Happy Life
Auto-translated
Upon returning home, Ayano warns the villa servants about Minako's situation and asks them to be ready to receive her at any moment should she approach them with a problem or a request for help, and to provide assistance to the best of their ability, escalating the request to one of the primary residents here if absolutely necessary—whenever possible.
- Please do this should the need arise. Not only will I personally be grateful, but you will also be performing an objectively positive and godly act. Though, if you happen to meet her, you won't need any further motivation—your heart will tell you the answer itself... Onegai, - she emphasizes her request with a textbook smile, tailored for a working person, such that even the slowest among them could understand that it was in their highest interest—not so much due to the inevitability of punishment otherwise, but more out of a sense of dignity, professionalism, and the chance to make a good impression on the villa's residents.
"How heavy all this is..." - she sighs after this event concludes. - "What could be simpler than, being a person 'of my position,' simply ordering whoever needs to do what needs to be done under threat of punishment?.. But I'll leave that to the figure of hime denki. A working person deserves gratitude for their labor more than anyone, and even if they receive it nowhere else, as long as they behave decently, they will find mutual respect at least from me"
Among other things, she leaves a short message for Naria in case she returns early, briefly stating without details that she "did go to help a friend after all." After thinking for a while about whether to mention the people involved, she ultimately decides to omit it. All of this can be voiced verbally upon return, if necessary.
Finally reaching her room, she collapses onto the bed and stares for a while at the rivets on the ceiling beam with a blank gaze, running through everything that needed to be considered before departure. People... shopping... sanctuary... warnings... ... ... mmm... snapping her fingers, she jumps off the bed and unpacks the paintings bought at "Cherry," which she hadn't yet gotten around to.
Spending some time measuring where everything would go and how it would look most harmonious, she finally performs all the necessary actions and completely replaces the decor in her room.
Nodding with satisfaction, she rolls up the sleeves of her black dress... and pauses for a few seconds. Shaking her head at herself, she unrolls them before they can damage the fabric and changes into her journalist dress, which doesn't have such a problem in principle.
I. Suburbs
<adds to item 2>
- How Penelope - manager. A dark personality with obscure methods.
- Lexia - lapdog.
- Kudereva Krasotulya - photographer. A lewd rabbit, though not as much as the previous one.
<adds to item 6>
- Imai Kenshiro - warrior. A man of my culture, missing in action.
- Servant A;
- Servant B;
- Servant V;
- Servant G;
- Servant D;
- Servant E;
- Servant Yo;
- Servant Zh;
- Servant Z;
- Servant I;
- Servant J;
- Servant K;
- Servant L;
- Servant M;
- Servant N;
- Servant O;
- Servant P;
- Servant R;
- Servant S.
9. Training Ground - a place of triumph and suffering.
- Hiragi Miyuki - delinquent student;
- Zom Matthias - bully student;
- Ferlutzi Tenok - peasant student;
- Wanderlust Suiyen - powerhouse student;
- Yun Sima - artist student;
- Anpan - NV student;
- Kizdam Kanchang - pie student;
- Zunbach Hugon - bully student;
- Amirega - hermit student;
- Gnilomud Heinos - foul-mouthed student;
- Antimach Jilo - grumpy student;
- Ssinarz Pion - barbarian student.
II. Port
6. Aquamarine - event planning agency.
7. Ikigai - sanatorium for soul and body.
- Musicians (A, B, V or however many there were) - my "countrymen" from the Mitsurugi islands; still didn't figure out if they are acquaintances or not.
III. Business Center
13. Cherry - a cat shop of all sorts of things.
- Nyanko - saleswoman. A kitty who loves money.
IV. Ceremonial District
<adds to item 1>
- Tellus Solitaria - waitress and cashier. Likely read too many novels and craves excitement.
- Tellus Yufinia - waitress and cashier. Hasn't left an impression yet.
V. Emerald District
<adds to item 12>
- Rewipe Enio - salesman. Cheerful disposition, but a broken nose; likely due to customers' dissatisfaction with the establishment's policy.
