Indeed! I would be interested in getting into ドラマCD’s. Though if the rest are like F&B it seems like an expensive hobby 
Thanks Nicole! I remember when the F&B club started, but I was still getting my feet wet with much easier books at the time. I will definitely be using it as a reference.
This is sadly true. There’s no two ways about that. But, there’s a huge variety of genres, basically for everything you’d find in anime or manga, you could find as a drama CD.
Also popular anime shows might release a drama CD special. So those are something to check out for, if you become a fan of something. 
Hi, nice to have you! I’m glad we’ve got another person on board. 
I’ll be super interested to hear your thoughts since you haven’t read the books previously; I’m curious how the drama CD/story comes across to someone who’s new. Like Nicole mentioned, feel free to post in the book threads as well if you have any questions, or just want to talk about the reading!
Man, that’s why I wish we could post a sample of the drama CD for people to try; I bet a lot don’t realize how well-produced these are.
There are cheap drama CDs, for what it’s worth, especially on the secondhand market, though they tend to be one-off productions for less popular stuff. There’s a drama CD for one of 松岡なつき’s other books, for instance, which you can pretty easily find on the used market for around ￥1000 whenever it pops up for sale.
Yeah, Drama CDs are totally going under the radar for most people. I only got into it through a BL forum, where there was a lot of talk about BLCDs. Some of the best I’ve found through discussions, and in many cases, like Saezuru Tori wa habatakanai, I first experienced the BLCD adaption and only later read the manga. Same as with F & B in other words - sound first, then reading. 
It’s my preferred ordering for sure. Same for watching a movie, anime or TV-show I want to do that first first if it’s based on a book or something else. Then I read to get even more out of it if I like it.
Scene 3 ~ Track 4 ~ thoughts
I love the contrast from the severe atmosphere that ended scene 2.
And it think that the casting is genius for sure.
Arrogant and narcissistic Cyril, overplaying his seductive traits. 
(which is easy to see as an women’ roles actor 
)
Jeoffrey, confident, self-assured and curious about the world.
Rufus, toward the end presented as Jeoffrey’s boatswain (水夫長 すいふちょう) giving off authority and assurance of a well-seasoned seaman. ^>^
We immediately get a glimpse of Jeoffrey’s past as Rufus brings up how God would frown upon Jeoffrey’s behavior of sleeping with men. Jeoffrey spells out his view of atheism and rejection of the status quo of religious subservience that people of this time take for granted, be it Catholicism or Protestantism.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/boatswain
They make their way to the doctor’s, where Jeoffrey’s crew have brought Kaito.
Kaito is described as a very curious and intelligent young man by the wife ? of the doctor. Also, they’ve found his wallet full of for them very curious things. Not the least the polaroid photograph of Kaito and Kazuya. 
his plastic bank card is also curious! Lol, for Rufus’ joke! XD
In any case, Jeoffrey is very interested in getting to meet the mysterious Kaito. And Jeoffrey’s quick to corner Kaito with the use of his name, which he learnt from the bank card - so much for Kaito’s pretense of having lost his memory!
Moving onto tomorrow’s and next week’s listening schedule, since I’m on a roll! 
Scene 4~ Track 5 ~ thoughts
At the end of last track, Jeoffrey and Kaito left ahead of Rufus, who has to pay for the doctor, Tomas’, services. And now they’re walking, presumably toward Jeoffrey’s ship Gloria.
Kaito is stuck in regret over having reacted at his own name, realizing his plan to avoid having to explain where he’s from etc has been moot. (after all, blurting out the truth to Vincente didn’t do him any good! he don’t want to be seen as insane, very understandable).
Kaito is also understandably very anxious about what will happen to him now. He’s not at all sure about Jeoffrey’s character, who doesn’t seem like a good guy at all, even if Jeoffrey’s been treated Kaito kindly so far. He’s also wearing stunning clothing, which catches his eyes, so much that he has to touch. Much to the amusement of Jeoffrey, catching him in the act. ^>^
Jeoffrey, tells Kaito to not address him like some noble, since he’s not, but rather as Captain, and lends Kaito his mantle. Which obviously Rufus notice later on once he catches up and grumble about!
