nebulancer

Summary – Always proper, elegant, and a perfect honors student. That was “Himekawa” Mizuki.

She was sent to support the strict and stern Goddess Kunugi Hana, who’s well-known for being a number-cruncher who bases things off calculations and rationality alone. Despite working under a Goddess that anyone fears, Mizuki feels comforted in a place like that. Yuno, too, learns for the first time of Mizuki’s secret.

1. Drama – “Himekawa”

Mizuki: These have been the results of the most recent analysis of the spiritual energy sent from Earth. In recent years, the development of Earth’s technology means it’s worth paying attention to.

I believe this will be able to spell new initiative for us on the Moon as well.

Employee: I see. You’ve provided an easy-to-understand explanation on top of the consolidated documents. You’re a great help.

I’d expect nothing less of the young lady of the Himekawa family.

Mizuki: ...Eh...?

Employee: Ever since Himekawa-san has taken up a post as an assistant, people have acknowledged that the success rate and results of Kunugi-san’s research has increased in leaps and bounds.

It has become the topic of the town to investigate how the increase in staff at the research institution has linked to the amount of time in which they’re cooperating.

Mizuki: That is a wonderful turn of events. However, the show of results is because the Goddess in charge of me, Kunugi Hana-san, is incredibly skilled.

As her assistant, I am only being granted the chance to gain experience under her tutelage. Nothing more.

Employee: No, no! I do believe that the day Himekawa-san becomes a Goddess isn’t very far away.

The Himekawa family is a prestigious family which has produced numerous Goddesses until now, after all.

The head house is a financial conglomerate, and Goddesses are not the only types of people to have come from it. In addition, there have been many well-known politicians, scientists—

Woman 1: Oh? You’re someone from the Himekawa’s main family, are you not? That’s amazing!

Woman 2: They say that you’re undeniably the top student! Those are amazing grades, fitting for someone with the Himekawa name!

Man: Now, I’d expect nothing less from the young lady of the Himekawa family. You’re quite dignified and impressive. You became the student council president, too? Goodness, you’re amazing.

Er, no—Such a thing is a given for a Himekawa, isn’t it? Ahahahaha!

Employee: ...Himekawa-san?

Mizuki: Ah—...! I’m so sorry! It seems I had been spacing out for a moment there.

*chuckles* ...That is all I have for my report.

Employee: I’m truly reassured that someone as outstanding as you is working here.

I’m expecting greater and greater things from you from now on.

Mizuki: I graciously accept your compliment. I will exert further effort in order to meet your expectations.

Thank you very much for sparing some time to talk with me today.

I will be excusing myself now.

[Mizuki is walking.]

Mizuki: ... *sighs* ...I’m grateful for the compliments, but they come in a set with the Himekawa name. ...Same as always.

I hadn’t been all too aware of it recently, so it’s been a while since I last felt this way.

*chuckles* I suppose that just goes to show how much I’m busying myself with my current lifestyle.

[She gets a call.]

Mizuki: ...Oh my? Speaking of which. It’s a call from the office. Hm.

...Hello there. Himekawa speaking. ...Eh? There was a mistake in the data?

Um... calm down. First take deep breaths, and then tell me the situation going on.

...Oh... I see. I understand now. I’ll hurry back, then.

Mizuki: I’m back~! ...Oops. Oh, my? Oh my, oh my, oh my!

It seems to me that the atmosphere is quite the heavy thing around here!

Researcher: I’m so terribly sorry, ma’am!

Kunugi: Enough apologies. I am asking you why the mistake happened.

That should have been a clause where past errors took place, so checking over that part should be a priority and a concentration of your efforts.

Additionally, you have committed this same mistake in the past multiple times.

In short, there is a clear source for this. It would seem that you have not fully worked out preventative measures to ensure this does not happen again.

Researcher: I-I’m... I’m so sorry, ma’am!

Kunugi: Did I not just say that apologies were unnecessary?

Mizuki: There, there, Hana-san? I’ve guessed the situation at hand. It’s a simple careless mistake.

That being said, though, I’m not treating this as lightly as you may think. Human errors can happen to anyone.

Kunugi: Yes, I know. And what I am referring to is the fact that she lacks the effort and planning to prevent any more of this to the best of her ability.

Researcher: To tell the truth... I’ve been behind schedule on work these past few days...