13. Dryad - shoe store; closed for visits for some reason, probably by invitation only (strange method).
VI. Center
<adds to item 8>
- Goldia - sister. A healthy person's Bruno.
11. River Bank - a quiet and peaceful place that makes one want to return.
VII. 69th District
5. Linette's House - Linette's house.
- Uliss Linette Saturnia - mercenary. (place left empty for now)
VIII. 39th District
<adds to item 1>
- Darwening Erephir Linel - boss. Took up the burden of leadership after an accident.
- Luxe Beata - warrior. Presumably Tamaris Gillon's woman; tall, curvy blonde with a tough character.
The narrative section also received its share of entries:
- Met a young lad—should wrap the furniture in plastic so he doesn't smudge it; gave him omiyage, and he decided first thing in the morning to share his inadequacy in all areas of life, as if I were his personal psychiatrist. Inuchyan already managed to break her legs somewhere and rip her stockings to shreds, ending up appearing in platforms so hideous that I didn't have the heart to tell her. Well, what do I know about imperialist fashion. Reached the emerald district, Snow Maiden was already there—looking at me with such sourness that it could spoil a pregnant woman's milk. So we arrived at the place, the manager pretends he didn't recognize her—almost shoved a contract into her hands, it would have been a funny scene if not for its sad subtext. "It's okay, I just planned to kill you" - "yeah, scammers conspiring." ...???... Such hopeless stubbornness made me give up. Well, that's it—goodbye. Don't quite remember what happened next, but someone probably hit her on the head pretty hard. Better if that hadn't happened. She hopped off to gnaw carrots in the end as if nothing had happened—in one ear and out the other; I wish I had such spontaneity. Chatted about something, then an unexpected meeting occurred with my teacher, or someone looking like her—in miniature format. Hard to say if it was her or just a coincidence as a composite image... But I wouldn't be surprised by such a possibility anymore. Also said he reconciled with Denka—went without me, apparently. Idiot. Who knows what could have happened to him?.. Oh well, got lucky this time. Finished discussing work matters and parted ways. I was very worried about Inuchyan—she might be older and stronger than me, but these "winners" in life are capable of getting into trouble out of thin air. So I'm not even ashamed of my worry.
- Stopped by the konbini to win the lottery—and indeed won, just not what was promised. Strange girl behind the counter, behaved completely inappropriately. And now I think—what if it was that situation where a robber attacks a store, and when a customer arrives, kicks the real cashier under the counter, threatening them with an ephemeral, and serves the customer himself as if nothing's wrong? I hope that wasn't the case, but it would explain a lot, especially since I'd never seen her before. Visited the seamstress, ordered a robe. How old is the old man now?.. Dangerous question and therefore rhetorical, but he has been with me long before arrival. On the way back, stopped by the agency; I wouldn't say this little man is among the first who come to mind at the word "friend," but the fact that he participated in the "box" and there is understanding between us is a fact. Immediately regretted it as he started recruiting me again, but it's a dead end—I have so many layers of barriers that he would fall into complete sediment. Nevertheless... It was nice talking; perhaps I will move him to that category after all. Also had a strange premonition of something bad, but I think it's just fatigue, plus the quirkiness of gray-hairs. Before bed, stopped by the rabbit hutch, decided to lay the cards on the table. Maybe they're right that it's better to do it before it's too late, damn it. It worked out, but somehow strangely. But now I think—could it have come out not strangely? Complex matters for conversation.
- Asked around for fun regarding the standard question, everyone is for it. Did they conspire? Or maybe I acted stupidly and over-insured myself? Hard to say... But the conditions were accepted in the end, no attempt to squeeze more. Again, strange, although maybe it's excessive suspicion. Along the way, found out a couple of things—that I can now "legitimately" receive from Denka as I did upon arrival, well thanks, just wonderful; and also, that the cheerful gherkin isn't who he claims to be, or who he thinks he is. This time it was easier to steady my own heart—after two successful previous attempts; but still, looking into his deadened eyes was tough. However, this time I had no right to give vent to negativity—tried to support him as soon as I could. Thank Kami, it all worked out. I don't know how I would have looked into the eyes of his comrades later. ...however, the thesis about the existence of a "brain worm" in his head I didn't quite understand. But probably better not to attach much importance to it and forget about it. Some things are better left unsaid and never returned to.
