YATAGARASU: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master Welcome to Yamauchi, a world inhabited by the Yatagarasu, a race of three-legged ravens who shapeshift into humans. The land is divided into four regions—North, South, East, and West—each ruled by a noble family. Yukiya, the son of a leader in the North, is shocked by a call to attend to the Imperial Prince. Murder, mysteries, and an invasion from an unexpected enemy await in this epic fantasy. Season 1 E1 - A Lady Out of Place Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) [00:33] Yukiya     Yukichi! [00:37] Yukiya     Yukichi! Yukichi! [01:06] Yukiya     H-Help me. [01:08] Yukiya     Please help. [01:09] Yukiya     Save my brother! [01:11] Yukiya     I beg you! I don't mind if I die! So please! [01:33] Yukiya     A golden raven? [01:41] Nazukihiko     Have no fear. I'll return     both of you to your nests. [01:46] Nazukihiko     We may meet again someday. [01:50] Nazukihiko     For now, forget and go to sleep. SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Yamauchi [02:05] Narrator     Yamauchi. SIGN    The yatagarasu race          has long called          this land of          deep mountains home [02:07] Narrator     The yatagarasu race has long called     this land of deep mountains home. [02:18] Narrator     Once these strange, three-legged birds     took human form and trod the earth, [02:26] Narrator     they tilled fields and built towns. [02:31] Narrator     The lord of the yatagarasu is     called the kin'u: the Golden Raven. SIGN    The lord of the yatagarasu           is called the kin'u:           the Golden Raven [02:36] Narrator     The kin'u wields supreme     authority in Yamauchi. [02:40] Narrator     The title is passed from parent     to child, generation to generation. [02:45] Narrator     The kin'u has long ruled the people well     and has brought plenty to Yamauchi. [02:53] Narrator     Yet its history has also been replete with     scheming by those who flock to the throne. [03:01] Narrator     The plots reach their height in     the choice of the crown prince's consort: SIGN    Rite of     Ascension [03:06] Narrator     the Rite of Ascension. [03:09] Narrator     Noblewomen contest a single place     at the future kin'u's side. [03:16] Narrator     They shoulder their families' fates     in the fierce battle about to unfold. SIGN    Wisteria Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [03:29] Empress     What do you say to "Asebi"? [03:32] Asebi     "Asebi"? [03:34] Empress     As your alias. [03:38] Empress     A lady who might marry     the Prince, however lowly, [03:43] Empress     can hardly remain     a nameless second daughter. [03:46] Empress     Or does my choice of name dissatisfy you? [03:51] Asebi     P-Perish the thought! [03:53] Asebi     A name from Your Majesty's own lips     honors me more than I deserve. [03:58] Ladies-in-Waiting     Goodness. [04:00] Ladies-in-Waiting     "Asebi," she said. [04:00] Ladies-in-Waiting     Her Majesty took the joke too far. [04:03] Ladies-in-Waiting     Does the girl not realize? [04:04] Empress     Then, let it be so, Lady Asebi. SIGN    Spring Hall [04:09] Empress     I leave the Spring Hall in your care. [04:12] Asebi     Y-Yes, ma'am! [04:14] Takimoto     Congratulations. [04:17] Takimoto     Today, through the Rite of Ascension, [04:19] Takimoto     you have formally entered contention     for His Highness's hand. SIGN    First daughter of     the Southern House     Hamayu [04:24] Takimoto     First daughter of the     Southern House, Lady Hamayu. SIGN    First daughter of     the Western House     Masuho-no-Susuki [04:27] Takimoto     First daughter of the Western House,      Lady Masuho-no-Susuki. SIGN    Third daughter of     the Northern House     Shiratama [04:31] Takimoto     Third daughter of the     Northern House, Lady Shiratama. SIGN    Second daughter of     the Eastern House     Asebi [04:34] Takimoto     And second daughter of     the Eastern House, Lady Asebi. [04:38] Takimoto     Yet only one among you will be chosen. [04:42] Takimoto     Here in the Cherry Blossom Palace,     you will spur each other to new heights, [04:46] Takimoto     so that you may experience     a joyous day in one year's time. SIGN    The Empress     Her Majesty     Omurasaki [05:04] Haruhito     Still, I can't help feeling lonely     without our guest of honor. [05:10] Haruhito     I had hoped he would accept     the invitation for once. [05:14] Genya     Honestly, what is His Highness thinking? SIGN    Lord of the North     Genya [05:18] Genya     I wish he'd show the people sending him     their dear daughters some courtesy. SIGN    Lord of the East     Haruhito [05:23] Haruhito     And I believe Lady Shiratama is only 14. [05:26] Haruhito     You must worry for her. SIGN    Lord of the South     Toru [05:28] Toru     He can't neglect the Four Houses     and still hope to govern. [05:33] Toru     I don't doubt he'll realize that soon. [05:35] Akira     Oh, I'm shaking in my boots! SIGN    Lord of the West     Akira [05:37] Akira     Whatever are you plotting? [05:40] Akira     In any case, there will be no hard feelings,     no matter whose daughter he chooses. [05:48] Fujinami     Sister! SIGN    Princess     Fujinami [05:53] Asebi     Your Highness! [05:56] Fujinami     How many years has it been?     I never dreamed I'd get to see you here. [06:00] Asebi     Forgive me. I didn't even write. [06:02] Asebi     Seeing you well brings me     the greatest pleasure. [06:05] Fujinami     Stop being so formal.     There's no need for ceremony between us. [06:10] Asebi     Very well. Princess Fujinami, then. [06:14] Fujinami     Still, you really have grown into a beauty. [06:19] Fujinami     You're sure to catch my brother's...     I mean, His Highness's eye. [06:24] Asebi     Really? Thank you. [06:27] Asebi     But I wouldn't go that far. [06:29] Fujinami     No, I mean it! [06:31] Fujinami     I hope he chooses you. [06:35] Fujinami     I mean, then we really would be sisters. [06:40] Hamayu     You're busy winning over     His Highness's little sister already? [06:45] Hamayu     Not half bad. [06:47] Asebi     Um, aren't you the Southern House's— [06:50] Fujinami     Lady Hamayu, you forget yourself. [06:52] Hamayu     Do I? I hope you'll forgive me. [06:59] Hamayu     You, uh, second daughter      of the Eastern House. [07:03] Asebi     Y-Yes? [07:05] Hamayu     Are you really happy to     receive a name like Asebi? [07:11] Asebi     Yes. It's a lovely name. [07:15] Hamayu     If that doesn't top it all! [07:17] Fujinami     Hamayu! [07:18] Asebi     Um, did I say something odd? [07:21] Ukogi     My lady, allow me to explain— [07:24] Masuho     You write "asebi" as     "horse intoxicating tree." [07:32] Masuho     Asebi flowers have poison in them. [07:37] Masuho     Nibbling on them makes     horses disgracefully drunk. [07:42] Masuho     The flowers symbolize you.     And the horse... [07:48] Hamayu     Tell her straight. Don't try to dress it up. [07:50] Hamayu     The "horse" is the Prince. [07:53] Asebi     What? [07:54] Hamayu     "Just like brainless horses     get drunk eating asebi, [07:58] Hamayu     a man of the Prince's caliber     will lose his wits over you." [08:03] Hamayu     "So have at it." [08:05] Hamayu     Basically, the Empress used     your alias to insult the Prince. [08:12] Hamayu     It's just the sort of thing she would do. [08:15] Asebi     What? His Highness, a horse? I never— [08:18] Ukogi     My lady! You mustn't say another word! [08:23] Asebi     Princess Fujinami... [08:26] Masuho     What a shame. After hearing     her dear brother so insulted, well... [08:32] Masuho     You aren't to blame.     Allow me to reintroduce myself. [08:36] Masuho     I am Masuho-no-Susuki,     first daughter of the Western House. [08:39] Asebi     Oh, I'm— [08:41] Masuho     I love beautiful and charming things. [08:45] Masuho     I think we could be great friends. [08:48] Asebi     Y-Yes. [08:50] Masuho     Still, my condolences on attracting     such unpleasant attention. [08:55] Hamayu     Hah. There's that western "friendliness"! [08:58] Masuho     Better a people pleaser     than a greedy southern boor. [09:02] Hamayu     The Southern House is honest. [09:04] Hamayu     We can't fake smiles that shamelessly. [09:07] Masuho     How nice for you. [09:08] Masuho     I suggest welcoming      His Highness with a frown, then. [09:11] Asebi     U-Um... [09:12] Hamayu     Yes, I think I will. [09:13] Shiratama     They don't consider you a threat. [09:16] Asebi     Lady Shiratama? [09:18] Shiratama     They don't think either     of us could ever be chosen. [09:26] Hamayu     That's enough.     Any more will spoil my drinks. [09:31] Masuho     Well then, if you'll all excuse me. SIGN    Spring Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [09:48] Ukogi     I should have explained     the situation more clearly. SIGN    Eastern lady-in-waiting     Ukogi [09:52] Ukogi     Everyone ascends to the palace     determined to be chosen. [09:55] Ukogi     Every house leaps at the chance     to make one of its ladies a kin'u's bride. [10:01] Asebi     I'm exhausted. I can't even tell what... SIGN    m 0 0 l 0 0 b 5 -3 10 -4 14 -4 l 42 51 b 38 51 33 52 27 56 l 0 0 SIGN    The Singing Beak of Yamauchi [10:07] Ukogi     The Singing Beak of Yamauchi.     We'll begin your studies here. [10:11] Ukogi     Remember, my lady?     I read it to you when you were little. [10:15] Asebi     Oh, the book that put me to sleep— [10:18] Ukogi     My lady! [10:19] Ukogi     We'll start with the absolute basics     and review Yamauchi's origins. [10:24] Ukogi     Pay close attention. [10:27] Ukogi     When the Mountain God visited this land,      water gushed from its peaks. [10:33] Ukogi     Soon, trees, flowers,     and ears of rice hung heavy. [10:38] Ukogi     The Mountain God named     the bounteous land Yamauchi, [10:42] Ukogi     and appointed a golden raven     to rule it in his stead. [10:46] Ukogi     The golden raven apportioned     lands to his four children. [10:50] Ukogi     To the first, an eastern land      awash with flowers. [10:53] Ukogi     To the second, a southern land      ripe with fruit. [10:57] Ukogi     To the third, a western land      thick with rice. [11:00] Ukogi     To the fourth, a northern land      gushing with springs. [11:04] Ukogi     Thus began the domains of the Four Houses. SIGN    Royal House SIGN    Royal House SIGN    Northern     House SIGN    Northern     House SIGN    Eastern     House SIGN    Eastern     House SIGN    Southern     House SIGN    Southern     House SIGN    Western     House SIGN    Western     House [11:07] Ukogi     Meanwhile, the golden raven      gained the name of "kin'u," [11:10] Ukogi     and his line would dwell on the     central peak, closest to the Mountain God. [11:16] Ukogi     In contrast to the Four Houses,      this royal house... [11:19] Ukogi     My lady! Are you awake? [11:22] Asebi     O-Of course I am! [11:24] Asebi     The kin'u serves the Mountain God,     maintaining peace in Yamauchi, right? [11:29] Ukogi     Exactly. [11:31] Ukogi     His Highness may be crown prince now, [11:34] Ukogi     but he will accede as kin'u      before much longer. [11:37] Ukogi     To become his consort is to     uphold the peace in Yamauchi. [11:42] Ukogi     Every house that sends     a daughter takes pride in that. [11:47] Ukogi     Or so they say in public. [11:49] Asebi     Huh? [11:50] Ukogi     This is war! [11:52] Asebi     W-War? [11:54] Ukogi     Royal authority touches all political     and economic life in Yamauchi. [11:58] Ukogi     Naturally, the kin'u's consort     receives a share of that power. [12:02] Asebi     You mean the Empress? [12:06] Ukogi     Every consort brings vast wealth     and power to the house that sent her. [12:13] Ukogi     Any children brings them even closer     to royalty as guardians and caretakers, [12:19] Ukogi     and a male child will     become kin'u himself one day. [12:23] Asebi     And that house's future will be secure. [12:25] Ukogi     Precisely. SIGN    Royal House SIGN    Royal House SIGN    Northern     House SIGN    Northern     House SIGN    Eastern     House SIGN    Eastern     House SIGN    Southern     House SIGN    Southern     House SIGN    Western     House SIGN    Western     House [12:27] Ukogi     So this rite is a proxy war by ladies     on behalf of the Four Houses! [12:35] Asebi     That explains it. No wonder they don't take     a provincial know-nothing like me seriously. [12:39] Ukogi     You mustn't lose heart! [12:41] Lady-in-waiting 1     My lady. [12:43] Lady-in-waiting 1     Lady Masuho-no-Susuki of the Autumn Hall     has sent you a gift by way of greeting. [12:51] Asebi     A sappanwood red gown! [12:53] Asebi     And look at this fine embroidery! [12:56] Ukogi     Wh-Wh-Why, it's magnificent! [12:58] Ukogi     Oh, whatever shall we send in return? [13:00] Masuho     I am hosting a tea party tomorrow. [13:03] Masuho     Please feel free to attend. [13:07] Asebi     I've never been to     a friend's tea party before! [13:10] Asebi     What a wonderful person     Lady Masuho-no-Susuki turned out to be! [13:30] Empress     I see a "Lady Raven" has slipped     into the palace this time. [13:36] Empress     We hardly need panic to remove her. [13:40] Empress     Her presence may nudge things     in the right direction. SIGN    His Reigning Majesty [13:54] Empress     Let us enjoy her antics to the fullest, [13:58] Empress     along with His Highness's own performance. [14:20] Kikuno     Lady Shiratama presents this incense. SIGN    Autumn Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [14:25] Cha-no-Hana     The Northern House has     treasured it for generations. SIGN    Northern lady-in-waiting     Cha-no-Hana [14:28] Cha-no-Hana     Its production and composition remain      the most closely guarded of secrets. [14:32] Cha-no-hana     We bring it today especially for your— [14:35] Masuho     It certainly is an uncommon fragrance. [14:38] Masuho     Perhaps a bit heavy on cloves. [14:40] Masuho     Well, it reminds me of kurobo,     so I can guess at its composition. SIGN    Western lady-in-waiting     Kikuno [14:48] Masuho     Shiratama, what do you think of my incense? [14:51] Shiratama     A bit heavy on musk, perhaps. [14:54] Shiratama     And it rather reminds me of jasmine. [14:57] Masuho     I'm impressed you can tell. [14:59] Kikuno     Lady Masuho-no-Susuki     compounded it herself. [15:03] Asebi     What are they doing, Ukogi? [15:05] Ukogi     Identifying the elements     of incense as a game. [15:07] Ukogi     Oh, I was right to have     a bad feeling about this. [15:10] Masuho     Lady Asebi, would you tell us      about your fragrance? [15:14] Asebi     Yes! [15:16] Asebi     Oh, I'm sorry. I don't really know. [15:22] Asebi     I do use incense, but... [15:24] Asebi     What could it be? [15:25] Asebi     Not musk or anything so costly,      I shouldn't think. [15:29] Masuho     Surely you jest.     What noble doesn't know their incense? [15:33] Lady-in-waiting     I can't believe it. Has the Eastern House      fallen on such hard times? [15:37] Ukogi     Begging your pardon... [15:38] Ukogi     The Eastern House has ancient     and noble incense traditions of its own, [15:43] Ukogi     but my lady was a somewhat delicate child     and has little experience with them. [15:50] Masuho     My, what a pity. [15:53] Masuho     The doll festival is almost upon us,     so use that to ward off evil influences. [15:58] Asebi     I actually have them with me. [16:01] Asebi     My dolls for the festival. [16:09] Lady-in-waiting     How shabby. Practically peasant dolls. [16:13] Lady-in-waiting     Leave her be. The provincial set      can't produce anything better. [16:20] Masuho     Lady Asebi, are you certain... [16:23] Masuho     you really belong here? [16:28] Shiratama     Oh dear. I do beg your pardon. [16:31] Kikuno     My lady's favorite Grey Heron teacup! [16:34] Masuho     Enough, Kikuno. You're making a scene. [16:38] Ukogi     My lady! [16:39] Ukogi     Ow. [16:39] Ukogi     My lady! [16:53] Hamayu     Let me guess. Someone's been bullying you? [16:58] Hamayu     Was it Masuho-no-Susuki or Shiratama? [17:07] Asebi     I have no right to be here. [17:12] Asebi     My older sister was supposed to come. [17:14] Asebi     But she fell ill. [17:16] Asebi     I took her place at the last minute. [17:19] Asebi     I felt so happy. [17:21] Asebi     I've lived in a country villa     for as long as I can remember. [17:26] Asebi     I had nothing but worrywart     ladies-in-waiting for company. [17:29] Asebi     I barely ever got to go outside     and play with other children my age. [17:35] Asebi     But it's no use. [17:37] Asebi     I stand out like a sore thumb. [17:39] Hamayu     Will you take your leave, then? [17:45] Hamayu     Come to think of it, we have one other     out-of-place person this time. [17:51] Hamayu     Someone they say turned witless     on a long trip abroad. [17:56] Hamayu     Someone who everyone calls      an unbelievable fool. [18:02] Hamayu     The Prince. [18:04] Asebi     His Highness? [18:05] Hamayu     It's not exactly a secret. [18:08] Hamayu     You really don't know anything, do you? [18:12] Hamayu     Then, I guess this will be news to you. [18:15] Hamayu     The Prince wasn't anyone's first choice      to succeed the current kin'u. [18:21] Hamayu     He's a second son. [18:24] Hamayu     His brother who's five years older      should be the heir. [18:29] Hamayu     The brother was a razor-sharp kid.     They said he'd make a great ruler one day. [18:36] Hamayu     But for whatever reason,     the royal priests declared the infant prince [18:42] Hamayu     more worthy to inherit than his brother. [18:46] Hamayu     Even though the older prince's mother     is the kin'u's wife, the Empress, [18:50] Hamayu     while his younger brother     was born to a concubine. [18:55] Hamayu     I hear it caused a panic in the Center. [18:57] Hamayu     Factions formed and split the court in two. [19:03] Hamayu     In the end, the older brother lost the     power struggle and had to become a priest. [19:11] Asebi     So that's why Her Majesty used     my name as a slight to His Highness. [19:16] Asebi     I feel terrible for the elder prince. [19:18] Hamayu     Well, officially, they settled everything, [19:22] Hamayu     but who knows how he really feels? [19:26] Hamayu     You never know what might     happen during this rite. [19:31] Asebi     And you, Lady Hamayu? [19:32] Hamayu     Consider me a spectator. [19:40] Hamayu     Oh, and there was one other rumor. [19:43] Hamayu     I hear the foolish prince is a real kin'u. [19:51] Asebi     "Real"? SIGN    The North [20:24] Yukimasa     My lord. [20:26] Genya     Oh, Yukimasa. In good health, I hope? [20:29] Yukimasa     Yes, sir. [20:30] Yukimasa     I cannot thank you enough     for inviting me here today. SIGN    Lord of Taruhi Village     in the North     Yukimasa [20:34] Yukimasa     Have you just returned from the Center? SIGN    Mansion of the Northern House [20:36] Genya     Yes. The Rite of Ascension     makes life hectic. [20:41] Genya     By the way, Yukimasa... [20:43] Yukimasa     Sir? [20:43] Genya     Did your boys come with you? [20:46] Yukimasa     O-Of course. [20:49] Genya     I can't wait to see them. [20:51] Genya     Yukiya moaned about stomach trouble     and excused himself last year. [20:56] Genya     He must have done a lot of growing. [21:00] Yukimasa     Where has that blockhead gone? SIGN    The Lord of Taruhi Village's      second son     Yukiya [21:04] Yukiya     So, um, you're saying you won't pay,      no matter what? [21:10] Lackey 1     We told you, you've got it all wrong. [21:13] Lackey 2     As if we'd ever dine-and-dash     at this peasant kid's place. [21:17] Child     Liar! I know you took our mochi! [21:20] Kazumaro     Enough! [21:21] Kazumaro     You hill ravens owe us court ravens     every hospitality, anyway. [21:27] Kazumaro     Even if I did eat your mochi,      what's so wrong with that? [21:30] Yukiya     Excuse me. [21:33] Yukiya     A lot of people saw you,     so it's an open-and-shut case. [21:38] Yukiya     Won't you please pay for the mochi? [21:43] Kazumaro     You hill ravens don't know your place. [21:46] Lackey 2     Come on. [21:47] Child     Y-Yukiya! [21:48] Yukiya     Don't worry. We can talk this out. [22:01] Yukima     Yukiya, are you okay? [22:03] Yukichi     Yukiya! [22:05] Yukiya     Huh? [22:06] Yukiya     Big brother? Yukichi? What's the matter? SIGN    The Lord of Taruhi Village's     eldest son     Yukima [22:10] Yukima     You idiot! Why do you     always put yourself in danger? [22:13] Yukichi     It's not Yukiya's fault! SIGN    The Lord of Taruhi Village's      third son     Yukichi [22:15] Yukichi     Just 'cause they're court ravens      from the Center, [22:18] Yukichi     they made fun of us and     threw their weight around. [22:20] Yukiya     Hey, isn't today... [22:23] Yukiya     the Northern House's banquet? [22:25] Yukima     Yeah. But with a face like that... [22:30] Yukiya     And those court ravens     will be there, too, right? [22:35] Yukima     Hey, this better not be another of your... [22:38] Yukiya     Don't be silly, Big Brother.     I'm not planning anything. [22:42] Yukiya     Well, I'll see you there. [22:49] Yukima     Yukiya! [22:54] Yukiya     Ugh. I knew this would hurt. [24:30] Narrator     The Northern House puts forward     Lady Shiratama as consort. [24:34] Narrator     After causing a scene at the banquet, [24:37] Narrator     Yukiya is ordered to wait     on the "foolish" prince. [24:43] Narrator     Yukiya and the Prince. [24:45] Narrator     Their strange fate is set in motion. SIGN    The Blockhead SIGN    Second Son [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "The Blockhead Second Son." SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E2 - The Blockhead Second Son Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) [00:05] Kazumaro     You hill ravens don't know your place. SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Mansion of the Northern House [01:48] Yukimasa     You little blockhead! [01:51] Yukiya     I, uh, tripped and fell. [01:54] Yukimasa     What did you fall on     to do that to your face?! [01:57] Yukimasa     Why are you always getting into trouble?! [02:00] Azusa     Dear. [02:01] Azusa     I'm sure he has a reason. SIGN    Wife of the Lord of Taruhi Village     Azusa [02:04] Yukimasa     A-Anyway, keep your head down     in front of His Lordship. [02:07] Yukimasa     Don't make a scene. Is that clear? [02:10] Yukiya     Sure. [02:13] Yukimasa     Permit me to congratulate you on     Lady Shiratama's safe entry into the palace. [02:20] Genya     Yes, this opportunity won't come again. [02:24] Genya     We must see that Shiratama     marries His Highness at any cost. SIGN    Wife of the Lord of the North     Lady Oryo [02:29] Oryo     Dear. [02:30] Genya     Hm? Oh! [02:36] Genya     Dear me. How could I forget myself     in the presence of royalty? [02:41] Natsuka     I don't mind. [02:44] Natsuka     Friendly rivalry among the Four Houses     keeps Yamauchi prosperous and secure. SIGN    Priest of Clear Mirror Temple     Natsuka [02:49] Natsuka     It must please the Mountain God, as well. [02:53] Genya     To celebrate Shiratama's     entry into the palace, [02:56] Genya     the Royal House's eldest son     sped from the Center to join us. [03:00] Genya     This is Lord Natsuka     of Clear Mirror Temple. [03:02] Yukimasa     L-Lord Natsuka?! [03:04] Natsuka     Lord Genya has told me of you. [03:07] Natsuka     I hear you have three sons that are      all promising scholars and warriors. [03:11] Yukimasa     Oh, you give them far too much credit. [03:13] Genya     No need for modesty. [03:16] Genya     Since we're all here,     let them greet Lord Natsuka. [03:20] Yukimasa     W-Well, you see... [03:29] Oryo     Yukiya, why are you crying? [03:32] Yukiya     I'm sorry. It was all my fault! [03:35] Genya     Y-Yukiya? What happened to your face? [03:42] Yukiya     I offended a court raven. [03:45] Genya     A court raven? [03:47] Yukiya     Yes, sir. [03:48] Yukiya     He partook of mochi in     the marketplace this morning. [03:52] Yukiya     But he forgot to pay,     so I ran after him to present his bill, and... [03:58] Genya     He beat you? [04:00] Yukiya     But it was my own fault. [04:02] Yukiya     I must have been rude,     because he took offense. [04:05] Lackey 1     He's no hill crow!     