Event 89: Noble rose: Guiding hand of darkness

Event 89: Noble rose, Guiding hand of darkness

[Opening: ......Until the contest]
[Chapter 1: Waiting for an update]
[Chapter 2: You'll eventually see it]
[Chapter 3: What should Ako do?]
[Chapter 4: Walker of the dark]
[Chapter 5: Towards the future]
[Ending: Our promise]


[Opening: ......Until the contest]
[Synopsis: The girls are working hard practising for the contest and they're naturally fired up......]

[Studio]

Lisa: Sayo, wanna play the part before the hook of the song together?
Sayo: Yeah, let's. I was interested in that part as well so how about we start from 3 sections before it?
Lisa: OK☆ Then let's do it
Yukina: Looks like we've finished the new song without running to any problems
Lisa: I know right! It would hype up the contest if we played it there wouldn't it?
Rinko: I was...... Just thinking the same thing
Lisa: Phwoar~☆ The great minds think alike thing! How about the rest of you? I think it would totally spice the set-list paired up with "Promise"
Sayo: That song was originally meant for us to try out new ways of playing, It was only supposed to be created as an etude
Sayo: I can't approve adding of that song if it's going to disrupt the set-list
Rinko: We might be able to...... come up with a way to....... seamlessly transition the current version of the song into the playlist......
Yukina: I'm against us trying to be different just for the sake of it. I'll come up with a way to transition into it so I'll let you girls decide
Lisa: Yeah! You're cool with that aren't you Sayo?
Sayo: Yeah, no problems here
Yukina: Alright then, after that let's practice the setlist with scrutinization in mind

Sayo: ...... I think you're right, we'll be able to seamlessly transition into the new song with that rhythm
Ako: Yeah! I was just thinking the same thing!
Yukina: Alright, Let's go ahead and add the new song to the setlist
Lisa: Aye aye sir! Hnnn~~~! I'm starting to look forward to the contest!
Sayo: Imai-san, there's a part that I'm unsure of, you don't mind practising with me do you?
Lisa: Of course not! Then maybe you can do the same for me-♪
Rinko: It's like......The mood of our recent practice sessions......have been overflowing with enthusiasm......It's great isn't it
Yukina: Sure is. With the contest right around the corner it's great that everyone is naturally like this without anyone needing to speak up
Ako: Yukina, Rinrin! Come look at this!
Yukina: "10 days 5 hours 40 minutes and 3 seconds until the contest" ......And this is?
Ako: It's a countdown app! It's counting down the like this until the day of the contest
Yukina: There's even an app for that
Rinko: Seeing it like that......really makes....... It hit home how fast it's approaching.....
Ako: I know right? I want to do my best in the contest so It fires me up every time I see it!
Yukina: That's the spirit Ako
Ako: Ehehe~♪ Thank you very much!
Yukina: But I think you should get it into your head that our goal isn't the contest
Ako: Sure thing! Cause when we give our super cool performance at the contest we move on to the "FUTURE WORLD FES"
Rinko: And we'll have......To practice hard for that
Ako: Yeah! Cause we took a break from NFO especially so we could work our butts off practising!
Yukina: Did you now
Ako: Yeah! When I said break I didn't mean we completely stopped logging in......
Rinko: We've......cut down on our gaming time.....
Ako: Rinrin, when the contest is over let's go on a newly added quest!
Rinko: Yeah, sure......
Ako: Oh yeah! That means that my countdown app is also counting down to when my NFO embargo is lifted!
Yukina: ......Ako. Do you understand how important the contest and the FES are......?
Ako: Of course I do~! It was just a joke!
Lisa: Hey Yukina, Ako~? What's up? You two about to rumble or something~?
Yukina: No. I was just letting Ako know how important the contest is......
Rinko: Fufu......
Ako: Uwuu, Sowwy......

[Chapter 1: Waiting for an update]
[Synopsis: After clearing almost all of the quests in NFO Ako begins pondering on something.....?]

[Udagawa residence]

Ako: Wonder if Rinrin is online yet?
Ako: Ah, there she is! Yahho! Rinrin!
Rinko: "Good work...... Ako-chan"
Ako: "You too! What should we do today?"
Rinko: "Should we......Get the daily quest.....out of the way?"
Ako: "OK! Let's get to it!"