- Was spinning like a flea on a comb. Studying, working double shifts, visiting restaurants and shops? Hanging out with friends, wandering under the moon, hustling in production? All this should be done at the appropriate age—fifteen or sixteen. At my seventeen and a half, it's already too late; time to settle down and switch to a more appropriate pace. If this is life, then I can only sympathize with the "lifers" for their chronic sleep deprivation and feet worn down to the bone. But probably, for those in the same position as me, it's part of the genre. Either way... Kamimori is finally built—quite a few people came to the opening—and this fact fills my heart simultaneously with triumph, strength, and peace. When I close my eyes, I can feel the direction toward the jinju, as if it were the pole of the earth and I were a compass. All this is only because the Kamisama-tachi of this place accepted me. The tragic events of June are almost forgotten now, and I hope that the holiness of this place will help appease those souls in the memory of the universe.
- Gave Inuchyan a sword—she liked it. Got a tip, so serious preparation lies ahead. Management wasn't stingy, ordered gear—I didn't understand anything about it, but experts say everything is normal. However, parallel to this, mysterious announcements shook the air—just when Denka drove off. Our presence was undesirable before, and now it's outright illegal. Why such a sudden flip-flop and personnel reshuffle? It's all strange and ominous, but what to do? Without a paper, you're nobody. Probably easiest would be to go into the forest or leave this country, but I'm already so deep in the web that it's not an option... Decided to look the law in the eye; maybe personal acquaintance was the reason, or maybe something else, but I managed to avoid a sad fate and even preserve my life's work—for now. I would have liked to relax then, but I feared for the second one, and there they suddenly arranged an additional session of soul therapy for me. If I were paying for this, such a turn would be understandable, but here... apparently, "another's soul is not your own," quote from some great man or even a wolf. Worried for nothing—Inuchyan passed her test without problems. At the time, it seemed to me that I had overthought these things, but now post-factum the thought comes—maybe my conversation influenced the second one too? Even if not at the level of sincere emotional communication, at least banally tired him out and caused a desire to get the business over with quickly? He's not the type to approach these things sloppily, but who knows—we are all humans with our various moments.
- No one in X, went to pray, had to search. Walked through the territory—birds, pleasant fresh breeze, peace and grace. Showed what's what here, it was pleasant to see understanding in the eyes—culture lessons didn't go to waste. ...Finally, everyone who was needed gathered where they were needed—discussed the plan for a long time, but the picture seems outlined, all that's left is to execute. Later stopped by the school "by mistake"—didn't get anything informative out of it, but found another neck to risk. Wonderful. But I had nothing to answer to the phrase "we either all go or we don't go at all." What kind of good argumentation is possible here, can anyone suggest?.. That's why it didn't occur to me in the moment. Bought another swordswoman. Or spearwoman?.. Hard to say, and negotiations were not easy. What price should each have? I've never measured people with hard coin. Denka wouldn't have been bothered, had she been here—she would have thrown money at any problem, but in her absence, I can rely only on my own means and judgment. Well, it seemed to go normally. Walked through the forest, chatted nicely, decided to roll this business out in one-two—a naive wish, perhaps, but it sets a good mood. At home, Inuchyan suddenly pleased me with episodes of further atrocities by her delightful comrades. Over the last few months, I've already managed to put my pride in a hole and even cover it slightly with soil, but such stories picked at the wound. I was and remain completely right in my assessment—her nation does not deserve the right to influence, and essentially, to exist.
