Summary

In the great sea lays a small island, protected by four great countries and a sacred island. Because many writers have lived there since ancient times and countless works have been produced there, the island has come to be known as "the island where stories are born." It is there that stories are created constantly.

In order to preserve and pass on the stories, an academy was founded to train librarians—Le Cadeau Academy.

This year, twelve new students will arrive at this traditional and prestigious academy. With one unfinished book given to them as proof of admission and their own aspirations, they take the first step toward becoming librarians.

However, there is a "secret" hidden within the school. A secret that gives them choices and determines the ending of the story. Now, is the ending it spells out a happy one? Or...

Cast

Aubrey played by Sakuma Sakuya / Tenma Sumeragi

"Come on, let's go! To stories yet to be seen—."

The youngest. His origin is that his grandmother read picture books to him when he was a child. He's honest, charming, and people around him always want to take care of him in any way they can.

Kieran played by Tsumugi Tsukioka / Banri Settsu

"I plan to be a great hero by the time I graduate from here!"

A childhood friend of Jared. He's a young man brimming with curiosity. He's fascinated by the kinds of heroes you see in stories. He's come to confirm the rumor that "librarians never age."

Kenneth played by Tsuzuru Minagi / Kazunari Miyoshi

"I can't believe I've been spotted by royalty of all people. Haha, my school life is over, huh?"

The class president. He had the misfortune of being nominated as class president, even though he had planned to graduate unnoticed. He's diligent to his core and tries his best to do the work that is asked of him properly.

Amalia played by Yuki Rurikawa / Azuma Yukishiro

"There's a book I'm looking for. Ever since before I even stepped foot in this place. All I remember is it's binding."

A woman with a thoughtful personality who always takes a step back and surveys her surroundings. She'll never forget a book she once came across in a small bookstore that she went to when she was little. She was going to save up to buy it, but the book becomes no longer available when the bookstore closes. She's been looking for that book ever since.

Leroy played by Muku Sakisaka / Citron

"I started writing stories... because I wanted a chance to get to know my older brother."

Gordon's gentle younger brother who's a friend to everyone. He feels more than a little indebted to his older brother, and as a result, he has the personality of someone who is more concerned about his surroundings. He is often attentive and keeps his balance in the moment. He began writing stories in the hope that they would help him restore his relationship with his brother, but he has yet to show him any of his works.

Gordon played by Kumon Hyodo / Omi Fushimi

"...Do you enjoy sharing with others? It's so strange, I've never had a conversation like this with someone before."

Leroy's older brother. Once Leroy was born, their parents stopped caring about him, and he used books to fill his loneliness. Because of that, he's somewhat introverted and not very talkative. At best, he's a hassle-free boy. He's puzzled inside, not understanding why his younger brother, who has so many friends, came to the academy with him. (He isn't aware of it, but he's worried that Leroy will take the story away from him, just as he took their parents away from him.)

Joachim played by Juza Hyodo / Sakyo Furuichi

"I've memorized all of your faces. Prepare yourselves for the year ahead."

Royalty. The third prince of the Kingdom of Le Cadeau, which oversees the academy. He enrolls to fulfill his royal duties in other ways, as he will not inherit the throne due to where he stands in the hierarchy. He was hit somewhat hard by Kenneth, who thought that since Joachim had the highest status among the students at the academy, he'd naturally be the one chosen as the class president.

Henrick played by Taichi Nanao / Guy

"All people need is a single story."

There is just one story he'll never forget. He has an aspiration to have as many people as possible encounter books such as he did. He's somewhat narrow-minded and self-righteous. He hopes to encounter only one book in his lifetime that will change his life. He and Meredith tend to clash with one another due to their different values.

Meredith played by Masumi Usui / Chikage Utsuki

"I just love each and every story that's been born into this world."

He loves all stories. The same holds true for how he feels about people. For that reason, Henrick thinks of him as being shallow, and they clash about everything.

