Faced with the doubts raised by the members of the Blue Sea Translation Group, Kamiyā Yuu couldn't help feeling both amused and helpless.
There was a famous saying on the internet: "You never know whether the person typing to you online is a human, a ghost, a dog, or maybe even an alien."
He himself was the original author of 'Twilight of the Knight.' If this fan translation group ever found out that the original Japanese author had come to them personally to comment on their unauthorized translation, what kind of strange feelings would they have?
In any case, since this translation group had translated his novel and posted it online, Kamiyā Yuu's perfectionist streak made him unwilling to see too many translation bugs circulating in the Chinese version.
After thinking for a moment, he picked out several subtle translation errors he had noticed in the translated version of 'Twilight of the Knight' and began explaining them.
"Certainly. In the thirteenth section of 'Twilight of the Knight,' regarding the Japanese translation of 'Excalibur,' this particular point needs to be connected with the English..."
...
...
Kamiyā Yuu typed quickly. In only a few minutes, he had pointed out every translation issue he had noticed while reading the translated version of 'Twilight of the Knight.'
He cited references and explained the origins of various obscure Japanese expressions. Even terms considered uncommon by native Japanese readers were thoroughly explained. Moreover, much of 'Twilight of the Knight' drew heavily upon the Arthurian legends of Britain. Even Japanese readers sometimes needed the explanatory notes Kamiyā Yuu had included later in the novel to fully understand certain passages. Since those notes had not been completely translated, Chinese readers would inevitably miss some of the enjoyment that came from seeing the story interact with historical legends.
Half of 'Twilight of the Knight' consisted of fantasy elements, while the other half was built upon carefully researched history and legend.
It was obvious that the Blue Sea Translation Group had not bothered translating and organizing the explanatory notes that followed the main text. As a result, readers were unable to fully appreciate parts of the story that referenced historical legends.
After Kamiyā Yuu finished explaining, messages rapidly flooded the Blue Sea group chat. The members who had questioned him earlier still seemed a little skeptical and began asking the opinions of others.
["It sounds pretty convincing. Plant-kun, what do you think? — Love's Overthrow"]
["Hold on, let me check Wikipedia. — Preparing to Place Plants"]
...
["It's true. You can find exactly what he said on the Japanese Wikipedia. I've been living in Japan for over three years and had never even heard that term before. I didn't expect someone to use it in a novel. — Preparing to Place Plants"]
["Amazing. — Cold Cold Wind"]
["Thank you very much for your valuable advice. — Meilan"]
["Damn, he's actually a Japanese language master. Please accept my kneel! — Love's Overthrow"]
["Since you like 'Fate/Zero' too, how about joining us? — Dream God's Wings"]
["Popping in... watching the show... — Dark Night Yueke"]
["Watching the Japanese master up close! Leader! Leader! Hurry up and recruit this master! — Swordsman's Heart Fly"]
["Master, behold my magic treasure! I call you a Japanese language master—do you dare answer? — 1 Piece 7 Black"]
Kamiyā Yuu's explanation drew out quite a few lurkers. Several members who were proficient in Japanese and had participated in the translation suddenly understood the issues after reading his explanations. One after another, they extended invitations, hoping to recruit him into their translation group.
Faced with such enthusiastic invitations, Kamiyā Yuu replied with a regretful emoji and typed,
"I'm sorry, and thank you all for your invitations. I have quite a lot to deal with in real life, so I don't have the time to work on fan translations of Japanese novels for now. However, if you encounter any translation questions regarding 'Fate/Zero' in the future, you're welcome to ask me directly. I'll answer whatever I know. Also, I don't use chat software like this very often. If you'd like, you can send me a private message through my account on 'BIUBIUBIU.' I occasionally watch videos there. My ID is the same as the one I'm using now."
Kamiyā Yuu hadn't even finished writing the main 'Fate/Zero' novel yet. Was he really supposed to spend his free time translating his own side stories?
People with outstanding Japanese skills were highly sought after in translation circles like this. Since Kamiyā Yuu had demonstrated his expertise, he quickly gained the support of the group members and soon blended into the community.
