Ikoku Meiro no Croisee Volume 1

-=Only for Use by EXM=-

Ikoku Meiro no Croisée 01

Page 1
Grandfather : Claude!
[Ikoku Meiro no Croisée]{translates roughly to : Encounter in a Foreign labyrinth}

Grandfather : Hey, I just got back. My shopping trip to Japan was a great success!
Nothing but rare goods that'll have the customers piling in.

Grandfater : Take a look. This is only one part of the spoils.
Claude : I'm sure they're all nice
but Gramps...

Claude : don't tell me that Japanese doll is a part of it too.....

Page 2-3
[Ikoku Meiro no Croisée] {translates roughly to : Encounter in a Foreign labyrinth}
[Part 1 : Entrance]

Page 4
Grandfather : Ah, the girl
Apparently her family decided that she needed to start her "apprenticeship".

Grandfather : She said she wanted to work in Paris, so I brought her back with me.
Claude : You can't be serious..

(bow)
Claude : ?! / She fell over
Grandfather : Haha, it's called "bowing".

Page 5
[The end of the 19th Century / Around the time Japan had released it's ban on foreign entry and a craze for western culture began to develop.]
[Europe was the opposite though. They passionately welcomed the refreshing values of Japanese culture.]

[Alongside of that, this was also a period of massive modernization, with intense changes for both the people and their surroundings.]

[In the first half of the century, much was made of the newly established commerce. As well as the Galerie du Roy, seen here.]{Galerie du Roy translates roughly to 'Shopping Arcade of the King'}

[A remnant of a wave from the past]
[and on the verge of closing for good]

Page 6
Grandfather : Really though, I happened upon some truly curious items while in Japan.
Like this one. I'm sure any collector would jump on the chance to have it, no matter the price.

Claude : Gramps..
Your little souvenirs are okay for now / they'll make us a small profit.

Claude : But I hope you haven't forgotten exactly what kind of shop we run here.
We specialize in iron-made designs. "Enseignes du Roy". {translates roughly to 'Emblems of the King'}

Gramps : Stop getting so worked up. I have signboards and iron goods as well.

Gramps : The iron-made lighting they had in Japan was interesting as well. / These 'paper lanterns' could act as a signboard on a shop too.
Claude : ...that's all fine.

Claude : What I really want to know about...
Gramps : Just hear me out, Claude.

Page 7
Gramps : This girl
was known as "the best 'attraction' in Nagasaki".

Claude : Huh?
Gramps : In Japan they're called "shop girls", and they're excellent at attracting customers to a shop.

Gramps : In fact, this girl was the center of attention no matter where I went.
Well, I'm sure you'll understand after you spend some time together.

Gramps : Yune / This man, Claude, is the owner of this shop. Why don't you introduce yourself.
Yune : Okay, Oscar-sama.

Page 8
Yune : My name is Yune... I'm very pleased to meet you, master.

Claude : Eh....

Claude : Gramps you're a real pervert. / What's wrong with you, teaching her such a slave-like pose.
Gramps : Y-You've got it all wrong, Claude

Gramps : That's how they introduce themselves Japan. / It's a convenient pose that combines both gratitude and apology into one.
Claude : Like I care!

Page 9
Claude : What are you going to do about her expenses?
Gramps : Don't worry. She hardly eats anything at all. / Only a little bit of bread and she's set.

Gramps : For you to be so blind to the joys of a Japanese woman
You truly are a man completely lacking of pleasure.

Gramps : Yune / This man is obstinate by nature. Please don't let it bother you.
Yune : Okay
Claude : Hey! Don't teach her strange things like that!

Gramps : There's no need for concern there either. / She only understands enough French to make a simple introduction.
Claude : ? / What did you say?

Page 10
Claude : Are you telling me she's just nodding her head without understanding a single word we say?
Gramps : She's very skilled at understanding the situation around her.

Gramps : Oh come on. Nothing wrong with her nodding to your every desire.

Claude : This is just getting more and more ridiculous.
Yune and this country of hers.

Claude : It seems like you're implying that we should use that girl as an attraction here / but this shop was entrusted to me, and it's my duty to protect it.
Claude : Please spare me these charades of yours.

Page 11
Yune : As you wish, Claude-sama.

Page 12
Gramps : Whoa! You've really worked your magic on this workshop.
To think of how filthy it was from all the soot and dust.

Gramps : Not even a trace left.

Gramps : What do you think? Isn't Yune is a hard-worker?

Gramps : But after bringing this little "shop girl" so far, I'd love to see her out front more...
Yune, you still have that gorgeous kimono that you showed me before, right?
Yune : Yes

Gramps : That one with the long sleeves that almost look like they'd drag on the floor when you walk...
I'm sure if we have you wear that and stand out front we'd really get some attention then.

Gramps : Oh, and take this paper lantern with you too...
Claude : ....Hey

Page 13
Claude : I thought I told you not to start any trouble.
Yune, your cleaning is fine, but don't move anything. / What happened to the ink that was right here?

Gramps : Yune, he means the 'sumi'. {sumi = ink in Japanese}
Yune : ! Right away

Claude : What's up with those annoying, fluttering sleeves of hers.
Gramps : What are you saying / The way they swing so prominently like that...

Claude : Wait Yune. Your sleeve...!

Page 14
(CRASH)

Yune : I-I'm terribly sorry!!
Gramps : ....Claude

Claude : .....I only
just finished repairing this one.

Page 15
Claude : This exquisite design laced with illumination is the signboard for a fine arts dealer.
It was my father's work.

Claude : ....I think you should hurry back to Japan.
Gramps : Claude...

Claude : All the more if you're thinking you'll pass as a "shop girl" or whatever it was here!
Gramps : Claude!

Claude : ..I know. I don't understand anything about Yune.
However / she doesn't know anything about us either / am I wrong?

Page 16
Claude : Our 'Galerie du Roy' is in a difficult financial position. / Another year and it'll be finished.
That's why right now is so crucial for us.

Claude : Did you notice the signboard decorating the gallery entrance?
It was created by my father and grandfather, originally blacksmiths, by request from a customer.

Claude : My father is now dead, and my grandfather no longer has the skill for it he used to.

Page 17
Claude : This shop has been here ever since that sign came to represent the gallery.

Claude : As well as the neighboring used clothes shop
and the stamp shop beyond that
all of the signboards in the gallery

Claude : Were made over three generations, by our family.
They're proof of our skill, and our pride.

Claude : In the past, there was a large workshop nearby.
They took part in the resulting gallery interior you see today.

Claude : From the lighting in front of the shops
to the chandeliers, and even the facades...

Page 18-19
Claude : The past 50 years of our work is held within these walls.
Right now, my only job is to entrust myself to this gallery, and keep our shop alive.

Claude : It's nothing to do with you personally
but you won't ever become a shop attraction here.

Claude : The same way those long sleeves of yours have no meaning in this country.

Gramps : Claude..
Claude : What does it matter. Yune doesn't understand what we say anyhow.

Page 20
(clang clang)

Claude : Yune, are you in there?

(knock knock)
Claude : Yune / About that signboard earlier
Yune : ! / Yes!

(opening)
Claude : I was about to head over to the owner's shop...

Claude : WAH
What are you doing? Why are your sheets on the floor?

Page 21
Claude : Not to mention that colorful fabric...

Claude : Yune...?

Gramps : (That's how they greet each other in Japan)
(It combines both gratitude and apology into one..)

Claude : Come on, stop doing that already.

Claude : If you're worried about the signboard, it's back to normal. I was just about to head over and put it back up.

Yune : ....Claude-sama!
I... I'll apologize to the customer
Claude : Yune

Page 22
Claude : Apologizing isn't the solution for everything, you know.

Yune : Claude-sama!

Yune : Here.....
Claude : ? / This fabric?

Claude : A kimono?
You want to apologize with a gift this time?
Yune : Yes

Claude : ... are you sure? Isn't this yours?

Claude : Alright, I get it. I'll offer it to the fine arts store this signboard belongs to.
Thanks.

