02x02 - Shopping in Another World

[bunniefuu]

[RIO]

Um, so, basically

I serve as Aishia's

power source.

So, she recharges her magical

energy through our covenant,

and also

our telepathic connection.

I don't really know

how to describe it

other than that way.

It's not that

I don't believe you,

but being in a bed

all night together.

It's just

It can have a particular effect

on a young man.

♪

WellI'll sleep

with Miharu, then.

Really?

Why with me?

It's not as much as Haruto,

but Miharu has a lot

of magical energy, too.

Wait, Miharu

has magical energy?

[MIHARU] I don't

really understand all this.

But I'm happy

to help, if I can.

So, it sure sounds like

Aishia and Miharu

will be sharing a room.

Aki, Masato, would you mind

doing the same?

Since you two are siblings?

Not at all!

That's fine, as long as he

cleans his half of the room.

Great!, Miharu and Aishia

can use this room.

Aki, you and your brother

can use this one right here.

[MASATO]

Whoa!

♪

This one's yours.

Feel free to use it

as long as you want!

♪

Thank you, Rio.

Have a good night.

[RIO]

Yeah, you too.

[door closes]

Spirit Chronicles 2

Okay, I see what's

going on, and I'll bite.

I better play along, here.

They call meHiroaki Sakata!

[RIO]

Miharu Ayase.

Crazy.

I never imagined

I'd meet her in this world.

I wonder, what would

she think if she knew

I had Haruto Amakawa's

memories?

No.

I haven't been him

for over 15 years.

I'm Rio, nothing more.

I'm not going back.

These hands have one purpose,

revenge against the

man that k*lled her.

Haruto Amakawa

he's long gone.

-[knocking]

-Hm?

[CELIA]

Rio, are you awake?

Yes, I am.

I'm sorry to bother you

at this hour.

I just wanted to catch up

for a bit, please?

Oh, yeah, of course!

It's been

far too long, professor.

Please, come and join me!

[CELIA]

Thank you.

It's been quite some time

since we last had tea together.

[chuckles]

You're telling me.

So, um

I couldn't ask this

in front of everyone, but uh

how have you been doing?

You were gone for so long.

And, where did you meet

Miss Aishia?

[CELIA]

Oh, but more importantly,

what did you mean

when you were talking

about your "past life?"

I'll explain, take it easy!

Ah, I'm sorry.

I just couldn't help myself.

[giggles]

Let's talk about

one thing at a time.

Starting with the topic

that came up earlier tonight.

Namely, my past life.

[RIO] For years now,

I've had memories

from another version of me.

[gasps]

It just so happens,

he was from the same world

as Miss Miharu and the others.

[CELIA] So, that's why

you understand their language.

[RIO]

Yes.

I know it's been a long time,

but do you remember

the first time

you met me in the slums?

I sure do.

[RIO]

I had regained those memories

just before you and the others

came through our village.

Oh, is that so?

My name was Haruto

in that life.

[CELIA]

Ah, I always wondered

why you chose Haruto

as your alias.

If memory serves me, I was 20.

[CELIA]

What?

That means you're officially

older than me!

Oh, yeah,

never thought of it that way.

This has never come up

in conversation,

but I thought you were

strangely mature

for a younger boy.

[chuckles]

Well, no matter

what I may seem like,

I am 16 now.

Yes, of course.

-Rio is just Rio.

-[RIO] Yep.

You're the best, thanks.

[RIO]

For what?

If you hadn't rescued me,

we wouldn't be chatting

and drinking tea.

I feel a deep sense of relief.

[chuckles]

[CELIA]

At the same time,

I'm sure my dad's

worried sick about me.

I wish I could

at least let him know

that his daughter

is doing just fine.

Yeah, I bet you do.

[RIO] Well, have you

considered writing a letter?

No, I hadn't.

Good idea!

We'll buy some stationery

at the Ricca Guild tomorrow.

Great, thank you!

[RIO] Also, something else

for your consideration.

Oh?

What is it?

[RIO] If you want to make sure

no one recognizes us

you may want an alias, too.

[REISS]

Sir Charles.

The kingdom is reeling

from our recent catastrophes.

Who would have imagined

that your fiance

would be kidnapped?

It's unfortunate.

But not to worry, Master Reiss.

The brigand

has been dealt with.

[CHARLES] I've received

a report confirming

that no trace of the assailant

remained after being struck

by Alfred's attack.

Oh?

Yes, but Celia's whereabouts

are still unknown.

It's likely

an accomplice was involved.

At present, the borders

of the capital have been closed

and a search

is currently underway.

[REISS]

Ah, you don't say.

[REISS]

It won't matter.

The boy and the spirit

have likely gone

and concealed their location.