He's the village lord's kid! [04:09] Yukiya     If I wasn't such a blockhead, [04:11] Yukiya     Lord Kazumaro wouldn't have     skipped out on his bill or beaten me. [04:15] Yukiya     So I say to him: please don't     do anything else to my family! [04:19] Yukiya     I'm so sorry! [04:24] Genya     You imbeciles! [04:26] Genya     Is that any way to treat     law-abiding subjects?! [04:32] Kazumichi     You idiot! SIGN    Head of the Kitashijo Family     Kazumichi [04:33] Kazumichi     What did you think you were doing?! [04:36] Kazumaro     Please forgive me. But— [04:38] Kazumichi     No excuses! [04:40] Kazumichi     You can forget about     attending to the Prince after this! [04:44] Kazumichi     Do you realize how hard     I worked to arrange that? [04:47] Kazumaro     Wh-What? No... [04:53] Genya     How are your bruises, Yukiya? [04:56] Yukiya     Well, pretty sore, I guess. [04:59] Oryo     I'm glad they're not worse. [05:01] Oryo     But we must find someone     to replace Kazumaro at once. [05:05] Genya     Indeed we must. [05:07] Genya     But we can't send just anyone     to wait on His Highness. [05:12] Yukimasa     And all because of my little idiot. [05:14] Natsuka     You have nothing to be     ashamed of, Sir Yukimasa. [05:17] Yukimasa     L-Lord Natsuka. F-Forgive me     for that disgraceful spectacle. [05:21] Natsuka     Oh, I quite enjoyed the show. [05:25] Natsuka     But young Yukiya must learn to     behave appropriately for the occasion. [05:30] Yukiya     Am I really that rude? [05:33] Yukimasa     Shh! [05:34] Natsuka     So I have a suggestion. [05:36] Natsuka     Why not send Yukiya to wait on the Prince     and learn manners while he does? [05:43] Yukiya     Huh? [05:44] Oryo     What a splendid idea. [05:46] Genya     Now why didn't I think of that? [05:49] Genya     Yukiya, start with a year     in His Highness's service. [05:53] Yukiya     P-Please, not so fast! I didn't mean to— [05:57] Azusa     What a wonderful offer.     Don't you agree, dear? [06:00] Yukimasa     Hm? Y-Yes. [06:04] Yukimasa     You've made your bed. Now lie in it. [06:06] Yukimasa     And don't even think about giving in     and leaving before your year is up, [06:11] Yukimasa     or it's Unbending Reed Monastery for you. [06:13] Yukiya     What?! [06:14] Yukiya     Please, I can't take— [06:16] Yukima     He can do a lot when he sets     his mind to it. Please take him. [06:19] Yukichi     Please! [06:21] Yukiya     I took it too far! SIGN    Spring Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [06:31] Ukogi     My lady, you'll catch a chill. [06:35] Asebi     Look. When we arrived,      the cherry trees were in full bloom. [06:40] Ukogi     So they were. [06:43] Asebi     When will the Prince pay us a visit? [06:46] Asebi     And what is he even like? [06:49] Asebi     Rumor says he is "an unbelievable fool." [06:52] Ukogi     My lady, you must not     put stock in such rumors. SIGN    Lady of the     Spring Hall [06:57] Ukogi     Only royalty may use the color purple. [07:07] Asebi     "Many demands on my time keep me     from the Cherry Blossom Palace." [07:11] Asebi     "Please take care of your health." [07:16] Ukogi     Empty pleasantries. [07:19] Ukogi     Well, at least now we know     His Highness has some common courtesy. [07:27] Asebi     What a lovely scent. [07:29] Asebi     I hope to meet him soon. [07:33] Referee     Begin! [07:38] Girl 2     Yukima! [07:39] Girls     Go, Yukima! [07:41] Yukichi     Get him, Big Brother! [07:43] Yukiya     How did I end up in this mess? SIGN    Lineal grandson of     the Lord of the North     Kiei [07:46] Kiei     What are you moping about? [07:50] Kiei     You're a lucky boy. [07:52] Kiei     Even Central nobles have trouble     landing a place in His Highness's household. [07:58] Kiei     And the Rite of Ascension only     comes around once every few decades. [08:03] Kiei     You ought to be dancing for joy. [08:06] Yukiya     Uh-huh. [08:10] Referee     One point to red! [08:13] Yukiya     I just wanted to make him     pay for the mochi, though. [08:18] Yukiya     And if a noble who thought Taruhi     belonged to him also caught hell for it, [08:25] Yukiya     I would've been satisfied. [08:27] Referee     Halt! [08:29] Yukichi     Nice going, Big Brother! [08:30] Friends     Go! [08:30] Kiei     Northern kids sure are a lively bunch. [08:31] Friends     Get him! [08:33] Kiei     I know how much your home means to you, [08:36] Kiei     but what you learn in the Center     will help Taruhi for certain. [08:43] Referee     One point to white! [08:45] Kiei     And I'd appreciate it, too. [08:48] Yukiya     Huh? [08:49] Kiei     Lady Shiratama may be gorgeous, [08:51] Kiei     but looks alone won't get her chosen     out of the Cherry Blossom Palace. [08:55] Kiei     If you serve beside His Highness     and work to better her chances, [08:59] Kiei     I couldn't ask for better help. [09:02] Yukiya     I'm just the second son     of a country gentleman. [09:05] Kiei     Don't be silly, Yukiya.     You're the Northern House's— [09:08] Yukiya     I'd better get going. [09:10] Yukiya     Can you really afford     to take it easy, Lord Kiei? [09:14] Yukiya     I thought you planned to     return before the day is out. [09:16] Kiei     T-True. [09:18] Yukiya     Well, I'll take the job. [09:21] Yukiya     I don't want any part of     Unbending Reed Monastery. [09:24] Yukiya     I mean, combat drills     every day for three years? [09:27] Yukiya     A year of palace service     sounds a whole lot better. [09:34] Yukiya     So don't worry about me. [09:36] Yukiya     Have a safe trip. [09:39] Kiei     What a funny kid. [09:42] Referee     One point to white! [09:43] Referee     As the first to score two points, white wins! [09:45] Referee     Bow! [09:48] Yukima     You're always such     a strong competitor, Ichiryu. SIGN    Of Shimaki Village      in the North     Ichiryu [09:51] Ichiryu     That doesn't mean much     coming from a Taruhi bumpkin. [09:55] Ichiryu     That hurt! [09:56] Girls     Watch what you say about Yukima! [09:56] Girls     Dummy! [09:58] Ichiryu     What's their problem? [10:00] Friend 1     Nice work, Ichiryu. [10:01] Ichiryu     Hm? [10:02] Friend 2     Still, Yukima looks cool even when he loses. [10:05] Friend 2     That's the next lord of Taruhi for you. [10:07] Ichiryu     Hey! I'm the winner here! [10:09] Friend 3     The "future lord's" kid brother has a match. [10:12] Friend 3     Wanna go laugh at him? [10:16] Yukichi     Hang in there, Yukiya! [10:18] Yukima     Keep your guard up! Don't lower your arms! [10:24] Friend 1     He's got no fire in his eyes. [10:26] Friend 2     Talk about lucky. [10:27] Friend 2     If a beating from some noble     gets you a palace job, I'll take ten. [10:32] Ichiryu     No way it's that easy, doofus. [10:37] Ichiryu     Did you know Yukiya's got a different mother      from the other two Taruhi boys? [10:44] Ichiryu     And rumor has it     she was a real highborn lady. [10:48] Ichiryu     So if you ask me,     it's no wonder they picked him. [10:53] Friend 3     Maybe he planned it? [10:55] Friend 3     Figured taking a few licks here     would land him a big chance? [10:59] Ichiryu     How should I know? [11:02] Ichiryu     Still, he can't be too happy. [11:05] Ichiryu     All that highborn blood, and he's stuck     as a second son out in the sticks. [11:10] Ichiryu     He'll have a chance     to make friends in the Center. [11:12] Ichiryu     He might be hoping to at least swipe     the lordship from his big brother. [11:18] Friend 1     Yikes! We've got     a succession dispute coming. [11:29] Friend 1     I'm starving. [11:30] Friend 1     Let's grab a bite. [11:43] Yukiya     Sure is nice of you, Ichiryu,     giving me a lesson like this. [11:49] Yukiya     I'm glad I worked up the nerve to ask you. [11:51] Ichiryu     I'm not gonna waste     much time on you. [11:54] Ichiryu     Still, couldn't you just ask     Yukima to train with you? [11:57] Yukiya     You and my brother     are on different levels. [12:09] Yukiya     Okay, then. [12:14] Yukima     Yukiya sure is late. [12:22] Ichiryu     Talk about a fluke. [12:24] Ichiryu     Try taking the offensive this time. [12:27] Yukiya     You want me to attack? [12:45] Yukiya     You said you'd train me, right, Ichiryu? [12:48] Yukiya     Come on. Show me the next move already. [13:00] Yukiya     You've got some nerve,     saying all that during my match. [13:04] Ichiryu     You heard that? [13:06] Yukiya     Well, when you're shouting      that loudly, how could I not? [13:12] Ichiryu     We were just chatting, you know? [13:15] Ichiryu     Ow! [13:17] Yukiya     You think I want to "swipe     the lordship" from my brother? [13:20] Yukiya     Just because my mother     came from a good family? [13:22] Ichiryu     N-No, we all know that'd never happen. [13:27] Ichiryu     We were kidding. Kidding. [13:29] Yukiya     Kidding, huh? [13:31] Yukiya     It seems pretty silly to me, too. [13:34] Yukiya     Everything changing just     because of how you were born. [13:37] Yukiya     But some people really do trade on that. [13:41] Yukiya     Bloodlines, families,     hill ravens and court ravens... [13:45] Yukiya     They use all that     as an excuse to live it up, [13:49] Yukiya     and they don't care if they     split up people's families to do it. [13:53] (Flashback) Young Yukiya     Help, Mother! [13:55] (Flashback) Azusa     Please stop! Give Yukiya back to me! [13:58] (Flashback) Relative     Yukiya is too heavy a burden     for your family. We will raise him. [14:03] Yukiya     Do you know how much pain people     spouting idle gossip has caused my family? [14:10] (Flashback) Maid     The mistress sure is a strange one,     doting on a son that's not even hers. [14:16] Yukiya     Listen up, Ichiryu! [14:18] Yukiya     I'll never leave for the Center,     and I'll never take my brother's place. [14:23] Yukiya     I'll spend my whole life as the second      Taruhi brother, propping him up. [14:26] Yukiya     I'll work under him till     they bury my bones in Taruhi. [14:31] Yukiya     My family has no succession disputes,      and it never will. [14:44] Yukima     Stop! [14:46] Yukima     Haven't you done enough?     Ichiryu didn't mean any harm. [14:51] Yukiya     Is that an order? [14:56] Yukima     Yes. [14:57] Yukima     I'm speaking as the future lord      of Taruhi. Stop, Yukiya. [15:05] Yukiya     Understood. [15:19] Yukichi     Big Brother! [15:21] Yukiya     Hey. [15:22] Taruhi Boy 1     Aren't you a bit old to get lost? [15:25] Taruhi Boy 2     Yukiya's hopeless. [15:27] Yukiya     Ah, sorry, sorry. [15:40] Yukiya     Are you still awake, Mother? [15:43] Azusa     Yukiya? [15:47] Azusa     You came at the perfect time. [15:51] Azusa     A bit long in the sleeve, do you think? [15:54] Azusa     But boys grow so fast. [15:57] Yukiya     I'll only be gone for a year. [15:59] Yukiya     And you don't need     to sew my clothes yourself. [16:02] Azusa     What are you talking about? [16:04] Azusa     I'm happy for you. I always wanted you      to experience the outside world. [16:11] Azusa     You must have been so bored all this time. [16:16] Yukiya     I doubt I'll live up to your expectations. [16:19] Yukiya     The Prince has lots of attendants, anyway. [16:22] Azusa     True. [16:23] Yukiya     I might come home sooner than you think. [16:27] Azusa     I don't mind either way. [16:29] Yukiya     Huh? [16:30] Azusa     Your mother is proud of you. [16:33] Azusa     Take care over there. [16:36] Azusa     Do your best to serve His Highness. [16:41] Yukiya     I will. SIGN    Winter Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [16:52] Lady-in-Waiting     How beautiful. [16:55] Lady-in-Waiting     As lovely as the pearls you're     named for, Lady Shiratama. [16:59] Cha-no-Hana     My lady. [17:06] Cha-no-Hana     I bring good news. [17:09] Cha-no-Hana     His Highness's new attendant     will come from Taruhi. [17:14] Cha-no-Hana     A child of a lady of the Northern House      who passed some time ago. [17:18] Shiratama     Will he be of any use, I wonder? [17:21] Shiratama     I hear His Highness can be difficult. [17:24] Cha-no-Hana     Have no fear. We have agents     gathering intelligence in many quarters. [17:31] Cha-no-Hana     All is well. Nothing will stand between     Your Ladyship and a royal marriage. SIGN    Autumn Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [17:42] Kikuno     Almost complete, I see. [17:45] Masuho     Stop that, Kikuno.     You'll make me complacent. [17:49] Masuho     I'm at the most important part. [17:52] Kikuno     I suppose you have     spent a whole year on it. [17:55] Masuho     His Highness is no fool. [17:58] Masuho     Once he sees this, [18:00] Masuho     he's certain to realize     who cares for him the most. SIGN    Summer Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [18:10] Karamushi     Have you considered     drinking in moderation? [18:14] Karamushi     Don't tell me you've forgotten     your role, Miss Hamayu? SIGN    Southern Lady-in-Waiting     Karamushi [18:19] Hamayu     You mean "Lady Hamayu." [18:22] Hamayu     You serve me. Don't forget that. [18:28] Hamayu     Don't worry. I won't forget. [18:31] Hamayu     But what can I do when     the Prince won't show himself? [18:38] Hamayu     What a self-serving man. SIGN    Spring Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [18:52] Yukimasa     Kiei is waiting for you in the Center. [18:55] Yukimasa     He'll be of help to you,     so mind your manners. [18:59] Yukiya     Yes, yes. [19:00] Yukimasa     The court isn't like Taruhi. [19:03] Yukimasa     Don't loiter around in     your feather robe or shift shape. [19:07] Yukimasa     Especially not in front of nobles. [19:09] Yukiya     Yes, yes, yes. [19:11] Yukimasa     Remember, if you get sent home in     under a year, it's the monastery for you. [19:16] Yukimasa     They'll drill better sense into you there. [19:19] Yukiya     Ugh. [19:23] Yukimasa     That's the Central Mountain,     heart of Yamauchi. SIGN    Main Gate, Imperial Court [19:58] Kiei     What are you doing? This way. [20:01] Yukiya     Oh, r-right. SIGN    Sunrise Palace [20:12] Yukiya     This is the Sunrise Palace, right? [20:15] Kiei     Yeah. [20:16] Yukiya     Kind of empty, isn't it? [20:18] Yukiya     There's not even a gatekeeper. [20:21] Yukiya     Come to think of it, I don't know     the first thing about His Highness. [20:25] Yukiya     Everyone I ask says they don't either. [20:35] Sumio     Thank you for your efforts, Sir Kiei. [20:39] Kiei     And to you, for all you do. [20:41] Kiei     I brought the new attendant. [20:44] Yukiya     Yukiya of Taruhi, at your service. [20:48] Sumio     I am Sumio of the Yamauchi Guard,     His Highness's personal guard. SIGN    Yamauchi Guard     Sumio [20:54] Sumio     I realize this is sudden,     but may I take charge of Sir Yukiya now? [20:58] Kiei     Of course. [20:59] Kiei     Well then, Yukiya, best of luck. [21:03] Yukiya     Huh? [21:06] Sumio     Shall we be going, Sir Yukiya? [21:20] Yukiya     Um... Where is everyone else? [21:25] Yukiya     The palace seems awfully quiet.     How many people serve here? [21:31] Sumio     Two. [21:32] Yukiya     Huh? [21:33] Sumio     By "two," I mean me and you. [21:36] Yukiya     W-Wait a minute. [21:38] Yukiya     What about the other attendants? [21:40] Yukiya     I heard you had around ten young     noblemen serving here a month ago. [21:46] Sumio     They all quit or were dismissed. [21:49] Yukiya     Huh. [21:49] Sumio     Three hung on until just a few days ago, [21:54] Sumio     but between chronic illnesses     flaring up and family circumstances... [22:03] Sumio     His Highness resides here. [22:07] Sumio     Your Highness. [22:09] Sumio     I have brought the new attendant. [22:12] Nazukihiko     Enter. [22:35] Nazukihiko     So you're finally here. [22:42] Yukiya     It is an honor to meet Your Highness.      I am Yukiya of Taruhi. SIGN    His Highness     The Crown Prince [22:48] Nazukihiko     I've been waiting for you, Yukiya of Taruhi. [24:31] Narrator     Yukiya has left his village     and entered the Prince's service. [24:36] Narrator     Yet the palace swirls with     dark rumors surrounding the Kin'u. [24:43] Narrator     In the Cherry Blossom Palace, forbidden     to men, Yukiya learns of the ladies' sorrow. SIGN    A True SIGN    Golden Raven [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "A True Golden Raven." SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E3 - A True Golden Raven Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) [00:01] (Flashback) Young Natsuka     A prince said, "When a kin'u     is born, drought follows." [00:06] (Flashback) Young Natsuka     "When a kin'u is born, floods follow." [00:09] (Flashback) Young Natsuka     "When a kin'u is born, great strife follows      and many yatagarasu perish." [00:16] (Flashback) Young Natsuka     How sad. [00:19] (Flashback) Young Natsuka     Tell me, Grandfather, why does disaster     befall Yamauchi when a kin'u is born? [00:25] (Flashback) Young Natsuka     Aren't kin'u meant to protect us yatagarasu? [00:28] (Flashback) Young Natsuka     Why are kin'u born? [00:31] (Flashback) Young Natsuka     Why is my younger brother one of them? SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master [02:22] Nazukihiko     I know you just arrived,     but I want you to do some things for me. [02:25] Yukiya     Oh, um, of course. [02:32] Yukiya     I figured the Crown Prince     would be living in the lap of luxury. [02:37] Yukiya     This isn't what I pictured. [02:41] Nazukihiko     This is your first task. [02:44] Nazukihiko     I want you to water my plants     with water from that well. [02:46] Nazukihiko     But only the ones in the white pots. [02:49] Yukiya     Only the white ones? [02:51] Nazukihiko     Yes. Give the blue ones     water from the falls. [02:53] Yukiya     Falls? [02:59] Nazukihiko     I have two of each plant,     one in a white pot and one in a blue. [03:02] Nazukihiko     Don't give any the wrong water. [03:04] Nazukihiko     Also... [03:06] Nazukihiko     This well isn't for drinking from. [03:08] Nazukihiko     Try the jugs in the annex     if you get thirsty. [03:12] Yukiya     I understand. [03:14] Yukiya     In that case, I'll get— [03:20] Nazukihiko     Sumio and I are going out. [03:22] Nazukihiko     We'll drop in again in the afternoon,     so have the room clean by then. [03:27] Yukiya     Right. [03:28] Nazukihiko     Sort the books and     put them back on their shelves. [03:31] Nazukihiko     And I want you to collect     a letter addressed to me. [03:34] Nazukihiko     It should arrive at the     Civil Bureau before noon. [03:36] Yukiya     The where now? [03:37] Nazukihiko     I borrowed some of these books     from the library. Return them. [03:41] Nazukihiko     When you do, give the official     a list of the next batch I want, [03:45] Nazukihiko     and deliver this to the Ministry of     Ceremonies while he fetches them. [03:48] Yukiya     Right. [03:48] Nazukihiko     My afternoon mail should have     arrived by then, so collect that, too. [03:52] Nazukihiko     Oh, and I could use some more paper. [03:54] Yukiya     Uh... [03:55] Nazukihiko     Once back at the Sunrise Palace,     open the letters and sort them by urgency. [04:00] Nazukihiko     Clean the stable and change the water. [04:03] Nazukihiko     If the horse trough and the jugs both run dry,      fetch water from the falls at once. [04:09] Nazukihiko     Any questions? [04:10] Yukiya     Um... All by myself? [04:13] Nazukihiko     Do you see anyone else? [04:17] Sumio     Your Highness, Sir Yukiya     has only just arrived. [04:21] Nazukihiko     If you can't do it, leave here at once.     We will both be better off that way. [04:25] Nazukihiko     You needn't hold back. [04:27] Yukiya     What do you mean? [04:28] Yukiya     I'll do my best, of course, but— [04:31] Nazukihiko     Your effort doesn't interest me. [04:35] Nazukihiko     I care whether you make     yourself useful to me. [04:38] Nazukihiko     Can you do it or can't you? [04:42] Yukiya     May I suggest Your Highness     confirms the answer with your own eyes? [04:51] Nazukihiko     Sumio. [04:52] Sumio     Of course. [04:53] Sumio     This sash marks you     as the Prince's attendant. [04:56] Sumio     Wearing it will grant you entry     to most places at court. [05:00] Sumio     Stop by the kitchens      if you get hungry. And— [05:03] Yukiya     I'll be fine. [05:04] Yukiya     Please, go out as you planned. [05:07] Yukiya     I have no time to waste. [05:11] Nazukihiko     All right. I pray you're not a blockhead. [05:15] Yukiya     So long. Take care. [05:19] Yukiya     This goes on the shelf.     This goes to the library. [05:23] Yukiya     Damn it. "Blockhead" irritates me      coming from him. [05:31] Yukiya     Ow, ow, ow. [05:34] Yukiya     I don't wanna get it dirty. [05:41] Yukiya     My feather robe's good enough. [05:46] Yukiya     White. [05:47] Yukiya     White. White. White. [05:50] Yukiya     Man, why couldn't he just      make them all white? [05:53] Yukiya     Huh? [05:57] (Flashback) Yukimasa     Don't loiter around in     your feather robe or shift shape. [06:02] Yukiya     Still, what choice have I got? [06:13] Yukiya     O-kay. [06:20] Yukiya     Blue. [06:21] Yukiya     Blue. Blue. Blue. [06:27] Yukiya     Welcome home. [06:28] Nazukihiko     Good work. Where are my letters? [06:31] Yukiya     I haven't gone to get them yet. [06:33] Nazukihiko     Still? I thought I told you     to fetch them in the afternoon. [06:38] Yukiya     If I may, Your— [06:39] Nazukihiko     Never mind. I'll send Sumio for them. [06:43] Nazukihiko     Use your head. [06:46] Nazukihiko     Consider the order you ought     to work in before you act. [06:49] Yukiya     Your Highness. [06:50] Yukiya     Your literary tutor     left assignments for you. [06:53] Yukiya     He urges you to make up for     lost time abroad as soon as possible. [06:57] Yukiya     It's due tomorrow. [06:58] Yukiya     Respectfully, shouldn't Your Highness      get to work on it soon? [07:04] Nazukihiko     Is that something I ought to do? [07:07] Yukiya     Huh? [07:12] Yukiya     What's wrong with that guy?! [07:15] Yukiya     I've been flying around all day      without a bite to eat! SIGN    Imperial Court [07:25] Guard 1     Boy, do you plan to enter     the court in that getup? [07:28] Yukiya     Yes, that's right. [07:30] Guard 1     No, that's wrong. [07:32] Guard 1     Come back when you're dressed properly. [07:35] Yukiya     Is there a rule against     entering court in a feather robe? [07:38] Guard 1     There's no rule, but we can't let     an uncivil servant like you pass. [07:44] Guard 2     Go on. Back where you came from. [07:45] Yukiya     Even though I'm His Highness's attendant? [07:51] Guard 2     We beg your pardon. [07:56] Yukiya     Ah, this sucks. SIGN    Imperial Library SIGN    Imperial Library SIGN    Imperial Library SIGN    Ministry of Ceremonies SIGN    Civil Bureau SIGN    Imperial Library [08:17] Yukiya     Is this letter important? [08:19] Yukiya     What the hell? SIGN    Young     sir,     I can't     wait for     your next     visit [08:22] Yukiya     Are these all from     the red-light district? SIGN    You're the     only one     I can     depend     on [08:38] Yukiya     Done! [08:43] (Flashback) Tutor     See that the Prince gets this done. [09:04] Yukiya     Welcome back. [09:05] Yukiya     Wait. Where's Lord Sumio? [09:08] Yukiya     What happened to Your Highness's kimono? [09:17] Nazukihiko     How many tasks have you finished? [09:19] Yukiya     I've completed all of them. [09:22] Nazukihiko     All of them? [09:23] Yukiya     But I haven't touched     Your Highness's assignment. [09:26] Yukiya     Does that displease you? [09:29] Nazukihiko     That is as it should be. [09:31] Yukiya     Huh. He doesn't mind. [09:34] Yukiya     Huh? Hey! [09:46] Nazukihiko     A kumquat. It should help tide you over. [09:55] Nazukihiko     Is one not enough?     Don't stand on ceremony. [09:58] Yukiya     Oh, uh, n-no, thank you. [10:01] Nazukihiko     I see. [10:03] Nazukihiko     That will be all for today. Well done. [10:07] Yukiya     May Your Highness sleep well. [10:16] Yukiya     So sour. [10:19] Yukiya     Bitter, too. SIGN    Lineal grandson of     the Lord of the North     Kiei [10:35] Kiei     You don't say?     Sounds like you have it rough. [10:38] Yukiya     It's not funny! [10:40] Yukiya     My muscles ache every day,     and I sweat literal buckets. [10:44] Yukiya     He's a fiend. An ogre. [10:45] Kiei     But you set a new record.     No attendant has lasted half a month before. [10:50] Yukiya     You forgot to mention that. [10:53] Yukiya     So you knew all along, Lord Kiei. [10:56] Kiei     Sorry about that. [11:00] Kiei     By the way, about His Highness... [11:04] Kiei     He hasn't visited the     Cherry Blossom Palace yet. [11:06] Kiei     And I keep hearing about trips     to the red-light district. [11:10] Kiei     Have you heard anything?     Anything at all? [11:13] Kiei     Like, um, his taste in women? [11:15] Yukiya     His habits make no sense to me. [11:18] Yukiya     He pops up when I least expect him,     then disappears for three days. [11:22] Yukiya     Oh, I think he likes kumquats. [11:26] Kiei     I guess he really isn't like the rest of us,      being a true kin'u and all. [11:31] Yukiya     A true... [11:32] Kiei     Oh, didn't I tell you? [11:34] Kiei     You see, His Highness is no ordinary kin'u. [11:37] Kiei     They call him a kin'u among kin'u.      