Jared played by Azami Izumida / Homare Arisugawa

"It's too ominous to have a black cat pass right in front of you just as you're about to enter school... This must be a warning. This better not unravel some kind of mystery..."

A childhood friend of Kieran's. A gloomy young man. He enrolls after Kieran gets involved. Because he's afraid of librarians not aging, he doesn't want to get involved with them. He tends to think negatively.

Vance played by Tasuku Takato / Misumi Ikaruga

"You wanted to see me? Sure thing. This is gonna be a fun school year."

The student council vice president. He loves mischief and loves having fun. Thinks being vice president sounds fun, so he agrees to do it without any real consideration. He saw a librarian using magic when he was a kid and thought that life would be more fun if he could learn to do it, so he enrolled at the academy.

Abel played by Hisoka Mikage / Itaru Chigasaki

"I don't like being left behind."

Part 1

Business Partner

“—That’s why, I would like to reschedule today’s meeting…”

Chikage

Noted. …No, it’s alright, don’t worry about it. I’ll see you by New Year or so. Now, if you’ll excuse me.

(...There’s no more meetings left, guess I’ll just go home for the day.)

Izumi

Chikage-san?

Chikage

Director-san, it’s not everyday we meet up in this kind of place.

Izumi

I’m on my way back, I was watching a show at this theater nearby.

I thought there’d be a chance we’d meet since it’s near your company, I didn’t think it’d actually happen…

Are you still working?

Chikage

No, I’m already on my way home.

Izumi

Then, let’s go together—

[sfx: ‘Moonlight Sonata’]

Izumi

…Was that a piano?

Chikage

Yeah… a street piano, look over there.

Izumi

Woah, it’s wonderful, it’s like something out of a movie.

Chikage

Maybe there’s an event or something. I see it every now and then.

Izumi

…

Chikage

What’s up?

Izumi

No, I feel like I’ve heard this song somewhere before. …What was it again?

Chikage That’s—

Itaru

Ah, it really was senpai and director-san.

Izumi

Itaru-san! Good work today. I didn’t think I’d meet you here too.

Chikage

I met director-san by chance on her way home from the theater, and Chigasaki…

Itaru

I took a walk to the convenience store not too far from here as a change of pace.

Chikage

Lies. It’s another game collab thing, isn’t it?

Itaru

Touché, it’s convenience store lottery.

Chikage

Same difference.

Izumi

But you don’t seem to have much stuff, it looks like you’re just carrying one bag from the store…

Itaru

I had them pack it in a box and send it to the dorm.

Chikage

Just how much did you pull? Don’t go adding clutter at the end of the year.

Itaru

Uh-huh, well since you two are here I’ll go home with you. I’ll drive the car around in a bit.

Chikage

…He ran away.

Izumi

Ahaha…

Chikage

We’re home.

Guy

Welcome back, it’s rare for the three of you to be together.

Itaru

We met by chance near the office—

Azami

L-love talk!? No way in hell am I gonna talk about that!

Misumi

Woah~! Azami’s eyes are triangles—!

Azami

What kind of eyes even are those!? And stop taking pictures, Homare-san!

Izumi

Sounds pretty lively.

Guy

A doll artist Arisugawa knows is coming.

Izumi

The one whose exhibition we helped out before—that doll artist…?

Guy

Yes, the upcoming exhibition is being planned out but they seem to have ran out of ideas after the fourth one.

So Arisugawa invited them to the dorm to see if he could give them a hint or two.

Izumi

I see, so that’s what you meant.

Guy

Seems like Izumida and Ikaruga are the topic of interest right now, they’re being taken reference pictures of in the lounge. Itaru

Senpai avoided an event. Too bad he didn’t capture the flag.

Chikage

Don’t bother putting one up again.

Guy

Looks like they’re just about to leave, why not say hello? Izumi

We definitely should.

…By the way, Guy-san, is it okay for you to not open the bar up? Isn’t it about time it’s opened?

Guy

Actually, I was looking for Mikage, but I couldn't find him.