Kunugi: Why are you behind schedule?

Researcher: Well, it’s... um... Er, I’m sorry...

...A certain portion was taking me more time than I expected it to, so I suppose... you could say that was the result of it...

No matter how much I did, it didn’t come to an end, and I got exhausted... and my concentration slipped...

Kunugi: Hm. What you mean to say is that there could be a problem with the direction with which we’re taking things.

With the contents of your previous work in mind, you surely have the necessary skill to keep up with work of this level.

If that is the case, what I can glean from this situation is that there is a primary factor aside from your skill affecting you.

Researcher: I’m sorry...! I’ll redo it right away!

Kunugi: No, don’t. I will let another researcher handle the modification.

And you will hand over to them the analysis files that you drew up.

Researcher: No way...!

[The murmurs of the other researchers crop up.]

Researcher 2: Eh...? ...She really is strict...

Kunugi: As long as you remain a living and breathing organism, I understand that you may be subject to favorable or unfavorable physical conditions depending on your constitution or hormonal balance.

Things that happened to you off work could be deemed a root cause of psychological issues that become present in your actions.

However, I understand that, which is even more reason for me to state this.

I must assert that in your workspace, when faced with your work, you must be yourself at “zero.”

Researcher: Myself at... zero?

Kunugi: Yes. The numbers we calculate, the numerics, will become reference points for all sorts of activities situated on the Moon’s world.

The results of research differing, altering, or having a different intention depending on the human who deals with them must absolutely be avoided.

Mizuki: ...Hana-san is very reasonable with what she’s saying. Let’s get right back to work...

Is what I’d like to say, but I’d like to suggest something.

Kunugi: What is it?

Mizuki: Ahem! For now, shall we take a break?

An atmosphere of anxiety and nerves is flowing through this place, right here, right now.

Judging by how things are, it doesn’t seem as if everyone will be able to concentrate immediately after getting back to work. It’ll be inefficient, too.

In this situation, there will be a higher probability of mistakes occurring.

There’s no use crying over spilt milk. Instead of stressing over it and worsening the situation, I believe it would be best to set up some time in order for us to get back on track.

[The bell rings.]

Mizuki: Oh, my! Perfect timing, too. It seems the bell has rung.

It looks to me as if this is what fate has foretold. Let’s also freshen up the atmosphere again. Shall we get back to work after revitalizing ourselves?

Kunugi: ...

Researcher: ... *trembling*

Mizuki: How about it, Hana-san?

Kunugi: ...Hm. Yes, I understand. I accept the proposal. Let us do that.

[Kunugi walks away. The workers sigh in relief.]

Mizuki: You’ll be fine. Have a little break as well, why don’t you?

Researcher: Ah... Thank you so much. I’m so sorry. I’ll be excusing myself!

Mizuki: *chuckles* ...Well, then!

...Oh my?

Yuno: ...Uh... umm, excuse... me...? Mizuki~?

Mizuki: *giggles* Why, if it isn’t Yuno! Why have you frozen up in a place like that?

Yuno: I had some free time... and just by chance, I was nearby, so I... showed up, but...

I-I showed up at a bad time, didn’t I? That wasn’t the right mood to call out to you...

Mizuki: Ufufu! No, it’s the best time!

Yuno: Eh—Wheeeh!? Uh, really?

Mizuki: Yes, beyond the shadow of a doubt! There was a bit of trouble, but things are all right now.

Yuno: Er... A bit...?

Mizuki: I’m about to take a break right now, so shall we have some tea together?

2. Drama – “Where I Belong”

Mizuki: *stretches* Ahh...! Coffee taken during a spare moment in work... Goodness, I wonder just why it has such a rich flavor?

...The wind blowing through the terrace also feels wonderful. It truly is a blissful moment.

Yuno: ...Um, Mizuki. Are you okay?

Mizuki: Oh my? Whatever could you be referring to?

Yuno: I’m not really referring to anything in general, but I just thought that your work seems tough to handle...

See, because the Goddess in charge of you, Hana-san, is famous in two different ways, right?

She’s exceptionally brilliant, and... er...

Mizuki: Ah. It’s difficult to approach her, correct?

Yuno: Uh, yeah! That...

