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Episode 7 : Homecoming / 第7話『里帰り』

猫猫「おやじ！おやじ…」

Maomao “Oyaji! Oyaji…”

Maomao “Dad! Dad…“

猫猫「おやじ、元気かな…」

Maomao “Oyaji, genki kana…”

Maomao “I wonder if Dad’s doing okay.”

猫猫「そうか。昨日、園遊会のあと…」

Maomao “Soka. Kino, en’yu-kaino ato…”

Maomao “Right. Yesterday, after the garden party…”

ーーーーー

桜花「何言ってるの？！」

Infa “Nani itteruno?!”

Yinghua “What are you talking about?!”

愛藍「毒を食べた大臣は、大変だったんだから！」

Airan “Dokuo tabeta daijinwa, taihen dattan-dakara!”

Ailan “The minister who ate the poison is in terrible condition!”

貴園「病人はゆっくり寝てて！」

Guien “Byoninwa yukkuri netete!”

Guiyuan “You’re sick. Get lots of sleep!”

3人「ええいっ、やあっ！」

San-nin “Eei, yaa!”

ーーーーー

猫猫「おかげでゆっくり寝られたものの、さすがに昼までは寝すぎだ。今さらすっぴんはねぇ…」

Maomao “Okagede yukkuri nerareta-monono, sasugani hiru-madewa nesugida. Imasara suppinwanee…”

Maomao “Thanks to them, I got a good deal of sleep. But sleeping until noon is too much. I can’t go without makeup now.”

玉葉妃「あら、今日くらい休んでもよかったのに…」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ara, kyo-kurai yasundemo yokatta-noni…”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh. You could have taken a day off.”

猫猫「そうもいきません。何かあれば、お申し付けください」

Maomao “Somo ikimasen. Nanika areba, omoshitsuke kudasai.”

Maomao “I can’t allow myself to do that. Please put me to work.”

玉葉妃「あら？そばかすが…」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ara, sobakasuga…”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh? Your freckles.”

猫猫「落ち着かないので、このままでもよろしいでしょうか？」

Maomao “Ochitsukanai-node, konomama-demo yoroshii deshoka?”

Maomao “I’m uncomfortable without them. Can I keep them on?”

玉葉妃「それもそうね。‘あの侍女は何者だ’って、みんなから詰め寄られて大変だったから…」

Gyokuyo-hi “Soremo sone. ‘Ano jijowa nani-monoda’tte, minna-kara tsume-yorarete taihen datta-kara…”

Concubine Gyokuyou “I understand. Everyone kept demanding to know who that lady-in-waiting was.”

猫猫「申し訳ございません」

Maomao “Moshiwake gozaimasen.”

Maomao “My apologies.”

玉葉妃「いいのよ。それより、朝から高順が来ているけど、どうする？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Iinoyo. Soreyori, asa-kara Gaoshunga kiteiru-kedo, dosuru?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “It’s fine. Anyway, Gaoshun came by this morning and hasn’t left. What do you want to do?”

猫猫「えっ…」

Maomao “E…”

玉葉妃「暇そうだったから、草むしりをしてもらっているんだけど」

Gyokuyo-hi “Himasodatta-kara, kusa-mushirio shite moratte-irunda-kedo.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “He seemed bored, so I asked him to pull up some weeds.”

猫猫「草むしり…」（園遊会の時は、結構な高官の席にいたのに、さすがマメ男…。あの男はあの男で、侍女たちの心をつかんでいるに違いない」

Maomao “Kusa-mushiri…” (En’yu-kaino tokiwa kekkona kokanno sekini ita-noni, sasuga mame-otoko… Ano otokowa ano otokode, jijo-tachino kokoro’o tsukande-iruni chigai nai.)

Maomao “Weeds…” (Back at the garden party, he was in a pretty high-ranking seat. I guess he really is caring. He must win the hearts of the ladies-in-waiting in his own way.)

猫猫「応接間を貸していただいてもよろしいでしょうか？」

Maomao “Osetsumao kashite itadaitemo yoroshii deshoka?”

Maomao “May I use the parlor?”

玉葉妃「分かったわ。紅娘」

Gyokuyo-hi “Wakattawa. Hon’nyan.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Sure. Hongniang.”

紅娘「はい」

Hon’nyan “Hai.”

Hongniang “Yes.”

猫猫（心なしか、紅娘の目も輝いているような…）

Maomao (Kokoro-nashika, Hon’nyanno memo kagayaite-iruyona…)

Maomao (Is it just me, or is Hongniang being sparkly-eyed, too?)

高順「壬氏様から預かってきました」

Gaoshun “Jinshi-sama-kara azukatte kimashita.”

Gaoshun “Master Jinshi wanted me to bring you this.”

猫猫「これは、玉葉様が飲むはずだったスープですね」

Maomao “Korewa, Gyokuyo-samaga nomu-hazudatta sūpu desune.”

Maomao “This is the soup that Lady Gyokuyou was supposed to drink, right?”

高順「はい」

Gaoshun “Hai.”

Gaoshun “Yes.”

猫猫(ご丁寧に…)

Maomao (Goteinei-ni…)

Maomao (How kind of him.)

高順「食べないでくださいね」

Gaoshun “Tabenaide kudasaine.”

Gaoshun “Please don’t eat.”

猫猫「食べません」

Maomao “Tabemasen.”

Maomao “I won’t.”

猫猫「銀は腐食が激しいので、今はもう酸化していて、おいしくありません」

Maomao “Ginwa fushokuga hageshii-node, imawa mo sanka shiteite, oishiku arimasen.”

Maomao “Silver corrodes quickly. This is oxidized and no longer tasty.”

高順「おいしく……」

Gaoshun “Oishiku……”

Gaoshun “Tasty…”

猫猫「これ、素手で持ったりしましたか？」

Maomao “Kore, sudede mottari shimashitaka?”

Maomao “Did you pick this up with your hands?”

