Souma Kanzaki: Idol Story 1

 

Chapter 1

Location: Meeting Room

Souma: Hmm. Well, then, Kanzaki Souma will continue to push forth.

“Oh noo. Sorrii, ai kyant speaku Engurishu.

Yesu yesu, ai amu a Japanesu. Okay, so sorrii.”

...Is that correct? Hmm, I wonder if the effect is somewhat lacking?

(Hmm. I am still far from perfection. Were I to self-evaluate my skills, I would give myself a solid 70 points out of 100.

Although there is no particular problem with my current skill, it is not sufficient enough to utilize and receive pay for as a means of work.)

...Huh, who’s there?! (reaches for the handle of his sword)

Oops. My deepest apologies; I had thought that you were someone else, my lady!

I am so extremely delighted to be able to direct the slightest glimpse upon your countenance! Have you any business with me?

Hmm? You wouldn’t like to be called “my lady”, you say? However, for us idols, a “purodyuusaa” is our lord and master, you see?

Well, at the very least, I’ve been taught that I must show to those that I work with the utmost respect!

For myself, it’s not that “the customer is king”, but that “the customer is your master”! Hahaha ☆

...I must be honest. Was there not an instruction the other day that we as “aidoru” are to refer to you by the title of “purodyuusaa”?

Naturally, if those are my master’s orders I am more than willing to obey them, but…

Try as I might, my English pronunciation is quite unseemly…

With another higher-up, upon the occasion that I referred to them as “purodyuusaa”, they replied with “Are you making fun of me?” and such, and I had ended up vexing them.

That was not my intention in the slightest.

I had intended to show my reverence, as if I were prostrating myself, but, on the contrary, it ended up looking as though I were mocking them from above--I feel frustrated that it was taken in that way.

Therefore, I am in the process of studying English pronunciation, but for the time being, I have decided to call you not “purodyuusaa”, but rather by an alternate title with which to honor you.

It is my plan for a compromise in order to still honor those instructions, as well as to not injure the feelings of others.

Yes. And thus, the title I’ve chosen is “my lady”. Although I feel as if referring to everyone by the title of “lord” or “lady” will lessen the significance of the word somewhat, there is nothing that can be done about that.

I am unskilled in this regard, so English is not something I can learn in just one day. I have no choice but to give the very best of my ability, to the extent which it is possible. Perseverance always prevails.

Look. Even now, I have been making the utmost use of my time during work, as well as my spare time at work, by constantly consulting English teaching materials and disciplining myself. Naturally, I obtained a permit to use this room as well.

That reminds me. On what business are you here for, my lady?

I see. So there will be a meeting taking place here a little while from now, then?

Because of that you arrived here early, as you thought you should arrange the materials you printed at every seat and do other such preparations?

How admirable. You’ve become a person of quite distinguished standing indeed, have you not, my lady? Yet you still do not shun the idea of behaving as if you were a lackey.

I admire you greatly; I, too, must follow your example.

I had not intended for this either, but… It seems as if my way of speaking almost gives off a subtle air of superiority.

Every now and again when I first meet someone, they seem almost excessively respectful around me for some reason.

...Hmm, isn’t it because my sword is frightening, you ask?

However. Not only is this sword my proof that I am a son of warriors, but also, as you know, I have a permit to carry it properly.

It’s identical to one that one would have for needing to wear glasses while driving a car, so there is no need to be frightened.

It is sincerely difficult for warriors to live on in this day and age…

...Ah. Once again, allow me to offer my apologies. I’ve become a nuisance by remaining here, haven’t I…

If that is the case it’s certainly possible for me to continue my English studies in the hallway, or otherwise move elsewhere.

Hmm? That isn’t necessary? Rather, you want to study together, you say?

Ah. From time to time, you struggle to communicate with your overseas clients due to a discrepancy in “nyuuansu”1?

Therefore, you feel like you would like to learn English as well?

But you’re rather busy, so you cannot find the time to go to English conversation school or anything of the sort… right?

I see. These days, we live in a “guroobaru society”2-- or more precisely, a society in which it is better to be fluent in a foreign language as well.

If we remain secluded within our small island nation, we will not last.

Of course, I am proud of my home country; our “Akatsuki” is a “unitto” whose very basis is the graceful elegance of Japanese style. But…

If one does nothing else but simply adhere to their narrow set of values, sooner or later they will reach a breaking point.

Hasumi-dono and Kiryu-dono, my “Akatsuki” senpais, seem to take a liking to Western music as well.

If I become proficient in singing English lyrics as well, my range of skills will only grow.

The moon will remain as the moon no matter how many thousands of years pass, but we who look upon it are constantly changing.

In order to be loved forever, we as “Akatsuki” must alter ourselves to suit the modern era.3

And then, we shall show our radiance to the entire world forevermore!

We, are, etaanaru moonraito4! Yes! Was that correct English, my lady?

Huh? Leaving that aside, the title “my lady” makes you uncomfortable so you’d like me to call you “purodyuusaa”?

Understood. We are comrades; you understand us and walk together with us down the same path.

I shall respect your wishes--I pray that you’ll watch over us carefully for many years to come ♪

TL Notes

1: nuance

2: “global society”

3: When Souma says “alter ourselves”, he literally says “apply to ourselves makeup for keeping up with the times”. It’s a metaphor for changing one’s appearance (as one would with makeup) for the express purpose of “keeping up with the times/suiting the modern era”.

4: eternal moonlight

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Proofread by 310mc and Gigi.