This is a translation/summary for TYPE-MOON's Mahoutsukai no Hako - Starlit Marmalade Drama CD.
If you like this, I strongly encourage you to buy the CD for yourself, which you can do
via Amazon.co.jp here. As usual, this translation is copyright 2015 by Heavens-Feel.com - feel
free to link to it on your blog or site, but please don't host it there. This Drama CD, like old time radio dramas,
relies on dialogue, sound effects, and music to build up atmosphere and tell a story. Audio dramas like
this one continue to be useful as a medium for telling storylines from tv anime, manga, VNs, or videogames.
I hope that you enjoy this summary of Mahoutsukai no Hako - Starlit Marmalade vol 1, disc 1.
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Cast of Characters:
更科洗礼å
Sarashina Serena
Voice Actress: Inoue Marina
| 
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Kureida Clara
Voice Actress: Mizusawa Fumie
| 
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Mayuzumi Mayuko
Voice Actress: Yahagi Sayuri
|
黒井希望
Kuroi Kibou
Voice Actress: Tamura Mutsumi
|
日比乃ã²ã³ã
Hibino Hibiki
Voice Actress: Honda Youko
|
桂木åƒéµ
Katsuragi Chikagi
Voice Actress: Sendai Eri
|
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Sugata Sunao
Voice Actress: Tsuji Ayumi
|
ケータイã•ã‚“
Keitai-San
Voice Actor: Kishino Daisuke
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Notes: The four characters on the bottom are regulars at at a strange coffeeshop known
as Ahnenerbe. The characters in the top row are original characters who appear in this
radio drama. There was no handrail or railing,
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Summary of Events:
Chikagi described a dream she'd been having, in which she continued walking
down a staircase, with one step following another. It was also hard to see the surroundings.
Within the deep darkness, Chikagi walked down the staircase which twisted and turned
like a snake. It was a long, tiresome dream. She wanted to complain about having it
over and over again, but she couldn't stop having it, or going down the staircase.
It didn't really matter if there was no goal at the end, but she couldn't go back.
It was as simple as that. She was a very private person even in her dream.
Chidori called out to Chikagi, trying to wake her from her slumber. After pushing and
shaking Chikagi, she pulled the covers from Chikagi and then pulled her out of the
bed. Chikagi hit the floor and stirred to wakefulness, still heavy with fatigue.
Chidori spoke, "Hi! Good morning, my sister! Have you woken up, silly?"
Chikagi said she was awake, and for Chidori to stop. "What's wrong? Is the love
from your older sister too heavy for you?" asked Chidori. Yes! But not in the way
she meant! It was too heavy in a physical sense!
"Okay, but in any case you need to wake up," said Chidori. Mother had left to join
Father on his business trip, so for a while, the two had been upgraded to co-starring
roles. Chidori was starting college, so from now on there wouldn't be anyone to
wake up Chikagi in the morning starting tomorrow. Chikagi protested, saying she
didn't need anyone to wake her up, before she closed her eyes, her consciousness
drifting back to the lands of slumber. "You spend all your Saturdays and Sundays
rolling around in idleness. I hope your brain hasn't melted," said Chidori.
Chidori had gone to the trouble of inviting her to spend the day with Chidori,
but was told "I want to spend the day peacefully" in a cool voice by Chikagi.
And then when she laughed at Chikagi, Chikagi got really mad! Chikagi got mad
that Chidori hadn't dropped the subject, and was an eavesdropper, and threw
something at her. Chikagi went on to say that it really didn't matter, that doing
things alone was more suited to her personality. Chidori observed that some weird
part of Chikagi had woken up. Although it was okay. Chikagi then said she didn't need
Chidori to come around and pester her with odd requests. Chidori, sensing something,
then asked if Chikagi had someone she was focusing her attention on. Like a guy?
And then Chidori giggled, while telling Chikagi to bring him to their house.
With a face pull switching to an atomic noogie, Chikagi told Chidori that was not going
to happen. Chidori laughed, but looked at the clock and then realized she had to go.
She told Chikagi that she'd be back home before too long, and to live a proud life full
of strength. She opened the door and left. As she left, Chikagi pointed out that the
train from college to their house took an hour and a half. Why would she want to go
to all that trouble just to return here? Chidori answered that it was because she had
a cute little sister that she worried about. Using a fanciful expression for goodbye that
would come from a spy or a ninja, Chidori took her leave.
Chikagi began her narration. Her older sister Chidori was something of a famous person
in their area. From Chikagi's memory, the sounds of Chidori making an arrogant laugh
could be heard. Chikagi said that Chidori acted with grace, was in great shape, had
good grades, etc. She was now attending a university outside their prefecture, but
even before I transferred into my school, she was busy working hard for the student
council. She even bust up a group of delinquents. She even defeated a group
known as Murder Computer in a war of words. She even saved the school from a
bunch of outlaws. Chikagi guessed she left behind a mountain of strange rumors.
As a result, people always viewed Chikagi strangely and she learned to walk with
lower shoulders. As the car carrying Chidori sped away, Chikagi said that Chidori
really didn't have to bother with her.
Time passed. The school bell rang and Chikagi walked to her classroom. Someone
greeted her and she returned the greeting. The people around her talked about her,
saying that she was Chidori's little sister as well as cool. Just how crazy were these
people about little sisters? Suddenly someone rushed up to her, calling her name.
This was surprising. No, it was more than surprising. It was a shock. "Sarashina-san?"
said Chikagi. Sarashina told Chikagi to call her by her first name and reminded Chikagi
that they'd been friends for many years. Chikagi seemed surprised, and then said the
atmosphere around Sarashina seemed different, and that she was not used to it yet.
Sarashina observed that Chikagi was, as usual, cool and not excited by many things.
