayato: “You won’t believe it right away, but books like this have an impact on the people who read them.”

Kuze: “...Eh?”

Hayato: “We think that your brother-”

Kuze: Wait!? Is there a book?”

I suddenly remembered that Hitaki was holding a book.

Akira: “This phenomenon seems to have existed for a long time, but there are not too many old ones left because they were burned out of fear.”

Akira: “To put it simply, it’s like, ‘the strong feelings and thoughts of the person who wrote the book remain in the book’.”

Hayato: “It doesn’t seem to happen at all in printed books, so I think it’s important that it’s handwritten.”

They don’t look like they’re making fun of me.

However, everything I hear is unbelievable, and I can’t keep up with my thoughts.

Akira: “Hey, look at her face.”

Akira: “Maybe we’re not very good at explaining things. I should have brought Tokimiya-san after all.”

Hayato: “It can’t be helped! Tokimiya-san and Hisui are elsewhere!”

After shouting, he shrugged his shoulders slightly.

Hayato: “Hmmm, you still don’t believe me”

Kuze: “Well, that’s not the case…”

Hayato: “In any case, very strong human emotions permeate the book and affect the person who reads it.”

Kuze: “That’s… I understand…. Maybe”

Hayato: “I will keep explaining.”

Hayato: “We are in charge of finding those things. Nabari-san is a little different, but he studies them”

Kuze: “...I didn’t know…”

Akira: “I don’t think he was trying to hide it”

Akira: “Until recently, it was a relatively unspectacular job, so I think you thought that even if I explained it, it wouldn’t make sense.”

Kuze: “Until recently?”

Hayato: “As I said earlier, the current mainstream is already letterpress printing”

Kuze: “...Yes, you’re right.”

I suddenly remember the inside of the bookstore earlier in the day

Certainly, all the books lined up must have already been printed.

Hayato: “Major publishers have basically moved to letterpress Western bound books, and even small publishers hardly support handwritten books.”

Hayato: “Therefore, if it is a book that is handwritten and bound in Japanese style, it is probably from the old days that have survived.”

Hayato: “If it’s new, it’s either brought into bookstores in the form of a private publication.

Hayato: “Of course, you can imagine that it won’t be published in such a large quantity, right?”

Kuze: “...The one and only book in this world…”

Hayato: “That’s right. ‘Cursed books’ is a phenomenon confirmed only in such rare books”

Hayato: “However, incidents that are thought to be caused by cursed books have happened one after another.”

Kuze: “...Is that so?”

Hayato: “Actually, just today… there have been two cases”

Kuze: “!?”

Hayato: “Your younger brother… and one other person…”

Hayato: “Son of the current Prime Minister, Shozo Ukai tried to commit suicide”

Kuze: “Eh!?”

I cried out unintentionally

Akira: “Huh? Do you know each other by any chance?”

Kuze: “No… it’s not”

Kuze: “However, this afternoon, when I was waiting for my car when I was out shopping…”

That evening, Hayato and Akira looked at each other when I talked about the journalist-like men who passed by.

Akira: “Ohh, that’s right. There’s no doubt about the time.”

Kuze: “No way…”

Akira: “Sudden suicide on the same day, and your younger brother and the Prime Minister’s son are relatively close in age.”

Akira: “I thought it might have something to do with it, so I decided to visit you late at night and I apologize for the inconvenience.”

Akira: “Also, if your younger brother’s book was a cursed book, there’s a possibility that there will be new victims if we don’t collect it quickly.”

Kuze: “...Is that so”

Hayato: “For the time being, I’ll end the explanation here. I would like to check if the real thing remains after that”

Hayato: “What do you think? Was there a book by your brother’s side?”

Kuze: “...One”

Flames blaze brightly in my mind. Definitely he…

Kuze: “It’s just as Ozaki-san said. He… he had a book.”

Hayato: “Is that true!?”

Akira: “...Just as we thought”

Kuze: “...Could you wait a minute”

Kuze: “Actually… I’m embarrassed, but at that time, I immediately lost consciousness.”

Hayato: “That’s to be expected.”

Kuze: “Calling the doctor and cleaning were all arranged by the steward.”

–ring, ding~–

Keizaburou: “My lady, how are you?”

I shook the bell on the table lightly and Gramps came right away.

Kuze: “I’m sorry for calling you suddenly.”

Kuze: ‘You see, Hitaki was holding a book at that time.

Keizaburou: “A book? Ohh, come to think of it…”

Hayato: “!”