[Depths of Rogoro mine]

RinRin: These enemies are a lot tougher than I expected (-∧-；) And since it's so dark it makes it harder to tell where the boss will appear from.....Take care Ako-chan!
Divine archangel princess Ako: Leave it to me! I have "Dark walker" so I'm cool with dark places! and anyway I just completed my set of super strong set of equipment♪ Follow me Rinrin~!
Rinrin: Hold up a second Ako-chan! ミヽ（。＞＜）ノ I feel like we're getting close to the bosses spawn point (； ･`ω･´)
RinRin: The boss is here Ako-chan! ......But there's no other players around so we're at a disadvantage, aren't we........（´｀：）
RinRin: This one calls for backup when attacked.......Ako-chan (ﾟ○ﾟ)
Divine archangel princess Ako: I wanna try out the new skill learned! Eat this!! "Scythe of death"!!!
RinRin: Fall back Ako-chan! The enemy has high defence against that particular skill so that "Scythe of death" wont have any effect!
Divine archangel princess Ako: Wait, what~!? Does it!? Oh crap.......! Now I'm slowed down from that skill's side effect.......
Divine archangel princess Ako: Waa~!!!...... Sorry RinRin, he murdered me~ ＞＜
RinRin: RIP in peace Ako-chan(TдT; ) I probably should have stepped in sooner
RinRin: Hold on a bit and I'll revive you, but first...... "Blinding curtain!"
RinRin: And now--

[Azemichi: Road]

(*´∨`*)  Fuwa~~ ...... it was a miracle that we cleared that wasn't it~...... Thanks Rinrin! I would've lost without you~......
RinRin: It's a relief that I revived you in time...... Good game Ako-chan! You've gotten so much stronger(*´∨`*)
Divine archangel princess Ako: Ehehe~! Thanks! Looks like we're done with today's dailies and all the other quests as well
RinRin: Yep. All that's left is the "Dark+" difficulty ones......
Divine archangel princess Ako: Oh yeah, they decided the rank requirements for "Dark+" didn't they
RinRin: Yeah. Looks like it's restricted to level 100 and above
Divine archangel princess Ako: I see! Then it'll be a piece of cake for us!
RinRin: Let's attempt it when the contest is over ٩( 'ω' )و
Divine archangel princess Ako: Yeah! I can't wait~. But what do you even do once you finish "Dark+" ? What should we do?
RinRin: Hmm...... I guess what you usually do is...... Gather mats while you wait for the next update to roll out?
Divine archangel princess Ako: Sounds like it'll be a drag for a while~......But whatever, as long as I'm with you!
RinRin: What a lovely thing to say (*ﾉﾉ)
RinRin: So shall we finish up for the day? See you tomorrow
Divine archangel princess Ako: Sure thing! Good work and good night Rinrin!
Ako: ...... Waiting for updates
Ako: (...... That's kinda like how Roselia is at the moment. The only quests we have left are the contest and FES......)
Ako: Wonder what happens when those are completed?
Ako: We're the ones who have to wait for an update aren't we? ...... It's not game over is it?
Ako: "9 days 21 hours 24 minutes and 13 seconds"....... until the contest
Ako: I wonder if I have some kind...... of quest?

[Chapter 2: You'll eventually see it]
[Synopsis: Rinko and Arisa are working hard with their student council duties. Arisa then asks her a bold question-]

[Hanasakigawa girls school: Student council room]