Page 23
Yune : Master!{this phrase has no meaning, it's like a smiley face... :D.. so you can change this to whatever you deem appropriate really, it won't matter.. she's basically just feeling happy that he understood her intentions}

Man : Claude

Man : You've done a wonderful job repairing that beauty of your fathers. I was hoping I could get your assistance with a lamp this time.

Claude : Oh, of course.
Man : By the way, I've been a little curious

Page 24
Man : about the origin of that peculiar piece you have there...
where did you find it?

Claude : Oh, this?
(grin)
It seems it's pretty rare.

Man : ...I'll buy it from you. What do you say ?
Claude : I'm holding this for one of our important clients.

Claude : ....but depending on my commission as an intermediary, I might be able to part with it.
Man : ...Alright, now you're talking.

Book : [The Little Bees / word play]

Page 25
Yune : Claude-sama!
Claude : Yune
Were you waiting for me?

Claude : Here / This is for you.

Claude : I picked it up on my way back / It's a picture book for young children.

Gramps : Claude...
Claude : If we're going to have you learn some words, we should probably start with something around this level.

Yune : Thank you so much!
Claude : Come on, I told you to stop doing that.

Page 26
Claude : A
Abeille (Bee) {Parenthesis are the translations from French. It doesn't make sense to put the English as the main because then it wouldn't go in alphabetical order}
B
Bonbon (Candy)
C
Chèvre (Goat)

E
Enseigne (signboard)
Book : [une fille (a girl)]

L
Livre (Book)
M
Magasin (Shop)

Page 27
Gramps : Hm?

Gramps : Isn't that Yune's..

Gramps : Why is it here...
...."sold"?!

Gramps : About this kimono here..

Man : Hey, Oscar / I have to thank you. It sold for an extraordinarly high price.

Page 28
Gramps : Hey Claude. Yune's kimono was..
Claude : Oh you heard?

Claude : Can you believe we got 500 Francs for it?
All thanks to Yune.
Gramps : Claude!

[*About 500,000yen.]

Gramps : That kimono...
it was the most expensive kimono she owned...
and a memento of her mother....

Claude : ...?!
What?!

Claude : But Yune, she... she said...
Gramps : ...You know, now Yune

Gramps : all she has left are plain kimonos, and I doubt she'll even want to go out front anymore either.

Page 29
Claude : (you won't ever become a shop attraction here)

Claude : You don't mean...! / I thought you said that she didn't understand what we were saying.
Gramps : Well / that was my impression at least...

Gramps : Yune doesn't really speak up very much so...

Gramps : Wait, Claude

(slam)
Claude : Yune!

Claude : Why didn't you tell me
Was that really your mother's memento?!

Page 30
Yune : .....yes.

Yune : Claude-sama!
Claude : I'll go get it back.

Yune : No you cant! Please!
Claude : Why not! Don't you care about your mother's memento?!

Yune : I was taught by my mother / that a good woman will throw away anything for the sake of her master.
Claude : ....what a ridiculous mother.

Page 31
Yune : Please wait!!

Yune : If you take the kimono back it will hurt the shop's "signboard"!

Claude : our signboard...?
Yune : In japan, our "signboard" was equivalent to our credibility.

Yune : It would be the highest disgrace to me.... / if we were to lose... the trust... of the people here in the gallery!

Page 32
Claude : ....Yune? You've only been here for two days. / Why would you go so far for us?

Yune : My master is Claude-sama, and his beloved 'Galerie du Roy'.

Page 33
Yune : I... I want to become a part of the family here.

Claude : ...this is the first time you've ever told me how you feel.

Claude : Yet despite the fact that you can... you don't.
Is this another custom of the Japanese?

Yune : I'm sor-
Claude : Stop it

Claude : I'm the one who should be in that position.

Page 34-35
Claude : I don't know much at all about your country.
However, I believe in your sincerity.

Claude : I promise, one day I'll pay you back for that kimono a thousand times over.
Until then, could you please watch over me and make certain that I'm really a creature worthy of your trust?

Page 36
Yune : ...Ye-
....Yes!

Claude : It's a promise. / I want you to make me a promise too.

Claude : Don't ever throw your precious things away again.
Yune : I promise!

Page 37
[19th century / For Europe, Japan was seen as a mysterious entity, and were shocked by their arts like Ukiyoe.]
[However, what surprised them even more, was Japan's way of life and unique way of thinking.]

Claude : Become a part of the family...huh.
I never thought about Yune's background.

Claude : I never imagined her to be an orphan.
Gramps : Huh. / She came from a wonderful family. / I even met with her father.

Claude : What?! / Then what was..

Page 38
Claude : ...Yune!
Hey, isn't one family good enough for you?

Yune : ...? / Is that wrong?
Claude : No....

Claude : Uhhhhh?
Gramps : Japanese culture isn't always easy. / It's true that they regard their coworkers as family though.
Claude : Oh really?

Claude : Oh yeah. Yune. / You won't be needing that picture book anymore.
Yune : No.

Yune : I promised you / that I wouldn't throw away my precious things anymore.

Gramps : She might be unexpectedly stubborn too.
Claude : I-I give up...

Page 39

Page 40

Page 41
[Part 1.1 : Breakfast]

Yune : Good morning
Gramps : Morning

Yune : You wake up so early here... even though it's still pitch black out.
(haha)
Gramps : We'll get less and less daylight from now on too.

Gramps : Claude
Go buy us some bread for breakfast.
Yune : Ah, I'll do it...!

Page 42
Claude : You wouldn't know where to go. Let's go together today.
Yune : ...Okay!!

Gramps : Can you get us some milk too?

Gramps : Yesterday, when I gave Yune some coffee, it seemed like it wasn't to her liking.

Claude : .....You didn't like it? But didn't you drink it all?
Yune : No... that was..

Gramps : Either way, I'm counting on you.
(jingle)
Yune : ...Okay!

(clack) {sound her wooden geta make}

Page 43
Claude : The bakery is up near the gallery entrance. / You could probably handle something like this if you just remember where to go.
Yune : Yes

Claude : Whoa there's a line...!
Probably lots of other children here to buy bread too.

Claude : Two whole loaves and one half.
Lady : Here you are.
(place)

Page 44
(nice and warm)

Yune : It smells good...
Claude : Doesn't it? It's the best.

Claude : Want to try some?
Yune : Eh... you mean.. right now?!

(rip)

(munch)
Claude : Right out of the oven is the best.

Claude : Here, Yune, you try a bite too.
Yune : Wha...! But I....!!

Yune : Um...
I, uh...
Claude : Here
Yune : Okay...

(chomp)

Page 45
(munch)

(shine)
Claude : You may be good at hiding when you don't like something, but your face really lights up when you do like it.

Gramps : A cafe au lait, complete with milk and sugar, just for Yune.

Gramps : Want to try it?
Yune : Ah... I'll eat later... don't worry about me...

Gramps : Don't be silly. Here.
Yune : O-Okay...

Page 46
(sip)

Yune : ...! Sweet...
Bitter....?
Gramps : I really had a hard time in Japan without those to keep me going.

Gramps : Milk was hard to come by... / Japanese people generally do without any dairy products at all.
Claude : Wow. So that means Yune isn't used to eating things with butter and milk?

Yune : N-no... I.. like them
Claude : What are you talking about. You know you can't eat them.

Gramps : You really didn't like that cheese at all, did you?
Yune : No...! That's not...

Page 47
Claude : If you don't like something, just say so.
Yune : You're wrong! It's not bad! I want to enjoy eating your food too!!

Claude : ....what's wrong with you all of a sudden.

Yune : It's just... you two always seem to be enjoying your food..
Claude : ...? / What?

Yune : I'd also like to learn to enjoy it as well....

Claude : There's no need to be in such a rush.
Yune : But...! I'm sure.. if I don't..!

Page 48
Yune : then I'll never actually learn..
how to make meals you'll enjoy..

Claude : It's fine

Claude : You really needn't rush.