Most of the conversation revolved around answering translation questions about 'Twilight of the Knight.'
After exchanging opinions for over half an hour, Kamiyā Yuu found an excuse to log off and uninstalled the chat software. He wasn't particularly fond of this type of social application. He preferred forums or large discussion platforms like Fakebook.
It had been the same in his previous world. He hardly ever used QQ except for occasionally logging in to chat with his readers. Otherwise, he rarely touched that national-level social app. A large part of the reason was simply that there wasn't anyone there he really wanted to talk to. As for close friends or his parents, a phone call was enough.
Sure enough, the moment Kamiyā Yuu entered 'BIUBIUBIU.,' a notification window popped up.
More than a dozen users wanted to add him as a friend.
After accepting them one by one, greetings from the members of the chat group quickly followed.
One user named Meilan caught his attention.
He had learned earlier in the group that she was the leader of the Blue Sea Translation Group and currently lived in Japan because of work. Her manner of speaking, however, was remarkably proper, much like an ordinary spectator who simply expressed admiration.
Even now, she was saying little more than polite formalities, thanking him for his earlier advice and asking for his continued guidance.
His interaction with the Blue Sea Translation Group had merely been a spur-of-the-moment whim.
Closing 'BIUBIUBIU.,' Kamiyā Yuu turned his attention back to Japan.
Just from the discussions surrounding 'Fate/Zero,' he could clearly see the enormous difference between the two countries' understanding of ACG culture.
At the moment, the hottest topic in Japan regarding 'Fate/Zero' wasn't how good the anime was, which character people supported, or how spectacular and expensive-looking the fight scenes were.
Instead, it was:
[Anime Flash! Heroic Spirit Zhao Yun's voice actor is actually Director Kamiyā himself!]
["It's over. The director himself has entered the battlefield. Is there even any suspense left about who'll win this Holy Grail War? — Ruruka"]
["Director Kamiyā is Chinese-Japanese, huh? No wonder his Chinese is so good! — Yūki Chizuru"]
["Director Kamiyā grew up in Japan, which means he taught himself such difficult Chinese? Great, now another line can be added beneath his title of 'All-Purpose Director': 'Also Fluent in Chinese.' — Anonymous"]
["Isn't he only half-good at it? — Anonymous"]
["Director Kamiyā already showed incredible English during the production of 'RWBY.' Now it turns out his Chinese is amazing too. The gap in talent is enough to make people despair. Fortunately, I still have one talent that surpasses his. Honestly, I'm more handsome than he is. — Anonymous"]
["More handsome? After watching his interview videos, you still dare to say something so ridiculous? Being handsome isn't just about your face—it includes bearing and charisma. Besides, Director Kamiyā already looks pretty good. — Eiko"]
...
Reading the comments praising him, Kamiyā Yuu couldn't help smiling to himself.
Chinese had been his native language all along. Being praised for speaking Chinese well left him not knowing how to react.
It was like watching a Western movie and hearing someone exclaim, "Foreign kids are so smart. They're only seven years old, but their English is already better than mine after I've studied it for over ten years."
It was already past two in the morning when Kamiyā Yuu shut down the computer and left the study.
When he returned to the bedroom, however, he noticed light shining through the crack beneath the door.
Sora forgot to turn off the light before sleeping again.
Kamiyā Yuu gently grasped the doorknob. Just as he was about to push the door open, he heard a faint, unusual sound from inside.
The voice that was normally cool and detached now sounded weak, breathless, and desperately suppressed.
"Yuu... Yuu... Yuu... Yuu...?"
His expression turned strange.
He quietly opened the door just a crack and looked into the bedroom he shared with Kamiyā Sora.
Sora was lying half-reclined on the bed in slightly disheveled pajamas. One small hand clutched the shirt Kamiyā Yuu had prepared to wear the next day as she buried her face in it, breathing in its scent.
"Yuu... Yuu... Yuu..."
The entire room seemed wrapped in an intimate silence.
After a while, Sora finally let out a louder cry, and her body suddenly stiffened.