And even during that scene I happened to catch, I could tell, easy! The way she wastes no time when she talks makes her seem like a military instructor or something...

It makes you stand straight up, like snapping into position! She really gives off the vibe of an elite boss...

She’s cool, but, er... maybe a little... scary.

Mizuki: You’re quite right about that, honestly.

For phrases that describe Hana-san, it includes: a no-nonsense perfectionist; taciturn, cool and collected; having no interest in anything aside from calculations, data, and analyses; and there are people who call her an extremely cruel instructor.

Yuno: Er, uh... I didn’t go that far!

Mizuki: Ufufu.

🔥She is a legendary Goddess, who has caused all of her subordinate Goddess candidates to quit, one after another! The only assistant who lasted for five years resigned just the other day after her honorable service! Afterwards, she couldn’t find a successor, and consequently, candidates would appear and disappear, appear and disappear...! 🔥

She had ended up having to work alone for about half a year...

And then! The one she found at that moment was me, myself, and I!

Himekawa Mizuki, after all!

[Fanfare~]

Yuno: *clapping* Whoo~! ...Wait! This isn’t something to be joking over, right?

Mizuki: Oh? But don’t you think it’s amusing? I’ve been added to Hana-san’s legend, have I not? I’m still not yet up to the task compared to my predecessors, but I’m still going strong!

Yuno: Er—Well, yeah, I guess...?

*sighs* You sure are amazing. If It were me, I probably wouldn’t have even lasted a week. I’m the type of person who gets nervous, so when I realize that failure wouldn’t be excused... I get the feeling I’d make even more mistakes as a result.

Mizuki: Oh, my. I’m not perfect, either.

Just about anyone makes careless mistakes inadvertently.

Yuno: What you consider careless... sounds scary, in more ways than one...

*gasps* If I screwed up, she’d get angry at me like that, and...!

Urk... Just imagining it makes me feel a stomachache coming on...

Mizuki: That’s how you saw it, Yuno?

...But, well. That’s the typical, universal way of seeing and reacting to it.

Yuno: Wheh?

Mizuki: Hana-san’s work is something that has to deal with numbers, doesn’t it?

Numbers equal absolute truths. There’s no room for anything ambiguous there.

Hana-san’s personality and method of working is the same as that. It’s based on the truth, and she makes decisions with close precision.

Any ill will or personal likes and dislikes, anything based off of emotion, isn’t included.

In a way, I think it’s impartial.

Yuno: I see... Hana-san’s work has to deal with gathering up information on the spiritual energy that’s sent from Earth and analyzing it, right?

Mizuki: You got it. The results of the analysis are reported to Goddesses who do all types of work, at intervals all around.

I’ve heard that it also applies to the time we formed Seleas. It originated from the results of Hana-san’s analysis. It was thought that by working in a unit, we’d be able to more effectively gather energy.

Yuno: Ooh... So that means she’s helped us out, too. That’s one amazing job she does. That’s why she’s so strict, huh...?

Mizuki: Why, yes. But I do think... that this environment suits me quite well.

Yuno: Eh?

Mizuki: It’s correct that Hana-san is a strict person, but as I mentioned before, her acknowledgment of someone’s work is done by looking at the numbers with close precision. She doesn’t care about one’s background in the slightest.

Here, at least... people won’t talk to me as I’m part of the “Himekawa” household.

Yuno: Himekawa... You mean, your family?

Mizuki: *chuckles* ......
...Yuno, I've never told you... about my pent-up feelings, have I...?

Yuno: Pent-up feelings...?

Mizuki: Yes...

I know I’m technically saying this about myself, but the Himekawas are a distinguished and prominent family on the Moon, aren’t they?

Yuno: Eh? Ah, yeah... Mmhmm. I know that your family’s a big deal, but... um...

Mizuki: Whenever I’m complimented, it would usually come in a set with the Himekawa name.

“I knew this would come from Himekawa!” “Now that's Himekawa for you!” They’d say stuff like that. The things I’d do and the things I could do were a given.

My own efforts had nothing to do with it.

Even if I achieved impressive results that left a mark, there have been times that people said I only managed due to my connections, or that it was obvious I could do it, considering my family.

Yuno: What...!? That’s going to extremes! You’re not automatically impressive just because your family’s so powerful.

You’re really amazing, but what makes you amazing is the result of all your hard work.

