Manettia/Scenes

## **Let's Chat**

*-The work to subdue the pests has been continuing for a while now... Even though Manettia came along, there hasn't been much opportunity to talk. Saying that, there wasn't even a welcome party. Just once, I'd like to have a leisurely chat.*

**Manettia:** ...Umm... I-is the work finished?

Ah, um. Did you see that...?

*-Manettia who had stabbed the final pest had rushed over. “I'm sorry, I was thinking of something else” I apologise.*

**Manettia:** Ah... Fufu, it's alright. Of course it's something like that! I also sometimes get lost in my thoughts after chatting about lots and lots of things.

Yesterday, while I was in the bath, I was wondering what I could chat with Danchou-sama about, and I ended up speaking to myself all the time until I got loud and angry...

Uh, th-that's got nothing to do with it! Excuse me!

*-Manettia held her head very low. “No, no, you don't need to apologise...” As I said that, Manettia broke the tension.*

**Manettia:** N-no, U-um...

Ummm... Is Danchou-sama bad at small talk?

Fufu, I see. You prefer to listen over speaking, is that right?

-“Yeah. You could say that.”

**Manettia:** Then... You don't mind if I speak a lot then, do you!

-“Of course that's fine. I was just thinking it would be nice to speak to Manettia not too long ago.

**Manettia:** Thank you! I always think about how nice it would be to chat about so many things with Danchou-sama.

But... We've been quite busy... Danchou-sama, is always... Always being given jobs, or so it seems...

Um, actually, I get a little nervous when I chat to Danchou-sama...

*-Manettia seems to be getting a little embarrassed.*

**Manettia:** ...Um, I'm, actually I'm a shy person. So what should I do if Danchou-sama is actually the kind of person who isn't good at small talk...

-“It should be fine. As I said earlier, I like chatting. So, please don't worry, and speak.”

**Manettia:** Fufu, that's great. I'm so relieved.

-“Talking of which, I heard from the other Flower Knights that it's really fun to chat with Manettia. You have a reputation for being great at chatting.”

**Manettia:** Is that true? That's wonderful! I chat with so many people, so it's really important to me that they find it enjoyable.

I really want to chat with Danchou-sama. You were so busy, that I couldn't even introduce myself, so... I would like you to hear my story.

But... No... You're busy, aren't you, Danchou-sama...

-“It's certainly difficult to free up some time. Well, why don't you come to my office, and talk there? I have a lot of paperwork to finish up, so I'll have time while I do that.”

**Manettia:** Your office... Uu-, I'm really happy, but I want to have a long chat, so I was hoping that we could go out somewhere in town, or something... If we eat some delicious food as well, it'll blend well with our chat.

-“If that's the case, I'll free up some time. I'll need to push myself a little... But if I need to work hard, I should be able to make some time.”

**Manettia:** Eh? Are you sure?

So that means it's alright to go out with Danchou-sama for a chat!?

-“I get the feeling that when you say “go out” something gets exaggerated... To be honest, I'm not sure that I can keep up an interesting enough conversation to make it a lively meeting...”

**Manettia:** Fufu, it's alright. I'll introduce you to a very special restaurant.

Well then, well then, look forward to tomorrow!

*-I head home with Manettia. She's skipping along while humming a tune...Can I make an interesting enough conversation to meet her expectations?*

## **The Recommended Restaurant**

**Manettia:** Danchou-sama! Let's get moving!

This way. I've already reserved a table for dinner!

-*Manettia pulls on my hand as she runs through the city. I still don't know our destination, but I don't mind. Eventually, she stops in front of a restaurant with a beautiful terrace-*

**Manettia:** Here! Danchou-sama, this is the restaurant I recommended. What's this say...?

It's all you can drink! What do you think!?

-*It's a shop with a nice atmosphere. It's also great that there's all you can drink. As soon as we finished placing our orders, the alcohol came straight out.*

**Manettia:** Thank you! Also also, let's chat while having plenty to drink! Cheers!

-*As we clink glasses, a clear sound resonates. –At which time, Manettia empties her first glass.* “Could it be... that Manettia can handle her drink?”