But, even with being treated kindly, Kaito is in emotional turmoil, he’s just overwhelmed by all the uncertainty of having to try living in this era, full of possible bodily injury and worse fates. Jeoffrey’s surprised, even a bit affronted, at Kaito’s emotional state, since he hasn’t done anything to him - and can’t know all that Kaito’s gone through already to get there. But, he’s trying at least to calm Kaito down. Which has the opposite effect! Saying he won’t just suddenly put Kaito through torture, Kaito instead takes that as a suggestion that that’s not off the table of things that might happen to him! o_o Jeoffrey, who doesn’t realize he’s said something bad tries his best to undo Kaito’s anxiety.
I love how once Rufus has joined them and the conversation turns to Kaito’s age, Rufus is talking about him as a brat/boy, Kaito, getting angrier each time. XD Jeoffrey steps in before Kaito even has a chance to correct Rufus, that Kaito is 15! There now it’s settled! 
Then later Jeoffrey explains to him how the laws of the sea works and how you can’t put people under 16 through severe punishment on a ship, unlike everyone else and that Rufus has the authority to give you a beating for not following orders. 
he’s really overdoing it, much to Rufus’ amusement as well. XD Jeoffrey’s later whispered conversation to Kaito doesn’t make him much calmer. Is he really such a nice guy? Kaito is still all alone here.
this is the wrong track comment!
I forgot to say, but @spaceboy6 don’t forget to vote in the polls for this and the home thread, to let us know how you’re doing throughout this! There are links to the resources in the book club main and discussion thread as well. If you or anyone else hasn’t noticed.
Listened to Scenes 4 and 5 yesterday evening. I’m not sure if I was just more tired or distracted that usual, but I did not catch a lot as I went. :\ I was keeping an ear out for Nigel, but it seems he has yet to make his appearance I opened up the transcript about partway through, and it’s amazing how well my brain catches on when I’ve got the word accompaniment; it’s like putting on a pair of glasses. Just goes to show how different things are when my brain’s trying to understand pure listening input as opposed to listening + reading. I’ve generally heard it not recommended to use transcripts, since as noted your brain ends up only partly flexing its listening muscles, but when I’m understanding so little of the dialogue in the first place… 
I’ve been re-listening to the previous week’s listening before the current week’s in an effort to try to catch more, which I’ve been enjoying. I wonder if I should listen to the current week with transcript, then listen to it without the next week? Will have to test and report back.
It’s amazing going back to the early scenes and re-living their early interactions. You can tell by tone of voice and whatnot even without any understanding of the words how unhappy Kaito is and how threatening Geoffrey can be.
Sounds like a great idea, since there actually are transcripts in this case. let us know how it goes!
I got distracted by stuff and ended up behind. But I did start in on this comment some weeks ago, only to finish listening tonight!
Track 6 ~ scene 5 ~thoughts
Well, I just have to say that this foley artist just is amazing. You’re really transported onto this ship, feeling the rocking and creaking and everything here! 
I just love every bit of it, how real it just feels and it feeds my imagination of the captain’s cabin as they sit down for a chat.
Ngl, I like the voice actor doing the role of the Warden/ward? who’s like the legal authorities at the harbor?. But, also, he served Francis Walshingham and all what that might mean. At least for Kaito! 
Language lesson, reading/listening: In the books they write 緑の瞳 describing Vincente’s emerald green eyes, but I kept wondering how you read that. Well, it’s みどり の ひとみ. I guess it’s a nuancing thing?
Anyway, while this is just a chatty track, I just enjoy listening to this. You feel like you’re right there with them! The audial illusion makes the scene very intimate.
the main point here is Kaito laying out his lie for why he ended up on the Hoe, rather than telling the truth about his timeslip. It’s rather convoluted, but essentially he was on a ship that got attacked by pirates. he ended up being sold into slavery, only to somehow escape.