Mizuki: *chuckles* Thank you.

I think we’ve become such good friends because you say that like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

Yuno: *chuckles* I should be the one thanking you.

Ah... But when I consider that you might’ve been worrying about it all on your own... *sighs* I’m sorry. Despite being your best friend and your duo partner, I didn’t notice at all. I haven’t been able to do anything for you.

Mizuki: *giggles* It’s not something you need to worry about, Yuno. I’m... good at concealing my true feelings. So it’s a given that you haven’t realized.

That’s... the nature of someone born as a Himekawa.

Many sorts of people gather around us, so we can’t let them read our feelings or manipulate us. Before we know it, we become skilled at hiding how we feel inside.

Yuno: Yikes... Sounds like a ton of work.

Mizuki: Fufu. I pretty much do it instinctively. You don’t need to let it bother you so much. But, well... even still...

It really does make me happy that I get to talk to you about anything, and it’s... a special thing. Just keep that in mind.

Yuno: Sure. Of course.

Mizuki: ...It’s true that, in the past, I did have the mindset of, “I, too, must be someone befitting of the Himekawa name.”

But after meeting you, Yuno... after meeting everyone, starting to work as a unit, I became Seleas’ Himekawa Mizuki.

By working as an idol on Earth, where the Himekawa name means nothing, I’ve come to love everyone. There were more times when the Himekawa name wouldn’t pop up in conversation and sort of nag at me.

Now that I’m a Goddess candidate, I guess I was just reminded of it.

Yuno: Oh... Got it.

Mizuki: Why... why, yes. Yes, that’s right.

That’s why working as Hana-san’s assistant feels so comfortable. *giggles*

Yuno: Uh... Mizuki?

Mizuki: It feels good because I’m evaluated on my own work and my own results.

My family’s power or reputation have no connection to the Himekawa Mizuki at “zero” here!

I’m just so glad that I can puff out my chest and proclaim,

“I’m the one who did this work! I’m the one who worked hard for this!”

Yuno: Haha... Mizuki at “zero,” huh? Mmhmm! That’s got a really nice ring to it!

Mizuki: I know, right?

Yuno: In a way, she’s sort of similar to Sui-san. She doesn’t look at my external appearance, but rather, looks at who I am, beyond it.

Mizuki: That’s true. Yuno and Sui-san have a good relationship. You’re like a mismatched pair— Ahem! ...Masterful pair. ✨

Yuno: Just now, you... clearly were about to finish that sentence by saying “mismatched pair,” right?

Mizuki: What I meant to say was, both of you have a very intense contrast between your external appearances and your internal selves. That’s what makes your compatibility so perfect! ✨

Yuno: *chuckles* Jeez... I hope that’s the case.

Mizuki: ...Hana-san too.

Yuno: Hm?

Mizuki: She’s a bit difficult to understand, but having been with her for a long time, I’ve found that she has a side to her that makes her approachable.

Yuno: Oh... really! Like what, for example?

Mizuki: Let me think... ...I have one! The way she likes photographs.

Yuno: Eh—That’s surprising! She likes photos?

I get the vibe that she has no interest in anything aside from numbers and what’s on her laptop screen...

Mizuki: Ufufu! Despite appearances, Hana-san’s hobby is taking pictures of scenery. They’re sensitive and lovely pictures that can make you feel the breath of nature. And just recently, she showed me a photo of an adorable flower.

Yuno: Because her name means... flower? *chuckles* I see! That’s unexpected. Hearing about that side of her makes my impression of her take a complete 180.

I guess she has a surprisingly romantic side to her...?

Mizuki: ...Oh, my. But if that’s how you see it, then your original impression of her would have been closer.

The reason why Hana-san likes taking photographs is that it serves as an extension of her fixation over collecting, apparently. Photos record a single instant, clipping out a single moment.

All sorts of information are packed into each photo, right? According to her, she wants to make note of it.

Yuno: I get it now... That data-loving side to her is kept constant, huh?

Mizuki: Yes, but! Hana-san has surprisingly cute sides to her aside from that.

Yuno: Oh... What’s it this time?

Mizuki: Um... For example... Wait, actually, it’d be faster for you to see it in person.

Yuno: ...?

Mizuki: Mmhmm! Perfect timing. Let’s head on back. Yuno, wait a moment, could you?