高順「いいえ、器には触れず、毒かどうか、中身をさじで取っただけです。そのあとは、すぐに布で包みました」

Gaoshun “Iie, utsuwa-niwa furezu, dokuka doka nakamio sajide totta-dakedesu. Sono atowa, suguni nunode tsutsumi-mashita.”

Gaoshun “No, I didn’t touch the bowl. I only picked up the contents in a spoon to see if it was poison. After that, I immediately wrapped it in cloth.”

猫猫「フッ。少しお待ちください」

Maomao “Fu. Sukoshi omachi kudasai.”

Maomao “One moment, please.”

猫猫「チョキチョキチョキ…カチャカチャカチャ」

Maomao “Choki choki choki… Kacha kacha kacha.”

Maomao “Clip clip clip. Clunk clunk clunk.”

高順「綿と粉と筆ですね」

Gaoshun “Watato konato fude desune.”

Gaoshun “Cotton, powder, and a brush.”

猫猫「はい」

Maomao “Hai.”

Maomao “Yes.”

高順「これで一体、何を？」

Gaoshun “Korede ittai, nanio?”

Gaoshun “What will you do with these?”

猫猫「私のいた薬屋では、いたずら防止に、触れてはいけない器に染料を付けていました。これは、その応用です。簡単ですよ。小さく丸めた綿に粉を付けて、器にまぶしていきます。最後に、筆で余分な粉を落とせば……でました！」

Maomao “Watashino ita kusuriya-dewa, itazura-boshini, furetewa ikenai utsuwani senryo’o tsukete imashita. Korewa, sono oyo desu. Kantan desuyo. Chiisaku marumeta watani konao tsukete, utsuwani mabushite ikimasu. Saigoni, fudede yobunna konao otoseba……Demashita!”

Maomao “In the apothecary I used to work at, we used to put dyes on containers that weren’t supposed to be touched. This is a similar technique. It’s simple. I put some powder on this cotton ball. I dust the bowl with it… Finally, I brush off the excess. And there.”

高順「白い跡がありますね」

Gaoshun “Shiroi atoga arimasune.”

Gaoshun “There’s some white marks.”

猫猫「人間の手が触れた場所です。指先などが触れると、跡が残ってしまいます。腐食しやすい銀食器なら、なおのこと。銀食器は、使う前に必ず布で拭きます。」

Maomao “Ningenno tega fureta basho desu. Yubisaki-nadoga fureruto, atoga nokotte shimai-masu. Fushoku shiyasui gin-shokki-nara, naono koto. Gin-shokkiwa, tsukau maeni kanarazu nunode fukimasu.”

Maomao “That’s where a human hand made contact. When you touch this with your fingers, it leaves a mark. It’s especially visible on silver, which is easily corroded. That’s why you thoroughly wipe silver items before use.”

高順「つまり、今ここに残っている指の跡は、拭かれた後に食器を持った人間のものだと？」

Gaoshun “Tsumari, ima kokoni nokotte-iru yubino atowa, fukareta atoni shokkio motta ningenno mono-dato?”

Gaoshun “In other words, the finger marks remaining here were from people who touched the bowl after it was wiped clean?”

猫猫「そういうことです。指の跡の大きさと位置で、どのように持ったのかくらいは推測できるでしょう。器を持ったのは…あっ」

Maomao “So-iu koto desu. Yubino atono ookisato ichide, donoyoni mottanoka-kuraiwa suisoku dekiru desho. Utsuwao motta-nowa… A.”

Maomao “Indeed. The size and placement of the finger marks allows us to guess how they held it. The bowl was held…”

高順「いかがしましたか？」

Gaoshun “Ikaga shimashitaka?”

Gaoshun “What is it?”

猫猫「ん…いいえ。器を持ったのは、全部で恐らく4人です」

Maomao “N… Iie. Utsuwao motta-nowa, zenbude osoraku yo-nin desu.”

Maomao “Nothing. The bowl was held by four people, I think.”

高順「4人ですか」

Gaoshun “Yo-nin desuka.”

Gaoshun “Four people.”

猫猫「まず、器の周りに触れた3人。スープをよそった者、配膳した者、里樹様の毒見役、そしてもう一人、器のふちを触った第3者。毒を入れたのは、不明な第三者に間違いないと思います」

Maomao “Mazu, utsuwano mawarini fureta san-nin. Sūpuo yosotta-mono, haizen shita-mono, Rīshu-samano dokumi-yaku, soshite mo hitori, utsuwano fuchio sawatta dai-sansha. Dokuo ireta-nowa, fumeina dai-sanshani machigai-naito omoimasu.”

Maomao “First, three people who touched the side of the bowl. The one who poured the soup, the one who carried it, and Lady Lishu’s taster. But there was one more. An “outsider” that touched the rim of the bowl. I believe this unknown person poisoned the food.”

高順「それが事実とすれば、なぜ上級妃の器に毒見役の指の跡が…」

Gaoshun “Sorega jijitsuto sureba, naze jokyu-hino utsuwani dokumi-yakuno yubino atoga…”

Gaoshun “If that’s true, why is the taster’s finger mark on the high-rank concubine’s bowl?”

猫猫「簡単なことです。里樹様の毒見役が、嫌がらせにわざと入れ替えたのでしょう。毒とは知らずに…」

Maomao “Kantanna koto desu. Rīshu-samano dokumi-yakuga, iyagaraseni wazato irekaetano-desho. Doku-towa shirazuni…”

Maomao “That’s simple. Lady Lishu’s taster swapped it on purpose as a form of harassment, not knowing it was poisoned.”

高順「入れ替えた？」

Gaoshun “Irekaeta?”

Gaoshun “Swapped it?”

猫猫「いじめです」

Maomao “Ijime desu.”

Maomao “It’s bullying.”

高順「上級妃に対して、侍女が？」

Gaoshun “Jokyu-hini taishite, jijoga?”

Gaoshun “A lady-in-waiting is bullying a high-ranking concubine?”

猫猫「信じられないようですね」

Maomao “Shinji-rarenai-yodesune.”

Maomao “Sounds like you can’t believe it.”

高順「聞かせてもらえますか？」

Gaoshun “Kikasete morae-masuka?”

