Meiji Tokyo Renka (明治東亰恋伽)

Meiji Tokyo Renka

Goodbye...

Goodbye.

Good—

Meiji Tokyo Renka

So, have you heard about that café they introduced on TV yesterday?

Oh, I saw that. It's near here, isn't it?

Their desserts should be half-price right now.

Why don't we go check it out?

I'll totally go.

I definitely want to go!

Let's do it!

I used to laugh like that a lot.

Happy Birthday Mei-chan!

Blow out the candles, Mei-chan!

One big blow!

Okay!

Yay!

Okay, time for Mei's favorite dish, roast beef.

I love roast beef!

You're so funny, Mei-chan.

But that's when the fun ended.

Cake? I like cake too, but I like beef even more!

What about you? Oh, you do? Really?

Hey, Mei-chan, who are you talking to?

Huh? My friends.

Y-Your friends?

Where are they?

They're right here, see?

Can't you hear them talking?

You want to join in? Okay, sure.

You do, too? Of course, what's your name?

I see, I see. Really?

It's okay, right?

M-M-Mei-chan!

G-G-Ghosts?

I heard that Mei-chan can hear ghosts talking.

Did you know? Apparently, that girl can see ghosts.

Whoa, really?

Mei-chan!

I never realized nobody else could hear them.

Mei-chan!

Hey, Mei-chan!

Talk to us!

Mei-chan, Mei-chan!

I've been alone ever since.

Yes, it's easier this way.

Hey, isn't that girl in your class? We should invite her.

You're Ayazuki Mei-san, right?

Do you wanna come with us?

Hang on a second!

Oh, I'll have to pass.

But thank you.

Y-You sure?

Forget about her.

She's always by herself.

She seems to like it that way.

Huh? Really?

She's been able to hear ghosts talking since we were kids.

Is that true? That's pretty amazing.

Amazing?

Never mind that, cake!

Yeah, that's right!

Mei-chan...

Mei-chan.

Mei-chan.

Now then, ladies and gentlemen!

The light of the Strawberry Moon shines bewitchingly on this night.

I invite you all to a mysterious world in this great magical show,

brought to you by a master of Western magic!

Behold, this box is an incredibly mysterious one

that makes everything that goes into it disappear.

I will show you how it can make anything disappear at once,

be it an elephant, tank, or airplane.

Of course, that includes any of you who wish to be anywhere but here.

Now, is there anyone here who might wish to step inside the box?

Perhaps you there, young lady.

What do you say?

Young lady, I insist.

Now then, allow me to show you how this young lady

will completely disappear once I count down from three.

How did I get roped into this?

I really hate being the center of attention.

What fate will befall this courageous young lady?

Please give a round of applause when she successfully disappears.

For some reason...

I feel rather at peace.

Three...

two...

one!

The Unexpected Strawberry Moon

Huh?

Wha—?

Why?

Eh? Huh? Eh?

What?!

What's wrong?!

Are you all right? Are you hurt?

I-I'm fine.

Let me take a look.

Are you in any pain?

I-I'm not.

You seem all right.

Yes.

What's this?

Oh, these are my headphones.

Headphones?

She appears to be unharmed.

Yes.

Come now.

Nevertheless, you are wearing quite reasonable clothing.

Huh?

It's a simple design using the minimum fabric necessary.

A style that emphasizes only functionality, without being inclined to extravagance.

I would say it is truly innovative, no, almost revolutionary.

Ougai-san...

Oh, pardon me.

Where do you live?

Unfortunately, we both have somewhere we need to be shortly.

However, afterward, I can have you taken home in this, if you wish.

A carriage?!

No, honestly, I'll be fine.

Thank you very much though.

You will not be fine.

Please feel free to ride with us.

We cannot just look the other way and let you go off on your own like this.

Come along.

But I...

If you would rather be attacked by stray dogs, then we won't stop you.

N-No, I can get home on my own. I—

Huh? Home?

Uh, where is my home, anyway?

More importantly, where am I?

I-I don't know.

Huh? What's happened to me?

You don't know?

When I woke up, I was just lying here.

Should we take her to the hospital?

No, there's no problem here.

Then, perhaps the police?

No. Would you like to come with us?

With you?

A carriage... I'm seriously riding in a carriage right now.

What is your name, young lady?

My name is... Huh? What is my name?

Oh, pardon my rudeness. My name is Mori Rintaro.

I serve as an army surgeon.

A-Army surgeon?

Syunso, you should introduce yourself as well.

I'm Hishida. Hishida Syunso.

Hishida Syunso-san.

It's very nice to meet you.

Syunso is an art student.

He is the darling of the Japanese art world.

What is your name, young lady?

Oh, right, my name is...

Mei.

Huh?

Mei. Ayazuki Mei.

A-Ayazuki Mei.

At least you remember your own name.