#collar x malice translation

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

2020 Collar x Malice Christmas Side Story English translation

merry xmas!

I finally managed to finish this... after asking about this being translated more than a year ago though it doesn't help that this was waaaaaaay longer than I thought it would be (plus i was busy since my family is hosting xmas, sorry!).😅 going to focus on deemo the day after tomorrow maybe... then my queue for next year. hopefully...?

anyway, enjoy!

OTOMATE Christmas 2020 Collar×Malice SS

Translation by KumoriYami

*The settings of this SS are inconsistent with the main game, and uses the setting from the ~Challenge from the Phantom Thief Adonis~ drama.

——December, 20XX.

Shinjuku, which was bustling with people, was able to to welcome another peaceful day today. Occasionally, there were some fights and quarrels that broke out in the streets everyday so the people in Yanagi Aiji's detective firm were also running around today.

Enomoto:….It's a request to investigate an extramarital affair again~ it's so terribly sad, why do we have to stay in front of the hotel to monitor couples…

Yanagi: It's good to have a request during this downturn. That being said, the success of this commission will largely depend on your mobility… Sorry, Enomoto.

Enomoto: I'm happy to be relied on by Yanagi-senpai.. Anyway, to cheat on Christmas, what on earth are they thinking? It's so wonderful to be in love together.

Shiraishi: There are many couples who break up at Christmas, for example those who accidently discover the other party's bad sides, and want to change their frame of mind before the new year, and there is also the possibility of finding out the cheating happening for a long time, and taking the opportunity to find their true love. It's a simple idea, isn't it?

Enomoto: Is it that simple…? To have someone to spend Christmas with is a luxury! Those people who are cheating or determining their destinies, really have no dreams!

Sasazuka: Don't worry, none of these things have anything to do with you.

Enomoto: I might have a chance this year!? That's right, on a snowy white Christmas… a beautiful woman speaking to me on a street... "I want to go to a party, but I'm lost…"

Sasazuka: And then he was taken away for a suspicious discussion, the end.

Shiraishi: I'm under the impression that the other party would extort you into buying them an expensive pot in the guise of a Christmas gift.

Enomoto:……At least!! Let me imagine it!!

Yanagi: You guys…. do your work seriously, Hoshino is resting today, and there are lot of things that haven't been dealt with yet.

Sasazuka: That guy's absence won't affect my productivity.

Enomoto: You're being like that again~ you're so dishonest…. Ah, someone's here, is it a courier? Come in, come in——

Kazuki:......Hello everyone.

Enomoto: Oh, isn't this Hoshino's younger brother? What's wrong?

Kazuki: I heard her say that she accidently brought documents from work back, though she's asleep right now.

Yanagi: Ah, Hoshino sent me a text message asking me to get them, we were supposed to pick them up.

Kazuki: It doesn’t matter, I didn't have anything to do anyway, and was going to a nearby store, so I came here.

Enomoto: Wa-Wait a moment, Hoshino's brother, it's rare for you to come here, so have some tea before leaving.

Kazuki:...Are you trying to draw out what my sister likes from me?

Enomoto: Hey, that sort of caution, you aren't lacking any of it…!

Kazuki:...Pfft, these sort of agendas are completely unhidden, you aren't a bad person either… and the opposite of someone with fiendish eyes.

Sasazuka: It's too annoying to target each word, rebellious phase.

Kazuki: Who's in their rebellious phase…! The one I don't trust the most is you.

Okazaki: Don't worry, otōto-kun, he's more or less a bit twisted, but everyone is a good person

Kazuki: It's definitely better than my first impression… huh? What's with you, where did you come from?

Okazaki: Ahaha, everyone here knows about this, so don't mind it.

Shiraishi：I mean, we're just asking him about Christmas presents, right?

Yanagi: Indeed, it's more efficient than us worrying and troubling ourselves over it.

Kazuki:...What do you mean?

——As a result, Yanagi and the others explained to the entire matter to Kazuki.

Christmas is coming, and while wanting to buy her a gift since she's been working hard, they however did not know what to buy. Kazuki sighed impatiently after listening to the general gist of the matter.

Yanagi: You're siblings, so you must have exchanged Christmas gifts, right?

Kazuki: I did when I was younger, but haven't recently… this sort of thing is really embarrassing.

Shiraishi: Then what did you give her when you were a kid?

Kazuki:......Cat plushies, and things like that.

Shiraishi: Eh, that's more tasteful than I imagined, in any case, I also want to receive a cat plush as a gift.

Yanagi: Don’t go off topic… Then, do you know what she's been wanting recently?

Kazuki: How did I know that… Ah, she said she wanted to buy a new frying pan.

Yanagi:…Kitchenware, huh, I also happen to buy a new one, and it's actually not difficult to choose.

Kazuki: She also said that she wanted a new cutting board...

Enomoto: So homely…! But, you should consider the other person’s preferences and habits when choosing.

Sasazuka: If you're going to say that, it'll be endless, giving gifts is purely an act of self-gratification, and no matter how much you worry about it, it'll be useless so it’s best for everyone to just give what they want.

Enomoto: No way! No sneaking out of this! What if one of us gives her a present that captivates her!

Okazaki: Enomoto-kun…it's a bit confusing for you to say that.

Enomoto: You're the one who needs the most attention, right?! You must be the type to ask a girl to a high-end restaurant/hotel with a night view!?

Okazaki: Alright, I'll sneak off to plan a secret date when you're not paying attention.

Enomoto: I said not to sneak away!!

Kazuki: Hey, are you guys so free that you're arguing about what gifts to buy like this, or is this place about to go out of business?

Yanagi: I get what you're saying, but everyone here is very capable and does a good job.

Kazuki: Hmph… It's true that if you work hard, you can earn a lot of impression points.

Okazak: Putting aside your sister, what sort of gift would you give to a girl you liked, Kazuki?

Kazuki:...........A ring, or something like that?

Enomoto: Th-That's so hardcore!?

Okazaki: Wow, I didn't expect you to be the type bind someone.

Kazuki: Many girls in my classes who are clamoring to receive rings. If you aren't dating the other person, it wouldn't be bad to give them earrings.

Sasazuka: I see, you're a pretentious person in front of other people, while you cling to your sister at home.

Kazuki: You guys are so infuriating… I'm pretty normal, alright?

Yanagi: Okay okay, he's still a high school student, and is at the age to bs sensitive to love.

Shiraishi: Could it be that you've experienced it? When Yanagi-kun was in high school, in order to save his kidnapped girlfriend, didn't he rush into the enemy's base by himself and cause a huge fuss?

Yanagi: Where did you learn about that?

Shiraishi: Enomoto-kun borrowed my manga that depicted the story of a protagonist who stood up to protect his girlfriend and was reincarnated into another world.

Okazaki: I'm a bit concerned about the future developments, so can you let me borrow it so I can take a look?

Kazuki:...Hey, the more you guys talk, the more off-topic you get, you guys are too free.

