Editing Hikaru ga Chikyuu ni Itakoro:Translator's Afterword (section)

====Volume 10 – Fujitsubo====

''If you get there before I do... ''

After so many detours, we finally deal with the core issue, the circumstances of Hikaru’s death.

To be honest, I hoped the story would be darker and more depressing than it was, something like Book Girl and the Famished Spirit. The issue of forbidden love and Oedipus Complex is a prevalent theme in this volume, and ultimately, a reflection of Hikaru as a broken hero. For all he could get in the story, he was unable to retain the maternal love of his mother, and as a result, his romantic love for Fujino was born. While there is the issue of NTR, it’s sad that for the two male Mikados, they do realise the awkwardness of the situation.

For the head, Fujino is the replacement for the love he was never able to obtain because they mistress died. I don’t blame the guy for looking elsewhere after having to deal with Hiroka, but having Fujino is like adding to a doll collection, albeit top billing. The man knows about the love between Hikaru and Fujino, but even though he wanted to grant his blessings, he ended up being the actual father of the child. Well, it’ll be controversial to have Hikaru as the father like how Genji was...

For Hikaru, his harem was ultimately a result of him looking for the one flower to replace the Wisteria he love romantically, which in turn was a replacement of the maternal love he could not obtain. He’s a selfish fellow, that Hikaru, choosing to escape from his pain and leaving everyone behind. At the same time however, he’s doing his best to devote himself to others, even though the he was ultimately unable to get what he really want. A wretched person he was, yet one to be sympathised with, just as Genji was in his own story.

Both Hikaru and Fujino loved each other romantically, but circumstances will never allow them. This obviously was a contentious issue for many, notably Michiru. Well, since there are different types of girls out there, it would be appropriate to have a yandere involved in Hikaru’s death.

On a side note, the cover of this volume is without a doubt my favorite of the series. The conflicted look on Fujino’s face really looks like someone who needs to be saved (like Aoi), and at the same time, the junihitoe does give a regal vibe befitting of a favourite concubine.

As I had mentioned, this is the final volume involving a closer look at the friendship Honoka and Michiru had. To be honest, it’s a negative take on the issues Beni and Tayu had in volume 5, and I find that one to be too idealistic, but at the same time, I really do admire that lack of dispute, how amicable they are about it.

Even between friends, there are always going to be differences that need to be resolved (except for the above instance, and I’m looking forward to that moment). In this instance, the self-esteem issues result in Michiru’s loathing of Honoka, but a lot of these issues could have been avoided if they actually tried to talk it out.

In any case, even if Michiru were to somehow revive Hikaru, it’ll probably end up involving equivalent exchange or something like that. Too bad it never happened, but it’ll be a different story altogether.

Koremitsu ended up in a hospital, just as he did. This time, he ended up drowned just like Hikaru did, but he ends up alive. I have a nagging suspicion that if Koremitsu was to die, the one haunted by him will probably die from fright. Let the chain continue...

Yu lost. Koremitsu chose Honoka in the end, so this means Yu had to return to Australia. Being the dreamy girl, it is fitting that her exit was fleeting, but not before she was pursued by Tojo again. The thing was quite awkward to me, but well, it fits their personalities well. (That tennis outfit was really cute)

Meanwhile, dear Heliotrope, please have more confidence in yourself. You don’t have to keep wondering whether Koremitsu will requite your love. Yeah sure, he’s a blockhead, but when he makes his decision, it’s always for real. Now go on and enjoy your happiness..

And now, the final moments of the story.

Hikaru has to say goodbye.

The story is ‘When Hikaru was on the Earth’, and given that the word ‘was’ is used, you know that Hikaru will have to go. The farewell tour feels like a recap of the series whenever possible, to see how the girls are doing, and also to see that Koremitsu’s efforts were not for naught.

However, all the girls sans Honoka and Hiina are part of the harem, and bring the Bro, Koremitsu would never pick, most notably Aoi, whom ends up being the one Hikaru chose in his final quest for redemption, though it was never to pass.

Once that was done, Hikaru had no worries left, and he’ll depart. I find it a fitting punishment that for all his fears of being lonely, his departure will lead to him being one of the stars out there, unable to communicate and remain all alone as he reflects upon his life on Earth. Farewell, sweet prince.