Hapi Mari novel: Translation teaser (Update 1)

Written by Takase Yunoka           
Originally by Enjouji Maki


"No way, it's this late already?"

 Looking at the clock in the kitchen, I hurriedly took off my favorite apron.  Hokuto's going to be back soon.  Even though it's Sunday, he has to work from morning to evening.  But tonight he can finally have dinner at home.  He's always so busy.  Ahh...my apologies.  My name is Mamiya Chiwa, and I'm a super ordinary OL (office lady).  I've been married for two years now.

Hokuto is my beloved husband.  He's five years older than me, and is the president of Mamiya Business Affairs of the Mamiya Group, one of Japan's leading companies.  Before I switched jobs, I worked in the same company, so I know of his talent better than others.  Ever since he became president, company performance has been skyrocketing.  He's even been published in financial editorials.  So how did I get married to such a person?  Like a Cinderella story, he fell in love with me at first sight....not.  There were actually some special circumstances that brought us together.

During that time when I had to repay my father's debts, I held two very different jobs.  During the day, I was Takanashi Chiwa, an OL in Mamiya Business Affairs.  At night, I was Chiwawa, a cabaret hostess.  I could have ran away like mom did, but I couldn't bear to let go of my late grandma's beloved garden.  Then on one day, Hokuto suddenly proposed to me out of nowhere.  It seemed that my grandmother had been his grandfather's, or the chairman of Mamiya Group, benefactor.  The chairman told me he'll help repay the debts, in exchange for my accepting Hokuto's proposal.  If Hokuto hadn't agreed, he would have been in danger of losing his president position.  His goal of succeeding the entire Mamiya Group would also have been further out of reach.  Since our interests were the same, we both agreed.  In other words, we had a contract marriage.  But now...

I paced around my room for a bit, before changing out of my sweater and skirt into a party dress.

"Definitely cute..."

Adorning the dress were lace at the hems and neckline, with a ribbon right below the breastbone.  It was something Hokuto picked out for me for the financial party last time.  He said it matched my image.  I hadn't known he thought I was this cute.  Thinking of that, my lips tucked into a smile.  That's right.  I'll become beautiful for Hokuto, and only Hokuto.  I curl my hair gently, and apply slightly more makeup than usual on my eyes.  For my lips, this winter's new colour.  Its concept is lips you would want to kiss.  I wonder if Hokuto will feel the same?  Just as I finish putting on my fur stole and attaching my earrings, I hear the door open.

"He's back!"

I fly out of my room and rush to the entrance.  Then, pang!  I release the party cracker in Hokuto's direction.

"...What are you doing?"

The silence settles for for about ten seconds.  Slowly and softly, I venture out.

"Umm...it's almost Christmas."

"And so?"

"Since Christmas falls on a weekday this year, we can't spend it together right?  So I thought we should celebrate in advance..."

Finally Hokuto's eyes spotted my dress.  "So that's why you're all dressed up?"

Is that it?  It's the dress he complimented before.  The dress I wore especially for him.  Oh I know he's not the fawning type, but still.

Hey guys!  These are the opening pages to the story, and I wish I had the time to do more (considering how patiently you've waited).  I know this first post is short, so I promise to do a quick update next time.  Let me know what you think~  I tried to keep the translation as close to original text as possible (like the lack of 'he said', 'she said' after the quotations as there are none in the novel  I hope it's not too confusing to differentiate who's talking).  Also, feel free to talk about anything other than hapi mari on here.  I had originally opened this blog ages ago to rant about things but subsequently deleted the previous posts as they were really old.  I also don't plan on making this space novel-exclusive. 


Anyhow, please enjoy.