Gaoshun “Can you explain?”

猫猫「これはあくまで、私の臆測であることを、前もって言っておきます」

Maomao “Korewa akumade, watashino okusokude aru koto’o, maemotte itte okimasu.”

Maomao “Let me first say that this is all just conjecture on my part.”

高順「問題ありません」

Gaoshun “Mondai arimasen.”

Gaoshun “That’s fine.”

猫猫「里樹様の園遊会での衣装を覚えていますか？」

Maomao “Rīshu-samano en’yu-kai-deno isho’o oboete imasuka?”

Maomao “Do you remember Lady Lighu’s dress during the garden party?”

高順「はい。確か、派手な濃い桃色の…」

Gaoshun “Hai. Tashika, hadena koi momo-irono…”

Gaoshun “Yes. I believe it was a flashy pink color.”

猫猫「普通に考えるなら、玉葉様とかぶる衣装を妃が選んだ場合、侍女は他の衣装を勧めます。そうでなければ、妃に準ずる衣を侍女たちも着るはずです。しかし、おつきの者は皆、白い衣を着ていました。あれでは、桃色の衣装を着ていた里樹妃は、空気が読めない道化同然です。侍女は、主を立てるものです」

Maomao “Futsuni kangaeru-nara, Gyokuyo-samato kaburu isho’o kisakiga eranda baai, jijowa hokano isho’o susume-masu. Sode nakereba, kisakini junzuru koromo’o jijo-tachimo kiru hazu desu. Shikashi, otsukino monowa mina shiroi koromo’o kite-imashita. Are-dewa, momo-irono isho’o kiteita Rīshu-hiwa, kukiga yomenai doke dozen desu. Jijowa, arujio tateru mono desu.”

Maomao “Normally, you’d think that if a concubine picked a color that would clash with Lady Gyokuyou’s dress, her ladies-in-waiting would recommend another one. Or, at least, they’d wear something that matches it themselves. However, all of her servants were wearing white. That makes Lady Lishu appear like a buffoon who can’t read the room. Ladies-in-waiting should allow their mistress to shine.”

猫猫「そうなると、あの日…」

Maomao “So Naruto, ano hi…”

Maomao “Come to think of it, that day…”

ーーーーー

侍女「侍女としての立場もわきまえられないの？桃色の衣を勧めるなんて…」

Jijo “Jijoto shiteno tachibamo wakimae-rarenaino? Momo-irono koromo’o susumeru nante…”

Lady in waiting “Have you no decency? A crimson dress?”

ーーーーー

猫猫「ふがいない里樹様の侍女たちを、阿多様の侍女たちがいさめていた。敵だらけの後宮の中で、妃が真に信じられるのは、自分の侍女たちだけです。年若い里樹様は、侍女に勧められるまま、あの衣装を着て、わざと恥をかかされたのでしょう。何の疑いもなく。」

Maomao “Fugai-nai Rīshu-samano jijo-tachio, Āduo-samano jijo-tachiga isamete ita. Teki-darakeno kokyuno nakade, kisakiga shinni shinjirareru-nowa, jibunno jijo-tachi dake desu. Toshi-wakai Rīshu-samawa, jijoni susume-rareru-mama, ano isho’o kite, wazato hajio kakasaretano-desho. Nanno utagaimo naku.”

Maomao “Lady Ah-Duo’s ladies-in-waiting were scolding Lady Lishu’s servants for not doing their jobs. The rear palace is full of enemies, so the only people a concubine can truly trust are her ladies-in-waiting. I suspect the ladies-in-waiting recommended that dress to their young Lady Lishu, and she wore it without realizing they’d done it to humiliate her. She didn’t suspect a thing.”

高順「それだけでなく、食事を入れ替えて、さらに里樹妃を困らせようとしたと？」

Gaoshun “Sore-dakede naku, shokujio irekaete, sarani Rīshu-hio komarase-yoto shitato?”

Gaoshun “Not only that, but she also tried to swap the food to further harass Concubine Lishu?”

猫猫「ええ、毒とは知らずに…結果として命拾いしましたけど…嫌なやり方です」

Maomao “Ee, doku-towa shirazuni… Kekkato shite inochi-biroi shimashita-kedo… Iyana yarikata desu.”

Maomao “Yes, though whe was unaware it was poisoned. It ended up saving her. But it’s still quite distasteful.”

高順「どうしてそんなことを…」

Gaoshun “Doshite sonna koto’o…”

Gaoshun “Why would they do such a thing?”

猫猫「里樹様は、幼いながら先帝の妃となり、そのあとすぐ出家した特殊な立場です。妻は夫に身をもって尽くすものだと、幼いころから教育されます。周りから見れば、亡き夫の息子に嫁ぐなんて、不徳も甚だしいということでしょう。器の縁にある跡は、毒を混ぜた犯人のものだと思います。縁を押さえて、毒を混ぜ入れたのかと」

Maomao “Rīshu-samawa, osanai-nagara senteino kisakito nari, sono ato suguni shukke shita tokushuna tachiba desu. Tsumawa ottoni mio motte tsukusu monodato, osanai korokara kyoiku saremasu. Mawari-kara mireba, naki ottono musukoni totsugu-nante, futokumo hanahadashii-to-iukoto desho. Utsuwano fuchini aru atowa, dokuo mazeta han’nin’no monodato omoimasu. Fuchio osaete, dokuo mazeiretano-kato.”

Maomao “Lady Lishu became the previous emperor’s concubine at a very young age. Then she left the rear palace soon after. Her situation is unique. A wife must sacrifice everything to devote to her husband. We are all taught this from a very young age. I guess, from that perspective, to wed her deceased husband’s son is an indecency beyond words. I think the mark near the bowl’s edge was left by the person who added the poison. They must have held the edge while stirring in the poison.”

高順「なるほど」

Gaoshun “Naruhodo.”

Gaoshun “I see.”

猫猫（高貴な方の唇が触れる場所を指で汚してはならない…紅娘の教えである）

Maomao (Kokina katano kuchibiruga fureru basho’o yubide kegashitewa naranai. …Hon’nyanno oshiede aru.)