**Manettia:** Eh? It could be... I don't really drink much, but when I start talking I end up drinking too much, then sometimes I get angry...

But, today I want to hear all about Danchou-sama's story! So I won't end up drinking too much, and so...

-*Manettia swallows up all my words, and she keeps a meaningful smile while doing so.*

**Manettia:** ...That's a secret!

-*I wasn't really planning on drinking very much, but conversely, it seemed like she's planning on making me drink a lot.*

**Manettia:** So... Ah, the food is here! You don't only get all you can drink here, but the food is super super tasty!

When I came here before, I ate far too much, I thought I'd never fit into my next day's clothes! When I want to diet, I absolutely can't come here... But I wanted to listen to Danchou-sama's stories today, so I can cheat!

Ah, this is the sausage, the herbs are well blended, and it has a unique shape, but the seasoning has changed a little...

-*Manettia suddenly stops speaking. And she begins to look a little sorry –*

**Manettia:** ...I wanted to hear Danchou-sama's story! Uu-, now I'm talking too much. Danchou-sama, please drink up!

-*While I tasted the dishes, Manettia poured me another drink. However... the alcohol in the bottle disappears before my eyes. I'd only drank about two glasses though...*

**Manettia:** So! Danchou-sama! Let's chat more and more! How about some d-d-dirty talk? Do you mind!

Danchou-sama! Danchou-sama's s-story! I want to hear it! Danchou-samaa, do you like alcohomol!?

-*Manettia's pretty drunk. Her face is bright red, and her speech is slightly slurred. But as I look at her anxiously...*

**Manettia:** Ah, maybe, Danchou-sama's is... Can't handle his alcohol!? I-if that's that case, hmmm... Can we talk about all sorts of things even if you don't drink!?

-”That's not the case, but...”

**Manettia:** And so! Forget about you work, and drink uppp. Here here, one more!

-*The drink flows freely... Apparently, I have no choice but to go all in.* “So, what should we talk about? Oh yeah, that subjugation the other day...”

**Manettia:** Ah! Red card! Talking about pests is banned! It just... Makes everyone sad, doesn't it!

...It just makes me saaad. Uu....

-*Manettia says that as she gets upset. Actually, this is probably not the place to be discussing these things. I bowed my head low, as I apologised.*

**Manettia:** Thank youuu.... I, really hat talking about pests... It's so, sad... I won't talk about...

We even came to such a tasty restaurant! I want to talk about fun thingss! But...

-*Manettia sighed and raised her head. She then leaned towards me and gathered her strength.*

**Manettia:** If Danchou-sama has anything that he wants to talk about... Please ask me. Luckily... Do your best, I'll take whatever you show me!

I-I'm also good at talking about those things! Danchou-sama's... Talking about your real motives! Anything is A-OK!

B-but before that! As I thought, you want to talk about d-dirty things, don't you!? Danchou-sama also... Is into that kind of things!?

…Ah, but but but, of course, that's not allowed! M-my heart's not ready yet! So before... That...

-*The red-faced Manettia let out a big yawn. Her eyes glaze over... Maybe, she's hit her limit. She seems to really like her alcohol, but can't handle this much.*

**Manettia:** Danchou-samaaa... I can't drink any more...

D-dirty talk... is... not allowed... No...oo... I... don't... enjoy...

-*Manettia fell asleep.*

*-There's still food left over, this'll be a problem for the restaurant. What should I do?*

– *As I was wondering this, the manager came over. The manager said to me “She's a regular, so I'll let her rest.”. When given the favour, I bow my head and order another drink. And so, as I watch Manettia's sleeping face, I continue the dinner alone.*

## Manettia's Challenge

-*Manettia fell asleep in the all you can drink restaurant. I took my time, while I watched her sleeping face until...*

**Manettia:** ...Ha! E-excuse me! I fell asleep!?

-”Good Morning.” *I answered.*

**Manettia:** U, Uuuu, I'm sorry... It's been a long time since I drank, and I got myself so wound up...

I like alcohol, but I occasionally drink too much... Danchou-sama, did I.... Cause trouble?