She'd need to change - they were in high school, and if she didn't liven up a bit,
the boys wouldn't like her. Off in the distance, some boys were chatting about
Chikagi, determining what grade she was in and where her homeroom was.
Chikagi didn't like them talking about her. Sarashina changed the subject.
"What's your sister been doing recently?" Chikage explained that her sister
was a certain way. If she changed her mind, she'd be back in a flash. But
right now she didn't know when she'd see Chidori again.
Sarashina hmm'd, but did not let that slow her down. "When she comes back,
let me know. We can go out, all three of us." Chikagi said, "Oh. Well, I'll
think about it." Sarashina laughed and then said that it was a promise. With that,
Sarashina turned to leave, but not before telling Chikagi to work hard again today, all day long.
That was when Chikagi noticed the flower. "Is that real?" Upon noticing the blank
look, Chikagi clarified. "The flower you have in your lapel. Is it real?" "Oh, this?
Isn't it pretty?" answered Sarashina, while walking away. Was Sarashina always this
excitable
One of her classmates greeted Chikagi, and a male student said that Chikagi must be
lonely because they weren't able to spend time together last Sunday. Chikagi asked
the boy why, and he made a great spectacle of saying that she never showed any
mercy. As Chikagi took her seat, Mayuzumi greeted her, and Chikagi returned the courtesy.
Mayuzumi apologized for them not being able to meet. She had invited Chikagi out, but
Chikagi was too embarrassed to try karaoke, and had declined. Mayuzumi hadn't realized
that, and begged her pardon for putting her on the spot. After all, Chikagi was like that.
Still, Mayuzumi started to ask her to go to a different things, but chickened out and
withdrew her request. Then the door opened and Hibino came in, exchanging good mornings
and hellos with everyone before settling into her seat. She greeted Chikagi with a very enthusiastic
good morning. It had been two days since they last saw each other. Chikagi greeted the girl,
her quiet and reserved manner the polar opposite of Hibino's enthusiastic mania. Hibino turned
to Mayuzumi and quizzed her about the karaoke, wondering if she got pumped up for singing or
if the event was fun enough. Mayuzumi noted the girl's energy, and said that Hibino should
have come. Hibino seemed happy enough about it, but said that she wasn't used to singing.
She then said that if Chika-chan (Chikagi) had attended, she definitely would have. Chikagi
bristled, feeling uncomfortable since Hibino was acting so decidedly casual with her. Hibino
apologized, and then made the mistake of calling Chikagi by her first name instead of her
last name.
Chikagi trembled, and reminded herself to stay composed. She asked Hibino why she always
acted that way towards her. In a playful voice, Hibino said she thought Chikagi was cute.
While Chikagi tried to deal with that, Hibino turned to Kureida, greeted her, and exchanged
slap fives with her. Hibino asked Kureida what she did over the weekend. In her flat,
fluffy voice, Kureida said that she went to a cat cafe. Hibino said that she was jealous because
she wanted to be able to touch a lot of cats. However, the cats were reserved and wouldn't
let her touch them. The classroom door slid open, and their homeroom teacher walked in,
telling the students to take their seats. Hibino took her seat, saying she'd say hello to
Chikagi tomorrow, with Chikagi telling her not to bother.
Hibino asked their teacher, Kuroi-sensei, if Momota-sensei was present today. The teacher glumly
said that he wasn't anywhere to be found, and that she had been called in as a kind of
"pinch hitter". This happened right after she'd finally gotten enough rest and relaxation
Kuroi excused herself to go to the nurse's office and told any students that needed her to
look there. However, should they have anything that might be troublesome or difficult to deal with,
they should bring those problems to a different teacher. Kureida murmured that they now had "freedom",
but Chikagi thought that this was far too random.
Later . . .
Their homeroom teacher was taking attendance. Their teacher asked people who were absent to
raise their hands, which prompted the class to stop joking and take the roll properly. Chikagi's
narration continued, saying that her high school life was pretty much like this. Her relation to
her classmates was neither good nor bad. Without getting used to it, she was handling it.
Nothing needs to happen. If it stays this way from the time she entered school to the time she
graduated, that would be all right.
Even Later Still . . .
"That's it for today's lessons," said Chikagi as she finished getting her books, gear, and c. in
order. Wait, she thought. Was that rental DVD due today? Hibino approached her and said hello.
Chikagi greeted her and confirmed that she was heading home, after telling Mayuzumi goodbye
for now. Hibino, a little saddened, told her goodbye for now and said that she'd see her again
tomorrow. Hibino rushed up to her at full speed and then enthusiastically asked her if
she had any plans. And sometimes they should walk home together. Chikagi, a little too forcefully,
told her no, but then softened her approach, saying that walking home along was her style.
Chikagi left, and Hibino stayed in the classroom, getting her things together.
Kureida asked if Hibino was still there, but when the other students looked for her, Hibino
was gone like the wind.
Outside, Chikagi was walking down the path. "That was a close one," she said to herself.
"What was a close one?" asked Hibino, as she caught up to Chikagi. "Isn't it clear? I thought
that I was going to get roped into doing what that g- hiiihh! Hibino-san!" "Chika-chan walks
fast!" observed Hibino, upbeat and cheerful as ever. Continuing her earlier protests, Chikagi
reminded Hibino to call her by her last name + san, the arrangement that suited her best.
"In any case, why are you tagging along?" she asked her plucky and pesky pursuer.
Excited, Hibino said that since they were walking home, she wanted to go to some streets
with lots of shops. Of course, thought Chikagi. It would be like that. Hibino, tagging along,
said, "Let's walk home together! We can walk, talk, and have a lot more fun that way!"
Chikagi said she wanted to opt out. After all, she had no reason to walk home with Hibino.