Akira: “...”

The expression on their faces shows even more anticipation. I took a deep breath and asked timidly.

Kuze: “Where is it?”

Keizaburou: “For the time being, I’ve left it in Hitaki-sama’s room, but it’s just a little burnt.”

Hayato: “It’s okay, that’s fine!”

Kuze: “Can you bring it now?”

After Gramps left, there was a strange silence in the room.

The expression on their faces is full of hope.

Kuze: (...How can that happen in a book…?)

But honestly, my heart is beating a little easier

I don’t want to think that it was my fault Hitaki was cornered like that.

Hayato: “Um, so as a continuation of what I said earlier”

Kuze: “Yes?”

Hayato: “Is it possible that your younger brother and the son of Prime Minister Ukai are acquaintances?”

Kuze: “...Acquaintances?”

Hayato: “I heard that the Prime Minister’s son is currently attending Teito University.”

Hayato: “Also, look… I wonder if there is a lot of interaction between nobles and politicians.”

Kuze: “Ah, my father would probably know about Prime Minister Ukai, but I don’t remember hearing anything like that from my brother.”

Kuze: “Of course, I don’t know all of his friendships, but if it’s someone like that, I think he would tell the family.”

Hayato: “You’re right”

Akira: “Well, Hayato, it might be a bad coincidence. It’s just a bad coincidence.”

-knock-

Keizaburou: “Thank you for waiting, My lady. Here is the book.”

After a while, Gramps came back. But the moment I saw that book in his hand-

Kuze: “Ahhh-!?”

 I immediately crouched down to escape from the flames.

*Glowing book picture* The book is on fire.

Hayato: “Hey!?”

Akira: “!?”

Keizaburou: “My lady!?”

Kuze: “Gramps! The book… The book is on fire! Are you okay!?”

Keizaburou: “...Huh?”

Kuze: “...Eh?”

Gramps holding the book doesn’t look in pain at all, and the other two are looking at me suspiciously.

Kuze: “Gramps? Because that book, it’s on fire…”

I rubbed my eyes again. Without a doubt, the book in his hand is engulfed in bright vermillion flames.

Kuze: “...It’s not burning?”

The expressions of the three of them fuel my anxiety even more.

Kuze: (Is it just… me? What happened to me…?)

The book in Keizaburou’s hand continues to burn silently

Keizaburou: “My lady? Umm…”

Keizaburou’s caring gaze pierced through

Kuze: “I-I’m sorry… I really…”

Kuze: “Gramps, isn’t it hot? Can’t you see the flames?”

Keizaburou: “No, no, umm… My lady, I’m not lying.”

Kuze: “...What a lie… I…”

It was when I bit my lip in reluctance

Akira: “...Huh”

Akira: “Kuze-san, maybe you’re the same as Nabari-san”

Hayato: “Eh!?”

Akira: “No, it’s a bit of a coincidence, but it doesn’t look like she’s lying.”

Kuze: “Wha… Nabari-san and I are… the same?”

Hayato: “I see, I get it!”

Kuze: “Ah, umm… that means…”

Akira: “The book is not on fire. Please take a good look.”

 Hearing Kougami-san’s words, I cautiously stare at the book again.

Kuze: “...It’s shining?”

The expression may actually be slightly different

Light of the same color as the flames oozes out from the book, giving it the appearance of burning.

Hayato: “I’m surprised. There is such a thing”

Akira: “Is Nabari-san a relative?”

Still unable to understand the intention of their words, I answered

Kuze: “No, it’s not like that. Just because he lived here as a student.

Akira: “The fact that you’re so surprised now means that you couldn’t see it before, right?”

I shook my head repeatedly

Kuze: “Both my brother and I love books, and we read them almost every day.”

Kuze: “But… I couldn’t see anything like this at all.”

Akira: “It’s only natural that you couldn’t see it”

Akira: “In the first place, cursed books themselves are extremely rare, and ordinary books don’t have that kind of aura.”

Kuze: “...Aura?”

Akira: “Oh, I’m sorry, that’s what we call the light that Kuze sees.”

Akira: “And that light is the intensity of the emotions that dwell in the book.”

Akira: “Although we can’t see it at all.”

Kuze: “...Is that so?”

Akira: “The only person here who can see auras is Nabari-san.”

---Aura. I timidly glanced at the book again. Its flames are shaking.

Unfortunately, it didn’t seem to be a mistake

Kuze: “...I understand. But, why all of a sudden?”

Akira: “...”