Maomao (Your fingers must not touch the area that noble lips are supposed to go. That is the teaching of Hongniang.)

猫猫「私の見解は、以上です」

Maomao “Watashino kenkaiwa, ijo desu.”

Maomao “That’s all I came up with.”

高順「一つ聞いてよいですか？」

Gaoshun “Hitotsu kiite yoidesuka?”

Gaoshun “May I ask one more thing?”

猫猫「何でしょう？」

Maomao “Nandesho?”

Maomao “What is it?”

高順「なぜ昨日、あの毒見役の侍女をかばおうとしたのですか？」

Gaoshun “Naze kino, ano dokumi-yakuno jijo’o kabaoto shitano-desuka?”

Gaoshun “Why did you try to protect that taster yesterday?”

猫猫「シャーッ！」

Maomao “Shaaaaa!”

高順「ただの興味本位です。追及するつもりはありません」

Gaoshun “Tadano kyomi-hon’i desu. Tsuikyu-suru tsumoriwa arimasen.”

Gaoshun “I’m just curious. This isn’t an investigation or anything.”

猫猫「下女の命など、妃に比べたら、軽く、たやすいものです。ましてや、毒見役の命ともなれば…」

Maomao “Gejono inochi-nado, kisakini kurabetara karuku, tayasui monodesu. Mashiteya, dokumi-yakuno inochi-tomo nareba…”

Maomao “The life of a serving girl is worthless compared to that of a concubine. Especially if that life belongs to a food taster…”

高順「フゥ…。壬氏様には、うまく説明します」

Gaoshun “Fuu… Jinshi-sama-niwa umaku setsumei shimasu.”

Gaoshun “I’ll try to explain this to Master Jinshi.”

猫猫「ありがとうございます」

Maomao “Arigato gozaimasu.”

Maomao “Thank you.”

猫猫「まあ、せっかく取り替えてくれたんだから、お礼はしないとね。毒の味見はできたし。やっぱりあのスープ、飲み込んでおけばよかったなあ」

Maomao “Maa, sekkaku torikaete kuretan-dakara, oreiwa shinaitone. Dokuno ajimiwa dekitashi. Yappari ano sūpu, nomikonde okeba yokattanaa.”

Maomao “Well, I should be thankful, since she did go out of her way to make the swap. I was able to taste that poison thanks to her. I really should have swallowed that soup.”

ーーーーー

高順「以上です」

Gaoshun “Ijo desu.”

Gaoshun “That is all.”

壬氏「なるほどね…いつ聞いても、お前の物言いはうまいな」

Jinshi “Naruhodone… Itsu kiitemo, omaeno mono-iiwa umaina.”

Jinshi “I see. You always impress me with how you word things.”

高順「そうでしょうか」

Gaoshun “So deshoka.”

Gaoshun “Is that so?”

壬氏「どう考えても、内部犯だよな…」

Jinshi “Do kangaetemo, naibu-han dayona…”

Jinshi “This is clearly an inside job, right?”

高順「状況からは、そうなります」

Gaoshun “Jokyo karawa, so narimasu.”

Gaoshun “The situation indicates as much, yes.”

壬氏「ハァ…簡単に言ってくれる。この��ぎで、昨日から寝る暇もない。着替えも出来てない。思考を放棄したい」

Jinshi “Haa… Kantanni itte-kureru. Kono sawagide, kino-kara neru himamo nai. Kigaemo dekite-nai. Shiko’o hoki shitai.”

Jinshi “You make it sound so simple. I haven’t had time to sleep at all because of this. I haven’t even been able to change clothes. I want to stop thinking.”

高順「素が出てきていますよ」

Gaoshun “Suga dete-kite imasuyo.”

Gaoshun “Your natural self is showing.”

壬氏「誰もいないから、よくないか？」

Jinshi “Daremo inai-kara, yoku-naika?”

Jinshi “Who cares? There’s nobody here.”

高順「私がいます」

Gaoshun “Watashiga imasu.”

Gaoshun “I am here.”

壬氏「そこは、おまけで」

Jinshi “Sokowa, omakede.”

Jinshi “Can you cut me some slack?”

高順「ダメです」

Gaoshun “Dame desu.”

Gaoshun “No.”

壬氏「何を言ってもダメか」

Jinshi “Nanio ittemo dameka.”

Jinshi “Nothing I say will move you, huh?”

高順「長い付き合いですので」

Gaoshun “Nagai tsukiai desu-node.”

Gaoshun “We’ve had a long relationship.”

壬氏「生まれた時から面倒を見られるのも、厄介なものだな」

Jinshi “Umareta toki-kara mendo’o mirareru-nomo, yakkaina mono dana.”

Jinshi “It’s not easy having someone look after you since you were born.”

高順「壬氏様、かんざし挿したままですよ」

Gaoshun “Jinshi-sama, kanzashi sashita-mama desuyo.”

Gaoshun “Master Jinshi, you forgot to remove your hairpin.”

壬氏「ああ、いけねぇ、すっかり忘れてた」

Jinshi “Aa, Ikenee, sukkari wasureteta.”

Jinshi “Oh, oops. Totally forgot.”

高順「髪に隠れていたので、本当のご身分に気づく者はいないかと」

Gaoshun “Kamini kakurete-itanode, hontono gomibunni kizuku monowa inaikato.”

Gaoshun “It was hidden in your hair. I don’t think anyone noticed your true status.”

壬氏「頼むわ、保管」

Jinshi “Tanomuwa, hokan.”

Jinshi “Take care of it for me.”

高順「またそんな雑に扱って…特別な方しか身に着けられないものですから、大切にしてください」

Gaoshun “Mata sonna zatsuni atsukatte… Tokubetsuna kata-shika mini tsukerare-nai mono desu-kara, taisetsuni shite kudasai.”

Gaoshun “You’re treating it roughly again, It’s something only special individuals can wear, so please take care of it.”

壬氏「分かってるよ」

Jinshi “Wakatteruyo.”

Jinshi “I know.”