A true Golden Raven. [11:42] Kiei     The name "kin'u" has two meanings, you see. [11:44] Kiei     One is the kin'u as a simple ruler. [11:48] Kiei     Then, there's the Golden Raven, ancestor     of the Royal House, and his second coming. [11:55] Kiei     We call the latter "true" kin'u. [11:59] Yukiya     So they're all kin'u,     but some are real and some are fake? [12:03] Kiei     Basically, yes,     although it's not politic to say so. [12:07] Kiei     The current Kin'u is a yatagarasu like us. [12:10] Kiei     So was his predecessor,     hailed as a great ruler. [12:12] Kiei     But they say true kin'u only look like us. [12:17] Kiei     They're really something else entirely. [12:20] Kiei     According to some texts, [12:22] Kiei     a true kin'u has the power to dispel darkness      and change shape in even the darkest night. [12:27] Kiei     Grand, beautiful, and compassionate, [12:31] Kiei     he's born with all the qualities     he needs to rule the yatagarasu. [12:35] Yukiya     Has anyone ever seen one? [12:37] Kiei     Uh, well, decades go by     between chances, so... [12:42] Yukiya     And the Royal House     has an older son, right? [12:45] Yukiya     At Clear Mirror Temple, I— [12:46] Kiei     Lord Natsuka. [12:48] Kiei     Under normal circumstances,     he would have been heir to the throne. [12:51] Kiei     But once the Prince was born     and recognized as a true kin'u, [12:55] Kiei     Lord Natsuka's fortunes took a turn. [12:57] Kiei     Even so, court ravens who hated     to lose his wisdom organized in secret. [13:02] Kiei     The faction were like embers,     smoldering this whole time. [13:05] Kiei     But the Prince's poor reputation     has started fanning it back aflame. [13:11] Yukiya     Hey, a lucky tea stalk. [13:13] Kiei     Were you listening? [13:15] Yukiya     It's basically a bunch of nobles     fighting over power, right? [13:18] Yukiya     All that about who's     a true kin'u and who's wise? [13:21] Yukiya     That's just a front, or maybe an excuse. [13:24] Yukiya     But, well, I guess it goes deeper than that. [13:28] Yukiya     I mean, His Highness is obviously just     a selfish yatagarasu like the rest of us. [13:34] Kiei     Shh! Not so loud. [13:37] Kiei     Rumor has it Lord Natsuka's mother,     the Empress, is plotting something. [13:42] Kiei     And there's a saying that     true kin'u have troubled reigns. [13:45] Kiei     Of course, I hope it comes to nothing. [13:51] Rokon     He's a stubborn kid. [13:54] Rokon     I see why you took a shine     to him, Lord Natsuka. [13:57] Rokon     How do you plan to use him? [14:03] Empress     If only he had never      returned from abroad. [14:06] Empress     Shoin, I trust you understand? [14:09] Shoin     Yes, Majesty. I shall prepare     for an Imperial Council. SIGN    Secretary to     His Imperial Majesty     Shoin SIGN    Wisteria Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [14:17] Fujinami     The irises look even lovelier     after yesterday's rain. [14:21] Masuho     Magnificent. They could be a painting. [14:24] Asebi     They really could. [14:26] Asebi     But how can a month have passed already?     It seems like no time at all. [14:30] Shiratama     By the way, where is Lady Hamayu? [14:33] Fujinami     She sent word that she has a headache. [14:36] Fujinami     A hangover, no doubt. [14:37] Masuho     Pay her no mind. [14:40] Masuho     It is His Highness that I miss.      I sent him another invitation today. [14:44] Asebi     Um... Have you met     His Highness, Lady Masuho-no-Susuki? [14:49] Masuho     We are cousins. [14:50] Masuho     He even came to live with the     Western House, though only for a short time. [14:55] Masuho     How elegant and kind he was back then. [15:00] Yukiya     Hear that, Your Highness? [15:02] Nazukihiko     Yes, I hear it. [15:04] Yukiya     You're elegant and kind.      Everyone likes you. [15:08] Yukiya     So why are we sneaking around     and spying like this? [15:13] Nazukihiko     Keep your voice down, Yukiya. [15:15] Yukiya     And the itching! Black feather robes attract      so many mosquitoes. How can you stand it? [15:20] Nazukihiko     I am a kin'u. [15:22] Yukiya     You say that,     but aren't they biting you, too? [15:24] Nazukihiko     An assassin after my life     lurks in the Cherry Blossom Palace. [15:28] Nazukihiko     I received a warning letter     just before the rite began. [15:31] Yukiya     Who sent it? [15:32] Nazukihiko     Who knows? [15:33] Yukiya     Don't you? [15:34] Nazukihiko     But it didn't strike me as a prank. [15:36] Nazukihiko     And I must choose a consort regardless. [15:39] Yukiya     So that's why we're spying, huh? [15:41] Nazukihiko     Yes. People show their true selves     when they let their guard down. [15:46] Nazukihiko     From the left, those are the Eastern,     Western, and Northern ladies. [15:49] Nazukihiko     The East has a long reputation     for scheming, the West for frivolity, [15:53] Nazukihiko     and the North for obstinacy.     All well deserved, it appears. [15:59] Yukiya     I don't see it at all. [16:01] Nazukihiko     The Southern lady is absent, but oh well. [16:04] Nazukihiko     Can you see the women wearing     feather robes under their kimono? [16:07] Yukiya     Oh, yes. [16:09] Nazukihiko     They are warrior women     who guard Cherry Blossom Palace. [16:12] Nazukihiko     The best, it is said,     can decapitate a horse in a single blow. [16:16] Nazukihiko     They are called— [16:18] Takimoto     Who goes there? [16:19] Yukiya     Your Highness, we'd better run. [16:21] Nazukihiko     Too late for that.     The Wisteria Guard noticed us. [16:23] Yukiya     The Wisteria what? [16:24] Nazukihiko     Forgive me. [16:34] Yukiya     Now I get it. [16:35] Yukiya     His Highness only brought me along     to take the fall if things went wrong! [16:41] Takimoto     Don't let him escape! [16:42] Takimoto     Get their ladyships inside! [16:44] Fujinami     Everyone keep calm! [16:49] Ukogi     This way, my lady. [16:53] Ukogi     My lady! [17:01] Yukiya     It... It hurts. I can't breathe. [17:04] Hamayu     Leave it at that. [17:07] Takimoto     Lady Hamayu. [17:08] Hamayu     I came to see what all the fuss     was about, but he's just a chick. [17:11] Takimoto     Chick or not, he is trespassing. [17:13] Hamayu     But he'll die if you keep that up. [17:16] Hamayu     Do you want to make a mess     of the consort selection? [17:20] Takimoto     Release him. [17:26] Yukiya     I thought I was a goner. [17:29] Takimoto     Have you no shame?! How dare you change      shape before these noble personages! [17:34] Yukiya     I... I'm so sorry. [17:36] Takimoto     Who are you? Where did you come from? Speak! [17:39] Asebi     Stop. [17:41] Asebi     Stop this! Enough violence! [17:45] Ukogi     My lady! [17:47] Masuho     She has lost her head. [17:49] Masuho     Today has been a bit much, even for me. [17:52] Hamayu     Really? How delicate can one be? [17:55] Masuho     I don't want to hear that     from a barbarian like you. [17:58] Hamayu     I was talking about Asebi.     Don't make everything about you. [18:03] Masuho     Excuse me? [18:04] Masuho     Who do you think you are?     You never turn a hair at anything. [18:09] Masuho     Does watching us pine     for His Highness amuse you? [18:14] Hamayu     What are you implying? [18:15] Masuho     I'm calling you a nuisance. [18:17] Masuho     This palace is a place for women     worthy of the Prince to refine themselves. [18:22] Masuho     Those who aim low, like you,      have no place here. [18:26] Fujinami     That's enough, both of you! [18:36] Fujinami     If only my brother would come. [18:42] Wisteria Guard     Lady Takimoto, look there! [18:48] Takimoto     That sash... [18:54] Sumio     You sure had a bad day. [18:56] Sumio     I was waiting to fly to your rescue      if worst came to worst. [19:01] Sumio     Don't be too hard on His Highness. [19:03] Yukiya     Don't you feel bad for them? [19:06] Yukiya     The ladies. [19:08] Yukiya     They're stuck in that little world,     just waiting for His Highness. [19:13] Sumio     His Highness doesn't avoid the     Cherry Blossom Palace solely due to danger. [19:18] Sumio     He's keeping the ladies     out of needless strife. [19:21] Yukiya     "Needless strife"? [19:23] Sumio     That's the kind of place     the Cherry Blossom Palace is. [19:32] Ukogi     My lady, a messenger      from Princess Fujinami. [19:36] Ukogi     May I show her in? [19:42] Samomo     A token of consolation      from Her Highness. [19:49] Asebi     It's so cold. [19:50] Samomo     Perfect for cooling your eyes      before you eat. [19:54] Samomo     I do it sometimes myself. [19:57] Samomo     It does wonders for facial swelling. [19:59] Samomo     And it warms the fruit just enough. [20:04] Samomo     Lady Ukogi told me that you've never     seen anyone shift shape before. [20:10] Asebi     I haven't. [20:11] Samomo     It must have been quite a fright. [20:12] Samomo     Nobles who spend almost     all of their lives in human shape [20:16] Samomo     must have few occasions      to see such things. [20:19] Asebi     I must be a bit muddled. [20:23] Asebi     Bird-shaped yatagarasu     are called horses, aren't they? [20:27] Samomo     Yes. They're yatagarasu, just like we are. [20:30] Samomo     The only difference is that horses can't     return to human shape when they please. [20:37] Asebi     Is that so? [20:38] Samomo     Has Your Ladyship ever seen a horse     with a rope tied around its leg? [20:43] Asebi     Yes, I think so. On the sky cart      I rode coming here. [20:48] Asebi     The magnificent ropes looked     beautiful tied in those coils. [20:53] Samomo     I suppose they do.     But those ropes aren't decorative. [20:57] Samomo     They signify labor contracts. [21:00] Samomo     Those who now work as horses     lost the means to live in human shape, [21:05] Samomo     due to poverty     or various other circumstances. [21:08] Samomo     Their employer binds their third leg     for the duration of the contract. [21:13] Samomo     Special knots make it impossible     for the horses to release themselves. [21:18] Asebi     But why their legs? [21:20] Samomo     The power to shift shape     resides in the third leg. [21:24] Samomo     Binding it leaves yatagarasu     unable to return to human shape. [21:28] Asebi     How awful! [21:29] Samomo     Horses only do manual labor,     like pulling carts and tilling fields. [21:35] Samomo     At some point, "horse" became an insulting     term for the yatagarasu that do such work. [21:41] Asebi     I'm so ashamed. I had no idea. [21:45] Asebi     I wonder why Ukogi never told me. [21:48] Samomo     I think I can understand     Lady Ukogi's feelings. [21:52] Samomo     You're so kind that I'm sure she only     wanted to teach you beautiful things. [21:58] Samomo     I used to shift shape often      when I was little. [22:02] Samomo     So I was glad when you     stepped in to protect that boy. [22:07] Asebi     You're Princess Fujinami's... SIGN    Imperial Lady-in-Waiting     Samomo [22:11] Samomo     Samomo is my name. [22:14] Asebi     Samomo, if you don't mind,     would you come visit me again? [22:19] Samomo     It would be my pleasure. [22:23] Yukiya     I just got back. [22:26] Yukiya     Wh-What's— [22:27] Nazukihiko     They waited until I was out     to call an Imperial Council. [22:30] Yukiya     An Imperial Council? [22:32] Nazukihiko     The forces that would     disinherit me are pulling the strings. [22:36] Nazukihiko     We're going to the Purple Hall at once. SIGN    Purple Hall [24:30] Narrator     Two brothers:     the elder able, the younger foolish. [24:35] Narrator     Their clash for the kin'u's throne     strains the court to breaking point. [24:42] Narrator     The Prince still refuses     to meet the ladies. [24:46] Narrator     What is his true intention? SIGN    An Imperial SIGN    Council [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "An Imperial Council." SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E4 - An Imperial Council Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) [00:02] Nazukihiko     An Imperial Council is the most     powerful gathering in Yamauchi, [00:06] Nazukihiko     limited to royalty and     select members of the Four Houses. [00:10] Nazukihiko     Only the Kin'u can convene one. [00:13] Nazukihiko     Meaning someone has     put His Majesty up to this... SIGN    Purple Hall [00:17] Nazukihiko     ...in an attempt to disinherit me. [00:21] Genya     So in short, the selection of     the crown prince 10 years ago was flawed? [00:27] Genya     Is that what you're getting at, Shoin? [00:31] Shoin     Just so. [00:32] Genya     And you hope to prove that now,     with His Highness absent? [00:38] Shoin     The former kin'u and the priests     named His Highness heir to the throne. [00:44] Shoin     But immediately afterward, His Highness     left Yamauchi on the pretext of study. [00:49] Shoin     Thus, neither the Four Houses nor     even His Majesty, the present kin'u, [00:55] Shoin     ever ratified the decision. [01:01] Akira     Nonsense! [01:02] Akira     His Highness is a true kin'u.     What more does he need? [01:06] Toru     Some say the birth of a kin'u     heralds troubled times. [01:11] Akira     Watch your tongue, Lord of the South! [01:13] Haruhito     Now, now. [01:14] Haruhito     I have heard that old saying, [01:17] Haruhito     but such disagreements     may portend worse to come. [01:23] Shoin     Then, perhaps we should     revisit the choice of heir. [01:27] Akira     So that's your game. [01:29] Akira     I wonder whose interests it serves. [01:32] Shoin     Still your beak! [01:34] Shoin     As Imperial secretary,     my words are His Majesty's. [01:39] Rokon     Why, Your Highness. [01:42] Rokon     You seem to have arrived a bit late. [01:46] Nazukihiko     Rokon. [01:47] Nazukihiko     Were you ordered to stop me? [01:50] Rokon     Surely you jest? SIGN    Natsuka's bodyguard     Rokon [01:52] Rokon     Lord Natsuka would never     command such a thing. [01:55] Rokon     Not that he would need to. This door     has already been locked from the inside. [02:07] Nazukihiko     Open. [02:09] Shoin     Now, let us vote on— [02:18] Shoin     What is this? SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master [04:14] Empress     The prince has not yet visited     the Cherry Blossom Palace? [04:17] Shoin     Indeed. [04:18] Empress     I see he has keen instincts. [04:21] Empress     But no fool can serve as kin'u. [04:25] Empress     Do you not agree? [04:28] Shoin     Yes, Majesty. [04:28] Empress     I mean to recall Natsuka to worldly life      and ensconce him as crown prince. [04:34] Empress     To that end, we must disinherit     the Prince at any cost. [04:40] Empress     For the Southern House. [04:50] Yukiya     What was that about just now? [04:53] Yukiya     This is creeping me out. [04:56] Yukiya     There's Lord Natsuka. [04:58] Yukiya     And behind the screen... [05:00] Yukiya     Is that the current Kin'u? [05:04] Nazukihiko     Scheming behind my back. [05:07] Nazukihiko     Shoin, everyone knows      who lurks behind you. [05:12] Nazukihiko     That saves me some trouble. [05:19] Nazukihiko     Your Majesty, you must realize     after what just happened. [05:23] Nazukihiko     Two kin'u bring disaster to Yamauchi. [05:27] Nazukihiko     You were a stopgap, so to speak. [05:29] Nazukihiko     Now I have returned,     and you have served your purpose. [05:34] Nazukihiko     Vacate that seat. [05:47] Emperor     How... [05:48] Emperor     How dare you?! [05:50] Emperor     How dare you speak     to your own father like... [05:53] Emperor     What do you know of me?! [05:56] Emperor     Well? [05:58] Emperor     What do you— [06:03] Nazukihiko     Enough. [06:07] Nazukihiko     I appreciate your service. [06:15] Nazukihiko     See him out. [06:17] Page     Your Majesty! [06:23] Nazukihiko     Well, that's one problem solved. [06:27] Nazukihiko     Next is— [06:28] Natsuka     Don't you think... [06:29] Natsuka     that was needlessly cruel of you? [06:33] Nazukihiko     Brother. [06:34] Natsuka     His Majesty has, after all,     governed Yamauchi for 20 long years. [06:40] Natsuka     Surely you could have dealt     with him more peaceably? [06:44] Nazukihiko     Really, Brother, you think of everything. [06:48] Nazukihiko     Doesn't it frustrate you,     watching your foolish little brother? [06:53] Nazukihiko     You must be imagining     what you'd do as crown prince. [06:56] Natsuka     Perish the thought. [06:58] Natsuka     I came here only out of concern for Yamauchi      as a member of the Royal House. [07:05] Natsuka     If Your Highness will bring peace     and harmony as a true Golden Raven, [07:12] Natsuka     then the likes of me     could never take your place. [07:17] Nazukihiko     Will you swear it, then? [07:20] Nazukihiko     Here and now, will you kneel,     bow your head, and pledge fealty to me? [07:27] Crowd     What? [07:29] Crowd     Lord Natsuka... [07:30] Yukiya     What's going on now*? [07:33] Yukiya     Aw, man. I want to go home to Taruhi. [07:36] Atsufusa     Please wait. [07:39] Nazukihiko     Ah, Atsufusa of the Minami-omiya family. [07:42] Nazukihiko     What is it? SIGN    Natsuka's aide     Atsufusa [07:43] Atsufusa     With all due respect, Lord Natsuka     could never practice duplicity. [07:48] Atsufusa     He thinks always of Yamauchi. [07:51] Atsufusa     And for Your Highness, he feels only— [07:52] Natsuka     Enough, Atsufusa. [08:06] Natsuka     I hereby pledge my life in service     to his beloved Majesty, the true Kin'u. [08:17] Nazukihiko     That will do. [08:24] Shoin     Please wait! [08:25] Shoin     I do not believe anyone can claim     the Four Houses have given their assent yet! [08:30] Akira     I've been telling you all along. [08:32] Akira     He's a true kin'u. What more does he need? [08:37] Haruhito     I see nothing particularly objectionable. [08:42] Toru     Lord Natsuka pledged his fealty.     Why should the Southern House protest? [08:49] Toru     Let His Highness ascend     to the throne without qualms. [08:53] Genya     I wish to raise one question. [08:56] Nazukihiko     Lord Genya of the North. What is it? [08:59] Genya     A consort customarily      joins in enthronement. [09:03] Genya     But though Your Highness     visits the pleasure quarter, [09:07] Genya     you avoid the Cherry Blossom Palace. [09:10] Genya     Do you truly intend to take a wife? [09:13] Genya     My assent depends on your answer. [09:17] Nazukihiko     Of course. [09:18] Nazukihiko     I will ascend to the throne      in one year's time. [09:21] Nazukihiko     I swear I will take a lady     to be my wife before then. [09:31] Nazukihiko     We're leaving, Yukiya. [09:43] Atsufusa     Lord Natsuka! [09:46] Natsuka     One year. [09:47] Natsuka     Until then, no matter what... SIGN    Central Pleasure Quarter [09:54] Yukiya     Uh... [09:56] Yukiya     Excuse me, but... [10:00] Yukiya     What do you think you're doing? [10:03] Nazukihiko     Hm? [10:04] Nazukihiko     Just what it looks like:     hiring every courtesan here. [10:06] Nazukihiko     This party is in your honor.     Drink as much as you like. [10:11] Courtesan 1     Don't act so nervous. [10:13] Courtesan 1     We're all here to welcome you. [10:15] Courtesan 2     That's right. [10:16] Courtesan 2     The Young Master's paying for     everything today, so let's drink up. [10:20] Yukiya     I haven't come of age yet. [10:24] Nazukihiko     I hear northern warriors dip their     newborns in sake instead of bathwater. [10:29] Courtesan 1     Come, young sir. [10:31] Courtesan 2     Let's have some fun. [10:32] Yukiya     I... I need to use the lavatory. [10:35] Courtesans     Oh, he's adorable! [10:39] Townsman 1     Looks like a busy night     at the Watchful Moon. [10:42] Townsman 1     That "Young Master" again? [10:44] Townsman 2     He rented out the whole place.     Wish I had that kind of money. [10:59] Nazukihiko     The lavatory is that way. [11:02] Yukiya     Listen— [11:06] Nazukihiko     Have four today. [11:11] Yukiya     Your Highness— [11:11] Nazukihiko     Call me "Young Master" here. [11:14] Yukiya     Young Master, I can't believe you. [11:18] Nazukihiko     Really? [11:19] Yukiya     Just think about it. [11:21] Yukiya     You have assassins after you, [11:23] Yukiya     but here you are, living it up in this     rowdy place without so much as a guard. [11:27] Yukiya     And that council, too. [11:29] Yukiya     What did you do there,     except make enemies? [11:39] Nazukihiko     Are you worried for me? [11:45] Yukiya     Were you listening? [11:48] Yukiya     Oh, fine. Suit yourself. [11:59] Yukiya     The red light district looks like     a different place in the morning, huh? [12:19] Yukiya     Young Master, um... [12:32] Ruffian 1     Hand over that sword. [12:36] Nazukihiko     What do you want? Money? [12:40] Ruffian 2     Quit yapping and do what we say! [12:43] Yukiya     Y-Young Mas— [12:44] Nazukihiko     Very well. We'll obey. [12:55] Yukiya     Lord Sumio?! [12:57] Sumio     Get back! [13:05] Ruffian 4     Die! [13:14] Ruffian 2     We're out of luck. Retreat! [13:21] Sumio     What are you after? [13:23] Sumio     Tell me! [13:25] Sumio     Or else you'll lose more than an arm or two! [13:29] Ruffian 1     I... I was just following orders. [13:32] Sumio     Whose? Speak! [13:34] Bandit 1     I-It was... [13:39] Sumio     Damn. [13:48] Sumio     Poison. [13:49] Sumio     They must have planned     to silence him from the start. [13:53] Sumio     By now, the others must also be... [13:56] Nazukihiko     I see. [13:58] Nazukihiko     Whoever arranged this takes no chances. [14:01] Sumio     If kidnapping had been their goal, such     fast-acting poison wouldn't have been used. [14:05] Sumio     They wanted only one thing. [14:07] Nazukihiko     My life? [14:13] Nazukihiko     Yukiya? [14:26] Yukiya     Your Highness. [14:28] Nazukihiko     Feeling a little better now? [14:30] Yukiya     I beg your pardon. I disgraced myself— [14:36] Nazukihiko     Don't push yourself. [14:38] Yukiya     Right. [14:47] Yukiya     You know who attacked you,     don't you, Your Highness? [14:55] Nazukihiko     Have you heard that Natsuka has backers? [15:01] (Flashback) Kiei     Even so, court ravens who hated     to lose his wisdom organized in secret. [15:06] (Flashback) Kiei     Rumor has it Lord Natsuka's mother,     the Empress, is plotting something. [15:13] Yukiya     Yes. [15:14] Nazukihiko     The faction has its roots in the     Southern House, the Empress's birth family. [15:19] Nazukihiko     But you must have realized     when you saw the council. [15:21] Nazukihiko     No one wants to take my side. [15:26] Nazukihiko     Most court ravens would find it      more convenient if I died. [15:32] Yukiya     That can't be. [15:34] Nazukihiko     I have faced attempts     on my life since childhood. [15:38] Nazukihiko     They claimed other victims.     My mother, for one. [15:42] Yukiya     What? [15:43] Nazukihiko     Like those ladies you saw     in the Cherry Blossom Palace, [15:48] Nazukihiko     my mother came as a lady of the     Western House, her heart full of hopes. [15:53] Nazukihiko     She didn't become consort,     but she was admitted as a concubine. [15:57] Nazukihiko     After giving birth to     my sister, Fujinami, and myself, [16:00] Nazukihiko     she became a casualty     of political scheming. [16:05] Nazukihiko     To escape the assassins, I went to live     with my mother's family, the Western House. [16:10] Nazukihiko     But they only used me.     I had no allies there. [16:15] Yukiya     So you went abroad? [16:17] Nazukihiko     Yes. [16:18] Nazukihiko     The person who wrote to warn me     against the Cherry Blossom Palace [16:22] Nazukihiko     must know of my history and sympathize. [16:26] Nazukihiko     At this age, I've finally returned to     Yamauchi with the means to fight back. [16:33] Nazukihiko     But it would be no exaggeration to call     999 out of 1000 court ravens my enemies. [16:41] Nazukihiko     So tell me, Yukiya... [16:46] Nazukihiko     Will you be that one in 1000? [16:50] Yukiya     Huh? [16:52] Nazukihiko     Become my aide. [16:55] Yukiya     Your aide? [16:58] Yukiya     What?! [16:59] Yukiya     You mean an aide aide? [17:02] Yukiya     Your future confidant,     on the fast track to success? [17:05] Nazukihiko     Indeed. [17:06] Nazukihiko     When I become kin'u,     I want you to be my right-hand man. [17:11] Yukiya     Wait, slow down. [17:13] Yukiya     Why would you want that? [17:14] Yukiya     I'm just the blockhead second son     of a lord from the backwaters. [17:18] Yukiya     Central nobles must have sons     who can think rings around me. [17:23] Nazukihiko     Only you completed every task     I assigned you in the allotted time. [17:28] Yukiya     Well, sure, but people in     the Center don't shift shape much, [17:32] Yukiya     so I bet they borrowed horses      to fetch the water. [17:35] Nazukihiko     You left the flowers you watered alone,      even when they withered. [17:40] Yukiya     I mean, I figured you were comparing     water from the well and the falls. [17:46] Nazukihiko     You didn't do my poetry assignments, either. [17:48] Yukiya     I didn't think you needed me to. [17:51] Nazukihiko     Correct on all counts. [17:53] Nazukihiko     But the others panicked when the     flowers died or lost sleep writing verses. [18:00] Nazukihiko     Some even hired people     to work for them in secret. [18:04] Yukiya     Your Highness is no saint,     either, if you ask me. [18:08] Nazukihiko     You are no blockhead. [18:10] Nazukihiko     I assume you had your reasons for     that fuss at the Northern House, too. [18:15] Yukiya     How else could I keep Taruhi     safe from tyrannical nobles? [18:21] Yukiya     You're not a fool like     everyone says, either, are you? [18:26] Nazukihiko     I don't care how others choose to see me. [18:32] Yukiya     Anyway, I respectfully decline. [18:35] Yukiya     Although I'm honored by the offer. [18:38] Nazukihiko     Is that so? [18:40] Nazukihiko     Won't you go to Unbending Reed Monastery     if I send you home in under a year? [18:46] Yukiya     Huh? [18:47] Yukiya     What, so you're threatening me now? [18:50] Nazukihiko     Not threatening. Just reflecting. [18:54] Yukiya     Now, hang on! [18:55] Yukiya     How do you even know that?     