Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter0

2017-07-13T06:53:40Z

Rydenius: adding a missing line break and removing extra space at the end

'''Prologue'''

"Gokigenyou."

"Gokigenyou."

The clear morning greetings echo into the serene blue sky.

Today as well, the maidens who assemble in the Virgin Mary's garden pass under the tall gate with pure, angelic smiles on their faces.

Clad on their pure bodies and souls were deeply-colored school uniforms.

So as to not disturb the pleats of the skirts, or to flutter the white sailor collars, walking slowly is the standard here. Of course, the likes of such an ill-mannered student that would run when when on the verge of being late surely doesn't exist.

This is Lillian's Private Women's Academy.

Founded in Meiji 34, it is a traditional Catholic ladies' school; an establishment originally for the daughters of the peerage class.

Located in downtown Tokyo City. At this district that still remains full of greenery in the shadow of Musashino, watched over by God, the maidens of the garden are able to receive a consistent education from kindergarten to university.

The times change, but even today in the Heisei era where the era name has changed three times since the Meiji era, it is a precious academy where there still remains a system of which it is said that should this sheltered upbringing continue for 18 years, a pure cultured young lady can be produced.

The humid rainy season was over, and the refreshingly clear season that arrived was invigorating.

However, she couldn't get too carried away. Lurking before the enjoyment of summer vacation were the unavoidable end-of-semester tests.

''Somehow, if I just finish this.'' Things like textbooks, notes, reference books, dictionaries, synopsis, and timelines were piled up on the desk, and even watching her favorite variety show, she crammed as much of each subject as she could cram into her head.

Of course, there's no complaint if all is retained, but if that's impossible, then at least while in the midst of tests do things like going to school cautiously, so as to not move the head lest the knowledge tumble out from the brain.

''Somehow, if I just finish this''.

Waiting beyond that, is the enjoyable summer vacation.

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Return to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru|Main Page]]
| Back to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
| Forward to [[Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
|-
|}

Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter0

2017-07-13T06:47:46Z

Rydenius: TLC, editing, and revision

'''Prologue'''

"Gokigenyou."

"Gokigenyou."

The clear morning greetings echo into the serene blue sky.

Today as well, the maidens who assemble in the Virgin Mary's garden pass under the tall gate with pure, angelic smiles on their faces.

Clad on their pure bodies and souls were deeply-colored school uniforms.

So as to not disturb the pleats of the skirts, or to flutter the white sailor collars, walking slowly is the standard here. Of course, the likes of such an ill-mannered student that would run when when on the verge of being late surely doesn't exist.

This is Lillian's Private Women's Academy.

Founded in Meiji 34, it is a traditional Catholic ladies' school; an establishment originally for the daughters of the peerage class.

Located in downtown Tokyo City. At this district that still remains full of greenery in the shadow of Musashino, watched over by God, the maidens of the garden are able to receive a consistent education from kindergarten to university.

The times change, but even today in the Heisei era where the era name has changed three times since the Meiji era, it is a precious academy where there still remains a system of which it is said that should this sheltered upbringing continue for 18 years, a pure cultured young lady can be produced.

The humid rainy season was over, and the refreshingly clear season that arrived was invigorating.
However, she couldn't get too carried away. Lurking before the enjoyment of summer vacation were the unavoidable end-of-semester tests.

''Somehow, if I just finish this.'' Things like textbooks, notes, reference books, dictionaries, synopsis, and timelines were piled up on the desk, and even watching her favorite variety show, she crammed as much of each subject as she could cram into her head.

Of course, there's no complaint if all is retained, but if that's impossible, then at least while in the midst of tests do things like going to school cautiously, so as to not move the head lest the knowledge tumble out from the brain.

''Somehow, if I just finish this''.

Waiting beyond that, is the enjoyable summer vacation.

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Return to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru|Main Page]]
| Back to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
| Forward to [[Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
|-
|}

User talk:Rydenius

2017-07-09T21:39:54Z

Rydenius:

== Talk to Rydenius ==
Feel free to talk to me here. I'll organize it into sections later if there's need. [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] ([[User talk:Rydenius#top|talk]]) 02:57, 27 November 2013 (CST)

Just wanted drop by and say hello. Thanks for your feedback on the forums~. It's really nice to see you moving along with your translations. Thanks for helping out! --[[User:Cloudii|Cloudii]] ([[User talk:Cloudii#top|talk]]) 22:35, 6 April 2014 (CDT)

Thanks Cloudii. Glad to be useful, and working on these projects is a good experience for me as I progress in my Japanese learning process, but encouragement (and maybe the taskmaster's whip) always helps! I want to see Maria-sama ga Miteru through until completion before taking on any new projects (I've got the physical raw novels to start on 5 or 6 others that don't appear to have been done yet), but I'm still no match for NR -- he's really been powering through and doing an awesome job! Speaking of which I need to get back to finishing out the current chapter I'm working on ASAP. Been procrastinating a bit and busy with real life things, but there's only a few pages left to finish the chapter! :) The next chapter after that is where I'll have to dig down deep and find out if I really have what it takes to knock out a whole volume. 0_0' --[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] ([[User talk:Rydenius#top|talk]]) 23:37, 6 April 2014 (CDT)

Hello!
I'm addressing this to you, as there is no listed project manager, and you're the only linked translator.
I've been reading your translations of Marimite for a while now, and I've noticed that the project has no current active editors. I've never worked on any editing projects myself in the past, but I'd like to help you and NR by editing this project. I am a native English speaker (Australian), and i think. I would enjoy the work of reading through your translations and fixing the occasional typo/error, as well as any other editing jobs you need me to do. My time is limited, as I'm in my final year at school (finishing October-ish this year), but if you'll have me, I'll gladly put in a few spare hours when I can, and of course, I'l, check through when. I read your new translations. I'm also ready to check up on the pages for vandalism, and to follow up on the guidelines. I also have a friend who is interested in taking part, and he is in the process of registering an account. --[[User:simonoz|simonoz]] ([[User talk:simonoz#top|talk]]) 23:08, 26 April 2015 (EST)

Hi simonoz! I've been inactive for a bit (it's a long story involving a hard drive crash, flu, the JLPT N4 exam (I passed yay!), etc.), but I'm planning to be active again relatively soon. I think I only have a page and a half left to do for the chapter I was last working on. Any case, as far as the editing goes, you are certainly welcome to edit as you feel free. If you have a question about a particular word choice or anything, feel free to post it here or on the relevant talk page (or PM me on the forum) and I'll take a look at it. Apparently, I've set this page up to send me e-mail notifications on update, so... :)
--[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] ([[User talk:Rydenius#top|talk]]) 22:32, 26 April 2015 (CDT)

Gokigenyou. Glad to see that you've come back! I was a bit sad that there hadn't been any updates over the last few months when I checked on April 20th.
[[User:Ambjoorn|Ambjoorn]] ([[User talk:Ambjoorn|talk]]) 15:54, 15 June 2015 (UTC)

Thanks for the comments, Ambjoorn. Chapter 3 for Volume 12 has been posted. That was a monster chapter, and I wasn't sure if I'd make it all the way through, but in the end I did manage it. :) Now to push onward and get going on the next one...
--[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] ([[User talk:Rydenius#top|talk]]) 01:42, 1 July 2015 (UTC)

Hello Translator-san! I just want to thank you and all the people who worked, currently working, and will work on Marimite Project. I really love the Marimite series and your translations really did help. It's a shame that some volumes were removed or haven't been translated, but I hope that someday, someone will work on those. Keep it up and I hope in the future you'll get credits that you deserves :-) ++PS: I wasn't able to register on BakaTsuki forum so I'll just post my gratitude here and on BakaTsuki Facebook group++
--[[User:TitaBL85|TitaBL85]] ([[User talk:TitaBL85#top|talk]]) 11:03, 23 November 2015 (UTC)

Hey Rydenius, I thought I'd follow [[User:Simonoz|simonoz']] example and let you know I've decided to join the wiki, and the Baka-Tsuki community, as an editor. I'm currently reading (and so far actively editing) [[Maria-sama ga Miteru]], and would like to be a part of the crew working on it. I look forward to working with you! [[User:Lunar Vitae|Lunar Vitae]] ([[User talk:Lunar Vitae|talk]]) 02:06, 31 May 2016 (UTC)

Hi Lunar Vitae, sorry for the late reply. I saw your post when you made it but must've forgotten to reply. Anycase: Sure have at it! That said, NR is the main translator on this project so he's the one you have to keep happy. ;-)
I'm still working on vol 12 and 34, but it's a bit on the back burner, though I should have an update soon. Also I've set up my own blog now, so I'll be posting updates there as well. [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] ([[User talk:Rydenius#top|talk]]) 23:39, 9 July 2017 (CEST)

User talk:Rydenius

2017-07-09T21:38:46Z

Rydenius: status update

User:Rydenius

2015-10-10T17:47:25Z

Rydenius: Updated skills info

== Hi, I'm Rydenius ==

Hello readers, I've used this page to learn how to do wiki editing and to post some info about the (low) level of my translation ability, so don't have too high an expectation.

=== About me ===

I'm an American living on the east coast of the United States. I have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and study Japanese in my free time. I have a JLPT N4 certification.

=== My Translation Skills and Tools ===

I guess I'm a newbie translator at this point. I have completed 3 semesters of college Japanese using the ''Yookoso'' and ''Genki'' (I+II) textbooks, and am moving on to ''An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese'' (Akira Miura & Naomi Hananoka McGloin).

I have also worked my way through: 
''Fundamentals of Japanese Grammar'' (Yuki Johnson) 
''Read Japanese Today'' (Len Walsh) 

Reference texts that I am currently using: 
''Essential Japanese Grammar'' (Masahiro Tanimori, Eriko Sato) -- great text, I use it a lot. 
''A Dictionary of Japanese Particles'' (Sue A. Kawashima) 
''Common Japanese Collocations'' (Kakuko Shoji) 
''Reader's Guide to Intermediate Japanese'' (Yasuko Ito Watt, Richard Rubinger) 

Web resources that I am currently using: 
[http://jisho.org/ Denshi Jisho] (Dictionary -- I'm using the public beta version of the new website) 
[http://www.alc.co.jp/ ALC] (Dictionary w/ lots of example sentences and does well with phrases.) 
[http://ejje.weblio.jp/ Weblio] (Dictionary -- connects to several databases) 
[http://www.memrise.com/ Memrise] (SRS drilling for vocabulary and kanji) 

Software tools: 
[http://www.onenote.com/ Microsoft OneNote] -- for OCR and staging my translations. It is surprisingly better than Adobe Acrobat Pro at handling pages with both vertical and horizontal Japanese text. 
[http://www.omegat.org/en/omegat.html OmegaT] -- a Computer Aided Translation tool. Keeps track of previous work to recognize patterns and increase speed and consistency. 

I recently reached the milestone of having memorized the meanings for all 2136 regular use Kanji (which makes Kanji look ups go faster :)) and I'm now focusing on getting up to speed on all JLPT N3-level vocabulary for the end of year JLPT test.

=== Series that I have an interest in working on ===

Currently I'm working on: 
[[Maria-sama ga Miteru|マリア様が見てる]] (Maria-sama ga miteru) 

[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] ([[User talk:Rydenius|talk]]) 03:52, 27 November 2013 (CST)

User talk:Rydenius

2015-07-01T01:42:06Z

Rydenius:

User:Rydenius

2015-07-01T01:32:39Z

Rydenius: /* My Translation Skills and Tools */

== Hi, I'm Rydenius ==

Hello readers, I've used this page to learn how to do wiki editing and to post some info about the (low) level of my translation ability, so don't have too high an expectation.

=== About me ===

I'm an American living on the east coast of the United States. I have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and study Japanese in my free time. I have a JLPT N4 certification.

=== My Translation Skills and Tools ===

I guess I'm a newbie translator at this point. I have completed 3 semesters of college Japanese using the ''Yookoso'' and ''Genki'' (I+II) textbooks, and am moving on to ''An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese'' (Akira Miura & Naomi Hananoka McGloin).

I have also worked my way through: 
''Fundamentals of Japanese Grammar'' (Yuki Johnson) 
''Read Japanese Today'' (Len Walsh) 

Reference texts that I am currently using: 
''Essential Japanese Grammar'' (Masahiro Tanimori, Eriko Sato) -- great text, I use it a lot. 
''A Dictionary of Japanese Particles'' (Sue A. Kawashima) 
''Common Japanese Collocations'' (Kakuko Shoji) 
''Reader's Guide to Intermediate Japanese'' (Yasuko Ito Watt, Richard Rubinger) 

Web resources that I am currently using: 
[http://jisho.org/ Denshi Jisho] (Dictionary -- I'm using the public beta version of the new website) 
[http://www.alc.co.jp/ ALC] (Dictionary w/ lots of example sentences and does well with phrases.) 
[http://ejje.weblio.jp/ Weblio] (Dictionary -- connects to several databases) 
[http://www.memrise.com/ Memrise] (SRS drilling for vocabulary and kanji) 

Software tools: 
[http://www.onenote.com/ Microsoft OneNote] -- for OCR and staging my translations. It is surprisingly better than Adobe Acrobat Pro at handling pages with both vertical and horizontal Japanese text. 
[http://www.omegat.org/en/omegat.html OmegaT] -- a Computer Aided Translation tool. Keeps track of previous work to recognize patterns and increase speed and consistency. 

While I have a reasonable grasp of individual Kanji up through 7th grade or so, lately I've changed my approach to focusing more on learning actual vocabulary words.

=== Series that I have an interest in working on ===

Currently I'm working on: 
[[Maria-sama ga Miteru|マリア様が見てる]] (Maria-sama ga miteru) 

[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] ([[User talk:Rydenius|talk]]) 03:52, 27 November 2013 (CST)

Maria-sama ga Miteru

2015-07-01T01:12:00Z

Rydenius: Edited Updates section

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|300px|thumb|right|MariMite volume 1 cover.]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru (マリア様がみてる) is a Japanese light novel series written by Oyuki Konno and illustrated by Reine Hibiki. The series is published by Shueisha under their Cobalt imprint. Many of the short stories which were later also included in the novel series were first published in the Cobalt magazine. The series currently has 37 published volumes.

The spin-off light novel series Ōshaka-sama mo Miteru (お釈迦様もみてる) about Yumi's younger brother Yūki and his schoolmates at Hanadera has been running since August 2008, and currently has 10 volumes published.

''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' is also available in the following languages:
*[[Maria-sama ga Miteru - Français|Français (French)]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru_%28Espa%C3%B1ol%29|Español (Spanish)]]

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)

== Series Information ==
*'''Genre''': Romance, Comedy, Shoujo-Ai
*'''Original Title''': マリア様がみてる
*'''Author''': Oyuki Konno (今野緒雪)
*'''Illustrator''': Reine Hibiki (ひびき玲音)
*'''Published Volumes''': 37
*'''Series Status''': Ongoing

'''''Spin-off:'''''
*'''Genre''': Romance, Comedy, Shounen-Ai
*'''Original Title''': お釈迦様もみてる
*'''Author''': Oyuki Konno (今野緒雪)
*'''Illustrator''': Reine Hibiki (ひびき玲音)
*'''Published Volumes''': 10
*'''Series Status''': Ongoing

== Story Synopsis ==

Maria-sama ga Miteru's story revolves around the students of the Lillian Catholic school for girls, and can be considered character-driven, focusing on interactions between the characters rather than any sort of ongoing plot or goal to attain. At Lillian Girls' School, there is a tradition known as the sœur system (sœur being French for "sister"), in which a second, or third-year student, the grande sœur ("big sister"), will give her rosary to a junior student, the petite sœur ("little sister"), and promise to look after them and guide them.

When the story begins, Yumi Fukuzawa, a first-year at Lillian, is praying in front of the Virgin Mary statue near the school entrance when she is suddenly approached by a cold second-year student named Sachiko Ogasawara who straightens Yumi's uniform ribbon. This seemingly simple act of kindness stays with Yumi the rest of the day, and she speaks of her meeting with Sachiko to her friends during class and lunch. After school is over, Yumi's classmate Tsutako Takeshima meets with Yumi to show her that she took a photograph of Yumi's meeting with Sachiko earlier that morning. Yumi asks if she can have the photo, but Tsutako says she will give her the snapshot under two conditions: one being that Tsutako can display it at the upcoming school festival, and two being that Yumi get Sachiko's permission to do so as well. Yumi agrees to this, which sets in motion a series of events involving the entire Yamayurikai — the student council of the school. A few weeks after first meeting Sachiko, Yumi accepts Sachiko's rosary and therefore agrees to become her petite sœur.

This officially inducts Yumi into the Yamayurikai where she assists them in school matters at the same level as the other two petite sœurs — Yoshino Shimazu, and Shimako Tōdō — who are the petite sœurs of Rei Hasekura, and Sei Satō respectively. Through her activities in the Yamayurikai, Yumi becomes closer to the other members and generally finds her experiences with the group to be enjoyable. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria-sama_ga_Miteru Synopsis from wikipedia.]

'''Warning:''' Suffice it to say, this series is considered yuri, having various mentions of lesbian relationships. They are not, however, particularly graphic. If you find this sort of topic offensive, look away.

== Translation ==

'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1950 Feedback Thread]'''

=== [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Format|Maria-sama ga Miteru specific formatting]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Notes|Maria-sama ga Miteru translation notes]]

== Updates ==
* 29 June 2015
** Posted Chapter 3 of volume 12
* 25 May 2015
** Started translation of volume 24
* 11 May 2015
** Finished translation of volume 23
* 5 Oct 2014
** Finished translation of volume 14
* 7 May 2014
** Finished translation of volume 13
* 5 January 2014
** Finished translation of volume 9
* 3 January 2014
** Resumed translation of volume 12

[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Updates|Past Updates]]

== ''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' series by Oyuki Konno ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4955 here].'''
=== Volume 1 - Maria-sama ga Miteru [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter1|Monday of Uneasiness]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter2|Tuesday of Storms]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter3|Anxious Wednesday, Friday of Battle]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter4|Spicy and Bitter Weekend]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter5|The Hot Second Week]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter6|Waltz-like Sunday]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 2 - The Yellow Rose Revolution [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v02_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter1|Best Sœur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter2|The Returned Rosary]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter3|Unexpected Consequences]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter4|Just what is going on?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter5|Fighting Maidens]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter6|As long as it ends well]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 3 - Forest of Thorns [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v03_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Forest of Thorns
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter1|The semester exam and the paperback]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter2|The White Rose]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter3|Who's Suga Sei?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter4|If I could meet Eve]]
* The White Flower Petal
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter5|Springtime Buds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter6|Summer Greenhouse]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter7|Autumn Love]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter8|The last flower of winter, and then]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 4 - Rosa Canina [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v04_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Rosa Canina
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter1|A lonesome warmth]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter2|Rosa Canina?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter3|What do you think?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter4|Raison d'etre for sœur]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter5|A modest secret]]
* Nagakiyono
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter6|The first of January]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter7|The hatsumoude on the second]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter8|With the archenemy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter9|By onee-sama's side]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 5 - Valentine's Gift - Part 1 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v05_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Surprise chocolate
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter1|Research]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter2|gift from a rare visitor]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter3|Outsider]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter4|The thirteenth of February]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter5|St. Valentine's prank]]
* The Yellow Rose complication
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_1|18:50, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_2|19:18, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_3|19:30, Rei]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_4|23:10, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_5|23:10, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_6|23:10, Rei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 6 - Valentine's Gift - Part 2 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v06_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* First date triangle
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter1|Order]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter2|Hors d'oeuvre]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter3|Main]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter4|Dessert]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter5|The crimson card]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter6|Rosa Chinensis' best day of her life]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 7 - Beloved Times - Part 1 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v07_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Yellow Rose at Full Speed
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter1|The Beginning]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter2|Rabbit and Cat and Wolf]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter3|Umbrella Maker's Wife]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter4|Golden Rose Uproar]]
* Very Busy Days
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter5|Monday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter6|Tuesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter7|Wednesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter8|Thursday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter9|Friday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter10|Saturday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter11|Bonus]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter12|A Short Interlude]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter13|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 8 - Beloved Times - Part 2 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v08_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* will
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter1|Lost Items]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter2|Farewell Gift]]
* As the Years Pass By
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter3|Just Before Graduation]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter4|Eriko, Sei, Youko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter5|Farewell Address and Formal Reply]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter6|Towards the Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter7|Joined at Just One Hand]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter8|Spring Breeze]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter9|Autumn Bonds]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Afterword|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 9 - Cherry Blossom (Sakura) [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v09_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter1|The Cherry in the Ginkgoes]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter2|Falling Cherry Blossoms / Exam Failure]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter3|Maria and Maitreya]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter4|Rosary or Juzu]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter5|The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* BGN (Background Noise)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter6|When the Cherry Blossoms Fall]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter7|8 - 3 = Right]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter8|Intriguing First-Year]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter9|Behind the Scenes of The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter10|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 10 - Rainy Blue [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v10_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Rosary Droplets
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter1|Peppermint Candy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter2|Raindrop]]
* Yellow Rose Warning
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter3|Suspicious Clouds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter4|Signs of Rain]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter5|Rainy Blue]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter6|Premonition]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter7|Smile, Smile]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter8|Sweets]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter9|Blue Umbrella, Red Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter10|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 11 - Holding a Parasol [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v11_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter1|The Girl with the Brown Umbrella]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter2|Classmates]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter3|Milk Tea, Oolong Tea]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter4|Welcome]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter5|White Parasol]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter6|Visitor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter7|Beneath a Clear, Blue Sky]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter8|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs ===
[[Image:MM_v12_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter0|Prologue]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter1|Plans for the Summer Vacation]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter2|In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter3|Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter4|The Rich Princes and Princesses]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter5|Searching in the Mist]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter6|Songs of an Angel]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Epilogue|Author's Epilogue]]
 

=== Volume 13 - One Page of Midsummer [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v13_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Prologue|Prologue]]
* For Short, Operation OK (Tentative)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter1|Offer and Plot]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter2|Cunning Boy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter3|OK, Let's Do It.]]
* Together With the Old Gentleman
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter4|Gathering Material with Dustpan and Broom]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter5|Up to the Meeting Place]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter6|Search for Takuya-kun!]]
* Rosa Foetida ☆ Illustrated Diary
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter7|〇th of July (Saturday) : Sunny]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter8|△th of August (Sunday) : Cloudy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter9|Ⅹth of August (Saturday) : Sunny]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Afterword|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 14 - Cool Breeze [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v14_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter1|The First Step]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter2|That's a Problem]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter3|Setting Aside the "Bread Incident"]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter4|Finding Me]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter5|The Hanadera War]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter6|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 15 - Ready, GO! [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v15_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter1|Remaining Cuteness of Today's Enemy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter2|Everything Prepared?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter3|Friend's affection and Onee-sama]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter4|Casting Aside Embarrassment of One's Parents]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter5|Joker, Anchor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter6|Penalty Game Speculation]]
* Postscript
 

=== Volume 16 - Variety Gifts [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v16_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter1|Variety Gift I]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter2|Variety Gift II]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter3|Variety Gift III]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter4|Variety Gift IV]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter5|Variety Gift V]]
* Postscript
 

=== Volume 17 - Ciào Sorella! [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v17_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter1|Each and Every Farewell Gift]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter2|Going out at the Beginning]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter3|Leisurely Dialogue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter4|The Mouth of Truth's Complaint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter5|The Capital of Flowers Is What Kind of City?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter6|Resounding! Leaning! Melting!?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter7|The Parakeet's Hint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter8|From the Water Capital to the Island Nation]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9|Souvenir Report]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9.5|The Absence of Rosa Chinensis en Bouton]]
* Postscript
 

=== Volume 18 - Nothing Special, Just a Normal Day [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v18_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter1|Shock]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter2|Are you changing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter3|What will happen? What will we do?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter4|Ah, Misunderstanding]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter5|Dramatics]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Postscript|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 19 - In Library ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v19_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1|In Library - - I]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1.5|Silent Night's Vision]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2|In Library - - II]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2.5|Joanna]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3|In Library - - III]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.2|Chocolate Coat]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.3|Yasuko]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.4|Masumi]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.5|Asaka]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4|In Library - - IV]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.1|--- Magic Among the Cherry Blossom ---]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.2|-- The Door of Cherry Wood --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.3|-- The Burial Among Cherry Blossoms --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5_Epilogue|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales - Epilogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5|In Library - - V]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5.5|Library Book]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter6|In Library - - VI]]
 

=== Volume 20 - Sister Audition ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v20_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1|-- Right or Wrong -- ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.2|Maria-sama's Star]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.3|Maria-sama's Planet]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter2|Welcome to the Tea Party]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter3|Interim Report]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter4|The Crucial Battle]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter5|Harvest]]
*Postscript
 

=== Volume 21 - Rose Mille-Feuille ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v21_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Yellow Rose Panic
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter1|The result of 100 battles?]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter2|Panic Attack!]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter3|The Bout's Whereabouts]]
*Reverie of the White Rose
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter4|Two Peaceful People]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter5|The Heaviness of Reverie]]
*Rosa Chinensis's Sigh
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter6|After-Finals Prize]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter7|High Tension and Roller Coasters]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter8|A Mille-Feuille of Sighs]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Postscript|Afterword]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Translator's Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]
 

=== Volume 22 - Blank Map of the Future ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v22_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter1|An Unexpected Visitor ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter2|A Little Bit of Something]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter3|Of Strange Things]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter4|Even though it's Christmas]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter5|Rose Dialogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Afterword|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 23 - Other Side of the Frosted Glass ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v23_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Prologue|Prologue]] ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Prologue_nr|Alternate Translation]])
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter1|Onee-sama's Lead]] ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter1_nr|Alternate Translation]])
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter2|The Whole Year]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter3|Stopping In Along the Way]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter4|Full To Bursting At the New Year’s Party]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter5|Nearly Far? Or Distantly Near?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter6|A Chill Breeze]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter7|The Heart In the Frosted Glass]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter8|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 24 - Masked Actress ===
[[Image:MM_v24_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume24_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama ga Miteru:Volume24 Prologue|Prologue]]
* Yellow Rose, Hardball Fight
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume24_Chapter1|Riding a Bicycle]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume24_Chapter2|The Bout]]
* Masked Actress
** The Opening Ceremony's Spoiled Child
** Explanatory Meeting and Clandestine Meeting
** First Year Camellia Class is Normal
** Beneath the Mask
* A Moment of Honesty
 

=== Volume 25 - Big Door, Small Key ===
[[Image:MM_v25_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume25_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Key Holder
** Sometimes Falling, Sometimes Pulling
** Slightly Slipping Away
** Proposal Together With Arrival
** What I Wanted to Hear
* Keyhole of the Heart
** Pitiable Person
** Fortunate Interview
** In Her Pocket
 

=== Volume 26 - Crisscross ===
[[Image:MM_v26_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume26_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Crisscross
** Good Morning Chocolate
** Sentimental First-Year Camellia Class
** Ahh, Tea Party
** A Shortcut and Dropping In on the Way
** The Blank Map's Valley
** The Red Card's Outlook
* Map Stroll
** Meandering
** X-Mark
 

=== Volume 27 - In Search of You [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v27_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter1|Warrior Demands a Response]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter2|The "Absentee's Chance" Girl]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter3|Unexpected Words]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter4|At the Outset of the Date]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter5|"Why?"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter6|Amendment, Overwriting and an Old Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter7|The Door That Opened]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter8|When Tomorrow Comes]]
* Afterword
 

=== Volume 28 - Frame of Mind [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v28_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter1|Frame of Mind 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter2|April Deja-Vu]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter3|Frame of Mind 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter4|Three-Leaf Clover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter5|Frame of Mind 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter6|Sprouts in Dry Wood]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter7|Frame of Mind 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter8|The Yellow Thread]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter9|Frame of Mind 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter10|The Awkward Princess]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter11|Frame of Mind 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter12|Bouton of Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter13|Frame of Mind 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter14|The Greenhouse Fairy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter15|Frame of Mind 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter16|The Doppelganger Story]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter17|Frame of Mind 9]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter18|A Roll of Film]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter19|Frame of Mind 10]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Postscript|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 29 - Crown of Roses [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_29_Cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter1|Onee-sama, Rosary and Petit Soeur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter2|Conversation Stories]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter3|Not Here]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter4|Burning Bridges]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter5|Santa's Refreshments]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter6|The Miracle Worker]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter7|Would You Like to Waltz?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 30 - Twinkle, Twinkle, Twirl [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_30_Cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter1|Scattered Sunshine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter2|Frivolity and Self-Loathing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter3|Those Two, On the Other Hand]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter4|Star Up Teacup]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter5|What Kind of Groups?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter6|Distant Desire]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter7|Amongst the Stardust]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Postscript|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 31 - Marguerite Ribbon [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v31_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter1|Marguerite Ribbon 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter2|Debut]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter3|Marguerite Ribbon 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter4|A Rival is Fine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter5|Marguerite Ribbon 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter6|Buying Florentine Senbei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter7|Marguerite Ribbon 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter8|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter9|Marguerite Ribbon 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter10|My Siblings]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter11|Marguerite Ribbon 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter12|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 1]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter13|Marguerite Ribbon 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter14|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 2]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter15|Marguerite Ribbon 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter16|Memories of the Blue Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter17|Marguerite Ribbon 9]]
* Afterword
 

=== Volume 32 - Pre-Graduation Tableau [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v32_Cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter1|Laughing While Reminiscing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter2|Onee-sama's Racket]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter3|Me and the Interviewer]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter4|Graduation Group Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter5|Sweet Bun Feast]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter6|Support and Skinship]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter7|Forgotten Things]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter8|What's the Person Beside You Doing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter9|The Ribbon's Path]]
* Postscript
 

=== Volume 33 - Hello Goodbye [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v33_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter1|Today's Goal]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter2|The Green Bird and the White Flower]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter3|Grand Entrance]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter4|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter5|Parting Gift Trio]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter6|Soloist's Adlib]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter7|Connecting Chains]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter8|Continuing Path]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 34 - Little Horrors ===
[[Image:MM_v34_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Chapter1|Chapter 1: "Little Horrors - I"]]
* Chapter 2: "Chinami-san and Me"
* Chapter 3: "Little Horrors - II"
* Chapter 4: "Picking up a Handkerchief"
* Chapter 5: "Little Horrors - III"
* Chapter 6: "An Honest Lie"
* Chapter 7: "Little Horrors - IV"
* Chapter 8: "One Pair"
* Chapter 9: "Little Horrors - V"
* Chapter 10: "Dream of a Butterfly"
* Chapter 11: "Little Horrors - VI"
* Chapter 12: "Extra:Little Panic"
 

=== Volume 35 - My Nest ===
[[Image:MM_v36_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume35_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* My Nest
* Removal
* About One Week
* Christmas Eve
* Melancholy
* Our Nest
* Afterword
 

=== Volume 36 - Step ===
[[Image:MM_v35_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume36_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Step-1
* Step-2
* Step-3
* Step-4
* Step-5
* Step-6
* Afterword
 

=== Volume 37 - Farewell Bouquet ===
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume37_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Farewell Bouquet 1
** Candy and Stretch
* Farewell Bouquet 2
** Private Teacher
* Farewell Bouquet 3
** Breast Cookies
* Farewell Bouquet 4
** Yesterday's Enemy
* Farewell Bouquet 5
** Until Graduation
* Farewell Bouquet 6
** Announcement
* Farewell Bouquet 7
** Conversation Over Fresh Herb Tea
* Afterword
 

=== Premium Book ===
Note: This book is primarily an art book, with pictures from the first season of anime, character sketches, a chapter of the manga, as well as cast interviews and the following short story:
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:PremiumBook_Answer|Answer]]

== Project Staff ==

*Supervisor: ''None Designated''
*Project Manager: ''None Designated''

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''

* [[User:Enn_are|NR]]
* [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]]

'''K.I.A.'''

* [[User:Seki|Seki]]
* [[User:Harunako|Harunako]]

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Kurokaze|Kurokaze]]
* [[User:Sukoshi|Sukoshi]]
* [[User:hasekura_rei|hasekura_rei]]

=== Editors ===
'''ACTIVE'''

* [[User:simonoz|simonoz]]

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Ribonizer|Ribonizer]]

=== Contributors ===

* Erica Friedman of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translations of volumes 15 through 19 and
* Rei and Sukoshi of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translation of volume 20 and 21.
* Update: as of May 19, 2010, translations no longer hosted on Okazu.

== Series Overview ==
* Volume 1 - マリア様がみてる　(April 24, 1998, ISBN 4-08-614459-X)
* Volume 2 - マリア様がみてる　黄薔薇革命 (February 3, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614554-5)
* Volume 3 - マリア様がみてる　いばらの森 (April 27, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614591-X)
* Volume 4 - マリア様がみてる　ロサ・カニーナ (December 1, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614661-4)
* Volume 5 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） (March 3, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614695-9)
* Volume 6 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） (April 25, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614715-7)
* Volume 7 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（前編） (February 2, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614817-X)
* Volume 8 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（後編） (April 3, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614841-2)
* Volume 9 - マリア様がみてる　チェリーブロッサム (July 27, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614895-1)
* Volume 10 - マリア様がみてる　レイニーブルー (March 29, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600078-4)
* Volume 11 - マリア様がみてる　パラソルをさして (July 1, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600136-5)
* Volume 12 - マリア様がみてる　子羊たちの休暇 (December 25, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600210-8)
* Volume 13 - マリア様がみてる　真夏の一ページ (March 28, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600243-4)
* Volume 14 - マリア様がみてる　涼風さつさつ (July 1, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600284-1)
* Volume 15 - マリア様がみてる　レディ、GO！ (October 31, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600337-6)
* Volume 16 - マリア様がみてる　バラエティギフト (December 25, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600360-0)
* Volume 17 - マリア様がみてる　チャオソレッラ！ (March 31, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600399-6)
* Volume 18 - マリア様がみてる　特別でないただの一日 (October 1, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600484-4)
* Volume 19 - マリア様がみてる　インライブラリー (December 25, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600527-1)
* Volume 20 - マリア様がみてる　妹オーディション (April 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600568-9)
* Volume 21 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇のミルフィーユ (July 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600609-X)
* Volume 22 - マリア様がみてる　未来の白地図 (December 22, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600704-5)
* Volume 23 - マリア様がみてる　くもりガラスの向こう側 (March 31, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600743-6)
* Volume 24 - マリア様がみてる　仮面のアクトレス (June 30, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600784-3)
* Volume 25 - マリア様がみてる　大きな扉　小さな鍵 (October 3, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600823-8)
* Volume 26 - マリア様がみてる　クリスクロス (December 22, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600859-9)
* Volume 27 - マリア様がみてる　あなたを探しに (March 30, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-600895-2)
* Volume 28 - マリア様がみてる　フレーム　オブ　マインド (June 28, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601034-4)
* Volume 29 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇の花かんむり (October 2, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601075-7)
* Volume 30 - マリア様がみてる　キラキラまわる (December 26, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601110-5)
* Volume 31 - マリア様がみてる　マーガレットにリボン (April 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601144-0)
* Volume 32 - マリア様がみてる　卒業前小景 (October 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601214-0)
* Volume 33 - マリア様がみてる　ハローグッバイ (December 26, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601244-7)
* Volume 34 - マリア様がみてる　リトルホラーズ (July 1, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601305-5)
* Volume 35 - マリア様がみてる　私の巣　(December 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601363-5)
* Volume 36 - マリア様がみてる　ステップ　(December 28, 2010, ISBN 978-4-08-601481-6)
* Volume 37 - マリア様がみてる　フェアウェルブーケ (April 28, 2012, ISBN 978-4-08-601631-5)

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Reine Hibiki]]

[[Category:Genre - Drama]]
[[Category:Genre - Romance]]
[[Category:Genre - Slice of Life]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru:Updates

2015-07-01T01:09:35Z

Rydenius: /* Assorted Volumes */

==Assorted Volumes==
* 12 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 34
* 6 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 23
* 29 August 2010
** Finished translation of volume 33
*30 Apr. 2010
** Finished translation of volume 32
*25 Mar. 2010
**Added Back Cover blurbs for volumes 28 - 33
*18 Mar. 2010
**Finished translation of volume 6
*11 Feb. 2010
**Added last part of Okazu's translation of volume 21
*16. Dec. 2009
**Added last part of Okazu's translation of volume 20
*13. Dec. 2009
**Added last part of Okazu's translation of volume 19
*30. Nov. 2009
**Added last part of Okazu's translation of volume 18

==Volume 5==
*February 23, 2009
**Volume 5 Postscript added.
*February 22, 2009
**Volume 5 Chapter 6 Part 3 added.
*February 21, 2009
**Volume 5 Chapter 6 Part 1 and Part 2 added.
*January 28, 2009
**Volume 5 Chapter 5 Part 9 and Part 10 added.
*January 23, 2009
**Volume 5 Chapter 5 Part 7 and Part 8 added.
*January 21, 2009
**Volume 5 Chapter 5 Part 6 added.
*January 20, 2009
**Volume 5 Chapter 5 Part 5 added.
*January 14, 2009
**Volume 5 Chapter 5 Part 4 added.
*January 13, 2009
**Volume 5 Chapter 5 Part 3 added.
*January 12, 2009
**Volume 5 Chapter 5 Part 2 added.
*January 10, 2009
**Volume 5 Chapter 4 Part 3 added.
*September 19, 2008
**Volume 5 Chapter 4 Part 2 added.
*September 17, 2008
**Volume 5 Chapter 4 Part 1 added.
*September 16, 2008
**Volume 5 Chapter 3 Part 3 added.
*September 14, 2008
**Volume 5 Chapter 3 Part 2 added.
*September 13, 2008
**Volume 5 Chapter 3 Part 1 added.
*September 12, 2008
**Volume 5 Chapter 2 Part 4 added.
*September 11, 2008
**Volume 5 Chapter 2 Part 3 added.
*September 10, 2008
**Volume 5 Chapter 2 Part 2 added.
*August 26, 2008
**Volume 5 Chapter 2 Part 1 added.
*August 23, 2008
**Volume 5 Chapter 1 Part 3 and Part 4 added.
*August 22, 2008
**Volume 5 Chapter 1 Part 1 and Part 2 added.
*August 20, 2008
**Volume 5 Prologue added.

==Volume 4==
*August 14, 2008
**Volume 4 completed!
*August 6, 2008
**Volume 4 Chapter 8 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Chapter 9 Part 1 added.
*August 4, 2008
**Volume 4 Chapter 6 Part 2 and Chapter 7 Part 1, Part 2 added. By the way, thanks Vaelis for all your hard work formatting and stuff <3
*August 3, 2008
**Volume 4 Chapter 3 Part 4, Part 5, Part 6 and Chapter 4 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Chapter 5 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Chapter 6 Part 1 added. My sleep schedule got wonky.
*August 2, 2008
**Volume 4 Chapter 3 Part 3 added.
*August 1, 2008
**Volume 4 Chapter 3 Part 1 and Part 2 added.
*July 31, 2008
**Volume 4 Chapter 2 Part 3 added.
*July 30, 2008
**Volume 4 Chapter 2 Part 1 and Part 2 added.
*July 29, 2008
**Volume 4 Chapter 1 Part 2 and Part 3 added.
*July 28, 2008
**Volume 4 Chapter 1 Part 1 added.

==Volume 3==
*July 11, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 8 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 added. Volume 3 Postscript added.

*July 25, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 7 Part 1 and Part 2 added.

*July 23, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 5 Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 added. Volume 3 Chapter 6 Part 1 and Part 2 added.

*July 21, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 4 Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 added.

*July 20, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 3 Part 5 added.

*July 18, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 3 Part 3 and Part 4 added.

*July 17, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 3 Part 1 and Part 2 added.

*July 14, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 2 Part 7 added.

*July 12, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 2 Part 5 and Part 6 added.

*July 11, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 2 Part 3 and Part 4 added.

*July 10, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 2 Part 2 added.

*July 4, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 2 Part 1 added.

*June 28, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 1 Part 5 added.

*June 26, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 1 Part 5 added.

*June 24, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 1 Part 4 added.

*June 23, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 1 Part 3 added.

*June 22, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 1 Part 2 added.

*June 19, 2008
**Volume 3 Chapter 1 Part 1 added.

*June 15, 2008
**Volume 3 Prologue added.

==Volume 2==
*June 14, 2008
**Volume 2 complete!!
*June 12, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 5 Part 4 added.
*June 9, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 5 Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3 added.
*June 3, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 4 Part 5 added. I'm home! Finally settled for at least a couple months! I hope my pace picks back up now, sorry for the slow and inconsistent updates the past two months, things have been absurd and hectic -_-
*May 26, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 4 Part 4 added.
*May 25, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 4 Part 3 added.
*May 23, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 4 Part 2 added.
*May 22, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 4 Part 1 added.
*May 21, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 3 Part 5 added.
*May 19, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 3 Part 4 added.
*May 17, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 3 Part 3 added.
*May 16, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 3 Part 2 added.
*May 15, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 2 Part 3 and Chapter 3 Part 1 added.
*May 3, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 2 Part 2 added.
*May 2, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 2 Part 1 added.
*April 30, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 1 Part 4 added. Sorry for the wait!
*April 17, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 1 Part 3 added.
*April 9, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 1 Part 2 added.
*April 8, 2008
**Volume 2 Chapter 1 Part 1 added.
*April 7, 2008
**Volume 2 Prologue added.

==Volume 1==
*April 4, 2008
**Volume 1 complete!!!
*April 3, 2008
**Volume 1 Chapter 4 complete.
*April 2, 2008
**Volume 1 Chapter 3 Part 4 and Part 5 complete.
*April 1, 2008
**Volume 1 Chapter 3 Part 3 complete.
*March 29, 2008
**Volume 1 Chapter 3 Part 1 and Part 2 complete.
*March 27, 2008
**Volume 1 Chapter 2 complete.
*March 26, 2008
**Maria-sama ga Miteru translation project moved to Baka-Tsuki.

Maria-sama ga Miteru:Registration Page

2015-06-30T07:50:49Z

Rydenius: /* Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 */

To re-iterate the registration procedure:

*"First Come, First Served": please register your intended chapters here

*The maximum number of chapters you are recommended to work on is no more then half of any given volume

*Maximum number of Translators per volume is two

*Maximum number of volumes you may be active on is one

*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).
== Completed ==

*Volume 1 - Maria-sama ga Miteru
*Volume 2 - The Yellow Rose Revolution
*Volume 3 - Forest of Thorns
*Volume 4 - Rosa Canina
*Volume 5 - Valentine's Gift, Part 1
*Volume 6 - Valentine's Gift, Part 2
*Volume 7 - Beloved Times, Part 1
*Volume 8 - Beloved Times, Part 2
*Volume 9 - Cherry Blossom (Sakura)
*Volume 10 - Rainy Blue
*Volume 11 - Holding a Parasol
*Volume 13 - One Page of Midsummer
*Volume 14 - Cool Breeze
*Volume 15 - Ready, GO!
*Volume 16 - Variety Gifts
*Volume 17 - Ciào Sorella!
*Volume 18 - Nothing Special, Just a Normal Day
*Volume 19 - In Library
*Volume 20 - Sister Audition
*Volume 21 - Rose Mille-Feuille
*Volume 22 - Blank Map of the Future
*Volume 23 - Other Side of the Frosted Glass
*Volume 27 - In Search of You
*Volume 28 - Frame of Mind
*Volume 29 - Crown of Roses
*Volume 30 - Twinkle, Twinkle, Twirl.
*Volume 31 - Marguerite Ribbon
*Volume 32 - Pre-Graduation Tableau
*Volume 33 - Hello Goodbye

== Partially Translated ==

=== Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 ===
*Novel Illustrations
* Prologue - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] - '''Completed'''
* Plans for the Summer Vacation (夏休みの予定) - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] (unfinished)/[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies (紋白蝶の見る夢は) - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] (unfinished) - '''Dropped'''/[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い) - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] (4 of 35 pages) - '''Dropped'''/[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* The Rich Princes and Princesses (お坊ちゃま、お嬢様)
* Searching in the Mist (霧中模索)
* Songs of an Angel (天使の歌)
* Author's Epilogue

=== Volume 24 - Masked Actress ===
* Prologue - [[User:Enn_are|NR]] - '''Completed'''
* Yellow Rose, Hardball Fight
** Riding a Bicycle - [[User:Enn_are|NR]] - '''Completed'''
** Contest - [[User:Enn_are|NR]]
* Masked Actress
** The Opening Ceremony's Spoiled Child
** Explanatory Meeting and Clandestine Meeting
** First Year Camellia Class is Normal
** Beneath the Mask
* A Moment of Honesty

=== Volume 34 - Little Horrors/リトルホラーズ ===
* Chapter 1: "Little Horrors - I" / リトルホラーズ―I - [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* Chapter 2: "Chinami-san and Me" / チナミさんと私
* Chapter 3: "Little Horrors - II" / リトルホラーズ―II
* Chapter 4: "Picking up a Handkerchief" / ハンカチ拾い
* Chapter 5: "Little Horrors - III" / リトルホラーズ―III
* Chapter 6: "An Honest Lie" / ホントの嘘
* Chapter 7: "Little Horrors - IV" /リトルホラーズ―IV
* Chapter 8: "One Pair" /ワンペア
* Chapter 9: "Little Horrors - V" /リトルホラーズ―V
* Chapter 10: "Dream of a Butterfly" /胡蝶の夢)
* Chapter 11: "Little Horrors - VI" /リトルホラーズ―VI
* Chapter 12: "Extra:Little Panic" /おまけ・リトルパニック

== Untranslated ==
* - Volume 24
* - Volume 25
* - Volume 26
* - Volume 35
* - Volume 36
* - Volume 37
[[Category:Registration Page]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru

2015-06-30T06:02:17Z

Rydenius: removed progress % from completed chapter's title (v12 ch3)

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|300px|thumb|right|MariMite volume 1 cover.]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru (マリア様がみてる) is a Japanese light novel series written by Oyuki Konno and illustrated by Reine Hibiki. The series is published by Shueisha under their Cobalt imprint. Many of the short stories which were later also included in the novel series were first published in the Cobalt magazine. The series currently has 37 published volumes.

The spin-off light novel series Ōshaka-sama mo Miteru (お釈迦様もみてる) about Yumi's younger brother Yūki and his schoolmates at Hanadera has been running since August 2008, and currently has 10 volumes published.

''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' is also available in the following languages:
*[[Maria-sama ga Miteru - Français|Français (French)]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru_%28Espa%C3%B1ol%29|Español (Spanish)]]

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)

== Series Information ==
*'''Genre''': Romance, Comedy, Shoujo-Ai
*'''Original Title''': マリア様がみてる
*'''Author''': Oyuki Konno (今野緒雪)
*'''Illustrator''': Reine Hibiki (ひびき玲音)
*'''Published Volumes''': 37
*'''Series Status''': Ongoing

'''''Spin-off:'''''
*'''Genre''': Romance, Comedy, Shounen-Ai
*'''Original Title''': お釈迦様もみてる
*'''Author''': Oyuki Konno (今野緒雪)
*'''Illustrator''': Reine Hibiki (ひびき玲音)
*'''Published Volumes''': 10
*'''Series Status''': Ongoing

== Story Synopsis ==

Maria-sama ga Miteru's story revolves around the students of the Lillian Catholic school for girls, and can be considered character-driven, focusing on interactions between the characters rather than any sort of ongoing plot or goal to attain. At Lillian Girls' School, there is a tradition known as the sœur system (sœur being French for "sister"), in which a second, or third-year student, the grande sœur ("big sister"), will give her rosary to a junior student, the petite sœur ("little sister"), and promise to look after them and guide them.

When the story begins, Yumi Fukuzawa, a first-year at Lillian, is praying in front of the Virgin Mary statue near the school entrance when she is suddenly approached by a cold second-year student named Sachiko Ogasawara who straightens Yumi's uniform ribbon. This seemingly simple act of kindness stays with Yumi the rest of the day, and she speaks of her meeting with Sachiko to her friends during class and lunch. After school is over, Yumi's classmate Tsutako Takeshima meets with Yumi to show her that she took a photograph of Yumi's meeting with Sachiko earlier that morning. Yumi asks if she can have the photo, but Tsutako says she will give her the snapshot under two conditions: one being that Tsutako can display it at the upcoming school festival, and two being that Yumi get Sachiko's permission to do so as well. Yumi agrees to this, which sets in motion a series of events involving the entire Yamayurikai — the student council of the school. A few weeks after first meeting Sachiko, Yumi accepts Sachiko's rosary and therefore agrees to become her petite sœur.

This officially inducts Yumi into the Yamayurikai where she assists them in school matters at the same level as the other two petite sœurs — Yoshino Shimazu, and Shimako Tōdō — who are the petite sœurs of Rei Hasekura, and Sei Satō respectively. Through her activities in the Yamayurikai, Yumi becomes closer to the other members and generally finds her experiences with the group to be enjoyable. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria-sama_ga_Miteru Synopsis from wikipedia.]

'''Warning:''' Suffice it to say, this series is considered yuri, having various mentions of lesbian relationships. They are not, however, particularly graphic. If you find this sort of topic offensive, look away.

== Translation ==

'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1950 Feedback Thread]'''

=== [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Format|Maria-sama ga Miteru specific formatting]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Notes|Maria-sama ga Miteru translation notes]]

== Updates ==
* 25 May 2015
** Started translation of volume 24
* 11 May 2015
** Finished translation of volume 23
* 5 Oct 2014
** Finished translation of volume 14
* 7 May 2014
** Finished translation of volume 13
* 5 January 2014
** Finished translation of volume 9
* 3 January 2014
** Resumed translation of volume 12
* 12 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 34
* 6 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 23

[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Updates|Past Updates]]

== ''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' series by Oyuki Konno ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4955 here].'''
=== Volume 1 - Maria-sama ga Miteru [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter1|Monday of Uneasiness]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter2|Tuesday of Storms]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter3|Anxious Wednesday, Friday of Battle]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter4|Spicy and Bitter Weekend]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter5|The Hot Second Week]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter6|Waltz-like Sunday]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 2 - The Yellow Rose Revolution [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v02_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter1|Best Sœur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter2|The Returned Rosary]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter3|Unexpected Consequences]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter4|Just what is going on?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter5|Fighting Maidens]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter6|As long as it ends well]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 3 - Forest of Thorns [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v03_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Forest of Thorns
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter1|The semester exam and the paperback]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter2|The White Rose]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter3|Who's Suga Sei?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter4|If I could meet Eve]]
* The White Flower Petal
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter5|Springtime Buds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter6|Summer Greenhouse]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter7|Autumn Love]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter8|The last flower of winter, and then]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 4 - Rosa Canina [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v04_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Rosa Canina
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter1|A lonesome warmth]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter2|Rosa Canina?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter3|What do you think?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter4|Raison d'etre for sœur]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter5|A modest secret]]
* Nagakiyono
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter6|The first of January]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter7|The hatsumoude on the second]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter8|With the archenemy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter9|By onee-sama's side]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 5 - Valentine's Gift - Part 1 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v05_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Surprise chocolate
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter1|Research]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter2|gift from a rare visitor]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter3|Outsider]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter4|The thirteenth of February]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter5|St. Valentine's prank]]
* The Yellow Rose complication
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_1|18:50, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_2|19:18, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_3|19:30, Rei]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_4|23:10, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_5|23:10, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_6|23:10, Rei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 6 - Valentine's Gift - Part 2 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v06_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* First date triangle
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter1|Order]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter2|Hors d'oeuvre]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter3|Main]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter4|Dessert]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter5|The crimson card]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter6|Rosa Chinensis' best day of her life]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 7 - Beloved Times - Part 1 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v07_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Yellow Rose at Full Speed
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter1|The Beginning]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter2|Rabbit and Cat and Wolf]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter3|Umbrella Maker's Wife]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter4|Golden Rose Uproar]]
* Very Busy Days
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter5|Monday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter6|Tuesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter7|Wednesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter8|Thursday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter9|Friday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter10|Saturday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter11|Bonus]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter12|A Short Interlude]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter13|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 8 - Beloved Times - Part 2 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v08_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* will
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter1|Lost Items]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter2|Farewell Gift]]
* As the Years Pass By
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter3|Just Before Graduation]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter4|Eriko, Sei, Youko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter5|Farewell Address and Formal Reply]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter6|Towards the Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter7|Joined at Just One Hand]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter8|Spring Breeze]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter9|Autumn Bonds]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Afterword|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 9 - Cherry Blossom (Sakura) [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v09_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter1|The Cherry in the Ginkgoes]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter2|Falling Cherry Blossoms / Exam Failure]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter3|Maria and Maitreya]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter4|Rosary or Juzu]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter5|The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* BGN (Background Noise)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter6|When the Cherry Blossoms Fall]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter7|8 - 3 = Right]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter8|Intriguing First-Year]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter9|Behind the Scenes of The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter10|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 10 - Rainy Blue [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v10_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Rosary Droplets
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter1|Peppermint Candy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter2|Raindrop]]
* Yellow Rose Warning
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter3|Suspicious Clouds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter4|Signs of Rain]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter5|Rainy Blue]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter6|Premonition]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter7|Smile, Smile]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter8|Sweets]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter9|Blue Umbrella, Red Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter10|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 11 - Holding a Parasol [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v11_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter1|The Girl with the Brown Umbrella]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter2|Classmates]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter3|Milk Tea, Oolong Tea]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter4|Welcome]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter5|White Parasol]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter6|Visitor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter7|Beneath a Clear, Blue Sky]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter8|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs ===
[[Image:MM_v12_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter0|Prologue]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter1|Plans for the Summer Vacation]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter2|In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter3|Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter4|The Rich Princes and Princesses]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter5|Searching in the Mist]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter6|Songs of an Angel]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Epilogue|Author's Epilogue]]
 

=== Volume 13 - One Page of Midsummer [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v13_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Prologue|Prologue]]
* For Short, Operation OK (Tentative)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter1|Offer and Plot]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter2|Cunning Boy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter3|OK, Let's Do It.]]
* Together With the Old Gentleman
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter4|Gathering Material with Dustpan and Broom]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter5|Up to the Meeting Place]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter6|Search for Takuya-kun!]]
* Rosa Foetida ☆ Illustrated Diary
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter7|〇th of July (Saturday) : Sunny]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter8|△th of August (Sunday) : Cloudy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter9|Ⅹth of August (Saturday) : Sunny]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Afterword|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 14 - Cool Breeze [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v14_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter1|The First Step]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter2|That's a Problem]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter3|Setting Aside the "Bread Incident"]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter4|Finding Me]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter5|The Hanadera War]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter6|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 15 - Ready, GO! [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v15_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter1|Remaining Cuteness of Today's Enemy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter2|Everything Prepared?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter3|Friend's affection and Onee-sama]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter4|Casting Aside Embarrassment of One's Parents]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter5|Joker, Anchor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter6|Penalty Game Speculation]]
* Postscript
 

=== Volume 16 - Variety Gifts [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v16_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter1|Variety Gift I]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter2|Variety Gift II]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter3|Variety Gift III]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter4|Variety Gift IV]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter5|Variety Gift V]]
* Postscript
 

=== Volume 17 - Ciào Sorella! [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v17_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter1|Each and Every Farewell Gift]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter2|Going out at the Beginning]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter3|Leisurely Dialogue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter4|The Mouth of Truth's Complaint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter5|The Capital of Flowers Is What Kind of City?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter6|Resounding! Leaning! Melting!?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter7|The Parakeet's Hint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter8|From the Water Capital to the Island Nation]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9|Souvenir Report]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9.5|The Absence of Rosa Chinensis en Bouton]]
* Postscript
 

=== Volume 18 - Nothing Special, Just a Normal Day [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v18_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter1|Shock]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter2|Are you changing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter3|What will happen? What will we do?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter4|Ah, Misunderstanding]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter5|Dramatics]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Postscript|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 19 - In Library ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v19_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1|In Library - - I]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1.5|Silent Night's Vision]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2|In Library - - II]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2.5|Joanna]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3|In Library - - III]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.2|Chocolate Coat]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.3|Yasuko]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.4|Masumi]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.5|Asaka]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4|In Library - - IV]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.1|--- Magic Among the Cherry Blossom ---]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.2|-- The Door of Cherry Wood --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.3|-- The Burial Among Cherry Blossoms --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5_Epilogue|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales - Epilogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5|In Library - - V]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5.5|Library Book]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter6|In Library - - VI]]
 

=== Volume 20 - Sister Audition ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v20_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1|-- Right or Wrong -- ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.2|Maria-sama's Star]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.3|Maria-sama's Planet]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter2|Welcome to the Tea Party]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter3|Interim Report]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter4|The Crucial Battle]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter5|Harvest]]
*Postscript
 

=== Volume 21 - Rose Mille-Feuille ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v21_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Yellow Rose Panic
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter1|The result of 100 battles?]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter2|Panic Attack!]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter3|The Bout's Whereabouts]]
*Reverie of the White Rose
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter4|Two Peaceful People]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter5|The Heaviness of Reverie]]
*Rosa Chinensis's Sigh
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter6|After-Finals Prize]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter7|High Tension and Roller Coasters]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter8|A Mille-Feuille of Sighs]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Postscript|Afterword]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Translator's Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]
 

=== Volume 22 - Blank Map of the Future ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v22_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter1|An Unexpected Visitor ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter2|A Little Bit of Something]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter3|Of Strange Things]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter4|Even though it's Christmas]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter5|Rose Dialogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Afterword|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 23 - Other Side of the Frosted Glass ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v23_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Prologue|Prologue]] ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Prologue_nr|Alternate Translation]])
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter1|Onee-sama's Lead]] ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter1_nr|Alternate Translation]])
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter2|The Whole Year]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter3|Stopping In Along the Way]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter4|Full To Bursting At the New Year’s Party]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter5|Nearly Far? Or Distantly Near?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter6|A Chill Breeze]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter7|The Heart In the Frosted Glass]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter8|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 24 - Masked Actress ===
[[Image:MM_v24_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume24_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama ga Miteru:Volume24 Prologue|Prologue]]
* Yellow Rose, Hardball Fight
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume24_Chapter1|Riding a Bicycle]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume24_Chapter2|The Bout]] - In Progress (2/4)
* Masked Actress
** The Opening Ceremony's Spoiled Child
** Explanatory Meeting and Clandestine Meeting
** First Year Camellia Class is Normal
** Beneath the Mask
* A Moment of Honesty
 

=== Volume 25 - Big Door, Small Key ===
[[Image:MM_v25_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume25_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Key Holder
** Sometimes Falling, Sometimes Pulling
** Slightly Slipping Away
** Proposal Together With Arrival
** What I Wanted to Hear
* Keyhole of the Heart
** Pitiable Person
** Fortunate Interview
** In Her Pocket
 

=== Volume 26 - Crisscross ===
[[Image:MM_v26_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume26_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Crisscross
** Good Morning Chocolate
** Sentimental First-Year Camellia Class
** Ahh, Tea Party
** A Shortcut and Dropping In on the Way
** The Blank Map's Valley
** The Red Card's Outlook
* Map Stroll
** Meandering
** X-Mark
 

=== Volume 27 - In Search of You [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v27_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter1|Warrior Demands a Response]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter2|The "Absentee's Chance" Girl]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter3|Unexpected Words]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter4|At the Outset of the Date]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter5|"Why?"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter6|Amendment, Overwriting and an Old Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter7|The Door That Opened]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter8|When Tomorrow Comes]]
* Afterword
 

=== Volume 28 - Frame of Mind [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v28_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter1|Frame of Mind 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter2|April Deja-Vu]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter3|Frame of Mind 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter4|Three-Leaf Clover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter5|Frame of Mind 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter6|Sprouts in Dry Wood]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter7|Frame of Mind 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter8|The Yellow Thread]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter9|Frame of Mind 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter10|The Awkward Princess]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter11|Frame of Mind 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter12|Bouton of Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter13|Frame of Mind 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter14|The Greenhouse Fairy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter15|Frame of Mind 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter16|The Doppelganger Story]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter17|Frame of Mind 9]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter18|A Roll of Film]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter19|Frame of Mind 10]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Postscript|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 29 - Crown of Roses [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_29_Cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter1|Onee-sama, Rosary and Petit Soeur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter2|Conversation Stories]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter3|Not Here]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter4|Burning Bridges]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter5|Santa's Refreshments]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter6|The Miracle Worker]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter7|Would You Like to Waltz?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 30 - Twinkle, Twinkle, Twirl [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_30_Cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter1|Scattered Sunshine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter2|Frivolity and Self-Loathing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter3|Those Two, On the Other Hand]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter4|Star Up Teacup]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter5|What Kind of Groups?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter6|Distant Desire]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter7|Amongst the Stardust]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Postscript|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 31 - Marguerite Ribbon [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v31_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter1|Marguerite Ribbon 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter2|Debut]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter3|Marguerite Ribbon 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter4|A Rival is Fine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter5|Marguerite Ribbon 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter6|Buying Florentine Senbei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter7|Marguerite Ribbon 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter8|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter9|Marguerite Ribbon 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter10|My Siblings]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter11|Marguerite Ribbon 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter12|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 1]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter13|Marguerite Ribbon 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter14|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 2]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter15|Marguerite Ribbon 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter16|Memories of the Blue Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter17|Marguerite Ribbon 9]]
* Afterword
 

=== Volume 32 - Pre-Graduation Tableau [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v32_Cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter1|Laughing While Reminiscing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter2|Onee-sama's Racket]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter3|Me and the Interviewer]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter4|Graduation Group Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter5|Sweet Bun Feast]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter6|Support and Skinship]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter7|Forgotten Things]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter8|What's the Person Beside You Doing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter9|The Ribbon's Path]]
* Postscript
 

=== Volume 33 - Hello Goodbye [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v33_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter1|Today's Goal]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter2|The Green Bird and the White Flower]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter3|Grand Entrance]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter4|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter5|Parting Gift Trio]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter6|Soloist's Adlib]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter7|Connecting Chains]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter8|Continuing Path]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Postscript|Postscript]]
 

=== Volume 34 - Little Horrors ===
[[Image:MM_v34_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Chapter1|Chapter 1: "Little Horrors - I"]]
* Chapter 2: "Chinami-san and Me"
* Chapter 3: "Little Horrors - II"
* Chapter 4: "Picking up a Handkerchief"
* Chapter 5: "Little Horrors - III"
* Chapter 6: "An Honest Lie"
* Chapter 7: "Little Horrors - IV"
* Chapter 8: "One Pair"
* Chapter 9: "Little Horrors - V"
* Chapter 10: "Dream of a Butterfly"
* Chapter 11: "Little Horrors - VI"
* Chapter 12: "Extra:Little Panic"
 

=== Volume 35 - My Nest ===
[[Image:MM_v36_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume35_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* My Nest
* Removal
* About One Week
* Christmas Eve
* Melancholy
* Our Nest
* Afterword
 

=== Volume 36 - Step ===
[[Image:MM_v35_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume36_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Step-1
* Step-2
* Step-3
* Step-4
* Step-5
* Step-6
* Afterword
 

=== Volume 37 - Farewell Bouquet ===
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume37_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Farewell Bouquet 1
** Candy and Stretch
* Farewell Bouquet 2
** Private Teacher
* Farewell Bouquet 3
** Breast Cookies
* Farewell Bouquet 4
** Yesterday's Enemy
* Farewell Bouquet 5
** Until Graduation
* Farewell Bouquet 6
** Announcement
* Farewell Bouquet 7
** Conversation Over Fresh Herb Tea
* Afterword
 

=== Premium Book ===
Note: This book is primarily an art book, with pictures from the first season of anime, character sketches, a chapter of the manga, as well as cast interviews and the following short story:
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:PremiumBook_Answer|Answer]]

== Project Staff ==

*Supervisor: ''None Designated''
*Project Manager: ''None Designated''

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''

* [[User:Enn_are|NR]]
* [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]]

'''K.I.A.'''

* [[User:Seki|Seki]]
* [[User:Harunako|Harunako]]

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Kurokaze|Kurokaze]]
* [[User:Sukoshi|Sukoshi]]
* [[User:hasekura_rei|hasekura_rei]]

=== Editors ===
'''ACTIVE'''

* [[User:simonoz|simonoz]]

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Ribonizer|Ribonizer]]

=== Contributors ===

* Erica Friedman of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translations of volumes 15 through 19 and
* Rei and Sukoshi of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translation of volume 20 and 21.
* Update: as of May 19, 2010, translations no longer hosted on Okazu.

== Series Overview ==
* Volume 1 - マリア様がみてる　(April 24, 1998, ISBN 4-08-614459-X)
* Volume 2 - マリア様がみてる　黄薔薇革命 (February 3, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614554-5)
* Volume 3 - マリア様がみてる　いばらの森 (April 27, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614591-X)
* Volume 4 - マリア様がみてる　ロサ・カニーナ (December 1, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614661-4)
* Volume 5 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） (March 3, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614695-9)
* Volume 6 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） (April 25, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614715-7)
* Volume 7 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（前編） (February 2, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614817-X)
* Volume 8 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（後編） (April 3, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614841-2)
* Volume 9 - マリア様がみてる　チェリーブロッサム (July 27, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614895-1)
* Volume 10 - マリア様がみてる　レイニーブルー (March 29, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600078-4)
* Volume 11 - マリア様がみてる　パラソルをさして (July 1, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600136-5)
* Volume 12 - マリア様がみてる　子羊たちの休暇 (December 25, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600210-8)
* Volume 13 - マリア様がみてる　真夏の一ページ (March 28, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600243-4)
* Volume 14 - マリア様がみてる　涼風さつさつ (July 1, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600284-1)
* Volume 15 - マリア様がみてる　レディ、GO！ (October 31, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600337-6)
* Volume 16 - マリア様がみてる　バラエティギフト (December 25, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600360-0)
* Volume 17 - マリア様がみてる　チャオソレッラ！ (March 31, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600399-6)
* Volume 18 - マリア様がみてる　特別でないただの一日 (October 1, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600484-4)
* Volume 19 - マリア様がみてる　インライブラリー (December 25, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600527-1)
* Volume 20 - マリア様がみてる　妹オーディション (April 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600568-9)
* Volume 21 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇のミルフィーユ (July 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600609-X)
* Volume 22 - マリア様がみてる　未来の白地図 (December 22, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600704-5)
* Volume 23 - マリア様がみてる　くもりガラスの向こう側 (March 31, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600743-6)
* Volume 24 - マリア様がみてる　仮面のアクトレス (June 30, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600784-3)
* Volume 25 - マリア様がみてる　大きな扉　小さな鍵 (October 3, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600823-8)
* Volume 26 - マリア様がみてる　クリスクロス (December 22, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600859-9)
* Volume 27 - マリア様がみてる　あなたを探しに (March 30, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-600895-2)
* Volume 28 - マリア様がみてる　フレーム　オブ　マインド (June 28, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601034-4)
* Volume 29 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇の花かんむり (October 2, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601075-7)
* Volume 30 - マリア様がみてる　キラキラまわる (December 26, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601110-5)
* Volume 31 - マリア様がみてる　マーガレットにリボン (April 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601144-0)
* Volume 32 - マリア様がみてる　卒業前小景 (October 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601214-0)
* Volume 33 - マリア様がみてる　ハローグッバイ (December 26, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601244-7)
* Volume 34 - マリア様がみてる　リトルホラーズ (July 1, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601305-5)
* Volume 35 - マリア様がみてる　私の巣　(December 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601363-5)
* Volume 36 - マリア様がみてる　ステップ　(December 28, 2010, ISBN 978-4-08-601481-6)
* Volume 37 - マリア様がみてる　フェアウェルブーケ (April 28, 2012, ISBN 978-4-08-601631-5)

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Reine Hibiki]]

[[Category:Genre - Drama]]
[[Category:Genre - Romance]]
[[Category:Genre - Slice of Life]]

Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2015-06-30T05:57:29Z

Rydenius: Added content for part 7

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without the use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.


"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam<ref>お嬢さま -- A daughter of wealth or nobility.</ref>."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language when addressing Yumi and Sachiko throughout this chapter.</ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there be any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. ''Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san.'' She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. ''Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...''

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

To start with, they went out from the first floor atrium onto a wide terrace, and were treated to black tea. Scones that Kiyo-san had baked, were accompanied by homemade strawberry jam that was said to have been given out by an acquaintance. It seems that these things had been prepared because they had heard that Sachiko-sama would be coming.


"Is everything all right with the master and the young master?"

While pouring a second serving of tea, Kiyo-san began the conversation.

"Thanks. Grandfather and father are both doing fine."

Gensuke-san wasn't there, and was likely working outside.

"For Lady Sayako-sama, it's unfortunate about her mother. Surely, she must have been feeling really down."

"It's alright now. Since it had been a lengthy struggle with illness, it seems that she had prepared herself."

''Kiyo-san has probably been working for the Ogasawaras since ancient times. Here Sachiko-sama's grandfather was referred to as "master"<ref>旦那さま</ref> and her father as "the young master".<ref>ぼっちゃま </ref> So that would be why the mother, Sayako-sama, was referred to in the same manner as Sachiko-sama, "the young lady"<ref>(お嬢さま) but that doesn't sound formal when written in English so "madam", "Lady", and "Mi'lady" has been used instead were appropriate.</ref> … complicated.''

"Ah, that's right. An express delivery addressed to Lady Sachiko-sama arrived from Yumi-sama's house."

"Oh, I wonder what it could be?"

"Just a moment."

Kiyo-san withdrew into a room for a moment and with a "heave-ho" returned holding a smallish box, slightly smaller than a box for mandarin oranges. ''What is it, what is it? Such a heavy looking package...''

"Seems like it's rice."


Kiyo-san said while looking at the product name field on the express delivery's form.

"Eh?"

Sachiko-sama asked in return. Even Yumi, who hadn't heard even a single word about such a thing from her mother, was surprised and sought confirmation.

"I-It's rice?"

"Yep, rice. Shall we open it and take a look?"

After obtaining Sachiko-sama's consent, Kiyo-san peeled off the craft-tape sealing the box with a "schwah" sound. And then, it jumped into view:

"Uonuma<ref>Uonuma is a city in Niigata prefecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uonuma,_Niigata </ref> produced Koshihikari"<ref>A popular type of rice in Japan and the variety grown in Uonuma is particularly well regarded (and expensive): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshihikari </ref>

It was written in large characters on a 5 kilogram vinyl pack. It indicated beyond any doubt that contents were indeed white rice.

''Drip.''<ref>タラリ -- sweat-drop sound effect.</ref> Although Yumi maintained a composed expression, sweat trickled down her back. ''Mother, it's inconceivable how you came to enthusiastically send a Japanese person's staple food.''

"Kuh"

''Kuh?''

"Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh"

''Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh?'' She sought out the source of the sound that she couldn't quite comprehend, and for some reason it was Sachiko-sama's voice squeezing out. Sachiko-sama's body literally folded over on the next "kuh"<ref>The "kuh" sound looks like a line bent in half: く So, the "literally" may refer to her "literally" bending into the shape of the Ku character.</ref>, and she grabbed her stomach laughing.

"Yumi's home, isn't it wonderful? Growing into children like Yumi and Yuuki-san is because of being born and raised in such a household."

"U-um"

She wasn't sure whether she was being praised or laughed at. But, onee-sama appeared to be enjoying it considerably.

"Kiyo. During our stay, when you cook the rice, by all means please make it for me with this. The onigiri<ref>Rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref> that Yumi's mother-sama made were very delicious."

"Certainly, mi'lady."

Kiyo-san promptly carried the box that the rice was in to the kitchen.

After tea, Sachiko-sama played the piano in the atrium for Yumi.

There wasn't a sofa in the almost twenty tatami mat<ref>The size of a tatami mat is a common unit for measuring the floor area of Japanese rooms. Approx. 1.8 x 0.9 meters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatami </ref> atrium, instead there was a large dining table with six chairs, and along a wall there was a fireplace and an upright piano.

"Is there a tune you want to hear?"

After starting off at the top of the keyboard with a rising and falling Hanon piece<ref>Piano Exercises by Charles Louis Hanon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Virtuoso_Pianist_in_60_Exercises </ref> to warm up her fingers and make sure the piano was tuned, Sachiko-sama flipped through a bundle of piano pieces with her thumb.

"Gounod's Ave Maria"<ref>Composed by Charles-François Gounod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Maria_(Gounod)
(There is audio of the piece at the link.)</ref>


Yumi said seemingly without thinking about it.

"Ave Maria, is it?"

As Sachiko-sama narrowed her eyes and nodded agreement, she sat on the chair and proceeded to play the piano piece in it's entirety. Yumi wondered how Sachiko-sama was able to play the piece so well from memory.

This piece of music was a very special piece of music for Yumi.

In the spring of last year, Sachiko-sama, who was Rosa Chinensis en Buton at the time, had played the organ in the chapel sanctuary for Yumi and the other first year students. The song played was Gounod's Ave Maria.

It was in that moment that Yumi was completely captivated. By an onee-sama one year above, named Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.

''Whenever she reminisces, it's still so.''

Though Sachiko-sama might not remember, there was that time in the music room a bit before becoming Soeurs, where they played the piano together and even though it was only a short passage of the piece, it was also this piece of music. Calling it a four handed performance would be ridiculous. However, to the melody that Yumi uselessly played, Sachiko-sama added only the left hand. But, to Yumi it was a treasured memory. And so, of the numerous versions of Ave Maria, Gounod's piece was her favorite.

Sachiko-sama's fingers moved without faltering, and looked as though it was an elegant dance on top of the keyboard. The piece praising Maria-sama was perfect for her beautiful onee-sama.

By the time the piece finished, though she had no idea when they hade been lured to come there, both Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san had come to the atrium and the three of them gave her onee-sama a big applause.

 

===2===

On the 2nd floor there were 3 rooms. Two of them had been assigned to Sachiko-sama and Yumi.

"It's fine, though the two of us together was good too..."

''Rather, it's better that way'', Yumi thought, but it was a relief when onee-sama had said, "Especially since there's an excess of rooms."

"I might do things like reading books in the middle of the night, and if that happens, Yumi would be annoyed and unable to sleep."

"… got it."

In conclusion, the opposite reason could also be said, and the interpretation that Sachiko-sama didn't want her time intruded upon could also stand to be true.

For Yumi, who was adopting a secret goal of not intruding upon onee-sama's vacation, to be properly submissive here was the correct choice.

"See to your luggage."

Leaving that said, Sachiko-sama went into her room. Yumi wanted to be together for a bit more, but she didn't even have the courage to follow after her. Since remaining in the hallway by herself wouldn't accomplish anything, Yumi decided to quietly return to her room.


The room was almost 8 tatami mats in size, and had an atmosphere similar to an old hotel except that there wasn't a toilet, bath, phone, or television. There was one semi-double bed. Of the antique furniture, there was one armoire and one chest of drawers. The rest was a desk and chair set.

The room's walls were white. Areas such as the posts and beams were dark brown. The windows were left open and a pleasant feeling breeze was stirring the lace curtains.

"Whew"

Yumi placed her basket onto the floor and flopped onto the bed.

In any case, she had arrived. She was at Sachiko-sama's summer house.

Yumi wondered if, during this one week, the things she wanted to come for would happen. She had actually come to the summer house, and more than the heart-racing, there was a feeling like the count of thrilling experiences had gone up.

Aside from the property managers Kiyo-san and Gensuke, it was just the two of them, her and Sachiko-sama. At school Sachiko-sama was everyone's Rosa Chinensis, but for this one week, she had onee-sama to herself.

''Whoohoo!'' she thought, and as she was doing a banzai cheer while lying down, a knock was heard. She didn't know whether the brief knock was on this room's door or onee-sama's neighboring door, but since right away Kiyo-san's voice was heard saying, "Yumi-sama, is it okay?" she hurriedly hopped up from the bed.


"Y-yes. Please come in."

"Do forgive me. About this, what would you like me to do?"

Kiyo-san held out before her the cooler-case that Yumi had brought. The plastic containers that were inside had already been considerately washed clean.

"If I were to return it now, it would be a bother, right? So, if there are no plans to use it, shall I store it for you in the kitchen?"

"Ah, thank you for your trouble."

Not a problem, not a problem. While laughing, Kiyo-san withdrew the cooler-case and after a pause as her gaze fell upon the plastic containers inside the case, she said, "Well…"

"It's an awkward matter to ask about, but…, Yumi-sama"

"Yes?"

''What awkward matter?'' Yumi thought, and tilted her head.

"The lunchbox's contents, what was it exactly?"

"The lunchbox contents? Umm, let's see, onigiri, grilled cherry tomatoes, fried white-meat fish, and… what shall I call it… grilled asparagus and cheese wrapped in bacon…but"

"There were four onigiri. All filled with umeboshi?<ref>Pickled plums: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>"

"How did you know that?"


''Waah'', Yumi put herself on guard. Was Kiyo-san a person with psychic powers? ''To not only have hit the mark on the filling of onigiri that should have been completely consumed, but to have even guessed the number...''

"Since four pits were left behind…"

"Oh, is that so. Guess it is like that."

''So it was a matter of deduction, and not ESP. However, umeboshi pits, eh?'' Though it seemed understandable if thought about for a bit, Yumi's head that was up in the clouds had been spinning quite badly.

"And so, what did milady eat and about how much did she eat of it?"

"Well... a whole one of each, but…"

"So that is: onigiri, cherry tomatoes, white-meat fish, asparagus, cheese, and bacon, right?"

''Humph'', it wasn't a sigh, but rather Kiyo-san had expelled a deep breath.

"Umm…"

Since it was as if a nurse or nutritionist was precisely inquiring, Yumi was gradually becoming uneasy. ''Perhaps, could it be that there are things that must not be eaten by Sachiko-sama?'' Then, maybe because the well-known "Yumi's thoughts showing on her face" had unwittingly occurred, Kiyo-san hurriedly shook her head.

"I am sorry. I was only asking so that the menus for the mid-day and evening meals and such do not overlap."


"Ah, is that so?"

I see, it's that she has to take such things into consideration. Even being a manager-san is tough.

"May I help with something?"

Yumi offered. It was also something she had been told by her mother: ''In order to not become merely a guest, find things you can do, and get working.''

"Certainly not! If Yumi-sama is Lady Sachiko-sama's little sister, you are also after all just the same as a young lady of the Ogasawara household. If such a thing were allowed to happen, I would be reprimanded. That aside, we are doing the off-season management as well of course, so including those things, it's not an exaggeration to say that we are working entirely for the Ogasawara family to spend the their summertime moments here pleasantly. Please don't take away our work, ok?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

Yumi surrendered to Kiyo-san's earnest entreaty, nodding assent. It seems that for so-called wealthy young ladies there is an unexpected inability to do as one pleases.

"I'm glad that you understand. At half past twelve o'clock, we will do lunch. Please come downstairs around that time."

Kiyo-san politely lowered her head before leaving the room, and her light footsteps descended the stairs.


"Half past twelve…"

She looked at the clock. It was eleven. Kiyo-san's scones were delicious and she had eaten two of them, so frankly she wasn't hungry yet.

Yumi took off the one-piece dress, hung it in the armoire, put on a t-shirt and a denim skirt, and tried doing sit-ups for a bit. However, it was something she wasn't accustomed to doing, so she didn't continue. Having repeated 10 times, "get up, lie down," she had become exhausted immediately, and after that it was almost one hour later that she did the 11th time's "get up."

 

===3===

When she went down stairs at half past twelve, Sachiko-sama had not yet shown up.

"She said she wanted to lie down for a bit, and will be upstairs resting. She said that she didn't need lunch."

Kiyo-san entered the atrium pushing a service cart.

"Yumi-sama, where will you eat? The atrium? Or the terrace?"

"Ah, whichever…"

"Then, shall we do the terrace? It's fine weather."


Having been persuaded, Yumi went out onto the terrace and sat in a chair. ''So, Sachiko-sama wouldn't be eating with her.''

"It happens every year. The day that she arrives, she tends to rest until nearly evening."

"I see."

''Because of the after effects of the drowsiness causing motion-sickness medicine, she might be pretty much out of it until the medicine wears off.'' Yumi wiped her hands with a hand towel that had been prepared for her.

"Just a little while ago I asked about mi'lady's meal, but I forgot to ask about Yumi-sama's likes. Are there things that you don't eat?"

Kiyo-san inquired.

"No. I can eat just about anything."

"Oh, that helps. I have prepared egg and chicken sandwiches. For the drink, will ''café au lait'' be okay?"

"Ah, that would be terrific."

"You don't need to use polite speech for us. Please be more at ease."

"Even if you say so…"

Using casual speech to an older person was something she was not just a bit reluctant, but rather considerably reluctant, to do. After all, she wasn't a upper-class lady by birth.


"Since there is a second serving… please feel free to call for me."

With Kiyo-san apparently having completed laying out the table setting, Yumi hurriedly called out to stop her.

"Umm… aren't Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san joining?"

"We eat in a separate room."

Kiyo-san smiled sweetly and left. Evidently, it seems that in this place the masters and servants have strictly divided areas.

"Itadakimasu." <ref> Ritual saying generally equivalent to "thanks for the food" that is said before eating.</ref>

And that was how it had ended up with Yumi having lunch on the terrace alone. Sachiko-sama was skipping the meal and Yumi didn't really have much appetite, but since she felt bad for Kiyo-san who made it for her, in that way, she made up her mind to do her best to eat even though she wasn't hungry.

That said, the amount of sandwiches, neatly arranged on the large plate, wasn't skimpy. Just the bread alone seemed like it could very easily be an entire loaf. This was not an amount that a high-school girl could eat alone.

On the serving plate were chicken sandwiches and egg sandwiches, she took one each of the two kinds of sandwiches.

"Ah"


As she was preparing to take a bite, Yumi realized there was something to the left and right of the plate.

A knife and a fork.

"Aha…"

''Because of such a thing, there sure was no doubt that this was Sachiko-sama's home'', she thought. It was a shame she that couldn't be laughing about it together with onee-sama.

As an experiment, she tried eating with the knife and fork. Alas, with the egg sandwich, the filling squeezed out from both ends, and with the chicken one, she used a bit too much force and the bread was smushed.

It was a sandwich that Yumi desperately battled. If it was Sachiko-sama, she probably could skillfully cut it up and elegantly convey it to her mouth, even though it was such a difficult thing.

"I give up."

Yumi resigned herself to eating them using her hands. She started things off by picking up the lettuce that had fallen onto the plate and tossing it into her mouth.

"Chicken and egg. ...parent and child?"

She said by herself, and laughed by herself.

As for the sandwiches, the bread was done moist, and even the ingredients for the filling were fresh and tasty.

Just a bit, it was a lonely lunch.

 

===4===


Sachiko-sama remained cloistered in her room until around evening.

Yumi was bored, so bored, and even though she wasn't yet grasping for things to do to the point that she must rouse onee-sama from her rest, returning to her room couldn't be helped, and she tried doing such things as moving the luggage from one place to another, and meaninglessly hopping up and down on the bed.

If she had been allowed to, something like clearing away lunch would have probably passed the time, but sure enough, that had been rejected by Kiyo-san.

When she also got tired of exploring the inside of the room, Yumi gazed out the window. The house was standing in the middle of the trees looking like they were encircling it to the extent that the force of their outstretched branches would appear almost sufficient to crack the window glass.

"If it's going to be like this, I wonder if I should have at least brought a crossword puzzle…"

Initially, she was going to bring a small guidebook, but…. She had been so happy about coming here that before leaving she had read it until she was tired of reading it. Besides, in the room by herself, looking for a page about a noteworthy spot around here would be somewhat useless. With that said, Yumi was not familiar with the area and it would probably be too reckless for her to do such things as heading out by herself relying on the guidebook. First off, she was starting from the middle of these woods, and even if there were a place she could walk to, whether could she get to a lively sight-seeing area, she really had no idea. At best, the outcome would be her becoming a "lost child."


It was quiet enough to hear herself sighing greatly.

She turned her head about after feeling like she was being watched, and there was something -- a small animal and it's eyes. At first, she thought, ''a long tailed rabbit?'', but with the ears being short...

"Squirrel…?"

It was Squirrel-like in the way squirrels are always depicted, and while not having a vertical-stripe pattern at all, it was unmistakably a squirrel. Larger than a chipmunk, it was merely just a brown-looking squirrel. The squirrel was on the branches near the window staring her way motionlessly.

"Come here, come here ."

She tried, reaching out her hand, but, of course a wild squirrel wasn't going to be drawn closer with something like that. As if coldly disregarding Yumi, it scampered off toward the thick tree trunk.

"He mustn't like me…"

Boring.

''It would be good if onee-sama woke up soon'', she thought.


Sachiko-sama came downstairs just before dinner, and arrived at the dinner table with glazed over eyes. Sachiko-sama was said to be bad about having low-blood pressure when waking up in the morning. As expected, it really was the case that she might be listless for an unrelated period of time after having slept.

Dinner's menu was a full complement of blessing from the mountain.

The main course was grilled salted ayu<ref>鮎(Ayu) -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayu </ref>. All kinds of mushroom tempura. Local vegetable aemono<ref>和え物 -- a blanched and dressed vegetable side dish.</ref>. After that, hand-made yosedofu<ref> 寄せ豆腐 -- a creamy tofu made by adding nigari (magnesium chloride) to unsweetened soy milk.</ref>. All of it looked delicious, but... having eaten plenty of scones and sandwiches, she should've been more anxious to take the initiative to eat sparingly from the start.

"Please have seconds."

Kiyo-san placed a steaming rice bowl on the table.

That's right, she mustn't forget. The rice was the Uonuma produced Koshihikari that had been sent from the Fukuzawa household, and there was okoge<ref> お焦げ, the crispy rice that forms at the bottom of the cooking pan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okoge_(food) </ref>. Sachiko-sama's grandfather liked rice cooked on a traditional stove, and she'd heard that when the kitchen was renovated, the only thing to remain was the traditional stove.

As two of them began their meal sitting facing each other at the six-seater table, Sachiko-sama asked,

"What did Yumi do while I was sleeping?"

"Umm. Organizing the luggage and such, lying down for a bit…, ah, after that I also saw a squirrel from the window."

"That so. There's a lot of nature that remains here. Don't you think it's nice and quiet?"

"Ah, yeah."


After nodding agreement, Yumi added,

"But, onee-sama wasn't there and I was a bit lonely."

''If there's something you want to say, please say it'', were the words she'd heard Sachiko-sama say previously.

"Oh"

Sachiko-sama smiled a bit.

"Well then, in the evening shall we play some games or something?"

"Is that ok?"

Yumi asked searchingly.

"Of course"

Was the agreeable reply.

"Hurray!"

Joy surged through her body and without thinking she had stood up from the chair.

"Yumi. Don't stand up in the middle of the meal."

"...yes."

Though cautioned, it didn't halve her joy at all. That's because her happiness was already at ten fold or a hundred fold.

That aside, playing games wasn't the reason that she was so happy. Simply, it was that she would be together with her onee-sama. And, onee-sama would be using that time for her. That was what had made Yumi happy.


Yumi, resuscitated, consumed all the side dishes. After all, rather than the delicious highland air, it seems that onee-sama's single word became a stimulant for her appetite.

After the meal as promised, they played games.

Unfortunately, the holiday house only had playing cards, chess, and Go<ref> 囲碁http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_(game) </ref>, but doing things such as hasami-shogi<ref> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasami_shogi </ref> with the chess board and Othello<ref> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversi </ref> with the Go board, it was sufficiently fulfilling.

Kiyo-san, who finished tidying up after the meal, and Gensuke-san, who disliked it, were dragged into doing card games such as "Old Maid" and even "Sevens". Since the Sawamura couple didn't know the rules for games such as "Daihinmin<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daifugō </ref>" and "Page One<ref> http://www.pagat.com/inflation/page_one.html </ref>", they had to repeat doing those two card games, but even with that it wasn't at all tiresome.

With the classical records and the sometimes mixing in of a "ji ji ji" noise, it was at some points a nostalgic feeling night.

''I want to keep staying up late like this forever'', Yumi thought.

 

===5===

Tuesday.


''I wonder what kind of enjoyable thing I'll be waiting for today.'' Anticipation swelled within Yumi's bosom (though there was no change in the actual size). Climbing off the bed, Yumi used the second story landing's washbasin to wash her face, and went downstairs.

Last night, in the end she was absorbed in the games until 12:30, and by the time she took her turn to enter the bath and went to bed, it was close to two o'clock in the morning. Before disbanding, it was decided that breakfast would be at 8:00 AM, and though, calculating backwards, she had set the alarm for 7:40 AM, she woke up before the electronic "PiPiPi" sound flowed out. It was the same reason her father's generation would get up excessively early if there was golf.

"Good morning."

Yumi started off with greeting Kiyo-san who was arranging the dishes on the table.

"Good morning, Yumi-sama. Were you able to sleep well?"

''Fwah.'' There was a smell of butter and eggs cooking.

"Yes. Soundly."

It was cooler than compared to restless Tokyo nights, so she had slept very well. Was that also why even though it was 8:00 AM, Sachiko-sama hadn't appeared in the atrium?

"Ah, Yumi-sama. Good morning."

The aromatic fragrance of freshly baked bread entered together with Gensuke-san.

"Good morning. That smells good."


"I bought freshly baked bread. Please eat them while they are piping hot."

Gensuke-san was wearing a helmet. It seems that he went out by bike to buy the bread for them. ''Piping hot'', he had said, and sure enough steam was rising up from the bag.

"Then, shall we entrust a task to Yumi-sama?"

While wiping her hands on a towel hung from her apron, Kiyo-san winked.

"Yes!"

Whatever it was, she was happy being told to do a task. Since becoming a guest here, it seemed as if both her body and her mind had dulled.

"Before the bread and omelets get cold, could you go rouse Lady Sachiko for us? This is a serious task."

"Please entrust it to me."

Yumi thumped her chest and energetically galloped up the stairs.

''She could see Onee-sama.''

Standing in front of the door, she restrained her leaping heart, and after taking a deep breath, she knocked.

''Knock, knock.''

They were together until a few hours ago, so something like already wanting to see her might be strange... But there was no way she'd ever tire of being together with Sachiko-sama, and if she could, she wanted to be by her side, so to be able see her face even just a bit earlier, she was happy.


''Knock, Knock.''

Since there was no reply, she knocked again. Still, no reply came from inside.

"Onee-sama…?"

Since the door wasn't locked, she opened it a crack and called out, and even with that, there was no response.

Though she had carelessly accepted, this might really be a serious task.

Gathering her resolve, Yumi entered the room. Though she tentatively called out an "excuse me", it probably wouldn't be delivered to Sachiko-sama's ears.

In the bed, wrapped in a cotton blanket, a Sleeping Beauty<ref> 眠れる森の美女 -- literally "sleeping beauty of the forest", but this is the classic "Sleeping Beauty": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeping_Beauty </ref> slept soundly. Disheveled black hair snaked over her face and bare arms as if vines, making her pale skin stand out all the more.

Since the scene was excessively beautiful, Yumi who was about to shake her awake, had halted her outstretched hand mid-motion. ''This is so much like a picture.''

"______"

''This'', although the nuance might differ a bit, would it not have the feel of: ''Picture of a Younger Sister Attacking her Onee-sama in her Sleep''.

''It was good that Tsutako-san wasn't by her side'', Yumi thought with a sense of relief. If she were here, it's absolutely, absolutely for sure that the shutter would be clicking away. And that person, she would skillfully use any means necessary to bamboozle, decorating an especially large panel for the school festival.


"U……n"

She acquired Sachiko-sama's turning in her sleep. She mustn't. Since Sachiko-sama was pretty, if Yumi continued looking, she would enter into the company of perverts.

"Onee-sama, Onee-sama."

Yumi didn't know where it would be ok to touch, so with trepidation she shook Sachiko-sama's shoulder and called out.

"Nn…"

"Please get up. It's morning."

Still half-asleep, Sachiko-sama pulled the cotton blanket over her head with a sound of sliding fabric.

"Gensuke-san bought bread for us, and it'll get cold. After that, Kiyo-san's omelets will as well."

"I don't need to eat. So let me sleep."

"That's no good. Because I want to eat breakfast with onee-sama."

Though it was a bit rude, Yumi yanked off the cotton blanket. Sachiko-sama made herself into a 'く' character and her sleep-wear came to resemble a tank-top with the hem stretched to her calves. Incidentally, the color of the sleep-wear was baby-pink.

"Please get up."


"…"

"Onee-sama."

"I get it. I should get up."

Sachiko-sama gave in, brushing her hair aside and raising her self up. She was scowling just a bit, but she properly put on her slippers and got out of bed.

"Yumi."

"Yes."

"I'll go in five minutes..."

"Whaa..."

Finally noticing that Sachiko-sama was holding the shoulder area of her sleep-wear, Yumi realized she was saying, ''get out, I'm changing my clothes''.

"Well then, I'll be waiting downstairs."

Hurriedly, Yumi left the room.

''Idiot idiot idiot idiot. What an idiot''.

''It's not that I stood around like a fool looking''. Yumi tsukomi'd herself, descending the stairs while red faced.


 

===6===

The meal which began after 8:00 in the morning, was completely tidied up by 9:00.

''Well, wonder what we'll do today…'', Yumi thought trembling excitedly while waiting for Sachiko-sama to speak up, but whether something like: ''shall we go somewhere?'', or ''shall we do something?'', no such words were heard at all.

How about plans for after meal digestion exercises? Sachiko-sama went directly to reading on the terrace. Somehow or other, it had already been an hour.

"That book...?"

"Summer vacation homework. A book report."

In Sachiko-sama's hands, the Complete Works of Dazai Osamu<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osamu_Dazai </ref>.

"It's a travel journal and I don't really like it."

Seems the assignment was "Tsugaru"<ref> A place in Aomori and also the title to a work by Dazai Osamu. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsugaru,_Aomori </ref>. Yumi had not read it yet, but she inferred it was probably "A story where the protagonist travels through Tsugaru." It seems so for Sachiko-sama to say, "Come now, that place..."

"Though it picks up a bit toward the end."

"Is that how it is?"

While secretly peeping, she saw the characters for "Tsugaru" at the top of Sachiko-sama's open page. Having said that, the reason "Tsugaru" is still read in the present continuous tense, is because it's not supposed to arrive at an end.


"I said that since I've read it."

"..."

''After all, she had read the book at this holiday house when she was a first year in middle school'', she said. Shockingly, in addition to that, she said she had sought out and read her father's bookshelves after completely reading all the books she brought from home and having run out of books to read. Yumi was such that she wouldn't read a literary novel unless it was homework.

"Yumi should also get her homework done early."

Sachiko-sama said, dropping her line of sight again to the page.

"Since our schedule will be full after this."

"Eh?"

She wanted to hop up saying, ''some fun things were scheduled for later?''

"Isn't it going to be as I said? 'In the later half of summer vacation we'll be out at school preparing for the school festival.'"

"Ah, …right. I remember."

''Early''. It seems she meant early in the summer vacation. Nevertheless, Yumi happily jumped to a hasty conclusion earlier this morning. ''Danger, danger''. She was about to get off to a false start.<ref> As in flying off the starting line before the starting gun in a race. </ref>


"Yumi, your homework?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't bring it."

"Why?"

''Why she says''. You wouldn't ordinarily bring your homework with you on a vacation.

''No, wait'', Yumi recalled. Recently on TV, there was talk of it being fashionable to go about life the same as usual at your travel destination. Wasn't there something extremely demeaning, like Japanese people having been exposed as country bumpkins, who go overseas and while sightseeing are only thinking about travel gifts<ref> Omiyage </ref> for people back home.

Probably Sachiko-sama is of the faction that goes with the normal flow of things. And Yumi, the latter. In this way, can a pair whose perceptions were out of sync, sync up their lifestyles for a week? She was becoming a bit anxious.

''No, it's alright'', Yumi thought to herself, while shaking her head.

Wasn't the important thing that she should be together with Sachiko-sama? That she be able to share the same time with onee-sama, even if only to spend a Sunday without plans relaxing.

"You didn't bring the book for your book report either?"