-”Don't worry about it. The restaurant staff happily forgave you, or rather... They were happy to look at Manettia's cute sleeping face.”

**Manettia:** Eh? ...W-wait, you say things like that so suddenly, it's not allowed!

I-I'll get really angry! It's like we're a flirtatious couple, isn't it!

-*Even though she's off the alcohol, Manettia's face is still red. Is this what it means to be able to breathe fire. I suddenly apologise.*

**Manettia:** Saying that, Danchou-sama... You're surprisingly cheeky. Making fun of...Waa!?

Wait a minute, Danchou-sama rarely makes fun of people like this...! I don't remember it ever... Did I start to talk dirty when I got drunk!?

-*The only thing I said was “start”. Just to see what kind of reaction she would have.*

**Manettia:** Eh, eeeh!? That's not... I-I don't like it, but, I ended up doing it... Wh-wh-what should I do!?

Th-this is my very first chat with Danchou-sama too!? I-I-I, how long did I talk dirty for!?

-*That was, pretty impressive.* ”In my position as Knight Commander, I can't say...” *Maybe I'm teasing her a but too much? I only thought that after I said it.*

**Manettia:** R-r-really!? I-I-I-I-I'm really not that dirty! U, uuuum...

As long as it's Danchou-sama... it's... alright, maybe...? Danchou-sama... had fun... so...

-...? *Manettia cleared her throat. She then fixed her posture, and pressed on with composed eyes.*

**Manettia:** I understand. Danchou-sama, I actually really love dirty talk. But, I don't have that much self confidence, so I would like to hear from Danchou-sama!

I-it's not that I'm bad at it, it's just that I've never done it before! Instead of... Sad talk abut pests, some d-dirty talk would be a lot better! That exactly!

I'll do my best to keep up with what you're saying! Danchou-sama! Please do... more and more dirty talk!

-*...This is bad. My teasing has backfired. This is a perfect misunderstanding. In a panic, I start making excuses for my previous lies.*

**Manettia:** Huh? I-I'm mistaken?

Ah... Hey, D-danchou-sama! That's so mean!

-*She hates me now... Doesn't she?*

**Manettia:** Uuuu, but it's fine. I was able to... see an unexpected side of Danchou-sama!

-*Somehow, it seems that she doesn't hate me. But, an unexpected side of me? “*Does that mean... That there's some connection to the dirty talk?”

**Manettia:** That's wrong. Danchou-sama is always on the job... I always think that you're the kind of person that's only thinking of exterminating pests, so I was only thinking of myself.

So, when I speak with Danchou-sama, I can hear all his complaints. Look, when he's full of drink, isn't he just a guy that complains about his job?

Danchou-sama also looks quite tense... Also while talking about work related things, you would maybe talk about the Flower Knights' duties... Or so I thought.

But! Somehow, it's all different!?

-“Speaking of that, I teased you too much, I'm sorry...”

**Manettia:** Fufu, you don't need to apologise for anything. Actually, I'm quite happy!

Instead of talking only about your job, you started to make fun of me like that, and started to liven up the place for everyone, I understand now!

- *–Suddenly, Manettia's face turned serious.*

**Manettia:** …This time, I was the first to fall, and it was a painful mistake... But! Next time, it'll definitely be Danchou-sama who drops first!

And so, I'll get to hear about a lot of things! Next time, it'll be my turn to make fun of you!

-”That's some pretty strong words. But, please be gentle with me...”

**Manettia:** Fufu... Is that right, I'll think about it.

As I thought, chatting with you is fun! Also, I managed to discover an interesting side of Danchou-sama today!

So from there... Let's go out to drink and chat together again! I want you to drink a lot, then I'll listen to this and that!