You weren't at the Northern House's party! [18:59] Nazukihiko     Well, I am a true kin'u. [19:03] Yukiya     That doesn't explain anything. [19:05] Nazukihiko     Yukiya, I plan to finish things      in under a year. [19:10] Nazukihiko     I shall take a bride from the Cherry     Blossom Palace and ascend to the throne. [19:15] Nazukihiko     But I cannot marry before     I capture those who want me dead. [19:21] Nazukihiko     Right now, I need allies     I can trust without question. [19:28] Nazukihiko     I am so inept, I do not blame     anyone for calling me a fool. [19:34] Nazukihiko     But you know, Yukiya... [19:36] Nazukihiko     I still consider myself     a good judge of people. [19:40] Nazukihiko     You will never betray me. [19:46] Nazukihiko     Why? Because I doubt my enemies     can offer you anything you would value [19:52] Nazukihiko     more than the trust I place in you. [20:09] Yukiya     Very well. I'll become your aide. [20:13] Nazukihiko     Really? You accept, then? [20:16] Yukiya     But like we agreed at first,     I'll take my leave after one year. [20:21] Yukiya     I care about my family     and my home in Taruhi. [20:26] Nazukihiko     All right. I do not mind.     At least for now. [20:29] Sumio     Your Highness, I have returned. [20:32] Nazukihiko     Sumio, Yukiya just agreed. [20:35] Nazukihiko     He says he'll become my aide. [20:37] Sumio     What? Really? [20:39] Sumio     That's great! [20:42] Yukiya     U-Um... [20:45] Sumio     Oh, you see, we've known     each other since we were kids. [20:49] Sumio     But it wouldn't look right if we got     too chummy in public, you know? [20:54] Yukiya     Lord Sumio... [20:56] Sumio     Just "Sumio" is fine. [20:58] Sumio     Sorry I startled you. [20:59] Sumio     But from now on, you're one of us. [21:03] Sumio     Try not to get too uptight. [21:06] Yukiya     Uh-huh. [21:07] Sumio     Anyway, I'm glad that worked out. [21:10] Sumio     I thought we were     cutting it close this time. [21:13] Nazukihiko     Yes. The risks we ran paid off. [21:20] Yukiya     Um, excuse me. [21:22] Nazukihiko     Yes? [21:23] Yukiya     Did you just say something     about "running risks"? [21:29] Nazukihiko     You heard me right. [21:31] Yukiya     So you did that on purpose,     knowing they'd attack you? [21:36] Nazukihiko     Yes. [21:37] Yukiya     "Yes"?! [21:38] Nazukihiko     I didn't think I could convince you     unless you understood my situation. [21:44] Nazukihiko     I stirred up trouble at the council,     so I expected them to make a move soon. [21:49] Yukiya     You "expected"... [21:51] Yukiya     Then, that whole hullabaloo was... [21:54] Nazukihiko     Bait to draw out the traitors, of course. [21:58] Nazukihiko     Quite effective, wouldn't you say? [22:00] Yukiya     What are you, stupid?! [22:03] Yukiya     What do you take your enemies for? [22:06] Yukiya     "Bait to draw out the traitors"?      One of these days, you'll die for real! [22:09] Sumio     Now, now. He didn't mean any harm. [22:12] Yukiya     Huh? What difference does that make? [22:15] Yukiya     He's the crown prince. There's no way     he should be taking a risk like that. [22:20] Sumio     Don't worry. I know what you mean. [22:23] Sumio     But he can't get things done any other way. [22:27] Sumio     You'll understand sooner or later. [22:32] Nazukihiko     And there you have it. [22:33] Yukiya     You don't get to say that. [22:36] Nazukihiko     Yukiya, you're worth 100 men to me. [22:40] Nazukihiko     I'm counting on you. [22:43] Yukiya     Jeez. Just for a year, okay? I mean it. [22:55] Nazukihiko     Forgive me. [22:56] Yukiya     You monster! [24:31] Narrator     Having accepted the post of aide*     for only a single year, [24:36] Narrator     Yukiya unwittingly infiltrates the Ravine     and witnesses a dreadful conference. [24:45] Narrator     Who orchestrated     the assault on the Prince? [24:49] Narrator     Next time: "A Purge." SIGN    A Purge SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E5 - A Purge Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) [00:02] Dealer     All fine? No objections? [00:05] Dealer     In they go. [00:10] Assistant 1     There! The dice are cast! [00:12] Gambler 4     Even! [00:13] Gambler 2     Even! [00:14] Gambler 3     Even! [00:16] Assistant 1     No bets on odd? None at all? [00:23] Nazukihiko     Odd. [00:26] Assistant 1     All bets accounted for. [00:30] Yukiya     Come on, odd! Odd! [00:34] Assistant 1     Four and two. Even. [00:40] Assistant 1     You've lost 50 ryo in all. [00:42] Yukiya     What are we gonna do now, young master?! [00:44] Yukiya     You already gave them your kimono     and sword! You've got nothing left! [00:49] Assistant 2     Indeed, young master. How will you pay? [00:52] Assistant 1     We can hook you up with     a lucrative job, if you like. [01:00] Nazukihiko     No, you need not bother. [01:04] Nazukihiko     I will leave him as collateral. [01:11] Yukiya     You monster! SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    The Ravine [02:56] Man 1     Yukiya. [02:57] Man 1     Clean the gambling hall     once you finish up here. [03:00] Yukiya     Right. [03:00] Man 1     And when you're done cleaning— [03:02] Yukiya     I know, I know.     Dry the bedding from the brothel, right? [03:06] Man 1     If you know, pick up the pace. [03:09] Courtesan 1     Hang in there, Yuki! [03:10] Yukiya     I will! [03:15] Courtesan 2     What a good worker. [03:17] Courtesan 2     The men say he's too good     to leave as collateral. [03:24] Courtesan 3     But he's been here a month and a half now. [03:26] Courtesan 3     Don't you think his young master     must have abandoned him? [03:37] Nazukihiko     Working hard, I see. [03:42] Nazukihiko     I finally got my funds in order.     I know I've kept you waiting. [03:48] Yukiya     Y-Young master. [03:51] Yukiya     Young master! [04:02] Yukiya     D-Damn it. [04:14] Yukiya     Your Highness, where are we going? [04:19] Yukiya     We've been climbing for a while now. [04:23] Yukiya     I can't take much more— [04:25] Nazukihiko     We're here. [04:41] Sumio     Hey there. [04:42] Brothel Owner     Welcome back, sirs. [04:46] Yukiya     Where are we? [04:48] Sumio     In the basement of the Watchful Moon. [04:50] Sumio     We asked the owner     to leave it unlocked for us. [04:52] Yukiya     So this is the red-light district? [04:55] Yukiya     The passage runs all the way here     from the gambling den in the Ravine? [04:58] Nazukihiko     Such tunnels run through the     Central Mountain like an anthill. [05:04] Nazukihiko     Most have outlets behind bushes in the wild      or under temples and houses of— [05:10] Yukiya     Oh, right. So they're secret escape routes     for court ravens who sneak out at night. [05:19] Sumio     Rumor has it a ton of guys have     gotten lost and died underground. [05:24] Sumio     Be careful if you use them. [05:28] Nazukihiko     Oh, and Yukiya...     I've learned my lesson. [05:32] Nazukihiko     I placed a terrible burden on you. [05:35] Yukiya     Oh, it wasn't that bad. [05:36] Nazukihiko     I'd like to recompense you today. [05:39] Nazukihiko     Master, I'm booking the whole house tonight. [05:42] Brothel Owner     Certainly, sir. [05:44] Nazukihiko     Gather all of your prettiest girls— [05:46] Yukiya     I really wish you wouldn't! [05:55] Yukiya     It happened just the other day. [05:57] Yukiya     Some guests at a brothel in the Ravine     looked like they didn't belong. [06:03] Yukiya     Coming through! [06:08] Courtesan     The nerve of some people! [06:10] Courtesan     They ask for me by name,     then don't even let me pour their drinks. [06:26] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     Have you heard that Natsuka has backers? [06:32] Yukiya     Oh, I get it. This is... [06:35] Yukiya     a meeting of Natsuka's backers. [07:01] Court Raven 1     If I may, Sir Rokon... [07:08] Court Raven 1     Would you at least tell us     the purpose of this gathering? [07:13] Court Raven 1     What do you mean by, "Let anyone     who cares to explain himself come forward"? [07:18] Court Raven 2     Does Lord Natsuka know of today's meeting? [07:23] Rokon     I haven't informed Lord Natsuka.     It isn't worth his time. [07:28] Rokon     I called you all here for just one reason:     to uproot the rot for all to see. [07:37] Rokon     Isn't that right, Kazumichi? [07:42] Yukiya     Kazumichi? [07:44] (Flashback) Kazumichi     You can forget about     attending to the Prince after this! [07:47] (Flashback) Kazumichi     Do you realize how hard     I worked to arrange that? [07:52] Yukiya     Kazumaro's father backs Natsuka? [07:55] Yukiya     Why would a northern court raven do that? [07:58] Yukiya     I heard the Southern House     was behind his faction. [08:02] Kazumichi     Wh-Whatever do you mean, Sir Rokon? [08:05] Rokon     A month and a half ago, you plotted     to have ruffians assassinate the Prince. [08:13] Rokon     And your scheme failed miserably. [08:16] Rokon     Even giving you the benefit of the doubt     and assuming you acted for Lord Natsuka, [08:22] Rokon     you still committed     a fatal blunder you can't fix. [08:27] Kazumichi     Wh-What? I know nothing of this matter. [08:30] Kazumichi     Why, this is the first I've even heard     of an attack on His Highness. [08:34] Kazumichi     Now, if you'll excuse me. [08:42] Rokon     Don't think you can fool me, Kazumichi. [08:45] Rokon     I have proof. [08:47] Rokon     You dosed the brigands with poison. [08:51] Rokon     It was in the drinks you bought them     "for courage" before the attack. [08:56] Rokon     However, one ruffian     couldn't hold his liquor. [09:00] Rokon     He refused the offer of a drink. [09:03] Rokon     But seeing his comrades all     fall around him broke his nerve. [09:07] Rokon     Seeking sanctuary, he ran to a temple.      Clear Mirror Temple, if you can believe it. [09:13] Rokon     What if he had run to a temple     in the Prince's pocket? [09:20] Rokon     He'd be living proof leading back to you,     and even Lord Natsuka would face blame. [09:26] Rokon     How would you have taken     responsibility if that had happened? [09:29] Kazumichi     I... I would have... I would have... [09:32] Rokon     How many times did I tell you? [09:35] Rokon     "Whatever you do, no rash moves." [09:37] Rokon     "And if you do make one, do it right." [09:51] Atsufusa     What are you doing? [09:54] Atsufusa     Sir Kazumichi, are you all right? [09:59] Yukiya     I know that court raven.     Isn't he Lord Natsuka's aide? [10:06] Rokon     Atsufusa. I didn't see you here,     so I assumed you had something to hide. [10:13] Atsufusa     You must be mad. [10:16] Atsufusa     If the Northern House learns of this,     they'll turn on us altogether. [10:20] Rokon     Fool. That's why I'm doing this in secret. [10:24] Atsufusa     Do you, a bodyguard, have that authority?     We must defer to His Lordship. [10:42] Natsuka     Explain all this fuss, Rokon. [10:45] Rokon     Why, Lord Natsuka. [10:47] Rokon     I was merely asking the man behind     the blunder we discussed to explain himself. [10:52] Rokon     You needn't concern yourself. [10:55] Atsufusa     Sir Rokon is invoking your illustrious     name to commit brutalities. [11:00] Atsufusa     All your efforts to win over the     Northern House may come to naught. [11:07] Atsufusa     No, worse than that— [11:09] Rokon     Lord Natsuka, you must know     that I have given my all for you. [11:19] Rokon     Won't you please trust me? [11:26] Natsuka     Very well. [11:39] Rokon     Kazumichi, something's been puzzling me. [11:43] Rokon     Would a coward like you     really take such a big risk? [11:48] Rokon     Are you sure no one put you up to it? [11:51] Kazumichi     No. No! [11:53] Rokon     Out with it, Kazumichi. [11:56] Kazumichi     I just thought,     with the Prince out of the way, [11:59] Kazumichi     Lord Natsuka would become our next kin'u. [12:02] Kazumichi     I simply wished to help. [12:05] Rokon     You've been using Lord Natsuka's     name to borrow money. [12:11] Rokon     And not only have you not paid it back,     you've been extorting hill ravens, I hear. [12:18] Atsufusa     Sir Kazumichi would never... [12:22] Rokon     Did you think I wouldn't find out? [12:25] Rokon     I've also heard you started     panicking recently [12:27] Rokon     because your son lost you favor     with the Northern House. [12:32] Rokon     Did you think Lord Natsuka would pay off     your debts if you killed the Prince? [12:38] Rokon     And that he'd forgive all your other crimes? [12:45] Kazumichi     Lord Natsuka! [12:46] Kazumichi     Have mercy! I beg you, spare me! [12:52] Kazumichi     Please spare me! Sir Atsufusa! Sir Atsufusa! [12:57] Rokon     Watch closely, all of you. [13:00] Rokon     See what happens to those     who defy Lord Natsuka's will. [13:33] Atsufusa     How gruesome. [13:34] Natsuka     Atsufusa. [13:36] Natsuka     Rokon stepped forward to dirty his hands. [13:40] Natsuka     This matter would not have      resolved itself otherwise. [13:48] Sumio     I see. [13:50] Sumio     So a rogue court raven did it. [13:54] Sumio     They'll blame Kazumichi's death     on robbers or cutthroats, [13:59] Sumio     and I doubt that ruffian is still alive. [14:02] Sumio     Any more digging seems      like a waste of time. [14:05] Yukiya     Um... [14:07] Yukiya     I'm not sure I really follow, but where does     Lord Natsuka stand in his own faction? [14:13] Yukiya     I mean... [14:14] Nazukihiko     Natsuka issues no orders himself. [14:17] Nazukihiko     The others champion him and     do what they imagine he wants. [14:22] Nazukihiko     That's how his faction operates,     making it hard to get a clear picture. [14:26] Yukiya     So that's how it works. [14:28] Sumio     Anything else to report? [14:30] Yukiya     Well, I was thinking someone     must have masterminded the attack. [14:35] Sumio     A mastermind? [14:36] Yukiya     Like Rokon said, [14:38] Yukiya     Kazumichi didn't seem clever enough     to poison his henchmen ahead of time. [14:44] Yukiya     I thought maybe Lord Natsuka had     ordered it, but going by what you just said... [14:49] Sumio     Well, you don't have much evidence. [14:52] Yukiya     I guess not. [14:54] Sumio     And Kazumichi didn't name names,     even when being threatened by Rokon? [14:58] Yukiya     Right. [15:02] Yukiya     What about the Empress? [15:04] Sumio     Very likely, but we can't prove it. [15:08] Sumio     If only Kazumichi were still alive. [15:18] Yukiya     Well then, good night. [15:23] Nazukihiko     You may not need me to tell you this, [15:26] Nazukihiko     but if you feel the least bit of guilt     for Kazumichi's rash acts, it is misplaced. [15:35] Nazukihiko     He would have done much     the same sooner or later. [15:39] Nazukihiko     You need not let it bother you. [15:44] Yukiya     Right. [15:45] Nazukihiko     Oh, and you impressed the Ravine-dwellers. [15:49] Nazukihiko     "The boy can work," they said.     "Take your money back. Just let us keep him." [15:55] Nazukihiko     I refused, of course. [15:57] Yukiya     Um, Your Highness? [15:58] Nazukihiko     Yes? [15:59] Yukiya     Do you mean to say     you'd already paid them? [16:01] Nazukihiko     Yes. They'll do anything for me,      so long as I pay. [16:05] Yukiya     I knew it. [16:07] Nazukihiko     Hm? [16:08] Yukiya     You knew all along, didn't you?     About Natsuka's backers meeting there. [16:13] Yukiya     That's why you abandoned me     in the Ravine like that. [16:17] Nazukihiko     Didn't I tell you that was why? [16:19] Yukiya     Not one word! [16:21] Yukiya     I thought you'd sold me off for real! [16:25] Yukiya     I slaved from dawn to dusk! [16:27] Yukiya     Why do you always keep me in the dark? [16:29] Yukiya     Why don't you ever tell me     the plan ahead of time? [16:33] Nazukihiko     Sorry about that. [16:40] Yukiya     Do you think you can      buy me off with these?! SIGN    Cherry Blossom Palace [16:44] Novice Lady-in-Waiting     Do you think His Highness     will finally visit this time? SIGN    Autumn Hall [16:48] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Of course he will. [16:50] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Tanabata is one of the     most crucial steps in the rite. [16:53] Lady-in-Waiting 2     The ladies vying for the Crown     Prince's hand have spent a year [16:58] Lady-in-Waiting 2     sewing kimono that match     their own to give to him. [17:01] Lady-in-Waiting 2     They hang their gifts outside their halls. [17:03] Lady-in-Waiting 2     If His Highness wears one, it is said     to bode well for the lady who sewed it. [17:10] Novice Lady-in-Waiting     So Tanabata cannot go forward without him? [17:13] Lady-in-Waiting 3     Of course, professionals     do the actual sewing. [17:17] Lady-in-Waiting 3     The ladies only add the last stitch, if that. [17:20] Lady-in-Waiting 3     Only our lady would     actually do it all herself. [17:24] Kikuno     You there. [17:25] Kikuno     Stop twittering and get to work. [17:29] Ladies-in-Waiting     Yes, ma'am. [17:35] Masuho     Kikuno. [17:36] Kikuno     Y-Yes, my lady? [17:37] Masuho     Has His Highness written? [17:41] Kikuno     No, not yet. [17:43] Masuho     I see. [17:46] Kikuno     His Highness must be busy.      I am sure none of the other ladies have— [17:50] Masuho     Ow. [17:51] Kikuno     Are you hurt? [17:53] Masuho     You always overreact, Kikuno. [17:56] Masuho     Now, go. You're distracting me. [18:00] Kikuno     His Highness will surely come on Tanabata. [18:02] Kikuno     I know His Lordship wrote to the Prince,     strongly requesting his presence. SIGN    Spring Hall [18:21] Asebi     All done. [18:22] Ukogi     And well done. [18:23] Ukogi     His Highness will be delighted. [18:26] Asebi     But I only added one stitch. [18:29] Asebi     Is there not more I can do?      I could help decorate. [18:33] Ukogi     I appreciate the offer, my lady, but no. [18:35] Ukogi     Please relax and play your koto. [18:41] Spring Hall Lady-in-Waiting     My lady. [18:43] Spring Hall Lady-in-Waiting     A royal lady-in-waiting wishes to see you. [18:46] Asebi     Royal? [18:50] Asebi     Samomo! [18:51] Asebi     I am so glad to see you. [18:55] Samomo     Forgive me. I know you must be      busy preparing for Tanabata. [19:00] Asebi     Hardly. In fact, I was bored. [19:02] Asebi     I feel like no one expects much of me. [19:05] Samomo     Surely you jest. [19:07] Asebi     No, I mean it. [19:09] Asebi     But I cannot blame them. [19:12] Asebi     Coming to the palace has highlighted     how little knowledge and skill I have. [19:17] Asebi     I have no right to be here. [19:20] Samomo     I disagree. [19:22] Samomo     You are beautiful and kind, Lady Asebi. [19:25] Samomo     You would make a wonderful consort. [19:29] Asebi     Samomo... [19:31] Samomo     Please take heart. [19:33] Samomo     I have brought a gift     from Princess Fujinami. [19:40] Asebi     My! A nagon koto, and a magnificent one. [19:45] Samomo     I believe its name is Drifting Cloud. [19:47] Asebi     Drifting Cloud? [19:49] Asebi     Princess Fujinami wants me to have it? [19:51] Samomo     She says she spoke of you to a     certain person, who granted permission. [19:57] Asebi     Who might that be? [19:59] Samomo     Someone of high birth. She said no more. [20:04] Asebi     Cherry blossoms and mist. [20:27] Ukogi     Drifting Cloud? [20:37] Asebi     When was it? [21:01] Asebi     The boy wore purple. [21:06] Asebi     Of course! Why didn't I realize? [21:09] Asebi     Only the most noble members of     the Royal House may dress in purple. [21:13] Asebi     Then, that boy must have been... the Prince? [21:24] Asebi     I came to the palace     so I could see my first love again. [21:38] Yukiya     What are you frowning for? [21:41] Nazukihiko     I just received a threat. [21:43] Yukiya     Y-You got a what?! [21:50] Yukiya     So, basically, "I shall overlook     Your Highness's sloth thus far." [21:56] Yukiya     "But whatever happens, no matter how grave, [21:59] Yukiya     you absolutely must visit the     Cherry Blossom Palace on Tanabata!" [22:04] Yukiya     Hey, isn't this... [22:05] Nazukihiko     Yes. From the Lord of the West. [22:08] Yukiya     Jeez, don't scare me like that. [22:11] Nazukihiko     That man has no doubt     that I will wed his daughter, [22:16] Nazukihiko     so he wants to make me     visit her and seal the deal. [22:21] Yukiya     "S-Seal the deal"? [22:24] Nazukihiko     By wearing her kimono, of course. [22:27] Yukiya     S-Still, Tanabata, huh? [22:30] Yukiya     You really can't sit this one out, can you? [22:35] Yukiya     Your Highness? [22:36] Nazukihiko     I don't want to go. [22:46] Sumio     Atsufusa? [22:48] Atsufusa     I beg of you! [22:50] Atsufusa     Let me speak with His Highness! [22:52] Atsufusa     I realize the impertinence     of my request, but please! [24:31] Narrator     Natsuka's aide, Atsufusa. [24:34] Narrator     This unexpected visitor     asks a favor of the Prince. [24:39] Narrator     On Tanabata in the Cherry Blossom Palace, [24:42] Narrator     the tune Asebi plucks on her koto     makes waves in women's hearts. [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "A Tanabata Invitation." SIGN    A Tanabata SIGN    Invitation SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E6 - A Tanabata Invitation Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    Wisteria Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [00:12] Fujinami     Samomo. [00:13] Samomo     Oh, is Your Highness awake? [00:16] Fujinami     How was Lady Asebi? [00:19] Samomo     She was delighted. [00:22] Samomo     She even played the koto for me. [00:25] Fujinami     Did she? [00:27] Fujinami     I wish I could have heard. [00:31] Samomo     Please, don't strain yourself. [00:33] Samomo     The weight of your responsibilities     must be taking its toll. [00:41] Fujinami     Listen, Samomo.     I've never had anyone but myself. [00:46] Fujinami     My brother treats me kindly,     but we can rarely see each other. [00:51] Fujinami     In my loneliness,     I lashed out at those around me. [00:56] Fujinami     I don't think I was a very nice child. [01:00] Fujinami     Yet Lady Asebi cared for me      like a younger sister. [01:14] Fujinami     I even took to calling her "Sister" myself. [01:25] Samomo     And in truth, you wish     to become real sisters? [01:31] Samomo     I understand. [01:33] Samomo     Your loyal Samomo will aid Lady Asebi     in marrying the Prince in any way I can. [01:37] Samomo     So please, set your mind at ease and rest. SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master [03:14] Nazukihiko     You say you will help     put me on the throne? [03:17] Atsufusa     Yes, Your Highness. [03:19] Nazukihiko     But you... [03:20] Atsufusa     I support Lord Natsuka,     whose faction opposes you. [03:24] Atsufusa     I doubt I could deceive Your Highness,      so allow me to be frank. [03:29] Atsufusa     I will safeguard you from the schemes      of Lord Natsuka's backers. [03:34] Atsufusa     In exchange, I wish you to shelter     Lord Natsuka when you ascend to the throne. [03:42] Atsufusa     Our faction began honestly enough [03:45] Atsufusa     as a simple gathering of court ravens     drawn to Lord Natsuka's character. [03:49] Atsufusa     But before we knew it,     our ranks were infiltrated by extremists, [03:53] Atsufusa     bent on making Lord Natsuka the kin'u     to further their own political ends. [03:58] Atsufusa     And now, they gain strength     under Rokon's leadership. [04:02] Atsufusa     What they practice is not loyalty. [04:05] Atsufusa     If they are not stopped, Lord Natsuka     will be branded a rebel for Rokon's misdeeds. [04:10] Nazukihiko     And you have no issue with my accession? [04:14] Atsufusa     Lord Natsuka promoted me,     a minor noble without a patron. [04:20] Atsufusa     He wishes for nothing more      than peace in Yamauchi. [04:24] Atsufusa     And I value nothing more than his life. [04:30] Nazukihiko     I understand, but I would like to see     your work before I make up my mind. [04:36] Atsufusa     As Your Highness wishes. [04:38] Nazukihiko     I see. Then, I realize this is sudden,     but I would like you to do something for me. [04:47] Yukiya; Sumio     What? [04:50] Natsuka     I hope Your Majesty     will forgive my long absence. [04:53] Natsuka     It delights me to find our Empress so well. [04:56] Empress     Spare me the formalities.     