Sachiko-sama muttered in amazement.

"Sorry."

Though she had bought a compilation book just in case, unfortunately, it had been left on the desk in her room still in the bag from the bookstore.


"Um… if it's in the books that came to held by onee-sama's father, could you lend it to me?

"That's fine. What would you like?"

"Natsume Souseki's 'Heart'."

"If it's Souseki, we have the complete collection. If I remember correctly, in here---"

Sachiko-sama stood up and opened the atrium's cabinet's long, narrow door. You couldn't tell from the outside, but the cabinet was jam-packed with books from top to bottom.

"Wow…"

She admired without thinking. When opened, it seemed even the cabinets abutting the entrance to the hallway and the stairway landing had similarly become bookshelves.

"Since both father and grand-father were busy people, they couldn't take time to leisurely read novels. So, they indulged in reading during the summer vacations here. But at home, only opening business writings. ...ah yes, here it is."

Sachiko-sama took out a rather substantial book and handed it over to Yumi.

"I'll gratefully borrow it."

"A friendship themed book, isn't it?"

Sachiko-sama muttered. As expected, seems she's read this book too.

Friendship.


After that, she read with Sachiko-sama on the terrace.

Yumi quietly opened the first page.

''I always called that person "sensei"''.

The story's beginning was profoundly heavy to the extent that it rivaled the book's weight.

 

===7===

That evening, Sachiko-sama started on her English-Japanese translation homework at the atrium table, so Yumi decided to write postcards alongside her.

Addressed to Yoshino-san and Shimako-san:

Midsummer greetings,
I am currently visiting Sachiko-sama's summerhouse.
It is cool and very quiet here.
It's a shame that I can't send this delicious air together with the postcard.
-Yumi

In the blank space of the postcard, Yumi affixed the pressed leaf of a weed that she didn't even know the name of, picked from beside the terrace during the daytime.

If she can write them up by mid-evening, she'll say to Gensuke-san: ''tomorrow morning, while on your way to buy bread, please mail these for me.''


"With only half of a day of pressing, won't the pressed leaves come off?"

Sachiko-sama said while presenting glue. She's saying, that as time passes, it'll become an ordinary wilted weed.

"Though, it would be good if it holds up until delivered to them..."

Yumi affixed the postage. Although Yumi didn't bring her homework with her, she did diligently bring postcards and stamps. As with prior trips, she'll send out postcards. That is her travel routine.

"Yeah."

Sachiko-sama took the postcards and wrote the summer home's address in the sender line for her. As was often the case, Yumi was thinking that the style of saying "At: ___" was good, but Sachiko-sama said that this way of inserting the address by both of them more readily conveyed the image of this place.

Yumi wondered, ''was there a need to expressly inform that this is a weed native to such-and-such place?'' Though at that time, the straightforward Yumi did think about it.

If she tried to think back on it later, that was probably Sachiko-sama's way of being considerate.

If the receiver did overlook it, up until that place on Yumi's postcards where the house number was written, it really was an itty-bitty autograph.

―probably.

 

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter1

2015-05-02T03:00:20Z

Rydenius: /* 4 */

==Chapter 1==

===1===

Dropping her glance onto her clipped stack of copies, Rosa Cinensis Ogasawara Sachiko-sama coolly said.

"I am not going."

"Pardon?"

"I said, I am not going. By the way, would you please do something about your inattentive replies?"

''Even if you tell me to do something about it... And I cannot take back now what I have blurted out of my lips''-- Fukuzawa Yumi, who had finally got accustomed after three months of bearing the rather heavy title of Rosa Chinensis en Bouton, thought to herself.

The Rose Mansion<ref>Bara no Yakata, 薔薇の館</ref> had nothing like air-conditioners to refresh one's mind, so all the windows were opened. As a result, cicadas' dry cries attacked from all around like TV broadcasts.

The rainy season had finally ended, and it had turned remarkably hot.

The season was already mid summer.

Sachiko-sama's beautiful forehead was also slightly moistened by sweat drops like freshwater pearls.

Leaving that aside.

For the moment, what Yumi had to do was to ask to repeat onee-sama's unbelievable words that reached her ears just now. ''I am not going.'' This line could not be neglected.

"But, onee-sama, your promise..."

Yumi reached out her body and pressed on with her words, and Sachiko-sama lifted her head off the printouts and gave a sigh.

"In no case am I trying to break my promise. However, Yumi, your pose is as if you are going to jump on me."

"...Why shouldn't I?"

Yumi mumbled with her slightly pouted lips. She knew full well that she was really like a racing horse behind the starting line, with her heart anxiously crying aloud being quicker, quicker.

The gate was the final tests. ''Only if they are over'', Yumi convinced herself as she drilled on her studies with all her strength, reached the final day today unscathed, and had her spirits all hyped up. It was just natural to dash with all her power like a boar, towards something right in front of her that she had been waiting for so long. -- Though the analogy somehow turned from a horse into a boar.

"I have been waiting for so long... Amusement park"

Exactly.

Now the topic of discussion between the Red Rose sisters was about the suspended Amusement Park Date. During the rainy season, the issue became the centerpiece of a complicated big fight between the sisters, but the rain had been lifted, and the sisters had reconciled. Therefore Yumi thought it was natural to bring up the issue again. However, Sachiko-sama didn't seem to think likewise.

"I am not saying I will never go, am I? I am only suggesting that going right now seems a little..."

"That is not true. Onee-sama, you have just flatly said 'I am not going.'"

"Stop picking words for me. How defiant you have become lately! I mean 'I am not going right now,' and you have made such an ruckus over my omitting the 'right now.'"

"Ruckus? Then you should choose your words with greater attention, onee-sama. Each one of your words is rubbing against my timid heart."

"Oh my, I am so surprised by a timid heart talking back like this!"

Sachiko-sama hit the stack of printouts onto the table. Shocked by such force, Rosa Gigantea Toudou Shimako gave a cute little cry.

The Red Rose sisters' conversation was so exciting that everybody else's existence faded off. In reality, however, all six of Yamayurikai<ref>山百合会, literally: mountain-lily council. It's the school student council</ref>'s executive members had gathered in this conference-room-cum-salon, on the second floor of the Rose Mansion, the headquarters of Lillian Girls' Academy student council.

It was the afternoon of the last day of final tests. From the day after began the post-exam break, and everyone was summoned here to make various confirmations on events happening in the summer vacation.

"Is it really a good idea to leave the two like that?"

In a low voice Shimako asked the Yellow Rose sisters, who took no notice of the Red Rose sister's debate.

"They are having a quarrel between close sisters, so we are not butting in."
Rosa Foetida Hasekura Rei was pushing the core of her automatic pencil, as she put checkmarks onto the printout she was reading.

"Even if we do not interfere--?"

Rosa Gigantea en Bouton Nijou Noriko raised the same question seriously.

"Let them be, let them be. Fights of intimacy, that's all."

Rosa Foetida en Bouton Shimazu Yoshino, having the same experience but more composure than Yumi as a petite soeur<ref>the younger sister in a soeur pair</ref>, said nonchalantly as she supported her chin with her knitted fingers.

"Fights of intimacy?"

The White Rose sisters exchanged glances and cocked their heads. The two might not be able to understand through experience what it means by "quarrels between close sisters" or "fights of intimacy." They were brand new sisters, having transferred the rosary for less than a month

The problem was, Yumi has heard all of their talks.

However, it was in fact fights of intimacy, so Yumi could not protest a thing.

When the strong bonding was confirmed, Yumi could now do even things impossible when their emotions didn't quite reach each other. Rather, Yumi would like to try everything. Before, Yumi could only watch unbelievably at Yoshino and Rei-sama exchanging snaps. Now that Yumi realized that it felt good to speak straight about her feelings, and it did her body no good to swallow back her words, Yumi decided to do exactly that.

Even onee-sama's little retorts was enjoyable to listen to.

"Anyway,"

Sachiko-sama said as she touched her teacup with her finger and pulled her finger back.

"Oh, seconds? Just a moment."

Yumi stood up and hurried to the electric pot. Onee-sama had a couple of preferences about food, and cooled tea didn't suit her taste.

"Great that you know."

"Well..."

''I am your petite soeur after all.'' Sachiko-sama returned a smile on her face, delighted that her feelings got through.

"See?" Yoshino said to Shimako. "Not even dogs or bacteria can withstand the smell of sisters' fights."

"I see. What a lesson!"

''Hey, I heard everything! You other sisters, please stop teasing us.''

"Amusement parks are crowded in the summer vacation, aren't they?"

Sipping the freshly prepared red tea in satisfaction, Sachiko-sama said.

"Yeah..."

Yumi gave a vague reply as she served the others with the warm tea. Every place for entertainment would be the same though.

"The School Festival is coming as well, you know."

"Argh"

Yumi was out of words as the unexpected School Festival excuse was pulled out.

''What is that? What is that? Sachiko-sama is lining up small obstacles on the road towards the amusement park.''

"Above all, I feel most uncomfortable by the heat."

There it went, the attacks of a princess' self-indulgence.

Pulling this excuse meant the end of conversation. Then not only a date at amusement park, any outings between the sisters during the summer vacation would have been ruled out.

"Also, I go to the summerhouse at our summer resort every summer."

"For the whole time this one and a half months?"

"Not for the whole time. This year, the plan is to be from the end of July to the beginning of August."

"Then, what about the latter half of August?"

Yumi just would not let go. Taking into consideration Sachiko-sama's grandma passing away just a while ago, she had refrained from choosing the obon<ref>お盆 -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obon</ref> period. -- Though Yumi didn't know exactly what religion Sachiko-sama's grandma believed in.

"The latter half of the summer vacation is spent preparing for the School Festival back at school."

"What?"

"Haven't we mentioned it to you? This is Yamayurikai's custom for its executive members -- voluntary school-commuting in the summer vacation."

Rei-sama said as she opened the fridge.

"Therefore, the real vacation is only at the first half."

Hearing the high-pitched sound of ice cubes from the ice-maker hitting cups, Yumi drooped her head.

What a tight schedule! Then, even if one was not uncomfortable of the heat, and the place was not crowded in the summer, one could not even squeeze out a drop of time to go to amusement parks.

"Then, the date in amusement park..."

"Let's wait till winter."

"...I guess."

Well, the result had been clear from the very beginning though. However, Yumi had already put up a good fight in front of her onee-sama. When Yumi returned to her seat, Yoshino greeted her with face that said "Great job."

"Well, the amusement park would not fly away even if you take it easy."

"But..."

''I would love to go out together in the summer.'' Yumi mumbled in a low voice. Yoshino tuned down her volume as she whispered.

"Listen. If you suggest somewhere you can only go in the summer, even Sachiko-sama cannot just dismiss it and say to wait till winter. I did exactly this."

Yoshino advised, somehow like a demon's whisper. In fact, Rei-sama turned back her head upon Yoshino's words, so the analogy was not off the mark.

"You did exactly this? Where are you going, Yoshino?"

"He-he-he"

"He-he-he?"

"Climbing Mt. Fuji."

"What? Really?"

It was meant to be a whispered conversation in order to not get interfered, but Yumi gave a loud cry without thinking. Sachiko-sama lifted her glance, gave a stare to the two, and restarted reading her printouts.

But that would surprise just anyone. It was climbing Mt. Fuji! Mt Fuji was without said the highest mountain in Japan. What a brave heart for challenges, especially for a girl who could only watch from afar at any sports around this time last year.

"It has been my dream for soooo long. It is now ten months since the operation, the doctor has granted permission, and a supervisor will be right with me."

Rei-sama the supervisor was not participating in the conversation, but made a long face towards this way. It was imaginable Yoshino probably succeeded in convincing with threats, and high-handedly tore off permission from the doctor in charge.

''I dare say because I am a friend. Yoshino is such a person.''

In contrast, my other friend-- Yumi sneaked across the room during post-meeting free time, and stayed still beside the chair on which the beauty with fluffy curly hair sat on.

"Shimako-san."

"Oh!"

Noticing her friend who lifted her head while sticking herself onto the chair, Shimako had "since when are you here?" written all over her face as her eyes startled wide. Ignoring that, Yumi pulled on Shimako's sleeve with "hey hey" blurting from her lips.

"Hey, do you have any outing plans for the summer vacation?"

"I am thinking of hopping around among churches and Buddha statue exhibitions with Noriko."

Shimako exchanged glances with Noriko, and smiled.

"Wonderful! This combination really suits you two."

Without thinking, Yumi nodded convincingly. These two were the rare pair among Lillian students, in that their relation started with Buddhism.

"What about you?"

"Let me see. The family custom is to visit our grandma at Yamanashi<ref>山梨 -- http://wikitravel.org/en/Yamanashi</ref>. This year, however, grandma said she would come visit us, so I have no idea."

''How boring that I am the only one without any plans.'' Rather than boring, Yumi felt envious to the others. Every pair of sisters had some time in their schedules together.

--Just at that moment, Sachiko-sama called Yumi's name unexpectedly.

"Yumi."

"Y-Yes."

''Is she showing a dissatisfied expression?'' Yumi hurriedly stood up and turned back as she replied. "Say it if you have any problems." If Sachiko-sama told her so, Yumi had no words to reply. If something could be done when she said so, she would say it. If doing anything would not move Sachiko-sama, then anything said would be just meaningless.

However Sachiko-sama didn't say as Yumi expected. Instead, a phrase without a subject reached Yumi's ears.

"Coming?"

"Pardon?"

''Coming? It is the present continuous tense of the verb "come."''

''Oh, it's after the tests, so forget about it.''

''The problem now is: "who" is coming to "where" ?''

''What if the omitted subject is the first person pronoun "I," meaning Sachiko-sama herself? In that case the destination would the most appropriately be "here" or "school." You know, it is not common to say "I am coming to Paris." "Here" is most commonly used to specify the current location. Here is not Paris, so it should be "going to Paris."''

''But what is the point of saying "I am coming to school (here)" ?''

''Sachiko-sama's expression is in the tone of a question. Then, the subject should actually be "you" or "Yumi." Then to where is Yumi supposed to be "coming" ? Using the verb "coming" means the destination must be somewhere Sachiko-sama would be at--''

Seeing the question marks flying out of Yumi's head, Sachiko-sama changed her wordings for one more time in amusement.

"W, Wha, Wha, Whaaaat?"

Upon hearing that, Yumi's heart nearly fell out.

Unable to decide where to place her startlement, Yumi lined up her palms facing out without any thought, and gave them a semi-circular swipe at shoulder height like a car's wiper.

Onee-sama's words were far beyond Yumi's wildest imaginations, that's why.

Exactly.

''Why not come visit our summerhouse?'' Sachiko-sama had said.

===2===

The family shared the same surprise.

"Summerhouse!? At the Ogasawara's?"

Dad, in the position of opening the mizuyoukan pudding can lid, opened his eyes wide. Mom was frozen with a small teapot in her hands. The time was after dinner, while the family was chatting at the sofa.

"What shall we do? Yumi still doesn't have a passport! If it is the last week of July, it is very close. Can we make it?"

"..."

Looking her mother being all thumbs, Yumi thought, ''this person is definitely the one who gave birth to me''. There is no point repeating, but Yumi had said almost the same line immediately after she accepted Sachiko-sama's invitation.

"Yes, it takes two weeks right? RIGHT?"

However, it was a good idea not to tell during dinner. From the surprise received now, it was imaginable that one of the parents would have been choked by a meat ball, and end up getting rushed to the hospital by an ambulance.

"I said it is inside Japan."

The summerhouse which Sachiko-sama paid a visit every summer was on a plateau summer resort one hour and a half away from Tokyo by bullet train.

"Inside Japan... Yes, it should be within Japan normally. Oh my, my brain grew numb by the double shock, from the gorgeous feel of the word 'summerhouse,' and from the name of the Ogasawara's!"

Mom laughed as she pinched her cheek.

But it was understandable to think first it is overseas. Yumi's onee-sama Ogasawara Sachiko-sama was the daughter of the one and only Ogasawara Group in the world, and the family was so rich that it was not at all strange to hold a castle in every part of the world.
For example, in Sweden or Graecia or Rome. Though all are just imaginations, since Yumi has never been to any one of the places.

"But the Ogasawara family will also come, right? With such close relatives by the side, will you be a bother?"

"Sachiko-sama's father and grandpa both have a company to attend, so they will visit the summerhouse during Obon vacation. Her mother will join them at that time as well."

Sachiko-sama, who had to return to school in the latter half of summer vacation, was the odd one to stay in the summerhouse earlier than anybody else. Thinking that Yumi would feel more at ease this way, Sachiko-sama extended the invitation.

"Please~ Can I go?"

Yumi took her father's hand as she begged. It was long since the last time Yumi teased her father for anything.

"What do you think? I have no reason to object it--"

Dad's lips pouted a little as he looked at Mom.

"I guess so... But it would be impolite not to send formal greetings to the Ogasawara couple."

"To the Ogasawara couple?"

Well, it was a little different from staying at someone's house to finish a group project, so it might as well be natural turn into such a big ruckus. Or rather, Yumi's mother was one of those polite people that telephone the host family to say thanks on such trivial matters, Yumi thought to herself.

"Mom, then you are going to phone Sachiko-sama's mom to talk things over and get convinced?"

"Exactly. ... But how exciting! Just like meeting the in-laws for the first time."

"Oh come on."

Was this kind of reaction from an Old Girl from Lillian Girl's Academy? Even within the family living under the same roof, the males would have no clue about such thinking pattern.

"Well, why not some souvenirs? How about a combination of Ginza high-class delicacies? But no, the other side must have been used to eating such things. Maybe some lower-class presents might make them happier. Oh, by the way, how much shall we send as something like accommodation fee? If we send in cash, the other side might not be pleased, though. But that doesn't mean we can send in gift certificates, does it? In fact, we have no idea how much it takes to stay in that place for one day anyway."

The panicked mom even took out the "Convenient Q&A for Everyday-Life Greetings" for help, but there is no way an item called "Tips when your child go to visit the summer-house of her (extremely rich) Onee-sama" would be recorded in such a book.

But a mother has a mother's special concerns. Her eyes turned bloodshot as they stared straight at the book index.

This most probably started in the Traditional New Year this year, when Yumi stayed one night at the Ogasawara's place. That time, Yumi was lured out by Sei-sama in a surprise attack, and had had no idea that the venue was Sachiko-sama's place. To her mother Yumi fussed up the truth a little, saying only that she was on a night camp.

Didn't a small box of confectionery she had brought with her do just fine? Yumi thought, but it seemed that her mother had her regrets, because she failed to give some formal greetings before the daughter stayed a night at her Onee-sama's place. By the way, her shock doubled when she learnt her son had also stayed a night, though he had no relations with the Ogasawaras.

As Mom waited for her second chance, Yumi heard directly from school that Sachiko-sama's grandma passed away, but of course she had not brought anything with her at that time. On their way home, Yumi asked for Youko-sama's advice, but Youko-sama said, "It is a secret burial, and that side of the family hates formalities, so it is better not to bring any gift of consolation." In the end, therefore, Yumi left things like that.

That is why Mom now insisted that "This is the time." Nevertheless, as Youko-sama had said, Sachiko-sama and her mother Sayako-obasama never minded such formalities.

"Yumi. I wonder why you are eyed on by the daughter of such a great family like the Ogasawaras? That is like marrying into a family of rank! It makes even the parents nervous to think about meeting the in-laws! So please, Yumi, choose a humble household when you get married."

Mom was so entangled in her thoughts that she began to babble things that made no sense.

"All right, leave it like this and go to bed for now."

In the end, Dad couldn't bear to see it anymore, and took Mom up to the bed room a little earlier than the usual bedtime. A "husband stop" instead of a "doctor stop."

"What a fuss!"

Her brother Yuki sat with his legs crossed on the sofa. He was so quiet that his existence had been forgotten, but he had always been in the living room, looking cool-mindedly at the family soap opera from afar.

"Exactly."

Yumi nodded, and poured Japanese tea into a tea bowl. Mom had left the teapot for a long time after she poured in hot water, so the tea's color was expectedly very thick. Greenish brown, or even moss green by now.

"Even though Mom looked like that, she must be very happy."

"I guess."

The two siblings shared a friendly moment sipping tea diluted with hot water. Considering the season, it might be better to drink mugi-cha<ref>麦茶 -- a barley tea, usually a summer drink</ref>, but the warm green tea didn't taste bad. The taste was very adult, let's put it this way.

"Summerhouse... At that time I should be having a camp at that side as well."

Maybe we will meet over there, Yuki said smilingly while hugging a cushion. Yuki was in high school second-year at Hanadera Academy, neighboring Lillian Girl's Academy.

"A camp? Yuki, what club are you at again?"

"The Student Council."

"So you are also involved in a student council?"

"Yeah."

The two nondescript siblings, who had no relations at all with such things till secondary school, suddenly had a 180 degrees turn when they stepped into high school, as they were swept in the bewildering but dynamic school life.

Oh, but talking about the student council.

"Don't tell me you are with Kashiwagi-san --"

Oh no, oh no. That guy alone was dangerous.

"That guy has already graduated, though?"

"Oh, I forgot."

Kashiwagi Suguru, Sachiko-sama's cousin, was two years elder than Yumi and Yuki. This spring he graduated peacefully at the Hanadera Academy High School, and is now a student at Hanadera University.

"But exactly because he is Kashiwagi-san, won't he sneak into the camp in the name of supervising juniors? Yuki, be careful!"

"Well Yumi, I am now unable to think of an appropriate reaction as a younger brother towards his sister's problematic assertion here."

"Just be careful. Kashiwagi-san has said that he loved the way Yuki struggles."

"Then how should I be careful? If I struggle I just make him happier, but there is no way I'll surrender without a fight just because of that."

"I don't know how. Anyway, stay normal! Don't be lured into the abnormal side!"

Yumi grabbed on Yuki's shoulders and shook him violently, as if encouraging her teammates not to fall asleep while stranded in a winter mountain. But the twin brother was quite cool. His lips curled up a little at the sides as a faint laugh escaped.

"Do you know the meaning of the words you are using?"

"...On the whole, yes."

In the end, all the fuss the sister was making was of no use: Yuki had to protect himself. Being a boy has its own problems.

"So what will the student council do during a camp?"

"Mainly discussing the School Festival, but I guess it is also an encouragement and friendship strengthening group event?"

"Ah, School Festival."

The atmosphere became more and more pressing that the Lillians needed to prepare for theirs. The Roses, who are the high school student council heads, will take the position of leaders and executives in the School Festival, so the boutons will also be busy helping out. Above that, the Yamayurikai executives needed to participate in an event as representatives of Yamayurikai. Last year, it was "Cinderella" the drama.

However, every time Yumi heard the words School Festival, she would think, how fast has a single year passed away. Thinking back, it was exactly last year's School Festival when she and Sachiko-sama became soeurs.

"So what are you doing this year?"

Yuki asked.

"How about your side?"

"Undecided."

"Same here."

However the Roses seemed to have already formed an idea among them. But the boutons couldn't come to ask about it; it was a little too scary.

Why? Last year, the ex-Roses cheated the unwilling Sachiko-sama into performing as "Cinderella." Using the same logic, this year's boutons like Yumi and Yoshino would clearly be facing the fate of executing some formidable contracts. Probably even more unenviable than last year's.

"...What does a Boy School Festival look like? Maybe I should go to Hanadera this year to take a look."

She felt more like for pastime than for reference. Every year, Hanadera's School Festival was earlier than Lillian's.

Well, it's other people's business anyway. Yumi spoke in such a dreamy tone, but Yuki was quick to correct her.

"Not maybe; it is a must, isn't it?"

"Oh?"

"Isn't it already a custom between student councils in Lillian and Hanadera to help out each other during School Festivals?"

"Ah!"

"What is with this reaction? Geez."

''Hey, it is okay to keep such a lamentable face to yourself.''

"Then Yuki, you are also coming to our school this year right? But in last year's Lillian School Festival only Kashiwagi-san came alone, so is it that not everyone need to come?"

"We are helping in accordance to your requests."

"Ah I see. So there is actually a possibility Yuki is coming. But I hate my family staring at me. Last year Mom and Dad said they'd come, but I had stopped them no matter what."

See? Yumi asked for Yuki's agreement, but Yuki turned silent for a while. Yumi pressed on about what the silence meant, and Yuki finally divulged with a grim face.

"...I went. Last year, to Lillian."

"You're kidding!?"

"Kashiwagi-senpai was taking part. So I was brought along unwillingly by the other seniors."

"What?"

Unwilling or not, the fact that he saw "Cinderella" didn't change.

"Why are you saying this after a year? Oh my, I can't believe it!"

Yumi seized her brother's cushion to hit him with it.

No way could she believe her brother had seen such a clumsy performance of Sister B. No way could she believe she had been kept in the dark till now, being carefree about it all the time. Yumi was completely discouraged by what a naive kid she had been.

"The subject had not been brought up again after that. I also imagined you would respond this way, so I had tried to stay silent. Humm. Even after a year, Yumi is still embarrassed of it."

Even with around a year of difference in age, this formidable brother was analyzing the situation with a cool mind. Argh, how annoying. Or it should be how enviable. In terms of mental growth, maybe he had already surpassed her.

"You put up a good play. Very good."

Yuki said as he patted on Yumi, who turned her back towards him in a tantrum.

"Really?"

Yumi looked back and stared unbelievably at her brother's face, thinking just when did he become so natural at comforting others. Well, Yuki had always been a gentle boy, but he had always been bad at expressing it.

"Sure. Though playing the role of a villain sister, you were too cute to be hated."

"Hey, isn't that a problem on my performance ability...?"

"What's wrong with that? That is not your character originally, right? Among us the reviews were excellent."

It sometimes amazed Yumi how quick-witted his encouragements were. If only I could be at least half like Yuki, speaking the accurate words fluently, Yumi thought to herself. If so, she could be a more robust and supporting petite soeur to her onee-sama.

"Are you coming this year as well?"

"Well, I need to go, I guess. No matter what plans you have on your side."

Then Yuki threw again some discouraging words to Yumi.

"This year, I will be there with you to humiliate ourselves."

===3===

It was the second day of post-exam break that Sachiko-sama phoned.

Mom received the phone first, but she had already completely recovered from the panic two days ago. Therefore she was able to be her best self and clearly greet, "Thank you for taking care of my daughter at school." Sachiko-sama also, in the tone of a dependable senior, replied, "Yumi has helped a lot, and I am indebted."

Knowing that the call was from Sachiko-sama, Yumi had positioned herself next to the receiver and listened to the whole conversation. As to the pending problem of greeting Sachiko-sama's parents, it seemed the couple had gone out, and it was enough to just say, "Please give my greetings to your parents." Though Mom was all excited herself, the reality fell short of her expectation. The call turned out to start from the other side, but that was good in itself, in that it allowed no spare time for worries.

"Are there anyone else you would like to invite to the summerhouse?"

Yumi received the phone, and Sachiko-sama said so without introduction.

" Pardon?"

" If you want, you may invite two or three more people."

" Okay..."

Unable to comprehend the meaning behind, Yumi chimed in ambiguously. It was really out of her grasp: Why would Yumi, the guest invited to Sachiko-sama's summerhouse, be responsible for asking other potential participants?

Maybe it was custom to have a big boisterous gathering every year, and Yumi was just one of the guests? This year Sachiko-sama was not with her family, so Sachiko-sama suggested so in order to gather more people? -- Ideas swirled in Yumi's head.

"Did you invite any others except me, Onee-sama?"

Yumi asked tentatively.

"No, I didn't invite any others."

The situation became more and more mysterious.

"I am fine with what it is now."

Well, me too! Yumi would like to say, but stopped. Sachiko-sama had gone through the trouble of calling in, so the deduction should be she hopes to make the gathering more lively.

"Well..."

It was hard to discover what Sachiko-sama was really thinking. Sachiko-sama is perverse in nature, and would turn more and more cranky unless the correct questions were asked.

"Then, why don't we ask Youko-sama to come?"

Mizuno Youko-sama was the previous Rosa Cinensis, sister of Sachiko-sama. Sachiko-sama's inclination was uncertain, but if someone must be pulled in no matter what, then nobody is suitable except Youko-sama.

"She always looks busy, though."

Saying that should have nothing wrong, but when Sachiko-sama said "she looks busy," then that line could not be used. What about calling the other two previous Roses except Youko-sama? Not sure why, but something sounded funny.

Next, the faces of Yoshino and Shimako came up. But that would just be a common member gathering, and if Sachiko-sama really wanted so, she should have suggested without beating around the bush, "Why not have a Yamayurikai executive member camp?"

"Then, what about onee-sama's classmates?"

"Yumi, did you hear what I said? I asked you to invite who you want to invite to the summerhouse."

''I know. I know every word of it. That is exactly why I am troubled.'' A desparate moan cried out from Yumi's heart.

This question was harder tham those in any subject's test at the finals. So difficult that Yumi would as well just want to give up and ask for the solution set.
"Anyway, ask around during the post-exam break. I will ask again at the term-end ceremony."
In the end, this question remains a question for homework.
Even amidst all the summer homework, this question is using the most brainpower -- probably.

"I am not going."

"What?"

"I said, I am not going. By the way, Yumi. Do something to that absent-minded reply, or Sachiko-sama will get annoyed."

Some days ago, someone different had exchanged similar conversations with me-- Yumi gave a "humm" as she grabbed the mobile receiver in her room.

"Put that aside, Yoshino, you just said you are not going, right?"

"Yes I did. Your schedule of staying at the Sachikos' summerhouse is exactly the same time
as our trip to Mt. Fuji."

In the end of Yumi's confusion, she directed the "Why not go to the summerhouse" invitation call to Yoshino. The group would turn out to be the same old student body members, but that probably would not result in a big mistake. Though not really inspired by Yuki's words, if the summerhouse visit turned out as something like a Yamayurikai camp, it might be just as good.

"Shimako and Noriko most probably would be the same."

Well, school activities would eat up most of the latter half of vacation, so it is not a coincidence at all that plans are made for the not-so-busy period.

"Moreover, our club is also having a camp. It is really tough to be both in club activities and Yamayurikai."

"I can understand."

Yumi rolled over on her bed, grabbed the milk bottle close by and shook it. From this spring, Yoshino is joining the Kendo Club to be with Rei-sama.

"Also, you are the only one who got invited, right? We won't butt in."
Yoshino giggled on the other side of the phone.

"Butt in..."

Yumi gave a bitter laugh.

"Sachiko-sama said it would be fine to invite others. No, the tone was more like, why not invite someone?"

"What on earth is that?"

"I don't know myself. Maybe something is amiss if there are only the two of us? Or maybe Sachiko-sama would like to have a more boisterous trip? But then, why didn't Sachiko-sama invite her own classmates? I don't mind at all if Sachiko-sama's friends are there. Actually I would like to be friendly with them in the first place. Sachiko-sama's tone felt like I can bring along anybody I would like to."

The tone was as if Sachiko-sama would provide the Ogasawaras' summerhouse if Yumi had nothing no plans to go anywhere during the summer. But it was not that Yumi would die for going to the summerhouse. She just wanted to create some memories with Onee-sama. Therefore Yumi felt something strange about this invitation, which turned out as if "there is a company resort around, so bring your friends along!"

"I don't get it."

"You think so too?"

"Nope. I am not even trying to understand what Sachiko-sama is thinking. What I would to ask is Yumi's feelings."

"Pardon?"

"Why do you not care a bit? Why didn't you say that the two of you are enough?"

Yoshino shot two whys to press for an answer.

"...Nothing really. On second thought, it is not that I need to make it just for the two of us."

"No kidding! Why?"

"Even if you ask me why..."

Yumi thought back. In the New Year at the Ogasawaras' residence, it was pretty fun with Sei-sama. A little before, when Yumi visited Sachiko-sama's grandmother's place, everything worked out because Youko-sama was there. Maybe Sachiko-sama even found it fun to have everyone together doing something exciting, Yumi thought recently.

"Unbelievable."

Yoshino's mumble transmitted clearly through the receiver.

For Yoshino, it was just normal to be with Rei-sama her Onee-sama, and Rei-sama was always her top priority, unreplacable by anything on earth. Therefore it nearly became her habit to say "Unbelievable" when any sister couples different from hers rubbed her the wrong way. For Yumi, the Yellow Rose sisters were the unbelievable pair. It could be called a miracle how close the two could stick together, Yumi often thought to herself.

"But if Yoshino and Shimako were unavaliable..."

What should Yumi do?

If Yumi talked to Tsutako or Mami, they would most probably jump on their feet to follow. But it was supposed to be private, and Yumi just didn't feel comfortable to do what she wanted under the surveillance of Photo Club and Newspaper Group. On the other hand, if the two were invited on the condition of no camera and no news coverage, it would be just to cruel to them.

"Why not invite Touko-chan?"

Mumbling without much thinking, Yumi heard yet another outburst from Yoshino from the other side of the phone.

"Stupid Stupid Stupid Stupid! Aren't you stupid or something, Yumi?"

"You don't need to use so many 'stupid' on me."

A total of five by finger count.

"This is just stupid!"

Oh, six.

"What are you up to by calling your rival out? At a place like the Ogasawara's summerhouse, you are having your debut and away game. Under such disadvantages, do you really think you are fighting on the same ground with that cheeky hair-roll?"

"Away..."

A clever analogy that surely from Yoshino, a sports watching fan.

"So Touko-chan is the home team?"

"Of course she is. Though not blood-related, she and Sachiko-sama are relatives."

"Oh, yes."

Now Yumi was reminded. She had completely forgotten about it.

"What is wrong with the weaker side sending salt to the stronger side to rub on his wounds?"

"E- Exactly"

''Exactly as you said.''

"Now you got it. Never ever invite her! And don't drop any stupid ideas to Sachiko-sama!"

"You are pretty scary, Yoshino."

"You are too considerate, Yumi, so I am concerned about you. I know what term describes you best: '''Ohitoyoshi<ref>お人好し -- People who are overly kind and considerate without thinking, and often end up giving up their rights or hurting themselves.</ref>'''"

"Argh--"

How harsh it is to be unable to refute. Upon Yumi's silence, Yoshino continued her arguments with increasing vigor.

"Just tell Sachiko-sama, ''let's go for the two of us only''. Okay? Got it?"
Overwhelmed by such pressure, Yumi could only nod on the spot for the time being--

===4===

"Well, then. Why not ask Sei-sama?"

The school semester ending ceremony had finished, and after homeroom Yumi waited for Sachiko-sama at the garden. Such was Sachiko-sama's reply after listening to Yumi.

"Sei-sama?"

If it were one of the previous Roses, then it would be just fine to suggest Eriko-sama. Why did Sei-sama's name come up instead then? Perhaps the incident one month ago still left a sting at Sachiko-sama's heart? Yumi thought to herself.

That day during the rainy season, heavy clouds lingered over the sister's just like the sky in those days. Envious of Touko-chan, Yumi ended up throwing herself into Sei-sama's arms as if to escape from Sachiko-sama.

Now it was a summer afternoon.

The sky was clear blue. The sunshine was so ferocious that her arms sticking out of her short sleeves were burnt mercilessly.

The heavy rain that soaked Yumi's heart and body that day now seemed like a dream. How unbelievable that only one month had passed!

"With Sei-sama, Yumi would enjoy more, wouldn't you?"

"..."

Unbelievable as it looked, Sei-sama often appeared whenever Yumi was in danger and extended a saving hand, Yumi came to realize. Therefore Yumi grew dependent on her. Sachiko-sama must feel a little bitter about this, Yumi faintly sensed.

Perheps it was envy? -- Yumi cheekily began to analyze.

But Yumi always only had Sachiko-sama in her heart, and never flirted around. Well, there was that kiss on the cheek, but to Sei-sama that was nothing but a greeting. -- At this point, Yumi started to reflect on herself honestly. Such insensitivity was already a problem itself.

"But university students are having seminars and such, aren't they?"

''Don't know for sure, but maybe.''

"Well, probably."

Sachiko-sama walked slowly along the shaded paths in the garden, while gently touching the fresh lush green bush leaves. Stealing a glance around, there was nobody but the two of them. Students longing for their sunny summer vacations had quick feet to go home, that's why.

Perhaps Sachiko-sama didn't care at all, Yumi thought as she followed behind. Even so, Yumi just didn't feel right to invite Sei-sama. Searching frantically in her head for a subtitute of Sei-sama's name, Yumi replayed the first name that popped up for the time being.

"How about Touko-chan?"

In Yumi's brain, Yoshino-san was yelling the seventh "Stupid." However, the words had come out of her mouth, so she couldn't do a thing.

"Touko-chan?"

Sachiko-sama repeated with a little startle. At that time, Yumi realized something, and gave herself the eighth "Stupid" in her heart. What was the point of doing to Sachiko-sama the same thing that Sachiko-sama had once done to her? Now it would look as if Yumi was exceedingly conscious of Touko-chan.

"She is no good."

Before long, Sachiko-sama replied.

"No good...?"

Yumi probed deeper. It was all right; Sachiko-sama didn't look like she would spew fire for the time being.

"In July she is going to Canada on a trip with her parents."

"Canada..."

How grand.

"It is better for us not to invite her then."

A summering in Japan or a vacation overseas. No matter how much Touko-chan admired Sachiko-sama, putting the two choices on a scale, Touko-chan surely would choose to go overseas.

At least the situation Yoshino had scolded Yumi about could be avoided. Yumi gave a sigh of relief and looked at Sachiko-sama, to find a calm face that showed no emotions.
It looked as if Sachiko-sama was in deep thoughts, and took no notice even when Yumi was staring at her.

It would be easy to ask Sachiko-sama what she was thinking about, but if Yumi raised the question, would she be intruding Sachiko-sama's time? Yumi ended up sinking into deep thoughts as well.

Finally, Sachiko-sama felt Yumi's stare and turned to her. Yumi plucked up the courage and asked.

"Onee-sama, do you feel uneasy to be just with me?"

"How can that ever be? How did you come a conclusion so wide off the mark?"

Sachiko-sama's words might be tough, but she was smiling.

"To me, it is already enough if just Yumi comes."

"Oh"

What a killer line.

--It is already enough if just Yumi comes.

Isn't it the line to drop down on Yumi's student notebook, and take it everywhere without leaving her body for a moment?

"To me also, if just Onee-sama comes...!"

Suppressing her urge to hop up, Yumi confessed. ''Hey, the two of us are feeling the same thing! This is just joy above anything.''

But why would Sachiko-sama think of inviting other people?

Nevertheless, under such a powerful line of "if just Yumi comes," such trivial doubts became blurred right away, and soon vanished like morning smoke.

"So just the two of us is all right?"

Sachiko-sama asked the same question again.

"Yes!"

Yumi replied energetically.

With just the two of them, it should be fun regardless of the venue.
At that point of time, such was believed without a doubt.

: *
:: *
::: *

"Did you hear that?"

"I heard that."

After the red rose sisters returned side by side, basking in the warm sisterhood between them, two shadows appeared from within the dense bushes.
[[File:MM v12 003.jpg|thumb|right|Mami and Tsutako spy on the red rose sisters]]

"The Ogasawara's summerhouse. No matter how, I want to receive an invitation. If impossible, it would be good even to just sneak a glimpse of the red rose sisters' vacation."

Bangs parted to one side<ref>七三分け(7-3 parting) -- this is an expression used for describing a hair-style with the hair parted to one side, and is what the author uses to refer to Mami during this passage.</ref> with a hairpin, the short-haired girl who had stopped, shut the memo pad which was open and muttered.

"But, since it's private property, right?"

Replied the silver-rimmed glasses girl, gripping a small camera in her hand.

"We can't freely trespass, eh?"

"Putting that aside, by the way, concealing myself in this thicket and chasing after the red rose sisters, I didn't expect there was a visitor ahead of me."

"Geez. Me too. You appearing at times -- it's a startling thing."

"It's because the direction of our interest is the same, isn't it?"

While both were laughing, they straightened their backs and worked their shoulders. It was proof that they had lurked there in the same posture the whole time.

"Wouldn't it be better to give up here, and target either the yellow rose sisters or white rose sisters?"

As a suggestion, parted-hair girl enquired of glasses girl.

"Looks that way, doesn't it. So, the white rose sisters?"

"If I'm not mistaken, they are going around visiting churches and Buddhist statue exhibitions or something."

"Yellow rose?"

"Climbing Mt. Fuji."

The parted-hair-girl's interview notes were primarily chock-full of gossip related to Yamayurikai staff.

"Well, either way it only seems to be places that aren't without complications."

"Yeah, truly. However, better to have a chance of victory from outside the summer house's grounds, than stick to two who we don't even know when they will head out."

"Though, it's a problem even with churches and Buddhist statue exhibitions, right? Although shadowing is easy enough, because there are many situations where I can't take photos, it's a bit…"

"Such being the case, with the Mt. Fuji climbing, what's the chosen day? In the way of my motto, ''for a thorough article, thorough investigation'', for that reason, though shadowing, I must climb to the summit."

"Or better yet, instead of shadowing, switch to travelling together? If we go to that extent, most likely, the yellow rose sisters will even cooperate with the investigation."

Glasses-girl turns the camera towards parted-hair-girl.

"But, though I'm not proud of it, I don't have confidence in my physical stamina."

"Whoa. For a newspaper reporter that is fatal."

Like a cicada's cry cut off, the shutter's delightful sound echoed once. Due to the short time it takes to enter the school building, they probably already couldn't be heard by the red rose sisters.

"Always, willpower moves the body to investigate, but climbing Mt. Fuji -- there is a feeling of defeat right from the start."

"With the opponent being Japan's best, anyone would be nervous."

Glasses-girl lowered the camera and laughed.

"Well, as expected, maybe the red rose sisters are the best choice. Do we try to ask Yumi to take us along? We might get an OK, you know."

"But. Having snuck a view of that situation's two-people-in-their-own-world feeling, it's a bit difficult to ask, right?"

"We'd be intruding, wouldn't we?"<ref> The word used here is お邪魔虫. Which roughly translates to "intruding bug", or put more simply: a pest. </ref>

"Yep, intruding."

The two, being Fukuzawa Yumi's classmates, know just how fond she is of her onee-sama. For that alone, and beyond that -- what a thing it would be if friendship was not able to hinder their cutting in on such modest happiness, no matter how good the photos and stories to be had.

"To that point, you know, about the sisters' vacations, it's not about getting shown, rather I want to see."

"I understand, I understand. A desire not for reporting the smiles, but for the unintentional private facial expressions."

"Just so."

Finding a kindred spirit, that's probably what this sort of thing is called. Though the genre of both photos and newspapers are different, the pair's preferences align considerably. <ref> "genre" may seem to be a bit of an odd choice of word, but the author uses that English word in the original text: ジャンル</ref>

"Do we sneak in?"

When they can join forces, people turn on the acceleration and become confident. Parted-hair girl, tucked her hair, cut uniformly short in advance of summer vacation, behind her ear, and grinned broadly.

"That is probably reckless. It's an Ogasawara household owned summer house. Adequate security is to be expected."

If she went too far, one could say it'd be a big relief if there was a human being who is given to restraint nearby. On that point, glasses-girl, because she could determine the expected follow-up, could likely be called suitable.

"Especially, if it is during a high class lady's stay over. Of course, it's expected to encounter a flawless security system."

"If there is a trespasser, the security company will detect it immediately and come running. No, it's more than that, that's half-hearted."

"Above the fence, barbed-wire with high-voltage electric current flowing?"

"That's it. Ogasawara household employed security guards are just like sentinels guarding a gate, and also patrolling around the perimeter of the high fence ―――"

"Attending bodyguards, of course, are all uniformly handsome men in the style of Paris collection men's models."

"Although, because the two of them are immersed in their own world, they would give no regard to such men……!"

The ability to imagine passing through the defensible range, steadily swelled to be called a delusion.

"Regardless, I want to see."

"Yeah, me too."

Their dream -- the red rose sisters serene, yet beautiful, vacation relaxing at the Ogasawara household's summer house.

Incidentally, parted-hair girl is named Yamaguchi Mami, and glasses girl is named Takeshima Tsutako.

Unknown to them at that moment, Yumi, not knowing that such a conversation had unfolded, would busily set about packing that very night.

From Monday in the last week of July, she would be departing to spend one week with her onee-sama at the highland summer house.

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter1

2015-05-02T02:55:47Z

Rydenius: edited a section that was still bugging me (slight meaning clarification too)

==Chapter 1==

===1===

Dropping her glance onto her clipped stack of copies, Rosa Cinensis Ogasawara Sachiko-sama coolly said.

"I am not going."

"Pardon?"

"I said, I am not going. By the way, would you please do something about your inattentive replies?"

''Even if you tell me to do something about it... And I cannot take back now what I have blurted out of my lips''-- Fukuzawa Yumi, who had finally got accustomed after three months of bearing the rather heavy title of Rosa Chinensis en Bouton, thought to herself.

The Rose Mansion<ref>Bara no Yakata, 薔薇の館</ref> had nothing like air-conditioners to refresh one's mind, so all the windows were opened. As a result, cicadas' dry cries attacked from all around like TV broadcasts.

The rainy season had finally ended, and it had turned remarkably hot.

The season was already mid summer.

Sachiko-sama's beautiful forehead was also slightly moistened by sweat drops like freshwater pearls.

Leaving that aside.

For the moment, what Yumi had to do was to ask to repeat onee-sama's unbelievable words that reached her ears just now. ''I am not going.'' This line could not be neglected.

"But, onee-sama, your promise..."

Yumi reached out her body and pressed on with her words, and Sachiko-sama lifted her head off the printouts and gave a sigh.

"In no case am I trying to break my promise. However, Yumi, your pose is as if you are going to jump on me."

"...Why shouldn't I?"

Yumi mumbled with her slightly pouted lips. She knew full well that she was really like a racing horse behind the starting line, with her heart anxiously crying aloud being quicker, quicker.

The gate was the final tests. ''Only if they are over'', Yumi convinced herself as she drilled on her studies with all her strength, reached the final day today unscathed, and had her spirits all hyped up. It was just natural to dash with all her power like a boar, towards something right in front of her that she had been waiting for so long. -- Though the analogy somehow turned from a horse into a boar.

"I have been waiting for so long... Amusement park"

Exactly.

Now the topic of discussion between the Red Rose sisters was about the suspended Amusement Park Date. During the rainy season, the issue became the centerpiece of a complicated big fight between the sisters, but the rain had been lifted, and the sisters had reconciled. Therefore Yumi thought it was natural to bring up the issue again. However, Sachiko-sama didn't seem to think likewise.

"I am not saying I will never go, am I? I am only suggesting that going right now seems a little..."

"That is not true. Onee-sama, you have just flatly said 'I am not going.'"

"Stop picking words for me. How defiant you have become lately! I mean 'I am not going right now,' and you have made such an ruckus over my omitting the 'right now.'"

"Ruckus? Then you should choose your words with greater attention, onee-sama. Each one of your words is rubbing against my timid heart."

"Oh my, I am so surprised by a timid heart talking back like this!"

Sachiko-sama hit the stack of printouts onto the table. Shocked by such force, Rosa Gigantea Toudou Shimako gave a cute little cry.

The Red Rose sisters' conversation was so exciting that everybody else's existence faded off. In reality, however, all six of Yamayurikai<ref>山百合会, literally: mountain-lily council. It's the school student council</ref>'s executive members had gathered in this conference-room-cum-salon, on the second floor of the Rose Mansion, the headquarters of Lillian Girls' Academy student council.

It was the afternoon of the last day of final tests. From the day after began the post-exam break, and everyone was summoned here to make various confirmations on events happening in the summer vacation.

"Is it really a good idea to leave the two like that?"

In a low voice Shimako asked the Yellow Rose sisters, who took no notice of the Red Rose sister's debate.

"They are having a quarrel between close sisters, so we are not butting in."
Rosa Foetida Hasekura Rei was pushing the core of her automatic pencil, as she put checkmarks onto the printout she was reading.

"Even if we do not interfere--?"

Rosa Gigantea en Bouton Nijou Noriko raised the same question seriously.

"Let them be, let them be. Fights of intimacy, that's all."

Rosa Foetida en Bouton Shimazu Yoshino, having the same experience but more composure than Yumi as a petite soeur<ref>the younger sister in a soeur pair</ref>, said nonchalantly as she supported her chin with her knitted fingers.

"Fights of intimacy?"

The White Rose sisters exchanged glances and cocked their heads. The two might not be able to understand through experience what it means by "quarrels between close sisters" or "fights of intimacy." They were brand new sisters, having transferred the rosary for less than a month

The problem was, Yumi has heard all of their talks.

However, it was in fact fights of intimacy, so Yumi could not protest a thing.

When the strong bonding was confirmed, Yumi could now do even things impossible when their emotions didn't quite reach each other. Rather, Yumi would like to try everything. Before, Yumi could only watch unbelievably at Yoshino and Rei-sama exchanging snaps. Now that Yumi realized that it felt good to speak straight about her feelings, and it did her body no good to swallow back her words, Yumi decided to do exactly that.

Even onee-sama's little retorts was enjoyable to listen to.

"Anyway,"

Sachiko-sama said as she touched her teacup with her finger and pulled her finger back.

"Oh, seconds? Just a moment."

Yumi stood up and hurried to the electric pot. Onee-sama had a couple of preferences about food, and cooled tea didn't suit her taste.

"Great that you know."

"Well..."

''I am your petite soeur after all.'' Sachiko-sama returned a smile on her face, delighted that her feelings got through.

"See?" Yoshino said to Shimako. "Not even dogs or bacteria can withstand the smell of sisters' fights."

"I see. What a lesson!"

''Hey, I heard everything! You other sisters, please stop teasing us.''

"Amusement parks are crowded in the summer vacation, aren't they?"

Sipping the freshly prepared red tea in satisfaction, Sachiko-sama said.

"Yeah..."

Yumi gave a vague reply as she served the others with the warm tea. Every place for entertainment would be the same though.

"The School Festival is coming as well, you know."

"Argh"

Yumi was out of words as the unexpected School Festival excuse was pulled out.

''What is that? What is that? Sachiko-sama is lining up small obstacles on the road towards the amusement park.''

"Above all, I feel most uncomfortable by the heat."

There it went, the attacks of a princess' self-indulgence.

Pulling this excuse meant the end of conversation. Then not only a date at amusement park, any outings between the sisters during the summer vacation would have been ruled out.

"Also, I go to the summerhouse at our summer resort every summer."

"For the whole time this one and a half months?"

"Not for the whole time. This year, the plan is to be from the end of July to the beginning of August."

"Then, what about the latter half of August?"

Yumi just would not let go. Taking into consideration Sachiko-sama's grandma passing away just a while ago, she had refrained from choosing the obon<ref>お盆 -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obon</ref> period. -- Though Yumi didn't know exactly what religion Sachiko-sama's grandma believed in.

"The latter half of the summer vacation is spent preparing for the School Festival back at school."

"What?"

"Haven't we mentioned it to you? This is Yamayurikai's custom for its executive members -- voluntary school-commuting in the summer vacation."

Rei-sama said as she opened the fridge.

"Therefore, the real vacation is only at the first half."

Hearing the high-pitched sound of ice cubes from the ice-maker hitting cups, Yumi drooped her head.

What a tight schedule! Then, even if one was not uncomfortable of the heat, and the place was not crowded in the summer, one could not even squeeze out a drop of time to go to amusement parks.

"Then, the date in amusement park..."

"Let's wait till winter."

"...I guess."

Well, the result had been clear from the very beginning though. However, Yumi had already put up a good fight in front of her onee-sama. When Yumi returned to her seat, Yoshino greeted her with face that said "Great job."

"Well, the amusement park would not fly away even if you take it easy."

"But..."

''I would love to go out together in the summer.'' Yumi mumbled in a low voice. Yoshino tuned down her volume as she whispered.

"Listen. If you suggest somewhere you can only go in the summer, even Sachiko-sama cannot just dismiss it and say to wait till winter. I did exactly this."

Yoshino advised, somehow like a demon's whisper. In fact, Rei-sama turned back her head upon Yoshino's words, so the analogy was not off the mark.

"You did exactly this? Where are you going, Yoshino?"

"He-he-he"

"He-he-he?"

"Climbing Mt. Fuji."

"What? Really?"

It was meant to be a whispered conversation in order to not get interfered, but Yumi gave a loud cry without thinking. Sachiko-sama lifted her glance, gave a stare to the two, and restarted reading her printouts.

But that would surprise just anyone. It was climbing Mt. Fuji! Mt Fuji was without said the highest mountain in Japan. What a brave heart for challenges, especially for a girl who could only watch from afar at any sports around this time last year.

"It has been my dream for soooo long. It is now ten months since the operation, the doctor has granted permission, and a supervisor will be right with me."

Rei-sama the supervisor was not participating in the conversation, but made a long face towards this way. It was imaginable Yoshino probably succeeded in convincing with threats, and high-handedly tore off permission from the doctor in charge.

''I dare say because I am a friend. Yoshino is such a person.''

In contrast, my other friend-- Yumi sneaked across the room during post-meeting free time, and stayed still beside the chair on which the beauty with fluffy curly hair sat on.

"Shimako-san."

"Oh!"

Noticing her friend who lifted her head while sticking herself onto the chair, Shimako had "since when are you here?" written all over her face as her eyes startled wide. Ignoring that, Yumi pulled on Shimako's sleeve with "hey hey" blurting from her lips.

"Hey, do you have any outing plans for the summer vacation?"

"I am thinking of hopping around among churches and Buddha statue exhibitions with Noriko."

Shimako exchanged glances with Noriko, and smiled.

"Wonderful! This combination really suits you two."

Without thinking, Yumi nodded convincingly. These two were the rare pair among Lillian students, in that their relation started with Buddhism.

"What about you?"

"Let me see. The family custom is to visit our grandma at Yamanashi<ref>山梨 -- http://wikitravel.org/en/Yamanashi</ref>. This year, however, grandma said she would come visit us, so I have no idea."

''How boring that I am the only one without any plans.'' Rather than boring, Yumi felt envious to the others. Every pair of sisters had some time in their schedules together.

--Just at that moment, Sachiko-sama called Yumi's name unexpectedly.

"Yumi."

"Y-Yes."

''Is she showing a dissatisfied expression?'' Yumi hurriedly stood up and turned back as she replied. "Say it if you have any problems." If Sachiko-sama told her so, Yumi had no words to reply. If something could be done when she said so, she would say it. If doing anything would not move Sachiko-sama, then anything said would be just meaningless.

However Sachiko-sama didn't say as Yumi expected. Instead, a phrase without a subject reached Yumi's ears.

"Coming?"

"Pardon?"

''Coming? It is the present continuous tense of the verb "come."''

''Oh, it's after the tests, so forget about it.''

''The problem now is: "who" is coming to "where" ?''

''What if the omitted subject is the first person pronoun "I," meaning Sachiko-sama herself? In that case the destination would the most appropriately be "here" or "school." You know, it is not common to say "I am coming to Paris." "Here" is most commonly used to specify the current location. Here is not Paris, so it should be "going to Paris."''

''But what is the point of saying "I am coming to school (here)" ?''

''Sachiko-sama's expression is in the tone of a question. Then, the subject should actually be "you" or "Yumi." Then to where is Yumi supposed to be "coming" ? Using the verb "coming" means the destination must be somewhere Sachiko-sama would be at--''

Seeing the question marks flying out of Yumi's head, Sachiko-sama changed her wordings for one more time in amusement.

"W, Wha, Wha, Whaaaat?"

Upon hearing that, Yumi's heart nearly fell out.

Unable to decide where to place her startlement, Yumi lined up her palms facing out without any thought, and gave them a semi-circular swipe at shoulder height like a car's wiper.

Onee-sama's words were far beyond Yumi's wildest imaginations, that's why.

Exactly.

''Why not come visit our summerhouse?'' Sachiko-sama had said.

===2===

The family shared the same surprise.

"Summerhouse!? At the Ogasawara's?"

Dad, in the position of opening the mizuyoukan pudding can lid, opened his eyes wide. Mom was frozen with a small teapot in her hands. The time was after dinner, while the family was chatting at the sofa.

"What shall we do? Yumi still doesn't have a passport! If it is the last week of July, it is very close. Can we make it?"

"..."

Looking her mother being all thumbs, Yumi thought, ''this person is definitely the one who gave birth to me''. There is no point repeating, but Yumi had said almost the same line immediately after she accepted Sachiko-sama's invitation.

"Yes, it takes two weeks right? RIGHT?"

However, it was a good idea not to tell during dinner. From the surprise received now, it was imaginable that one of the parents would have been choked by a meat ball, and end up getting rushed to the hospital by an ambulance.

"I said it is inside Japan."

The summerhouse which Sachiko-sama paid a visit every summer was on a plateau summer resort one hour and a half away from Tokyo by bullet train.

"Inside Japan... Yes, it should be within Japan normally. Oh my, my brain grew numb by the double shock, from the gorgeous feel of the word 'summerhouse,' and from the name of the Ogasawara's!"

Mom laughed as she pinched her cheek.

But it was understandable to think first it is overseas. Yumi's onee-sama Ogasawara Sachiko-sama was the daughter of the one and only Ogasawara Group in the world, and the family was so rich that it was not at all strange to hold a castle in every part of the world.
For example, in Sweden or Graecia or Rome. Though all are just imaginations, since Yumi has never been to any one of the places.

"But the Ogasawara family will also come, right? With such close relatives by the side, will you be a bother?"

"Sachiko-sama's father and grandpa both have a company to attend, so they will visit the summerhouse during Obon vacation. Her mother will join them at that time as well."

Sachiko-sama, who had to return to school in the latter half of summer vacation, was the odd one to stay in the summerhouse earlier than anybody else. Thinking that Yumi would feel more at ease this way, Sachiko-sama extended the invitation.

"Please~ Can I go?"

Yumi took her father's hand as she begged. It was long since the last time Yumi teased her father for anything.

"What do you think? I have no reason to object it--"

Dad's lips pouted a little as he looked at Mom.

"I guess so... But it would be impolite not to send formal greetings to the Ogasawara couple."

"To the Ogasawara couple?"

Well, it was a little different from staying at someone's house to finish a group project, so it might as well be natural turn into such a big ruckus. Or rather, Yumi's mother was one of those polite people that telephone the host family to say thanks on such trivial matters, Yumi thought to herself.

"Mom, then you are going to phone Sachiko-sama's mom to talk things over and get convinced?"

"Exactly. ... But how exciting! Just like meeting the in-laws for the first time."

"Oh come on."

Was this kind of reaction from an Old Girl from Lillian Girl's Academy? Even within the family living under the same roof, the males would have no clue about such thinking pattern.

"Well, why not some souvenirs? How about a combination of Ginza high-class delicacies? But no, the other side must have been used to eating such things. Maybe some lower-class presents might make them happier. Oh, by the way, how much shall we send as something like accommodation fee? If we send in cash, the other side might not be pleased, though. But that doesn't mean we can send in gift certificates, does it? In fact, we have no idea how much it takes to stay in that place for one day anyway."

The panicked mom even took out the "Convenient Q&A for Everyday-Life Greetings" for help, but there is no way an item called "Tips when your child go to visit the summer-house of her (extremely rich) Onee-sama" would be recorded in such a book.

But a mother has a mother's special concerns. Her eyes turned bloodshot as they stared straight at the book index.

This most probably started in the Traditional New Year this year, when Yumi stayed one night at the Ogasawara's place. That time, Yumi was lured out by Sei-sama in a surprise attack, and had had no idea that the venue was Sachiko-sama's place. To her mother Yumi fussed up the truth a little, saying only that she was on a night camp.

Didn't a small box of confectionery she had brought with her do just fine? Yumi thought, but it seemed that her mother had her regrets, because she failed to give some formal greetings before the daughter stayed a night at her Onee-sama's place. By the way, her shock doubled when she learnt her son had also stayed a night, though he had no relations with the Ogasawaras.

As Mom waited for her second chance, Yumi heard directly from school that Sachiko-sama's grandma passed away, but of course she had not brought anything with her at that time. On their way home, Yumi asked for Youko-sama's advice, but Youko-sama said, "It is a secret burial, and that side of the family hates formalities, so it is better not to bring any gift of consolation." In the end, therefore, Yumi left things like that.

That is why Mom now insisted that "This is the time." Nevertheless, as Youko-sama had said, Sachiko-sama and her mother Sayako-obasama never minded such formalities.

"Yumi. I wonder why you are eyed on by the daughter of such a great family like the Ogasawaras? That is like marrying into a family of rank! It makes even the parents nervous to think about meeting the in-laws! So please, Yumi, choose a humble household when you get married."

Mom was so entangled in her thoughts that she began to babble things that made no sense.

"All right, leave it like this and go to bed for now."

In the end, Dad couldn't bear to see it anymore, and took Mom up to the bed room a little earlier than the usual bedtime. A "husband stop" instead of a "doctor stop."

"What a fuss!"

Her brother Yuki sat with his legs crossed on the sofa. He was so quiet that his existence had been forgotten, but he had always been in the living room, looking cool-mindedly at the family soap opera from afar.

"Exactly."

Yumi nodded, and poured Japanese tea into a tea bowl. Mom had left the teapot for a long time after she poured in hot water, so the tea's color was expectedly very thick. Greenish brown, or even moss green by now.

"Even though Mom looked like that, she must be very happy."

"I guess."

The two siblings shared a friendly moment sipping tea diluted with hot water. Considering the season, it might be better to drink mugi-cha<ref>麦茶 -- a barley tea, usually a summer drink</ref>, but the warm green tea didn't taste bad. The taste was very adult, let's put it this way.

"Summerhouse... At that time I should be having a camp at that side as well."

Maybe we will meet over there, Yuki said smilingly while hugging a cushion. Yuki was in high school second-year at Hanadera Academy, neighboring Lillian Girl's Academy.

"A camp? Yuki, what club are you at again?"

"The Student Council."

"So you are also involved in a student council?"

"Yeah."

The two nondescript siblings, who had no relations at all with such things till secondary school, suddenly had a 180 degrees turn when they stepped into high school, as they were swept in the bewildering but dynamic school life.

Oh, but talking about the student council.

"Don't tell me you are with Kashiwagi-san --"

Oh no, oh no. That guy alone was dangerous.

"That guy has already graduated, though?"

"Oh, I forgot."

Kashiwagi Suguru, Sachiko-sama's cousin, was two years elder than Yumi and Yuki. This spring he graduated peacefully at the Hanadera Academy High School, and is now a student at Hanadera University.

"But exactly because he is Kashiwagi-san, won't he sneak into the camp in the name of supervising juniors? Yuki, be careful!"

"Well Yumi, I am now unable to think of an appropriate reaction as a younger brother towards his sister's problematic assertion here."

"Just be careful. Kashiwagi-san has said that he loved the way Yuki struggles."

"Then how should I be careful? If I struggle I just make him happier, but there is no way I'll surrender without a fight just because of that."

"I don't know how. Anyway, stay normal! Don't be lured into the abnormal side!"

Yumi grabbed on Yuki's shoulders and shook him violently, as if encouraging her teammates not to fall asleep while stranded in a winter mountain. But the twin brother was quite cool. His lips curled up a little at the sides as a faint laugh escaped.

"Do you know the meaning of the words you are using?"

"...On the whole, yes."

In the end, all the fuss the sister was making was of no use: Yuki had to protect himself. Being a boy has its own problems.

"So what will the student council do during a camp?"

"Mainly discussing the School Festival, but I guess it is also an encouragement and friendship strengthening group event?"

"Ah, School Festival."

The atmosphere became more and more pressing that the Lillians needed to prepare for theirs. The Roses, who are the high school student council heads, will take the position of leaders and executives in the School Festival, so the boutons will also be busy helping out. Above that, the Yamayurikai executives needed to participate in an event as representatives of Yamayurikai. Last year, it was "Cinderella" the drama.

However, every time Yumi heard the words School Festival, she would think, how fast has a single year passed away. Thinking back, it was exactly last year's School Festival when she and Sachiko-sama became soeurs.

"So what are you doing this year?"

Yuki asked.

"How about your side?"

"Undecided."

"Same here."

However the Roses seemed to have already formed an idea among them. But the boutons couldn't come to ask about it; it was a little too scary.

Why? Last year, the ex-Roses cheated the unwilling Sachiko-sama into performing as "Cinderella." Using the same logic, this year's boutons like Yumi and Yoshino would clearly be facing the fate of executing some formidable contracts. Probably even more unenviable than last year's.

"...What does a Boy School Festival look like? Maybe I should go to Hanadera this year to take a look."

She felt more like for pastime than for reference. Every year, Hanadera's School Festival was earlier than Lillian's.

Well, it's other people's business anyway. Yumi spoke in such a dreamy tone, but Yuki was quick to correct her.

"Not maybe; it is a must, isn't it?"

"Oh?"

"Isn't it already a custom between student councils in Lillian and Hanadera to help out each other during School Festivals?"

"Ah!"

"What is with this reaction? Geez."

''Hey, it is okay to keep such a lamentable face to yourself.''

"Then Yuki, you are also coming to our school this year right? But in last year's Lillian School Festival only Kashiwagi-san came alone, so is it that not everyone need to come?"

"We are helping in accordance to your requests."

"Ah I see. So there is actually a possibility Yuki is coming. But I hate my family staring at me. Last year Mom and Dad said they'd come, but I had stopped them no matter what."

See? Yumi asked for Yuki's agreement, but Yuki turned silent for a while. Yumi pressed on about what the silence meant, and Yuki finally divulged with a grim face.

"...I went. Last year, to Lillian."

"You're kidding!?"

"Kashiwagi-senpai was taking part. So I was brought along unwillingly by the other seniors."

"What?"

Unwilling or not, the fact that he saw "Cinderella" didn't change.

"Why are you saying this after a year? Oh my, I can't believe it!"

Yumi seized her brother's cushion to hit him with it.

No way could she believe her brother had seen such a clumsy performance of Sister B. No way could she believe she had been kept in the dark till now, being carefree about it all the time. Yumi was completely discouraged by what a naive kid she had been.

"The subject had not been brought up again after that. I also imagined you would respond this way, so I had tried to stay silent. Humm. Even after a year, Yumi is still embarrassed of it."

Even with around a year of difference in age, this formidable brother was analyzing the situation with a cool mind. Argh, how annoying. Or it should be how enviable. In terms of mental growth, maybe he had already surpassed her.

"You put up a good play. Very good."

Yuki said as he patted on Yumi, who turned her back towards him in a tantrum.

"Really?"

Yumi looked back and stared unbelievably at her brother's face, thinking just when did he become so natural at comforting others. Well, Yuki had always been a gentle boy, but he had always been bad at expressing it.

"Sure. Though playing the role of a villain sister, you were too cute to be hated."

"Hey, isn't that a problem on my performance ability...?"

"What's wrong with that? That is not your character originally, right? Among us the reviews were excellent."

It sometimes amazed Yumi how quick-witted his encouragements were. If only I could be at least half like Yuki, speaking the accurate words fluently, Yumi thought to herself. If so, she could be a more robust and supporting petite soeur to her onee-sama.

"Are you coming this year as well?"

"Well, I need to go, I guess. No matter what plans you have on your side."

Then Yuki threw again some discouraging words to Yumi.

"This year, I will be there with you to humiliate ourselves."

===3===

It was the second day of post-exam break that Sachiko-sama phoned.

Mom received the phone first, but she had already completely recovered from the panic two days ago. Therefore she was able to be her best self and clearly greet, "Thank you for taking care of my daughter at school." Sachiko-sama also, in the tone of a dependable senior, replied, "Yumi has helped a lot, and I am indebted."

Knowing that the call was from Sachiko-sama, Yumi had positioned herself next to the receiver and listened to the whole conversation. As to the pending problem of greeting Sachiko-sama's parents, it seemed the couple had gone out, and it was enough to just say, "Please give my greetings to your parents." Though Mom was all excited herself, the reality fell short of her expectation. The call turned out to start from the other side, but that was good in itself, in that it allowed no spare time for worries.

"Are there anyone else you would like to invite to the summerhouse?"

Yumi received the phone, and Sachiko-sama said so without introduction.

" Pardon?"

" If you want, you may invite two or three more people."

" Okay..."

Unable to comprehend the meaning behind, Yumi chimed in ambiguously. It was really out of her grasp: Why would Yumi, the guest invited to Sachiko-sama's summerhouse, be responsible for asking other potential participants?

Maybe it was custom to have a big boisterous gathering every year, and Yumi was just one of the guests? This year Sachiko-sama was not with her family, so Sachiko-sama suggested so in order to gather more people? -- Ideas swirled in Yumi's head.

"Did you invite any others except me, Onee-sama?"

Yumi asked tentatively.

"No, I didn't invite any others."

The situation became more and more mysterious.

"I am fine with what it is now."

Well, me too! Yumi would like to say, but stopped. Sachiko-sama had gone through the trouble of calling in, so the deduction should be she hopes to make the gathering more lively.

"Well..."

It was hard to discover what Sachiko-sama was really thinking. Sachiko-sama is perverse in nature, and would turn more and more cranky unless the correct questions were asked.

"Then, why don't we ask Youko-sama to come?"

Mizuno Youko-sama was the previous Rosa Cinensis, sister of Sachiko-sama. Sachiko-sama's inclination was uncertain, but if someone must be pulled in no matter what, then nobody is suitable except Youko-sama.

"She always looks busy, though."

Saying that should have nothing wrong, but when Sachiko-sama said "she looks busy," then that line could not be used. What about calling the other two previous Roses except Youko-sama? Not sure why, but something sounded funny.

Next, the faces of Yoshino and Shimako came up. But that would just be a common member gathering, and if Sachiko-sama really wanted so, she should have suggested without beating around the bush, "Why not have a Yamayurikai executive member camp?"

"Then, what about onee-sama's classmates?"

"Yumi, did you hear what I said? I asked you to invite who you want to invite to the summerhouse."

''I know. I know every word of it. That is exactly why I am troubled.'' A desparate moan cried out from Yumi's heart.

This question was harder tham those in any subject's test at the finals. So difficult that Yumi would as well just want to give up and ask for the solution set.
"Anyway, ask around during the post-exam break. I will ask again at the term-end ceremony."
In the end, this question remains a question for homework.
Even amidst all the summer homework, this question is using the most brainpower -- probably.

"I am not going."

"What?"

"I said, I am not going. By the way, Yumi. Do something to that absent-minded reply, or Sachiko-sama will get annoyed."

Some days ago, someone different had exchanged similar conversations with me-- Yumi gave a "humm" as she grabbed the mobile receiver in her room.

"Put that aside, Yoshino, you just said you are not going, right?"

"Yes I did. Your schedule of staying at the Sachikos' summerhouse is exactly the same time
as our trip to Mt. Fuji."

In the end of Yumi's confusion, she directed the "Why not go to the summerhouse" invitation call to Yoshino. The group would turn out to be the same old student body members, but that probably would not result in a big mistake. Though not really inspired by Yuki's words, if the summerhouse visit turned out as something like a Yamayurikai camp, it might be just as good.

"Shimako and Noriko most probably would be the same."

Well, school activities would eat up most of the latter half of vacation, so it is not a coincidence at all that plans are made for the not-so-busy period.

"Moreover, our club is also having a camp. It is really tough to be both in club activities and Yamayurikai."

"I can understand."

Yumi rolled over on her bed, grabbed the milk bottle close by and shook it. From this spring, Yoshino is joining the Kendo Club to be with Rei-sama.

"Also, you are the only one who got invited, right? We won't butt in."
Yoshino giggled on the other side of the phone.

"Butt in..."

Yumi gave a bitter laugh.

"Sachiko-sama said it would be fine to invite others. No, the tone was more like, why not invite someone?"

"What on earth is that?"

"I don't know myself. Maybe something is amiss if there are only the two of us? Or maybe Sachiko-sama would like to have a more boisterous trip? But then, why didn't Sachiko-sama invite her own classmates? I don't mind at all if Sachiko-sama's friends are there. Actually I would like to be friendly with them in the first place. Sachiko-sama's tone felt like I can bring along anybody I would like to."

The tone was as if Sachiko-sama would provide the Ogasawaras' summerhouse if Yumi had nothing no plans to go anywhere during the summer. But it was not that Yumi would die for going to the summerhouse. She just wanted to create some memories with Onee-sama. Therefore Yumi felt something strange about this invitation, which turned out as if "there is a company resort around, so bring your friends along!"

"I don't get it."

"You think so too?"

"Nope. I am not even trying to understand what Sachiko-sama is thinking. What I would to ask is Yumi's feelings."

"Pardon?"

"Why do you not care a bit? Why didn't you say that the two of you are enough?"

Yoshino shot two whys to press for an answer.

"...Nothing really. On second thought, it is not that I need to make it just for the two of us."

"No kidding! Why?"

"Even if you ask me why..."

Yumi thought back. In the New Year at the Ogasawaras' residence, it was pretty fun with Sei-sama. A little before, when Yumi visited Sachiko-sama's grandmother's place, everything worked out because Youko-sama was there. Maybe Sachiko-sama even found it fun to have everyone together doing something exciting, Yumi thought recently.

"Unbelievable."

Yoshino's mumble transmitted clearly through the receiver.

For Yoshino, it was just normal to be with Rei-sama her Onee-sama, and Rei-sama was always her top priority, unreplacable by anything on earth. Therefore it nearly became her habit to say "Unbelievable" when any sister couples different from hers rubbed her the wrong way. For Yumi, the Yellow Rose sisters were the unbelievable pair. It could be called a miracle how close the two could stick together, Yumi often thought to herself.

"But if Yoshino and Shimako were unavaliable..."

What should Yumi do?

If Yumi talked to Tsutako or Mami, they would most probably jump on their feet to follow. But it was supposed to be private, and Yumi just didn't feel comfortable to do what she wanted under the surveillance of Photo Club and Newspaper Group. On the other hand, if the two were invited on the condition of no camera and no news coverage, it would be just to cruel to them.

"Why not invite Touko-chan?"

Mumbling without much thinking, Yumi heard yet another outburst from Yoshino from the other side of the phone.

"Stupid Stupid Stupid Stupid! Aren't you stupid or something, Yumi?"

"You don't need to use so many 'stupid' on me."

A total of five by finger count.

"This is just stupid!"

Oh, six.

"What are you up to by calling your rival out? At a place like the Ogasawara's summerhouse, you are having your debut and away game. Under such disadvantages, do you really think you are fighting on the same ground with that cheeky hair-roll?"

"Away..."

A clever analogy that surely from Yoshino, a sports watching fan.

"So Touko-chan is the home team?"

"Of course she is. Though not blood-related, she and Sachiko-sama are relatives."

"Oh, yes."

Now Yumi was reminded. She had completely forgotten about it.

"What is wrong with the weaker side sending salt to the stronger side to rub on his wounds?"

"E- Exactly"

''Exactly as you said.''

"Now you got it. Never ever invite her! And don't drop any stupid ideas to Sachiko-sama!"

"You are pretty scary, Yoshino."

"You are too considerate, Yumi, so I am concerned about you. I know what term describes you best: '''Ohitoyoshi<ref>お人好し -- People who are overly kind and considerate without thinking, and often end up giving up their rights or hurting themselves.</ref>'''"

"Argh--"

How harsh it is to be unable to refute. Upon Yumi's silence, Yoshino continued her arguments with increasing vigor.

"Just tell Sachiko-sama, ''let's go for the two of us only''. Okay? Got it?"
Overwhelmed by such pressure, Yumi could only nod on the spot for the time being--

===4===

"Well, then. Why not ask Sei-sama?"

The school semester ending ceremony had finished, and after homeroom Yumi waited for Sachiko-sama at the garden. Such was Sachiko-sama's reply after listening to Yumi.

"Sei-sama?"

If it were one of the previous Roses, then it would be just fine to suggest Eriko-sama. Why did Sei-sama's name come up instead then? Perhaps the incident one month ago still left a sting at Sachiko-sama's heart? Yumi thought to herself.

That day during the rainy season, heavy clouds lingered over the sister's just like the sky in those days. Envious of Touko-chan, Yumi ended up throwing herself into Sei-sama's arms as if to escape from Sachiko-sama.

Now it was a summer afternoon.

The sky was clear blue. The sunshine was so ferocious that her arms sticking out of her short sleeves were burnt mercilessly.

The heavy rain that soaked Yumi's heart and body that day now seemed like a dream. How unbelievable that only one month had passed!

"With Sei-sama, Yumi would enjoy more, wouldn't you?"

"..."

Unbelievable as it looked, Sei-sama often appeared whenever Yumi was in danger and extended a saving hand, Yumi came to realize. Therefore Yumi grew dependent on her. Sachiko-sama must feel a little bitter about this, Yumi faintly sensed.

Perheps it was envy? -- Yumi cheekily began to analyze.

But Yumi always only had Sachiko-sama in her heart, and never flirted around. Well, there was that kiss on the cheek, but to Sei-sama that was nothing but a greeting. -- At this point, Yumi started to reflect on herself honestly. Such insensitivity was already a problem itself.

"But university students are having seminars and such, aren't they?"

''Don't know for sure, but maybe.''

"Well, probably."

Sachiko-sama walked slowly along the shaded paths in the garden, while gently touching the fresh lush green bush leaves. Stealing a glance around, there was nobody but the two of them. Students longing for their sunny summer vacations had quick feet to go home, that's why.

Perhaps Sachiko-sama didn't care at all, Yumi thought as she followed behind. Even so, Yumi just didn't feel right to invite Sei-sama. Searching frantically in her head for a subtitute of Sei-sama's name, Yumi replayed the first name that popped up for the time being.

"How about Touko-chan?"

In Yumi's brain, Yoshino-san was yelling the seventh "Stupid." However, the words had come out of her mouth, so she couldn't do a thing.

"Touko-chan?"

Sachiko-sama repeated with a little startle. At that time, Yumi realized something, and gave herself the eighth "Stupid" in her heart. What was the point of doing to Sachiko-sama the same thing that Sachiko-sama had once done to her? Now it would look as if Yumi was exceedingly conscious of Touko-chan.

"She is no good."

Before long, Sachiko-sama replied.

"No good...?"

Yumi probed deeper. It was all right; Sachiko-sama didn't look like she would spew fire for the time being.

"In July she is going to Canada on a trip with her parents."

"Canada..."

How grand.

"It is better for us not to invite her then."

A summering in Japan or a vacation overseas. No matter how much Touko-chan admired Sachiko-sama, putting the two choices on a scale, Touko-chan surely would choose to go overseas.

At least the situation Yoshino had scolded Yumi about could be avoided. Yumi gave a sigh of relief and looked at Sachiko-sama, to find a calm face that showed no emotions.
It looked as if Sachiko-sama was in deep thoughts, and took no notice even when Yumi was staring at her.

It would be easy to ask Sachiko-sama what she was thinking about, but if Yumi raised the question, would she be intruding Sachiko-sama's time? Yumi ended up sinking into deep thoughts as well.

Finally, Sachiko-sama felt Yumi's stare and turned to her. Yumi plucked up the courage and asked.

"Onee-sama, do you feel uneasy to be just with me?"

"How can that ever be? How did you come a conclusion so wide off the mark?"

Sachiko-sama's words might be tough, but she was smiling.

"To me, it is already enough if just Yumi comes."

"Oh"

What a killer line.

--It is already enough if just Yumi comes.

Isn't it the line to drop down on Yumi's student notebook, and take it everywhere without leaving her body for a moment?

"To me also, if just Onee-sama comes...!"

Suppressing her urge to hop up, Yumi confessed. ''Hey, the two of us are feeling the same thing! This is just joy above anything.''

But why would Sachiko-sama think of inviting other people?

Nevertheless, under such a powerful line of "if just Yumi comes," such trivial doubts became blurred right away, and soon vanished like morning smoke.

"So just the two of us is all right?"

Sachiko-sama asked the same question again.

"Yes!"

Yumi replied energetically.

With just the two of them, it should be fun regardless of the venue.
At that point of time, such was believed without a doubt.

: *
:: *
::: *

"Did you hear that?"

"I heard that."

After the red rose sisters returned side by side, basking in the warm sisterhood between them, two shadows appeared from within the dense bushes.
[[File:MM v12 003.jpg|thumb|right|Mami and Tsutako spy on the red rose sisters]]

"The Ogasawara's summerhouse. No matter how, I want to receive an invitation. If impossible, it would be good even to just sneak a glimpse of the red rose sisters' vacation."

Bangs parted to one side<ref>七三分け(7-3 parting) -- this is an expression used to mean that the hair is parted to one side, and is what the author uses to refer to Mami during this passage.</ref> with a hairpin, the short-haired girl who had stopped, shut the memo pad which was open and muttered.

"But, since it's private property, right?"

Replied the silver-rimmed glasses girl, gripping a small camera in her hand.

"We can't freely trespass, eh?"

"Putting that aside, by the way, concealing myself in this thicket and chasing after the red rose sisters, I didn't expect there was a visitor ahead of me."

"Geez. Me too. You appearing at times -- it's a startling thing."

"It's because the direction of our interest is the same, isn't it?"

While both were laughing, they straightened their backs and worked their shoulders. It was proof that they had lurked there in the same posture the whole time.

"Wouldn't it be better to give up here, and target either the yellow rose sisters or white rose sisters?"

As a suggestion, parted-hair girl enquired of glasses girl.

"Looks that way, doesn't it. So, the white rose sisters?"

"If I'm not mistaken, they are going around visiting churches and Buddhist statue exhibitions or something."

"Yellow rose?"

"Climbing Mt. Fuji."

The parted-hair-girl's interview notes were primarily chock-full of gossip related to Yamayurikai staff.

"Well, either way it only seems to be places that aren't without complications."

"Yeah, truly. However, better to have a chance of victory from outside the summer house's grounds, than stick to two who we don't even know when they will head out."

"Though, it's a problem even with churches and Buddhist statue exhibitions, right? Although shadowing is easy enough, because there are many situations where I can't take photos, it's a bit…"

"Such being the case, with the Mt. Fuji climbing, what's the chosen day? In the way of my motto, ''for a thorough article, thorough investigation'', for that reason, though shadowing, I must climb to the summit."

"Or better yet, instead of shadowing, switch to travelling together? If we go to that extent, most likely, the yellow rose sisters will even cooperate with the investigation."

Glasses-girl turns the camera towards parted-hair-girl.

"But, though I'm not proud of it, I don't have confidence in my physical stamina."

"Whoa. For a newspaper reporter that is fatal."

Like a cicada's cry cut off, the shutter's delightful sound echoed once. Due to the short time it takes to enter the school building, they probably already couldn't be heard by the red rose sisters.

"Always, willpower moves the body to investigate, but climbing Mt. Fuji -- there is a feeling of defeat right from the start."

"With the opponent being Japan's best, anyone would be nervous."

Glasses-girl lowered the camera and laughed.

"Well, as expected, maybe the red rose sisters are the best choice. Do we try to ask Yumi to take us along? We might get an OK, you know."

"But. Having snuck a view of that situation's two-people-in-their-own-world feeling, it's a bit difficult to ask, right?"

"We'd be intruding, wouldn't we?"<ref> The word used here is お邪魔虫. Which roughly translates to "intruding bug", or put more simply: a pest. </ref>

"Yep, intruding."

The two, being Fukuzawa Yumi's classmates, know just how fond she is of her onee-sama. For that alone, and beyond that -- what a thing it would be if friendship was not able to hinder their cutting in on such modest happiness, no matter how good the photos and stories to be had.

"To that point, you know, about the sisters' vacations, it's not about getting shown, rather I want to see."

"I understand, I understand. A desire not for reporting the smiles, but for the unintentional private facial expressions."

"Just so."

Finding a kindred spirit, that's probably what this sort of thing is called. Though the genre of both photos and newspapers are different, the pair's preferences align considerably. <ref> "genre" may seem to be a bit of an odd choice of word, but the author uses that English word in the original text: ジャンル</ref>

"Do we sneak in?"

When they can join forces, people turn on the acceleration and become confident. Parted-hair girl, tucked her hair, cut uniformly short in advance of summer vacation, behind her ear, and grinned broadly.

"That is probably reckless. It's an Ogasawara household owned summer house. Adequate security is to be expected."

If she went too far, one could say it'd be a big relief if there was a human being who is given to restraint nearby. On that point, glasses-girl, because she could determine the expected follow-up, could likely be called suitable.

"Especially, if it is during a high class lady's stay over. Of course, it's expected to encounter a flawless security system."

"If there is a trespasser, the security company will detect it immediately and come running. No, it's more than that, that's half-hearted."

"Above the fence, barbed-wire with high-voltage electric current flowing?"

"That's it. Ogasawara household employed security guards are just like sentinels guarding a gate, and also patrolling around the perimeter of the high fence ―――"

"Attending bodyguards, of course, are all uniformly handsome men in the style of Paris collection men's models."

"Although, because the two of them are immersed in their own world, they would give no regard to such men……!"

The ability to imagine passing through the defensible range, steadily swelled to be called a delusion.

"Regardless, I want to see."

"Yeah, me too."

Their dream -- the red rose sisters serene, yet beautiful, vacation relaxing at the Ogasawara household's summer house.

Incidentally, parted-hair girl is named Yamaguchi Mami, and glasses girl is named Takeshima Tsutako.

Unknown to them at that moment, Yumi, not knowing that such a conversation had unfolded, would busily set about packing that very night.

From Monday in the last week of July, she would be departing to spend one week with her onee-sama at the highland summer house.

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2015-05-02T02:09:48Z

Rydenius: updated completion percentage

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
{{Incomplete|percentage=96}}
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without the use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.


"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam<ref>お嬢さま -- A daughter of wealth or nobility.</ref>."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language when addressing Yumi and Sachiko throughout this chapter.</ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there be any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. ''Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san.'' She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. ''Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...''

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

To start with, they went out from the first floor atrium onto a wide terrace, and were treated to black tea. Scones that Kiyo-san had baked, were accompanied by homemade strawberry jam that was said to have been given out by an acquaintance. It seems that these things had been prepared because they had heard that Sachiko-sama would be coming.


"Is everything all right with the master and the young master?"

While pouring a second serving of tea, Kiyo-san began the conversation.

"Thanks. Grandfather and father are both doing fine."

Gensuke-san wasn't there, and was likely working outside.

"For Lady Sayako-sama, it's unfortunate about her mother. Surely, she must have been feeling really down."

"It's alright now. Since it had been a lengthy struggle with illness, it seems that she had prepared herself."

''Kiyo-san has probably been working for the Ogasawaras since ancient times. Here Sachiko-sama's grandfather was referred to as "master"<ref>旦那さま</ref> and her father as "the young master".<ref>ぼっちゃま </ref> So that would be why the mother, Sayako-sama, was referred to in the same manner as Sachiko-sama, "the young lady"<ref>(お嬢さま) but that doesn't sound formal when written in English so "madam", "Lady", and "Mi'lady" has been used instead were appropriate.</ref> … complicated.''

"Ah, that's right. An express delivery addressed to Lady Sachiko-sama arrived from Yumi-sama's house."

"Oh, I wonder what it could be?"

"Just a moment."

Kiyo-san withdrew into a room for a moment and with a "heave-ho" returned holding a smallish box, slightly smaller than a box for mandarin oranges. ''What is it, what is it? Such a heavy looking package...''

"Seems like it's rice."


Kiyo-san said while looking at the product name field on the express delivery's form.

"Eh?"

Sachiko-sama asked in return. Even Yumi, who hadn't heard even a single word about such a thing from her mother, was surprised and sought confirmation.

"I-It's rice?"

"Yep, rice. Shall we open it and take a look?"

After obtaining Sachiko-sama's consent, Kiyo-san peeled off the craft-tape sealing the box with a "schwah" sound. And then, it jumped into view:

"Uonuma<ref>Uonuma is a city in Niigata prefecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uonuma,_Niigata </ref> produced Koshihikari"<ref>A popular type of rice in Japan and the variety grown in Uonuma is particularly well regarded (and expensive): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshihikari </ref>

It was written in large characters on a 5 kilogram vinyl pack. It indicated beyond any doubt that contents were indeed white rice.

''Drip.''<ref>タラリ -- sweat-drop sound effect.</ref> Although Yumi maintained a composed expression, sweat trickled down her back. ''Mother, it's inconceivable how you came to enthusiastically send a Japanese person's staple food.''

"Kuh"

''Kuh?''

"Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh"

''Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh?'' She sought out the source of the sound that she couldn't quite comprehend, and for some reason it was Sachiko-sama's voice squeezing out. Sachiko-sama's body literally folded over on the next "kuh"<ref>The "kuh" sound looks like a line bent in half: く So, the "literally" may refer to her "literally" bending into the shape of the Ku character.</ref>, and she grabbed her stomach laughing.

"Yumi's home, isn't it wonderful? Growing into children like Yumi and Yuuki-san is because of being born and raised in such a household."

"U-um"

She wasn't sure whether she was being praised or laughed at. But, onee-sama appeared to be enjoying it considerably.

"Kiyo. During our stay, when you cook the rice, by all means please make it for me with this. The onigiri<ref>Rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref> that Yumi's mother-sama made were very delicious."

"Certainly, mi'lady."

Kiyo-san promptly carried the box that the rice was in to the kitchen.

After tea, Sachiko-sama played the piano in the atrium for Yumi.

There wasn't a sofa in the almost twenty tatami mat<ref>The size of a tatami mat is a common unit for measuring the floor area of Japanese rooms. Approx. 1.8 x 0.9 meters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatami </ref> atrium, instead there was a large dining table with six chairs, and along a wall there was a fireplace and an upright piano.

"Is there a tune you want to hear?"

After starting off at the top of the keyboard with a rising and falling Hanon piece<ref>Piano Exercises by Charles Louis Hanon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Virtuoso_Pianist_in_60_Exercises </ref> to warm up her fingers and make sure the piano was tuned, Sachiko-sama flipped through a bundle of piano pieces with her thumb.

"Gounod's Ave Maria"<ref>Composed by Charles-François Gounod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Maria_(Gounod)
(There is audio of the piece at the link.)</ref>


Yumi said seemingly without thinking about it.

"Ave Maria, is it?"

As Sachiko-sama narrowed her eyes and nodded agreement, she sat on the chair and proceeded to play the piano piece in it's entirety. Yumi wondered how Sachiko-sama was able to play the piece so well from memory.

This piece of music was a very special piece of music for Yumi.

In the spring of last year, Sachiko-sama, who was Rosa Chinensis en Buton at the time, had played the organ in the chapel sanctuary for Yumi and the other first year students. The song played was Gounod's Ave Maria.

It was in that moment that Yumi was completely captivated. By an onee-sama one year above, named Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.

''Whenever she reminisces, it's still so.''

Though Sachiko-sama might not remember, there was that time in the music room a bit before becoming Soeurs, where they played the piano together and even though it was only a short passage of the piece, it was also this piece of music. Calling it a four handed performance would be ridiculous. However, to the melody that Yumi uselessly played, Sachiko-sama added only the left hand. But, to Yumi it was a treasured memory. And so, of the numerous versions of Ave Maria, Gounod's piece was her favorite.

Sachiko-sama's fingers moved without faltering, and looked as though it was an elegant dance on top of the keyboard. The piece praising Maria-sama was perfect for her beautiful onee-sama.

By the time the piece finished, though she had no idea when they hade been lured to come there, both Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san had come to the atrium and the three of them gave her onee-sama a big applause.

 

===2===

On the 2nd floor there were 3 rooms. Two of them had been assigned to Sachiko-sama and Yumi.

"It's fine, though the two of us together was good too..."

''Rather, it's better that way'', Yumi thought, but it was a relief when onee-sama had said, "Especially since there's an excess of rooms."

"I might do things like reading books in the middle of the night, and if that happens, Yumi would be annoyed and unable to sleep."

"… got it."

In conclusion, the opposite reason could also be said, and the interpretation that Sachiko-sama didn't want her time intruded upon could also stand to be true.

For Yumi, who was adopting a secret goal of not intruding upon onee-sama's vacation, to be properly submissive here was the correct choice.

"See to your luggage."

Leaving that said, Sachiko-sama went into her room. Yumi wanted to be together for a bit more, but she didn't even have the courage to follow after her. Since remaining in the hallway by herself wouldn't accomplish anything, Yumi decided to quietly return to her room.


The room was almost 8 tatami mats in size, and had an atmosphere similar to an old hotel except that there wasn't a toilet, bath, phone, or television. There was one semi-double bed. Of the antique furniture, there was one armoire and one chest of drawers. The rest was a desk and chair set.

The room's walls were white. Areas such as the posts and beams were dark brown. The windows were left open and a pleasant feeling breeze was stirring the lace curtains.

"Whew"

Yumi placed her basket onto the floor and flopped onto the bed.

In any case, she had arrived. She was at Sachiko-sama's summer house.

Yumi wondered if, during this one week, the things she wanted to come for would happen. She had actually come to the summer house, and more than the heart-racing, there was a feeling like the count of thrilling experiences had gone up.

Aside from the property managers Kiyo-san and Gensuke, it was just the two of them, her and Sachiko-sama. At school Sachiko-sama was everyone's Rosa Chinensis, but for this one week, she had onee-sama to herself.

''Whoohoo!'' she thought, and as she was doing a banzai cheer while lying down, a knock was heard. She didn't know whether the brief knock was on this room's door or onee-sama's neighboring door, but since right away Kiyo-san's voice was heard saying, "Yumi-sama, is it okay?" she hurriedly hopped up from the bed.


"Y-yes. Please come in."

"Do forgive me. About this, what would you like me to do?"

Kiyo-san held out before her the cooler-case that Yumi had brought. The plastic containers that were inside had already been considerately washed clean.

"If I were to return it now, it would be a bother, right? So, if there are no plans to use it, shall I store it for you in the kitchen?"

"Ah, thank you for your trouble."

Not a problem, not a problem. While laughing, Kiyo-san withdrew the cooler-case and after a pause as her gaze fell upon the plastic containers inside the case, she said, "Well…"

"It's an awkward matter to ask about, but…, Yumi-sama"

"Yes?"

''What awkward matter?'' Yumi thought, and tilted her head.

"The lunchbox's contents, what was it exactly?"

"The lunchbox contents? Umm, let's see, onigiri, grilled cherry tomatoes, fried white-meat fish, and… what shall I call it… grilled asparagus and cheese wrapped in bacon…but"

"There were four onigiri. All filled with umeboshi?<ref>Pickled plums: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>"

"How did you know that?"


''Waah'', Yumi put herself on guard. Was Kiyo-san a person with psychic powers? ''To not only have hit the mark on the filling of onigiri that should have been completely consumed, but to have even guessed the number...''

"Since four pits were left behind…"

"Oh, is that so. Guess it is like that."

''So it was a matter of deduction, and not ESP. However, umeboshi pits, eh?'' Though it seemed understandable if thought about for a bit, Yumi's head that was up in the clouds had been spinning quite badly.

"And so, what did milady eat and about how much did she eat of it?"

"Well... a whole one of each, but…"

"So that is: onigiri, cherry tomatoes, white-meat fish, asparagus, cheese, and bacon, right?"

''Humph'', it wasn't a sigh, but rather Kiyo-san had expelled a deep breath.

"Umm…"

Since it was as if a nurse or nutritionist was precisely inquiring, Yumi was gradually becoming uneasy. ''Perhaps, could it be that there are things that must not be eaten by Sachiko-sama?'' Then, maybe because the well-known "Yumi's thoughts showing on her face" had unwittingly occurred, Kiyo-san hurriedly shook her head.

"I am sorry. I was only asking so that the menus for the mid-day and evening meals and such do not overlap."


"Ah, is that so?"

I see, it's that she has to take such things into consideration. Even being a manager-san is tough.

"May I help with something?"

Yumi offered. It was also something she had been told by her mother: ''In order to not become merely a guest, find things you can do, and get working.''

"Certainly not! If Yumi-sama is Lady Sachiko-sama's little sister, you are also after all just the same as a young lady of the Ogasawara household. If such a thing were allowed to happen, I would be reprimanded. That aside, we are doing the off-season management as well of course, so including those things, it's not an exaggeration to say that we are working entirely for the Ogasawara family to spend the their summertime moments here pleasantly. Please don't take away our work, ok?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

Yumi surrendered to Kiyo-san's earnest entreaty, nodding assent. It seems that for so-called wealthy young ladies there is an unexpected inability to do as one pleases.

"I'm glad that you understand. At half past twelve o'clock, we will do lunch. Please come downstairs around that time."

Kiyo-san politely lowered her head before leaving the room, and her light footsteps descended the stairs.


"Half past twelve…"

She looked at the clock. It was eleven. Kiyo-san's scones were delicious and she had eaten two of them, so frankly she wasn't hungry yet.

Yumi took off the one-piece dress, hung it in the armoire, put on a t-shirt and a denim skirt, and tried doing sit-ups for a bit. However, it was something she wasn't accustomed to doing, so she didn't continue. Having repeated 10 times, "get up, lie down," she had become exhausted immediately, and after that it was almost one hour later that she did the 11th time's "get up."

 

===3===

When she went down stairs at half past twelve, Sachiko-sama had not yet shown up.

"She said she wanted to lie down for a bit, and will be upstairs resting. She said that she didn't need lunch."

Kiyo-san entered the atrium pushing a service cart.

