Nikako
Oh, there you are! ...Irurun!
Iruru
Oh, Nikako. You doing okay? What's up?
Nikako
Um...actually, before rehearsal today, there's something I'd like you to come with me to do!
Iruru
You want me to come with you to do something...?
Shigure
(Elmeria, the Blue-Haired Duke's seventh wife, decided to marry him after being welcomed at the feast...I wonder how her feelings changed in that moment...?)
Shigure
(And then in the second half, she finally discovers the truth about the Blue-Haired Duke that matches the rumours...what does it feel like to be driven by curiosity...? She should have been scared, so why...?)
Shigure
(I need to imagine Elmeria's feelings more carefully and become her even more than I am now...!)
Riko
Oh my, Shigure-sama...your side profile while absorbed in reading is wonderful too! By the way, what kind of book are you reading?
Koharu
Ellery Queen...and this one's by John Dickson Carr...?
An
You're reading nothing but foreign books!
Shigure
Mystery novels. I borrowed them from the library.
Riko
Could that be...for your role in the next performance?
Shigure
You're perceptive. That's exactly right.
Koharu
Even though you're already so busy, you're still studying acting even at school. That's amazing, Shigure-sama.
An
Shigure-sama is a genius and hardworking too!
Shigure
Well, yeah...though honestly, it's not necessary or anything, right? After all, excellent actors have to set an example for those around them, don't they?
Riko
That's wonderful, Shigure-sama...! You're a model for actors...no, a model for all humanity!
Shigure
(I'm not really sure what she's going on about, but she seems convinced...there's no way I could tell them I'm actually struggling with how to play Elmeria...!)
Koharu
With how focused you are on your character work, us being here would probably just get in the way anyway. Should we head out?
An
You're right!
Riko
Well then, Shigure-sama. Goodbye!
Shigure
Yes, be careful on your way home. See you tomorrow.
Riko
Yes!!!
Shigure
...
Shigure
(It's not just about getting Mama and Papa to recognise me. There's those guys too...!)
Shigure
(They've been supporting me all this time. I don't want to let them down. That's why I have to keep acting forever...!)
Nikako
Ahh...it was fun seeing all these different fabrics. I think I've got plenty of reference materials for the costume now.
Iruru
I was surprised when you said you wanted me to come look at costumes with you. What suddenly got into you?
Nikako
Well, the other day I happened to pass by that shop, and there was a costume that fit the Blue-Haired Duke's image perfectly, so I just got interested...
Nikako
So I wanted to hear someone else's opinion too, and that's why I invited you, Irurun!
Iruru
I see. So your head is full of theatre stuff no matter where you are or what you're doing.
Nikako
Ehehehe...yeah, that's right. But it's not just me-I think everyone in Eden right now is the same way.
Nikako
Ren-san is always like that, and Da-chan, Shigure-chan...and you too, Irurun!
Iruru
Me too? Do I look like that to you?
Nikako
You do! Even today, when we were at the shop, you were saying all kinds of opinions...
Nikako
If you weren't really thinking about the performance, there's no way those kinds of comments would come out!
Iruru
! ...Well, now that you mention it, I guess you're right...?
Iruru
(Without even realising it, I've been caught up in it too by these kids...!)
Iruru
(And I only realised it when Nikako pointed it out. I still have a lot to learn...!)
Nikako
But...we found so many things I thought were nice, I'm wondering what Ren-san will think of them~...am I going to get scolded for doing something without permission?
Iruru
Hmm, I'm not sure?
Iruru
For this production of the 'Blue-Haired Duke', I don't think there'd be a problem with everyone pitching in their opinions enthusiastically.
Nikako
Really...?
Iruru
Well, if things don't work out, I'll pat your head and comfort you lots, okay?
Nikako
Ugh...thank you so much, Irurun...
Iruru
I mean, you won't know unless you try it out, right?
Nikako
Y-Yes...!