Let's go on a trip to chance upon a sunset
The wings will always watch over us
Are we so alike somewhere
that we're drawn to one another?
Look, while we're in the world where the sky has drawn near
Begin taking in water.
No abnormalities in water pipe numbers one through seven, or the switching aperture.
No abnormalities in the sound lamp.
Alright, Simon.
We've gone under.
Episode 19
Rhythm of the River Bottom
Amazing!
We're really in the water!
You do know that I can't swim, right, Mikochi?
This is an unrehearsed diving test, but everything's going as planned right now.
There is a plethora of things to research.
I must obtain detailed data.
Well, if we use my sense of rhythm, even if we happen to be in the water-
Konju!
The initial startup of the bones is very delicate. Please make sure you don't lose focus.
Oh... Okay.
She's a tense one, isn't she...
I'm sure she's just nervous.
I'm counting on you to maintain the rhythm.
Okay, okay.
Hm, quite skillful.
We'll be at the marshy region soon.
I lost the rhythm!
And now it's back!
Whoa... it's shaking...
What is she doing?
Konju! Stop! You're going too fast!
The woodcutter ladies are astonishing!
Don't sing! The woodcutter ladies are astonishing!
Konju!
I-I'm sorry. I couldn't help it...
If you're going to continue to act foolishly, give that back.
Simon is timid.
I don't want you to startle him impulsively.
It's unpleasant.
Um...
I don't care for this.
Huh?
No matter the stage or the performance,
we first start from the concessions of the musicians!
Though I will admit that I am in the wrong for this...
That way of speaking will only cause growing dissatisfaction.
Look. We have such beautiful scenery, so let's take the time to really enjoy this...
How aggressive!
That's how it is.
They don't pay any mind to our circumstances.
This is their world.
Well, this isn't so poorly built that it would break from a few impacts...
...but you wouldn't really know that since you seem to get so caught up in the moment.
It'd be easier to do if your way of speaking were a bit milder, though.
Sorry, that's how I am.
flail
What are you doing?
flail
Swimming practice.
flail
We've gone pretty deep... but can we still go further?
It's been this way since the beginning. It's getting stuffy, you know.
Especially since we're under water.
Hey Sen, can we take a break?
Let's also let Simon rest a bit more.
Well, I guess if it's just a short one.
I also baked a taro root quiche and some apple cookies.
A quiche! I love those!
Sen, do you like quiche?
Somewhat.
It looks like the new water bottle is working well. The tea hasn't leaked at all!
This is the craftsmanship of Honey House, isn't it?
These cookies... are delicious...
Oh, Sen. Konju makes her living singing around the city-
I know. I happened to see her before when I went into the city.
Oh wow, how was it?
I only saw her.
I dislike the noise.
Well then, you must come and listen sometime.
I'll make a complicated ballad, just for you!
Err...
Sen.
What is it, Hakumei?
Let's go listen to Konju's ballad together.
I'm sure she'll make a marvelous song for you. Quiet and powerful.
Just like you are here.
That was delicious, Mikochi.
Thanks for the food.
Let's get going soon.
Are you okay?
I can't take this...
Konju, play it properly.
I know that.
It won't move...
I wonder if Sen will be okay.
And this one as well...
Mikochi!
What is it?
It's absolutely my fault that things got to this point!
Please, come back and haunt me as a spirit to your heart's content!
Where?
That's right! If we all die together, we'll be spirits together as well!
Here, there's still some quiche left.
Munch
She's really eating it.
Munch
Yummy... She's really eating it.
Munch
There was no problem with either the glass window or the bones.
The drainage is also working well.
The sound lamp is functioning normally...
Sen...
H-how was it?
I have a rough idea of the reason why it won't move.
So me getting carried away really is why...
No. I'm the one who got carried away.
We most likely dove too deep.
Simon is too frightened.
Even if the sound lamp works, if he feels upset, he becomes unable to move.
We might not... be able to make it home.
I've had enough!
Sen!
Yes?
Can I sing?!
H-huh?!
It's an energetic and cheerful song specifically for times like this! Okay?!
Y-yeah.
Mikochi, do you know the Woodcutters' Song? Could you do the chorus?
Sure, okay.
Buzz-Tap-
Tap!
The woodcutter-
It moved just now!
Could it be that Simon likes the noise better?
The woodcutter ladies are astonishing!
They are tougher than stone, you know!
Do the next one a bit faster! They are tougher than stone, you know!
Chip-chip-chop!
Can the wood really be cut up so easily?
Next one! Can the wood really be cut up so easily?
Next one!
Hey, Sen?
Before you give us directions, will you sing with us first?
Fine.
I don't know the lyrics, so it'll be "la la la."
Okay, let's all say "la la la" then
Hakumei.
My throat feels kinda...
What's wrong?
For Hakumei, only singing is a bit...
Hakumei!
Will you sing with us? Even just one more person would be better.
This is so we can get back to land.
Don't laugh at me.
That was great!
That was the "Woodcutters' Song" right?
What a nice arrangement!
Thank you!
But why was it sung on "la la la"?
So that anyone could sing it!
Well, that's it for now.