Rinko: Well then......That's us finished for the day......good work......
Student council members: Good work!
Arisa: Rinko-senpai! I still have a bit more work to do so I'll close up
Rinko: I...... Still have a few more things I want to get in order so.....Let's stay...... behind together......
Arisa: Sure!
Rinko: ......Ichigaya-san. I'm finished with my work so.....
Arisa: Ah! Then feel free to leave-
Rinko: No...... I can help you if you like......
Arisa: Eh!? You can't let me impose on you like that!
Rinko: It's not an imposition...... I'm responsible...... for all that work you have so.....Sorry.....
Arisa: There's no reason for you to apologise, not ever one! I'm really sorry......
Rinko: Then shall we...... Split the workload......
Arisa: Alright then! I'm really sorry for all this..... You're probably really busy with Roselia at the moment
Rinko: It's funny......Although we're practising for the contest.....It doesn't feel too bad at all.....
Rinko: On the contrary......From prepping for the contest I'm getting the hang of......Concentrating more......So I can focus on multiple things......
Arisa: ......Hmm
Rinko: Yeah......What's the matter......?
Arisa: I'm about to ask you something you may not like to hear.......
Arisa: Roselia is aiming for the FES aren't they?
Rinko: Yeah......And we're in the middle of preparing for the contest for that.....
Arisa: ...... And what are you going to do......After the FES?
Rinko: I......Don't know
Arisa: Eh!? Ah.......Sorry for asking a weird question.....
Rinko: No need to apologise...... I don't know what'll happen next but.....I'm not worried about it......
Arisa: Aren't you?
Rinko: We talked about this before but...... The way I think about it is....... When I've taken one step forward...... I'll then take another one....... and try to progress.....
Rinko: Therefore......I still believe that......Even when we reach the FES.....There'll definitely be another step forward after that.....
Rinko: And I'm sure all......Of Roselia.....Thinks the same......
Arisa: So kewl......
Rinko: ......Ah! Sorry! We still have work to do...... and I'm dragging it out......!
Arisa: Nah, You're just so cool. Amazing.....Really amazing.....
Rinko: I think of it like this......When the time is right......You'll always end up seeing...... What lies ahead......
Rinko: Maybe that's just me being optimistic but.....I think I've been able to see loads of things......since I took the first step.....
Rinko: So..... Even without knowing what'll happen after the FES.....I'm sure everything will work out fine......
Arisa: So......You'll see it when the time is right......
Rinko: I think it's amazing how Poppin' Party.....Charges into everything head first.....
Arisa: Ahaha~.....That's cause of that scamp who acts first and thinks about it......Never
Arisa: .....Ah!!
Rinko: Is something the matter.....!?
Arisa: ..... I still haven't prepared the.....documents for the day after tomorrow's meeting.....
Rinko: Roselia......Doesn't have any practice today so......I'll help you.....
Arisa: Ahh~......I'm really sorry about this. If only seeing what lies ahead was easier said than done
Rinko: Fufu......We.....were so close finishing everything weren't we.....

[Chapter 3: What should Ako do?]
[Synopsis: Ako's worries about what will happen after the FES continue to grow. She then consults her sister Tomoe......? ]

[Studio]

Yukina: ...... Alright, let's take it from the top again today
Lisa: OK! I'm gonna nail the part I missed this time! Let's do this~!
Ako: ......
Ako: (Today's daily quests are to decide how to transition into songs 2 and 3 so they're cool! then after that.....)
Ako: (Make proper eye contact with Rinrin!)
Ako: (Even if I don't know what the bigger picture is...... Maybe I'll start to get it if I treat every decision like an NFO daily quest)
Sayo: You ready Udagawa-san?
Ako: Yeah-!!

Lisa: .....Yep! We're starting to shape up nicely? But..... We were still a bit off. What do you think?
Sayo: I feel the same
Yukina: You're right, We need to think bigger and bolder
Lisa: Even though it's a contest there will still be an audience like our regular concerts so I want to give them a taste of how hot we are!
Rinko: Yeah......We have to entertain.....The audience as well
Yukina: On our road to the FES we'll have even bigger audiences that we'll want to fire up
Lisa: I know right!
Ako: (Everyone..... Is already thinking about the FES)
Sayo: The FES will be on an even grander scale so let's make sure to keep that in mind with our performances
Ako: (Everyone looks like......They're having fun, without a worry in the world.....What am I suppose to do?)
Rinko: Is something the matter...... Ako-chan......?
Ako: Huh? Nah, I'm fine! I'm gonna work my butt off so I can be even more epic!
Rinko: Ako-chan......