[Part 1.1 : end]

Page 49
[Part 1.2 : Owner]

Sister : You really do love Japan, don't you, Alice.

Alice : But the feel of this silk...
This bold design that almost seems like it's flowing...

Alice : This year's birthday present
This kimono from you, sister, is really the most lovely thing ever!

Alice : Then on the other hand
Our father...

Page 50
Alice : gives me nothing but a promise! / Promising me ownership over the Galerie du Roy - what's that!
Sister : Oh. And what's so wrong with that.

Sister : Didn't your older brother receive the Grand Magasin in the same way?
Alice : But the Grand Magasin is really, super in style right now!

Alice : Mine is just some lowly, dying, poor excuse for a local shopping district!
Then in a year they'll knock it down and put up hotels!?

Sister : Oh, but that gown you're wearing / came from that "lowly" place.
Alice : Huh?

Page 51
Alice : I don't remember there being such a trendy shop there.
Sister : Hehe. Perhaps you'd like to pay them a visit?

Sister : If everything goes well, it will be yours anyhow.
And also

Sister : I heard a rumor that recently there's been a Japanese girl in and around the Galerie du Roy...
Alice : W-What was that?!

Gramps : Claude
Do you know who bought Yune's kimono?

Claude : Oh yeah, I forgot to ask.
Who was it?

Gramps : Lady Camille.
Claude : ?! / What?!

Page 52
Yune : Who is that?
Gramps : The daughter of the man who owns this gallery.

Gramps : If I'm not mistaken, I believe her younger sister, Alice, is a collector of Japanese related things...
Claude : ....this is bad.

Gramps : We should at least meet with her once / I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult to negotiate the return of the kimono.
Claude : ...no, she's probably the last person we should introduce to Yune!

Alice : Alright! Wait for me, my pretty little doll!
I'll make you mine soon enough!!

[Part 1.2 : end]

Page 53
[Part 2 : Lost Child]

Page 54
[End of the 19th Century - Paris]

[Galerie du Roy - A behind the times shopping arcade district]
[And on this corner we find, Enseignes du Roy]

[Where the Japanese girl, Yune, had only arrived just a few days earlier.]
Claude : Yune

Claude : You work hard, for having only just arrived here from Japan.
You follow orders, and can do anything from cleaning to mending / ....however

Page 55
Claude : The very second you finish, why do you stand over me staring?
Yune : I-Is that wrong?! I'm sorry!!

(stare)
Claude : Standing over there doesn't really change anything.

Yune : ...? What should I do then....?
Claude : What did you come to Paris for anyhow?

Yune : ...to learn.
Claude : Then, do you know about this here?

Yune : .....? Money?
Claude : No, the portrait.
It's the Goddess of Freedom, Arianne. / She represents what our country stands for.

Yune : Thank you very much! ....I remember now!
Claude : No, that wasn't...
What I'm trying to say is..

Page 56
Claude : You should do what you want to do, however you see fit.

Yune : I can't
Claude : Why not?

Yune : Um... do what I want to do?...
Claude : ...I was only trying to make it easier for you...

Yune : I just... I'd be more happy to receive some kind of work instead....
Gramps : Claude, it doesn't matter what, just give her some kind of job to do.

Claude : You really are a strange one.
Then watch the store for me.

Page 57
Yune : Okay!

Claude : .....Why does she get so excited over being commmanded around?
Doesn't she have any desires of her own?

Gramps : For the Japanese, they say "together we are one".
It makes her uneasy when she's not working together with us.
Claude : ...what a troublesome disposition.

Yune : The customers... aren't coming...

Page 58
Yune : Welcome to our store, Ma'am.
Are you looking for something?

(turn away)

Yune : I... Did I do something wrong...?
Claude : Yune, what are you doing!!

Page 59
Claude : It's because you were smiling so much when you spoke to her.

Claude : Of course you're going to put them on guard when you suddenly act overly friendly to someone you've only just met.
Yune : Eh.....?

Claude : When I tell you to watch the store, all that means is to sit there quietly and make sure the customers don't try anything strange.
Yune : EHHHH?!

Yune : .... / no smiles.... no greeting... he says

Claude : (People who smile at you right away are dangerous, and have other intentions.)
(Be careful of them)

Yune : (sigh).... / doing what I want.... is difficult....
Gramps : Yune

Page 60
Gramps : I'm going out for a bit.
Yune : O-Oscar-sama.. Isn't that a suitcase...?!

Gramps : I suddenly felt like going on a trip.
Yune : ...but... we only... just got here from Japan...

Gramps : I'll be back...
Let's see, maybe a week or three months or so..

Claude : Oh, let him be. It's a bad habit of his.
Yune : Claude-sama.. / ......okay...

Yune : .... / Have a safe trip....

Claude : ....Yune, you seem troubled. What's the matter?
Yune : No... it's just...

Page 61
Yune : ....that... he's leaving
while you're here protecting the shop... working... / ... is that really okay?...

Claude : Why are you worried about that?
Yune : ...! / I-I'm sorry....

Claude : There's no need to worry about me, just enjoy yourself.

Yune : [It's different from Japan... ...Paris' freedom...]
[freedom.... is that like not getting in the way...?]

Page 62
Yune : [A child... / cute]

(surprise)

(dash)
Yune : [Oh....]
Claude : Yune

Yune : !! / I-I'm sorry
Claude : You should be careful around filthy looking kids like that.

Yune : ...?! / ...you can... tell customers apart.. from their looks...?
Claude : I'm just telling you to be careful.

Page 63
Claude : They're the poorest of the poor who can't even buy bread.
They're desperate thieves.

Yune : But that's exactly why... you can't be unkind to them...
Claude : You're too soft.

Yune : Claude-sama.. don't you care about your customers...?!
Claude : I care more about your safety.

Yune : ...I don't understand...
...this is all... so opposite from Japan..
I... the customers are most important.... I want them to be happy...

Page 64
Yune : I came here to study... because I was so amazed with Paris...
Paris... this place... Claude-sama and everyone... / you're all my teachers...
I wanted to return the favor for everything you've given me / I wanted to be useful...

Yune : But I...
I-I'm not useful at all...
Claude : Yune....

Page 65
Claude : You don't need to do anything more than sit there / and call me if anything happens.
Yune : ...Okay.

(staring)

Yune : I just don't understand...

Yune : In this place... is it forbidden
to be kind to everyone?.....
(clatter)

Page 66
(creak)

Yune : The boy from before...!

Yune : ...What is it? Something you wanted to look at... maybe?

Yune : That one?

Page 67
(dash)

(rattle)
Yune : Eh....?

Yune : ...W-Wait...!!

(clatter)
Claude : Yune?

Page 68
Yune : Wait
[What should I do? It's my fault.]

Yune : Please!

Yune : Give it back...!!

Page 69
Yune : He's gone...?

Yune : Excuse me...

Yune : Did you see a boy pass by...

Yune : ...I'll go back for now... I have to tell Claude-sama...

(step step)

Yune : [...huh..?]

Page 70
[Where am I]

[I went back the way I came.... it should have been around here]

[The shops are so similar... they all look the same...]
[Where is our shop...?]

Yune : Claude... sama...

Page 71
Yune : Ah...
Um...

Man : Mademoiselle

Page 72
Man : Is there something wrong?
Come with me

(grip)

(People who smile at you right away are dangerous, and have other intentions.)
(Be careful of them)

Yune : W-Wait..!
I... I need to get back.
Man : There's no need to worry.

Yune : That's the wrong way!
That will... take us out of the Galerie du Roy!
Man : It's okay.

Yune : ...Let me go!
(slap)

Page 73
(hah hah){breathing hard}

Yune : Where...
(hah hah)
am I...?

I have to hurry....
and get back...

(grab)

Page 74-75
Claude : It's still too soon for you to be running off so far on your own.

Claude : I know I told you to be more independent, but still.
Yune : Claude-sama...

Page 76
Yune : I'm sorry... the merchandise was stolen...
It was my fault... / I was being too naive...

