Signs: Four Years Ago
Signs: Port Stimmer, Leidenschaftlich
Default: Colonel Dietfried Bougainvillea,
Default: your younger brother is here to see you.
Default: Hey, Gil.
Default: Have you been well? I see you still have that stodgy look on your face.
Default: You look just like Dad.
Default: You haven't changed either, Brother.
Default: Father would never have approved of that hairstyle.
Default: He'd probably have lopped it off with his sword.
Default: Anything but that.
Default: You're always like this.
Default: I'm glad he died.
Default: Sorry.
Default: Don't look at me like that.
Default: I have a wonderful gift for you tonight, to celebrate your promotion.
Default: Listen.
Default: This is but a weapon.
Default: Use it without mercy or compassion.
Default: Open it.
Default: Hey, get up.
Default: I found her on the northeastern front.
Default: Her name is...
Default: Violet Evergarden.
Default: She'll be working as a trainee Auto Memoir Doll from today.
Default: Show her the ropes and the tricks of the trade.
Default: Sure.
Default: The blank-faced girl before me
Default: looked just like a doll—
Default: like the namesake of the job she performed.
Default: Like a mechanical doll.
Default: Uh, first off,
Default: how much do you know about an Auto Memoir Doll's job?
Default: It entails writing letters and the like as per the clients' requests.
Default: Colonel Hodgins—
Default: I mean, the boss told me.
Default: Precisely.
Default: I can't say I fully understand it yet,
Default: but I should be able to carry out my missions.
Default: This job ain't that easy!
Default: And what do you mean, missions?
Default: Iris, just focus on your work.
Default: Okay.
Default: Oh, right. I haven't introduced you to the other Dolls yet, have I?
Default: By the way, "Doll" is—
Default: The short-form address for "Auto Memoir Doll"?
Default: I realized that the other day.
Default: Precisely.
Default: The girl from before?
Default: She's Iris, a rookie who just finished her training course.
Default: And this is Erica.
Default: She and I have been in this business for ages,
Default: but since this company wasn't founded too long ago,
Default: we're basically all newcomers here.
Default: I don't think that's even close.
Default: Violet, how are you with a typewriter?
Default: I've never used one.
Default: Let's begin with typing practice, then.
Default: And she wants to be a Doll?
Default: Iris, could you get us the manual?
Default: Right away.
Default: Uh, take a seat.
Default: Roger.
Default: You should take off your gloves.
Default: Right.
Default: Will you be okay?
Default: No problem.
Default: I see.
Default: Give it a shot, then.
Default: You place the paper like this, and then you turn the knob to wind it around.
Default: Place your index fingers on F and J and press down on them.
Default: Okay.
Default: Yes, like that.
Default: That's the way.
Default: Next, memorize the finger placements for each letter.
Default: Try following this manual.
Default: H-Hey, Violet?
Default: Violet, stop!
Default: Could you, er,
Default: keep it down?
Default: Thank you very much!
Default: That's 1.2 libre, so it'll be 10 colis.
Default: Thank you very much.
Default - Alt: Finally lunch!
Default: Nerine, Lilian.
Default: Let's eat together.
Default: I bought noodles. There's enough for you guys too.
Default: No thanks.
Default: And don't show up at the counter all sweaty.
Default: What the heck was that?
Default: A man pours his blood, sweat, and tears into his work, and he gets no praise?
Default: And "don't show up"? What the hell?
Default: Why are women so calculating these days?
Default: And all that perfume!
Default: I bet they're trying to reel in a couple rich guys at the counter.
Default: Let it go, boy.
Default: Forget it. I've had it with working women.
Default: Hey, you fellas want noodles?
Default: No. And stop calling us fellas.
Default: I'll gladly share your noodles.
Default: Aw, another day of typing addresses?
Default: Both afternoon bookings personally requested Cattleya.
Default: You okay?
Default: I-I'm fine.
Default: I come all the way to Leiden and start working as a Doll,
Default: but each and every day, I'm either writing addresses
Default: or letters seeking information about people who went MIA.
Default: Nothing but that crap.
Default: Yeah.
Default: That reminds me. Apparently, that newbie was in the army too.
Default: But she's just a kid.
Default: Oh, so that's why.
Default: Why appoint her as a Doll?
Default: She's so aloof, and I bet there's not a tactful bone in her body.
Default: There's no way she's cut out for this.
Default: Man, I wanna write something exciting!
Default: For a celebrity! Like an actress's secret love letter!
Default: But Cattleya takes all of those.
Default: How's Violet?
Default: I asked her to lunch,
Default: but she said she needed no "replenishment."
Default: She's glued to the typewriter, practicing.
Default: I see.
Default: Sorry for all this.
Default: Then you can make it up by taking me out to dinner,
Default: Claudia!
Default: Don't call me by that name!
Default: I know your parents wanted a girl, but that was just cruel of them.
Default: I couldn't handle calling out a woman's name in bed.