It is good to see you, my son. [05:02] Natsuka     Ma'am. [05:04] Empress     The ladies-in-waiting expect to finally     catch a glimpse of the Prince on Tanabata. [05:10] Empress     Their bustling puts me out of sorts. [05:13] Natsuka     That is unfortunate.     Is that the reason for the karon incense? [05:18] Empress     It does offer some relief. [05:21] Empress     But enough of that. [05:23] Empress     What will you do on Tanabata? [05:25] Natsuka     Lord Toru has invited me to     celebrate it at his southern palace. [05:30] Empress     I put in a word for you. [05:33] Empress     I expect Toru's daughter will attend. [05:36] Empress     You may become acquainted     even with a screen between you. [05:39] Natsuka     I have devoted myself to the Mountain God. [05:42] Empress     How dull. [05:44] Empress     Still, those of the Southern House     hide their thoughts even from family. [05:49] Empress     In that sense, you may be     more "Southern" than any of us. [06:00] Yukiya     Sheesh. What is His Highness thinking? [06:04] Atsufusa     Can't you see the fun in it? [06:07] Atsufusa     Still, His Highness gave me      quite a role to play. [06:10] Atsufusa     I must succeed if I am to win his trust. [06:13] Yukiya     Please take care, Sir Atsufusa. [06:17] Yukiya     If Sir Rokon were ever to find out... [06:19] Atsufusa     I appreciate your concern,     aide to our future kin'u. [06:25] Atsufusa     I dreamed of securing that position     for myself until not long ago, [06:30] Atsufusa     but I think I will let you have the honor. [06:39] Sumio     Stay on your guard. [06:41] Sumio     Atsufusa comes from the     Southern House, just like the Empress. [06:45] Sumio     Still, he has real backbone.     Think he'd join us if Nazukihiko asked him? [06:57] Yukiya     White. [06:59] Yukiya     White. White. White. SIGN    Spring Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [07:13] Asebi     What lovely weather.     Tonight should be perfect for stargazing. [07:18] Ukogi     Hold still, my lady.     You must dress with special care today. [07:22] Ukogi     You will be coming face-to-face     with the Prince at last. [07:25] Asebi     Y-You're right. Now I feel a little nervous. [07:29] Samomo     You look gorgeous, Lady Asebi. [07:31] Asebi     Thank you, Samomo. [07:32] Ukogi     What news of the other houses, Miss Samomo? [07:35] Samomo     Well, they all look lovely, but the Western      House seems especially magnificent. [07:42] Samomo     They have set out kimonos and ornaments     in the reds that Lady Masuho-no-Susuki favors. [07:47] Ukogi     How I envy them. [07:49] Ukogi     It would hardly hurt the Lord of the East     to loosen his purse strings a little. [07:55] Asebi     Don't just complain. [07:57] Asebi     Look, we still have a kimono     we haven't hung up yet. [07:59] Ukogi     Ah! Stay still, my lady! [08:01] Ukogi     Please try to keep calm. [08:04] Asebi     I'm hopeless, aren't I? [08:07] Samomo     Let us go peek at the stargazing party.      It will surely cheer you up. [08:49] Masuho     How do you do, Lady Asebi? [08:52] Asebi     L-Lady Masuho-no-Susuki! I beg your pardon. [08:55] Asebi     Your kimono looks so lovely that I, well... [08:58] Masuho     Thank you. I spent a year making it. [09:02] Masuho     I sewed every stitch of my kimono     as well as His Highness's myself. [09:07] Asebi     You sewed them?     Not your ladies-in-waiting? [09:11] Masuho     Of course. [09:13] Masuho     How could I let another woman     make my gift to the man I love? [09:21] Masuho     Oh, don't worry. You look charming, too. [09:29] Fujinami     Lady Asebi. [09:31] Asebi     Princess Fujinami. [09:34] Fujinami     Oh, good. I see you're all here. [09:38] Fujinami     We still have time     before His Highness arrives. [09:41] Fujinami     Would you play your koto     for us, here and now? [09:45] Asebi     What? But Princess Fujinami, um... [09:48] Ukogi     My lady. [09:49] Ukogi     If you desire your koto,     it is ready for you. [09:52] Asebi     Ukogi, when did you... [09:54] Fujinami     Please, Lady Asebi. [10:01] Asebi     But I... [10:03] Hamayu     What's this? Running away again? [10:06] Hamayu     You are a lady of the     Eastern house, remember. [10:09] Hamayu     Don't you want to     shut them up for a change? [11:49] Hamayu     They say thoughtless words only     disgrace the speaker. Now you know why. [11:56] Hamayu     Well, consider it a lesson learned. [11:59] Masuho     I do not recall asking your opinion. [12:05] Fujinami     What a wonderful performance. [12:08] Fujinami     You simply must play for my brother, too. [12:11] Asebi     Oh, but I... [12:13] Samomo     Lady Hamayu. [12:16] Samomo     Thank you for encouraging Lady Asebi. [12:20] Hamayu     Don't mention it. I was merely bored. [12:25] Cha-no-Hana     Thank you for delighting our ears.     The East is justly famed for its musicians. [12:31] Asebi     Th-Thank you. [12:33] Cha-no-Hana     Still, what a large koto. [12:35] Asebi     Only the Eastern House uses them. [12:37] Cha-no-Hana     Oh, yes, I am well aware. [12:40] Cha-no-Hana     I even recall seeing those cherry     blossoms and mist before, long ago. [12:44] Fujinami     Cha-no-Hana. I received the proper     permissions before giving it to her. [12:48] Cha-no-Hana     If you will pardon me, Princess Fujinami,     you have a duty to remain neutral. [12:52] Cha-no-Hana     Would it be proper for you     to show a single lady favor? [12:57] Cha-no-Hana     She wins your trust with an innocent face.      A veritable Lady Raven. [13:03] Asebi     Who is "Lady Raven"? [13:04] Cha-no-Hana     You don't know? [13:06] Cha-no-Hana     Her tale is of a lowly raven     disguised as a beautiful lady [13:09] Cha-no-Hana     who steals into the palace, seduces     the crown prince, and pays with her life. [13:15] Ukogi     My lady, pay her no heed. [13:17] Cha-no-Hana     If you care for your lady,     I suggest you teach her. [13:22] Cha-no-Hana     Lest she repeat her mother's performance     in Cherry Blossom Palace. [13:26] Asebi     My mother's? [13:28] Asebi     What do you mean by that? [13:31] Cha-no-Hana     Far be it from me to say. My lips are seal— [13:36] Cha-no-Hana     What is the meaning of this? [13:37] Ukogi     Shut your sly old beak! [13:39] Cha-no-Hana     What? I could say the same to you! [13:43] Takimoto     Calm yourselves, both of you. [13:45] Ukogi     No. I cannot remain silent     when my lady's honor is concerned! [13:49] Cha-no-Hana     Indeed. We need no assistance. [13:52] Ukogi     What gave you the right to address her     at all? You, a lady-in-waiting... [13:57] Asebi     Why did Cha-no-Hana recognize that koto? [14:00] Asebi     And what did she mean about     "Lady Raven" and my mother? [14:04] Asebi     Ukogi won't tell me anything,     and I can't ask anyone else. [14:10] Asebi     Tell me, Samomo, what should I do? [14:13] Samomo     Lady Asebi... [14:14] Fujinami     Lady Asebi! [14:17] Fujinami     Forgive me. I should never     have placed you in that position. [14:21] Asebi     Princess Fujinami. [14:23] Fujinami     Cherry Blossom Palace is always like this. [14:26] Fujinami     Everyone undermines each other and     twists inconvenient truths to get ahead. [14:32] Fujinami     That's why I want you to marry     my dear brother and join me at court. [14:45] Asebi     I understand. [14:46] Fujinami     Oh, Sister! Thank goodness. [14:49] Asebi     Though I doubt I have what it takes. [14:52] Fujinami     Not at all. I promise     I'll help you in any way I can. [14:57] Asebi     Truly? [14:59] Asebi     Then, would you leave Samomo     with me for a little while? [15:05] Fujinami     What? [15:06] Fujinami     Why Samomo? [15:10] Fujinami     Can't you tell me? [15:14] Asebi     Forgive me. I asked for too much. [15:17] Asebi     Please forget it. [15:21] Fujinami     Very well. If you'll find her useful. [15:25] Asebi     Princess Fujinami! Thank you so much! [15:46] Yukiya     Still no sign. [15:48] Yukiya     The Tanabata ceremony is about to start. [15:51] Yukiya     I guess Atsufusa couldn't pull it off. [15:55] Sumio     We need to leave for     Cherry Blossom Palace soon. [15:57] Nazukihiko     Do we? Let's set out, then. [16:01] Nazukihiko     Yukiya, mind the palace. [16:04] Yukiya     Why? [16:05] Yukiya     I know how to use a sword, too. [16:08] Nazukihiko     I can defend myself. [16:11] Nazukihiko     And my enemies won't choose     today to make their move. [16:15] Yukiya     But— [16:16] Nazukihiko     A down payment. [16:28] Yukiya     That guy seriously never listens. [16:32] Yukiya     Well, I guess this is the     most peace I could hope for. [16:59] Yukiya     Please, Kuro!     Our master needs this right now! [17:11] Sumio     Hey, it's Yukiya! [17:14] Yukiya     Message from the Southern House! [17:16] Yukiya     They want you to attend! [17:17] Nazukihiko     Well done. [17:19] Nazukihiko     Kuro! [17:31] Yukiya     Damn that stupid raven. [17:37] Yukiya     Aw, man. And the job I get stuck with is... [17:42] Yukiya     Please forgive me! [17:44] Takimoto     You again? [17:45] Yukiya     His Highness has urgent business and     cannot come to Cherry Blossom Palace. [17:51] Yukiya     He sends his sincere apologies. [17:54] Karamushi     Tanabata without the Crown Prince?      This is unheard of. [17:59] Cha-no-Hana     Do not insult us! Did you imagine     a mere apology would suffice? [18:03] Ukogi     With all due respect,     is His Highness not neglecting our ladies? [18:07] Yukiya     No, he would not dream of it. [18:09] Kikuno     Then, why does he not send     so much as a letter? [18:14] Yukiya     What? [18:15] Kikuno     Letters. [18:16] Kikuno     Both my lady and the others await     some message from His Highness. [18:22] Yukiya     That's strange. [18:24] Yukiya     I know His Highness has sent     apologies to every lady here. [18:29] Cha-no-Hana     In writing? [18:30] Yukiya     Yes. To express his regrets that     he hasn't been able to visit them. [18:35] Yukiya     Have they really not arrived? [18:38] Kikuno     Then, the letters vanished? [18:41] Masuho     What is the meaning of this? [18:44] Yukiya     Um, may I take my leave now? [18:47] Cha-no-Hana     Confound you, boy! [18:49] Cha-no-Hana     We would not be in this dilemma     if you did your job properly! [18:53] Yukiya     F-Forgive me! [19:01] Fujinami     In any case, His Highness will     not be able to join us for Tanabata. [19:06] Fujinami     Look into the disappearing letters. [19:08] Takimoto     Yes, Highness. SIGN    Southern Palace [19:19] Toru     Still, what can His Highness be thinking? [19:23] Natsuka     Is something the matter? [19:25] Toru     He requested a meeting with me. [19:28] Toru     I have no business with him,     so I made my excuses and refused. [19:32] Natsuka     Oh? [19:33] Toru     But he persisted, so I sent a messenger     earlier, inviting him to come today. [19:40] Natsuka     How could he? He must be in     Cherry Blossom Palace by now. [19:44] Toru     Yes. [19:45] Toru     But at least I can say     I granted his request. [19:50] Toru     I did the minimum that duty requires of me. [19:52] Natsuka     I see. Cleverly managed. [19:56] Natsuka     But what would you have done if,     by chance, he ran into me here? [20:02] Toru     Oh, I didn't plan that far ahead. [20:06] Toru     Atsufusa gave me the idea. [20:08] Toru     He's quite the strategist,     if I may praise my own nephew. [20:11] Toru     Does he make himself useful     to you, Lord Natsuka? [20:14] Natsuka     Yes, quite. [20:17] Voice     Please wait! SIGN    Autumn Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [20:32] Lady-in-waiting 2     I hear His Highness     went to the Southern House. [20:35] Lady-in-waiting 3     What a disgrace for the West.     What does this mean for marriage prospects? [20:39] Kikuno     You over there. [20:45] Asebi     I suppose you could see this spot     from outside, couldn't you? SIGN    Spring Hall [20:48] Lady-in-waiting     Yes, my lady. [20:49] Asebi     Let me see. Do I just pass     this pole through the sleeves? [20:53] Lady-in-waiting     No, my lady. You must... [20:55] Ukogi     My lady. [20:56] Ukogi     What are you doing? [20:57] Asebi     What? I thought I would hang this kimono. [21:01] Asebi     What are you doing, Ukogi? [21:03] Ukogi     Lady Masuho-no-Susuki     presented this to you! [21:07] Ukogi     How could you think of displaying     a gift from a lady of another house? [21:12] Asebi     What? But... SIGN    Summer Hall [21:25] Hamayu     Shiratama? [21:27] Shiratama     I am surprised you could tell. [21:29] Hamayu     Who else has such elegant footsteps? [21:33] Hamayu     So what do you want? [21:36] Shiratama     Would you strike a deal with me? [21:39] Hamayu     A deal? [21:40] Shiratama     I would like you and the Southern House     to give up on marrying the Prince. [21:45] Shiratama     In exchange, when I become consort, [21:49] Shiratama     I promise the Northern House     will show the South considerable favor. [21:54] Hamayu     Out of the question. [21:56] Hamayu     Come back when you can promise     a formal alliance in writing. [22:01] Shiratama     Then, what if I said     I would reveal your secret? [22:10] Shiratama     I know all about your past and     what brings you to Cherry Blossom Palace. [22:22] Nazukihiko     Pardon my late arrival. [22:24] Nazukihiko     Thank you for your invitation, Lord Toru. [22:26] Toru     You honor me. I never dreamed you would      actually grace us with your presence. [22:31] Toru     I will have a place     prepared for you at once. [22:34] Natsuka     Allow me to excuse myself. [22:36] Nazukihiko     That will not be necessary. [22:38] Nazukihiko     This is a perfect opportunity. [22:40] Nazukihiko     I have been hoping to have     a heart-to-heart with you, too, brother. [22:45] Nazukihiko     On matters we cannot discuss at court. SIGN    Central Castle Town [24:30] Narrator     Shiratama makes her move. [24:33] Narrator     Hamayu harbors secrets. [24:36] Narrator     Fear rattles Asebi and Masuho-no-Susuki. [24:40] Narrator     In the Prince's absence, discord resounds     all around Cherry Blossom Palace. [24:46] Narrator     And tragedy ensues. SIGN    Falling [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "Falling." SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E7 - Falling Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    Summer Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [00:03] Shiratama     Southern merchants, Western artisans,     Eastern musicians, and Northern warriors. [00:10] Shiratama     We call the Four Houses equal, [00:12] Shiratama     yet the North has always resigned     itself to fourth place. [00:17] Shiratama     Warriors make for poor politicians. [00:20] Shiratama     The other houses look down on us     as hardheaded boors and ruffians. [00:25] Shiratama     In the long history of this rite,     we have never married into royalty. [00:29] Hamayu     You really shouldn't put     yourself down like that. [00:33] Shiratama     The Northern House dreams     of an imperial marriage. [00:35] Shiratama     As long as we can attain that honor,      we need nothing else. [00:40] Shiratama     So if the South were to retire     from the competition, [00:44] Shiratama     we would cede every other advantage     to you as compensation. [00:48] Hamayu     If you can get the Prince to marry you. [00:52] Shiratama     Naturally. [00:53] Shiratama     But I may request a little more aid     from the South to ensure that I do. [01:00] Shiratama     In Cherry Blossom Palace,     each lady speaks for her house. [01:04] Shiratama     Just this once, you will     need to take me at my word. [01:10] Shiratama     So what will it be? [01:11] Shiratama     Work with me and benefit your house? [01:14] Shiratama     Or lose everything and leave the palace      when your secret is exposed? [01:25] Hamayu     Hah. As if I have a choice. [01:28] Shiratama     I am delighted you understand. [01:30] Hamayu     What will you do about the other houses? [01:32] Shiratama     The naive Westerners will be child's play. [01:37] Hamayu     But the Eastern House is sly. [01:40] Hamayu     Who knows what they're really thinking,     sending an innocent like Asebi. [01:45] Shiratama     Oh, but why worry about that     when I can simply crush Asebi herself? [01:51] Shiratama     Do not fret. I know I will succeed. SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Southern Palace [03:37] Yukiya     So this is the Southern House's palace? [03:44] Crowd     Ugh. Why here? [03:46] Crowd     I wasn't told of this. [03:49] Yukiya     That must be it. [03:53] Yukiya     Ow. [03:56] Rokon     Well, look who it is. The Prince's aide. [03:59] Yukiya     Sir Rokon. [04:06] Rokon     They cleared out the guests.      You can't get in. [04:09] Yukiya     Right. Thank you for telling me. Bye. [04:13] Yukiya     D-Do you need something? [04:15] Rokon     You seem familiar. [04:17] Rokon     Was it you who spied on     our meeting in the Ravine? [04:23] Rokon     Oh well. [04:24] Rokon     Mind if I ask you a few questions? [04:51] Toru     Something wrong? [04:52] Nazukihiko     I just cannot see the resemblance. [04:55] Nazukihiko     To Hamayu, I mean. [04:57] Nazukihiko     Is the "first daughter of the South"     who entered the palace your daughter? [05:02] Toru     I do not take your meaning. [05:04] Nazukihiko     It is a simple question. [05:07] Toru     As you guessed, I adopted Hamayu. [05:10] Toru     I sent an orphan I raised     to take part in the Rite of Ascension. [05:15] Toru     But I promise you, she truly is     a direct descendant of my house. [05:21] Nazukihiko     Her pedigree does not concern me. [05:23] Nazukihiko     But I believe you have a daughter of age. [05:27] Nazukihiko     What was her name again? [05:29] Toru     Nadeshiko. [05:30] Nazukihiko     Yes, Nadeshiko. [05:32] Nazukihiko     Surely she would have been     the natural choice to take part in the rite? [05:36] Nazukihiko     Is there a reason she was not sent? [05:41] Toru     I am afraid my daughter lacks charm. [05:44] Toru     Hardly a fitting consort for— [05:45] Nazukihiko     Spare me the excuses. [05:49] Nazukihiko     Tell me why you do not want      to wed her to me. [05:52] Nazukihiko     And was that your decision? [05:55] Nazukihiko     Or was it... someone else's? [06:01] Natsuka     Why not leave it at that? [06:04] Nazukihiko     Brother. [06:05] Natsuka     She would hardly be the     first girl adopted for the rite. [06:11] Natsuka     No doubt Lord Toru acted to safeguard     the Southern House and its domain. [06:17] Nazukihiko     Meaning he thinks that      I cannot defend either? [06:21] Toru     No, I would never presume to— [06:23] Natsuka     Your Highness should     learn a little humility. [06:26] Natsuka     I pledged fealty to you because I believe      you will fulfill your duties as kin'u. [06:34] Natsuka     Yet at times, your high-handed     manner grows intolerable. [06:38] Natsuka     It will cost you the Four Houses' trust, [06:41] Natsuka     which may, in turn, invite chaos to Yamauchi. [06:47] Natsuka     If that should come to pass,     I will have no choice but to do my own duty. [06:54] Natsuka     The Royal House has no greater calling     than maintaining the peace in Yamauchi. [07:04] Natsuka     Forgive my impertinence. [07:07] Natsuka     I merely followed Your Highness     in speaking frankly. [07:10] Nazukihiko     Of course, Brother.     I welcome your honest opinion. [07:14] Natsuka     You honor me. [07:17] Nazukihiko     It is time I took my leave. [07:37] Atsufusa     I beg your pardon for my foolish council. [07:41] Atsufusa     I never dreamed the Prince     would actually attend. [07:43] Toru     Neither did I. He scared me stiff. [07:47] Toru     Lord Natsuka managed      to smooth things over. [07:50] Toru     Still, for a fool,     he picks up on strange things. [07:54] Toru     The attack in the pleasure quarter doesn't     seem to have left much of an impression. [07:58] Natsuka     That concerns me as well. [08:01] Natsuka     My brother never learns from his mistakes. [08:04] Natsuka     Naturally, I support his accession. [08:08] Natsuka     But unless he mends his ways, [08:12] Natsuka     my backers may resort to further violence      without my knowledge. [08:24] Toru     How fearsome. [08:26] Toru     Do you plan to seize everything     without lifting a finger yourself? [08:30] Atsufusa     With all due respect, Lord Natsuka     of all people would never— [08:34] Toru     Merely a jest, Atsufusa.     Do not take it seriously. [08:37] Atsufusa     Even in jest, some things should not— [08:39] Natsuka     Atsufusa. [08:41] Toru     Well, I suppose I did get carried away. [08:45] Toru     I beg your pardon. [08:47] Natsuka     There is no need. [08:53] Yukiya     What do you want, anyway? [08:56] Rokon     You've got a warrior's look. I like that. [09:00] Rokon     A little dainty for my tastes, though.     Where in the North are you from? [09:04] Yukiya     Taruhi. [09:05] Rokon     Taruhi? Where the lord married     a daughter of the Northern House? [09:09] Yukiya     I have a different mother     than my brothers. [09:11] Rokon     I see. [09:13] Rokon     So, Yukiya, how'd you like to work for me? [09:17] Yukiya     Huh? [09:18] Rokon     You've already caught     Lord Natsuka's eye, remember? Join us. [09:22] Yukiya     I serve His Highness. [09:25] Rokon     Hm? So you've put your faith in the Prince? [09:29] Yukiya     I wouldn't go that far. [09:31] Rokon     What else would you call it? [09:34] Rokon     You could easily have died     by my hand in the Ravine. [09:38] Rokon     Why do you still follow the master     who threw you into that mess? [09:43] Yukiya     Anyway, I'm not going to     become anyone's lackey. [09:47] Yukiya     I'm working as His Highness's     aide now, but only for a year. [09:51] Yukiya     Then I go back to Taruhi. [09:53] Yukiya     I don't care about the Prince or the Center. [09:58] Yukiya     I want to keep my family     and my home safe. That's all I want. [10:03] Nazukihiko     Yukiya. [10:05] Yukiya     Y-Your Highness. [10:08] Rokon     Is the secret council over?     I'd better get back, then. [10:14] Rokon     Oh, and if you're looking     for Sumio, he flew away. [10:18] Rokon     The moment he saw me, he took off     like his tail feathers were on fire. [10:25] Yukiya     Your Highness, um... [10:29] Yukiya     It was in the heat of the moment, and I, uh... [10:32] Sumio     Is that bastard finally gone? [10:35] Sumio     Sorry. Were you looking for me? [10:38] Nazukihiko     Rokon said you had turned     tail and fled in fear of him. [10:42] Sumio     What? Don't make me laugh!     