Claude : It's okay
Yune : But it was.. one of the precious things that you and your family made...!

Claude : Yune

Claude : I don't have a single piece of merchandise in that store that's worth more than your safety.

Page 77
(squeeze)

Claude : Are you scared of the people here?
Yune : ....yes

Yune : ...I'm sorry. If only I'd listened to you the first time...!
Claude : Don't misunderstand me. I wasn't saying that all the people here are scary.

Claude : ...Am I scary?
Yune : N-No..!

Claude : There's only one difference between the people you find scary and those you don't.
Yune : Huh...?

Page 78
Claude : Whether they know you well, or not.
Once they realize you're a good person, I'm sure everyone here will smile at you.

Claude : ....well, it's not actually that easy to become close acquaintances though.
The people here are often wary of others.

Claude : However, once you recognize someone as a friend

Claude : Treat them well for the rest of your life.

Claude : No matter what happens, your friendship alone will never change.
That's how it works here.

Page 79
Claude : Gramps

Claude : I thought you left on a trip.
Gramps : Nah, I was too worried about Yune. I decided to stay in Paris, at least for now.

Claude : ....so you say

Claude : Did you find one of your old lovers nearby or something?
Gramps : It's not an old one. Everything's riding on tonight.

Gramps : Here you go. One for Yune as well.
Yune : Eh...

Gramps : See you later. I'll be back tomorrow!

Gramps : Forgive me.
Yune : EH?

Page 80
Claude : That person there, in the past
was one of the great men who made Enseignes du Roy what it is today.

Claude : About the only thing I can do for him, is to protect that shop.
Yet I'm so small that I can't even manage that.

Claude : As long as he's happy, he can play around on his own all he wants for all I care.

Yune : ...I'm sorry.... earlier... I was a small person...
Claude : You're still small even now though.

Yune : ! / I didn't mean it that way!
(haha)

Yune : ....I
Like wanting to work just as much as everyone else..

Page 81
Yune : Like if I smile, I want to expect a smile in return... with people... there are so many decisions
I-I wasn't thinking of myself.

Claude : When you put like that, you could say the same thing about me.

Yune : No, Claude-sama is...
Claude : Look, you can see our shop now.

Claude : Enseignes du Roy.
Remember that sign well.

Page 82-83
Yune : ...I will
[I'll never lose sight of it]
Claude-sama

[His back is my...]

Yune : ...uh
Um...
Servant : Mademoiselle

Page 84
Servant : Hello there
Yune : Ah, from before...?!

Servant : I'm terribly sorry about before.
I am a servant of the Blanche family.

Servant : I was too abrupt earlier and freightened you, however
I was only trying to show you to our mansion.
Yune : What

Servant : These are an official invitation from my master.
Yune : I-I'm so sorry... you weren't a bad person after all!

Yune : I-I couldn't possibly... accept these... after how I treated you...!!

Servant : Please accept them / I will be scolded by my master if you don't.
Yune : I-I'm sorry!! I accept them!
(bow bow)
Claude : It's these exact kind of things that will get you lost again.

[Part 2 : end]

Page 85

Page 86

Page 87
[Part 2.1 : Japanese Labyrinth]

Gramps : Lost... and it was like a labyrinth?

Gramps : If this is a maze of stone and glass
(ha ha / ha ha)
then Nagasaki was a maze of trees and paper.

Claude : ...what do you mean paper?
Gramps : Windows are made out of paper in Japan.

Claude : ??? Paper windows?
Gramps : The doors and lights too. / Everything else is pretty much made of wood.

Claude : ...wow...
Gramps : Nagasaki was lined with short wooden houses.

Page 88
Gramps : It was just like I had become a giant.
I felt like I had gotten caught in some picture book about a land of tiny people.

Gramps : Their furniture was so small it reminded me of those you play house with.
And they used carpet made of dry grass for their floors.

Claude : G-Grass?!
Gramps : Yeah, it was very skillfully woven together.
You would sleep directly on top of it at night.

Claude : You really had it rough. Did you really live in such poor conditions?

Page 89
Gramps : No, Yune came from an elegant home. / You could see their traditional gardens through the large windows.

Gramps : Almost like miniture version of the surrounding landscape.
Claude : ....still small though.

Gramps : But even then
every where you looked it was so refined, you'd be surprised.

Claude : Japan huh...
That's right... It is where Yune came from, so it'd have to be tiny.

Claude : ...Does a country like that actually exist?
Gramps : Of course! It's a big world out there!
Yune : .... / I think you've got it wrong...

Page 90
Servant : Miss Alice / I have just returned from delivering your invitation to the young Japanese woman.

Alice : Ahh~ Well done!!
Say, what was she like?

Alice : Was she like this doll?
Or maybe more like this portrait?!

Alice : Which one of all my collection of Japanese goods is the closest?!
Servant : U-Uh well.. I suppose you could say they are all a good representation...

Page 91
Alice : Oh... then / this kind of woman actually exists
This woman in the portrait is right this second

Alice : in that little garden of ours... / somewhere within at most a few hundred miles of the gallery...!!
Servant : ....yes

Alice : With a kimono trailing behind her...
Servant : Yes

Alice : With this kind of black hair?!
Servant : ...Yes

Alice : With this pure white, long face?!
Servant : Uh well...

Alice : Ah, and then contorting herself like this
and spending the whole day lounging around?!
Servant : No.... that's....

Page 92
Servant : My lady... actually....
Alice : Ah~ I can't wait to see you.. my little Japanese doll
Servant : Lady Alice

Alice : What
Servant : I did hand over your invitation to her

Servant : However, it was declined at present.
Alice : WHAT?!

Alice : Don't mess around with me
Servant : A-Actually it was her master, Mr. Claudel, that...

Claude : (Yune, don't. / It's still too soon for you to attend those kind of parties)
(You'll only embarrass yourself)
Yune : (O-Okay)

Alice : ...Damn that Claude Claudel.
(glare)
I always thought he was an unpleasant man, but to do this..

Page 93
Alice : Fine then. Next time I'll go myself.
Me, the owner of that Galerie du Roy.

Alice : That's right... / Maybe I'll have a traditional Japanese garden or something built for her.
Ahh... when will I / be able to free her from his clutches..

Claude : ..you're right though. It really does remind you of playing house.

Page 94
Claude : Are you sure adult men drink sake from these?
It might be just the right size for Yune...

Claude : Here, hold it a second.
Yune : Okay

Claude : ...a perfect fit
...but you really do have tiny hands

Gramps : You know Claude. If they really do knock this place down next year...
maybe you should check out Japan?

Claude : Stop kidding around. / The gallery won't be destroyed.
Sorry, but I'm not going to Japan for anything

Claude : If everything there is this tiny, I'm scared I'd end up breaking it.
Gramps : It's a lot more sturdy than you'd think.

[Part 2.1 : end]

Page 95
[Part 3 : The Water's Glow]

Page 96
[19th Century Paris]
[A time when knowledge of Japan had only just emerged]

[Alone, boldly crossing over into Paris]
(dip)
[We find a young Japanese girl, working hard to adjust to their way of life]

Yune : Hm....
This should be okay...
(squeak)

Claude : Hey
Yune : Ahhh

Page 97
Yune : C-Claude-sama... Oscar-sama...
Claude : Yune, what are you doing sneaking around in here?

Yune : U-Um...
I was trying to find a way that I can eat your cheese...

Claude : Ugh... What did you cover it in?
And what is this rotting smell?

Yune : It's not rotting! It's soy sauce. Japanese sauce.
Claude : Are you serious?
Gramps : What an interesting use for the souvenir that I went to great lengths to get.

Claude : ...do they use this often in Japan?
Gramps : Yeah

Page 98
Gramps : In Japan... yeah, they'd season something like this with a large amount of soy sauce.
Claude : In beef stew?

Gramps : That really takes me back / It'd be nice to have some again.
Yune : Is that.. do you mean 'sukiyaki'?

Gramps : Yeah, that was it.
Yune : Then I can make some for you tomorrow night...
Claude : Wha- You're going to make it?