Enomoto: Ah, sorry! So, um, a Christmas present to give Hoshino…

In this way, everyone began having a heated discussion about what to give as a gift. After consulting Kazuki's suggestions, they prepared themselves and waited for Christmas to arrive.

——A few days later, it was Christmas day.

Once work ended, the office was filled with delicious food and adorned with Christmas decorations when the doorbell rang. Hoshino, who had gone out to buy something, had probably returned, and Enomoto hurriedly walked towards the door.

Ichika: He-Hello, um… there's an express delivery.

Enomoto: What, it's a courier. Hm? This voice…

Enomoto was astounded as he opened the door, and was powerful sight appeared before his eyes.

Enomoto: UAAHHHHHHHHHH!!

Sasazuka: Shut up, that's like the scream before death…——Ha?

Everyone was drawn to Enomoto's screeching, and all looked towards the door.

Standing in the doorway were two people dressed in red Christmas outfits.

Ichika: Everyone, Merry Christmas！

Kazuki: Eh, why me too....

Yanagi: Hoshino… and Kazuki, why are you dressed like this?

Ichika: Um, to thank everyone who is striving to protect the city's peace, Sana Claus came to give everyone presents!...I suddenly dressed up like this, and everyone started to laugh

Enomoto: Wh-What are you saying!? How can we laugh! Christmas COS!? Thumbs up!! Amazing!! No…………it's the best in the universe!!

Shiraishi: Hehe, Enomoto completely short-circuited, like a broken robot.

Sasazuka: So, who's idea was this?

Ichika:…Okazaki-san gave me this idea…

Kazuki: At first this guy was just worrying about what sort of Christmas gift to buy for his coworkers and came to me for advice. As a result, I somehow fell for the unorthodox SP's trap and things ended up like this.

Okazaki: Don't say that, I just gave my own opinions for what would definitely make Yanagi-san and everyone else feel happy.

Yanagi: Okazaki… it was you after all, although your opinions this time were quite serious.

Enomoto: It's better to say that this was done beautifully! This is Christmas COS…! Santa Claus has arrived——!

Sasazuka: Calm down a little, why don't you let Shiraishi give you an injection of anesthesia?

Enomoto: Don't treat me like I'm some animal!? That's a genuine crime!

Shiraishi: It's not impossible, but I'd have to carefully calculate the dosage because he's so sturdy. Having said that, everyone's reaction is subtle except for Enomoto, Yanagi-kun, don't you feel happy?

Yanag: Huh? No, I'm not happy...

Ichika: So-Sorry! For an adult to dress up in Santa Clause COS, it's so shameful, I'll go change my clothes…!

Everyone: Wait.

Kazuki:......Everyone's urging you to stop? Even that Sasazuka with a bad attitude…… (Just now, did d everyone think the same thing at the same time?)

Sasazuka: It'd be a shame to not have Santa Claus for Christmas.

Enomoto: Right, right! Without you, we can't have Christmas!

Shiraishi: Santa Claus sneaks in through the chimney, right? Why does you dress so conspicuously? Red is such a distinct colour, it's like deliberately trying to draw people's attention… they have a tendency towards committing theatrical crimes.

Okazaki:....Don't worry, this outfit ~really ~ suits you. Yanagi-kun and the others were just captivated by it, and their minds crashed blanked out instantly, right. You all have to say what you really think, otherwise they'll be too pitiful.

Ichika: Okazaki-san, your words seem a bit artificial...

Kazuki: Anyway, we didn't need your ideas about Christmas COS at all. We're just pandering to the holiday ambience, that's all.

Enomoto: I've been giving compliments since the start, right!? Hoshino… and Hoshino's younger brother… Thank you for bringing me the miracle of Christmas… I'm so moved right now

Ichika: Really? It's great if you're happy.

Kazuki: That person's reactions was too drastic, it's too disgusting.

Yanagi: Anyway, you prepared this Christmas surprise for us. We've also set up the place here, so let's let’s start the Christmas party.

Ichika：Uh, if possible, can we give these first…

Kazuki: These gifts are pretty heavy.

Yanagi: Ah, I'm sorry, I'll accept it with gratitude.

Ichika: Then, First... is Yanagi-san. Thank you for always leading us as the director of the detective agency, and it's thank to Yanagi-san's calm and cool judgements, that we're able to handle our work with a peace of mind when we encounter difficulties.

Yanagi:...Hoshino.... I would like to thank you for attenuative assistance all this time, which allowed me to operate operations smoothly, and I hope you will continue to advise me in the future.

Ichika: Please advice me too! Next up is Shiraishi-san. When I saw Shiraishi-san solve difficult cases through your keen observations, almost like magic… I have great respect for how experienced and knowledgeable side. However, please don't always tease me!

Shiraishi: That's because the way your expressions change is so very interesting, and I'm not teasing you, I'm just observing your reactions while we talk, from this perspective, it can be considered that you're helping me

Okazaki: Shiraishi-san is also an amazing tsundere.

Ichika: Hehe. The next one is for Sasazuka-san, your strict advice has given me confidence, and although it's sometimes quite Spartan, I still know that it's the manifestation of your kindness. Thank you for your help as always.

Sasazuka:…80 points, keep up with me, and don’t fall behind.

Ichika: Alright! The next is for Enomoto-san. You've always been a joy to have around the office, and have created a relaxing and cheerful atmosphere, furthermore, you still always help me make up for the mistakes I accidently make while I'm working… I'm so fortunate such a gentle senpai looking after me!

Enomoto: !! O-Obviously I'm the one who's being healed! Wah…. Terrible, there's sweat coming from my eyes… For me, you've been such an excellent kouhai! Hoshino! Let's continue to work hard to protect peace in the city!

Kazuki: Wow, he seems to be really crying… Is this person okay?

Ichika: Next is Okazaki-san, thank you for your continued commissions. Thanks to you, the detective agency has been slowly been able to develop properly.

Okazaki; Wow, you also got me a gift too? But, only my speech was very official, which feels a bit lonely….

Ichika: Um, you've always been willing to help me solve my problems, which has been a great help. Not only do I feel embarrassed about always asking you to take me home at night… can I ask that you please continue?

Okazaki: Of course, you are super welcome, as being relied upon by you is a reward in itself for me.

Sasazuka: That guy is the number one sneaker.

Yanagi:...It's fine if you have a good relationship, but don't trust Okazaki too much, as there are times he sends you home as an excuse, when he actually has ulterior motives.

Okazaki: Yes, yes, Yanagi-otō-san, don't be jealous of me

Ichika: And... lastly, I want to give a gift to Kazuki.

Kazuki: Huh? Give to me?

Ichika: Yes, thank you for everything, and although it's a bit embarrassing, I'm very happy to be your sister, and will continue to advise/look after you in the future!

Kazuki:…………

Sasazuka: Don't cry, otōto.

Kazuki: I'm not crying!….I'm just going to say…. being your brother, is truly great…. Thank you, onee-san.

Ichika: Kazuki...!

Shiraishi:...Hey, I'm almost being blinded by this beautiful sister and brother relationship, but don't forget that we're still here.