高順「分かってません。はあ…。それでは失礼します」

Gaoshun “Wakatte-masen. Haa… Soredewa, shitsurei shimasu.”

Gaoshun “You don’t. Excuse me.”

壬氏「はあ…やるか」

Jinshi “Haa… Yaruka.”

Jinshi “Let’s do this…”

ーーーーー

小蘭「じゃあさ、かんざしもらったりした？」

Shaoran “Jaasa, kanzashi morattari shita?”

Xiaolan “Oh right, did you get any hairpins?”

猫猫「一応」

Maomao “Ichio.”

Maomao “A few.”

小蘭「うわあ～！そっか！じゃあ、後宮から出られるんだね！」

Shaoran “Uwaaa! Sokka! Jaa, kokyu-kara derarerun-dane!”

Xiaolan “I see! So now… You can get out of the rear palace!”

猫猫「ん？ん？今なんて言った？」

Maomao “N? N? Ima nante itta?”

Maomao “Huh? What did you say?”

小蘭「後宮から出られる？」

Shaoran “Kokyu-kara derareru?”

Xiaolan “You can get out of the rear palace?”

猫猫「その話、詳しく！」

Maomao “Sono hanashi, kuwashiku!”

Maomao “More details please!”

小蘭「あ…あい」

Shaoran “A…Ai.”

Xiaolan “Yes…”

小蘭「後宮って、外の男性とは会えないけど、特別な許可があれば、男性が女官を連れ出すことができるの」

Shaoran “Kokyutte, sotono dansei-towa aenai-kedo, tokubetsuna kyokaga areba, danseiga nyokan’o tsure-dasu kotoga dekiruno.”

Xiaolan “You can’t meet men from the outside while at the rear palace, but if you get special permission, a man can escort a female worker outside.”

猫猫「ふむふむ。それが園遊会で配っているかんざしってわけか」

Maomao “Fumu fumu. Sorega en’yu-kaide kubatte-iru kanzashitte wakeka.”

Maomao “I see, so that’s what the hairpins they hand out at the garden party means.”

小蘭「そのとおり！逆に、かんざしを使えば、後宮から出してって頼むこともできるんだって」

Shaoran “Sono toori! Gyakuni, kanzashio tsukaeba, kokyu-kara dashitette tanomu kotomo dekirun-datte.”

Xiaolan “Exactly! You can also use the hairpin to ask someone to take you out of the rear palace.”

猫猫「なるほど…。ありがと、小蘭。試してみる」

Maomao “Naruhodo… Arigato, Shaoran. Tameshite miru.”

Maomao “I see. Thanks, Xiaolan. I’ll give it a try.”

小蘭「エヘヘヘッ、どういたしまして。猫猫、山査子(さんざし)ごちそうさま！おいしかった！」

Shaoran “Ehehehe, do itashi-mashite. Maomao, sanzashi gochiso-sama! Oishikatta!”

Xiaolan “No problem. Maomao, thanks for the hawthorn! It was yummy!”

猫猫（もらったかんざしは全部で４つ。男性からのかんざしは２つ。いや、大事なものを失ったあっちは、男性とは言わないか？）

Maomao (Moratta kanzashiwa zenbude yottsu. Dansei-karano kanzashiwa futatsu. Iya, daijina mono’o ushinatta acchiwa dansei-towa iwanaika?)

Maomao (I received a total of four hairpins. Two are from men. Or rather, since one of the two lost his important parts, maybe I shouldn’t call him a ‘man’?”

壬氏「薬屋」

Jinshi “Kusuriya.”

Jinshi “Apothecary!”

猫猫（よし！）

Maomao (Yoshi!)

Maomao (Right!)

ーーーーー

宦官「李白様、後宮の女官がこちらを…」

Kangan “Rihaku-sama, kokyuno nyokanga kochirao…”

Eunuch “Master Lihaku, a lady from the rear palace sent you this.”

李白「ん？分かった」

Rihaku “N? Wakatta.”

Lihaku “Oh, understood.”

李白（参ったな…義理のかんざしを本気にされたか？しかし美人の誘いだったらもったいないし…翡翠宮の侍女には一人しか渡してない…ということは…あれか…。さて、どう断るかな）

Rihaku (Maittana… Girino kanzashio honkini saretaka? Shikashi bijinno sasoi dattara mottai-naishi… Hisui-Kyuno jijo-niwa hitori-shika watashite-nai… To iu-kotowa… areka… Sate, do kotowaru-kana.)

Lihaku “Yikes, did she take that consolation hairpin seriously? But if it’s a pretty lady, it would be a waste… I only gave out one hairpin at the Jade Pavilion… Which means… That one? Wonder how I should turn her down…”

猫猫「失礼します。お待たせしました」

Maomao “Shitsurei shimasu. Omatase shimashita.”

Maomao “Excuse me. Thank you for waiting.”

李白「ん？誰だ、お前」

Rihaku “N? Dareda, omae.”

Lihaku “Huh? Who are you?”

猫猫「よく言われます」

Maomao “Yoku iware-masu.”

Maomao “I get that a lot.”

李白「お前、化粧で化けるって言われないか？」

Rihaku “Omae, keshode bakerutte iware-naika?”

Lihaku “Do people ever tell you that makeup changes you drastically?”

猫猫「それもよく言われます」

Maomao “Soremo yoku iware-masu.”

Maomao “I get that a lot, too.”

李白「しかしまた、俺を呼び出すなんて…」

Rihaku “Shikashi mata, oreo yobidasu-nante…”

Lihaku “But anyway, you called me up…”

猫猫「実家に戻りたいと思いまして…」

Maomao “Jikkani modori-taito omoi-mashite…”

Maomao “I’d like to go back to my family.”

李白「実家？これがどういう意味か、分かってるのか？」

Rihaku “Jikka? Korega do-iu imika wakatteru-noka?”

Lihaku “Your family? Do you know what this means?”

猫猫「身元を保証していただければ、一時帰宅は可能と聞きました」

Maomao “Mimoto’o hosho shite itada-kereba, ichiji-kitakuwa kanoto kikimashita.”