Claude : Are you sure? I mean it's got that sauce in it, right?
Gramps : It's only the fermentation that makes it smell. It's no different from cheese.

Gramps : This is a good opportunity for you to try some Japanese cuisine too.

Gramps : ...It's only for tomorrow.
If you don't like it, that'll be the end of it.

Page 99
Maid : Lady Alice

Maid : It'll be bad for your health if you soak in the tub too long.

Alice : This little bit won't kill me.
Hot water being bad for your health is a thing of the past.

Alice : The people of the Orient are actually ahead of us in that respect.
I even saw it in a recent Ukiyoe paiting! An illustration of their bathing!

Page 100
Alice : A grand open-style bath overlooking the gardens.
The bathtub full to the brim with naked people!

Maid : Oh my! How vulgar.
Alice : Oh what's wrong with it. That's what gives it that mystery of the orient feeling.

Alice : I have a day off from my lessons tomorrow
So I'm going to go see that Japanese girl.

Maid : 'That'... you mean the one that's been seen in and around Galerie du Roy...
Alice : The very one! Can you believe it?! She was right under my nose! On our very property!

Alice : Ah. I wonder what she's like.
I'm too excited to sleep tonight!

Page 101
(splash)

(rattle)
(splash)
Claude : ....I can't sleep.

(splash)
Claude : ....is that water?
That Yune is up to something again.

Claude : She's been sneaking around lately...
Seriously, it's the middle of the night...

Claude : .... the kitchen?

(open)
Claude : Hey. Do you know what time it is...

Page 102
Claude : Wha-

Yune : AHHH!
(slam)
Claude : AHHH!

Claude : Wha-
What are you doing?
Yune : U-Uh.. bathing...

Yune : I-I'm sorry you had to see me like that...
I'll clean things up...

(trip)

Page 103
(crash rattle bang)
Yune : AHHH!

Claude : Now what is it...
(swish)

(drip drip)
Yune : I-I'm sorry...

(rattle bang)
Gramps : ....Hey. Stop making so much noise at this hou-

Claude : Oh, good timing Gramps. / Can you check and make sure water didn't leak through to downstairs?
Yune : I-I'm sorry!!

Page 104
(tweet tweet)

Claude : A bath? Really...

Claude : Didn't I just take you there the day before last?
Yune : I'm sorry!!
Gramps : Now now.

Gramps : Yune has been holding back up until now.
Afterall, all houses in Japan come with a bath.
Claude : W-With a bath...?!

Claude : Yune came from that kind of luxurious house?

Page 105
Gramps : Water is plentiful in Japan / So it's normal for a person to take a bath everyday.
I too, often happened upon her on the way at night.
Claude : E-Everyday?! And what do you mean on the way...

Claude : I can't believe this ... / I thought baths were only for the rich to enjoy...

Yune : I'm sorry... I acted selfishly...
I won't do it again...
Claude : You better not / We'll really hear it from the neighbors if you waste that much water.

Yune : Okay....

Claude : Is Paris really that different from Japan?
Gramps : The amount available is different, at least.
Yune : ...yes....

Page 106
(jingle)
Claude : ...No choice I guess / I'll just have to take it out of our clothing costs or something.

Claude : Let's go
Yune : ....? Claude-sama..

Claude : We're covered in filth from scrubbing the floor last night.
I feel like a bath myself.

Yune : B-But... it's okay.. I don't...
Claude : Stop holding back.

Claude : I was the one who told you to take your time adjusting to the life over here.
It's the least you could do to follow my advice.

Yune : ....Okay!

Yune : I'll go get ready!
Claude : Okay
Make it quick.

Gramps : Haven't we just become the softy lately.
(pat)
Claude : Leave me alone.

Page 107
(rattle)

Claude : [Ack]
Gramps : Lady Alice Blanche.

Alice : Good afternoon, Mr. Claudel / I came because of a rumor I had heard.
Is it true that you've come across some Japanese items as of late?

Gramps : Oh... Yes we have, Miss
It's true.
(peep)
Yune : Claude-sama. Sorry for making you wait.

Page 108
Yune : Huh.....

Alice : Ahh! Is this her?!
She's just lovely! It's decided, I'm taking her home with me!!

Alice : How wonderful. She's even wearing a kimono.
I love it. She's so much different than I had imagined!!

Page 109
Alice : Aww so cute and tiny
Is she really alive? How curious!!

Alice : Mr. Claudel / How much can I buy this child for?
Gramps : No, she's not for sale...
Claude : Yune, let's go.

Yune : Huh... Claude-sama...?

Alice : Wai-

Alice : Just what do you think you're doing! Get back here!

Alice : Claude Claudel!
Yune : Claude-sama..?

Page 110
Claude : Don't get close to her

Yune : U-Um.. That person was..
Claude : Alice Blanche / The daughter of a family that use their money to knock people around.

Claude : They're the owners of this area at the moment, but
they're only upstart bourgeuois without a shred of honor.

Yune : ...but isn't... just leaving like that.. rude too...
Claude : It's that way of yours that's always getting you in trouble.
She's just an Orient-maniac. / Open your eyes, she's only going to use you for her own benefit.

(clip clop)

Page 111
Alice : And how are we doing today, Yune

Alice : Are you Claudel's maid?
If so, then would you like to work for me? / I'll pay you 10 times what he does.

Claude : She's not a maid.

Alice : Oh? Then what? / Adopted? A relative? A helper at your shop?

Claude : ...I'm only watching over her.
Alice : For who?

Claude : ....Japan....
Alice : Oh? Doesn't that seem like a little too big of a task for someone like you?

Page 112
Alice : Yune, come back with me.
Food, clothing, shelther.. you'll want for nothing.

Alice : Huh? They're gone?
Servant : My lady, it seems they've entered that alley.

Yune : Um... Claude-sama

Yune : Why.... are we trying this hard to avoid her...?
Claude : I told you / You can't trust her.

Yune : But...
Claude : I have my reasons. / Are you saying you trust her more than me?

Page 113
Sign : Closed / Hours of Operation / Morning : 10am- / Afternoon : 3pm- / Closed on Sundays {A lot of this is cut-off and is just my interpretation - just changing the Ferme to closed would be enough}
Claude : Damn...

Claude : We'll have to wait for them reopen again this afternoon.

Alice : Oh my! Were you going to use this run-down public bath?
Yune, you can borrow my extra bath.
Claude : She just won't give up.

Claude : You must have a nice lifestyle, living off the money of your victims.
Alice : My, don't those sound like the shameful words of a loser.

Claude : Just how many shops do you think have been crushed by your family?
Alice : Yune, how would you like to have some tea with me?
Yune : U-Um... I....

Claude : Let's go, Yune
Yune : U-Um...!

Page 114
Yune : I...
It doesn't have to be for long... but I'd like to talk with Lady Alice...

Claude : Why
Yune : It's wrong... to turn her down like this.. without even having said a single thing to her...

Alice : Ahh, yay / This way, Yune
Claude : Fine. Suit yourself.

Claude : But it'll be out of my hands the next time you get lost from trusting people like that..

Yune : C-Claude-sama...
Alice : Come on Come on. Get in.

Page 115
Alice : See that over there? My older brother owns that Grand Magasin. {Grand Magasin is like a large store, or a mall - a large store with many small stores inside}
Oh, that theater too.

Alice : My brother is a well-bred man, unlike that Claude.
He's very understanding of us ladies.

Alice : Look, that's my mother's Salon.
Gramps : Claude

Gramps : What happened to Yune
Claude : She went with Alice

Gramps : ...are you sure that's okay? You were so against it..
Claude : Gramps / I calmed down and thought it over.

Page 116
Claude : She's better off being taken in by such an affluent house like that anyhow.
They'll probably give her a luxurious bedroom and food, not to mention a bath.

(hmph)

Alice : Come inside, Yune

(refreshing)

Page 117
Women : Oh, who is that young lady?
What strange clothes....

Women : Is she Japanese?
She has a rather slender composition.

