Hatsumi
(Oh, if that isn't...)

Hatsumi
Noa, is it? Fancy running into you like this. Are you heading home now?

Noa
Ugh...Hatsumi...yes, I am, but...

Hatsumi
You're as cold as always. There's no need to make that face.

Noa
Sorry, it's just reflexive...were you coming from rehearsal too?

Hatsumi
Yeah. Though in my case, it's mostly administrative work. Say, would you like to grab dinner with me afterward?

Hatsumi
It's rare for us to have a chance to talk like this, and we've happened to meet by chance. Let's eat something delicious and discuss theatre at our leisure.

Noa
Haah...you really haven't changed, Hatsumi. I heard Eden's been invited to the World Theatre League too.

Hatsumi
You already knew? As expected of Noa, keeping up with all the information.

Hatsumi
But the World Theatre League doesn't concern me much. It's not that I'm dismissing it, but I don't feel intense pressure about it either.

Hatsumi
If anything, the Prometheus Award made me more nervous than this. ...There were various complicated circumstances, though.

Noa
I see...well, it doesn't matter. I am a bit hungry anyway, so I suppose I can join you for dinner. If you're paying, that is.

Hatsumi
Of course, my lady. There's no way I'd make such a wonderful woman reach for her own wallet.

Noa
I was only joking, but...if that's what you're saying, I'll gladly take you up on it.

Hatsumi
Heh heh, no problem at all. Shall we go?

Hatsumi
Oh, I'm quite lucky tonight. This limited edition menu usually sells out by now, but it's still available.

Hatsumi
They use rare ingredients, and the taste is exquisite. I'm planning to order this, but have you decided what you want?

Noa
Then I'll have the same thing.

Hatsumi
Perfect. Excuse me!

Hatsumi
We'd like two of these, and two glasses of wine, please.

Server
Certainly. Please wait a moment.

Noa
...Well, since we have the chance, let me ask you something. What made you decide to accept the invitation?

Hatsumi
Oh? Don't tell me that's the only reason you agreed to my invitation?

Noa
Who knows...? At least, sharing a meal with you isn't just an afterthought.

Hatsumi
Good...I'd be lonely if only I was excited about this.

Hatsumi
As for your earlier question, the short answer is...to fulfil Eden's long cherished dream.

Noa
Dream?

Hatsumi
Yes. For Eden to perform as a traveling theatre company like it once did...we needed significant publicity and attention to achieve that goal.

Hatsumi
That's why I decided to accept this invitation. To use the World Theatre League's competition to our advantage.

Hatsumi
If we participate and draw attention, it will greatly help us restart as a travelling theatre company.

Noa
Draw attention...among all those troupes from around the world? Do you have a plan?

Hatsumi
Of course. I'm not foolish enough to drag everyone into a fight without a chance of winning. But this isn't just about drawing attention.

Hatsumi
Our original goal and this opportunity happen to align, that's all. I intend to show them 'true theatre that doesn't rely on Sense'.

Hatsumi
That is Eden's true purpose, what I've created, and what I believe to be the very essence of theatre itself.

Noa
Hatsumi...

Hatsumi
Theatre is, fundamentally, a comprehensive art form where every element-acting skill, direction, props-is meticulously developed and refined to completion.

Hatsumi
...Sense is merely the power of an individual actor. The trend of looking down on those without Sense is far too simplistic.

Noa
I understand what you're saying. But you're planning to showcase that at the Dai Star Festival?

Noa
Isn't that far too dangerous? Even if you get some attention and become a topic of discussion, there's potential for the opposite effect.

Noa
You could end up being ridiculed as 'an eccentric troupe out of place'.

Hatsumi
That's fine either way. We simply show the audience the finest stage we can create. ...That's what my troupe, Eden, is.

Noa
I see......in this grand theatrical age, a troupe like that might not be so bad.

Noa
...There's more than one form that theatre can take, after all.

Hatsumi
Thank you, Noa.

Hatsumi
Now then, my turn to ask a question.

I answered your question, so surely you'll answer mine?

Noa
Depending on what it is...go ahead.

Hatsumi
How do you feel when you watch Sirius' performances? Isn't there something you're feeling?

Noa
...What do you mean?

Hatsumi
Recently, I've noticed a subtle shift in your heart. I wondered if perhaps you're being charmed by the brilliance of the stage again.

Noa
...!

Server
Thank you for waiting. Here are your two orders and the glasses of wine.

Noa
...The food is here. Let's eat while it's still warm.

Hatsumi
Huh...yes, let's.

Hatsumi
(Dinner with Noa was quite fulfilling. It feels like we both gained something from it...such a pleasant feeling.)

Hatsumi
Tonight the sky is cloudless, full of stars...

Hatsumi
I'm coming...Futaba. On the stage you said you loved, I...we will surely captivate the world.

Hatsumi
...Well, I should head back before it gets too late.