A daring feat to go up

against the empire and survive.

Well done, I say.

And now, we have

prophecies of yore coming

to life before our very eyes.

A hero has descended

into our kingdom.

My lord father

has taken custody of them.

I hope they are compelled

by reason to become

stalwart allies

of the Beltrum Kingdom.

Wait, though

I thought that

the Beltrum Kingdom

was in possession of a sacred

stone of their own.

[CHARLES]

Yes, it's with Princess Flora

and Duke Huguenot.

While we sit and drink,

they are more than likely

welcoming the hero

into their home.

This is no good.

Quite troublesome, indeed.

Those fools are already

traitors for trying

to ingratiate themselves

with the Kingdom of Galarc.

Now that you bring up

the Kingdom of Galarc,

they hosted a special woman.

Her name is Liselotte Cretia

of the Ricca Merchant's Guild.

I've heard

she's quite talented.

Yes, they did,

but she's just a girl

of 15 years!

[REISS]

You misunderstand.

Liselotte and the Ricca Guild

are just as great a blight

as Duke Huguenot's faction,

as you're sure to bear witness.

Unless, of course,

you act quickly enough.

[crickets chirping]

Sir Hero, could I interest you

in another goblet of mead?

Oh, it's Roanna, isn't it?

Why don't you have a seat?

No, it isn't my place, sir.

[SAKATA] It makes me feel bad

to keep a beautiful girl

-standing like that.

-Hmm?

You're too kind.

Thank you for thinking of me.

Never in my wildest dreams

did I imagine I'd be able

to invite a legendary hero

into my home.

It's an honor

and a privilege indeed!

If there is anything else

your heart desires,

I'd be more than happy

to accommodate!

[SAKATA]

Legendary hero, is that right?

You can't click on a web novel

without reading garbage

like this these days.

♪

Yeah, yeah.

It's like they're using

a template!

[gasps]

[screams]

♪

[gasps]

Hey, who are you people?

[SAKATA]

And where am I?

Oh, uh

Pleased to meet you,

my name is Flora Beltrum, sir.

Second Princess

of the Kingdom of Beltrum.

Mine is Duke Gustav Huguenot,

and I serve as guardian

to Her Highness Princess Flora.

It's a pleasure

to make your acquaintance.

A beautiful princess,

and her handsome duke?

[SAKATA] This is like

90% of the prologues

in every isekai.

[FLORA]

I hope this is not impolite.

But may I ask,

are you one of the heroes?

A hero?

This guy?

Uh, yes, sir.

In our Six Wise Gods' prophecy,

a thousand years

after the founding

of the Holy Era,

the heroes will appear

where the sacred stones are.

And one is here.

I'm a hero,

that's what you're saying?

[FLORA]

Yes.

I took that sword to be proof

of your legendary identity.

Sword?

♪

[SAKATA]

Whoa, a katana?

I'm not gonna lie,

this looks awesome!

Be still, my geeky heart!

Okay, I see what's

going on, and I'll bite.

I better play along, here.

[SAKATA] Even for an isekai,

this is a flimsy storyline.

And they understand Japanese?

Tropey, much?

Good Sir Hero.

Not to be intrusive,

but may I ask your name?

[SAKATA] Since virtual royalty

is treating me

like I'm an honored guest,

I'm certain a hero's status

is pretty high.

In that case

They call me, Hiroaki Sakata!

[SAKATA] Still, I don't want

them to get too comfortable

and treat me like

a legendary errand boy.

If this is a negotiation,

I've gotta come off

as the man in control.

To be honest,

I'm a bit confused

as to why I'm suddenly in a

new world and I'm the hero.

Let me get this straight,

you're saying

the princess' sacred stone is

what summoned me here, right?

[FLORA]

Ah Yes, we believe so.

If that thing called me here,

then naturally,

I should be able

to get back home again.

[FLORA]

What? Go back?

Uh, yeah, this is a kidnapping.

I had my own life

back in my world,

but within a matter of seconds,

it's all been forcibly

stolen from me.

Right, I'm sorry, sir.

I would be lying if I said

I wasn't at a loss myself.

[SAKATA]

Look, babe

I'm not blaming you

for any of this,

all I'm trying to say is

I'm the one

-in a tough spot here, okay?

-Sir Hero.

You're being

a little disrespectful, no?

You stay out of this!

Yes, sir, I'm sorry.

Please forgive

my son's rudeness,

but calling it a kidnapping

is a grave misunderstanding.

If you'll allow me

to educate you,

I promise to tell you nothing

but the truth, sir.

Will you listen

to what I have to say?

I'm all ears.

[birds chirping]

What a beautiful day to go

on a shopping adventure!