Oh, mused Hibino. A reason . . . Then a male teacher called out to them. "Katsuragi!
Katsuragi's little sister!" As he approached, Chikagi asked him if he had any business
with Nonomiya-sensei. "I see that you're in the Going Home Club," he said, having figured
out the obvious, and then continued "You haven't joined the student council yet."
Chikagi bristled. "I don't intend to join it. I'm in the Going Home Club."
Brightening up, the teacher continued. "There's a printout that they circulated that
I have to gather, but all the other teachers are in a staff meeting. It'd be nice if
someone would help me. It'd be helpful. I'd be grateful." "Whoops! I just
remembered some urgent business I must get to," began Chikagi. The student sensed
he was losing them. Got to think of something - yes! "I'll buy you ice cream afterward!"
he said. Chikagi began to reject the offer "If you think you can drag me along with-"
Then Hibino interrupted. "Yes! We'll be glad to take you up on that!" Chikagi gasped,
shocked that she'd been dragged along after all! "That's helpful! Hibino, you're
so kind!" said the appreciative teacher. "Well then, I'll procure the ice cream
for you and Katsuragi's younger sister." Hibino, full of positive energy, said
"We're getting ice cream! We need to work hard now!" Chikagi was more cynical.
"I never said I was tagging along."
Hibino looked upset for a mere moment, then brightened. "Oh, that's right.
But I'll be okay by myself!" The teacher seemed less optimistic. "Really? There's
a lot of them, though. Are you really going to be okay?" "It's totally okay!"
bragged Hibino. "You can just leave it to me!" Chikagi could tell where this
was going. "I'll help out," she said. Hibino was overjoyed, and the teacher
seemed pleased as well. "That's Katsuragi's little sister for you!" he said happily.
"She won't ignore troubled people." "But," began Chikagi. "You're buying
four servings." He laughed glumly. He had gotten roped into something too.
Hibino was so happy as she walked along that she was almost skipping.
"We're so lucky! We got four portions!" Meanwhile, Chikagi was wondering how
she had changed so much as to become friends with this oddly behaved girl.
Hibino rushed up, carrying the bag of packaged ice cream. "Which one will you
choose? There are so many!" Calmly, Chikagi responded. "I'll give them to you,
Hibino. I don't really want to eat them."
Hibino tore the wrapping off one and then dug into it, making mmmming
moans of pleasure. "It's so cold and delicious. But I don't think I can eat
all of these. It'll be a waste if they melt. I want to take them home and stick
them in my freezer." Taking one out of the bag, she held it towards Chikagi.
"Here you go. Or do you not like the really sweet ones?"
Chikagi was having trouble keeping up her front. "It's not like I really dislike
them. Okay, I'll have one." She scooped up a bit of the frozen repast and
tasted it, finding the sensation pleasant. "Oh, it's good." Hibino was
beaming. "What is it?" asked Chikagi. Hibino said it was nothing and
continued to enjoy their walk together. Chikagi told her to stop her quiet
laughter. Then Hibino said, "Oh, that's right?" "What is it this time?"
inquired Chikagi. "Chika-chan, don't you have an older sister?"
Chikagi came to a full stop. "Why do you ask?" Hibino, displaying a
measure of deductive ability, said that she'd overheard the teacher mention
something about that. Oh, that was it. "I wonder if your sister looks like
you," wondered Hibino.
"Not even a little bit," said Chikagi. "You know Chidori, or at least you
know of her. She's a famous person in these parts." "No, I don't,"
replied Hibino. Her ignorance was not feigned. Chikagi looked at her.
"Did you recently move here?" Hibino seemed troubled, then said
"Yes. Yes, it's like that." "If it's Chidori you need to know about, you
should ask someone else. She's a conversation topic I'd rather not
pursue." "Ah, is that it?" asked Hibino. "Yes."
Puzzlement washed over Hibino's face before it returned to its beaming
normal state. "Then I won't ask!" Chikagi was startled by that, and then
Hibino dashed off. "Over there is my house! This is where we part ways!
I'll see you tomorrow at school!" Seeing her about to leave, Chikagi
motioned for her to stop. "Wait just a second. Hibino-san, this is a good
time to ask, so I thought I'd try." Hibino, happy that Chikagi was interacting
with her, eagerly said that Chikagi could ask her anything. Chikagi then
asked why she wanted to associate with her. If there was a reason, this place
was a good place to say it. Hibino thought about it, and then said that Chikagi
always seemed a little bored. Today, Hibino wanted to make her smile like
this! (And then she grabbed her cheeks and dragged them upward.)
Chikagi said that no matter what Hibino did, she wouldn't smile like that.
Hibino had wondered about Chikagi, and thought that something might have
happened over the break, or that maybe Chikagi was hungry.
"Isn't that doing too much?" asked Chikagi. "But a laughing, happy Chikagi-chan
is the best!" replied Hibino. "Well, that's what I felt at the time." Chigaki looked
at Hibino. "Have we met somewhere before?" "Okay, you can have my leftover
ice cream!" said Hibino as she dashed off. "See you tomorrow! Chika-chan, bye-bye!"
Chikagi quaked. "That's not what I was asking - listen to the . . . oh, she's gone."
Chigaki shifted weight from one foot to the other. "She called me Chika-chan again."
Later on that evening . . .
Chikagi was lying in bed while on a shelf nearby, her clock counted off the seconds,
its quiet ticking punctuating the silence of the room. "Who is that girl?" wondered
Chikagi aloud. "She said I was cute. Cute? No, that's not the point." She sat up
and continued thinking aloud. "Haven't I met her before somewhere? But that girl
probably wouldn't forget if we had. I don't get it! No . . . better to sleep."
Then Chikagi had the dream once again.