Ichika: Eh?

Enomoto: Shi-Shiraishi-san, look at the mod before you speak! Let them enjoy the moment for a while!

Sasazuka: It's useless to pretend that you can't see, that'll just be more awkward.

Yanagi: Yeah, that's true. Hoshino, this is our Christmas gift to you from us and Kazuki.

Ichika: Eh.... everyone got me a present!? Even Kazuki...

Sasazuka: It's to thank you for your continued efforts, so remember that you're not the only one who wants to express their gratitude.

Okazaki: Hehe, it's rare to see such a straightforward Takeru-kun, with the implication being that you like Ichika-chan the most, right?

Sasazuka: Don't interpret my thoughts without my permission.

Shiraishi: Although your abiliites are insuficicent, and require us to teach you many things, it would be very problematic if you suddenly disappeared. In other words, we find comparable value from you

Enomoto: Shiraishi-san, your talking around in circles too much. What we mean is that you are necessary existence to us, so thank you everything!

Ichika: Everyone... thank you!

Yanagi: Kazuki also helped us with picking out the gifts together, and although we had our own opinions, I thought this gift was a good choice.

Ichika: Kazuki, when did you...

Kazuki: Because you guys are so serious…. How do I put it, you all said that you wanted to give each other a Christmas surprise, which really bothered me a lot, so my position was to be like Cupid.

Enomoto: You're right, you two are like angels that descended down to the earth…! Yosh! I’m going to drink a lot today——! Kanpai——!

Sasazuka: I'm hungry, and would rather eat than drink. Hey Enomoto, that spot is mine.

Shiraishi: Ah, my Christmas gift is a cat plush. I see. Was that part of the investigation?

Okazaki: Haha, everyone's like kids enjoying Christmas.

Yanagi: It's good to relax once in a while, Hoshino, the food's almost ready, can you help me decorate it? As expected, I still need your help.

Ichika: Okay!

——In December, it snowed in Shinjuku.

On this peaceful street, this warm Christmas Eve continued.

----end---

sorry i meant to translate this earlier... but my eyes were having issues. they're still feeling a tad irritated though they're significantly better compared to when it started last saturday though.

Anyway, since this was content from one of Otomate's website, i have made this post un-bloggable (standard for me to do that when it's something from one of their websites), and I made a few adjustments to this based on the what names some of the characters use to address one another in the game... not sure if those changes are completely accurate since I haven't touched CxM for a while.

[majunju]

I found so many new cool games from you:0 Can you do a list of what you play, please? It’s mostly otome, right?

oh of course! these are the otome games that i'm currently playing/have played recently:

virche evermore (switch)

birushana: rising flower of genpei (switch)

jack jeanne (switch)

even if tempest + even if tempest dawning connections (switch)

lovebrush chronicles (this one's a phone game but it's still classified as an otome game)

yumekuro (same as above)

[etherealrhith]

🐈HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!🐈

Today, September 5, is Yanagi Aiji’s birthday!

Here is Hanamura Mai’s drawn illustration to celebrate. Happy Birthday!

Otomate Party 2023 is only 4 days away!

Thank you so much for your support!

[doctor-bus]

looking at otome game reviews deciding what to buy next (there's a sale on many switch otomes rn) and I had a realization. if the reviews don't have a trigger warning, I'm not interested lmao

[pawberri]

Do you have any recommendations for non-furry visual novels? I'm a bit overwhelmed at the options available. (I'm already aware of Stein's Gate, Umineko, Zero Escape and have put them in my to read/play list)

Absolutely!!

If you like emotional, thoughtful stuff like Umineko: DEFINITELY check out Mamiya!! It’s less well known but so so good. TW for suicide of a trans character in the first route, but said character does get really interesting nuanced good ends after the first round of mandatory bad ends. I also love love love Ciconia no Naku Koro Ni which is the least well known, most recent entry in the When They Cry franchise. It’s not only a really compelling political drama, it has amazing multiplicity representation as well as trans representation. Fata Morgana is another classic, it’s great but check trigger warnings.

For otome: You can’t go wrong with Otomate, Cafe Enchante is one of my favorite dating sims by them. Collar X Malice is another great one!! My BF also loves Bustafellows. I’m working through lots of other games slowly.

For BL: DMMD is the big, famous, high budget, beautiful BL game. Like everything by Nitrochiral it has lots of trigger warnings and problematic tropes, but it’s a very compelling fun game that doesn’t waste your time. I hear good stuff about Slow Damage. I love Hashihime of Old Book Town, but it also has major trigger warnings and the last route… sucks… to me… and is a weird grooming narrative thing… But it’s technically sort of a separate story to the rest of the routes. BL visual novels are generally insane and crazy and full of drama (there are many exceptions but y’know.) One of my favorite new BL things is Promise of Wizards/Mahoutsukai no Yakusoku which is a mobile game that lets you choose to be either a boy or a girl and has the characters flirt with you no matter what! The boy route feels so nice and satisfying. I play in Japanese, but there’s a fan translation page.

I haven’t dipped my toes into Morenatsu or other osukemo type games. I do think Echo is really, really good and Adastra is lots of fun. I’m also only slowly working through the famous hetero VNs like Steins;Gate and White Album. My one piece of advice is never ever ever ever waste your time playing fucking Muvluv. The straight men are lying to you. It fucking sucks.

[crescencestudio]

hullo! i love alaris (kuna’a🤭), and i love your art! your art is so amazing, i know you’ve probably been told this a million times but like i literally cannot draw to save my life, and your art is just-mwah😌💅 no matter who you draw, from your game or a different game, it’s always so pretty!❤️

anyways, do you have any game recommendations? it can be any type of game, on any platform :) i’m kinda desperate rn. i’m looking for games that i can consume and still want more lmao

hi anon!!! thank you so much that is so!!! sweet of you!!!! 😭😭 i appreciate that so much. ik artists shouldn’t put too much weight on external validation (and obvi u as a creative always have worth no matter the external validation u receive) but i would be lying if i said i wasn’t a bitch for compliments 🥹🥹🥹 i always cherish them so thank you 🫰🏼✨

game recommendations!! i’m honestly a bad gamer so my recommendations might be basic and i’m thinking of these at the top of my head so i might forget a lot but these are some of my faves:

completed pc indie visual novels

our life @gb-patch

blooming panic @robobarbie

cinderella phenomenon @dicesuki

changeling @steamberrystudio

second reproduction ((this one is so old but it was my fave for so long and i still think of it fondly to this day. i think it’s japanese but got a fan translation? idk. i found it on @englishotomegames)

console visual novels

arcana (mobile game—my hyperfixation on this one was scary i was obsessed)

ai: somnium files (SOOO GOOD my current hyperfixation i’m obsessed)

collar x malice

storm lover kai (psp. has english patch you can emulate it)

tokimeki memorial girls side 3rd story (one of my faves ever. inspired free time mechanic in alaris. ds i think?? has english patch i emulated it)

rune factory 4

story of seasons: trio of towns

other games

hades

cult of the lamb

kingdom hearts 2 (technically u should play kh1 ig but the mechanics r so 💀)

persona 5 (one of fave games ever)

stardew valley (download mods and u can sink hundreds of hours into this game)

wip indie games

infinite blue: scavenger hunt (demo version, mobile app) @velvetfoxgames

diffraction

obscura @rottenraccoons

peachleaf valley

the good people @moiraimyths

games i want to play but haven’t

house in fata morgana

hollow knight

13 sentinels

[otome-asylum]

Piofiore: Fated Memories Review

Preface: More detailed, character-specific posts are to follow (excluding the Finale and Henri routes), but here are my thoughts about the game over all.

