Original subtitles

It was announced that on the 13th, the virtuoso of the opera world, Jonas Wellman,

will be visiting Westalis for a cultural exchange event between the East and West.

He is extremely popular in Westalis,

so there is great hope that this will be a great step

in the right direction for East-West relations,

and they call him the Herald of the Thaw.

Though Mr. Wellman is married, he's had illicit affairs with several people!

He's been leaking intel to a lover from the West!

It's said that he secretly has ties with the mafia!

Under the guise of promoting East-West relations,

he's been applying pressure to his rivals!

According to Mistress A, Mr. Wellman has made statements like,

He's apparently said some discriminatory things about disabled veterans, as well.

"I'm glad to be able to perform in Westalis.

He's made countless threats toward newer singers.

The lowbrow Ostanian apes lack any culture and aren't fit to listen to my songs."

Along with demands for massive compensation, government personnel have stated

Apparently, he is concerned about his popularity slipping there.

that he "couldn't care less about peace."

Are what the articles say true, Mr. Wellman?

Many citizens are raising concerns.

Do you have any intention of withdrawing?

You filthy scoundrel!

There's no truth to any of this!

BEHIND THE SCANDAL

Just look at this scumbag!

"Herald of the Thaw," my ass!

How dare he threaten relations between the East and the West at a time like this?!

Do everything it takes to make sure these scandals don't reach the West.

Who cares about any of that?!

I don't want a scumbag like him setting foot in the West!

Man, the nerve of this guy! Seriously.

Do everything it takes.

Yes, ma'am...

How long have you been doing this job?

Huh? This is my second year...

Then why is this upsetting you so much?

Well, why wouldn't I be upset?

Both the East and West really stuck their necks out

to make this performance happen!

And now he's gone and ruined it.

Not that I had anything to do with any of it, but...

It's our job to make sure it doesn't get ruined.

The West is very excited for his visit.

Yes, I know that, but...

It's just...

Do you hate him that much?

Well, yeah!

Handler, did you even read this stuff?

All the people in the East basically consider this guy the enemy!

Exactly what percentage of the people are "all the people"?

How many in total?

Did you actually count how many?

Well...

Man, she's being really nitpicky about this.

All those cheap tabloids you've got there...

They're all right-leaning publishers that are puppets of the National Unity Party.

It's highly suspicious that their supposed sources are these lovers

and government figures.

So you're saying these articles are made up?

I'm not sure.

There might be those who wouldn't appreciate the East and West getting along,

and there might not be.

Talking to people around town...

That guy deserves to go to jail.

But my gut's telling me that this guy's definitely guilty...

He's absolutely disgusting.

What an awful man.

Don't use your utter lack of experience to decide anything.

If you're a true agent, you need to move objectively.

Don't forget that even the most trivial information can cost someone's life.

Speak of the devil, Handler.

A death threat?

Apparently, it was delivered to the opera house.

"Death to this scoundrel who sows discord between East and West!

I shall be justice's sword!"

Someone likes to talk big.

I-Is this for real?

That seems a bit...

The press is already making a big deal about this.

Thoroughly check police intel on this matter.

What? We're looking into this, too?

These are just pranks 90% of the time.

And if a war breaks out from that 10% chance,

you'd be satisfied with the moronic excuse of,

"We never thought it'd turn into this big of a deal"?

If we catch 'em, the East could be in our debt.

I'm going to the embassy to have them make the necessary changes for the event.

I have some other things I also need to take care of,

so I'm leaving the rest to you.

Good grief.

It's always difficult educating the newer agents.

I guess I've definitely gotten older if I'm thinking, "These kids nowadays..."

How many times do I have to tell you?

Don't think of everything as only black or white.

Don't try to make everything fit preconceived notions,

and don't try to rationalize it!

Is that brain of yours just for show?

This does take me back, though.

I guess I gently showed him the ropes back then, as well.

This is bad! Real bad!

I got the latest issue of The Vakana Weekly that comes out tomorrow...

and there's an article rebutting the scandals surrounding Wellman!

I know that.

I had a peek at the rough during the editing stage.

Look! One mistress after another is now saying what they said was a lie!

Apparently, they were all paid to say those things!

There's also leaked evidence of these dodgy dealings, too!

There are also rumors that someone really hawkish

and important was putting pressure on the other witnesses to say things and—

I just told you that I know.

And you won't believe this!

Apparently, Wellman is planning to perform at the East-West event with no compensation.

Man, what a great guy!

I totally knew something was off about this from the start.

There are many reporters lined up in front of the agency yet again today

wanting to hear the truth.

Though the cultural exchange event between the East and West is fast approaching,

Man!

These guys have some nerve bashing Mr. Wellman when they don't know a damn thing!

we have been unable to get more details from Mr. Wellman...

What was that for?!

Well, at least we probably won't have to worry about the death threat anymore.