The following day, the sound of the school bell broke through the subdued chatter
of students on their way to class. Trying to will fatigue out of her body, Chikagi
headed towards the school. From behind, Hibino called out to her. "Chika-chan!
Where are you going?" "Don't call me Chika-chan. And I'm headed to the ladies'
room." "I can go to!" offered Hibino. "Too bad, I'm not into sharing narrow
spaces with other people," replied Chikagi. "I won't go that far," Hibino reassured.
"Okay, let's go!" Hibino exclaimed as she took Chikagi by the hand and led her
out of the room. Mayuzumi wondered if the two were really good friends.
Kureida turned to Mayuzumi, feeling droll. "What's wrong, Mayu-Mayu? Are you
interested to know?" "Kureida! No - nothing like that at all!" She began to hit
Kureida in protest, who laughed, but eventually tired of being hit and told
Mayuzumi to stop. Outside, Hibino beamed as the two walked together, and
Chikagi inwardly moaned as she was being made to walk to someone else's beat.
Is it time for her to hit Hibino upside the head? Then the two of them came across
Sarashina. Chikagi wondered why they met her there, and Sarashina reminded
Chikagi to call her by her first name. Sarashina explained that she happened to be
where they were walking, so she called out to them. Hibino seemed interested.
"Is she one of your friends, Katsuragi?" Chikagi indicated that yes, she was (kind of).
Sarashina asked who Hibino was. Chikagi took the initiative, explaining that
Hibino was someone who coincidentally was in the same class as Chikagi
who had no connection at all to Chikagi. Hibino was saddened to see that Chikagi
didn't even refer to her as a classmate. Sarashina hmm'd, then observed that it
might be hard for them to invite Chidori out. After all, she'd be tired from school,
more tired from the commute home, etc. Inviting her out might do more harm than
good. Chidori said that the logic was sound. Sarashina then asked if she could
visit them at their house - she and Chidori hadn't hung out together for a long
time, so she'd like to pay a visit to her place. Chidori said that Sarashina probably
wouldn't find it very interesting if she came. Sarashina said that was fine, and that
she had confidence in her cooking to boot, and that she wanted to treat Chidori
to a great meal.
Sarashina seemed proud of the this plan. "What do you think of the idea, Chikagi?"
After more consideration, Sarashina added. "Although I'm more likely to make a
mistake when I'm using a different kitchen. That's why I want to pay you a visit
and cook as a test run." Chikagi said she would consider it. Sarashina seemed a
little strange. "It's okay. You won't have to do anything. You can just relax in your
room until I'm finished. Please? Aren't we good friends?" Chikagi said they could
talk about this later on. Hibino interrupted the conversation, letting them know that
the break period was over - and they needed to get back to class. While Chikagi
acknowledged this and got ready to go, Sarashina obstinately told Hibino that they
were having a conversation and that Hibino ought not to butt in.
Then Hibino got more direct. "I don't know this well, but it seems like you're
doing something that Chika-chan doesn't like. The discussion is over."
Sarashina's tone changed. "Who are you? You have nothing to do with this-"
Chikagi then spoke up. "Sarashina-san! Stop it!" which was met with a strong slap
from Sarashina. Taken totally by surprise, Chikagi staggered back. "Chika-chan!
Are you all right?" cried Hibino as she caught her friend. Chikage said that she
was okay even as blood began to drip out of her nose. Hibino became very
upset, picked up Chikagi, and raced towards the nurse's office at top speed.
Sarashina saw them recede into the distance. "Ah, the energetic girl is covering
for her," she observed before going back to class. The door to the nurse's office
slid open as Hibino rushed in, carrying Chikagi. "Sensei, it's an emergency!"
shouted Hibino, to which Chikagi said "No, it isn't." The nurse on staff said,
"Which is it?" Hibino, frantic, explained that Chikagi had gotten hurt trying to
protect her. Now blood was coming out of Chikagi and could the nurse please
examine her right now. Chikagi thought this was unnecessary - it was, after all,
a nosebleed, and would stop if it received a little care. The nurse agreed, and
said that the nosebleed had already stopped. She checked inside Chikagi's mouth
to make sure she hadn't cut a lip or cheek during the hit. "Hmmph. I fink I'm
fine," she said as the depressor pushed down her tongue. "All right then. I think
that's it for the check," said the nurse, finding nothing else wrong with Chikagi.
"Go over to one of the beds and lie down for a while. The nosebleed will stop if
you lean your head back." Picking up Chikagi again, Hibino carried her over to
the bed and positioned her, knocking several things out of the way while clipping
stacked papers, instruments, etc. The nurse said that they must be really good
friends. Chikagi, quite tired by that point, said that they weren't. Hibino gathered
several handfuls of cold packs and pressed them down against Chikagi's face. Chikagi
bristled. "One's enough! Just one!"
The school bell rang. "Next thing on your schedule is Japanese classics. I'll let you
rest here, but I need to tell your teacher what's up," said the nurse as she prepared
to visit Chikagi's class. "However, the bed you're using is mine, so move to the other
one so I can take my afternoon nap when I get back," the nurse added on the way out.
Chikage gaped. "Are you treating the nurse's office like your own private property?"
"I'm the school nurse, so it's okay. I'm acting like a responsible adult." The last
statement had no power to convince whatsoever, and it was delivered as the door
to the room slid shut.
Hibino sat by Chikagi's side. "Chika-chan, are you okay? Does it still hurt?"
Chikagi said she was fine and that she'd just rest for a bit. Seeing how upset Hibino was,
she decided to let Hibino fuss over her. "That person from before," began Chikagi.