[birds chirping]

Will you keep an eye

on the place while we're away?

Be careful out there, okay?

There's a barrier

around the rock.

[RIO] But try not to leave

the house anyway, all right?

- Yes, sir!

- Yes, sir!

-[groaning]

-I'll take Celia.

You take Miharu.

[gasping]

-Cool.

-[laughs]

Guess it's settled.

So, do you mind

flying there with me?

No.

I would appreciate it, thank--

All right, then.

[RIO]

Sorry to get intimate.

[gasping]

Make sure you're

holding on tight, Miharu!

Right, I will!

[MIHARU]

Wow! Amazing!

I can't believe we're really

flying through the air!

[RIO] It's much easier

to appreciate the scenery

from up here.

[MIHARU]

It's beautiful.

I've never seen

anything like this!

You're not scared at all?

Nope, not a bit.

Not as long as

I'm here with you.

Ah!

[wind howling]

Hey, if you don't mind,

can I ask how much

you know about Rio?

Nearly everything.

Because of our covenant,

Haruto's memories

flow through me

as though they're my own.

I see, so you two

share your memories?

Yes.

Well, to me,

it sounds as though

your very consciousness

is tightly bound

together with his.

That's the nature

of a spirit covenant.

When our spirits merge,

our consciousness intertwines.

Oh, well, that seemsunfair.

-Huh?

-[CELIA] No, I mean

When I think about how you know

a side of Rio that I don't,

it just, I dunno

makes me feel kind of lonely.

[chuckles]

A side of Haruto

that you don't know?

[AISHIA] Haruto is different

than he used to be.

Little by little, he is

starting to rely on others.

Oh, is that so?

That boy over there?

He must have been lucky enough

to meet some good people.

-It's because of you.

-[gasps]

When Haruto was alone,

only one person treated him

with real kindness, that's you.

[AISHIA] You're the reason

Haruto was able

to start trusting people again.

Knowing all that,

I hope you stay true,

and keep treating him

with love.

Yes, of course, I will.

We can't call her

"professor" out here.

It could draw attention.

Just call her "Cecilia"

to be safe.

All right.

[RIO]

Also, before we head into town,

let's change our hair colors.

Around here,

black hair is unusual.

Wow, that's amazing!

[RIO]

You too, Professor.

There may be people on the hunt

for us without our knowledge.

[both laugh]

♪

[indistinct chatter]

[CELIA]

My, Amande is just as lively

as the rumors

would have you believe!

[MIHARU] I wonder what

they're waiting in line for.

A local specialty,

it's called "menjuu."

A lot like Japanese manjuu.

Oh, wow, really?

There's that, and pasta.

It's a pretty wide variety.

The Ricca Guild offers foods

that resemble those on Earth.

[RIO] We can buy some

to take back with us.

[MIHARU]

Yes, I'd love that!

-[door creaking opens]

-[CHLOE] Come on in!

Welcome to the

Ricca Guild, folks!

I, Chloe, am your concierge!

So, if you're in need,

just come talk to Chloe!

I'm looking forward

to helping you!

Thank you!

If you could help them,

that would be great.

I've gotta run, but I'll be

back in about an hour.

Aishia, help Miharu,

if you would.

All right.

Well, then, the first thing

we're gonna need

is some new clothes!

Please feel free to try on

any clothes that you'd like!

[CELIA]

All right, in that case,

I'll give it everything

I've got!

[door closes]

♪

♪

[CELIA]

Miharu, may I have a moment?

Of course, Cecilia.

[laughs]

What do you think?

They're tailored for us mages.

I think they look like

they belong on you!

Come on, you should

try some stuff on!

Oh, should I?

♪

Miharu, everything

fits you so well!

-[MIHARU] You really think so?

-Oh, yes!

You look lovely as can be!

♪

[RIO] I spoke to anyone

that would listen

but couldn't find

a single lead.

It only happened yesterday.

Guess I'm done for now.

Now that you've got clothes,

might there be

anything else you require?

I would like to find

some stationery, please!

Yes, ma'am!

Allow me to lead the way!

I'm going with Miss Chloe.

You two are free

to do as you like.

♪

Uh?

Mm-hmm.

-How's it going?

-Ah?

Find anything

you'd like to buy?

[gasps]

[whimpering]

Oh!

Oh, please forgive me!

-Is there something wrong?

-Everything's fine!

[MIHARU]

Yeah, it's nothing, really.

It's okay, Miharu.

I've got some other

errands I can run,

take as much time

as you need to shop!

Haruto, please wait!

[MIHARU] While you're here,

would you mind

holding up these clothes,

so I can see them

in front of you?

[RIO]

Oh, yeah, sure.

[MIHARU]

I knew it!