(blush)
Yune : I-I... didn't mean to come in such shameful clothing..
Alice : Don't be absurd, it's lovely.

Alice : We'll borrow the inner room then.
Pardon us, ladies.

(tap)

Alice : Calmed down?
Yune : ...yes.

Page 118
Alice : How do you like our tea / I used my sister's special order leaves.
Yune : O-Oh, it's very good..!

Yune : I've never had black tea like this.. it almost resembles our green tea..
Alice : Isn't that aroma with a hint of spring refreshing too?

Alice : I bet you haven't had any tea at all. Men drink nothing but coffee.
Don't hesitate to come over, whenever you feel the need for a cup of tea.

Yune : Okay
(blush)

Alice : Paris is actually a city for ladies.
[Lady Alice...]
[so beautiful...]
Alice : I'd like to show you more of Paris' beauty.

Page 119
[engulfed in such a lovely pale light...]
[this place... the tea.. the room.. even Lady Alice...]
Alice : Yune. How would you like to spend our evening meal together as well...

Gramps : Claude / Shouldn't you go and pick up Yune?

Gramps : Yune can be dazzled by spendor and elegance too you know. / Don't be so hard on her.
Holding off on bathing like that is pretty hard on a Japanese person too.

Claude : I know.
Gramps : I don't think you do.

Claude : ...in the end.

Page 120
Claude : No matter how much I hate the rude way that family earns their money
Or how the number of shops sacrificed to that family keeps rising / I'm nothing without money.

Claude : Even when it comes to a single girl from a foreign land.
I can't do anything at all for her.

Claude : Bringing her back would only be misfortune for her.

Alice : This here / will be your room.

Page 121
Yune : Wow...
Alice : There's an attached bath and lavatory as well.

Alice : At the moment it's only a guest room, but I'll have it made into your personal suite.

Yune : ...But.. um.. I.. need to get back soon...
Alice : Don't go yet / I've already had them start preparing dinner.

Alice : It's a seafood menu. / Does that not agree with you?
Yune : ...N-No..

Yune : it's not.. diagreeable...

Page 122
Yune : I... just remembered something I need to do! I'm going home!
Alice : Eh? Wait a second.

Alice : Just a little longer...
Yune : I'm sorry.. I have plans already...

Alice : Wait. When can we meet again?
Yune : That's... Claude-sama... / ...I'm not sure...

Alice : That's just.. no! Make a promise with me as well!
You can surely come over and eat again tomorrow, right?

Yune : That's.. well...

Alice : I understand...
All I need to do is get that Claude to approve..

Page 123
Alice : I'll use my persuasion on him until he gives in.
I'm not giving you back until then.

Alice : Look. Wouldn't you like to have this dress?
You really do want it though, right? Why do you suppress your feelings like that...?

Alice : There's no advantage in your returning whatsoever.
Why are you staying at that house anyhow?
Yune : Because..

Page 124
Yune : Both Oscar-sama and Claude-sama... have shown me so much kindness...
And I... I owe it to them to return their kindness.. to return even more than they've given to me...

Alice : ...you have strong determination.
Then, what about this?

Yune : ! / That's...

Alice : That's right... it's your kimono... / It was sold by mistake, right? I heard about it.

Page 125
Alice : If you promise to stay here with me, I'll give it back to you for free.

Yune : But.. that.. if Claude-sama.. were to buy it back..
Alice : Oh... Claude?

Alice : I'm sorry to tell you, but that would surely be impossible.
That tiny little shop of theirs couldn't earn that kind of money, even over an entire year.

Alice : You know, wouldn't this be a good opportunity for Claude as well?

Alice : A single word from you
And it would all be over without any trouble on his part trying to gather such a large amount of money.

Page 126
Gramps : Claude

Gramps : I thought you were going to pick her up from the Blanche house.
Claude : I was turned away at the door.
Gramps : ...oh...

Claude : ...that girl
It wouldn't be so bad if only she would put herself first.

Claude : I'm exhausted thanks to her. / ...why did you have to bring her back from Japan anyhow.
Gramps : ..I'm sure you can imagine what happened.

Gramps : She asked me to take her with me / and I can't say no to a girl like that.
Claude : ...I guess.

Page 127
(tick tock tick tock)

Gramps : You're not going to eat dinner?

Claude : I'm fine

Gramps : But she might not even come home tonight.
Claude : I said I'm fine. I'm just not hungry.

(rattle)(squeak)

Claude : Alice....

Page 128-9
Yune : Claude-sama...!

Claude : Yune...
What's all this? You come back to me covered in all this odd clothing.

Yune : Lady Alice... gave them to me.

Claude : Are you sure?
Alice : It's not like I gave them to you.

Page 130
Alice : [Unpleasant..] {She's referring to the tea here..}

Claude : ....and so, all because Yune said she had an appointment already
I can't believe you'd bring her back without any objection.

Alice : Oh, I objected.
Yune may not look it... /...but she's a very stubborn creature.

Alice : She got down on all fours in front of the door, and refused to move until I took her back. She was like that for more than an hour.
Servant : Ah... that pose...
Claude : Yeah, you can't win against that pose of hers.

(blush)
Claude : Ah, sorry sorry

Alice : Hey Yune
what exactly was so important anyhow?

Page 131
Yune : Oh.. This.

Claude : She had promised to make us Japanese beef stew today.
Alice : ...T-That's it?!

(munch)
Claude : Hmm, I knew it'd reek of soy sauce.
Alice : I-I lost to this...?

Alice : Also
There's one more thing I'd like to know

Alice : Why wouldn't you take back that kimono?
Even I agreed to it...

Yune : Oh that's...
(whisper whisper)
Claude : What's this? Is it a secret?

Page 132
(Could you please watch over me and make certain that I'm really a creature worthy of your trust?)
Yune : Because it's my job to trust him to be true to his word...

Yune : Claude-sama made me a promise..
It would be wrong of me to abandon it so carelessly.

Alice : ...Hmmm
So the key here is not wanting to abandon him... / I could definitely see that about him.

Claude : W-What?
Alice : Ahh. I knew it. I just can't bear to leave you with this man.

Page 133
Alice : I'll leave that room open for you, so come over and use it whenever you like. / The bath as well.
Yune : ...Okay!

Yune : Thank you very much....!!

Gramps : Isn't that great? Somehow it all worked out.
Claude : Doesn't mean I feel any more at ease about it all.

(growl)
Claude : Oh, I'm just now starting to get hungry / Is there anything left from earlier?
Yune : Yes... But... I thought it didn't agree with you...?

Claude : Hm, maybe
(munch)

Page 134
Claude : It's not the best... but
I also feel like it might not be so bad to try some more of your Japanese food either.

Yune : ...Okay!

Servant : You seem to be in a good mood, my Lady.
Alice : Heh. That's because / she said she's only there because of a debt to them.

Alice : If that's the case, then I'm sure I can give her MUCH more than they ever could.
I'll give her so much to pay me back for, that Claude won't even stand a chance.

Alice : It won't be long before she's mine.
Servant : As expected of my Lady.

[Part 3 : end]

Page 135

Page 136

Page 137
[Part 4 : Skylight]

Page 138
[19th Century Paris / Today again, we find one person not quite on the same wavelength as the rest of the city]
[The figure of young woman having arrived all the way from Japan]

Yune : [Claude-sama said he wanted me to make more Japanese food...]
[I'm so glad...!]

Gramps : Yune
I'm sure you're tired after everything today. Just leave that stuff where it is and get some rest.

Page 139
Yune : No.... I caused you both so much trouble today...!
Please let me take care of it.

Gramps : ...well then
We'll leave it to you.

Yune : Okay...! / Good night
Gramps : Night
Head to bed soon
Yune : Okay
Good Night...!

Yune : Ah... / all finished...
(clatter)

Yune : Oh, that's right... There's still the things we received from Japan...

Yune : Rice and
dried plums...

Yune : I wonder what would be best...
(stumble)

Page 140
(wobble)

[Huh.... something's wrong]
[all of a sudden... my body...]