Maomao “I was told that I could go home temporarily, as long as you can vouch for me.”

李白「あきれたやつだ。侍女の身分で、武官の俺に、身元保証だけをしろと？」

Rihaku “Akireta yatsuda. Jijono mibunde, bukanno oreni, mimoto-hosho dakeo shiroto?”

Lihaku “You’re quite bold. You, a mere lady-in-waiting, are demanding that I, a military officer, vouch for you?”

猫猫「はい」

Maomao “Hai.”

Maomao “Yes.”

李白「はあ…。そのためにわざわざ俺を呼び出したと？」

Rihaku “Haa… Sono tameni waza-waza oreo yobidashita-to?”

Lihaku “And you summoned me just for that?”

猫猫「はい」

Maomao “Hai.”

Maomao “Yes.”

李白「豪胆というか、命知らずというか…つまり何だ？俺は、嬢ちゃんの里帰りに、うまく利用されろってことか？」

Rihaku “Gotanto iuka, inochi-shirazuto iuka… Tsumari nanda? Orewa, jochanno satogaerini umaku riyo sarerotte Kotoka?”

Lihaku “I don’t know if you’re dauntless or clueless. So, little girl, you’re trying to exploit me for your housecoming?”

猫猫「いいえ、こちらもそれなりに、お礼ができないかと考えています」

Maomao “Iie, kochiramo sore-narini oreiga dekinaikato kangaete imasu.”

Maomao “No, I believe I can offer you something valuable in exchange.”

李白「ああ？」

Rihaku “Aa?”

Lihaku “Huh?”

猫猫「緑青館で、花見はいかがかと…」

Maomao “Rokushokande, hanamiwa ikaga-kato…”

Maomao “Could I interest you in a flower-viewing session at the Verdigris House?”

李白「ろ…緑青館？冗談だろ、一晩で一年分の給金が吹っ飛ぶ、高級妓楼だぞ」

Rihaku “Ro…Rokushokan? Jodan daro, hitobande ichi-nen-bunno kyukinga futtobu, kokyu-giro dazo.”

Lihaku “Th-The Verdigris House?! You’ve gotta be kidding! A night at that super high-class brothel could cost a year of my salary!”

猫猫「心配ならば、この紹介状を見せれば分かります。白鈴、女華、梅梅…」

Maomao “Shinpai naraba, kono Shokai-jo’o misereba wakarimasu. Pairin, Joka, Meimei…”

Maomao “If you’re worried, you can show them one of these introduction letters. Pairin. Joka. Meimei.”

李白「ま…ますます信じられん！高級官僚でもなかなか手を出せない三姫じゃないか！」

Rihaku “Ma…Masu-masu shinji-raren! Kokyu-kanryo-demo naka-naka teo dasenai san-himeja naika!”

Lihaku “Th-That’s even less believable! Those are the Three Princesses that not even the highest-rank officials can afford!”

猫猫「信じられないなら、しかたありませんね」

Maomao “Shinji-rarenai-nara shikata arimasenne.”

Maomao “If you can’t believe it, that’s just too bad.”

李白「えっ」

Rihaku “E.”

Lihaku “Huh?”

猫猫「申し訳ありません。お手間をかけました」

Maomao “Moshiwake arimasen. Otemao kakemashita.”

Maomao “My deepest apologies for having wasted your time.”

李白「ちょ、ちょっ…」

Rihaku “Cho, cho…”

Lihaku “W-Wait…”

猫猫「非常に残念ですが、他を当たりますので、この話はなかったことに…」

Maomao “Hijoni zan’nen desuga, hokao atarimasu-node, kono hanashiwa nakatta kotoni…”

Maomao “It’s very unfortunate, but I’ll just have to ask someone else. Please forget I mentioned this.”

李白（この女、他にも当てがあるのか？！しかも、紅水晶と銀製のかんざし？明らかに、俺より高官だろ！この嬢ちゃん、何者なんだ？！だとすれば、この話もあながち…いやいや、怪しすぎる！でも、もし本当なら…あの三姫に出会える機会なんて、今後二度と…俺は、どうすれば…）

Rihaku (Kono onna, hoka-nimo atega arunoka?! Shikamo, beni-suishoto gin-seino kanzashi? Akirakani ore-yori kokan daro! Kono jochan, nani-mono nanda?! Dato sureba, kono hanashimo anagachi… Iya-iya, ayashi-sugiru! Demo, moshi honto-nara… Ano san-himeni deaeru kikai-nante, kongo nidoto… Orewa, dosureba…)

Lihaku (She has other contacts?! Hairpins with rose quartz and silver?! They’re obviously from people who far outrank me. Just who is this girl?! In that case, what she said might be… No, it’s too suspicious! But if it is true, I’ll never get another chance to meet the Three Princesses again… What should I do?!”

猫猫「どうなさいますか？」

Maomao “Do nasai-masuka?”

Maomao “So, what will it be?”

李白「ううう…俺の負けだ…」

Rihaku “Uuu… Oreno makeda…”

Lihaku “I lose.”

ーーーーー

桜花「おめでとう猫猫！まさか、私たちより先に猫猫が！」

Infa “Omedeto, Maomao! Masaka, watashi-tachi-yori sakini Maomaoga!”

Yinghua “Congratulations, Maomao! Who would have thought you’d go before any of us…”

愛藍「本当によかった！」

Airan “Hontoni yokatta!”

Ailan “I’m so glad!”

貴園「いい人に出会えたのね～！」

Guien “Ii hitoni deaeta-noneee!”

Guiyuan “You must’ve met someone nice!”

猫猫「ん？ありがとうございます」

Maomao “N? Arigato gozaimasu.”

Maomao “Uh, thank you?”

桜花「どうしてそんなに軽いの？」

Infa “Doshite sonnani karuino?”

Yinghua “Why are you so casual about this?!”

猫猫「大丈夫ですよ。お土産は買ってきます」

Maomao “Daijobu desuyo. Omiyagewa katte-kimasu.”

Maomao “Don’t worry. I’ll bring back souvenirs.”