"Yumi-sama, where will you eat? The atrium? Or the terrace?"

"Ah, whichever…"

"Then, shall we do the terrace? It's fine weather."


Having been persuaded, Yumi went out onto the terrace and sat in a chair. ''So, Sachiko-sama wouldn't be eating with her.''

"It happens every year. The day that she arrives, she tends to rest until nearly evening."

"I see."

''Because of the after effects of the drowsiness causing motion-sickness medicine, she might be pretty much out of it until the medicine wears off.'' Yumi wiped her hands with a hand towel that had been prepared for her.

"Just a little while ago I asked about mi'lady's meal, but I forgot to ask about Yumi-sama's likes. Are there things that you don't eat?"

Kiyo-san inquired.

"No. I can eat just about anything."

"Oh, that helps. I have prepared egg and chicken sandwiches. For the drink, will ''café au lait'' be okay?"

"Ah, that would be terrific."

"You don't need to use polite speech for us. Please be more at ease."

"Even if you say so…"

Using casual speech to an older person was something she was not just a bit reluctant, but rather considerably reluctant, to do. After all, she wasn't a upper-class lady by birth.


"Since there is a second serving… please feel free to call for me."

With Kiyo-san apparently having completed laying out the table setting, Yumi hurriedly called out to stop her.

"Umm… aren't Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san joining?"

"We eat in a separate room."

Kiyo-san smiled sweetly and left. Evidently, it seems that in this place the masters and servants have strictly divided areas.

"Itadakimasu." <ref> Ritual saying generally equivalent to "thanks for the food" that is said before eating.</ref>

And that was how it had ended up with Yumi having lunch on the terrace alone. Sachiko-sama was skipping the meal and Yumi didn't really have much appetite, but since she felt bad for Kiyo-san who made it for her, in that way, she made up her mind to do her best to eat even though she wasn't hungry.

That said, the amount of sandwiches, neatly arranged on the large plate, wasn't skimpy. Just the bread alone seemed like it could very easily be an entire loaf. This was not an amount that a high-school girl could eat alone.

On the serving plate were chicken sandwiches and egg sandwiches, she took one each of the two kinds of sandwiches.

"Ah"


As she was preparing to take a bite, Yumi realized there was something to the left and right of the plate.

A knife and a fork.

"Aha…"

''Because of such a thing, there sure was no doubt that this was Sachiko-sama's home'', she thought. It was a shame she that couldn't be laughing about it together with onee-sama.

As an experiment, she tried eating with the knife and fork. Alas, with the egg sandwich, the filling squeezed out from both ends, and with the chicken one, she used a bit too much force and the bread was smushed.

It was a sandwich that Yumi desperately battled. If it was Sachiko-sama, she probably could skillfully cut it up and elegantly convey it to her mouth, even though it was such a difficult thing.

"I give up."

Yumi resigned herself to eating them using her hands. She started things off by picking up the lettuce that had fallen onto the plate and tossing it into her mouth.

"Chicken and egg. ...parent and child?"

She said by herself, and laughed by herself.

As for the sandwiches, the bread was done moist, and even the ingredients for the filling were fresh and tasty.

Just a bit, it was a lonely lunch.

 

===4===


Sachiko-sama remained cloistered in her room until around evening.

Yumi was bored, so bored, and even though she wasn't yet grasping for things to do to the point that she must rouse onee-sama from her rest, returning to her room couldn't be helped, and she tried doing such things as moving the luggage from one place to another, and meaninglessly hopping up and down on the bed.

If she had been allowed to, something like clearing away lunch would have probably passed the time, but sure enough, that had been rejected by Kiyo-san.

When she also got tired of exploring the inside of the room, Yumi gazed out the window. The house was standing in the middle of the trees looking like they were encircling it to the extent that the force of their outstretched branches would appear almost sufficient to crack the window glass.

"If it's going to be like this, I wonder if I should have at least brought a crossword puzzle…"

Initially, she was going to bring a small guidebook, but…. She had been so happy about coming here that before leaving she had read it until she was tired of reading it. Besides, in the room by herself, looking for a page about a noteworthy spot around here would be somewhat useless. With that said, Yumi was not familiar with the area and it would probably be too reckless for her to do such things as heading out by herself relying on the guidebook. First off, she was starting from the middle of these woods, and even if there were a place she could walk to, whether could she get to a lively sight-seeing area, she really had no idea. At best, the outcome would be her becoming a "lost child."


It was quiet enough to hear herself sighing greatly.

She turned her head about after feeling like she was being watched, and there was something -- a small animal and it's eyes. At first, she thought, ''a long tailed rabbit?'', but with the ears being short...

"Squirrel…?"

It was Squirrel-like in the way squirrels are always depicted, and while not having a vertical-stripe pattern at all, it was unmistakably a squirrel. Larger than a chipmunk, it was merely just a brown-looking squirrel. The squirrel was on the branches near the window staring her way motionlessly.

"Come here, come here ."

She tried, reaching out her hand, but, of course a wild squirrel wasn't going to be drawn closer with something like that. As if coldly disregarding Yumi, it scampered off toward the thick tree trunk.

"He mustn't like me…"

Boring.

''It would be good if onee-sama woke up soon'', she thought.


Sachiko-sama came downstairs just before dinner, and arrived at the dinner table with glazed over eyes. Sachiko-sama was said to be bad about having low-blood pressure when waking up in the morning. As expected, it really was the case that she might be listless for an unrelated period of time after having slept.

Dinner's menu was a full complement of blessing from the mountain.

The main course was grilled salted ayu<ref>鮎(Ayu) -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayu </ref>. All kinds of mushroom tempura. Local vegetable aemono<ref>和え物 -- a blanched and dressed vegetable side dish.</ref>. After that, hand-made yosedofu<ref> 寄せ豆腐 -- a creamy tofu made by adding nigari (magnesium chloride) to unsweetened soy milk.</ref>. All of it looked delicious, but... having eaten plenty of scones and sandwiches, she should've been more anxious to take the initiative to eat sparingly from the start.

"Please have seconds."

Kiyo-san placed a steaming rice bowl on the table.

That's right, she mustn't forget. The rice was the Uonuma produced Koshihikari that had been sent from the Fukuzawa household, and there was okoge<ref> お焦げ, the crispy rice that forms at the bottom of the cooking pan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okoge_(food) </ref>. Sachiko-sama's grandfather liked rice cooked on a traditional stove, and she'd heard that when the kitchen was renovated, the only thing to remain was the traditional stove.

As two of them began their meal sitting facing each other at the six-seater table, Sachiko-sama asked,

"What did Yumi do while I was sleeping?"

"Umm. Organizing the luggage and such, lying down for a bit…, ah, after that I also saw a squirrel from the window."

"That so. There's a lot of nature that remains here. Don't you think it's nice and quiet?"

"Ah, yeah."


After nodding agreement, Yumi added,

"But, onee-sama wasn't there and I was a bit lonely."

''If there's something you want to say, please say it'', were the words she'd heard Sachiko-sama say previously.

"Oh"

Sachiko-sama smiled a bit.

"Well then, in the evening shall we play some games or something?"

"Is that ok?"

Yumi asked searchingly.

"Of course"

Was the agreeable reply.

"Hurray!"

Joy surged through her body and without thinking she had stood up from the chair.

"Yumi. Don't stand up in the middle of the meal."

"...yes."

Though cautioned, it didn't halve her joy at all. That's because her happiness was already at ten fold or a hundred fold.

That aside, playing games wasn't the reason that she was so happy. Simply, it was that she would be together with her onee-sama. And, onee-sama would be using that time for her. That was what had made Yumi happy.


Yumi, resuscitated, consumed all the side dishes. After all, rather than the delicious highland air, it seems that onee-sama's single word became a stimulant for her appetite.

After the meal as promised, they played games.

Unfortunately, the holiday house only had playing cards, chess, and Go<ref> 囲碁http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_(game) </ref>, but doing things such as hasami-shogi<ref> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasami_shogi </ref> with the chess board and Othello<ref> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversi </ref> with the Go board, it was sufficiently fulfilling.

Kiyo-san, who finished tidying up after the meal, and Gensuke-san, who disliked it, were dragged into doing card games such as "Old Maid" and even "Sevens". Since the Sawamura couple didn't know the rules for games such as "Daihinmin<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daifugō </ref>" and "Page One<ref> http://www.pagat.com/inflation/page_one.html </ref>", they had to repeat doing those two card games, but even with that it wasn't at all tiresome.

With the classical records and the sometimes mixing in of a "ji ji ji" noise, it was at some points a nostalgic feeling night.

''I want to keep staying up late like this forever'', Yumi thought.

 

===5===

Tuesday.


''I wonder what kind of enjoyable thing I'll be waiting for today.'' Anticipation swelled within Yumi's bosom (though there was no change in the actual size). Climbing off the bed, Yumi used the second story landing's washbasin to wash her face, and went downstairs.

Last night, in the end she was absorbed in the games until 12:30, and by the time she took her turn to enter the bath and went to bed, it was close to two o'clock in the morning. Before disbanding, it was decided that breakfast would be at 8:00 AM, and though, calculating backwards, she had set the alarm for 7:40 AM, she woke up before the electronic "PiPiPi" sound flowed out. It was the same reason her father's generation would get up excessively early if there was golf.

"Good morning."

Yumi started off with greeting Kiyo-san who was arranging the dishes on the table.

"Good morning, Yumi-sama. Were you able to sleep well?"

''Fwah.'' There was a smell of butter and eggs cooking.

"Yes. Soundly."

It was cooler than compared to restless Tokyo nights, so she had slept very well. Was that also why even though it was 8:00 AM, Sachiko-sama hadn't appeared in the atrium?

"Ah, Yumi-sama. Good morning."

The aromatic fragrance of freshly baked bread entered together with Gensuke-san.

"Good morning. That smells good."


"I bought freshly baked breed. Please eat them while they are piping hot."

Gensuke-san was wearing a helmet. It seems that he went out by bike to buy the bread for them. ''Piping hot'', he had said, and sure enough steam was rising up from the bag.

"Then, shall we entrust a task to Yumi-sama?"

While wiping her hands on a towel hung from her apron, Kiyo-san winked.

"Yes!"

Whatever it was, she was happy being told to do a task. Since becoming a guest here, it seemed as if both her body and her mind had dulled.

"Before the bread and omelets get cold, could you go rouse Lady Sachiko for us? This is a serious task."

"Please entrust it to me."

Yumi thumped her chest and energetically galloped up the stairs.

''She could see Onee-sama.''

Standing in front of the door, she restrained her leaping heart, and after taking a deep breath, she knocked.

''Knock, knock.''

They were together until a few hours ago, so something like already wanting to see her might be strange... But there was no way she'd ever tire of being together with Sachiko-sama, and if she could, she wanted to be by her side, so to be able see her face even just a bit earlier, she was happy.


''Knock, Knock.''

Since there was no reply, she knocked again. Still, no reply came from inside.

"Onee-sama…?"

Since the door wasn't locked, she opened it a crack and called out, and even with that, there was no response.

Though she had carelessly accepted, this might really be a serious task.

Gathering her resolve, Yumi entered the room. Though she tentatively called out an "excuse me", it probably wouldn't be delivered to Sachiko-sama's ears.

In the bed, wrapped in a cotton blanket, a Sleeping Beauty<ref> 眠れる森の美女 -- literally "sleeping beauty of the forest", but this is the classic "Sleeping Beauty": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeping_Beauty </ref> slept soundly. Disheveled black hair snaked over her face and bare arms as if vines, making her pale skin stand out all the more.

Since the scene was excessively beautiful, Yumi who was about to shake her awake, had halted her outstretched hand mid-motion. ''This is so much like a picture.''

"______"

''This'', although the nuance might differ a bit, would it not have the feel of: ''Picture of a Younger Sister Attacking her Onee-sama in her Sleep''.

''It was good that Tsutako-san wasn't by her side'', Yumi thought with a sense of relief. If she were here, it's absolutely, absolutely for sure that the shutter would be clicking away. And that person, she would skillfully use any means necessary to bamboozle, decorating an especially large panel for the school festival.


"U……n"

She acquired Sachiko-sama's turning in her sleep. She mustn't. Since Sachiko-sama was pretty, if Yumi continued looking, she would enter into the company of perverts.

"Onee-sama, Onee-sama."

Yumi didn't know where it would be ok to touch, so with trepidation she shook Sachiko-sama's shoulder and called out.

"Nn…"

"Please get up. It's morning."

Still half-asleep, Sachiko-sama pulled the cotton blanket over her head with a sound of sliding fabric.

"Gensuke-san bought bread for us, and it'll get cold. After that, Kiyo-san's omelets will as well."

"I don't need to eat. So let me sleep."

"That's no good. Because I want to eat breakfast with onee-sama."

Though it was a bit rude, Yumi yanked off the cotton blanket. Sachiko-sama made herself into a 'く' character and her sleep-wear came to resemble a tank-top with the hem stretched to her calves. Incidentally, the color of the sleep-wear was baby-pink.

"Please get up."


"…"

"Onee-sama."

"I get it. I should get up."

Sachiko-sama gave in, brushing her hair aside and raising her self up. She was scowling just a bit, but she properly put on her slippers and got out of bed.

"Yumi."

"Yes."

"I'll go in five minutes..."

"Whaa..."

Finally noticing that Sachiko-sama was holding the shoulder area of her sleep-wear, Yumi realized she was saying, ''get out, I'm changing my clothes''.

"Well then, I'll be waiting downstairs."

Hurriedly, Yumi left the room.

''Idiot idiot idiot idiot. What an idiot''.

''It's not that I stood around like a fool looking''. Yumi tsukomi'd herself, descending the stairs while red faced.


 

===6===

The meal which began after 8:00 in the morning, was completely tidied up by 9:00.

''Well, wonder what we'll do today…'', Yumi thought trembling excitedly while waiting for Sachiko-sama to speak up, but whether something like: ''shall we go somewhere?'', or ''shall we do something?'', no such words were heard at all.

How about plans for after meal digestion exercises? Sachiko-sama went directly to reading on the terrace. Somehow or other, it had already been an hour.

"That book...?"

"Summer vacation homework. A book report."

In Sachiko-sama's hands, the Complete Works of Dazai Osamu<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osamu_Dazai </ref>.

"It's a travel journal and I don't really like it."

Seems the assignment was "Tsugaru"<ref> A place in Aomori and also the title to a work by Dazai Osamu. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsugaru,_Aomori </ref>. Yumi had not read it yet, but she inferred it was probably "A story where the protagonist travels through Tsugaru." It seems so for Sachiko-sama to say, "Come now, that place..."

"Though it picks up a bit toward the end."

"Is that how it is?"

While secretly peeping, she saw the characters for "Tsugaru" at the top of Sachiko-sama's open page. Having said that, the reason "Tsugaru" is still read in the present continuous tense, is because it's not supposed to arrive at an end.


"I said that since I've read it."

"..."

''After all, she had read the book at this holiday house when she was a first year in middle school'', she said. Shockingly, in addition to that, she said she had sought out and read her father's bookshelves after completely reading all the books she brought from home and having run out of books to read. Yumi was such that she wouldn't read a literary novel unless it was homework.

"Yumi should also get her homework done early."

Sachiko-sama said, dropping her line of sight again to the page.

"Since our schedule will be full after this."

"Eh?"

She wanted to hop up saying, ''some fun things were scheduled for later?''

"Isn't it going to be as I said? 'In the later half of summer vacation we'll be out at school preparing for the school festival.'"

"Ah, …right. I remember."

''Early''. It seems she meant early in the summer vacation. Nevertheless, Yumi happily jumped to a hasty conclusion earlier this morning. ''Danger, danger''. She was about to get off to a false start.<ref> As in flying off the starting line before the starting gun in a race. </ref>


"Yumi, your homework?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't bring it."

"Why?"

''Why she says''. You wouldn't ordinarily bring your homework with you on a vacation.

''No, wait'', Yumi recalled. Recently on TV, there was talk of it being fashionable to go about life the same as usual at your travel destination. Wasn't there something extremely demeaning, like Japanese people having been exposed as country bumpkins, who go overseas and while sightseeing are only thinking about travel gifts<ref> Omiyage </ref> for people back home.

Probably Sachiko-sama is of the faction that goes with the normal flow of things. And Yumi, the latter. In this way, can a pair whose perceptions were out of sync, sync up their lifestyles for a week? She was becoming a bit anxious.

''No, it's alright'', Yumi thought to herself, while shaking her head.

Wasn't the important thing that she should be together with Sachiko-sama? That she be able to share the same time with onee-sama, even if only to spend a Sunday without plans relaxing.

"You didn't bring the book for your book report either?"

Sachiko-sama muttered in amazement.

"Sorry."

Though she had bought a compilation book just in case, unfortunately, it had been left on the desk in her room still in the bag from the bookstore.


"Um… if it's in the books that came to held by onee-sama's father, could you lend it to me?

"That's fine. What would you like?"

"Natsume Souseki's 'Heart'."

"If it's Souseki, we have the complete collection. If I remember correctly, in here---"

Sachiko-sama stood up and opened the atrium's cabinet's long, narrow door. You couldn't tell from the outside, but the cabinet was jam-packed with books from top to bottom.

"Wow…"

She admired without thinking. When opened, it seemed even the cabinets abutting the entrance to the hallway and the stairway landing had similarly become bookshelves.

"Since both father and grand-father were busy people, they couldn't take time to leisurely read novels. So, they indulged in reading during the summer vacations here. But at home, only opening business writings. ...ah yes, here it is."

Sachiko-sama took out a rather substantial book and handed it over to Yumi.

"I'll gratefully borrow it."

"A friendship themed book, isn't it?"

Sachiko-sama muttered. As expected, seems she's read this book too.

Friendship.


After that, she read with Sachiko-sama on the terrace.

Yumi quietly opened the first page.

''I always called that person "sensei"''.

The story's beginning was profoundly heavy to the extent that it rivaled the book's weight.

 

===7===

[In progress]

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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| Back to [[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
| Forward to [[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
|-
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User:Rydenius

2015-05-02T02:04:59Z

Rydenius: updated N5 to N4 certification, and some other minor changes

== Hi, I'm Rydenius ==

Hello readers, I've used this page to learn how to do wiki editing and to post some info about the (low) level of my translation ability, so don't have too high an expectation.

=== About me ===

I'm an American living on the east coast of the United States. I have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and study Japanese in my free time. I have a JLPT N4 certification.

=== My Translation Skills and Tools ===

I guess I'm a newbie translator at this point. I have completed 3 semesters of college Japanese using the ''Yookoso'' and ''Genki'' (I+II) textbooks, and am moving on to ''An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese'' (Akira Miura & Naomi Hananoka McGloin).

I have also worked my way through: 
''Fundamentals of Japanese Grammar'' (Yuki Johnson) 
''Read Japanese Today'' (Len Walsh) 

Reference texts that I am currently using: 
''Essential Japanese Grammar'' (Masahiro Tanimori, Eriko Sato) 
''A Dictionary of Japanese Particles'' (Sue A. Kawashima) 
''Common Japanese Collocations'' (Kakuko Shoji) 

Web resources that I am currently using: 
[http://jisho.org/ Denshi Jisho] (Dictionary -- I'm using the public beta version of the new website) 
[http://www.alc.co.jp/ ALC] (Dictionary w/ lots of example sentences and does well with phrases.) 
[http://ejje.weblio.jp/ Weblio] (Dictionary -- connects to several databases) 
[http://www.memrise.com/ Memrise] (SRS drilling for vocabulary) 

While I have a reasonable grasp of individual Kanji up through 7th grade or so, lately I've changed my approach to focusing more on learning actual vocabulary words.

=== Series that I have an interest in working on ===

Currently I'm working on: 
[[Maria-sama ga Miteru|マリア様が見てる]] (Maria-sama ga miteru) 

[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] ([[User talk:Rydenius|talk]]) 03:52, 27 November 2013 (CST)

Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2015-05-02T00:25:35Z

Rydenius: /* 7 */

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
{{Incomplete|percentage=80}}
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without the use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.


"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam<ref>お嬢さま -- A daughter of wealth or nobility.</ref>."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language when addressing Yumi and Sachiko throughout this chapter.</ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there be any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. ''Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san.'' She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. ''Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...''

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

To start with, they went out from the first floor atrium onto a wide terrace, and were treated to black tea. Scones that Kiyo-san had baked, were accompanied by homemade strawberry jam that was said to have been given out by an acquaintance. It seems that these things had been prepared because they had heard that Sachiko-sama would be coming.


"Is everything all right with the master and the young master?"

While pouring a second serving of tea, Kiyo-san began the conversation.

"Thanks. Grandfather and father are both doing fine."

Gensuke-san wasn't there, and was likely working outside.

"For Lady Sayako-sama, it's unfortunate about her mother. Surely, she must have been feeling really down."

"It's alright now. Since it had been a lengthy struggle with illness, it seems that she had prepared herself."

''Kiyo-san has probably been working for the Ogasawaras since ancient times. Here Sachiko-sama's grandfather was referred to as "master"<ref>旦那さま</ref> and her father as "the young master".<ref>ぼっちゃま </ref> So that would be why the mother, Sayako-sama, was referred to in the same manner as Sachiko-sama, "the young lady"<ref>(お嬢さま) but that doesn't sound formal when written in English so "madam", "Lady", and "Mi'lady" has been used instead were appropriate.</ref> … complicated.''

"Ah, that's right. An express delivery addressed to Lady Sachiko-sama arrived from Yumi-sama's house."

"Oh, I wonder what it could be?"

"Just a moment."

Kiyo-san withdrew into a room for a moment and with a "heave-ho" returned holding a smallish box, slightly smaller than a box for mandarin oranges. ''What is it, what is it? Such a heavy looking package...''

"Seems like it's rice."


Kiyo-san said while looking at the product name field on the express delivery's form.

"Eh?"

Sachiko-sama asked in return. Even Yumi, who hadn't heard even a single word about such a thing from her mother, was surprised and sought confirmation.

"I-It's rice?"

"Yep, rice. Shall we open it and take a look?"

After obtaining Sachiko-sama's consent, Kiyo-san peeled off the craft-tape sealing the box with a "schwah" sound. And then, it jumped into view:

"Uonuma<ref>Uonuma is a city in Niigata prefecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uonuma,_Niigata </ref> produced Koshihikari"<ref>A popular type of rice in Japan and the variety grown in Uonuma is particularly well regarded (and expensive): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshihikari </ref>

It was written in large characters on a 5 kilogram vinyl pack. It indicated beyond any doubt that contents were indeed white rice.

''Drip.''<ref>タラリ -- sweat-drop sound effect.</ref> Although Yumi maintained a composed expression, sweat trickled down her back. ''Mother, it's inconceivable how you came to enthusiastically send a Japanese person's staple food.''

"Kuh"

''Kuh?''

"Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh"

''Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh?'' She sought out the source of the sound that she couldn't quite comprehend, and for some reason it was Sachiko-sama's voice squeezing out. Sachiko-sama's body literally folded over on the next "kuh"<ref>The "kuh" sound looks like a line bent in half: く So, the "literally" may refer to her "literally" bending into the shape of the Ku character.</ref>, and she grabbed her stomach laughing.

"Yumi's home, isn't it wonderful? Growing into children like Yumi and Yuuki-san is because of being born and raised in such a household."

"U-um"

She wasn't sure whether she was being praised or laughed at. But, onee-sama appeared to be enjoying it considerably.

"Kiyo. During our stay, when you cook the rice, by all means please make it for me with this. The onigiri<ref>Rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref> that Yumi's mother-sama made were very delicious."

"Certainly, mi'lady."

Kiyo-san promptly carried the box that the rice was in to the kitchen.

After tea, Sachiko-sama played the piano in the atrium for Yumi.

There wasn't a sofa in the almost twenty tatami mat<ref>The size of a tatami mat is a common unit for measuring the floor area of Japanese rooms. Approx. 1.8 x 0.9 meters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatami </ref> atrium, instead there was a large dining table with six chairs, and along a wall there was a fireplace and an upright piano.

"Is there a tune you want to hear?"

After starting off at the top of the keyboard with a rising and falling Hanon piece<ref>Piano Exercises by Charles Louis Hanon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Virtuoso_Pianist_in_60_Exercises </ref> to warm up her fingers and make sure the piano was tuned, Sachiko-sama flipped through a bundle of piano pieces with her thumb.

"Gounod's Ave Maria"<ref>Composed by Charles-François Gounod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Maria_(Gounod)
(There is audio of the piece at the link.)</ref>


Yumi said seemingly without thinking about it.

"Ave Maria, is it?"

As Sachiko-sama narrowed her eyes and nodded agreement, she sat on the chair and proceeded to play the piano piece in it's entirety. Yumi wondered how Sachiko-sama was able to play the piece so well from memory.

This piece of music was a very special piece of music for Yumi.

In the spring of last year, Sachiko-sama, who was Rosa Chinensis en Buton at the time, had played the organ in the chapel sanctuary for Yumi and the other first year students. The song played was Gounod's Ave Maria.

It was in that moment that Yumi was completely captivated. By an onee-sama one year above, named Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.

''Whenever she reminisces, it's still so.''

Though Sachiko-sama might not remember, there was that time in the music room a bit before becoming Soeurs, where they played the piano together and even though it was only a short passage of the piece, it was also this piece of music. Calling it a four handed performance would be ridiculous. However, to the melody that Yumi uselessly played, Sachiko-sama added only the left hand. But, to Yumi it was a treasured memory. And so, of the numerous versions of Ave Maria, Gounod's piece was her favorite.

Sachiko-sama's fingers moved without faltering, and looked as though it was an elegant dance on top of the keyboard. The piece praising Maria-sama was perfect for her beautiful onee-sama.

By the time the piece finished, though she had no idea when they hade been lured to come there, both Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san had come to the atrium and the three of them gave her onee-sama a big applause.

 

===2===

On the 2nd floor there were 3 rooms. Two of them had been assigned to Sachiko-sama and Yumi.

"It's fine, though the two of us together was good too..."

''Rather, it's better that way'', Yumi thought, but it was a relief when onee-sama had said, "Especially since there's an excess of rooms."

"I might do things like reading books in the middle of the night, and if that happens, Yumi would be annoyed and unable to sleep."

"… got it."

In conclusion, the opposite reason could also be said, and the interpretation that Sachiko-sama didn't want her time intruded upon could also stand to be true.

For Yumi, who was adopting a secret goal of not intruding upon onee-sama's vacation, to be properly submissive here was the correct choice.

"See to your luggage."

Leaving that said, Sachiko-sama went into her room. Yumi wanted to be together for a bit more, but she didn't even have the courage to follow after her. Since remaining in the hallway by herself wouldn't accomplish anything, Yumi decided to quietly return to her room.


The room was almost 8 tatami mats in size, and had an atmosphere similar to an old hotel except that there wasn't a toilet, bath, phone, or television. There was one semi-double bed. Of the antique furniture, there was one armoire and one chest of drawers. The rest was a desk and chair set.

The room's walls were white. Areas such as the posts and beams were dark brown. The windows were left open and a pleasant feeling breeze was stirring the lace curtains.

"Whew"

Yumi placed her basket onto the floor and flopped onto the bed.

In any case, she had arrived. She was at Sachiko-sama's summer house.

Yumi wondered if, during this one week, the things she wanted to come for would happen. She had actually come to the summer house, and more than the heart-racing, there was a feeling like the count of thrilling experiences had gone up.

Aside from the property managers Kiyo-san and Gensuke, it was just the two of them, her and Sachiko-sama. At school Sachiko-sama was everyone's Rosa Chinensis, but for this one week, she had onee-sama to herself.

''Whoohoo!'' she thought, and as she was doing a banzai cheer while lying down, a knock was heard. She didn't know whether the brief knock was on this room's door or onee-sama's neighboring door, but since right away Kiyo-san's voice was heard saying, "Yumi-sama, is it okay?" she hurriedly hopped up from the bed.


"Y-yes. Please come in."

"Do forgive me. About this, what would you like me to do?"

Kiyo-san held out before her the cooler-case that Yumi had brought. The plastic containers that were inside had already been considerately washed clean.

"If I were to return it now, it would be a bother, right? So, if there are no plans to use it, shall I store it for you in the kitchen?"

"Ah, thank you for your trouble."

Not a problem, not a problem. While laughing, Kiyo-san withdrew the cooler-case and after a pause as her gaze fell upon the plastic containers inside the case, she said, "Well…"

"It's an awkward matter to ask about, but…, Yumi-sama"

"Yes?"

''What awkward matter?'' Yumi thought, and tilted her head.

"The lunchbox's contents, what was it exactly?"

"The lunchbox contents? Umm, let's see, onigiri, grilled cherry tomatoes, fried white-meat fish, and… what shall I call it… grilled asparagus and cheese wrapped in bacon…but"

"There were four onigiri. All filled with umeboshi?<ref>Pickled plums: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>"

"How did you know that?"


''Waah'', Yumi put herself on guard. Was Kiyo-san a person with psychic powers? ''To not only have hit the mark on the filling of onigiri that should have been completely consumed, but to have even guessed the number...''

"Since four pits were left behind…"

"Oh, is that so. Guess it is like that."

''So it was a matter of deduction, and not ESP. However, umeboshi pits, eh?'' Though it seemed understandable if thought about for a bit, Yumi's head that was up in the clouds had been spinning quite badly.

"And so, what did milady eat and about how much did she eat of it?"

"Well... a whole one of each, but…"

"So that is: onigiri, cherry tomatoes, white-meat fish, asparagus, cheese, and bacon, right?"

''Humph'', it wasn't a sigh, but rather Kiyo-san had expelled a deep breath.

"Umm…"

Since it was as if a nurse or nutritionist was precisely inquiring, Yumi was gradually becoming uneasy. ''Perhaps, could it be that there are things that must not be eaten by Sachiko-sama?'' Then, maybe because the well-known "Yumi's thoughts showing on her face" had unwittingly occurred, Kiyo-san hurriedly shook her head.

"I am sorry. I was only asking so that the menus for the mid-day and evening meals and such do not overlap."


"Ah, is that so?"

I see, it's that she has to take such things into consideration. Even being a manager-san is tough.

"May I help with something?"

Yumi offered. It was also something she had been told by her mother: ''In order to not become merely a guest, find things you can do, and get working.''

"Certainly not! If Yumi-sama is Lady Sachiko-sama's little sister, you are also after all just the same as a young lady of the Ogasawara household. If such a thing were allowed to happen, I would be reprimanded. That aside, we are doing the off-season management as well of course, so including those things, it's not an exaggeration to say that we are working entirely for the Ogasawara family to spend the their summertime moments here pleasantly. Please don't take away our work, ok?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

Yumi surrendered to Kiyo-san's earnest entreaty, nodding assent. It seems that for so-called wealthy young ladies there is an unexpected inability to do as one pleases.

"I'm glad that you understand. At half past twelve o'clock, we will do lunch. Please come downstairs around that time."

Kiyo-san politely lowered her head before leaving the room, and her light footsteps descended the stairs.


"Half past twelve…"

She looked at the clock. It was eleven. Kiyo-san's scones were delicious and she had eaten two of them, so frankly she wasn't hungry yet.

Yumi took off the one-piece dress, hung it in the armoire, put on a t-shirt and a denim skirt, and tried doing sit-ups for a bit. However, it was something she wasn't accustomed to doing, so she didn't continue. Having repeated 10 times, "get up, lie down," she had become exhausted immediately, and after that it was almost one hour later that she did the 11th time's "get up."

 

===3===

When she went down stairs at half past twelve, Sachiko-sama had not yet shown up.

"She said she wanted to lie down for a bit, and will be upstairs resting. She said that she didn't need lunch."

Kiyo-san entered the atrium pushing a service cart.

"Yumi-sama, where will you eat? The atrium? Or the terrace?"

"Ah, whichever…"

"Then, shall we do the terrace? It's fine weather."


Having been persuaded, Yumi went out onto the terrace and sat in a chair. ''So, Sachiko-sama wouldn't be eating with her.''

"It happens every year. The day that she arrives, she tends to rest until nearly evening."

"I see."

''Because of the after effects of the drowsiness causing motion-sickness medicine, she might be pretty much out of it until the medicine wears off.'' Yumi wiped her hands with a hand towel that had been prepared for her.

"Just a little while ago I asked about mi'lady's meal, but I forgot to ask about Yumi-sama's likes. Are there things that you don't eat?"

Kiyo-san inquired.

"No. I can eat just about anything."

"Oh, that helps. I have prepared egg and chicken sandwiches. For the drink, will ''café au lait'' be okay?"

"Ah, that would be terrific."

"You don't need to use polite speech for us. Please be more at ease."

"Even if you say so…"

Using casual speech to an older person was something she was not just a bit reluctant, but rather considerably reluctant, to do. After all, she wasn't a upper-class lady by birth.


"Since there is a second serving… please feel free to call for me."

With Kiyo-san apparently having completed laying out the table setting, Yumi hurriedly called out to stop her.

"Umm… aren't Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san joining?"

"We eat in a separate room."

Kiyo-san smiled sweetly and left. Evidently, it seems that in this place the masters and servants have strictly divided areas.

"Itadakimasu." <ref> Ritual saying generally equivalent to "thanks for the food" that is said before eating.</ref>

And that was how it had ended up with Yumi having lunch on the terrace alone. Sachiko-sama was skipping the meal and Yumi didn't really have much appetite, but since she felt bad for Kiyo-san who made it for her, in that way, she made up her mind to do her best to eat even though she wasn't hungry.

That said, the amount of sandwiches, neatly arranged on the large plate, wasn't skimpy. Just the bread alone seemed like it could very easily be an entire loaf. This was not an amount that a high-school girl could eat alone.

On the serving plate were chicken sandwiches and egg sandwiches, she took one each of the two kinds of sandwiches.

"Ah"


As she was preparing to take a bite, Yumi realized there was something to the left and right of the plate.

A knife and a fork.

"Aha…"

''Because of such a thing, there sure was no doubt that this was Sachiko-sama's home'', she thought. It was a shame she that couldn't be laughing about it together with onee-sama.

As an experiment, she tried eating with the knife and fork. Alas, with the egg sandwich, the filling squeezed out from both ends, and with the chicken one, she used a bit too much force and the bread was smushed.

It was a sandwich that Yumi desperately battled. If it was Sachiko-sama, she probably could skillfully cut it up and elegantly convey it to her mouth, even though it was such a difficult thing.

"I give up."

Yumi resigned herself to eating them using her hands. She started things off by picking up the lettuce that had fallen onto the plate and tossing it into her mouth.

"Chicken and egg. ...parent and child?"

She said by herself, and laughed by herself.

As for the sandwiches, the bread was done moist, and even the ingredients for the filling were fresh and tasty.

Just a bit, it was a lonely lunch.

 

===4===


Sachiko-sama remained cloistered in her room until around evening.

Yumi was bored, so bored, and even though she wasn't yet grasping for things to do to the point that she must rouse onee-sama from her rest, returning to her room couldn't be helped, and she tried doing such things as moving the luggage from one place to another, and meaninglessly hopping up and down on the bed.

If she had been allowed to, something like clearing away lunch would have probably passed the time, but sure enough, that had been rejected by Kiyo-san.

When she also got tired of exploring the inside of the room, Yumi gazed out the window. The house was standing in the middle of the trees looking like they were encircling it to the extent that the force of their outstretched branches would appear almost sufficient to crack the window glass.

"If it's going to be like this, I wonder if I should have at least brought a crossword puzzle…"

Initially, she was going to bring a small guidebook, but…. She had been so happy about coming here that before leaving she had read it until she was tired of reading it. Besides, in the room by herself, looking for a page about a noteworthy spot around here would be somewhat useless. With that said, Yumi was not familiar with the area and it would probably be too reckless for her to do such things as heading out by herself relying on the guidebook. First off, she was starting from the middle of these woods, and even if there were a place she could walk to, whether could she get to a lively sight-seeing area, she really had no idea. At best, the outcome would be her becoming a "lost child."


It was quiet enough to hear herself sighing greatly.

She turned her head about after feeling like she was being watched, and there was something -- a small animal and it's eyes. At first, she thought, ''a long tailed rabbit?'', but with the ears being short...

"Squirrel…?"

It was Squirrel-like in the way squirrels are always depicted, and while not having a vertical-stripe pattern at all, it was unmistakably a squirrel. Larger than a chipmunk, it was merely just a brown-looking squirrel. The squirrel was on the branches near the window staring her way motionlessly.

"Come here, come here ."

She tried, reaching out her hand, but, of course a wild squirrel wasn't going to be drawn closer with something like that. As if coldly disregarding Yumi, it scampered off toward the thick tree trunk.

"He mustn't like me…"

Boring.

''It would be good if onee-sama woke up soon'', she thought.


Sachiko-sama came downstairs just before dinner, and arrived at the dinner table with glazed over eyes. Sachiko-sama was said to be bad about having low-blood pressure when waking up in the morning. As expected, it really was the case that she might be listless for an unrelated period of time after having slept.

Dinner's menu was a full complement of blessing from the mountain.

The main course was grilled salted ayu<ref>鮎(Ayu) -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayu </ref>. All kinds of mushroom tempura. Local vegetable aemono<ref>和え物 -- a blanched and dressed vegetable side dish.</ref>. After that, hand-made yosedofu<ref> 寄せ豆腐 -- a creamy tofu made by adding nigari (magnesium chloride) to unsweetened soy milk.</ref>. All of it looked delicious, but... having eaten plenty of scones and sandwiches, she should've been more anxious to take the initiative to eat sparingly from the start.

"Please have seconds."

Kiyo-san placed a steaming rice bowl on the table.

That's right, she mustn't forget. The rice was the Uonuma produced Koshihikari that had been sent from the Fukuzawa household, and there was okoge<ref> お焦げ, the crispy rice that forms at the bottom of the cooking pan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okoge_(food) </ref>. Sachiko-sama's grandfather liked rice cooked on a traditional stove, and she'd heard that when the kitchen was renovated, the only thing to remain was the traditional stove.

As two of them began their meal sitting facing each other at the six-seater table, Sachiko-sama asked,

"What did Yumi do while I was sleeping?"

"Umm. Organizing the luggage and such, lying down for a bit…, ah, after that I also saw a squirrel from the window."

"That so. There's a lot of nature that remains here. Don't you think it's nice and quiet?"

"Ah, yeah."


After nodding agreement, Yumi added,

"But, onee-sama wasn't there and I was a bit lonely."

''If there's something you want to say, please say it'', were the words she'd heard Sachiko-sama say previously.

"Oh"

Sachiko-sama smiled a bit.

"Well then, in the evening shall we play some games or something?"

"Is that ok?"

Yumi asked searchingly.

"Of course"

Was the agreeable reply.

"Hurray!"

Joy surged through her body and without thinking she had stood up from the chair.

"Yumi. Don't stand up in the middle of the meal."

"...yes."

Though cautioned, it didn't halve her joy at all. That's because her happiness was already at ten fold or a hundred fold.

That aside, playing games wasn't the reason that she was so happy. Simply, it was that she would be together with her onee-sama. And, onee-sama would be using that time for her. That was what had made Yumi happy.


Yumi, resuscitated, consumed all the side dishes. After all, rather than the delicious highland air, it seems that onee-sama's single word became a stimulant for her appetite.

After the meal as promised, they played games.

Unfortunately, the holiday house only had playing cards, chess, and Go<ref> 囲碁http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_(game) </ref>, but doing things such as hasami-shogi<ref> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasami_shogi </ref> with the chess board and Othello<ref> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversi </ref> with the Go board, it was sufficiently fulfilling.

Kiyo-san, who finished tidying up after the meal, and Gensuke-san, who disliked it, were dragged into doing card games such as "Old Maid" and even "Sevens". Since the Sawamura couple didn't know the rules for games such as "Daihinmin<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daifugō </ref>" and "Page One<ref> http://www.pagat.com/inflation/page_one.html </ref>", they had to repeat doing those two card games, but even with that it wasn't at all tiresome.

With the classical records and the sometimes mixing in of a "ji ji ji" noise, it was at some points a nostalgic feeling night.

''I want to keep staying up late like this forever'', Yumi thought.

 

===5===

Tuesday.


''I wonder what kind of enjoyable thing I'll be waiting for today.'' Anticipation swelled within Yumi's bosom (though there was no change in the actual size). Climbing off the bed, Yumi used the second story landing's washbasin to wash her face, and went downstairs.

Last night, in the end she was absorbed in the games until 12:30, and by the time she took her turn to enter the bath and went to bed, it was close to two o'clock in the morning. Before disbanding, it was decided that breakfast would be at 8:00 AM, and though, calculating backwards, she had set the alarm for 7:40 AM, she woke up before the electronic "PiPiPi" sound flowed out. It was the same reason her father's generation would get up excessively early if there was golf.

"Good morning."

Yumi started off with greeting Kiyo-san who was arranging the dishes on the table.

"Good morning, Yumi-sama. Were you able to sleep well?"

''Fwah.'' There was a smell of butter and eggs cooking.

"Yes. Soundly."

It was cooler than compared to restless Tokyo nights, so she had slept very well. Was that also why even though it was 8:00 AM, Sachiko-sama hadn't appeared in the atrium?

"Ah, Yumi-sama. Good morning."

The aromatic fragrance of freshly baked bread entered together with Gensuke-san.

"Good morning. That smells good."


"I bought freshly baked breed. Please eat them while they are piping hot."

Gensuke-san was wearing a helmet. It seems that he went out by bike to buy the bread for them. ''Piping hot'', he had said, and sure enough steam was rising up from the bag.

"Then, shall we entrust a task to Yumi-sama?"

While wiping her hands on a towel hung from her apron, Kiyo-san winked.

"Yes!"

Whatever it was, she was happy being told to do a task. Since becoming a guest here, it seemed as if both her body and her mind had dulled.

"Before the bread and omelets get cold, could you go rouse Lady Sachiko for us? This is a serious task."

"Please entrust it to me."

Yumi thumped her chest and energetically galloped up the stairs.

''She could see Onee-sama.''

Standing in front of the door, she restrained her leaping heart, and after taking a deep breath, she knocked.

''Knock, knock.''

They were together until a few hours ago, so something like already wanting to see her might be strange... But there was no way she'd ever tire of being together with Sachiko-sama, and if she could, she wanted to be by her side, so to be able see her face even just a bit earlier, she was happy.


''Knock, Knock.''

Since there was no reply, she knocked again. Still, no reply came from inside.

"Onee-sama…?"

Since the door wasn't locked, she opened it a crack and called out, and even with that, there was no response.

Though she had carelessly accepted, this might really be a serious task.

Gathering her resolve, Yumi entered the room. Though she tentatively called out an "excuse me", it probably wouldn't be delivered to Sachiko-sama's ears.

In the bed, wrapped in a cotton blanket, a Sleeping Beauty<ref> 眠れる森の美女 -- literally "sleeping beauty of the forest", but this is the classic "Sleeping Beauty": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeping_Beauty </ref> slept soundly. Disheveled black hair snaked over her face and bare arms as if vines, making her pale skin stand out all the more.

Since the scene was excessively beautiful, Yumi who was about to shake her awake, had halted her outstretched hand mid-motion. ''This is so much like a picture.''

"______"

''This'', although the nuance might differ a bit, would it not have the feel of: ''Picture of a Younger Sister Attacking her Onee-sama in her Sleep''.

''It was good that Tsutako-san wasn't by her side'', Yumi thought with a sense of relief. If she were here, it's absolutely, absolutely for sure that the shutter would be clicking away. And that person, she would skillfully use any means necessary to bamboozle, decorating an especially large panel for the school festival.


"U……n"

She acquired Sachiko-sama's turning in her sleep. She mustn't. Since Sachiko-sama was pretty, if Yumi continued looking, she would enter into the company of perverts.

"Onee-sama, Onee-sama."

Yumi didn't know where it would be ok to touch, so with trepidation she shook Sachiko-sama's shoulder and called out.

"Nn…"

"Please get up. It's morning."

Still half-asleep, Sachiko-sama pulled the cotton blanket over her head with a sound of sliding fabric.

"Gensuke-san bought bread for us, and it'll get cold. After that, Kiyo-san's omelets will as well."

"I don't need to eat. So let me sleep."

"That's no good. Because I want to eat breakfast with onee-sama."

Though it was a bit rude, Yumi yanked off the cotton blanket. Sachiko-sama made herself into a 'く' character and her sleep-wear came to resemble a tank-top with the hem stretched to her calves. Incidentally, the color of the sleep-wear was baby-pink.

"Please get up."


"…"

"Onee-sama."

"I get it. I should get up."

Sachiko-sama gave in, brushing her hair aside and raising her self up. She was scowling just a bit, but she properly put on her slippers and got out of bed.

"Yumi."

"Yes."

"I'll go in five minutes..."

"Whaa..."

Finally noticing that Sachiko-sama was holding the shoulder area of her sleep-wear, Yumi realized she was saying, ''get out, I'm changing my clothes''.

"Well then, I'll be waiting downstairs."

Hurriedly, Yumi left the room.

''Idiot idiot idiot idiot. What an idiot''.

''It's not that I stood around like a fool looking''. Yumi tsukomi'd herself, descending the stairs while red faced.


 

===6===

The meal which began after 8:00 in the morning, was completely tidied up by 9:00.

''Well, wonder what we'll do today…'', Yumi thought trembling excitedly while waiting for Sachiko-sama to speak up, but whether something like: ''shall we go somewhere?'', or ''shall we do something?'', no such words were heard at all.

How about plans for after meal digestion exercises? Sachiko-sama went directly to reading on the terrace. Somehow or other, it had already been an hour.

"That book...?"

"Summer vacation homework. A book report."

In Sachiko-sama's hands, the Complete Works of Dazai Osamu<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osamu_Dazai </ref>.

"It's a travel journal and I don't really like it."

Seems the assignment was "Tsugaru"<ref> A place in Aomori and also the title to a work by Dazai Osamu. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsugaru,_Aomori </ref>. Yumi had not read it yet, but she inferred it was probably "A story where the protagonist travels through Tsugaru." It seems so for Sachiko-sama to say, "Come now, that place..."

"Though it picks up a bit toward the end."

"Is that how it is?"

While secretly peeping, she saw the characters for "Tsugaru" at the top of Sachiko-sama's open page. Having said that, the reason "Tsugaru" is still read in the present continuous tense, is because it's not supposed to arrive at an end.


"I said that since I've read it."

"..."

''After all, she had read the book at this holiday house when she was a first year in middle school'', she said. Shockingly, in addition to that, she said she had sought out and read her father's bookshelves after completely reading all the books she brought from home and having run out of books to read. Yumi was such that she wouldn't read a literary novel unless it was homework.

"Yumi should also get her homework done early."

Sachiko-sama said, dropping her line of sight again to the page.

"Since our schedule will be full after this."

"Eh?"

She wanted to hop up saying, ''some fun things were scheduled for later?''

"Isn't it going to be as I said? 'In the later half of summer vacation we'll be out at school preparing for the school festival.'"

"Ah, …right. I remember."

''Early''. It seems she meant early in the summer vacation. Nevertheless, Yumi happily jumped to a hasty conclusion earlier this morning. ''Danger, danger''. She was about to get off to a false start.<ref> As in flying off the starting line before the starting gun in a race. </ref>


"Yumi, your homework?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't bring it."

"Why?"

''Why she says''. You wouldn't ordinarily bring your homework with you on a vacation.

''No, wait'', Yumi recalled. Recently on TV, there was talk of it being fashionable to go about life the same as usual at your travel destination. Wasn't there something extremely demeaning, like Japanese people having been exposed as country bumpkins, who go overseas and while sightseeing are only thinking about travel gifts<ref> Omiyage </ref> for people back home.

Probably Sachiko-sama is of the faction that goes with the normal flow of things. And Yumi, the latter. In this way, can a pair whose perceptions were out of sync, sync up their lifestyles for a week? She was becoming a bit anxious.

''No, it's alright'', Yumi thought to herself, while shaking her head.

Wasn't the important thing that she should be together with Sachiko-sama? That she be able to share the same time with onee-sama, even if only to spend a Sunday without plans relaxing.

"You didn't bring the book for your book report either?"

Sachiko-sama muttered in amazement.

"Sorry."

Though she had bought a compilation book just in case, unfortunately, it had been left on the desk in her room still in the bag from the bookstore.


"Um… if it's in the books that came to held by onee-sama's father, could you lend it to me?

"That's fine. What would you like?"

"Natsume Souseki's 'Heart'."

"If it's Souseki, we have the complete collection. If I remember correctly, in here---"

Sachiko-sama stood up and opened the atrium's cabinet's long, narrow door. You couldn't tell from the outside, but the cabinet was jam-packed with books from top to bottom.

"Wow…"

She admired without thinking. When opened, it seemed even the cabinets abutting the entrance to the hallway and the stairway landing had similarly become bookshelves.

"Since both father and grand-father were busy people, they couldn't take time to leisurely read novels. So, they indulged in reading during the summer vacations here. But at home, only opening business writings. ...ah yes, here it is."

Sachiko-sama took out a rather substantial book and handed it over to Yumi.

"I'll gratefully borrow it."

"A friendship themed book, isn't it?"

Sachiko-sama muttered. As expected, seems she's read this book too.

Friendship.


After that, she read with Sachiko-sama on the terrace.

Yumi quietly opened the first page.

''I always called that person "sensei"''.

The story's beginning was profoundly heavy to the extent that it rivaled the book's weight.

 

===7===

[In progress]

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2015-05-02T00:24:48Z

Rydenius: /* 6 */

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
{{Incomplete|percentage=80}}
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without the use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.


"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam<ref>お嬢さま -- A daughter of wealth or nobility.</ref>."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language when addressing Yumi and Sachiko throughout this chapter.</ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there be any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. ''Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san.'' She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. ''Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...''

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

To start with, they went out from the first floor atrium onto a wide terrace, and were treated to black tea. Scones that Kiyo-san had baked, were accompanied by homemade strawberry jam that was said to have been given out by an acquaintance. It seems that these things had been prepared because they had heard that Sachiko-sama would be coming.


"Is everything all right with the master and the young master?"

While pouring a second serving of tea, Kiyo-san began the conversation.

"Thanks. Grandfather and father are both doing fine."

Gensuke-san wasn't there, and was likely working outside.

"For Lady Sayako-sama, it's unfortunate about her mother. Surely, she must have been feeling really down."

"It's alright now. Since it had been a lengthy struggle with illness, it seems that she had prepared herself."

''Kiyo-san has probably been working for the Ogasawaras since ancient times. Here Sachiko-sama's grandfather was referred to as "master"<ref>旦那さま</ref> and her father as "the young master".<ref>ぼっちゃま </ref> So that would be why the mother, Sayako-sama, was referred to in the same manner as Sachiko-sama, "the young lady"<ref>(お嬢さま) but that doesn't sound formal when written in English so "madam", "Lady", and "Mi'lady" has been used instead were appropriate.</ref> … complicated.''

"Ah, that's right. An express delivery addressed to Lady Sachiko-sama arrived from Yumi-sama's house."

"Oh, I wonder what it could be?"

"Just a moment."

Kiyo-san withdrew into a room for a moment and with a "heave-ho" returned holding a smallish box, slightly smaller than a box for mandarin oranges. ''What is it, what is it? Such a heavy looking package...''

"Seems like it's rice."


Kiyo-san said while looking at the product name field on the express delivery's form.

"Eh?"

Sachiko-sama asked in return. Even Yumi, who hadn't heard even a single word about such a thing from her mother, was surprised and sought confirmation.

"I-It's rice?"

"Yep, rice. Shall we open it and take a look?"

After obtaining Sachiko-sama's consent, Kiyo-san peeled off the craft-tape sealing the box with a "schwah" sound. And then, it jumped into view:

"Uonuma<ref>Uonuma is a city in Niigata prefecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uonuma,_Niigata </ref> produced Koshihikari"<ref>A popular type of rice in Japan and the variety grown in Uonuma is particularly well regarded (and expensive): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshihikari </ref>

It was written in large characters on a 5 kilogram vinyl pack. It indicated beyond any doubt that contents were indeed white rice.

''Drip.''<ref>タラリ -- sweat-drop sound effect.</ref> Although Yumi maintained a composed expression, sweat trickled down her back. ''Mother, it's inconceivable how you came to enthusiastically send a Japanese person's staple food.''

"Kuh"

''Kuh?''

"Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh"

''Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh?'' She sought out the source of the sound that she couldn't quite comprehend, and for some reason it was Sachiko-sama's voice squeezing out. Sachiko-sama's body literally folded over on the next "kuh"<ref>The "kuh" sound looks like a line bent in half: く So, the "literally" may refer to her "literally" bending into the shape of the Ku character.</ref>, and she grabbed her stomach laughing.

"Yumi's home, isn't it wonderful? Growing into children like Yumi and Yuuki-san is because of being born and raised in such a household."

"U-um"

She wasn't sure whether she was being praised or laughed at. But, onee-sama appeared to be enjoying it considerably.

"Kiyo. During our stay, when you cook the rice, by all means please make it for me with this. The onigiri<ref>Rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref> that Yumi's mother-sama made were very delicious."

"Certainly, mi'lady."

Kiyo-san promptly carried the box that the rice was in to the kitchen.

After tea, Sachiko-sama played the piano in the atrium for Yumi.

There wasn't a sofa in the almost twenty tatami mat<ref>The size of a tatami mat is a common unit for measuring the floor area of Japanese rooms. Approx. 1.8 x 0.9 meters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatami </ref> atrium, instead there was a large dining table with six chairs, and along a wall there was a fireplace and an upright piano.

"Is there a tune you want to hear?"

After starting off at the top of the keyboard with a rising and falling Hanon piece<ref>Piano Exercises by Charles Louis Hanon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Virtuoso_Pianist_in_60_Exercises </ref> to warm up her fingers and make sure the piano was tuned, Sachiko-sama flipped through a bundle of piano pieces with her thumb.

"Gounod's Ave Maria"<ref>Composed by Charles-François Gounod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Maria_(Gounod)
(There is audio of the piece at the link.)</ref>


Yumi said seemingly without thinking about it.

"Ave Maria, is it?"

As Sachiko-sama narrowed her eyes and nodded agreement, she sat on the chair and proceeded to play the piano piece in it's entirety. Yumi wondered how Sachiko-sama was able to play the piece so well from memory.

This piece of music was a very special piece of music for Yumi.

In the spring of last year, Sachiko-sama, who was Rosa Chinensis en Buton at the time, had played the organ in the chapel sanctuary for Yumi and the other first year students. The song played was Gounod's Ave Maria.

It was in that moment that Yumi was completely captivated. By an onee-sama one year above, named Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.

''Whenever she reminisces, it's still so.''

Though Sachiko-sama might not remember, there was that time in the music room a bit before becoming Soeurs, where they played the piano together and even though it was only a short passage of the piece, it was also this piece of music. Calling it a four handed performance would be ridiculous. However, to the melody that Yumi uselessly played, Sachiko-sama added only the left hand. But, to Yumi it was a treasured memory. And so, of the numerous versions of Ave Maria, Gounod's piece was her favorite.

Sachiko-sama's fingers moved without faltering, and looked as though it was an elegant dance on top of the keyboard. The piece praising Maria-sama was perfect for her beautiful onee-sama.

By the time the piece finished, though she had no idea when they hade been lured to come there, both Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san had come to the atrium and the three of them gave her onee-sama a big applause.

 

===2===

On the 2nd floor there were 3 rooms. Two of them had been assigned to Sachiko-sama and Yumi.

"It's fine, though the two of us together was good too..."

''Rather, it's better that way'', Yumi thought, but it was a relief when onee-sama had said, "Especially since there's an excess of rooms."

"I might do things like reading books in the middle of the night, and if that happens, Yumi would be annoyed and unable to sleep."

"… got it."

In conclusion, the opposite reason could also be said, and the interpretation that Sachiko-sama didn't want her time intruded upon could also stand to be true.

For Yumi, who was adopting a secret goal of not intruding upon onee-sama's vacation, to be properly submissive here was the correct choice.

"See to your luggage."

Leaving that said, Sachiko-sama went into her room. Yumi wanted to be together for a bit more, but she didn't even have the courage to follow after her. Since remaining in the hallway by herself wouldn't accomplish anything, Yumi decided to quietly return to her room.


The room was almost 8 tatami mats in size, and had an atmosphere similar to an old hotel except that there wasn't a toilet, bath, phone, or television. There was one semi-double bed. Of the antique furniture, there was one armoire and one chest of drawers. The rest was a desk and chair set.

The room's walls were white. Areas such as the posts and beams were dark brown. The windows were left open and a pleasant feeling breeze was stirring the lace curtains.

"Whew"

Yumi placed her basket onto the floor and flopped onto the bed.

In any case, she had arrived. She was at Sachiko-sama's summer house.

Yumi wondered if, during this one week, the things she wanted to come for would happen. She had actually come to the summer house, and more than the heart-racing, there was a feeling like the count of thrilling experiences had gone up.

Aside from the property managers Kiyo-san and Gensuke, it was just the two of them, her and Sachiko-sama. At school Sachiko-sama was everyone's Rosa Chinensis, but for this one week, she had onee-sama to herself.

''Whoohoo!'' she thought, and as she was doing a banzai cheer while lying down, a knock was heard. She didn't know whether the brief knock was on this room's door or onee-sama's neighboring door, but since right away Kiyo-san's voice was heard saying, "Yumi-sama, is it okay?" she hurriedly hopped up from the bed.


"Y-yes. Please come in."

"Do forgive me. About this, what would you like me to do?"

Kiyo-san held out before her the cooler-case that Yumi had brought. The plastic containers that were inside had already been considerately washed clean.

"If I were to return it now, it would be a bother, right? So, if there are no plans to use it, shall I store it for you in the kitchen?"

"Ah, thank you for your trouble."

Not a problem, not a problem. While laughing, Kiyo-san withdrew the cooler-case and after a pause as her gaze fell upon the plastic containers inside the case, she said, "Well…"

"It's an awkward matter to ask about, but…, Yumi-sama"

"Yes?"

''What awkward matter?'' Yumi thought, and tilted her head.

"The lunchbox's contents, what was it exactly?"

"The lunchbox contents? Umm, let's see, onigiri, grilled cherry tomatoes, fried white-meat fish, and… what shall I call it… grilled asparagus and cheese wrapped in bacon…but"

"There were four onigiri. All filled with umeboshi?<ref>Pickled plums: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>"

"How did you know that?"


''Waah'', Yumi put herself on guard. Was Kiyo-san a person with psychic powers? ''To not only have hit the mark on the filling of onigiri that should have been completely consumed, but to have even guessed the number...''

"Since four pits were left behind…"

"Oh, is that so. Guess it is like that."

''So it was a matter of deduction, and not ESP. However, umeboshi pits, eh?'' Though it seemed understandable if thought about for a bit, Yumi's head that was up in the clouds had been spinning quite badly.

"And so, what did milady eat and about how much did she eat of it?"

"Well... a whole one of each, but…"

"So that is: onigiri, cherry tomatoes, white-meat fish, asparagus, cheese, and bacon, right?"

''Humph'', it wasn't a sigh, but rather Kiyo-san had expelled a deep breath.

"Umm…"

Since it was as if a nurse or nutritionist was precisely inquiring, Yumi was gradually becoming uneasy. ''Perhaps, could it be that there are things that must not be eaten by Sachiko-sama?'' Then, maybe because the well-known "Yumi's thoughts showing on her face" had unwittingly occurred, Kiyo-san hurriedly shook her head.

"I am sorry. I was only asking so that the menus for the mid-day and evening meals and such do not overlap."


"Ah, is that so?"

I see, it's that she has to take such things into consideration. Even being a manager-san is tough.

"May I help with something?"

Yumi offered. It was also something she had been told by her mother: ''In order to not become merely a guest, find things you can do, and get working.''

"Certainly not! If Yumi-sama is Lady Sachiko-sama's little sister, you are also after all just the same as a young lady of the Ogasawara household. If such a thing were allowed to happen, I would be reprimanded. That aside, we are doing the off-season management as well of course, so including those things, it's not an exaggeration to say that we are working entirely for the Ogasawara family to spend the their summertime moments here pleasantly. Please don't take away our work, ok?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

Yumi surrendered to Kiyo-san's earnest entreaty, nodding assent. It seems that for so-called wealthy young ladies there is an unexpected inability to do as one pleases.

"I'm glad that you understand. At half past twelve o'clock, we will do lunch. Please come downstairs around that time."

Kiyo-san politely lowered her head before leaving the room, and her light footsteps descended the stairs.


"Half past twelve…"

She looked at the clock. It was eleven. Kiyo-san's scones were delicious and she had eaten two of them, so frankly she wasn't hungry yet.

Yumi took off the one-piece dress, hung it in the armoire, put on a t-shirt and a denim skirt, and tried doing sit-ups for a bit. However, it was something she wasn't accustomed to doing, so she didn't continue. Having repeated 10 times, "get up, lie down," she had become exhausted immediately, and after that it was almost one hour later that she did the 11th time's "get up."

 

===3===

When she went down stairs at half past twelve, Sachiko-sama had not yet shown up.

"She said she wanted to lie down for a bit, and will be upstairs resting. She said that she didn't need lunch."

Kiyo-san entered the atrium pushing a service cart.

"Yumi-sama, where will you eat? The atrium? Or the terrace?"

"Ah, whichever…"

"Then, shall we do the terrace? It's fine weather."


Having been persuaded, Yumi went out onto the terrace and sat in a chair. ''So, Sachiko-sama wouldn't be eating with her.''

"It happens every year. The day that she arrives, she tends to rest until nearly evening."

"I see."

''Because of the after effects of the drowsiness causing motion-sickness medicine, she might be pretty much out of it until the medicine wears off.'' Yumi wiped her hands with a hand towel that had been prepared for her.

"Just a little while ago I asked about mi'lady's meal, but I forgot to ask about Yumi-sama's likes. Are there things that you don't eat?"

Kiyo-san inquired.

"No. I can eat just about anything."

"Oh, that helps. I have prepared egg and chicken sandwiches. For the drink, will ''café au lait'' be okay?"

"Ah, that would be terrific."

"You don't need to use polite speech for us. Please be more at ease."

"Even if you say so…"

Using casual speech to an older person was something she was not just a bit reluctant, but rather considerably reluctant, to do. After all, she wasn't a upper-class lady by birth.


"Since there is a second serving… please feel free to call for me."

With Kiyo-san apparently having completed laying out the table setting, Yumi hurriedly called out to stop her.

"Umm… aren't Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san joining?"

"We eat in a separate room."

Kiyo-san smiled sweetly and left. Evidently, it seems that in this place the masters and servants have strictly divided areas.

"Itadakimasu." <ref> Ritual saying generally equivalent to "thanks for the food" that is said before eating.</ref>

And that was how it had ended up with Yumi having lunch on the terrace alone. Sachiko-sama was skipping the meal and Yumi didn't really have much appetite, but since she felt bad for Kiyo-san who made it for her, in that way, she made up her mind to do her best to eat even though she wasn't hungry.

That said, the amount of sandwiches, neatly arranged on the large plate, wasn't skimpy. Just the bread alone seemed like it could very easily be an entire loaf. This was not an amount that a high-school girl could eat alone.

On the serving plate were chicken sandwiches and egg sandwiches, she took one each of the two kinds of sandwiches.

"Ah"


As she was preparing to take a bite, Yumi realized there was something to the left and right of the plate.

A knife and a fork.

"Aha…"

''Because of such a thing, there sure was no doubt that this was Sachiko-sama's home'', she thought. It was a shame she that couldn't be laughing about it together with onee-sama.

As an experiment, she tried eating with the knife and fork. Alas, with the egg sandwich, the filling squeezed out from both ends, and with the chicken one, she used a bit too much force and the bread was smushed.

It was a sandwich that Yumi desperately battled. If it was Sachiko-sama, she probably could skillfully cut it up and elegantly convey it to her mouth, even though it was such a difficult thing.

"I give up."

Yumi resigned herself to eating them using her hands. She started things off by picking up the lettuce that had fallen onto the plate and tossing it into her mouth.

"Chicken and egg. ...parent and child?"

She said by herself, and laughed by herself.

As for the sandwiches, the bread was done moist, and even the ingredients for the filling were fresh and tasty.

Just a bit, it was a lonely lunch.

 

===4===


Sachiko-sama remained cloistered in her room until around evening.

Yumi was bored, so bored, and even though she wasn't yet grasping for things to do to the point that she must rouse onee-sama from her rest, returning to her room couldn't be helped, and she tried doing such things as moving the luggage from one place to another, and meaninglessly hopping up and down on the bed.

If she had been allowed to, something like clearing away lunch would have probably passed the time, but sure enough, that had been rejected by Kiyo-san.

When she also got tired of exploring the inside of the room, Yumi gazed out the window. The house was standing in the middle of the trees looking like they were encircling it to the extent that the force of their outstretched branches would appear almost sufficient to crack the window glass.

"If it's going to be like this, I wonder if I should have at least brought a crossword puzzle…"

Initially, she was going to bring a small guidebook, but…. She had been so happy about coming here that before leaving she had read it until she was tired of reading it. Besides, in the room by herself, looking for a page about a noteworthy spot around here would be somewhat useless. With that said, Yumi was not familiar with the area and it would probably be too reckless for her to do such things as heading out by herself relying on the guidebook. First off, she was starting from the middle of these woods, and even if there were a place she could walk to, whether could she get to a lively sight-seeing area, she really had no idea. At best, the outcome would be her becoming a "lost child."


It was quiet enough to hear herself sighing greatly.

She turned her head about after feeling like she was being watched, and there was something -- a small animal and it's eyes. At first, she thought, ''a long tailed rabbit?'', but with the ears being short...

"Squirrel…?"

It was Squirrel-like in the way squirrels are always depicted, and while not having a vertical-stripe pattern at all, it was unmistakably a squirrel. Larger than a chipmunk, it was merely just a brown-looking squirrel. The squirrel was on the branches near the window staring her way motionlessly.

"Come here, come here ."

She tried, reaching out her hand, but, of course a wild squirrel wasn't going to be drawn closer with something like that. As if coldly disregarding Yumi, it scampered off toward the thick tree trunk.

"He mustn't like me…"

Boring.

''It would be good if onee-sama woke up soon'', she thought.


Sachiko-sama came downstairs just before dinner, and arrived at the dinner table with glazed over eyes. Sachiko-sama was said to be bad about having low-blood pressure when waking up in the morning. As expected, it really was the case that she might be listless for an unrelated period of time after having slept.

Dinner's menu was a full complement of blessing from the mountain.

The main course was grilled salted ayu<ref>鮎(Ayu) -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayu </ref>. All kinds of mushroom tempura. Local vegetable aemono<ref>和え物 -- a blanched and dressed vegetable side dish.</ref>. After that, hand-made yosedofu<ref> 寄せ豆腐 -- a creamy tofu made by adding nigari (magnesium chloride) to unsweetened soy milk.</ref>. All of it looked delicious, but... having eaten plenty of scones and sandwiches, she should've been more anxious to take the initiative to eat sparingly from the start.

"Please have seconds."

Kiyo-san placed a steaming rice bowl on the table.

That's right, she mustn't forget. The rice was the Uonuma produced Koshihikari that had been sent from the Fukuzawa household, and there was okoge<ref> お焦げ, the crispy rice that forms at the bottom of the cooking pan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okoge_(food) </ref>. Sachiko-sama's grandfather liked rice cooked on a traditional stove, and she'd heard that when the kitchen was renovated, the only thing to remain was the traditional stove.

As two of them began their meal sitting facing each other at the six-seater table, Sachiko-sama asked,

"What did Yumi do while I was sleeping?"

"Umm. Organizing the luggage and such, lying down for a bit…, ah, after that I also saw a squirrel from the window."

"That so. There's a lot of nature that remains here. Don't you think it's nice and quiet?"

"Ah, yeah."


After nodding agreement, Yumi added,

"But, onee-sama wasn't there and I was a bit lonely."

''If there's something you want to say, please say it'', were the words she'd heard Sachiko-sama say previously.

"Oh"

Sachiko-sama smiled a bit.

"Well then, in the evening shall we play some games or something?"

"Is that ok?"

Yumi asked searchingly.

"Of course"

Was the agreeable reply.

"Hurray!"

Joy surged through her body and without thinking she had stood up from the chair.

"Yumi. Don't stand up in the middle of the meal."

"...yes."

Though cautioned, it didn't halve her joy at all. That's because her happiness was already at ten fold or a hundred fold.

That aside, playing games wasn't the reason that she was so happy. Simply, it was that she would be together with her onee-sama. And, onee-sama would be using that time for her. That was what had made Yumi happy.


Yumi, resuscitated, consumed all the side dishes. After all, rather than the delicious highland air, it seems that onee-sama's single word became a stimulant for her appetite.

After the meal as promised, they played games.

Unfortunately, the holiday house only had playing cards, chess, and Go<ref> 囲碁http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_(game) </ref>, but doing things such as hasami-shogi<ref> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasami_shogi </ref> with the chess board and Othello<ref> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversi </ref> with the Go board, it was sufficiently fulfilling.

Kiyo-san, who finished tidying up after the meal, and Gensuke-san, who disliked it, were dragged into doing card games such as "Old Maid" and even "Sevens". Since the Sawamura couple didn't know the rules for games such as "Daihinmin<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daifugō </ref>" and "Page One<ref> http://www.pagat.com/inflation/page_one.html </ref>", they had to repeat doing those two card games, but even with that it wasn't at all tiresome.

With the classical records and the sometimes mixing in of a "ji ji ji" noise, it was at some points a nostalgic feeling night.

''I want to keep staying up late like this forever'', Yumi thought.

 

===5===

Tuesday.


''I wonder what kind of enjoyable thing I'll be waiting for today.'' Anticipation swelled within Yumi's bosom (though there was no change in the actual size). Climbing off the bed, Yumi used the second story landing's washbasin to wash her face, and went downstairs.

Last night, in the end she was absorbed in the games until 12:30, and by the time she took her turn to enter the bath and went to bed, it was close to two o'clock in the morning. Before disbanding, it was decided that breakfast would be at 8:00 AM, and though, calculating backwards, she had set the alarm for 7:40 AM, she woke up before the electronic "PiPiPi" sound flowed out. It was the same reason her father's generation would get up excessively early if there was golf.

"Good morning."

Yumi started off with greeting Kiyo-san who was arranging the dishes on the table.

"Good morning, Yumi-sama. Were you able to sleep well?"

''Fwah.'' There was a smell of butter and eggs cooking.

"Yes. Soundly."

It was cooler than compared to restless Tokyo nights, so she had slept very well. Was that also why even though it was 8:00 AM, Sachiko-sama hadn't appeared in the atrium?

"Ah, Yumi-sama. Good morning."

The aromatic fragrance of freshly baked bread entered together with Gensuke-san.

"Good morning. That smells good."


"I bought freshly baked breed. Please eat them while they are piping hot."

Gensuke-san was wearing a helmet. It seems that he went out by bike to buy the bread for them. ''Piping hot'', he had said, and sure enough steam was rising up from the bag.

"Then, shall we entrust a task to Yumi-sama?"

While wiping her hands on a towel hung from her apron, Kiyo-san winked.

"Yes!"

Whatever it was, she was happy being told to do a task. Since becoming a guest here, it seemed as if both her body and her mind had dulled.

"Before the bread and omelets get cold, could you go rouse Lady Sachiko for us? This is a serious task."

"Please entrust it to me."

Yumi thumped her chest and energetically galloped up the stairs.

''She could see Onee-sama.''

Standing in front of the door, she restrained her leaping heart, and after taking a deep breath, she knocked.

''Knock, knock.''

They were together until a few hours ago, so something like already wanting to see her might be strange... But there was no way she'd ever tire of being together with Sachiko-sama, and if she could, she wanted to be by her side, so to be able see her face even just a bit earlier, she was happy.


''Knock, Knock.''

Since there was no reply, she knocked again. Still, no reply came from inside.

"Onee-sama…?"

Since the door wasn't locked, she opened it a crack and called out, and even with that, there was no response.

Though she had carelessly accepted, this might really be a serious task.

Gathering her resolve, Yumi entered the room. Though she tentatively called out an "excuse me", it probably wouldn't be delivered to Sachiko-sama's ears.

In the bed, wrapped in a cotton blanket, a Sleeping Beauty<ref> 眠れる森の美女 -- literally "sleeping beauty of the forest", but this is the classic "Sleeping Beauty": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeping_Beauty </ref> slept soundly. Disheveled black hair snaked over her face and bare arms as if vines, making her pale skin stand out all the more.

Since the scene was excessively beautiful, Yumi who was about to shake her awake, had halted her outstretched hand mid-motion. ''This is so much like a picture.''

"______"

''This'', although the nuance might differ a bit, would it not have the feel of: ''Picture of a Younger Sister Attacking her Onee-sama in her Sleep''.

''It was good that Tsutako-san wasn't by her side'', Yumi thought with a sense of relief. If she were here, it's absolutely, absolutely for sure that the shutter would be clicking away. And that person, she would skillfully use any means necessary to bamboozle, decorating an especially large panel for the school festival.


"U……n"

She acquired Sachiko-sama's turning in her sleep. She mustn't. Since Sachiko-sama was pretty, if Yumi continued looking, she would enter into the company of perverts.

"Onee-sama, Onee-sama."

Yumi didn't know where it would be ok to touch, so with trepidation she shook Sachiko-sama's shoulder and called out.

"Nn…"

"Please get up. It's morning."

Still half-asleep, Sachiko-sama pulled the cotton blanket over her head with a sound of sliding fabric.

"Gensuke-san bought bread for us, and it'll get cold. After that, Kiyo-san's omelets will as well."

"I don't need to eat. So let me sleep."

"That's no good. Because I want to eat breakfast with onee-sama."

Though it was a bit rude, Yumi yanked off the cotton blanket. Sachiko-sama made herself into a 'く' character and her sleep-wear came to resemble a tank-top with the hem stretched to her calves. Incidentally, the color of the sleep-wear was baby-pink.

"Please get up."


"…"

"Onee-sama."

"I get it. I should get up."

Sachiko-sama gave in, brushing her hair aside and raising her self up. She was scowling just a bit, but she properly put on her slippers and got out of bed.

"Yumi."

"Yes."

"I'll go in five minutes..."

"Whaa..."

Finally noticing that Sachiko-sama was holding the shoulder area of her sleep-wear, Yumi realized she was saying, ''get out, I'm changing my clothes''.

"Well then, I'll be waiting downstairs."

Hurriedly, Yumi left the room.

''Idiot idiot idiot idiot. What an idiot''.

''It's not that I stood around like a fool looking''. Yumi tsukomi'd herself, descending the stairs while red faced.


 

===6===

The meal which began after 8:00 in the morning, was completely tidied up by 9:00.

''Well, wonder what we'll do today…'', Yumi thought trembling excitedly while waiting for Sachiko-sama to speak up, but whether something like: ''shall we go somewhere?'', or ''shall we do something?'', no such words were heard at all.

How about plans for after meal digestion exercises? Sachiko-sama went directly to reading on the terrace. Somehow or other, it had already been an hour.

"That book...?"

"Summer vacation homework. A book report."

In Sachiko-sama's hands, the Complete Works of Dazai Osamu<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osamu_Dazai </ref>.

"It's a travel journal and I don't really like it."

Seems the assignment was "Tsugaru"<ref> A place in Aomori and also the title to a work by Dazai Osamu. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsugaru,_Aomori </ref>. Yumi had not read it yet, but she inferred it was probably "A story where the protagonist travels through Tsugaru." It seems so for Sachiko-sama to say, "Come now, that place..."

"Though it picks up a bit toward the end."

"Is that how it is?"

While secretly peeping, she saw the characters for "Tsugaru" at the top of Sachiko-sama's open page. Having said that, the reason "Tsugaru" is still read in the present continuous tense, is because it's not supposed to arrive at an end.


"I said that since I've read it."

"..."

''After all, she had read the book at this holiday house when she was a first year in middle school'', she said. Shockingly, in addition to that, she said she had sought out and read her father's bookshelves after completely reading all the books she brought from home and having run out of books to read. Yumi was such that she wouldn't read a literary novel unless it was homework.

"Yumi should also get her homework done early."

Sachiko-sama said, dropping her line of sight again to the page.

"Since our schedule will be full after this."

"Eh?"

She wanted to hop up saying, ''some fun things were scheduled for later?''

"Isn't it going to be as I said? 'In the later half of summer vacation we'll be out at school preparing for the school festival.'"

"Ah, …right. I remember."

''Early''. It seems she meant early in the summer vacation. Nevertheless, Yumi happily jumped to a hasty conclusion earlier this morning. ''Danger, danger''. She was about to get off to a false start.<ref> As in flying off the starting line before the starting gun in a race. </ref>


"Yumi, your homework?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't bring it."

"Why?"

''Why she says''. You wouldn't ordinarily bring your homework with you on a vacation.

''No, wait'', Yumi recalled. Recently on TV, there was talk of it being fashionable to go about life the same as usual at your travel destination. Wasn't there something extremely demeaning, like Japanese people having been exposed as country bumpkins, who go overseas and while sightseeing are only thinking about travel gifts<ref> Omiyage </ref> for people back home.

Probably Sachiko-sama is of the faction that goes with the normal flow of things. And Yumi, the latter. In this way, can a pair whose perceptions were out of sync, sync up their lifestyles for a week? She was becoming a bit anxious.

''No, it's alright'', Yumi thought to herself, while shaking her head.

Wasn't the important thing that she should be together with Sachiko-sama? That she be able to share the same time with onee-sama, even if only to spend a Sunday without plans relaxing.

"You didn't bring the book for your book report either?"

Sachiko-sama muttered in amazement.

"Sorry."

Though she had bought a compilation book just in case, unfortunately, it had been left on the desk in her room still in the bag from the bookstore.


"Um… if it's in the books that came to held by onee-sama's father, could you lend it to me?

"That's fine. What would you like?"

"Natsume Souseki's 'Heart'."

"If it's Souseki, we have the complete collection. If I remember correctly, in here---"

Sachiko-sama stood up and opened the atrium's cabinet's long, narrow door. You couldn't tell from the outside, but the cabinet was jam-packed with books from top to bottom.

"Wow…"

She admired without thinking. When opened, it seemed even the cabinets abutting the entrance to the hallway and the stairway landing had similarly become bookshelves.

"Since both father and grand-father were busy people, they couldn't take time to leisurely read novels. So, they indulged in reading during the summer vacations here. But at home, only opening business writings. ...ah yes, here it is."

Sachiko-sama took out a rather substantial book and handed it over to Yumi.

"I'll gratefully borrow it."

"A friendship themed book, isn't it?"

Sachiko-sama muttered. As expected, seems she's read this book too.

Friendship.


After that, she read with Sachiko-sama on the terrace.

Yumi quietly opened the first page.

''I always called that person "sensei"''.

The story's beginning was profoundly heavy to the extent that it rivaled the book's weight.

 

===7===

[not started yet]

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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User talk:Rydenius

2015-04-27T03:32:46Z

Rydenius: /* Talk to Rydenius */

Maria-sama ga Miteru

2014-09-19T03:36:27Z

Rydenius: /* Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs */

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|300px|thumb|right|MariMite volume 1 cover.]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru (マリア様がみてる) is a Japanese light novel series written by Oyuki Konno and illustrated by Reine Hibiki. The series is published by Shueisha under their Cobalt imprint. Many of the short stories which were later also included in the novel series were first published in the Cobalt magazine. The series currently has 37 published volumes.

The spin-off light novel series Ōshaka-sama mo Miteru (お釈迦様もみてる) about Yumi's younger brother Yūki and his schoolmates at Hanadera has been running since August 2008, and currently has 10 volumes published.

''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' is also available in the following languages:
*[[Maria-sama ga Miteru - Français|Français (French)]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru_%28Espa%C3%B1ol%29|Español (Spanish)]]

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)

== Series Information ==
*'''Genre''': Romance, Comedy, Shoujo-Ai
*'''Original Title''': マリア様がみてる
*'''Author''': Oyuki Konno (今野緒雪)
*'''Illustrator''': Reine Hibiki (ひびき玲音)
*'''Published Volumes''': 37
*'''Series Status''': Ongoing

'''''Spin-off:'''''
*'''Genre''': Romance, Comedy, Shounen-Ai
*'''Original Title''': お釈迦様もみてる
*'''Author''': Oyuki Konno (今野緒雪)
*'''Illustrator''': Reine Hibiki (ひびき玲音)
*'''Published Volumes''': 10
*'''Series Status''': Ongoing

== Story Synopsis ==

Maria-sama ga Miteru's story revolves around the students of the Lillian Catholic school for girls, and can be considered character-driven, focusing on interactions between the characters rather than any sort of ongoing plot or goal to attain. At Lillian Girls' School, there is a tradition known as the sœur system (sœur being French for "sister"), in which a second, or third-year student, the grande sœur ("big sister"), will give her rosary to a junior student, the petite sœur ("little sister"), and promise to look after them and guide them.

When the story begins, Yumi Fukuzawa, a first-year at Lillian, is praying in front of the Virgin Mary statue near the school entrance when she is suddenly approached by a cold second-year student named Sachiko Ogasawara who straightens Yumi's uniform ribbon. This seemingly simple act of kindness stays with Yumi the rest of the day, and she speaks of her meeting with Sachiko to her friends during class and lunch. After school is over, Yumi's classmate Tsutako Takeshima meets with Yumi to show her that she took a photograph of Yumi's meeting with Sachiko earlier that morning. Yumi asks if she can have the photo, but Tsutako says she will give her the snapshot under two conditions: one being that Tsutako can display it at the upcoming school festival, and two being that Yumi get Sachiko's permission to do so as well. Yumi agrees to this, which sets in motion a series of events involving the entire Yamayurikai — the student council of the school. A few weeks after first meeting Sachiko, Yumi accepts Sachiko's rosary and therefore agrees to become her petite sœur.

This officially inducts Yumi into the Yamayurikai where she assists them in school matters at the same level as the other two petite sœurs — Yoshino Shimazu, and Shimako Tōdō — who are the petite sœurs of Rei Hasekura, and Sei Satō respectively. Through her activities in the Yamayurikai, Yumi becomes closer to the other members and generally finds her experiences with the group to be enjoyable. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria-sama_ga_Miteru Synopsis from wikipedia.]

'''Warning:''' Suffice it to say, this series is considered yuri, having various mentions of lesbian relationships. They are not, however, particularly graphic. If you find this sort of topic offensive, look away.

== Translation ==

'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1950 Feedback Thread]'''

=== [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Format|Maria-sama ga Miteru specific formatting]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Notes|Maria-sama ga Miteru translation notes]]

== Updates ==
* 22 May 2014
** Started translation of volume 14
* 7 May 2014
** Finished translation of volume 13
* 5 January 2014
** Finished translation of volume 9
* 3 January 2014
** Resumed translation of volume 12
* 12 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 34
* 6 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 23
* 15 September 2013
** Finished translation of volume 8

[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Updates|Past Updates]]

== ''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' series by Oyuki Konno ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4955 here].'''
=== Volume 1 - Maria-sama ga Miteru [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter1|Monday of Uneasiness]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter2|Tuesday of Storms]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter3|Anxious Wednesday, Friday of Battle]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter4|Spicy and Bitter Weekend]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter5|The Hot Second Week]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter6|Waltz-like Sunday]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 2 - The Yellow Rose Revolution [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v02_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter1|Best Sœur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter2|The Returned Rosary]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter3|Unexpected Consequences]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter4|Just what is going on?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter5|Fighting Maidens]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter6|As long as it ends well]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 3 - Forest of Thorns [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v03_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Forest of Thorns
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter1|The semester exam and the paperback]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter2|The White Rose]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter3|Who's Suga Sei?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter4|If I could meet Eve]]
* The White Flower Petal
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter5|Springtime Buds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter6|Summer Greenhouse]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter7|Autumn Love]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter8|The last flower of winter, and then]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 4 - Rosa Canina [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v04_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Rosa Canina
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter1|A lonesome warmth]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter2|Rosa Canina?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter3|What do you think?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter4|Raison d'etre for sœur]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter5|A modest secret]]
* Nagakiyono
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter6|The first of January]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter7|The hatsumoude on the second]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter8|With the archenemy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter9|By onee-sama's side]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 5 - Valentine's Gift - Part 1 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v05_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Surprise chocolate
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter1|Research]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter2|gift from a rare visitor]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter3|Outsider]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter4|The thirteenth of February]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter5|St. Valentine's prank]]
* The Yellow Rose complication
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_1|18:50, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_2|19:18, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_3|19:30, Rei]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_4|23:10, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_5|23:10, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_6|23:10, Rei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 6 - Valentine's Gift - Part 2 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v06_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* First date triangle
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter1|Order]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter2|Hors d'oeuvre]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter3|Main]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter4|Dessert]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter5|The crimson card]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter6|Rosa Chinensis' best day of her life]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 7 - Beloved Times - Part 1 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v07_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Yellow Rose at Full Speed
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter1|The Beginning]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter2|Rabbit and Cat and Wolf]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter3|Umbrella Maker's Wife]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter4|Golden Rose Uproar]]
* Very Busy Days
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter5|Monday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter6|Tuesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter7|Wednesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter8|Thursday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter9|Friday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter10|Saturday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter11|Bonus]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter12|A Short Interlude]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter13|Afterword]]

=== Volume 8 - Beloved Times - Part 2 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v08_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* will
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter1|Lost Items]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter2|Farewell Gift]]
* As the Years Pass By
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter3|Just Before Graduation]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter4|Eriko, Sei, Youko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter5|Farewell Address and Formal Reply]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter6|Towards the Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter7|Joined at Just One Hand]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter8|Spring Breeze]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter9|Autumn Bonds]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 9 - Cherry Blossom (Sakura) [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v09_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter1|The Cherry in the Ginkgoes]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter2|Falling Cherry Blossoms / Exam Failure]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter3|Maria and Maitreya]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter4|Rosary or Juzu]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter5|The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* BGN (Background Noise)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter6|When the Cherry Blossoms Fall]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter7|8 - 3 = Right]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter8|Intriguing First-Year]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter9|Behind the Scenes of The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 10 - Rainy Blue [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v10_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Rosary Droplets
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter1|Peppermint Candy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter2|Raindrop]]
* Yellow Rose Warning
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter3|Suspicious Clouds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter4|Signs of Rain]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter5|Rainy Blue]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter6|Premonition]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter7|Smile, Smile]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter8|Sweets]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter9|Blue Umbrella, Red Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 11 - Holding a Parasol [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v11_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter1|The Girl with the Brown Umbrella]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter2|Classmates]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter3|Milk Tea, Oolong Tea]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter4|Welcome]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter5|White Parasol]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter6|Visitor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter7|Beneath a Clear, Blue Sky]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter8|Afterword]]

=== Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs ===
[[Image:MM_v12_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter0|Prologue]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter1|Plans for the Summer Vacation]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter2|In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter3|Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf]] (In Progress 80%)
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter4|The Rich Princes and Princesses]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter5|Searching in the Mist]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter6|Songs of an Angel]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Epilogue|Author's Epilogue]]
 

=== Volume 13 - One Page of Midsummer [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v13_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Prologue|Prologue]]
* For Short, Operation OK (Tentative)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter1|Offer and Plot]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter2|Cunning Boy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter3|OK, Let's Do It.]]
* Together With the Old Gentleman
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter4|Gathering Material with Dustpan and Broom]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter5|Up to the Meeting Place]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter6|Search for Takuya-kun!]]
* Rosa Foetida ☆ Illustrated Diary
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter7|〇th of July (Saturday) : Sunny]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter8|△th of August (Sunday) : Cloudy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter9|Ⅹth of August (Saturday) : Sunny]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Afterword|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 14 - Cool Breeze ===
[[Image:MM_v14_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter1|The First Step]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter2|That's a Problem]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter3|Setting Aside the "Bread Incident"]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter4|Finding Me]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter5|The Hanadera War]] - In Progress (2/6)
* Postscript
 

=== Volume 15 - Ready, GO! [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v15_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter1|Remaining Cuteness of Today's Enemy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter2|Everything Prepared?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter3|Friend's affection and Onee-sama]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter4|Casting Aside Embarrassment of One's Parents]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter5|Joker, Anchor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter6|Penalty Game Speculation]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 16 - Variety Gifts [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v16_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter1|Variety Gift I]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter2|Variety Gift II]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter3|Variety Gift III]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter4|Variety Gift IV]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter5|Variety Gift V]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 17 - Ciào Sorella! [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v17_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter1|Each and Every Farewell Gift]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter2|Going out at the Beginning]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter3|Leisurely Dialogue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter4|The Mouth of Truth's Complaint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter5|The Capital of Flowers Is What Kind of City?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter6|Resounding! Leaning! Melting!?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter7|The Parakeet's Hint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter8|From the Water Capital to the Island Nation]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9|Souvenir Report]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9.5|The Absence of Rosa Chinensis en Bouton]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 18 - Nothing Special, Just a Normal Day [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v18_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter1|Shock]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter2|Are you changing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter3|What will happen? What will we do?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter4|Ah, Misunderstanding]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter5|Dramatics]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 19 - In Library ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v19_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1|In Library - - I]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1.5|Silent Night's Vision]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2|In Library - - II]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2.5|Joanna]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3|In Library - - III]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.2|Chocolate Coat]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.3|Yasuko]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.4|Masumi]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.5|Asaka]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4|In Library - - IV]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.1|--- Magic Among the Cherry Blossom ---]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.2|-- The Door of Cherry Wood --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.3|-- The Burial Among Cherry Blossoms --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5_Epilogue|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales - Epilogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5|In Library - - V]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5.5|Library Book]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter6|In Library - - VI]]

=== Volume 20 - Sister Audition ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v20_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1|-- Right or Wrong -- ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.2|Maria-sama's Star]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.3|Maria-sama's Planet]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter2|Welcome to the Tea Party]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter3|Interim Report]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter4|The Crucial Battle]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter5|Harvest]]
*Postscript

=== Volume 21 - Rose Mille-Feuille ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v21_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Yellow Rose Panic
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter1|The result of 100 battles?]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter2|Panic Attack!]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter3|The Bout's Whereabouts]]
*Reverie of the White Rose
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter4|Two Peaceful People]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter5|The Heaviness of Reverie]]
*Rosa Chinensis's Sigh
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter6|After-Finals Prize]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter7|High Tension and Roller Coasters]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter8|A Mille-Feuille of Sighs]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Postscript|Afterword]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Translator's Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

=== Volume 22 - Blank Map of the Future ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v22_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter1|An Unexpected Visitor ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter2|A Little Bit of Something]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter3|Of Strange Things]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter4|Even though it's Christmas]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter5|Rose Dialogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 23 - Other Side of the Frosted Glass ===
[[Image:MM_v23_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter1|Onee-sama's Lead]]
* In One Year's Time
* Stopping In Along the Way
* Full To Bursting At the New Year’s Party
* Nearly Far? Or Distantly Near?
* A Chill Breeze
* The Heart In the Frosted Glass
* Afterword

=== Volume 24 - Masked Actress ===
[[Image:MM_v24_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume24_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Yellow Rose, Hardball Fight
** Riding a Bicycle
** Contest
* Masked Actress
** The Opening Ceremony's Spoiled Child
** Explanatory Meeting and Clandestine Meeting
** First Year Camellia Class is Normal
** Beneath the Mask
* A Moment of Honesty

=== Volume 25 - Big Door, Small Key ===
[[Image:MM_v25_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume25_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Key Holder
** Sometimes Falling, Sometimes Pulling
** Slightly Slipping Away
** Proposal Together With Arrival
** What I Wanted to Hear
* Keyhole of the Heart
** Pitiable Person
** Fortunate Interview
** In Her Pocket

=== Volume 26 - Crisscross ===
[[Image:MM_v26_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume26_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Crisscross
** Good Morning Chocolate
** Sentimental First-Year Camellia Class
** Ahh, Tea Party
** A Shortcut and Dropping In on the Way
** The Blank Map's Valley
** The Red Card's Outlook
* Map Stroll
** Meandering
** X-Mark

=== Volume 27 - In Search of You [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v27_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter1|Warrior Demands a Response]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter2|The "Absentee's Chance" Girl]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter3|Unexpected Words]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter4|At the Outset of the Date]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter5|"Why?"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter6|Amendment, Overwriting and an Old Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter7|The Door That Opened]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter8|When Tomorrow Comes]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 28 - Frame of Mind [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v28_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter1|Frame of Mind 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter2|April Deja-Vu]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter3|Frame of Mind 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter4|Three-Leaf Clover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter5|Frame of Mind 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter6|Sprouts in Dry Wood]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter7|Frame of Mind 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter8|The Yellow Thread]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter9|Frame of Mind 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter10|The Awkward Princess]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter11|Frame of Mind 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter12|Bouton of Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter13|Frame of Mind 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter14|The Greenhouse Fairy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter15|Frame of Mind 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter16|The Doppelganger Story]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter17|Frame of Mind 9]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter18|A Roll of Film]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter19|Frame of Mind 10]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 29 - Crown of Roses [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_29_Cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter1|Onee-sama, Rosary and Petit Soeur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter2|Conversation Stories]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter3|Not Here]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter4|Burning Bridges]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter5|Santa's Refreshments]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter6|The Miracle Worker]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter7|Would You Like to Waltz?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 30 - Twinkle, Twinkle, Twirl [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_30_Cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter1|Scattered Sunshine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter2|Frivolity and Self-Loathing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter3|Those Two, On the Other Hand]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter4|Star Up Teacup]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter5|What Kind of Groups?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter6|Distant Desire]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter7|Amongst the Stardust]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 31 - Marguerite Ribbon [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v31_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter1|Marguerite Ribbon 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter2|Debut]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter3|Marguerite Ribbon 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter4|A Rival is Fine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter5|Marguerite Ribbon 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter6|Buying Florentine Senbei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter7|Marguerite Ribbon 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter8|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter9|Marguerite Ribbon 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter10|My Siblings]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter11|Marguerite Ribbon 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter12|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 1]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter13|Marguerite Ribbon 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter14|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 2]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter15|Marguerite Ribbon 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter16|Memories of the Blue Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter17|Marguerite Ribbon 9]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 32 - Pre-Graduation Tableau [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v32_Cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter1|Laughing While Reminiscing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter2|Onee-sama's Racket]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter3|Me and the Interviewer]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter4|Graduation Group Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter5|Sweet Bun Feast]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter6|Support and Skinship]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter7|Forgotten Things]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter8|What's the Person Beside You Doing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter9|The Ribbon's Path]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 33 - Hello Goodbye [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v33_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter1|Today's Goal]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter2|The Green Bird and the White Flower]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter3|Grand Entrance]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter4|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter5|Parting Gift Trio]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter6|Soloist's Adlib]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter7|Connecting Chains]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter8|Continuing Path]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 34 - Little Horrors ===
[[Image:MM_v34_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Chapter1|Chapter 1: "Little Horrors - I"]]
* Chapter 2: "Chinami-san and Me"
* Chapter 3: "Little Horrors - II"
* Chapter 4: "Picking up a Handkerchief"
* Chapter 5: "Little Horrors - III"
* Chapter 6: "An Honest Lie"
* Chapter 7: "Little Horrors - IV"
* Chapter 8: "One Pair"
* Chapter 9: "Little Horrors - V"
* Chapter 10: "Dream of a Butterfly"
* Chapter 11: "Little Horrors - VI"
* Chapter 12: "Extra:Little Panic"

=== Volume 35 - My Nest ===
[[Image:MM_v36_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume35_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* My Nest
* Removal
* About One Week
* Christmas Eve
* Melancholy
* Our Nest
* Afterword

=== Volume 36 - Step ===
[[Image:MM_v35_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume36_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Step-1
* Step-2
* Step-3
* Step-4
* Step-5
* Step-6
* Afterword

=== Volume 37 - Farewell Bouquet ===
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume37_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Farewell Bouquet 1
** Candy and Stretch
* Farewell Bouquet 2
** Private Teacher
* Farewell Bouquet 3
** Breast Cookies
* Farewell Bouquet 4
** Yesterday's Enemy
* Farewell Bouquet 5
** Until Graduation
* Farewell Bouquet 6
** Announcement
* Farewell Bouquet 7
** Conversation Over Fresh Herb Tea
* Afterword

=== Premium Book ===
Note: This book is primarily an art book, with pictures from the first season of anime, character sketches, a chapter of the manga, as well as cast interviews and the following short story:
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:PremiumBook_Answer|Answer]]

== Project Staff ==

*Supervisor: ''None Designated''
*Project Manager: ''None Designated''

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''

* [[User:Enn_are|NR]]
* [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]]

'''K.I.A.'''