[...no, not now...]
[if I collapse here, I'll only cause them more trouble...]

Yune : at any rate... I'll go back to my room and lay down...

Yune : at least to my room...
(flop)

Page 141
Claude : Something wrong, Yune? / Not hungry?

Yune : N-No...
I'm fine...

Claude : I see
But you should eat it soon if you're going to, bread starts to harden right away.

Yune : ...okay

(slowly)

Page 142
Yune : ...not here
I have to get a hold of myself...

Yune : That boy...!

Yune : The one from before...!

(slam)
Yune : Hey, you there. You can't go around stealing from others like that.

Yune : If your things disappeared when you weren't looking... wouldn't you be sad too?
...do you think maybe you could return that candleabra from before?

Yune : ....in exchange for this bread.

(rustle)

(slowly)

Page 143
Yune : It's my leftovers... I'll give it to you, but in exchange
no more stealing... no more doing things that make people sad.

(grab)

(dash)

Claude : Yune
(surprise)
He was that thief from before, wasn't he.

Claude : I don't care if you want to give away your bread, but don't give a single crumb to him!
Are you going to just overlook the fact that he's a thief?!

Page 144
Yune : No... but I... I told him not to do those things anymore...
Claude : You think he cares?

Claude : Children are just rampaging animals who completely lack any form of comprehesion.

Yune : You can't mean that...
All children are born with a pure, innocent heart..

Claude : Again with your absurd Japanese reasoning.
I don't know how it is in Japan, but don't underestimate the children here.

Claude : Thanks to you, they might even start targetting our store now.
I've had enough of that innocent nature of yours!!

Page 145
Yune : ....I'm sorry....
Claude-sama....

[And right after...]
[I finally got him to approve of me...]

(bam)

Alice : What do you think you're doing, Claudel! How could you make Yune cry like this!
Yune : A-Alice...?!

(grip)

Page 146
Alice : Good day to you, Yune
(smooch)

Alice : Huh
(fsshhh){something overheating}
What's the matter, Yune?

Gramps : My lady, they do not have that custom of greeting in Japan.
Alice : They don't?!

Alice : W-Well... but still, with a reaction like that
it's clear proof that she's much closer to me than to the two of you.

Page 147
Alice : That was called a 'bisou', and it's a normal greeting between friends of mutal intimacy here in France.
The fact that you don't know about it, would mean that you've yet to be accepted by these two here.

Alice : Why don't you leave this place already and come with me.

Claude : You're just being overly friendly! / Leave!
Alice : H-How rude!!

Gramps : My lady. Yune isn't feeling her best today anyhow, so perhaps we could leave it for another day...
Alice : Ah.. How awful!

Alice : Yune! Don't hesitate to call, I'll always be here!
I'll lend you my Japanese collection too.

Alice : I can definetly be of more use to you than these rude fellows here.
(bang)
Claude : Leave!

Page 148
Claude : ...I swear. She's ridiculous.
Gramps : Yune, are you sure you're feeling well?

Yune : Ah... yes
I'm sorry for worrying you....

(cough)

Page 149
(squeak)
Yune : Sorry... I can't give you anything.

Yune : I was scolded by my master.

Yune : Please understand
....we can't see each other again.

Yune : ....but that doesn't mean you're alone.
(smooch)
Take care.

Page 150
(tap tap)

Claude : Do you realize what you've just done?

Yune : I.. / I'm sorry... I wanted to say farewell...
Claude : Farewell...?
That is something you only do with those closest to you. / Do you really want to be friends with a theif like him that badly?

Claude : Putting your face that close to his...and in your condition / You might have even caught some kind of virus from him.

Yune : Please stop it... Don't say those kind of things...
He's trying his hardest to make it in this world too...!

Yune : I promise... I won't see him again...

Page 151
Yune : ....However....! I'm sure that boy... is desperately...
searching all of Paris for the place he belongs...!

Yune : ...this.. is only for myself.... my selfish desire...
....But I... if only for a second...
I want to understand... how that child must be feeling...!

Claude : ......I have utterly no idea why you're so intent on supporting him / but promise me one thing.
Don't ever get close to him again.

Page 152
Yune : Okay...
Claude-sama...

(dash)

[what was that.. just now...]
[haven't I seen that.. before....?]

Yune : (Okay, Claude-sama.)

[No, that was... the day that we first met...]
(pant pant)

Page 153
(pant pant pant)

[Why do I suddenly... feel so sluggish...]
(pant pant)
[Is this my punishment for not listening to what Claude-sama told me...?]

[I can't collapse in a place like this...]

[All... alone...]
[in a place like this...]

Gramps : Yune....!!

Page 154
Claude : But she was fine... until just a few seconds ago.

Claude : ....collapsing right after her arguement with me...
does that mean it's my fault?

Gramps : ...don't blame yourself.
Yune was probably purposely making it look as if she was in high spirits.

Gramps : I'm sure her fatigue just finally caught up with her from general lack of sleep and being dragged all over the place yesterday.
Getting drenched in water last night probably wasn't for the best either.

Page 155
Yune : Claude-sama....

Yune : Claude-sama.. you're always so kind... always worrying about me....
This is.. all my fault...

Gramps : Should we go to the hospital?
Yune : No... I couldn't bear to cause you any more trouble...

Yune : I'm alright... I can take care of myself...
It'll be bad for you to waste so much time here... please.. don't worry about me

Yune : Please...

Page 156
(close)
Gramps : Claude

Claude : ...it's just a cold, right?

Claude : I thought maybe because she's Japanese it was some kind of special illness.. like a chroic disease..
it's just... she's has that bad habit of always hiding things from us.

Claude : Like how she pretended she couldn't speak when she first got here...
Gramps : Claude

Gramps : You're overthinking it.

Gramps : For now.. just focus on letting Yune rest and relax.

Page 157
Claude : You can't see her.

Claude : She collapsed.

Claude : It might even be your fault.

(dash)

Claude : ...damn it!

Page 158
[I can't make the pain go away...]
[when I was younger and I had caught a cold.. my sister's hand...]
[felt so cold and nice in mine...]
[Mother made me some fresh porridge...]

[on my futon.. that smelled of sunshine..]
[on the soft tatami.. in Nagasaki...]

(pant pant)
Yune : No, I'm in Paris now...

Yune : I can't let myself reminisce on the past...
I'm in Paris now....

Yune : Someone...
(rustle)
Clau-

(fwop){falling heavily to the floor}

Page 159
[...It's not that kid's fault]
[...it's not Alice's either]
[I was the one closest to her]

[What did I do?]
[I do remember feeling a distance between us at that time]

[And even though I may feel like we've been through a lot together at this point]
[It's only really been 10 days... I thought I had figured out a lot about her...]

[why did she suddenly explode over that kid...]
Yune : (I want to understand)
(how that boy feels)

Yune : (That boy is desperately searching all of Paris)
(for the place he belongs...)

Page 160
[...I see now. The one who was searching was Yune!]
[She reacted like that because she could see a part of herself in that boy...]
Claude : If that's really the case...

[then does that mean she considers her life here to be worse than that of a beggar...?]
[is it really that bad...]
Claude : The only thing.. I can do for her...

Gramps : Oh, Claude / Do you know where that medicine is from when you were sick a few years back...

Claude : Say, Gramps
You think maybe Yune just isn't fitting in here?

Gramps : ...what's this all of a sudden
Claude : And if that's the reason why she became ill...

Page 161
Claude : I think maybe we should concider sending her back to Japan.
There shouldn't be any problems if it's for her sake.

Gramps : Wait. What about what Yune wants?
This isn't something you can decide overnight.
Claude : Of course.

Claude : However, what about the long-term effects.
I'll escort her back if you want.

Gramps : Just wait a minute! I'll go and check on Yune.
Claude : Nah, I'll go

Page 162
Claude : I'm coming in

Claude : Yune

Claude : Don't sleep on the floor! You'll only get worse!
See what I did I say. Your fever has....!

