Tsukiuta. if ~Black Rabbit Kingdom~ Drama CD

[nebulancer]

[Kakeru frantically runs down the hallway.]

 

Kakeru: Waaaugh~! I’m gonna be late! LATE, I SAY!!

I was originally supposed to come back from observation yesterday, but because there was so much rain, the bridge that spans the national border got swept away! Am I unlucky or what!?

It’s already time for work, goshdarnit~!!

Haah, but I was lucky to have found out that the bridge couldn’t be used anymore, wasn’t I? I was right along the border, so at that rate, I would’ve been toast if I’d really needed it—HM!?

 

Koi: Wheh?

 

Kakeru: Wha—WHAAAAAAH!!

 

Koi: Ka-Kakeru!? UWAAAARGH!

 

[They crash into each other.]

 

Kakeru: Ugh, ow, ow, ow... S-sorry, Koi.

 

Koi: Ow, ouch, yeowch... That sure surprised me. Sheesh, Kakeru-san! Look in front of you when you’re running, all right!?

 

Kakeru: Sorry, sorry! Sorry about that, Koi. Any injuries?

 

Koi: Ahh, no! I’m totally fine. I’m fine, but... ...This isn’t.

 

Kakeru: Ah... Aw, shoot...

 

Koi: A real “aw, shoot” moment, for real...

 

Hajime: It’s this early in the morning, yet you’re already noisy as could be. What are you doing?

 

Kakeru: Ah! Your Majesty—er, no. Hajime-san!!

 

Haru: I’m here too. Are you two all right there? I was looking over from that gate, but you two crashed into each other so spectacularly, it surprised me.

 

Koi: Chancellor—erm, no. Haru-san!! We’re fine, right, Kakeru?

 

Kakeru: Yes! My deepest apologies for causing a commotion, Hajime-san, Haru-san! And... I’m sorry for being late. I know I was supposed to get back yesterday...

 

Hajime: Did something happen along the national borders?

 

Kakeru: Um, yes! Due to the heavy rainfall a few days ago, the bridge had gotten swept away! That’s why I was forced to take a detour, and it delayed me...

 

Hajime: I see. I felt a disturbance in that area, so I suspected that something had happened. Of course, I didn’t know the specifics since it was too far away from here.

I’m glad I got to hear the details about it. You did well, Kakeru. If you had a reason for being late, then there’s nothing we could’ve done about it.

Thanks for your observation work. Make sure to rest up properly today.

 

Kakeru: Y-yes, sir!

 

Hajime: Haru.

 

Haru: All right~. I’ll get started with arranging the repairs, Your Majesty~

 

Hajime: Haru.

 

Haru: Ahh—um, sure, Hajime. Roger that.

It’s rare to see a King who doesn’t want to be called a King.

 

Hajime: You’re always saying that. Yet the pot’s calling the kettle black, what with you not wanting to be called the Chancellor. Aren’t I right?

I don’t want people to wait upon me when the only reason I became King was because I suddenly received a Divine Revelation.

 

Haru: Well, what can you do~? That’s the fixed structure of this world, Hajime.

All sorts of species live together on this continent. The heavens decide each kingdom’s King.

Those with qualifications and ready wit are born and grow older. When someone is capable enough to become King, they receive a Divine Revelation.

Everyone in that Kingdom mysteriously becomes aware that the King has been born.

 

Koi: Yes, yes! Exactly! It’s like, beamed into our heads! That, like, “This person’s gonna be our King starting today!”

I was happy to know that Hajime-san had become our King, and I felt proud. I even thought it was obvious. Since it’s Hajime-san, after all!

 

Haru: *chuckling* That sounds like a fitting reason... or perhaps not?

 

Kakeru: There were people who were shocked, since Hajime-san’s the absolute youngest King we’ve ever had in our history. But now, just about everyone agrees that it’s fitting!

 

Hajime: ...Koi, Kakeru. Neither of you are injured, correct?

 

Kakeru: Huh? Oh, yeah! Koi said this already, but I’m totally peachy! Bright’n bubbly!

 

Koi: Yessir! My documents got sorta scattered, but it’s fine! I’ll put them back and get them together!

 

Hajime: ...Heh. That’s good. I’m glad to hear that. Take it easy, you hear? I’ll see you later.

 

[Hajime walks off.]

 

Haru: Hajime...

 

Koi: Hrmm... Isn’t Hajime-san a bit down in the dumps?

 

Kakeru: Mm... He’s a little unhappy, that’s true. His splendid rabbit ears are around twenty degrees flopped forward, compared to the usual.

 

Koi: Kakeru-san... What attention to detail.