Akira: “Trauma, probably…”

Kougami-san seemed to be at a loss for words, so he paused for a moment and looked at me.

Akira: “I wonder if it’s because of your brother’s incident.”

Kuze: “Eh!? Ah…that…?”

Akira: “Kuze-san, you were present at the scene of your brother’s incident, weren’t you?”

Kuze: “...Yes”

Akira: “If you had lost consciousness, I think you would have received a considerable mental shock. It is in such circumstances that one’s abilities may blossom.” 

Kuze: “Uh, that kind of thing…”

Akira: “I have a colleague, he has a slightly different power than Kuze-san and Nabari-san.”

Akira: “He, too, was involved in an accident, and he said that from then on he was able to use his powers.”

It was just a book, and suddenly it was hard to believe.

But the book on the table certainly emits a mysterious light.

I take a sly look, even if they try to trick me, I can trust Gramps.

As far as I can see from Keizaburou’s reaction, I’m the only one who can see it.

Kuze: “...Huh? The… the other books in the house?”

Kuze: “...Um! Yes, I’m sorry! If it’s not too much trouble, could you come with me to the library!?”

Kuze: “I want to see if there are any other dangerous books like that there!”

Hayato: “Yes, of course.”

Hayato: “However, even if there are other books that appear to be on fire, do not open them all of a sudden.”

Kuze: “...Yes. I understand”

-

Hayato: “It seems like this is the only book that’s suspicious.”

Gramps, Ozaki-san, and I looked around the library, Hitaki’s room, and other places where we could find books

But I didn’t find any suspicious books.

Kuze: “Ah, I’m sorry… To think I’ve dragged you around for no reason…”

Hayato: “There’s no need to apologize, it was only right that we check. Besides, not all Japanese bound style books are cursed.”

Kuze: “That’s right…”

Hayato: “Thank you for your hard work and cooperation.”

Akira: “Hayato, this author… that’s an unfamiliar name, isn’t it? Is it a personal publication?”

Kougami-san said while looking at the book Hitaki was reading

Hayato: “I guess. But the book itself looks a little old, so it’s possible that it’s an author who didn’t sell well at the time. Let’s go back and look at the records a bit more.”

Akira: “Well either way, I’m glad no one else read it until now.”

Kuze: “...Oh, that’s”

I suddenly remembered how I was the one organizing the library

Kuze: “Actually, just recently, I started organizing the archives I mentioned earlier.”

Kuze: “...It’s my father’s bad habit”

“He likes books, so he buys whatever he can find, but we can’t seem to keep up with reading so we just put them in the library.”

Akira: “Ah, there are people who are satisfied just by buying things”

Kuze: “...Is that so”

Actually, there was another reason. I thought for a moment that there might be something in the archives and storehouses that could be exchanged for gold.

Kuze: “So, since it has increased quite a bit, I thought I’d organize it a bit…”

Kuze: “I kept the old ones in my room”

Kuze: “That… that kid…”

I regret it so much

Kuze: “If… I hadn’t carelessly left the book in my room…”

Hitaki would have escaped such a fate

Hayato: “...I see. I got the gist of it. As I explained earlier, handwritten Japanese-bound books are rare these days.”

Hayato: “From a personal collection… This isn’t the first time that a cursed book has been found in a place that the person has already forgotten about.”

Hayato: “So it’s wrong for you to blame yourself.”

Kuze: “...eh”

With a straight gaze, my body stiffened.

I feel relieved and at the same time sorry for making everyone worry

Kuze: “Thank you”

Hayato: “You’re welcome”

He smiled, and this time, embarrassment welled up.

My emotions are changing so fast, I can’t help but feel restless

Kuze: “Even so… It’s scary that you can do such a thing just by reading a book…”

Hayato: “That’s right. That’s why we’re desperately looking for suspicious books”

Hayato: “...”

Akira: “Hayato?”

Hayato: “...Kuze-san”

Kuze: “...Ozaki-san? Um, wha…”

After thinking for a while, Ozaki-san stares at me with a stern look

Hayato: “Um”

Kuze: “Yes?”

Hayato: “I apologize for the sudden request, but Kuze-san, would you like to become a member of Fukuro?

Kuze: “Eh!?”

Akira: “Hey!?”

Hayato: “Ah, Fukuro is something like a nickname we made for the Imperial Book Information Asset Management”

Hayato: “As I told you at the beginning, I’m still a national civil servant, and we have an apartment style dormitory in Sendagi”

Hayato: “The uniform is provided, and I think the salary is reasonable.”