Claude : ....oh that's right / I heard something about Japanese people sleeping on the floor...

Claude : ...that's right... you came from such a different country, it probably seems like heaven and earth have turned inside out.
No one could blame you for thinking of this place as Hell.

Claude : However / even if you do go back to Japan, you have to focus on getting better first.

Page 163
Claude : ...come on
Hm?
What are you clutching onto?

Claude : Let go already. You can't rest like that.
Yune : Ngh...

Claude : I swear
There's never any convincing you.

Claude : What could be so important anyhow...

Page 164-5
Claude : Yune...

[The picture book... I gave her]
[The one I bought when I mistakenly thought she couldn't understand us...]

[that's right... when I gave you that book]
[you looked so overjoyed]

Claude : ..in the end.. that book
didn't help you at all.

Claude : You had properly studied the words on your own...
[desperately searching...]
Claude : for such a book like that to be....

Page 166
Claude : I....

Claude : Gramps!

Claude : There were some Japanese ingredients here this morning.
What was Yune planning to make?

Gramps : Oh...
Rice and dried plums.

Gramps : ....Oh, 'Kayu'! It's a thin porridge made from rice... they make it for you when you're sick in Japan!
Why don't we ask Yune how you make it...

Claude : No, she's in no condition for that. / It was called 'kayu' right? I'll go look into it.

Page 167
Gramps : Hey, where are you going?
Why don't you just wait for Yune to wake up...
Claude : No, I've already wasted more than enough time!

(slam)

Gramps : ...looks like he's got it under control.
...maybe I'll make something too, instead of looking for that medicine.

Claude : ...sigh

Claude : That stupid Alice wouldn't shut up about some promise with Yune and bringing her there.
...hm?

Claude : What's this?

Page 168
(step)
Claude : ....filthy. Are these weeds?

Claude : ...something only a small mind like his would think of.

Gramps : Yune, are you awake?
Yune : Ah.. Yes...

Page 169
(squeak)
Gramps : How are you feeling?
Yune : Ah... I'm much better..

Gramps : Oh really... I'm sure you're hungry though.
I've brought you some hot wine I made. / ...and this other bowl

Gramps : has 'kayu' that Claude made for you.

Gramps : Neither of us had any idea about the proper method of preparing rice / so Claude went over to the Blanche house and borrowed a book about it.

(ahem)
Yune : Claude-sama...

Claude : ...and also, these / they're probably for you

Page 170
Claude : from that boy

Claude : They were covered in dirt though, so I washed them first.

Claude : ....What is it? Did I do something to upset you again?

Yune : No......
Thank you so much....

Claude : Well don't cry then.
Yune : No... I just....!

Yune : I just feel so happy that you've brought me / these flowers...
Both Claude-sama... and that boy.... / and also...

Yune : These flowers... so fragile.. and almost in tatters...
I feel like I can see that boy.. struggling.. picking these flowers for me..

Page 171
Yune : Like.. maybe he stopped in front of the flower shop...
asking himself if there wasn't another way... some way without stealing...
something he could do...
I feel like he really put thought into picking these out for me...!

Claude : .... / ...you almost seem happier about those than my 'kayu'.
Yune : Ah... No, I'm sorry... / I'm truly thankful to you too Claude-sama...!

Claude : ...It's fine
Hurry up and eat so you can rest.

Yune : I-I.. can feed myself..
Claude : Just eat.

Page 172
Claude : You are too strict with yourself.

Page 173
Gramps : He's right, Yune. You can ask us for help every once in a while you know.
Yune : Thank you...

Yune : ...but... I'm fine now, really.
Please.. you can return to your work...

Claude : ...you don't want us around?
Yune : No...! I didn't mean...

Yune : I just... I'm worried if you stay any longer...
you might really... catch my cold...

Claude : You don't need to worry about things like that.
Get some sleep.

Claude : No being so reserved either.

Claude : You can bother us anytime.
Sleep well.

Page 174-5
Gramps : Afterall, we only have each other to depend on in this big city of Paris.

Page 176
Yune : ....Yeah....!
[Part 4 : end]

Page 177
[entrance]

Page 178
[Part 4.1 : Cold Water]

Claude : I had some ice broken up for you.

Yune : Um... I'm really okay now...
Claude : Don't be silly. You're still burning up.

Claude : Lift up your arm.
Yune : ... my arm?

Yune : AAAhhhh!!!

(quivering)
Claude : ....sorry. Was it too cold?

Claude : Putting this under your arm up near your shoulder will help to reduce your temperture right away.
Yune : No.... I'll... pass...

Claude : Then here, use this foot bath instead.
(splash)
You like bathing, right?

Page 179
Yune : Um... Isn't... it a little cold?
Claude : What are you talking about. Cold baths were made for when you're sick.

Yune : Ah.. but in Japan... / we would treat the sick with heat, to help them sweat it out...
I'm not getting in the bath....

(shuddering)
Claude : ....oh? You don't trust me?

(flinch)
Claude : You know
You don't need to be so frightened, it's not like we were going to force you.

(phew)
(slam)
Gramps : Hey. Lady Alice has had a bath specially brought over. She's downstairs...

Alice : Yune, you have a fever? Are you okay?!
Please fill this to the brim with ice water and submerge yourself until you're better!!

(shaking)
Claude : Chase her away!

[to be continued]

[Part 4.1 : end]

Page 000
{back flap bottom:red text}Discovery of a New Heroine! / Launch of a New Style of Comics!! / On Sale Every Other Month on the 20th.
[Fujiken Books]

{back cover:red text}The end of the 19th Century, a time when Japanese culture was in fashion throughout Europe. Yune, a young Japanese girl, away from home and all alone in France, begins work at a small craft store named 'Enseignes du Roy' in the heart of the city. Through the help of her master, Claude, she works to overcome her confusion among such a different way of life. These are her memories of her stay in Paris.

{spine}Encounter in a Foreign Labyrinth{french text is the Japanese title in French}

{Cover}Encounter in a Foreign Labyrinth
{small red text:french}
Rising my eyes to the foreign sky,
I say a little prayer,
inching forward step by step,
with arms wide open,
to the door with a magnificent key,
that may be the one held within.
For to teach so as not to make a mistake,
and not to confuse.

{front flap french:red text}Table of Contents
Part 1 : Entrance 001
Part 1.1 : Breakfast 041
Part 1.2 : Owner 049
Part 2 : Lost Child 053
Part 2.1 : Japanese Labyrinth 087
Part 3 : The Water's Glow 095
Part 4 : Skylight 137
Part 4.1 : Cold Water 178
Cover Print/Dai Nippon Printing
Binding/Shindousha

Page 181
[Postscript by Hinata Takeda]{vertical text on the side}
(This book would never have been possible without the support of my head editor, Kurihara, my assistants, and many more people. Especially all of the people reading this and my family. I thank you with all of my heart. -H. Takeda)

(Postscript){top two Japanese characters}

Yune : Claude-sama~~~! We got a carrier pidgeon from the author~!
Claude : A time-travelling one.

Yune : Apparently, she visited Paris for the first time around when this volume was finished... and these were here impressions of it.
(Huh...)
Claude : You mean she was drawing our city without ever having seen it?

Claude : And what's it say?
Yune : ....Paris was a fantasy...
{the letter in the background says the same thing}
Claude : Does that mean she thought it was magical or something?
Yune : No... if you read between the lines like a Japanese person...

Yune : more like.. the Paris in this story was nothing at all like the real city.. and only the author's fantasy...
(to be continued...?)
Claude : Is that some kind of excuse?!

(I'm sorry.... I'll devote myself more.){just below the last panel}

(And to everyone, a very big thank you!) {written in both French and Japanese, mixed together}
[To Modern Japan]

[Encounter in a Foreign Labyrinth 1] {spine}

[Encounter]{cover}
[in a Foreign Labyrinth]

Page 999
(I also drew this extra version, so I'd be happy if you check it out too. / Takeda Hinata)
(coffee)

[C Takeda Hinata/Fujiken Books]