Default: Stop it, please! I'm sorry!
Default: I can't treat you anytime soon.
Default: No pay for me this month.
Default: I'm done writing the addresses.
Default: Good work.
Default: I'll send them over to Deliveries.
Default: Please do.
Default: You should call it a day too, Violet.
Default: Let me see.
Default: My, you've improved a lot.
Default: Impressive.
Default: This weapon is what's impressive.
Default: "Weapon"?
Default: I guess. You could say it's a weapon that lets us working women fight in the wider society.
Default: You can accompany a Doll and see how they work tomorrow.
Default: I'm going on a house call now.
Default: If a client requests it, we even visit their home or workplace to ghostwrite for them.
Default: May I take one with me as well?
Default: A typewriter? Where?
Default: My quarters. For training,
Default: and also...
Default: Gilbert's address?
Default: Yes.
Default: I wish to report to him that I've assumed a ghostwriting post
Default: and have begun training for it.
Default: The major must still be busy.
Default: I can't see him yet, can I?
Default: Yeah...
Default: Got it. I'll send this out for you.
Default: So, how is your training? Going well?
Default: It is.
Default: No problem.
Default: As you know,
Default: I'm having a hard time getting through each day as it comes.
Default: "As you're aware, I require more funds..."
Default - Alt: You spelled that incorrectly.
Default: Also mention that I'll repay it at two clore per month.
Default: "Every month..."
Default: At two clore per month,
Default: it will take about 120 years to repay the sum in full.
Default: Will either of you live that long?
Default: He's normally a very good boy.
Default: But he does lose his temper at times.
Default: "We apologize for the harm your dear child suffered."
Default: Did I not raise him right?
Default: "We promise to discipline him more firmly..."
Default - Alt: Where?
Default: Where did I go wrong?
Default: Uh...
Default: You're stalling the work,
Default: so please cease crying immediately.
Default: Wha—
Default: What the hell is this?
Default: "I know this is a selfish request"?
Default: What do you mean, selfish?!
Default: I'm sorry.
Default: And "I have no excuse for the delay"?
Default: Why are you making it sound like it was all my fault?!
Default: Who do you think you are?
Default: She's Erica.
Default: I wasn't asking for her name!
Default: Anyway, I don't like this letter!
Default: I ain't paying for it!
Default: Withholding payment for a service because you don't like it is against the law.
Default: What is it that you don't like, and why?
Default: Out of my way.
Default: We need a clear, precise explanation.
Default: Please be prompt.
Default: I've received quite a few complaints from customers.
Default: Was there a problem?
Default: Well, uh...
Default: Are you okay?
Default: There are no issues with my health.
Default: I mean, how are you adjusting to Doll work?
Default: I am devoting myself to my training.
Default: I-Is that so?
Default: If I may...
Default: We have no more bookings for the day.
Default: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry's roster needs to be prepared,
Default: but I'll work on it with her.
Default: Type out the company name,
Default: address, and industry sector.
Default: Roger that.
Default: Hey.
Default: Why did you choose this line of work?
Default: I...
Default: Oh.
Default: Nobody home?
Default: Welcome, ma'am.
Default: Are you looking for a ghostwriter?
Default: Why else would I be here?
Default: Pardon me.
Default: If it pleases you,
Default: we would be honored to write anything you request.
Default: The Auto Memoir Doll service—
Default: Is the Doll named Cattleya Baudelaire here?
Default: She is currently out on a house call.
Default: Really? I'd heard that she was the best one for the job.
Default: Oh, well.
Default: Someone asked me out, you see.
Default: He's a man who founded an automobile company,
Default: saying the age of personal vehicles was upon us.
Default: I see...
Default: But I'm not that easy.
Default: I don't want him to think I'm a loose woman.
Default: I'm not sure I follow.
Default: Well, he's not that special, and I don't have any feelings for him.
Default: But I may consider it if he shows that he truly loves me.
Default: I want to send a refined, romantic letter.
Default: Write it for me.
Default: Um...
Default: Oh? Will you write it for me?
Default: Roger.
Default: What was with that letter?!
Default: Please calm down, ma'am.
Default: Iris!
Default: Get her some tea!
Default: R-Right away!
Default: I wrote it according to your request.
Default: Like hell you did!
Default: He got angry and sent it back to me!
Default: Why don't you read out what you wrote for us?
Default: "I read your letter, but I currently feel nothing for you.
Default: Also, you're lacking in affection and sincerity.
Default: Keep in mind that I happen to be a complex and dignified woman
Default: and try again once you've acquired enough funds and presents."
Default: What is the issue?
Default: I'm terribly sorry!
Default: That was a bit too straightforward.
Default: I wanted to be with him.
Default: But if I accepted right away, he'd think I was too easy.
Default: Doesn't every woman want to make her man pursue her?
Default: I loved him too, you know!
Default: What will you have?
Default: Water, warm or otherwise, will provide ample hydration.
Default: Two floral teas, please.