They both question how he was on a ship without working, since that’s the harsh reality of ship life at this time (everyone works, you don’t just catch a ride across the world. ^^')
Kaito also, has to lie about his meeting with Vincente and why he was attacked by him. He makes out Vincente as a worse character than he is, though it’s true he tried to strangle Kaito when he was told about the likely losses of the Spanish in the upcoming war.
Kaito’s greatest fear is having to ever meet Walshingham. And explodes in fear as soon as the Warden leaves. Jeoffrey has no idea what he’s scared about. But, he knows that something is fishy about Kaito’s story. But, in the end, seeing Kaito’s begging for staying on Gloria with the only people he so far knows, melts Jeoffreys heart. He decides to hire Kaito as a cabin boy. ^>^
Well, I forgot to mention, Jeoffrey’s forward nature is already showing! 
Also @eefara I remember us talking about Kaito’s sleeping quarters on Gloria, well it’s clearly mentioned here, toward the end of the track, that it’s decided here he’s to sleep down below on the floor (with the crew surely), not in the soft cot/bed that the Captain has.
Track 7 ~ scene 6 ~thoughts
Well, Kaito has been made cabin boy on Gloria and after his crash course last track, learning the ropes from from Marshey?? and Rufus, he’s now hard at work scrubbing the deck - with water mixed with vinegar!
Kaito spots a man with an eye-patch watching him work. Turns out he’s the sailing master/navigator on the ship: Nigel Graham! See OP post for pics! <3
Nigel is a rather high-handed character that also immediately go into interrogation-mode with Kaito. >: he’s quite suspicious about how he made his way onto the ship, especially his connection to The Sp*nish! @saibaneko lol had to tag! XD
Anyway, Jeoffrey shows up and stops the questioning. Nigel grudgingly complains about having a useless extra onboard using up resources while not being able to fight or do much at all. Ouch! I do love Jeoffrey’s comeback and the back-and-forth between Nigel and Jeoffrey! They clearly love being being together on this ship! ^>^
Well, word arrives from Francis Drake that he have business with Jeoffrey, and Jeoffrey wants to bring Kaito to the meeting. Nigel keeps bringing up his suspicions about Kaito’s allegiance. Especially after Kaito go into stunned fan-mode about hearing Drake’s name! 
he’s forced to lie why he knows about Drake, but Jeoffrey seems to be fine with the story told.
Drake’s messenger does a full ethical profiling on Kaito. -_- but it’s decided Jeoffrey and Kaito will make their way on their own to Drake’s residence. Nigel is not a fan! he’s certain Kaito is part of some convoluted assassination plan for Drake! Jeoffrey can barely make his case to allow Kaito to go.
Language lesson, the difference in meaning between: (toward the end of the track, during the above conversation)
狡猾 ~ こうかつ ~ sly VS 賢い ~ かしこい ~ wise, clever, smart
Nigel[/spoiler] suggest [spoiler]Jeoffrey’s description of Kaito aw being clever, is really him being sly! ^^’
I think I confused the tracks! O:O Schedule is updated for clarity for all, mostly me! XD
edit: all fixed! ^>^
Track 8 ~ scene 7 ~thoughts
Kaito and Jeoffrey prepare for departure. And Kaito’s asked about his red hair, which Jeoffrey admires. Jeoffrey gives Kaito a history lesson about all the bad associations with red hair: Judas, the vikings invading England, yeah, the lot. Though, Jeoffrey doesn’t mind, in fact…he’s clearly quite enamored with Kaito’s looks. and so, since Jeoffrey is quite certain that Kaito was already sleeping with the invented Tanaka as a means to his passage across the ocean, he’s not shy upon acting on his urges to kiss Kaito either. ^^’ Kaito falls in the pinched nose trap and maybe enjoying the kiss just a little bit (?) before he rejects Jeoffrey! >: Unwanted kisses are not nice!
Kaito, goes for the lower leg! 
I just now realized what part of Jeoffrey Kaito hit, and of course it’s the lower leg/shin like a good Japanese kid! 
(it’s so used in anime it’s like a trope? XD always kiddos kicking an adult!) I never heard of it being used outside of Japan, honestly, for me, you kick men being threatening to you in the groin! 
The 'candinavian way! 