 

Kakeru: This is the most basic understanding that an attendant should have, Koi!

Noticing even the slightest of changes that affects the King, while energetically and cheerfully supporting him! That’s our work, after all!

 

Koi: Sure is. But... I get the vibe that if the King’s unhappy, then we feel unhappy too.

 

Kakeru: True~... Haru-san, did you have a fight with Hajime-san or something?

 

Koi: Hweh? It’s Haru-san’s fault~?

 

Haru: And all of a sudden, I’ve been pinned down as a suspect!? Urk... I haven’t. I haven’t done so, got it? Don’t you glare at me, boys.

...I haven’t fought with him, but... Mm. It’s true that he’s bummed out.

I could do something for him... provided that he just talk about it.

 

Kakeru: Hajime-san’s not the type of person to complain about things being tough work, or lament that he’s struggling, after all...

Yet he’s so perceptive when it comes to everyone else feeling that way.

 

Haru: Exactly. He’s the kind of person to keep things locked up inside himself, so it’s quite a conundrum. Wouldn’t you agree?

 

-

 

[Birds are chirping.]

 

Aoi: Arata~? Arata~!

 

Arata: ...Mm...? Mm... Aoi.

Aw, shoot. I dozed off again.

 

Aoi: A~ra~ta~?

 

[Arata hangs down from the tree with a rustle.]

 

Arata: ‘Sup, Aoi.

 

Aoi: Whuh!?

 

Arata: Got some business with me? Oh, wait, your meeting’s over? Sorry. I was supposed to be on lookout here as your guard, *yawns* but as you see here, I completely hit the sack and caught some z’s.

 

Aoi: Th-that’s a bold declaration if I’ve ever heard one... Good grief. I can’t believe just how reliable my personal guard is.

 

Arata: It’s finesos, totes finesos. I’m confident I could react fastest out of anyone else if something actually did happen.

 

Aoi: Well, yeah, I know that... Actually, though. Could you consider not keeping the conversation going casually while you’re hanging upside-down from a tree branch?

Get down from there first, Arata.

 

Arata: Oh, all right. Your Highness the Prince is such a stickler for the details...

 

Aoi: Er, no. This doesn’t have anything to do with me being a Prince or anything. It’s just normal.

 

Arata: Mmph! ...All righty, stuck the landing~

 

Aoi: Yep, thanks for doing that. Heh, wait. There are tons of leaves stuck on your head.

 

Arata: Hm? Ah...... *shakes himself vigorously*

...Okay, got ‘em.

 

Aoi: *chuckling* That was so intense...

Seems to me that you were sleeping well. Was your nap that comfortable?

 

Arata: It sure was. Man, that was awesome~

A siesta in a pretty garden where the warm’n fuzzy dappled sunlight warms me up... is absolute bliiiss~

 

Aoi: How nice. Um—actually, no. Not that. Slacking off on your duties is a big no-no, Arata.

 

Arata: Yessir. Still, not a single person present at the meeting today smelled funky. That’s why I felt at ease.

 

Aoi: Ah. Oh, I see.

...That’s a pretty strange ability of yours, isn’t it~? If there’s someone who’s plotting wicked deeds, that person... smells disgusting, right?

 

Arata: Yep. They smell like mud. It’s a unique smell.

 

Aoi: It’s an ability that seems like it’d come from one of the dog species, hm?

 

Arata: I am a brilliant and proud Black Rabbit, though.

That being said, there’s pretty much no one in this kingdom who smells bad. They’ve been going down in number ever since Hajime-san became King.

And that’s not all. The cities have clearly become more powerful, and the air we breathe in has become clearer and cleaner. The King’s power is no joke.

 

Aoi: That’s true. I received a mysterious Divine Revelation and became the Prince, but being able to work as the King’s assistant makes me realize that I’m actually being of help to the people. I’m glad this is my position.

 

Arata: Yeah, hang in there, bud~. After all, I’m only here in this lofty palace because the pitifully lonesome Aoi-kun dragged me, his childhood friend, along with him, all the way here.

That’s why you gotta take responsibility. Your duty is to keep working so that you can maintain my lovely siesta lifestyle here.

 

Aoi: Wh-wh-what, like I had any other choice!? I was five years old!! I was unbearably anxious about being taken alone to the royal palace, where I had zero acquaintances around me!!

*panting* While we’re on the topic, could you quit bringing up that situation every chance you get...!?

 

Arata: Okaysies~... Ah. Oh, also, Aoi. Had to talk with me about something?

 

Aoi: *groaning* Ugh, gosh, I can’t deal with you...