I just want nothing to do with him. [10:46] Sumio     Not only is he crazy, he's loud, he can't     take a hint, and he grins all the time. [11:13] Yukiya     If we just flew home,     we'd be back in no time. [11:16] Sumio     Sure, but we can't see in the dark. [11:21] Yukiya     The ladies waiting for Your Highness     must be feeling so let down. [11:26] Nazukihiko     Undoubtedly. I regret disappointing them. [11:29] Yukiya     Huh? [11:30] Nazukihiko     What is it? [11:30] Yukiya     I just, uh, wasn't expecting that answer. [11:33] Nazukihiko     I do not despise Cherry     Blossom Palace nor Tanabata. [11:39] Nazukihiko     Yukiya, I do not avoid Cherry Blossom     Palace simply because I fear assassins. [11:46] Nazukihiko     I stay away because I can easily picture     how my visits would affect the ladies. [11:53] Nazukihiko     They all bear the weight of their houses'     expectations, though not all equally. [12:02] Nazukihiko     If I meet the eyes of one,     it will give her hope. [12:05] Nazukihiko     If I speak to one,     she will think herself chosen. [12:10] Nazukihiko     And even those fortunate enough     to become my consort or concubine [12:14] Nazukihiko     will spend the rest of their lives     fearing assassination. [12:20] Nazukihiko     You could say I bring them only harm. [12:24] Nazukihiko     But to become kin'u, I must take a consort. [12:29] Nazukihiko     So I will sow as little misfortune     as I can. Isn't that the kindest way? [12:34] Yukiya     Your Highness... [12:37] Yukiya     I guess it can't be easy, having the ladies     resent you because they don't know. [12:44] Nazukihiko     That doesn't matter. [12:50] Yukiya     You leave yourself wide open. [12:55] Yukiya     You worry about other people, but you     just keep taking risks, like you did today. [13:01] Yukiya     Get serious about protecting yourself     or you'll die one of these days. [13:05] Nazukihiko     I'll be fine. I am a kin'u. [13:08] Yukiya     That doesn't prove anything! [13:11] Nazukihiko     All right. I'll bear it in mind. [13:14] Nazukihiko     But I don't think I am quite as     defenseless as you imagine I am. [13:18] Nazukihiko     I am capable with a sword,     and I do have friends. [13:22] Yukiya     Apart from Sumio and me? [13:24] Nazukihiko     Yes. [13:25] Yukiya     Allies you can trust? [13:27] Nazukihiko     Of course. I trust them with my life. [13:29] Yukiya     Who do you mean? [13:31] Sumio     You want to know? It's our biggest secret. [13:34] Yukiya     Uh... [13:37] Yukiya     I think I'll pass. [13:38] Sumio     Huh? [13:39] Yukiya     I mean, I won't be able to leave     after a year if you tell me. [13:43] Yukiya     And I'm going home to Taruhi     next spring, no matter what. [13:47] Yukiya     So don't tell me. Not ever. [13:49] Sumio     Fine. You win. SIGN    Spring Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [13:57] Samomo     I have returned. [14:00] Asebi     Thank you for going, Samomo. [14:03] Asebi     How did it go? Did you get an answer? [14:08] Asebi     Thank you! [14:10] Asebi     You must be tired. Take it easy today. [14:31] Asebi     Lady Shiratama? [14:33] Shiratama     Who wrote that letter? [14:34] Asebi     What? [14:36] Shiratama     Did the Prince send you that, by any chance? [14:39] Asebi     No, this is— [14:41] Shiratama     How shameless. [14:42] Shiratama     I know you have been scheming     with that royal lady-in-waiting, Samomo. [14:47] Shiratama     You must be our letter thief. [14:49] Asebi     What? I am not, Lady Shiratama. [14:52] Shiratama     Then, show that to me. [14:56] Asebi     S-Stop! [14:59] Asebi     I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to... [15:01] Shiratama     That look. [15:04] Shiratama     That "I've never had an impure thought" look      of yours disgusts me so much, I could retch! [15:18] Asebi     Someone... [15:21] Asebi     Anyone... [15:27] Masuho     Calm yourself. [15:29] Masuho     The pool is shallow here. Try to stand. [15:32] Asebi     Lady Masuho-no-Susuki... [15:35] Masuho     What do you think you are doing? [15:37] Shiratama     Whatever do you mean? [15:39] Shiratama     Lady Asebi merely tripped and fell. [15:42] Masuho     Don't play innocent.     I shall report this to Princess Fujinami. [15:46] Shiratama     Oh? Then, so will I. [15:49] Shiratama     Her Highness should know that the Western     and Eastern Houses colluded to vilify me. [15:55] Masuho     What are you talking about? [15:58] Masuho     Do you think Her Highness     would believe such nonsense? [16:01] Masuho     And the Royal House can     hardly dismiss us out of hand. [16:06] Shiratama     Ignorance is bliss. Do you not realize     the political situation has changed? [16:11] Shiratama     The North has soldiers     and the South has wealth. [16:14] Shiratama     Now that they have joined forces, anyone     can see which side the Royal House will take. [16:21] Masuho     The Northern and     Southern Houses? Impossible. [16:24] Shiratama     The Southern House has already promised     to cede the Prince's hand to me. [16:29] Shiratama     If you doubt me, ask Lady Hamayu. [16:33] Shiratama     Though I suggest you behave yourselves,     unless you wish to endanger your own houses. [16:41] Masuho     Don't be absurd. [16:43] Masuho     His Highness would never     choose a coward like you. [16:47] Shiratama     Then, I will simply ensure that     the rest of you have no place here. [16:53] Shiratama     He will marry me     when he has no other choice. [16:56] Asebi     How horrible! [16:59] Shiratama     You are both here out of love for the Prince. [17:03] Shiratama     But I am not. [17:05] Shiratama     I could not care less how he feels. [17:10] Shiratama     The North dreams of an imperial marriage. [17:13] Shiratama     I am here to secure one,     and for no other reason. [17:23] Masuho     Do you not feel lonely, living like that? [17:31] Shiratama     No. I have discarded all such sentiments. [17:37] Shiratama     Consider yourselves warned. [17:41] Shiratama     If you should marry     the Prince in spite of me, [17:49] Shiratama     I swear I will ruin you. [17:52] Shiratama     Then I will thrust this     into my throat and die myself. [17:58] Shiratama     Bear it in mind. [18:21] Kikuno     My lady? [18:22] Kikuno     What are you doing there? [18:24] Masuho     Kikuno, you fool!     Why were you not here sooner? [18:26] Kikuno     What? SIGN    Autumn Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [18:34] Masuho     Who could have imagined that     Shiratama would have such ideas? [18:38] Masuho     I never so much as suspected her. [18:41] Masuho     I believed that my sincere love     and devotion would reach the Prince. [18:46] Masuho     That was how I saw the Rite of Ascension. [18:51] Masuho     You wrote to your house's main residence? [18:53] Asebi     Yes. [18:55] Asebi     I had Samomo deliver my letter in person. [18:57] Masuho     That breaks the rules. [18:59] Asebi     I know. [19:01] Asebi     But I just had to learn about my mother, [19:05] Asebi     so I asked a manservant I know well     to tell me anything he could. [19:10] Masuho     And did you learn about her? [19:14] Asebi     Nothing yet. [19:18] Masuho     I am told this story     comes from my late aunt, [19:23] Masuho     but when the current     Kin'u chose his consort, [19:25] Masuho     the Eastern House sent a master     of the koto to the palace. [19:30] Masuho     I believe she went by Ukigumo. [19:33] Asebi     Wait, "Drifting Cloud"? [19:35] Masuho     She seemed pure,      untainted by worldly affairs. [19:40] Masuho     She and the Kin'u soon fell in love. [19:43] Masuho     His Majesty visited her the most,     and people said their marriage was assured. [19:49] Masuho     However... [19:51] Masuho     They fell prey to Lady Yuzemi's plots. [19:55] Asebi     Who is that? [20:01] Kikuno     Our current Empress. [20:03] Asebi     What? [20:05] Kikuno     As a result, Her Majesty     conceived Lord Natsuka. [20:09] Kikuno     The rite ended before spring, [20:12] Kikuno     and I hear Lady Ukigumo     returned to her home in tears. [20:16] Asebi     Then, Lady Ukigumo was... [20:20] Masuho     Your mother. She must be. [20:22] Masuho     The koto bearing her name     might even have belonged to her. [20:26] Kikuno     Her Majesty is the real "Lady Raven." [20:30] Kikuno     How Ukogi must have resented her. [20:33] Asebi     I had no idea. [20:35] Masuho     Asebi, you must not tell Princess Fujinami     or anyone else what happened today. [20:39] Asebi     Huh? [20:40] Masuho     We will play into her hands     if we make a scene. [20:43] Masuho     If the North and South     really have joined forces, [20:47] Masuho     we will be crushed. [20:49] Masuho     In fact, the damage may not stop there. [20:58] Masuho     Are you all right now? [20:59] Asebi     Yes. I feel refreshed somehow. [21:02] Asebi     I must send Samomo back to     Princess Fujinami when I get back. [21:07] Asebi     Thank you so much for everything. [21:11] Masuho     Asebi, I have been so haughty all this time,      never thinking of your feelings. [21:17] Masuho     I know I must have hurt you. [21:21] Masuho     I am truly sorry. [21:23] Asebi     You do not need to be,     Lady Masuho-no-Susuki. [21:58] Yukiya     Excuse me. What's all this? [22:00] Nazukihiko     I got my results from some pots,     so I thought I'd have the plants replaced. [22:06] Nazukihiko     This is Kazumi the gardener. SIGN    Gardener     Kazumi [22:08] Nazukihiko     He serves the Royal House     but he sometimes brings me news. [22:12] Nazukihiko     One of my few friends     on the outside, you might say. [22:15] Kazumi     You must be Yukiya.     It is a pleasure to meet you. [22:18] Yukiya     Nice to meet you, Kazumi. [22:22] Nazukihiko     I don't see Sumio. [22:24] Yukiya     The Yamauchi Guard     called him away out of the blue. [22:27] Nazukihiko     A summons? [22:29] Nazukihiko     I see. [22:30] Nazukihiko     Kazumi, continue without me. SIGN    Stage, Cherry Blossom Palace [24:30] Narrator     Samomo's death causes a commotion     in Cherry Blossom Palace. [24:35] Narrator     Shiratama turns her ire     on the weeping Asebi once more. [24:41] Narrator     On a moonless night,     a shadow steals into the world of women. [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "The Intruder." SIGN    The Intruder SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E8 - The Intruder Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    Clear Mirror Temple [00:17] Rokon     Someone's been acting strange lately. [00:21] Rokon     I mean Atsufusa.     You must have noticed, Lord Natsuka. [00:25] Rokon     It seems he's been in     contact with the Prince, [00:28] Rokon     but who knows what he's plotting? [00:31] Rokon     Whatever it is, it's always     better to nip trouble in the bud. [00:42] Rokon     Oh, and there has been a death     in Cherry Blossom Palace. [00:46] Natsuka     A death? [00:47] Rokon     An imperial lady-in-waiting, I hear. [00:55] Rokon     I await your orders. SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master [02:35] Yukiya     How did this happen? [02:37] Sumio     She fell sometime between midnight      last night and dawn this morning. [02:42] Sumio     But a few days ago, she said she had a family     emergency and spent two nights away. [02:48] Sumio     When I asked her family, however,      it turned out she didn't go home. [02:54] Yukiya     What does it mean? [02:56] Sumio     It happens sometimes. [02:58] Sumio     Cherry Blossom Palace imposes     strict limits on outside contact. [03:02] Sumio     When a lady-in-waiting wants to go out,     visiting home makes the best excuse, [03:07] Sumio     even if they really want to meet a man     or do something they can't admit to. [03:12] Yukiya     What they can't admit to? [03:14] Nazukihiko     We can rule out suicide. [03:16] Nazukihiko     Look how her feathers have scattered. [03:18] Nazukihiko     She must have tried     to shift shape mid-fall. [03:23] Nazukihiko     At the very least, she wasn't ready to jump. [03:28] Yukiya     This is giving me the creeps. [03:32] Yukiya     What the heck is going on     in Cherry Blossom Palace? SIGN    Wisteria Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [03:40] Sumio     We have identified the deceased     as Samomo, an imperial lady-in-waiting. [03:46] Ukogi     Are you quite certain? Couldn't it be     someone who merely looks like her? [03:51] Sumio     We had her younger brother identify      the body. There can be no doubt. [03:58] Sumio     By order of His Highness, the Yamauchi     Guard will continue to investigate. [04:04] Sumio     We sincerely hope for your cooperation. [04:12] Asebi     Wait! [04:14] Asebi     Please wait! [04:16] Asebi     Is what you just said true? [04:17] Ukogi     My lady, restrain yourself! [04:18] Sumio     And you are? [04:20] Ukogi     You there! You stand before     the mistress of the Spring Hall! [04:25] Sumio     I beg your pardon. [04:27] Asebi     How did this happen? [04:29] Asebi     Did she lose her footing     while running an errand? [04:34] Sumio     We are currently investigating the cause. [04:37] Asebi     I chatted with Samomo just the other day. [04:42] Asebi     She was so cheerful and kind to everyone. [04:47] Asebi     I can't believe it! [04:49] Asebi     Why Samomo? [04:50] Sumio     This incident grieves His Highness as well. [04:55] Sumio     He has commanded us to uncover the truth. [04:59] Sumio     I swear to report the truth     if I possibly can. Please be patient. [05:13] Fujinami     Sister... [05:15] Fujinami     I never dreamed this would happen. [05:21] Fujinami     Samomo is dead. [05:23] Asebi     Princess Fujinami!     Please get a hold of yourself! [05:25] Fujinami     Why? Why? [05:29] Fujinami     Oh, if only I'd known, I would never     have made her my lady-in-waiting! [05:34] Asebi     Please don't say that. I know it would've     saddened Samomo to hear you. [05:40] Asebi     Don't worry. The Yamauchi Guard     will bring the truth to light. [05:45] Fujinami     There must be some explanation. [05:51] Cha-no-Hana     Surely either Samomo jumped     or someone pushed her. [05:56] Kikuno     I suppose we should assume      one or the other, [05:59] Kikuno     given that His Highness's     personal guardsman is involved. [06:03] Shiratama     If Samomo was murdered, [06:07] Shiratama     then surely you, Lady Asebi,     are the most likely culprit. [06:12] Asebi     What? [06:14] Shiratama     I suppose you had Samomo     arrange your little tricks, [06:18] Shiratama     then disposed of her     when she became inconvenient. [06:22] Asebi     What? How could you say that? [06:24] Fujinami     Shiratama, I will take any insult     aimed at Lady Asebi as an insult at myself! [06:30] Shiratama     Taking in the Princess like that     only makes it more plausible. [06:34] Shiratama     You really are just as vicious     as your mother was, I see. [06:39] Shiratama     And after my Cha-no-Hana warned you     not to follow in her footsteps. [06:44] Masuho     That's quite enough, Shiratama. [06:46] Masuho     We came here to refine ourselves     through competition. [06:50] Masuho     Taking advantage of others' misfortune     to torment Asebi is simply disgraceful. [06:54] Shiratama     My, how odd. [06:56] Shiratama     You've scorned Lady Asebi     as a country bumpkin all this time. [07:03] Shiratama     When did you become such good friends? [07:05] Shiratama     Well, I suppose the Western House      is famously fickle. Or... [07:11] Shiratama     Did you two desperate ladies     bond over your shared misfortune? [07:15] Masuho     Shiratama, you dare— [07:16] Hamayu     Enough, Shiratama. [07:19] Hamayu     Samomo is dead. You could     at least pretend to mourn. [07:26] Takimoto     We of the Wisteria Guard are also     investigating what befell Samomo. [07:32] Takimoto     Please refrain from communicating     directly with the Yamauchi Guard, [07:36] Takimoto     even if you receive questions in writing. [07:39] Takimoto     As before, we ask that you only correspond     with the outside world via Wisteria Hall. [08:11] Nazukihiko     See to Kazumi while I'm out. [08:15] Yukiya     Yes, sir. [08:16] Yukiya     I assume I only need to guide him? [08:19] Yukiya     To the spot Your Highness pushed me off     when we spied on the ladies, I mean. [08:24] Nazukihiko     I wouldn't call that "spying."     It was reconnaissance. [08:28] Yukiya     Yeah, yeah. Sure it was. [08:30] Yukiya     But I still don't quite trust that guy. [08:36] Nazukihiko     Kazumi is a good man. [08:39] Yukiya     But what's he doing here? I swear I've seen     him working for the Northern House. [08:44] Nazukihiko     Of course you have. [08:46] Nazukihiko     He's a Northern spy, but he started out     gardening at their main house. [08:50] Yukiya     Oh, no wonder. [08:52] Nazukihiko     He did such good work     that I invited him to join us, [08:58] Nazukihiko     on the condition that I grant his wish. [09:04] Yukiya     Have a safe trip! [09:10] Yukiya     He makes this stuff sound like no big deal. [09:12] Kazumi     Sir Yukiya. [09:15] Kazumi     I'm ready whenever you are. [09:17] Yukiya     R-Right. Let's get going, then. [09:25] Kazumi     This would be hard going     if we didn't know the way. [09:30] Yukiya     Cherry Blossom Palace stands on     a steep cliff to keep out intruders. [09:35] Yukiya     You could fly to it, but the Wisteria     Guard constantly patrols the skies. [09:39] Kazumi     I see. [09:41] Kazumi     Oh, keyflower orchids. [09:45] Kazumi     They're blooming awfully late. [09:47] Yukiya     Why do you want to see     Cherry Blossom Palace, Kazumi? [09:51] Yukiya     Forgive me for prying. [09:53] Yukiya     I thought maybe you knew someone there. [09:57] Kazumi     I'm not sure I can claim I know her. [10:00] Yukiya     I thought so. One of the     Northern ladies-in-waiting? [10:04] Yukiya     Oh, don't tell me if you don't want to. [10:06] Kazumi     Well, something like that. [10:10] Kazumi     I'm hoping to see her, just for a moment. [10:12] Yukiya     Oh, so that's what this is about. [10:15] Yukiya     Still, the Prince sure plays dirty, using     your romantic troubles to win you over. [10:36] Kazumi     Shiratama! [10:37] Yukiya     Wait, Shiratama? [10:39] Yukiya     Hold it, Kazumi! [10:50] Yukiya     You mean you came to see... SIGN    Winter Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [11:29] Elderly Lady-in-waiting     Thank you so much for coming all this way. [11:31] Elderly Lady-in-waiting     When you return to the Center, please tell     His Highness we appreciate his concern. [11:38] Nazukihiko     Certainly. I promise to inform His Highness. [11:43] Maidservant 1     Who's that handsome fellow? [11:45] Manservant 2     A messenger from the Center.     Said he knows her ladyship. [11:49] Maidservant 2     Her ladyship? From the main house? [11:51] Maidservant 2     But she has those hideous     pockmarks all over her face. [11:53] Manservant 1     How would he know     with a screen between them? [11:57] Manservant 1     Hey, Kasuke! [11:59] Manservant 1     I told you to carry this stuff! [12:00] Kasuke     R-Right. [12:01] Manservant 1     Get a move on! SIGN    Southern Palace [12:06] Toru     The Prince vanished? [12:08] Atsufusa     I haven't seen him at all lately. [12:12] Toru     He's probably holed up with     his favorite courtesan. Let him be. [12:18] Atsufusa     Lord Toru, you mustn't     underestimate the Prince. [12:23] Atsufusa     After Tanabata, there can be no doubt     he harbors grave suspicions of the South. [12:29] Atsufusa     I worry. [12:33] Atsufusa     Could he be guiding events indirectly     while he's out of our sight? [12:38] Toru     You think a fool could     outwit the Southern House? [12:42] Atsufusa     Perhaps. [12:46] Toru     Don't presume. [12:47] Toru     Atsufusa. [12:49] Toru     By all rights, your lowly birth     shouldn't even entitle you to speak to me. [12:54] Atsufusa     I was merely thinking     of the Southern House's— [12:56] Toru     I'm telling you to know your place. [13:07] Nazukihiko     You have my sincere gratitude     for granting me this audience. [13:14] Nazukihiko     How have you fared since last we spoke? [13:17] Nazukihiko     I'm told an illness scarred     your face early this year. [13:24] Nazukihiko     Withdrawing from the Rite of Ascension     on such short notice must have pained you. [13:29] Nazukihiko     His Highness still thinks     of you with concern. [13:43] Lady-in-waiting     M-My lady. [13:45] Futaba     Clear the room. [13:46] Lady-in-waiting     But... [13:54] Futaba     I never had any pockmarks. [13:57] Futaba     I meant to take this secret to my grave, [14:01] Futaba     but I wish His Highness to know the truth. [14:06] Futaba     To know the real reason     I withdrew from the rite. [15:15] Masuho     Kikuno? [15:19] Masuho     Who's there?! [15:21] Kikuno     I-Intruder! [15:23] Kikuno     Intruder! [15:25] Shout     Intruder! [15:36] Takimoto     We will see to this at once. [15:38] Takimoto     Your Highness need not trouble herself. [15:43] Fujinami     Takimoto. [15:45] Lady-in-waiting     What's going on? [15:46] Wisteria Guard     Please turn back. It's not safe. [15:48] Wisteria Guards     Where is he? [15:49] Wisteria Guards     He's not here! [15:50] Wisteria Guards     Find him before dawn breaks! [16:00] Wisteria Guards     Dawn's here! [16:03] Wisteria Guards     There he is! I found him! [16:05] Takimoto     Don't let him escape! Use arrows! [16:07] Wisteria Guards     Fire! [16:11] Wisteria Guards     Don't let him escape! [16:12] Wisteria Guards     Surround him! [16:12] Wisteria Guards     Hold him down! [16:13] Wisteria Guard 3     Take him alive! [16:15] Wisteria Guard 3     Bring rope! Rope! [16:16] Takimoto     Move! Stand aside! [16:20] Wisteria Guard 3     Huh? [16:49] Hamayu     Are you hurt, Shiratama? [16:57] Shiratama     It can't be. Not that filthy corpse. [17:01] Shiratama     Not that... [17:02] Hamayu     Shiratama, are you... [17:05] Cha-no-Hana     My lady! [17:06] Cha-no-Hana     What happened to you? [17:09] Cha-no-Hana     Takimoto! What is all this commotion? [17:13] Takimoto     We had an intruder. [17:15] Cha-no-Hana     An intruder? [17:18] Takimoto     I had no choice but to take his head. [17:23] Takimoto     Lady Shiratama had the misfortune     of witnessing the act. [17:27] Cha-no-Hana     What? [17:28] Cha-no-Hana     First, Samomo, and now, an intruder.     What has palace security come to? [17:33] Shiratama     You coward. [17:34] Cha-no-Hana     What? [17:37] Shiratama     You never came. I knew you wouldn't. [17:41] Cha-no-Hana     My lady? [17:43] Cha-no-Hana     In any case, let us return to Winter Hall. [17:43] Lady-in-waiting     What happened? [17:44] Lady-in-waiting     Look at all that blood! [17:45] Shiratama     I'm telling you, it's not true! [17:49] Shiratama     What an awful smell. [17:50] Shiratama     What shall I do?     His Highness will find me repulsive. [17:54] Shiratama     Cha-no-Hana, bring incense.     I must scent my kimono. [17:56] Cha-no-Hana     Lady Shiratama. [18:06] Ukogi     Takimoto, would you kindly     explain what happened here? [18:11] Takimoto     A scoundrel slipped into the Autumn Hall. [18:13] Lady-in-waiting     Autumn Hall? [18:15] Takimoto     Fortunately, he was soon discovered      and took to his wings. [18:19] Kikuno     He didn't lay a finger     on Lady Masuho-no-Susuki. [18:22] Ukogi     And who was this ruffian? [18:24] Takimoto     A member of a robber band, I presume. [18:27] Takimoto     As a matter of fact, items that     belong in Cherry Blossom Palace [18:31] Takimoto     have been appearing on the market      for a little while now. [18:35] Takimoto     We believe the late Samomo      had ties to this man. [18:41] Lady-in-waiting     Samomo? [18:43] Takimoto     I had planned to tell you all     this formally at a later date, [18:48] Takimoto     but we discovered this on Samomo's body. [18:52] Takimoto     This comb is clearly      far beyond her station. [18:56] Ukogi     You mean to tell us     Samomo was engaged in theft? [18:59] Takimoto     Indeed I do. [19:01] Takimoto     The man received the goods     she took and sold them. [19:06] Takimoto     But they fell out, and he killed her. [19:08] Takimoto     So this time, he tried to     infiltrate the palace himself. [19:13] Takimoto     That must be the truth     of this affair, more or less. [19:16] Lady-in-waiting 2     I thought it would be something like that. [19:19] Lady-in-waiting 3     They did say Samomo was a hill raven. [19:22] Lady-in-waiting 3     Breeding always shows through in the end. [19:25] Asebi     Samomo wasn't like that. [19:28] Asebi     You should all know     what a nice girl she was. [19:32] Takimoto     In that case, Lady Asebi, how do you     explain Samomo having this comb? [19:39] Asebi     I don't... [19:43] Hamayu     Try using your heads, dimwits. [19:48] Masuho     Hamayu. [19:55] Asebi     Lady Hamayu! [19:59] Asebi     Lady Hamayu! Lady Hamayu! [20:02] Asebi     Where are you going? [20:10] Cha-no-Hana     What's all this racket? [20:12] Lady-in-waiting 4     Cha-no-Hana, ma'am!     It's the lady of Summer Hall! [20:16] Cha-no-Hana     Lady Hamayu. And Lady Asebi, too. [20:20] Cha-no-Hana     To what do we owe the honor? [20:23] Hamayu     We want to see your mistress. Show us in. [20:25] Cha-no-Hana     I respectfully decline.     My lady is indisposed. [20:30] Hamayu     I can guess what state she's in. [20:34] Cha-no-Hana     You mustn't! [20:37] Hamayu     Clear out the ladies-in-waiting.     Yourself included. [21:01] Hamayu     Hey. [21:02] Hamayu     I see it hit you hard, Shiratama. [21:06] Shiratama     My, Lady Hamayu. When did you get here? [21:10] Shiratama     Do forgive me for neglecting you. [21:13] Shiratama     Did you wish to see me about something? [21:20] Hamayu     You must be at your breaking point. [21:29] Hamayu     Why not excuse yourself     and go home to the North? [21:33] Shiratama     I can't do that. [21:36] Shiratama     I must make an imperial marriage. [21:39] Shiratama     Perhaps you should      take your leave instead. [21:46] Hamayu     Yeah, maybe I should. [21:49] Hamayu     But you'll snap if you keep on like this. [21:55] Shiratama     I already have. [22:00] Hamayu     You knew that intruder. [22:03] Hamayu     And pretty well, too. Am I wrong? [22:11] Hamayu     You should never have come here. [22:14] Hamayu     You should never have     taken part in the rite. [22:18] Hamayu     Not if you were in love with another man. [22:24] Shiratama     You say such amusing things.     