Piofiore: Fated Memories is an Otomate game from Idea Factory, localized by Aksys Games for the Nintendo Switch.

Overall Score: 8/10. I really liked the game in general, romanticized mafia is super fun! I loved the mafia premise and the thrill of illicit activities, haha. The love interests and side characters were excellent, too. The voice acting is fabulous! Two of my favorite VAs voice love interests: Showtaro Morikubo as Gilbert Redford (also voices Souji Okita in Hakuoki and Impey Barbicane in Code Realize) and Ryohei Kimura as Nicola Francesca (voices Kageyuki Shiriashi from Collar x Malice). Even fell in love with the voice acting of a new guy--Nobuhiko Okamoto as Yang (also does a side character's voice in Collar x Malice).

What I was not expecting was the somewhat heavy emphasis on Christianity and religion. That makes it sound a little more intense than I mean, but considering I wasn't expecting it at all, well. It wasn't the way one might expect, but it was enough that it was completely out of left field when I was expecting, you know, mafia. Honestly, had I known it wasn't just straight mafia, I might not have bought the game, but it was easy enough for me to ignore most of the time. There were some very--I mean very--minor translation issues, mainly typos, but it was good overall.

Heroine: 6/10. To start with, my opinion of the Heroine varied depending on the route. She was my favorite in Gilbert's route, and I liked her enough in Yang's, but she was kind of pitiful in the other three (not including the Finale/Henri endings; admittedly, I didn't read the Finale). Frankly, I found myself annoyed at her most of the time. It's annoying when a character that's meant to represent the reader, as a general rule, does, says, and thinks things that I never would. She has decent points at least once in most of the routes, but especially in the beginning of each route, she's so naive it makes me want to throw up. There are in-game reasons for why this is, so I understand it, but I still dislike it.

By the end of each route, she comes to terms with the fact that she's fallen in love with an incredibly dangerous man and gets over the fact that she's inadvertently complicit in organized crime, but the road to this acceptance long and annoying. At the end of it all, she's still a bleeding heart. Not that I really thought that would change, but still. Progress.

I'm just bored to death of many otome MCs' main (and often only) strength being strength of will and/or character. Mental and emotional toughness are good, but could the MC also be useful and have more interesting qualities? Just once, I'd love to play a badass MC, who's a bit hardened, not a bleeding heart, and isn't shocked by the sight of blood... Yeesh...

Narrative: As it typical of these console games, the plot caries slightly from route to route, though there is an overarching plot. Without giving too much away, MC is Special™, and that comes out/is relevant in only 3/6 routes. All of the routes were well written, though I didn't find all of them that interesting. The overarching plot bored me to tears. I just wasn't into it. In a world of what I assumed was just your standard period mafia piece, there was a lot of weird mysticism and Christian mythology. There's not magic or anything like that, but there are sacred relics that can only be retrieved from their super secret locations with specific "ingredients," if you will. MC has one of those ingredients, and in a game where it really advertises the mafia (that's literal the entire pitch of the game, there's no mention of anything else on the game case), it feels very out of place.

I can tell they were trying to do something different with the mafia premise, and I commend the writers for that, but I think it fell a little flat. I found myself enjoying the routes where there was more of those organized crime attributes--smuggling, drug and arms dealing, counterfeiting, etc.--most, while the routes that heavily focused on MC's specialness were a slog to get through. Of course, this is my own personal opinion, so others may feel very differently. Despite that, I truly enjoyed the game and can't wait to play the sequel!

Love Interests: I adore these characters, period. They're all very unique and interesting, even if a few weren't my type. There are technically six love interests: Nicola Francesca, Dante Falzone, Yang, Gilbert Redford, Orlok, and Henri. Gilbert is locked until you completed Nicola, Yang, Dante, and Orlok's routes, and the Finale/Henri is locked until you complete Gil's. You don't get a feel for who Henri is at all until you play the Finale route, so I personally didn't care for him. I had no vested interest in him, so full disclosure, I mostly skipped his route...

The other characters were wonderfully varied, so I think there's a personality type to suit nearly everyone. I can honestly say that, although not all of them are for me, I can pick out a quality I like in all of them. Dante is the kuudere of the guys; Gilbert is gallant and chivalrous; Yang is selfish and craves violence (in the best way, though); Nicola is a flirt; and Orlok is the quiet, shy one. Henri is mysterious, though not in an interesting way for me, personally.

Game Mechanics: The "Status" page is difficult to understand, especially when you first start playing and have no idea what you're looking at. I had to look up how to interpret the status of the character. The more colorful the flower on the status page is, the higher the affection, and the clearer the page (in this case, how much blood spatter is visible) is related to the tolerance level. So, full-color flower and no blood spatters are very good.

I also don't love the Meanwhile side stories. While you're plaything through every story, periodically you'll get a pop-up that is sometimes automatic, sometimes optional, that takes you to a different perspective--something that's going on at the same time as the main story. I like the idea in theory, but it sometimes felt like they came at inopportune times and broke the story flow.

Music & Art Style: The music is jaunty and fun, very 1920s jazz, screams mafia, too. If that makes sense. If you decide to play it, you'll see what I mean. The art style is beautiful! It looks very similar to, if not outright the same as, Hakuoki: Tales of the Shinsengumi/Kyoto Winds/Edo Blossoms. Since that's the game that started my love affair with these types of games, I love that it looks so similar. The CGs are gorgeous and worth collecting all of them, so 100-percenting the game is worth it. Some of them get pretty hot, too, like aaahhhhh. So 10/10 on the art!

[otome-corner-cafe]

After completing one character route per game (getting good and bad endings), here are my thoughts on the otomes that I’ve been playing.

These aren’t comprehensive reviews I’m giving but just quick rambles of my thoughts based on just the common route and a single character route per game.

Variable Barricade: Honestly the one that I didn’t put much thought into when I bought it. It was added to my purchase on a whim because the art looked cool and one reviewer’s description of the LIs was weird enough to stick with me. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how the game made me invest in Hibari and the whack job suitors. I think the story progression being cut up into scenes across the barricade boards was well done as it gave me varying chunks of story to read through without anything feeling like it was too short or overstayed it’s welcome. Ichiya as a first route was delightfully wild but I do worry that none of the other men will quite match the energy. But I still have faith that some fun hijinx will be delivered.