"You mean Sarashina-san?" asked Hibino. "Sarashina Serena-san. I think I hurt her in
some way. But she's an odd girl. It might be better for you not to get involved with her,"
observed Chikagi. Hibino said she had thought Sarashina to be a little strange. Thinking
back to her memories, Chikagi recounted how back during middle school, Sarashina never
talked that much. But since they were all in the same school, they were bound to encounter
each other again. "Maybe it'd be better for you not to associate with me," said Chikagi as
she walked out of the nurse's office and went back to class. "And stop calling me Chika-chan."
The door slammed shut with too much force.
Later . . .
Kureida, the mid-afternoon weighing her down, took out her bento from her bag
and began to unwrap it. Noticing her absence, Kureida asked where Chikagi was.
This was the second day in a row that this happened. Hibino, worried, answered that
since yesterday, she seemed a little under the weather. Hibino asked Kureida if she
knew what was going on with Chikagi. Remaining neutral, Kureida said that Chikagi hadn't
promised to eat lunch with them. Since Katsuragi was the way she was, it'd be better for
them to just let her be. "Oh. Maybe she's eating lunch in the cafeteria. I wonder if
it's really better for Chikagi to be alone." Hibiki tried to focus on eating, but a
burst of energy built up inside her. "Yup! Kureida-chan and Mayuzumi-chan should
eat their lunches! I'll go search for Chikagi!" Mayuzumi, watching their friend recede
into the distance, asked if they should go too. Kureida was busy inhaling her food.
Hibino reached the cafeteria and looked inside. Her friend was not there. Nor was
she in the gym. Nor on the roof. Returning to her seat, she gloomily stated that Chikagi
wasn't anywhere she looked. She wondered where Chikagi had gone. Sarashina
walked up to Hibino, her voice full of cloying sweetness. "You're called Hibino-san,
right?" Hibino greeted her, feeling uncomfortable around Sarashina. "What happened
to Chikagi after that?" asked Sarashina. "If it's about the injury from yesterday, the
school nurse said she'd be fine," answered Hibino. "Well, that's good then, isn't it?"
observed Sarashina. She began her work. "You don't really know much about
Chikagi, do you?" asked Sarashina. "How well do you know Chikagi, Sarashina-san?"
"I know everything about that girl," bragged Sarashina. "For example, she hasn't
thawed to anyone in your class. She was always like that. Someone alone who has a
cool atmosphere. I never knew what to think about Chidori-san when I saw her like that."
That last part reminded Hibino. "Chidori-san as in Chikagi-chan's older sister?"
Sarashina regarded Hibino dubiously. "You really don't know anything, do you?"
Hibino squirmed. "People often say that about me." Her voice showing powerful
emotion, Sarashina began. "Chidori-san is a truly wonderful person. She was
so gorgeous that eyes were on her wherever she went. She had an unwavering strength.
Around here, everyone knows who she is." "Wow, she's really an amazing girl," said
Hibino. "One time when I went to Chikagi's, I met her in person. Just from hearing her
voice, it felt like electricity was racing through my body." Hibino, not understanding,
asked if Sarashina had received an electrical shock. Sarashina, enraptured by the memory,
stated it was then, at that moment, she realized she could become anyone for the
sake of Chidori-san. Not working with the flow of the conversation, Hibino said that
Chikagi hated to talk about her older sister. Did Chikagi dislike her?
Sarashina tried to brush off the subject. "That girl is just saying unnecessary things.
Chikagi's just a hardened ball of complexes. A spiteful girl who realizes she can't become
like Chidori, and hides in the shadows spreading bad rumors about Chidori. She doesn't
understand Chidori at all. And if she took a good look at herself, all those rumors would
be disproven, and no one else around her would remain." Hibino didn't believe that.
"Chika-chan doesn't spread rumors or tell lies. She doesn't talk to other people much, so
she has no chance to lie." Sarashina smiled. "That's Chikagi's trick. You ought to watch out.
I think she's pitiful, so even though I know that girl's true nature I've continued as her
friend. But I tell you truly: if you put your trust in Chikagi, you'll be in a bad spot later on."
Hibino was undeterred. "I don't think Chikagi would do that."
Sarashina seemed surprised. "You have a lot of confidence in her. If you've got a reason for
that, let me hear it." Hibino replied, "You want to hear the reason? Do I need one?
I understand, somehow." "What do you understand?" asked Sarashina. "That she's really
a kind girl, or something like that?" Hibino shook her head. "No, that she wouldn't say
anything that's not true. Is that not enough? In any case, I need to be going. I need to
find Chikagi and eat lunch with her." Then she took off. Sarashina stared at Hibino
while she ran off. "What was that? What a loathsome girl." A strange tone came from
somewhere. Sarashina cocked her head. "I wonder what I should do about this.
Yes, that's right. I'm the only friend that Chikagi needs."
Meanwhile, Chikagi was sitting outside. Birds chirped as they went about their
business. Chikagi sighed. "Right about now, everyone will be eating lunch. But
it doesn't really matter. This isn't elementary school; we don't all put our desks
into big squares and eat together. And after all, it's just lunch. Eating it and enjoying
the quiet -" Her monologue was interrupted by the sound of grass being pushed
aside. "Hmm?" Then Hibino burst from the grass and ran towards Chikagi with a
happy shout. Chikagi was totally taken by surprise. "Hibino-san!? How long have
you been there? And what were you doing there?" Hibino, a little irritated, said
that Chikagi wasn't in the cafeteria, nor on the roof, or in the classroom. She
had searched many places to find Chikagi. Chikagi cleared her throat. "I told you
not to get involved with me yesterday." "Yes, there was that," observed Hibino idly,
before dropping it and moving on to the next subject. "I might have made Sarashina
angry." Incredulous, Chikagi asked Hibino what she was doing, but Hibino blithely
said all she'd did was talk to Sarashina after unexpectedly meeting her. In any case,
it was now Chikagi's turn.