Kuze: “Wait a minute, um…!?”

Hayato: “I want you.” 

Kuze: “What!?”

Those sudden words made my fingertips heat up in an instant.

Kuze: “Wh-what are you saying…”

Hayato: “Ah! That’s not what I meant! It’s my fault!! What I want is your power!!”

Kuze “...Uh…”

Akira: “I’m very sorry, my colleague is too straightforward. In other words, we would like for Kuze-san to lend us the power to see that aura.”

Hayato: “Yes, that’s right! That power is really useful!”

Hayato: “Because books don’t move, talk or assert themselves, our job is to basically gather information and search for places where books can be found.”

Hayato: “But for us and the people at the bookstores, we at least can’t judge just based on appearances.”

Hayato: “Therefore, when a new handwritten Japanese bound book enters a bookstore, it is supposed to be brought back and checked by Nabari-san… Basically”

Hayato: “However, not all stores and people are cooperative, and there may be things that are hidden.”

Hayato: “Luckily, or rather unfortunately… If someone is affected, it’s possible for them to come to pick it up like tonight.”

Hayato: “That’s after the ‘victim’ has already appeared”

Kuze: “...”

Hayato: “There is a possibility that such a dangerous book is still buried somewhere”

Hayato: “But with that power, you can tell.”

Kuze: “Yes, that may be true…”

Akira: “I wonder, Kuze-san, did you know that Nabari-san has a weak heart?”

Kuze: “Eh? Yes… That’s what I’ve heard”

Akira: “So he can’t walk outside, go on long walks, or run.”

Hayato: “...I don’t think it’s hard work, but I should add that it’s basically a job where you’re outside all day…”

Kuze: “All day long…”

Hayato: “That’s why if Kuze-san joins Fukuro, I think the chances of finding cursed books will increase.”

Hayato: “It might be painful because of your brother’s incident. But if you join us as soon as possible, the number of victims might be reduced accordingly.”

Hayato: “Besides, it’s nice that you seem to like books. I wish I had love for books”

Kuze: “...”

Hayato: “What do you think? Would you like to join Fukuro?”

Kuze: “Oh, that…”

I knew too well that they weren’t making fun of me.

I also realize that this strange power might be useful.

But…

→ I think it is impossible

Kuze: Hm… I don’t think it’s possible, to be honest…”

When I came to my senses, I answered yes.

❊ (Repeated dialogue)

→ Give me time to think

After some thought, I replied

Kuze: “...I’m very sorry. Could you give me some time to think?”

❊ Hayato: “Kuze-san…”

Kuze: “It’s not that I don’t want to cooperate…”

Kuze: “I can see that you both are serious about your work.”

Kuze: “But… To be honest, I’m still confused about my brother…”

Hayato: “Well… That’s to be expected. I’m sorry…”

Hayato: “It’s not like I’m asking you to come now, or I’ll ask you to start tomorrow. I just thought that the sooner the better.”

Kuze: “...I understand. I will consider it.”

Hayato: “Thank you very much! Since we’re here, we will take care of the book from now on.”

Ozaki-san puts away the book

Hayato: “Thank you very much for your cooperation today.”

Akira: “Thank you very much for your cooperation today.”

The two deeply bowed their heads and left the reception room.

-

Kuze: “...Haaaa”

Looking at the clock with a sigh, the hands are already at 3:00 AM. Some people call it night, and some people call it morning. It’s that kind of time.

I sat at my desk and stared blankly out the window, reflecting on a day that was too surreal.

Fighting with Hitaki about my marriage.

Hitaki suddenly trying to commit suicide.

Furthermore, the cause seems to be a suspicious book.

And that- I was invited to the job of searching for those suspicious books…

Kuze: “Hitaki…”

If it’s true, I want to rush to the hospital right now to talk to him. However, they said that until his condition is stabilized, he would not be allowed to have visitors.

Kuze: “Such a strange power…”

Flashback Hayato: “It might be painful because of your brother’s incident. But if you join us as soon as possible, the number of victims might be reduced accordingly.”

I cast my eyes on the bookshelves in my room

I have several books bound in Japanese style, but none of them show a strange aura.

Kuze: “I don’t want anything to do with that…”

I could see their enthusiasm. I would also like to cooperate if possible.

But

-

If I close my eyes, the flames enveloping Hitaki emerge so vividly

Kuze: “...I don’t want to see it”

-

I fell hard onto the bed

-

(That's the end of chapter 1 of the common route!)