Collar x Malice: I ended up liking this game a lot more than expected. And that’s despite a lot of the translation hiccups and the weird name bug within Takeru’s route. The game balanced despair and hope quite well in my opinion. And I do love it when stories can indulge both my desire to see darkness and still lead towards a bright and happy ending. Now I reached Mineo’s tragic ending before resetting my game after encountering the name issue in Takeru’s route so I will touch on both of those. Both romances develop pretty suddenly (when you’ve got less than a month’s timeline to work with, it’s inevitable) but both still made my heart flutter. Though I believe Mineo’s route was done better. I’m also very fond of Ichika who has thus far consistently shown to have kind ideals but doesn’t quite have much experience to guide her but her desire to help gets her through it. I’m very interested to see how the other routes handle the discussion of justice and challenge the characters’ resolves.

Piofiore: Taisho Era Italy game had decently high expectations and lived up to them. I like how the game doesn’t shy away from the brutality of the mafia while still making the LIs seem good (at least for Nicola, Dante, and Gilbert. Jury is out on Yang and Orlok). While I prefer more action oriented girls like Cardia and Ichika, Liliana’s position as an innocent lady suddenly being caught up on the business of the mafia didn’t feel like she was merely a damsel surrounded by men doing all the action. She’s adapting the best she can, asking questions and putting her effort towards showing the people around her kindness. Even though she’s naive to the world, she doesn’t run from it and instead tries to understand it (to varying results in Nicola’s endings). I’m looking forward to the future routes and getting more insight on what the deal is with the church because something is up there.

Cafe Enchante: The game I looked forward to the most and, because of that, the disappointment feels stronger. The cafe setting and the magical LIs got me excited. But that common route… Oof. Granted, Code Realize also has a common route that’s eight chapters long but it didn’t feel nearly as draggy (and I am replaying Code Realize right now so I can very easily compare). And when it came time to actually do a route… the pacing for Kaoru’s was fumbled I feel. I think the route might’ve needed one more chapter to give a little more time for the romance to develop and to prevent some tonal whiplash between that and the… actual plot of the route. I think it’s a good game. The art is lovely, the themes of belonging and finding understanding despite differences resonated with me, and characters are all charming in their interactions. The pacing is the only real issue I’m having thankfully.

[the-himawari-otome]

Hi! I follow you on twitter but my account is on priv. so I wanted to ask you on here, I also reallyyyyy love virche so much! (I think your merch collections are amazing and am so grateful for the translations!)

I feel I have a lot of similar opinions as you on my thoughts about virche so I was wondering what other otome games you like and would recommend? :)

Hi there! That’s awesome, thanks for dropping by! And thanks~ haha I’m really glad to hear my translations are reaching and helping out fellow fans 😊 I respect your privacy, but feel free to drop a line and chat any time 😄

And sure thing! When it comes to otome, I tend to prefer games that are more plot focused and have strong overarching plots. I also enjoy darker/heavier content, i.e. action, violence and blood, psychological elements–which all sums up why I am so obsessed with Virche haha

But for my recs (which have English localizations):

1. Collar x Malice

I actually consider Collar x Malice my top favourite otome game! It’s a modern crime thriller with an interesting overarching plot, great cast, action, violence, and it makes you think about what justice means to you. It also has my fave otome antagonist of all time. I swear to god, he straight up altered my brain chemicals 😂 this whole game altered my brain chemicals because it made me fall in love with twisted, tragic “romance” (pls play the FD) and bittersweet “good” endings (there was only one like this, but oh man, it hurt me bad). This is the only game aside from Virche where I genuinely love all the LIs and thoroughly enjoyed all the routes. It has a special place in my heart and I definitely recommend it

2. Café Enchanté

Café Enchanté has the same main writer as Virche (and you can tell!!). It’s notorious for looking like a fluffy, slice-of-life from the cover, but once you get into the thick of the plot—OH BOY, the crazy revelations and pain hit hard 😂 I personally loved the drastic tonal shifts. Definitely recommend if you liked the type of writing in Virche

3. Code:Realize

I personally consider this the “objectively” best otome I’ve played so far. It might not be my personal top fave, but it’s the top game I recommend to anyone wanting to get into or play more otome. The plot, the lore, the world building, the characters, their interactions, the romance—it’s all so well developed and put together. It’s a popular one, and I agree it deserves the praise it receives

4. Nightshade

While it doesn’t have the deepest overall plot, I really enjoyed this game because of its strong characters and that it doesn’t shy away from tragedy. Characters who love each other have to fight each other, betray each other, and leave each other because that’s their way of life. All of them have to FIGHT for their happy ending, and most of the time, it comes with a heavy cost. Also, Gekkamaru’s one of my top fave LIs ever. Gekkamaru, if you’re out there… @ me 🤙

[sasazusa]

☆ masterlist ☆

below is a masterlist linking to my current walkthroughs and translations. i will try my best to update this list when i post anything new, so please check back regularly!

— amnesia: memories: shin (heart world) toma (diamond world) ikki (spade world) kent (clover world) ukyo (joker world)

— collar x malice: aiji yanagi kei okazaki mineo enomoto takeru sasazuka kageyuki shiraishi

— collar x malice unlimited: aiji yanagi kei okazaki mineo enomoto takeru sasazuka kageyuki shiraishi — charade maniacs: iochi mizuki

☆ translations ☆

here are my current translations. sadly, i have removed a few of them as people were re-uploading without credit, but i'll be uploading them again soon!

— twisted wonderland: prologue 1

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Collar x Malice Unlimited Yanagi Aiji SS Day After Talk

I’d assume that this story came in one of the booklets that were bundled with the game... but I have no idea which one. 

as always, my translation may not be 100% as I do not translate from Japanese.

Collar x Malice Unlimited Yanagi AIji SS Day After Talk

translation by KumoriYami

"I'm full, dinner was delicious today."

"Hehe, it was just some simple food, ah, let me clear up the table."

"You made almost the entirety of dinner, so the dishes again be cleaned up by you."

"...Thank you, then we'll do it together."

Seeing her shy smile, the corner of my mouth also curled upward unconsciously.

——At this time, we normally have dinner at my house or the office, but today Ichika said that her parents sent wine from her hometown, so I came to trouble Ichika's house.

"Anyway, is it really okay for me to take the rest of the wine back?"

"Of course, I don't usually drink by myself, so if it's at Aiji-san's place, I can accompany you for a few drinks when I go there for dinner."

"In that case, I'll take it then. It's great that your parents' attitudes changed too."

"Well....Perhaps that's thanks to Ajii-san, because my parents really care about saving face, so maybe they're intending to curry favour.. "

"Well, don't belittle yourself, things will be fine."

"It's as you say, sorry, I tend to do that without realizing when talking about home/family."

"I understand what you're thinking, but it doesn't matter since I'm here."

I handed the dishes I washed to Ichika, and she wiped them dry with a towel.

Seeing her solid [the term here is more "secured "] smile, I once again felt that it wonderful for me to be my girlfriend's moral support.

——It wasn't that long ago, that I formally proposed to Ichika. After completing the marriage application, we went to her hometown to visit her parents to ask for their permission.

