Groom Edward Maya Tendo/Bond Story

A good-looking playboy. Having decided to not yet marry, he rejects any marriage proposal by any means necessary. His real name is Edward Grovener. From "Deux JUNO!?"

For the Feeling of Love

Maya:

(Edward)
"Oh, June. Your gentle smile is as bright as the sun that illuminates the land."

Maya:

(Edward)
"And you, Yuno! Your existence itself is like a jewel, and your mother and father should be praised."

Maya:

(Edward)
"For my sweethearts to compete – this is a harsh trial imposed by the god of love."

Maya:

............

Karen:

Tendo-san! You're still here practicing.

Maya:

Yes, I'm preparing for the role of Edward. What are you doing here, Aijo-san?

Karen:

I saw that the rehearsal room lights were on and thought someone might be in here, so I came to take a look.

Maya:

I see.

Karen:

I only caught it briefly, but bridegroom Edward was cool.

Maya:

Heh heh, I'm honored.

Karen:

The role of Edward is a perfect fit for you, since you're so good at praising people.

Maya:

Good at praising people... Me?

Karen:

Yeah! You have a ton of experience. You think a lot about your performances, so you have the ability to comprehend— not just comprehend, I think it's more along the lines of the ability to persuade!

Maya:

That's nice to hear. Since this role was written for me, I wanted to give it some of my own personality and flavor.

Maya:

I'll take your words to heart, and practice just a little more...

Karen:

............

Karen:

Tendo-san, are you feeling okay?

Maya:

Does it look like I'm not okay?

Karen:

Oh, er, just a little bit! It might just be my imagination!

Maya:

............

Maya:

You were watching my performance of Edward just then, weren't you?

Karen:

Yes, I was! I only caught it partway through though!

Maya:

It may be a little direct, but could you tell me your impressions of it?

Karen:

Impressions? Hmmm...

Karen:

It was really fascinating! Your portrayal of male roles is always really good!

Maya:

...

Karen:

Although, compared to last time, it might be a little less true to Edward...?

Maya:

True to Edward...

Karen:

Tendo-san, do you remember that time everyone was trying to get the leading role of the bride and did the etude with you?

Maya:

Of course. Such wonderful opportunities are few and far between.

Karen:

I feel like that time was more true to Edward! One after another, words of love flowing freely.

Maya:

Yes, that's because I played Edward in a more conceited and shallow manner.

Karen:

That's right! It's as if that part of him isn't so prevalent this time...

Maya:

I was actually thinking along the same lines. Thinking about the end of the performance, and how I need to make sure he isn't watered down...

Maya:

The more I read into the script, the more I feel the charm of the brides, making it difficult for me to become a playboy, so to speak.

Karen:

Even someone of your caliber deals with that sort of thing.

Maya:

It's a role that was written for me, so I'm being extra empathetic.

Karen:

Still, he doesn't feel like a truly bad person...

Karen:

I feel as if he truly finds his brides to be charming and special.

Karen:

That's why I don't think your way of performing is wrong.

Maya:

Yes. However, the fact that he thinks about his prospective brides in a special way—

Maya:

Is what is causing my role to move further away from someone that has the ability to put together words of love so easily.

Karen:

...

Karen:

That's it! You should think of the brides as if they were your beloved baumkuchen!

Maya:

?!

Karen:

For example, Banana's specialty baumkuchen, the one Clau-chan brought back from France, and the matcha flavored one that Kaoruko-chan bought in Kyoto!

Karen:

I know there are lots of other kinds of baumkuchen, but if asked to choose your favorite between them, it wouldn't be easy to do, would it?

Karen:

But that's because there's no need to make a choice. They all have different things that make them good, so you like them all!

Maya:

...I see. I'm getting held back because it's a person, so I should look at it from the perspective of my favorite food.

Maya:

Heh heh. You're totally right that I wouldn't be able to choose between those delicious baumkuchen. That being said, I wouldn't feel guilty if it came to choosing one.

Karen:

Exactly! I'm not sure it's okay to compare a person you like with a baumkuchen, but...

Maya:

No no, nothing like that. You could say it's Edward's way of thinking or his philosophy – something that is outside our own common sense.

Maya:

Not fretting about anything and just expressing your affection and compliments.

Maya:

If I can express his love for all of his brides as if I'm talking about my favorite foods, I might be able to seize his heart and maximize his charm....

Maya:

...I see, that way of seizing his heart...is a very unique one, Aijo-san.

Karen:

Really!?

Maya:

Yes. If I think about it that way, I will be able to perform with a greater understanding of Edward.

