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Chapter 5

Akira: Hasn’t the older lady sitting near the bed been smiling at that broom the entire time?

Akira: Maybe the broom is actually her precious object.

Rutile: So she wanted to have her broom painted, and that children wanted to paint on his canvas?

Figaro: I guess their interests just happened to align. They’re satisfying their own desires, while also treating one another.

Chloe: Oh! What about those people? Look, the two gentlemen posing in front of the mirror!

Murr: I’ll pose like a cat! Me∼ow!

Chloe: Ah, Murr! Is it okay just to barge in like that?

Shylock: They may find Murr’s intrusion to be amusing and delightful.

Shylock: This is Western Country. As much as one might want to stay close to their loved ones, they’re also always looking for stimulating company.

The duo prove Shylock’s words, and rather than appearing annoyed, seem to be openly embracing Murr’s presence and sharing their masks.

Rutile: Shylock is right, they’re really getting along!

Cain: Haha, yeah they really hit it off. You can tell just by their excited voices.

Chloe: Ah… It looks like they’re having fun over there too. Someone snuggling up with a chair is chatting with another person caressing a table.

Chloe: Maybe the people aren’t just looking to spend time with their precious ones, but also with others as well.

Rutile smiles.

Rutile: I’m sure that those with precious people or things in common tend to bond more quickly.

Listening to the stories of all the people, I take another look around the salon.

Everything I saw was completely unexpected, but everyone here was relaxed, enjoying their own, precious existence and various forms of love.

Shylock: Master Sage, how are you liking the salon?

Akira: Honestly, I’m a little overwhelmed..! There’s nothing like this in my home world.

Akira: But it’s nice to witness all people of all walks of life enjoying time with those most precious to them.

Shylock: I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. Rosa will be pleased.

Shylock: Everyone is free to mingle with the other clientele and browse around the salon.

Rutile: Yay! I’m eager to chat with all the various members.

Rutile: Maybe if I hear plenty of stories, I’ll be able to please the Master Sage in ways I could have never thought of myself.

Rutile: Okay, so whenever you start feeling happy, let me know the reason why!

Akira: I see… But I’m always happy with whatever you decide to do for me.

Akira: But maybe we can find something that we can enjoy doing together rather than alone.

Rutile: I get it! I feel like sharing experiences with others makes everything far more fun.

Shino: …

Figaro: Well, I think I might just go and talk to that couple over there. It seems they’re having so much fun, I can hear their laughter from here.

Rutile: I’m going with those people at the table. There’s such a large group that there’s bound to be stories to be told.

Rutile: Mr. Mithra, what about you?

Mithra: I’ll remain with you. I don’t want those people to kidnap you and steal away your life.

Cain: Now, what should I do?

Murr: Talk to the masked duo I just met! I want to chat with them more about their love of masks!

Cain: Oh, I’m pretty curious about that, too. Murr, can I come with?

Murr: Yes!

Akira: (I wonder what I should do…)

Shylock: Master Sage, why don’t you accompany me to that sofa over there so we can fully appreciate the atmosphere?

Shylock: I know this might all seem quite bizarre to you now, so maybe taking it all in little by little and familiarizing yourself might help.

Akira: Thank you! Please, let us do so.

Shylock: Let us enjoy the experience we can only receive in this salon.

Chloe: Hey Shino, do you have any ideas for what hospitality you’ll offer the Master Sage?

Shino: … Sort of.

Chloe: What! We just got here and you’ve already come up with one? That’s amazing, I haven’t had a single thought yet.

Chloe: But, I also came to this salon to figure out how to please them.

Chloe: We need to observe and learn from the others the best way to honor our Master Sage!

Tall Woman: Ufufu… So adorable.

Shino is on guard.

Shino: Who the hell are you?

Tall Woman: Don’t be so rude. I’m not trying to mess with your loved one.

Shino: My loved one…? What are you talking about?

Tall Woman: The pretty one with the red hair. You two were talking so much, I thought you were together.

Chloe: Wha-!? Um, that’s…

Shino: You’re wrong. My loved one is somewhere else.

Chloe: Ah…

Shino: This guy…

Chloe: Y-yeah! He’s right. Sorry I gave you the wrong idea.

Tall Woman: My, my. I suppose he is right. I’m sorry, too.

Chloe: A-Ahaha… That was a little scary.

Chloe: Well, all that shock has made me thirsty! I’m going to get a drink!

Shino: Hey, wait!

Shino: …

[Meanwhile…]

Thanks to Shylock’s suggestion, we spend the time together, chatting and observing others that approach us. 

Akira: One person cherished old watches, while on the other hand, the other cherished only new ones. It’s really fascinating. 

Shylock: Indeed. But as someone who loves both, I hit it off with each of them. 

Akira: People seem so happy talking about what they love… It kind of makes me happy too. 

Rosa: Shylock, Master Sage.

Akira: Ms. Rosa!

Ms. Rosa approaches us, walking in from the entrance. The blue monkey figurine hops off her shoulder, walking towards us. 

Akira: (The way it walks is so cute…)

The monkey suddenly leaps into my arms. I jump off the couch in shock and stare at it.

Akira: Waah! What are you doing…?

Rosa: Fufu, the little one likes you too. 

Rosa: Shylock, may I have a moment with the Master Sage?

The monkey turns and looks at Shylock. Shylock rises from the couch, puts a hand to his chest, and bows gracefully.

Shylock: Yes, if the Master Sage agrees.

Akira: Of course!

Rosa: Thank you very much. Here, this way.

Rosa takes me to a room in the very back of the salon.

Akira: Thank you for calling for me. I actually would’ve really enjoyed talking to you more. 

Rosa: My, I appreciate your sentiments, Master Sage. 

Rosa gestures for me to sit with her on the plush sofa. The monkey figurine in her grasp begins to move in a similar manner to grooming itself. 

Akira: (It’s almost like it’s really alive…) 

Rosa: Have you become interested in the little one? 

Akira: Yes, he’s quite a cute monkey isn’t he? It’s a heartwarming sight.

My eyes meet with porcelain ones. It may be a trick of the light, but I think I almost see them sparkle. 

Rosa: … You don’t find it offputting?

Akira: Huh?

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