* [[User:Seki|Seki]]
* [[User:Harunako|Harunako]]

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Kurokaze|Kurokaze]]
* [[User:Sukoshi|Sukoshi]]
* [[User:hasekura_rei|hasekura_rei]]

=== Editors ===
'''ACTIVE'''

(none, beside some occasionally passing readers)

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Ribonizer|Ribonizer]]

=== Contributors ===

* Erica Friedman of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translations of volumes 15 through 19 and
* Rei and Sukoshi of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translation of volume 20 and 21.
* Update: as of May 19, 2010, translations no longer hosted on Okazu.

== Series Overview ==
* Volume 1 - マリア様がみてる　(April 24, 1998, ISBN 4-08-614459-X)
* Volume 2 - マリア様がみてる　黄薔薇革命 (February 3, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614554-5)
* Volume 3 - マリア様がみてる　いばらの森 (April 27, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614591-X)
* Volume 4 - マリア様がみてる　ロサ・カニーナ (December 1, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614661-4)
* Volume 5 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） (March 3, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614695-9)
* Volume 6 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） (April 25, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614715-7)
* Volume 7 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（前編） (February 2, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614817-X)
* Volume 8 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（後編） (April 3, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614841-2)
* Volume 9 - マリア様がみてる　チェリーブロッサム (July 27, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614895-1)
* Volume 10 - マリア様がみてる　レイニーブルー (March 29, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600078-4)
* Volume 11 - マリア様がみてる　パラソルをさして (July 1, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600136-5)
* Volume 12 - マリア様がみてる　子羊たちの休暇 (December 25, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600210-8)
* Volume 13 - マリア様がみてる　真夏の一ページ (March 28, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600243-4)
* Volume 14 - マリア様がみてる　涼風さつさつ (July 1, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600284-1)
* Volume 15 - マリア様がみてる　レディ、GO！ (October 31, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600337-6)
* Volume 16 - マリア様がみてる　バラエティギフト (December 25, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600360-0)
* Volume 17 - マリア様がみてる　チャオソレッラ！ (March 31, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600399-6)
* Volume 18 - マリア様がみてる　特別でないただの一日 (October 1, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600484-4)
* Volume 19 - マリア様がみてる　インライブラリー (December 25, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600527-1)
* Volume 20 - マリア様がみてる　妹オーディション (April 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600568-9)
* Volume 21 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇のミルフィーユ (July 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600609-X)
* Volume 22 - マリア様がみてる　未来の白地図 (December 22, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600704-5)
* Volume 23 - マリア様がみてる　くもりガラスの向こう側 (March 31, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600743-6)
* Volume 24 - マリア様がみてる　仮面のアクトレス (June 30, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600784-3)
* Volume 25 - マリア様がみてる　大きな扉　小さな鍵 (October 3, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600823-8)
* Volume 26 - マリア様がみてる　クリスクロス (December 22, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600859-9)
* Volume 27 - マリア様がみてる　あなたを探しに (March 30, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-600895-2)
* Volume 28 - マリア様がみてる　フレーム　オブ　マインド (June 28, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601034-4)
* Volume 29 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇の花かんむり (October 2, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601075-7)
* Volume 30 - マリア様がみてる　キラキラまわる (December 26, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601110-5)
* Volume 31 - マリア様がみてる　マーガレットにリボン (April 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601144-0)
* Volume 32 - マリア様がみてる　卒業前小景 (October 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601214-0)
* Volume 33 - マリア様がみてる　ハローグッバイ (December 26, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601244-7)
* Volume 34 - マリア様がみてる　リトルホラーズ (July 1, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601305-5)
* Volume 35 - マリア様がみてる　私の巣　(December 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601363-5)
* Volume 36 - マリア様がみてる　ステップ　(December 28, 2010, ISBN 978-4-08-601481-6)
* Volume 37 - マリア様がみてる　フェアウェルブーケ (April 28, 2012, ISBN 978-4-08-601631-5)

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Reine Hibiki]]

Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2014-09-19T03:34:25Z

Rydenius: Added content for part 6

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
{{Incomplete|percentage=80}}
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without the use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.


"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam<ref>お嬢さま -- A daughter of wealth or nobility.</ref>."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language when addressing Yumi and Sachiko throughout this chapter.</ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there be any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. ''Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san.'' She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. ''Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...''

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

To start with, they went out from the first floor atrium onto a wide terrace, and were treated to black tea. Scones that Kiyo-san had baked, were accompanied by homemade strawberry jam that was said to have been given out by an acquaintance. It seems that these things had been prepared because they had heard that Sachiko-sama would be coming.


"Is everything all right with the master and the young master?"

While pouring a second serving of tea, Kiyo-san began the conversation.

"Thanks. Grandfather and father are both doing fine."

Gensuke-san wasn't there, and was likely working outside.

"For Lady Sayako-sama, it's unfortunate about her mother. Surely, she must have been feeling really down."

"It's alright now. Since it had been a lengthy struggle with illness, it seems that she had prepared herself."

''Kiyo-san has probably been working for the Ogasawaras since ancient times. Here Sachiko-sama's grandfather was referred to as "master"<ref>旦那さま</ref> and her father as "the young master".<ref>ぼっちゃま </ref> So that would be why the mother, Sayako-sama, was referred to in the same manner as Sachiko-sama, "the young lady"<ref>(お嬢さま) but that doesn't sound formal when written in English so "madam", "Lady", and "Mi'lady" has been used instead were appropriate.</ref> … complicated.''

"Ah, that's right. An express delivery addressed to Lady Sachiko-sama arrived from Yumi-sama's house."

"Oh, I wonder what it could be?"

"Just a moment."

Kiyo-san withdrew into a room for a moment and with a "heave-ho" returned holding a smallish box, slightly smaller than a box for mandarin oranges. ''What is it, what is it? Such a heavy looking package...''

"Seems like it's rice."


Kiyo-san said while looking at the product name field on the express delivery's form.

"Eh?"

Sachiko-sama asked in return. Even Yumi, who hadn't heard even a single word about such a thing from her mother, was surprised and sought confirmation.

"I-It's rice?"

"Yep, rice. Shall we open it and take a look?"

After obtaining Sachiko-sama's consent, Kiyo-san peeled off the craft-tape sealing the box with a "schwah" sound. And then, it jumped into view:

"Uonuma<ref>Uonuma is a city in Niigata prefecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uonuma,_Niigata </ref> produced Koshihikari"<ref>A popular type of rice in Japan and the variety grown in Uonuma is particularly well regarded (and expensive): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshihikari </ref>

It was written in large characters on a 5 kilogram vinyl pack. It indicated beyond any doubt that contents were indeed white rice.

''Drip.''<ref>タラリ -- sweat-drop sound effect.</ref> Although Yumi maintained a composed expression, sweat trickled down her back. ''Mother, it's inconceivable how you came to enthusiastically send a Japanese person's staple food.''

"Kuh"

''Kuh?''

"Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh"

''Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh?'' She sought out the source of the sound that she couldn't quite comprehend, and for some reason it was Sachiko-sama's voice squeezing out. Sachiko-sama's body literally folded over on the next "kuh"<ref>The "kuh" sound looks like a line bent in half: く So, the "literally" may refer to her "literally" bending into the shape of the Ku character.</ref>, and she grabbed her stomach laughing.

"Yumi's home, isn't it wonderful? Growing into children like Yumi and Yuuki-san is because of being born and raised in such a household."

"U-um"

She wasn't sure whether she was being praised or laughed at. But, onee-sama appeared to be enjoying it considerably.

"Kiyo. During our stay, when you cook the rice, by all means please make it for me with this. The onigiri<ref>Rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref> that Yumi's mother-sama made were very delicious."

"Certainly, mi'lady."

Kiyo-san promptly carried the box that the rice was in to the kitchen.

After tea, Sachiko-sama played the piano in the atrium for Yumi.

There wasn't a sofa in the almost twenty tatami mat<ref>The size of a tatami mat is a common unit for measuring the floor area of Japanese rooms. Approx. 1.8 x 0.9 meters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatami </ref> atrium, instead there was a large dining table with six chairs, and along a wall there was a fireplace and an upright piano.

"Is there a tune you want to hear?"

After starting off at the top of the keyboard with a rising and falling Hanon piece<ref>Piano Exercises by Charles Louis Hanon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Virtuoso_Pianist_in_60_Exercises </ref> to warm up her fingers and make sure the piano was tuned, Sachiko-sama flipped through a bundle of piano pieces with her thumb.

"Gounod's Ave Maria"<ref>Composed by Charles-François Gounod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Maria_(Gounod)
(There is audio of the piece at the link.)</ref>


Yumi said seemingly without thinking about it.

"Ave Maria, is it?"

As Sachiko-sama narrowed her eyes and nodded agreement, she sat on the chair and proceeded to play the piano piece in it's entirety. Yumi wondered how Sachiko-sama was able to play the piece so well from memory.

This piece of music was a very special piece of music for Yumi.

In the spring of last year, Sachiko-sama, who was Rosa Chinensis en Buton at the time, had played the organ in the chapel sanctuary for Yumi and the other first year students. The song played was Gounod's Ave Maria.

It was in that moment that Yumi was completely captivated. By an onee-sama one year above, named Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.

''Whenever she reminisces, it's still so.''

Though Sachiko-sama might not remember, there was that time in the music room a bit before becoming Soeurs, where they played the piano together and even though it was only a short passage of the piece, it was also this piece of music. Calling it a four handed performance would be ridiculous. However, to the melody that Yumi uselessly played, Sachiko-sama added only the left hand. But, to Yumi it was a treasured memory. And so, of the numerous versions of Ave Maria, Gounod's piece was her favorite.

Sachiko-sama's fingers moved without faltering, and looked as though it was an elegant dance on top of the keyboard. The piece praising Maria-sama was perfect for her beautiful onee-sama.

By the time the piece finished, though she had no idea when they hade been lured to come there, both Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san had come to the atrium and the three of them gave her onee-sama a big applause.

 

===2===

On the 2nd floor there were 3 rooms. Two of them had been assigned to Sachiko-sama and Yumi.

"It's fine, though the two of us together was good too..."

''Rather, it's better that way'', Yumi thought, but it was a relief when onee-sama had said, "Especially since there's an excess of rooms."

"I might do things like reading books in the middle of the night, and if that happens, Yumi would be annoyed and unable to sleep."

"… got it."

In conclusion, the opposite reason could also be said, and the interpretation that Sachiko-sama didn't want her time intruded upon could also stand to be true.

For Yumi, who was adopting a secret goal of not intruding upon onee-sama's vacation, to be properly submissive here was the correct choice.

"See to your luggage."

Leaving that said, Sachiko-sama went into her room. Yumi wanted to be together for a bit more, but she didn't even have the courage to follow after her. Since remaining in the hallway by herself wouldn't accomplish anything, Yumi decided to quietly return to her room.


The room was almost 8 tatami mats in size, and had an atmosphere similar to an old hotel except that there wasn't a toilet, bath, phone, or television. There was one semi-double bed. Of the antique furniture, there was one armoire and one chest of drawers. The rest was a desk and chair set.

The room's walls were white. Areas such as the posts and beams were dark brown. The windows were left open and a pleasant feeling breeze was stirring the lace curtains.

"Whew"

Yumi placed her basket onto the floor and flopped onto the bed.

In any case, she had arrived. She was at Sachiko-sama's summer house.

Yumi wondered if, during this one week, the things she wanted to come for would happen. She had actually come to the summer house, and more than the heart-racing, there was a feeling like the count of thrilling experiences had gone up.

Aside from the property managers Kiyo-san and Gensuke, it was just the two of them, her and Sachiko-sama. At school Sachiko-sama was everyone's Rosa Chinensis, but for this one week, she had onee-sama to herself.

''Whoohoo!'' she thought, and as she was doing a banzai cheer while lying down, a knock was heard. She didn't know whether the brief knock was on this room's door or onee-sama's neighboring door, but since right away Kiyo-san's voice was heard saying, "Yumi-sama, is it okay?" she hurriedly hopped up from the bed.


"Y-yes. Please come in."

"Do forgive me. About this, what would you like me to do?"

Kiyo-san held out before her the cooler-case that Yumi had brought. The plastic containers that were inside had already been considerately washed clean.

"If I were to return it now, it would be a bother, right? So, if there are no plans to use it, shall I store it for you in the kitchen?"

"Ah, thank you for your trouble."

Not a problem, not a problem. While laughing, Kiyo-san withdrew the cooler-case and after a pause as her gaze fell upon the plastic containers inside the case, she said, "Well…"

"It's an awkward matter to ask about, but…, Yumi-sama"

"Yes?"

''What awkward matter?'' Yumi thought, and tilted her head.

"The lunchbox's contents, what was it exactly?"

"The lunchbox contents? Umm, let's see, onigiri, grilled cherry tomatoes, fried white-meat fish, and… what shall I call it… grilled asparagus and cheese wrapped in bacon…but"

"There were four onigiri. All filled with umeboshi?<ref>Pickled plums: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>"

"How did you know that?"


''Waah'', Yumi put herself on guard. Was Kiyo-san a person with psychic powers? ''To not only have hit the mark on the filling of onigiri that should have been completely consumed, but to have even guessed the number...''

"Since four pits were left behind…"

"Oh, is that so. Guess it is like that."

''So it was a matter of deduction, and not ESP. However, umeboshi pits, eh?'' Though it seemed understandable if thought about for a bit, Yumi's head that was up in the clouds had been spinning quite badly.

"And so, what did milady eat and about how much did she eat of it?"

"Well... a whole one of each, but…"

"So that is: onigiri, cherry tomatoes, white-meat fish, asparagus, cheese, and bacon, right?"

''Humph'', it wasn't a sigh, but rather Kiyo-san had expelled a deep breath.

"Umm…"

Since it was as if a nurse or nutritionist was precisely inquiring, Yumi was gradually becoming uneasy. ''Perhaps, could it be that there are things that must not be eaten by Sachiko-sama?'' Then, maybe because the well-known "Yumi's thoughts showing on her face" had unwittingly occurred, Kiyo-san hurriedly shook her head.

"I am sorry. I was only asking so that the menus for the mid-day and evening meals and such do not overlap."


"Ah, is that so?"

I see, it's that she has to take such things into consideration. Even being a manager-san is tough.

"May I help with something?"

Yumi offered. It was also something she had been told by her mother: ''In order to not become merely a guest, find things you can do, and get working.''

"Certainly not! If Yumi-sama is Lady Sachiko-sama's little sister, you are also after all just the same as a young lady of the Ogasawara household. If such a thing were allowed to happen, I would be reprimanded. That aside, we are doing the off-season management as well of course, so including those things, it's not an exaggeration to say that we are working entirely for the Ogasawara family to spend the their summertime moments here pleasantly. Please don't take away our work, ok?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

Yumi surrendered to Kiyo-san's earnest entreaty, nodding assent. It seems that for so-called wealthy young ladies there is an unexpected inability to do as one pleases.

"I'm glad that you understand. At half past twelve o'clock, we will do lunch. Please come downstairs around that time."

Kiyo-san politely lowered her head before leaving the room, and her light footsteps descended the stairs.


"Half past twelve…"

She looked at the clock. It was eleven. Kiyo-san's scones were delicious and she had eaten two of them, so frankly she wasn't hungry yet.

Yumi took off the one-piece dress, hung it in the armoire, put on a t-shirt and a denim skirt, and tried doing sit-ups for a bit. However, it was something she wasn't accustomed to doing, so she didn't continue. Having repeated 10 times, "get up, lie down," she had become exhausted immediately, and after that it was almost one hour later that she did the 11th time's "get up."

 

===3===

When she went down stairs at half past twelve, Sachiko-sama had not yet shown up.

"She said she wanted to lie down for a bit, and will be upstairs resting. She said that she didn't need lunch."

Kiyo-san entered the atrium pushing a service cart.

"Yumi-sama, where will you eat? The atrium? Or the terrace?"

"Ah, whichever…"

"Then, shall we do the terrace? It's fine weather."


Having been persuaded, Yumi went out onto the terrace and sat in a chair. ''So, Sachiko-sama wouldn't be eating with her.''

"It happens every year. The day that she arrives, she tends to rest until nearly evening."

"I see."

''Because of the after effects of the drowsiness causing motion-sickness medicine, she might be pretty much out of it until the medicine wears off.'' Yumi wiped her hands with a hand towel that had been prepared for her.

"Just a little while ago I asked about mi'lady's meal, but I forgot to ask about Yumi-sama's likes. Are there things that you don't eat?"

Kiyo-san inquired.

"No. I can eat just about anything."

"Oh, that helps. I have prepared egg and chicken sandwiches. For the drink, will ''café au lait'' be okay?"

"Ah, that would be terrific."

"You don't need to use polite speech for us. Please be more at ease."

"Even if you say so…"

Using casual speech to an older person was something she was not just a bit reluctant, but rather considerably reluctant, to do. After all, she wasn't a upper-class lady by birth.


"Since there is a second serving… please feel free to call for me."

With Kiyo-san apparently having completed laying out the table setting, Yumi hurriedly called out to stop her.

"Umm… aren't Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san joining?"

"We eat in a separate room."

Kiyo-san smiled sweetly and left. Evidently, it seems that in this place the masters and servants have strictly divided areas.

"Itadakimasu." <ref> Ritual saying generally equivalent to "thanks for the food" that is said before eating.</ref>

And that was how it had ended up with Yumi having lunch on the terrace alone. Sachiko-sama was skipping the meal and Yumi didn't really have much appetite, but since she felt bad for Kiyo-san who made it for her, in that way, she made up her mind to do her best to eat even though she wasn't hungry.

That said, the amount of sandwiches, neatly arranged on the large plate, wasn't skimpy. Just the bread alone seemed like it could very easily be an entire loaf. This was not an amount that a high-school girl could eat alone.

On the serving plate were chicken sandwiches and egg sandwiches, she took one each of the two kinds of sandwiches.

"Ah"


As she was preparing to take a bite, Yumi realized there was something to the left and right of the plate.

A knife and a fork.

"Aha…"

''Because of such a thing, there sure was no doubt that this was Sachiko-sama's home'', she thought. It was a shame she that couldn't be laughing about it together with onee-sama.

As an experiment, she tried eating with the knife and fork. Alas, with the egg sandwich, the filling squeezed out from both ends, and with the chicken one, she used a bit too much force and the bread was smushed.

It was a sandwich that Yumi desperately battled. If it was Sachiko-sama, she probably could skillfully cut it up and elegantly convey it to her mouth, even though it was such a difficult thing.

"I give up."

Yumi resigned herself to eating them using her hands. She started things off by picking up the lettuce that had fallen onto the plate and tossing it into her mouth.

"Chicken and egg. ...parent and child?"

She said by herself, and laughed by herself.

As for the sandwiches, the bread was done moist, and even the ingredients for the filling were fresh and tasty.

Just a bit, it was a lonely lunch.

 

===4===


Sachiko-sama remained cloistered in her room until around evening.

Yumi was bored, so bored, and even though she wasn't yet grasping for things to do to the point that she must rouse onee-sama from her rest, returning to her room couldn't be helped, and she tried doing such things as moving the luggage from one place to another, and meaninglessly hopping up and down on the bed.

If she had been allowed to, something like clearing away lunch would have probably passed the time, but sure enough, that had been rejected by Kiyo-san.

When she also got tired of exploring the inside of the room, Yumi gazed out the window. The house was standing in the middle of the trees looking like they were encircling it to the extent that the force of their outstretched branches would appear almost sufficient to crack the window glass.

"If it's going to be like this, I wonder if I should have at least brought a crossword puzzle…"

Initially, she was going to bring a small guidebook, but…. She had been so happy about coming here that before leaving she had read it until she was tired of reading it. Besides, in the room by herself, looking for a page about a noteworthy spot around here would be somewhat useless. With that said, Yumi was not familiar with the area and it would probably be too reckless for her to do such things as heading out by herself relying on the guidebook. First off, she was starting from the middle of these woods, and even if there were a place she could walk to, whether could she get to a lively sight-seeing area, she really had no idea. At best, the outcome would be her becoming a "lost child."


It was quiet enough to hear herself sighing greatly.

She turned her head about after feeling like she was being watched, and there was something -- a small animal and it's eyes. At first, she thought, ''a long tailed rabbit?'', but with the ears being short...

"Squirrel…?"

It was Squirrel-like in the way squirrels are always depicted, and while not having a vertical-stripe pattern at all, it was unmistakably a squirrel. Larger than a chipmunk, it was merely just a brown-looking squirrel. The squirrel was on the branches near the window staring her way motionlessly.

"Come here, come here ."

She tried, reaching out her hand, but, of course a wild squirrel wasn't going to be drawn closer with something like that. As if coldly disregarding Yumi, it scampered off toward the thick tree trunk.

"He mustn't like me…"

Boring.

''It would be good if onee-sama woke up soon'', she thought.


Sachiko-sama came downstairs just before dinner, and arrived at the dinner table with glazed over eyes. Sachiko-sama was said to be bad about having low-blood pressure when waking up in the morning. As expected, it really was the case that she might be listless for an unrelated period of time after having slept.

Dinner's menu was a full complement of blessing from the mountain.

The main course was grilled salted ayu<ref>鮎(Ayu) -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayu </ref>. All kinds of mushroom tempura. Local vegetable aemono<ref>和え物 -- a blanched and dressed vegetable side dish.</ref>. After that, hand-made yosedofu<ref> 寄せ豆腐 -- a creamy tofu made by adding nigari (magnesium chloride) to unsweetened soy milk.</ref>. All of it looked delicious, but... having eaten plenty of scones and sandwiches, she should've been more anxious to take the initiative to eat sparingly from the start.

"Please have seconds."

Kiyo-san placed a steaming rice bowl on the table.

That's right, she mustn't forget. The rice was the Uonuma produced Koshihikari that had been sent from the Fukuzawa household, and there was okoge<ref> お焦げ, the crispy rice that forms at the bottom of the cooking pan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okoge_(food) </ref>. Sachiko-sama's grandfather liked rice cooked on a traditional stove, and she'd heard that when the kitchen was renovated, the only thing to remain was the traditional stove.

As two of them began their meal sitting facing each other at the six-seater table, Sachiko-sama asked,

"What did Yumi do while I was sleeping?"

"Umm. Organizing the luggage and such, lying down for a bit…, ah, after that I also saw a squirrel from the window."

"That so. There's a lot of nature that remains here. Don't you think it's nice and quiet?"

"Ah, yeah."


After nodding agreement, Yumi added,

"But, onee-sama wasn't there and I was a bit lonely."

''If there's something you want to say, please say it'', were the words she'd heard Sachiko-sama say previously.

"Oh"

Sachiko-sama smiled a bit.

"Well then, in the evening shall we play some games or something?"

"Is that ok?"

Yumi asked searchingly.

"Of course"

Was the agreeable reply.

"Hurray!"

Joy surged through her body and without thinking she had stood up from the chair.

"Yumi. Don't stand up in the middle of the meal."

"...yes."

Though cautioned, it didn't halve her joy at all. That's because her happiness was already at ten fold or a hundred fold.

That aside, playing games wasn't the reason that she was so happy. Simply, it was that she would be together with her onee-sama. And, onee-sama would be using that time for her. That was what had made Yumi happy.


Yumi, resuscitated, consumed all the side dishes. After all, rather than the delicious highland air, it seems that onee-sama's single word became a stimulant for her appetite.

After the meal as promised, they played games.

Unfortunately, the holiday house only had playing cards, chess, and Go<ref> 囲碁http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_(game) </ref>, but doing things such as hasami-shogi<ref> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasami_shogi </ref> with the chess board and Othello<ref> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversi </ref> with the Go board, it was sufficiently fulfilling.

Kiyo-san, who finished tidying up after the meal, and Gensuke-san, who disliked it, were dragged into doing card games such as "Old Maid" and even "Sevens". Since the Sawamura couple didn't know the rules for games such as "Daihinmin<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daifugō </ref>" and "Page One<ref> http://www.pagat.com/inflation/page_one.html </ref>", they had to repeat doing those two card games, but even with that it wasn't at all tiresome.

With the classical records and the sometimes mixing in of a "ji ji ji" noise, it was at some points a nostalgic feeling night.

''I want to keep staying up late like this forever'', Yumi thought.

 

===5===

Tuesday.


''I wonder what kind of enjoyable thing I'll be waiting for today.'' Anticipation swelled within Yumi's bosom (though there was no change in the actual size). Climbing off the bed, Yumi used the second story landing's washbasin to wash her face, and went downstairs.

Last night, in the end she was absorbed in the games until 12:30, and by the time she took her turn to enter the bath and went to bed, it was close to two o'clock in the morning. Before disbanding, it was decided that breakfast would be at 8:00 AM, and though, calculating backwards, she had set the alarm for 7:40 AM, she woke up before the electronic "PiPiPi" sound flowed out. It was the same reason her father's generation would get up excessively early if there was golf.

"Good morning."

Yumi started off with greeting Kiyo-san who was arranging the dishes on the table.

"Good morning, Yumi-sama. Were you able to sleep well?"

''Fwah.'' There was a smell of butter and eggs cooking.

"Yes. Soundly."

It was cooler than compared to restless Tokyo nights, so she had slept very well. Was that also why even though it was 8:00 AM, Sachiko-sama hadn't appeared in the atrium?

"Ah, Yumi-sama. Good morning."

The aromatic fragrance of freshly baked bread entered together with Gensuke-san.

"Good morning. That smells good."


"I bought freshly baked breed. Please eat them while they are piping hot."

Gensuke-san was wearing a helmet. It seems that he went out by bike to buy the bread for them. ''Piping hot'', he had said, and sure enough steam was rising up from the bag.

"Then, shall we entrust a task to Yumi-sama?"

While wiping her hands on a towel hung from her apron, Kiyo-san winked.

"Yes!"

Whatever it was, she was happy being told to do a task. Since becoming a guest here, it seemed as if both her body and her mind had dulled.

"Before the bread and omelets get cold, could you go rouse Lady Sachiko for us? This is a serious task."

"Please entrust it to me."

Yumi thumped her chest and energetically galloped up the stairs.

''She could see Onee-sama.''

Standing in front of the door, she restrained her leaping heart, and after taking a deep breath, she knocked.

''Knock, knock.''

They were together until a few hours ago, so something like already wanting to see her might be strange... But there was no way she'd ever tire of being together with Sachiko-sama, and if she could, she wanted to be by her side, so to be able see her face even just a bit earlier, she was happy.


''Knock, Knock.''

Since there was no reply, she knocked again. Still, no reply came from inside.

"Onee-sama…?"

Since the door wasn't locked, she opened it a crack and called out, and even with that, there was no response.

Though she had carelessly accepted, this might really be a serious task.

Gathering her resolve, Yumi entered the room. Though she tentatively called out an "excuse me", it probably wouldn't be delivered to Sachiko-sama's ears.

In the bed, wrapped in a cotton blanket, a Sleeping Beauty<ref> 眠れる森の美女 -- literally "sleeping beauty of the forest", but this is the classic "Sleeping Beauty": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeping_Beauty </ref> slept soundly. Disheveled black hair snaked over her face and bare arms as if vines, making her pale skin stand out all the more.

Since the scene was excessively beautiful, Yumi who was about to shake her awake, had halted her outstretched hand mid-motion. ''This is so much like a picture.''

"______"

''This'', although the nuance might differ a bit, would it not have the feel of: ''Picture of a Younger Sister Attacking her Onee-sama in her Sleep''.

''It was good that Tsutako-san wasn't by her side'', Yumi thought with a sense of relief. If she were here, it's absolutely, absolutely for sure that the shutter would be clicking away. And that person, she would skillfully use any means necessary to bamboozle, decorating an especially large panel for the school festival.


"U……n"

She acquired Sachiko-sama's turning in her sleep. She mustn't. Since Sachiko-sama was pretty, if Yumi continued looking, she would enter into the company of perverts.

"Onee-sama, Onee-sama."

Yumi didn't know where it would be ok to touch, so with trepidation she shook Sachiko-sama's shoulder and called out.

"Nn…"

"Please get up. It's morning."

Still half-asleep, Sachiko-sama pulled the cotton blanket over her head with a sound of sliding fabric.

"Gensuke-san bought bread for us, and it'll get cold. After that, Kiyo-san's omelets will as well."

"I don't need to eat. So let me sleep."

"That's no good. Because I want to eat breakfast with onee-sama."

Though it was a bit rude, Yumi yanked off the cotton blanket. Sachiko-sama made herself into a 'く' character and her sleep-wear came to resemble a tank-top with the hem stretched to her calves. Incidentally, the color of the sleep-wear was baby-pink.

"Please get up."


"…"

"Onee-sama."

"I get it. I should get up."

Sachiko-sama gave in, brushing her hair aside and raising her self up. She was scowling just a bit, but she properly put on her slippers and got out of bed.

"Yumi."

"Yes."

"I'll go in five minutes..."

"Whaa..."

Finally noticing that Sachiko-sama was holding the shoulder area of her sleep-wear, Yumi realized she was saying, ''get out, I'm changing my clothes''.

"Well then, I'll be waiting downstairs."

Hurriedly, Yumi left the room.

''Idiot idiot idiot idiot. What an idiot''.

''It's not that I stood around like a fool looking''. Yumi tsukomi'd herself, descending the stairs while red faced.


 

===6===

[In Progress]

===7===

[not started yet]

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria-sama ga Miteru

2014-09-07T06:06:04Z

Rydenius: /* Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs */ chapter status update

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|300px|thumb|right|MariMite volume 1 cover.]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru (マリア様がみてる) is a Japanese light novel series written by Oyuki Konno and illustrated by Reine Hibiki. The series is published by Shueisha under their Cobalt imprint. Many of the short stories which were later also included in the novel series were first published in the Cobalt magazine. The series currently has 37 published volumes.

The spin-off light novel series Ōshaka-sama mo Miteru (お釈迦様もみてる) about Yumi's younger brother Yūki and his schoolmates at Hanadera has been running since August 2008, and currently has 10 volumes published.

''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' is also available in the following languages:
*[[Maria-sama ga Miteru - Français|Français (French)]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru_%28Espa%C3%B1ol%29|Español (Spanish)]]

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)

== Series Information ==
*'''Genre''': Romance, Comedy, Shoujo-Ai
*'''Original Title''': マリア様がみてる
*'''Author''': Oyuki Konno (今野緒雪)
*'''Illustrator''': Reine Hibiki (ひびき玲音)
*'''Published Volumes''': 37
*'''Series Status''': Ongoing

'''''Spin-off:'''''
*'''Genre''': Romance, Comedy, Shounen-Ai
*'''Original Title''': お釈迦様もみてる
*'''Author''': Oyuki Konno (今野緒雪)
*'''Illustrator''': Reine Hibiki (ひびき玲音)
*'''Published Volumes''': 10
*'''Series Status''': Ongoing

== Story Synopsis ==

Maria-sama ga Miteru's story revolves around the students of the Lillian Catholic school for girls, and can be considered character-driven, focusing on interactions between the characters rather than any sort of ongoing plot or goal to attain. At Lillian Girls' School, there is a tradition known as the sœur system (sœur being French for "sister"), in which a second, or third-year student, the grande sœur ("big sister"), will give her rosary to a junior student, the petite sœur ("little sister"), and promise to look after them and guide them.

When the story begins, Yumi Fukuzawa, a first-year at Lillian, is praying in front of the Virgin Mary statue near the school entrance when she is suddenly approached by a cold second-year student named Sachiko Ogasawara who straightens Yumi's uniform ribbon. This seemingly simple act of kindness stays with Yumi the rest of the day, and she speaks of her meeting with Sachiko to her friends during class and lunch. After school is over, Yumi's classmate Tsutako Takeshima meets with Yumi to show her that she took a photograph of Yumi's meeting with Sachiko earlier that morning. Yumi asks if she can have the photo, but Tsutako says she will give her the snapshot under two conditions: one being that Tsutako can display it at the upcoming school festival, and two being that Yumi get Sachiko's permission to do so as well. Yumi agrees to this, which sets in motion a series of events involving the entire Yamayurikai — the student council of the school. A few weeks after first meeting Sachiko, Yumi accepts Sachiko's rosary and therefore agrees to become her petite sœur.

This officially inducts Yumi into the Yamayurikai where she assists them in school matters at the same level as the other two petite sœurs — Yoshino Shimazu, and Shimako Tōdō — who are the petite sœurs of Rei Hasekura, and Sei Satō respectively. Through her activities in the Yamayurikai, Yumi becomes closer to the other members and generally finds her experiences with the group to be enjoyable. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria-sama_ga_Miteru Synopsis from wikipedia.]

'''Warning:''' Suffice it to say, this series is considered yuri, having various mentions of lesbian relationships. They are not, however, particularly graphic. If you find this sort of topic offensive, look away.

== Translation ==

'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1950 Feedback Thread]'''

=== [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Format|Maria-sama ga Miteru specific formatting]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Notes|Maria-sama ga Miteru translation notes]]

== Updates ==
* 22 May 2014
** Started translation of volume 14
* 7 May 2014
** Finished translation of volume 13
* 5 January 2014
** Finished translation of volume 9
* 3 January 2014
** Resumed translation of volume 12
* 12 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 34
* 6 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 23
* 15 September 2013
** Finished translation of volume 8

[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Updates|Past Updates]]

== ''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' series by Oyuki Konno ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4955 here].'''
=== Volume 1 - Maria-sama ga Miteru [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter1|Monday of Uneasiness]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter2|Tuesday of Storms]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter3|Anxious Wednesday, Friday of Battle]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter4|Spicy and Bitter Weekend]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter5|The Hot Second Week]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter6|Waltz-like Sunday]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 2 - The Yellow Rose Revolution [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v02_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter1|Best Sœur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter2|The Returned Rosary]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter3|Unexpected Consequences]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter4|Just what is going on?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter5|Fighting Maidens]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter6|As long as it ends well]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 3 - Forest of Thorns [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v03_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Forest of Thorns
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter1|The semester exam and the paperback]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter2|The White Rose]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter3|Who's Suga Sei?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter4|If I could meet Eve]]
* The White Flower Petal
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter5|Springtime Buds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter6|Summer Greenhouse]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter7|Autumn Love]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter8|The last flower of winter, and then]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 4 - Rosa Canina [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v04_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Rosa Canina
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter1|A lonesome warmth]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter2|Rosa Canina?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter3|What do you think?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter4|Raison d'etre for sœur]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter5|A modest secret]]
* Nagakiyono
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter6|The first of January]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter7|The hatsumoude on the second]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter8|With the archenemy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter9|By onee-sama's side]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 5 - Valentine's Gift - Part 1 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v05_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Surprise chocolate
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter1|Research]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter2|gift from a rare visitor]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter3|Outsider]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter4|The thirteenth of February]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter5|St. Valentine's prank]]
* The Yellow Rose complication
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_1|18:50, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_2|19:18, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_3|19:30, Rei]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_4|23:10, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_5|23:10, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_6|23:10, Rei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 6 - Valentine's Gift - Part 2 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v06_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* First date triangle
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter1|Order]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter2|Hors d'oeuvre]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter3|Main]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter4|Dessert]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter5|The crimson card]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter6|Rosa Chinensis' best day of her life]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 7 - Beloved Times - Part 1 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v07_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Yellow Rose at Full Speed
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter1|The Beginning]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter2|Rabbit and Cat and Wolf]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter3|Umbrella Maker's Wife]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter4|Golden Rose Uproar]]
* Very Busy Days
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter5|Monday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter6|Tuesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter7|Wednesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter8|Thursday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter9|Friday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter10|Saturday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter11|Bonus]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter12|A Short Interlude]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter13|Afterword]]

=== Volume 8 - Beloved Times - Part 2 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v08_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* will
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter1|Lost Items]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter2|Farewell Gift]]
* As the Years Pass By
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter3|Just Before Graduation]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter4|Eriko, Sei, Youko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter5|Farewell Address and Formal Reply]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter6|Towards the Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter7|Joined at Just One Hand]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter8|Spring Breeze]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter9|Autumn Bonds]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 9 - Cherry Blossom (Sakura) [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v09_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter1|The Cherry in the Ginkgoes]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter2|Falling Cherry Blossoms / Exam Failure]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter3|Maria and Maitreya]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter4|Rosary or Juzu]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter5|The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* BGN (Background Noise)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter6|When the Cherry Blossoms Fall]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter7|8 - 3 = Right]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter8|Intriguing First-Year]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter9|Behind the Scenes of The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 10 - Rainy Blue [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v10_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Rosary Droplets
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter1|Peppermint Candy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter2|Raindrop]]
* Yellow Rose Warning
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter3|Suspicious Clouds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter4|Signs of Rain]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter5|Rainy Blue]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter6|Premonition]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter7|Smile, Smile]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter8|Sweets]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter9|Blue Umbrella, Red Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 11 - Holding a Parasol [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v11_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter1|The Girl with the Brown Umbrella]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter2|Classmates]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter3|Milk Tea, Oolong Tea]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter4|Welcome]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter5|White Parasol]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter6|Visitor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter7|Beneath a Clear, Blue Sky]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter8|Afterword]]

=== Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs ===
[[Image:MM_v12_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter0|Prologue]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter1|Plans for the Summer Vacation]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter2|In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter3|Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf]] (In Progress 69%)
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter4|The Rich Princes and Princesses]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter5|Searching in the Mist]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter6|Songs of an Angel]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Epilogue|Author's Epilogue]]
 

=== Volume 13 - One Page of Midsummer [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v13_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Prologue|Prologue]]
* For Short, Operation OK (Tentative)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter1|Offer and Plot]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter2|Cunning Boy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter3|OK, Let's Do It.]]
* Together With the Old Gentleman
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter4|Gathering Material with Dustpan and Broom]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter5|Up to the Meeting Place]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter6|Search for Takuya-kun!]]
* Rosa Foetida ☆ Illustrated Diary
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter7|〇th of July (Saturday) : Sunny]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter8|△th of August (Sunday) : Cloudy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter9|Ⅹth of August (Saturday) : Sunny]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Afterword|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 14 - Cool Breeze ===
[[Image:MM_v14_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter1|The First Step]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter2|That's a Problem]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter3|Setting Aside the "Bread Incident"]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter4|Finding Me]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter5|The Hanadera War]] - In Progress (2/6)
* Postscript
 

=== Volume 15 - Ready, GO! [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v15_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter1|Remaining Cuteness of Today's Enemy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter2|Everything Prepared?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter3|Friend's affection and Onee-sama]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter4|Casting Aside Embarrassment of One's Parents]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter5|Joker, Anchor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter6|Penalty Game Speculation]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 16 - Variety Gifts [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v16_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter1|Variety Gift I]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter2|Variety Gift II]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter3|Variety Gift III]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter4|Variety Gift IV]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter5|Variety Gift V]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 17 - Ciào Sorella! [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v17_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter1|Each and Every Farewell Gift]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter2|Going out at the Beginning]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter3|Leisurely Dialogue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter4|The Mouth of Truth's Complaint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter5|The Capital of Flowers Is What Kind of City?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter6|Resounding! Leaning! Melting!?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter7|The Parakeet's Hint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter8|From the Water Capital to the Island Nation]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9|Souvenir Report]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9.5|The Absence of Rosa Chinensis en Bouton]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 18 - Nothing Special, Just a Normal Day [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v18_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter1|Shock]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter2|Are you changing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter3|What will happen? What will we do?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter4|Ah, Misunderstanding]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter5|Dramatics]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 19 - In Library ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v19_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1|In Library - - I]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1.5|Silent Night's Vision]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2|In Library - - II]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2.5|Joanna]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3|In Library - - III]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.2|Chocolate Coat]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.3|Yasuko]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.4|Masumi]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.5|Asaka]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4|In Library - - IV]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.1|--- Magic Among the Cherry Blossom ---]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.2|-- The Door of Cherry Wood --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.3|-- The Burial Among Cherry Blossoms --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5_Epilogue|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales - Epilogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5|In Library - - V]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5.5|Library Book]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter6|In Library - - VI]]

=== Volume 20 - Sister Audition ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v20_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1|-- Right or Wrong -- ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.2|Maria-sama's Star]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.3|Maria-sama's Planet]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter2|Welcome to the Tea Party]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter3|Interim Report]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter4|The Crucial Battle]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter5|Harvest]]
*Postscript

=== Volume 21 - Rose Mille-Feuille ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v21_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Yellow Rose Panic
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter1|The result of 100 battles?]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter2|Panic Attack!]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter3|The Bout's Whereabouts]]
*Reverie of the White Rose
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter4|Two Peaceful People]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter5|The Heaviness of Reverie]]
*Rosa Chinensis's Sigh
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter6|After-Finals Prize]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter7|High Tension and Roller Coasters]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter8|A Mille-Feuille of Sighs]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Postscript|Afterword]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Translator's Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

=== Volume 22 - Blank Map of the Future ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v22_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter1|An Unexpected Visitor ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter2|A Little Bit of Something]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter3|Of Strange Things]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter4|Even though it's Christmas]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter5|Rose Dialogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 23 - Other Side of the Frosted Glass ===
[[Image:MM_v23_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter1|Onee-sama's Lead]]
* In One Year's Time
* Stopping In Along the Way
* Full To Bursting At the New Year’s Party
* Nearly Far? Or Distantly Near?
* A Chill Breeze
* The Heart In the Frosted Glass
* Afterword

=== Volume 24 - Masked Actress ===
[[Image:MM_v24_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume24_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Yellow Rose, Hardball Fight
** Riding a Bicycle
** Contest
* Masked Actress
** The Opening Ceremony's Spoiled Child
** Explanatory Meeting and Clandestine Meeting
** First Year Camellia Class is Normal
** Beneath the Mask
* A Moment of Honesty

=== Volume 25 - Big Door, Small Key ===
[[Image:MM_v25_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume25_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Key Holder
** Sometimes Falling, Sometimes Pulling
** Slightly Slipping Away
** Proposal Together With Arrival
** What I Wanted to Hear
* Keyhole of the Heart
** Pitiable Person
** Fortunate Interview
** In Her Pocket

=== Volume 26 - Crisscross ===
[[Image:MM_v26_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume26_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Crisscross
** Good Morning Chocolate
** Sentimental First-Year Camellia Class
** Ahh, Tea Party
** A Shortcut and Dropping In on the Way
** The Blank Map's Valley
** The Red Card's Outlook
* Map Stroll
** Meandering
** X-Mark

=== Volume 27 - In Search of You [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v27_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter1|Warrior Demands a Response]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter2|The "Absentee's Chance" Girl]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter3|Unexpected Words]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter4|At the Outset of the Date]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter5|"Why?"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter6|Amendment, Overwriting and an Old Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter7|The Door That Opened]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter8|When Tomorrow Comes]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 28 - Frame of Mind [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v28_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter1|Frame of Mind 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter2|April Deja-Vu]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter3|Frame of Mind 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter4|Three-Leaf Clover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter5|Frame of Mind 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter6|Sprouts in Dry Wood]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter7|Frame of Mind 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter8|The Yellow Thread]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter9|Frame of Mind 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter10|The Awkward Princess]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter11|Frame of Mind 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter12|Bouton of Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter13|Frame of Mind 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter14|The Greenhouse Fairy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter15|Frame of Mind 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter16|The Doppelganger Story]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter17|Frame of Mind 9]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter18|A Roll of Film]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter19|Frame of Mind 10]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 29 - Crown of Roses [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_29_Cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter1|Onee-sama, Rosary and Petit Soeur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter2|Conversation Stories]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter3|Not Here]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter4|Burning Bridges]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter5|Santa's Refreshments]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter6|The Miracle Worker]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter7|Would You Like to Waltz?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 30 - Twinkle, Twinkle, Twirl [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_30_Cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter1|Scattered Sunshine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter2|Frivolity and Self-Loathing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter3|Those Two, On the Other Hand]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter4|Star Up Teacup]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter5|What Kind of Groups?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter6|Distant Desire]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter7|Amongst the Stardust]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 31 - Marguerite Ribbon [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v31_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter1|Marguerite Ribbon 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter2|Debut]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter3|Marguerite Ribbon 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter4|A Rival is Fine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter5|Marguerite Ribbon 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter6|Buying Florentine Senbei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter7|Marguerite Ribbon 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter8|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter9|Marguerite Ribbon 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter10|My Siblings]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter11|Marguerite Ribbon 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter12|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 1]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter13|Marguerite Ribbon 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter14|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 2]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter15|Marguerite Ribbon 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter16|Memories of the Blue Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter17|Marguerite Ribbon 9]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 32 - Pre-Graduation Tableau [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v32_Cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter1|Laughing While Reminiscing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter2|Onee-sama's Racket]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter3|Me and the Interviewer]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter4|Graduation Group Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter5|Sweet Bun Feast]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter6|Support and Skinship]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter7|Forgotten Things]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter8|What's the Person Beside You Doing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter9|The Ribbon's Path]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 33 - Hello Goodbye [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v33_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter1|Today's Goal]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter2|The Green Bird and the White Flower]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter3|Grand Entrance]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter4|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter5|Parting Gift Trio]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter6|Soloist's Adlib]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter7|Connecting Chains]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter8|Continuing Path]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 34 - Little Horrors ===
[[Image:MM_v34_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Chapter1|Chapter 1: "Little Horrors - I"]]
* Chapter 2: "Chinami-san and Me"
* Chapter 3: "Little Horrors - II"
* Chapter 4: "Picking up a Handkerchief"
* Chapter 5: "Little Horrors - III"
* Chapter 6: "An Honest Lie"
* Chapter 7: "Little Horrors - IV"
* Chapter 8: "One Pair"
* Chapter 9: "Little Horrors - V"
* Chapter 10: "Dream of a Butterfly"
* Chapter 11: "Little Horrors - VI"
* Chapter 12: "Extra:Little Panic"

=== Volume 35 - My Nest ===
[[Image:MM_v36_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume35_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* My Nest
* Removal
* About One Week
* Christmas Eve
* Melancholy
* Our Nest
* Afterword

=== Volume 36 - Step ===
[[Image:MM_v35_cover.jpg|frameless|right|125px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume36_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Step-1
* Step-2
* Step-3
* Step-4
* Step-5
* Step-6
* Afterword

=== Volume 37 - Farewell Bouquet ===
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume37_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Farewell Bouquet 1
** Candy and Stretch
* Farewell Bouquet 2
** Private Teacher
* Farewell Bouquet 3
** Breast Cookies
* Farewell Bouquet 4
** Yesterday's Enemy
* Farewell Bouquet 5
** Until Graduation
* Farewell Bouquet 6
** Announcement
* Farewell Bouquet 7
** Conversation Over Fresh Herb Tea
* Afterword

=== Premium Book ===
Note: This book is primarily an art book, with pictures from the first season of anime, character sketches, a chapter of the manga, as well as cast interviews and the following short story:
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:PremiumBook_Answer|Answer]]

== Project Staff ==

*Supervisor: ''None Designated''
*Project Manager: ''None Designated''

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''

* [[User:Enn_are|NR]]
* [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]]

'''K.I.A.'''

* [[User:Seki|Seki]]
* [[User:Harunako|Harunako]]

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Kurokaze|Kurokaze]]
* [[User:Sukoshi|Sukoshi]]
* [[User:hasekura_rei|hasekura_rei]]

=== Editors ===
'''ACTIVE'''

(none, beside some occasionally passing readers)

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Ribonizer|Ribonizer]]

=== Contributors ===

* Erica Friedman of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translations of volumes 15 through 19 and
* Rei and Sukoshi of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translation of volume 20 and 21.
* Update: as of May 19, 2010, translations no longer hosted on Okazu.

== Series Overview ==
* Volume 1 - マリア様がみてる　(April 24, 1998, ISBN 4-08-614459-X)
* Volume 2 - マリア様がみてる　黄薔薇革命 (February 3, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614554-5)
* Volume 3 - マリア様がみてる　いばらの森 (April 27, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614591-X)
* Volume 4 - マリア様がみてる　ロサ・カニーナ (December 1, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614661-4)
* Volume 5 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） (March 3, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614695-9)
* Volume 6 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） (April 25, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614715-7)
* Volume 7 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（前編） (February 2, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614817-X)
* Volume 8 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（後編） (April 3, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614841-2)
* Volume 9 - マリア様がみてる　チェリーブロッサム (July 27, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614895-1)
* Volume 10 - マリア様がみてる　レイニーブルー (March 29, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600078-4)
* Volume 11 - マリア様がみてる　パラソルをさして (July 1, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600136-5)
* Volume 12 - マリア様がみてる　子羊たちの休暇 (December 25, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600210-8)
* Volume 13 - マリア様がみてる　真夏の一ページ (March 28, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600243-4)
* Volume 14 - マリア様がみてる　涼風さつさつ (July 1, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600284-1)
* Volume 15 - マリア様がみてる　レディ、GO！ (October 31, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600337-6)
* Volume 16 - マリア様がみてる　バラエティギフト (December 25, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600360-0)
* Volume 17 - マリア様がみてる　チャオソレッラ！ (March 31, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600399-6)
* Volume 18 - マリア様がみてる　特別でないただの一日 (October 1, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600484-4)
* Volume 19 - マリア様がみてる　インライブラリー (December 25, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600527-1)
* Volume 20 - マリア様がみてる　妹オーディション (April 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600568-9)
* Volume 21 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇のミルフィーユ (July 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600609-X)
* Volume 22 - マリア様がみてる　未来の白地図 (December 22, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600704-5)
* Volume 23 - マリア様がみてる　くもりガラスの向こう側 (March 31, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600743-6)
* Volume 24 - マリア様がみてる　仮面のアクトレス (June 30, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600784-3)
* Volume 25 - マリア様がみてる　大きな扉　小さな鍵 (October 3, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600823-8)
* Volume 26 - マリア様がみてる　クリスクロス (December 22, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600859-9)
* Volume 27 - マリア様がみてる　あなたを探しに (March 30, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-600895-2)
* Volume 28 - マリア様がみてる　フレーム　オブ　マインド (June 28, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601034-4)
* Volume 29 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇の花かんむり (October 2, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601075-7)
* Volume 30 - マリア様がみてる　キラキラまわる (December 26, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601110-5)
* Volume 31 - マリア様がみてる　マーガレットにリボン (April 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601144-0)
* Volume 32 - マリア様がみてる　卒業前小景 (October 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601214-0)
* Volume 33 - マリア様がみてる　ハローグッバイ (December 26, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601244-7)
* Volume 34 - マリア様がみてる　リトルホラーズ (July 1, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601305-5)
* Volume 35 - マリア様がみてる　私の巣　(December 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601363-5)
* Volume 36 - マリア様がみてる　ステップ　(December 28, 2010, ISBN 978-4-08-601481-6)
* Volume 37 - マリア様がみてる　フェアウェルブーケ (April 28, 2012, ISBN 978-4-08-601631-5)

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Reine Hibiki]]

Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2014-09-07T06:01:47Z

Rydenius: translation for part 4 added

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
{{Incomplete|percentage=69}}
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without the use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.


"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam<ref>お嬢さま -- A daughter of wealth or nobility.</ref>."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language when addressing Yumi and Sachiko throughout this chapter.</ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there be any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. ''Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san.'' She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. ''Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...''

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

To start with, they went out from the first floor atrium onto a wide terrace, and were treated to black tea. Scones that Kiyo-san had baked, were accompanied by homemade strawberry jam that was said to have been given out by an acquaintance. It seems that these things had been prepared because they had heard that Sachiko-sama would be coming.


"Is everything all right with the master and the young master?"

While pouring a second serving of tea, Kiyo-san began the conversation.

"Thanks. Grandfather and father are both doing fine."

Gensuke-san wasn't there, and was likely working outside.

"For Lady Sayako-sama, it's unfortunate about her mother. Surely, she must have been feeling really down."

"It's alright now. Since it had been a lengthy struggle with illness, it seems that she had prepared herself."

''Kiyo-san has probably been working for the Ogasawaras since ancient times. Here Sachiko-sama's grandfather was referred to as "master"<ref>旦那さま</ref> and her father as "the young master".<ref>ぼっちゃま </ref> So that would be why the mother, Sayako-sama, was referred to in the same manner as Sachiko-sama, "the young lady"<ref>(お嬢さま) but that doesn't sound formal when written in English so "madam", "Lady", and "Mi'lady" has been used instead were appropriate.</ref> … complicated.''

"Ah, that's right. An express delivery addressed to Lady Sachiko-sama arrived from Yumi-sama's house."

"Oh, I wonder what it could be?"

"Just a moment."

Kiyo-san withdrew into a room for a moment and with a "heave-ho" returned holding a smallish box, slightly smaller than a box for mandarin oranges. ''What is it, what is it? Such a heavy looking package...''

"Seems like it's rice."


Kiyo-san said while looking at the product name field on the express delivery's form.

"Eh?"

Sachiko-sama asked in return. Even Yumi, who hadn't heard even a single word about such a thing from her mother, was surprised and sought confirmation.

"I-It's rice?"

"Yep, rice. Shall we open it and take a look?"

After obtaining Sachiko-sama's consent, Kiyo-san peeled off the craft-tape sealing the box with a "schwah" sound. And then, it jumped into view:

"Uonuma<ref>Uonuma is a city in Niigata prefecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uonuma,_Niigata </ref> produced Koshihikari"<ref>A popular type of rice in Japan and the variety grown in Uonuma is particularly well regarded (and expensive): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshihikari </ref>

It was written in large characters on a 5 kilogram vinyl pack. It indicated beyond any doubt that contents were indeed white rice.

''Drip.''<ref>タラリ -- sweat-drop sound effect.</ref> Although Yumi maintained a composed expression, sweat trickled down her back. ''Mother, it's inconceivable how you came to enthusiastically send a Japanese person's staple food.''

"Kuh"

''Kuh?''

"Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh"

''Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh?'' She sought out the source of the sound that she couldn't quite comprehend, and for some reason it was Sachiko-sama's voice squeezing out. Sachiko-sama's body literally folded over on the next "kuh"<ref>The "kuh" sound looks like a line bent in half: く So, the "literally" may refer to her "literally" bending into the shape of the Ku character.</ref>, and she grabbed her stomach laughing.

"Yumi's home, isn't it wonderful? Growing into children like Yumi and Yuuki-san is because of being born and raised in such a household."

"U-um"

She wasn't sure whether she was being praised or laughed at. But, onee-sama appeared to be enjoying it considerably.

"Kiyo. During our stay, when you cook the rice, by all means please make it for me with this. The onigiri<ref>Rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref> that Yumi's mother-sama made were very delicious."

"Certainly, mi'lady."

Kiyo-san promptly carried the box that the rice was in to the kitchen.

After tea, Sachiko-sama played the piano in the atrium for Yumi.

There wasn't a sofa in the almost twenty tatami mat<ref>The size of a tatami mat is a common unit for measuring the floor area of Japanese rooms. Approx. 1.8 x 0.9 meters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatami </ref> atrium, instead there was a large dining table with six chairs, and along a wall there was a fireplace and an upright piano.

"Is there a tune you want to hear?"

After starting off at the top of the keyboard with a rising and falling Hanon piece<ref>Piano Exercises by Charles Louis Hanon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Virtuoso_Pianist_in_60_Exercises </ref> to warm up her fingers and make sure the piano was tuned, Sachiko-sama flipped through a bundle of piano pieces with her thumb.

"Gounod's Ave Maria"<ref>Composed by Charles-François Gounod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Maria_(Gounod)
(There is audio of the piece at the link.)</ref>


Yumi said seemingly without thinking about it.

"Ave Maria, is it?"

As Sachiko-sama narrowed her eyes and nodded agreement, she sat on the chair and proceeded to play the piano piece in it's entirety. Yumi wondered how Sachiko-sama was able to play the piece so well from memory.

This piece of music was a very special piece of music for Yumi.

In the spring of last year, Sachiko-sama, who was Rosa Chinensis en Buton at the time, had played the organ in the chapel sanctuary for Yumi and the other first year students. The song played was Gounod's Ave Maria.

It was in that moment that Yumi was completely captivated. By an onee-sama one year above, named Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.

''Whenever she reminisces, it's still so.''

Though Sachiko-sama might not remember, there was that time in the music room a bit before becoming Soeurs, where they played the piano together and even though it was only a short passage of the piece, it was also this piece of music. Calling it a four handed performance would be ridiculous. However, to the melody that Yumi uselessly played, Sachiko-sama added only the left hand. But, to Yumi it was a treasured memory. And so, of the numerous versions of Ave Maria, Gounod's piece was her favorite.

Sachiko-sama's fingers moved without faltering, and looked as though it was an elegant dance on top of the keyboard. The piece praising Maria-sama was perfect for her beautiful onee-sama.

By the time the piece finished, though she had no idea when they hade been lured to come there, both Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san had come to the atrium and the three of them gave her onee-sama a big applause.

 

===2===

On the 2nd floor there were 3 rooms. Two of them had been assigned to Sachiko-sama and Yumi.

"It's fine, though the two of us together was good too..."

''Rather, it's better that way'', Yumi thought, but it was a relief when onee-sama had said, "Especially since there's an excess of rooms."

"I might do things like reading books in the middle of the night, and if that happens, Yumi would be annoyed and unable to sleep."

"… got it."

In conclusion, the opposite reason could also be said, and the interpretation that Sachiko-sama didn't want her time intruded upon could also stand to be true.

For Yumi, who was adopting a secret goal of not intruding upon onee-sama's vacation, to be properly submissive here was the correct choice.

"See to your luggage."

Leaving that said, Sachiko-sama went into her room. Yumi wanted to be together for a bit more, but she didn't even have the courage to follow after her. Since remaining in the hallway by herself wouldn't accomplish anything, Yumi decided to quietly return to her room.


The room was almost 8 tatami mats in size, and had an atmosphere similar to an old hotel except that there wasn't a toilet, bath, phone, or television. There was one semi-double bed. Of the antique furniture, there was one armoire and one chest of drawers. The rest was a desk and chair set.

The room's walls were white. Areas such as the posts and beams were dark brown. The windows were left open and a pleasant feeling breeze was stirring the lace curtains.

"Whew"

Yumi placed her basket onto the floor and flopped onto the bed.

In any case, she had arrived. She was at Sachiko-sama's summer house.

Yumi wondered if, during this one week, the things she wanted to come for would happen. She had actually come to the summer house, and more than the heart-racing, there was a feeling like the count of thrilling experiences had gone up.

Aside from the property managers Kiyo-san and Gensuke, it was just the two of them, her and Sachiko-sama. At school Sachiko-sama was everyone's Rosa Chinensis, but for this one week, she had onee-sama to herself.

''Whoohoo!'' she thought, and as she was doing a banzai cheer while lying down, a knock was heard. She didn't know whether the brief knock was on this room's door or onee-sama's neighboring door, but since right away Kiyo-san's voice was heard saying, "Yumi-sama, is it okay?" she hurriedly hopped up from the bed.


"Y-yes. Please come in."

"Do forgive me. About this, what would you like me to do?"

Kiyo-san held out before her the cooler-case that Yumi had brought. The plastic containers that were inside had already been considerately washed clean.

"If I were to return it now, it would be a bother, right? So, if there are no plans to use it, shall I store it for you in the kitchen?"

"Ah, thank you for your trouble."

Not a problem, not a problem. While laughing, Kiyo-san withdrew the cooler-case and after a pause as her gaze fell upon the plastic containers inside the case, she said, "Well…"

"It's an awkward matter to ask about, but…, Yumi-sama"

"Yes?"

''What awkward matter?'' Yumi thought, and tilted her head.

"The lunchbox's contents, what was it exactly?"

"The lunchbox contents? Umm, let's see, onigiri, grilled cherry tomatoes, fried white-meat fish, and… what shall I call it… grilled asparagus and cheese wrapped in bacon…but"

"There were four onigiri. All filled with umeboshi?<ref>Pickled plums: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>"

"How did you know that?"


''Waah'', Yumi put herself on guard. Was Kiyo-san a person with psychic powers? ''To not only have hit the mark on the filling of onigiri that should have been completely consumed, but to have even guessed the number...''

"Since four pits were left behind…"

"Oh, is that so. Guess it is like that."

''So it was a matter of deduction, and not ESP. However, umeboshi pits, eh?'' Though it seemed understandable if thought about for a bit, Yumi's head that was up in the clouds had been spinning quite badly.

"And so, what did milady eat and about how much did she eat of it?"

"Well... a whole one of each, but…"

"So that is: onigiri, cherry tomatoes, white-meat fish, asparagus, cheese, and bacon, right?"

''Humph'', it wasn't a sigh, but rather Kiyo-san had expelled a deep breath.

"Umm…"

Since it was as if a nurse or nutritionist was precisely inquiring, Yumi was gradually becoming uneasy. ''Perhaps, could it be that there are things that must not be eaten by Sachiko-sama?'' Then, maybe because the well-known "Yumi's thoughts showing on her face" had unwittingly occurred, Kiyo-san hurriedly shook her head.

"I am sorry. I was only asking so that the menus for the mid-day and evening meals and such do not overlap."


"Ah, is that so?"

I see, it's that she has to take such things into consideration. Even being a manager-san is tough.

"May I help with something?"

Yumi offered. It was also something she had been told by her mother: ''In order to not become merely a guest, find things you can do, and get working.''

"Certainly not! If Yumi-sama is Lady Sachiko-sama's little sister, you are also after all just the same as a young lady of the Ogasawara household. If such a thing were allowed to happen, I would be reprimanded. That aside, we are doing the off-season management as well of course, so including those things, it's not an exaggeration to say that we are working entirely for the Ogasawara family to spend the their summertime moments here pleasantly. Please don't take away our work, ok?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

Yumi surrendered to Kiyo-san's earnest entreaty, nodding assent. It seems that for so-called wealthy young ladies there is an unexpected inability to do as one pleases.

"I'm glad that you understand. At half past twelve o'clock, we will do lunch. Please come downstairs around that time."

Kiyo-san politely lowered her head before leaving the room, and her light footsteps descended the stairs.


"Half past twelve…"

She looked at the clock. It was eleven. Kiyo-san's scones were delicious and she had eaten two of them, so frankly she wasn't hungry yet.

Yumi took off the one-piece dress, hung it in the armoire, put on a t-shirt and a denim skirt, and tried doing sit-ups for a bit. However, it was something she wasn't accustomed to doing, so she didn't continue. Having repeated 10 times, "get up, lie down," she had become exhausted immediately, and after that it was almost one hour later that she did the 11th time's "get up."

 

===3===

When she went down stairs at half past twelve, Sachiko-sama had not yet shown up.

"She said she wanted to lie down for a bit, and will be upstairs resting. She said that she didn't need lunch."

Kiyo-san entered the atrium pushing a service cart.

"Yumi-sama, where will you eat? The atrium? Or the terrace?"

"Ah, whichever…"

"Then, shall we do the terrace? It's fine weather."


Having been persuaded, Yumi went out onto the terrace and sat in a chair. ''So, Sachiko-sama wouldn't be eating with her.''

"It happens every year. The day that she arrives, she tends to rest until nearly evening."

"I see."

''Because of the after effects of the drowsiness causing motion-sickness medicine, she might be pretty much out of it until the medicine wears off.'' Yumi wiped her hands with a hand towel that had been prepared for her.

"Just a little while ago I asked about mi'lady's meal, but I forgot to ask about Yumi-sama's likes. Are there things that you don't eat?"

Kiyo-san inquired.

"No. I can eat just about anything."

"Oh, that helps. I have prepared egg and chicken sandwiches. For the drink, will ''café au lait'' be okay?"

"Ah, that would be terrific."

"You don't need to use polite speech for us. Please be more at ease."

"Even if you say so…"

Using casual speech to an older person was something she was not just a bit reluctant, but rather considerably reluctant, to do. After all, she wasn't a upper-class lady by birth.


"Since there is a second serving… please feel free to call for me."

With Kiyo-san apparently having completed laying out the table setting, Yumi hurriedly called out to stop her.

"Umm… aren't Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san joining?"

"We eat in a separate room."

Kiyo-san smiled sweetly and left. Evidently, it seems that in this place the masters and servants have strictly divided areas.

"Itadakimasu." <ref> Ritual saying generally equivalent to "thanks for the food" that is said before eating.</ref>

And that was how it had ended up with Yumi having lunch on the terrace alone. Sachiko-sama was skipping the meal and Yumi didn't really have much appetite, but since she felt bad for Kiyo-san who made it for her, in that way, she made up her mind to do her best to eat even though she wasn't hungry.

That said, the amount of sandwiches, neatly arranged on the large plate, wasn't skimpy. Just the bread alone seemed like it could very easily be an entire loaf. This was not an amount that a high-school girl could eat alone.

On the serving plate were chicken sandwiches and egg sandwiches, she took one each of the two kinds of sandwiches.

"Ah"


As she was preparing to take a bite, Yumi realized there was something to the left and right of the plate.

A knife and a fork.

"Aha…"

''Because of such a thing, there sure was no doubt that this was Sachiko-sama's home'', she thought. It was a shame she that couldn't be laughing about it together with onee-sama.

As an experiment, she tried eating with the knife and fork. Alas, with the egg sandwich, the filling squeezed out from both ends, and with the chicken one, she used a bit too much force and the bread was smushed.

It was a sandwich that Yumi desperately battled. If it was Sachiko-sama, she probably could skillfully cut it up and elegantly convey it to her mouth, even though it was such a difficult thing.

"I give up."

Yumi resigned herself to eating them using her hands. She started things off by picking up the lettuce that had fallen onto the plate and tossing it into her mouth.

"Chicken and egg. ...parent and child?"

She said by herself, and laughed by herself.

As for the sandwiches, the bread was done moist, and even the ingredients for the filling were fresh and tasty.

Just a bit, it was a lonely lunch.

 

===4===


Sachiko-sama remained cloistered in her room until around evening.

Yumi was bored, so bored, and even though she wasn't yet grasping for things to do to the point that she must rouse onee-sama from her rest, returning to her room couldn't be helped, and she tried doing such things as moving the luggage from one place to another, and meaninglessly hopping up and down on the bed.

If she had been allowed to, something like clearing away lunch would have probably passed the time, but sure enough, that had been rejected by Kiyo-san.

When she also got tired of exploring the inside of the room, Yumi gazed out the window. The house was standing in the middle of the trees looking like they were encircling it to the extent that the force of their outstretched branches would appear almost sufficient to crack the window glass.

"If it's going to be like this, I wonder if I should have at least brought a crossword puzzle…"

Initially, she was going to bring a small guidebook, but…. She had been so happy about coming here that before leaving she had read it until she was tired of reading it. Besides, in the room by herself, looking for a page about a noteworthy spot around here would be somewhat useless. With that said, Yumi was not familiar with the area and it would probably be too reckless for her to do such things as heading out by herself relying on the guidebook. First off, she was starting from the middle of these woods, and even if there were a place she could walk to, whether could she get to a lively sight-seeing area, she really had no idea. At best, the outcome would be her becoming a "lost child."


It was quiet enough to hear herself sighing greatly.

She turned her head about after feeling like she was being watched, and there was something -- a small animal and it's eyes. At first, she thought, ''a long tailed rabbit?'', but with the ears being short...

"Squirrel…?"

It was Squirrel-like in the way squirrels are always depicted, and while not having a vertical-stripe pattern at all, it was unmistakably a squirrel. Larger than a chipmunk, it was merely just a brown-looking squirrel. The squirrel was on the branches near the window staring her way motionlessly.

"Come here, come here ."

She tried, reaching out her hand, but, of course a wild squirrel wasn't going to be drawn closer with something like that. As if coldly disregarding Yumi, it scampered off toward the thick tree trunk.

"He mustn't like me…"

Boring.

''It would be good if onee-sama woke up soon'', she thought.


Sachiko-sama came downstairs just before dinner, and arrived at the dinner table with glazed over eyes. Sachiko-sama was said to be bad about having low-blood pressure when waking up in the morning. As expected, it really was the case that she might be listless for an unrelated period of time after having slept.

Dinner's menu was a full complement of blessing from the mountain.

The main course was grilled salted ayu<ref>鮎(Ayu) -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayu </ref>. All kinds of mushroom tempura. Local vegetable aemono<ref>和え物 -- a blanched and dressed vegetable side dish.</ref>. After that, hand-made yosedofu<ref> 寄せ豆腐 -- a creamy tofu made by adding nigari (magnesium chloride) to unsweetened soy milk.</ref>. All of it looked delicious, but... having eaten plenty of scones and sandwiches, she should've been more anxious to take the initiative to eat sparingly from the start.

"Please have seconds."

Kiyo-san placed a steaming rice bowl on the table.

That's right, she mustn't forget. The rice was the Uonuma produced Koshihikari that had been sent from the Fukuzawa household, and there was okoge<ref> お焦げ, the crispy rice that forms at the bottom of the cooking pan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okoge_(food) </ref>. Sachiko-sama's grandfather liked rice cooked on a traditional stove, and she'd heard that when the kitchen was renovated, the only thing to remain was the traditional stove.

As two of them began their meal sitting facing each other at the six-seater table, Sachiko-sama asked,

"What did Yumi do while I was sleeping?"

"Umm. Organizing the luggage and such, lying down for a bit…, ah, after that I also saw a squirrel from the window."

"That so. There's a lot of nature that remains here. Don't you think it's nice and quiet?"

"Ah, yeah."


After nodding agreement, Yumi added,

"But, onee-sama wasn't there and I was a bit lonely."

''If there's something you want to say, please say it'', were the words she'd heard Sachiko-sama say previously.

"Oh"

Sachiko-sama smiled a bit.

"Well then, in the evening shall we play some games or something?"

"Is that ok?"

Yumi asked searchingly.

"Of course"

Was the agreeable reply.

"Hurray!"

Joy surged through her body and without thinking she had stood up from the chair.

"Yumi. Don't stand up in the middle of the meal."

"...yes."

Though cautioned, it didn't halve her joy at all. That's because her happiness was already at ten fold or a hundred fold.

That aside, playing games wasn't the reason that she was so happy. Simply, it was that she would be together with her onee-sama. And, onee-sama would be using that time for her. That was what had made Yumi happy.


Yumi, resuscitated, consumed all the side dishes. After all, rather than the delicious highland air, it seems that onee-sama's single word became a stimulant for her appetite.

After the meal as promised, they played games.

Unfortunately, the holiday house only had playing cards, chess, and Go<ref> 囲碁http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_(game) </ref>, but doing things such as hasami-shogi<ref> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasami_shogi </ref> with the chess board and Othello<ref> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversi </ref> with the Go board, it was sufficiently fulfilling.

Kiyo-san, who finished tidying up after the meal, and Gensuke-san, who disliked it, were dragged into doing card games such as "Old Maid" and even "Sevens". Since the Sawamura couple didn't know the rules for games such as "Daihinmin<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daifugō </ref>" and "Page One<ref> http://www.pagat.com/inflation/page_one.html </ref>", they had to repeat doing those two card games, but even with that it wasn't at all tiresome.

With the classical records and the sometimes mixing in of a "ji ji ji" noise, it was at some points a nostalgic feeling night.

''I want to keep staying up late like this forever'', Yumi thought.

 

===5===

[not started yet]

===6===

[not started yet]

===7===

[not started yet]

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2014-06-19T02:42:54Z

Rydenius: /* 3 */

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
{{Incomplete|percentage=54}}
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without the use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.


"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam<ref>お嬢さま -- A daughter of wealth or nobility.</ref>."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language when addressing Yumi and Sachiko throughout this chapter.</ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there be any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. ''Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san.'' She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. ''Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...''

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

To start with, they went out from the first floor atrium onto a wide terrace, and were treated to black tea. Scones that Kiyo-san had baked, were accompanied by homemade strawberry jam that was said to have been given out by an acquaintance. It seems that these things had been prepared because they had heard that Sachiko-sama would be coming.


"Is everything all right with the master and the young master?"

While pouring a second serving of tea, Kiyo-san began the conversation.

"Thanks. Grandfather and father are both doing fine."

Gensuke-san wasn't there, and was likely working outside.

"For Lady Sayako-sama, it's unfortunate about her mother. Surely, she must have been feeling really down."

"It's alright now. Since it had been a lengthy struggle with illness, it seems that she had prepared herself."

''Kiyo-san has probably been working for the Ogasawaras since ancient times. Here Sachiko-sama's grandfather was referred to as "master"<ref>旦那さま</ref> and her father as "the young master".<ref>ぼっちゃま </ref> So that would be why the mother, Sayako-sama, was referred to in the same manner as Sachiko-sama, "the young lady"<ref>(お嬢さま) but that doesn't sound formal when written in English so "madam", "Lady", and "Mi'lady" has been used instead were appropriate.</ref> … complicated.''

"Ah, that's right. An express delivery addressed to Lady Sachiko-sama arrived from Yumi-sama's house."

"Oh, I wonder what it could be?"

"Just a moment."

Kiyo-san withdrew into a room for a moment and with a "heave-ho" returned holding a smallish box, slightly smaller than a box for mandarin oranges. ''What is it, what is it? Such a heavy looking package...''

"Seems like it's rice."


Kiyo-san said while looking at the product name field on the express delivery's form.

"Eh?"

Sachiko-sama asked in return. Even Yumi, who hadn't heard even a single word about such a thing from her mother, was surprised and sought confirmation.

"I-It's rice?"

"Yep, rice. Shall we open it and take a look?"

After obtaining Sachiko-sama's consent, Kiyo-san peeled off the craft-tape sealing the box with a "schwah" sound. And then, it jumped into view:

"Uonuma<ref>Uonuma is a city in Niigata prefecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uonuma,_Niigata </ref> produced Koshihikari"<ref>A popular type of rice in Japan and the variety grown in Uonuma is particularly well regarded (and expensive): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshihikari </ref>

It was written in large characters on a 5 kilogram vinyl pack. It indicated beyond any doubt that contents were indeed white rice.

''Drip.''<ref>タラリ -- sweat-drop sound effect.</ref> Although Yumi maintained a composed expression, sweat trickled down her back. ''Mother, it's inconceivable how you came to enthusiastically send a Japanese person's staple food.''

"Kuh"

''Kuh?''

"Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh"

''Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh?'' She sought out the source of the sound that she couldn't quite comprehend, and for some reason it was Sachiko-sama's voice squeezing out. Sachiko-sama's body literally folded over on the next "kuh"<ref>The "kuh" sound looks like a line bent in half: く So, the "literally" may refer to her "literally" bending into the shape of the Ku character.</ref>, and she grabbed her stomach laughing.

"Yumi's home, isn't it wonderful? Growing into children like Yumi and Yuuki-san is because of being born and raised in such a household."

"U-um"

She wasn't sure whether she was being praised or laughed at. But, onee-sama appeared to be enjoying it considerably.

"Kiyo. During our stay, when you cook the rice, by all means please make it for me with this. The onigiri<ref>Rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref> that Yumi's mother-sama made were very delicious."

"Certainly, mi'lady."

Kiyo-san promptly carried the box that the rice was in to the kitchen.

After tea, Sachiko-sama played the piano in the atrium for Yumi.

There wasn't a sofa in the almost twenty tatami mat<ref>The size of a tatami mat is a common unit for measuring the floor area of Japanese rooms. Approx. 1.8 x 0.9 meters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatami </ref> atrium, instead there was a large dining table with six chairs, and along a wall there was a fireplace and an upright piano.

"Is there a tune you want to hear?"

After starting off at the top of the keyboard with a rising and falling Hanon piece<ref>Piano Exercises by Charles Louis Hanon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Virtuoso_Pianist_in_60_Exercises </ref> to warm up her fingers and make sure the piano was tuned, Sachiko-sama flipped through a bundle of piano pieces with her thumb.

"Gounod's Ave Maria"<ref>Composed by Charles-François Gounod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Maria_(Gounod)
(There is audio of the piece at the link.)</ref>


Yumi said seemingly without thinking about it.

"Ave Maria, is it?"

As Sachiko-sama narrowed her eyes and nodded agreement, she sat on the chair and proceeded to play the piano piece in it's entirety. Yumi wondered how Sachiko-sama was able to play the piece so well from memory.

This piece of music was a very special piece of music for Yumi.

In the spring of last year, Sachiko-sama, who was Rosa Chinensis en Buton at the time, had played the organ in the chapel sanctuary for Yumi and the other first year students. The song played was Gounod's Ave Maria.

It was in that moment that Yumi was completely captivated. By an onee-sama one year above, named Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.

''Whenever she reminisces, it's still so.''

Though Sachiko-sama might not remember, there was that time in the music room a bit before becoming Soeurs, where they played the piano together and even though it was only a short passage of the piece, it was also this piece of music. Calling it a four handed performance would be ridiculous. However, to the melody that Yumi uselessly played, Sachiko-sama added only the left hand. But, to Yumi it was a treasured memory. And so, of the numerous versions of Ave Maria, Gounod's piece was her favorite.

Sachiko-sama's fingers moved without faltering, and looked as though it was an elegant dance on top of the keyboard. The piece praising Maria-sama was perfect for her beautiful onee-sama.

By the time the piece finished, though she had no idea when they hade been lured to come there, both Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san had come to the atrium and the three of them gave her onee-sama a big applause.

 

===2===

On the 2nd floor there were 3 rooms. Two of them had been assigned to Sachiko-sama and Yumi.

"It's fine, though the two of us together was good too..."

''Rather, it's better that way'', Yumi thought, but it was a relief when onee-sama had said, "Especially since there's an excess of rooms."

"I might do things like reading books in the middle of the night, and if that happens, Yumi would be annoyed and unable to sleep."

"… got it."

In conclusion, the opposite reason could also be said, and the interpretation that Sachiko-sama didn't want her time intruded upon could also stand to be true.

For Yumi, who was adopting a secret goal of not intruding upon onee-sama's vacation, to be properly submissive here was the correct choice.

"See to your luggage."

Leaving that said, Sachiko-sama went into her room. Yumi wanted to be together for a bit more, but she didn't even have the courage to follow after her. Since remaining in the hallway by herself wouldn't accomplish anything, Yumi decided to quietly return to her room.


The room was almost 8 tatami mats in size, and had an atmosphere similar to an old hotel except that there wasn't a toilet, bath, phone, or television. There was one semi-double bed. Of the antique furniture, there was one armoire and one chest of drawers. The rest was a desk and chair set.

The room's walls were white. Areas such as the posts and beams were dark brown. The windows were left open and a pleasant feeling breeze was stirring the lace curtains.

"Whew"

Yumi placed her basket onto the floor and flopped onto the bed.

In any case, she had arrived. She was at Sachiko-sama's summer house.

Yumi wondered if, during this one week, the things she wanted to come for would happen. She had actually come to the summer house, and more than the heart-racing, there was a feeling like the count of thrilling experiences had gone up.

Aside from the property managers Kiyo-san and Gensuke, it was just the two of them, her and Sachiko-sama. At school Sachiko-sama was everyone's Rosa Chinensis, but for this one week, she had onee-sama to herself.

''Whoohoo!'' she thought, and as she was doing a banzai cheer while lying down, a knock was heard. She didn't know whether the brief knock was on this room's door or onee-sama's neighboring door, but since right away Kiyo-san's voice was heard saying, "Yumi-sama, is it okay?" she hurriedly hopped up from the bed.


"Y-yes. Please come in."

"Do forgive me. About this, what would you like me to do?"

Kiyo-san held out before her the cooler-case that Yumi had brought. The plastic containers that were inside had already been considerately washed clean.

"If I were to return it now, it would be a bother, right? So, if there are no plans to use it, shall I store it for you in the kitchen?"

"Ah, thank you for your trouble."

Not a problem, not a problem. While laughing, Kiyo-san withdrew the cooler-case and after a pause as her gaze fell upon the plastic containers inside the case, she said, "Well…"

"It's an awkward matter to ask about, but…, Yumi-sama"

"Yes?"

''What awkward matter?'' Yumi thought, and tilted her head.

"The lunchbox's contents, what was it exactly?"

"The lunchbox contents? Umm, let's see, onigiri, grilled cherry tomatoes, fried white-meat fish, and… what shall I call it… grilled asparagus and cheese wrapped in bacon…but"

"There were four onigiri. All filled with umeboshi?<ref>Pickled plums: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>"

"How did you know that?"


''Waah'', Yumi put herself on guard. Was Kiyo-san a person with psychic powers? ''To not only have hit the mark on the filling of onigiri that should have been completely consumed, but to have even guessed the number...''

"Since four pits were left behind…"

"Oh, is that so. Guess it is like that."

''So it was a matter of deduction, and not ESP. However, umeboshi pits, eh?'' Though it seemed understandable if thought about for a bit, Yumi's head that was up in the clouds had been spinning quite badly.

"And so, what did milady eat and about how much did she eat of it?"

"Well... a whole one of each, but…"

"So that is: onigiri, cherry tomatoes, white-meat fish, asparagus, cheese, and bacon, right?"

''Humph'', it wasn't a sigh, but rather Kiyo-san had expelled a deep breath.

"Umm…"

Since it was as if a nurse or nutritionist was precisely inquiring, Yumi was gradually becoming uneasy. ''Perhaps, could it be that there are things that must not be eaten by Sachiko-sama?'' Then, maybe because the well-known "Yumi's thoughts showing on her face" had unwittingly occurred, Kiyo-san hurriedly shook her head.

"I am sorry. I was only asking so that the menus for the mid-day and evening meals and such do not overlap."


"Ah, is that so?"

I see, it's that she has to take such things into consideration. Even being a manager-san is tough.

"May I help with something?"

Yumi offered. It was also something she had been told by her mother: ''In order to not become merely a guest, find things you can do, and get working.''

"Certainly not! If Yumi-sama is Lady Sachiko-sama's little sister, you are also after all just the same as a young lady of the Ogasawara household. If such a thing were allowed to happen, I would be reprimanded. That aside, we are doing the off-season management as well of course, so including those things, it's not an exaggeration to say that we are working entirely for the Ogasawara family to spend the their summertime moments here pleasantly. Please don't take away our work, ok?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

Yumi surrendered to Kiyo-san's earnest entreaty, nodding assent. It seems that for so-called wealthy young ladies there is an unexpected inability to do as one pleases.

"I'm glad that you understand. At half past twelve o'clock, we will do lunch. Please come downstairs around that time."

Kiyo-san politely lowered her head before leaving the room, and her light footsteps descended the stairs.


"Half past twelve…"

She looked at the clock. It was eleven. Kiyo-san's scones were delicious and she had eaten two of them, so frankly she wasn't hungry yet.

Yumi took off the one-piece dress, hung it in the armoire, put on a t-shirt and a denim skirt, and tried doing sit-ups for a bit. However, it was something she wasn't accustomed to doing, so she didn't continue. Having repeated 10 times, "get up, lie down," she had become exhausted immediately, and after that it was almost one hour later that she did the 11th time's "get up."

 

===3===

When she went down stairs at half past twelve, Sachiko-sama had not yet shown up.

"She said she wanted to lie down for a bit, and will be upstairs resting. She said that she didn't need lunch."

Kiyo-san entered the atrium pushing a service cart.

"Yumi-sama, where will you eat? The atrium? Or the terrace?"

"Ah, whichever…"

"Then, shall we do the terrace? It's fine weather."


Having been persuaded, Yumi went out onto the terrace and sat in a chair. ''So, Sachiko-sama wouldn't be eating with her.''

"It happens every year. The day that she arrives, she tends to rest until nearly evening."

"I see."

''Because of the after effects of the drowsiness causing motion-sickness medicine, she might be pretty much out of it until the medicine wears off.'' Yumi wiped her hands with a hand towel that had been prepared for her.

"Just a little while ago I asked about mi'lady's meal, but I forgot to ask about Yumi-sama's likes. Are there things that you don't eat?"

Kiyo-san inquired.

"No. I can eat just about anything."

"Oh, that helps. I have prepared egg and chicken sandwiches. For the drink, will ''café au lait'' be okay?"

"Ah, that would be terrific."

"You don't need to use polite speech for us. Please be more at ease."

"Even if you say so…"

Using casual speech to an older person was something she was not just a bit reluctant, but rather considerably reluctant, to do. After all, she wasn't a upper-class lady by birth.


"Since there is a second serving… please feel free to call for me."

With Kiyo-san apparently having completed laying out the table setting, Yumi hurriedly called out to stop her.

"Umm… aren't Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san joining?"

"We eat in a separate room."

Kiyo-san smiled sweetly and left. Evidently, it seems that in this place the masters and servants have strictly divided areas.

"Itadakimasu." <ref> Ritual saying generally equivalent to "thanks for the food" that is said before eating.</ref>

And that was how it had ended up with Yumi having lunch on the terrace alone. Sachiko-sama was skipping the meal and Yumi didn't really have much appetite, but since she felt bad for Kiyo-san who made it for her, in that way, she made up her mind to do her best to eat even though she wasn't hungry.

That said, the amount of sandwiches, neatly arranged on the large plate, wasn't skimpy. Just the bread alone seemed like it could very easily be an entire loaf. This was not an amount that a high-school girl could eat alone.

On the serving plate were chicken sandwiches and egg sandwiches, she took one each of the two kinds of sandwiches.

"Ah"


As she was preparing to take a bite, Yumi realized there was something to the left and right of the plate.

A knife and a fork.

"Aha…"

''Because of such a thing, there sure was no doubt that this was Sachiko-sama's home'', she thought. It was a shame she that couldn't be laughing about it together with onee-sama.

As an experiment, she tried eating with the knife and fork. Alas, with the egg sandwich, the filling squeezed out from both ends, and with the chicken one, she used a bit too much force and the bread was smushed.

It was a sandwich that Yumi desperately battled. If it was Sachiko-sama, she probably could skillfully cut it up and elegantly convey it to her mouth, even though it was such a difficult thing.

"I give up."

Yumi resigned herself to eating them using her hands. She started things off by picking up the lettuce that had fallen onto the plate and tossing it into her mouth.

"Chicken and egg. ...parent and child?"

She said by herself, and laughed by herself.

As for the sandwiches, the bread was done moist, and even the ingredients for the filling were fresh and tasty.

Just a bit, it was a lonely lunch.

 

===4===

[In progress]

===5===

[not started yet]

===6===

[not started yet]

===7===

[not started yet]

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2014-06-19T02:34:28Z

Rydenius: /* 3 */

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
{{Incomplete|percentage=54}}
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without the use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.


"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam<ref>お嬢さま -- A daughter of wealth or nobility.</ref>."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language when addressing Yumi and Sachiko throughout this chapter.</ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there be any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. ''Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san.'' She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. ''Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...''

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

To start with, they went out from the first floor atrium onto a wide terrace, and were treated to black tea. Scones that Kiyo-san had baked, were accompanied by homemade strawberry jam that was said to have been given out by an acquaintance. It seems that these things had been prepared because they had heard that Sachiko-sama would be coming.


"Is everything all right with the master and the young master?"

While pouring a second serving of tea, Kiyo-san began the conversation.

"Thanks. Grandfather and father are both doing fine."

Gensuke-san wasn't there, and was likely working outside.

"For Lady Sayako-sama, it's unfortunate about her mother. Surely, she must have been feeling really down."

"It's alright now. Since it had been a lengthy struggle with illness, it seems that she had prepared herself."

''Kiyo-san has probably been working for the Ogasawaras since ancient times. Here Sachiko-sama's grandfather was referred to as "master"<ref>旦那さま</ref> and her father as "the young master".<ref>ぼっちゃま </ref> So that would be why the mother, Sayako-sama, was referred to in the same manner as Sachiko-sama, "the young lady"<ref>(お嬢さま) but that doesn't sound formal when written in English so "madam", "Lady", and "Mi'lady" has been used instead were appropriate.</ref> … complicated.''

"Ah, that's right. An express delivery addressed to Lady Sachiko-sama arrived from Yumi-sama's house."

"Oh, I wonder what it could be?"

"Just a moment."

Kiyo-san withdrew into a room for a moment and with a "heave-ho" returned holding a smallish box, slightly smaller than a box for mandarin oranges. ''What is it, what is it? Such a heavy looking package...''

"Seems like it's rice."


Kiyo-san said while looking at the product name field on the express delivery's form.

"Eh?"

Sachiko-sama asked in return. Even Yumi, who hadn't heard even a single word about such a thing from her mother, was surprised and sought confirmation.

"I-It's rice?"

"Yep, rice. Shall we open it and take a look?"

After obtaining Sachiko-sama's consent, Kiyo-san peeled off the craft-tape sealing the box with a "schwah" sound. And then, it jumped into view:

"Uonuma<ref>Uonuma is a city in Niigata prefecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uonuma,_Niigata </ref> produced Koshihikari"<ref>A popular type of rice in Japan and the variety grown in Uonuma is particularly well regarded (and expensive): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshihikari </ref>

It was written in large characters on a 5 kilogram vinyl pack. It indicated beyond any doubt that contents were indeed white rice.

''Drip.''<ref>タラリ -- sweat-drop sound effect.</ref> Although Yumi maintained a composed expression, sweat trickled down her back. ''Mother, it's inconceivable how you came to enthusiastically send a Japanese person's staple food.''

"Kuh"

''Kuh?''

"Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh"

''Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh?'' She sought out the source of the sound that she couldn't quite comprehend, and for some reason it was Sachiko-sama's voice squeezing out. Sachiko-sama's body literally folded over on the next "kuh"<ref>The "kuh" sound looks like a line bent in half: く So, the "literally" may refer to her "literally" bending into the shape of the Ku character.</ref>, and she grabbed her stomach laughing.

"Yumi's home, isn't it wonderful? Growing into children like Yumi and Yuuki-san is because of being born and raised in such a household."

"U-um"

She wasn't sure whether she was being praised or laughed at. But, onee-sama appeared to be enjoying it considerably.

"Kiyo. During our stay, when you cook the rice, by all means please make it for me with this. The onigiri<ref>Rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref> that Yumi's mother-sama made were very delicious."

"Certainly, mi'lady."

Kiyo-san promptly carried the box that the rice was in to the kitchen.

After tea, Sachiko-sama played the piano in the atrium for Yumi.

There wasn't a sofa in the almost twenty tatami mat<ref>The size of a tatami mat is a common unit for measuring the floor area of Japanese rooms. Approx. 1.8 x 0.9 meters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatami </ref> atrium, instead there was a large dining table with six chairs, and along a wall there was a fireplace and an upright piano.

"Is there a tune you want to hear?"

After starting off at the top of the keyboard with a rising and falling Hanon piece<ref>Piano Exercises by Charles Louis Hanon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Virtuoso_Pianist_in_60_Exercises </ref> to warm up her fingers and make sure the piano was tuned, Sachiko-sama flipped through a bundle of piano pieces with her thumb.

"Gounod's Ave Maria"<ref>Composed by Charles-François Gounod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Maria_(Gounod)
(There is audio of the piece at the link.)</ref>


Yumi said seemingly without thinking about it.

"Ave Maria, is it?"

As Sachiko-sama narrowed her eyes and nodded agreement, she sat on the chair and proceeded to play the piano piece in it's entirety. Yumi wondered how Sachiko-sama was able to play the piece so well from memory.

This piece of music was a very special piece of music for Yumi.

In the spring of last year, Sachiko-sama, who was Rosa Chinensis en Buton at the time, had played the organ in the chapel sanctuary for Yumi and the other first year students. The song played was Gounod's Ave Maria.

It was in that moment that Yumi was completely captivated. By an onee-sama one year above, named Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.

''Whenever she reminisces, it's still so.''

Though Sachiko-sama might not remember, there was that time in the music room a bit before becoming Soeurs, where they played the piano together and even though it was only a short passage of the piece, it was also this piece of music. Calling it a four handed performance would be ridiculous. However, to the melody that Yumi uselessly played, Sachiko-sama added only the left hand. But, to Yumi it was a treasured memory. And so, of the numerous versions of Ave Maria, Gounod's piece was her favorite.

Sachiko-sama's fingers moved without faltering, and looked as though it was an elegant dance on top of the keyboard. The piece praising Maria-sama was perfect for her beautiful onee-sama.

By the time the piece finished, though she had no idea when they hade been lured to come there, both Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san had come to the atrium and the three of them gave her onee-sama a big applause.

 

===2===

On the 2nd floor there were 3 rooms. Two of them had been assigned to Sachiko-sama and Yumi.

"It's fine, though the two of us together was good too..."

''Rather, it's better that way'', Yumi thought, but it was a relief when onee-sama had said, "Especially since there's an excess of rooms."

"I might do things like reading books in the middle of the night, and if that happens, Yumi would be annoyed and unable to sleep."

"… got it."

In conclusion, the opposite reason could also be said, and the interpretation that Sachiko-sama didn't want her time intruded upon could also stand to be true.

For Yumi, who was adopting a secret goal of not intruding upon onee-sama's vacation, to be properly submissive here was the correct choice.

"See to your luggage."

Leaving that said, Sachiko-sama went into her room. Yumi wanted to be together for a bit more, but she didn't even have the courage to follow after her. Since remaining in the hallway by herself wouldn't accomplish anything, Yumi decided to quietly return to her room.


The room was almost 8 tatami mats in size, and had an atmosphere similar to an old hotel except that there wasn't a toilet, bath, phone, or television. There was one semi-double bed. Of the antique furniture, there was one armoire and one chest of drawers. The rest was a desk and chair set.

The room's walls were white. Areas such as the posts and beams were dark brown. The windows were left open and a pleasant feeling breeze was stirring the lace curtains.

"Whew"

Yumi placed her basket onto the floor and flopped onto the bed.

In any case, she had arrived. She was at Sachiko-sama's summer house.

Yumi wondered if, during this one week, the things she wanted to come for would happen. She had actually come to the summer house, and more than the heart-racing, there was a feeling like the count of thrilling experiences had gone up.

Aside from the property managers Kiyo-san and Gensuke, it was just the two of them, her and Sachiko-sama. At school Sachiko-sama was everyone's Rosa Chinensis, but for this one week, she had onee-sama to herself.

''Whoohoo!'' she thought, and as she was doing a banzai cheer while lying down, a knock was heard. She didn't know whether the brief knock was on this room's door or onee-sama's neighboring door, but since right away Kiyo-san's voice was heard saying, "Yumi-sama, is it okay?" she hurriedly hopped up from the bed.


"Y-yes. Please come in."

"Do forgive me. About this, what would you like me to do?"

Kiyo-san held out before her the cooler-case that Yumi had brought. The plastic containers that were inside had already been considerately washed clean.

"If I were to return it now, it would be a bother, right? So, if there are no plans to use it, shall I store it for you in the kitchen?"

"Ah, thank you for your trouble."

Not a problem, not a problem. While laughing, Kiyo-san withdrew the cooler-case and after a pause as her gaze fell upon the plastic containers inside the case, she said, "Well…"

"It's an awkward matter to ask about, but…, Yumi-sama"

"Yes?"

''What awkward matter?'' Yumi thought, and tilted her head.

"The lunchbox's contents, what was it exactly?"

"The lunchbox contents? Umm, let's see, onigiri, grilled cherry tomatoes, fried white-meat fish, and… what shall I call it… grilled asparagus and cheese wrapped in bacon…but"

"There were four onigiri. All filled with umeboshi?<ref>Pickled plums: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>"

"How did you know that?"


''Waah'', Yumi put herself on guard. Was Kiyo-san a person with psychic powers? ''To not only have hit the mark on the filling of onigiri that should have been completely consumed, but to have even guessed the number...''

"Since four pits were left behind…"

"Oh, is that so. Guess it is like that."

''So it was a matter of deduction, and not ESP. However, umeboshi pits, eh?'' Though it seemed understandable if thought about for a bit, Yumi's head that was up in the clouds had been spinning quite badly.

"And so, what did milady eat and about how much did she eat of it?"

"Well... a whole one of each, but…"

"So that is: onigiri, cherry tomatoes, white-meat fish, asparagus, cheese, and bacon, right?"

''Humph'', it wasn't a sigh, but rather Kiyo-san had expelled a deep breath.

"Umm…"

Since it was as if a nurse or nutritionist was precisely inquiring, Yumi was gradually becoming uneasy. ''Perhaps, could it be that there are things that must not be eaten by Sachiko-sama?'' Then, maybe because the well-known "Yumi's thoughts showing on her face" had unwittingly occurred, Kiyo-san hurriedly shook her head.

"I am sorry. I was only asking so that the menus for the mid-day and evening meals and such do not overlap."


"Ah, is that so?"

I see, it's that she has to take such things into consideration. Even being a manager-san is tough.

"May I help with something?"

Yumi offered. It was also something she had been told by her mother: ''In order to not become merely a guest, find things you can do, and get working.''