All that’s left to look at is the rooftop…

Chikage

…Geez, I’ll go take a look.

Guy

Sorry, I know you just came home. If you find him, tell him I’m already on my way.

Doll Artist

Thank you so much for today! I think I can think of a great piece now thanks to you.

For my exhibitions, I’d love to ask for your help in PR again!

Izumi

I’ll let Misumi-kun and Azami-kun know.

Homare

But two people certainly isn’t enough, correct?

Doll Artist

Yes, I would be grateful if there were one more person…

Homare

Perhaps we should ask Hisoka-kun for help once again.

Izumi

Speaking of, Chikage-san was looking for him on the rooftop just now…

Chikage

——.

Hisoka

——.

Homare

Oh my, it appears he has secured him safely.

Doll Artist

Um, the guy in the suit is…

Izumi

Spring Troupe’s Chikage Utsuki.

Doll Artist

…

Izumi

(B-by any chance, do they…)

Part 2

Izumi

That’s it for today’s practice, thank you for your hard work!

Spring Troupe

Good job today.

Izumi

——Ah, Chikage-san. May I have a minute?

Chikage

What is it?

Izumi

Do you remember the usual doll artist that came by the other day for ideas?

Chikage

I do, but…

Izumi

Well… Misumi-kun and Azami-kun were asked to be guides for the next exhibition… As well as an offer to you too, Chikage-san.

Chikage

Me?

Izumi Yup.

Chikage

… Can I ask why? I’m pretty sure we didn’t even meet at all that day.

Izumi

Actually, they were already on their way home when they saw you on the rooftop and got inspired by it.

Itaru

Flag collector lol.

Chikage

I don’t remember it being that way.

Thanks I appreciate it… but considering my age, it’s hard for me to agree to it.

Tsuzuru

With a Gymnasium* school world view, I think Chikage-san would be perfect for the role of a student.

Masumi

Not that different from a Japanese high school setting.

Sakuya

A uniform would look good on you too!

Citron

Guy and I wore it too, so it is A-Okay.

Chikage

… To think my escape route would be cut off completely like this.

Well, since Spring Troupe got me assured then… What the hell, sure.

[ Option 1: Thank you so much! ]

Izumi Thank you so much! Chikage I hope I don’t come in and ruin the worldbuilding. Izumi No way! I think the doll artist would be pretty happy! Chikage Really? I’m not too confident, but… I accepted the role so I’ll do my best.

[ Option 2: Chikage-san as a student sounds fun ]

Izumi I think it’d be fun to have Chikage-san as a student! Chikage Aren’t I a little too old to be a student? Izumi More like, it feels like your calm demeanor adds a level of depth to your role. Chikage Calm, huh… sure let’s just say that.

Izumi

Then I’ll be sending you the character sheet.

Itaru

Now that that’s decided, let’s start role prep right away.

Citron

I shall help too!

Masumi

Why are the two who got nothing to do with it the ones excited?

Chikage

Not excited, but teasing’s more like it.

Tsuzuru

I knew it’d be a bit small.

Masumi

It’s doable.

Itaru No way am I gonna wear this outside.

Chikage

I’m grateful that you’re helping me out with the role study but why am I being forced to wear Azami’s uniform?

Citron

You are playing a highschool student, it is only natural to put a uniform on!

Chikage

From a Gymnasium* worldview, I think a blazer would be better suited than a gakuran uniform.

Before that, isn’t it weird you’re all wearing blazers but me?

Citron

There is a proper setting for that!

Chikage

Setting?

Itaru “A transfer student that wears glasses and pretends to be an honor student but is actually a former delinquent and underground boss of the local scene.” kinda setup.

Chikage

Sigh… you’re too rotted by manga.

Sakuya

But you’re a transfer student with a hidden side to him, that’s so cool!

Tsuzuru

I’m not gonna doubt the two people with the Gymnasium experience.

Masumi

Whatever, just hurry it up.

Itaru

Then let’s go on with that setup.