[Udagawa residence]

Ako: I'm home~
Tomoe: Welcome back Ako! You've been practising until late recently haven't you
Ako: Yeah! I have to since the contest is just around the corner
Ako: It's......."4 days 8 hours 40 minutes and 12 seconds" left...... until the contest
Tomoe: What's wrong? You look kinda bummed out?
Ako: ..... Does your band have any kind of goal?
Tomoe: Goal? What's gotten into you?
Ako: I don't know......What I'm suppose to do after the contest and FES are over......
Ako: Up until now we've all been working towards our goal but, what....... Am I suppose to do when that's over?
Tomoe: Ako......
Ako: Lisa-nee, Yukina and every one of the other girls...... Are so optimistic and are giving it their all. I'm sure they can see what lies ahead
Ako: But, I don't. What should I do..... Can I enter the contest feeling like this.....
Tomoe: Afterglow doesn't have a bad ass tangible goal like that. If I had to say what our goal was then it's to forever stay "The same as always"
Tomoe: Isn't Roselia's something like "Aim for the top"? But you can't really compare the two
Ako: So what are you doing to accomplish that goal?
Tomoe: I decided to protect the things that are changing from the things that shouldn't within our "Same as always"
Tomoe: Well.....It's probably too vague to understand but I think the worst thing you could do is to do something that makes the band lose faith in you
Tomoe: So you have to think about what you can do......It's important to find out what role you fill. Cause It's not like you're a bad drummer or anything
Ako: My role......
Tomoe: No need to rush into it! That's what I came up with when I was worried about finding out what role I fill
Tomoe: You might not find out before the contest but give it a long hard think and I'm sure you'll find the answer you're looking for
Ako: Don't rush into it.....
Ako: (When will I be able to see.....What the rest of Roselia have their eyes on?)
Ako: Rinrin...... What should do?

[Chapter 4: Walker of the dark]
[Synopsis: With the contest fast approaching Ako has a heart to heart with the other members]

[Studio]

Yukina: That's enough practice for today. Everyone rest up for tomorrow
Rinko: OK......! Good......Work......!
Sayo: Good work
Lisa: Yeah! good work! So it's coming up tomorrow~..... Feels kinda weird
Yukina: They would have already announced the results this time tomorrow and we'd have the ticket to the FES in our hands
Ako: This time tomorrow.....
Lisa: Yeah, we would. From tomorrow we'll be seeing a whole new us won't we
Sayo: Finally making some progress. Time to put a whole years worth of practice into action
Ako: (18 hours and 32 minutes until the contest......)
Ako: ......Ah
Rinko: Ako-chan......?
Lisa: Huh? What wrong Ako-chan? You worried about tomorrow?
Ako: What kind of us did you mean when you said "we'll be seeing a whole new us"......?
Rinko: Ah......
Ako: It's been on my mind this whole time, what's going to happen to us after the contest and FES?
Ako: It's what we've always been aiming for so what are we aiming for when that's over? ......
Lisa: Ako........
Ako: What do you think is going to happen to Roselia after the FES is over?
Yukina: ......I still don't know
Ako: Eh......!?
Yukina: We've always been aiming for a goal that's easy to explain. To the extent that I'm glad that I could walk a path that was chosen for me
Yukina: But that path is almost at its end. I take pride in knowing that us five have made it to the point where we now can't see what lies ahead
Ako: Yukina-san.....
Yukina: The contest and then the FES......Are only one goal, but they're nowhere near "The top"
Yukina: Our journey will surely continue on. Like one of those games you play
Rinko: ......A new quest......
Ako: A new quest.....Yeah but! This isn't a game so you can't just take on more quests, you gotta find them for yourself.....
Lisa: ...... It's the same for me, I don't know what lies ahead. I don't think anyone has a clear picture of what the future holds?
Lisa: But, strangely I'm not worried. I'm sure we'll find it if the five of us carry on...... together. And we'll be totally fine as long as Ako and Rinko are with us
Ako: Why us.....?
Yukina: You and Rinko are always listening to the five of us play and you always have your eyes fixed on Roselia
Yukina: If it wasn't for you girls I'm sure we would have stayed broken up after the SMS
Yukina: You girls pointed us back to where we belong
Yukina: I think you girls have the most faith and presence in Roselia. That's why.....
Yukina: When we're moving forward on a trackless path.....Or if there's ever a time where we're about to lose our way I want you to remind us of one thing "Roselia" and
Yukina: Be the presence that guides us
Ako/Rinko: ......!
Ako: I get it......!
Ako: I won't ever let Roselia out of my sight! If you ever lose your way I'll come help!
Ako: Well I'm still kinda afraid of walking dark paths but..... I have my "Dark walker" so!
Lisa: Dark.....What now?
Sayo: It's a skill in NFO that lets you walk in the dark
Lisa: Ahaha..... You know your stuff don't you Sayo
Ako: I'll do my best! You too! Right Rinrin?
Rinko: Yeah......!
Sayo: I'm just as lost as everyone else about the future. but, I think exchanging "promises" like this with important people makes you stronger
Lisa: Yeah, I think so too! That's why I 'm sure Ako will grow up strong with this promise
Ako: Thank you very much...... Lisa-nee and you girls!!
Yukina: Let's keep up this mood and aim for top rank tomorrow
Ako: Sure thing.....!!