"Certainly not! If Yumi-sama is Lady Sachiko-sama's little sister, you are also after all just the same as a young lady of the Ogasawara household. If such a thing were allowed to happen, I would be reprimanded. That aside, we are doing the off-season management as well of course, so including those things, it's not an exaggeration to say that we are working entirely for the Ogasawara family to spend the their summertime moments here pleasantly. Please don't take away our work, ok?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

Yumi surrendered to Kiyo-san's earnest entreaty, nodding assent. It seems that for so-called wealthy young ladies there is an unexpected inability to do as one pleases.

"I'm glad that you understand. At half past twelve o'clock, we will do lunch. Please come downstairs around that time."

Kiyo-san politely lowered her head before leaving the room, and her light footsteps descended the stairs.


"Half past twelve…"

She looked at the clock. It was eleven. Kiyo-san's scones were delicious and she had eaten two of them, so frankly she wasn't hungry yet.

Yumi took off the one-piece dress, hung it in the armoire, put on a t-shirt and a denim skirt, and tried doing sit-ups for a bit. However, it was something she wasn't accustomed to doing, so she didn't continue. Having repeated 10 times, "get up, lie down," she had become exhausted immediately, and after that it was almost one hour later that she did the 11th time's "get up."

 

===3===

When she went down stairs at half past twelve, Sachiko-sama had not yet shown up.

"She said she wanted to lie down for a bit, and will be upstairs resting. She said that she didn't need lunch."

Kiyo-san entered the atrium pushing a service cart.

"Yumi-sama, where will you eat? The atrium? Or the terrace?"

"Ah, whichever…"

"Then, shall we do the terrace? It's fine weather."


Having been persuaded, Yumi went out onto the terrace and sat in a chair. ''So, Sachiko-sama wouldn't be eating with her.''

"It happens every year. The day that she arrives, she tends to rest until nearly evening."

"I see."

''Because of the after effects of the drowsiness causing motion-sickness medicine, she might be pretty much out of it until the medicine wears off.'' Yumi wiped her hands with a hand towel that had been prepared for her.

"Just a little while ago I asked about mi'lady's meal, but I forgot to ask about Yumi-sama's likes. Are there things that you don't eat?"

Kiyo-san inquired.

"No. I can eat just about anything."

"Oh, that helps. I have prepared egg and chicken sandwiches. For the drink, will ''café au lait'' be okay?"

"Ah, that would be terrific."

"You don't need to use polite speech for us. Please be more at ease."

"Even if you say so…"

Using casual speech to an older person was something she was not just a bit reluctant, but rather considerably reluctant, to do. After all, she wasn't a upper-class lady by birth.


"Since there is a second serving… please feel free to call for me."

With Kiyo-san apparently having completed laying out the table setting, Yumi hurriedly called out to stop her.

"Umm… aren't Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san joining?"

"We eat in a separate room."

Kiyo-san smiled sweetly and left. Evidently, it seems that in this place the masters and servants have strictly divided areas.

"Itadakimasu." <ref> Ritual saying generally equivalent to "thanks for the food" that is said before eating.</ref>

And that was how it had ended up with Yumi having lunch on the terrace alone. Sachiko-sama was skipping the meal and Yumi didn't really have much appetite, but since she felt bad for Kiyo-san who made it for her, in that way, she made up her mind to do her best to eat even though she wasn't hungry.

That said, the amount of sandwiches, neatly arranged on the large plate, wasn't skimpy. Just the bread alone seemed like it could very easily be an entire loaf. This was not an amount that a high-school girl could eat alone.

On the serving plate were chicken sandwiches and egg sandwiches, she took one each of the two kinds of sandwiches.

"Ah"


As she was preparing to take a bite, Yumi realized there was something to the left and right of the plate.

A knife and a fork.

"Aha…"

''Because of such a thing, there sure was no doubt that this was Sachiko-sama's home'', she thought. It was a shame she that couldn't be laughing about it together with onee-sama.

As an experiment, she tried eating with the knife and fork. Alas, with the egg sandwich, the filling squeezed out from both ends, and with the chicken one, she used a bit too much force and the bread was smushed.

It was a sandwich that Yumi desperately battled. If it was Sachiko-sama, she probably could skillfully cut it up and elegantly convey it to her mouth, even though it was such a difficult thing.

"I give up."

Yumi resigned herself to eating them by hand. She started thing off by picking up the lettuce that had fallen onto the plate and tossing it into her mouth.

"Chicken and egg. ...parent and child?"

She said by herself, and laughed by herself.

As for the sandwiches, the bread was done moist, and even the ingredients for the filling were fresh and tasty.

Just a bit, it was a lonely lunch.

 

===4===

[In progress]

===5===

[not started yet]

===6===

[not started yet]

===7===

[not started yet]

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria-sama ga Miteru

2014-06-19T02:22:51Z

Rydenius: /* Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs */

[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|MariMite volume 1 cover.]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru (マリア様がみてる) is a Japanese light novel series written by Oyuki Konno (今野緒雪（こんのおゆき）) and illustrated by Reine Hibiki (ひびき玲音). The series is published by Shueisha under their Cobalt imprint. Many of the short stories which were later also included in the novel series were first published in the Cobalt magazine. The series currently has 37 published volumes. The spin-off light novel series Ōshaka-sama mo Miteru (お釈迦様もみてる) about Yumi's younger brother Yūki and his schoolmates at Hanadera has been running since August 2008, and currently has 10 volumes published.

''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' is also available in the following languages:
*[[Maria-sama ga Miteru - Français|Français (French)]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru_%28Espa%C3%B1ol%29|Español (Spanish)]]

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)

== Story Synopsis ==

Maria-sama ga Miteru's story revolves around the students of the Lillian Catholic school for girls, and can be considered character-driven, focusing on interactions between the characters rather than any sort of ongoing plot or goal to attain. At Lillian Girls' School, there is a tradition known as the sœur system (sœur being French for "sister"), in which a second, or third-year student, the grande sœur ("big sister"), will give her rosary to a junior student, the petite sœur ("little sister"), and promise to look after them and guide them.

When the story begins, Yumi Fukuzawa, a first-year at Lillian, is praying in front of the Virgin Mary statue near the school entrance when she is suddenly approached by a cold second-year student named Sachiko Ogasawara who straightens Yumi's uniform ribbon. This seemingly simple act of kindness stays with Yumi the rest of the day, and she speaks of her meeting with Sachiko to her friends during class and lunch. After school is over, Yumi's classmate Tsutako Takeshima meets with Yumi to show her that she took a photograph of Yumi's meeting with Sachiko earlier that morning. Yumi asks if she can have the photo, but Tsutako says she will give her the snapshot under two conditions: one being that Tsutako can display it at the upcoming school festival, and two being that Yumi get Sachiko's permission to do so as well. Yumi agrees to this, which sets in motion a series of events involving the entire Yamayurikai — the student council of the school. A few weeks after first meeting Sachiko, Yumi accepts Sachiko's rosary and therefore agrees to become her petite sœur.

This officially inducts Yumi into the Yamayurikai where she assists them in school matters at the same level as the other two petite sœurs — Yoshino Shimazu, and Shimako Tōdō — who are the petite sœurs of Rei Hasekura, and Sei Satō respectively. Through her activities in the Yamayurikai, Yumi becomes closer to the other members and generally finds her experiences with the group to be enjoyable. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria-sama_ga_Miteru Synopsis from wikipedia.]

'''Warning:''' Suffice it to say, this series is considered yuri, having various mentions of lesbian relationships. They are not, however, particularly graphic. If you find this sort of topic offensive, look away.

== Translation ==

'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1950 Feedback Thread]'''

=== [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Format|Maria-sama ga Miteru specific formatting]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Notes|Maria-sama ga Miteru translation notes]]

== Updates ==
* 22 May 2014
** Started translation of volume 14
* 7 May 2014
** Finished translation of volume 13
* 5 January 2014
** Finished translation of volume 9
* 3 January 2014
** Resumed translation of volume 12
* 12 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 34
* 6 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 23
* 15 September 2013
** Finished translation of volume 8

[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Updates|Past Updates]]

== ''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' series by Oyuki Konno ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4955 here].'''
=== Volume 1 - Maria-sama ga Miteru [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter1|Monday of Uneasiness]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter2|Tuesday of Storms]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter3|Anxious Wednesday, Friday of Battle]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter4|Spicy and Bitter Weekend]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter5|The Hot Second Week]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter6|Waltz-like Sunday]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 2 - The Yellow Rose Revolution [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v02_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter1|Best Sœur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter2|The Returned Rosary]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter3|Unexpected Consequences]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter4|Just what is going on?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter5|Fighting Maidens]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter6|As long as it ends well]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 3 - Forest of Thorns [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v03_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Forest of Thorns
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter1|The semester exam and the paperback]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter2|The White Rose]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter3|Who's Suga Sei?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter4|If I could meet Eve]]
* The White Flower Petal
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter5|Springtime Buds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter6|Summer Greenhouse]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter7|Autumn Love]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter8|The last flower of winter, and then]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 4 - Rosa Canina [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v04_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Rosa Canina
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter1|A lonesome warmth]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter2|Rosa Canina?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter3|What do you think?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter4|Raison d'etre for sœur]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter5|A modest secret]]
* Nagakiyono
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter6|The first of January]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter7|The hatsumoude on the second]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter8|With the archenemy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter9|By onee-sama's side]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 5 - Valentine's Gift - Part 1 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v05_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Surprise chocolate
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter1|Research]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter2|gift from a rare visitor]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter3|Outsider]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter4|The thirteenth of February]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter5|St. Valentine's prank]]
* The Yellow Rose complication
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_1|18:50, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_2|19:18, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_3|19:30, Rei]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_4|23:10, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_5|23:10, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_6|23:10, Rei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 6 - Valentine's Gift - Part 2 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v06_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* First date triangle
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter1|Order]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter2|Hors d'oeuvre]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter3|Main]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter4|Dessert]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter5|The crimson card]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter6|Rosa Chinensis' best day of her life]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 7 - Beloved Times - Part 1 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v07_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Yellow Rose at Full Speed
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter1|The Beginning]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter2|Rabbit and Cat and Wolf]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter3|Umbrella Maker's Wife]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter4|Golden Rose Uproar]]
* Very Busy Days
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter5|Monday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter6|Tuesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter7|Wednesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter8|Thursday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter9|Friday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter10|Saturday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter11|Bonus]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter12|A Short Interlude]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter13|Afterword]]

=== Volume 8 - Beloved Times - Part 2 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v08_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* will
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter1|Lost Items]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter2|Farewell Gift]]
* As the Years Pass By
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter3|Just Before Graduation]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter4|Eriko, Sei, Youko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter5|Farewell Address and Formal Reply]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter6|Towards the Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter7|Joined at Just One Hand]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter8|Spring Breeze]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter9|Autumn Bonds]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 9 - Cherry Blossom (Sakura) [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v09_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter1|The Cherry in the Ginkgoes]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter2|Falling Cherry Blossoms / Exam Failure]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter3|Maria and Maitreya]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter4|Rosary or Juzu]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter5|The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* BGN (Background Noise)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter6|When the Cherry Blossoms Fall]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter7|8 - 3 = Right]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter8|Intriguing First-Year]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter9|Behind the Scenes of The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 10 - Rainy Blue [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v10_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Rosary Droplets
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter1|Peppermint Candy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter2|Raindrop]]
* Yellow Rose Warning
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter3|Suspicious Clouds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter4|Signs of Rain]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter5|Rainy Blue]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter6|Premonition]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter7|Smile, Smile]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter8|Sweets]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter9|Blue Umbrella, Red Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 11 - Holding a Parasol [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v11_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter1|The Girl with the Brown Umbrella]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter2|Classmates]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter3|Milk Tea, Oolong Tea]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter4|Welcome]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter5|White Parasol]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter6|Visitor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter7|Beneath a Clear, Blue Sky]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter8|Afterword]]

=== Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs ===
[[Image:MM_v12_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter0|Prologue]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter1|Plans for the Summer Vacation]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter2|In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter3|Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf]] (In Progress 54%)
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter4|The Rich Princes and Princesses]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter5|Searching in the Mist]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter6|Songs of an Angel]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Epilogue|Author's Epilogue]]
 

=== Volume 13 - One Page of Midsummer [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v13_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Prologue|Prologue]]
* For Short, Operation OK (Tentative)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter1|Offer and Plot]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter2|Cunning Boy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter3|OK, Let's Do It.]]
* Together With the Old Gentleman
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter4|Gathering Material with Dustpan and Broom]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter5|Up to the Meeting Place]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter6|Search for Takuya-kun!]]
* Rosa Foetida ☆ Illustrated Diary
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter7|〇th of July (Saturday) : Sunny]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter8|△th of August (Sunday) : Cloudy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter9|Ⅹth of August (Saturday) : Sunny]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Afterword|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 14 - Cool Breeze ===
[[Image:MM_v14_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter1|The First Step]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Chapter2|That's a Problem]]
* Setting Aside the "Bread Incident"
* Finding Me
* The Battle for Hanadera
* Postscript

=== Volume 15 - Ready, GO! [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v15_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter1|Remaining Cuteness of Today's Enemy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter2|Everything Prepared?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter3|Friend's affection and Onee-sama]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter4|Casting Aside Embarrassment of One's Parents]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter5|Joker, Anchor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter6|Penalty Game Speculation]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 16 - Variety Gifts [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v16_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter1|Variety Gift I]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter2|Variety Gift II]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter3|Variety Gift III]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter4|Variety Gift IV]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter5|Variety Gift V]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 17 - Ciào Sorella! [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v17_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter1|Each and Every Farewell Gift]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter2|Going out at the Beginning]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter3|Leisurely Dialogue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter4|The Mouth of Truth's Complaint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter5|The Capital of Flowers Is What Kind of City?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter6|Resounding! Leaning! Melting!?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter7|The Parakeet's Hint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter8|From the Water Capital to the Island Nation]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9|Souvenir Report]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9.5|The Absence of Rosa Chinensis en Bouton]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 18 - Nothing Special, Just a Normal Day [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v18_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter1|Shock]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter2|Are you changing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter3|What will happen? What will we do?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter4|Ah, Misunderstanding]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter5|Dramatics]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 19 - In Library ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v19_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1|In Library - - I]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1.5|Silent Night's Vision]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2|In Library - - II]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2.5|Joanna]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3|In Library - - III]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.2|Chocolate Coat]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.3|Yasuko]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.4|Masumi]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.5|Asaka]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4|In Library - - IV]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.1|--- Magic Among the Cherry Blossom ---]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.2|-- The Door of Cherry Wood --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.3|-- The Burial Among Cherry Blossoms --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5_Epilogue|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales - Epilogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5|In Library - - V]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5.5|Library Book]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter6|In Library - - VI]]

=== Volume 20 - Sister Audition ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v20_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1|-- Right or Wrong -- ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.2|Maria-sama's Star]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.3|Maria-sama's Planet]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter2|Welcome to the Tea Party]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter3|Interim Report]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter4|The Crucial Battle]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter5|Harvest]]
*Postscript

=== Volume 21 - Rose Mille-Feuille ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v21_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Yellow Rose Panic
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter1|The result of 100 battles?]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter2|Panic Attack!]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter3|The Bout's Whereabouts]]
*Reverie of the White Rose
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter4|Two Peaceful People]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter5|The Heaviness of Reverie]]
*Rosa Chinensis's Sigh
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter6|After-Finals Prize]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter7|High Tension and Roller Coasters]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter8|A Mille-Feuille of Sighs]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Postscript|Afterword]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Translator's Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

=== Volume 22 - Blank Map of the Future ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v22_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter1|An Unexpected Visitor ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter2|A Little Bit of Something]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter3|Of Strange Things]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter4|Even though it's Christmas]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter5|Rose Dialogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 23 - Other Side of the Frosted Glass ===
[[Image:MM_v23_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter1|Onee-sama's Lead]]
* In One Year's Time
* Stopping In Along the Way
* Full To Bursting At the New Year’s Party
* Nearly Far? Or Distantly Near?
* A Chill Breeze
* The Heart In the Frosted Glass
* Afterword

=== Volume 24 - Masked Actress ===
[[Image:MM_v24_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume24_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Yellow Rose, Hardball Fight
** Riding a Bicycle
** Contest
* Masked Actress
** The Opening Ceremony's Spoiled Child
** Explanatory Meeting and Clandestine Meeting
** First Year Camellia Class is Normal
** Beneath the Mask
* A Moment of Honesty

=== Volume 25 - Big Door, Small Key ===
[[Image:MM_v25_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume25_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Key Holder
** Sometimes Falling, Sometimes Pulling
** Slightly Slipping Away
** Proposal Together With Arrival
** What I Wanted to Hear
* Keyhole of the Heart
** Pitiable Person
** Fortunate Interview
** In Her Pocket

=== Volume 26 - Crisscross ===
[[Image:MM_v26_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume26_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Crisscross
** Good Morning Chocolate
** Sentimental First-Year Camellia Class
** Ahh, Tea Party
** A Shortcut and Dropping In on the Way
** The Blank Map's Valley
** The Red Card's Outlook
* Map Stroll
** Meandering
** X-Mark

=== Volume 27 - In Search of You [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v27_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter1|Warrior Demands a Response]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter2|The "Absentee's Chance" Girl]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter3|Unexpected Words]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter4|At the Outset of the Date]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter5|"Why?"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter6|Amendment, Overwriting and an Old Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter7|The Door That Opened]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter8|When Tomorrow Comes]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 28 - Frame of Mind [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v28_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter1|Frame of Mind 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter2|April Deja-Vu]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter3|Frame of Mind 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter4|Three-Leaf Clover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter5|Frame of Mind 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter6|Sprouts in Dry Wood]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter7|Frame of Mind 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter8|The Yellow Thread]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter9|Frame of Mind 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter10|The Awkward Princess]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter11|Frame of Mind 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter12|Bouton of Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter13|Frame of Mind 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter14|The Greenhouse Fairy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter15|Frame of Mind 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter16|The Doppelganger Story]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter17|Frame of Mind 9]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter18|A Roll of Film]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter19|Frame of Mind 10]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 29 - Crown of Roses [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_29_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter1|Onee-sama, Rosary and Petit Soeur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter2|Conversation Stories]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter3|Not Here]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter4|Burning Bridges]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter5|Santa's Refreshments]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter6|The Miracle Worker]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter7|Would You Like to Waltz?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 30 - Twinkle, Twinkle, Twirl [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_30_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter1|Scattered Sunshine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter2|Frivolity and Self-Loathing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter3|Those Two, On the Other Hand]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter4|Star Up Teacup]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter5|What Kind of Groups?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter6|Distant Desire]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter7|Amongst the Stardust]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 31 - Marguerite Ribbon [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v31_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter1|Marguerite Ribbon 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter2|Debut]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter3|Marguerite Ribbon 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter4|A Rival is Fine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter5|Marguerite Ribbon 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter6|Buying Florentine Senbei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter7|Marguerite Ribbon 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter8|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter9|Marguerite Ribbon 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter10|My Siblings]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter11|Marguerite Ribbon 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter12|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 1]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter13|Marguerite Ribbon 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter14|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 2]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter15|Marguerite Ribbon 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter16|Memories of the Blue Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter17|Marguerite Ribbon 9]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 32 - Pre-Graduation Tableau [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v32_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter1|Laughing While Reminiscing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter2|Onee-sama's Racket]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter3|Me and the Interviewer]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter4|Graduation Group Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter5|Sweet Bun Feast]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter6|Support and Skinship]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter7|Forgotten Things]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter8|What's the Person Beside You Doing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter9|The Ribbon's Path]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 33 - Hello Goodbye [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v33_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter1|Today's Goal]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter2|The Green Bird and the White Flower]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter3|Grand Entrance]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter4|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter5|Parting Gift Trio]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter6|Soloist's Adlib]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter7|Connecting Chains]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter8|Continuing Path]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 34 - Little Horrors ===
[[Image:MM_v34_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Chapter1|Chapter 1: "Little Horrors - I"]]
* Chapter 2: "Chinami-san and Me"
* Chapter 3: "Little Horrors - II"
* Chapter 4: "Picking up a Handkerchief"
* Chapter 5: "Little Horrors - III"
* Chapter 6: "An Honest Lie"
* Chapter 7: "Little Horrors - IV"
* Chapter 8: "One Pair"
* Chapter 9: "Little Horrors - V"
* Chapter 10: "Dream of a Butterfly"
* Chapter 11: "Little Horrors - VI"
* Chapter 12: "Extra:Little Panic"

=== Volume 35 - My Nest ===
[[Image:MM_v36_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume35_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* My Nest
* Removal
* About One Week
* Christmas Eve
* Melancholy
* Our Nest
* Afterword

=== Volume 36 - Step ===
[[Image:MM_v35_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume36_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Step-1
* Step-2
* Step-3
* Step-4
* Step-5
* Step-6
* Afterword

=== Volume 37 - Farewell Bouquet ===
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume37_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Farewell Bouquet 1
** Candy and Stretch
* Farewell Bouquet 2
** Private Teacher
* Farewell Bouquet 3
** Breast Cookies
* Farewell Bouquet 4
** Yesterday's Enemy
* Farewell Bouquet 5
** Until Graduation
* Farewell Bouquet 6
** Announcement
* Farewell Bouquet 7
** Conversation Over Fresh Herb Tea
* Afterword

=== Premium Book ===
Note: This book is primarily an art book, with pictures from the first season of anime, character sketches, a chapter of the manga, as well as cast interviews and the following short story:
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:PremiumBook_Answer|Answer]]

== Project Staff ==

*Supervisor: ''None Designated''
*Project Manager: ''None Designated''

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''

* [[User:Enn_are|NR]]
* [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]]

'''K.I.A.'''

* [[User:Seki|Seki]]
* [[User:Harunako|Harunako]]

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Kurokaze|Kurokaze]]
* [[User:Sukoshi|Sukoshi]]
* [[User:hasekura_rei|hasekura_rei]]

=== Editors ===
'''ACTIVE'''

(none, beside some occasionally passing readers)

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Ribonizer|Ribonizer]]

=== Contributors ===

* Erica Friedman of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translations of volumes 15 through 19 and
* Rei and Sukoshi of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translation of volume 20 and 21.
* Update: as of May 19, 2010, translations no longer hosted on Okazu.

== Series Overview ==
* Volume 1 - マリア様がみてる　(April 24, 1998, ISBN 4-08-614459-X)
* Volume 2 - マリア様がみてる　黄薔薇革命 (February 3, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614554-5)
* Volume 3 - マリア様がみてる　いばらの森 (April 27, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614591-X)
* Volume 4 - マリア様がみてる　ロサ・カニーナ (December 1, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614661-4)
* Volume 5 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） (March 3, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614695-9)
* Volume 6 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） (April 25, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614715-7)
* Volume 7 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（前編） (February 2, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614817-X)
* Volume 8 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（後編） (April 3, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614841-2)
* Volume 9 - マリア様がみてる　チェリーブロッサム (July 27, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614895-1)
* Volume 10 - マリア様がみてる　レイニーブルー (March 29, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600078-4)
* Volume 11 - マリア様がみてる　パラソルをさして (July 1, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600136-5)
* Volume 12 - マリア様がみてる　子羊たちの休暇 (December 25, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600210-8)
* Volume 13 - マリア様がみてる　真夏の一ページ (March 28, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600243-4)
* Volume 14 - マリア様がみてる　涼風さつさつ (July 1, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600284-1)
* Volume 15 - マリア様がみてる　レディ、GO！ (October 31, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600337-6)
* Volume 16 - マリア様がみてる　バラエティギフト (December 25, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600360-0)
* Volume 17 - マリア様がみてる　チャオソレッラ！ (March 31, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600399-6)
* Volume 18 - マリア様がみてる　特別でないただの一日 (October 1, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600484-4)
* Volume 19 - マリア様がみてる　インライブラリー (December 25, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600527-1)
* Volume 20 - マリア様がみてる　妹オーディション (April 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600568-9)
* Volume 21 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇のミルフィーユ (July 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600609-X)
* Volume 22 - マリア様がみてる　未来の白地図 (December 22, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600704-5)
* Volume 23 - マリア様がみてる　くもりガラスの向こう側 (March 31, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600743-6)
* Volume 24 - マリア様がみてる　仮面のアクトレス (June 30, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600784-3)
* Volume 25 - マリア様がみてる　大きな扉　小さな鍵 (October 3, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600823-8)
* Volume 26 - マリア様がみてる　クリスクロス (December 22, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600859-9)
* Volume 27 - マリア様がみてる　あなたを探しに (March 30, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-600895-2)
* Volume 28 - マリア様がみてる　フレーム　オブ　マインド (June 28, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601034-4)
* Volume 29 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇の花かんむり (October 2, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601075-7)
* Volume 30 - マリア様がみてる　キラキラまわる (December 26, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601110-5)
* Volume 31 - マリア様がみてる　マーガレットにリボン (April 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601144-0)
* Volume 32 - マリア様がみてる　卒業前小景 (October 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601214-0)
* Volume 33 - マリア様がみてる　ハローグッバイ (December 26, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601244-7)
* Volume 34 - マリア様がみてる　リトルホラーズ (July 1, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601305-5)
* Volume 35 - マリア様がみてる　私の巣　(December 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601363-5)
* Volume 36 - マリア様がみてる　ステップ　(December 28, 2010, ISBN 978-4-08-601481-6)
* Volume 37 - マリア様がみてる　フェアウェルブーケ (April 28, 2012, ISBN 978-4-08-601631-5)

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Reine Hibiki]]

Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2014-06-19T02:22:07Z

Rydenius: Part 3 added

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
{{Incomplete|percentage=54}}
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without the use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.


"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam<ref>お嬢さま -- A daughter of wealth or nobility.</ref>."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language when addressing Yumi and Sachiko throughout this chapter.</ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there be any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. ''Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san.'' She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. ''Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...''

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

To start with, they went out from the first floor atrium onto a wide terrace, and were treated to black tea. Scones that Kiyo-san had baked, were accompanied by homemade strawberry jam that was said to have been given out by an acquaintance. It seems that these things had been prepared because they had heard that Sachiko-sama would be coming.


"Is everything all right with the master and the young master?"

While pouring a second serving of tea, Kiyo-san began the conversation.

"Thanks. Grandfather and father are both doing fine."

Gensuke-san wasn't there, and was likely working outside.

"For Lady Sayako-sama, it's unfortunate about her mother. Surely, she must have been feeling really down."

"It's alright now. Since it had been a lengthy struggle with illness, it seems that she had prepared herself."

''Kiyo-san has probably been working for the Ogasawaras since ancient times. Here Sachiko-sama's grandfather was referred to as "master"<ref>旦那さま</ref> and her father as "the young master".<ref>ぼっちゃま </ref> So that would be why the mother, Sayako-sama, was referred to in the same manner as Sachiko-sama, "the young lady"<ref>(お嬢さま) but that doesn't sound formal when written in English so "madam", "Lady", and "Mi'lady" has been used instead were appropriate.</ref> … complicated.''

"Ah, that's right. An express delivery addressed to Lady Sachiko-sama arrived from Yumi-sama's house."

"Oh, I wonder what it could be?"

"Just a moment."

Kiyo-san withdrew into a room for a moment and with a "heave-ho" returned holding a smallish box, slightly smaller than a box for mandarin oranges. ''What is it, what is it? Such a heavy looking package...''

"Seems like it's rice."


Kiyo-san said while looking at the product name field on the express delivery's form.

"Eh?"

Sachiko-sama asked in return. Even Yumi, who hadn't heard even a single word about such a thing from her mother, was surprised and sought confirmation.

"I-It's rice?"

"Yep, rice. Shall we open it and take a look?"

After obtaining Sachiko-sama's consent, Kiyo-san peeled off the craft-tape sealing the box with a "schwah" sound. And then, it jumped into view:

"Uonuma<ref>Uonuma is a city in Niigata prefecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uonuma,_Niigata </ref> produced Koshihikari"<ref>A popular type of rice in Japan and the variety grown in Uonuma is particularly well regarded (and expensive): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshihikari </ref>

It was written in large characters on a 5 kilogram vinyl pack. It indicated beyond any doubt that contents were indeed white rice.

''Drip.''<ref>タラリ -- sweat-drop sound effect.</ref> Although Yumi maintained a composed expression, sweat trickled down her back. ''Mother, it's inconceivable how you came to enthusiastically send a Japanese person's staple food.''

"Kuh"

''Kuh?''

"Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh"

''Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh?'' She sought out the source of the sound that she couldn't quite comprehend, and for some reason it was Sachiko-sama's voice squeezing out. Sachiko-sama's body literally folded over on the next "kuh"<ref>The "kuh" sound looks like a line bent in half: く So, the "literally" may refer to her "literally" bending into the shape of the Ku character.</ref>, and she grabbed her stomach laughing.

"Yumi's home, isn't it wonderful? Growing into children like Yumi and Yuuki-san is because of being born and raised in such a household."

"U-um"

She wasn't sure whether she was being praised or laughed at. But, onee-sama appeared to be enjoying it considerably.

"Kiyo. During our stay, when you cook the rice, by all means please make it for me with this. The onigiri<ref>Rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref> that Yumi's mother-sama made were very delicious."

"Certainly, mi'lady."

Kiyo-san promptly carried the box that the rice was in to the kitchen.

After tea, Sachiko-sama played the piano in the atrium for Yumi.

There wasn't a sofa in the almost twenty tatami mat<ref>The size of a tatami mat is a common unit for measuring the floor area of Japanese rooms. Approx. 1.8 x 0.9 meters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatami </ref> atrium, instead there was a large dining table with six chairs, and along a wall there was a fireplace and an upright piano.

"Is there a tune you want to hear?"

After starting off at the top of the keyboard with a rising and falling Hanon piece<ref>Piano Exercises by Charles Louis Hanon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Virtuoso_Pianist_in_60_Exercises </ref> to warm up her fingers and make sure the piano was tuned, Sachiko-sama flipped through a bundle of piano pieces with her thumb.

"Gounod's Ave Maria"<ref>Composed by Charles-François Gounod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Maria_(Gounod)
(There is audio of the piece at the link.)</ref>


Yumi said seemingly without thinking about it.

"Ave Maria, is it?"

As Sachiko-sama narrowed her eyes and nodded agreement, she sat on the chair and proceeded to play the piano piece in it's entirety. Yumi wondered how Sachiko-sama was able to play the piece so well from memory.

This piece of music was a very special piece of music for Yumi.

In the spring of last year, Sachiko-sama, who was Rosa Chinensis en Buton at the time, had played the organ in the chapel sanctuary for Yumi and the other first year students. The song played was Gounod's Ave Maria.

It was in that moment that Yumi was completely captivated. By an onee-sama one year above, named Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.

''Whenever she reminisces, it's still so.''

Though Sachiko-sama might not remember, there was that time in the music room a bit before becoming Soeurs, where they played the piano together and even though it was only a short passage of the piece, it was also this piece of music. Calling it a four handed performance would be ridiculous. However, to the melody that Yumi uselessly played, Sachiko-sama added only the left hand. But, to Yumi it was a treasured memory. And so, of the numerous versions of Ave Maria, Gounod's piece was her favorite.

Sachiko-sama's fingers moved without faltering, and looked as though it was an elegant dance on top of the keyboard. The piece praising Maria-sama was perfect for her beautiful onee-sama.

By the time the piece finished, though she had no idea when they hade been lured to come there, both Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san had come to the atrium and the three of them gave her onee-sama a big applause.

 

===2===

On the 2nd floor there were 3 rooms. Two of them had been assigned to Sachiko-sama and Yumi.

"It's fine, though the two of us together was good too..."

''Rather, it's better that way'', Yumi thought, but it was a relief when onee-sama had said, "Especially since there's an excess of rooms."

"I might do things like reading books in the middle of the night, and if that happens, Yumi would be annoyed and unable to sleep."

"… got it."

In conclusion, the opposite reason could also be said, and the interpretation that Sachiko-sama didn't want her time intruded upon could also stand to be true.

For Yumi, who was adopting a secret goal of not intruding upon onee-sama's vacation, to be properly submissive here was the correct choice.

"See to your luggage."

Leaving that said, Sachiko-sama went into her room. Yumi wanted to be together for a bit more, but she didn't even have the courage to follow after her. Since remaining in the hallway by herself wouldn't accomplish anything, Yumi decided to quietly return to her room.


The room was almost 8 tatami mats in size, and had an atmosphere similar to an old hotel except that there wasn't a toilet, bath, phone, or television. There was one semi-double bed. Of the antique furniture, there was one armoire and one chest of drawers. The rest was a desk and chair set.

The room's walls were white. Areas such as the posts and beams were dark brown. The windows were left open and a pleasant feeling breeze was stirring the lace curtains.

"Whew"

Yumi placed her basket onto the floor and flopped onto the bed.

In any case, she had arrived. She was at Sachiko-sama's summer house.

Yumi wondered if, during this one week, the things she wanted to come for would happen. She had actually come to the summer house, and more than the heart-racing, there was a feeling like the count of thrilling experiences had gone up.

Aside from the property managers Kiyo-san and Gensuke, it was just the two of them, her and Sachiko-sama. At school Sachiko-sama was everyone's Rosa Chinensis, but for this one week, she had onee-sama to herself.

''Whoohoo!'' she thought, and as she was doing a banzai cheer while lying down, a knock was heard. She didn't know whether the brief knock was on this room's door or onee-sama's neighboring door, but since right away Kiyo-san's voice was heard saying, "Yumi-sama, is it okay?" she hurriedly hopped up from the bed.


"Y-yes. Please come in."

"Do forgive me. About this, what would you like me to do?"

Kiyo-san held out before her the cooler-case that Yumi had brought. The plastic containers that were inside had already been considerately washed clean.

"If I were to return it now, it would be a bother, right? So, if there are no plans to use it, shall I store it for you in the kitchen?"

"Ah, thank you for your trouble."

Not a problem, not a problem. While laughing, Kiyo-san withdrew the cooler-case and after a pause as her gaze fell upon the plastic containers inside the case, she said, "Well…"

"It's an awkward matter to ask about, but…, Yumi-sama"

"Yes?"

''What awkward matter?'' Yumi thought, and tilted her head.

"The lunchbox's contents, what was it exactly?"

"The lunchbox contents? Umm, let's see, onigiri, grilled cherry tomatoes, fried white-meat fish, and… what shall I call it… grilled asparagus and cheese wrapped in bacon…but"

"There were four onigiri. All filled with umeboshi?<ref>Pickled plums: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>"

"How did you know that?"


''Waah'', Yumi put herself on guard. Was Kiyo-san a person with psychic powers? ''To not only have hit the mark on the filling of onigiri that should have been completely consumed, but to have even guessed the number...''

"Since four pits were left behind…"

"Oh, is that so. Guess it is like that."

''So it was a matter of deduction, and not ESP. However, umeboshi pits, eh?'' Though it seemed understandable if thought about for a bit, Yumi's head that was up in the clouds had been spinning quite badly.

"And so, what did milady eat and about how much did she eat of it?"

"Well... a whole one of each, but…"

"So that is: onigiri, cherry tomatoes, white-meat fish, asparagus, cheese, and bacon, right?"

''Humph'', it wasn't a sigh, but rather Kiyo-san had expelled a deep breath.

"Umm…"

Since it was as if a nurse or nutritionist was precisely inquiring, Yumi was gradually becoming uneasy. ''Perhaps, could it be that there are things that must not be eaten by Sachiko-sama?'' Then, maybe because the well-known "Yumi's thoughts showing on her face" had unwittingly occurred, Kiyo-san hurriedly shook her head.

"I am sorry. I was only asking so that the menus for the mid-day and evening meals and such do not overlap."


"Ah, is that so?"

I see, it's that she has to take such things into consideration. Even being a manager-san is tough.

"May I help with something?"

Yumi offered. It was also something she had been told by her mother: ''In order to not become merely a guest, find things you can do, and get working.''

"Certainly not! If Yumi-sama is Lady Sachiko-sama's little sister, you are also after all just the same as a young lady of the Ogasawara household. If such a thing were allowed to happen, I would be reprimanded. That aside, we are doing the off-season management as well of course, so including those things, it's not an exaggeration to say that we are working entirely for the Ogasawara family to spend the their summertime moments here pleasantly. Please don't take away our work, ok?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

Yumi surrendered to Kiyo-san's earnest entreaty, nodding assent. It seems that for so-called wealthy young ladies there is an unexpected inability to do as one pleases.

"I'm glad that you understand. At half past twelve o'clock, we will do lunch. Please come downstairs around that time."

Kiyo-san politely lowered her head before leaving the room, and her light footsteps descended the stairs.


"Half past twelve…"

She looked at the clock. It was eleven. Kiyo-san's scones were delicious and she had eaten two of them, so frankly she wasn't hungry yet.

Yumi took off the one-piece dress, hung it in the armoire, put on a t-shirt and a denim skirt, and tried doing sit-ups for a bit. However, it was something she wasn't accustomed to doing, so she didn't continue. Having repeated 10 times, "get up, lie down," she had become exhausted immediately, and after that it was almost one hour later that she did the 11th time's "get up."

 

===3===

When she went down stairs at half past twelve, Sachiko-sama had not yet shown up.

"She said she wanted to lie down for a bit, and will be upstairs resting. She said that she didn't need lunch."

Kiyo-san entered the atrium pushing a service cart.

"Yumi-sama, where will you eat? The atrium? Or the terrace?"

"Ah, whichever…"

"Then, shall we do the terrace? It's fine weather."


Having been persuaded, Yumi went out onto the terrace and sat in a chair. ''So, Sachiko-sama wouldn't be eating with her.''

"It happens every year. The day that she arrives, she tends to rest until nearly evening."

"I see."

''Because of the after effects of the drowsiness causing motion-sickness medicine, she might be pretty much out of it until the medicine wears off.'' Yumi wiped her hands with a hand towel that had been prepared for her.

"Just a little while ago I asked about mi'lady's meal, but I forgot to ask about Yumi-sama's likes. Are there things that you don't eat?"

Kiyo-san inquired.

"No. I can eat just about anything."

"Oh, that helps. I have prepared egg and chicken sandwiches. For the drink, will ''café au lait'' be okay?"

"Ah, that would be terrific."

"You don't need to use polite speech for us. Please be more at ease."

"Even if you say so…"

Using casual speech to an older person was something, she was not just a bit reluctant, but rather considerably reluctant to do. After all, she wasn't a upper-class lady by birth.


"Since there is a second serving… please feel free to call for me."

With Kiyo-san apparently having completed laying out the table setting, Yumi hurriedly called out to stop her.

"Umm… aren't Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san joining?"

"We eat in a separate room."

Kiyo-san smiled sweetly and left. Evidently, it seems that in this place the masters and servants have strictly divided areas.

"Itadakimasu." <ref> Ritual saying generally equivalent to "thanks for the food" that is said before eating.</ref>

And that was how it had ended up with Yumi having lunch on the terrace alone. Sachiko-sama was skipping the meal and Yumi didn't really have much appetite, but since she felt bad for Kiyo-san who made it for her, in that way, she made up her mind to do her best to eat even though she wasn't hungry.

That said, the amount of sandwiches, neatly arranged on the large plate, wasn't skimpy. Just the bread alone seemed like it could very easily be an entire loaf. This was not an amount that a high-school girl could eat alone.

On the serving plate were chicken sandwiches and egg sandwiches, she took one each of the two kinds of sandwiches.

"Ah"


As she was preparing to take a bite, Yumi realized there was something to the left and right of the plate.

A knife and a fork.

"Aha…"

''Because of such a thing, there sure was no doubt that this was Sachiko-sama's home'', she thought. It was a shame she that couldn't be laughing about it together with onee-sama.

As an experiment, she tried eating with the knife and fork. Alas, with the egg sandwich, the filling squeezed out from both ends, and with the chicken one, she used a bit too much force and the bread was smushed.

It was a sandwich that Yumi desperately battled. If it was Sachiko-sama, she probably could skillfully cut it up and elegantly convey it to her mouth, even though it was such a difficult thing.

"I give up."

Yumi resigned herself to eating them by hand. She started thing off by picking up the lettuce that had fallen onto the plate and tossing it into her mouth.

"Chicken and egg. ...parent and child?"

She said by herself, and laughed by herself.

As for the sandwiches, the bread was done moist, and even the ingredients for the filling were fresh and tasty.

Just a bit, it was a lonely lunch.

 

===4===

[In progress]

===5===

[not started yet]

===6===

[not started yet]

===7===

[not started yet]

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2014-05-14T08:45:45Z

Rydenius: minor changes in a few word choices

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
{{Incomplete|percentage=44}}
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.

"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language when addressing Yumi and Sachiko throughout this chapter.</ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there be any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. ''Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san.'' She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. ''Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...''

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

To start with, they went out from the first floor atrium onto a wide terrace, and were treated to black tea. Scones that Kiyo-san had baked, were accompanied by homemade strawberry jam that was said to have been given out by an acquaintance. It seems that these things had been prepared because they had heard that Sachiko-sama would be coming.


"Is everything all right with the master and the young master?"

While pouring a second serving of tea, Kiyo-san began the conversation.

"Thanks. Grandfather and father are both doing fine."

Gensuke-san wasn't there, and was likely working outside.

"For Lady Sayako-sama, it's unfortunate about her mother. Surely, she must have been feeling really down."

"It's alright now. Since it had been a lengthy struggle with illness, it seems that she had prepared herself."

''Kiyo-san has probably been working for the Ogasawaras since ancient times. Here Sachiko-sama's grandfather was referred to as "Master"<ref>旦那さま</ref> and her father as "the young master".<ref>ぼっちゃま </ref> So that would be why the mother, Sayako-sama, was referred to in the same manner as Sachiko-sama, "Lady"<ref>Or more literally: "Young lady" (お嬢さま) but that doesn't sound formal when written in English so "madam", "Lady", and "Mi'lady" has been used instead were appropriate.</ref> … complicated.''

"Ah, that's right. An express delivery addressed to Lady Sachiko-sama arrived from Yumi-sama's house."

"Oh, I wonder what it could be?"

"Just a moment."

Kiyo-san withdrew into a room for a moment and with a "heave-ho" returned holding a smallish box, slightly smaller than a box for mandarin oranges. ''What is it, what is it? Such a heavy looking package...''

"Seems like it's rice."


Kiyo-san said while looking at the product name field on the express delivery's form.

"Eh?"

Sachiko-sama asked in return. Even Yumi, who hadn't heard even a single word about such a thing from her mother, was surprised and sought confirmation.

"I-It's rice?"

"Yep, rice. Shall we open it and take a look?"

After obtaining Sachiko-sama's consent, Kiyo-san peeled off the craft-tape sealing the box with a "schwah" sound. And then, it jumped into view:

"Uonuma<ref>Uonuma is a city in Niigata prefecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uonuma,_Niigata </ref> produced Koshihikari"<ref>A popular type of rice in Japan and the variety grown in Uonuma is particularly well regarded (and expensive): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshihikari </ref>

It was written in large characters on a 5 kilogram vinyl pack. It indicated beyond any doubt that contents were indeed white rice.

''Drip.''<ref>タラリ -- sweat-drop sound effect.</ref> Although Yumi maintained a composed expression, sweat trickled down her back. ''Mother, it's inconceivable how you came to enthusiastically send a Japanese person's staple food.''

"Kuh"

''Kuh?''

"Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh"

''Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh?'' She sought out the source of the sound that she couldn't quite comprehend, and for some reason it was Sachiko-sama's voice squeezing out. Sachiko-sama's body literally folded over on the next "kuh"<ref>The "kuh" sound looks like a line bent in half: く So, the "literally" may refer to her "literally" bending into the shape of the Ku character.</ref>, and she grabbed her stomach laughing.

"Yumi's home, isn't it wonderful? Growing into children like Yumi and Yuuki-san is because of being born and raised in such a household."

"U-um"

She wasn't sure whether she was being praised or laughed at. But, onee-sama appeared to be enjoying it considerably.

"Kiyo. During our stay, when you cook the rice, by all means please make it for me with this. The onigiri<ref>Rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref> that Yumi's mother-sama made were very delicious."

"Certainly, mi'lady."

Kiyo-san promptly carried the box that the rice was in to the kitchen.

After tea, Sachiko-sama played the piano in the atrium for Yumi.

There wasn't a sofa in the almost twenty tatami mat<ref>The size of a tatami mat is a common unit for measuring the floor area of Japanese rooms. Approx. 1.8 x 0.9 meters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatami </ref> atrium, instead there was a large dining table with six chairs, and along a wall there was a fireplace and an upright piano.

"Is there a tune you want to hear?"

After starting off at the top of the keyboard with a rising and falling Hanon piece<ref>Piano Exercises by Charles Louis Hanon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Virtuoso_Pianist_in_60_Exercises </ref> to warm up her fingers and make sure the piano was tuned, Sachiko-sama flipped through a bundle of piano pieces with her thumb.

"Gounod's Ave Maria"<ref>Composed by Charles-François Gounod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Maria_(Gounod)
(There is audio of the piece at the link.)</ref>


Yumi said seemingly without thinking about it.

"Ave Maria, is it?"

As Sachiko-sama narrowed her eyes and nodded agreement, she sat on the chair and proceeded to play the piano piece in it's entirety. Yumi wondered how Sachiko-sama was able to play the piece so well from memory.

This piece of music was a very special piece of music for Yumi.

In the spring of last year, Sachiko-sama, who was Rosa Chinensis en Buton at the time, had played the organ in the chapel sanctuary for Yumi and the other first year students. The song played was Gounod's Ave Maria.

It was in that moment that Yumi was completely captivated. By an onee-sama one year above, named Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.

''Whenever she reminisces, it's still so.''

Though Sachiko-sama might not remember, there was that time in the music room a bit before becoming Soeurs, where they played the piano together and even though it was only a short passage of the piece, it was also this piece of music. Calling it a four handed performance would be ridiculous. However, to the melody that Yumi uselessly played, Sachiko-sama added only the left hand. But, to Yumi it was a treasured memory. And so, of the numerous versions of Ave Maria, Gounod's piece was her favorite.

Sachiko-sama's fingers moved without faltering, and looked as though it was an elegant dance on top of the keyboard. The piece praising Maria-sama was perfect for her beautiful onee-sama.

By the time the piece finished, though she had no idea when they hade been lured to come there, both Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san had come to the atrium and the three of them gave her onee-sama a big applause.

 

===2===

On the 2nd floor there were 3 rooms. Two of them had been assigned to Sachiko-sama and Yumi.

"It's fine, though the two of us together was good too..."

''Rather, it's better that way'', Yumi thought, but it was a relief when onee-sama had said, "Especially since there's an excess of rooms."

"I might do things like reading books in the middle of the night, and if that happens, Yumi would be annoyed and unable to sleep."

"… got it."

In conclusion, the opposite reason could also be said, and the interpretation that Sachiko-sama didn't want her time intruded upon could also stand to be true.

For Yumi, who was adopting a secret goal of not intruding upon onee-sama's vacation, to be properly submissive here was the correct choice.

"See to your luggage."

Leaving that said, Sachiko-sama went into her room. Yumi wanted to be together for a bit more, but she didn't even have the courage to follow after her. Since remaining in the hallway by herself wouldn't accomplish anything, Yumi decided to quietly return to her room.


The room was almost 8 tatami mats in size, and had an atmosphere similar to an old hotel except that there wasn't a toilet, bath, phone, or television. There was one semi-double bed. Of the antique furniture, there was one armoire and one chest of drawers. The rest was a desk and chair set.

The room's walls were white. Areas such as the posts and beams were dark brown. The windows were left open and a pleasant feeling breeze was stirring the lace curtains.

"Whew"

Yumi placed her basket onto the floor and flopped onto the bed.

In any case, she had arrived. She was at Sachiko-sama's summer house.

Yumi wondered if, during this one week, the things she wanted to come for would happen. She had actually come to the summer house, and more than the heart-racing, there was a feeling like the count of thrilling experiences had gone up.

Aside from the property managers Kiyo-san and Gensuke, it was just the two of them, her and Sachiko-sama. At school Sachiko-sama was everyone's Rosa Chinensis, but for this one week, she had onee-sama to herself.

''Whoohoo!'' she thought, and as she was doing a banzai cheer while lying down, a knock was heard. She didn't know whether the brief knock was on this room's door or onee-sama's neighboring door, but since right away Kiyo-san's voice was heard saying, "Yumi-sama, is it okay?" she hurriedly hopped up from the bed.


"Y-yes. Please come in."

"Do forgive me. About this, what would you like me to do?"

Kiyo-san held out before her the cooler-case that Yumi had brought. The plastic containers that were inside had already been considerately washed clean.

"If I were to return it now, it would be a bother, right? So, if there are no plans to use it, shall I store it for you in the kitchen?"

"Ah, thank you for your trouble."

Not a problem, not a problem. While laughing, Kiyo-san withdrew the cooler-case and after a pause as her gaze fell upon the plastic containers inside the case, she said, "Well…"

"It's an awkward matter to ask about, but…, Yumi-sama"

"Yes?"

''What awkward matter?'' Yumi thought, and tilted her head.

"The lunchbox's contents, what was it exactly?"

"The lunchbox contents? Umm, let's see, onigiri, grilled cherry tomatoes, fried white-meat fish, and… what shall I call it… grilled asparagus and cheese wrapped in bacon…but"

"There were four onigiri. All filled with umeboshi?<ref>Pickled plums: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>"

"How did you know that?"


''Waah'', Yumi put herself on guard. Was Kiyo-san a person with psychic powers? ''To not only have hit the mark on the filling of onigiri that should have been completely consumed, but to have even guessed the number...''

"Since four pits were left behind…"

"Oh, is that so. Guess it is like that."

''So it was a matter of deduction, and not ESP. However, umeboshi pits, eh?'' Though it seemed understandable if thought about for a bit, Yumi's head that was up in the clouds had been spinning quite badly.

"And so, what did milady eat and about how much did she eat of it?"

"Well... a whole one of each, but…"

"So that is: onigiri, cherry tomatoes, white-meat fish, asparagus, cheese, and bacon, right?"

''Humph'', it wasn't a sigh, but rather Kiyo-san had expelled a deep breath.

"Umm…"

Since it was as if a nurse or nutritionist was precisely inquiring, Yumi was gradually becoming uneasy. ''Perhaps, could it be that there are things that must not be eaten by Sachiko-sama?'' Then, maybe because the well-known "Yumi's thoughts showing on her face" had unwittingly occurred, Kiyo-san hurriedly shook her head.

"I am sorry. I was only asking so that the menus for the mid-day and evening meals and such do not overlap."


"Ah, is that so?"

I see, it's that she has to take such things into consideration. Even being a manager-san is tough.

"May I help with something?"

Yumi offered. It was also something she had been told by her mother: ''In order to not become merely a guest, find things you can do, and get working.''

"Certainly not! If Yumi-sama is Lady Sachiko-sama's little sister, you are also after all just the same as a young lady of the Ogasawara household. If such a thing were allowed to happen, I would be reprimanded. That aside, we are doing the off-season management as well of course, so including those things, it's not an exaggeration to say that we are working entirely for the Ogasawara family to spend the their summertime moments here pleasantly. Please don't take away our work, ok?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

Yumi surrendered to Kiyo-san's earnest entreaty, nodding assent. It seems that for so-called wealthy young ladies there is an unexpected inability to do as one pleases.

"I'm glad that you understand. At half past twelve o'clock, we will do lunch. Please come downstairs around that time."

Kiyo-san politely lowered her head before leaving the room, and her light footsteps descended the stairs.


"Half past twelve…"

She looked at the clock. It was eleven. Kiyo-san's scones were delicious and she had eaten two of them, so frankly she wasn't hungry yet.

Yumi took off the one-piece dress, hung it in the armoire, put on a t-shirt and a denim skirt, and tried doing sit-ups for a bit. However, it was something she wasn't accustomed to doing, so she didn't continue. Having repeated 10 times, "get up, lie down," she had become exhausted immediately, and after that it was almost one hour later that she did the 11th time's "get up."
 

===3===

[In Progress]

===4===

[not started yet]

===5===

[not started yet]

===6===

[not started yet]

===7===

[not started yet]

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
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| Back to [[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
| Forward to [[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
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Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2014-05-14T08:09:26Z

Rydenius: grammar

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
{{Incomplete|percentage=44}}
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.

"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language here. </ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there be any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. ''Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san.'' She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. ''Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...''

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

To start with, they went out from the first floor atrium onto a wide terrace, and were treated to black tea. Scones that Kiyo-san had baked, were accompanied by homemade strawberry jam that was said to have been given out by an acquaintance. It seems that these things had been prepared because they had heard that Sachiko-sama would be coming.


"Is everything all right with the master and the young master?"

While pouring a second serving of tea, Kiyo-san began the conversation.

"Thanks. Grandfather and father are both doing fine."

Gensuke-san wasn't there, and was likely working outside.

"For Lady Sayako-sama, it's unfortunate about her mother. Surely, she must have been feeling really down."

"It's alright now. Since it had been a lengthy struggle with illness, it seems that she had prepared herself."

''Kiyo-san has probably been working for the Ogasawaras since ancient times. Here Sachiko-sama's grandfather was referred to as "Master"<ref>旦那さま</ref> and her father as "the young master".<ref>ぼっちゃま </ref> So that would be why the mother, Sayako-sama, was referred to in the same manner as Sachiko-sama, "Mi'lady"<ref>Or more literally: "Young lady" (お嬢さま) but that doesn't sound as formal when written in English so "Mi'lady" has been used instead.</ref> … complicated.''

"Ah, that's right. An express delivery addressed to Lady Sachiko-sama arrived from Yumi-sama's house."

"Oh, I wonder what it could be?"

"Just a moment."

Kiyo-san withdrew into a room for a moment and with a "heave-ho" returned holding a smallish box, slightly smaller than a box for mandarin oranges. ''What is it, what is it? Such a heavy looking package...''

"Seems like it's rice."


Kiyo-san said while looking at the product name field on the express delivery's form.

"Eh?"

Sachiko-sama asked in return. Even Yumi, who hadn't heard even a single word about such a thing from her mother, was surprised and sought confirmation.

"I-It's rice?"

"Yep, rice. Shall we open it and take a look?"

After obtaining Sachiko-sama's consent, Kiyo-san peeled off the craft-tape sealing the box with a "schwah" sound. And then, it jumped into view:

"Uonuma<ref>Uonuma is a city in Niigata prefecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uonuma,_Niigata </ref> produced Koshihikari"<ref>A popular type of rice in Japan and the variety grown in Uonuma is particularly well regarded (and expensive): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshihikari </ref>

It was written in large characters on a 5 kilogram vinyl pack. It indicated beyond any doubt that contents were indeed white rice.

''Drip.''<ref>タラリ -- sweat-drop sound effect.</ref> Although Yumi maintained a composed expression, sweat trickled down her back. ''Mother, it's inconceivable how you came to enthusiastically send a Japanese person's staple food.''

"Kuh"

''Kuh?''

"Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh"

''Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh?'' She sought out the source of the sound that she couldn't quite comprehend, and for some reason it was Sachiko-sama's voice squeezing out. Sachiko-sama's body literally folded over on the next "kuh"<ref>The "kuh" sound looks like a line bent in half: く So, the "literally" may refer to her "literally" bending into the shape of the Ku character.</ref>, and she grabbed her stomach laughing.

"Yumi's home, isn't it wonderful? Growing into children like Yumi and Yuuki-san is because of being born and raised in such a household."

"U-um"

She wasn't sure whether she was being praised or laughed at. But, onee-sama appeared to be enjoying it considerably.

"Kiyo. During our stay, when you cook the rice, by all means please make it for me with this. The onigiri<ref>Rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref> that Yumi's mother-sama made were very delicious."

"Certainly, mi'lady."

Kiyo-san promptly carried the box that the rice was in to the kitchen.

After tea, Sachiko-sama played the piano in the atrium for Yumi.

There wasn't a sofa in the almost twenty tatami mat<ref>The size of a tatami mat is a common unit for measuring the floor area of Japanese rooms. Approx. 1.8 x 0.9 meters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatami </ref> atrium, instead there was a large dining table with six chairs, and along a wall there was a fireplace and an upright piano.

"Is there a tune you want to hear?"

After starting off at the top of the keyboard with a rising and falling Hanon piece<ref>Piano Exercises by Charles Louis Hanon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Virtuoso_Pianist_in_60_Exercises </ref> to warm up her fingers and make sure the piano was tuned, Sachiko-sama flipped through a bundle of piano pieces with her thumb.

"Gounod's Ave Maria"<ref>Composed by Charles-François Gounod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Maria_(Gounod)
(There is audio of the piece at the link.)</ref>


Yumi said seemingly without thinking about it.

"Ave Maria, is it?"

As Sachiko-sama narrowed her eyes and nodded agreement, she sat on the chair and proceeded to play the piano piece in it's entirety. Yumi wondered how Sachiko-sama was able to play the piece so well from memory.

This piece of music was a very special piece of music for Yumi.

In the spring of last year, Sachiko-sama, who was Rosa Chinensis en Buton at the time, had played the organ in the chapel sanctuary for Yumi and the other first year students. The song played was Gounod's Ave Maria.

It was in that moment that Yumi was completely captivated. By an onee-sama one year above, named Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.

''Whenever she reminisces, it's still so.''

Though Sachiko-sama might not remember, there was that time in the music room a bit before becoming Soeurs, where they played the piano together and even though it was only a short passage of the piece, it was also this piece of music. Calling it a four handed performance would be ridiculous. However, to the melody that Yumi uselessly played, Sachiko-sama added only the left hand. But, to Yumi it was a treasured memory. And so, of the numerous versions of Ave Maria, Gounod's piece was her favorite.

Sachiko-sama's fingers moved without faltering, and looked as though it was an elegant dance on top of the keyboard. The piece praising Maria-sama was perfect for her beautiful onee-sama.

By the time the piece finished, though she had no idea when they hade been lured to come there, both Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san had come to the atrium and the three of them gave her onee-sama a big applause.

 

===2===

On the 2nd floor there were 3 rooms. Two of them had been assigned to Sachiko-sama and Yumi.

"It's fine, though the two of us together was good too..."

''Rather, it's better that way'', Yumi thought, but it was a relief when onee-sama had said, "Especially since there's an excess of rooms."

"I might do things like reading books in the middle of the night, and if that happens, Yumi would be annoyed and unable to sleep."

"… got it."

In conclusion, the opposite reason could also be said, and the interpretation that Sachiko-sama didn't want her time intruded upon could also stand to be true.

For Yumi, who was adopting a secret goal of not intruding upon onee-sama's vacation, to be properly submissive here was the correct choice.

"See to your luggage."

Leaving that said, Sachiko-sama went into her room. She wanted to be together for a bit more, but she didn't even have the courage to follow after her. Since remaining in the hallway by herself wouldn't accomplish anything, Yumi decided to quietly return to her room.


The room was almost 8 tatami mats in size, and had an atmosphere similar to an old hotel except that there wasn't a toilet, bath, phone, or television. There was one semi-double bed. Of the antique furniture, there was one armoire and one chest of drawers. The rest was a desk and chair set.

The room's walls were white. Areas such as the posts and beams were dark brown. The windows were left open and a pleasant feeling breeze was stirring the lace curtains.

"Whew"

Yumi placed her basket onto the floor and flopped onto the bed.

In any case, she had arrived. She was at Sachiko-sama's summer house.

She wondered if, during this one week, the things she wanted to come for would happen. She had actually come to the summer house, and more than the heart-racing, there was a feeling like the count of thrilling experiences had gone up.

Aside from the property managers Kiyo-san and Gensuke, it was just the two of them, her and Sachiko-sama. At school Sachiko-sama was everyone's Rosa Chinensis, but for this one week, she had onee-sama to herself.

''Whoohoo!'' she thought, and as she was doing a banzai cheer while lying down, a knock was heard. She didn't know whether the brief knock was on this room's door or onee-sama's neighboring door, but since right away Kiyo-san's voice was heard saying, "Yumi-sama, is it okay?" she hurriedly hopped up from the bed.


"Y-yes. Please come in."

"Do forgive me. About this, what would you like me to do?"

Kiyo-san held out before her the cooler-case that Yumi had brought. The plastic containers that were inside had already been considerately washed clean.

"If I were to return it now, it would be a bother, right? So, if there are no plans to use it, shall I store it for you in the kitchen?"

"Ah, thank you for your trouble."

Not a problem, not a problem. While laughing, Kiyo-san withdrew the cooler-case and after a pause as her gaze fell upon the plastic containers inside the case, she said, "Well…"

"It's an awkward matter to ask about, but…, Yumi-sama"

"Yes?"

''What awkward matter?'' Yumi thought, and tilted her head.

"The lunchbox's contents, what was it exactly?"

"The lunchbox contents? Umm, let's see, onigiri, grilled cherry tomatoes, fried white-meat fish, and… what shall I call it… grilled asparagus and cheese wrapped in bacon…but"

"There were four onigiri. All filled with umeboshi?<ref>Pickled plums: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>"

"How did you know that?"


''Waah'', Yumi put herself on guard. Was Kiyo-san a person with psychic powers? ''To not only have hit the mark on the filling of onigiri that should have been completely consumed, but to have even guessed the number...''

"Since four pits were left behind…"

"Oh, is that so. Guess it is like that."

''So it was a matter of deduction, and not ESP. However, umeboshi pits, eh?'' Though it seemed understandable if thought about for a bit, Yumi's head that was up in the clouds had been spinning quite badly.

"And so, what did milady eat and about how much did she eat of it?"

"Well... a whole one of each, but…"

"So that is: onigiri, cherry tomatoes, white-meat fish, asparagus, cheese, and bacon, right?"

''Humph'', it wasn't a sigh, but rather Kiyo-san had expelled a deep breath.

"Umm…"

Since it was as if a nurse or nutritionist was precisely inquiring, Yumi was gradually becoming uneasy. ''Perhaps, could it be that there are things that must not be eaten by Sachiko-sama?'' Then, maybe because the well-known "Yumi's thoughts showing on her face" had unwittingly occurred, Kiyo-san hurriedly shook her head.

"I am sorry. I was only asking so that the menus for the mid-day and evening meals and such do not overlap."


"Ah, is that so?"

I see, it's that she has to take such things into consideration. Even being a manager-san is tough.

"May I help with something?"

Yumi offered. It was also something she had been told by her mother: ''In order to not become merely a guest, find things you can do, and get working.''

"Certainly not! If Yumi-sama is Lady Sachiko-sama's little sister, you are also after all just the same as a young lady of the Ogasawara household. If such a thing were allowed to happen, I would be reprimanded. That aside, we are doing the off-season management as well of course, so including those things, it's not an exaggeration to say that we are working entirely for the Ogasawara family to spend the their summertime moments here pleasantly. Please don't take away our work, ok?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

Yumi surrendered to Kiyo-san's earnest entreaty, nodding assent. It seems that for so-called wealthy young ladies there is an unexpected inability to do as one pleases.

"I'm glad that you understand. At half past twelve o'clock, we will do lunch. Please come downstairs around that time."

Kiyo-san politely lowered her head before leaving the room, and her light footsteps descended the stairs.


"Half past twelve…"

She looked at the clock. It was eleven. Kiyo-san's scones were delicious and she had eaten two of them, so frankly she wasn't hungry yet.

Yumi took off the one-piece dress, hung it in the armoire, put on a t-shirt and a denim skirt, and tried doing sit-ups for a bit. However, it was something she wasn't accustomed to doing, so she didn't continue. Having repeated 10 times, "get up, lie down," she had become exhausted immediately, and after that it was almost one hour later that she did the 11th time's "get up."
 

===3===

[not started yet]

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===6===

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===7===

[not started yet]

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria-sama ga Miteru:Registration Page

2014-05-13T08:34:51Z

Rydenius: /* Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 */

To re-iterate the registration procedure:

*"First Come, First Served": please register your intended chapters here

*The maximum number of chapters you are recommended to work on is no more then half of any given volume

*Maximum number of Translators per volume is two

*Maximum number of volumes you may be active on is one

*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).
== Completed ==

*Volume 1 - Maria-sama ga Miteru
*Volume 2 - The Yellow Rose Revolution
*Volume 3 - Forest of Thorns
*Volume 4 - Rosa Canina
*Volume 5 - Valentine's Gift, Part 1
*Volume 6 - Valentine's Gift, Part 2
*Volume 7 - Beloved Times, Part 1
*Volume 8 - Beloved Times, Part 2
*Volume 9 - Cherry Blossom (Sakura)
*Volume 10 - Rainy Blue
*Volume 11 - Holding a Parasol
*Volume 13 - One Page of Midsummer
*Volume 15 - Ready, GO!
*Volume 16 - Variety Gifts
*Volume 17 - Ciào Sorella!
*Volume 18 - Nothing Special, Just a Normal Day
*Volume 19 - In Library
*Volume 20 - Sister Audition
*Volume 21 - Rose Mille-Feuille
*Volume 22 - Blank Map of the Future
*Volume 27 - In Search of You
*Volume 28 - Frame of Mind
*Volume 29 - Crown of Roses
*Volume 30 - Twinkle, Twinkle, Twirl.
*Volume 31 - Marguerite Ribbon
*Volume 32 - Pre-Graduation Tableau
*Volume 33 - Hello Goodbye

== Partially Translated ==

=== Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 ===
*Novel Illustrations
* Prologue - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] - '''Completed'''
* Plans for the Summer Vacation (夏休みの予定) - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] (unfinished)/[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies (紋白蝶の見る夢は) - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] (unfinished) - '''Dropped'''/[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い) - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] (4 of 35 pages) - '''Dropped'''/[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''In Progress'''
* The Rich Princes and Princesses (お坊ちゃま、お嬢様)
* Searching in the Mist (霧中模索)
* Songs of an Angel (天使の歌)
* Author's Epilogue

=== Volume 23 - Other Side of the Frosted Glass/くもりガラスの向こう側 ===
* Prologue - [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* Onee-sama's Lead (お姉さまのリード) - [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* In One Year's Time (一年の計)
* Stopping In Along the Way (寄り道と道すがら)
* Full To Bursting At the New Year’s Party (新年会てんこ盛り)
* Nearly Far? Or Distantly Near? (近くて遠き？　遠くて近き？)
* A Chill Breeze (冷たい風)
* The Heart In the Frosted Glass (心のくもりガラス)
* Afterword

=== Volume 34 - Little Horrors/リトルホラーズ ===
* Chapter 1: "Little Horrors - I" / リトルホラーズ―I - [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* Chapter 2: "Chinami-san and Me" / チナミさんと私
* Chapter 3: "Little Horrors - II" / リトルホラーズ―II
* Chapter 4: "Picking up a Handkerchief" / ハンカチ拾い
* Chapter 5: "Little Horrors - III" / リトルホラーズ―III
* Chapter 6: "An Honest Lie" / ホントの嘘
* Chapter 7: "Little Horrors - IV" /リトルホラーズ―IV
* Chapter 8: "One Pair" /ワンペア
* Chapter 9: "Little Horrors - V" /リトルホラーズ―V
* Chapter 10: "Dream of a Butterfly" /胡蝶の夢)
* Chapter 11: "Little Horrors - VI" /リトルホラーズ―VI
* Chapter 12: "Extra:Little Panic" /おまけ・リトルパニック

== Untranslated ==
* - Volume 14
* - Volume 24
* - Volume 25
* - Volume 26
* - Volume 35
* - Volume 36
* - Volume 37
[[Category:Registration Page]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru

2014-05-13T08:21:39Z

Rydenius: /* Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 */ Progress update

[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|MariMite volume 1 cover.]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru (マリア様がみてる) is a Japanese light novel series written by Oyuki Konno (今野緒雪（こんのおゆき）) and illustrated by Reine Hibiki (ひびき玲音). The series is published by Shueisha under their Cobalt imprint. Many of the short stories which were later also included in the novel series were first published in the Cobalt magazine. The series currently has 37 published volumes. The spin-off light novel series Ōshaka-sama mo Miteru (お釈迦様もみてる) about Yumi's younger brother Yūki and his schoolmates at Hanadera has been running since August 2008, and currently has 10 volumes published.

''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' is also available in the following languages:
*[[Maria-sama ga Miteru - Français|Français (French)]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru_%28Espa%C3%B1ol%29|Español (Spanish)]]

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)

== Story Synopsis ==

Maria-sama ga Miteru's story revolves around the students of the Lillian Catholic school for girls, and can be considered character-driven, focusing on interactions between the characters rather than any sort of ongoing plot or goal to attain. At Lillian Girls' School, there is a tradition known as the sœur system (sœur being French for "sister"), in which a second, or third-year student, the grande sœur ("big sister"), will give her rosary to a junior student, the petite sœur ("little sister"), and promise to look after them and guide them.

When the story begins, Yumi Fukuzawa, a first-year at Lillian, is praying in front of the Virgin Mary statue near the school entrance when she is suddenly approached by a cold second-year student named Sachiko Ogasawara who straightens Yumi's uniform ribbon. This seemingly simple act of kindness stays with Yumi the rest of the day, and she speaks of her meeting with Sachiko to her friends during class and lunch. After school is over, Yumi's classmate Tsutako Takeshima meets with Yumi to show her that she took a photograph of Yumi's meeting with Sachiko earlier that morning. Yumi asks if she can have the photo, but Tsutako says she will give her the snapshot under two conditions: one being that Tsutako can display it at the upcoming school festival, and two being that Yumi get Sachiko's permission to do so as well. Yumi agrees to this, which sets in motion a series of events involving the entire Yamayurikai — the student council of the school. A few weeks after first meeting Sachiko, Yumi accepts Sachiko's rosary and therefore agrees to become her petite sœur.

This officially inducts Yumi into the Yamayurikai where she assists them in school matters at the same level as the other two petite sœurs — Yoshino Shimazu, and Shimako Tōdō — who are the petite sœurs of Rei Hasekura, and Sei Satō respectively. Through her activities in the Yamayurikai, Yumi becomes closer to the other members and generally finds her experiences with the group to be enjoyable. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria-sama_ga_Miteru Synopsis from wikipedia.]

'''Warning:''' Suffice it to say, this series is considered yuri, having various mentions of lesbian relationships. They are not, however, particularly graphic. If you find this sort of topic offensive, look away.

== Translation ==

'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1950 Feedback Thread]'''

=== [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Format|Maria-sama ga Miteru specific formatting]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Notes|Maria-sama ga Miteru translation notes]]

== Updates ==
* 7 May 2014
** Finished translation of volume 13
* 5 January 2014
** Finished translation of volume 9
* 3 January 2014
** Resumed translation of volume 12
* 12 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 34
* 6 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 23
* 15 September 2013
** Finished translation of volume 8
* 12 May 2013
** Translated the short story "Answer" from the Premium Book.
* 8 May 2013
** Finished translation of volume 7

[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Updates|Past Updates]]

== Maria-sama ga Miteru/マリア様がみてる by Oyuki Konno ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4955 here].'''
=== Volume 1 - Maria-sama ga Miteru/マリア様がみてる [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter1|Monday of Uneasiness]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter2|Tuesday of Storms]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter3|Anxious Wednesday, Friday of Battle]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter4|Spicy and Bitter Weekend]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter5|The Hot Second Week]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter6|Waltz-like Sunday]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 2 - The Yellow Rose Revolution/黄薔薇革命 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v02_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter1|Best Sœur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter2|The Returned Rosary]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter3|Unexpected Consequences]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter4|Just what is going on?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter5|Fighting Maidens]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter6|As long as it ends well]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 3 - Forest of Thorns/いばらの森 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v03_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Forest of Thorns
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter1|The semester exam and the paperback]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter2|The White Rose]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter3|Who's Suga Sei?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter4|If I could meet Eve]]
* The White Flower Petal
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter5|Springtime Buds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter6|Summer Greenhouse]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter7|Autumn Love]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter8|The last flower of winter, and then]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 4 - Rosa Canina/ロサ・カニーナ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v04_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Rosa Canina
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter1|A lonesome warmth]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter2|Rosa Canina?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter3|What do you think?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter4|Raison d'etre for sœur]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter5|A modest secret]]
* Nagakiyono
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter6|The first of January]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter7|The hatsumoude on the second]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter8|With the archenemy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter9|By onee-sama's side]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 5 - Valentine's Gift - Part 1/ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v05_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Surprise chocolate
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter1|Research]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter2|gift from a rare visitor]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter3|Outsider]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter4|The thirteenth of February]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter5|St. Valentine's prank]]
* The Yellow Rose complication
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_1|18:50, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_2|19:18, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_3|19:30, Rei]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_4|23:10, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_5|23:10, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_6|23:10, Rei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 6 - Valentine's Gift - Part 2/ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v06_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* First date triangle
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter1|Order]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter2|Hors d'oeuvre]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter3|Main]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter4|Dessert]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter5|The crimson card]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter6|Rosa Chinensis' best day of her life]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 7 - Beloved Times - Part 1/いとしき歳月（前編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v07_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Yellow Rose at Full Speed
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter1|The Beginning]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter2|Rabbit and Cat and Wolf]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter3|Umbrella Maker's Wife]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter4|Golden Rose Uproar]]
* Very Busy Days
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter5|Monday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter6|Tuesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter7|Wednesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter8|Thursday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter9|Friday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter10|Saturday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter11|Bonus]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter12|A Short Interlude]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter13|Afterword]]

=== Volume 8 - Beloved Times - Part 2/いとしき歳月（後編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v08_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* will
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter1|Lost Items]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter2|Farewell Gift]]
* As the Years Pass By
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter3|Just Before Graduation]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter4|Eriko, Sei, Youko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter5|Farewell Address and Formal Reply]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter6|Towards the Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter7|Joined at Just One Hand]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter8|Spring Breeze]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter9|Autumn Bonds]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 9 - Cherry Blossom (Sakura)/チェリーブロッサム [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v09_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter1|The Cherry in the Ginkgoes]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter2|Falling Cherry Blossoms / Exam Failure]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter3|Maria and Maitreya]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter4|Rosary or Juzu]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter5|The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* BGN (Background Noise)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter6|When the Cherry Blossoms Fall]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter7|8 - 3 = Right]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter8|Intriguing First-Year]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter9|Behind the Scenes of The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 10 - Rainy Blue/レイニーブルー [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v10_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Rosary Droplets
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter1|Peppermint Candy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter2|Raindrop]]
* Yellow Rose Warning
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter3|Suspicious Clouds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter4|Signs of Rain]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter5|Rainy Blue]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter6|Premonition]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter7|Smile, Smile]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter8|Sweets]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter9|Blue Umbrella, Red Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 11 - Holding a Parasol/パラソルをさして [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v11_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter1|The Girl with the Brown Umbrella]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter2|Classmates]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter3|Milk Tea, Oolong Tea]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter4|Welcome]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter5|White Parasol]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter6|Visitor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter7|Beneath a Clear, Blue Sky]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter8|Afterword]]

=== Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 ===
[[Image:MM_v12_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter0|Prologue]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter1|Plans for the Summer Vacation]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter2|In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter3|Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf]] (In Progress 44%)
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter4|The Rich Princes and Princesses]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter5|Searching in the Mist]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter6|Songs of an Angel]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Epilogue|Author's Epilogue]]
 

=== Volume 13 - One Page of Midsummer/真夏の一ページ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v13_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Prologue|Prologue]]
* For Short, Operation OK (Tentative)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter1|Offer and Plot]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter2|Cunning Boy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter3|OK, Let's Do It.]]
* Together With the Old Gentleman
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter4|Gathering Material with Dustpan and Broom]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter5|Up to the Meeting Place]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter6|Search for Takuya-kun!]]
* Rosa Foetida ☆ Illustrated Diary
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter7|〇th of July (Saturday) : Sunny]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter8|△th of August (Sunday) : Cloudy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter9|Ⅹth of August (Saturday) : Sunny]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Afterword|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 14 - Cool Breeze/涼風さつさつ ===
[[Image:MM_v14_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Prologue
* The First Step
* That's a Problem
* Setting Aside the "Bread Incident"
* Finding Me
* The Battle for Hanadera
* Postscript

=== Volume 15 - Ready, GO!/レディ、GO！ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v15_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter1|Remaining Cuteness of Today's Enemy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter2|Everything Prepared?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter3|Friend's affection and Onee-sama]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter4|Casting Aside Embarrassment of One's Parents]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter5|Joker, Anchor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter6|Penalty Game Speculation]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 16 - Variety Gifts/バラエティギフト [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v16_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter1|Variety Gift I]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter2|Variety Gift II]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter3|Variety Gift III]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter4|Variety Gift IV]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter5|Variety Gift V]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 17 - Ciào Sorella!/チャオソレッラ！ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v17_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter1|Each and Every Farewell Gift]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter2|Going out at the Beginning]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter3|Leisurely Dialogue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter4|The Mouth of Truth's Complaint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter5|The Capital of Flowers Is What Kind of City?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter6|Resounding! Leaning! Melting!?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter7|The Parakeet's Hint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter8|From the Water Capital to the Island Nation]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9|Souvenir Report]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9.5|The Absence of Rosa Chinensis en Bouton]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 18 - Nothing Special, Just a Normal Day/特別でないただの一日 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v18_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter1|Shock]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter2|Are you changing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter3|What will happen? What will we do?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter4|Ah, Misunderstanding]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter5|Dramatics]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 19 - In Library/インライブラリー ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v19_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1|In Library - - I]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1.5|Silent Night's Vision]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2|In Library - - II]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2.5|Joanna]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3|In Library - - III]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.2|Chocolate Coat]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.3|Yasuko]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.4|Masumi]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.5|Asaka]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4|In Library - - IV]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.1|--- Magic Among the Cherry Blossom ---]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.2|-- The Door of Cherry Wood --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.3|-- The Burial Among Cherry Blossoms --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5_Epilogue|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales - Epilogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5|In Library - - V]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5.5|Library Book]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter6|In Library - - VI]]

=== Volume 20 - Sister Audition/妹オーディション ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v20_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1|-- Right or Wrong -- ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.2|Maria-sama's Star]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.3|Maria-sama's Planet]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter2|Welcome to the Tea Party]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter3|Interim Report]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter4|The Crucial Battle]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter5|Harvest]]
*Postscript

=== Volume 21 - Rose Mille-Feuille/薔薇のミルフィーユ ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v21_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Yellow Rose Panic
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter1|The result of 100 battles?]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter2|Panic Attack!]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter3|The Bout's Whereabouts]]
*Reverie of the White Rose
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter4|Two Peaceful People]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter5|The Heaviness of Reverie]]
*Rosa Chinensis's Sigh
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter6|After-Finals Prize]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter7|High Tension and Roller Coasters]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter8|A Mille-Feuille of Sighs]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Postscript|Afterword]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Translator's Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

=== Volume 22 - Blank Map of the Future/未来の白地図 ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v22_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter1|An Unexpected Visitor ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter2|A Little Bit of Something]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter3|Of Strange Things]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter4|Even though it's Christmas]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter5|Rose Dialogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 23 - Other Side of the Frosted Glass/くもりガラスの向こう側 ===
[[Image:MM_v23_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter1|Onee-sama's Lead]]
* In One Year's Time
* Stopping In Along the Way
* Full To Bursting At the New Year’s Party
* Nearly Far? Or Distantly Near?
* A Chill Breeze
* The Heart In the Frosted Glass
* Afterword

=== Volume 24 - Masked Actress/仮面のアクトレス ===
[[Image:MM_v24_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume24_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Yellow Rose, Hardball Fight
** Riding a Bicycle
** Contest
* Masked Actress
** The Opening Ceremony's Spoiled Child
** Explanatory Meeting and Clandestine Meeting
** First Year Camellia Class is Normal
** Beneath the Mask
* A Moment of Honesty

=== Volume 25 - Big Door, Small Key/大きな扉　小さな鍵 ===
[[Image:MM_v25_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume25_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Key Holder
** Sometimes Falling, Sometimes Pulling
** Slightly Slipping Away
** Proposal Together With Arrival
** What I Wanted to Hear
* Keyhole of the Heart
** Pitiable Person
** Fortunate Interview
** In Her Pocket

=== Volume 26 - Crisscross/クリスクロス ===
[[Image:MM_v26_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume26_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Crisscross
** Good Morning Chocolate
** Sentimental First-Year Camellia Class
** Ahh, Tea Party
** A Shortcut and Dropping In on the Way
** The Blank Map's Valley
** The Red Card's Outlook
* Map Stroll
** Meandering
** X-Mark

=== Volume 27 - In Search of You/あなたを探しに [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v27_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter1|Warrior Demands a Response]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter2|The "Absentee's Chance" Girl]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter3|Unexpected Words]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter4|At the Outset of the Date]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter5|"Why?"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter6|Amendment, Overwriting and an Old Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter7|The Door That Opened]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter8|When Tomorrow Comes]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 28 - Frame of Mind/フレーム　オブ　マインド [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v28_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter1|Frame of Mind 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter2|April Deja-Vu]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter3|Frame of Mind 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter4|Three-Leaf Clover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter5|Frame of Mind 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter6|Sprouts in Dry Wood]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter7|Frame of Mind 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter8|The Yellow Thread]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter9|Frame of Mind 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter10|The Awkward Princess]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter11|Frame of Mind 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter12|Bouton of Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter13|Frame of Mind 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter14|The Greenhouse Fairy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter15|Frame of Mind 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter16|The Doppelganger Story]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter17|Frame of Mind 9]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter18|A Roll of Film]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter19|Frame of Mind 10]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 29 - Crown of Roses/薔薇の花かんむり [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_29_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter1|Onee-sama, Rosary and Petit Soeur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter2|Conversation Stories]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter3|Not Here]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter4|Burning Bridges]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter5|Santa's Refreshments]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter6|The Miracle Worker]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter7|Would You Like to Waltz?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 30 - Twinkle, Twinkle, Twirl/キラキラまわる [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_30_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter1|Scattered Sunshine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter2|Frivolity and Self-Loathing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter3|Those Two, On the Other Hand]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter4|Star Up Teacup]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter5|What Kind of Groups?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter6|Distant Desire]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter7|Amongst the Stardust]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 31 - Marguerite Ribbon/マーガレットにリボン [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v31_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter1|Marguerite Ribbon 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter2|Debut]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter3|Marguerite Ribbon 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter4|A Rival is Fine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter5|Marguerite Ribbon 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter6|Buying Florentine Senbei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter7|Marguerite Ribbon 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter8|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter9|Marguerite Ribbon 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter10|My Siblings]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter11|Marguerite Ribbon 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter12|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 1]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter13|Marguerite Ribbon 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter14|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 2]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter15|Marguerite Ribbon 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter16|Memories of the Blue Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter17|Marguerite Ribbon 9]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 32 - Pre-Graduation Tableau/卒業前小景 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v32_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter1|Laughing While Reminiscing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter2|Onee-sama's Racket]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter3|Me and the Interviewer]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter4|Graduation Group Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter5|Sweet Bun Feast]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter6|Support and Skinship]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter7|Forgotten Things]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter8|What's the Person Beside You Doing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter9|The Ribbon's Path]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 33 - Hello Goodbye/ハローグッバイ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v33_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter1|Today's Goal]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter2|The Green Bird and the White Flower]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter3|Grand Entrance]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter4|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter5|Parting Gift Trio]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter6|Soloist's Adlib]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter7|Connecting Chains]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter8|Continuing Path]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 34 - Little Horrors/リトルホラーズ ===
[[Image:MM_v34_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Chapter1|Chapter 1: "Little Horrors - I"]]
* Chapter 2: "Chinami-san and Me"
* Chapter 3: "Little Horrors - II"
* Chapter 4: "Picking up a Handkerchief"
* Chapter 5: "Little Horrors - III"
* Chapter 6: "An Honest Lie"
* Chapter 7: "Little Horrors - IV"
* Chapter 8: "One Pair"
* Chapter 9: "Little Horrors - V"
* Chapter 10: "Dream of a Butterfly"
* Chapter 11: "Little Horrors - VI"
* Chapter 12: "Extra:Little Panic"

=== Volume 35 - My Nest/私の巣 ===
[[Image:MM_v36_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume35_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* My Nest
* Removal
* About One Week
* Christmas Eve
* Melancholy
* Our Nest
* Afterword

=== Volume 36 - Step/ステップ ===
[[Image:MM_v35_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume36_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Step-1
* Step-2
* Step-3
* Step-4
* Step-5
* Step-6
* Afterword

=== Volume 37 - Farewell Bouquet ===
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume37_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Farewell Bouquet 1
** Candy and Stretch
* Farewell Bouquet 2
** Private Teacher
* Farewell Bouquet 3
** Breast Cookies
* Farewell Bouquet 4
** Yesterday's Enemy
* Farewell Bouquet 5
** Until Graduation
* Farewell Bouquet 6
** Announcement
* Farewell Bouquet 7
** Conversation Over Fresh Herb Tea
* Afterword

=== Premium Book ===
Note: This book is primarily an art book, with pictures from the first season of anime, character sketches, a chapter of the manga, as well as cast interviews and the following short story:
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:PremiumBook_Answer|Answer]]

== Project Staff ==

*Supervisor: ''None Designated''
*Project Manager: ''None Designated''

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''

* [[User:Enn_are|NR]]
* [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]]

'''K.I.A.'''

* [[User:Seki|Seki]]
* [[User:Harunako|Harunako]]

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Kurokaze|Kurokaze]]
* [[User:Sukoshi|Sukoshi]]
* [[User:hasekura_rei|hasekura_rei]]

=== Editors ===
'''ACTIVE'''

(none, beside some occasionally passing readers)

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Ribonizer|Ribonizer]]

=== Contributors ===

* Erica Friedman of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translations of volumes 15 through 19 and
* Rei and Sukoshi of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translation of volume 20 and 21.
* Update: as of May 19, 2010, translations no longer hosted on Okazu.

== Series Overview ==
* Volume 1 - マリア様がみてる (April 24, 1998, ISBN 4-08-614459-X)
* Volume 2 - マリア様がみてる　黄薔薇革命 (February 3, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614554-5)
* Volume 3 - マリア様がみてる　いばらの森 (April 27, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614591-X)
* Volume 4 - マリア様がみてる　ロサ・カニーナ (December 1, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614661-4)
* Volume 5 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） (March 3, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614695-9)
* Volume 6 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） (April 25, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614715-7)
* Volume 7 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（前編） (February 2, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614817-X)
* Volume 8 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（後編） (April 3, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614841-2)
* Volume 9 - マリア様がみてる　チェリーブロッサム (July 27, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614895-1)
* Volume 10 - マリア様がみてる　レイニーブルー (March 29, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600078-4)
* Volume 11 - マリア様がみてる　パラソルをさして (July 1, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600136-5)
* Volume 12 - マリア様がみてる　子羊たちの休暇 (December 25, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600210-8)
* Volume 13 - マリア様がみてる　真夏の一ページ (March 28, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600243-4)
* Volume 14 - マリア様がみてる　涼風さつさつ (July 1, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600284-1)
* Volume 15 - マリア様がみてる　レディ、GO！ (October 31, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600337-6)
* Volume 16 - マリア様がみてる　バラエティギフト (December 25, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600360-0)
* Volume 17 - マリア様がみてる　チャオソレッラ！ (March 31, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600399-6)
* Volume 18 - マリア様がみてる　特別でないただの一日 (October 1, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600484-4)
* Volume 19 - マリア様がみてる　インライブラリー (December 25, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600527-1)
* Volume 20 - マリア様がみてる　妹オーディション (April 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600568-9)
* Volume 21 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇のミルフィーユ (July 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600609-X)
* Volume 22 - マリア様がみてる　未来の白地図 (December 22, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600704-5)
* Volume 23 - マリア様がみてる　くもりガラスの向こう側 (March 31, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600743-6)
* Volume 24 - マリア様がみてる　仮面のアクトレス (June 30, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600784-3)
* Volume 25 - マリア様がみてる　大きな扉　小さな鍵 (October 3, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600823-8)
* Volume 26 - マリア様がみてる　クリスクロス (December 22, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600859-9)
* Volume 27 - マリア様がみてる　あなたを探しに (March 30, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-600895-2)
* Volume 28 - マリア様がみてる　フレーム　オブ　マインド (June 28, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601034-4)
* Volume 29 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇の花かんむり (October 2, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601075-7)
* Volume 30 - マリア様がみてる　キラキラまわる (December 26, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601110-5)
* Volume 31 - マリア様がみてる　マーガレットにリボン (April 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601144-0)
* Volume 32 - マリア様がみてる　卒業前小景 (October 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601214-0)
* Volume 33 - マリア様がみてる　ハローグッバイ (December 26, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601244-7)
* Volume 34 - マリア様がみてる―リトルホラーズ (July 1, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601305-5)
* Volume 35 - マリア様がみてる　私の巣　(December 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601363-5)
* Volume 36 - マリア様がみてる　ステップ　(December 28, 2010, ISBN 978-4-08-601481-6)
* Volume 37 - マリア様がみてるフェアウェルブーケ (April 28, 2012, ISBN 978-4-08-601631-5)

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Reine Hibiki]]

Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2014-05-13T08:18:56Z

Rydenius: Added translation for part 2

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
{{Incomplete|percentage=44}}
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.

"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language here. </ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there are any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. ''Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san.'' She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. ''Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...''

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

To start with, they went out from the first floor atrium onto a wide terrace, and were treated to black tea. Scones that Kiyo-san had baked, were accompanied by homemade strawberry jam that was said to have been given out by an acquaintance. It seems that these things had been prepared because they had heard that Sachiko-sama would be coming.


"Is everything all right with the master and the young master?"

While pouring a second serving of tea, Kiyo-san began the conversation

"Thanks. Grandfather and father are both doing fine."

Gensuke-san wasn't there, and was likely working outside.

"For Lady Sayako-sama, it's unfortunate about her mother. Surely, she must have been feeling really down."

"It's alright now. Since it had been a lengthy struggle with illness, it seems that she had prepared herself."

''Kiyo-san has probably been working for the Ogasawaras since ancient times. Here Sachiko-sama's grandfather was referred to as "Master"<ref>旦那さま</ref> and her father as "the young master".<ref>ぼっちゃま </ref> So that would be why the mother, Sayako-sama, was referred to in the same manner as Sachiko-sama, "My lady"<ref>お嬢さま</ref> … complicated.''

"Ah, that's right. An express delivery addressed to Lady Sachiko-sama arrived from Yumi-sama's house."

"Oh, I wonder what it could be?"

"Just a moment."

Kiyo-san withdrew into a room for a moment and with a "heave-ho" returned holding a smallish box, slightly smaller than a box for mandarin oranges. ''What is it, what is it? Such a heavy looking package...''

"Seems like it's rice."


Kiyo-san said while looking at the product name field on the express delivery's form.

"Eh?"

Sachiko-sama asked in return. Even Yumi, who hadn't heard even a single word about such a thing from her mother, was surprised and sought confirmation.

"I-It's rice?"

"Yep, rice. Shall we open it and take a look?"

After obtaining Sachiko-sama's consent, Kiyo-san peeled off the craft-tape sealing the box with a "schwah" sound. And then, it jumped into their eyes:

"Uonuma<ref>Uonuma is a city in Niigata prefecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uonuma,_Niigata </ref> produced Koshihikari"<ref>A popular type of rice in Japan and the variety grown in Uonuma is particularly well regarded (and expensive): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshihikari </ref>

It was written in large characters on a 5 kilogram vinyl pack. It indicated beyond any doubt that contents were indeed white rice.

''Drip.''<ref>タラリ -- sweat-drop sound effect.</ref> Although Yumi maintained a composed expression, sweat trickled down her back. ''Mother, it's inconceivable how you came to enthusiastically send a Japanese person's staple food.''

"Kuh"

''Kuh?''

"Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh"

''Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh?'' She sought out the source of the sound that she couldn't quite comprehend, and for some reason it was Sachiko-sama's voice squeezing out. Sachiko-sama's body literally folded over on the next "kuh"<ref>The "kuh" sound looks like a line bent in half: く So, the "literally" may refer to her "literally" bending into the shape of the Ku character.</ref>, and she grabbed her stomach laughing.

"Yumi's home, isn't it wonderful? Growing into children like Yumi and Yuuki-san is because of being born and raised in such a household."

"U-um"

She wasn't sure whether she was being praised or laughed at. But, onee-sama appeared to be enjoying it considerably.

"Kiyo. During our stay, when you cook the rice, by all means please make it for me with this. The onigiri<ref>Rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref> that Yumi's mother-sama made were very delicious."

"Certainly, mi'lady."

Kiyo-san promptly carried the box that the rice was in to the kitchen.

After tea, Sachiko-sama played the piano in the atrium for Yumi.

There wasn't a sofa in the almost twenty tatami mat<ref>The size of a tatami mat is a common unit for measuring the floor area of Japanese rooms. Approx. 1.8 x 0.9 meters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatami </ref> atrium, instead there was a large dining table with six chairs, and along a wall there was a fireplace and an upright piano.

"Is there a tune you want to hear?"

After starting off at the top of the keyboard with a rising and falling Hanon piece<ref>Piano Exercises by Charles Louis Hanon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Virtuoso_Pianist_in_60_Exercises </ref> to warm up her fingers and make sure the piano was tuned, Sachiko-sama flipped through a bundle of piano pieces with her thumb.

"Gounod's Ave Maria"<ref>Composed by Charles-François Gounod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Maria_(Gounod)
(There is audio of the piece at the link.)</ref>


Yumi said seemingly without thinking about it.

"Ave Maria, is it?"

As Sachiko-sama narrowed her eyes and nodded agreement, she sat on the chair and proceeded to play the piano piece in it's entirety. Yumi wondered how Sachiko-sama was able to play the piece so well from memory.

This piece of music was a very special piece of music for Yumi.

In the spring of last year, Sachiko-sama, who was Rosa Chinensis en Buton at the time, had played the organ in the chapel sanctuary for Yumi and the other first year students. The song played was Gounod's Ave Maria.

It was in that moment that Yumi was completely captivated. By an onee-sama one year above, named Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.

''Whenever she reminisces, it's still so.''

Though Sachiko-sama might not remember, there was that time in the music room a bit before becoming Soeurs, where they played the piano together and even though it was only a short passage of the piece, it was also this piece of music. Calling it a four handed performance would be ridiculous. However, to the melody that Yumi uselessly played, Sachiko-sama added only the left hand. But, to Yumi it was a treasured memory. And so, of the numerous versions of Ave Maria, Gounod's piece was her favorite.

Sachiko-sama's fingers moved without faltering, and looked as though it was an elegant dance on top of the keyboard. The piece praising Maria-sama was perfect for her beautiful onee-sama.

By the time the piece finished, though she had no idea when they hade been lured to come there, both Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san had come to the atrium and the three of them gave her onee-sama a big applause.

 

===2===

On the 2nd floor there were 3 rooms. Two of them had been assigned to Sachiko-sama and Yumi.

"It's fine, though the two of us together was good too..."

''Rather, it's better that way'', Yumi thought, but it was a relief when onee-sama had said, "Especially since there's an excess of rooms."

"I might do things like reading books in the middle of the night, and if that happens, Yumi would be annoyed and unable to sleep."

"… got it."

In conclusion, the opposite reason could also be said, and the interpretation that Sachiko-sama didn't want her time intruded upon could also stand to be true.

For Yumi, who was adopting a secret goal of not intruding upon onee-sama's vacation, to be properly submissive here was the correct choice.

"See to your luggage."

Leaving that said, Sachiko-sama went into her room. She wanted to be together for a bit more, but she didn't even have the courage to follow after her. Since remaining in the hallway by herself wouldn't accomplish anything, Yumi decided to quietly return to her room.


The room was almost 8 tatami mats in size, and had an atmosphere similar to an old hotel except that there wasn't a toilet, bath, phone, or television. There was one semi-double bed. Of the antique furniture, there was one armoire and one chest of drawers. The rest was a desk and chair set.

The room's walls were white. Areas such as the posts and beams were dark brown. The windows were left open and a pleasant feeling breeze was stirring the lace curtains.

"Whew"

Yumi placed her basket onto the floor and flopped onto the bed.

In any case, she had arrived. She was at Sachiko-sama's summer house.

She wondered if, during this one week, the things she wanted to come for would happen. She had actually come to the summer house, and more than the heart-racing, there was a feeling like the count of thrilling experiences had gone up.

Aside from the property managers Kiyo-san and Gensuke, it was just the two of them, her and Sachiko-sama. At school Sachiko-sama was everyone's Rosa Chinensis, but for this one week, she had onee-sama to herself.