Anyway, when force has failed, words ensue! Kaito tries hard to make his argument, making a man from 1500 understand his modern day ideas of respect for personal integrity, will etc. Meanwhile, Jeoffrey, who’s part of a society of strict hierarchy explains that a Captains order on a ship, is essentially the word of God (while true of its time, that argument is clearly being undercut by Jeoffrey’s lax attitude ).
Well, when faced with the prospect of maybe not winning Jeoffrey over, and starting crying and saying it was not even worth surviving so far, Jeofrey finally snaps about Kaito’s attitude. A kiss is not something you wanna go die for! (he really don’t see it. 
But, also has a point, at least if Kaito’s uncertain response to it first is a a truer depth of his reaction than his mental rejection? But I do sense this is also as very Japanese thing, you give harsh reprimands to make someone see and turn to better thoughts? I can’t explain it well, but this is also very much used in Japanese anime/manga. To me it’s always jarring as I would never be harsh to be kind. That’s a big no-no. Just be openly kind. Then again, in this situation, it might be more nuanced and complex because of what’s going on between these two? It still sound like a very Japanese-style fix/reaction to someone going into deep emotional turmoil to harm/hurt them somehow -to be able to get them real emotional support? Hope you all get what i mean, otherwise ask! ^^’ But, it’s still hard to listen to Kaito cry as he can’t bear the situation anymore! It’s just too much! :C For most people it would be!
Well, in the end Kaito, has to accept the reality he’s in, one with harsh choices. He, can’t speak the truth about where he’s from. But at least, he keeps his innocence by making a deal with Jeoffrey. Jeoffrey will keep his hands to himself (in the bedroom), and Kaito will work hard as his cabin boy! 
Let’s see how that one goes… 
It’s this mismatch between scene and track; gets me every time too.
Yeah. I’m super confused right now: ^^; I’ll try to update the watch schedule right away I think, before doing more posting catching up!
I’m slightly behind myself. @.@ Will be catching up though, no fear!
I hope you do and look forward to seeing your comments! ^>^ 
Track 9 ~ scene 8 ~thoughts
Jeoffrey is taking Kaito to see Drake. And Kaito being drained from all the days experiences, promptly falls asleep against Jeoffrey, who’s amazed at the trusting and naive nature of Kaito. This is a short track, mostly of Jeoffrey’s monologue and inner musings. It’s clear, Kaito is definitely Jeoffrey’s type. Jeoffrey also reflect on his own life, full of strife and hardship, you really had to fight to survive, kill or be killed. He sense Kaito hasn’t really had such experiences.
Eventually, they arrive at Drake’s residence and Jeoffrey wakes Kaito. We get some interesting history tidbits about the mansion, and more thinks about the upcoming war. Kaito almost spills the fact that it happens next year! ^^; But, managed to lead the conversation on. Jeoffrey mentions some of the big names that are part of the English war efforts, Walter Raleigh [ROLI XD] Wikipedia article (the image on Wikipedia shows him in a painting with the pearl-earring).
Track 10 ~ scene 9 ~thoughts
The last track was just a prelude for this one.
Finally, Kaito gets to meet Drake, El Dragon! 
I feel like Horiuchi Kenyuu is a great choice for this role! ^>^ 
Here he has a lot of “pondus”, not sure how to translate that. Authority, charm, influence?
Greetings quickly turns to Kaito. Jeoffrey giving the general picture. Kaito is ordered to get closer (he’s been super nervous, so he hasen’t even raised his head to look at the man. Only to be asked to show his face and blurting out “short” about Drake’s stature. Thankfully, Drake doesn’t take offense, but is all too aware of the fanciful stories being spread about him in Spain. he might even enjoy the frankness?
That being the case, he quickly sense there are things off with Kaito’s story. As has Jeoffrey. And together they start unraveling Kaito’s origin story. Why would Vincente attack Kaito out of the blue? And why not kill Kaito properly, not just knock him out? They’re not convinced by Kaito’s attempts at being vague! The conversation even turns to them maybe having to force Kaito to spill the truth through torture!