No, anyone who'd send something like that

is only concerned with what they personally want to see.

This is not going to get through to them in the least.

So you're saying it's still possible that it might happen?

As you can see, amongst the people who have gathered here today,

there are also some protesters.

And, likely due to the death threat, ample security is seen all around the area.

Apologize! You won't get away with this!

Are you recording this news program?

But of course.

The guards are from Phalanx Security?

Indeed, they are.

Stop.

That security guard in the back.

He doesn't have a baton.

There should have been a requirement to be armed for this assignment.

It's strange that he'd be there at this hour on that patrol route.

Considering everything going on, maybe things just got a little confusing?

Also, why do you know their routes?

That agency is in District 4, right?

Yes, ma'am. The closest one to that location is Kebab.

Hello, this is Sunset Kebab on West Main.

"Delivery, delivery."

I need three hot kebabs and two mint chocolate kebabs.

He's nearby.

The male guard from P Company.

Approximately 180 centimeters tall with brown hair.

The one behind the payphone.

And hold the ketchup.

So just keep an eye on him and stand by.

Order received, ma'am.

We're heading down there, too.

Wait, seriously?

Maybe we should call Twilight...

I heard he keeled over in his own home recently.

Let's let him rest a while.

We got a notice from the police to stay put at the agency all day today.

What should we do about tonight's party?

It should be fine. We've got plenty of security.

Let's avoid the press by going out the back entrance.

R-Right...

Punishment... Punishment...

This is bad, this is bad. What should I do?

Kebab! Where's the recipient?

This is bad. Wellman left through the back exit.

The recipient's gonna make his move!

We'll be right there!

Stall Wellman and his party.

You got it!

Here you go, sir. The mint chocolate kebabs you ordered.

Huh? I-I didn't order that!

This guy's definitely up to something!

Hey! I just came to make your delivery! Take it!

He just said he didn't order that!

Get out of here!

Tch...

The police?

Do not get the way of justice!

Right, sure!

Yikes...

his jaw's definitely broken.

Oh, sorry! It was the building next door.

That's enough trouble from you!

The Ostanian performers will be departing for Westalis momentarily.

Now that he's been cleared of all scandals,

Mr. Wellman seemed to be in high spirits as he...

What's the matter, Secretary Sherwood?

Yeah, I forgot my age and got a bit too wild the other day,

so I injured my shoulder...

Yeesh...

I get how you feel,

but you should save the revelry for after this event is successful.

Well, it looks like this security guard is indeed the one who sent the death threat.

Pance Karmer, age 52. Former soldier.

He hopped from one job to another and racked up multiple arrests for assault.

He said he had to be the one to "bring down the hammer of justice," apparently.

Why did he think he could just represent all of society like that?

So he's a ghost from the war.

If he took too much pride in the belief that he truly fought for peace,

it's even more bound to happen.

We need to watch out for that ourselves.

I learned a lot from this incident.

I learned how ignorant and thoughtless I was.

I almost let an innocent man be hurt because of that, as well.

I'll never be fooled like that ever again.

Once Mr. Wellman goes home,

maybe I'll go see one of his performances to make it up to him.

Yeah, about that.

He might actually defect to the West and never go back.

Huh?!

Apparently, one of his mistresses is the wife of a mafia boss.

This time, he legitimately has someone very eager to take him out.

What?! But I thought all of the scandals were a hoax!

I mean, you just never know with people.

Wait, wait, wait! There was even that article that refuted everything!

Well, regardless of what the truth may actually be,

I'm just glad the East-West cultural exchange went off without a hitch.

I never want to clean up anyone else's mess ever again.

Huh? Wait... Huh?! Hey!

Wait, exactly what all was true and what wasn't?!

What's going on?!

Don't try to find the answers the easy way, newbie.

You need to actually keep using that brain of yours.

THE PATH TO AN IMPERIAL SCHOLAR

Bye, Anya! See you again tomorrow!

See you tomorrowrow!

I'm terribly sorry!

The bus driver suddenly got sick, so the next bus is going to be quite late.

Ugh, seriously?

Let's go kill time somewhere.

Like the cafeteria?

Let's go.

Yeah.

Bored.

Well, well.

What's the matter, Forger? The bus won't be arriving for a while.

Teacher.

Anya's a loner and has nowhere to go.

I-I see... So I guess Blackbell already went home.

Hm.

If you have time on your hands,

why don't you come help me carry these documents?

With so many trivial duties to do for first-year students, I cannot keep up.

Anya is enjoying having time on her hands right now, so she's actually busy.

Don't look so disappointed.

I'll serve you some tea snacks once we're done.

Tea snacks!

Well, Forger? Are you enjoying school?

It's normal.

If you don't enjoy school, does that make you a failure?

A rotten orange?

Hm? That's not true.