''Whoohoo!'' she thought, and as she was doing a banzai cheer while lying down, a knock was heard. She didn't know whether the brief knock was on this room's door or onee-sama's neighboring door, but since right away Kiyo-san's voice was heard saying, "Yumi-sama, is it okay?" she hurriedly hopped up from the bed.


"Y-yes. Please come in."

"Do forgive me. About this, what would you like me to do?"

Kiyo-san held out before her the cooler-case that Yumi had brought. The plastic containers that were inside had already been considerately washed clean.

"If I were to return it now, it would be a bother, right? So, if there are no plans to use it, shall I store it for you in the kitchen?"

"Ah, thank you for your trouble."

Not a problem, not a problem. While laughing, Kiyo-san withdrew the cooler-case and after a pause as her gaze fell upon the plastic containers inside the case, she said, "Well…"

"It's an awkward matter to ask about, but…, Yumi-sama"

"Yes?"

''What awkward matter?'' Yumi thought, and tilted her head.

"The lunchbox's contents, what was it exactly?"

"The lunchbox contents? Umm, let's see, onigiri, grilled cherry tomatoes, fried white-meat fish, and… what shall I call it… grilled asparagus and cheese wrapped in bacon…but"

"There were four onigiri. All filled with umeboshi?<ref>Pickled plums: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>"

"How did you know that?"


''Waah'', Yumi put herself on guard. Was Kiyo-san a person with psychic powers? ''To not only have hit the mark on the filling of onigiri that should have been completely consumed, but to have even guessed the number...''

"Since four pits were left behind…"

"Oh, is that so. Guess it is like that."

''So it was a matter of deduction, and not ESP. However, umeboshi pits, eh?'' Though it seemed understandable if thought about for a bit, Yumi's head that was up in the clouds had been spinning quite badly.

"And so, what did milady eat and about how much did she eat of it?"

"Well... a whole one of each, but…"

"So that is: onigiri, cherry tomatoes, white-meat fish, asparagus, cheese, and bacon, right?"

''Humph'', it wasn't a sigh, but rather Kiyo-san had expelled a deep breath.

"Umm…"

Since it was as if a nurse or nutritionist was precisely inquiring, Yumi was gradually becoming uneasy. ''Perhaps, could it be that there are things that must not be eaten by Sachiko-sama?'' Then, maybe because the well-known "Yumi's thoughts showing on her face" had unwittingly occurred, Kiyo-san hurriedly shook her head.

"I am sorry. I was only asking so that the menus for the mid-day and evening meals and such do not overlap."


"Ah, is that so?"

I see, it's that she has to take such things into consideration. Even being a manager-san is tough.

"May I help with something?"

Yumi offered. It was also something she had been told by her mother: ''In order to not become merely a guest, find things you can do, and get working.''

"Certainly not! If Yumi-sama is Lady Sachiko-sama's little sister, you are also after all just the same as a young lady of the Ogasawara household. If such a thing were allowed to happen, I would be reprimanded. That aside, we are doing the off-season management as well of course, so including those things, it's not an exaggeration to say that we are working entirely for the Ogasawara family to spend the their summertime moments here pleasantly. Please don't take away our work, ok?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

Yumi surrendered to Kiyo-san's earnest entreaty, nodding assent. It seems that for so-called wealthy young ladies there is an unexpected inability to do as one pleases.

"I'm glad that you understand. At half past twelve o'clock, we will do lunch. Please come downstairs around that time."

Kiyo-san politely lowered her head before leaving the room, and her light footsteps descended the stairs.


"Half past twelve…"

She looked at the clock. It was eleven. Kiyo-san's scones were delicious and she had eaten two of them, so frankly she wasn't hungry yet.

Yumi took off the one-piece dress, hung it in the armoire, put on a t-shirt and a denim skirt, and tried doing sit-ups for a bit. However, it was something she wasn't accustomed to doing, so she didn't continue. Having repeated 10 times, "get up, lie down," she had become exhausted immediately, and after that it was almost one hour later that she did the 11th time's "get up."
 

===3===

[not started yet]

===4===

[not started yet]

===5===

[not started yet]

===6===

[not started yet]

===7===

[not started yet]

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria-sama ga Miteru

2014-04-20T13:07:21Z

Rydenius: /* Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 */

[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|MariMite volume 1 cover.]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru (マリア様がみてる) is a Japanese light novel series written by Oyuki Konno (今野緒雪（こんのおゆき）) and illustrated by Reine Hibiki (ひびき玲音). The series is published by Shueisha under their Cobalt imprint. Many of the short stories which were later also included in the novel series were first published in the Cobalt magazine. The series currently has 37 published volumes. The spin-off light novel series Ōshaka-sama mo Miteru (お釈迦様もみてる) about Yumi's younger brother Yūki and his schoolmates at Hanadera has been running since August 2008, and currently has 10 volumes published.

''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' is also available in the following languages:
*[[Maria-sama ga Miteru - Français|Français (French)]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru_%28Espa%C3%B1ol%29|Español (Spanish)]]

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)

== Story Synopsis ==

Maria-sama ga Miteru's story revolves around the students of the Lillian Catholic school for girls, and can be considered character-driven, focusing on interactions between the characters rather than any sort of ongoing plot or goal to attain. At Lillian Girls' School, there is a tradition known as the sœur system (sœur being French for "sister"), in which a second, or third-year student, the grande sœur ("big sister"), will give her rosary to a junior student, the petite sœur ("little sister"), and promise to look after them and guide them.

When the story begins, Yumi Fukuzawa, a first-year at Lillian, is praying in front of the Virgin Mary statue near the school entrance when she is suddenly approached by a cold second-year student named Sachiko Ogasawara who straightens Yumi's uniform ribbon. This seemingly simple act of kindness stays with Yumi the rest of the day, and she speaks of her meeting with Sachiko to her friends during class and lunch. After school is over, Yumi's classmate Tsutako Takeshima meets with Yumi to show her that she took a photograph of Yumi's meeting with Sachiko earlier that morning. Yumi asks if she can have the photo, but Tsutako says she will give her the snapshot under two conditions: one being that Tsutako can display it at the upcoming school festival, and two being that Yumi get Sachiko's permission to do so as well. Yumi agrees to this, which sets in motion a series of events involving the entire Yamayurikai — the student council of the school. A few weeks after first meeting Sachiko, Yumi accepts Sachiko's rosary and therefore agrees to become her petite sœur.

This officially inducts Yumi into the Yamayurikai where she assists them in school matters at the same level as the other two petite sœurs — Yoshino Shimazu, and Shimako Tōdō — who are the petite sœurs of Rei Hasekura, and Sei Satō respectively. Through her activities in the Yamayurikai, Yumi becomes closer to the other members and generally finds her experiences with the group to be enjoyable. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria-sama_ga_Miteru Synopsis from wikipedia.]

'''Warning:''' Suffice it to say, this series is considered yuri, having various mentions of lesbian relationships. They are not, however, particularly graphic. If you find this sort of topic offensive, look away.

== Translation ==

'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1950 Feedback Thread]'''

=== [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Format|Maria-sama ga Miteru specific formatting]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Notes|Maria-sama ga Miteru translation notes]]

== Updates ==
* 9 January 2014
** Started translation of volume 13
* 5 January 2014
** Finished translation of volume 9
* 3 January 2014
** Resumed translation of volume 12
* 12 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 34
* 6 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 23
* 15 September 2013
** Finished translation of volume 8
* 12 May 2013
** Translated the short story "Answer" from the Premium Book.
* 8 May 2013
** Finished translation of volume 7

[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Updates|Past Updates]]

== Maria-sama ga Miteru/マリア様がみてる by Oyuki Konno ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4955 here].'''
=== Volume 1 - Maria-sama ga Miteru/マリア様がみてる [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter1|Monday of Uneasiness]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter2|Tuesday of Storms]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter3|Anxious Wednesday, Friday of Battle]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter4|Spicy and Bitter Weekend]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter5|The Hot Second Week]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter6|Waltz-like Sunday]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 2 - The Yellow Rose Revolution/黄薔薇革命 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v02_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter1|Best Sœur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter2|The Returned Rosary]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter3|Unexpected Consequences]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter4|Just what is going on?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter5|Fighting Maidens]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter6|As long as it ends well]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 3 - Forest of Thorns/いばらの森 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v03_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Forest of Thorns
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter1|The semester exam and the paperback]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter2|The White Rose]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter3|Who's Suga Sei?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter4|If I could meet Eve]]
* The White Flower Petal
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter5|Springtime Buds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter6|Summer Greenhouse]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter7|Autumn Love]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter8|The last flower of winter, and then]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 4 - Rosa Canina/ロサ・カニーナ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v04_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Rosa Canina
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter1|A lonesome warmth]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter2|Rosa Canina?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter3|What do you think?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter4|Raison d'etre for sœur]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter5|A modest secret]]
* Nagakiyono
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter6|The first of January]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter7|The hatsumoude on the second]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter8|With the archenemy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter9|By onee-sama's side]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 5 - Valentine's Gift - Part 1/ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v05_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Surprise chocolate
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter1|Research]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter2|gift from a rare visitor]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter3|Outsider]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter4|The thirteenth of February]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter5|St. Valentine's prank]]
* The Yellow Rose complication
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_1|18:50, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_2|19:18, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_3|19:30, Rei]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_4|23:10, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_5|23:10, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_6|23:10, Rei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 6 - Valentine's Gift - Part 2/ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v06_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* First date triangle
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter1|Order]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter2|Hors d'oeuvre]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter3|Main]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter4|Dessert]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter5|The crimson card]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter6|Rosa Chinensis' best day of her life]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 7 - Beloved Times - Part 1/いとしき歳月（前編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v07_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Yellow Rose at Full Speed
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter1|The Beginning]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter2|Rabbit and Cat and Wolf]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter3|Umbrella Maker's Wife]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter4|Golden Rose Uproar]]
* Very Busy Days
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter5|Monday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter6|Tuesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter7|Wednesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter8|Thursday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter9|Friday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter10|Saturday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter11|Bonus]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter12|A Short Interlude]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter13|Afterword]]

=== Volume 8 - Beloved Times - Part 2/いとしき歳月（後編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v08_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* will
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter1|Lost Items]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter2|Farewell Gift]]
* As the Years Pass By
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter3|Just Before Graduation]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter4|Eriko, Sei, Youko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter5|Farewell Address and Formal Reply]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter6|Towards the Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter7|Joined at Just One Hand]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter8|Spring Breeze]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter9|Autumn Bonds]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 9 - Cherry Blossom (Sakura)/チェリーブロッサム [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v09_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter1|The Cherry in the Ginkgoes]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter2|Falling Cherry Blossoms / Exam Failure]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter3|Maria and Maitreya]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter4|Rosary or Juzu]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter5|The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* BGN (Background Noise)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter6|When the Cherry Blossoms Fall]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter7|8 - 3 = Right]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter8|Intriguing First-Year]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter9|Behind the Scenes of The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 10 - Rainy Blue/レイニーブルー [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v10_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Rosary Droplets
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter1|Peppermint Candy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter2|Raindrop]]
* Yellow Rose Warning
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter3|Suspicious Clouds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter4|Signs of Rain]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter5|Rainy Blue]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter6|Premonition]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter7|Smile, Smile]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter8|Sweets]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter9|Blue Umbrella, Red Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 11 - Holding a Parasol/パラソルをさして [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v11_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter1|The Girl with the Brown Umbrella]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter2|Classmates]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter3|Milk Tea, Oolong Tea]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter4|Welcome]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter5|White Parasol]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter6|Visitor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter7|Beneath a Clear, Blue Sky]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter8|Afterword]]

=== Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 ===
[[Image:MM_v12_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter0|Prologue]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter1|Plans for the Summer Vacation]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter2|In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter3|Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf]] (In Progress 28%)
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter4|The Rich Princes and Princesses]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter5|Searching in the Mist]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter6|Songs of an Angel]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Epilogue|Author's Epilogue]]
 

=== Volume 13 - One Page of Midsummer/真夏の一ページ ===
[[Image:MM_v13_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Prologue|Prologue]]
* For Short, Operation OK (Tentative)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter1|Offer and Plot]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter2|Cunning Boy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter3|OK, Let's Do It.]]
* Together With the Old Gentleman
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter4|Gathering Material with Dustpan and Broom]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter5|Up to the Meeting Place]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter6|Search for Takuya-kun!]] - In Progress (2/4)
* Rosa Foetida ☆ Illustrated Diary
** 〇th of July (Saturday) : Sunny
** △th of August (Sunday) : Cloudy
** Ⅹth of August (Saturday) : Sunny
 

=== Volume 14 - Cool Breeze/涼風さつさつ ===
[[Image:MM_v14_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Prologue
* The First Step
* That's a Problem
* Setting Aside the "Bread Incident"
* Finding Me
* The Battle for Hanadera
* Postscript

=== Volume 15 - Ready, GO!/レディ、GO！ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v15_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter1|Remaining Cuteness of Today's Enemy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter2|Everything Prepared?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter3|Friend's affection and Onee-sama]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter4|Casting Aside Embarrassment of One's Parents]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter5|Joker, Anchor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter6|Penalty Game Speculation]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 16 - Variety Gifts/バラエティギフト [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v16_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter1|Variety Gift I]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter2|Variety Gift II]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter3|Variety Gift III]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter4|Variety Gift IV]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter5|Variety Gift V]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 17 - Ciào Sorella!/チャオソレッラ！ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v17_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter1|Each and Every Farewell Gift]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter2|Going out at the Beginning]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter3|Leisurely Dialogue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter4|The Mouth of Truth's Complaint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter5|The Capital of Flowers Is What Kind of City?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter6|Resounding! Leaning! Melting!?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter7|The Parakeet's Hint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter8|From the Water Capital to the Island Nation]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9|Souvenir Report]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9.5|The Absence of Rosa Chinensis en Bouton]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 18 - Nothing Special, Just a Normal Day/特別でないただの一日 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v18_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter1|Shock]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter2|Are you changing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter3|What will happen? What will we do?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter4|Ah, Misunderstanding]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter5|Dramatics]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 19 - In Library/インライブラリー ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v19_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1|In Library - - I]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1.5|Silent Night's Vision]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2|In Library - - II]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2.5|Joanna]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3|In Library - - III]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.2|Chocolate Coat]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.3|Yasuko]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.4|Masumi]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.5|Asaka]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4|In Library - - IV]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.1|--- Magic Among the Cherry Blossom ---]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.2|-- The Door of Cherry Wood --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.3|-- The Burial Among Cherry Blossoms --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5_Epilogue|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales - Epilogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5|In Library - - V]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5.5|Library Book]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter6|In Library - - VI]]

=== Volume 20 - Sister Audition/妹オーディション ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v20_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1|-- Right or Wrong -- ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.2|Maria-sama's Star]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.3|Maria-sama's Planet]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter2|Welcome to the Tea Party]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter3|Interim Report]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter4|The Crucial Battle]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter5|Harvest]]
*Postscript

=== Volume 21 - Rose Mille-Feuille/薔薇のミルフィーユ ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v21_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Yellow Rose Panic
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter1|The result of 100 battles?]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter2|Panic Attack!]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter3|The Bout's Whereabouts]]
*Reverie of the White Rose
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter4|Two Peaceful People]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter5|The Heaviness of Reverie]]
*Rosa Chinensis's Sigh
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter6|After-Finals Prize]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter7|High Tension and Roller Coasters]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter8|A Mille-Feuille of Sighs]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Postscript|Afterword]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Translator's Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

=== Volume 22 - Blank Map of the Future/未来の白地図 ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v22_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter1|An Unexpected Visitor ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter2|A Little Bit of Something]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter3|Of Strange Things]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter4|Even though it's Christmas]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter5|Rose Dialogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 23 - Other Side of the Frosted Glass/くもりガラスの向こう側 ===
[[Image:MM_v23_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter1|Onee-sama's Lead]]
* In One Year's Time
* Stopping In Along the Way
* Full To Bursting At the New Year’s Party
* Nearly Far? Or Distantly Near?
* A Chill Breeze
* The Heart In the Frosted Glass
* Afterword

=== Volume 24 - Masked Actress/仮面のアクトレス ===
[[Image:MM_v24_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume24_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Yellow Rose, Hardball Fight
** Riding a Bicycle
** Contest
* Masked Actress
** The Opening Ceremony's Spoiled Child
** Explanatory Meeting and Clandestine Meeting
** First Year Camellia Class is Normal
** Beneath the Mask
* A Moment of Honesty

=== Volume 25 - Big Door, Small Key/大きな扉　小さな鍵 ===
[[Image:MM_v25_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume25_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Key Holder
** Sometimes Falling, Sometimes Pulling
** Slightly Slipping Away
** Proposal Together With Arrival
** What I Wanted to Hear
* Keyhole of the Heart
** Pitiable Person
** Fortunate Interview
** In Her Pocket

=== Volume 26 - Crisscross/クリスクロス ===
[[Image:MM_v26_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume26_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Crisscross
** Good Morning Chocolate
** Sentimental First-Year Camellia Class
** Ahh, Tea Party
** A Shortcut and Dropping In on the Way
** The Blank Map's Valley
** The Red Card's Outlook
* Map Stroll
** Meandering
** X-Mark

=== Volume 27 - In Search of You/あなたを探しに [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v27_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter1|Warrior Demands a Response]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter2|The "Absentee's Chance" Girl]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter3|Unexpected Words]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter4|At the Outset of the Date]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter5|"Why?"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter6|Amendment, Overwriting and an Old Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter7|The Door That Opened]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter8|When Tomorrow Comes]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 28 - Frame of Mind/フレーム　オブ　マインド [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v28_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter1|Frame of Mind 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter2|April Deja-Vu]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter3|Frame of Mind 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter4|Three-Leaf Clover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter5|Frame of Mind 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter6|Sprouts in Dry Wood]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter7|Frame of Mind 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter8|The Yellow Thread]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter9|Frame of Mind 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter10|The Awkward Princess]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter11|Frame of Mind 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter12|Bouton of Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter13|Frame of Mind 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter14|The Greenhouse Fairy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter15|Frame of Mind 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter16|The Doppelganger Story]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter17|Frame of Mind 9]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter18|A Roll of Film]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter19|Frame of Mind 10]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 29 - Crown of Roses/薔薇の花かんむり [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_29_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter1|Onee-sama, Rosary and Petit Soeur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter2|Conversation Stories]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter3|Not Here]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter4|Burning Bridges]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter5|Santa's Refreshments]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter6|The Miracle Worker]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter7|Would You Like to Waltz?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 30 - Twinkle, Twinkle, Twirl/キラキラまわる [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_30_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter1|Scattered Sunshine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter2|Frivolity and Self-Loathing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter3|Those Two, On the Other Hand]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter4|Star Up Teacup]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter5|What Kind of Groups?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter6|Distant Desire]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter7|Amongst the Stardust]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 31 - Marguerite Ribbon/マーガレットにリボン [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v31_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter1|Marguerite Ribbon 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter2|Debut]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter3|Marguerite Ribbon 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter4|A Rival is Fine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter5|Marguerite Ribbon 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter6|Buying Florentine Senbei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter7|Marguerite Ribbon 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter8|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter9|Marguerite Ribbon 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter10|My Siblings]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter11|Marguerite Ribbon 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter12|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 1]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter13|Marguerite Ribbon 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter14|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 2]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter15|Marguerite Ribbon 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter16|Memories of the Blue Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter17|Marguerite Ribbon 9]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 32 - Pre-Graduation Tableau/卒業前小景 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v32_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter1|Laughing While Reminiscing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter2|Onee-sama's Racket]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter3|Me and the Interviewer]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter4|Graduation Group Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter5|Sweet Bun Feast]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter6|Support and Skinship]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter7|Forgotten Things]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter8|What's the Person Beside You Doing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter9|The Ribbon's Path]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 33 - Hello Goodbye/ハローグッバイ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v33_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter1|Today's Goal]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter2|The Green Bird and the White Flower]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter3|Grand Entrance]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter4|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter5|Parting Gift Trio]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter6|Soloist's Adlib]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter7|Connecting Chains]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter8|Continuing Path]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 34 - Little Horrors/リトルホラーズ ===
[[Image:MM_v34_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Chapter1|Chapter 1: "Little Horrors - I"]]
* Chapter 2: "Chinami-san and Me"
* Chapter 3: "Little Horrors - II"
* Chapter 4: "Picking up a Handkerchief"
* Chapter 5: "Little Horrors - III"
* Chapter 6: "An Honest Lie"
* Chapter 7: "Little Horrors - IV"
* Chapter 8: "One Pair"
* Chapter 9: "Little Horrors - V"
* Chapter 10: "Dream of a Butterfly"
* Chapter 11: "Little Horrors - VI"
* Chapter 12: "Extra:Little Panic"

=== Volume 35 - My Nest/私の巣 ===
[[Image:MM_v36_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume35_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* My Nest
* Removal
* About One Week
* Christmas Eve
* Melancholy
* Our Nest
* Afterword

=== Volume 36 - Step/ステップ ===
[[Image:MM_v35_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume36_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Step-1
* Step-2
* Step-3
* Step-4
* Step-5
* Step-6
* Afterword

=== Volume 37 - Farewell Bouquet ===
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume37_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Farewell Bouquet 1
** Candy and Stretch
* Farewell Bouquet 2
** Private Teacher
* Farewell Bouquet 3
** Breast Cookies
* Farewell Bouquet 4
** Yesterday's Enemy
* Farewell Bouquet 5
** Until Graduation
* Farewell Bouquet 6
** Announcement
* Farewell Bouquet 7
** Conversation Over Fresh Herb Tea
* Afterword

=== Premium Book ===
Note: This book is primarily an art book, with pictures from the first season of anime, character sketches, a chapter of the manga, as well as cast interviews and the following short story:
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:PremiumBook_Answer|Answer]]

== Project Staff ==

*Supervisor: ''None Designated''
*Project Manager: ''None Designated''

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''

* [[User:Enn_are|NR]]
* [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]]

'''K.I.A.'''

* [[User:Seki|Seki]]
* [[User:Harunako|Harunako]]

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Kurokaze|Kurokaze]]
* [[User:Sukoshi|Sukoshi]]
* [[User:hasekura_rei|hasekura_rei]]

=== Editors ===
'''ACTIVE'''

(none, beside some occasionally passing readers)

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Ribonizer|Ribonizer]]

=== Contributors ===

* Erica Friedman of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translations of volumes 15 through 19 and
* Rei and Sukoshi of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translation of volume 20 and 21.
* Update: as of May 19, 2010, translations no longer hosted on Okazu.

== Series Overview ==
* Volume 1 - マリア様がみてる (April 24, 1998, ISBN 4-08-614459-X)
* Volume 2 - マリア様がみてる　黄薔薇革命 (February 3, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614554-5)
* Volume 3 - マリア様がみてる　いばらの森 (April 27, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614591-X)
* Volume 4 - マリア様がみてる　ロサ・カニーナ (December 1, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614661-4)
* Volume 5 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） (March 3, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614695-9)
* Volume 6 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） (April 25, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614715-7)
* Volume 7 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（前編） (February 2, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614817-X)
* Volume 8 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（後編） (April 3, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614841-2)
* Volume 9 - マリア様がみてる　チェリーブロッサム (July 27, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614895-1)
* Volume 10 - マリア様がみてる　レイニーブルー (March 29, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600078-4)
* Volume 11 - マリア様がみてる　パラソルをさして (July 1, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600136-5)
* Volume 12 - マリア様がみてる　子羊たちの休暇 (December 25, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600210-8)
* Volume 13 - マリア様がみてる　真夏の一ページ (March 28, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600243-4)
* Volume 14 - マリア様がみてる　涼風さつさつ (July 1, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600284-1)
* Volume 15 - マリア様がみてる　レディ、GO！ (October 31, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600337-6)
* Volume 16 - マリア様がみてる　バラエティギフト (December 25, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600360-0)
* Volume 17 - マリア様がみてる　チャオソレッラ！ (March 31, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600399-6)
* Volume 18 - マリア様がみてる　特別でないただの一日 (October 1, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600484-4)
* Volume 19 - マリア様がみてる　インライブラリー (December 25, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600527-1)
* Volume 20 - マリア様がみてる　妹オーディション (April 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600568-9)
* Volume 21 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇のミルフィーユ (July 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600609-X)
* Volume 22 - マリア様がみてる　未来の白地図 (December 22, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600704-5)
* Volume 23 - マリア様がみてる　くもりガラスの向こう側 (March 31, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600743-6)
* Volume 24 - マリア様がみてる　仮面のアクトレス (June 30, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600784-3)
* Volume 25 - マリア様がみてる　大きな扉　小さな鍵 (October 3, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600823-8)
* Volume 26 - マリア様がみてる　クリスクロス (December 22, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600859-9)
* Volume 27 - マリア様がみてる　あなたを探しに (March 30, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-600895-2)
* Volume 28 - マリア様がみてる　フレーム　オブ　マインド (June 28, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601034-4)
* Volume 29 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇の花かんむり (October 2, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601075-7)
* Volume 30 - マリア様がみてる　キラキラまわる (December 26, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601110-5)
* Volume 31 - マリア様がみてる　マーガレットにリボン (April 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601144-0)
* Volume 32 - マリア様がみてる　卒業前小景 (October 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601214-0)
* Volume 33 - マリア様がみてる　ハローグッバイ (December 26, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601244-7)
* Volume 34 - マリア様がみてる―リトルホラーズ (July 1, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601305-5)
* Volume 35 - マリア様がみてる　私の巣　(December 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601363-5)
* Volume 36 - マリア様がみてる　ステップ　(December 28, 2010, ISBN 978-4-08-601481-6)
* Volume 37 - マリア様がみてるフェアウェルブーケ (April 28, 2012, ISBN 978-4-08-601631-5)

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Reine Hibiki]]

Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2014-04-20T13:05:48Z

Rydenius: Complete translation of part 1

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
{{Incomplete|percentage=28}}
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.

"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language here. </ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there are any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. ''Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san.'' She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. ''Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...''

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

To start with, they went out from the first floor atrium onto a wide terrace, and were treated to black tea. Scones that Kiyo-san had baked, were accompanied by homemade strawberry jam that was said to have been given out by an acquaintance. It seems that these things had been prepared because they had heard that Sachiko-sama would be coming.


"Is everything all right with the master and the young master?"

While pouring a second serving of tea, Kiyo-san began the conversation

"Thanks. Grandfather and father are both doing fine."

Gensuke-san wasn't there, and was likely working outside.

"For Lady Sayako-sama, it's unfortunate about her mother. Surely, she must have been feeling really down."

"It's alright now. Since it had been a lengthy struggle with illness, it seems that she had prepared herself."

''Kiyo-san has probably been working for the Ogasawaras since ancient times. Here Sachiko-sama's grandfather was referred to as "Master"<ref>旦那さま</ref> and her father as "the young master".<ref>ぼっちゃま </ref> So that would be why the mother, Sayako-sama, was referred to in the same manner as Sachiko-sama, "My lady"<ref>お嬢さま</ref> … complicated.''

"Ah, that's right. An express delivery addressed to Lady Sachiko-sama arrived from Yumi-sama's house."

"Oh, I wonder what it could be?"

"Just a moment."

Kiyo-san withdrew into a room for a moment and with a "heave-ho" returned holding a smallish box, slightly smaller than a box for mandarin oranges. ''What is it, what is it? Such a heavy looking package...''

"Seems like it's rice."


Kiyo-san said while looking at the product name field on the express delivery's form.

"Eh?"

Sachiko-sama asked in return. Even Yumi, who hadn't heard even a single word about such a thing from her mother, was surprised and sought confirmation.

"I-It's rice?"

"Yep, rice. Shall we open it and take a look?"

After obtaining Sachiko-sama's consent, Kiyo-san peeled off the craft-tape sealing the box with a "schwah" sound. And then, it jumped into their eyes:

"Uonuma<ref>Uonuma is a city in Niigata prefecture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uonuma,_Niigata </ref> produced Koshihikari"<ref>A popular type of rice in Japan and the variety grown in Uonuma is particularly well regarded (and expensive): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshihikari </ref>

It was written in large characters on a 5 kilogram vinyl pack. It indicated beyond any doubt that contents were indeed white rice.

''Drip.''<ref>タラリ -- sweat-drop sound effect.</ref> Although Yumi maintained a composed expression, sweat trickled down her back. ''Mother, it's inconceivable how you came to enthusiastically send a Japanese person's staple food.''

"Kuh"

''Kuh?''

"Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh"

''Kuhkuhkuhkuhkuh?'' She sought out the source of the sound that she couldn't quite comprehend, and for some reason it was Sachiko-sama's voice squeezing out. Sachiko-sama's body literally folded over on the next "kuh"<ref>The "kuh" sound looks like a line bent in half: く So, the "literally" may refer to her "literally" bending into the shape of the Ku character.</ref>, and she grabbed her stomach laughing.

"Yumi's home, isn't it wonderful? Growing into children like Yumi and Yuuki-san is because of being born and raised in such a household."

"U-um"

She wasn't sure whether she was being praised or laughed at. But, onee-sama appeared to be enjoying it considerably.

"Kiyo. During our stay, when you cook the rice, by all means please make it for me with this. The onigiri<ref>Rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref> that Yumi's mother-sama made were very delicious."

"Certainly, mi'lady."

Kiyo-san promptly carried the box that the rice was in to the kitchen.

After tea, Sachiko-sama played the piano in the atrium for Yumi.

There wasn't a sofa in the almost twenty tatami mat<ref>The size of a tatami mat is a common unit for measuring the floor area of Japanese rooms. Approx. 1.8 x 0.9 meters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatami </ref> atrium, instead there was a large dining table with six chairs, and along a wall there was a fireplace and an upright piano.

"Is there a tune you want to hear?"

After starting off at the top of the keyboard with a rising and falling Hanon piece<ref>Piano Exercises by Charles Louis Hanon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Virtuoso_Pianist_in_60_Exercises </ref> to warm up her fingers and make sure the piano was tuned, Sachiko-sama flipped through a bundle of piano pieces with her thumb.

"Gounod's Ave Maria"<ref>Composed by Charles-François Gounod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Maria_(Gounod)
(There is audio of the piece at the link.)</ref>


Yumi said seemingly without thinking about it.

"Ave Maria, is it?"

As Sachiko-sama narrowed her eyes and nodded agreement, she sat on the chair and proceeded to play the piano piece in it's entirety. Yumi wondered how Sachiko-sama was able to play the piece so well from memory.

This piece of music was a very special piece of music for Yumi.

In the spring of last year, Sachiko-sama, who was Rosa Chinensis en Buton at the time, had played the organ in the chapel sanctuary for Yumi and the other first year students. The song played was Gounod's Ave Maria.

It was in that moment that Yumi was completely captivated. By an onee-sama one year above, named Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.

''Whenever she reminisces, it's still so.''

Though Sachiko-sama might not remember, there was that time in the music room a bit before becoming Soeurs, where they played the piano together and even though it was only a short passage of the piece, it was also this piece of music. Calling it a four handed performance would be ridiculous. However, to the melody that Yumi uselessly played, Sachiko-sama added only the left hand. But, to Yumi it was a treasured memory. And so, of the numerous versions of Ave Maria, Gounod's piece was her favorite.

Sachiko-sama's fingers moved without faltering, and looked as though it was an elegant dance on top of the keyboard. The piece praising Maria-sama was perfect for her beautiful onee-sama.

By the time the piece finished, though she had no idea when they hade been lured to come there, both Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san had come to the atrium and the three of them gave her onee-sama a big applause.

 

===2===

[In progress]

===3===

[not started yet]

===4===

[not started yet]

===5===

[not started yet]

===6===

[not started yet]

===7===

[not started yet]

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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| Back to [[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
| Forward to [[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
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Maria-sama ga Miteru

2014-04-15T12:25:34Z

Rydenius: /* Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 */

[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|MariMite volume 1 cover.]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru (マリア様がみてる) is a Japanese light novel series written by Oyuki Konno (今野緒雪（こんのおゆき）) and illustrated by Reine Hibiki (ひびき玲音). The series is published by Shueisha under their Cobalt imprint. Many of the short stories which were later also included in the novel series were first published in the Cobalt magazine. The series currently has 37 published volumes. The spin-off light novel series Ōshaka-sama mo Miteru (お釈迦様もみてる) about Yumi's younger brother Yūki and his schoolmates at Hanadera has been running since August 2008, and currently has 10 volumes published.

''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' is also available in the following languages:
*[[Maria-sama ga Miteru - Français|Français (French)]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru_%28Espa%C3%B1ol%29|Español (Spanish)]]

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)

== Story Synopsis ==

Maria-sama ga Miteru's story revolves around the students of the Lillian Catholic school for girls, and can be considered character-driven, focusing on interactions between the characters rather than any sort of ongoing plot or goal to attain. At Lillian Girls' School, there is a tradition known as the sœur system (sœur being French for "sister"), in which a second, or third-year student, the grande sœur ("big sister"), will give her rosary to a junior student, the petite sœur ("little sister"), and promise to look after them and guide them.

When the story begins, Yumi Fukuzawa, a first-year at Lillian, is praying in front of the Virgin Mary statue near the school entrance when she is suddenly approached by a cold second-year student named Sachiko Ogasawara who straightens Yumi's uniform ribbon. This seemingly simple act of kindness stays with Yumi the rest of the day, and she speaks of her meeting with Sachiko to her friends during class and lunch. After school is over, Yumi's classmate Tsutako Takeshima meets with Yumi to show her that she took a photograph of Yumi's meeting with Sachiko earlier that morning. Yumi asks if she can have the photo, but Tsutako says she will give her the snapshot under two conditions: one being that Tsutako can display it at the upcoming school festival, and two being that Yumi get Sachiko's permission to do so as well. Yumi agrees to this, which sets in motion a series of events involving the entire Yamayurikai — the student council of the school. A few weeks after first meeting Sachiko, Yumi accepts Sachiko's rosary and therefore agrees to become her petite sœur.

This officially inducts Yumi into the Yamayurikai where she assists them in school matters at the same level as the other two petite sœurs — Yoshino Shimazu, and Shimako Tōdō — who are the petite sœurs of Rei Hasekura, and Sei Satō respectively. Through her activities in the Yamayurikai, Yumi becomes closer to the other members and generally finds her experiences with the group to be enjoyable. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria-sama_ga_Miteru Synopsis from wikipedia.]

'''Warning:''' Suffice it to say, this series is considered yuri, having various mentions of lesbian relationships. They are not, however, particularly graphic. If you find this sort of topic offensive, look away.

== Translation ==

'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1950 Feedback Thread]'''

=== [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Format|Maria-sama ga Miteru specific formatting]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Notes|Maria-sama ga Miteru translation notes]]

== Updates ==
* 9 January 2014
** Started translation of volume 13
* 5 January 2014
** Finished translation of volume 9
* 3 January 2014
** Resumed translation of volume 12
* 12 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 34
* 6 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 23
* 15 September 2013
** Finished translation of volume 8
* 12 May 2013
** Translated the short story "Answer" from the Premium Book.
* 8 May 2013
** Finished translation of volume 7

[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Updates|Past Updates]]

== Maria-sama ga Miteru/マリア様がみてる by Oyuki Konno ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4955 here].'''
=== Volume 1 - Maria-sama ga Miteru/マリア様がみてる [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter1|Monday of Uneasiness]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter2|Tuesday of Storms]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter3|Anxious Wednesday, Friday of Battle]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter4|Spicy and Bitter Weekend]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter5|The Hot Second Week]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter6|Waltz-like Sunday]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 2 - The Yellow Rose Revolution/黄薔薇革命 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v02_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter1|Best Sœur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter2|The Returned Rosary]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter3|Unexpected Consequences]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter4|Just what is going on?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter5|Fighting Maidens]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter6|As long as it ends well]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 3 - Forest of Thorns/いばらの森 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v03_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Forest of Thorns
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter1|The semester exam and the paperback]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter2|The White Rose]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter3|Who's Suga Sei?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter4|If I could meet Eve]]
* The White Flower Petal
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter5|Springtime Buds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter6|Summer Greenhouse]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter7|Autumn Love]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter8|The last flower of winter, and then]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 4 - Rosa Canina/ロサ・カニーナ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v04_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Rosa Canina
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter1|A lonesome warmth]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter2|Rosa Canina?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter3|What do you think?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter4|Raison d'etre for sœur]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter5|A modest secret]]
* Nagakiyono
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter6|The first of January]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter7|The hatsumoude on the second]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter8|With the archenemy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter9|By onee-sama's side]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 5 - Valentine's Gift - Part 1/ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v05_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Surprise chocolate
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter1|Research]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter2|gift from a rare visitor]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter3|Outsider]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter4|The thirteenth of February]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter5|St. Valentine's prank]]
* The Yellow Rose complication
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_1|18:50, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_2|19:18, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_3|19:30, Rei]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_4|23:10, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_5|23:10, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_6|23:10, Rei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 6 - Valentine's Gift - Part 2/ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v06_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* First date triangle
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter1|Order]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter2|Hors d'oeuvre]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter3|Main]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter4|Dessert]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter5|The crimson card]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter6|Rosa Chinensis' best day of her life]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 7 - Beloved Times - Part 1/いとしき歳月（前編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v07_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Yellow Rose at Full Speed
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter1|The Beginning]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter2|Rabbit and Cat and Wolf]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter3|Umbrella Maker's Wife]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter4|Golden Rose Uproar]]
* Very Busy Days
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter5|Monday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter6|Tuesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter7|Wednesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter8|Thursday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter9|Friday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter10|Saturday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter11|Bonus]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter12|A Short Interlude]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter13|Afterword]]

=== Volume 8 - Beloved Times - Part 2/いとしき歳月（後編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v08_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* will
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter1|Lost Items]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter2|Farewell Gift]]
* As the Years Pass By
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter3|Just Before Graduation]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter4|Eriko, Sei, Youko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter5|Farewell Address and Formal Reply]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter6|Towards the Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter7|Joined at Just One Hand]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter8|Spring Breeze]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter9|Autumn Bonds]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 9 - Cherry Blossom (Sakura)/チェリーブロッサム [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v09_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter1|The Cherry in the Ginkgoes]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter2|Falling Cherry Blossoms / Exam Failure]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter3|Maria and Maitreya]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter4|Rosary or Juzu]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter5|The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* BGN (Background Noise)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter6|When the Cherry Blossoms Fall]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter7|8 - 3 = Right]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter8|Intriguing First-Year]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter9|Behind the Scenes of The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 10 - Rainy Blue/レイニーブルー [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v10_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Rosary Droplets
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter1|Peppermint Candy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter2|Raindrop]]
* Yellow Rose Warning
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter3|Suspicious Clouds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter4|Signs of Rain]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter5|Rainy Blue]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter6|Premonition]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter7|Smile, Smile]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter8|Sweets]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter9|Blue Umbrella, Red Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 11 - Holding a Parasol/パラソルをさして [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v11_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter1|The Girl with the Brown Umbrella]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter2|Classmates]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter3|Milk Tea, Oolong Tea]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter4|Welcome]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter5|White Parasol]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter6|Visitor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter7|Beneath a Clear, Blue Sky]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter8|Afterword]]

=== Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 ===
[[Image:MM_v12_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter0|Prologue]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter1|Plans for the Summer Vacation]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter2|In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter3|Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf]] (In Progress 17%)
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter4|The Rich Princes and Princesses]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter5|Searching in the Mist]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter6|Songs of an Angel]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Epilogue|Author's Epilogue]]
 

=== Volume 13 - One Page of Midsummer/真夏の一ページ ===
[[Image:MM_v13_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Prologue|Prologue]]
* For Short, Operation OK (Tentative)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter1|Offer and Plot]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter2|Cunning Boy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter3|OK, Let's Do It.]]
* Together With the Old Gentleman
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter4|Gathering Material with Dustpan and Broom]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter5|Up to the Meeting Place]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter6|Search for Takuya-kun!]] - In Progress (1/4)
* Rosa Foetida ☆ Illustrated Diary
** 〇th of July (Saturday) : Sunny
** △th of August (Sunday) : Cloudy
** Ⅹth of August (Saturday) : Sunny
 

=== Volume 14 - Cool Breeze/涼風さつさつ ===
[[Image:MM_v14_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Prologue
* The First Step
* That's a Problem
* Setting Aside the "Bread Incident"
* Finding Me
* The Battle for Hanadera
* Postscript

=== Volume 15 - Ready, GO!/レディ、GO！ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v15_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter1|Remaining Cuteness of Today's Enemy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter2|Everything Prepared?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter3|Friend's affection and Onee-sama]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter4|Casting Aside Embarrassment of One's Parents]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter5|Joker, Anchor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter6|Penalty Game Speculation]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 16 - Variety Gifts/バラエティギフト [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v16_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter1|Variety Gift I]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter2|Variety Gift II]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter3|Variety Gift III]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter4|Variety Gift IV]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter5|Variety Gift V]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 17 - Ciào Sorella!/チャオソレッラ！ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v17_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter1|Each and Every Farewell Gift]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter2|Going out at the Beginning]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter3|Leisurely Dialogue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter4|The Mouth of Truth's Complaint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter5|The Capital of Flowers Is What Kind of City?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter6|Resounding! Leaning! Melting!?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter7|The Parakeet's Hint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter8|From the Water Capital to the Island Nation]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9|Souvenir Report]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9.5|The Absence of Rosa Chinensis en Bouton]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 18 - Nothing Special, Just a Normal Day/特別でないただの一日 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v18_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter1|Shock]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter2|Are you changing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter3|What will happen? What will we do?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter4|Ah, Misunderstanding]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter5|Dramatics]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 19 - In Library/インライブラリー ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v19_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1|In Library - - I]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1.5|Silent Night's Vision]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2|In Library - - II]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2.5|Joanna]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3|In Library - - III]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.2|Chocolate Coat]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.3|Yasuko]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.4|Masumi]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.5|Asaka]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4|In Library - - IV]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.1|--- Magic Among the Cherry Blossom ---]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.2|-- The Door of Cherry Wood --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.3|-- The Burial Among Cherry Blossoms --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5_Epilogue|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales - Epilogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5|In Library - - V]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5.5|Library Book]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter6|In Library - - VI]]

=== Volume 20 - Sister Audition/妹オーディション ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v20_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1|-- Right or Wrong -- ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.2|Maria-sama's Star]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.3|Maria-sama's Planet]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter2|Welcome to the Tea Party]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter3|Interim Report]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter4|The Crucial Battle]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter5|Harvest]]
*Postscript

=== Volume 21 - Rose Mille-Feuille/薔薇のミルフィーユ ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v21_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Yellow Rose Panic
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter1|The result of 100 battles?]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter2|Panic Attack!]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter3|The Bout's Whereabouts]]
*Reverie of the White Rose
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter4|Two Peaceful People]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter5|The Heaviness of Reverie]]
*Rosa Chinensis's Sigh
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter6|After-Finals Prize]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter7|High Tension and Roller Coasters]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter8|A Mille-Feuille of Sighs]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Postscript|Afterword]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Translator's Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

=== Volume 22 - Blank Map of the Future/未来の白地図 ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v22_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter1|An Unexpected Visitor ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter2|A Little Bit of Something]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter3|Of Strange Things]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter4|Even though it's Christmas]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter5|Rose Dialogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 23 - Other Side of the Frosted Glass/くもりガラスの向こう側 ===
[[Image:MM_v23_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter1|Onee-sama's Lead]]
* In One Year's Time
* Stopping In Along the Way
* Full To Bursting At the New Year’s Party
* Nearly Far? Or Distantly Near?
* A Chill Breeze
* The Heart In the Frosted Glass
* Afterword

=== Volume 24 - Masked Actress/仮面のアクトレス ===
[[Image:MM_v24_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume24_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Yellow Rose, Hardball Fight
** Riding a Bicycle
** Contest
* Masked Actress
** The Opening Ceremony's Spoiled Child
** Explanatory Meeting and Clandestine Meeting
** First Year Camellia Class is Normal
** Beneath the Mask
* A Moment of Honesty

=== Volume 25 - Big Door, Small Key/大きな扉　小さな鍵 ===
[[Image:MM_v25_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume25_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Key Holder
** Sometimes Falling, Sometimes Pulling
** Slightly Slipping Away
** Proposal Together With Arrival
** What I Wanted to Hear
* Keyhole of the Heart
** Pitiable Person
** Fortunate Interview
** In Her Pocket

=== Volume 26 - Crisscross/クリスクロス ===
[[Image:MM_v26_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume26_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Crisscross
** Good Morning Chocolate
** Sentimental First-Year Camellia Class
** Ahh, Tea Party
** A Shortcut and Dropping In on the Way
** The Blank Map's Valley
** The Red Card's Outlook
* Map Stroll
** Meandering
** X-Mark

=== Volume 27 - In Search of You/あなたを探しに [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v27_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter1|Warrior Demands a Response]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter2|The "Absentee's Chance" Girl]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter3|Unexpected Words]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter4|At the Outset of the Date]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter5|"Why?"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter6|Amendment, Overwriting and an Old Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter7|The Door That Opened]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter8|When Tomorrow Comes]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 28 - Frame of Mind/フレーム　オブ　マインド [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v28_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter1|Frame of Mind 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter2|April Deja-Vu]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter3|Frame of Mind 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter4|Three-Leaf Clover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter5|Frame of Mind 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter6|Sprouts in Dry Wood]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter7|Frame of Mind 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter8|The Yellow Thread]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter9|Frame of Mind 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter10|The Awkward Princess]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter11|Frame of Mind 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter12|Bouton of Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter13|Frame of Mind 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter14|The Greenhouse Fairy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter15|Frame of Mind 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter16|The Doppelganger Story]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter17|Frame of Mind 9]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter18|A Roll of Film]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter19|Frame of Mind 10]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 29 - Crown of Roses/薔薇の花かんむり [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_29_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter1|Onee-sama, Rosary and Petit Soeur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter2|Conversation Stories]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter3|Not Here]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter4|Burning Bridges]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter5|Santa's Refreshments]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter6|The Miracle Worker]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter7|Would You Like to Waltz?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 30 - Twinkle, Twinkle, Twirl/キラキラまわる [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_30_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter1|Scattered Sunshine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter2|Frivolity and Self-Loathing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter3|Those Two, On the Other Hand]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter4|Star Up Teacup]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter5|What Kind of Groups?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter6|Distant Desire]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter7|Amongst the Stardust]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 31 - Marguerite Ribbon/マーガレットにリボン [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v31_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter1|Marguerite Ribbon 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter2|Debut]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter3|Marguerite Ribbon 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter4|A Rival is Fine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter5|Marguerite Ribbon 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter6|Buying Florentine Senbei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter7|Marguerite Ribbon 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter8|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter9|Marguerite Ribbon 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter10|My Siblings]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter11|Marguerite Ribbon 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter12|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 1]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter13|Marguerite Ribbon 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter14|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 2]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter15|Marguerite Ribbon 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter16|Memories of the Blue Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter17|Marguerite Ribbon 9]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 32 - Pre-Graduation Tableau/卒業前小景 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v32_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter1|Laughing While Reminiscing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter2|Onee-sama's Racket]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter3|Me and the Interviewer]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter4|Graduation Group Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter5|Sweet Bun Feast]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter6|Support and Skinship]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter7|Forgotten Things]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter8|What's the Person Beside You Doing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter9|The Ribbon's Path]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 33 - Hello Goodbye/ハローグッバイ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v33_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter1|Today's Goal]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter2|The Green Bird and the White Flower]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter3|Grand Entrance]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter4|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter5|Parting Gift Trio]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter6|Soloist's Adlib]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter7|Connecting Chains]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter8|Continuing Path]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 34 - Little Horrors/リトルホラーズ ===
[[Image:MM_v34_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Chapter1|Chapter 1: "Little Horrors - I"]]
* Chapter 2: "Chinami-san and Me"
* Chapter 3: "Little Horrors - II"
* Chapter 4: "Picking up a Handkerchief"
* Chapter 5: "Little Horrors - III"
* Chapter 6: "An Honest Lie"
* Chapter 7: "Little Horrors - IV"
* Chapter 8: "One Pair"
* Chapter 9: "Little Horrors - V"
* Chapter 10: "Dream of a Butterfly"
* Chapter 11: "Little Horrors - VI"
* Chapter 12: "Extra:Little Panic"

=== Volume 35 - My Nest/私の巣 ===
[[Image:MM_v36_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume35_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* My Nest
* Removal
* About One Week
* Christmas Eve
* Melancholy
* Our Nest
* Afterword

=== Volume 36 - Step/ステップ ===
[[Image:MM_v35_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume36_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Step-1
* Step-2
* Step-3
* Step-4
* Step-5
* Step-6
* Afterword

=== Volume 37 - Farewell Bouquet ===
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume37_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Farewell Bouquet 1
** Candy and Stretch
* Farewell Bouquet 2
** Private Teacher
* Farewell Bouquet 3
** Breast Cookies
* Farewell Bouquet 4
** Yesterday's Enemy
* Farewell Bouquet 5
** Until Graduation
* Farewell Bouquet 6
** Announcement
* Farewell Bouquet 7
** Conversation Over Fresh Herb Tea
* Afterword

=== Premium Book ===
Note: This book is primarily an art book, with pictures from the first season of anime, character sketches, a chapter of the manga, as well as cast interviews and the following short story:
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:PremiumBook_Answer|Answer]]

== Project Staff ==

*Supervisor: ''None Designated''
*Project Manager: ''None Designated''

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''

* [[User:Enn_are|NR]]
* [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]]

'''K.I.A.'''

* [[User:Seki|Seki]]
* [[User:Harunako|Harunako]]

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Kurokaze|Kurokaze]]
* [[User:Sukoshi|Sukoshi]]
* [[User:hasekura_rei|hasekura_rei]]

=== Editors ===
'''ACTIVE'''

(none, beside some occasionally passing readers)

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Ribonizer|Ribonizer]]

=== Contributors ===

* Erica Friedman of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translations of volumes 15 through 19 and
* Rei and Sukoshi of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translation of volume 20 and 21.
* Update: as of May 19, 2010, translations no longer hosted on Okazu.

== Series Overview ==
* Volume 1 - マリア様がみてる (April 24, 1998, ISBN 4-08-614459-X)
* Volume 2 - マリア様がみてる　黄薔薇革命 (February 3, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614554-5)
* Volume 3 - マリア様がみてる　いばらの森 (April 27, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614591-X)
* Volume 4 - マリア様がみてる　ロサ・カニーナ (December 1, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614661-4)
* Volume 5 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） (March 3, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614695-9)
* Volume 6 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） (April 25, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614715-7)
* Volume 7 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（前編） (February 2, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614817-X)
* Volume 8 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（後編） (April 3, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614841-2)
* Volume 9 - マリア様がみてる　チェリーブロッサム (July 27, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614895-1)
* Volume 10 - マリア様がみてる　レイニーブルー (March 29, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600078-4)
* Volume 11 - マリア様がみてる　パラソルをさして (July 1, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600136-5)
* Volume 12 - マリア様がみてる　子羊たちの休暇 (December 25, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600210-8)
* Volume 13 - マリア様がみてる　真夏の一ページ (March 28, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600243-4)
* Volume 14 - マリア様がみてる　涼風さつさつ (July 1, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600284-1)
* Volume 15 - マリア様がみてる　レディ、GO！ (October 31, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600337-6)
* Volume 16 - マリア様がみてる　バラエティギフト (December 25, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600360-0)
* Volume 17 - マリア様がみてる　チャオソレッラ！ (March 31, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600399-6)
* Volume 18 - マリア様がみてる　特別でないただの一日 (October 1, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600484-4)
* Volume 19 - マリア様がみてる　インライブラリー (December 25, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600527-1)
* Volume 20 - マリア様がみてる　妹オーディション (April 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600568-9)
* Volume 21 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇のミルフィーユ (July 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600609-X)
* Volume 22 - マリア様がみてる　未来の白地図 (December 22, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600704-5)
* Volume 23 - マリア様がみてる　くもりガラスの向こう側 (March 31, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600743-6)
* Volume 24 - マリア様がみてる　仮面のアクトレス (June 30, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600784-3)
* Volume 25 - マリア様がみてる　大きな扉　小さな鍵 (October 3, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600823-8)
* Volume 26 - マリア様がみてる　クリスクロス (December 22, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600859-9)
* Volume 27 - マリア様がみてる　あなたを探しに (March 30, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-600895-2)
* Volume 28 - マリア様がみてる　フレーム　オブ　マインド (June 28, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601034-4)
* Volume 29 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇の花かんむり (October 2, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601075-7)
* Volume 30 - マリア様がみてる　キラキラまわる (December 26, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601110-5)
* Volume 31 - マリア様がみてる　マーガレットにリボン (April 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601144-0)
* Volume 32 - マリア様がみてる　卒業前小景 (October 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601214-0)
* Volume 33 - マリア様がみてる　ハローグッバイ (December 26, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601244-7)
* Volume 34 - マリア様がみてる―リトルホラーズ (July 1, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601305-5)
* Volume 35 - マリア様がみてる　私の巣　(December 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601363-5)
* Volume 36 - マリア様がみてる　ステップ　(December 28, 2010, ISBN 978-4-08-601481-6)
* Volume 37 - マリア様がみてるフェアウェルブーケ (April 28, 2012, ISBN 978-4-08-601631-5)

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Reine Hibiki]]

Talk:Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2014-04-15T12:22:27Z

Rydenius: Notes about keeping Harunako's contribution and 4-15-2014 updates

I've kept almost all of Harunako's contribution to part 1, editing and translation checking a few areas that seemed possibly problematic. I've added new content up to the first double line break in part 1. I've also reformatted the page to better match the novel and added a navigation bar at the bottom. --[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] ([[User talk:Rydenius|talk]]) 07:22, 15 April 2014 (CDT)

Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2014-04-15T12:16:13Z

Rydenius: fixed navigation to chapter 4

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
{{Incomplete|percentage=17}}
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.

"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language here. </ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there are any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

[in progress]

===2===

[not started yet]

===3===

[not started yet]

===4===

[not started yet]

===5===

[not started yet]

===6===

[not started yet]

===7===

[not started yet]

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Return to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru|Main Page]]
| Back to [[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
| Forward to [[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
|-
|}

Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2014-04-15T12:15:30Z

Rydenius: fixed navigation

Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter3

2014-04-15T12:14:05Z

Rydenius: some TLC and changes to Harunako's contribution, editing, and some new content for part 1

==Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い)==
{{Incomplete|percentage=17}}
===1===


''We'll be arriving shortly.'' Hearing Sachiko-sama's voice, Yumi looked around, and found the scene outside the window had changed completely since some time ago. She had been asleep again, she realized.

The watch read almost 10am. If everything goes well, it's said to not take two hours, but with the summer season and the break included, a bit under four hours could be considered okay.

Slender and tall trees with unknown names proliferated on both sides of the road, blocking the mid-summer sun. The trees were not very dense. Shadows from branches and leaves form a natural ceiling, and lace-like shadows dropped on the road.

Stone steps surrounded by trees. Old stone fences covered by moss. The scenes were exact copies of scenic photos on a travel guidebook.

A group of young ladies were taking one another's pictures in the lush green. Couples were taking a stroll holding hands. Here and there tourist-like groups could be found.

"This area has been a summer resort since way in the past."

Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes in pride. From that expression, it was a Sachiko<ref>Sachiko is written here as ご祥子 (so it's still honorific) and that she'd taken a liking to the surroundings is written as a pre-nominative.</ref> that had taken quite a liking to the surroundings. Well, Sachiko-sama is extremely picky, and Yumi had heard that she visits this place every year, so she must be considerably fond of this place. ''How lucky I am to be invited to such a place!'' Yumi delightfully thought.

This here is Onee-sama's favorite world.

During the one week stay, even if only by one thing more, Yumi desired to connect with the things that Onee-sama fancies. They are things related to knowing about Onee-sama, after all.

Having likely rested without any reservations due to Yumi having already fallen asleep, after yawning a bit, Sachiko-sama folded up the lap blanket.

"You can be sound asleep even without the car-sickness medicine. I didn't need to worry at all."

"Ha"

Sachiko-sama had given a somewhat awkward expression when Yumi refused her car-sickness pills. She seemed to feel guilty that she would go to sleep herself and leave Yumi by herself. However, suffering from lack of sleep, Yumi caught a healthy nap without use of medicine in the end. It didn't turn out as Sachiko-sama had worried over, so it probably meant a happy conclusion for everyone.

The car entered a narrow track and climbed a little up a gentle slope. At the end of the track a building appeared.


The car smoothly came to a stop.

"This is it."

"...Wow!"

This was just like Alice in Wonderland.

In the woodland stood a house with white walls and tea-brown triangular roofs. The name "Summhouse under possession of the Ogasawara's" made Yumi brace herself a little, but this house looked okay, Yumi thought. It was not that big, and resembled a small resort inn.

"Is it shockingly old and small?"

"No, not at all!"

The design might be old, but it was far from worn. No cracks ran on the walls, and the entrance door panels showed signs of being repaired. All were proof that the house was properly maintained and carefully used. Ivy vines crawled on part of the walls. Moss covered the stone pavement to the entrance like velvet. The whole house exuded the aura of an antique.

And the house is small only compared to the home residence of the Ogasawaras. Compared to the Fukazawa residence, the building is comparable in size... no, even a little bigger.

Gentle breezes could be felt when they got out of the car.

Probably because there was so much green, or because the altitude was higher, the temperature here was definitely lower than that in Tokyo. It is actually cool here. This definitely marks this land as a summer resort. Not only the image of it, but this place is definitely a refuge from the hot summer.

"There isn't a gate or anything like that, is there?"

Yumi looked around the surroundings.

"That's right. The stones stacked around this place in abundance can be the sign of private land, I guess. Grandpa and Dad hope to live as close to nature as possible, so there are no high walls encircling this place. This place is not well known as our summer resort, and those who know are old friends who live in this vicinity, so we do not worry at all. Even if a burglar is to break in, there is nothing like valuables or cash for him to steal here."

Sachiko-sama laughed in delight. Probably she also longed for a worry-free life without tight security.

The driver honked the car horn, and a middle-aged couple came out of the house.

"Welcome back, madam."

"It must have been a long journey for you."

The couple surrounded Sachiko-sama and each exchanged greetings. They had not met their dear madam for over a year. Of course, neither of them took notice of Yumi.

"Both of you, Kiyo and Gensuke, seem well. I'm glad."


"Thank you very much. Come, come, you're probably tired. Please come inside and enjoy."<ref>The caretaker couple are using extremely formal language here. </ref>

After nodding ascent, Sachiko-sama looked back at Yumi and brought her forward.

"My younger sister Yumi. She'll be staying for one week's time, please treat her well."

Having been suddenly introduced, Yumi hurriedly lowered her head.

"I'm Fukuzawa Yumi. I'll be in your care."

Continuing on, Sachiko-sama held out her upward facing palm in front of the older couple and said:

"Managing the property for us, the Sawamura couple."

"Welcome Yumi-sama. I am Kiyo. Please be at ease and think of this house as your home."

"Please call me Gensuke. If not accustomed to the life-style here, or should there are any inconveniences, whatever it is, please ask us."

"T-Thank you very much."

Somehow, they were very friendly people, and she was relieved. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. Kiyo-san and Gensuke-san. She'll be in their care, so she must input diligently. Anyway, what's with the extent to which their old-fashioned names match the building...

"Well, with that, I'll leave things here."


Chauffeur-san, who had carried the luggage which was in the trunk to the foyer, said sounding formal.

"Oh, isn't Matsui-san good! Now, since I've made tea, if you can come in for a drink...?"

Kiyo-san offered.

"I can't. In the evening I have the duty to give the master a ride, so I'll be returning. With that being the case, please excuse me, Mi'lady. Yumi-sama, thank you for the lunch. It was delicious."

It's seems that, while he was on break at the rest stop, Matsui-san, the chauffeur, had gratefully eaten the lunch that Yumi had brought. Kiyo-san received the cooler-case that Matsui-san held out and said, "I'll take care of washing it afterwards."

"I will pick you up after one week's time."

With such words lingering, the black car returned back down the road they had come and disappeared into the woods. Though for some reason, Yumi thought, ''wasn't the chauffeur-san with them the whole time?''

After the car disappeared, the premises suddenly felt somewhat lonely, like a small stream that was flowing through a rustic bridge.

[in progress]

===2===

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===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter2

2014-04-10T00:30:04Z

Rydenius: grammar, consistency and other fixes

==In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies==
===1===


Why is it impossible to go to sleep, only when one must quickly get as much sleep as possible for the next day -- like the day before an outing, or after staying up through the night for an exam?

''I must sleep. I must sleep.'' This forced idea would only force one awake, that's for sure. However, if one tries to hint oneself 'Don't think ''I must sleep'',' what waits ahead is just the inescapable bottomless swamp of sleeplessness. One will just sink deeper and deeper, and find no way to escape.

This effect manifests itself in the opposite way during times that one must not fall asleep, like in a lesson. ''I must not sleep. I must not sleep.'' Such commands will somehow be interpreted in the brain as urge to sleep.

So why not try giving the opposite command this time -- "I must not sleep" when early sleep is needed?

Unfortunately, the idea "I must sleep to prepare for tomorrow" was already stuck in a corner of the brain, so as expected, there is not way such a command could help with sleeping.

Because of that, when Yumi set foot in her dreams that night, it was already around two hours after she got into bed. Three hours was left before the alarm clock would be ringing.

"Good moooorning."

Yumi walked down the stairs with a grimace.

The morning came too early. Her eyelids didn't obey her brain to open. It was only five in the morning, that's why.

"Good morning, Yumi-chan. How great it is that it would be sunny today!"

Mom turned to Yumi with a smiling face from the kitchen, as she was making onigiri<ref>Japanese rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref>.

"What about breakfast? Do you feel like eating?"

"Hummmm"

What do you think, Yumi asked her stomach. Normally her stomach firmly feels like eating from the morning, but now her internal organs all seemed to be in a sleepy state.

"If you don't want rice, at least eat some yogurt. An empty stomach makes you easy to turn sick on vehicles."

"Okay."

Yumi opened the fridge and took out cereal, yogurt and strawberry jam. Her eyelids finally felt less heavy opening and closing when she was mixing stuff in her cafe au lait bowl.

On the dinning table lined neatly some wrapped umeboshi onigiri.

"I have prepared a lunchbox, so please help yourselves on the train. The lunchboxes on the trains are not bad, but somehow look dreary. For outings, mom's onigiri are to be expected!"

Mom unfastened the plastic basket lid enough that Yumi could see how it was. Inside was herb covered deep fried white fish, grilled bacon wrapped asparagus with cheese, and grilled cherry tomatoes.

"That is splendid!"

Yumi muttered while eating her yogurt with cereal in it. It was the standard menu lunchbox for outings that her mother always makes. It seemed that mom enthusiastically woke up early this morning to make them.

"I have packed enough for two people, so eat it with Sachiko-sama, ok?"

"Thanks so much! Looks delicious."

Being appreciated for her work, Mom was so pleased that she started to share her profound knowledge on cherry tomatoes' calyx. Just as Mom reached without reserve the topic of when is the best timing to wrap seaweed on onigiri, Dad entered the dining room with sleepy eyes, scratching his head.

"Oh, an outing?"

From the plate of leftover side-dishes, Dad picked a tomato and put it into his mouth.

"Yup."

"Oh it is today! That day for Yumi to stay at the Ogasawara's summerhouse. When and where are you meeting again?"

"5:50 at the gates of M Station. Dad, you said you would drive me to the station, right?"

"Oh, that's right."

''Whoa.'' Dad clapped his hands once, reached out in the key case for his keys, and thrust his hand out.

''Whoa, Whoa. Dad looks like he is going to jump into the car any minute. Before that, Dad, do something to your pajama, your five o'clock shadow, your bedhead and the gum around your eyes!'' Yumi pushed Dad on his back and first led him to the bathroom.

Just at that time.

"Dad, you are just too good to Yumi. If it was for me, you will definitely just say 'Get off your butt and go!'"

Probably awoken by the noise on the first floor, Yuki got down from the second floor without anyone noticing, and was standing at the corridor outside the bathroom.

"Mornin'"

"Mornin'"

Wearing pajamas crumbled during sleeping, Yuuki looked like an exact copy of Dad. Even their sleeping habits were astonishingly similar. ''What's it about those two?''

"Yumi-chan is a girl, that's why."

Dad said as he squeezed toothpaste onto his toothbrush.

"And, she is so cute! I would never let her walk alone in a deserted street, and be abducted by some bad guy!"

"We are so blessed that you are our father!"

Yuuki laughed.

True. It is already so great for him to point to his own daughter and claim unabashedly that she is so cute. Giving him a hug in return would be nice, but Yumi suppressed the idea as Dad was brushing his teeth. It would be a little problematic to leave the bathroom smeared with toothpaste foam.

"Haim wot hurried habout Huhi hor hat, horse his a buy."

Suddenly Dad said something alien.

"What?"

Haim what? Yumi would like to ask for clarification, but Yuuki translated before that.

"I'm not worried about Yuuki for that, because he is a guy, Dad said."

"Oh."

Invoked by such a line, Yumi gave a look at the human translation-machine.

"...Hey!"

Noticing what Yumi was thinking about, Yuuki restrained his sister with a grim face that screamed "You don't dare to say anything unnecessary."

Of course not.

Dad. Your son is a guy, but he is so cute that he is being pursued by some bad guy now! -- Such words Yumi could never say, even if someone forced her mouth open.

Eluding from each other's glance, the Fukuzawa siblings did their routine errands in the morning, as if nothing had happened.

An agreement was reached: let the line they heard that morning be flushed down the bathroom drain, together with the water that washed Dad's shaver.

===2===


"Wow, that's some effort!"

Yumi was putting on her sandals and leaving the foyer, when she found Yuuki outside retrieving the newspapers. Yuuki looked up and down his sister's looks, and laughed out.

"Thanks for your compliment!"

Yumi pouted her lips a little and stared at her brother. It was a seventeen-year-old maiden's innocence to refuse to respond with a smile and a "You're right!"

"Welcome. It really looks good on you. The best performance so far, in fact."

"The last sentence is not needed!"

Sure it is a compliment to be praised that her clothes look good on her, but Yuuki's compliment didn't sound at all pleasing. Yumi rolled her fist into a ball, and threw it straight towards the head of her brother, who was returning with a newspaper in one hand.

"But hey, you didn't wear a one-piece normally, did you?"

Yuuki laughingly raised his arms to guard his head, and barely escaped.

"My uniform is a one-piece."

"No one would put this in the same league as a uniform, would they?"

"Yeah, I guess."

Yumi quietly loosened her fist.

In fact, she knew full well: she would be embarrassed wearing this newly bought, white, French-sleeved one-piece.

Maybe she was not used to wearing it. She was confused by this different self from normal.

The feeling was a little like the next day after having her hair cut. She could not even get used to herself in the mirror. How would other people look at her? She was worried. Even when she was complimented "It suits you well," she would get doubtful whether others were talking about their true feelings.

That was why she overreacted beyond her control upon the slightest wording stimulus. It was pitiful for Yuuki to be there by chance and play on the delicate topic of dressing, but under his sister's light hysteria outburst, Yuuki could only swallow down his misfortune and accept whatever was to come.

"About this one-piece,"

Yuuki mumbled with his arms crossed. Did he not receive his lesson and continue to babble? Yumi thought, but she was so curious of Yuuki's comment that she decided to listen.

"... in it you look like a cabbage butterfly<ref>紋白蝶, kanji directly translated as "white-background striped butterfly"</ref>."

It was neither a compliment nor a compliant, just plain impression. But Yumi was drawn into such description very much.

Cabbage butterfly.

A one-piece like a white butterfly.

It was of a simple design, with no lace or patterns, but only a ribbon at the back. The lack of decorations makes the one-piece look very elegant.

Of course, Yumi made this very conscious choice so as not to embarrass the Onee-sama together with her. However, Yumi could never push away her doubts: was the person wearing the one-piece the real misfit? Was it a good idea for someone like her to wear the one-piece? However, if it was a one-piece like a white butterfly, Yumi's feeling became much less heavy.

Light, soft and gentle.

A cabbage butterfly commonly seen on a cabbage field represented Yumi much better than a glorious birdwing butterfly.<ref>アゲハ, scientific name "Ornithoptera"</ref>

However, Yumi just could not give her thanks to the bragging Yuuki. It was too shameful to give Yuuki the impression that her feelings took a U-turn due to just one comment.

"There is no stripes on this one-piece though."<ref>Translator: Cabbage butterfly in Japanese literally means "white-background striped butterfly".</ref>

"Is that supposed to be a joke?"

"Sheesh."

Yumi laughed out despite herself. Yuuki joined her in laughter. It was an uninteresting feeble joke, but once they started laughing, they could not stop themselves for a while.

"Hey, Yumi-chan. The lunchbox."

Mom who walked out of the door handed Yumi the temperature-preserving case with an amazed expression. Dad was taking the car out of the garage, and trying to parallel-park right in front of the house.

5:30 am.

It was early morning, so the roads were empty. In 15 minutes, they would arrive at M station with quite some spare time. The meeting place was at the station gate. Okay. Everything was on schedule.

To avoid feeling cold in the air-conditioned train carts, Yumi pulled a light green cardigan around her neck. Oh, a hat. Also, never forget to bring along the white parasol she bought with all her savings just this summer.

"Anything missing?"

"Nope."

Yumi lifted her travelling bag. It was a rectangular cane basket Mom used when she was young.

"Handkerchief, tissue, purse... you have them with you?"

"Yeah, yeah. Don't worry. See?"

Yumi thrust out her hip and showed Mom a small shoulder bag that shaped like a pochette. All the small things were inside the bag.

"Are you sure you haven't missed anything when arranging your baggage for the last time? If you find anything missing, call us. We will send it you by home delivery."

"Oookay."

Mom kept sticking behind Yumi and talking about things Yumi should be careful about. No matter how old Yumi would become, Mom would probably take care of every detail like treating a kid.

"Sachiko-sama would be taking care of the train tickets, right? Remember to pay Sachiko-sama back the train fee, as soon as possible!"

"Okay, okay."

Taking everything along, Yumi got into the car's back seat.

"Madam , where would you like to go?"

Dad turned back from the driver's seat and smiled.

"M Station, please."

"My pleasure, madam."

After the door was closed, Yuuki walked near the car and knocked on the window.

"What?"

Yumi drew down the window, and Yuuki poked her cheek with his pointing finger.

"Relax, relax. It is a just summerhouse, right?"

''Do I look so tense?'' Yumi followed Yuuki by poking her cheek, and realized that her face muscles were growing tense from some time ago.

"It is not like you are going to a battlefield. So just sit back and relax during this short vacation treat."

"...Thanks."

Yuuki left the car, so Dad quietly started the car.

"This brother of yours is pretty reliable, isn't he?"

"Yeah. I even felt defeated."

Well, though she felt defeated from a long time ago.

Looking back, Mom and Yuuki were still standing in front of the house. They were facing the car and waving, despite that they had turned very small already.

(Relax. Relax.)

Yumi gave a slight effort to mimic Yuuki, and repeated the word in her heart.

''Right. No point to get tense all over.''

''It is just a summerhouse, right?''

''It is a trip to enjoy some fun time with Onee-sama, right?''

===3===


Yumi arrived at the ticket gate of M Station five minutes before the meeting time.

No young lady in Sachiko-sama's age could be found there, but after two minutes of waiting, a lady approached from a corner of the North Exit.

The lady had a cream white summer sweater inside her matching cardigan, and slim jeans that flowed along her long legs. Walking in brisk steps, the lady found Yumi and waved her hands lightly.

It was so different from her usual image that Yumi did not pay attention in the first place. However.

"Yumi."

The calling voice was the same. The gradually approaching face was the same.

"O-ooooooooh?"

Without a doubt, it was Ogasawara Sachiko.

"''Doh-doh-doh...''"

Like always, the confused Yumi started to drill holes on the street under construction. Hey, in Yumi's expanding imagination, when the daughter of the Ogasawara family pays a visit to the summerhouse, she would definitely be wearing a one-piece or a flaring skirt. Yumi chose the one-piece in order to suit her Onee-sama. So why the jeans? Onee-sama's appearance now was actually closer to Yumi's usual style.

Therefore the "''doh''" in Yumi's string of "''Doh-doh-doh...''" was for "''doushite?'' (Why?)"

"Good morning."

Sachiko-sama reached out her hand to the vicinity of Yumi's chest as usual, but realized that Yumi was not wearing a tie. There was not even a lapel to Yumi's pristine collar, so instead Sachiko touched Yumi's collar and smiled.

"Good morning."

The greeting was not the usual "Good day." It might be because they were not at school. It might be because the time was actually early morning. However, such a small inconsistency was not at all irritating.

"What a cute one-piece. It suits you well."

It might just be a common compliment, but being complimented by Onee-sama was itself gratifying. Yumi barely tied down her blown-away heart, and smiled back.

"Onee-sama, those jeans suits you very well too."

The jeans, though causal-looking, were one of those expensive kinds. They looked very similar to ones that appeared in a vintage fashion show Yumi had watched on television before. The pair of jeans on the television were eye-popping expensive; so expensive that one could buy a huge fridge with the money.

[[image:MM v12 004.jpg|thumb|right]]
"Yes. From time to time, I wear at home the jeans you have chosen for me on our Valentine date. My grandpa saw them, and bought this pair for me."

Jeans that the president of the Ogasawara Group had requested himself -- then no doubt the jeans were the real thing.

Without any sense of pity, Sachiko-sama cut the jeans to her size and wore them. Yumi could gradually feel distortion to her sense of money.

"So, let's go."

Yumi was still digesting her Onee-sama's words when Sachiko-sama turned back and retraced her steps.

"Oh?"

Yumi cocked her head.

Let's go, Onee-sama said. The ticket gate was here.

However, Sachiko-sama walked further and further to the north. Continuing walking in that direction, she would go out of the north exit. In order to ride on the train, however, they had to pass the gate and wait at the platform for the train.

Yumi decided to chase Sachiko-sama for the time being. Then she realized.

Onee-sama's hands were empty.

No way, Yumi thought, but Sachiko-sama had already walked down the stairs. Yumi also caught sight of a black car, waiting slightly away from the north exit roundabout.

Without mistake, that car was the Ogasawara's home car. Though it is a home car, the driver was not anyone in the Ogasawara family, but a chauffeur.

"Why are you so surprised? Haven't I said that we are going by car?"

Sachiko-sama turned back and said to Yumi, whose brain was stuck due to the unmatching reality.

"No, I heard nothing of that."

Yumi had just learned of it.

However, Sachiko-sama looked very confident, and Yumi started to become unsettled.

"I have said so."

"But"

Yumi hadn't heard of it, that was the truth. Yumi could never say "I have heard it," just to save Onee-sama's face.

"I have said so."

"Never heard of it."

Neither side would give way.

Then which side was telling the truth?

No, it was too early to conclude so. Both sides were holding the unwavering belief that their standpoint was right.

Speaking of that, the same thing happened once before. In the treasure hunt event, the two had argued about how deep Yumi had dug for the hidden card. At that time, Tsutako-san intervened, and the argument was somehow cleared with everyone satisfied, even though the mystery was not solved.

Unfortunately, there was no friend here now to step up and make a judgment.

(Anybody...)

Yumi looked around, and her glance met the driver, who was in standby mode in the black car's driver seat. Yumi hastily gave a slight nod.

There was no way the driver could untie the tangled web of misunderstanding. Yumi had to put out her own effort here.

"Onee-sama, do you remember that I had asked your opinion whether I should book train tickets beforehand?"

"Yes, of course."

Onee-sama nodded.

"And I replied, 'Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle this matter.<ref>Sachiko's understanding: 「'''その件'''はうちの者に行かせるから任せて」"Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle '''this matter'''." </ref>'"

"Yes."

In the end, the two began to rehearse what they had said.

"Then what did you say, Yumi?"

"'Then I would leave it to you.'"

"See, you had acknowledged my suggestion, hadn't you?"

"Pardon?"

Why? Yumi's eyes began to roll.

"Wasn't it that I leave it to you to buy the train tickets?<ref>Yumi's understanding: 「'''その券'''はうちの者に行かせるから任せて」"Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle '''the tickets'''."</ref>"

"Pardon?"

Then the two finally realized. No way--

"This matter (その件)" and "The tickets (その券)" ?<ref>The pronunciation for "This matter (その件)" and "The tickets (その券)" are the same.</ref>

"You are kidding."

"That is so silly."

Unbelievable. The two were stuck in such a clumsy misunderstanding.

"B-but, that would not equal 'going by car,' would it?"

Even if Sachiko-sama was saying "this matter" instead of "the tickets," she was telling Yumi to rely on her for arranging transportation. They could go by bike, by bus, by local trains, by Bullet train, by plane (not in this case, of course), etc. How could Yumi judge it was by car?

"But I definitely had said that we were going by car."

Sachiko-sama said with a light laugh, apparently enjoying the gradually funny scenario.

"By car, right?"

"Yes, by car."

"Car... c-a-r..."

Like solving a puzzle, the two teamed up to make it clear why such a misunderstanding took place.

"C-a-r... C-a-r..."

Yumi replayed her memory around the "This matter (ticket)" line, and searched for the keyword "car."

"Oh."

"What is it?"

Sachiko-sama asked with sparkling eyes.

"Well, at that time I was thinking about when Onee-sama should leave home..."

Yumi slowly put what she remembered into words.

"Yes. I did not know how much time it takes to travel in the morning."

"In the end, after you said that you might arrive a little before our meeting time..."

"Then?"

"You said, 'It is all right for me. If I arrive early, I would kill time before you arrive.'" <ref> Yumi's understanding: 「早く着いたら、'''来るまで'''時間つぶしているからいいわ」"If I arrive early, I would kill time '''before you arrive'''." </ref>

"Yes, I did say so. So what is about it?"

Sachiko-sama gave a blank stare.

"I was saying I would arrive a little earlier, instead of you waiting for me at the gate. It is all right with me, because I can wait in my car with air conditioning... <ref>Sachiko's understanding: 「早く着いたら、'''車で'''時間つぶしているからいいわ」If I arrive early, I would kill time '''in the car'''." </ref> Hey!"

Sachiko-sama finally got it.

This time, it was "before you arrive (来るまで)" and "in the car (車で)." <ref>The pronunciation for "before you come(来るまで)" and "in the car (車で)" are the same.</ref>

"Ha"

"Hahaha"

The funniness exploded like spring-water gushing out. The two looked at each other's face, and burst out laughing.


"Mi'ladies, would it be alright?"

The chauffeur said as he came out from the car. It seems that he was mindful of the situation and had refrained from greeting them until after their talk had concluded. Perhaps he couldn't come out earlier because the two of them were lightly quarreling at the time they were walking toward the car. Though now he probably surmised that the issue had been resolved since laughter had broken out.

"Good morning. Fukuzawa Yumi-sama, allow me to look after your luggage."

"Ah."

"That's how it is, you know. Yumi, since we're going to the summer house in this car, aren't we?"

"But..."

"This is how I go every year."

Yumi, being goldfish droppings<ref>金魚の糞 -- An expression referring to a person who tags along like excrement trailing behind a goldfish.</ref> to Sachiko-sama's summer plans, wasn't in a position where she could object. That aside, it was also one of her hidden objectives to follow onee-sama's usual behavior patterns during their trip.

"...okay."

Nodding assent, Yumi gave her luggage to the chauffeur. While thinking of what to do about the travel allowance that she had received from her mother, suddenly there was something she realized.

Her parasol wasn't there.

She was wearing her shoulder bag, cardigan, and hat. In her hand she held the cooler case that the lunch had been placed into. The basket, which she had just handed over, was in the car's trunk. But, only the white parasol wasn't to be found anywhere.

"What's the matter? Hurry up and get in."

Sachiko, who had already settled into the back seat, cracked open the door and said.

"Y-Yes."

Yumi hurried up and got into the car. An onee-sama's orders are an action that winds a petite soeur's spring. Though that might be limited to Yumi.


"What?"

Sachiko--sama asked.

"No. It's nothing."

Yumi smiled and shook her head.

After all, at this point if she said, "I can't find my umbrella," Sachiko-sama might put off the departure in order to go and search for it.

Though grateful, Yumi would also be troubled.

She didn't want to cause trouble for onee-sama, and she hated that even such a long-awaited outing should be stalled right from the start because of her.

"Chauffeur-san, let's go!"<ref>Yumi says this in English: レッツゴー</ref>

Though she thought, ''I wonder if I over did it'', for the sake of energizing the mood she raised her fist with abandon.

It was only a little while after the time she arrived here, but it felt that the shapes of people in the vicinity of the station had increased.

It was 6 o'clock in the morning.

The bus that Yumi always rode to school approached the station, spit out about 30 people, and departed in a state where it was mostly empty.

Afterwards, as if to follow, the black car left via the rotary at M Station's north entrance.


The parasol would be ok.

She probably just left it in her family's car.

Better not to worry about it. When compared to convenience store umbrella stands, that place was hundreds or thousands of times safer.

But.

Yumi's dream to walk the summer resort under the white parasol with onee-sama had evaporated like dew.

===4===

"Yumi"

Sachiko-sama said shortly after the car made it onto the main street.

"You're the type that's strong in cars?"

"''Strong in cars'', can you be saying…? That, um, are you asking whether or not I get carsick?"

Yumi asked in return. Because of what had happened just a short while ago, she had to be cautious so as to not hear incorrectly.

"You're saying there's something else?"

"No, it's just what if by chance, you were asking whether or not I am knowledgeable about many makes of cars?"

"That's stupid, isn't it?"

Sachiko-sama let out a small laugh.

"Um, and so?"

"You can use this, if you like."

She was presented a flimsy box. Attempting to open the box revealed a row of pink pills.

"This … is it travel sickness medicine?"

That would be natural based on the flow of the conversation.

"That's right. Since I took it at home..."

"Ah, I see."

It was a package of neatly aligned pills, but there were two empty spaces where the pills had been used up. Now that she thought about it, there was talk about going out in Kashiwagi-san's car the other day and Sachiko-sama being terribly car-sick.

In addition to being a car that she wasn't used to riding in, Sachiko-sama's car-sickness was probably a result of the accumulation of such unfavorable conditions as bad roads, anxiety, and Kashiwagi-san's (probably) extreme lack of skill at driving, however it seems that with this time expected to be a long-distance outing, even though it was an outing in her own car, she had still become worried.

"I'm fine."

With Yumi declining the medicine, Sachiko-sama said "That so?" and it was momentary, but a seemingly disappointed expression floated across her face. Although Yumi thought, ''I wonder if perhaps onee-sama wanted me to have done the same as her'', it was too late. The small box of medicine had already been returned to the pouch.


While pondering if, even now, her onee-sama would be glad were she to say, "On second thought, may I have some?" and accept the medicine, Yumi was unconsciously fiddling with the zipper of the cooler case on top of her knees, which lead to Sachiko-sama pointing with her finger and asking.

"What is that?"

By that, was she referring to this matter? The place Sachiko-sama's long white finger was pointing was just above Yumi's knees.

"This is a lunchbox."<ref>Yumi calls it an お弁当. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bento </ref>

The answer had come out sounding like translating an English sentence into Japanese.

"A lunchbox? Who made it?"

"My mom. Ah, shall we eat?"

"Is it ok?"

"Of course. She said for me to give some to onee-sama to eat as well."

She handed over bundle taken from out of the case. Sachiko-sama placed it on her own lap, and promptly set about undoing the knot.

"Yumi, isn't it wonderful. On things like outings and Sports Day<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_day </ref>, I've never had the experience of taking such a mother-made lunchbox."


"Oh? Is it that aunt Sayako-sama cannot cook?"

It was a bit unexpected. She gave of the impression of wearing a traditional cooking apron<ref>割烹着 - (kappōgi): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapp%C5%8Dgi </ref> and making stews and such. Still Yumi wondered if it wasn't unusual that rich housewives didn't touch housework.

"Her cooking is skilled. But, it takes a really long time. I wonder when it was, that I experienced returning home from a trip and she still hadn't finished. And so, mostly I take something along the lines of a lunch secretly prepared for me by the servants or, intended as insurance, a lunch ordered from a caterer ahead of time."

''Wow. That's something amazing.''

"Um, then… what about the portion that aunt-sama prepared?"

"Of course, it's delicious and I gratefully accept it. But, if I eat it at the house, that isn't 'lunch' anymore. It has changed it's name to 'dinner.'"

''Well, it could be said like that too.''

"Ah, but. If it's convenience-store nabeyaki -udon<ref>鍋焼きうどん - A sort of udon hot-pot, with seafood and vegetables cooked in a nabe, or metal pot: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon </ref>, as one would expect, she can prepare that quickly."

"…"

''Hey now, isn't that because you just remove the lid and put it on the stove… Ah, is there also the process for fine-tuning the fire strength? -- at any rate, aunt-sama sure is an extraordinary person.''


Setting that aside, Sachiko-sama appeared to have an interest in 'mother-made lunches.' Having opened the cloth bundle that looked half-way between a furoshiki<ref>Traditionally lunch boxes are wrapped in furoshiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furoshiki </ref> and bandana, Sachiko-sama delightedly removed the plastic container's lid.

"What lovely colors!"

Though the side dishes inside the container were leaning a bit to one side, Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes enraptured. With her having gazed at it for what seemed quite a while, Yumi was wondering if she would leave it as it was and close the lid with satisfaction, but Sachiko-sama gently plucked an asparagus and cheese bacon roll by it's toothpick, and bit into it.

"H-How is it?"

"It's delicious!"

And so, a heartened Yumi stabbed such things as fried white fish and cherry tomatoes onto a plastic fork, and spiritedly tried to smother<ref>The expression used here is: 世話を焼いてみた which means something along the lines of to trying to be too helpful. </ref> her onee-sama with service.

"Onee-sama, the onigiri<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref>'s nori<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nori </ref> , which way do you prefer it?"

"Nori?"

"Crisp or moist. My mom had been worrying about which way she would do the nori for the onigiri--"

Yumi held up the container packed with just the onigiri and then said:

"Ah, what's this… and so she made both types."

There were two each of black looking onigiri that had already been wrapped with seaweed and white onigiri that had been hand-formed, four in total. Forming a set with the white onigiri, nori had been placed into vinyl ziplock bags and included separately.<ref>nori sheets come dried out and stiff, but get soft as they absorb the moisture from the rice. So the pre-wrapped onigiri would have soft, moist nori, while the ones stored separately would stay crisp and crunchy.</ref>


"What's the filling?"

"It's Umeboshi<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>. During the hot season, it's customary at my house to use umeboshi, which have a preservative effect. Ah, that's right, it's also good for car sickness! … and so, crisp or moist, which will you choose?"

"Either is good. Speaking of which, lately it seems that even the convenience stores stock both types, don't they?"

Sachiko-sama got out a sheet of nori from the vinyl bag and took a white onigiri. ''I wonder if aunt Sayako-sama is still continuing her convenience store runs.''

Sachiko-sama finished her in-car breakfast, eating the onigiri, and one of each type of side dish. Yumi, who had become hungry from all the activity, also finished, eating one moist onigiri and suitable side dishes. Since it would be bad if only the two of them were eating, she invited the chauffeur-san as to partake as well, though, as one would expect, because both hands his hands were occupied, he had to decline.

"But, it looks delicious, doesn't it? Since we are planning to make a rest stop on the highway, at that time like that I'd be grateful to have some."

"Or, at a time when the car becomes unable to move due to traffic congestion, right?"

Sachiko-sama smiled while unfolding the lap-blanket.

"Thinking about that, I feel like I can't wait for the unpleasant congestion!"


In contrast to his words, chauffeur-san handled the steering-wheel lightly.

"Yumi, you should also make yourself comfortable. There is a long way yet to go."

While Yumi was returning the lunch to the cooler case, Sachiko-sama covered, not just her lap, but her whole body below the neck with the lap blanked. Perhaps because Chauffeur-san was accustomed to this, he didn't raise the temperature of the air-conditioning.

"Although it's bad of me, I'll sleep for a bit."

"Eh?"

"G'night."

After saying that, it seemed that the moment her eyes closed, sleeping breaths were heard.

(Eh!?)

That's... there are people who sleep for the trip's going and returning, but it was so early into their vacation that one says, "Already?!" After all, hardly 20 minutes had passed since they departed from M station.

Certainly, her feeling was that some of the enjoyment of going on a trip is the recreation on the bus until arriving at the destination. But in this way with just two of them, if one of them were to sleep, there was nothing to do.

"Onee-sama"

Still in the city, she was accustomed to seeing this scenery on her own and so it wasn't even interesting. Though there was another person in the car, you wouldn't play shiritori<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiritori </ref> with the chauffeur...

"Onee-sama"

Yumi nudged her for a bit, but Sachiko didn't even stir. It was as though she had taken sleeping pills or something.

Then she realized.

Onee-sama had said she took the travel-sickness medicine upon leaving from her house.

<< May cause drowsiness >>

The usage warning floated into Yumi's head and disappeared.

===5===

Almost like sulking in bed, Yumi closed her eyes, but upon entrusting her body to the car's vibration, drowsiness really did come.

If she though about it, she hardly slept at all last night.

A crestless white cabbage butterfly flew up from out of nowhere, luring Yumi through a cabbage field.

''That's so wrong.'' -- Yumi inserted a tsukkomi<ref>straight-man's retort in a comedy duo -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukkomi#tsukkomi </ref> into her own dream.

''It was a highland plateau, so instead of cabbage, wouldn't it something like white birch trees lining the road?''

''That's dumb, Yumi-san. There's no way that white birch grow on the summit of Mt. Fuji!'' --Yoshino-san laughed.


''How was it that Mt. Fuji appears here?'' Looking behind her, there Mt. Fuji was, unmistakably, towering in front of her eyes like depicted in paintings. A halo shone from Mt. Fuji, and taking a batting-pose on top was a Buddha-sama done with Jesus-sama's face. Worshiping this with a bewildered expression was Shimako-san, and, as Yumi drew near to her side, Shimako pulled out a fortune slip and presented it to her. When she opened the folded paper, there was written on it as a single word:

--''Many difficulties lie ahead.''<ref> 前途多難 </ref>

While these four characters were flying out of the screen with a kaboom as if CG<ref>Computer Graphics</ref>, she was roused by her shoulder being shaken.

"Yumi"

"Hnnna?"

"We're at the rest stop."<ref> This is written as "drive-in" (ドライブイン), so while it could be referring to something like a family restaurant, it's probably indicating a rest stop along the (toll?)highway -- particularly considering what the diver said earlier. </ref>

She wondered when they'd gotten on the highway. She hadn't noticed at all. ''And, from when has Sachiko-sama been awake?''

"Let's go to the restroom."

Having woken up suddenly, Yumi, unable to move her mouth and body well, rubbed her eyes and lollingly nodded her head like a waking toddler. She was already thankful enough that drool wasn't flowing.


"Though the road isn't that crowded yet, it would be good to get going just in case."

It was a weekday, and not the time of Obon homecoming rush, and we did leave early in the morning… although not smooth sailing, the cars were flowing without delay. However, they must not be careless. There was no way of knowing whether it would become majorly congested at any moment. When it becomes like that, humans in compact cars without toilets end up unable to cope.

"Your eyes, are they awake? We're getting out."

When she opened the door as she had been urged to do, the air that caressed her skin was stifling.

"Hot…"

The rest stop was to one side of the parking lot, and since there wasn't any shade, it was naturally hot. Even though the time of day was still considered mid-morning, hot air could be seen undulating as it rose up from the ground.

"Hey, Yumi. Walk properly!"

It seemed Yumi's brain was still half-asleep and she was teetering a bit. And so, Sachiko-sama took her hand and walked with her.

Although it was hot, she was a bit happy.

Certainly it was the matter of holding hands, but more than that, that they were going to the going to the restroom together…

''She's happy to be going to the restroom?'' It's scandalous, but although it might be strange, since happy things are happy, there's nothing to be done about it.

After all, with an onee-sama of a different school year, though it was common-sense, that was the reason why there couldn't be things like having lessons in the same classroom, and so at school during break-time there wasn't even a way to ask, "Let's go to the restroom together." Thus, this was a experience to be treasured.


Sachiko-sama's hand, which was cold at first from the air-conditioning, was warmed by the outside air and Yumi's hand, gradually becoming noticeably sweaty.

The woman's toilets were moderately crowded. Since it was summer vacation, there were grandmothers, mothers, elder sisters, and little girls all lined up. There was even the presence of a baby on a baby-bed happily working it's legs, after having it's diaper changed.

"When done, wash your hands and wait here."

"Okay."

Yumi nodded, as she lined up at the end of the queue.

"Oh look, next is Yumi's turn! The innermost one became empty!"

While never like a bossy garbage sorter<ref> The term used here (仕切り屋) is a person whose occupation is collecting and sorting garbage by use and type, but is used here to mean a bossy person giving out orders "like a garbage sorter". So I've kept a bit of both meanings to try to keep the original flavor.</ref>, an onee-sama who was briskly giving out instructions was reliable. Somehow returning Yumi back to when she was little, it had become a feeling similar to when she did outings with her mom.

By the time Yumi finished using the restroom and was washing her hands with the cold water, she'd finally come to be refreshed.

"How about we go and buy something like juice?"

Sachiko, who was standing at the neighboring wash basin, addressed the Yumi in the mirror.

"As thanks for the lunchbox, I'll buy the drinks."


"Umm…"

At times like these, it would've been fine to have straightforwardly given thanks for the meal. Onee-sama had come to want to do big-sister-like things from time to time.

"More than that, I want to eat ice cream."

Yumi placed the handkerchief she used to wipe her hands dry into her bag and turned forty-five degrees to her right, facing her real non-mirror reflected onee-sama.

"Guess it can't be helped."

While her words sounded like grumbling, Sachiko-sama looked a bit pleased.

They lined up at the rest stop's store for a bit, and bought soft-serve ice cream.

(''Though she had acted a bit spoiled--success!'')

Although Yumi's feet were no longer unsteady, she took her onee-sama's hand as they walked. In her right hand a delicious ice-cream, in her left hand her beloved onee-sama.

"It's hot, you know."

But, since she didn't break away from her, even while saying it like that, and that they continued to walk that way, said whether it was okay.

The black car really stood out, and they could immediately pick it out from amidst the multitude of cars and such. The chauffeur-san, who had taken a break at the same time as them, had already returned, and swung his hands to make the car's location apparent to the pair.

Sachiko-sama pulled Yumi's hand and quickened the pace a bit. The planned 15 minute break, had gone 5 minutes over.


"We'll leave right away. Finish eating quickly."

"Ye～s."<ref>Yumi draws out the sound of saying "yes" playfully: はあい.</ref>

''To be covered with soft-serve ice cream and melt with Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.''

''Her heart.''

''Not only was it cool, if she were to taste it, it would probably be pretty soft and sweet.''

''(Delicious!)''

--That was Yumi's brain already beginning to melt just like soft-serve ice cream.

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter2

2014-04-09T15:45:03Z

Rydenius: fixed some translation issues in the part 1+2, grammar, consistency changes, spelling

==In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies==
===1===


Why is it impossible to go to sleep, only when one must quickly get as much sleep as possible for the next day -- like the day before an outing, or after staying up through the night for an exam?

''I must sleep. I must sleep.'' This forced idea would only force one awake, that's for sure. However, if one tries to hint oneself 'Don't think ''I must sleep'',' what waits ahead is just the inescapable bottomless swamp of sleeplessness. One will just sink deeper and deeper, and find no way to escape.

This effect manifests itself in the opposite way during times that one must not fall asleep, like in a lesson. ''I must not sleep. I must not sleep.'' Such commands will somehow be interpreted in the brain as urge to sleep.

So why not try giving the opposite command this time -- "I must not sleep" when early sleep is needed?

Unfortunately, the idea "I must sleep to prepare for tomorrow" was already stuck in a corner of the brain, so as expected, there is not way such a command could help with sleeping.

Because of that, when Yumi set foot in her dreams that night, it was already around two hours after she got into bed. Three hours was left before the alarm clock would be ringing.