-”Until next time.” *I answer.*

**Manettia:** …Is that a promise? Next time, I won't be beat! I'll hear all about Dancho-sama's most embarrassing stories!

-*Manettia declares that with a wide grin. I'm sure we'll be coming to this restaurant again. If it's this restaurant and Manettia, it seems like I can spend a long time with her.*

## A Hope Filled Chat

**Manettia:** Uuu.. Danchou-samaa… What should we do?

-*A weak voice came from beside me, and I realised Manettia was there. Her face was filled with worry.*

*-Today, I had come with Manettia to an orphanage. We had come to meet all the children there, but…* “What’s happened?”

**Manettia:** I just tried chatting with that child over there. She looked lonely, so I thought that… A fun chat…

-*Just as Manettia said, when I went to look, there was a girl crouching in the corner of the room.*

**Manettia:** But no matter what I talked about her every other ward was “the pests…”

Even when I said something like “Isn’t the weather nice today?”, her reply was “It doesn’t matter that the weather is nice, the pests are somewhere…”!

I tried so many different topics, but the answer was always something like that… There must be some reason for it…

-“Well… You were certainly thorough… Speaking of which, the adults that also came to the orphanage with us said that that child lost her parents to the pests.”

**Manettia:** So that’s why she looks so sad. Ah… If all she wants to talk about is pests, that means…

-“Aah, perhaps she hasn’t recovered from the trauma yet. In that condition, her head is probably filled with pests, so it’s hard for her to enjoy such carefree topics.”

**Manettia:** Is that so… I had no idea, and I ended up speaking so insensitively…

-“It’s not like that.” *I answer.* “You want the children to be able to smile by themselves, and so you’ve taken up this task, and Manettia’s approach isn’t completely incorrect.”

-“But I don’t think that she’s accepted her current and future situation, so she can’t find any hope…”

**Manettia:** She can’t find hope… Somehow, my body remembers that. I also didn’t want to talk about dark topics that I couldn’t find hope in.

-*Of course, until not too long ago, Manettia also hated talking about pests or the towns that had been attacked by pests.*

**Manettia:** Our ways of dealing with it are complete opposites, but that child and myself are the same…

-“It looks that way. So, you can understand that child’s feelings quite well, can’t you?”

**Manettia:** That child’s feelings… Hmm, you’re right! I’ll try speaking to that child one more time.

-*Manettia says that, then approaches the child that is still crouching.*

*-When the child noticed Manettia getting closer, she lifted her head. Instead of seeing a smile on her face, a single emotion couldn’t be seen.*

**Manettia:** …I’m sorry for before. I was talking selfishly.

-*The child replied to Manettia’s words with a small nod.*

**Manettia:** If it’s alright, could you tell me your story? I love to chat, but I also love to listen too.

-*Manettia gives an honest smile as she says that.*

**Manettia:** I don’t mind what we talk about. Is there anything that you want to talk about?

-*After a short time, the little girl began to speak with a small voice. The girl, and her parents, were chased by pests, during which she got split up further and further from her parents, and believing that they would come back, she waited, but all she got was an obituary.*

*-She spoke with a light tone, but her chest was tightening.*

**Manettia:** …It was painful, wasn’t it? There are lots of sad thoughts, aren’t there? Thank you for sharing your story.

-*After listening to her story, Manettia stroked the girl’s head as she spoke, then gave her skinny body a hug.*

*-The girl’s eyes widened in surprise at the hug, then her facial expression twisted before she eventually began wailing. Manettia gently continued stroking her head.*

**Manettia:** Yes, yes… You’ve been very strong.

-*It’s probable that that adults at the orphanage have been too busy caring for the girl to have been able to listen to her. However, that girl needed to get it all out. Instead of it being something that happened far away, the sadness has been happening inside of her body.*

*-Eventually, the child’s crying got quieter.*

**Manettia:** …You know, I was really bad at talking about dark things before. I thought that dark things didn’t hold any hope. But, that’s actually wrong.

I was taught that there is hope hidden inside all the sadness.

