Meiji Tokyo Renka (明治東亰恋伽)

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Mei.

Bye.

-

-- --

Hey, did you guys see that café that was all over TV yesterday?

Oh, are you talking about that one that just opened up nearby?

Yeah, I heard all their desserts are half off.

We should go check it out!

Sure, I'm in!

Sounds awesome!

Yeah! That would really hit the spot!

I used to laugh like that...

...once upon a time, at least.

Yay! Happy fifth birthday, Mei!

Blow out the candles!

Make a wish!

Look, Mei.

I made your favorite-- roast beef!

Yay! Roast beef is the bestest!

Wow, look at Mei go!

That birthday was when the fun started to end.

Hm? No way.

I like cake, sure, but I like roast beef even more!

What about you?

You've got a sweet tooth?

That's silly!

Uh, Mei?

Who are you talking to?

Huh? My floaty friends.

Um... what friends?

Where are they?

They're right next to me.

Can't you guys hear them?

You wanna join in the fun?

'Kay! You, too?

That's great!

Tell me your names!

Mm-hm. Really?

See? They're nice!

No, we don't see!

Are you talking to ghosts?

Huh?

Did you hear?

Mei can talk to ghosts!

[ELEMENTARY CLASSMATES whispering]

Be careful around that girl.

I heard she hangs out with spirits.

Whoa, creepy.

Mei...

-- -- I thought it was normal.

I didn't realize I was the only one who could hear them.

Are you there?

Mei!

Because of that, I spend a lot of time alone.

But... maybe that's for the best.

I know, let's invite that girl from your class to go with us!

Hey! You're name's Mei, isn't it?

Wanna eat with us?

Hang on a second!

Uh...

Me?

Sorry, I'll have to pass.

But... thanks anyway.

Oh. Too bad.

Let's just go.

--She's always alone. --What?

Forget about her.

Huh? Are you sure?

So apparently, she can, like, talk to ghosts or whatever.

Wow, really?

That's kinda cool!

If you say so.

Back to the cake thing!

Oh yeah!

Let's pig out.

-- Hey, wait! -- Too slow!

Mei.

Mei.

Mei.

Ladies and gentlemen!

Behold the light of the Strawberry Moon!

It's rather bewitching, wouldn't you agree?

Now, as a master of Western magic,

I'll make your greatest dreams a reality!

-- --Let's start the show!

As you can see, this box looks ordinary...

...but it is full of magic and mystery!

Anything I put inside it will disappear!

Whoa!

Believe it or not, fair folk,

anything that enters this magnificent box,

no matter what its size may be,

will completely vanish into thin air!

Of course, if someone desires to be somewhere else,

then they're welcome to try it out.

Now, do we have any volunteers who want to

step inside the box and change their destiny?

You there!

The lady in the back.

What do you say?

Please, I insist.

Come.

-- --Okay! Are you ready?

I will now make this young lady disappear!

After she steps into the box, we'll all count down from three!

How did I get dragged into this?

I don't ever like being the center of attention.

All set!

What fate will befall this courageous young lady?

Be sure to give a big round of applause when she disappears!

For some reason...

...it feels... kinda peaceful.

Three.

Two.

One.

Huh?

Hey.

My phone!

Uh, but... why?

Whoa!

What's wrong?

Are you hurt? Tell me.

Uh.

No.

I'm okay.

Let me see.

Are you in any pain?

Um--no.

You seem to be all right.

I am.

Mm?

What's this?

Uh, these things?

Headphones.

Headphones?

Is the girl unharmed?

Yes.

Here.

Your outfit.

It's a bit odd, but reasonable.

Huh?

The design is simple

and it uses a minimal amount of fabric.

The style emphasizes functionality,

but isn't extravagant.

It's quite innovative.

No, I'd actually describe it as revolutionary.

Come on, Ougai.

Hm?

Oh. Pardon me.

Where do you live?

Unfortunately, we have a prior engagement to attend to.

But, once it's over, we can take you home.

Seriously?!

Uh, I'll pass! I'll be just fine on my own!

I promise! No need to worry about me!

But thanks so much for the offer!

I must insist.

Please, won't you ride along with us?

It would be rude to let a young lady wander around

all by herself at night.

Come.

Oh, but, I--

Listen, if you want to get attacked by dogs, be my guest.

No, see--

I can get home on my own.

I--

Wait!

Home?

Uh... Weird.

Where do I live again?

Like, which way?

Hold on.

Where am... I?

I don't know!

Huh? What it the world happened to me?

You don't know?

You see...

...when I woke up, I was just lying here on the ground.

She needs a doctor.

No.

She'll be fine.

So then, the police?

Well, I think... she should come with us.

Uh, excuse me?

Okay, wow.

I can't believe I'm seriously

riding in a horse-drawn carriage.

Please, miss. What is your name?

My name?

It's...

Uh, what is it?

Ah, forgive me.

My name is Rintaro Mori.

I'm an army surgeon.

Wow. That's cool.

Why don't you introduce yourself, Syunso?

I'm Syunso.