[Chapter 5: Towards the future]
[Synopsis: It's finally the day of the contest. And the results of their years work are-!?]

[Day of the contest]
[Dressing room]

Ako: We're up the next-next time aren't we?
Yukina: Yeah we are. That reminds me, has your countdown app counted down to 0 yet?
Ako: I...... quit with the whole countdown app thing yesterday
Yukina: Why did you do that?
Ako: Cause Roselia is gonna continue on even after the contest and FES end! And so am I!
Ako: So it got me thinking that the countdown to the contest was kinda meaningless
Lisa: Ako~~~!! When the heck did you get so cool?
Ako: Ehehe, you think? Well, as long the dark power dwells inside me......That's a given!
Yukina: A new age for us is about to begin. We don't need a countdown we need a count-up. one that goes on forever
Sayo: We're up in a moment. Let's go
Rinko: Yeah.....!

[Contest venue]

Tomoe: Roselia's up next aren't they?
Himari: Yep! Finally~! All the other bands up until now have been pro level haven't they
Ran: Tomoe, you're fidgeting too much. Ako's the one performing today? We just came here to show support
Tomoe: Yeah I know! But Ako's had something on her mind so.....
Ran: Did she?
Tomoe: Yeah, I hope she sorts it all out by performing in this contest but still.....
Announcer: The next performance is entry number 12. Roselia
Himari: It's time......!
Tomoe: Good luck ako.....!!
Yukina: Let's go. For our future.....
Everyone: Sure! OK!
Tomoe: (Ako's......been worried sick these past few days yet she looks magnificent standing on that stage)
Tomoe: (That's a relief. Keep showing me how genuinely cool you are, for all eternity)
Himari: Amazing! All the other bands were really cool but Roselia is on a whole other level!!
Tomoe: Aah! It's like they've got us and the whole audience burning up. Don't you think so Ran?
Ran: ......
Himari: Ran is watching like a hawk. Cause she respects the pants off of Yukina-san
Tomoe: Sure does. Let's ask her what she thought later

[After the performance]

Lisa: Hey! Don't you think we gave a hell of a performance!? We had the whole audience eating out of the palm of our hands!
Sayo: Yeah. I think we gave it everything we had
Ako: I thought so too!! The contest was important and all but I feel like..... I can't want to perform even cooler at the FES!.....
Rinko: I strangely..... Didn't feel nervous at all......Now all we have to do is wait for the results.....don't we......!
Announcer: Without further ado, it's time to announce the results
Lisa: It's started.....!!
Announcer: The judges prize goes to entry number 10
Announcer: Moving on to the overall winning band. The winning band will win the right to perform at the "FUTURE WORLD FES" They're holding in march next year
Yukina: .....It's finally here
Sayo: They haven't called out or name yet
Rinko: ......
Announcer: And the winner is
Announcer: Entry number 12......
Ako: .......!!
Announcer: Roselia! Will the members of Roselia please make their way to the centre of the stage!
Lisa: We did it......It's us.....!
Yukina: ......
Rinko: It really......is us.....that won.....the winner.....gets to.....go to the FES......!
Sayo: Yeah, and we can..... fulfil our goal
Ako: We did it.....We did it......!! We did ittt!!!
Yukina: It's like I'm dreaming. The path to the FES we've been pursuing for a whole year has just opened up, I can't believe it.....
Lisa: Crap.....What should I do, I can't stop bawling my eyes out~!
Ako: Let's go girls!! The audience are calling for us!!!