"Good moooorning."

Yumi walked down the stairs with a grimace.

The morning came too early. Her eyelids didn't obey her brain to open. It was only five in the morning, that's why.

"Good morning, Yumi-chan. How great it is that it would be sunny today!"

Mom turned to Yumi with a smiling face from the kitchen, as she was making onigiri<ref>Japanese rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref>.

"What about breakfast? Do you feel like eating?"

"Hummmm"

What do you think, Yumi asked her stomach. Normally her stomach firmly feels like eating from the morning, but now her internal organs all seemed to be in a sleepy state.

"If you don't want rice, at least eat some yogurt. An empty stomach makes you easy to turn sick on vehicles."

"Okay."

Yumi opened the fridge and took out cereal, yogurt and strawberry jam. Her eyelids finally felt less heavy opening and closing when she was mixing stuff in her cafe au lait bowl.

On the dinning table lined neatly some wrapped umeboshi onigiri.

"I have prepared a lunchbox, so please help yourselves on the train. The lunchboxes on the trains are not bad, but somehow look dreary. For outings, mom's onigiri are to be expected!"

Mom unfastened the plastic basket lid enough that Yumi could see how it was. Inside was herb covered deep fried white fish, grilled bacon wrapped asparagus with cheese, and grilled cherry tomatoes.

"That is splendid!"

Yumi muttered while eating her yogurt with cereal in it. It was the standard menu lunchbox for outings that her mother always makes. It seemed that mom enthusiastically woke up early this morning to make them.

"I have packed enough for two people, so eat it with Sachiko-sama, ok?"

"Thanks so much! Looks delicious."

Being appreciated for her work, Mom was so pleased that she started to share her profound knowledge on cherry tomatoes' calyx. Just as Mom reached without reserve the topic of when is the best timing to wrap seaweed on onigiri, Dad entered the dining room with sleepy eyes, scratching his head.

"Oh, it's hiking?"

From the plate of leftover side-dishes, Dad picked a tomato and put it into his mouth.

"Yup."

"Oh it is today! That day for Yumi to stay at the Ogasawara's summerhouse. When and where are you meeting again?"

"5:50 at the gates of M Station. Dad, you said you would drive me to the station, right?"

"Oh, that's right."

''Whoa.'' Dad clapped his hands once, reached out in the key case for his keys, and thrust his hand out.

''Whoa, Whoa. Dad looks like he is going to jump into the car any minute. Before that, Dad, do something to your pajama, your five o'clock shadow, your bedhead and the gum around your eyes!'' Yumi pushed Dad on his back and first led him to the bathroom.

Just at that time.

"Dad, you are just too good to Yumi. If it was for me, you will definitely just say 'Get off your butt and go!'"

Probably awoken by the noise on the first floor, Yuki got down from the second floor without anyone noticing, and was standing at the corridor outside the bathroom.

"Mornin'"

"Mornin'"

Wearing pajamas crumbled during sleeping, Yuuki looked like an exact copy of Dad. Even their sleeping habits were astonishingly similar. What's it about those two?

"Yumi-chan is a girl, that's why."

Dad said as he squeezed toothpaste onto his toothbrush.

"And, she is so cute! I would never let her walk alone in a deserted street, and be abducted by some bad guy!"

"We are so blessed that you are our father!"

Yuuki laughed.

True. It is already so great for him to point to his own daughter and claim unabashedly that she is so cute. Giving him a hug in return would be nice, but Yumi suppressed the idea as Dad was brushing his teeth. It would be a little problematic to leave the bathroom smeared with toothpaste foam.

"Haim wot hurried habout Huhi hor hat, horse his a buy."

Suddenly Dad said something alien.

"What?"

Haim what? Yumi would like to ask for clarification, but Yuuki translated before that.

"I'm not worried about Yuuki for that, because he is a guy, Dad said."

"Oh."

Invoked by such a line, Yumi gave a look at the human translation-machine.

"...Hey!"

Noticing what Yumi was thinking about, Yuuki restrained his sister with a grim face that screamed "You don't dare to say anything unnecessary."

Of course not.

Dad. Your son is a guy, but he is so cute that he is being pursued by some bad guy now! -- Such words Yumi could never say, even if someone forced her mouth open.

Eluding from each other's glance, the Fukuzawa siblings did their routine errands in the morning, as if nothing had happened.

An agreement was reached: let the line they heard that morning be flushed down the bathroom drain, together with the water that washed Dad's shaver.

===2===


"Wow, that's some effort!"

Yumi was putting on her sandals and leaving the foyer, when she found Yuuki outside retrieving the newspapers. Yuuki looked up and down his sister's looks, and laughed out.

"Thanks for your compliment!"

Yumi pouted her lips a little and stared at her brother. It was a seventeen-year-old maiden's innocence to refuse to respond with a smile and a "You're right!"

"Welcome. It really looks good on you. The best performance so far, in fact."

"The last sentence is not needed!"

Sure it is a compliment to be praised her clothes look good on her, but Yuuki's compliment didn't sound at all pleasing. Yumi rolled her fist into a ball, and threw it straight towards the head of her brother, who was returning with a newspaper in one hand.

"But hey, you didn't wear a one-piece normally, did you?"

Yuuki laughingly raised his arms to guard his head, and barely escaped.

"My uniform is a one-piece."

"No one would put this in the same league as a uniform, would they?"

"Yeah, I guess."

Yumi quietly loosened her fist.

In fact, she knew full well: she would be embarrassed wearing this newly bought, white, French-sleeved one-piece.

Maybe she was not used to wearing it. She was confused by this different self from normal.

The feeling was a little like the next day after having her hair cut. She could not even get used to herself in the mirror. How would other people look at her? She was worried. Even when she was complimented "It suits you well," she would get doubtful whether others were talking about their true feelings.

That was why she overreacted beyond her control upon the slightest wording stimulus. It was pitiful for Yuuki to be there by chance and play on the delicate topic of dressing, but under his sister's light hysteria outburst, Yuuki could only swallow down his misfortune and accept whatever was to come.

"About this one-piece,"

Yuuki mumbled with his arms crossed. Did he not receive his lesson and continue to babble? Yumi thought, but she was so curious of Yuuki's comment that she decided to listen.

"... in it you look like a cabbage butterfly<ref>紋白蝶, kanji directly translated as "white-background striped butterfly"</ref>."

It was neither a compliment nor a compliant, just plain impression. But Yumi was drawn into such description very much.

Cabbage butterfly.

A one-piece like a white butterfly.

It was of a simple design, with no lace or patterns, but only a ribbon at the back. The lack of decorations makes the one-piece look very elegant.

Of course, Yumi made this very conscious choice so as not to embarrass the Onee-sama together with her. However, Yumi could never push away her doubts: was the person wearing the one-piece the real misfit? Was it a good idea for someone like her to wear the one-piece? However, if it was a one-piece like a white butterfly, Yumi's feeling became much less heavy.

Light, soft and gentle.

A cabbage butterfly commonly seen on a cabbage field represented Yumi much better than a glorious birdwing butterfly<ref>アゲハ, scientific name "Ornithoptera"</ref>.

However, Yumi just could not give her thanks to the bragging Yuuki. It was too shameful to give Yuuki the impression that her feelings took a U-turn due to just one comment.

"There is no stripes on this one-piece though."<ref>Translator: Cabbage butterfly in Japanese literally means "white-background striped butterfly".</ref>

"Is that supposed to be a joke?"

"Sheesh."

Yumi laughed out despite herself. Yuuki joined her in laughter. It was an uninteresting feeble joke, but once they started laughing, they could not stop themselves for a while.

"Hey, Yumi-chan. The lunchbox."

Mom who walked out of the door handed Yumi the temperature-preserving case with an amazed expression. Dad was taking the car out of the garage, and trying to parallel-park right in front of the house.

5:30 am.

It was early morning, so the roads were empty. In 15 minutes, they would arrive at M station with quite some spare time. The meeting place was at the station gate. Okay. Everything was on schedule.

To avoid feeling cold in the air-conditioned train carts, Yumi pulled a light green cardigan around her neck. Oh, a hat. Also, never forget to bring along the white parasol she bought with all her savings just this summer.

"Anything missing?"

"Nope."

Yumi lifted her travelling bag. It was a rectangular cane basket Mom used when she was young.

"handkerchief, tissue, purse... you have them with you?"

"Yeah, yeah. Don't worry. See?"

Yumi thrust out her hip and showed Mom a small shoulder bag that shaped like a pochette. Every small things was inside the bag.

"Are you sure you haven't missed anything when arranging your baggage for the last time? If you find anything missing, call us. We will send it you by home delivery."

"Oookay."

Mom kept sticking behind Yumi and talking about things Yumi should be careful about. No matter how old Yumi would become, Mom would probably take care of every detail like treating a kid.

"Sachiko-sama would be taking care of the train tickets, right? Remember to pay Sachiko-sama back the train fee, as soon as possible!"

"Okay, okay."

Taking everything along, Yumi got into the car's back seat.

"Madam , where would you like to go?"

Dad turned back from the driver's seat and smiled.

"M Station, please."

"My pleasure, madam."

After the door was closed, Yuuki walked near the car and knocked on the window.

"What?"

Yumi drew down the window, and Yuuki poked her cheek with his pointing finger.

"Relax, relax. It is a just summerhouse, right?"

''Do I look so tense?'' Yumi followed Yuuki and poked her cheek, and realized that her face muscles was growing tense from some time ago.

"It is not like you are going to a battlefield. So just sit back and relax during this short vacation treat."

"...Thanks."

Yuuki left the car, so Dad quietly started the car.

"This brother of yours is pretty reliable, isn't he?"

"Yeah. I even felt defeated."

Well, though she felt defeated from a long time ago.

Looking back, Mom and Yuuki were still standing in front of the house. They were facing the car and waving, despite that they had turned very small already.

(Relax. Relax.)

Yumi gave a slight effort to mimic Yuuki, and repeated the word in her heart.

''Right. No point to get tense all over.''

''It is just a summerhouse, right?''

''It is a trip to enjoy some fun time with Onee-sama, right?''

===3===


Yumi arrived at the ticket gate of M Station five minutes before the meeting time.

No young lady in Sachiko-sama's age could be found there, but after two minutes of waiting, a lady approached from a corner of the North Exit.

The lady had a cream white summer sweater inside her matching cardigan, and slim jeans that flow along her long legs. Walking in brisk steps, the lady found Yumi and waved her hands lightly.

It was so different from her usual image that Yumi did not pay attention in the first place. However.

"Yumi."

The calling voice was the same. The gradually approaching face was the same.

"O-ooooooooh?"

Without a doubt, it was Ogasawara Sachiko.

"''Doh-doh-doh...''"

Like always, the confused Yumi started to drill holes on the street under construction. Hey, in Yumi's expanding imagination, when the daughter of the Ogasawara family pays a visit to the summerhouse, she would definitely be wearing a one-piece or a flaring skirt. Yumi chose the one-piece in order to suit her Onee-sama. So why the jeans? Onee-sama's appearance now was actually closer to Yumi's usual style.

So the "''doh''" in Yumi's string of "''Doh-doh-doh...''" is for "''doushite?'' (Why?)"

"Good morning."

Sachiko-sama put her hand around Yumi's chest as usual, but realized that Yumi was not wearing a tie. There was not even a lapel to Yumi's pristine collar, so instead Sachiko touched Yumi's collar and smiled.

"Good morning."

The greeting was not the usual "Good day." It might be because they were not at school. It might be because the time was actually early morning. However, such a small inconsistency was not at all irritating.

"What a cute one-piece. It suits you well."

It might just be a common compliment, but being complimented by Onee-sama was itself gratifying. Yumi barely tied down her blown-away heart, and smiled back.

"Onee-sama, those jeans suits you very well too."

The jeans, though causal-looking, are one of those expensive kinds. They looked very similar to those appeared in a vintage fashion show Yumi had watched on television before. Those jeans on television was eye-popping expensive; so expensive that one could buy a huge fridge with the money.

[[image:MM v12 004.jpg|thumb|right]]
"Yes. From time to time, I wear at home the jeans you have chosen for me on our Valentine date. My grandpa saw them, and bought this pair for me."

Jeans that the president of the Ogasawara Group had requested himself -- then no doubt the jeans were the real thing.

Without any sense of pity, Sachiko-sama cut the jeans to her size and wore them. Yumi could gradually feel distortion to her sense of money.

"So, let's go."

Yumi was still digesting her Onee-sama's words when Sachiko-sama turned back and retraced her steps.

"Oh?"

Yumi cocked her head.

Let's go, Onee-sama said. The ticket gate was here.

However, Sachiko-sama walked further and further to the north. Continuing walking, she would get out of the north exit. In order to ride on the train, however, they had to pass the gate and wait at the platform for the train.

Yumi decided to chase Sachiko-sama for the time being. Then she realized.

Onee-sama's hands were empty.

No way, Yumi thought, but Sachiko-sama had already walked down the stairs. Yumi also caught sight of a black car, waiting slightly away from the north exit roundabout.

Without mistake, that car was the Ogasawara's home car. Though it is a home car, the driver was not anyone in the Ogasawara family, but a driver.

"Why are you so surprised? Haven't I said that we are going by car?"

Sachiko-sama turned back and said to Yumi, whose brain was stuck due to the unmatching reality.

"No, I heard nothing of that."

Yumi had just learnt of it.

However, Sachiko-sama looked very confident, and Yumi started to become unsettled.

"I have said so."

"But"

Yumi didn't heard of it, that was the truth. Yumi could never say "I have heard it," just to save Onee-sama's face.

"I have said so."

"Never heard of it."

Neither side would give way.

Then which side was telling the truth?

No, it was too early to conclude so. Both sides were holding the unwavering belief that their standpoint was right.

Speaking of that, the same thing happened once before. In the treasure hunt event, the two had argued about how deep Yumi had dug for the hidden card. At that time, Tsutako-san intervened, and the argument was somehow cleared with everyone satisfied, even though the mystery was not solved.

Unfortunately, there was no friend here now to step up and make a judgment.

(Anybody...)

Yumi looked around, and her glance met the driver, who was in standby mode in the black car's driver seat. Yumi hastily gave a slight nod.

There was no way the driver could untie the tangled web of misunderstanding. Yumi had to put out her own effort here.

"Onee-sama, do you remember that I had asked your opinion whether I should book train tickets beforehand?"

"Yes, of course."

Onee-sama nodded.

"And I replied, 'Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle this matter.<ref>Sachiko's understanding: 「'''その件'''はうちの者に行かせるから任せて」"Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle '''this matter'''." </ref>'"

"Yes."

In the end, the two began to rehearse what they had said.

"Then what did you say, Yumi?"

"'Then I would leave it to you.'"

"See, you had acknowledged my suggestion, hadn't you?"

"Pardon?"

Why? Yumi's eyes began to roll.

"Wasn't it that I leave it to you to buy the train tickets?<ref>Yumi's understanding: 「'''その券'''はうちの者に行かせるから任せて」"Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle '''the tickets'''."</ref>"

"Pardon?"

Then the two finally realized. No way--

"This matter (その件)" and "The tickets (その券)" ?<ref>The pronunciation for "This matter (その件)" and "The tickets (その券)" are the same.</ref>

"You are kidding."

"That is so silly."

Unbelievable. The two was stuck in such a clumsy misunderstanding.

"B-but, that would not equal 'going by car,' would it?"

Even if Sachiko-sama was saying "this matter" instead of "the tickets," she was telling Yumi to rely on her for arranging transportation. They could go by bike, by bus, by local trains, by Bullet train, by plane (not in this case, of course), etc. How could Yumi judge it was by car?

"But I definitely had said that we were going by car."

Sachiko-sama said with a light laugh, apparently enjoying the gradually funny scenario.

"By car, right?"

"Yes, by car."

"Car... c-a-r..."

Like solving a puzzle, the two teamed up to make it clear why such a misunderstanding took place.

"C-a-r... C-a-r..."

Yumi replayed her memory around the "This matter (ticket)" line, and searched for the keyword "car."

"Oh."

"What is it?"

Sachiko-sama asked with sparkling eyes.

"Well, at that time I was thinking about when Onee-sama should leave home..."

Yumi slowly put what she remembered into words.

"Yes. I did not know how much time it takes to travel in the morning."

"In the end, after you said that you might arrive a little before our meeting time..."

"Then?"

"You said, 'It is all right for me. If I arrive early, I would kill time before you arrive.'" <ref> Yumi's understanding: 「早く着いたら、'''来るまで'''時間つぶしているからいいわ」"If I arrive early, I would kill time '''before you arrive'''." </ref>

"Yes, I did say so. So what is about it?"

Sachiko-sama gave a blank stare.

"I was saying I would arrive a little earlier, instead of you waiting for me at the gate. It is all right with me, because I can wait in my car with air conditioning... <ref>Sachiko's understanding: 「早く着いたら、'''車で'''時間つぶしているからいいわ」If I arrive early, I would kill time '''in the car'''." </ref> Hey!"

Sachiko-sama finally got it.

This time, it was "before you arrive (来るまで)" and "in the car (車で)." <ref>The pronunciation for "before you come(来るまで)" and "in the car (車で)" are the same.</ref>

"Ha"

"Hahaha"

The funniness exploded like spring-water gushing out. The two looked at each other's face, and burst out laughing.


"Mi'ladies, would it be alright?"

The chauffeur said as he came out from the car. It seems that he was mindful of the situation and had refrained from greeting them until after their talk had concluded. Perhaps he couldn't come out earlier because the two of them were lightly quarreling at the time they were walking toward the car. Though now he probably surmised that the issue had been resolved since laughter had broken out.

"Good morning. Fukuzawa Yumi-sama, allow me to look after your luggage."

"Ah."

"That's how it is, you know. Yumi, since we're going to the summer house in this car, aren't we?"

"But..."

"This is how I go every year."

Yumi, being goldfish droppings<ref>金魚の糞 -- An expression referring to a person who tags along like excrement trailing behind a goldfish.</ref> to Sachiko-sama's summer plans, wasn't in a position where she could object. That aside, it was also one of her hidden objectives to follow onee-sama's usual behavior patterns during their trip.

"...okay."

Nodding assent, Yumi gave her luggage to the chauffeur. While thinking of what to do about the travel allowance that she had received from her mother, suddenly there was something she realized.

Her parasol wasn't there.

She was wearing her shoulder bag, cardigan, and hat. In her hand she held the cooler case that the lunch had been placed into. The basket, which she had just handed over, was in the car's trunk. But, only the white parasol wasn't to be found anywhere.

"What's the matter? Hurry up and get in."

Sachiko, who had already settled into the back seat, cracked open the door and said.

"Y-Yes."

Yumi hurried up and got into the car. An onee-sama's orders are an action that winds a petite soeur's spring. Though that might be limited to Yumi.


"What?"

Sachiko--sama asked.

"No. It's nothing."

Yumi smiled and shook her head.

After all, at this point if she said, "I can't find my umbrella," Sachiko-sama might put off the departure in order to go and search for it.

Though grateful, Yumi would also be troubled.

She didn't want to cause trouble for onee-sama, and she hated that even such a long-awaited outing should be stalled right from the start because of her.

"Chauffeur-san, let's go!"<ref>Yumi says this in English: レッツゴー</ref>

Though she thought, ''I wonder if I over did it'', for the sake of energizing the mood she raised her fist with abandon.

It was only a little while after the time she arrived here, but it felt that the shapes of people in the vicinity of the station had increased.

It was 6 o'clock in the morning.

The bus that Yumi always rode to school approached the station, spit out about 30 people, and departed in a state where it was mostly empty.

Afterwards, as if to follow, the black car left via the rotary at M Station's north entrance.


The parasol would be ok.

She probably just left it in her family's car.

Better not to worry about it. When compared to convenience store umbrella stands, that place was hundreds or thousands of times safer.

But.

Yumi's dream to walk the summer resort under the white parasol with onee-sama had evaporated like dew.

===4===

"Yumi"

Sachiko-sama said shortly after the car made it onto the main street.

"You're the type that's strong in cars?"

"''Strong in cars'', can you be saying…? That, um, are you asking whether or not I get carsick?"

Yumi asked in return. Because of what had happened just a short while ago, she had to be cautious so as to not hear incorrectly.

"You're saying there's something else?"

"No, it's just what if by chance, you were asking whether or not I am knowledgeable about many makes of cars?"

"That's stupid, isn't it?"

Sachiko-sama let out a small laugh.

"Um, and so?"

"You can use this, if you like."

She was presented a flimsy box. Attempting to open the box revealed a row of pink pills.

"This … is it travel sickness medicine?"

That would be natural based on the flow of the conversation.

"That's right. Since I took it at home..."

"Ah, I see."

It was a package of neatly aligned pills, but there were two empty spaces where the pills had been used up. Now that she thought about it, there was talk about going out in Kashiwagi-san's car the other day and Sachiko-sama being terribly car-sick.

In addition to being a car that she wasn't used to riding in, Sachiko-sama's car-sickness was probably a result of the accumulation of such unfavorable conditions as bad roads, anxiety, and Kashiwagi-san's (probably) extreme lack of skill at driving, however it seems that with this time expected to be a long-distance outing, even though it was an outing in her own car, she had still become worried.

"I'm fine."

With Yumi declining the medicine, Sachiko-sama said "That so?" and it was momentary, but a seemingly disappointed expression floated across her face. Although Yumi thought, ''I wonder if perhaps onee-sama wanted me to have done the same as her'', it was too late. The small box of medicine had already been returned to the pouch.


While pondering if, even now, her onee-sama would be glad were she to say, "On second thought, may I have some?" and accept the medicine, Yumi was unconsciously fiddling with the zipper of the cooler case on top of her knees, which lead to Sachiko-sama pointing with her finger and asking.

"What is that?"

By that, was she referring to this matter? The place Sachiko-sama's long white finger was pointing was just above Yumi's knees.

"This is a lunchbox."<ref>Yumi calls it an お弁当. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bento </ref>

The answer had come out sounding like translating an English sentence into Japanese.

"A lunchbox? Who made it?"

"My mom. Ah, shall we eat?"

"Is it ok?"

"Of course. She said for me to give some to onee-sama to eat as well."

She handed over bundle taken from out of the case. Sachiko-sama placed it on her own lap, and promptly set about undoing the knot.

"Yumi, isn't it wonderful. On things like outings and Sports Day<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_day </ref>, I've never had the experience of taking such a mother-made lunchbox."


"Oh? Is it that aunt Sayako-sama cannot cook?"

It was a bit unexpected. She gave of the impression of wearing a traditional cooking apron<ref>割烹着 - (kappōgi): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapp%C5%8Dgi </ref> and making stews and such. Still Yumi wondered if it wasn't unusual that rich housewives didn't touch housework.

"Her cooking is skilled. But, it takes a really long time. I wonder when it was, that I experienced returning home from a trip and she still hadn't finished. And so, mostly I take something along the lines of a lunch secretly prepared for me by the servants or, intended as insurance, a lunch ordered from a caterer ahead of time."

''Wow. That's something amazing.''

"Um, then… what about the portion that aunt-sama prepared?"

"Of course, it's delicious and I gratefully accept it. But, if I eat it at the house, that isn't 'lunch' anymore. It has changed it's name to 'dinner.'"

''Well, it could be said like that too.''

"Ah, but. If it's convenience-store nabeyaki -udon<ref>鍋焼きうどん - A sort of udon hot-pot, with seafood and vegetables cooked in a nabe, or metal pot: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon </ref>, as one would expect, she can prepare that quickly."

"…"

''Hey now, isn't that because you just remove the lid and put it on the stove… Ah, is there also the process for fine-tuning the fire strength? -- at any rate, aunt-sama sure is an extraordinary person.''


Setting that aside, Sachiko-sama appeared to have an interest in 'mother-made lunches.' Having opened the cloth bundle that looked half-way between a furoshiki<ref>Traditionally lunch boxes are wrapped in furoshiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furoshiki </ref> and bandana, Sachiko-sama delightedly removed the plastic container's lid.

"What lovely colors!"

Though the side dishes inside the container were leaning a bit to one side, Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes enraptured. With her having gazed at it for what seemed quite a while, Yumi was wondering if she would leave it as it was and close the lid with satisfaction, but Sachiko-sama gently plucked an asparagus and cheese bacon roll by it's toothpick, and bit into it.

"H-How is it?"

"It's delicious!"

And so, a heartened Yumi stabbed such things as fried white fish and cherry tomatoes onto a plastic fork, and spiritedly tried to smother<ref>The expression used here is: 世話を焼いてみた which means something along the lines of to trying to be too helpful. </ref> her onee-sama with service.

"Onee-sama, the onigiri<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref>'s nori<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nori </ref> , which way do you prefer it?"

"Nori?"

"Crisp or moist. My mom had been worrying about which way she would do the nori for the onigiri--"

Yumi held up the container packed with just the onigiri and then said:

"Ah, what's this… and so she made both types."

There were two each of black looking onigiri that had already been wrapped with seaweed and white onigiri that had been hand-formed, four in total. Forming a set with the white onigiri, nori had been placed into vinyl ziplock bags and included separately.<ref>nori sheets come dried out and stiff, but get soft as they absorb the moisture from the rice. So the pre-wrapped onigiri would have soft, moist nori, while the ones stored separately would stay crisp and crunchy.</ref>


"What's the filling?"

"It's Umeboshi<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>. During the hot season, it's customary at my house to use umeboshi, which have a preservative effect. Ah, that's right, it's also good for car sickness! … and so, crisp or moist, which will you choose?"

"Either is good. Speaking of which, lately it seems that even the convenience stores stock both types, don't they?"

Sachiko-sama got out a sheet of nori from the vinyl bag and took a white onigiri. ''I wonder if aunt Sayako-sama is still continuing her convenience store runs.''

Sachiko-sama finished her in-car breakfast, eating the onigiri, and one of each type of side dish. Yumi, who had become hungry from all the activity, also finished, eating one moist onigiri and suitable side dishes. Since it would be bad if only the two of them were eating, she invited the chauffeur-san as to partake as well, though, as one would expect, because both hands his hands were occupied, he had to decline.

"But, it looks delicious, doesn't it? Since we are planning to make a rest stop on the highway, at that time like that I'd be grateful to have some."

"Or, at a time when the car becomes unable to move due to traffic congestion, right?"

Sachiko-sama smiled while unfolding the lap-blanket.

"Thinking about that, I feel like I can't wait for the unpleasant congestion!"


In contrast to his words, chauffeur-san handled the steering-wheel lightly.

"Yumi, you should also make yourself comfortable. There is a long way yet to go."

While Yumi was returning the lunch to the cooler case, Sachiko-sama covered, not just her lap, but her whole body below the neck with the lap blanked. Perhaps because Chauffeur-san was accustomed to this, he didn't raise the temperature of the air-conditioning.

"Although it's bad of me, I'll sleep for a bit."

"Eh?"

"G'night."

After saying that, it seemed that the moment her eyes closed, sleeping breaths were heard.

(Eh!?)

That's... there are people who sleep for the trip's going and returning, but it was so early into their vacation that one says, "Already?!" After all, hardly 20 minutes had passed since they departed from M station.

Certainly, her feeling was that some of the enjoyment of going on a trip is the recreation on the bus until arriving at the destination. But in this way with just two of them, if one of them were to sleep, there was nothing to do.

"Onee-sama"

Still in the city, she was accustomed to seeing this scenery on her own and so it wasn't even interesting. Though there was another person in the car, you wouldn't play shiritori<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiritori </ref> with the chauffeur...

"Onee-sama"

Yumi nudged her for a bit, but Sachiko didn't even stir. It was as though she had taken sleeping pills or something.

Then she realized.

Onee-sama had said she took the travel-sickness medicine upon leaving from her house.

<< May cause drowsiness >>

The usage warning floated into Yumi's head and disappeared.

===5===

Almost like sulking in bed, Yumi closed her eyes, but upon entrusting her body to the car's vibration, drowsiness really did come.

If she though about it, she hardly slept at all last night.

A crestless white cabbage butterfly flew up from out of nowhere, luring Yumi through a cabbage field.

''That's so wrong.'' -- Yumi inserted a tsukkomi<ref>straight-man's retort in a comedy duo -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukkomi#tsukkomi </ref> into her own dream.

''It was a highland plateau, so instead of cabbage, wouldn't it something like white birch trees lining the road?''

''That's dumb, Yumi-san. There's no way that white birch grow on the summit of Mt. Fuji!'' --Yoshino-san laughed.


''How was it that Mt. Fuji appears here?'' Looking behind her, there Mt. Fuji was, unmistakably, towering in front of her eyes like depicted in paintings. A halo shone from Mt. Fuji, and taking a batting-pose on top was a Buddha-sama done with Jesus-sama's face. Worshiping this with a bewildered expression was Shimako-san, and, as Yumi drew near to her side, Shimako pulled out a fortune slip and presented it to her. When she opened the folded paper, there was written on it as a single word:

--''Many difficulties lie ahead.''<ref> 前途多難 </ref>

While these four characters were flying out of the screen with a kaboom as if CG<ref>Computer Graphics</ref>, she was roused by her shoulder being shaken.

"Yumi"

"Hnnna?"

"We're at the rest stop."<ref> This is written as "drive-in" (ドライブイン), so while it could be referring to something like a family restaurant, it's probably indicating a rest stop along the (toll?)highway -- particularly considering what the diver said earlier. </ref>

She wondered when they'd gotten on the highway. She hadn't noticed at all. ''And, from when has Sachiko-sama been awake?''

"Let's go to the restroom."

Having woken up suddenly, Yumi, unable to move her mouth and body well, rubbed her eyes and lollingly nodded her head like a waking toddler. She was already thankful enough that drool wasn't flowing.


"Though the road isn't that crowded yet, it would be good to get going just in case."

It was a weekday, and not the time of Obon homecoming rush, and we did leave early in the morning… although not smooth sailing, the cars were flowing without delay. However, they must not be careless. There was no way of knowing whether it would become majorly congested at any moment. When it becomes like that, humans in compact cars without toilets end up unable to cope.

"Your eyes, are they awake? We're getting out."

When she opened the door as she had been urged to do, the air that caressed her skin was stifling.

"Hot…"

The rest stop was to one side of the parking lot, and since there wasn't any shade, it was naturally hot. Even though the time of day was still considered mid-morning, hot air could be seen undulating as it rose up from the ground.

"Hey, Yumi. Walk properly!"

It seemed Yumi's brain was still half-asleep and she was teetering a bit. And so, Sachiko-sama took her hand and walked with her.

Although it was hot, she was a bit happy.

Certainly it was the matter of holding hands, but more than that, that they were going to the going to the restroom together…

''She's happy to be going to the restroom?'' It's scandalous, but although it might be strange, since happy things are happy, there's nothing to be done about it.

After all, with an onee-sama of a different school year, though it was common-sense, that was the reason why there couldn't be things like having lessons in the same classroom, and so at school during break-time there wasn't even a way to ask, "Let's go to the restroom together." Thus, this was a experience to be treasured.


Sachiko-sama's hand, which was cold at first from the air-conditioning, was warmed by the outside air and Yumi's hand, gradually becoming noticeably sweaty.

The woman's toilets were moderately crowded. Since it was summer vacation, there were grandmothers, mothers, elder sisters, and little girls all lined up. There was even the presence of a baby on a baby-bed happily working it's legs, after having it's diaper changed.

"When done, wash your hands and wait here."

"Okay."

Yumi nodded, as she lined up at the end of the queue.

"Oh look, next is Yumi's turn! The innermost one became empty!"

While never like a bossy garbage sorter<ref> The term used here (仕切り屋) is a person whose occupation is collecting and sorting garbage by use and type, but is used here to mean a bossy person giving out orders "like a garbage sorter". So I've kept a bit of both meanings to try to keep the original flavor.</ref>, an onee-sama who was briskly giving out instructions was reliable. Somehow returning Yumi back to when she was little, it had become a feeling similar to when she did outings with her mom.

By the time Yumi finished using the restroom and was washing her hands with the cold water, she'd finally come to be refreshed.

"How about we go and buy something like juice?"

Sachiko, who was standing at the neighboring wash basin, addressed the Yumi in the mirror.

"As thanks for the lunchbox, I'll buy the drinks."


"Umm…"

At times like these, it would've been fine to have straightforwardly given thanks for the meal. Onee-sama had come to want to do big-sister-like things from time to time.

"More than that, I want to eat ice cream."

Yumi placed the handkerchief she used to wipe her hands dry into her bag and turned forty-five degrees to her right, facing her real non-mirror reflected onee-sama.

"Guess it can't be helped."

While her words sounded like grumbling, Sachiko-sama looked a bit pleased.

They lined up at the rest stop's store for a bit, and bought soft-serve ice cream.

(''Though she had acted a bit spoiled--success!'')

Although Yumi's feet were no longer unsteady, she took her onee-sama's hand as they walked. In her right hand a delicious ice-cream, in her left hand her beloved onee-sama.

"It's hot, you know."

But, since she didn't break away from her, even while saying it like that, and that they continued to walk that way, said whether it was okay.

The black car really stood out, and they could immediately pick it out from amidst the multitude of cars and such. The chauffeur-san, who had taken a break at the same time as them, had already returned, and swung his hands to make the car's location apparent to the pair.

Sachiko-sama pulled Yumi's hand and quickened the pace a bit. The planned 15 minute break, had gone 5 minutes over.


"We'll leave right away. Finish eating quickly."

"Ye～s."<ref>Yumi draws out the sound of saying "yes" playfully: はあい.</ref>

''To be covered with soft-serve ice cream and melt with Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.''

''Her heart.''

''Not only was it cool, if she were to taste it, it would probably be pretty soft and sweet.''

''(Delicious!)''

--That was Yumi's brain already beginning to melt just like soft-serve ice cream.

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter2

2014-04-09T13:47:07Z

Rydenius: stylistic/grammar

==In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies==
===1===


Why is it impossible to go to sleep, only when one must quickly get as much sleep as possible for the next day -- like the day before hiking, or after staying up through the night for an exam?

''I must sleep. I must sleep.'' This forced idea would only force one awake, that's for sure. However, if one tries to hint oneself 'Don't think ''I must sleep'',' what waits ahead is just the inescapable bottomless swamp of sleeplessness. One will just sink deeper and deeper, and find no way to escape.

This effect manifests itself in the opposite way during times that one must not fall asleep, like in a lesson. ''I must not sleep. I must not sleep.'' Such commands will somehow be interpreted in the brain as urge to sleep.

So why not try giving the opposite command this time -- "I must not sleep" when early sleep is needed?

Unfortunately, the idea "I must sleep to prepare for tomorrow" was already stuck in a corner of the brain, so as expected, there is not way such a command could help with sleeping.

Because of that, when Yumi set foot in her dreams that night, it was already around two hours after she got into bed. Three hours was left before the alarm clock would be ringing.

"Good moooorning."

Yumi walked down the stairs with a grimace.

The morning came too early. Her eyelids didn't obey her brain to open. It was only five in the morning, that's why.

"Good morning, Yumi-chan. How great it is that it would be sunny today!"

Mom turned to Yumi with a smiling face from the kitchen, as she was making onigiri<ref>Japanese rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref>.

"What about breakfast? Do you feel like eating?"

"Hummmm"

What do you think, Yumi asked her stomach. Normally her stomach firmly feels like eating from the morning, but now her internal organs all seemed to be in a sleepy state.

"If you don't want rice, at least eat some yogurt. An empty stomach makes you easy to turn sick on vehicles."

"Okay."

Yumi opened the fridge and took out cereal, yogurt and strawberry jam. Her eyelids finally felt less heavy opening and closing when she was mixing stuff in her cafe au lait bowl.

On the dinning table lined neatly some wrapped umeboshi onigiri.

"I have prepared a lunchbox, so please help yourselves on the train. The lunchboxes on the trains are not bad, but somehow look dreary. Hiking always goes with mom's onigiri for sure!"

Mom opened the plastic basket lid and let Yumi look inside. Inside were fried white fish with herbs, pan-fried rolls with asparagus, cheese and bacon inside, and pan-fried petit tomatoes.

"That is splendid!"

Yumi muttered as she worked on her mix of yogurt and cereal. Those are mom's set menu for hiking. It seemed that mom anticipatingly woke up early that morning to make them.

"I have set aside two sets, so eat with Sachiko-sama."

"Thanks so much! Looks delicious."

Being appreciated for her work, Mom was so pleased that she started to share her profound knowledge on petit tomatoes' calyx. Just as Mom reached without reserve the topic of when is the best timing to wrap seaweed on onigiri, Dad entered the dining room with sleepy eyes, scratching his head.

"Oh, it's hiking?"

From the plate of leftover side-dishes, Dad picked a tomato and put it into his mouth.

"Yup."

"Oh it is today! That day for Yumi to stay ay the Ogasawara's summerhouse. When and where are you meeting again?"

"5:50 at the gates of M Station. Dad, you said you would drive me to the station, right?"

"Oh, that's right."

''Whoa.'' Dad clapped his hands once, reached out in the key case for his keys, and thrust his hand out.

''Whoa, Whoa. Dad looks like he is going to jump into the car any minute. Before that, Dad, do something to your pajama, your five o'clock shadow, your bedhead and the gum around your eyes!'' Yumi pushed Dad on his back and first led him to the bathroom.

Just at that time.

"Dad, you are just too good to Yumi. If it was for me, you will definitely just say 'Get off your butt and go!'"

Probably awoken by the noise on the first floor, Yuki got down from the second floor without anyone noticing, and was standing at the corridor outside the bathroom.

"Mornin'"

"Mornin'"

Wearing pajamas crumbled during sleeping, Yuki looked like an exact copy of Dad. Even their sleeping habits were astonishingly similar. What's it about those two?

"Yumi-chan is a girl, that's why."

Dad said as he squeezed toothpaste onto his toothbrush.

"And, she is so cute! I would never let her walk alone in a deserted street, and be abducted by some bad guy!"

"We are so blessed that you are our father!"

Yuki laughed.

True. It is already so great for him to point to his own daughter and claim unabashedly that she is so cute. Giving him a hug in return would be nice, but Yumi suppressed the idea as Dad was brushing his teeth. It would be a little problematic to leave the bathroom smeared with toothpaste foam.

"Haim wot hurried habout Huhi hor hat, horse his a buy."

Suddenly Dad said something alien.

"What?"

Haim what? Yumi would like to ask for clarification, but Yuki translated before that.

"I'm not worried about Yuki for that, because he is a guy, Dad said."

"Oh."

Invoked by such a line, Yumi gave a look at the human translation-machine.

"...Hey!"

Noticing what Yumi was thinking about, Yuki restrained his sister with a grim face that screamed "You don't dare to say anything unnecessary."

Of course not.

Dad. Your son is a guy, but he is so cute that he is being pursued by some bad guy now! -- Such words Yumi could never say, even if someone forced her mouth open.

Eluding from each other's glance, the Fukuzawa siblings did their routine errands in the morning, as if nothing had happened.

An agreement was reached: let the line they heard that morning be flushed down the bathroom drain, together with the water that washed Dad's shaver.

===2===


"Wow, that's some effort!"

Yumi was putting on her sandals and leaving the foyer, when she found Yuki outside retrieving the newspapers. Yuki looked up and down his sister's looks, and laughed out.

" Thanks for your compliment!"

Yumi pouted her lips a little and stared at her brother. It was a seventeen-year-old maiden's innocence to refuse to respond with a smile and a "You're right!"

"Welcome. It really looks good on you. The best performance so far, in fact."

"The last sentence is not needed!"

Sure it is a compliment to be praised her clothes look good on her, but Yuki's compliment didn't sound at all pleasing. Yumi rolled her fist into a ball, and threw it straight towards the head of her brother, who was to return with newspaper on one hand.

"But hey, you didn't wear a one-piece normally, did you?"

Yuki laughingly raised his arms to guard his head, and barely escaped.

"My uniform is a one-piece."

"No one would put this in the same league as a uniform, would they?"

"Yeah, I guess."

Yumi quietly loosened her fist.

In fact, she knew full well: she would be embarrassed wearing this newly bought, white, French-sleeved one-piece.

Maybe she was not used to wearing it. She was confused by this different self from normal.

The feeling was a little like the next day after having her hair cut. She could not even get used to herself in the mirror. How would other people look at her? She was worried. Even when she was complimented "It suits you well," she would get doubtful whether others were talking about their true feelings.

That was why she overreacted beyond her control upon the slightest wording stimulus. It was pitiful for Yuki to be there by chance and play on the delicate topic of dressing, but under his sister's light hysteria outburst, Yuki could only swallow down his misfortune and accept whatever was to come.

"About this one-piece,"

Yuki mumbled with his arms crossed. Did he not receive his lesson and continue to babble? Yumi thought, but she was so curious of Yuki's comment that she decided to listen.

"... in it you look like a cabbage butterfly<ref>紋白蝶, kanji directly translated as "white-background striped butterfly"</ref>."

It was neither a compliment nor a compliant, just plain impression. But Yumi was drawn into such description very much.

Cabbage butterfly.

A one-piece like a white butterfly.

It was of a simple design, with no lace or patterns, but only a ribbon at the back. The lack of decorations makes the one-piece look very elegant.

Of course, Yumi made this very conscious choice so as not to embarrass the Onee-sama together with her. However, Yumi could never push away her doubts: was the person wearing the one-piece the real misfit? Was it a good idea for someone like her to wear the one-piece? However, if it was a one-piece like a white butterfly, Yumi's feeling became much less heavy.

Light, soft and gentle.

A cabbage butterfly commonly seen on a cabbage field represented Yumi much better than a glorious birdwing butterfly<ref>アゲハ, scientific name "Ornithoptera"</ref>.

However, Yumi just could not give her thanks to the bragging Yuki. It was too shameful to give Yuki the impression that her feelings took a U-turn due to just one comment.

"There is no stripes on this one-piece though."<ref>Translator: Cabbage butterfly in Japanese literally means "white-background striped butterfly".</ref>

"Is that supposed to be a joke?"

"Sheesh."

Yumi laughed out despite herself. Yuki joined her in laughter. It was a uninteresting feeble joke, but once they started laughing, they could not stop themselves for a while.

"Hey, Yumi-chan. Lunchboxes."

Mom who walked out of the door handed Yumi the temperature-preserving case with an amazed expression. Dad was taking the car out of the garage, and trying to parallel-park right in front of the house.

5:30 am.

It was early morning, so the roads were empty. In 15 minutes, they would arrive at M station with quite some spare time. The meeting place was at the station gate. Okay. Everything was on schedule.

To avoid feeling cold in the air-conditioned train carts, Yumi pulled a light green cardigan around her neck. Oh, a hat. Also, never forget to bring along the white parasol she bought with all her savings just this summer.

"Anything missing?"

"Nope."

Yumi lifted her travelling bag. It was a rectangular cane basket Mom used when she was young.

"handkerchief, tissue, purse... you have them with you?"

"Yeah, yeah. Don't worry. See?"

Yumi stick out her back and showed Mom a small shoulder bag that shaped like a pochette. Every small things was inside the bag.

"Are you sure you haven't missed anything when arranging your baggage for the last time? If you find anything missing, call us. We will send it you by home delivery."

"Oookay."

Mom kept sticking behind Yumi and talking about things Yumi should be careful about. No matter how old Yumi would become, Mom would probably take care of every detail like treating a kid.

"Sachiko-sama would be taking care of the train tickets, right? Remember to pay Sachiko-sama back the train fee, as soon as possible!"

"Okay, okay."

Taking everything along, Yumi got into the car's back seat.

"Madam , where would you like to go?"

Dad turned back from the driver's seat and smiled.

"M Station, please."

"My pleasure, madam."

After the door was closed, Yuki walked near the car and knocked on the window.

"What?"

Yumi drew down the window, and Yuki poked her cheek with his pointing finger.

"Relax, relax. It is a just summerhouse, right?"

''Do I look so tense?'' Yumi followed Yuki and poked her cheek, and realized that her face muscles was growing tense from some time ago.

"It is not like you are going to a battlefield. So just sit back and relax during this short vacation treat."

"...Thanks."

Yuki left the car, so Dad quietly started the car.

"This brother of yours is pretty reliable, isn't he?"

"Yeah. I even felt defeated."

Well, though she felt defeated from a long time ago.

Looking back, Mom and Yuki was still standing in front of the house. They were facing the car and waving, despite that they had turned very small already.

(Relax. Relax.)

Yumi gave a slight effort to mimic Yuki, and repeated the word in her heart.

''Right. No point to get tense all over.''

''It is just a summerhouse, right?''

''It is a trip to enjoy some fun time with Onee-sama, right?''

===3===


Yumi arrived at the ticket gate of M Station five minutes before the meeting time.

No young lady in Sachiko-sama's age could be found there, but after two minutes of waiting, a lady approached from a corner of the North Exit.

The lady had a cream white summer sweater inside her matching cardigan, and slim jeans that flow along her long legs. Walking in brisk steps, the lady found Yumi and waved her hands lightly.

It was so different from her usual image that Yumi did not pay attention in the first place. However.

"Yumi."

The calling voice was the same. The gradually approaching face was the same.

"O-ooooooooh?"

Without a doubt, it was Ogasawara Sachiko.

"''Doh-doh-doh...''"

Like always, the confused Yumi started to drill holes on the street under construction. Hey, in Yumi's expanding imagination, when the daughter of the Ogasawara family pays a visit to the summerhouse, she would definitely be wearing a one-piece or a flaring skirt. Yumi chose the one-piece in order to suit her Onee-sama. So why the jeans? Onee-sama's appearance now was actually closer to Yumi's usual style.

So the "''doh''" in Yumi's string of "''Doh-doh-doh...''" is for "''doushite?'' (Why?)"

"Good morning."

Sachiko-sama put her hand around Yumi's chest as usual, but realized that Yumi was not wearing a tie. There was not even a lapel to Yumi's pristine collar, so instead Sachiko touched Yumi's collar and smiled.

"Good morning."

The greeting was not the usual "Good day." It might be because they were not at school. It might be because the time was actually early morning. However, such a small inconsistency was not at all irritating.

"What a cute one-piece. It suits you well."

It might just be a common compliment, but being complimented by Onee-sama was itself gratifying. Yumi barely tied down her blown-away heart, and smiled back.

"Onee-sama, those jeans suits you very well too."

The jeans, though causal-looking, are one of those expensive kinds. They looked very similar to those appeared in a vintage fashion show Yumi had watched on television before. Those jeans on television was eye-popping expensive; so expensive that one could buy a huge fridge with the money.

[[image:MM v12 004.jpg|thumb|right]]
"Yes. From time to time, I wear at home the jeans you have chosen for me on our Valentine date. My grandpa saw them, and bought this pair for me."

Jeans that the president of the Ogasawara Group had requested himself -- then no doubt the jeans were the real thing.

Without any sense of pity, Sachiko-sama cut the jeans to her size and wore them. Yumi could gradually feel distortion to her sense of money.

"So, let's go."

Yumi was still digesting her Onee-sama's words when Sachiko-sama turned back and retraced her steps.

"Oh?"

Yumi cocked her head.

Let's go, Onee-sama said. The ticket gate was here.

However, Sachiko-sama walked further and further to the north. Continuing walking, she would get out of the north exit. In order to ride on the train, however, they had to pass the gate and wait at the platform for the train.

Yumi decided to chase Sachiko-sama for the time being. Then she realized.

Onee-sama's hands were empty.

No way, Yumi thought, but Sachiko-sama had already walked down the stairs. Yumi also caught sight of a black car, waiting slightly away from the north exit roundabout.

Without mistake, that car was the Ogasawara's home car. Though it is a home car, the driver was not anyone in the Ogasawara family, but a driver.

"Why are you so surprised? Haven't I said that we are going by car?"

Sachiko-sama turned back and said to Yumi, whose brain was stuck due to the unmatching reality.

"No, I heard nothing of that."

Yumi had just learnt of it.

However, Sachiko-sama looked very confident, and Yumi started to become unsettled.

"I have said so."

"But"

Yumi didn't heard of it, that was the truth. Yumi could never say "I have heard it," just to save Onee-sama's face.

"I have said so."

"Never heard of it."

Neither side would give way.

Then which side was telling the truth?

No, it was too early to conclude so. Both sides were holding the unwavering belief that their standpoint was right.

Speaking of that, the same thing happened once before. In the treasure hunt event, the two had argued about how deep Yumi had dug for the hidden card. At that time, Tsutako-san intervened, and the argument was somehow cleared with everyone satisfied, even though the mystery was not solved.

Unfortunately, there was no friend here now to step up and make a judgment.

(Anybody...)

Yumi looked around, and her glance met the driver, who was in standby mode in the black car's driver seat. Yumi hastily gave a slight nod.

There was no way the driver could untie the tangled web of misunderstanding. Yumi had to put out her own effort here.

"Onee-sama, do you remember that I had asked your opinion whether I should book train tickets beforehand?"

"Yes, of course."

Onee-sama nodded.

"And I replied, 'Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle this matter.<ref>Sachiko's understanding: 「'''その件'''はうちの者に行かせるから任せて」"Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle '''this matter'''." </ref>'"

"Yes."

In the end, the two began to rehearse what they had said.

"Then what did you say, Yumi?"

"'Then I would leave it to you.'"

"See, you had acknowledged my suggestion, hadn't you?"

"Pardon?"

Why? Yumi's eyes began to roll.

"Wasn't it that I leave it to you to buy the train tickets?<ref>Yumi's understanding: 「'''その券'''はうちの者に行かせるから任せて」"Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle '''the tickets'''."</ref>"

"Pardon?"

Then the two finally realized. No way--

"This matter (その件)" and "The tickets (その券)" ?<ref>The pronunciation for "This matter (その件)" and "The tickets (その券)" are the same.</ref>

"You are kidding."

"That is so silly."

Unbelievable. The two was stuck in such a clumsy misunderstanding.

"B-but, that would not equal 'going by car,' would it?"

Even if Sachiko-sama was saying "this matter" instead of "the tickets," she was telling Yumi to rely on her for arranging transportation. They could go by bike, by bus, by local trains, by Bullet train, by plane (not in this case, of course), etc. How could Yumi judge it was by car?

"But I definitely had said that we were going by car."

Sachiko-sama said with a light laugh, apparently enjoying the gradually funny scenario.

"By car, right?"

"Yes, by car."

"Car... c-a-r..."

Like solving a puzzle, the two teamed up to make it clear why such a misunderstanding took place.

"C-a-r... C-a-r..."

Yumi replayed her memory around the "This matter (ticket)" line, and searched for the keyword "car."

"Oh."

"What is it?"

Sachiko-sama asked with sparkling eyes.

"Well, at that time I was thinking about when Onee-sama should leave home..."

Yumi slowly put what she remembered into words.

"Yes. I did not know how much time it takes to travel in the morning."

"In the end, after you said that you might arrive a little before our meeting time..."

"Then?"

"You said, 'It is all right for me. If I arrive early, I would kill time before you arrive.'" <ref> Yumi's understanding: 「早く着いたら、'''来るまで'''時間つぶしているからいいわ」"If I arrive early, I would kill time '''before you arrive'''." </ref>

"Yes, I did say so. So what is about it?"

Sachiko-sama gave a blank stare.

"I was saying I would arrive a little earlier, instead of you waiting for me at the gate. It is all right with me, because I can wait in my car with air conditioning... <ref>Sachiko's understanding: 「早く着いたら、'''車で'''時間つぶしているからいいわ」If I arrive early, I would kill time '''in the car'''." </ref> Hey!"

Sachiko-sama finally got it.

This time, it was "before you arrive (来るまで)" and "in the car (車で)." <ref>The pronunciation for "before you come(来るまで)" and "in the car (車で)" are the same.</ref>

"Ha"

"Hahaha"

The funniness exploded like spring-water gushing out. The two looked at each other's face, and burst out laughing.


"Mi'ladies, would it be alright?"

The chauffeur said as he came out from the car. It seems that he was mindful of the situation and had refrained from greeting them until after their talk had concluded. Perhaps he couldn't come out earlier because the two of them were lightly quarreling at the time they were walking toward the car. Though now he probably surmised that the issue had been resolved since laughter had broken out.

"Good morning. Fukuzawa Yumi-sama, allow me to look after your luggage."

"Ah."

"That's how it is, you know. Yumi, since we're going to the summer house in this car, aren't we?"

"But..."

"This is how I go every year."

Yumi, being goldfish droppings<ref>金魚の糞 -- An expression referring to a person who tags along like excrement trailing behind a goldfish.</ref> to Sachiko-sama's summer plans, wasn't in a position where she could object. That aside, it was also one of her hidden objectives to follow onee-sama's usual behavior patterns during their trip.

"...okay."

Nodding assent, Yumi gave her luggage to the chauffeur. While thinking of what to do about the travel allowance that she had received from her mother, suddenly there was something she realized.

Her parasol wasn't there.

She was wearing her shoulder bag, cardigan, and hat. In her hand she held the cooler case that the lunch had been placed into. The basket, which she had just handed over, was in the car's trunk. But, only the white parasol wasn't to be found anywhere.

"What's the matter? Hurry up and get in."

Sachiko, who had already settled into the back seat, cracked open the door and said.

"Y-Yes."

Yumi hurried up and got into the car. An onee-sama's orders are an action that winds a petite soeur's spring. Though that might be limited to Yumi.


"What?"

Sachiko--sama asked.

"No. It's nothing."

Yumi smiled and shook her head.

After all, at this point if she said, "I can't find my umbrella," Sachiko-sama might put off the departure in order to go and search for it.

Though grateful, Yumi would also be troubled.

She didn't want to cause trouble for onee-sama, and she hated that even such a long-awaited outing should be stalled right from the start because of her.

"Chauffeur-san, let's go!"<ref>Yumi says this in English: レッツゴー</ref>

Though she thought, ''I wonder if I over did it'', for the sake of energizing the mood she raised her fist with abandon.

It was only a little while after the time she arrived here, but it felt that the shapes of people in the vicinity of the station had increased.

It was 6 o'clock in the morning.

The bus that Yumi always rode to school approached the station, spit out about 30 people, and departed in a state where it was mostly empty.

Afterwards, as if to follow, the black car left via the rotary at M Station's north entrance.


The parasol would be ok.

She probably just left it in her family's car.

Better not to worry about it. When compared to convenience store umbrella stands, that place was hundreds or thousands of times safer.

But.

Yumi's dream to walk the summer resort under the white parasol with onee-sama had evaporated like dew.

===4===

"Yumi"

Sachiko-sama said shortly after the car made it onto the main street.

"You're the type that's strong in cars?"

"''Strong in cars'', can you be saying…? That, um, are you asking whether or not I get carsick?"

Yumi asked in return. Because of what had happened just a short while ago, she had to be cautious so as to not hear incorrectly.

"You're saying there's something else?"

"No, it's just what if by chance, you were asking whether or not I am knowledgeable about many makes of cars?"

"That's stupid, isn't it?"

Sachiko-sama let out a small laugh.

"Um, and so?"

"You can use this, if you like."

She was presented a flimsy box. Attempting to open the box revealed a row of pink pills.

"This … is it travel sickness medicine?"

That would be natural based on the flow of the conversation.

"That's right. Since I took it at home..."

"Ah, I see."

It was a package of neatly aligned pills, but there were two empty spaces where the pills had been used up. Now that she thought about it, there was talk about going out in Kashiwagi-san's car the other day and Sachiko-sama being terribly car-sick.

In addition to being a car that she wasn't used to riding in, Sachiko-sama's car-sickness was probably a result of the accumulation of such unfavorable conditions as bad roads, anxiety, and Kashiwagi-san's (probably) extreme lack of skill at driving, however it seems that with this time expected to be a long-distance outing, even though it was an outing in her own car, she had still become worried.

"I'm fine."

With Yumi declining the medicine, Sachiko-sama said "That so?" and it was momentary, but a seemingly disappointed expression floated across her face. Although Yumi thought, ''I wonder if perhaps onee-sama wanted me to have done the same as her'', it was too late. The small box of medicine had already been returned to the pouch.


While pondering if, even now, her onee-sama would be glad were she to say, "On second thought, may I have some?" and accept the medicine, Yumi was unconsciously fiddling with the zipper of the cooler case on top of her knees, which lead to Sachiko-sama pointing with her finger and asking.

"What is that?"

By that, was she referring to this matter? The place Sachiko-sama's long white finger was pointing was just above Yumi's knees.

"This is a lunchbox."<ref>Yumi calls it an お弁当. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bento </ref>

The answer had come out sounding like translating an English sentence into Japanese.

"A lunchbox? Who made it?"

"My mom. Ah, shall we eat?"

"Is it ok?"

"Of course. She said for me to give some to onee-sama to eat as well."

She handed over bundle taken from out of the case. Sachiko-sama placed it on her own lap, and promptly set about undoing the knot.

"Yumi, isn't it wonderful. On things like outings and Sports Day<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_day </ref>, I've never had the experience of taking such a mother-made lunchbox."


"Oh? Is it that aunt Sayako-sama cannot cook?"

It was a bit unexpected. She gave of the impression of wearing a traditional cooking apron<ref>割烹着 - (kappōgi): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapp%C5%8Dgi </ref> and making stews and such. Still Yumi wondered if it wasn't unusual that rich housewives didn't touch housework.

"Her cooking is skilled. But, it takes a really long time. I wonder when it was, that I experienced returning home from a trip and she still hadn't finished. And so, mostly I take something along the lines of a lunch secretly prepared for me by the servants or, intended as insurance, a lunch ordered from a caterer ahead of time."

''Wow. That's something amazing.''

"Um, then… what about the portion that aunt-sama prepared?"

"Of course, it's delicious and I gratefully accept it. But, if I eat it at the house, that isn't 'lunch' anymore. It has changed it's name to 'dinner.'"

''Well, it could be said like that too.''

"Ah, but. If it's convenience-store nabeyaki -udon<ref>鍋焼きうどん - A sort of udon hot-pot, with seafood and vegetables cooked in a nabe, or metal pot: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon </ref>, as one would expect, she can prepare that quickly."

"…"

''Hey now, isn't that because you just remove the lid and put it on the stove… Ah, is there also the process for fine-tuning the fire strength? -- at any rate, aunt-sama sure is an extraordinary person.''


Setting that aside, Sachiko-sama appeared to have an interest in 'mother-made lunches.' Having opened the cloth bundle that looked half-way between a furoshiki<ref>Traditionally lunch boxes are wrapped in furoshiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furoshiki </ref> and bandana, Sachiko-sama delightedly removed the plastic container's lid.

"What lovely colors!"

Though the side dishes inside the container were leaning a bit to one side, Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes enraptured. With her having gazed at it for what seemed quite a while, Yumi was wondering if she would leave it as it was and close the lid with satisfaction, but Sachiko-sama gently plucked an asparagus and cheese bacon roll by it's toothpick, and bit into it.

"H-How is it?"

"It's delicious!"

And so, a heartened Yumi stabbed such things as fried white fish and cherry tomatoes onto a plastic fork, and spiritedly tried to smother<ref>The expression used here is: 世話を焼いてみた which means something along the lines of to trying to be too helpful. </ref> her onee-sama with service.

"Onee-sama, the onigiri<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref>'s nori<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nori </ref> , which way do you prefer it?"

"Nori?"

"Crisp or moist. My mom had been worrying about which way she would do the nori for the onigiri--"

Yumi held up the container packed with just the onigiri and then said:

"Ah, what's this… and so she made both types."

There were two each of black looking onigiri that had already been wrapped with seaweed and white onigiri that had been hand-formed, four in total. Forming a set with the white onigiri, nori had been placed into vinyl ziplock bags and included separately.<ref>nori sheets come dried out and stiff, but get soft as they absorb the moisture from the rice. So the pre-wrapped onigiri would have soft, moist nori, while the ones stored separately would stay crisp and crunchy.</ref>


"What's the filling?"

"It's Umeboshi<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>. During the hot season, it's customary at my house to use umeboshi, which have a preservative effect. Ah, that's right, it's also good for car sickness! … and so, crisp or moist, which will you choose?"

"Either is good. Speaking of which, lately it seems that even the convenience stores stock both types, don't they?"

Sachiko-sama got out a sheet of nori from the vinyl bag and took a white onigiri. ''I wonder if aunt Sayako-sama is still continuing her convenience store runs.''

Sachiko-sama finished her in-car breakfast, eating the onigiri, and one of each type of side dish. Yumi, who had become hungry from all the activity, also finished, eating one moist onigiri and suitable side dishes. Since it would be bad if only the two of them were eating, she invited the chauffeur-san as to partake as well, though, as one would expect, because both hands his hands were occupied, he had to decline.

"But, it looks delicious, doesn't it? Since we are planning to make a rest stop on the highway, at that time like that I'd be grateful to have some."

"Or, at a time when the car becomes unable to move due to traffic congestion, right?"

Sachiko-sama smiled while unfolding the lap-blanket.

"Thinking about that, I feel like I can't wait for the unpleasant congestion!"


In contrast to his words, chauffeur-san handled the steering-wheel lightly.

"Yumi, you should also make yourself comfortable. There is a long way yet to go."

While Yumi was returning the lunch to the cooler case, Sachiko-sama covered, not just her lap, but her whole body below the neck with the lap blanked. Perhaps because Chauffeur-san was accustomed to this, he didn't raise the temperature of the air-conditioning.

"Although it's bad of me, I'll sleep for a bit."

"Eh?"

"G'night."

After saying that, it seemed that the moment her eyes closed, sleeping breaths were heard.

(Eh!?)

That's... there are people who sleep for the trip's going and returning, but it was so early into their vacation that one says, "Already?!" After all, hardly 20 minutes had passed since they departed from M station.

Certainly, her feeling was that some of the enjoyment of going on a trip is the recreation on the bus until arriving at the destination. But in this way with just two of them, if one of them were to sleep, there was nothing to do.

"Onee-sama"

Still in the city, she was accustomed to seeing this scenery on her own and so it wasn't even interesting. Though there was another person in the car, you wouldn't play shiritori<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiritori </ref> with the chauffeur...

"Onee-sama"

Yumi nudged her for a bit, but Sachiko didn't even stir. It was as though she had taken sleeping pills or something.

Then she realized.

Onee-sama had said she took the travel-sickness medicine upon leaving from her house.

<< May cause drowsiness >>

The usage warning floated into Yumi's head and disappeared.

===5===

Almost like sulking in bed, Yumi closed her eyes, but upon entrusting her body to the car's vibration, drowsiness really did come.

If she though about it, she hardly slept at all last night.

A crestless white cabbage butterfly flew up from out of nowhere, luring Yumi through a cabbage field.

''That's so wrong.'' -- Yumi inserted a tsukkomi<ref>straight-man's retort in a comedy duo -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukkomi#tsukkomi </ref> into her own dream.

''It was a highland plateau, so instead of cabbage, wouldn't it something like white birch trees lining the road?''

''That's dumb, Yumi-san. There's no way that white birch grow on the summit of Mt. Fuji!'' --Yoshino-san laughed.


''How was it that Mt. Fuji appears here?'' Looking behind her, there Mt. Fuji was, unmistakably, towering in front of her eyes like depicted in paintings. A halo shone from Mt. Fuji, and taking a batting-pose on top was a Buddha-sama done with Jesus-sama's face. Worshiping this with a bewildered expression was Shimako-san, and, as Yumi drew near to her side, Shimako pulled out a fortune slip and presented it to her. When she opened the folded paper, there was written on it as a single word:

--''Many difficulties lie ahead.''<ref> 前途多難 </ref>

While these four characters were flying out of the screen with a kaboom as if CG<ref>Computer Graphics</ref>, she was roused by her shoulder being shaken.

"Yumi"

"Hnnna?"

"We're at the rest stop."<ref> This is written as "drive-in" (ドライブイン), so while it could be referring to something like a family restaurant, it's probably indicating a rest stop along the (toll?)highway -- particularly considering what the diver said earlier. </ref>

She wondered when they'd gotten on the highway. She hadn't noticed at all. ''And, from when has Sachiko-sama been awake?''

"Let's go to the restroom."

Having woken up suddenly, Yumi, unable to move her mouth and body well, rubbed her eyes and lollingly nodded her head like a waking toddler. She was already thankful enough that drool wasn't flowing.


"Though the road isn't that crowded yet, it would be good to get going just in case."

It was a weekday, and not the time of Obon homecoming rush, and we did leave early in the morning… although not smooth sailing, the cars were flowing without delay. However, they must not be careless. There was no way of knowing whether it would become majorly congested at any moment. When it becomes like that, humans in compact cars without toilets end up unable to cope.

"Your eyes, are they awake? We're getting out."

When she opened the door as she had been urged to do, the air that caressed her skin was stifling.

"Hot…"

The rest stop was to one side of the parking lot, and since there wasn't any shade, it was naturally hot. Even though the time of day was still considered mid-morning, hot air could be seen undulating as it rose up from the ground.

"Hey, Yumi. Walk properly!"

It seemed Yumi's brain was still half-asleep and she was teetering a bit. And so, Sachiko-sama took her hand and walked with her.

Although it was hot, she was a bit happy.

Certainly it was the matter of holding hands, but more than that, that they were going to the going to the restroom together…

''She's happy to be going to the restroom?'' It's scandalous, but although it might be strange, since happy things are happy, there's nothing to be done about it.

After all, with an onee-sama of a different school year, though it was common-sense, that was the reason why there couldn't be things like having lessons in the same classroom, and so at school during break-time there wasn't even a way to ask, "Let's go to the restroom together." Thus, this was a experience to be treasured.


Sachiko-sama's hand, which was cold at first from the air-conditioning, was warmed by the outside air and Yumi's hand, gradually becoming noticeably sweaty.

The woman's toilets were moderately crowded. Since it was summer vacation, there were grandmothers, mothers, elder sisters, and little girls all lined up. There was even the presence of a baby on a baby-bed happily working it's legs, after having it's diaper changed.

"When done, wash your hands and wait here."

"Okay."

Yumi nodded, as she lined up at the end of the queue.

"Oh look, next is Yumi's turn! The innermost one became empty!"

While never like a bossy garbage sorter<ref> The term used here (仕切り屋) is a person whose occupation is collecting and sorting garbage by use and type, but is used here to mean a bossy person giving out orders "like a garbage sorter". So I've kept a bit of both meanings to try to keep the original flavor.</ref>, an onee-sama who was briskly giving out instructions was reliable. Somehow returning Yumi back to when she was little, it had become a feeling similar to when she did outings with her mom.

By the time Yumi finished using the restroom and was washing her hands with the cold water, she'd finally come to be refreshed.

"How about we go and buy something like juice?"

Sachiko, who was standing at the neighboring wash basin, addressed the Yumi in the mirror.

"As thanks for the lunchbox, I'll buy the drinks."


"Umm…"

At times like these, it would've been fine to have straightforwardly given thanks for the meal. Onee-sama had come to want to do big-sister-like things from time to time.

"More than that, I want to eat ice cream."

Yumi placed the handkerchief she used to wipe her hands dry into her bag and turned forty-five degrees to her right, facing her real non-mirror reflected onee-sama.

"Guess it can't be helped."

While her words sounded like grumbling, Sachiko-sama looked a bit pleased.

They lined up at the rest stop's store for a bit, and bought soft-serve ice cream.

(''Though she had acted a bit spoiled--success!'')

Although Yumi's feet were no longer unsteady, she took her onee-sama's hand as they walked. In her right hand a delicious ice-cream, in her left hand her beloved onee-sama.

"It's hot, you know."

But, since she didn't break away from her, even while saying it like that, and that they continued to walk that way, said whether it was okay.

The black car really stood out, and they could immediately pick it out from amidst the multitude of cars and such. The chauffeur-san, who had taken a break at the same time as them, had already returned, and swung his hands to make the car's location apparent to the pair.

Sachiko-sama pulled Yumi's hand and quickened the pace a bit. The planned 15 minute break, had gone 5 minutes over.


"We'll leave right away. Finish eating quickly."

"Ye～s."<ref>Yumi draws out the sound of saying "yes" playfully: はあい.</ref>

''To be covered with soft-serve ice cream and melt with Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.''

''Her heart.''

''Not only was it cool, if she were to taste it, it would probably be pretty soft and sweet.''

''(Delicious!)''

--That was Yumi's brain already beginning to melt just like soft-serve ice cream.

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter2

2014-04-09T13:33:00Z

Rydenius: spelling/grammar

==In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies==
===1===


Why is it impossible to go to sleep, only when one must quickly get as much sleep as possible for the next day -- like the day before hiking, or after staying up through the night for an exam?

''I must sleep. I must sleep.'' This forced idea would only force one awake, that's for sure. However, if one tries to hint oneself 'Don't think ''I must sleep'',' what waits ahead is just the inescapable bottomless swamp of sleeplessness. One will just sink deeper and deeper, and find no way to escape.

This effect manifests itself in the opposite way during times that one must not fall asleep, like in a lesson. ''I must not sleep. I must not sleep.'' Such commands will somehow be interpreted in the brain as urge to sleep.

So why not try giving the opposite command this time -- "I must not sleep" when early sleep is needed?

Unfortunately, the idea "I must sleep to prepare for tomorrow" was already stuck in a corner of the brain, so as expected, there is not way such a command could help with sleeping.

Because of that, when Yumi set foot in her dreams that night, it was already around two hours after she got into bed. Three hours was left before the alarm clock would be ringing.

"Good moooorning."

Yumi walked down the stairs with a grimace.

The morning came too early. Her eyelids didn't obey her brain to open. It was only five in the morning, that's why.

"Good morning, Yumi-chan. How great it is that it would be sunny today!"

Mom turned to Yumi with a smiling face from the kitchen, as she was making onigiri<ref>Japanese rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref>.

"What about breakfast? Do you feel like eating?"

"Hummmm"

What do you think, Yumi asked her stomach. Normally her stomach firmly feels like eating from the morning, but now her internal organs all seemed to be in a sleepy state.

"If you don't want rice, at least eat some yogurt. An empty stomach makes you easy to turn sick on vehicles."

"Okay."

Yumi opened the fridge and took out cereal, yogurt and strawberry jam. Her eyelids finally felt less heavy opening and closing when she was mixing stuff in her cafe au lait bowl.

On the dinning table lined neatly some wrapped umeboshi onigiri.

"I have prepared a lunchbox, so please help yourselves on the train. The lunchboxes on the trains are not bad, but somehow look dreary. Hiking always goes with mom's onigiri for sure!"

Mom opened the plastic basket lid and let Yumi look inside. Inside were fried white fish with herbs, pan-fried rolls with asparagus, cheese and bacon inside, and pan-fried petit tomatoes.

"That is splendid!"

Yumi muttered as she worked on her mix of yogurt and cereal. Those are mom's set menu for hiking. It seemed that mom anticipatingly woke up early that morning to make them.

"I have set aside two sets, so eat with Sachiko-sama."

"Thanks so much! Looks delicious."

Being appreciated for her work, Mom was so pleased that she started to share her profound knowledge on petit tomatoes' calyx. Just as Mom reached without reserve the topic of when is the best timing to wrap seaweed on onigiri, Dad entered the dining room with sleepy eyes, scratching his head.

"Oh, it's hiking?"

From the plate of leftover side-dishes, Dad picked a tomato and put it into his mouth.

"Yup."

"Oh it is today! That day for Yumi to stay ay the Ogasawara's summerhouse. When and where are you meeting again?"

"5:50 at the gates of M Station. Dad, you said you would drive me to the station, right?"

"Oh, that's right."

Oh, Dad. He clapped his hands once, reached out in the key case for his keys, and thrust his hand out.

Oh, Dad looks like he is going to jump into the car any minute. Before that, Dad, do something to your pajama, your five o'clock shadow, your bedhead and the gum around your eyes! Yumi pushed Dad on his back and first led him to the bathroom.

Just at that time.

"Dad, you are just too good to Yumi. If it was for me, you will definitely just say 'Get your butt off and go!'"

Probably awaken by the noise on the first floor, Yuki got down from the second floor without anyone noticing, and was standing at the corridor outside the bathroom.

"Mornin'"

"Mornin'"

Wearing pajamas crumbled during sleeping, Yuki looked like an exact copy of Dad. Even their sleeping habits were astonishingly similar. What's it about those two?

"Yumi-chan is a girl, that's why."

Dad said as he squeezed toothpaste onto his toothbrush.

"And, she is so cute! I would never let her walk alone in a deserted street, and be abducted by some bad guy!"

"We are so blessed that you are our father!"

Yuki laughed.

True. It is already so great for him to point to his own daughter and claim unabashedly that she is so cute. Giving him a hug in return would be nice, but Yumi suppressed the idea as Dad was brushing his teeth. It would be a little problematic to leave the bathroom smeared with toothpaste foam.

"Haim wot hurried habout Huhi hor hat, horse his a buy."

Suddenly Dad said something alien.

"What?"

Haim what? Yumi would like to ask for clarification, but Yuki translated before that.

"I'm not worried about Yuki for that, because he is a guy, Dad said."

"Oh."

Invoked by such a line, Yumi gave a look at the human translation-machine.

"...Hey!"

Noticing what Yumi was thinking about, Yuki restrained his sister with a grim face that screamed "You don't dare to say anything unnecessary."

Of course not.

Dad. Your son is a guy, but he is so cute that he is being pursued by some bad guy now! -- Such words Yumi could never say, even if someone forced her mouth open.

Eluding from each other's glance, the Fukuzawa siblings did their routine errands in the morning, as if nothing had happened.

An agreement was reached: let the line they heard that morning be flushed down the bathroom drain, together with the water that washed Dad's shaver.

===2===


"Wow, that's some effort!"

Yumi was putting on her sandals and leaving the foyer, when she found Yuki outside retrieving the newspapers. Yuki looked up and down his sister's looks, and laughed out.

" Thanks for your compliment!"

Yumi pouted her lips a little and stared at her brother. It was a seventeen-year-old maiden's innocence to refuse to respond with a smile and a "You're right!"

"Welcome. It really looks good on you. The best performance so far, in fact."

"The last sentence is not needed!"

Sure it is a compliment to be praised her clothes look good on her, but Yuki's compliment didn't sound at all pleasing. Yumi rolled her fist into a ball, and threw it straight towards the head of her brother, who was to return with newspaper on one hand.

"But hey, you didn't wear a one-piece normally, did you?"

Yuki laughingly raised his arms to guard his head, and barely escaped.

"My uniform is a one-piece."

"No one would put this in the same league as a uniform, would they?"

"Yeah, I guess."

Yumi quietly loosened her fist.

In fact, she knew full well: she would be embarrassed wearing this newly bought, white, French-sleeved one-piece.

Maybe she was not used to wearing it. She was confused by this different self from normal.

The feeling was a little like the next day after having her hair cut. She could not even get used to herself in the mirror. How would other people look at her? She was worried. Even when she was complimented "It suits you well," she would get doubtful whether others were talking about their true feelings.

That was why she overreacted beyond her control upon the slightest wording stimulus. It was pitiful for Yuki to be there by chance and play on the delicate topic of dressing, but under his sister's light hysteria outburst, Yuki could only swallow down his misfortune and accept whatever was to come.

"About this one-piece,"

Yuki mumbled with his arms crossed. Did he not receive his lesson and continue to babble? Yumi thought, but she was so curious of Yuki's comment that she decided to listen.

"... in it you look like a cabbage butterfly<ref>紋白蝶, kanji directly translated as "white-background striped butterfly"</ref>."

It was neither a compliment nor a compliant, just plain impression. But Yumi was drawn into such description very much.

Cabbage butterfly.

A one-piece like a white butterfly.

It was of a simple design, with no lace or patterns, but only a ribbon at the back. The lack of decorations makes the one-piece look very elegant.

Of course, Yumi made this very conscious choice so as not to embarrass the Onee-sama together with her. However, Yumi could never push away her doubts: was the person wearing the one-piece the real misfit? Was it a good idea for someone like her to wear the one-piece? However, if it was a one-piece like a white butterfly, Yumi's feeling became much less heavy.

Light, soft and gentle.

A cabbage butterfly commonly seen on a cabbage field represented Yumi much better than a glorious birdwing butterfly<ref>アゲハ, scientific name "Ornithoptera"</ref>.

However, Yumi just could not give her thanks to the bragging Yuki. It was too shameful to give Yuki the impression that her feelings took a U-turn due to just one comment.

"There is no stripes on this one-piece though."<ref>Translator: Cabbage butterfly in Japanese literally means "white-background striped butterfly".</ref>

"Is that supposed to be a joke?"

"Sheesh."

Yumi laughed out despite herself. Yuki joined her in laughter. It was a uninteresting feeble joke, but once they started laughing, they could not stop themselves for a while.

"Hey, Yumi-chan. Lunchboxes."

Mom who walked out of the door handed Yumi the temperature-preserving case with an amazed expression. Dad was taking the car out of the garage, and trying to parallel-park right in front of the house.

5:30 am.

It was early morning, so the roads were empty. In 15 minutes, they would arrive at M station with quite some spare time. The meeting place was at the station gate. Okay. Everything was on schedule.

To avoid feeling cold in the air-conditioned train carts, Yumi pulled a light green cardigan around her neck. Oh, a hat. Also, never forget to bring along the white parasol she bought with all her savings just this summer.

"Anything missing?"

"Nope."

Yumi lifted her travelling bag. It was a rectangular cane basket Mom used when she was young.

"handkerchief, tissue, purse... you have them with you?"

"Yeah, yeah. Don't worry. See?"

Yumi stick out her back and showed Mom a small shoulder bag that shaped like a pochette. Every small things was inside the bag.

"Are you sure you haven't missed anything when arranging your baggage for the last time? If you find anything missing, call us. We will send it you by home delivery."

"Oookay."

Mom kept sticking behind Yumi and talking about things Yumi should be careful about. No matter how old Yumi would become, Mom would probably take care of every detail like treating a kid.

"Sachiko-sama would be taking care of the train tickets, right? Remember to pay Sachiko-sama back the train fee, as soon as possible!"

"Okay, okay."

Taking everything along, Yumi got into the car's back seat.

"Madam , where would you like to go?"

Dad turned back from the driver's seat and smiled.

"M Station, please."

"My pleasure, madam."

After the door was closed, Yuki walked near the car and knocked on the window.

"What?"

Yumi drew down the window, and Yuki poked her cheek with his pointing finger.

"Relax, relax. It is a just summerhouse, right?"

''Do I look so tense?'' Yumi followed Yuki and poked her cheek, and realized that her face muscles was growing tense from some time ago.

"It is not like you are going to a battlefield. So just sit back and relax during this short vacation treat."

"...Thanks."

Yuki left the car, so Dad quietly started the car.

"This brother of yours is pretty reliable, isn't he?"

"Yeah. I even felt defeated."

Well, though she felt defeated from a long time ago.

Looking back, Mom and Yuki was still standing in front of the house. They were facing the car and waving, despite that they had turned very small already.

(Relax. Relax.)

Yumi gave a slight effort to mimic Yuki, and repeated the word in her heart.

''Right. No point to get tense all over.''

''It is just a summerhouse, right?''

''It is a trip to enjoy some fun time with Onee-sama, right?''

===3===


Yumi arrived at the ticket gate of M Station five minutes before the meeting time.

No young lady in Sachiko-sama's age could be found there, but after two minutes of waiting, a lady approached from a corner of the North Exit.

The lady had a cream white summer sweater inside her matching cardigan, and slim jeans that flow along her long legs. Walking in brisk steps, the lady found Yumi and waved her hands lightly.

It was so different from her usual image that Yumi did not pay attention in the first place. However.

"Yumi."

The calling voice was the same. The gradually approaching face was the same.

"O-ooooooooh?"

Without a doubt, it was Ogasawara Sachiko.

"''Doh-doh-doh...''"

Like always, the confused Yumi started to drill holes on the street under construction. Hey, in Yumi's expanding imagination, when the daughter of the Ogasawara family pays a visit to the summerhouse, she would definitely be wearing a one-piece or a flaring skirt. Yumi chose the one-piece in order to suit her Onee-sama. So why the jeans? Onee-sama's appearance now was actually closer to Yumi's usual style.

So the "''doh''" in Yumi's string of "''Doh-doh-doh...''" is for "''doushite?'' (Why?)"

"Good morning."

Sachiko-sama put her hand around Yumi's chest as usual, but realized that Yumi was not wearing a tie. There was not even a lapel to Yumi's pristine collar, so instead Sachiko touched Yumi's collar and smiled.

"Good morning."

The greeting was not the usual "Good day." It might be because they were not at school. It might be because the time was actually early morning. However, such a small inconsistency was not at all irritating.

"What a cute one-piece. It suits you well."

It might just be a common compliment, but being complimented by Onee-sama was itself gratifying. Yumi barely tied down her blown-away heart, and smiled back.

"Onee-sama, those jeans suits you very well too."

The jeans, though causal-looking, are one of those expensive kinds. They looked very similar to those appeared in a vintage fashion show Yumi had watched on television before. Those jeans on television was eye-popping expensive; so expensive that one could buy a huge fridge with the money.

[[image:MM v12 004.jpg|thumb|right]]
"Yes. From time to time, I wear at home the jeans you have chosen for me on our Valentine date. My grandpa saw them, and bought this pair for me."

Jeans that the president of the Ogasawara Group had requested himself -- then no doubt the jeans were the real thing.

Without any sense of pity, Sachiko-sama cut the jeans to her size and wore them. Yumi could gradually feel distortion to her sense of money.

"So, let's go."

Yumi was still digesting her Onee-sama's words when Sachiko-sama turned back and retraced her steps.

"Oh?"

Yumi cocked her head.

Let's go, Onee-sama said. The ticket gate was here.

However, Sachiko-sama walked further and further to the north. Continuing walking, she would get out of the north exit. In order to ride on the train, however, they had to pass the gate and wait at the platform for the train.

Yumi decided to chase Sachiko-sama for the time being. Then she realized.

Onee-sama's hands were empty.

No way, Yumi thought, but Sachiko-sama had already walked down the stairs. Yumi also caught sight of a black car, waiting slightly away from the north exit roundabout.

Without mistake, that car was the Ogasawara's home car. Though it is a home car, the driver was not anyone in the Ogasawara family, but a driver.

"Why are you so surprised? Haven't I said that we are going by car?"

Sachiko-sama turned back and said to Yumi, whose brain was stuck due to the unmatching reality.

"No, I heard nothing of that."

Yumi had just learnt of it.

However, Sachiko-sama looked very confident, and Yumi started to become unsettled.

"I have said so."

"But"

Yumi didn't heard of it, that was the truth. Yumi could never say "I have heard it," just to save Onee-sama's face.

"I have said so."

"Never heard of it."

Neither side would give way.

Then which side was telling the truth?

No, it was too early to conclude so. Both sides were holding the unwavering belief that their standpoint was right.

Speaking of that, the same thing happened once before. In the treasure hunt event, the two had argued about how deep Yumi had dug for the hidden card. At that time, Tsutako-san intervened, and the argument was somehow cleared with everyone satisfied, even though the mystery was not solved.

Unfortunately, there was no friend here now to step up and make a judgment.

(Anybody...)

Yumi looked around, and her glance met the driver, who was in standby mode in the black car's driver seat. Yumi hastily gave a slight nod.

There was no way the driver could untie the tangled web of misunderstanding. Yumi had to put out her own effort here.

"Onee-sama, do you remember that I had asked your opinion whether I should book train tickets beforehand?"

"Yes, of course."

Onee-sama nodded.

"And I replied, 'Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle this matter.<ref>Sachiko's understanding: 「'''その件'''はうちの者に行かせるから任せて」"Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle '''this matter'''." </ref>'"

"Yes."

In the end, the two began to rehearse what they had said.

"Then what did you say, Yumi?"

"'Then I would leave it to you.'"

"See, you had acknowledged my suggestion, hadn't you?"

"Pardon?"

Why? Yumi's eyes began to roll.

"Wasn't it that I leave it to you to buy the train tickets?<ref>Yumi's understanding: 「'''その券'''はうちの者に行かせるから任せて」"Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle '''the tickets'''."</ref>"

"Pardon?"

Then the two finally realized. No way--

"This matter (その件)" and "The tickets (その券)" ?<ref>The pronunciation for "This matter (その件)" and "The tickets (その券)" are the same.</ref>

"You are kidding."

"That is so silly."

Unbelievable. The two was stuck in such a clumsy misunderstanding.

"B-but, that would not equal 'going by car,' would it?"

Even if Sachiko-sama was saying "this matter" instead of "the tickets," she was telling Yumi to rely on her for arranging transportation. They could go by bike, by bus, by local trains, by Bullet train, by plane (not in this case, of course), etc. How could Yumi judge it was by car?

"But I definitely had said that we were going by car."

Sachiko-sama said with a light laugh, apparently enjoying the gradually funny scenario.

"By car, right?"

"Yes, by car."

"Car... c-a-r..."

Like solving a puzzle, the two teamed up to make it clear why such a misunderstanding took place.

"C-a-r... C-a-r..."

Yumi replayed her memory around the "This matter (ticket)" line, and searched for the keyword "car."

"Oh."

"What is it?"

Sachiko-sama asked with sparkling eyes.

"Well, at that time I was thinking about when Onee-sama should leave home..."

Yumi slowly put what she remembered into words.

"Yes. I did not know how much time it takes to travel in the morning."

"In the end, after you said that you might arrive a little before our meeting time..."

"Then?"

"You said, 'It is all right for me. If I arrive early, I would kill time before you arrive.'" <ref> Yumi's understanding: 「早く着いたら、'''来るまで'''時間つぶしているからいいわ」"If I arrive early, I would kill time '''before you arrive'''." </ref>

"Yes, I did say so. So what is about it?"

Sachiko-sama gave a blank stare.

"I was saying I would arrive a little earlier, instead of you waiting for me at the gate. It is all right with me, because I can wait in my car with air conditioning... <ref>Sachiko's understanding: 「早く着いたら、'''車で'''時間つぶしているからいいわ」If I arrive early, I would kill time '''in the car'''." </ref> Hey!"

Sachiko-sama finally got it.

This time, it was "before you arrive (来るまで)" and "in the car (車で)." <ref>The pronunciation for "before you come(来るまで)" and "in the car (車で)" are the same.</ref>

"Ha"

"Hahaha"

The funniness exploded like spring-water gushing out. The two looked at each other's face, and burst out laughing.


"Mi'ladies, would it be alright?"

The chauffeur said as he came out from the car. It seems that he was mindful of the situation and had refrained from greeting them until after their talk had concluded. Perhaps he couldn't come out earlier because the two of them were lightly quarreling at the time they were walking toward the car. Though now he probably surmised that the issue had been resolved since laughter had broken out.

"Good morning. Fukuzawa Yumi-sama, allow me to look after your luggage."

"Ah."

"That's how it is, you know. Yumi, since we're going to the summer house in this car, aren't we?"

"But..."

"This is how I go every year."

Yumi, being goldfish droppings<ref>金魚の糞 -- An expression referring to a person who tags along like excrement trailing behind a goldfish.</ref> to Sachiko-sama's summer plans, wasn't in a position where she could object. That aside, it was also one of her hidden objectives to follow onee-sama's usual behavior patterns during their trip.

"...okay."

Nodding assent, Yumi gave her luggage to the chauffeur. While thinking of what to do about the travel allowance that she had received from her mother, suddenly there was something she realized.

Her parasol wasn't there.

She was wearing her shoulder bag, cardigan, and hat. In her hand she held the cooler case that the lunch had been placed into. The basket, which she had just handed over, was in the car's trunk. But, only the white parasol wasn't to be found anywhere.

"What's the matter? Hurry up and get in."

Sachiko, who had already settled into the back seat, cracked open the door and said.

"Y-Yes."

Yumi hurried up and got into the car. An onee-sama's orders are an action that winds a petite soeur's spring. Though that might be limited to Yumi.


"What?"

Sachiko--sama asked.

"No. It's nothing."

Yumi smiled and shook her head.

After all, at this point if she said, "I can't find my umbrella," Sachiko-sama might put off the departure in order to go and search for it.

Though grateful, Yumi would also be troubled.

She didn't want to cause trouble for onee-sama, and she hated that even such a long-awaited outing should be stalled right from the start because of her.

"Chauffeur-san, let's go!"<ref>Yumi says this in English: レッツゴー</ref>

Though she thought, ''I wonder if I over did it'', for the sake of energizing the mood she raised her fist with abandon.

It was only a little while after the time she arrived here, but it felt that the shapes of people in the vicinity of the station had increased.

It was 6 o'clock in the morning.

The bus that Yumi always rode to school approached the station, spit out about 30 people, and departed in a state where it was mostly empty.

Afterwards, as if to follow, the black car left via the rotary at M Station's north entrance.


The parasol would be ok.

She probably just left it in her family's car.

Better not to worry about it. When compared to convenience store umbrella stands, that place was hundreds or thousands of times safer.

But.

Yumi's dream to walk the summer resort under the white parasol with onee-sama had evaporated like dew.

===4===

"Yumi"

Sachiko-sama said shortly after the car made it onto the main street.

"You're the type that's strong in cars?"

"''Strong in cars'', can you be saying…? That, um, are you asking whether or not I get carsick?"

Yumi asked in return. Because of what had happened just a short while ago, she had to be cautious so as to not hear incorrectly.

"You're saying there's something else?"

"No, it's just what if by chance, you were asking whether or not I am knowledgeable about many makes of cars?"

"That's stupid, isn't it?"

Sachiko-sama let out a small laugh.

"Um, and so?"

"You can use this, if you like."

She was presented a flimsy box. Attempting to open the box revealed a row of pink pills.

"This … is it travel sickness medicine?"

That would be natural based on the flow of the conversation.

"That's right. Since I took it at home..."

"Ah, I see."

It was a package of neatly aligned pills, but there were two empty spaces where the pills had been used up. Now that she thought about it, there was talk about going out in Kashiwagi-san's car the other day and Sachiko-sama being terribly car-sick.

In addition to being a car that she wasn't used to riding in, Sachiko-sama's car-sickness was probably a result of the accumulation of such unfavorable conditions as bad roads, anxiety, and Kashiwagi-san's (probably) extreme lack of skill at driving, however it seems that with this time expected to be a long-distance outing, even though it was an outing in her own car, she had still become worried.

"I'm fine."

With Yumi declining the medicine, Sachiko-sama said "That so?" and it was momentary, but a seemingly disappointed expression floated across her face. Although Yumi thought, ''I wonder if perhaps onee-sama wanted me to have done the same as her'', it was too late. The small box of medicine had already been returned to the pouch.


While pondering if, even now, her onee-sama would be glad were she to say, "On second thought, may I have some?" and accept the medicine, Yumi was unconsciously fiddling with the zipper of the cooler case on top of her knees, which lead to Sachiko-sama pointing with her finger and asking.

"What is that?"

By that, was she referring to this matter? The place Sachiko-sama's long white finger was pointing was just above Yumi's knees.

"This is a lunchbox."<ref>Yumi calls it an お弁当. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bento </ref>

The answer had come out sounding like translating an English sentence into Japanese.

"A lunchbox? Who made it?"

"My mom. Ah, shall we eat?"

"Is it ok?"

"Of course. She said for me to give some to onee-sama to eat as well."

She handed over bundle taken from out of the case. Sachiko-sama placed it on her own lap, and promptly set about undoing the knot.

"Yumi, isn't it wonderful. On things like outings and Sports Day<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_day </ref>, I've never had the experience of taking such a mother-made lunchbox."


"Oh? Is it that aunt Sayako-sama cannot cook?"

It was a bit unexpected. She gave of the impression of wearing a traditional cooking apron<ref>割烹着 - (kappōgi): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapp%C5%8Dgi </ref> and making stews and such. Still Yumi wondered if it wasn't unusual that rich housewives didn't touch housework.

"Her cooking is skilled. But, it takes a really long time. I wonder when it was, that I experienced returning home from a trip and she still hadn't finished. And so, mostly I take something along the lines of a lunch secretly prepared for me by the servants or, intended as insurance, a lunch ordered from a caterer ahead of time."

''Wow. That's something amazing.''

"Um, then… what about the portion that aunt-sama prepared?"

"Of course, it's delicious and I gratefully accept it. But, if I eat it at the house, that isn't 'lunch' anymore. It has changed it's name to 'dinner.'"

''Well, it could be said like that too.''

"Ah, but. If it's convenience-store nabeyaki -udon<ref>鍋焼きうどん - A sort of udon hot-pot, with seafood and vegetables cooked in a nabe, or metal pot: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon </ref>, as one would expect, she can prepare that quickly."

"…"

''Hey now, isn't that because you just remove the lid and put it on the stove… Ah, is there also the process for fine-tuning the fire strength? -- at any rate, aunt-sama sure is an extraordinary person.''


Setting that aside, Sachiko-sama appeared to have an interest in 'mother-made lunches.' Having opened the cloth bundle that looked half-way between a furoshiki<ref>Traditionally lunch boxes are wrapped in furoshiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furoshiki </ref> and bandana, Sachiko-sama delightedly removed the plastic container's lid.

"What lovely colors!"

Though the side dishes inside the container were leaning a bit to one side, Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes enraptured. With her having gazed at it for what seemed quite a while, Yumi was wondering if she would leave it as it was and close the lid with satisfaction, but Sachiko-sama gently plucked an asparagus and cheese bacon roll by it's toothpick, and bit into it.

"H-How is it?"

"It's delicious!"

And so, a heartened Yumi stabbed such things as fried white fish and cherry tomatoes onto a plastic fork, and spiritedly tried to smother<ref>The expression used here is: 世話を焼いてみた which means something along the lines of to trying to be too helpful. </ref> her onee-sama with service.

"Onee-sama, the onigiri<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref>'s nori<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nori </ref> , which way do you prefer it?"

"Nori?"

"Crisp or moist. My mom had been worrying about which way she would do the nori for the onigiri--"

Yumi held up the container packed with just the onigiri and then said:

"Ah, what's this… and so she made both types."

There were two each of black looking onigiri that had already been wrapped with seaweed and white onigiri that had been hand-formed, four in total. Forming a set with the white onigiri, nori had been placed into vinyl ziplock bags and included separately.<ref>nori sheets come dried out and stiff, but get soft as they absorb the moisture from the rice. So the pre-wrapped onigiri would have soft, moist nori, while the ones stored separately would stay crisp and crunchy.</ref>


"What's the filling?"

"It's Umeboshi<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>. During the hot season, it's customary at my house to use umeboshi, which have a preservative effect. Ah, that's right, it's also good for car sickness! … and so, crisp or moist, which will you choose?"

"Either is good. Speaking of which, lately it seems that even the convenience stores stock both types, don't they?"

Sachiko-sama got out a sheet of nori from the vinyl bag and took a white onigiri. ''I wonder if aunt Sayako-sama is still continuing her convenience store runs.''

Sachiko-sama finished her in-car breakfast, eating the onigiri, and one of each type of side dish. Yumi, who had become hungry from all the activity, also finished, eating one moist onigiri and suitable side dishes. Since it would be bad if only the two of them were eating, she invited the chauffeur-san as to partake as well, though, as one would expect, because both hands his hands were occupied, he had to decline.

"But, it looks delicious, doesn't it? Since we are planning to make a rest stop on the highway, at that time like that I'd be grateful to have some."

"Or, at a time when the car becomes unable to move due to traffic congestion, right?"

Sachiko-sama smiled while unfolding the lap-blanket.

"Thinking about that, I feel like I can't wait for the unpleasant congestion!"


In contrast to his words, chauffeur-san handled the steering-wheel lightly.

"Yumi, you should also make yourself comfortable. There is a long way yet to go."

While Yumi was returning the lunch to the cooler case, Sachiko-sama covered, not just her lap, but her whole body below the neck with the lap blanked. Perhaps because Chauffeur-san was accustomed to this, he didn't raise the temperature of the air-conditioning.

"Although it's bad of me, I'll sleep for a bit."

"Eh?"

"G'night."

After saying that, it seemed that the moment her eyes closed, sleeping breaths were heard.

(Eh!?)

That's... there are people who sleep for the trip's going and returning, but it was so early into their vacation that one says, "Already?!" After all, hardly 20 minutes had passed since they departed from M station.

Certainly, her feeling was that some of the enjoyment of going on a trip is the recreation on the bus until arriving at the destination. But in this way with just two of them, if one of them were to sleep, there was nothing to do.

"Onee-sama"

Still in the city, she was accustomed to seeing this scenery on her own and so it wasn't even interesting. Though there was another person in the car, you wouldn't play shiritori<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiritori </ref> with the chauffeur...

"Onee-sama"

Yumi nudged her for a bit, but Sachiko didn't even stir. It was as though she had taken sleeping pills or something.

Then she realized.

Onee-sama had said she took the travel-sickness medicine upon leaving from her house.

<< May cause drowsiness >>

The usage warning floated into Yumi's head and disappeared.

===5===

Almost like sulking in bed, Yumi closed her eyes, but upon entrusting her body to the car's vibration, drowsiness really did come.

If she though about it, she hardly slept at all last night.

A crestless white cabbage butterfly flew up from out of nowhere, luring Yumi through a cabbage field.

''That's so wrong.'' -- Yumi inserted a tsukkomi<ref>straight-man's retort in a comedy duo -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukkomi#tsukkomi </ref> into her own dream.