Chikage

…Yeah yeah, I’ll play a delinquent, right?

Izumi

“G-good morning everyone! Please take your seats!”

Chikage

…There’s really no mistaking director-san’s flavor of acting.

Itaru

She’s like a nervous rookie teacher, it’s not so bad.

Masumi

Sigh… cutie…

Izumi

“Today I’d like to introduce a new student! Utsuki-kun, why don’t you introduce yourself?”

Chikage

“... Sure.”

Izumi

“Everyone, feel free to ask Utsuki-kun any questions you might have!”

Chikage

“Utsuki Chikage. Blood type A. Single.”

Itaru

Oh he’s single all right.

Citron

“When fighting your enemies do you finish off with a kick? Or are you the punching type?”

Tsuzuru

That’s background info, you shouldn’t ask that!

“I have a question! What’s your family like?” Chikage

“I got a younger brother.”

Sakuya

“What’s your favorite food?” Chikage

“...Sweets.”

Masumi

“What about your least favorite?”

Chikage

“...Spicy food.” Tsuzuru

Could he be…

“Umm… What are your hobbies?”

Chikage

“... Bikes and sweets?” Izumi

Bikes and sweets…

Itaru

Are you actually playing Juza right now…?

Chikage

The only Japanese delinquents I know are those in Autumn troupe, and since Yuki calls Juza a “classic delinquent”, I took inspiration from him.

Tsuzuru

So that’s why…

Izumi

If the exhibition character really is a delinquent, maybe his student role will be related to Itaru-san and Tasuku-san’s?

Citron

…Then I have an idea!

Chikage

… Why’d we move to the courtyard?

Citron

You cannot pull any punches here!

Sakuya

Ehh? What do you mean?

Itaru

I got a bad feeling.

Citron

Commence the fighting etude!

Itaru

He’s not letting up.

Citron

Fighting is a delinquent’s signature move!

Chikage

Let’s just get this over with. I don’t really wanna be seen looking like this outside.

Itaru

I feel the same way too, but——Hey, Masumi, stop pushing me so hard.

Masumi

What a pain. Hurry it up.

[sfx: phone buzzing]

Izumi ?

Oh, I got the character sheet from the doll artist!

Part 3

Izumi

Apparently they interviewed Homare-san about Chikage-san and used the info as reference.

Itaru

Homare as the source… this ought to be good.

Tsuzuru

What’s it say?

Izumi

First off it says that the theme will be “Gymnasium at Night”

Citron

The vibe is completely different than last time, how interesting!

Itaru

Definitely a shift in mood.

Izumi

Chikage-san’s setting is… on the surface he’s an honor student who acts as the head of the discipline committee——.

But he’s in cahoots with the student body president… and acts as a shadow ruler who controls delinquents behind the scenes.

Sakuya

Woah, that setting’s cool too!

Itaru

Not too far off. A discipline committee president is a pretty OP character.

Masumi

Really Chikage-like.

Citron

Then the OG Chikage can do it!

Chikage

Homare-san, how the hell did he even talk about me…

Izumi

But it seems like even as a student you don’t have to keep up the delinquent role.

Tsuzuru

Yeah, seems like the bad boy act is trashed.

Chikage

True, rather I’ll be the one doing the sanctioning as a disciplinary officer.

Itaru

Not like it changes much.

Matsukawa

Chigasaki-kun, there’s a delivery for you. This one’s pretty heavy so I’ll just leave it here~.

Itaru

… Oh yeah, from that new game I reserved, it’s the prizes I won from the convenience store raffle.

Chikage

I see, so more clutter for the room. It’s no good to play all night in such a state.

Citron

He is already doing his duty as a disciplinary officer!

Itaru

For real.

Masumi

…Hey, it says here your hobby’s the piano, what now?

Izumi

Ah, it does.

Tsuzuru

Speaking of, I know you can play the violin, how about the piano?

Chikage

It’s not that I’ve never practiced it, though… I’m not confident. I mean, I can at least practice pretending to play it.