[Ending: Our promise]
[Synopsis: On the way home from the contest Rinko has some words for Ako--]

[Contest venue]

Hina: Congratulations~~~!!! Onee~~-cha~~n!!!
Sayo: Hina! You came to watch me!
Hina: Well duh! Ah! But I only came after I rearranged my work schedule? ..... Wait, who cares about all that!
Hina: Congratulations Onee-chan, I'm so happy for you.....!
Sayo: Sure.....Thanks
Hina: Next up is the FES isn't it? I'm 100% absolutely gonna come! I promise!!
Sayo: Promise.....Yeah sure. it's a promise
Yukina: Sayo, time for us to head off. Lisa said she wants to have a review meeting
Sayo: Sure. I get it. Let's go

[Family restaurant]

Waiter: Sorry for the wait! Here's your after dinner deluxe chocolate parfait
Ako: Phwoar~! Humongous! Very fancy!
Sayo: Can we even get through this amount of food......After eating a full meal?
Lisa: There's always more room for dessert☆ Thanks for the food!
Rinko: Thanks.....For the food.....
Yukina: .....It's so sweet and tasty
Lisa: I know right? We'll get too eat more of this victory parfait next time so let's keep up the hard work!
Ako: Yeah! sure! Let's go get a strategy guide for "Dark+" tomorrow Rinrin!
Rinko: Yeah......! Cause we can finally attempt it......
Sayo: That's the newly added really high difficulty quest isn't it?
Ako: Yeah! Want to join us as well Sayo-san?
Sayo: I haven't reached the entry requirement yet.....
Rinko: Then how about...... We help you level up so we can go there together......
Yukina: You three, you know this is a review meeting right? Shut up about your games
Sayo: Sorry about that.....
Lisa: Ahaha! Let's let it slide today? But of course we still have some stuff we need reflect back on
Ako: Yukina-san, If we don't hurry up and eat the parfait it's gonna melt!
Yukina: Ah.....! Oh well. Then we'll have to start the review meeting later
Ako: OK♪

[Way back home]

Rinko: I think.....I over ate......I'm stuffed......
Ako: But the parfait was tasty wasn't it! Hope we get to eat it again after the FES~
Rinko: We definitely will......!
Ako: Yeah, I'm sure we will!
Rinko: Ako-chan, You know.....
Ako: What is it?
Rinko: Sorry.....For not talking to you before the contest.....and not noticing you were worried.....
Rinko: You.....Were worried all by yourself weren't you.....
Ako: It's all fine now! Cause I'm gonna be guiding everyone from now on!
Rinko: Ako-chan.....! And that's the same for me as well isn't it.....!
Ako: Rinrin......?
Rinko: Alone the members of Roselia are probably really weak.....We all get worried about stuff and......Get knocked down.....but
Rinko: When all 5 of us set our eyes on the same thing.....And take pride in ourselves.....Our power to move forward......Is stronger than.....Any other band......
Rinko: Because the "5 of us" are Roselia......
Rinko: For me.....For everyone.....Roselia is a precious place that give us strength....So
Rinko: I never......Ever want.....to lose it.....And I'm never going allow it to get lost so.....!
Ako: You're so cool.....Rinrin.....!
Rinko: Ako-chan, if you're ever...... lost, or worried.....I'll do everything....... within my power to come to your rescue......
Rinrin: Cause.....I'll always be standing by to cast revive.....
Ako: Ahaha! Rinrin, If I need reviving then that means I'm already dead! Can you atleast heal me instead?
Rinko: Ah.....Sorry......! I made it sound...... weird......
Ako: Nah, I'm glad to hear it! But what made you say that?
Rinko: Imai-san and......Hikawa-san said....."Promises make us stronger"..... And it stuck with me.....
Rinko: So, I wanted to make a promise to you.....that I'd stay with you....forever and ever.....
Ako: ~~~~~!! I love you~~~!! Rinrin~~~!!
Rinko: Kya.....!? Uwa..... This is getting embarrassing......
Ako: Yeah....! Let's both do our best to lead Roselia!!
Ako: To the "FUTURE WORLD FES" And beyond!
Rinko: Yeah......!

Yukina: "FUTURE WORLD FES" ......
Yukina: I'm walking a path that surpasses my fathers.....
Yukina: A path we know nothing about. A path of blue roses.....
Yukina: I've already decided how I'll walk it-!
[End]

[Hagu hagu translation]