"To do what?" Chikagi asked. "To talk. I want to hear what you have to say. I hear
about you from other people, but I want to hear the real stuff from you. Right now I
don't know the truth." Chikagi reiterated her earlier warning: "But Hibino, I gave you
some good advice. I told you that it wouldn't be good for you to get involved with me."
Hibino nodded and then sat down next to Chikagi. Chikagi continued. "As you know,
I have an older sister. She's really well-known here. A lot has been whispered
about the both of us. Among the students. Among the teachers. And she has
a fan club here even now." Hibino was surprised. "Wow, that's amazing."
"But on the other hand, I get called 'Katsuragi's Little Sister'. I get compared
to her all the time. And there are many people that want to be friends with me
only in order to gain access to Chidori," she said, expanding upon her
earlier statements. Hibino said that she was different. She really did want to be
Chidori's friend. Hibino told her not to be so loud, and then said that among
the group of people who wanted to be friends with her to gain access to Chidori,
the one known as Sarashina was especially odd.
"At first I didn't realize it, but when Sarashina was around me, all of her
other friends kept their distance. That's something I noticed sometimes," she
explained. Hibino asked if they thought that Sarashina had done something.
"There's no proof of it, but I have heard many stories of Sarashina going out
of her way to crush any friendships I make. Maybe she'll think of you as a rival,
and will want you out of the way so that she can continue bullying me," Chikagi
said, outlining her fears.
"So because she wants to have your sister all to herself, she tries to act like
your friend?" Hibino said, summarizing the situation. "For the time being.
I'm like bait to catch Chidori." "Bait, you say . . . " Chidori continued:
"Sarashina's tenacity and her attachment to Chidori are the real thing.
So if you try to be around me, eyes will be on you. You'll be dragged into
a lot of disputes. Do you get it? Do you understand why I told you not to do that?"
Hibino energetically nodded, and then said that she got it. She really got it.
However, Chikagi knew better. "This one doesn't get it at all."
Chikagi stood up and brushed herself off. "That's it for this conversation."
Hibino brightened. "So can we have lunch now?" Chikagi was stunned. Hibino continued.
"Your parents are overseas on a trip right now. You're always eating cafeteria or konbini
bread for lunch, so today I went all out and made you a big bento!" Chikagi stared, and asked
"Hibino-san, have heard anything I've said? I don't want to be your friend!" Hibino laughed
and then said she'd unilaterally be Chikagi's friend, and that she didn't care about whatever
Sarashina would do or say. Chikagi, taken aback, said what about her own desires?
Hibino grinned and said that although she'd kept it kept it under wraps, but she was really
individualistic, and devoted to her own goals. Chikagi agreed, and said she already knew that.
"So with things being what they are, let's eat this lunch together! We have to hurry or lunch
time will be over!" "And you made that specifically for me to eat?" Hibino confirmed her guess,
and then told Chikagi that if there was anything in the lunch that she didn't like, she needed
to tell her. She'd use that as a reference for next time. Uncomfortable, Chikagi said that
while she appreciated the sentiment, this didn't make her happy. In fact, she didn't need to
eat, an assertion quickly undercut by her rumbling stomach.
"Don't give in!" she attempted to will her body, but she soon succumbed to temptation.
Hibino also knew what was up. "Hurry and eat!" she said with a bright and kind voice.
"Okay, just for today. Just for today, all right?" responded Chikagi, trying to establish some
ground rules for the future. "Yes, of course. What should I make tomorrow?" asked Hibino.
The scene faded out on Chikagi telling Hibino to listen to what other people were telling her.
The school bell rang, indicating that classes were over. Chikagi groaned in her seat. "What a
tiring day. So much stuff happened." Mayuzumi called out to her, but Chikagi was already
going through preparations for leaving. "Mayuzumi-san. I'll see you tomorrow." Mayuzumi
then tapped her desk and released a burst of information. This time it wasn't karaoke!
In the town next door was a restaurant running an all you can eat cake buffet, and
Mayuzumi had free tickets for it, and if she didn't object, Mayuzumi wanted to go there
with Chikagi and a few other people.
Kureida, enjoying the show, told Mayuzumi that she did well and needed to relax after
saying so much in so little time. Kureida explained that it was Mayuzumi's father who
procured the tickets. The people in their expedition would be Mayuzumi, Kureida, and
Hibino. Kureida then asked Chikagi what she'd do. Chikagi hesitated. Hibino urged her
to go, saying, "C'mon, let's go. Or do you dislike sweet food?" Chikagi tried to find
the words. "It's not like I dislike it . . . I guess I can think about it." Hibino was very
happy and exchanged a high-five with Mayuzumi. Kureida looked askance at Chikagi,
asking her "if she really wanted to eat dessert that much." Chikagi pointed out that
she hadn't said yes - she'd just said that she'd consider it.
Later . . .
Their homeroom teacher (Kuroi-sensei) slid open the door and told the students not to leave
yet - only to find that most of them had already left. Kureida asked Kuroi-sensei
what was the matter. "It's about year one students Kodama-san and Yamauchi-san. Are
there any students here who talk to them or see them regularly?" Silence. "Guess that's a no."
Hibino asked if anything had happened to them. Kuroi-sensei frowned and said, "A few days
ago they never made it home. Their folks wondered if they were staying the night away from
home with friends."
Later . . .
Hibino bid Chikagi goodbye. "I'll see you tomorrow, Chika-chan. And after school, we'll all go out to the
cake all you can eat!" Chikagi found herself telling Hibino not to call her Chikagi-chan, but
not in time to catch Hibino before she receded into the distance. She called out to Hibino.