Have a good night, everyone!
Huh?!
One more song! One more song!
I knew it.
Would you mind accompanying me only on this one song?
Shh...
It's a quiet song.
This is my first time performing it, so pardon me if I make a mistake.
Please listen to: "Rhythm of the River Bottom."
Is it better if the sleeves are long?
No, I don't really have a preference for that.
I wonder if culottes are best for the bottoms after all.
Sorry, I don't really have an opinion on that either...
Episode 20
Dyed Goods of the Stubborn
Should I put some darts in it?
Erm...?
What about if I try to make it more revealing on you?
Now that's a bit...
I cut up the blueberries. Wanna take a small break?
I'll take one later. I'm going to draw the patterns first.
Okie dokes.
But why was it that you suddenly decided to make me clothes?
Um, well...
How was it?
Your costume was cute.
You said that earlier...
so I thought it would be fun if I got you to wear something cute.
Hey, Sen?
Ah, yes?
I think it would be good if we use this cool-colored fabric here.
I dyed this with only indigo,
and this one was layered with Areca palm leaves and dyed.
Either one is fine with me.
Uh, um, well...
I see. Neither one is that great, huh...
Precisely...
But this is a problem.
All the cloth I brought has a faint color to it.
In that case, I'd like a more purplish color.
Can't we just dye it now?
Huh?
We can, can't we... So then, for the dye...
Blueberries!
But I wonder if it would be too bold if I just use this...
Should I go gather some materials?
Then can you get something like sawtooth oak or an alder plant for me?
I'm on it!
Sen, will you help me?
Uh, yeah.
Sen!
I'm definitely going to make some clothes you'll love, so look forward to it!
Right. I'm hoping for that.
I'm sorry.
I've made you cater to me quite a bit...
I don't remember catering to you at all, though.
I-I suppose not...
This is sawtooth oak.
You can dye things with the acorn cao?
Yeah.
It'll be finished up with a color fixing solution.
If it's potash alum, it's brownish, and iron alum is more black-ish.
Wow...
It's as interesting as experiments.
I understand a little of why Mikochi is obsessed with it.
About this much should be enough.
Are we going back?
Before we do that...
Yep. She's doing it.
Mikochi is hard to deal with when she's like this.
She won't make food, and she'll ask for so many favors,
and she won't sleep even if you tell her to.
Well, it's how Mikochi expresses love.
Just accept it and let her dress you.
Can we dye it even more black if there were more alder plants?
That's right.
Hakumei, sorry, but you can you help me a bit more?
I like dark colors.
Is that so?
But, this much?
There's still more over there.
U-um, Mikochi...
Well...
I can't really tell if a piece of clothing is good or bad, but...
I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of clothes you'll make.
So if there are other things I can help you do...
There are! So, so very many!
Huh?
Since I'm working out the details of the patterns...
Right.
...mash the blueberries and sawtooth oak together well.
Right.
Where's the hot water?
It's boiled.
Let it cool a little bit.
Understood.
Hakumei, how are the additional blueberry skins coming?
I'm piling them on.
Okay!
Now, shall we secure the design?
Oh... let's do that.
It looks like this right now.
So there won't be a huge change to your image, I left the stole and the culottes alone...
Um...
Can I add something to this?
Of course!
I'm telling you...!
It's definitely cuter if this part is like this!
Yes, but... give some serious consideration to functionality!
They're both so stubborn... What do you mean by "functionality"?
Hey, hey, if you don't start now the sun will set.
We'll leave that as it is for about thirty minutes.
But, how do I say this...
The color is a bit... duller than I expected.
Well, that's because this is just the first step.
When we fix it, the colors will change again.
It can go from pale purple to blue and navy blue.
We'll look at the continuous change of color, and we'll keep dying it until you're satisfied.
It's a difficult job, huh?
I suppose so. And it'll keep changing after the dying is done, too...
And that's exactly how you become attached to it.
I see.
I'm sleepy.
Okay, all done!
H-how is it?
It's perfect, if I say so myself.
It's lovely.
Th-thank you.
I used decorations like the sound lamp...
and a bone motif design, and the tie-dye looks great.
Enjoy the color changes from now on!
I'll wear it with utmost care!
You can also wear it as you please.
In all honesty, I disliked gussying myself up, but this is surprisingly fun.
Thank you, Hakumei, Mikochi.
Why did you change, though?
I have no choice. I don't want to get it dirty.
Well, I'd like it if you wore it as you want to.
I'll make an effort to.
But I hope it isn't just left to line your dresser.
I wonder if it will...
How do you like it, George?
Does it suit me?
"The Woodcutters' Song"
"The Woodcutters' Song" is a folk song handed down through the Yuen region.
It was originally developed from the laborers' calling out to each other, so there were no lyrics.
The tune is very rhythmic and cheerful, and even now, it remains popular amongst laborers.
"Young woodcutter women, a red oak tree that aged with intention,
and a light and easy call" were the most common details, but lyrics about a red oak tree that was transformed into a young landowning male also exist.
In that case, the tune endures a huge change,
and is often about loneliness and a gloomy love
and sung at a slow tempo.