Azami Izumida/Twin Kingdoms

Stalwart's Hell Cauldron

Backstage Stories

Part 1Part 2

Kumon	We should go to a public bath at some point, since there’s a bath that’s as hot as the flames of hell and only fierce men can withstand it, y’know?
Azami	I’m not sure about that. And what do you mean by fierce men?
Kumon	My friend from school told me about it. Don’t you think it’s cool!? Let’s go with Tasuku-san!
Azami	What, why?
Kumon	It’s fine, it’s fine! When we get home, let’s ask Tasuku-san!
Kumon	Ah, there he is! Tasuku-san!
Tasuku	What’s wrong?
Kumon	Did you know that there’s a hell cauldron bath at one of the public baths?
Tasuku	Hell cauldron? No… I knew the public bath over there had different baths, but I didn’t know it had such a bath.
Kumon	I heard it from a friend! The next performance, you two are from the land of fire, right?
	So going to such a place would be good!
Azami	So that’s why.
	We went to a public bath before. And a sauna too.
Kumon	Eh, but you can go again! I also wanna know what it’s like!
Azami	Just go yourself.
Tasuku	Well, I was actually thinking of going to one the other day… It may not be bad to go.
Azami	Well, I guess it is for rolebuilding, just don’t do the same thing as last time, Tasuku-san.
Tasuku	Ahh… It was pretty bad the other day, I’ll be careful.
Kumon	Then, we can go?
Tasuku	Yeah, let’s go.
Azami	Can’t be helped.
Tasuku	So this is a hell cauldron.
Azami	The steam’s somehow better than other baths…
Kumon	Uwaa! I bet it’s really hot…!
Old Man	You guys going in?
Kumon	Actually, I’m kinda having second thoughts…
Old Man	If you say so. If you’re not heading in, I’ll go ahead.
	See, nothing to worry about.
Kumon	…! Cool!
Tasuku	Your face is calm, despite the heat.
Azami	It probably looks hotter than it actually is, right?
Tasuku	Okay, I’ll go in.

Tasuku	It’s not too hot… Then, you two come in.
Kumon	Right. … Ah, it’s hot!!
	Aw man, it’s really hot!! Careful Azami!
Azami	If Tasuku-san can do it, then… Uwa, it’s burning.
	This is way too fucking hot…
Old Man	All these young people are weak if they can’t handle this temperature.
Azami	It’s not weak.
Old Man	Whatever you say, you’re the one who can’t get in~.
Azami	Haa? I’ll show you. …I’m getting in.
Kumon	Ah, wait! I’ll do my best too!
Old Man	It’s getting hotter, isn’t it?
Tasuku	Feels fine to me.
Azami	Me too.
Kumon	Uuu~…
Azami	Oi, Kumon. If it’s too hot, get out. Wouldn’t want you to pass out in here or something.
Tasuku	Yeah, don’t force yourself.
Kumon	Sorry… Good luck!
Tasuku	When you get out, drink some water.
Kumon	Gotcha!
Old Man	Hohoh, and then there were three.
	To think youth had the ability to last so long with this waiting game.
Tasuku	Waiting game…
Old Man	I won’t lose to young people~.
Azami	Hey… Old man, your skin’s pretty clear.
Old Man	Yeah, you noticed?
	I soak in the bath every day so my skin’ll stay like this.
	I used to shower back then, but I learned it’s different if you soak in a bath every day.
Azami	Hee, you know your stuff… It’s true that soaking will help your skin.
Tasuku	Is that so.
Azami	When we get home, tell the ones who shower to bathe instead.
Tasuku	…I figured you’d say that. Well, at least it’s beneficial.

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