"It's not like I'm walking home with you! We're just headed in the same direction!"
Hibino's voice distantly answered back, "Yes, yes! Bye bye!"
Chikagi realized she was totally following Hibino's pace now. As she walked off in the
direction of her own house, she remembered something. The students that had gone missing
were part of Chidori's fan club. Could they have gone to her university in hopes of seeing
her? It wasn't impossible. Someone came out from hiding. "Why hello there. Are you free
right now?" [TL Note:This is Sugata Sunao.] Chikagi, growing suspicious, assailed the young girl with questions.
"Who are you? What are you? You've covered your head and look really fishy. Might you
be some kind of degenerate? I could call the cops." Sugata recoiled. "No, don't call the
police." Chikagi, sensing that the situation was well in hand, said "All right then. Bye."
Sugata raced after Chikagi. "Wait! Wait, I say!" Chigaki was unimpressed. "Like I asked,
what is it? I don't have free time to spend playing with perverts." Sugata, flustered, stammered
out the beginning of an explanation: "I have a little something to talk about. You're a
student in Kagamisaki high school. A JK (Joshi Kousei) [high school girl]." Chikagi
bristled. "Yeah, but what do you mean calling me a JK? How about a jump kick?" Sugata
continued. "Has anything weird happened at the school? Like the hallways decaying at
night, or people collapsing and being carried away in ambulances. Or someone becoming
really tall overnight." Staring at the girl, Chikagi replied, "No. Nothing at all." She began
to walk away when Sugata hit her with a whammy: "What about people who turn up
missing?" That got Chikagi's attention.
Sugata noticed the effect. "Was that a bingo? And it was someone connected to the school,
too. If you know anything else, I'd love to hear it, nyaa." Chikagi said she didn't know any more,
and wondered what the heck Sugata was. Sugata said that she wasn't going to make any gaffes,
and that it was enough if she found the movements of her enemy. She then bid the JK (Chikagi)
farewell. "And be careful too!" called out Sugata. "What the heck does that mean?"
asked Chikagi, and noticed that Sugata was gone. As if she disappeared. Was the girl
some kind of youkai?
In a different location, Sugata landed on top of a building. "This is troublesome.
Quite so. Whatever's causing trouble here has some connection to my assignment."
The strange girl sat down on a stack of boxes. "All of them tell me these things and I
don't know if they're true or rumors, and then I get stuck dealing with them. I got
involved with this incident! And told I don't get to go home until it's over! What a
burden."
The atmosphere changed, and crows cried out as they sensed the change.
Sugata said that now there was no doubt. It was caused by a real danger.
Meanwhile . . .
The door to the restaurant swung open. Chikagi's eyes widened as she took in the scene.
Hibino was even more excited and happy than usual. She turned to Mayuzumi. "Mayu-chan!
Do we really get to eat any of the cakes here?" Mayuzumi confirmed, for it was a buffet.
Kureida pointed out one section that had curry, which Hibino quickly took. Chikagi was
puzzled. Why come for a dessert, but opt for that instead? Mayuzumi looked over the shop's
bulletin board and saw the recommendation was a rare cheese and blueberry tart.
"Chikagi-san, what are you going to get? Or are you going for the curry and rice plate?"
Chikagi responded that her stomach was expanding and now she wanted to eat cake.
Mayuzumi accepted that answer. Chikagi began her selection: "This one. And this one.
And this one." Mayuzumi giggled, and told Chikagi that this was another side to her that
they didn't see in most cases, a side that was a little bit childish. Seeing Chikagi tense up,
Mayuzumi explained that she didn't mean that Chikagi was childish, just seeing how she
reacted to the cake made - "It's not like I dislike them," said Chikagi, growing weary from
seeing how uncomfortable Mayuzumi was becoming.
When the group got to the table, they were surprised by everything that Hibino had collected.
"Curry, pasta, paella, salad, roast beef, fruit, and some cake!" Chikagi stated and pointed out
that she had more non-cake sources of food than cake sources. Mayuzumi was more impressed
by the quantity of the portions, and asked her if she thought she and Chikagi would be able to
put that away. Hibino saw no problem, saying that it looked like everything here was delicious.
Kureida said that with the four of them together, this stack of dishes would pose no problem.
Mayuzumi was surprised that they would be assisting with the consumption of the feast.
"I hope that I won't put on weight if I eat all of that," said Mayuzumi, concerned.
Chikagi pointed out that there's no point going to a cake buffet with that kind of concern.
Kureida happily talked while eating, yielding dialogue that was unintelligible.
Chikagi told her that they couldn't understand what she was saying. Hibino attempted to
get her friends to try something she found particularly tasty. After accepting some of it,
Mayuzumi seemed unhappy at the amount of calories she was taking in, but disinclined to
stop because of how good it was. Kureida wondered if they could get away with hiding
some of it in their bento boxes. Hibino thought it was a great idea, and decided to do the
same thing. Chikagi held up a fork threateningly, which made Hibino back down.
Kureida then proposed putting a bag inside her shirt and then, while pretending to eat,
sneaking food into it. She'd carry everyone's share, so there'd be no problem. Hibino
wondered why she had prepared such a thing and told her the idea was no good.
"Too bad," said Kureida, and resumed eating. One strawberry dessert was especially
pleasing, and Hibino snatched one with no reservations, while reminding Kureida not
to favor any one plate instead of the others. Hibino was also surprised because Chikagi
was finally smiling and having a good time. Chikagi said she wasn't, and reminded Hibino
to use her last name when speaking to her.
Kureida asked Chikagi to drink something. "What is this? Iced tea? All right, I'll have some."