Ah, wait, yes. Kakeru and Koi called for an emergency meeting. They say there’s a big incident going on.

 

Arata: Those two again? I’ll bite, since it’s an incident or accident or whatever they’re calling it. Last time, they gathered us up for a big snowball fight, right?

I wonder what it is this time? A flower-viewing?

 

Aoi: A... flower-viewing...?

I think referring to that as a “big incident” is a bit off the mark, but... Arata, we could very well make use of that!

 

Arata: Uh, what?

 

-

 

Hajime: ... *sighs* ...

*crumples the paper he was writing on* ...Gh...! ...Ah...

*smooths out the paper again* ...How shameful of me to take out my stress on unrelated objects. ...Mm.

 

Ah. ...The flowers are blooming. Spring’s coming soon, is it? It was also spring when I became the King of this kingdom.

How many years has it been since then? The days and months pass too quickly to count.

One day, I was suddenly told, “You’re the King.” And I came all the way here, not understanding a single thing.

A little brat at just six years of age had elegantly-dressed adults bow to him...

I hadn’t done a single King-like action back then, let alone now. I couldn’t do anything then. Yet the kingdom flourished all on its own.

Everyone’s joyful as well. They graciously accept me as their King.

 

Neither this place nor position were achieved through my own efforts or accomplishments.

I just simply exist here, as a thing. All I did was be born that way.

...I don’t intend on being passive with regards to this situation. I’ll make use of what I’ve been given, to the best of my ability. That’s what I’ve decided, and that’s how I’ve lived until now.

I have no hesitation in continuing to do things that way, and since I’m here already, I’ll undoubtedly live with the intention of being our history’s greatest and wisest ruler.

...Yet... yes...

I suppose... I feel slightly lifeless inside...

Mm...

 

[Someone knocks on the door.]

 

Hajime: Hm? Ah... Come in.

 

Koi: Hajime-san~! Thank you for all your hard work! It’s three o’clock, so that means it’s your teatime!

 

Kakeru: Let’s have a little break~!

 

Hajime: Ah, yes. That’s right. Could you place it down there?

 

Koi: *whispering* Kakeru-san, Kakeru-san! We were right; Hajime-san’s a little dispirited.

His splendid rabbit ears are now twenty-five degrees flopped to the front!

 

Kakeru: *whispering* They’ve gone down five whole degrees since we last saw him! We can’t let this happen. That’s why we gotta go through with the strategy, Koi!

 

Koi: *whispering* Roger!

...Umm, Hajime-san! Today is! A special day!

 

Hajime: Special?

 

Kakeru: Why, yes, oh yes! The tea itself, too!

Today we’ve specially used Haru-san’s very own homegrown tea leaves for this milk tea, and we even have Aoi-san’s homemade cheesecake~!

 

Hajime: ? Was today some sort of holiday...?

 

Koi: Not really a holiday... But it’s more like, for Hajime-san’s sake or something~... Or that because spring’s here, or whatever~!

 

Hajime: ...What?

 

Kakeru: ARGH! Anyway, today we’re not having a tea party inside! We’re having a tea party in the courtyard! Yes!

Let’s head on out, out, LET’S GO, SIRREE, HAJIME-SAN!!

 

Koi: Exactly! Let’s go outside!! Hajime-san!!

 

Hajime: ?? Hey...

 

[Kakeru and Koi tug on Hajime’s arms but he doesn’t budge.]

 

Kakeru, Koi: *straining* Ngggh...!

 

Kakeru: Hajime-san! This is where you’re supposed to let us tug you along, like, “Whoa-whoa-whoaaa!”

 

Hajime: Huh? ...Oh, is that so? Sorry about that.

 

Koi: Not even the two of us working together could get him to move! What’s that supposed to mean!? Dangit, warrior-scholars are absolute beasts of their own!!

 

Hajime: ...I have my power as the King, too.

 

Kakeru: No need for a serious response like that right here and now, Hajime-san!!

AAAGH, gosh, at this point... please just walk there on your own two feet! Come on, come on, hurry, hurry!

 

Koi: Hurry, hurry...!

 

Hajime: Ngh—Hey, there, don’t push me. Argh, fine, I understand. I just need to go there, do I?

 

-

 

[Haru is pouring tea.]

 

Aoi: Wow... That color of tea is absolutely divine.

 

Haru: Fufu~ Isn’t it? I put in earnest efforts to make these tea leaves what they are now, after all.

Aoi-kun, your homemade cake was baked to a fine hue, too. It looks delicious from its appearance alone.

 

Aoi: Thank you! I put in hard work to make it. I just hope... it’s as delicious as it looks, though.