Yuno: Eh? Ah, sure...

[Mizuki walks off.]

Mizuki: Excuse me! Could I get something for takeout? A hot coffee, and maybe some desserts... ...How many calories does this have?

[Mizuki opens the door.]

Mizuki: I’m back!

Yuno: P-pardon the intrusion~

Mizuki: Oh? Hana-san, are you the only one here?

Kunugi: Himekawa and... Terase, is it?

Yuno: Y-yes, ma’am! I’m the Goddess candidate Terase—Yuno! Th-thank you f-for your hard work!

Kunugi: I can hear you. You don’t have to shout.

Yuno: *whispering* Aw—shoot. I couldn’t help it...

Mizuki: Hana-san, what about your break?

Kunugi: I don’t need it. I can do it later. I am recovering the mistaken data from before.

Yuno: Is that, er... Hana-san, are you doing it yourself?

Kunugi: Rather than entrust the patching up of this mistake to another human, it would be fastest for me to take action. It has the least waste.

I’ve decided to allocate a different job to the researcher previously in charge of it.

Immediate actions are first on the list. More concretely, I will make her improve her sleeping time.

Yuno: Oh...

Mizuki: She was able to point out that the issue was due to the researcher’s lack of sleep. This just goes to show how much she’s watching over her subordinates.

Yuno: Wheh?

Mizuki: What we’re good at, what we’re not good at. This type of identification is also only possible because she’s quite thoroughly looking into the contents of our work.

Despite being a number-cruncher who bases everything off calculations, Hana-san is also thoroughly looking through to the person who’s doing that work.

...Isn’t that right?

Kunugi: But of course. That, too, is an aspect of work.

Mizuki: Well, if that’s the case, I could say the same thing about you, ma’am! Breaks are necessary, too.

Here you go, refreshments.

Kunugi: Hm. ...I am managing myself properly. There is no issue in neither my nutrient intake nor my sleep levels.

Mizuki: Then... how about we call this sugar intake to replenish your brain?

And have some coffee that will help you feel refreshed.

Kunugi: ...

[She eats while tapping on her laptop.]

Yuno: Ohh... She’s unexpectedly obedient. And... her hands are still working.

Mizuki: Fufu. Hana-san, that’s bad manners.

Kunugi: *muffled* There is no issue.

...Perhaps I was lacking in my sugar intake.

Mizuki: Basically, that means it tastes good.

Kunugi: How much actual effect does it have on my recovery? I’ll try converting it into statistics the next chance I have.

Mizuki: ...See? Isn’t there a cute side to her?

Yuno: What do you mean, “See?” That’s one extreme thing you’ve chosen to focus on! Urk—Wait, that’s not the matter!

*hissing* Don’t mention it in front of the person herself...!

Mizuki: Don’t worry about it. At first, I was also taken aback by how curt she was, but if you really understand Hana-san at her core...

...I guess you could say she’s just bad with her words. She’s simply frightfully clumsy regarding her interactions with people.

Kunugi: *muffled* Humans and construction of interpersonal relationships are studied in important types of research.

...No matter how often I give them numeric values, it is not a given that those numbers will be of use being incorporated into real life.

Yuno: Ah... I see...

Mizuki: So that’s why I serve as a mediator between Hana-san and others. I think smoothing things over is my role here. That’s all right with you, ma’am?

Kunugi: *muffled* Sure. You’ve helped me. It’s quite nice that my assistant is so outstanding that I’m able to focus on my work.

Mizuki: Oh my!? Did you just...!?

Ufu...! Ufufufu! *laughs*

Yuno: Wh—Mizuki?

Kunugi: What in the world is so strange?

Himekawa, you’re very outstanding, but there are many mysterious aspects to you.

Yuno: Oh, I know how you feel about that. That’s exactly right!

Mizuki’s so smart, yet the things that set her off are a tad unaligned with normal people’s... I guess? It’s... very uncommon, you could say?

Her declarations and actions have been bold for a long time now.

Kunugi: True. There are times I am surprised by the unforeseen actions she takes through those chinks in her armor.

Mizuki: Oh my! What a shame. Judging by that phrasing, you still haven’t analyzed my playfulness?

Kunugi: How long would it take to actually gain results from that analysis? I feel as if it would be updated every day.