Tetra
That day, I made my way to Eden Hall despite my illness to speak with Hatsumi.

Tetra
The weather was terrible, with rain suddenly pouring down. I was feeling rather gloomy.

Tetra
But on my way, I spotted Hatsumi. She was standing in the rain without an umbrella.

Tetra
She had a dazed look about her. I was surprised and called out to her immediately.

Hatsumi
Hello.

Tetra
Don't you have an umbrella?

Hatsumi
It wasn't raining two hours ago.

Tetra
You've been here for two hours...?

Tetra
Why are you standing around in a place like this?

Hatsumi
I'm not here by choice.

Hatsumi
I want to go inside, but I got locked out when I left briefly. I'm in a bit of trouble since my belongings are still in there.

Tetra
-The staff exit is locked...

Tetra
I see, someone locked it from the inside.

Hatsumi
Careless person. They don't answer even when I ring the intercom.

Tetra
...

Hatsumi
Rehearsal should end soon. If I wait a bit longer, someone will come out.

Tetra
I wonder. Anticipating that you're waiting outside, they might eagerly start some extra practice.

Hatsumi
Their enthusiasm is admirable. If only they were this dedicated all the time.

Tetra
...I have the key. I'll open it.

Hatsumi
Thank you.

Hatsumi
...I left my valuables inside, so this is quite helpful.

Tetra
What do you plan to do now?

Hatsumi
Now? I intend to go home.

Tetra
Soaking wet like that? Your home must be some distance away.

Hatsumi
Well, passersby might be startled.

Tetra
You'll catch a cold like that. Come with me.

Hatsumi
Thanks for letting me use your bath.

Tetra
Are you warmed up now?

Hatsumi
Yes, thanks for your help. Sorry for having you dry my clothes as well.

Tetra
I made coffee. One sugar and milk is alright?

Hatsumi
You needn't trouble yourself...black is fine.

Tetra
Sorry, I've already added it.

Hatsumi
...

Tetra
It'll take a bit more time for your clothes to dry. Keep me company until then.

Hatsumi
You've been so kind, I'll keep you company as long as you like.

Tetra
Then, tell me about yourself.

Hatsumi
Oh, continuing the interview?

Tetra
What were you thinking about earlier?

Hatsumi
Earlier?

Tetra
When you were standing in the rain. I've never seen such a vacant expression on your face before.

Hatsumi
Nothing much. I was just...remembering the past.

Tetra
About your time at Gingaza?

Hatsumi
No...something else.

Tetra
Did you start acting at Gingaza? Your acting doesn't seem to have the Gingaza style.

Hatsumi
No, I often showed my acting to people-

Hatsumi
To my family. Maybe that's why.

Tetra
Did your family teach you acting?

Hatsumi
No, I'm self taught. My family ran a restaurant. I often observed customers while helping out.

Tetra
I see, so it's the fruit of people watching.

Hatsumi
You could say that.

Tetra
...

Tetra
You said you wanted a theatre company you could move as you please. Why?

Hatsumi
That wasn't asked during the interview. Should I answer?

Tetra
I've heard from members. They say people keep quitting because of you. Do you expect me to stay silent while you do as you please in the theatre company I established?

Tetra
Tell me. Why are you so intent on having your way? What are you seeking? Why are you causing such a commotion?

Hatsumi
It's for someone who once said they liked my theatre. I want to create performances that person would approve of.

Hatsumi
I need to create the ideal stage for that person.

Tetra
Ideal...?

Hatsumi
What I want to see is theatre like no one has ever seen before. Where performers bare themselves, elevating the stage with performances from the soul.

Tetra
Performances from the soul, hmm...

Hatsumi
People are unknowingly thirsty and hungry. But nobody realises it. By showing them this stage, I quench their thirst.

Tetra
If you put it that way, you seem to be the thirstiest of all.

Hatsumi
I won't deny it. But you feel the same way, don't you? Sera Tetra-san.

Tetra
Hmm...

Tetra
Wanting to create a stage like no one has ever seen, I understand that feeling. I once felt the same. That's why I created Eden.

Tetra
However, whether it can be realised in the current Eden-

Hatsumi
But we won't know unless we try.

Hatsumi
Things change, cycling through prosperity and decline. The current Eden doesn't have its former vigour, but I don't intend to leave it that way.

Hatsumi
Wait for paradise to decay, or witness its transformation by my hand. You know which is better, don't you?

Tetra
...You think I'll allow that?

Hatsumi
...You will. After all, you're the one who ultimately invited me in. Because you...are terribly thirsty.

Tetra
...

Tetra
I couldn't say anything back. I intended to persuade her, but I found myself in the palm of her hand.

Tetra
I didn't understand what Hatsumi meant by "thirst," but I couldn't deny it. After all, I'd felt a connection since we met.

Tetra
In the end, I had expectations for her.

Iruru
I understand that feeling. Amidst many people leaving, I stayed at Eden ultimately because I wanted to take a chance on Hatsumi.

Tetra
You all know well Hatsumi's subsequent actions and Eden's history. Only those who would follow her remained as members, and she became the de facto leader.

Tetra
Not just as the star actor. She also held control over scripts and the direction of performances. She scouted actors from various places and reshaped the theatre company as she pleased.

Nikako
I'm one of those who was invited to Eden that way, huh?

Shigure
I came on my own, though. Hatsumi-san's performances seemed interesting♪

Tetra
Yes. That's about all I can tell you. Perhaps I've had a bit too much to drink. I'll get some water.

Daikoku
...Wait. There's still something bothering me...