桜花「彼とは、どういう経緯で？」

Infa “Kare-towa, do-iu keiide?”

Yinghua “How’d you meet this guy?”

猫猫「なりゆきで…」

Maomao “Nariyukide…”

Maomao “Um, coincidence?”

紅娘「あの様子じゃ、かんざしの意味、絶対分かってませんよ」

Hon’nyan “Ano yosuja, kanzashino imi, zettai wakatte-masen’yo.”

Hongniang “I’m pretty sure she has no idea what the hairpin means.”

玉葉妃「そうね、絶対。まったく、可哀相なのはあの子だわ。本当に面白い。ウフフッ。あの子、どんな顔するのかしら」

Gyokuyo-hi “Sone, zettai. Mattaku, kawaiso-nanowa ano ko dawa. Hontoni omoshiroi. Ufufu. Ano ko, donna kao suruno-kashira.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Yes, I’m sure of it. I feel so sorry for a certain someone. This is so amusing. I wonder what kind of face he’ll make…”

紅娘「これは…またひと悶着ありそうですね…」

Hon’nyan “Korewa… mata hito-monchaku ariso desune…”

Hongniang “I suspect some turmoil in the future…”

ーーーーー

語り「仕事を片付けて、ようやく暇になった壬氏がやってきたのは、猫猫が出発した翌日のこと」

Katari “Shigoto’o katazukete, yoyaku himani natta Jinshiga yatte kita-nowa, Maomaoga shuppatsu shita yokujitsuno koto.”

Narration “Jinshi was finally able to finish up his work and find time to visit the day after Maomao had already left.”

玉葉妃「猫猫なら、あるお方と一緒に行ってしまったわ…」

Gyokuyo-hi “Maomao-nara, aru okatato isshoni itte-shimattawa…”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Maomao took off with someone.”

壬氏「あ…ああ…」

Jinshi “A…Aa…”

玉葉妃「フッ、アハハハハッ…3日間の里帰りへ！」

Gyokuyo-hi “Fu, ahahahaha… Mikka-kanno sato-gaerie!”

Concubine Gyokuyou “On a three-day homecoming.”

ーーーーー

猫猫（故郷である花街は、それほど遠い場所ではない。後宮から、塀と堀を越えて、歩けるほどの距離にある。馬車を出すなんて、贅沢だな…。まあ、緑青館の三姫といえば、民からも憧憬を集める、雲の上のアイドルだから��…一目会えることですら、��誉になる存在だ）

Maomao (Kokyode-aru hana-machiwa, sorehodo tooi tokoro-dewa nai. Kokyu-kara, heito horio koete, arukeru-hodono kyorini aru. Bashao dasu nante, zentaku dana… Maa, Rokushokanno san-himeto ieba, tami-karamo shokeio atsumeru, kumono ueno aidoru dakarana… Hitome aeru kodote-sura, meiyoni naru sonzaida.)

Maomao (The pleasure district where I grew up isn’t far away. It’s walking distance from the rear palace, just beyond the walls and moats. A carriage? How extravagant. Well, the Three Princesses of the Verdigris House are idolized by the population. Worshiped, even. Just being able to meet them would be an honor.)

李白「おっ、見えてきたぞ！花街だ」

Rihaku “O, miete kitazo! Hana-machida.”

Lihaku “Oh, there it is… The pleasure district.”

猫猫（そんな存在に憧れ、遊郭の門をたたく娘もいるが、簡単になれるものではない。禿(かむろ)と呼ばれる妓女見習いですら、売れる保証はない世界だ）

Maomao (Sonna sonzaini akogare, yukakuno mon’o tataku musumemo iruga, kantanni nareru mono-dewa nai. Kamuroto yobareru gijo-minarai de-sura, ureru hoshowa nai sekaida.)

Maomao (There are girls who enter the brothels, wanting to become like them. But is’s not easy. Even if they become a serving girl, a courtesan-in-training, there’s no guarantee that they’ll make it.)

李白「ここが緑青館か…」

Rihaku “Kokoga Rokushokan ka…”

Lihaku “So, this is the Verdigris House…”

猫猫「はい」

Maomao “Hai.”

Maomao “Yes.”

李白「なんだか、風格があるな」

Rihaku “Nandaka, fukakuga aruna.”

Lihaku “It’s very dignified.”

猫猫「中級から最上級まで妓女を取り揃えている、老舗の妓楼ですから。おっ、久しぶり、ばあさん。みんな元気…」

Maomao “Chukyu-kara saijo-kyu-made gijo’o tori-soroete-iru shiniseno giro desu-kara. O, hisashi-buri, Baasan. Minna genki…”

Maomao “It’s a long-standing, reputable brothel, providing everything from middle-to super-high-rank courtesans. Hey, long time no see, Grams. How has everyone―”

やり手婆「フッ！」

Yarite-Babaa “Fu!”

猫猫「うおおっ、がはっ…」

Maomao “Uoo, gaha…”

やり手婆「何が久しぶりだい、このバカ娘」

Yarite-Babaa “Naniga hisashi-buri dai, kono baka-musume.”

Madam “What do you mean, ‘long time no see?!’ Stupid girl.”

李白「大丈夫か？何なんだよ、このばあさん」

Rihaku “Daijobuka? Nan-nandayo, kono baasan.”

Lihaku “Are you okay?! What’s with this old woman?!”

猫猫「緑青館の店主、やり手婆です。懐かしいな…昔はよく、これで毒を吐き出したもんだ…」

Maomao “Rokushokanno tenshu, yarite-babaa desu. Natsukashiina… Mukashiwa yoku korede dokuo haki-dashita monda…”

Maomao “This is the old madam, proprietor of the Verdigris House. I remember this used to help me spit out all the poison I tried.”

やり手婆「ふーん、これが上客かい？顔だちも男前だし、いい体格してるじゃないか。話によると、出世株らしいね？」

Yarite-Babaa “Fūn, korega jokyaku kai? Kao-dachimo otoko-mae dashi, ii taikaku shiteruja naika. Hanashini yoruto, shusse-kabu rashiine?”