Her parents were more respectful/earnest than I expected but they didn't appear to be superficial.

Besides, I wanted to prioritise Ichika's mood, so as long she and her parents were able to decently get along, there was no need to force them together. After all, the way the two of us spend our days peacefully was more precious to me than anything else.

"Um... Aiji-san."

"Hm?"

"Um, tonight.... do you want to stay over?"

"....Where's Kazuki?"

"Nn... He's staying at Isshiki-san's place today."

"Then there's no reason for me to refuse."

"That's great! I'll make some dishes that go well with alcohol later, would you like to try some other flavours of nihonshu [Japanese sake]?"

"That's a good idea, sake from Niigata [a prefecture in Japan] taste good, and the one we drank over dinner wasn't satisfying."

"Ah, then you need to take a bath first, I'll get the hot water ready!"

"Hm... but there's no need for you to be in such a hurry...."

Before I could finish speaking, she slipped on her slippers and ran away excitedly.

…….Although it was a common occurrence, her adorable reactions always made me want more.

(This was really challenging my rationality.)

Rather than what's hinted at from staying overnight, it would be better to say that I was looking forward to certain things.

But not all the time since if she found out what I was thinking, I'd feel extremely embarrassed.

Which is why I try to act as indifferently as much as possible.

(.......However, as things stand right now, I'm afraid that that the fact of  how I'm not a rational person has been exposed long ago.)

It would be better to say that recently, she's been exploiting my entanglements and desires to tease me more often...

Although we've been dating for so long... No, it's precisely because of how long our relationship has gone on for, that there's this offensive and defensive battle everyday.

(To others, we're probably lovestruck fools, but this process of seizing the initiative is also quite fun.)

While I was thinking about this, I finished washing the dishes and sorted out the seasonings to put back on the shelf, I suddenly thought of something.

"Aiji-san, the hot water will be ready in ten minutes, and as for the snacks that go well with sake——"

"Say, Ichika."

"? What is it?"

"Let's take a bath together."

"……………….What!?"

Once I finished saying that, as I expected, her eyes widened and her face looked shocked.

Although I was already satisfied from seeing her expression that like that, as these opportunities seldom came, I still wanted to try it.

"You're quite shocked, wasn't your proposal earlier like this."

"Eh... this... um..."

"The bathroom here is quite spacious."

"Aiji-san, are you drunk?"

Ichika's face turned scarlet, and she lifted her head to fiercely stare at me.

......This was a bit unexpected, and her adorable expression made me feel wonderfully jealous——I absolutely could not let any other man see it.

I smiled as I slowly approached her, but the way she kept taking steps to retreat somewhat made me feel heart-broken.

After retreating all the way to the wall like this, I gently approached her.

"It's impossible to get drunk with that amount of alcohol. If you're not willing, it's fine to forget it?"

"That sort of question is too unfair... just wait you, let me think...!"

After saying that, she pushed me out of the way and ran out of the kitchen to sit down on her bed, and stared at the sheets in anguish.

Seeing her serious expression, I truly sympathized, since I had a similar experience, which was from the "suffering" that came from choosing between reasoning and desire.

(Did I overdo it with the bullying...)

However since she didn't immediately reject my proposal, that was already a large enough opening.

But since I was feeling somewhat embarrassed, I was lost in thought as I sat in the living room and stared at the TV. About five minutes later, she stood in front of me.

"Sorry, as expected, I'm still... feeling shy..."

"Nn...I always feel a bit sorry for Kazuki."

"Speaking of which... Aiji-san, are you deliberately teasing me?"

"How could that be? I truly do want to take a bath with you."

"Ugh... Although I really do want to challenge myself..."

From the way she was whispering, I smiled and comforted her by saying "don't force it." At this time, the thermometer on the wall made a pleasant sound. It was the beeped to indicate the hot water was ready.

"The water's ready, I'll wash up first."

At the same time, to express my apologies, I gently patted her head.

Seeing how Ichika had a bit of regret on her face I went into the bathroom.

(......I got carried away again.)

After slapping my face with water, I let out a loud sigh.

I've really had less in control in these sort of situations lately, and while I still had some self-awareness, I however would always get carried away, and needed to reflect on it for now.

I told her before that I was originally a conservative person, and didn't like trying anything new.

It could be said that I was a complete blockhead, even if someone asked "what do you want to do with your love", I wouldn't have any special answers for that sort of question.

But now... if there's something that she wants to do, or if there's something that will make her happy, I want to do it for her without having any regrets.

After all, my intention for doing these sorts of things, was just to see more of her various expressions.

(To get over this.... No, although it's a bit strange to evaluate myself that way, I guess that I've started doing things that match my age.)

But even so, if I do something that distresses my lover, I still need to reflect on it.

While I was thinking about this, I lowered myself into the bathtub full of hot water, and tried to wash my troubles away in the water——

"Um... Aiji-san."

"Hm?"

Suddenly, I heard her voice in my ears, and at the same time, I shifted my gaze towards the bathroom door.

——The bathroom door slowly opened.

"....HA!?!? You..!"

"......Can we take a bath together?"

"......."

I lost to her.

That surrender-like word passed through my mind.

Her tempting figure wrapped in a bath towel appeared outside the door, and she secretly glanced at me.

The long hair which was coiled behind her head, her bare shoulders, and her fair legs, all caught my attention.

"....Is it no good?"

She would have rushed in without saying anything, this was definitely revenge for my earlier actions...

"No, don't worry about those trivial things, hurry up and come in, you'll catch a cold just standing there."

"Nn, thank you."

Did she get rid of her feelings of embarrassment? Or did the reason for her hesitation disappear while I was in the bath?

I don't know what she thinking, but she appeared very calm, and obediently waled in and closed the door behind her.

"Um...can you stop staring at me so much?"

"No, since you've already come in, just give up."

"I'll take a bath first, so please turn around and don't look!"

"I understand, I'll pretend I didn't see anything, don't worry."

"...Are you upset?"

"A bit."

"Hehe, this is payback for your ill intentions just now."

"I think that's...."

As I spoke, she turned her back to me and unscrewed the switch on the shower head.

If I keep staring at Ichika's back, as I've always thought of myself as a pervert in this aspect, I had to move my gaze towards the ceiling to fight against my secret desires.

——Shortly after.

Ichika re-wrapped herself in her bath towel and sat down in the tub. And since there was one more person, a lot of the water in the tub overflowed.

"This is a bit embarrassing/shameful [the word I have here is "to lose face"]..."

"What?"

"Whenever the water spills over, I always feel that it exposes my body's weight, and it might be better to say that it's because I'm too fat..."

"Pfft... no, you, that..."

"Why are you laughing at this!!"

"Rather than that, why aren't you worrying about something else?"

"Eh... do you mean like skin care or something?"

"Why did the topic change to this..."

A woman's heart is really complicated. Perhaps, when I invited her, she was worrying about things that I could not understand as a man.

"Also, don't you think you're too unfair?"

"In what way?"

