Hakumei and Mikochi (ハクメイとミコチ)

Yuuyake ni tsukamatte tabi ni deyou

Tsubasa wa itsumo mimamotte kureru no

Bokuratte doko ka

Nika yotte hikareatte no?

Hora sora ga chikazuita sekai no mama de ne

Ah, Hakumei.

I recommend that you don't go into that alleyway.

Hm?

That's the territory of a well-known pickpocket.

This is a lawless district.

All kinds of people live in Honey House, from artists to conmen.

The House's motto is, "Anything goes."

They live in an amazing place.

That story is kind of extreme, though.

And you're holding a concert at Honey House...

Well, I often felt that everyone would like to hear me si-

Konju! Well, I often felt that everyone would like to hear me si-

Nobuki? What's wrong?

They've done it!

Episode 18 A Long Day

What is this?

They've interfered so many times before.

This time is too awful.

Dammit! Those old-timers...

There are some guys that hate the very sight of newcomers like us.

The veteran tenants of the kakushichiku floors

Kakushi...

The kakushichiku floors!

SHI SEKI KIN

Honey House has eight floors altogether,

but since the old-timers live on the kaku, shi, and chiku floors,

HOU CHIKU

MOKU

KAKU DO

that's what they're called.

Really...?

I can't stand it anymore!

We're gonna attack 'em!

Yeah!

Oh, try your best not to inhale the smoke here. It's habit-forming.

Yo. Got some business here, Chief?

How dare he act so shamelessly...

Oh, you mean those woodchips?

That took a lot of work, you know.

Be sure to clean it up properly.

You bastards!

I'm sure I've warned you about that many times.

I told you not to be so reckless.

'Scuse me, can I ask you something?

Can you show me your leader?

Are you a new recruit?

I'm an outsider.

Sorry.

Right now, the leader of the lot of us is not here.

In that case, I'll ask you.

Does "Anything goes" also include us going against you?

Yeah, of course.

There's no exception to "Anything goes."

Is that so?

Okay. Wanna leave this place for a little while?

That visitor seems pretty troublesome...

Just wait for it.

Is that the former leader?

Yes. He became a wealthy man through sake production, and in order for him to enjoy the rest of his life,

he corralled all the artists and outlaws into a pleasure house.

His name's Ukai.

Enjoy the rest of his life, huh. That sounds so nice.

It sounds like you.

Is there no successor?

It seems there is, though I've never met or seen him.

What the heck...

What was his name again...

I was hoping we'd capture that guy, but it seems unlikely, huh?

In any case, if they come forth in an unlawful way, we must resist to the very end!

Even if there's an ambush, we'll continue on with the operation!

Huh?

Huh? W-wait...

H-hey wait!

Konju!

Save me!

What?! Are they members of the old-timers' group?

I'm not sure, but regardless, I'm gonna follow them!

Uh, right!

Up there! If those members are taking her anywhere, then it's definitely to the Kakushichiku floor!

We are completely lost.

Hakumei-san. Mikochi-san.

I found them. They're over here.

You found Konju?

Mikochi! I've never seen this guy's face before.

Who are you?

Ah, how rude of me.

I haven't greeted you yet, huh...

I'm the second generation owner of Honey House, Higaki Yagatamori.

I'd like to confidentially ask you two for a favor.

Well, Miss Songstress.

I'm sorry, but please just keep quiet here.

Just until those newcomers give up and surrender.

You really didn't think that we'd be on the lower floors, did you?

But what is this here?

It's a wine cellar or something. They hid it, huh...

Typical of Ukai.

But doesn't that Higaki know about this?

Even if he knows...

...that guy won't do anything.

First, we'll deal with this...

The "Honey House Julep." It was the drink our late friend Ukai loved.

Mint and syrup, and also whiskey and water, and something else...

He didn't skimp on any of those.

What is this? It's super-duper delicious!

It's still incomplete as it is now, though.

Ukai's julep is... Yes, it was no doubt magic.

Every time a conflict arose between the masters, Ukai would bring this drink, and come to mediate.

It was a magic drink that would instantly calm any fight.

Mikochi-san.

I've heard about your cooking skills.

Please lend us a hand in completing the "Honey House Julep."

Huh?

After trial and error, we can reproduce it, but I have no idea what's missing.

Let's go, Mikochi.

We have to look for Konju.

I'll do it.

Wait... Are you serious, Mikochi?!

Yes.

A drink so magical that it will calm this chaos... If I can make it, then I must.

If you make this drink, we can save Konju, right?

Definitely.

Got it. I'll help.

I appreciate it.

Well then, let's head to Ukai's hidden storehouse.

Half a cup of mint measured only in something that provided a fulfilling childhood.

Use two teaspoons of syrup from a bee that has lost consciousness on a spinning wheel...

Is this the recipe?

He was a playful man.

Was what I drank earlier made according to this book?

No. It's too sweet if I make it by that book, so I'm using half the amount of honey.

So that's the case, huh...

Is all the alcohol you have right here?

No. The rest of the alcohol is in this room here.

Higaki.

Tsumujimaru.

What's wrong, Tsumuji?

We have to hurry and bring the songstress up there.

If those newcomers come here they'll see us.

Since we've gone through all this, I was thinking I'd take two or three bottles of alcohol.

Go on ahead.

It's sure been a long time, hasn't it, Higaki.

Oh, hey...

What are you even doing here? Have you finally run away from the sun, too?

Even if you cling to Ukai, you're never gonna be him.

Hey.

Say something back, Higaki.

I see, it's because you're with those outsiders, huh?

Is that right? You're pretty funny, Higaki.

There he is!

I finally found you, you freakin' lizard!

Where is Konju?!

That hurts, ya know?!

Bring us Konju!

She isn't here anymore!

Then take us to her!

Shut up! Get offa me!

Mikochi!

Tsumujimaru...

Higaki! Mark my words!

We're gonna make you do what we tell you to!

You always have and you will forever...

because Ukai isn't here anymore!

That freakin' lizard got away!

Doesn't matter, just hurry and put out the fire!

Are you okay, Mikochi?

Yeah.

More importantly, I think I know the correct recipe.

Really?

In this recipe, I think the amounts are correct.

It's the ingredients that are different. In all likelihood, the syrup.

The syrup?

Yes. Something that's not sweeter than the syrup you're using now,

with a honey flavor that has a higher compatibility with the whiskey.

I think Ukai must have owned some honey wine...

Ah, that has to be it!