When I was a student myself, I didn't have any friends,

and I had my own share of troubles.

It's okay, Teacher. You poor thing.

Huh? Erm...

Well, if you ever have any troubles, talk to those around you.

You need courage to show your weaknesses,

but I'd be happy to offer you advice at any time.

It's otay. Anya is on a roll right now.

All the students who received Tonitrus Bolts the other day lost some hope,

but she's still holding up after receiving her second one!

Miss Forger, you are positively elegant!

Anya forgot that she got a Tonitrus Bolt! Completely!

Hmm... I am a bit ashamed that I had to take extra care as her instructor.

It was a completely unnecessary concern. What shall I do?

At this rate, the tea snacks are in danger!

Oh... yeah. Anya got two Tonitrus Bolts and is in danger.

Whatever shells Anya do?

Ah, I see. So you are troubled.

Thank goodness. I was not wrong.

Whew.

You received your Tonitrus Bolt the other day due to your lack of handkerchief, did you not?

Anya has a buncha hankies with her at all times now.

Er, that's not the issue here, Miss Forger.

What's important isn't if you have certain belongings or not.

It's your daily mindset.

Oho...

One of the building blocks of elegance is maintaining the thorough

yet unharried attitude necessary to give sufficient attention to matters of grooming.

It might have seemed quite harsh,

but Mistress Schlag feared that the first-year students

had gotten too used to school and let their guard down,

so she whipped them back into shape.

Maybe.

Oh.

I'm not getting through to her at all!

Er, calm down, me.

That's right. She's still a first-year student.

It might be hard for her to understand if I speak to her abstractly.

I must break it down more easily...

Er, what I mean is...

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

Anya completely understands.

You're saying that Anya won't get any more Tonitrus Bolts

if her hankies are thorough and unhairy.

She didn't get a single damn word!

Oh, dear. My inner voice became vulgar.

Er, my point is, it's all a matter of self-control.

So Anya will get Stellas with self-control?

Ah, so you also want to become an Imperial Scholar?

She has ambition if nothing else.

Shock! Nothing else?!

Why do you want Stellas?

What do you hope to achieve by becoming an Imperial Scholar?

For Papa's mission...

Um, uh...

Because they seem super cool.

So shallow!

How completely shallow!

You said yourself at your interview that you wanted to be like the headmaster, did you not?

Is it not something like that?

Huh? Did I say that?

A-Anyway, Anya wants all of the Stellas right now.

Then we can fight the final boss.

You mustn't view Imperial Scholars or Stellas so lightly, Forger.

It is a proud title that has been built up in the 500 years of Eden College's history.

Behold.

These are all of the students who endlessly devoted themselves

to their studies and reached that status.

Politicians, artists, athletes, scholars, engineers, et cetera.

They were all Imperial Scholars.

They always worked their hardest through blood, sweat, and tears,

always kept up their self-management, and when they stumbled, they didn't lose heart.

They competed with each other at times and supported each other at times.

After years and years of building up these experiences,

they were given the title of Imperial Scholar.

You cannot achieve anything in a single day, Miss Forger.

So it's like the mission?

We have to keep working on it one step at a time?

Can Anya become one someday, please?

You can... Or rather, I'm afraid I cannot tell you that so easily.

That depends on the individual.

There are times when luck will also play a part.

But there is no need to rush.

You just need to properly master the basics as a first-year student.

It's not all about academics, but also athletics, and your lifestyle.

Your dignity and spirit, as well.

Live your days carefully.

It is good to reflect upon receiving a Tonitrus Bolt,

but there's no need to fret.

Everyone has one or two flaws or failures every now and then.

This fellow even got six Tonitrus Bolts.

Oho...

Have confidence, Miss Forger.

I believe in your elegance.

Yep!

You were a great help, my little helper.

Tea snacks! Tea snacks!

Yes, yes, I know.

Ooh!

Those tea snacks were also created by an Imperial Scholar graduate.

Yummy, yum.

They spent years perfecting that exquisite taste.

You can tell the true depth of its flavor, can you not?

It's sweet and yummy.

So shallow.

I know.

Would you like to review any parts that you didn't understand on the recent quiz?

I'd be happy to help...

Anya had her tea snackies, so she'll go home now.

Fank you very much.

R-Right...

Educating others is so difficult...

Papa, Mama, Anya has returned!

You're pretty late.

Well, why don't we have dinner?

Yes.

Today's mission was impossible.

Well, I let you rest the other day, so you're gonna make that up now.

It was quite difficult to defeat today's opponent.

Papa and Mama are working hard at work, too.

Papa! Once we're done eating, I want you to help me with my homework!

Wha... Where did this come from?

You didn't get another Tonitrus Bolt, did you?

Loid! Get a hold of yourself!

Don't worry! I'll make dinner right away! Loid!

THE MOMMY-FRIENDS SCHEME