"Only you are covered."

"Uhm... even if you say that..."

I deliberately showed her a dissatisfied expression, and Ichika lowered her gaze in a panic. The bathroom immediately became silent.

In this silent bathroom, I heard her response.

".....Aiji-san, even though I didn't resist my curiosity and rushed in like this...."

"Hm?"

"I however have absolutely no idea about what should come after..."

"You... it's obvious that I can't resist you at all..."

".....Nn, sorry."

"Even if nothing happens in the bathroom, it won't change what the next location is."

However, since things have reached this point/stage, there was nothing to worry about.

Anyway since there was no one else here, and there was only me and her, only we could see each other.

(In fact, we had already been interested in each other for quite a while, haven't we.

In this narrow bathtub with nowhere to escape to, I slowly extended my arm towards Ichika.

When my wet fingers touched her cheek, she trembled like a frightened deer, and I chuckled at the way she looked.

"Alright, will you obediently come over here?"

".....Okay."

Even if my brain was still thinking rationally before I touched her lips, we couldn't soak in the bathtub for too long.

——But, once you feel the warmth of the other party, the string called reason/rationality in my mind instantly snapped.

I think this offensive and defensive battle will likely never end.

------end------

[cymoseria]

if anyone wondering about my profile quote (and maybe the pic too), it’s actually nothing related to twst. it’s from my favorite otome called taisho x alice (only followed closely by collar x malice).

it’s not like your typical otome, even though it started like a light and comedic otome (and ngl, the comedy is actually really funny at times), the plot is actually really dark once you know about what’s really happening in the game. and it also comes with a bunch of trigger warnings (please heed them, especially for episode 2). there are 4 games in total (plus 1 fan disk) and it’s highly recommended to be played in order, though i messed up by playing episode 2 before episode 1. in my honest opinion though, it’s still fine to switch the order of episode 1 and 2, but definitely not for the rest. if you ever decide to start playing this otome, i really hope that you’ll give it a chance of at least playing it until episode 3 because that’s where you’ll understand the plot. trust me, there’s an answer to everything.

the voice acting for this game is also exceptional, especially so for alice (voiced by matsuoka yoshitsugu). i couldn’t share the detail without spoiling the plot, but the reason is connected to it and the cv really delivered it beautifully. but it also goes the same for other characters too! i really love listening to them because the characters and feelings are conveyed very clearly (even for someone that doesn’t understand japanese, ie. me). and also let’s not disregard the translator for doing a wonderful job translating this whole game without ruining the humor and details of the game 🖤

another thing i love about this game is the protagonist. the heroine of this game is unlike any other. she’s assertive, funny, smart, and most of all, she’s the princess that saves her prince(s). i’ve played some otome with strong protagonists as well, like ichika (collar x malice), jed/eiar (psychedelica of the ashen hawk), teuta (bustafellows), and many more, but yurika is on another level. she can also be drastic and crazy at times lol, but that’s all the more reason of why i love her. she’s also not someone with an idealistic mindset that always thinks about “the best for everyone” like how most protagonists are written, she’s more of the realistic type that understands that she can’t have “best of both worlds” and knows that she needs to make her own choice.

all in all, this game really destroyed me. i really couldn’t stop thinking about it for months after i finished episode 3. the epilogue hadn’t come out when i finished it at that time, but it really was worth the wait. i’m gonna confess that i usually cracked the non-online games i play in my pc, but for this game alone, i was more than willing to pay for the official game just because i really wanted to pay my respect for the developers. it went the same for my friend whom i dragged into this mess of feelings.

[otomegema]

So You Wanna Play Otome Games? - a very incomplete beginners guide that no one asked for 🎮

I have played a lot of otome games since the lockdown days of 2020.

A. Lot. Of. Otome. Games.

And so a couple of my friends have asked me for recommendations in the past and I have posted a few passing reviews on here (mostly just me screaming into the sky about my blorbos). So this post is just to kinda recommend my two most favorite sites for otome walkthroughs, news and reviews, while also providing a brief overview of systems, game types and some terms.

System

There are three places I play otome games currently-- Switch, Mobile and Steam. Most otome games these days are being ported/translated and sold for Switch and it has become the "main" console for most folks I know who play otome games. Previously, the games were found primarly on PSVita!

Mobile Otomes are generally half gacha/half story and require passing pay walls to get certain content. Switch and Steam otome games are nice because you pay for them outright like any game and no more microtransactions are required, and unlike mobile games, they are more than often fully voiced!

Walkthroughs & Reviews

My all time favorite place for console walkthroughs and general news on games being translated is Otome Kitten. Her reviews are honestly how I got started and they are so comprehensive as to go over story, the cast and available routes and then also to give walkthroughs?! Just perfect.

For mobile otome games I use Otome Obsessed primarily for walkthroughs. Sweet & Spicy Reviews is a new one I have been going to for mobile game reviews of individual routes specifically, but they also do console reviews as well.

Terminology

I'm sure most folks who watch anime or read manga are aware of "tropes" in those genres. Otome follows tropes from romance as well especially with the "types" of guys in the games. Many of the romanceable guys will fall into specific categories (or multiple!) such as tsundere, kuudere, genki, oji-san, playboys, yandere... etc etc. The list goes on. You'll begin to be able to clock these boys at a glance once you've played enough otome games. It is helpful for vetting out what routes you might enjoy most before you even play! This is stuff that you’ll learn as you go.

Plot, Romance & Story

Some otome games are what is referred to as "romance light". There is romance, but time is spent more on story and game mechanices. Even if Tempest and Birushana Rising Flower of Genpei are good examples of games that spends less time on romance and more on the story and action. Comedy or Slice of Life otome games like Cupid Parasite and Variable Barricade spend more time wholly focused on romance plotlines with story plots that are very simple.

Then there are otome games that have it ALL. Good story and balanced romances, and you'll find them leaping to the top of people's favorite lists often such as with Collar x Malice and Code Realize. Just play different kinds and you’ll find out what you like.

Fandisk "Sequels"

If an otome is beloved enough, it may get one or more fandisks! Fandisks almost are always filled with extra romantic content and stories focused on your favorite husbando. They are sequels, but don't usually go deep into story and intead focus on giving us more romantic content and "where are they now" stories or even giving us alternate events/endings (such is the case with some Code Realize fandisks).

That’s it for right now, maybe I’ll add pt. 2.

[dalkyeom]

Yeah from what I remember about it it was cute and fun so I may go and try and watch it again (although idk where I left off so I’ll just have to start from ep 1 again haha)

Anime au stuff IS so much fun! Right now I’ve been thinking about doing smth based off of norn9 bc it’s one of my fave otomes that also has an anime, and I’d write it in a multifandom way so I can write for more than just certain members from one group ✨✨ I also kinda considered doing one around collar x malice, another otome but I’m more on the fence with that one.