Customer A

Going to the gymnasium at night makes me feel nervous.

Customer B I’m getting mystery vibes from it!

Misumi

“Shh! You wouldn’t want the teacher to find out, do you~?”

Customer A

Oh, sorry.

Misumi

“Ahaha, it’s fine.”

“Hey, I can show you a special place, do you wanna come with me?”

Azami

“...Senpai, you dropped your pamphlet.” Customer C

Ahh, thank you…!

Customer D Um, is it okay to ask for a recommendation? I’d like to know what you think…

Azami

“...I don’t mind, but don’t get upset if you find it boring.”

Customer D

Of course!

Azami

“Then… this way please, follow me.”

Chikage

“You there, please button up that shirt of yours.”

Customer E

U-understood.

Chikage

“Hey, it’s dangerous to hurry around, watch your steps carefully and walk slowly, got it?”

Customer F Yessir…!

Chikage

“Good.”

Izumi

(Everyone’s adapting to the worldview well, I wasn’t really worried about Misumi-kun and Azami-kun, and…)

(Chikage-san as a disciplinary officer, his mature and mysterious allure matches the role well.)

(That delinquent student image might come in handy in the future…)

Customer A

That was so fun!

Customer B

I was completely immersed in the world building.

Misumi

“Bye-bye~! Let’s hang out again next time♪”

Azami

“... Here, I grew these flowers myself. Please accept these as souvenirs, take care on your way home.”

Izumi

(Looks like the last of the customers left… And Chikage-san is nowhere to be found…)

Izumi

(Chikage-san, where did you go? I’ve just about searched every room we used…)

[sfx: ‘Moonlight Sonata’]

Izumi

… Sounds like a piano?

(It’s… the same song we heard from the street piano the other day.)

(A piano would be… in the music room.)

Chikage

——.

Izumi

(What a nice song…)

Chikage

“——Oh, teacher, good evening. Looks like I’ve been found out.”

Izumi

(Could this be an etude…?)

(Seems like my role’s a teacher again.)

“...It’s a really beautiful song.”

Chikage

“Aren’t you mad? For someone like me, a disciplinary officer, to be in the music room at night?”

Izumi

“You gave such a wonderful show so I’ll let you off the hook.”

Chikage

“...Thank you very much.”

Izumi

“By the way, what’s the name of the song?”

Chikage

“Beethoven’s 14th Piano Sonata——Moonlight.”

Izumi

(Oh right, so that was the title. It’s relieving to have some clarity on its name.)

(On top of that, despite saying he’s not confident with the piano, he played it pretty well…)

You’re really capable of anything.

Chikage

“You mean with the piano?” “It’s nothing special, this song in particular is difficult for me and I’m not even that adept at it.”

Izumi

(Not adept at it? I don’t think so. I mean, it’s not like he’s… aiming to be a professional piano player, right…)

How can you play the piano then, Chikage-san?

Chikage

“Basic education, really. It’s not something I started because I wanted to. Maybe I did it to be recognized by adults when I was young?”

Izumi

I see…?

Chikage

…Director-san, when did you stop acting as a teacher?

Izumi

Ah! You’re right, it was acting…

Then that means all that talk earlier about the piano was…?

Chikage

Wouldn’t you like to know? I’ll leave it up to Director-san’s imagination.

Izumi

Ugh…

Chikage

…At the very least, it’s true that it’s difficult and I’m not very good at it.

Izumi

Did you practice for your role?

Chikage

Just to be on the safe side. I used this song in practice in the past, so I figured I could do this much.

Well, not much has improved. It’s a relief no one requested a piano performance.

Still, I thought of practicing and it just so happens that there’s a piano here, so I played a bit.

The song’s not exactly my forte.

Izumi

I see. …Then, how about something other than that?

Chikage

Who knows?

Izumi

… Feels like I’m being misled once again.

Chikage

It’s never easy trying to dissect the ‘shadow ruler.’

Story Clear!

———T/Ns:———