Default: Certainly.
Default: We shouldn't have let you take up that job right off the bat.
Default: I fail to understand.
Default: I wrote the letter that best reflected the client's wishes.
Default: There are two sides to words.
Default: What's spoken isn't necessarily all there is to it.
Default: It's a human weakness.
Default: We tend to test others to reaffirm our worth.
Default: How contrary, right?
Default: I think I'll visit the addressee and apologize to him.
Default: Major?
Default: Major!
Default: Major Gilbert!
Default:
Default: Hup.
Default: Hey!
Default: What's up?
Default: You alone?
Default: You look out of sorts. Are you eating properly?
Default: There is no problem with my nutrition intake.
Default: Did you mess up at work, then?
Default: You should just come back to Deliveries.
Default: Deliveries won't do.
Default: You should drop that obsession with Doll work and look for something else.
Default: I should think about it too.
Default: Hodgins was complaining about no pay this month.
Default: Our company might be in trouble.
Default: May I ask you a question?
Default: Huh?
Default: Am I not suited to being an Auto Memoir Doll?
Default: You could say the same about me.
Default: I'm not asking about you.
Default: Then no, you're not. Why did you want to do this in the first place?
Default: I want to know what "I love you" means.
Default: That's it?
Default: That's it.
Default: I'm aware that it is an expression of a particular emotion.
Default: But I don't know why the major suddenly said it to me.
Default: And I want to know.
Default: Even if I'm not suited to this work,
Default: I want to continue with it.
Default: We have towels in the dressing room.
Default: Either way, I don't think Violet can be a Doll.
Default: We're still a new company,
Default: but Cattleya is crazy popular.
Default: We can't afford to tank our reputation when things are starting to look up.
Default: You should let Violet go.
Default: Nah. Give her some more...
Default: Excuse me!
Default: Erica?
Default: And Violet?
Default: What happened to you two?
Default: I... I don't think there's any need to fire her!
Default: Violet, she...
Default: Her typing is quick and precise,
Default: so she can handle basic tasks like writing addresses and preparing rosters.
Default: She'll eventually learn more things,
Default: and one day she'll be capable of ghostwriting letters.
Default: Please,
Default: don't fire her.
Default: That's contrary.
Default: You said yourself I wasn't suited for this mission.
Default: You're being contrary.
ED: Your voice is my guiding light
ED: anata no koe ga michishirube
Default: I'm the one who isn't suited to being an Auto Memoir Doll.
Default: That's why I got so worked up and spoke out on her behalf.
ED: A sparrow cries out
ED: ichiwa no tori ga naiteiru
Default: The instrument that would later become the typewriter
Default: was invented by Professor Orland, a leader in the field of letterpress printing.
Default: He made it for his author wife Molly after she went blind and became unable to write,
ED: Looking for me within a nameless sky
ED: namae no nai sora ni watashi wo sagashite
Default: but he called it an "Auto Memoir Doll"—
ED: I will head for tomorrow in this cradle woven from kindness
ED: yasashisa de amitsuzuketa yurikago de asu e yukou
Default: the term that now symbolizes the ghostwriting business.
Default: Meeting that girl brought it all back to me.
Default: The dream that I nearly forgot,
ED: Be it a day of rain or a day of sunshine
ED: hare no hi mo ame no hi ni mo
Default: and the feelings that had been buried deep inside of me.
Default: Just like how Mrs. Orland's novel touched my heart...
ED: I will be there to protect you
ED: anata wo mamoru tame ni
ED: A treasure more valuable than all
ED: kakegae no nai takaramono
Default: I'm closing up shop. That okay?
Default: Oh, sure.
Default: I pray that I too...
ED: A nameless flower
ED: namae no nai hana wa
Default: will one day be able to write letters that can move people's hearts.
ED: Lies in peace
ED: shizuka ni nemuru yo
Default: All done!
Default: What do you think?
Default: Stand up, Violet.
Default: Okay.
Default: Great.
Default: You look wonderful.
Default: I knew it would suit you.
Default: Oh, also...
Default: One last thing.
Default: Sorry it took so long.
Default: Open it.
Default: I'm opening it.
Default: This is it.
Default: This is the brooch the major gave me!
Default: I found it for sale on the black market.
Default: Somebody must've stolen it from your belongings.
Default: I know!
Default: Violet,
Default: would you like to join a Doll training course?
Default: They have intensive ones for newcomers.
Default: Iris went to one, too.
Default: The teachers were crazy strict, though.
Default: I'm sure it'll help.
Default: Ah, so that brooch was where your pay for this month went?
Default: Thank you so very much!
Default: So who is this major she mentioned?
Default: Gilbert.
Default: A friend of mine from officer school.
Default: One of the Bougainvillea.
Default: Like the marquis?
Default: Man, for a pampered rich kid,
Default: he had real character.
Default: "Had"?
Default: He's...
Signs: "Never Coming Back"
Default: never coming back.