Me? Carrying on an affair? [22:38] Shiratama     I hate to disappoint you. [22:39] Shiratama     There was nothing between     Kazumi and me! Nothing! [22:43] Shiratama     How could you think I'd ever be so foolish? [22:46] Shiratama     I was born solely to marry a prince! [22:51] Shiratama     My heart doesn't belong to me! [24:31] Narrator     Sweet yet cruel memories     wear away Shiratama's mind. [24:37] Narrator     A lowly raven has entered the palace     in the guise of a dazzling lady. [24:43] Narrator     A false noblewoman     starts telling the truth. [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "Lady Raven." SIGN    Lady SIGN    Raven SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E9 - Lady Raven Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master [01:59] Hamayu     Shiratama. [02:01] Hamayu     You should never have come here. [02:07] Hamayu     Not if you were in love with another man. SIGN    10 Years Ago     Mansion of the Northern House [02:36] Shiratama     How do you do, Grandfather, Grandmother? [02:40] Oryo     Thank you for coming such a long way. [02:43] Genya     What a sweet child.     And clever, too, Mutsu-no-Hana. [02:48] Mutsu-no-Hana     You're too kind. SIGN    Shiratama's mother     Mutsu-no-Hana [02:52] Genya     Shiratama, this will be     your home from now on. [02:56] Genya     You'll be a daughter to Oryo and myself. [03:07] Oryo     Study hard now. [03:10] Oryo     As third daughter of the North, [03:13] Oryo     you'll ascend to the palace     and marry the kin'u. [03:16] Genya     Now, now. Shiratama's only four. [03:22] Shiratama     Father. Mother. I'll do my very best. [03:28] Genya     Oh! Well said! Well said! [03:58] Shiratama     You must be the one who leaves me      flowers every morning. [04:12] Shiratama     Would you tell me the name? [04:16] Kazumi     K-Kazumi. [04:20] Shiratama     Kazumi. It has a nice, sweet fragrance. [04:22] Kazumi     Oh, uh... The flowers      are called wintersweet. [04:27] Kazumi     I'm sorry it's only a small cutting. [04:29] Shiratama     No, this is enough. [04:33] Shiratama     So you're Kazumi. [04:35] Shiratama     It's nice to meet you. [04:40] Kazumi     I happened to find it     while I was out picking herbs. [04:44] Kazumi     I stumbled into a clearing     in a deep mountain valley [04:48] Kazumi     full of blooming flowers that birds and      the wind and such had carried there. [04:55] Kazumi     The morning light turns     the whole field a brilliant gold. [05:00] Kazumi     Words don't do it justice. [05:11] Shiratama     I'd like to see your garden. [05:15] Shiratama     But I can't. I could never go that far away. [05:19] Kazumi     I'll bring it to you someday. I promise. [05:27] Cha-no-Hana     In Cherry Blossom Palace,     you must always be mindful [05:31] Cha-no-Hana     to comport yourself     like a true Northern lady. [05:34] Cha-no-Hana     Ascending to the palace means... [05:38] Cha-no-Hana     You must not meet with gardeners. [05:43] Cha-no-Hana     The moment you were chosen for the rite,      you became the Prince's woman. [05:48] Shiratama     I know that. But Kazumi is— [05:50] Cha-no-Hana     The Northern House dreams     of an imperial marriage. [05:53] Cha-no-Hana     You no longer belong to yourself alone. [06:17] Kazumi     Shiratama. Run away with me. [06:23] Kazumi     We won't have much,     but I'll make you happy. I promise. [06:32] Shiratama     Thank you. [06:34] Shiratama     But fleeing with you     could never make me happy. [06:41] Kazumi     I knew you'd say that. [06:44] Kazumi     Even so, my feelings won't change. [06:48] Kazumi     I'd give my life for your smile. [06:52] Kazumi     No matter what happens. [07:09] Cha-no-Hana     My lady. A letter from     an agent in imperial service. [07:17] Cha-no-Hana     Every house has skeletons in their closets.      Just look at the South. SIGN    Kazumi [07:26] Shiratama     Kazumi? [07:34] Hamayu     A deal? [07:36] Shiratama     I want you and the Southern House     to give up on marrying the Prince. [07:39] Shiratama     Or lose everything and leave the palace      when your secret is exposed. [07:49] Shiratama     If you should marry     the Prince in spite of me, [07:52] Shiratama     I swear I will ruin you. [08:25] Kazumi     Did my letters prove useful to you? [08:30] Shiratama     Kazumi? What are you doing here? [08:37] Kazumi     Shiratama. [08:38] Shiratama     Don't come near me! [08:39] Shiratama     I've done so many awful things. [08:43] Shiratama     Things I can't even tell you. [08:46] Shiratama     The... [08:49] Shiratama     The Shiratama you loved is gone! [08:56] Kazumi     My feelings won't change. [08:59] Kazumi     You still mean everything to me. [09:07] Shiratama     I'm the Prince's woman. [09:10] Kazumi     Come to the stable by the stage      at the next new moon. I'll be waiting. [09:25] Shiratama     I won't go. [09:28] Kazumi     I'll wait as long as it takes. [09:31] Kazumi     Until you come. [09:49] Shiratama     Yes, of course... [09:51] Shiratama     That wasn't Kazumi. [09:54] Shiratama     Kazumi always watches over me. [09:59] Shiratama     He said his feelings would never change. [10:02] Shiratama     Even now, he must still be... [10:07] Hamayu     Shiratama... [10:09] Shiratama     Don't touch me! [10:21] Shiratama     I'll become consort. [10:25] Shiratama     You gave me your word. [10:28] Shiratama     You'll withdraw and make way for me. [10:33] Shiratama     Now that the North and the South stand united,     neither the East nor the West can threaten us. [10:39] Shiratama     Isn't that right, Lady Hamayu? [10:44] Hamayu     Shiratama, the Southern House won't budge. [10:48] Hamayu     I didn't promise a thing. [10:51] Hamayu     I haven't told the South anything, either. [10:55] Asebi     Then, when she said the North     and the South had joined forces... [10:59] Hamayu     I don't know what you heard, [11:02] Hamayu     but the South would never content     itself with another house's scraps. [11:09] Shiratama     You'd betray me, Hamayu? [11:13] Hamayu     Anyone who gets fooled here     only has herself to blame. [11:16] Hamayu     You did plenty of bluffing yourself. [11:18] Hamayu     You have no right to blame me. [11:37] Toru     Do you require an opponent, Sister? [11:42] Empress     Toru. [11:50] Empress     You must have business     of your own to see to. [11:53] Toru     I came at your call. [11:59] Toru     What's this about an uproar     in Cherry Blossom Palace? [12:02] Empress     An intruder, I hear. [12:04] Toru     Oh? [12:05] Empress     Before that, a lady-in-waiting     fell to her death. [12:08] Empress     What are those fools in the     Wisteria Guard playing at? [12:13] Empress     The Prince shows no inclination to visit. [12:17] Empress     The stage is set,     yet Lady Raven still awaits her cue. [12:32] Shiratama     You guessed wrong on one count. [12:35] Shiratama     I told you I knew your secret. [12:39] Shiratama     That was no bluff. [12:43] Shiratama     This woman is no court raven. [12:46] Shiratama     She's a hill raven. [12:48] Shiratama     Maybe even a horse. [12:52] Masuho     Impossible. Hill ravens and horses are     forbidden from taking part in the rite. [12:56] Shiratama     But what if she came from highborn stock? [13:00] Shiratama     In the upheaval ten years ago, a nobleman     and his wife committed a grave crime, [13:07] Shiratama     and received a sentence of decapitation. [13:11] Shiratama     And that couple had a daughter. [13:17] Shiratama     Yes, this woman, Hamayu... [13:21] Shiratama     is the child of criminals. [13:24] Asebi     Lady Hamayu was born to criminals? [13:27] Masuho     Shiratama, baseless slander won't— [13:29] Hamayu     If you know that much,     I might as well come clean. [13:32] Hamayu     I'll finish the story myself. [13:35] Hamayu     But where should I start? [13:38] Hamayu     I assume you've heard about     the Prince and Fujinami's mother? [13:43] Masuho     Lady Izayoi. She was my aunt. [13:46] Hamayu     Oh, so she was. [13:48] Hamayu     Well, the one who killed Lady Izayoi     was my father, the then Lord of the South. [13:56] Masuho     Pardon? [13:59] Hamayu     My parents murdered the Prince     and Fujinami's mother. [14:06] Hamayu     My uncle, who is now Lord Toru,     put a swift end to the affair. [14:13] Hamayu     He seized them before the Royal House     could act and beheaded them the same day. [14:21] Hamayu     As their daughter, I was stripped of     my rank and sentenced to disarticulation. [14:28] Asebi     Disarticulation? [14:30] Hamayu     Cutting off my third leg     so that I could never revert to human form, [14:34] Hamayu     then working me as a horse till I die. [14:39] Hamayu     Though in the end, they let me off      because I was still a child. [14:44] Hamayu     I lived as a hill raven after that,     practically crawling around in the dirt. [14:53] Empress     The Rite of Ascension is like a play. [14:58] Empress     Actors burdened with roles cross the box      called Cherry Blossom Palace. [15:05] Empress     But none of them realize it. [15:08] Empress     They do not know they are in a box,     nor that they are merely game pieces. [15:13] Empress     How I pity those women. [15:17] Toru     That may not hold true for all of them. [15:21] Toru     You know how tenacious women can be. [15:25] Toru     Some may only pretend to be pieces,     waiting for their chance to escape the box. [15:33] Hamayu     My luck changed eight years ago. [15:36] Hamayu     I met my uncle again.     He'd become head of our house. [15:41] Hamayu     I more than half expected him     to kill me, but I made him an offer. [15:47] Hamayu     If he would restore my status,     I'd do anything the Southern House wanted. [15:54] Hamayu     And so, I reemerged as a lady of the South,     in exchange for accepting a crucial mission. [16:02] Asebi     What mission? [16:06] Hamayu     Assassinating the Prince. [16:09] Shiratama     N-No. [16:12] Hamayu     I guess you didn't discover that part. [16:14] Hamayu     Well, the Prince probably did, [16:18] Hamayu     considering how much      he avoids this place. [16:21] Hamayu     My other role was as a substitute. [16:24] Hamayu     If the Prince dies,     Lord Natsuka will return as crown prince. [16:29] Hamayu     The South wanted to save     their prized daughter for that day. [16:35] Hamayu     Between the Empress, Lord Natsuka,     and any child his bride bears him, [16:40] Hamayu     the Southern House would dominate     three generations of kin'u. [16:45] Hamayu     That's long enough to get     an iron grip on power. [16:49] Hamayu     The Southern House will have     Yamauchi under their thumb. [16:53] Masuho     That's the Southern House's true scheme? [17:00] Hamayu     Whoops. I went and told you the whole plot. [17:03] Hamayu     Still, I can't believe the Southern House. [17:06] Hamayu     They want to make me kill the son     of the woman my parents murdered. [17:13] Masuho     If you know all that, then why... [17:17] Hamayu     There you have it, Shiratama. [17:20] Hamayu     I acted all haughty and told you to leave,      but I'm the one who needs to go. [17:26] Hamayu     Sorry. [17:31] Masuho     Where will you go? [17:36] Hamayu     I'll run, of course. [17:38] Hamayu     I failed my mission and talked too much. [17:43] Hamayu     If they catch me this time,      I'm dead for sure. [17:46] Hamayu     Tell Takimoto to search my chambers later. [17:50] Hamayu     She'll find what I swiped while you were     busy sipping tea and ogling flowers. [17:56] Shiratama     You don't mean... [17:57] Hamayu     Listen up, all of you. [17:59] Hamayu     I'll tell you one last thing. [18:02] Hamayu     Cherry Blossom Palace      isn't the whole world, [18:05] Hamayu     and being with the man you love     isn't the only way a woman can be happy. [18:10] Hamayu     Don't get that mixed up and     miss your own shot at happiness. [18:15] Hamayu     See you around. [18:17] Masuho     Hamayu! [18:31] Shoin     I bring a report. [18:35] Empress     Hmph. So a piece has escaped the box. [18:39] Empress     Shoin. [18:40] Shoin     Majesty. [18:41] Empress     Summon that man. [18:43] Shoin     At once. [18:58] Yukiya     I finally caught up with you! [19:00] Yukiya     You've got to hear this     right away, Young Master! [19:02] Nazukihiko     Not "Young Master." [19:04] Nazukihiko     I'm Sumimaru, a manservant from the Center. [19:07] Yukiya     Oh, of course, Sumimaru, sir. [19:09] Yukiya     But we've got bigger problems right now!      Cherry Blossom Palace is a mess! [19:13] Yukiya     Intruders, escapees, and— [19:15] Nazukihiko     Calm down and explain. [19:16] Yukiya     Before that... [19:18] Yukiya     Do you mind if I eat something? [19:22] Yukiya     I guess nothing's ever simple     in Cherry Blossom Palace. [19:31] Yukiya     Sumio went to ask     about all these incidents, [19:35] Yukiya     but the intruder in the Autumn Hall     died in bird form, so he's hard to identify. [19:42] Yukiya     And we still don't know who the comb     on the dead lady-in-waiting belonged to. [19:48] Yukiya     Takimoto won't say much,     and neither will anyone else. [19:54] Yukiya     Sumio was at his wit's end. [20:01] Yukiya     Oh, but we did find out one thing. [20:03] Yukiya     Lady Hamayu was plotting     to kill His Highness. [20:07] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     An assassin after my life     lurks in the Cherry Blossom Palace. [20:11] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     I received a warning letter     just before the rite began. [20:14] (Flashback) Yukiya     Who sent it? [20:15] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     Who knows? [20:16] Yukiya     All His Highness's letters to the ladies      turned up in the Summer Hall. [20:21] Yukiya     She must have hoped     to discover where he'd be. [20:28] Yukiya     Well, anyway, that's one     less thing to worry about. [20:34] Yukiya     That was delicious. [20:36] Nazukihiko     So, are you convinced? [20:40] Yukiya     Well... [20:42] Yukiya     I'm honestly not sure. [20:45] Yukiya     She confessed, but something      still doesn't sit right. [20:49] Yukiya     Lady Hamayu did save me one time. [20:52] Yukiya     And who sent that warning letter, anyway? [20:57] Yukiya     Still, we're at our limit. [20:59] Yukiya     We can't handle what's happening     in Cherry Blossom Palace on our own. [21:03] Nazukihiko     There must be clues, however minor. [21:07] Nazukihiko     Think. [21:08] Nazukihiko     Dredge up all your memories     and put your wits to work. [21:15] Yukiya     Something tells me Lady Hamayu     is still hiding something. [21:19] Yukiya     And why would she confess? [21:21] Yukiya     She must've known it would get her killed. [21:25] Yukiya     Lady Hamayu's not the assassin! [21:27] Yukiya     Maybe she's after something else. [21:30] Yukiya     But then, why would she... [21:34] Nazukihiko     You picked a decent starting point. [21:37] Nazukihiko     Also, you shouldn't take     what Takimoto says at face value. [21:41] Nazukihiko     She's an imperial lady-in-waiting. [21:43] Nazukihiko     Her only concerns are protecting the Royal     House and ensuring the rite goes smoothly. [21:50] Nazukihiko     She has tried to bar the     Yamauchi Guard at every point. [21:53] Nazukihiko     She could easily have fabricated     her reports to suit her own ends. [21:59] Yukiya     Ugh! Cherry Blossom Palace is just— [22:04] Nazukihiko     We're returning to the Center. [22:06] Yukiya     Did something click for you? [22:09] Nazukihiko     I'm going to find out. [22:15] Nazukihiko     Yukiya! [22:20] Nazukihiko     I'll need you to work even harder     than before. We're going to be busy. [22:29] Yukiya     Yes, sir! [22:43] Hill Raven Child     That's the place. [22:57] Sumio     It's still breathing. [24:30] Narrator     Hamayu revealed herself and vanished,     but the schemes have not stopped. [24:38] Narrator     On a stormy night, danger befalls     the prince in a house redolent of blood. [24:46] Narrator     How will Yukiya respond? [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "Assassinating the Prince." SIGN    Assassinating SIGN    the Prince SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E10 - Assassinating the Prince Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    Autumn Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace [00:06] Lady-in-waiting 1     I hear Lady Hamayu was     stripped of her rank and banished. [00:10] Lady-in-waiting 2     Who can say if she's still among the living? [00:13] Lady-in-waiting 3     Her parents were villains. [00:15] Lady-in-waiting 3     I'm certain she had a hand     in the Samomo affair. [00:24] Masuho     Stop backbiting when     you can only speculate. [00:27] Masuho     Hamayu's parents are no reflection on her. [00:34] Masuho     I believe in Hamayu. [00:56] Ukogi     It feels as though the fire has gone out      of Cherry Blossom Palace lately. [01:00] Ukogi     Although perhaps we should     celebrate having one less contender. [01:07] Asebi     And Princess Fujinami     hardly shows herself. SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Clear Mirror Temple [03:11] Natsuka     You wish me to dismiss Rokon? [03:13] Atsufusa     Yes, my lord. [03:15] Natsuka     Why? He seems the ideal bodyguard. [03:18] Atsufusa     That man cares nothing for     your goal of peace in Yamauchi. [03:24] Atsufusa     Setting you up as kin'u and     basking in glory as your champion [03:29] Atsufusa     is the only thing on his mind. [03:31] Atsufusa     All I do, I do for you, my lord. [03:34] Atsufusa     Please consider my advice! [03:36] Atsufusa     Have faith in me and heed my words alone! [04:23] Atsufusa     Rokon. [04:25] Rokon     Why are you so surprised? [04:27] Rokon     You must know why I'm here. [04:30] Rokon     If you have any excuses, I'll listen. [04:32] Atsufusa     I... I've done nothing wrong! [04:35] Atsufusa     Only I truly care for Lord Natsuka! [04:38] Rokon     Is that all you have to say? [05:23] Nazukihiko     Atsufusa's been stabbed? [05:25] Sumio     He was found collapsed     in the red-light district, I'm told. [05:28] Yukiya     And how is he? [05:30] Sumio     Alive. At least for now. [05:33] Sumio     They say he's asking to see you. [05:35] Nazukihiko     Me? [05:36] Sumio     He's being treated at the Watchful Moon. [05:39] Sumio     He claims to have news     for Your Highness's ears only. [05:42] Yukiya     In person? [05:44] Sumio     In truth, I don't like it. You were attacked     in the red-light district once before. [05:49] Sumio     It wouldn't surprise me     if someone else had the same idea. [05:53] Sumio     I am curious about Atsufusa, but... [06:00] Sumio     Were you even listening to me? [06:02] Yukiya     Allow me to accompany you. SIGN    The Watchful Moon [06:10] Brothel Owner     Someone sliced from his shoulder     clean to his opposite side. [06:15] Brothel Owner     I have cleared the premises. [06:18] Brothel Owner     I assure you my staff's lips are sealed. [06:27] Nazukihiko     Wait here, Yukiya. [06:29] Yukiya     Yes, sir. [06:34] Sumio     Hold this. [06:53] Sumio     He's lost a lot of blood. [06:56] Atsufusa     Your Highness? [06:58] Nazukihiko     You seem badly injured. [07:00] Atsufusa     I suppose this is it for me. [07:04] Atsufusa     Lord Natsuka will no longer lend me his ear. [07:11] Atsufusa     No, it is worse. He shuns me. [07:16] Atsufusa     Your Highness, please heed my request. [07:19] Nazukihiko     Speak. [07:21] Atsufusa     Would you keep Lord Natsuka     safe after I am gone? [07:27] Atsufusa     If you will agree to that, [07:31] Atsufusa     I will tell you the name... of your true foe. [07:44] Nazukihiko     My "true foe"? [07:45] Atsufusa     I have proof. Your Highness could     take them all in one fell swoop. [07:51] Nazukihiko     Have no fear. I will aid my brother     whether you ask me to or not. [07:55] Atsufusa     Oh, thank you. [08:00] Atsufusa     The foe who threatens Your Highness is... [08:06] Nazukihiko     Atsufusa? [08:18] Nazukihiko     Sumio! [08:20] Nazukihiko     This scent... [08:22] Nazukihiko     Karon incense? [08:38] Atsufusa     So it finally took effect. [08:41] Atsufusa     You must have some resistance. [08:48] Atsufusa     Tch. Damn that Rokon. [08:51] Yamauchi Guard 1     Lord Atsufusa. [08:53] Yamauchi Guard 1     Our preparations are complete. [08:55] Atsufusa     Good. Begin at once. [08:57] Yamauchi Guard 1; 2     Yes, sir. [08:59] Atsufusa     Handle him with care. [09:01] Atsufusa     Remember, the Prince is about to     pass away in an "unfortunate accident." [09:06] Yamauchi Guard 1     Understood. [09:11] Atsufusa     Wait. [09:12] Atsufusa     What of the child? [09:15] Yamauchi Guard 1     What child? [09:16] Atsufusa     His aide should be here. [09:18] Atsufusa     Where is the child? [09:20] Atsufusa     He can't have gone far! [09:23] Atsufusa     Find him! [09:26] Yamauchi Guard 1     There he is! [09:27] Atsufusa     Don't let him escape! [09:29] Atsufusa     Drag him back here whatever it takes! [10:17] Yamauchi Guard 2     That's as far as you go! [10:21] Yamauchi Guard 2     Drop the sword and come here. [10:22] Yamauchi Guard 1     We'll talk to Lord Atsufusa for you. [10:25] Yamauchi Guard 1     We don't want to kill a kid. Got it? [10:39] Yamauchi Guard 2     That little brat! [10:41] Yamauchi Guard 1     Alert the others. [10:43] Yamauchi Guard 1     We'll circle ahead and cut him off. [10:45] Yamauchi Guard 2     Yes, sir! [10:51] Atsufusa     What's taking them so long? [11:00] Yukiya     What now? What's my best move? [11:03] Yukiya     Time's running out. I've got to act fast     or they'll kill the Prince and Sumio. [11:08] Yukiya     I need help. I've got to find someone. [11:12] (Flashback) Yukiya     Oh, right. So they're secret escape routes     for court ravens who sneak out at night. [11:19] Yukiya     First, I'll find a way out. [11:21] Yukiya     This tunnel connects to temples and court     ravens' mansions. I'll ask for help there. [11:34] Yukiya     But what if whoever I find backs Natsuka? [11:38] Yukiya     Does the Prince even have     any allies apart from us? [11:43] (Flashback) Yukiya     Allies you can trust? [11:45] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     Of course. I trust them with my life. [11:48] (Flashback) Yukiya     Who do you mean? [11:49] (Flashback) Sumio     You want to know? It's our biggest secret. [11:54] Yukiya     Who is it? Who would     the Prince trust with his life? [11:58] Yukiya     Damn. If only I'd asked him back then. [12:07] Yukiya     Ow. [12:21] Yukiya     I can't figure it out.     Who's on our side and who isn't? [12:26] Yukiya     Who should I put my trust in? [12:29] Yukiya     I'm out of options. [12:32] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     Think. [12:34] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     Dredge up all your memories     and put your wits to work. [12:47] Yukiya     Huh? [13:09] Yukiya     It's all or nothing now. [13:17] Atsufusa     You lost him? [13:19] Yamauchi Guard 1     Our humble apologies. We couldn't     call for reinforcements in this storm. [13:23] Yamauchi Guard 1     Tomorrow, I promise— [13:24] Atsufusa     If he escapes today,     we will never have another chance! [13:27] Yamauchi Guard 1     Y-Yes, sir. [13:30] Atsufusa     Well, no matter. I'll make mincemeat     of the child when I find him. [13:36] Atsufusa     Do it! [13:46] Atsufusa     What? He can move already? [13:53] Yamauchi Guard 3     Lord Atsufusa, what is all this? [13:55] Atsufusa     Perfect timing. [13:57] Atsufusa     Finish him off! I won't fuss     about injuries anymore! [14:01] Nazukihiko     So you tricked me, Atsufusa. [14:04] Atsufusa     Your Highness has only yourself to blame. [14:07] Atsufusa     I had planned to send you to the     next world with your body intact. [14:12] Nazukihiko     Wait, Atsufusa! [14:27] Nazukihiko     Why would you do this? [14:30] Nazukihiko     Do you honestly believe that killing the     true Kin'u will serve the good of Yamauchi? [15:23] Nazukihiko     You... [15:40] Yukiya     Your Highness! [15:44] Yukiya     You're alive! [15:52] Sumio     Hey. [15:53] Yukiya     S-Sumio! [15:56] Nazukihiko     Don't worry. We'll heal in time. [15:59] Natsuka     Are you safe, Nazukihiko? [16:01] Nazukihiko     Yes. Forgive me for worrying you... [16:04] Nazukihiko     Brother. [16:07] Natsuka     Thank goodness. [16:09] Natsuka     Thank goodness! [16:15] Rokon     Sure enough, he roped the Yamauchi Guard     into a plot to assassinate the Prince. SIGN    Clear Mirror Temple [16:21] Natsuka     So your intelligence proved correct. [16:23] Rokon     Atsufusa won't talk,     but the small fry have loose tongues. [16:27] Rokon     They planned to set a fire when     Your Highness visited the pleasure quarter [16:31] Rokon     to make it look like     you'd suffocated on the smoke. [16:35] Rokon     No trouble identifying the body, and people      would've said, "The fool did himself in." [16:41] Rokon     They really thought it through. [16:43] Sumio     Hey. We nearly died because you got sloppy. [16:48] Rokon     True enough. I made Atsufusa desperate     and endangered Your Highness. [16:54] Rokon     My sincere apologies. [16:56] Nazukihiko     No, if you hadn't come     to the rescue when you did, [16:59] Nazukihiko     I would be dead now. [17:13] Rokon     If you want to thank anyone, thank your aide. [17:16] Rokon     The look on his face when     he burst into Clear Mirror Temple... [17:19] (Flashback) Yukiya     Please save the Prince! [17:25] Natsuka     I bear the blame. [17:27] Natsuka     Rokon had been warning me     about Atsufusa for some time. [17:30] Rokon     Long story short,     I failed to win your trust. [17:35] Natsuka     Hence why I bear the blame. [17:38] Yukiya     Excuse me. [17:41] Yukiya     Could you let me in on the secret already? [17:45] Nazukihiko     No one understands me better     nor supports me more than my brother does. [17:52] Nazukihiko     When I was helpless, he sent me out of     Yamauchi, beyond the reach of my enemies. [17:58] Nazukihiko     On my return, he gathered     my enemies who claimed to back him, [18:03] Nazukihiko     and he monitored and purges them for me. [18:06] Nazukihiko     My brother has guarded me all this time. [18:10] Yukiya     Hasn't Lord Natsuka ever thought     of becoming kin'u himself? [18:16] Natsuka     I am of the Royal House.     