| Tsumugi | I’m back. |
| Homare | Tsumugi-kun, welcome home. |
| Tsumugi | Isn’t that the inner palace drama we stopped watching halfway? |
| Homare | Yes, I’m curious about the rest of the story. Do you want to join me, Tsumugi-kun? |
| Tsumugi | Thank you. I’m actually curious too. |
| |
| …Haa… That sure was interesting, but there was a lot going on in the story and it made me exhausted somehow. |
| Homare | That’s because this drama managed to portray how messy human relationships are. I don’t hate this kind of story, though. |
| ーーHowever, the gesture of the imperial court princess seems a little bit different from the military family’s princess’. I need to pay attention to that. |
| Tsumugi | You seem very enthusiastic about this, Homare-san. Is there any particular reaーー. |
| Izumi | Homare-san, you got a package. |
| Homare | For me? ...Ah, this is from my acquaintance who lives near the Edo Park. |
| Since our show will be held near their place, they told me they’d stop by to watch if they have the time. |
| This is… oh my, aren’t these chestnut buns from Meijido!? Filled with candied Japanese chestnuts, these are such an excellent, first-rate gems! |
| Tsumugi | Whoa, they look delicious. |
| Homare | For today’s afternoon tea, shall we enjoy them with everyone else? |
| Izumi | Ah, you dropped something. …A one-stroke sketch? |
| Homare | This is a Japanese poem. |
| “Even though I have this gorgeous Nishijin brocade kimono, I would enjoy wearing it if you are still alive.” |
| Tsumugi | Isn’t this Princess Kazu’s poem? We saw this on the drama. |
| Homare | That is right. What a timing. This must be fate. |
| Izumi | What’s the meaning of this poem? |
| Homare | “The Nishijin brocade I wanted as a souvenir is no longer useful.” |
| “No matter how beautiful the design of the brocade is, it doesn’t mean anything since you are not here anymore.” |
| ...That’s pretty much the meaning of the poem. |
| Izumi | It’s such a beautiful poem, though I can also feel a little bit sadness in it. |
| Homare | Speaking of, that poem is also included in the anthology I recommended to you the other day, Tsumugi-kun. |
| Did your student like it? |
| Tsumugi | Oh, that’s… Looks like reading a poem anthology is still a little bit difficult for her. |
| Homare | I see. It’s such a shame. |
| Tsumugi | Even so, I can’t say for sure if she will read other novels… I think it’s quite hard to get her interested. |
| Homare | Hm… |
| I think it’s because you yourself are not that knowledgeable of Japanese poem. |
| Tsumugi | Huh? |
| Homare | Even I find it hard to suggest something to someone when I don’t know much of the subject. |
| Isn’t it important to be knowledgeable of the subject first before getting someone interested in it? |
| Tsumugi | ...You have a point. I shall read that poem anthology first, then. |
| Homare | That’s a good idea. |
| |
| Tsumugi | So this is Edo Park… It’s my first time coming here, but I can say that this place is amazing. |
| Muku | This place made us feel like we’ve just traveled through time! |
| Homare | Aaah… I’ve found some inspiration. I shall reciteーー. |
| Sakyo | Knock it off. You’re bothering other visitors. |
| Kondo | Hey! Long time no see. |
| Izumi | Kondo-san! |
| Itaru | Hello. |
| Chikage | Hello, it’s been a while. |
| Sakyo | Thank you very much for your help that time. |
| Kondo | I should be the one thanking you guys! Are y’all here to practice sword-fight stunt again? |
| Izumi | Ah, no. We received an offer to perform a play here this time around. |
| Kondo | Ooh. Now that you mention it, I think I heard that a theater troupe is gonna perform an inner palace-themed play. |
| Could it be… |
| Izumi | That’s us! |
| Kondo | Here I thought female actors would be coming here… But you guys sure have it hard, huh? After sword-fight, you’re crossdressing now. |
| Izumi | We think of this as a way to gain valuable experience. |
| Kondo | I can’t go watch you guys since I have work to do, but I’m sure y’all will be fine. Good luck! |
| Izumi | Thank you! |
| |
| Azami | ...What’s with that crowd? |
| Sakyo | Looks like they’re doin’ something. |
| Homare | ...Isn’t that a courtesan parade!? |
| Muku | Whoa, they’re all so gorgeous and beautiful… |
| Azami | Their makeup is great too. It’s not too thick. |
| Visitor A | Seeing beautiful women in kimono sure feels nice. |
| Visitor B | Come to think of it, there will be a play about the inner palace at night. |
| Visitor A | My, I’d love to see it! |
| Visitor B | Let’s go watch it when it starts. |
| Itaru | ...It’s great to know that people are looking forward to the play, but I feel kinda pressured too. |
| Izumi | Let’s head to the venue first for now. |