-*While looking the girl who had now stopped crying in the eyes, Manettia spoke again.*

**Manettia:** Even though the pests attack, the people do their best and work hard to rebuild their towns. No matter how scary the pest is, us Flower Knights will take it down…

That’s what I’ve begun to believe.

It’s your hopes that let you keep living. That’s what you father, your mother, and even I want for you.

…Your father and your mother, somehow my own words, I can’t even trust in them.

-*Manettia gave a forced smile, but the little girl shook her head and said “That’s not true. Onee-san’s words… I believe in her.”*

**Manettia:** …Thank you. For me to suddenly approach you, I think it must have been tough. Even if it’s just little by little, but why not try thinking about happy things?

And then, sometime you can have a fun chat with Manettia.

-*On the way home, Manettia clung to my arm. I thought about what she accomplished at the orphanage, and stroked her head.*

**Manettia:** Fuee! Da-Danchou-sama? What was that!

-“You’ve come a long way from refusing to talk about dark subjects.” *I answered.* “How you tried your best with that girl earlier was superb.”

**Manettia:** I-is that right? Ehehe… If Danchou-sama says that, I’ll get embarrassed.

-*Manettia says this as she breaks away from my arm, and moves right in front of me before gazing into my eyes.*

**Manettia:** It’s all thanks to Danchou-sama! Danchou-sama taught me that you can find hope, even in the saddest of things.

Danchou-sama’s conversations are always full of hope. So, I think I can do my best, no matter how hard the situation is.

-*Manettia gives me an honest smile, and kind feelings begin to well up in me.*

**Manettia:** Hey, Danchou-sama. Manettia feels that I don’t only want to talk about finding hope with Danchou-sama.

So... Please talk a lot with Manettia from now on.

-“Of course. Until every topic in the world can become a bright one, let’s talk a lot.” *As I said that, Manettia puffed up her cheeks a little.*

**Manettia:** I don’t want to do it until it all becomes bright. Even after there becomes so many bright things in the world, please keep chatting with Manettia forever and ever.

-*I laugh while I nod at such a cute request.* “Well, then what should we talk about? *Manettia’s eyes sparkled brightly with hope, as we slowly made our way home.*

## Date Scene

**Manettia:** Is it really alright, such a...!

-*I was guided inside a bar alongside an impressed Manettia.*

**Manettia:** ...It's wonderful, isn't it? I was a little worried about coming to this kind of place with just the two of us...

-*Today, we saved the owner of this store, and as a return favour, he's opened up the store especially for us.*

*-Romantic music was playing, and there was some clear amber liquid poured into readied glasses on the table.*

**Manettia:** ...The bubbles are sparkling and popping. But, I need to avoid drinking too much...

–“Manettia-san saved my life, so please drink as much as you want.”*...Is what the store owner tells an embarrassed looking Manettia, who nods her head.*

**Manettia:** I'm really happy for that. But, I really don't drink that much...

Instead of that, could Danchou-sama here drink my share? Please bring him a lot!

-*The store owner happily nodded. I also need to avoid drinking too much...*

*-After a short while, a mountain of food arrived that couldn't even all fit on the table.*

**Manettia:** Ah, there are so many meat dishes. I'm sure he's picked all kinds of dishes that go well with this alcohol.

-*All the dishes are super delicious, and the conversation is lively. Manettia's cheeks were slightly flushed, and she opens her mouth to speak with teary eyes.*

**Manettia:** Such tasty food and drink, what a wonderful place... It wall works towards making fun conversation. But, the most important part is that you have a wonderful, partner.

-”...I'm starting to get used to it, or so I hope.”

**Manettia:** Of course you are! For me, the most wonderful partner is Danchou-sama after all.

So, being able to come here today... Being able to have Danchou-sama all to myself, really makes me happy.

-”When I first met you, you were quite shy, but you've fairly come out of your shell.” *I said to her, and she gave an embarrassed smile.*

**Manettia:** I was able to get to know Danchou-sama quickly. At the thought, I thought about how wonderful that would be...That's why I was so nervous.