She drank it, and then her face puckered for it was so bitter. Hibino laughed and noted
that the other customers were staring at them. Chikagi, recovering her composure, asked
Hibino if she were an elementary school student. Then, far away, Chikage perceived
someone watching them silently. Sarashina-san? Hibino asked what was wrong, and when
Chikagi turned to the window where she had glimpsed Sarashina. Sarashina was no longer
there. Had Chikagi mistaken someone else for her? Kureida said that Chikagi must be very
tired. Now she needed to drink this oolong tea. Chikagi said she wouldn't. Mayuzumi
started to apologize, but Chikagi told her that wasn't necessary.
Kureida told Mayuzumi not to worry about it so much, but Chikagi said that Kureida shouldn't
say anything in this situation. Hibino observed how much fun it was for them to eat together.
Even Chika-chan was having fun. Chikagi, flustered, said "You shouldn't go that far. Besides,
I keep telling you to call me Katsuragi-san." Mayuzumi was amused by how Hibino couldn't
get used to it. Kureida didn't want Chikagi to get upset over that. Besides, she had another
thing for Chikagi to drink that would fix everything. Chikagi reiterated her refusal to drink
more things served to her by Kureida. Mayuzumi saw things becoming even more ridiculous
and apologized.
Later . . .
Kureida said her goodbyes and departed. Hibino bid her goodbye and said she'd see her again.
While walking with the others, she explained that she had to go down a different street, so the
rest of the group would have to part ways with her and Chikagi. She thanked Mayuzumi for
inviting them, and said how good the food was. Mayuzumi confirmed that it was also fun
for her and asked Chikagi how the experience was. She wasn't sure if it was a bother for Chikagi to be invited. Chikagi answered:
"No, not at all. The food was great even if we did have too much." Mayuzumi then asked if
they could invite her again the next time an opportunity for this comes up. Chigaki said that
while she couldn't promise, she would consider it. The tone of her voice showed that she
was warming up to her schoolmates. Mayuzumi laughed even while Chikagi said she'd
think about it - she wasn't promising. Mayuzumi said she was happy Chikagi would
consider it. With that Mayuzumi left the group, promising to see them tomorrow at
school. Even Chikagi's cold exterior was cracking, and she found herself telling
Mayuzumi bye bye.
Chikagi reminded Hibino that she wasn't walking home with Hibino - their houses
merely were along the same road. Hibino agreed and then spotted a convenience
store. She asked Chikagi if there was anything she wanted to get there. "You just
don't get it," said Chikagi.
Later . . .
Mayuzumi walked down the road. "Today was very lively and fun," she said. "And
Kureida and the rest were able to clean many plates. It got to be quite a presentation
towards the end. We also got to see Katsuragi's troubled face. She seemed like a
rash person, but when she gets the printouts for class, or helps out with the cleaning,
you see that she's a person who won't abandon people in trouble. A good person.
It'd be good to become a better friend to her.
Suddenly, rain began to fall and a thick fog rolled in. Was this the scent of a flower?
Where was it? Who raised it? For some reason, it . . .
Another person walked toward Mayuzumi in the dark. Mayuzumi could not tell who it was.
"W-who are you?" There was a rush of something massive moving quickly, and then
Mayuzumi knew no more.
At Chikagi's house . . .
The comedy program was over and Chikagi clicked off the television. What a red letter day
it had been! She wasn't sure how to describe it all. Maybe she was getting odd too, hanging
about with Hibino. She had wanted to have a more relaxing break. Then as she was sitting
on the sofa, thinking about nothing in particular, she heard a squeal of tires
as a motorcycle came to a halt in front of her house. The front door opened and then her
older sister burst into the living room. "I'm hooome!" shouted Chidori. "I'm finally home,
my sister!" Chikagi asked "What are you doing?" coldly. Chidori acted hurt, saying
that she didn't deserve this kind of reception. Since Chikagi clearly missed her older sister
a lot, Chikagi ought to act a lot happier to see her.
Chidori outstretched her arms. "You don't have to hold back. Come on, give me a huge
hug!" Chikagi conked her. "We said goodbye on Monday this week! Why are you doing back
so soon?" Chidori explained that one of her juniors had contacted her. The police had
been called. Chikagi frowned and asked what this was about. Chidori reminded Chikagi of
the kids who had gone missing, and asked Chikagi if they were her friends, and was told
that they weren't. Chikagi continued, "I hope you didn't travel all the way
just to tell me that." Chidori shook her head. "I met some of the students by coincidence
and we went out for tea. I heard that at the end, there was something like an
eyewitness testimony." That last part made Chikagi focus on what her sister was saying.
Chidori continued, "It's not unusual for high school students to go out and play, but
this one bit was worrisome. They were going to ask the students who had free time tomorrow
to help out with a large search party for the missing students around the town."
Seeing how serious Chikagi was taking this, Chidori said, "Why are you so interested in
this? No, that must be your serious face." "So, Chidori -" began Chikagi. "When you were
talking with those two students, did you see Sarashina there?" Chidori looked puzzled.
"Sarashina? Who was that? One of your friends, Chikagi?" Chikagi said if Chidori didn't know,
it was all right. Chidori, changing gears, informed Chikagi that she hadn't eaten anything since
lunch. Her stomach was growling. She also voiced aloud her supposition that Chikagi hadn't
eaten dinner either, so why didn't they order pizza? A Giovannese would hit the spot.
The pizza was mostly green so it would be easy on the eyes. She asked Chikagi if there was
something else she wanted to order, and then noticed that Chikagi wasn't there.
END PART ONE
_____________________________________________________________________
You can read Part 2 here.
_____________________________________________________________________
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TYPE-MOON, starlit marmalade, ドラマCD ã¾ã»ã†ã¤ã‹ã„ã®ç®± スターリット・マーマレード, carnival phantasm, prequel