Breathing unsteadily, she was about to compose herself when she saw Kamiyā Yuu entering through the door.
The flush on her cheeks deepened.
"Yuu..."
Her eyes were still unfocused as she slowly reached out her hands toward him.
...
It was a rare day off for Kamiyā Yuu.
He didn't feel like burying himself in storyboards or novels again, but the household chores became a considerable burden instead.
Especially today, he had to wash the bedsheets again, even though they had been cleaned less than a week ago.
Remembering the previous night, he sighed.
Sora had exhausted herself so thoroughly that she probably wouldn't wake up before noon.
Kamiyā Yuu, on the other hand, felt completely refreshed.
At a little after one in the afternoon, Kamiyā Sora finally woke up.
After eating the meal Kamiyā Yuu had reheated for her, she curled up in his arms in the living room while playing on her laptop.
Wearing a white Gothic-style dress meant for staying at home, she sat on his lap, hugging a rabbit plush with one arm while using the mouse with the other to browse the internet.
Her expression was as indifferent as ever, as though the previous night's intimacy had never happened.
While browsing, Kamiyā Sora suddenly asked,
"Yuu, you're going out drinking with Aoi-san tonight?"
"Yeah. She's seemed out of sorts lately."
"Just the two of you?"
"...Yeah."
Kamiyā Sora pouted unhappily.
Setting the rabbit plush aside, she reached back and gently stroked Kamiyā Yuu's cheek.
"When will you be back?"
After thinking for a moment, Kamiyā Yuu replied,
"Probably by around ten at the latest. I don't know if she'll get drunk. If she does, I'll have to take her home myself."
"I'll be angry."
She said it calmly, as though she were talking about someone else's affairs.
After a moment of silence, she frowned.
"Yuu, comfort Aoi-san properly. She's really been feeling down lately."
When she mentioned that, she glanced sideways at Kamiyā Yuu.
What's she trying to tell me?
Kamiyā Yuu was momentarily speechless.
Still looking at the webpage, Kamiyā Sora continued meaningfully,
"You know why she's feeling depressed."
"I've noticed... a little."
Kamiyā Yuu touched his face awkwardly.
Any man with average emotional awareness would have noticed Morishita Aoi's change in attitude toward him.
"I can't come with you?"
"You can. I'd actually feel a little worried leaving you home alone."
As he wrapped an arm around her slender waist, Kamiyā Sora snorted.
"How sly. I won't go. But next day off, you'll stay home with me."
She paused before asking,
"Won't Kaoru have any thoughts about it?"
Kamiyā Yuu shook his head.
A trace of disdain appeared in Kamiyā Sora's eyes as she smiled faintly.
"Kaoru really is exemplary. No wonder I just can't bring myself to like her."
Kamiyā Yuu: "..."
Her words carried hidden barbs, yet her tone remained completely calm. This was the clearest sign that Kamiyā Sora was angry.
After a moment, she quietly said,
"Yuu, tonight I want hamburger steak. And I'm going to eat all three ice creams in the refrigerator, plus everything in the snack cabinet."
Kamiyā Yuu gently rubbed her flat stomach through the thin fabric of her dress.
"What if you get a stomachache?"
Leaning against his chest, Kamiyā Sora rubbed her cheek against him and laughed softly.
"That would be perfect. Then you'd rush back to take care of me."
"All right, all right. If that happens, call me, and I'll come back immediately."
Kamiyā Yuu smiled helplessly, unsure whether she was joking or not.
"Yuu... do you really have to go?"
Kamiyā Yuu asked softly,
"That's the second time you've asked. Do you want me not to go?"
After hesitating for a while, Kamiyā Sora nodded, then shook her head.
"In that case... Aoi-san would probably cry."
"She's not as strong as she looks, especially when she's drunk. That's the real Aoi-san."
After saying that, she sighed softly.
"Yuu, Aoi-san is different from me, and different from Kaoru. I hope you'll think more carefully. I don't want to see Aoi-san looking sad and miserable."
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T/N: This novel is starting to annoy me... 🤦♂️ But since I've already invested so much time into it, I'll finish translating it anyway. 🚀📖