I thought that if he was such a person, I want to show him my whole heart. All the good points, and all the bad.

-*Manettia had a dreamy smile, so I asked her if she was already drunk, and she gave me a surprised response.*

**Manettia:** I don't think I am yet. But, maybe I'm drunkenly talking about my true feelings?

-*Manettia's face turned red, and the store owner's face changed to a strange expression. –* “Is this non alcoholic?”

**Manettia:** Hm!? A-are you sure!? ...I-it's so tasty, th-that I never noticed... Ahahaha.

-*This time, Manettia's cheeks were red out of embarrassment, and she started fidgeting and mumbling.*

**Manettia:** ...If I was drunk, I would be able talk about things that I normally can't talk about, or so I thought... Ahahaha

-*After the two of us leisurely enjoyed our meal...*

*-We headed home, while I supported Manettia who was snuggling up to me.*

**Manettia:** Ehehe, that was so fun, Danchou-sama. We were able to chat so much... It would be great to get treated by restaurants every day!

-*Manettia shouldn't be drunk, but with a dreamy expression, she's clinging to my arm tightly.*

*-But, that soft touch is making my heart beat so much faster.*

**Manettia:** Ah... Danchou-sama? Could it be that, I'm making you nervous?

-”With this kind of close contact, it's only natural, isn't it?”

**Manettia:** U... I-is that right? U-umm... Uuuummm...

-*Manettia is lost for words, and she just opens and closes her mouth.* “What's happened all of a sudden...?” *I said, then began to laugh.*

**Manettia:** ...Th-that might be true, but...! I-I just wasn't ready to hear that just now...

...I'm so happy that I can excite Danchou-sama like this though... But it feels like something's going to go wrong...

-*When I tried to peek at her face, Manettia hugged me tighter.*

**Manettia:** Wh-what's wrong...? There's so much I want to tell you, but the words won't come...!

I'm so overjoyed, but I don't know how to express it... I-isn't that weird! For someone like me who says she likes chatting so much.

Ah... U, uu... Somehow, if I say these words poorly... On the other hand, it's frustrating that I can't get this said.

I don't like silence... But somehow, talking feels like a waste... It's like being silence is like a luxury...

This kind of silence exists... A silence with Danchou-sama... It's so happy. I'm super, super happy...

But, at the same time, I feel so embarrassed that I can't stop fidgeting... It's the first time I've felt like this.

-*I hug Manettia gently, as I feel her body temperature.*

**Manettia:** ...It's so embarrassing to be able to hear my heart pounding.

I got these from the owner of that store earlier, when would you like to eat our souvenir chocolates?

-*Even when I tell her to speak calmly, the girl's so unusually elated, that her mouth just won't stop moving.*

**Manettia:** Th-that's because you're not saying anything right now...! Manettia's heart is beating so loudly that you might even be able to hear it...

-”I would rather listen to that.” *I requested, and Manettia's body jumped in surprise.*

**Manettia:** … I-it's... Fine, but... Just, please don't be surprised...? H-here...?

-*I got her permission, so put my ear to her chest. –Just as she said, I could here an intense heartbeat.*

**Manettia:** See, I wasn't lying...?

*-*”That's definitely the case, but listen to my chest.” *As I said that, I pulled in her head.*

**Manettia:** ...Ah, amazing... Danchou-sama's also beating so hard...! It's about the same as Manettia's...!

-”That's right.” *...So we spent time just hugging each other.*

**Manettia:** By doing this, it's like Danchou-sama's and Manettia's heartbeats are becoming one...

-”It's certainly a strange and calming feeling.”

**Manettia:** Umm, Danchou-sama... If you don't mind, could we do this together for a little longer, is that alright? This talking, and this silence...

As long as I'm with Danchou-sama, Manettia will be... happy.

-”Saying that, I'd be more than happy for the gentle Manettia to come over.” *I say to her in reply.*