Madam “So, is this the good customer? He’s got a handsome face and a good build. I heard you’re a rising star, too.”

猫猫「ばあちゃん…それ、本人の目の前で言うのはどうよ？」

Maomao “Baachan… Sore, hon’nin’no meno maede iu-nowa doyo?”

Maomao “Hey, why say that out loud to his face?”

やり手婆「おい、白鈴呼んできな。今日は茶引きのはずだ」

Yarite-Babaa “Oi, Pairin yonde-kina. Kyowa chahikino hazuda.”

Madam “Hey, get Pairin. She should be making tea today.”

禿「はい」

Kamuro “Hai.”

Serving girl “Yes, ma’am!”

李白「白鈴…」

Rihaku “Pairin…”

Lihaku “Pairin…”

猫猫「李白様、腕の筋肉に自信はありますか？」

Maomao “Rihaku-sama, udeno kin’niku’ni jishinwa arimasuka?”

Maomao “Master Lihaku, how strong are your arm muscles?”

李白「体は鍛えているつもりだぞ。むんっ」

Rihaku “Karadawa kitaete-iru tsumori dazo. Mun!”

Lihaku “I do train pretty regularly.”

猫猫「これは、ひょっとしたら…」

Maomao “Korewa, hyotto-shitara…”

Maomao “This could be…”

禿「こちらへどうぞ」

Kamuro “Kochira’e dozo.”

Serving girl “This way, please.”

李白「緊張してきた…」

Rihaku “Kincho shite-kita…”

Lihaku “I’m getting nervous…”

猫猫「うまくやってくださいね」

Maomao “Umaku yatte kudasaine.”

Maomao “Make a good impression, okay?”

李白「おお」

Rihaku “Oo”

Lihaku “Yeah.”

やり手婆「猫猫、まったくお前は…十月も連絡よこさず消えやがって…」

Yarite-Babaa “Maomao, mattaku omaewa… Totsukimo renraku yokosazu kie-yagatte…”

Madam “So, why’d you vanish for ten whole months without a word?”

猫猫「仕方ないだろ？送った木簡読んでないの？」

Maomao “Shikata nai-daro? Okutta mokkan yonde-naino?”

Maomao “I had no say in the matter. Didn’t you read the letter I sent?”

やり手婆「読んだから、いちげんお断りのところを、こんだけ面倒みてやってんだ��」

Yarite-Babaa “Yonda-kara, ichigen okotowarino tokoro’o kondake mendo mite-yatten-daro.”

Madam “Of course I read it! That’s why I’m taking care of that guy for you, even though we’re introduction only!”

猫猫「分かってるって。今まで後宮で働いた給金の半分。特別に先払いにしてもらった」

Maomao “Wakatterutte. Ima-made kokyude hataraita kyukinno hanbun. Tokubetsuni saki-baraini shite moratta.”

Maomao “I know, I know. I got half of my pay at the rear palace early, as a special deal.”

やり手婆「相手は白鈴だ。こんだけじゃ足りないね」

Yarite-Babaa “Aitewa Pairinda. Kondakeja tarinaine.”

Madam “This isn’t enough for Pairin.”

猫猫「お茶くらいなら…まけてくんない？」

Maomao “Ocha kurai-nara… makete kunnai?”

Maomao “Can we say it’s enough for just some tea?”

やり手婆「バカ！あの腕っぷしで白鈴が何もしないわけないだろ？」

Yarite-Babaa “Baka! Ano udeppushide Pairinga nanimo shinai wake naidaro?”

Madam “Idiot! Pairin won’t leave those muscles alone.”

猫猫「やっぱり…でも…それ、不可抗力…」

Maomao “Yappari… Demo, sore, fuka-koryoku…”

Maomao “I knew it. But that’s not something I can control…”

やり手婆「んなわけあるかい！ちゃんと勘定に入れとくからね」

Yarite-Babaa “Nna wake arukai! Chanto kanjoni iretoku-karane.”

Madam “That won’t fly! I’ll add it to the tab.”

猫猫「いや、払えないって…」

Maomao “Iya, haraenaitte…”

Maomao “I could never afford that…”

やり手婆「なら上客どんどんよこしな。さっきみたいな、若くて長く適度に搾り取れそうなのをさ」

Yarite-Babaa “Nara jokyaku don-don yokoshina. Sakki-mitaina wakakute nagaku tekidoni shibori-toreso-nano’o -sa.”

Madam “In that case, bring more good customers. Similar to that guy. Young, so that we can drain him over along period of time.”

猫猫（宦官でも客になるのか…？あれはダメだ。妓女たちが本気になり、店がつぶれる…。でも、高順やヤブ医者は気が引けるし…）

Maomao (Kangan demo kyakuni naru-noka? Arewa dameda. Gijo-tachiga honkini nari, misega tsubureru… Demo, Gaoshun’ya Yabu-Ishawa kiga hikerushi…)

Maomao (Would a eunuch be an acceptable customer? No way. The courtesans would pull out all the stops and put the brothel out of business. But I’d feel bad for Gaoshun or the quack doctor…)

やり手婆「猫猫、爺は家にいるはずだ。さっさと行ってやんな」

Yarite-Babaa “Maomao, Jijiiwa ieni iru hazuda. Sassato itte-yanna.”

Madam “Maomao, your old man should be at home. Go visit him already.”

ーーーーー

猫猫（通りを一つ抜けただけで、花街はとたんに景色を変える。立ち並ぶあばら家に、物乞いと、梅毒の夜鷹…）

Maomao (Toorio hitotsu nuketa-dakede, hana-machiwa totanni keshikio kaeru. Tachi-narabu abara-yani, mono-goito, baidokuno yotaka…)

Maomao (Cross just one street, and the face of the town changes dramatically. Rough shacks, beggars, and syphilitic streetwalkers.)

猫猫「変わらないなあ…」

Maomao “Kawaranai-naa…”

Maomao “Things haven’t changed.”

猫猫「ただいま、おやじ」

Maomao “Tadaima, Oyaji.”