- A busy morning at the sanctuary eventually turned into a busy full day. It was pleasant to see the genuine interest of guests in spiritually healthy matters, but that's understandable given their occupations and outlook on life. Strange that for decades Arselia couldn't answer their torments, but this strangeness is just a figure of speech. I have no goal nor desire to notice specks in the eyes of colleagues, but so far everything indicates that I was right, and life on a sole agenda of martial law is unable to satisfy the soul and pacify the heart. I hope that at least now they will succeed. Besides them, new faces dropped by—and both for the same question. I'm not the only one with problems, that's for sure... Met her that same evening and experienced a complex feeling. I really don't want to think about it and hope my guess is wrong, but a sacrificial ghost-box coming as a set with a kimono is not a very good sign. Who sewed it and why—or was it even sewed? And if so, from what material?..
- Morning could have been better. Decided to try and recruit the only ideal person for my task, and in the end spent the next hour listening to childish reflections on life and all such things. Did I also once be rude to adults, try to lecture them and get upset that they didn't take me seriously? ... ... ... No, that definitely never happened, otherwise the abbot's stick would have broken my spine long ago. Unlike loose empires, we wouldn't mince words. But the girl healed me a bit—thanks for that. Only it seemed to me that she agreed reluctantly, simply not daring to contradict me—maybe out of politeness, or maybe because of my registration. If that's truly the case, it's monstrous; I hope it's not.
- Stopped by some "Aquamarine"—thought it was a coincidence, but it turned out to be exactly what it seemed. There we exchanged gifts, and I was finally recruited where it's "needed." I didn't want to, but since there's no longer a need to hide in corners from colleagues, and if the textbook door is already open, what excuses do I have left that my conscience wouldn't whistle at? Maybe you can suggest some?.. Nothing again? Well, that's what I thought. Remembered one moment and visited the squid, tried for a long time to steer the conversation where it needed to go, in the end had to remind him bluntly. Surprisingly, he succeeded! I don't wish to spend a single unit of energy delving deeper into this event, but beyond everything else—it was nice to see him, though it sounds very warped in the context of such relationships. It's time he did something with his life; ultimately it's his decision and no one has the right to push him in one direction or another, but as a well-acquainted person, I have the moral right at least to point it out. Whatever virtue tact may be for my great people, one shouldn't confuse respect with indifference.
- Warned the boss about the news, she didn't fly off the handle, which is good. Says an "album" will be released soon. I only hope none of my acquaintances see it. Although there can't and shouldn't be anything like that there, but still... it's somehow awkward. Went to my room, and both guests were already there. Showed and told everything, doubted a bit along the way, but the girl, evidently, approached the matter seriously and with interest, not under duress. Good. Had I noticed something, I wouldn't have pushed—such a thing would be needed neither by Kami nor anyone else. Next day stopped by the "chair"—and again underestimated snowy persistence. Probably should have phrased it differently or hidden the information altogether. In the end, stuck like a bath leaf. Doesn't she understand where she's going? Or maybe she understands very well and that's exactly why she's going? Perhaps she's the only person on Anuzish who cannot be defeated there?.. Blegh. ...Stopped by the "neighboring institution." Wanted to do it for a long time, but it was never on the way, and now I had to—if not now, then when? Rumors didn't lie—Kalinka-Malinka. Probably the last person I expected to see in such a capacity. Or maybe the opposite, the first? Something was clearly lacking in her life; it was visible at the first glance at her self-neglecting appearance. Glad she finally found something positive. And the place is pleasant—surely it wasn't easy to find a relatively calm piece in this chaotic box-like heap. All this put me in a mood that I decided to walk to the river—and there was a colleague. Turns out catastrophes happened in her life too, but whether she coped with them is an open question. Looks like yes, but who knows what exactly might be hidden behind it. I hope our inevitable success allows her to turn this page. ...Settled final affairs at the sanctuary, steadied my heart. Time to pack the briefcase—and hit the hay.
Finishing with the diary and stretching, Ayano spends the next half hour playing with Castor, until finally covering his cage with a cloth and lying down to sleep.
My sword, my trusted ally, unphased by my aspect.