These would look

absolutely dashing on you!

[RIO]

You think so?

Yeah, they look great on you!

Miharu, you're a professional!

Dashing is quite

the understatement!

You're too kind,

thank you, Miharu.

Wow, I was just thinking

I needed more outfits.

I'll take these, if I may.

Yes, thank you

for purchasing from us!

Lucky for you, we happen

to be running a promotion

on gentlemen's clothing!

[CHLOE] If you were to purchase

one more ensemble,

I could give you a discount

on the whole set.

What do you think, sir?

[RIO]

That's the Ricca Guild for you!

You guys know how

to make a sale!

Well, then

[CELIA]

If you're buying more clothes.

May I pick them out this time?

[RIO]

By all means!

Capital of the kingdom of beltrum,

guest house

[ARIA]

Lady Liselotte.

The borders will remain

closed for some time.

I just received

the official word.

[LISELOTTE]

Understood, thanks, Aria.

But between you and me,

I am positive that Beltrum

wants to control all of the

information on this matter.

Thanks to that,

I'm unable to conduct business

because I'm stuck here,

as you see.

Take this opportunity

to forget about work.

Please enjoy your free time.

"Enjoy it," you say?

[LISELOTTE]

Well, Duke Arbor's reputation

was completely tarnished.

It's quite amusing

to the Kingdom of Galarc,

I must admit.

It's certainly something

to be thankful for, at least.

That may be true, but I do feel

sorry for his bride, Celia.

She's an old friend

of yours, isn't she?

[sighs]

[LISELOTTE] Speaking of which,

who do you think did it?

[gasps]

Maybe someone hostile

to Duke Arbor's family.

Yes, it had to be.

It's funny, though.

Chaos envelops all the kingdoms

and then the heroes appear.

Talk of that abounds within

the castle walls as well.

Think, Aria!

If a hero was to be

summoned out here,

then surely there has to be

one in Galarc, too!

[sighs]

[LISELOTTE]

I must hurry up and get back.

♪

[RIO]

They're yours!

Professor Celia and Miharu

picked them out for you.

I hope you like them,

we had fun!

[MIHARU] She was just saying

that "she hopes you like them."

♪

-Whoa!

-Wow!

-[MASATO] I'll put mine on!

-Yeah, me too!

Oh, dude,

these are freakin' cool!

Thanks, guys, I love mine,

they look so cute!

How nice,

they suit you well!

Unfortunately, I wasn't able

to get info on your friends.

Takahisa and Satsuki

are still lost.

Oh, I understand.

[RIO] But it seems to be true

that the heroes have arrived,

just as foretold in the legend

of the Six Wise Gods.

The only thing I can imagine

is that you three

must have accidentally got

caught up in the summoning.

Now then, it's just a guess,

but those friends of yours

we can't find,

it could be them.

They might be the heroes

who were summoned to us.

-They're the heroes?

- Do you mean "Heroes."

Like the main

characters in a game?

Something a bit like that, yes.

There are six,

according to prophecy.

It's possible that your friends

are two among them.

Satsuki and my big bro

are heroes?

There's no way.

I don't care what our

brother is in this world.

Please, I wanna go find him!

[RIO]

I understand how you feel.

But hear me out.

I think all of you need

to become more familiar

with this world's language

and customs first.

Oh, yeah,

you're probably right.

That is a great idea.

Because after all, we can't

just keep depending on Aishia.

You mean I have to study

in this world, too?

Oh, cooome ooooon!

We get teleported

to a fantasy land,

and I get homework!

Anyway, I have a few ideas

for how we should proceed.

From my time here, I've made

some trustworthy friends.

I think we should ask

for their advice.

Who might these

"trustworthy friends" be?

The People of the Spirits.

Can we please eat some food?

[RIO] I suppose

we should all do that!

[MIHARU]

Oh, if it's all right with you.

I'd like to help you cook!

[RIO]

Of course, thank you!

Then why don't we have

Japanese food tonight?

[AKI]

Japanese food? All right!

"Jah-pah-neez?"

The cuisine of the land

where Miharu

and the others come from.

[CELIA] Oh, I'm looking

forward to that!

[RIO]

What do you think?

Hmm. It's fine, just tastes

a bit light for me.

We can fix that

with a little more miso.

[AKI] Miharu

isn't usually this comfortable

around guys back on Earth,

but she seems

perfectly fine with Haruto.

[CELIA] Doesn't he realize

that I'd like to learn

how to cook as well?

[RIO]

Hm?

Would you like to help us

cook, Professor?

Yes!

♪

[GROUP]

Thank you for the meal!

[RIO]

"My Home, Under Attack."

Illustration: minazuki futago

growl spirit chronicles 2