Your princess tutu art is still very 😤😤🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼✨✨ and oooh I don’t think I know gakuen alice all that well tbh so that sounds interesting!! I hear magic 👀✨

amg leggaur izzy moon! Rewatch time! 😭💗💗 i forgot how it ended in the anime but I remember reading the manga and BSBDS TAMAKI AND HARUHI’S DAD MOMENTS 😢😢😢 made me laugh so hard

OHH!! NORN9 AND COLLAR X MALICE 😭 I remember those. I remember the otoge hype of 2016(?) and they were one of the more popular games 😭 amg need to hear your au thoughts on both bc I feel otome game aus also hit different when it comes to fic series bc the world building or the archetype building is just mwah chef’s kiss! 🥺 also Izzy didn’t know you also like otoges hello my friend 😭🤚🏻 I loved them in my youth too (today too but I haven’t been playing much these days)

amg yes! Hahaha Gakuen Alice was one of my childhood faves it’s basically about students who live in an academy (the eng translation of GA is Alice Academy) and they have magic known as Alice (like it’s their talent) and the students are categorized based on their alice’s element/how dangerous it can be I think? Basically the highest rank gets you the best privileges at the academy. It’s been awhile so I have to restudy bc the concept is really good!

The anime’s plot is about mikan who has a nullifying alice so everyone was like ??? Why are u here? And they thought she was an anomaly bc their talents don’t really work on her. She followed her best friend to the academy but since alices are a hush hush secret she didn’t know her bestie has this special gift. So she ends up staying there and makes friends and changes lives. it’s a really cute anime 💗 very classic shoujo

[kyouxa]

Collar x Malice Unlimited: Kageyuki Shiraishi (プレイムービー7)

Source: Nintendo Switch「Collar×Malice for Nintendo Switch」プレイムービー7 (YouTube)

Video: Here!

Seiyuu: Ryōhei Kimura

Characters: Hoshino Ichika & Kageyuki Shiraishi

Translator’s note: This was just for fun! I’ve wanted to translate this ever since they posted it on YouTube, because I don’t own Unlimited myself yet and also because I love spoiling myself with my favorite men. Here we are!

Place: Underground

Hoshino Ichika: “—I was able to do it. Doctor. This… please take this.”

Suddenly, she had a way brighter complexion while offering something to me.

Kageyuki Shiraishi: “This is…”

What she handed over to me, was a little stuffed cat.

It seems to be made out of wood, it’s a little different from an ordinary stuffed animal.

(A cat… ? Did I tell her that I liked them?)

Hoshino Ichika: “I couldn’t do it that well… but I’ll definitely continue practicing!”

Kageyuki Shiraishi: (Why did you make that?)

(Why do you always give me something?)

I also want to return things back to you when you give me any.

The same feelings — No, I already received more kindness than I deserved.

I want to give the same back, but I…

Hoshino Ichika: “…Do you not like it?”

Kageyuki Shiraishi: “...Nn, that’s not it. It’s really cute… I’m happy.”

“I was just surprised… Thank you. I’m seriously… happy.”

Hoshino Ichika: “…That’s good.”

Kageyuki Shiraishi: “Your hands are dexterous. Because you’re good at cooking, are you also good at detailed work?”

Hoshino Ichika: “I… I’m good at cooking?”

Kageyuki Shiraishi: “Yes. I ate everything you made for me, and whatever I tried was really good.

Handmade lunch boxes, fluffy fried eggs, melted omurice…

Just remembering it already fills my heart.

“Inspired by you, I also tried out cooking. But the end result was a big failure. “

“One fried egg, I couldn’t even make that satisfactorily. —However, yours were delicious…”

.....

After saying that, my heart felt tight and I couldn’t speak anymore.

(I failed. I tried to not talk as much as possible about my memories)

I’m supposed to be just a doctor, it would be weird if I told her these personal memories.

(I wonder… if this is another punishment for me)

Hoshino Ichika: “...You can do it too.”

Kageyuki Shiraishi: “Eh?”

Hoshino Ichika: “You as doctor can do this too.”

Saying that, Ichika takes out the yarn and tools from the bag again.

Only one unskilled gesture with the needle and it would be ruined, and yet she held it out to me.

Hoshino Ichika: “...Please lend me your hand”

Our hands were touching each other, in the form of teaching me how to hold a needle.

Kageyuki Shiraishi: (Ah… her hand…)

The hand which is touching me, is warm.

Its warmth that I want to keep touching forever.

Her temperature is transmitted from her skin, and her eyes without colors are approaching.

My head is so confused.

Hoshino Ichika: “Doctor?”

Kageyuki Shiraishi: “Eh? Y-Yes…”

Hoshino Ichika: “You need to stick the yarn through this…”

Kageyuki Shiraishi: “L-Like this?”

Hoshino Ichika: “Yep, and then you hold this here…”

Kageyuki Shiraishi: “Oh, so this happens. Correct?”

Hoshino Ichika: “Yes, it is… Doctor, I knew you could do it.”

Despite calling me ‘Doctor’, she spoke to me with the tone of someone praising a child.

Again her hand was gently overlapping with mine.

Kageyuki Shiraishi: ...She tried to comfort me. The feelings come from her warm fingers.

“…I haven’t done such detailed work for an almost very long time.”

My work was mainly about making explosives and mixing poisons—

Although I was used to do that technique, I’m still not good at it.

“It’s definitely easier than cooking”

Hoshino Ichika: “...There are many dexterous doctors after all”

Kageyuki Shiraishi: “! …Yes. Seems like that.”

That was a terrible lie.

I, who usually threatens humans life, now knits to saves this humans life.

Hoshino Ichika: “...If you can do this, can I get the end result then?”

Kageyuki Shiraishi: “Of course. They will be matching.”

Hoshino Ichika: “Yes… thank you.”

Even though she didn’t move much, she looked a little glad.

(She doesn’t change after all)

— She is still the same.

Kageyuki Shiraishi: (You haven’t changed a little bit)

She lost her memories and couldn’t tell where she was, she was being hidden by someone she still can’t trust, like me.

The worst thing for me is, she still tries to encourage me in this way.

“You probably thought a lot about me… thank you.”

Hoshino Ichika: “...My family”

While staring at me, for some reason Ichika started shaking her head.

Her eyes moved as if they were confused, and then she slowly opened her mouth.

Hoshino Ichika: I want to know more.

“About my favorite things, I want to know the things I like to see, I want to know... the time we spent together.”

“What kind of influence you as doctor had, I want to know it all.”

Kageyuki Shiraishi: …..

My heart was screaming.

I can’t go any further anymore.

It’s intolerable.

(...I just wanted to be hated)

And yet, I still have to endure this.

Even if I can’t make her happy with my hands

I want her to be able to live properly in the outside world.

(Whatever happens, until I may lose my eyesight—)

(I’ll be near you all the time)

[etherealrhith]

【HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!】

Today is the 8th of June, Sasazuka Takeru’s birthday!

He has the strength to survive on his own, but he learns the importance of being supported by something precious to him as well.

Having grasped what “justice with a form” is, Takeru will surely lead a future that protects a lot of people.

Alongside this illustration drawn by Hanamura Mai-shi, happy birthday!