 

Arata: I also did my best. Watching over the baking process, that is. That’s why I bet you’ll be fine.

 

Haru: It’s just like you to say that. Good work, you two.

...Perhaps the King could cheer up with this, if only a little.

 

Aoi: Hajime-san’s been... rather dejected lately, hasn’t he?

 

Arata: If the King isn’t happy, the people in the castle... actually, that’s not all. Every single citizen of the kingdom acts a shade more gloomy as a result.

 

Haru: Why, yes, exactly~. Thanks to that, the domestic market is also quite gloomy~

The stock prices are steadily going down slowly but surely. At this rate, the national property asset value of locations in the kingdom will start decreasing—

Er... Forget you heard that.

 

Arata: Haru-san. You’re the Chancellor, yet you’re pretty much working as the Minister of Finance at this point, too.

...*mumbling* Now that’s a cheapskate for you—

 

Aoi: Stop that, Arata! That word gives a bad connotation. Haru-san just... likes making a profit.

I know he’s one of the best our kingdom has to offer in observing the stock market and short-selling, but his actions are just barely avoiding conflict with the law! ...At least, I hope so.

 

Haru: Aoi-kun. I know you were trying to back me up there, but you didn’t help my case at all.

 

Arata: ...I wonder why Hajime-san’s so down in the dumps.

 

Haru: Hmm... I doubt it’s an illness of some sort. Because in that case, we’d be able to tell, even if he tried to hide it. I’m only going off of a guess, but... perhaps he doesn’t have a reason behind it.

 

Arata: Aah...

 

Haru: See, anyone and everyone has these... periods of instability from time to time. Even if there’s no reason for them to feel that way.

Hajime’s the King, so he remains stronger and more upright than anyone else on a daily basis. Still, I think those moments plague him occasionally.

 

Arata: Is that how it is? I wouldn’t have expected anything less of the King’s number one assistant, the one who received a divine revelation to become Chancellor.

There’s just this inherent understanding between you two.

 

Haru: It doesn’t have to deal with me having the revelation or whatnot. It’s because Hajime and I... were friends.

We’ve known one another for so long, which is why we know much more about one another, compared to others.

 

Aoi: When Hajime-san’s gloomy... you’re a bit despondent too, aren’t you, Haru-san?

 

Haru: I guess so. It does throw me off my usual mood.

 

Arata: My, my, that must give you a hard time. Looks like we’ll have to get Hajime-san back in a good mood, no matter the cost.

 

Haru: Ahaha! That’s true.

...Oh, he’s here! The King has arrived~

 

Koi: Everyone~! We apologize for keeping you waiting!

 

Kakeru: We’ve brought over Hajime-san!

 

Hajime: What in the world are you... ...Oh...

 

Aoi: Hajime-san, we’ve been waiting for you!

 

Hajime: ...Aoi. Not you, too. What’s going on here?

 

Arata: Today, we’re... having a flower-viewing!

 

Hajime: ...Flower-viewing?

 

Haru: You heard right, Hajime. We discussed having a flower-viewing with the group.

See? Check it out. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

 

Hajime: The cherry blossoms... ...Ah. I see.

 

Koi: You see, don’t you, Hajime-san? Beautiful cherry blossoms, a blue sky, and the warm sunshine...

Yet again, our Black Rabbit Kingdom is peaceful as always today. It’s a relaxing day for us to wonderfully spend time at our own leisure!

 

Kakeru: And that, too, is thanks to our King being here. It’s thanks to everyone being here, working our best with all our efforts!

Working hard’s fantastic!

 

Aoi: So, that’s why we were all discussing this. We could take a bit of a break from work and maybe watch the flowers!

 

Arata: Let’s not think about difficult stuff today. We’ll thank Hajime-san for his strenuous efforts and get him to thank us for our efforts.

Let’s partake in some delicious tea, desserts, check out the cherry blossoms, and take a few naps. Doesn’t that sound nice?

See, please sit over here.

 

Hajime: Ah—Ah... Er, I understand.

 

Haru: Ahaha! Bewilderment is written all over your face, Hajime.

You’ve been seeming a little gloomy these days, so everyone’s worried about you.

 

Hajime: ...Haru... ...Guys...

 

Haru: Well, then~. I’ve poured a specially delicious milk tea, so how about we take Arata up on his offer? Why don’t we space out once in a while?

I can assume that the King has a lot going on, but we’re here with you. Take it easy, take it easy ♪

Sound good to you?

 

Hajime: ......You’re... right.

 

Haru: Come here. Spring’s just around the corner.