''It was a highland plateau, so instead of cabbage, wouldn't it something like white birch trees lining the road?''

''That's dumb, Yumi-san. There's no way that white birch grow on the summit of Mt. Fuji!'' --Yoshino-san laughed.


''How was it that Mt. Fuji appears here?'' Looking behind her, there Mt. Fuji was, unmistakably, towering in front of her eyes like depicted in paintings. A halo shone from Mt. Fuji, and taking a batting-pose on top was a Buddha-sama done with Jesus-sama's face. Worshiping this with a bewildered expression was Shimako-san, and, as Yumi drew near to her side, Shimako pulled out a fortune slip and presented it to her. When she opened the folded paper, there was written on it as a single word:

--''Many difficulties lie ahead.''<ref> 前途多難 </ref>

While these four characters were flying out of the screen with a kaboom as if CG<ref>Computer Graphics</ref>, she was roused by her shoulder being shaken.

"Yumi"

"Hnnna?"

"We're at the rest stop."<ref> This is written as "drive-in" (ドライブイン), so while it could be referring to something like a family restaurant, it's probably indicating a rest stop along the (toll?)highway -- particularly considering what the diver said earlier. </ref>

She wondered when they'd gotten on the highway. She hadn't noticed at all. ''And, from when has Sachiko-sama been awake?''

"Let's go to the restroom."

Having woken up suddenly, Yumi, unable to move her mouth and body well, rubbed her eyes and lollingly nodded her head like a waking toddler. She was already thankful enough that drool wasn't flowing.


"Though the road isn't that crowded yet, it would be good to get going just in case."

It was a weekday, and not the time of Obon homecoming rush, and we did leave early in the morning… although not smooth sailing, the cars were flowing without delay. However, they must not be careless. There was no way of knowing whether it would become majorly congested at any moment. When it becomes like that, humans in compact cars without toilets end up unable to cope.

"Your eyes, are they awake? We're getting out."

When she opened the door as she had been urged to do, the air that caressed her skin was stifling.

"Hot…"

The rest stop was to one side of the parking lot, and since there wasn't any shade, it was naturally hot. Even though the time of day was still considered mid-morning, hot air could be seen undulating as it rose up from the ground.

"Hey, Yumi. Walk properly!"

It seemed Yumi's brain was still half-asleep and she was teetering a bit. And so, Sachiko-sama took her hand and walked with her.

Although it was hot, she was a bit happy.

Certainly it was the matter of holding hands, but more than that, that they were going to the going to the restroom together…

''She's happy to be going to the restroom?'' It's scandalous, but although it might be strange, since happy things are happy, there's nothing to be done about it.

After all, with an onee-sama of a different school year, though it was common-sense, that was the reason why there couldn't be things like having lessons in the same classroom, and so at school during break-time there wasn't even a way to ask, "Let's go to the restroom together." Thus, this was a experience to be treasured.


Sachiko-sama's hand, which was cold at first from the air-conditioning, was warmed by the outside air and Yumi's hand, gradually becoming noticeably sweaty.

The woman's toilets were moderately crowded. Since it was summer vacation, there were grandmothers, mothers, elder sisters, and little girls all lined up. There was even the presence of a baby on a baby-bed happily working it's legs, after having it's diaper changed.

"When done, wash your hands and wait here."

"Okay."

Yumi nodded, as she lined up at the end of the queue.

"Oh look, next is Yumi's turn! The innermost one became empty!"

While never like a bossy garbage sorter<ref> The term used here (仕切り屋) is a person whose occupation is collecting and sorting garbage by use and type, but is used here to mean a bossy person giving out orders "like a garbage sorter". So I've kept a bit of both meanings to try to keep the original flavor.</ref>, an onee-sama who was briskly giving out instructions was reliable. Somehow returning Yumi back to when she was little, it had become a feeling similar to when she did outings with her mom.

By the time Yumi finished using the restroom and was washing her hands with the cold water, she'd finally come to be refreshed.

"How about we go and buy something like juice?"

Sachiko, who was standing at the neighboring wash basin, addressed the Yumi in the mirror.

"As thanks for the lunchbox, I'll buy the drinks."


"Umm…"

At times like these, it would've been fine to have straightforwardly given thanks for the meal. Onee-sama had come to want to do big-sister-like things from time to time.

"More than that, I want to eat ice cream."

Yumi placed the handkerchief she used to wipe her hands dry into her bag and turned forty-five degrees to her right, facing her real non-mirror reflected onee-sama.

"Guess it can't be helped."

While her words sounded like grumbling, Sachiko-sama looked a bit pleased.

They lined up at the rest stop's store for a bit, and bought soft-serve ice cream.

(''Though she had acted a bit spoiled--success!'')

Although Yumi's feet were no longer unsteady, she took her onee-sama's hand as they walked. In her right hand a delicious ice-cream, in her left hand her beloved onee-sama.

"It's hot, you know."

But, since she didn't break away from her, even while saying it like that, and that they continued to walk that way, said whether it was okay.

The black car really stood out, and they could immediately pick it out from amidst the multitude of cars and such. The chauffeur-san, who had taken a break at the same time as them, had already returned, and swung his hands to make the car's location apparent to the pair.

Sachiko-sama pulled Yumi's hand and quickened the pace a bit. The planned 15 minute break, had gone 5 minutes over.


"We'll leave right away. Finish eating quickly."

"Ye～s."<ref>Yumi draws out the sound of saying "yes" playfully: はあい.</ref>

''To be covered with soft-serve ice cream and melt with Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.''

''Her heart.''

''Not only was it cool, if she were to taste it, it would probably be pretty soft and sweet.''

''(Delicious!)''

--That was Yumi's brain already beginning to melt just like soft-serve ice cream.

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter2

2014-04-09T12:42:51Z

Rydenius: missing word

==In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies==
===1===


Why is it impossible to go to sleep, only when one must quickly get as much sleep as possible for the next day -- like the day before hiking, or after staying up through the night for an exam?

''I must sleep. I must sleep.'' This forced idea would only force one awake, that's for sure. However, if one tries to hint oneself 'Don't think ''I must sleep'',' what waits ahead is just the inescapable bottomless swamp of sleeplessness. One will just sink deeper and deeper, and find no way to escape.

This effect manifests itself in the opposite way during times that one must not fall asleep, like in a lesson. ''I must not sleep. I must not sleep.'' Such commands will somehow be interpreted in the brain as urge to sleep.

So why not try giving the opposite command this time -- "I must not sleep" when early sleep is needed?

Unfortunately, the idea "I must sleep to prepare for tomorrow" was already stuck in a corner of the brain, so as expected, there is not way such a command could help with sleeping.

Because of that, when Yumi set foot in her dreams that night, it was already around two hours after she got into bed. Three hours was left before the alarm clock would be ringing.

"Good moooorning."

Yumi walked down the stairs with a grimace.

The morning came too early. Her eyelids didn't obey her brain to open. It was only five in the morning, that's why.

"Good morning, Yumi-chan. How great it is that it would be sunny today!"

Mom turned to Yumi with a smiling face from the kitchen, as she was making onigiri<ref>Japanese rice balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref>.

"What about breakfast? Do you feel like eating?"

"Hummmm"

What do you think, Yumi asked her stomach. Normally her stomach firmly feels like eating from the morning, but now her internal organs all seemed to be in a sleepy state.

"If you don't want rice, at least eat some yogurt. An empty stomach makes you easy to turn sick on vehicles."

"Okay."

Yumi opened the fridge and took out cereal, yogurt and strawberry jam. Her eyelids finally felt less heavy opening and closing when she was mixing stuff in her cafe au lait bowl.

On the dinning table lined neatly some wrapped umeboshi onigiri.

"I have prepared a lunchbox, so please help yourselves on the train. The lunchboxes on the trains are not bad, but somehow look dreary. Hiking always goes with mom's onigiri for sure!"

Mom opened the plastic basket lid and let Yumi look inside. Inside were fried white fish with herbs, pan-fried rolls with asparagus, cheese and bacon inside, and pan-fried petit tomatoes.

"That is splendid!"

Yumi muttered as she worked on her mix of yogurt and cereal. Those are mom's set menu for hiking. It seemed that mom anticipatingly woke up early that morning to make them.

"I have set aside two sets, so eat with Sachiko-sama."

"Thanks so much! Looks delicious."

Being appreciated for her work, Mom was so pleased that she started to share her profound knowledge on petit tomatoes' calyx. Just as Mom reached without reserve the topic of when is the best timing to wrap seaweed on onigiri, Dad entered the dining room with sleepy eyes, scratching his head.

"Oh, it's hiking?"

From the plate of leftover side-dishes, Dad picked a tomato and put it into his mouth.

"Yup."

"Oh it is today! That day for Yumi to stay ay the Ogasawara's summerhouse. When and where are you meeting again?"

"5:50 at the gates of M Station. Dad, you said you would drive me to the station, right?"

"Oh, that's right."

Oh, Dad. He clapped his hands once, reached out in the key case for his keys, and thrust his hand out.

Oh, Dad looks like he is going to jump into the car any minute. Before that, Dad, do something to your pajama, your five o'clock shadow, your bedhead and the gum around your eyes! Yumi pushed Dad on his back and first led him to the bathroom.

Just at that time.

"Dad, you are just too good to Yumi. If it was for me, you will definitely just say 'Get your butt off and go!'"

Probably awaken by the noise on the first floor, Yuki got down from the second floor without anyone noticing, and was standing at the corridor outside the bathroom.

"Mornin'"

"Mornin'"

Wearing pajamas crumbled during sleeping, Yuki looked like an exact copy of Dad. Even their sleeping habits were astonishingly similar. What's it about those two?

"Yumi-chan is a girl, that's why."

Dad said as he squeezed toothpaste onto his toothbrush.

"And, she is so cute! I would never let her walk alone in a deserted street, and be abducted by some bad guy!"

"We are so blessed that you are our father!"

Yuki laughed.

True. It is already so great for him to point to his own daughter and claim unabashedly that she is so cute. Giving him a hug in return would be nice, but Yumi suppressed the idea as Dad was brushing his teeth. It would be a little problematic to leave the bathroom smeared with toothpaste foam.

"Haim wot hurried habout Huhi hor hat, horse his a buy."

Suddenly Dad said something alien.

"What?"

Haim what? Yumi would like to ask for clarification, but Yuki translated before that.

"I'm not worried about Yuki for that, because he is a guy, Dad said."

"Oh."

Invoked by such a line, Yumi gave a look at the human translation-machine.

"...Hey!"

Noticing what Yumi was thinking about, Yuki restrained his sister with a grim face that screamed "You don't dare to say anything unnecessary."

Of course not.

Dad. Your son is a guy, but he is so cute that he is being pursued by some bad guy now! -- Such words Yumi could never say, even if someone forced her mouth open.

Eluding from each other's glance, the Fukuzawa siblings did their routine errands in the morning, as if nothing had happened.

An agreement was reached: let the line they heard that morning be flushed down the bathroom drain, together with the water that washed Dad's shaver.

===2===


"Wow, that's some effort!"

Yumi was putting on her sandals and leaving the foyer, when she found Yuki outside retrieving the newspapers. Yuki looked up and down his sister's looks, and laughed out.

" Thanks for your compliment!"

Yumi pouted her lips a little and stared at her brother. It was a seventeen-year-old maiden's innocence to refuse to respond with a smile and a "You're right!"

"Welcome. It really looks good on you. The best performance so far, in fact."

"The last sentence is not needed!"

Sure it is a compliment to be praised her clothes look good on her, but Yuki's compliment didn't sound at all pleasing. Yumi rolled her fist into a ball, and threw it straight towards the head of her brother, who was to return with newspaper on one hand.

"But hey, you didn't wear a one-piece normally, did you?"

Yuki laughingly raised his arms to guard his head, and barely escaped.

"My uniform is a one-piece."

"No one would put this in the same league as a uniform, would they?"

"Yeah, I guess."

Yumi quietly loosened her fist.

In fact, she knew full well: she would be embarrassed wearing this newly bought, white, French-sleeved one-piece.

Maybe she was not used to wearing it. She was confused by this different self from normal.

The feeling was a little like the next day after having her hair cut. She could not even get used to herself in the mirror. How would other people look at her? She was worried. Even when she was complimented "It suits you well," she would get doubtful whether others were talking about their true feelings.

That was why she overreacted beyond her control upon the slightest wording stimulus. It was pitiful for Yuki to be there by chance and play on the delicate topic of dressing, but under his sister's light hysteria outburst, Yuki could only swallow down his misfortune and accept whatever was to come.

"About this one-piece,"

Yuki mumbled with his arms crossed. Did he not receive his lesson and continue to babble? Yumi thought, but she was so curious of Yuki's comment that she decided to listen.

"... in it you look like a cabbage butterfly<ref>紋白蝶, kanji directly translated as "white-background striped butterfly"</ref>."

It was neither a compliment nor a compliant, just plain impression. But Yumi was drawn into such description very much.

Cabbage butterfly.

A one-piece like a white butterfly.

It was of a simple design, with no lace or patterns, but only a ribbon at the back. The lack of decorations makes the one-piece look very elegant.

Of course, Yumi made this very conscious choice so as not to embarrass the Onee-sama together with her. However, Yumi could never push away her doubts: was the person wearing the one-piece the real misfit? Was it a good idea for someone like her to wear the one-piece? However, if it was a one-piece like a white butterfly, Yumi's feeling became much less heavy.

Light, soft and gentle.

A cabbage butterfly commonly seen on a cabbage field represented Yumi much better than a glorious birdwing butterfly<ref>アゲハ, scientific name "Ornithoptera"</ref>.

However, Yumi just could not give her thanks to the bragging Yuki. It was too shameful to give Yuki the impression that her feelings took a U-turn due to just one comment.

"There is no stripes on this one-piece though."<ref>Translator: Cabbage butterfly in Japanese literally means "white-background striped butterfly".</ref>

"Is that supposed to be a joke?"

"Sheesh."

Yumi laughed out despite herself. Yuki joined her in laughter. It was a uninteresting feeble joke, but once they started laughing, they could not stop themselves for a while.

"Hey, Yumi-chan. Lunchboxes."

Mom who walked out of the door handed Yumi the temperature-preserving case with an amazed expression. Dad was taking the car out of the garage, and trying to parallel-park right in front of the house.

5:30 am.

It was early morning, so the roads were empty. In 15 minutes, they would arrive at M station with quite some spare time. The meeting place was at the station gate. Okay. Everything was on schedule.

To avoid feeling cold in the air-conditioned train carts, Yumi pulled a light green cardigan around her neck. Oh, a hat. Also, never forget to bring along the white parasol she bought with all her savings just this summer.

"Anything missing?"

"Nope."

Yumi lifted her travelling bag. It was a rectangular cane basket Mom used when she was young.

"handkerchief, tissue, purse... you have them with you?"

"Yeah, yeah. Don't worry. See?"

Yumi stick out her back and showed Mom a small shoulder bag that shaped like a pochette. Every small things was inside the bag.

"Are you sure you haven't missed anything when arranging your baggage for the last time? If you find anything missing, call us. We will send it you by home delivery."

"Oookay."

Mom kept sticking behind Yumi and talking about things Yumi should be careful about. No matter how old Yumi would become, Mom would probably take care of every detail like treating a kid.

"Sachiko-sama would be taking care of the train tickets, right? Remember to pay Sachiko-sama back the train fee, as soon as possible!"

"Okay, okay."

Taking everything along, Yumi got into the car's back seat.

"Madam , where would you like to go?"

Dad turned back from the driver's seat and smiled.

"M Station, please."

"My pleasure, madam."

After the door was closed, Yuki walked near the car and knocked on the window.

"What?"

Yumi drew down the window, and Yuki poked her cheek with his pointing finger.

"Relax, relax. It is a just summerhouse, right?"

''Do I look so tense?'' Yumi followed Yuki and poked her cheek, and realized that her face muscles was growing tense from some time ago.

"It is not like you are going to a battlefield. So just sit back and relax during this short vacation treat."

"...Thanks."

Yuki left the car, so Dad quietly started the car.

"This brother of yours is pretty reliable, isn't he?"

"Yeah. I even felt defeated."

Well, though she felt defeated from a long time ago.

Looking back, Mom and Yuki was still standing in front of the house. They were facing the car and waving, despite that they had turned very small already.

(Relax. Relax.)

Yumi gave a slight effort to mimic Yuki, and repeated the word in her heart.

''Right. No point to get tense all over.''

''It is just a summerhouse, right?''

''It is a trip to enjoy some fun time with Onee-sama, right?''

===3===


Yumi arrived at the ticket gate of M Station five minutes before the meeting time.

No young lady in Sachiko-sama's age could be found there, but after two minutes of waiting, a lady approached from a corner of the North Exit.

The lady had a cream white summer sweater inside her matching cardigan, and slim jeans that flow along her long legs. Walking in brisk steps, the lady found Yumi and waved her hands lightly.

It was so different from her usual image that Yumi did not pay attention in the first place. However.

"Yumi."

The calling voice was the same. The gradually approaching face was the same.

"O-ooooooooh?"

Without a doubt, it was Ogasawara Sachiko.

"''Doh-doh-doh...''"

Like always, the confused Yumi started to drill holes on the street under construction. Hey, in Yumi's expanding imagination, when the daughter of the Ogasawara family pays a visit to the summerhouse, she would definitely be wearing a one-piece or a flaring skirt. Yumi chose the one-piece in order to suit her Onee-sama. So why the jeans? Onee-sama's appearance now was actually closer to Yumi's usual style.

So the "''doh''" in Yumi's string of "''Doh-doh-doh...''" is for "''doushite?'' (Why?)"

"Good morning."

Sachiko-sama put her hand around Yumi's chest as usual, but realized that Yumi was not wearing a tie. There was not even a lapel to Yumi's pristine collar, so instead Sachiko touched Yumi's collar and smiled.

"Good morning."

The greeting was not the usual "Good day." It might be because they were not at school. It might be because the time was actually early morning. However, such a small inconsistency was not at all irritating.

"What a cute one-piece. It suits you well."

It might just be a common compliment, but being complimented by Onee-sama was itself gratifying. Yumi barely tied down her blown-away heart, and smiled back.

"Onee-sama, those jeans suits you very well too."

The jeans, though causal-looking, are one of those expensive kinds. They looked very similar to those appeared in a vintage fashion show Yumi had watched on television before. Those jeans on television was eye-popping expensive; so expensive that one could buy a huge fridge with the money.

[[image:MM v12 004.jpg|thumb|right]]
"Yes. From time to time, I wear at home the jeans you have chosen for me on our Valentine date. My grandpa saw them, and bought this pair for me."

Jeans that the president of the Ogasawara Group had requested himself -- then no doubt the jeans were the real thing.

Without any sense of pity, Sachiko-sama cut the jeans to her size and wore them. Yumi could gradually feel distortion to her sense of money.

"So, let's go."

Yumi was still digesting her Onee-sama's words when Sachiko-sama turned back and retraced her steps.

"Oh?"

Yumi cocked her head.

Let's go, Onee-sama said. The ticket gate was here.

However, Sachiko-sama walked further and further to the north. Continuing walking, she would get out of the north exit. In order to ride on the train, however, they had to pass the gate and wait at the platform for the train.

Yumi decided to chase Sachiko-sama for the time being. Then she realized.

Onee-sama's hands were empty.

No way, Yumi thought, but Sachiko-sama had already walked down the stairs. Yumi also caught sight of a black car, waiting slightly away from the north exit roundabout.

Without mistake, that car was the Ogasawara's home car. Though it is a home car, the driver was not anyone in the Ogasawara family, but a driver.

"Why are you so surprised? Haven't I said that we are going by car?"

Sachiko-sama turned back and said to Yumi, whose brain was stuck due to the unmatching reality.

"No, I heard nothing of that."

Yumi had just learnt of it.

However, Sachiko-sama looked very confident, and Yumi started to become unsettled.

"I have said so."

"But"

Yumi didn't heard of it, that was the truth. Yumi could never say "I have heard it," just to save Onee-sama's face.

"I have said so."

"Never heard of it."

Neither side would give way.

Then which side was telling the truth?

No, it was too early to conclude so. Both sides were holding the unwavering belief that their standpoint was right.

Speaking of that, the same thing happened once before. In the treasure hunt event, the two had argued about how deep Yumi had dug for the hidden card. At that time, Tsutako-san intervened, and the argument was somehow cleared with everyone satisfied, even though the mystery was not solved.

Unfortunately, there was no friend here now to step up and make a judgment.

(Anybody...)

Yumi looked around, and her glance met the driver, who was in standby mode in the black car's driver seat. Yumi hastily gave a slight nod.

There was no way the driver could untie the tangled web of misunderstanding. Yumi had to put out her own effort here.

"Onee-sama, do you remember that I had asked your opinion whether I should book train tickets beforehand?"

"Yes, of course."

Onee-sama nodded.

"And I replied, 'Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle this matter.<ref>Sachiko's understanding: 「'''その件'''はうちの者に行かせるから任せて」"Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle '''this matter'''." </ref>'"

"Yes."

In the end, the two began to rehearse what they had said.

"Then what did you say, Yumi?"

"'Then I would leave it to you.'"

"See, you had acknowledged my suggestion, hadn't you?"

"Pardon?"

Why? Yumi's eyes began to roll.

"Wasn't it that I leave it to you to buy the train tickets?<ref>Yumi's understanding: 「'''その券'''はうちの者に行かせるから任せて」"Leave it to me, and I will ask the people on my side to settle '''the tickets'''."</ref>"

"Pardon?"

Then the two finally realized. No way--

"This matter (その件)" and "The tickets (その券)" ?<ref>The pronunciation for "This matter (その件)" and "The tickets (その券)" are the same.</ref>

"You are kidding."

"That is so silly."

Unbelievable. The two was stuck in such a clumsy misunderstanding.

"B-but, that would not equal 'going by car,' would it?"

Even if Sachiko-sama was saying "this matter" instead of "the tickets," she was telling Yumi to rely on her for arranging transportation. They could go by bike, by bus, by local trains, by Bullet train, by plane (not in this case, of course), etc. How could Yumi judge it was by car?

"But I definitely had said that we were going by car."

Sachiko-sama said with a light laugh, apparently enjoying the gradually funny scenario.

"By car, right?"

"Yes, by car."

"Car... c-a-r..."

Like solving a puzzle, the two teamed up to make it clear why such a misunderstanding took place.

"C-a-r... C-a-r..."

Yumi replayed her memory around the "This matter (ticket)" line, and searched for the keyword "car."

"Oh."

"What is it?"

Sachiko-sama asked with sparkling eyes.

"Well, at that time I was thinking about when Onee-sama should leave home..."

Yumi slowly put what she remembered into words.

"Yes. I did not know how much time it takes to travel in the morning."

"In the end, after you said that you might arrive a little before our meeting time..."

"Then?"

"You said, 'It is all right for me. If I arrive early, I would kill time before you arrive.'" <ref> Yumi's understanding: 「早く着いたら、'''来るまで'''時間つぶしているからいいわ」"If I arrive early, I would kill time '''before you arrive'''." </ref>

"Yes, I did say so. So what is about it?"

Sachiko-sama gave a blank stare.

"I was saying I would arrive a little earlier, instead of you waiting for me at the gate. It is all right with me, because I can wait in my car with air conditioning... <ref>Sachiko's understanding: 「早く着いたら、'''車で'''時間つぶしているからいいわ」If I arrive early, I would kill time '''in the car'''." </ref> Hey!"

Sachiko-sama finally got it.

This time, it was "before you arrive (来るまで)" and "in the car (車で)." <ref>The pronunciation for "before you come(来るまで)" and "in the car (車で)" are the same.</ref>

"Ha"

"Hahaha"

The funniness exploded like spring-water gushing out. The two looked at each other's face, and burst out laughing.


"Mi'ladies, would it be alright?"

The chauffeur said as he came out from the car. It seems that he was mindful of the situation and had refrained from greeting them until after their talk had concluded. Perhaps he couldn't come out earlier because the two of them were lightly quarreling at the time they were walking toward the car. Though now he probably surmised that the issue had been resolved since laughter had broken out.

"Good morning. Fukuzawa Yumi-sama, allow me to look after your luggage."

"Ah."

"That's how it is, you know. Yumi, since we're going to the summer house in this car, aren't we?"

"But..."

"This is how I go every year."

Yumi, being goldfish droppings<ref>金魚の糞 -- An expression referring to a person who tags along like excrement trailing behind a goldfish.</ref> to Sachiko-sama's summer plans, wasn't in a position where she could object. That aside, it was also one of her hidden objectives to follow onee-sama's usual behavior patterns during their trip.

"...okay."

Nodding assent, Yumi gave her luggage to the chauffeur. While thinking of what to do about the travel allowance that she had received from her mother, suddenly there was something she realized.

Her parasol wasn't there.

She was wearing her shoulder bag, cardigan, and hat. In her hand she held the cooler case that the lunch had been placed into. The basket, which she had just handed over, was in the car's trunk. But, only the white parasol wasn't to be found anywhere.

"What's the matter? Hurry up and get in."

Sachiko, who had already settled into the back seat, cracked open the door and said.

"Y-Yes."

Yumi hurried up and got into the car. An onee-sama's orders are an action that winds a petite soeur's spring. Though that might be limited to Yumi.


"What?"

Sachiko--sama asked.

"No. It's nothing."

Yumi smiled and shook her head.

After all, at this point if she said, "I can't find my umbrella," Sachiko-sama might put off the departure in order to go and search for it.

Though grateful, Yumi would also be troubled.

She didn't want to cause trouble for onee-sama, and she hated that even such a long-awaited outing should be stalled right from the start because of her.

"Chauffeur-san, let's go!"<ref>Yumi says this in English: レッツゴー</ref>

Though she thought, ''I wonder if I over did it'', for the sake of energizing the mood she raised her fist with abandon.

It was only a little while after the time she arrived here, but it felt that the shapes of people in the vicinity of the station had increased.

It was 6 o'clock in the morning.

The bus that Yumi always rode to school approached the station, spit out about 30 people, and departed in a state where it was mostly empty.

Afterwards, as if to follow, the black car left via the rotary at M Station's north entrance.


The parasol would be ok.

She probably just left it in her family's car.

Better not to worry about it. When compared to convenience store umbrella stands, that place was hundreds or thousands of times safer.

But.

Yumi's dream to walk the summer resort under the white parasol with onee-sama had evaporated like dew.

===4===

"Yumi"

Sachiko-sama said shortly after the car made it onto the main street.

"You're the type that's strong in cars?"

"''Strong in cars'', can you be saying…? That, um, are you asking whether or not I get carsick?"

Yumi asked in return. Because of what had happened just a short while ago, she had to be cautious so as to not hear incorrectly.

"You're saying there's something else?"

"No, it's just what if by chance, you were asking whether or not I am knowledgeable about many makes of cars?"

"That's stupid, isn't it?"

Sachiko-sama let out a small laugh.

"Um, and so?"

"You can use this, if you like."

She was presented a flimsy box. Attempting to open the box revealed a row of pink pills.

"This … is it travel sickness medicine?"

That would be natural based on the flow of the conversation.

"That's right. Since I took it at home..."

"Ah, I see."

It was a package of neatly aligned pills, but there were two empty spaces where the pills had been used up. Now that she thought about it, there was talk about going out in Kashiwagi-san's car the other day and Sachiko-sama being terribly car-sick.

In addition to being a car that she wasn't used to riding in, Sachiko-sama's car-sickness was probably a result of the accumulation of such unfavorable conditions as bad roads, anxiety, and Kashiwagi-san's (probably) extreme lack of skill at driving, however it seems that with this time expected to be a long-distance outing, even though it was an outing in her own car, she had still become worried.

"I'm fine."

With Yumi declining the medicine, Sachiko-sama said "That so?" and it was momentary, but a seemingly disappointed expression floated across her face. Although Yumi thought, ''I wonder if perhaps onee-sama wanted me to have done the same as her'', it was too late. The small box of medicine had already been returned to the pouch.


While pondering if, even now, her onee-sama would be glad were she to say, "On second thought, may I have some?" and accept the medicine, Yumi was unconsciously fiddling with the zipper of the cooler case on top of her knees, which lead to Sachiko-sama pointing with her finger and asking.

"What is that?"

By that, was she referring to this matter? The place Sachiko-sama's long white finger was pointing was just above Yumi's knees.

"This is a lunchbox."<ref>Yumi calls it an お弁当. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bento </ref>

The answer had come out sounding like translating an English sentence into Japanese.

"A lunchbox? Who made it?"

"My mom. Ah, shall we eat?"

"Is it ok?"

"Of course. She said for me to give some to onee-sama to eat as well."

She handed over bundle taken from out of the case. Sachiko-sama placed it on her own lap, and promptly set about undoing the knot.

"Yumi, isn't it wonderful. On things like outings and Sports Day<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_day </ref>, I've never had the experience of taking such a mother-made lunchbox."


"Oh? Is it that aunt Sayako-sama cannot cook?"

It was a bit unexpected. She gave of the impression of wearing a traditional cooking apron<ref>割烹着 - (kappōgi): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapp%C5%8Dgi </ref> and making stews and such. Still Yumi wondered if it wasn't unusual that rich housewives didn't touch housework.

"Her cooking is skilled. But, it takes a really long time. I wonder when it was, that I experienced returning home from a trip and she still hadn't finished. And so, mostly I take something along the lines of a lunch secretly prepared for me by the servants or, intended as insurance, a lunch ordered from a caterer ahead of time."

''Wow. That's something amazing.''

"Um, then… what about the portion that aunt-sama prepared?"

"Of course, it's delicious and I gratefully accept it. But, if I eat it at the house, that isn't 'lunch' anymore. It has changed it's name to 'dinner.'"

''Well, it could be said like that too.''

"Ah, but. If it's convenience-store nabeyaki -udon<ref>鍋焼きうどん - A sort of udon hot-pot, with seafood and vegetables cooked in a nabe, or metal pot: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon </ref>, as one would expect, she can prepare that quickly."

"…"

''Hey now, isn't that because you just remove the lid and put it on the stove… Ah, is there also the process for fine-tuning the fire strength? -- at any rate, aunt-sama sure is an extraordinary person.''


Setting that aside, Sachiko-sama appeared to have an interest in 'mother-made lunches.' Having opened the cloth bundle that looked half-way between a furoshiki<ref>Traditionally lunch boxes are wrapped in furoshiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furoshiki </ref> and bandana, Sachiko-sama delightedly removed the plastic container's lid.

"What lovely colors!"

Though the side dishes inside the container were leaning a bit to one side, Sachiko-sama squinted her eyes enraptured. With her having gazed at it for what seemed quite a while, Yumi was wondering if she would leave it as it was and close the lid with satisfaction, but Sachiko-sama gently plucked an asparagus and cheese bacon roll by it's tooth pick, and bit into it.

"H-How is it?"

"It's delicious!"

And so, a heartened Yumi stabbed such things as fried white fish and cherry tomatoes onto a plastic fork, and spiritedly tried to smother<ref>The expression used here is: 世話を焼いてみた which means something along the lines of to trying to be too helpful. </ref> her onee-sama with service.

"Onee-sama, the onigiri<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri </ref>'s nori<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nori </ref> , which way do you prefer it?"

"Nori?"

"Crisp or moist. My mom had been worrying about which way she would do the nori for the onigiri--"

Yumi held up the container packed with just the onigiri and said.

"Ah, what's this… and so she made both types."

There were 2 each of black looking onigiri that had already been wrapped with seaweed and white onigiri that had been hand-formed, 4 in total. Forming a set with the white onigiri, nori had been placed into vinyl ziplock bags and included separately.<ref>nori sheets come dried out and stiff, but get soft as they absorb the moisture from the rice. So the pre-wrapped onigiri would have soft, moist nori, while the ones stored separately would stay crisp and crunchy.</ref>


"What's the filling?"

"It's Umeboshi<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi </ref>. During the hot season, it's customary at my house to use umeboshi, which have a preservative effect. Ah, that's right, it's also good for car sickness! … and so, crisp or moist, which will you choose?"

"Either is good. Speaking of which, lately it seems that even the convenience stores stock both types, don't they?"

Sachiko-sama got out a sheet of nori from the vinyl bag and took a white onigiri. ''I wonder if aunt Sayako-sama's is still continuing her convenience store runs.''

Sachiko-sama finished her in-car breakfast, eating the onigiri, and one of each type of side dish. Yumi, who had become hungry from all the activity, also finished, eating one moist onigiri and suitable side dishes. Since it would be bad if only the two of them were eating, she invited the chauffeur-san as to partake as well, though, as one would expect, because both hands his hands were occupied, he had to decline.

"But, it looks delicious, doesn't it? Since we are planning to make a rest stop on the highway, at that time like that I'd be grateful to have some."

"Or, at a time when the car becomes unable to move due to traffic congestion, right?"

Sachiko-sama smiled while unfolding the lap-blanket.

"Thinking about that, I feel like I can't wait for the unpleasant congestion!"


In contrast to his words, chauffeur-san handled the steering-wheel lightly.

"Yumi, you should also make yourself comfortable. There is a long way yet to go."

While Yumi was returning the lunch to the cooler case, Sachiko-sama covered, not just her lap, but her whole body below the neck with the lap blanked. Perhaps because Chauffeur-san was accustomed to this, he didn't raise the temperature of the air-conditioning.

"Although it's bad of me, I'll sleep for a bit."

"Eh?"

"G'night."

After saying that, it seemed that the moment her eyes closed, sleeping breaths were heard.

(Eh!?)

This... there are people who sleeps for the trip's going and returning, but, it was so early into their vacation, that one says, "Already?!" After all, hardly 20 minutes had passed since they departed from M station.

Certainly, her feeling was that some of the enjoyment of going on a trip is the recreation on the bus until arriving at the destination. But in this way with just two of them, if one of them were to sleep, there was nothing to do.

"Onee-sama"

Still in the city, she was accustomed to seeing this scenery on her own and so it wasn't even interesting. Though there was another person in the car, you wouldn't play shiritori<ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiritori </ref> with the chauffeur...

"Onee-sama"

Yumi nudged her for a bit, but Sachiko didn't even stir. It was as though she had taken sleeping pills or something.

Then she realized.

Onee-sama had said she took the travel-sickness medicine upon leaving from her house.

<< May cause drowsiness >>

The usage warning floated into Yumi's head and disappeared.

===5===

Almost like sulking in bed, Yumi closed her eyes, but upon entrusting her body to the car's vibration, drowsiness really did come.

If she though about it, she hardly slept at all last night.

A crestless white cabbage butterfly flew up from out of nowhere, luring Yumi through a cabbage field.

''That's so wrong.'' -- Yumi inserted a tsukkomi<ref>straight-man's retort in a comedy duo -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukkomi#tsukkomi </ref> into her own dream.

''It was a highland plateau, so instead of cabbage, wouldn't it something like white birch trees lining the road?''

''That's dumb, Yumi-san. There's no way that white birch grow on the summit of Mt. Fuji!'' --Yoshino-san laughed.


''How was it that Mt. Fuji appears here?'' Looking behind her, there Mt. Fuji was, unmistakably, towering in front of her eyes like depicted in paintings. A halo shone from Mt. Fuji, and taking a batting-pose on top was a Buddha-sama done with Jesus-sama's face. Worshiping this with a bewildered expression was Shimako-san, and, as Yumi drew near to her side, Shimako pulled out a fortune slip and presented it to her. When she opened the folded paper, there was written on it like a single word:

--''Many difficulties lie ahead.''<ref> 前途多難 </ref>

While these four characters were flying out of the screen with a kaboom as if CG<ref>Computer Graphics</ref>, she was roused by her shoulder being shaken.

"Yumi"

"Hnnna?"

"We're at the rest stop."<ref> This is written as "drive-in" (ドライブイン), so while it could be referring to something like a family restaurant, it's probably indicating a rest stop along the (toll?)highway -- particularly considering what the diver said earlier. </ref>

She wondered when they'd gotten on the highway. She hadn't noticed at all. ''And, from when has Sachiko-sama been awake?''

"Let's go to the restroom."

Having woken up suddenly, Yumi, unable to move her mouth and body well, rubbed her eyes and lollingly nodded her head like a waking toddler. She was already thankful enough that drool wasn't flowing.


"Though the road isn't that crowded yet, it would be good to get going just in case."

It was a weekday, and not the time of Obon homecoming rush, and we did leave early in the morning… although not smooth sailing, the cars were flowing without delay. However, they must not be careless. There was no way of knowing whether it would become majorly congested at any moment. When it becomes like that, humans in compact cars without toilets end up unable to cope.

"Your eyes, are they awake? We're getting out."

When she opened the door as she had been urged to do, the air that caressed her skin was stifling.

"Hot…"

The rest stop was to one side of the parking lot, and since there wasn't any shade, it was naturally hot. Even though the time of day was still considered mid-morning, hot air could be seen undulating as it rose up from the ground.

"Hey, Yumi. Walk properly!"

It seemed Yumi's brain was still half-asleep and she was teetering a bit. And so, Sachiko-sama took her hand and walked with her.

Although it was hot, she was a bit happy.

Certainly it was the matter of holding hands, but more than that, that they were going to the going to the restroom together…

''She's happy to be going to the restroom?'' It's scandalous, but although it might be strange, since happy things are happy, there's nothing to do about it.

After all, with an onee-sama of a different school year, though it was common-sense, that was the reason why there couldn't be things like having lessons in the same classroom, and so at school during break-time there wasn't even a way to ask, "Let's go to the restroom together." Thus, this was a experience to be treasured.


Sachiko-sama's hand, which was cold at first from the air-conditioning, was warmed by the outside air and Yumi's hand, gradually becoming noticeably sweaty.

The woman's toilets were moderately crowded. Since it was summer vacation, there were grandmothers, mothers, elder sisters, and little girls all lined up. There was even the presence of a baby on a baby-bed happily working it's legs, after having it's diaper changed.

"When done, wash your hands and wait here."

"Okay."

Yumi nodded, as she lined up at the end of the queue.

"Oh look, next is Yumi's turn! The innermost one became empty!"

While never like a bossy garbage sorter<ref> The term used here (仕切り屋) is a person whose occupation is collecting and sorting garbage by use and type, but is used here to mean a bossy person giving out orders "like a garbage sorter". So I've kept a bit of both meanings to try to keep the original flavor.</ref>, the onee-sama who was briskly giving out instructions was reliable. Somehow returning Yumi back to when she was little, it had become a feeling similar to when she did outings with her mom.

By the time Yumi finished using the restroom and was washing her hands with the cold water, she'd finally come to be refreshed.

"How about we go and buy something like juice?"

Sachiko, who was standing at the neighboring wash basin, addressed the Yumi in the mirror.

"As thanks for the bento, I'll buy the drinks."


"Umm…"

At times like these, it would've been fine to have straightforwardly given thanks for the meal. Onee-sama had come to want to do big-sister-like things from time to time.

"More that that, I want to eat ice cream."

Yumi placed the handkerchief she used to wipe her hands dry into her bag and turned forty-five degrees to her right, facing her real non-mirror reflected onee-sama.

"Guess it can't be helped."

While her words sounded like grumbling, Sachiko-sama looked a bit pleased.

They lined up at the rest stop's store for a bit, and bought soft-serve ice cream.

(''Though she had acted a bit spoiled--success!'')

Although Yumi's feet were no longer unsteady, she took her onee-sama's hand as they walked. In her right hand a delicious ice-cream, in her left hand her beloved onee-sama.

"It's hot, you know."

But, since she didn't break away from her, even while saying it like that, and that they continued to walk that way, said whether it was okay.

The black car really stood out, and they could immediately pick it out from amidst the multitude of cars and such. The chauffeur-san, who had taken a beak at the same time as them, had already returned, and swung his hands to make the car's location apparent to the pair.

Sachiko-sama pulled Yumi's hand and quickened the pace a bit. The planned 15 minute break, had gone 5 minutes over.


"We'll leave right away. Finish eating quickly."

"Ye～s."<ref>Yumi draws out the sound of saying "yes" playfully: はあい.</ref>

''To be covered with soft-serve ice cream and melt with Ogasawara Sachiko-sama.''

''Her heart.''

''Not only was it cool, if she were to taste it, it would probably be pretty soft and sweet.''

''(Delicious!)''

--That, was Yumi's brain already beginning to melt just like soft-serve ice cream.

===Translator's Notes===
<references/>

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Maria-sama ga Miteru:Registration Page

2014-04-09T10:54:16Z

Rydenius: /* Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 */

To re-iterate the registration procedure:

*"First Come, First Served": please register your intended chapters here

*The maximum number of chapters you are recommended to work on is no more then half of any given volume

*Maximum number of Translators per volume is two

*Maximum number of volumes you may be active on is one

*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).
== Completed ==

*Volume 1 - Maria-sama ga Miteru
*Volume 2 - The Yellow Rose Revolution
*Volume 3 - Forest of Thorns
*Volume 4 - Rosa Canina
*Volume 5 - Valentine's Gift, Part 1
*Volume 6 - Valentine's Gift, Part 2
*Volume 7 - Beloved Times, Part 1
*Volume 8 - Beloved Times, Part 2
*Volume 9 - Cherry Blossom (Sakura)
*Volume 10 - Rainy Blue
*Volume 11 - Holding a Parasol
*Volume 15 - Ready, GO!
*Volume 16 - Variety Gifts
*Volume 17 - Ciào Sorella!
*Volume 18 - Nothing Special, Just a Normal Day
*Volume 19 - In Library
*Volume 20 - Sister Audition
*Volume 21 - Rose Mille-Feuille
*Volume 22 - Blank Map of the Future
*Volume 27 - In Search of You
*Volume 28 - Frame of Mind
*Volume 29 - Crown of Roses
*Volume 30 - Twinkle, Twinkle, Twirl.
*Volume 31 - Marguerite Ribbon
*Volume 32 - Pre-Graduation Tableau
*Volume 33 - Hello Goodbye

== Partially Translated ==

=== Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 ===
*Novel Illustrations
* Prologue - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] - '''Completed'''
* Plans for the Summer Vacation (夏休みの予定) - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] (unfinished)/[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies (紋白蝶の見る夢は) - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] (unfinished) - '''Dropped'''/[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い) - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] (2 of 7 parts) - '''Dropped'''/[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''In Progress'''
* The Rich Princes and Princesses (お坊ちゃま、お嬢様)
* Searching in the Mist (霧中模索)
* Songs of an Angel (天使の歌)
* Author's Epilogue

=== Volume 13 - One Page of Midsummer ===
*Prologue - [[User:Enn_are|NR]] - '''Completed'''
* For Short, Operation OK (Tentative)
** Offer and Plot - [[User:Enn_are|NR]] - '''Completed'''
** Cunning Boy - [[User:Enn_are|NR]] - '''Completed'''
** OK, Let's Do It. - [[User:Enn_are|NR]] - '''Completed'''
* Together With the Old Gentleman
** Gathering Material with Dustpan and Broom - [[User:Enn_are|NR]] - '''Completed'''
** As Far as the Meeting Place - [[User:Enn_are|NR]] - '''Completed'''
** Search for Takuya-kun! - [[User:Enn_are|NR]]
* Rosa Foetida ☆ Illustrated Diary
** 〇th of July (Saturday) : Sunny
** △th of August (Sunday) : Cloudy
** Ⅹth of August (Saturday) : Sunny

=== Volume 23 - Other Side of the Frosted Glass/くもりガラスの向こう側 ===
* Prologue - [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* Onee-sama's Lead (お姉さまのリード) - [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* In One Year's Time (一年の計)
* Stopping In Along the Way (寄り道と道すがら)
* Full To Bursting At the New Year’s Party (新年会てんこ盛り)
* Nearly Far? Or Distantly Near? (近くて遠き？　遠くて近き？)
* A Chill Breeze (冷たい風)
* The Heart In the Frosted Glass (心のくもりガラス)
* Afterword

=== Volume 34 - Little Horrors/リトルホラーズ ===
* Chapter 1: "Little Horrors - I" / リトルホラーズ―I - [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* Chapter 2: "Chinami-san and Me" / チナミさんと私
* Chapter 3: "Little Horrors - II" / リトルホラーズ―II
* Chapter 4: "Picking up a Handkerchief" / ハンカチ拾い
* Chapter 5: "Little Horrors - III" / リトルホラーズ―III
* Chapter 6: "An Honest Lie" / ホントの嘘
* Chapter 7: "Little Horrors - IV" /リトルホラーズ―IV
* Chapter 8: "One Pair" /ワンペア
* Chapter 9: "Little Horrors - V" /リトルホラーズ―V
* Chapter 10: "Dream of a Butterfly" /胡蝶の夢)
* Chapter 11: "Little Horrors - VI" /リトルホラーズ―VI
* Chapter 12: "Extra:Little Panic" /おまけ・リトルパニック

== Untranslated ==
* - Volume 14
* - Volume 24
* - Volume 25
* - Volume 26
* - Volume 35
* - Volume 36
* - Volume 37
[[Category:Registration Page]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru

2014-04-09T10:51:33Z

Rydenius: Just added a line break to help with formatting

[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|MariMite volume 1 cover.]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru (マリア様がみてる) is a Japanese light novel series written by Oyuki Konno (今野緒雪（こんのおゆき）) and illustrated by Reine Hibiki (ひびき玲音). The series is published by Shueisha under their Cobalt imprint. Many of the short stories which were later also included in the novel series were first published in the Cobalt magazine. The series currently has 37 published volumes. The spin-off light novel series Ōshaka-sama mo Miteru (お釈迦様もみてる) about Yumi's younger brother Yūki and his schoolmates at Hanadera has been running since August 2008, and currently has 10 volumes published.

''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' is also available in the following languages:
*[[Maria-sama ga Miteru - Français|Français (French)]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru_%28Espa%C3%B1ol%29|Español (Spanish)]]

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)

== Story Synopsis ==

Maria-sama ga Miteru's story revolves around the students of the Lillian Catholic school for girls, and can be considered character-driven, focusing on interactions between the characters rather than any sort of ongoing plot or goal to attain. At Lillian Girls' School, there is a tradition known as the sœur system (sœur being French for "sister"), in which a second, or third-year student, the grande sœur ("big sister"), will give her rosary to a junior student, the petite sœur ("little sister"), and promise to look after them and guide them.

When the story begins, Yumi Fukuzawa, a first-year at Lillian, is praying in front of the Virgin Mary statue near the school entrance when she is suddenly approached by a cold second-year student named Sachiko Ogasawara who straightens Yumi's uniform ribbon. This seemingly simple act of kindness stays with Yumi the rest of the day, and she speaks of her meeting with Sachiko to her friends during class and lunch. After school is over, Yumi's classmate Tsutako Takeshima meets with Yumi to show her that she took a photograph of Yumi's meeting with Sachiko earlier that morning. Yumi asks if she can have the photo, but Tsutako says she will give her the snapshot under two conditions: one being that Tsutako can display it at the upcoming school festival, and two being that Yumi get Sachiko's permission to do so as well. Yumi agrees to this, which sets in motion a series of events involving the entire Yamayurikai — the student council of the school. A few weeks after first meeting Sachiko, Yumi accepts Sachiko's rosary and therefore agrees to become her petite sœur.

This officially inducts Yumi into the Yamayurikai where she assists them in school matters at the same level as the other two petite sœurs — Yoshino Shimazu, and Shimako Tōdō — who are the petite sœurs of Rei Hasekura, and Sei Satō respectively. Through her activities in the Yamayurikai, Yumi becomes closer to the other members and generally finds her experiences with the group to be enjoyable. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria-sama_ga_Miteru Synopsis from wikipedia.]

'''Warning:''' Suffice it to say, this series is considered yuri, having various mentions of lesbian relationships. They are not, however, particularly graphic. If you find this sort of topic offensive, look away.

== Translation ==

'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1950 Feedback Thread]'''

=== [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Format|Maria-sama ga Miteru specific formatting]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Notes|Maria-sama ga Miteru translation notes]]

== Updates ==
* 9 January 2014
** Started translation of volume 13
* 5 January 2014
** Finished translation of volume 9
* 3 January 2014
** Resumed translation of volume 12
* 12 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 34
* 6 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 23
* 15 September 2013
** Finished translation of volume 8
* 12 May 2013
** Translated the short story "Answer" from the Premium Book.
* 8 May 2013
** Finished translation of volume 7

[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Updates|Past Updates]]

== Maria-sama ga Miteru/マリア様がみてる by Oyuki Konno ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4955 here].'''
=== Volume 1 - Maria-sama ga Miteru/マリア様がみてる [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter1|Monday of Uneasiness]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter2|Tuesday of Storms]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter3|Anxious Wednesday, Friday of Battle]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter4|Spicy and Bitter Weekend]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter5|The Hot Second Week]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter6|Waltz-like Sunday]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 2 - The Yellow Rose Revolution/黄薔薇革命 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v02_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter1|Best Sœur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter2|The Returned Rosary]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter3|Unexpected Consequences]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter4|Just what is going on?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter5|Fighting Maidens]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter6|As long as it ends well]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 3 - Forest of Thorns/いばらの森 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v03_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Forest of Thorns
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter1|The semester exam and the paperback]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter2|The White Rose]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter3|Who's Suga Sei?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter4|If I could meet Eve]]
* The White Flower Petal
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter5|Springtime Buds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter6|Summer Greenhouse]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter7|Autumn Love]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter8|The last flower of winter, and then]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 4 - Rosa Canina/ロサ・カニーナ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v04_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Rosa Canina
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter1|A lonesome warmth]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter2|Rosa Canina?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter3|What do you think?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter4|Raison d'etre for sœur]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter5|A modest secret]]
* Nagakiyono
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter6|The first of January]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter7|The hatsumoude on the second]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter8|With the archenemy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter9|By onee-sama's side]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 5 - Valentine's Gift - Part 1/ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v05_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Surprise chocolate
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter1|Research]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter2|gift from a rare visitor]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter3|Outsider]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter4|The thirteenth of February]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter5|St. Valentine's prank]]
* The Yellow Rose complication
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_1|18:50, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_2|19:18, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_3|19:30, Rei]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_4|23:10, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_5|23:10, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_6|23:10, Rei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 6 - Valentine's Gift - Part 2/ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v06_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* First date triangle
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter1|Order]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter2|Hors d'oeuvre]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter3|Main]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter4|Dessert]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter5|The crimson card]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter6|Rosa Chinensis' best day of her life]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 7 - Beloved Times - Part 1/いとしき歳月（前編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v07_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Yellow Rose at Full Speed
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter1|The Beginning]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter2|Rabbit and Cat and Wolf]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter3|Umbrella Maker's Wife]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter4|Golden Rose Uproar]]
* Very Busy Days
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter5|Monday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter6|Tuesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter7|Wednesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter8|Thursday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter9|Friday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter10|Saturday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter11|Bonus]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter12|A Short Interlude]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter13|Afterword]]

=== Volume 8 - Beloved Times - Part 2/いとしき歳月（後編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v08_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* will
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter1|Lost Items]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter2|Farewell Gift]]
* As the Years Pass By
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter3|Just Before Graduation]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter4|Eriko, Sei, Youko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter5|Farewell Address and Formal Reply]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter6|Towards the Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter7|Joined at Just One Hand]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter8|Spring Breeze]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter9|Autumn Bonds]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 9 - Cherry Blossom (Sakura)/チェリーブロッサム [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v09_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter1|The Cherry in the Ginkgoes]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter2|Falling Cherry Blossoms / Exam Failure]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter3|Maria and Maitreya]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter4|Rosary or Juzu]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter5|The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* BGN (Background Noise)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter6|When the Cherry Blossoms Fall]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter7|8 - 3 = Right]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter8|Intriguing First-Year]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter9|Behind the Scenes of The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 10 - Rainy Blue/レイニーブルー [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v10_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Rosary Droplets
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter1|Peppermint Candy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter2|Raindrop]]
* Yellow Rose Warning
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter3|Suspicious Clouds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter4|Signs of Rain]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter5|Rainy Blue]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter6|Premonition]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter7|Smile, Smile]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter8|Sweets]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter9|Blue Umbrella, Red Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 11 - Holding a Parasol/パラソルをさして [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v11_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter1|The Girl with the Brown Umbrella]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter2|Classmates]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter3|Milk Tea, Oolong Tea]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter4|Welcome]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter5|White Parasol]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter6|Visitor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter7|Beneath a Clear, Blue Sky]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter8|Afterword]]

=== Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 ===
[[Image:MM_v12_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter0|Prologue]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter1|Plans for the Summer Vacation]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter2|In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter3|Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf]] (In Progress 2/7)
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter4|The Rich Princes and Princesses]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter5|Searching in the Mist]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter6|Songs of an Angel]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Epilogue|Author's Epilogue]]

=== Volume 13 - One Page of Midsummer/真夏の一ページ ===
[[Image:MM_v13_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Prologue|Prologue]]
* For Short, Operation OK (Tentative)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter1|Offer and Plot]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter2|Cunning Boy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter3|OK, Let's Do It.]]
* Together With the Old Gentleman
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter4|Gathering Material with Dustpan and Broom]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter5|Up to the Meeting Place]]
** Search for Takuya-kun!
* Rosa Foetida ☆ Illustrated Diary
** 〇th of July (Saturday) : Sunny
** △th of August (Sunday) : Cloudy
** Ⅹth of August (Saturday) : Sunny
 

=== Volume 14 - Cool Breeze/涼風さつさつ ===
[[Image:MM_v14_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Prologue
* The First Step
* That's a Problem
* Setting Aside the "Bread Incident"
* Finding Me
* The Battle for Hanadera
* Postscript

=== Volume 15 - Ready, GO!/レディ、GO！ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v15_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter1|Remaining Cuteness of Today's Enemy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter2|Everything Prepared?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter3|Friend's affection and Onee-sama]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter4|Casting Aside Embarrassment of One's Parents]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter5|Joker, Anchor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter6|Penalty Game Speculation]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 16 - Variety Gifts/バラエティギフト [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v16_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter1|Variety Gift I]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter2|Variety Gift II]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter3|Variety Gift III]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter4|Variety Gift IV]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter5|Variety Gift V]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 17 - Ciào Sorella!/チャオソレッラ！ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v17_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter1|Each and Every Farewell Gift]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter2|Going out at the Beginning]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter3|Leisurely Dialogue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter4|The Mouth of Truth's Complaint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter5|The Capital of Flowers Is What Kind of City?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter6|Resounding! Leaning! Melting!?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter7|The Parakeet's Hint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter8|From the Water Capital to the Island Nation]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9|Souvenir Report]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9.5|The Absence of Rosa Chinensis en Bouton]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 18 - Nothing Special, Just a Normal Day/特別でないただの一日 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v18_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter1|Shock]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter2|Are you changing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter3|What will happen? What will we do?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter4|Ah, Misunderstanding]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter5|Dramatics]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 19 - In Library/インライブラリー ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v19_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1|In Library - - I]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1.5|Silent Night's Vision]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2|In Library - - II]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2.5|Joanna]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3|In Library - - III]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.2|Chocolate Coat]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.3|Yasuko]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.4|Masumi]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.5|Asaka]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4|In Library - - IV]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.1|--- Magic Among the Cherry Blossom ---]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.2|-- The Door of Cherry Wood --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.3|-- The Burial Among Cherry Blossoms --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5_Epilogue|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales - Epilogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5|In Library - - V]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5.5|Library Book]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter6|In Library - - VI]]

=== Volume 20 - Sister Audition/妹オーディション ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v20_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1|-- Right or Wrong -- ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.2|Maria-sama's Star]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.3|Maria-sama's Planet]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter2|Welcome to the Tea Party]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter3|Interim Report]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter4|The Crucial Battle]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter5|Harvest]]
*Postscript

=== Volume 21 - Rose Mille-Feuille/薔薇のミルフィーユ ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v21_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Yellow Rose Panic
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter1|The result of 100 battles?]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter2|Panic Attack!]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter3|The Bout's Whereabouts]]
*Reverie of the White Rose
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter4|Two Peaceful People]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter5|The Heaviness of Reverie]]
*Rosa Chinensis's Sigh
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter6|After-Finals Prize]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter7|High Tension and Roller Coasters]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter8|A Mille-Feuille of Sighs]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Postscript|Afterword]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Translator's Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

=== Volume 22 - Blank Map of the Future/未来の白地図 ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v22_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter1|An Unexpected Visitor ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter2|A Little Bit of Something]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter3|Of Strange Things]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter4|Even though it's Christmas]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter5|Rose Dialogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 23 - Other Side of the Frosted Glass/くもりガラスの向こう側 ===
[[Image:MM_v23_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter1|Onee-sama's Lead]]
* In One Year's Time
* Stopping In Along the Way
* Full To Bursting At the New Year’s Party
* Nearly Far? Or Distantly Near?
* A Chill Breeze
* The Heart In the Frosted Glass
* Afterword

=== Volume 24 - Masked Actress/仮面のアクトレス ===
[[Image:MM_v24_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume24_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Yellow Rose, Hardball Fight
** Riding a Bicycle
** Contest
* Masked Actress
** The Opening Ceremony's Spoiled Child
** Explanatory Meeting and Clandestine Meeting
** First Year Camellia Class is Normal
** Beneath the Mask
* A Moment of Honesty

=== Volume 25 - Big Door, Small Key/大きな扉　小さな鍵 ===
[[Image:MM_v25_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume25_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Key Holder
** Sometimes Falling, Sometimes Pulling
** Slightly Slipping Away
** Proposal Together With Arrival
** What I Wanted to Hear
* Keyhole of the Heart
** Pitiable Person
** Fortunate Interview
** In Her Pocket

=== Volume 26 - Crisscross/クリスクロス ===
[[Image:MM_v26_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume26_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Crisscross
** Good Morning Chocolate
** Sentimental First-Year Camellia Class
** Ahh, Tea Party
** A Shortcut and Dropping In on the Way
** The Blank Map's Valley
** The Red Card's Outlook
* Map Stroll
** Meandering
** X-Mark

=== Volume 27 - In Search of You/あなたを探しに [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v27_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter1|Warrior Demands a Response]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter2|The "Absentee's Chance" Girl]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter3|Unexpected Words]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter4|At the Outset of the Date]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter5|"Why?"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter6|Amendment, Overwriting and an Old Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter7|The Door That Opened]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter8|When Tomorrow Comes]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 28 - Frame of Mind/フレーム　オブ　マインド [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v28_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter1|Frame of Mind 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter2|April Deja-Vu]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter3|Frame of Mind 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter4|Three-Leaf Clover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter5|Frame of Mind 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter6|Sprouts in Dry Wood]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter7|Frame of Mind 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter8|The Yellow Thread]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter9|Frame of Mind 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter10|The Awkward Princess]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter11|Frame of Mind 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter12|Bouton of Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter13|Frame of Mind 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter14|The Greenhouse Fairy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter15|Frame of Mind 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter16|The Doppelganger Story]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter17|Frame of Mind 9]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter18|A Roll of Film]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter19|Frame of Mind 10]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 29 - Crown of Roses/薔薇の花かんむり [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_29_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter1|Onee-sama, Rosary and Petit Soeur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter2|Conversation Stories]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter3|Not Here]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter4|Burning Bridges]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter5|Santa's Refreshments]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter6|The Miracle Worker]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter7|Would You Like to Waltz?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 30 - Twinkle, Twinkle, Twirl/キラキラまわる [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_30_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter1|Scattered Sunshine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter2|Frivolity and Self-Loathing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter3|Those Two, On the Other Hand]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter4|Star Up Teacup]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter5|What Kind of Groups?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter6|Distant Desire]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter7|Amongst the Stardust]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 31 - Marguerite Ribbon/マーガレットにリボン [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v31_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter1|Marguerite Ribbon 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter2|Debut]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter3|Marguerite Ribbon 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter4|A Rival is Fine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter5|Marguerite Ribbon 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter6|Buying Florentine Senbei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter7|Marguerite Ribbon 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter8|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter9|Marguerite Ribbon 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter10|My Siblings]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter11|Marguerite Ribbon 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter12|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 1]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter13|Marguerite Ribbon 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter14|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 2]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter15|Marguerite Ribbon 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter16|Memories of the Blue Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter17|Marguerite Ribbon 9]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 32 - Pre-Graduation Tableau/卒業前小景 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v32_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter1|Laughing While Reminiscing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter2|Onee-sama's Racket]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter3|Me and the Interviewer]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter4|Graduation Group Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter5|Sweet Bun Feast]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter6|Support and Skinship]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter7|Forgotten Things]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter8|What's the Person Beside You Doing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter9|The Ribbon's Path]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 33 - Hello Goodbye/ハローグッバイ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v33_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter1|Today's Goal]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter2|The Green Bird and the White Flower]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter3|Grand Entrance]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter4|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter5|Parting Gift Trio]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter6|Soloist's Adlib]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter7|Connecting Chains]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter8|Continuing Path]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 34 - Little Horrors/リトルホラーズ ===
[[Image:MM_v34_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Chapter1|Chapter 1: "Little Horrors - I"]]
* Chapter 2: "Chinami-san and Me"
* Chapter 3: "Little Horrors - II"
* Chapter 4: "Picking up a Handkerchief"
* Chapter 5: "Little Horrors - III"
* Chapter 6: "An Honest Lie"
* Chapter 7: "Little Horrors - IV"
* Chapter 8: "One Pair"
* Chapter 9: "Little Horrors - V"
* Chapter 10: "Dream of a Butterfly"
* Chapter 11: "Little Horrors - VI"
* Chapter 12: "Extra:Little Panic"

=== Volume 35 - My Nest/私の巣 ===
[[Image:MM_v36_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume35_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* My Nest
* Removal
* About One Week
* Christmas Eve
* Melancholy
* Our Nest
* Afterword

=== Volume 36 - Step/ステップ ===
[[Image:MM_v35_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume36_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Step-1
* Step-2
* Step-3
* Step-4
* Step-5
* Step-6
* Afterword

=== Volume 37 - Farewell Bouquet ===
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume37_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Farewell Bouquet 1
** Candy and Stretch
* Farewell Bouquet 2
** Private Teacher
* Farewell Bouquet 3
** Breast Cookies
* Farewell Bouquet 4
** Yesterday's Enemy
* Farewell Bouquet 5
** Until Graduation
* Farewell Bouquet 6
** Announcement
* Farewell Bouquet 7
** Conversation Over Fresh Herb Tea
* Afterword

=== Premium Book ===
Note: This book is primarily an art book, with pictures from the first season of anime, character sketches, a chapter of the manga, as well as cast interviews and the following short story:
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:PremiumBook_Answer|Answer]]

== Project Staff ==

*Supervisor: ''None Designated''
*Project Manager: ''None Designated''

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''

* [[User:Enn_are|NR]]
* [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]]

'''K.I.A.'''

* [[User:Seki|Seki]]
* [[User:Harunako|Harunako]]

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Kurokaze|Kurokaze]]
* [[User:Sukoshi|Sukoshi]]
* [[User:hasekura_rei|hasekura_rei]]

=== Editors ===
'''ACTIVE'''

(none, beside some occasionally passing readers)

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Ribonizer|Ribonizer]]

=== Contributors ===

* Erica Friedman of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translations of volumes 15 through 19 and
* Rei and Sukoshi of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translation of volume 20 and 21.
* Update: as of May 19, 2010, translations no longer hosted on Okazu.

== Series Overview ==
* Volume 1 - マリア様がみてる (April 24, 1998, ISBN 4-08-614459-X)
* Volume 2 - マリア様がみてる　黄薔薇革命 (February 3, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614554-5)
* Volume 3 - マリア様がみてる　いばらの森 (April 27, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614591-X)
* Volume 4 - マリア様がみてる　ロサ・カニーナ (December 1, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614661-4)
* Volume 5 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） (March 3, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614695-9)
* Volume 6 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） (April 25, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614715-7)
* Volume 7 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（前編） (February 2, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614817-X)
* Volume 8 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（後編） (April 3, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614841-2)
* Volume 9 - マリア様がみてる　チェリーブロッサム (July 27, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614895-1)
* Volume 10 - マリア様がみてる　レイニーブルー (March 29, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600078-4)
* Volume 11 - マリア様がみてる　パラソルをさして (July 1, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600136-5)
* Volume 12 - マリア様がみてる　子羊たちの休暇 (December 25, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600210-8)
* Volume 13 - マリア様がみてる　真夏の一ページ (March 28, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600243-4)
* Volume 14 - マリア様がみてる　涼風さつさつ (July 1, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600284-1)
* Volume 15 - マリア様がみてる　レディ、GO！ (October 31, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600337-6)
* Volume 16 - マリア様がみてる　バラエティギフト (December 25, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600360-0)
* Volume 17 - マリア様がみてる　チャオソレッラ！ (March 31, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600399-6)
* Volume 18 - マリア様がみてる　特別でないただの一日 (October 1, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600484-4)
* Volume 19 - マリア様がみてる　インライブラリー (December 25, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600527-1)
* Volume 20 - マリア様がみてる　妹オーディション (April 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600568-9)
* Volume 21 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇のミルフィーユ (July 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600609-X)
* Volume 22 - マリア様がみてる　未来の白地図 (December 22, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600704-5)
* Volume 23 - マリア様がみてる　くもりガラスの向こう側 (March 31, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600743-6)
* Volume 24 - マリア様がみてる　仮面のアクトレス (June 30, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600784-3)
* Volume 25 - マリア様がみてる　大きな扉　小さな鍵 (October 3, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600823-8)
* Volume 26 - マリア様がみてる　クリスクロス (December 22, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600859-9)
* Volume 27 - マリア様がみてる　あなたを探しに (March 30, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-600895-2)
* Volume 28 - マリア様がみてる　フレーム　オブ　マインド (June 28, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601034-4)
* Volume 29 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇の花かんむり (October 2, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601075-7)
* Volume 30 - マリア様がみてる　キラキラまわる (December 26, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601110-5)
* Volume 31 - マリア様がみてる　マーガレットにリボン (April 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601144-0)
* Volume 32 - マリア様がみてる　卒業前小景 (October 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601214-0)
* Volume 33 - マリア様がみてる　ハローグッバイ (December 26, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601244-7)
* Volume 34 - マリア様がみてる―リトルホラーズ (July 1, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601305-5)
* Volume 35 - マリア様がみてる　私の巣　(December 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601363-5)
* Volume 36 - マリア様がみてる　ステップ　(December 28, 2010, ISBN 978-4-08-601481-6)
* Volume 37 - マリア様がみてるフェアウェルブーケ (April 28, 2012, ISBN 978-4-08-601631-5)

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Reine Hibiki]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru

2014-04-09T10:48:41Z

Rydenius:

[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|MariMite volume 1 cover.]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru (マリア様がみてる) is a Japanese light novel series written by Oyuki Konno (今野緒雪（こんのおゆき）) and illustrated by Reine Hibiki (ひびき玲音). The series is published by Shueisha under their Cobalt imprint. Many of the short stories which were later also included in the novel series were first published in the Cobalt magazine. The series currently has 37 published volumes. The spin-off light novel series Ōshaka-sama mo Miteru (お釈迦様もみてる) about Yumi's younger brother Yūki and his schoolmates at Hanadera has been running since August 2008, and currently has 10 volumes published.

''Maria-sama ga Miteru'' is also available in the following languages:
*[[Maria-sama ga Miteru - Français|Français (French)]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru_%28Espa%C3%B1ol%29|Español (Spanish)]]

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)

== Story Synopsis ==

Maria-sama ga Miteru's story revolves around the students of the Lillian Catholic school for girls, and can be considered character-driven, focusing on interactions between the characters rather than any sort of ongoing plot or goal to attain. At Lillian Girls' School, there is a tradition known as the sœur system (sœur being French for "sister"), in which a second, or third-year student, the grande sœur ("big sister"), will give her rosary to a junior student, the petite sœur ("little sister"), and promise to look after them and guide them.

When the story begins, Yumi Fukuzawa, a first-year at Lillian, is praying in front of the Virgin Mary statue near the school entrance when she is suddenly approached by a cold second-year student named Sachiko Ogasawara who straightens Yumi's uniform ribbon. This seemingly simple act of kindness stays with Yumi the rest of the day, and she speaks of her meeting with Sachiko to her friends during class and lunch. After school is over, Yumi's classmate Tsutako Takeshima meets with Yumi to show her that she took a photograph of Yumi's meeting with Sachiko earlier that morning. Yumi asks if she can have the photo, but Tsutako says she will give her the snapshot under two conditions: one being that Tsutako can display it at the upcoming school festival, and two being that Yumi get Sachiko's permission to do so as well. Yumi agrees to this, which sets in motion a series of events involving the entire Yamayurikai — the student council of the school. A few weeks after first meeting Sachiko, Yumi accepts Sachiko's rosary and therefore agrees to become her petite sœur.

This officially inducts Yumi into the Yamayurikai where she assists them in school matters at the same level as the other two petite sœurs — Yoshino Shimazu, and Shimako Tōdō — who are the petite sœurs of Rei Hasekura, and Sei Satō respectively. Through her activities in the Yamayurikai, Yumi becomes closer to the other members and generally finds her experiences with the group to be enjoyable. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria-sama_ga_Miteru Synopsis from wikipedia.]

'''Warning:''' Suffice it to say, this series is considered yuri, having various mentions of lesbian relationships. They are not, however, particularly graphic. If you find this sort of topic offensive, look away.

== Translation ==

'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1950 Feedback Thread]'''

=== [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Format|Maria-sama ga Miteru specific formatting]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Notes|Maria-sama ga Miteru translation notes]]

== Updates ==
* 9 January 2014
** Started translation of volume 13
* 5 January 2014
** Finished translation of volume 9
* 3 January 2014
** Resumed translation of volume 12
* 12 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 34
* 6 December 2013
** Posted Chapter 1 of volume 23
* 15 September 2013
** Finished translation of volume 8
* 12 May 2013
** Translated the short story "Answer" from the Premium Book.
* 8 May 2013
** Finished translation of volume 7

[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Updates|Past Updates]]

== Maria-sama ga Miteru/マリア様がみてる by Oyuki Konno ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4955 here].'''
=== Volume 1 - Maria-sama ga Miteru/マリア様がみてる [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v01_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter1|Monday of Uneasiness]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter2|Tuesday of Storms]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter3|Anxious Wednesday, Friday of Battle]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter4|Spicy and Bitter Weekend]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter5|The Hot Second Week]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter6|Waltz-like Sunday]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 2 - The Yellow Rose Revolution/黄薔薇革命 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v02_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter1|Best Sœur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter2|The Returned Rosary]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter3|Unexpected Consequences]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter4|Just what is going on?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter5|Fighting Maidens]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Chapter6|As long as it ends well]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume2_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 3 - Forest of Thorns/いばらの森 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v03_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Forest of Thorns
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter1|The semester exam and the paperback]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter2|The White Rose]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter3|Who's Suga Sei?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter4|If I could meet Eve]]
* The White Flower Petal
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter5|Springtime Buds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter6|Summer Greenhouse]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter7|Autumn Love]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Chapter8|The last flower of winter, and then]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume3_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 4 - Rosa Canina/ロサ・カニーナ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v04_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Rosa Canina
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter1|A lonesome warmth]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter2|Rosa Canina?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter3|What do you think?]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter4|Raison d'etre for sœur]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter5|A modest secret]]
* Nagakiyono
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter6|The first of January]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter7|The hatsumoude on the second]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter8|With the archenemy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter9|By onee-sama's side]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 5 - Valentine's Gift - Part 1/ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v05_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Surprise chocolate
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter1|Research]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter2|gift from a rare visitor]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter3|Outsider]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter4|The thirteenth of February]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter5|St. Valentine's prank]]
* The Yellow Rose complication
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_1|18:50, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_2|19:18, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_3|19:30, Rei]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_4|23:10, Eriko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_5|23:10, Yoshino]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Chapter6_6|23:10, Rei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume5_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 6 - Valentine's Gift - Part 2/ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v06_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* First date triangle
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter1|Order]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter2|Hors d'oeuvre]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter3|Main]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter4|Dessert]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter5|The crimson card]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Chapter6|Rosa Chinensis' best day of her life]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume6_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 7 - Beloved Times - Part 1/いとしき歳月（前編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v07_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Yellow Rose at Full Speed
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter1|The Beginning]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter2|Rabbit and Cat and Wolf]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter3|Umbrella Maker's Wife]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter4|Golden Rose Uproar]]
* Very Busy Days
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter5|Monday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter6|Tuesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter7|Wednesday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter8|Thursday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter9|Friday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter10|Saturday]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter11|Bonus]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter12|A Short Interlude]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume7_Chapter13|Afterword]]

=== Volume 8 - Beloved Times - Part 2/いとしき歳月（後編） [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v08_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* will
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter1|Lost Items]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter2|Farewell Gift]]
* As the Years Pass By
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter3|Just Before Graduation]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter4|Eriko, Sei, Youko]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter5|Farewell Address and Formal Reply]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter6|Towards the Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter7|Joined at Just One Hand]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter8|Spring Breeze]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Chapter9|Autumn Bonds]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume8_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 9 - Cherry Blossom (Sakura)/チェリーブロッサム [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v09_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter1|The Cherry in the Ginkgoes]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter2|Falling Cherry Blossoms / Exam Failure]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter3|Maria and Maitreya]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter4|Rosary or Juzu]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter5|The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* BGN (Background Noise)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter6|When the Cherry Blossoms Fall]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter7|8 - 3 = Right]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter8|Intriguing First-Year]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter9|Behind the Scenes of The Maria Ceremony Inquisition]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume9_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 10 - Rainy Blue/レイニーブルー [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v10_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Prologue|Prologue]]
* Rosary Droplets
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter1|Peppermint Candy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter2|Raindrop]]
* Yellow Rose Warning
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter3|Suspicious Clouds]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter4|Signs of Rain]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter5|Rainy Blue]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter6|Premonition]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter7|Smile, Smile]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter8|Sweets]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter9|Blue Umbrella, Red Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume10_Chapter10|Afterword]]

=== Volume 11 - Holding a Parasol/パラソルをさして [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v11_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter1|The Girl with the Brown Umbrella]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter2|Classmates]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter3|Milk Tea, Oolong Tea]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter4|Welcome]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter5|White Parasol]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter6|Visitor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter7|Beneath a Clear, Blue Sky]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume11_Chapter8|Afterword]]

=== Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 ===
[[Image:MM_v12_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter0|Prologue]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter1|Plans for the Summer Vacation]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter2|In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter3|Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf]] (In Progress 2/7)
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter4|The Rich Princes and Princesses]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter5|Searching in the Mist]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Chapter6|Songs of an Angel]]
*[[Maria_Sama_Ga_Miteru:Volume12_Epilogue|Author's Epilogue]]

=== Volume 13 - One Page of Midsummer/真夏の一ページ ===
[[Image:MM_v13_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Prologue|Prologue]]
* For Short, Operation OK (Tentative)
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter1|Offer and Plot]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter2|Cunning Boy]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter3|OK, Let's Do It.]]
* Together With the Old Gentleman
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter4|Gathering Material with Dustpan and Broom]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume13_Chapter5|Up to the Meeting Place]]
** Search for Takuya-kun!
* Rosa Foetida ☆ Illustrated Diary
** 〇th of July (Saturday) : Sunny
** △th of August (Sunday) : Cloudy
** Ⅹth of August (Saturday) : Sunny

=== Volume 14 - Cool Breeze/涼風さつさつ ===
[[Image:MM_v14_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume14_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Prologue
* The First Step
* That's a Problem
* Setting Aside the "Bread Incident"
* Finding Me
* The Battle for Hanadera
* Postscript

=== Volume 15 - Ready, GO!/レディ、GO！ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v15_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter1|Remaining Cuteness of Today's Enemy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter2|Everything Prepared?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter3|Friend's affection and Onee-sama]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter4|Casting Aside Embarrassment of One's Parents]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter5|Joker, Anchor]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume15_Chapter6|Penalty Game Speculation]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 16 - Variety Gifts/バラエティギフト [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v16_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter1|Variety Gift I]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter2|Variety Gift II]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter3|Variety Gift III]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter4|Variety Gift IV]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume16_Chapter5|Variety Gift V]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 17 - Ciào Sorella!/チャオソレッラ！ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v17_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter1|Each and Every Farewell Gift]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter2|Going out at the Beginning]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter3|Leisurely Dialogue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter4|The Mouth of Truth's Complaint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter5|The Capital of Flowers Is What Kind of City?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter6|Resounding! Leaning! Melting!?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter7|The Parakeet's Hint]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter8|From the Water Capital to the Island Nation]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9|Souvenir Report]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume17_Chapter9.5|The Absence of Rosa Chinensis en Bouton]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 18 - Nothing Special, Just a Normal Day/特別でないただの一日 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18|(Full Text)]]===
[[Image:MM_v18_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter1|Shock]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter2|Are you changing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter3|What will happen? What will we do?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter4|Ah, Misunderstanding]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Chapter5|Dramatics]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume18_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 19 - In Library/インライブラリー ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v19_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1|In Library - - I]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter1.5|Silent Night's Vision]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2|In Library - - II]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter2.5|Joanna]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3|In Library - - III]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.2|Chocolate Coat]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.3|Yasuko]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.4|Masumi]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter3.5|Asaka]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4|In Library - - IV]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.1|--- Magic Among the Cherry Blossom ---]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.2|-- The Door of Cherry Wood --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5.3|-- The Burial Among Cherry Blossoms --]]
***[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter4.5_Epilogue|Cherry Blossom Folk Tales - Epilogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5|In Library - - V]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter5.5|Library Book]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume19_Chapter6|In Library - - VI]]

=== Volume 20 - Sister Audition/妹オーディション ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v20_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1|-- Right or Wrong -- ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.2|Maria-sama's Star]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter1.3|Maria-sama's Planet]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter2|Welcome to the Tea Party]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter3|Interim Report]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter4|The Crucial Battle]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume20_Chapter5|Harvest]]
*Postscript

=== Volume 21 - Rose Mille-Feuille/薔薇のミルフィーユ ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v21_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Prologue|Prologue]]
*Yellow Rose Panic
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter1|The result of 100 battles?]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter2|Panic Attack!]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter3|The Bout's Whereabouts]]
*Reverie of the White Rose
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter4|Two Peaceful People]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter5|The Heaviness of Reverie]]
*Rosa Chinensis's Sigh
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter6|After-Finals Prize]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter7|High Tension and Roller Coasters]]
**[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Chapter8|A Mille-Feuille of Sighs]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Postscript|Afterword]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume21_Translator's Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

=== Volume 22 - Blank Map of the Future/未来の白地図 ([[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22|Full Text]])===
[[Image:MM_v22_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter1|An Unexpected Visitor ]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter2|A Little Bit of Something]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter3|Of Strange Things]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter4|Even though it's Christmas]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Chapter5|Rose Dialogue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume22_Afterword|Afterword]]

=== Volume 23 - Other Side of the Frosted Glass/くもりガラスの向こう側 ===
[[Image:MM_v23_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume23_Chapter1|Onee-sama's Lead]]
* In One Year's Time
* Stopping In Along the Way
* Full To Bursting At the New Year’s Party
* Nearly Far? Or Distantly Near?
* A Chill Breeze
* The Heart In the Frosted Glass
* Afterword

=== Volume 24 - Masked Actress/仮面のアクトレス ===
[[Image:MM_v24_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume24_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Yellow Rose, Hardball Fight
** Riding a Bicycle
** Contest
* Masked Actress
** The Opening Ceremony's Spoiled Child
** Explanatory Meeting and Clandestine Meeting
** First Year Camellia Class is Normal
** Beneath the Mask
* A Moment of Honesty

=== Volume 25 - Big Door, Small Key/大きな扉　小さな鍵 ===
[[Image:MM_v25_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume25_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Key Holder
** Sometimes Falling, Sometimes Pulling
** Slightly Slipping Away
** Proposal Together With Arrival
** What I Wanted to Hear
* Keyhole of the Heart
** Pitiable Person
** Fortunate Interview
** In Her Pocket

=== Volume 26 - Crisscross/クリスクロス ===
[[Image:MM_v26_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume26_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* Crisscross
** Good Morning Chocolate
** Sentimental First-Year Camellia Class
** Ahh, Tea Party
** A Shortcut and Dropping In on the Way
** The Blank Map's Valley
** The Red Card's Outlook
* Map Stroll
** Meandering
** X-Mark

=== Volume 27 - In Search of You/あなたを探しに [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v27_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter1|Warrior Demands a Response]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter2|The "Absentee's Chance" Girl]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter3|Unexpected Words]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter4|At the Outset of the Date]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter5|"Why?"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter6|Amendment, Overwriting and an Old Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter7|The Door That Opened]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume27_Chapter8|When Tomorrow Comes]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 28 - Frame of Mind/フレーム　オブ　マインド [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v28_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter1|Frame of Mind 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter2|April Deja-Vu]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter3|Frame of Mind 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter4|Three-Leaf Clover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter5|Frame of Mind 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter6|Sprouts in Dry Wood]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter7|Frame of Mind 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter8|The Yellow Thread]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter9|Frame of Mind 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter10|The Awkward Princess]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter11|Frame of Mind 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter12|Bouton of Light]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter13|Frame of Mind 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter14|The Greenhouse Fairy]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter15|Frame of Mind 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter16|The Doppelganger Story]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter17|Frame of Mind 9]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter18|A Roll of Film]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Chapter19|Frame of Mind 10]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume28_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 29 - Crown of Roses/薔薇の花かんむり [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_29_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter1|Onee-sama, Rosary and Petit Soeur]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter2|Conversation Stories]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter3|Not Here]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter4|Burning Bridges]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter5|Santa's Refreshments]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter6|The Miracle Worker]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Chapter7|Would You Like to Waltz?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume29_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 30 - Twinkle, Twinkle, Twirl/キラキラまわる [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_30_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter1|Scattered Sunshine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter2|Frivolity and Self-Loathing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter3|Those Two, On the Other Hand]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter4|Star Up Teacup]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter5|What Kind of Groups?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter6|Distant Desire]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Chapter7|Amongst the Stardust]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume30_Postscript|Afterword]]

=== Volume 31 - Marguerite Ribbon/マーガレットにリボン [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v31_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter1|Marguerite Ribbon 1]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter2|Debut]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter3|Marguerite Ribbon 2]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter4|A Rival is Fine]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter5|Marguerite Ribbon 3]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter6|Buying Florentine Senbei]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter7|Marguerite Ribbon 4]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter8|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter9|Marguerite Ribbon 5]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter10|My Siblings]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter11|Marguerite Ribbon 6]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter12|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 1]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter13|Marguerite Ribbon 7]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter14|Yumi-chan's Illustrated Diary – Future Volume 2]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter15|Marguerite Ribbon 8]]
** [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter16|Memories of the Blue Umbrella]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume31_Chapter17|Marguerite Ribbon 9]]
* Afterword

=== Volume 32 - Pre-Graduation Tableau/卒業前小景 [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v32_Cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter1|Laughing While Reminiscing]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter2|Onee-sama's Racket]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter3|Me and the Interviewer]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter4|Graduation Group Photograph]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter5|Sweet Bun Feast]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter6|Support and Skinship]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter7|Forgotten Things]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter8|What's the Person Beside You Doing?]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume32_Chapter9|The Ribbon's Path]]
* Postscript

=== Volume 33 - Hello Goodbye/ハローグッバイ [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33|(Full Text)]] ===
[[Image:MM_v33_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter1|Today's Goal]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter2|The Green Bird and the White Flower]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter3|Grand Entrance]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter4|The Problem of Adding "-San"]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter5|Parting Gift Trio]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter6|Soloist's Adlib]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter7|Connecting Chains]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Chapter8|Continuing Path]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume33_Postscript|Postscript]]

=== Volume 34 - Little Horrors/リトルホラーズ ===
[[Image:MM_v34_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume34_Chapter1|Chapter 1: "Little Horrors - I"]]
* Chapter 2: "Chinami-san and Me"
* Chapter 3: "Little Horrors - II"
* Chapter 4: "Picking up a Handkerchief"
* Chapter 5: "Little Horrors - III"
* Chapter 6: "An Honest Lie"
* Chapter 7: "Little Horrors - IV"
* Chapter 8: "One Pair"
* Chapter 9: "Little Horrors - V"
* Chapter 10: "Dream of a Butterfly"
* Chapter 11: "Little Horrors - VI"
* Chapter 12: "Extra:Little Panic"

=== Volume 35 - My Nest/私の巣 ===
[[Image:MM_v36_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume35_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* My Nest
* Removal
* About One Week
* Christmas Eve
* Melancholy
* Our Nest
* Afterword

=== Volume 36 - Step/ステップ ===
[[Image:MM_v35_cover.jpg|thumb|100px]]
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume36_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Step-1
* Step-2
* Step-3
* Step-4
* Step-5
* Step-6
* Afterword

=== Volume 37 - Farewell Bouquet ===
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume37_BackCover|Back Cover]]
* Prologue
* Farewell Bouquet 1
** Candy and Stretch
* Farewell Bouquet 2
** Private Teacher
* Farewell Bouquet 3
** Breast Cookies
* Farewell Bouquet 4
** Yesterday's Enemy
* Farewell Bouquet 5
** Until Graduation
* Farewell Bouquet 6
** Announcement
* Farewell Bouquet 7
** Conversation Over Fresh Herb Tea
* Afterword

=== Premium Book ===
Note: This book is primarily an art book, with pictures from the first season of anime, character sketches, a chapter of the manga, as well as cast interviews and the following short story:
* [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:PremiumBook_Answer|Answer]]

== Project Staff ==

*Supervisor: ''None Designated''
*Project Manager: ''None Designated''

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''

* [[User:Enn_are|NR]]
* [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]]

'''K.I.A.'''

* [[User:Seki|Seki]]
* [[User:Harunako|Harunako]]

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Kurokaze|Kurokaze]]
* [[User:Sukoshi|Sukoshi]]
* [[User:hasekura_rei|hasekura_rei]]

=== Editors ===
'''ACTIVE'''

(none, beside some occasionally passing readers)

'''M.I.A.'''
* [[User:Ribonizer|Ribonizer]]

=== Contributors ===

* Erica Friedman of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translations of volumes 15 through 19 and
* Rei and Sukoshi of [http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Okazu] for translation of volume 20 and 21.
* Update: as of May 19, 2010, translations no longer hosted on Okazu.

== Series Overview ==
* Volume 1 - マリア様がみてる (April 24, 1998, ISBN 4-08-614459-X)
* Volume 2 - マリア様がみてる　黄薔薇革命 (February 3, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614554-5)
* Volume 3 - マリア様がみてる　いばらの森 (April 27, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614591-X)
* Volume 4 - マリア様がみてる　ロサ・カニーナ (December 1, 1999, ISBN 4-08-614661-4)
* Volume 5 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（前編） (March 3, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614695-9)
* Volume 6 - マリア様がみてる　ウァレンティーヌスの贈り物（後編） (April 25, 2000, ISBN 4-08-614715-7)
* Volume 7 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（前編） (February 2, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614817-X)
* Volume 8 - マリア様がみてる　いとしき歳月（後編） (April 3, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614841-2)
* Volume 9 - マリア様がみてる　チェリーブロッサム (July 27, 2001, ISBN 4-08-614895-1)
* Volume 10 - マリア様がみてる　レイニーブルー (March 29, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600078-4)
* Volume 11 - マリア様がみてる　パラソルをさして (July 1, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600136-5)
* Volume 12 - マリア様がみてる　子羊たちの休暇 (December 25, 2002, ISBN 4-08-600210-8)
* Volume 13 - マリア様がみてる　真夏の一ページ (March 28, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600243-4)
* Volume 14 - マリア様がみてる　涼風さつさつ (July 1, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600284-1)
* Volume 15 - マリア様がみてる　レディ、GO！ (October 31, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600337-6)
* Volume 16 - マリア様がみてる　バラエティギフト (December 25, 2003, ISBN 4-08-600360-0)
* Volume 17 - マリア様がみてる　チャオソレッラ！ (March 31, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600399-6)
* Volume 18 - マリア様がみてる　特別でないただの一日 (October 1, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600484-4)
* Volume 19 - マリア様がみてる　インライブラリー (December 25, 2004, ISBN 4-08-600527-1)
* Volume 20 - マリア様がみてる　妹オーディション (April 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600568-9)
* Volume 21 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇のミルフィーユ (July 1, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600609-X)
* Volume 22 - マリア様がみてる　未来の白地図 (December 22, 2005, ISBN 4-08-600704-5)
* Volume 23 - マリア様がみてる　くもりガラスの向こう側 (March 31, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600743-6)
* Volume 24 - マリア様がみてる　仮面のアクトレス (June 30, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600784-3)
* Volume 25 - マリア様がみてる　大きな扉　小さな鍵 (October 3, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600823-8)
* Volume 26 - マリア様がみてる　クリスクロス (December 22, 2006, ISBN 4-08-600859-9)
* Volume 27 - マリア様がみてる　あなたを探しに (March 30, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-600895-2)
* Volume 28 - マリア様がみてる　フレーム　オブ　マインド (June 28, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601034-4)
* Volume 29 - マリア様がみてる　薔薇の花かんむり (October 2, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601075-7)
* Volume 30 - マリア様がみてる　キラキラまわる (December 26, 2007, ISBN 978-4-08-601110-5)
* Volume 31 - マリア様がみてる　マーガレットにリボン (April 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601144-0)
* Volume 32 - マリア様がみてる　卒業前小景 (October 1, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601214-0)
* Volume 33 - マリア様がみてる　ハローグッバイ (December 26, 2008, ISBN 978-4-08-601244-7)
* Volume 34 - マリア様がみてる―リトルホラーズ (July 1, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601305-5)
* Volume 35 - マリア様がみてる　私の巣　(December 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-08-601363-5)
* Volume 36 - マリア様がみてる　ステップ　(December 28, 2010, ISBN 978-4-08-601481-6)
* Volume 37 - マリア様がみてるフェアウェルブーケ (April 28, 2012, ISBN 978-4-08-601631-5)

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Reine Hibiki]]

Maria-sama ga Miteru:Registration Page

2014-04-09T10:21:05Z

Rydenius: /* Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 */

To re-iterate the registration procedure:

*"First Come, First Served": please register your intended chapters here

*The maximum number of chapters you are recommended to work on is no more then half of any given volume

*Maximum number of Translators per volume is two

*Maximum number of volumes you may be active on is one

*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).
== Completed ==

*Volume 1 - Maria-sama ga Miteru
*Volume 2 - The Yellow Rose Revolution
*Volume 3 - Forest of Thorns
*Volume 4 - Rosa Canina
*Volume 5 - Valentine's Gift, Part 1
*Volume 6 - Valentine's Gift, Part 2
*Volume 7 - Beloved Times, Part 1
*Volume 8 - Beloved Times, Part 2
*Volume 9 - Cherry Blossom (Sakura)
*Volume 10 - Rainy Blue
*Volume 11 - Holding a Parasol
*Volume 15 - Ready, GO!
*Volume 16 - Variety Gifts
*Volume 17 - Ciào Sorella!
*Volume 18 - Nothing Special, Just a Normal Day
*Volume 19 - In Library
*Volume 20 - Sister Audition
*Volume 21 - Rose Mille-Feuille
*Volume 22 - Blank Map of the Future
*Volume 27 - In Search of You
*Volume 28 - Frame of Mind
*Volume 29 - Crown of Roses
*Volume 30 - Twinkle, Twinkle, Twirl.
*Volume 31 - Marguerite Ribbon
*Volume 32 - Pre-Graduation Tableau
*Volume 33 - Hello Goodbye

== Partially Translated ==

=== Volume 12 - Vacation of the Lambs/子羊たちの休暇 ===
*Novel Illustrations
* Prologue - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] - '''Completed'''
* Plans for the Summer Vacation (夏休みの予定) - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] (unfinished)/[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* In the Dream of Seeing Cabbage Butterflies (紋白蝶の見る夢は) - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] (unfinished) - '''Dropped'''/[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* Midsummer Greetings with a Pressed Leaf (押し葉の暑中見舞い) - [[User:Harunako|Harunako]] (only started) - '''Dropped'''
* The Rich Princes and Princesses (お坊ちゃま、お嬢様)
* Searching in the Mist (霧中模索)
* Songs of an Angel (天使の歌)
* Author's Epilogue

=== Volume 13 - One Page of Midsummer ===
*Prologue - [[User:Enn_are|NR]] - '''Completed'''
* For Short, Operation OK (Tentative)
** Offer and Plot - [[User:Enn_are|NR]] - '''Completed'''
** Cunning Boy - [[User:Enn_are|NR]] - '''Completed'''
** OK, Let's Do It. - [[User:Enn_are|NR]] - '''Completed'''
* Together With the Old Gentleman
** Gathering Material with Dustpan and Broom - [[User:Enn_are|NR]] - '''Completed'''
** As Far as the Meeting Place - [[User:Enn_are|NR]] - '''Completed'''
** Search for Takuya-kun! - [[User:Enn_are|NR]]
* Rosa Foetida ☆ Illustrated Diary
** 〇th of July (Saturday) : Sunny
** △th of August (Sunday) : Cloudy
** Ⅹth of August (Saturday) : Sunny

=== Volume 23 - Other Side of the Frosted Glass/くもりガラスの向こう側 ===
* Prologue - [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* Onee-sama's Lead (お姉さまのリード) - [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* In One Year's Time (一年の計)
* Stopping In Along the Way (寄り道と道すがら)
* Full To Bursting At the New Year’s Party (新年会てんこ盛り)
* Nearly Far? Or Distantly Near? (近くて遠き？　遠くて近き？)
* A Chill Breeze (冷たい風)
* The Heart In the Frosted Glass (心のくもりガラス)
* Afterword

=== Volume 34 - Little Horrors/リトルホラーズ ===
* Chapter 1: "Little Horrors - I" / リトルホラーズ―I - [[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] - '''Completed'''
* Chapter 2: "Chinami-san and Me" / チナミさんと私
* Chapter 3: "Little Horrors - II" / リトルホラーズ―II
* Chapter 4: "Picking up a Handkerchief" / ハンカチ拾い
* Chapter 5: "Little Horrors - III" / リトルホラーズ―III
* Chapter 6: "An Honest Lie" / ホントの嘘
* Chapter 7: "Little Horrors - IV" /リトルホラーズ―IV
* Chapter 8: "One Pair" /ワンペア
* Chapter 9: "Little Horrors - V" /リトルホラーズ―V
* Chapter 10: "Dream of a Butterfly" /胡蝶の夢)
* Chapter 11: "Little Horrors - VI" /リトルホラーズ―VI
* Chapter 12: "Extra:Little Panic" /おまけ・リトルパニック

== Untranslated ==
* - Volume 14
* - Volume 24
* - Volume 25
* - Volume 26
* - Volume 35
* - Volume 36
* - Volume 37
[[Category:Registration Page]]

Talk:Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter2

2014-04-09T10:18:59Z

Rydenius:

I had an archive Otyaku's hosting of Marimite v12 up till Chapter 2 >> Page 9. Unfortunately, I don't have any more (I have some Marimite for other volumes, but I don't think we have permission to post them?). If you feel like going through and fixing up the mess of a 'update' I made, feel free.[[User:Kanzar|Kanzar]] 21:22, 26 April 2007 (PDT)

I replaced the sections of the archived Otyaku translation that we were unable to get permission to use with my own personal work. The chapter translation is now complete. --[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] ([[User talk:Rydenius|talk]]) 05:16, 9 April 2014 (CDT)

Talk:Maria Sama Ga Miteru:Volume12 Chapter2

2014-04-09T10:17:14Z

Rydenius:

I had an archive Otyaku's hosting of Marimite v12 up till Chapter 2 >> Page 9. Unfortunately, I don't have any more (I have some Marimite for other volumes, but I don't think we have permission to post them?). If you feel like going through and fixing up the mess of a 'update' I made, feel free.[[User:Kanzar|Kanzar]] 21:22, 26 April 2007 (PDT)

I replaced archived Otyaku translation that we were unable to get permission to use with my own personal work. --[[User:Rydenius|Rydenius]] ([[User talk:Rydenius|talk]]) 05:16, 9 April 2014 (CDT)