Karen:

I'm glad!

Maya:

Now, before I forget this feeling...

Karen:

...!

Maya:

(Edward)
"Would you help me to understand your charm, Carelina?"

Karen:

(Carelina)
"Of course! This burning stone that you told me to bring back home expresses my feelings more than anything else!"

Maya:

(Edward)
"Hahaha, if you say such things, I'm going to fall for you even more."

Bride and Groom Qualities

Kaoruko:

*sigh* Doesn't it feel like time slows down when you wait for something?

Maya:

Oh, Hanayagi-san. What are you doing here?

Kaoruko:

I'm waiting for Futaba-han to change costumes. She said she wants me to be the first to see it, so I just have to wait.

Maya:

Heh heh, is that so?

Kaoruko:

Don't you think she's spending too much time on it even though it's not even a real wedding?

Maya:

The time waiting for his bride to change dresses is also fun for the groom.

Kaoruko:

Oh, how passionate. You really act the part, gallant Edward.

Maya:

Heh heh, thank you.

Maya:

By the way, I'm going to take some pictures for next year's Seisho Music Academy pamphlet, so this may take a moment.

Kaoruko:

*sigh* I guess, but... If that's really the case, then I should be in the picture.

Maya:

Taking on Yuno – one of the main roles in the wedding-themed performance of Deux JUNO – was something that you were great at.

Kaoruko:

That's right. When I heard the specifics of the role, I thought it'd surely be mine. It would have been nice if Futaba-han just gave up the role for me.

Maya:

............

Maya:

Hanayagi-san, if you have the time, would you mind teaching me about kimono?\

Kaoruko:

Wh-where is this coming from?

Maya:

I looked into it a little myself since we're taking a picture together, but when it comes to kimono, you are the first person who came to mind.

Kaoruko:

Well, kimono are my thing. All right then. You have to escort the innocent and pure Futaba-han in her white kimono, after all.

Kaoruko:

Right, leave it to me!

Maya:

Thank you very much.

Kaoruko:

Let's start with the most basic of the basics. Do you know how the bride and groom are supposed to stand wearing a kimono?

Maya:

It's different to a wedding dress, because the groom stands half a step behind.\

Kaoruko:

Very good, Tendo-han. You've done your research. I think the photographer will tell you this in advance, but...

Kaoruko:

You may be asked to take a pose in character, so I'll teach you how to wow them.

Maya:

How to wow them in a kimono?

Kaoruko:

That's right. Kimono don't have many curves, so they look don't look great straight on. That's why tilting your body toward the camera works well.

Maya:

I didn't know that. I was right to ask you about this.

Kaoruko:

I know, right? Another thing I want you to watch out for is the positioning of Futaba-han's hands.

Maya:

The position of the bride's hands?

Kaoruko:

Futaba-han isn't used to having her picture taken in formal dress, so I think she might tense up.

Kaoruko:

Her hands, rather than her face, show the most tension in a picture, so you could have her hold a fan if she looks really nervous.

Maya:

Very impressive, Hanayagi-san. You have a very good understanding of Isurugi-san.

Kaoruko:

Of course, I've known her as long as I can remember. You should just focus on escorting her.

Maya:

Okay, got it. Is there anything else?

Kaoruko:

Hmm, let's see...

Maya:

...?

Kaoruko:

I think that's all I have to say.

Kaoruko:

Futaba-han did well this time. Even managing to incorporate some of my own movements from the leading role tryouts.

Maya:

You noticed?

Kaoruko:

You were watching me from before the audition – I understood that much after watching your performance.

Kaoruko:

It can be hard to see what's right under your nose. My natural self is the closest to that of Yuno...

Maya:

But this isn't the end for you, is it?

Kaoruko:

Of course not! Next time won't turn out the same!

Maya:

Heh heh, you're back to you regular self.

Kaoruko:

No way... Were you fussing over me?!

Maya:

(Edward)
"Oh, my dear Xiangzi. It is because you are so strong, that I subconsciously want to make you laugh."

Kaoruko:

*sigh* ...A lady-killer as always.

Maya:

You flatter me, young miss.

Maya:

With seven different prospective brides, every day must be bustling. But then again, Edward doesn't end up picking just one.

Maya:

The role of Edward was written for me, but at first it was difficult for me to understand him.

Maya:

However, the more I played as Edward— The more dialogue I had with the brides, the more I began to understand the role.

Maya:

His passion for women is evidently like my passion for the stage. I wonder how much Amemiya-san planned for this when she wrote the script.