Kaito is forced to come up with yet another lie to convince them why a Japanese guy suddenly is found on the Hoe, only to get attacked by Vincente. And that’s quite the tale! The reason Kaito didn’t tell the truth initially, is because he believed the wouldn’t believe him. eyes: That’s because, in the new origin story, Kaito is a seer, who knows the future! 
Kaito has to be very careful how to spin this lie. He makes sure to say he has a hard time telling the future of himself and those around him (like the people on the same ship). Well, neither Drake nor Jeoffrey is sold on this idea. Why would they? But, Kaito makes a desperate effort to not be thrown into the cellar to experience god knows what, by trying to prove it!
In any case, Kaito says he doesn’t need a mirror, but can also use the reflections of a sword. And that’s how he told the future to Vincente about the upcoming war and that he didn’t like what Kaito had to say. Kaito finally nails it with the specifics (that Santa Cruiz will die from illness), which he shouldn’t know about, but Drake does from his spies in Spain. 
Suddenly, they’re certainly much more interested in Kaito, though Jeoffrey is not sold. He suggest it could all be lucky coincidence, good man! I do like someone with the ability to reason, not just random belief! XD
And so, they just have to make Kaito give them a proper fortune telling. Kaito mumbling random stuff in Japanese to them, so it sounds like he’s divining. Well, as awkward that is, Kaito does again prove he knows stuff he shouldn’t know about!
They first want to hear about Glorias next destination, but Kaito weasels himself out of that one by his previous claim of him already having been onboard Gloria (for however short time, but still) Thankfully, the question turns to Drake’s next destination, something Kaito actually can calculate from his history lessons. :+1 Kaito’s powers are clearly real! 
:
Well, both Jeoffrey and Drake suddenly see themselves winning the coming war. For good or bad, Kaito has proven his worth (he’ll just have to continue proving it ^^’ 
). Also, Drake, even suggest to adopt Kaito as his son! O_O But, Jeoffrey raise a concern: Walshingham might start taking interest in Kaito, and so, it’s actually best to just let Kaito stay as cabin boy on Gloria and set off, before Walshingham can send a messenger that he wants to speak to the boy/witness that has seen Vincente de Santilliana in the flesh. Not to mention, Kaito himself is also loathe to part with the few people he’s just gotten to know, or have to go to London to see Walshingham. ^^;
Well, Kaito has successfully made it over the first hurdle, of getting two guardians for himself. But, he’s also set himself up for quite a job position.
Track 11 ~ scene 10 ~thoughts
it’s after the meeting and Kaito and Jeoffrey are staying the night at Drake’s manor.
I do enjoy the the descriptive bits, that just makes this all so real. Like having to use a potty under your bed - if you need to go during the night. Not being able to shower/wash his face daily is already giving Kaito a hard time! I know I’d be feeling quite disgusting by this time. ^^’
Kaito has time for some introspection! He’s quite pleased with himself for his handling so far, but he’ll be treading carefully to not mention stuff outside of his own studying or history lessons. he also worry how what he’ll tell people might end up changing the future. not to mention, Jeoffrey isn’t mentioned in any historical accounts he knows about, doesn’t that mean Gloria will sink and never end up being mentioned.
Jeoffrey breaks him out of his thoughts by arriving with the water and a cloth. Kaito is very happy to at least be able to wash his face. tbh, I’d be more into washing my more stinky parts, but sure. XD
Jeoffrey is quite the man to offer even taking Kaito back to Japan. O_O That’s gutsy!
An important point is also decided on: Kaito is to keep his abilities secret to the rest of the crew on Gloria! Also, they’ll depart immediately on a random mission to attack Spanish ships, to avoid Walshingham even being able to send word. And, Kaito needs to practice sword handling, if only to be able to protect himself and stay alive. Kaito is clearly not a fan.
As Jeoffrey is about to leave again Kaito starts feeling overwhelmed by the whole situation and so ends up spending the night with Jeoffrey, who is forced to promise to keep his hands to himself. Kaito has quite the mean streak sometimes. XD 
I’m a few weeks behind. orz Just wanted to leave a note here saying that I intend on catching up this week, or getting as close as possible.