Christmas Live – Prologue
Season: Winter
Location: Yumenosaki Academy Corridors
…Sigh. I’m sorry, could you please repeat yourself?
Oh, no, it’s not that I couldn’t hear you the first time. I don’t mean to guilt you, but could you please speak a little more clearly?
I’m here to prioritize assessing the situation correctly, rather than to criticize you. …What has happened, are you crying?
You’ll have to excuse me, I cannot take your feelings into consideration at this time.
I’m terribly sorry, but, please do tell me what led up to this. I’ll handle it from here on.
Hm. What an inconvenience; I thought you had assured me you would have that matter taken care of.
If that comes to a stop, then this entire thing will come to a standstill.
What trouble. Biting off more than you can chew only reveals your inadequacy.
You should prove your usefulness not with your words, but with your actions, and your results.
Yes. Do not worry, allow me to take care of it. You should give your face a quick rinse.
I’ll contact you again later, so… Alright, do excuse me.
…………
…How vulgar.1 Well, I can understand how he feels.
Oya, Anzu-san. It’s not in very good taste to eavesdrop, you know.
No, there isn’t any serious trouble. No need for the producer to go through the hassle of interfering.
You’re busy with your own business after all, are you not?
Fufu. It is indeed December, the end of the year.
Soon it will be Christmas… The academy has plans to hold the large-scale event we know as StarFes.
And as expected, the student council appears to be short on hands, and I have been requested to assist with preparations.
I do not wish to be so meddlesome…
However, the student council is one of the young master’s places to be. It is my duty as a butler to support him, as well.
Furthermore, the results I achieve will also affect the young master’s evaluation.
And so, I am doing the best to my ability. I am having quite the tough time, though….
It’s one issue after another, you see, and I’m extremely busy. I’d welcome even the help of a cat.2
Hm, “meow ♪”? Is that your impression of a cat?
You act quite unusually sometimes, don’t you, Anzu-san. Regardless, as I’ve said… I’m sure that you have your own work to complete.
So please, prioritize that.
I understand exactly how you feel. Labor is a blessing—No, it is life itself. It devastates me to have to take a break for the New Year holiday season.
Fufu. That being said, it is a season where you can easily fall sick… Please take care of yourself, Anzu-san.
I do not have the time for a long conversation now, so do excuse me.
Oh. I’m sorry, but please do not tug at the hem of my uniform. You resemble a lost child. What can I do for you?
Hm. So… It’s a rare occurrence, but you truly are free today, Anzu-san?
Nobody will give you any work, because they’re all concerned about you? Well, you have been working a lot, Anzu-san… It wouldn’t be good if you were to collapse from overexertion.
Make good use of everyone’s concern for you, and please rest. How about finding a hobby, or joining a club?
That is what I do on my days off, too.
I strengthen my mind with the archery club, and do careful and meticulous cleaning around the mansion I normally am not able to get to…
Do you have any hobbies, Anzu-san?
Hm. You still insist on some kind of work? “Please don’t reduce my hours, boss!”…? Fufu, that’s a very funny joke. ♪
As you wish. I just can’t say no when I’m pleaded to so lovingly like that.
Hm… May I ask you to do a bit of shopping for me, then?
An errand. Basically; there are some trivial things I need.
The quantity doesn’t justify ordering from a vendor and getting it delivered, but it is a hassle to do the shopping oneself.
It would be a massive help if you could do this errand for me, Anzu-san.
Just a moment, please. Allow me to make a list of the items we need purchased. Correction fluid, a Bible, chocolate bonbons… Hm, what is it?
You’d like me to draw you a picture? No need to be so mean; you know that I possess no artistic talent.
Umm, well then… A turkey, then, a Christmas tradition.
The turkey’s saying, “Thank you for doing the shopping, Anzu-chan! ♪” How’s this?
Fufu. I am glad that you like it.
Thank you very much. I had been overwhelmed with busyness up until some moments ago, but…
I feel somewhat more at peace now. Thanks to you, Anzu-san. ♪
Anyhow. For this upcoming year’s end…
Let us end it meaningfully, and without any regrets. Although I’m sure you know that well, Anzu-san…
Ah, right, yes… The items I need for this errand aren’t ones necessarily needed right away.
So please do take your time strolling around town as you shop.
It is a delight simply to wander around with all the beautiful lights put up everywhere. …It’s a tad early, but nevertheless, Merry Christmas. ♪