Our line exists to defend the Golden Raven. [18:21] Natsuka     But our dignity has fallen like a stone. [18:25] Natsuka     The Empress favors only her birth family, [18:28] Natsuka     and His Majesty cares     neither for her nor for government. [18:32] Natsuka     If nothing is done, the balance of     the Four Houses will collapse into war. [18:37] Natsuka     It is no coincidence that my brother     was born a true kin'u in these times. [18:44] Natsuka     He has a purpose. [18:52] Rokon     Still, I'm impressed you figured it out. [18:55] Yukiya     Huh? [18:56] Rokon     That the Prince and Lord Natsuka     had a secret alliance. [19:01] Sumio     I wondered about that, too. [19:03] Sumio     We never told you, so what gave it away? [19:06] Yukiya     I never would have realized if things     hadn't gotten desperate, but... [19:12] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     Is that so? [19:13] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     Won't you go to Unbending Reed Monastery     if I send you home in under a year? [19:20] (Flashback) Yukiya     Huh? [19:20] (Flashback) Yukiya     How do you even know that?     You weren't at the Northern House's party! [19:25] Natsuka     Why did that tip you off? [19:27] Natsuka     Lord Kiei and I both attended that party. [19:32] Natsuka     It hardly seems strange     that word of it would reach Nazukihiko. [19:36] Yukiya     The North is a land of warriors. [19:39] Yukiya     Kids there dream of learning     military arts at Unbending Reed Monastery. [19:44] Yukiya     A local lord's son trying to worm     his way out of it is a huge disgrace. [19:50] Yukiya     I doubt Lord Kiei would go shouting about it. [19:53] Yukiya     And as your question just showed, [19:57] Yukiya     it doesn't mean much to     anyone outside of the North. [20:02] Yukiya     So if you share trifling details like that,     what does that make you to each other? [20:06] Yukiya     Sparks fly when you meet at court, [20:09] Yukiya     but I thought maybe you brothers     weren't really on such bad terms. [20:13] Sumio     I see. [20:15] Yukiya     Either way, I had no choice     but to gamble and risk it all in that moment. [20:24] Natsuka     Splendid, Yukiya. [20:26] Natsuka     I have never met a child with     such a mix of wits and courage. [20:30] Natsuka     I hope you will support my brother     for a long time to come. [20:34] Yukiya     No, I go back to Taruhi when my year is— [20:37] Sumio     Why stop at a year? [20:40] Sumio     Having you at his side     takes a weight off my mind, too. [20:44] Natsuka     Stay in the Center from now on. [20:46] Natsuka     When my brother becomes kin'u,     you will be his closest adviser. [20:50] Yukiya     Huh? What are you talking about? [20:53] Yukiya     Even if I joined the court,     doing odd jobs is the best I could hope for. [20:57] Yukiya     How could I advise the Kin'u? [20:59] Natsuka     What makes you think so? [21:01] Yukiya     You have to ask? [21:03] Yukiya     I'm just the second son     of a backcountry lord, so— [21:08] Natsuka     Relax. We all know the truth. [21:11] Nazukihiko     Brother! [21:12] Natsuka     Your mother was Lord     Genya's second daughter. [21:15] Natsuka     That makes the Lord of     the North your grandfather. [21:19] Natsuka     Who could find fault     with such a lofty pedigree? [21:29] (Flashback) Brat 1     What's your problem, nuisance?! [21:32] (Flashback) Yukima     Stop! [21:34] (Flashback) Yukima     Idiot! Do you want to make     more trouble for Mother? [21:37] (Flashback) Yukiya     But, Brother, they— [21:39] (Flashback) Brats     Everyone's saying it! [21:40] (Flashback) Brats     The second son brings nothing but trouble!     We'd be better off without him! [21:44] (Flashback) Yukima     Don't let them get to you, Yukiya. [21:57] Yukiya     So you knew. [21:59] Natsuka     What? [22:01] Rokon     Of course. You think we don't check where      the Crown Prince's attendants come from? [22:09] Yukiya     I get it now. [22:11] Yukiya     You didn't want me. [22:16] Yukiya     You wanted Northern House blood. [22:47] Nazukihiko     Yukiya. [24:30] Narrator     Yukiya cannot escape the     Northern House's blood in his veins. [24:36] Narrator     In his rage and sorrow,     Rokon brings him to see a man. [24:43] Narrator     Whom does the excuse of loyalty serve? [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "The Loyal Retainer." SIGN    The Loyal SIGN    Retainer SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E11 - The Loyal Retainer Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    12 years ago, Taruhi Village [00:02] Relative 1     Think carefully, Yukimasa. [00:05] Relative 1     Raise the boy in Taruhi, and he'll never     be more than a local lord's second son. [00:10] Relative 1     He may even come to resent you for     not letting him go when you had the chance. [00:19] Relative 2     You needn't worry yourself, either, Azusa. [00:22] Relative 2     It's not as if you gave birth to the boy. [00:41] Yukimasa     I leave Yukiya... [00:43] Yukimasa     in your care. [00:47] Relative 1     Have no fear. We'll raise him     into a fine man in the Center. [01:01] Yukiya     Help, Mother! [01:02] Relative 2     There now. [01:04] Yukiya     Mother! [01:13] Relative 2     What's come over you, Azusa? [01:14] Azusa     Please leave. I will raise Yukiya. [01:17] Yukimasa     A-Azusa. [01:19] Relative 1     Don't be foolish. You'll cause     a succession dispute. Do you realize that? [01:30] Azusa     Please leave. SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master [03:25] Rokon     They both stormed out. [03:27] Rokon     What got Yukiya so riled? [03:31] Natsuka     I put my foot in it. [03:33] Natsuka     I got too worked up. [03:35] Natsuka     Nazukihiko warned me Yukiya's     parentage was a touchy subject. [03:41] Rokon     Now that you mention it, he did say     his brothers have a different mother. [03:46] Natsuka     A lady of the North birthed Yukiya, [03:49] Natsuka     but his brothers' mother     is the woman who raised him, [03:53] Natsuka     meaning Yukiya comes from      a superior line to the eldest son. [03:59] Rokon     I see. That'd draw a fuss, all right. [04:02] Rokon     Still, it's not exactly unheard of. [04:05] Sumio     I hope they can patch things up,     but Nazukihiko is honest to a fault. [04:11] Rokon     Couldn't you handle it? [04:13] Sumio     Huh? I mean, you saw him. [04:16] Sumio     Anyone can see I'm not the man for— [04:18] Rokon     What's that? Scared of a little boy?     And here I was, hoping for some fun. [04:24] Sumio     O-Of course I'm not scared of— [04:30] Sumio     No interest, huh? [04:38] Yukiya     Why didn't you tell me? [04:41] Yukiya     You knew all along, didn't you?     That the Lord of the North is my grandfather. [04:47] Nazukihiko     It seemed impolitic to mention it. [04:50] Yukiya     "Impolitic"? [04:51] Nazukihiko     When we first met, you introduced     yourself as "Yukiya of Taruhi." [04:57] Nazukihiko     If you'd said, "Yukiya of the North,"     I would have responded differently. [05:02] Yukiya     In other words, you were planning to use me? [05:06] Nazukihiko     I won't deny it. [05:07] Yukiya     What did you want me for? [05:11] Nazukihiko     As a bridge to the Northern House. [05:13] Nazukihiko     We needed allies. They were the safest     and most trustworthy of the Four Houses. [05:21] Yukiya     When did you set your sights on me? [05:23] Nazukihiko     A little over a year ago.     Around the time I returned to Yamauchi. [05:29] Yukiya     A year? [05:34] Yukiya     You mean Lord Natsuka already knew     about me before that banquet? [05:39] Yukiya     Or maybe he came to size me up? [05:43] Nazukihiko     Yes. Rumors did refer to you     as a blockhead, after all. [05:46] Nazukihiko     My brother decided to see     whether you'd be of any use to us. [05:51] Nazukihiko     And you surpassed his expectations,     so he had you summoned to the Center at— [05:56] Yukiya     So you planned to recruit me all along,     even if nothing had happened with Kazumaro. [06:01] Nazukihiko     That's right. [06:02] Yukiya     You knew how much I'd hate     leaving Taruhi, didn't you? [06:08] Yukiya     And yet, you still brought me here. [06:12] Yukiya     For your own reasons. Just because     I'm the Lord of the North's grandson. [06:18] Nazukihiko     That's right. [06:25] (Flashback) Yukiya     Why, you— [06:28] (Flashback) Brat 1     That does it! [06:35] (Flashback) Yukima     Stop! [06:36] (Flashback) Yukima     Idiot! Do you want to make     more trouble for Mother? [06:38] (Flashback) Yukiya     But, Brother, they— [06:41] (Flashback) Brat 1     What's your problem, nuisance?! [06:43] (Flashback) Brat 2     Everyone's saying it! [06:45] (Flashback) Brat 2     The second son brings nothing but trouble!     We'd be better off without him! [06:49] (Flashback) Yukima     Don't let them get to you. [06:54] (Flashback) Yukimasa     First, they wanted me to give Yukiya up, [06:56] (Flashback) Yukimasa     and now, they want me     to make him my heir. [06:59] (Flashback) Azusa     Your heir is Yukima, your eldest son!     Why would they force the issue? [07:08] (Flashback) Yukiya     It's still not too late.     We'll put Yukiya up for adoption. [07:12] (Flashback) Azusa     Dear... [07:13] (Flashback) Yukimasa     He'll drag the whole clan into     a succession dispute someday. [07:17] (Flashback) Yukimasa     In fact, it's already started. [07:23] (Flashback) Azusa     Why do you let those people      push you around? [07:26] (Flashback) Azusa     That boy isn't some seed of disaster. [07:30] (Flashback) Azusa     So why don't you put your faith in Yukiya? [07:33] (Flashback) Yukimasa     I know he's not. But I need to     protect more than just our family. [07:43] Yukiya     Do you have any idea how much pain     people like you have caused my family? [07:55] (Flashback) Maidservant     Young Master! Try to be careful! [07:59] (Flashback) Yukiya     Sorry. My bad. SIGN    Sincerity SIGN    Yukima SIGN    Ambition SIGN    Yukichi SIGN    Food SIGN    Yukiya [08:11] (Flashback) Ichiryu     He might be hoping to at least swipe     the lordship from his big brother. [08:16] (Flashback) Friend 1     Yikes! We've got     a succession dispute coming. [08:21] (Flashback) Maidservant     Blockhead second son. [08:22] (Flashback) Manservant     Blockhead second son. [08:24] (Flashback) Brats     Blockhead second son. [08:28] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     Your effort doesn't interest me. [08:33] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     I care whether you make     yourself useful to me. [08:37] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     I am so inept, I do not blame     anyone for calling me a fool. [08:42] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     But you know, Yukiya... [08:44] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     I still consider myself     a good judge of people. [08:48] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     You will never betray me. [08:52] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     Why? Because I doubt my enemies     can offer you anything you would value [08:59] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     more than the trust I place in you. [09:04] Yukiya     What was all that, then? [09:07] Yukiya     You made me sound special. [09:11] Yukiya     But really, you would have taken anyone. [09:14] Yukiya     You didn't need me,     just the Northern House's blood— [09:20] Rokon     Pity yourself if you like, [09:24] Rokon     but griping that people     won't play along is just lashing out. [09:28] Yukiya     That's not what I'm— [09:30] Rokon     Try to cool off. [09:33] Rokon     I'm not here to cover for him,     but the Prince has a point. [09:39] Rokon     Deny it or dislike it all you want, [09:43] Rokon     but you do have the Northern     House's blood in your veins. [09:48] Yukiya     I know that! [09:50] Yukiya     But I don't have thick enough skin     to shrug off being used for it. [09:55] Yukiya     You get handed all the dirty jobs,     and people hate you for it. [10:00] Yukiya     Don't you get fed up with Lord Natsuka      taking advantage of you? [10:08] Rokon     Me? I'm just glad I'm worth using. [10:15] Rokon     You don't get it? [10:18] Rokon     Fine. [10:19] Yukiya     What's the big idea? Put me down! [10:20] Rokon     Your Highness, there's someone     I want him to meet. Do you mind? [10:22] Yukiya     Hey, stop it. [10:24] Rokon     It won't take long. [10:25] Yukiya     Aw, come on. Mind your own business. [10:27] Nazukihiko     I leave him in your hands. [10:29] Yukiya     Let go already! Let go! [10:53] Yukiya     Huh? [11:09] Atsufusa     Oh? I wondered who it was. [11:15] Atsufusa     I'm in this state because of you. [11:19] Atsufusa     I wanted Lord Natsuka to become kin'u,      no matter the cost, but— [11:25] Yukiya     Are you hurt? [11:27] Atsufusa     You needn't worry. It's nothing serious. [11:31] Atsufusa     More importantly, I take it     you have business with me? [11:40] Yukiya     You never meant to make     the Prince kin'u, did you? [11:46] Atsufusa     I acted entirely on my own initiative. [11:50] Atsufusa     Lord Natsuka played no part in it. [11:53] Yukiya     You don't need to cover for him anymore. [11:56] Yukiya     He's been secretly in league     with the Prince this whole time. [12:06] Yukiya     You thought Lord Natsuka wanted     the throne, didn't you, Lord Atsufusa? [12:13] Yukiya     Lord Natsuka used you. [12:16] Yukiya     He used your loyalty to make it look     like he and the Prince were enemies. [12:22] Yukiya     And in the end, you— [12:28] Yukiya     Why are you laughing? [12:30] Yukiya     You have every right to be angry.     The lord you put your faith in betrayed you! [12:34] Atsufusa     As I already told you,     Lord Natsuka played no part in it. [12:40] Atsufusa     You see, I decided to make him my lord. [12:48] Atsufusa     Lord Natsuka is a modest soul. [12:51] Atsufusa     No one would make a better kin'u,     yet he never presses his claim. [12:58] Atsufusa     It frustrated me to no end. [13:02] Atsufusa     So I opted to act on his behalf,     as his most loyal retainer. [13:17] Atsufusa     I've known of my lord's collusion     with the Prince for some time. [13:24] Atsufusa     How could I fail to notice when even      the likes of Rokon had caught on? [13:30] Atsufusa     I failed, but Her Majesty     will surely kill the Prince one day. [13:36] Atsufusa     And although Lord Natsuka     erred in defying his mother, [13:41] Atsufusa     she will most graciously forgive him     and set him on the kin'u's throne. [13:47] Atsufusa     Yatagarasu throughout Yamauchi will     welcome their dignified new sovereign. [13:53] Atsufusa     I can practically hear them cheering. [13:56] Atsufusa     At his side will stand Lady Nadeshiko,     an heir clutched to her bosom. [14:01] Atsufusa     And... [14:02] Atsufusa     Ah, I was never to leave     Lord Natsuka's side. [14:12] Atsufusa     That dream shall never be now,     but he will remember me fondly one day. [14:19] Atsufusa     He will remember that a truly loyal     retainer once gave his life for him. [14:26] Atsufusa     A retainer named Atsufusa. [14:30] Yukiya     You are no "loyal retainer." [14:32] Yukiya     You're just dreaming.     Dreaming of what you want. [14:39] Yukiya     Rokon! Rokon! Rokon! [14:41] Atsufusa     The time will come when you understand. [14:45] Atsufusa     You cannot avoid it if you live at court. [15:05] Nazukihiko     Atsufusa was born into      a minor noble family. [15:08] Nazukihiko     He desired advancement,     but soon hit a wall. [15:12] Nazukihiko     His pedigree was dismissed at court, [15:15] Nazukihiko     and he learned that no effort     he made would bear fruit. [15:21] Nazukihiko     So he clung to a sliver of hope: the first     daughter of the South—his cousin—Nadeshiko. [15:30] Nazukihiko     If she became the kin'u's consort,     he would gain a tie to the Royal House. [15:37] Nazukihiko     But the Southern House     didn't send Nadeshiko to the rite, [15:40] Nazukihiko     and her replacement, Hamayu,     fled without assassinating me. [15:46] Yukiya     His only option was to kill you himself. [15:59] Nazukihiko     The Empress probably put him up to it. [16:03] Nazukihiko     She has a frighteningly     keen nose for such things. [16:08] Nazukihiko     She imprinted an idealized tale     on Atsufusa's weakest points. [16:13] Nazukihiko     Maybe on Kazumichi, who had me     waylaid in the pleasure district, as well. [16:18] Yukiya     In the end, Atsufusa     would have taken anyone. [16:21] Yukiya     He didn't need Lord Natsuka, just a lord     who would make his dream come true. [16:26] Nazukihiko     Rokon tells me Atsufusa started out earnest     and concerned for his family. An ordinary youth. [16:36] Yukiya     What's wrong with this court? [16:41] Nazukihiko     Atsufusa's just the tip of the iceberg. [16:44] Nazukihiko     Maintaining a grip on     your sanity is no easy feat here. [16:47] Nazukihiko     That's where we are. [16:50] Nazukihiko     I realize you detest places like this. [16:54] Nazukihiko     And that I have yet to win your trust. [17:00] Nazukihiko     Even so, Yukiya... [17:03] Nazukihiko     I need you. [17:07] Nazukihiko     I will soon be kin'u in name as well as fact. [17:12] Nazukihiko     I want you to stay here and aid me. [17:15] Nazukihiko     Of your own free will this time. [17:31] Yukiya     Like I promised, I'll serve     as your aide until spring. [17:36] Yukiya     So would you wait for an answer until then? [17:42] Nazukihiko     Very well. [18:15] Haruhito     A year has passed     since the Rite of Ascension. [18:18] Akira     Time flies swift as an arrow. [18:21] Akira     That day, we four held a party     for the Prince, and he stood us up. [18:29] Genya     Today, the Southern House     does us the same discourtesy. [18:33] Haruhito     Well, Lord Toru must     feel loath to show himself. [18:36] Haruhito     After the fuss he caused, I mean. [18:39] Genya     But the Royal House     hasn't done much better. [18:41] Genya     How could they accept the South's     excuses and let them go unpunished? [18:46] Akira     The Southern House's prosperity     is built on blood, money, and wiles. [18:53] Akira     Brother blithely ensnares     brother in that family. [18:57] Akira     We shouldn't act surprised now. [19:00] Haruhito     Bold words. Perhaps you've     drunk a bit too much? [19:04] Akira     Speaking of bold, black-hearted schemes     are the East's favorite trick. [19:09] Akira     What do you hope to gain by     sending off that naive young lady? [19:14] Haruhito     Goodness. I wouldn't dream of it. [19:18] Genya     Lord Akira, you've said enough. [19:20] Akira     Why, forgive me. I can't get     enough of this Northern sake. [19:24] Akira     Well, you've made your share of moves     behind the scenes, too, Lord Genya, [19:28] Akira     but the Western House     will triumph in the end. [19:33] Akira     Consider this an early     celebration on my part. [19:36] Akira     Try to enjoy yourselves     before your drinks turn bitter. [19:42] Genya     What? [19:43] Haruhito     Now, now. SIGN    Blossom-Viewing Stage, Cherry Blossom Palace [20:26] Asebi     Lady Masuho-no-Susuki. [20:29] Masuho     Asebi. [20:36] Asebi     It seems like ages since     we've had such a magnificent party. [20:40] Masuho     True. I've felt positively      stifled since then. [21:09] Asebi     What's that? [22:10] Masuho     Your Highness, how I've waited for you. [22:14] Nazukihiko     Yes. [22:29] Yukiya     Ladies and ladies-in-waiting, [22:33] Yukiya     you have all shown great patience! [22:35] Yukiya     His Highness the Prince     will now choose his consort! [22:40] Asebi     What? [24:30] Narrator     At the height of spring, [24:33] Narrator     the Prince alights before the     three ladies of Cherry Blossom Palace. [24:38] Narrator     Amid the cherry trees in full bloom,     he at last begins choosing his consort, [24:46] Narrator     leaving truths shrouded in darkness. SIGN    To Choose SIGN    a Consort [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "To Choose a Consort." SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E12 - To Choose a Consort Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) [00:02] Takimoto     Please wait, Your Highness! [00:04] Takimoto     What is the meaning of this? [00:06] Takimoto     First, you decline to show yourself for     a year, and now, without notice, you... [00:11] Nazukihiko     As promised, I have come      to choose my consort. [00:14] Nazukihiko     I require no one's permission. [00:16] Takimoto     This is so sudden.     We are not ready to receive you. [00:19] Nazukihiko     I don't mind in the least. [00:20] Takimoto     This will not do. [00:22] Takimoto     I have a duty to protect their ladyships!     Even at Your Highness's command, I cannot— [00:27] Nazukihiko     Takimoto. [00:28] Nazukihiko     You need only attend to my sister. [00:31] Nazukihiko     I will arrange matters today. [00:37] Yukiya     You really made her mad. [00:39] Nazukihiko     Let her fume. [00:41] Nazukihiko     More importantly, Yukiya... [00:42] Yukiya     Not to worry. Everything is as it should be. [00:46] Yukiya     So would you fill me in already? [00:50] Yukiya     What are you trying     to get out of this choice? [00:56] Nazukihiko     I wonder. [00:58] Nazukihiko     Heaven knows how this will go. [01:07] Cha-no-Hana     He wishes to make his choice here,      without blinds or screens? [01:13] Ukogi     My lady? SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master [03:10] Yukiya     Ladies of three houses and     Your Highness, Princess Fujinami, [03:14] Yukiya     thank you for your patience. [03:28] Yukiya     First, the third daughter     of the North, Lady Shiratama. [03:34] Nazukihiko     Lady Shiratama.     You have been patient this past year. [03:38] Nazukihiko     As the youngest lady in the rite,     you must have found it difficult. [03:42] Cha-no-Hana     Why, of course she has. [03:49] Shiratama     I have a duty to make      an imperial marriage. [03:53] Shiratama     I must repay my obligation     to the parents who raised me, [03:57] Shiratama     To my ladies-in-waiting,     and to the people of the North. [04:02] Shiratama     My own feelings have     no place in the matter. [04:09] Nazukihiko     I see. How admirable. [04:12] Nazukihiko     But what will you do if I do not marry you? [04:15] Nazukihiko     How will you repay your obligations then? [04:24] Nazukihiko     Lady Shiratama, have you ever     once tried to make your own choice? [04:29] Nazukihiko     Ever made your desire      to do something plain? [04:35] Nazukihiko     Bound by your birth and     making an excuse of your bonds, [04:39] Nazukihiko     you have lived only as you are told, [04:42] Nazukihiko     lamenting your misfortune all the while. [04:45] Nazukihiko     I might generously call it "self-sacrifice,"     but it boils down to laziness. [04:50] Nazukihiko     You cannot possibly answer my question     when you have no thoughts of your own. [04:57] Yukiya     You didn't have to put it like that. [04:59] Nazukihiko     Now, what will you do with the child? [05:12] Cha-no-Hana     What child? [05:15] Masuho     He cannot mean Shiratama is... [05:24] Cha-no-Hana     My lady! [05:25] Cha-no-Hana     Did you meet with Kazumi     in Cherry Blossom Palace? [05:29] Shiratama     What? [05:31] Cha-no-Hana     You did meet with him, didn't you? [05:38] Shiratama     Kazumi? [05:41] Cha-no-Hana     Your Highness, please have mercy! [05:43] Cha-no-Hana     Lady Shiratama meant no harm! [05:45] Cha-no-Hana     Any blame should fall     squarely on my shoulders! [05:49] Cha-no-Hana     I beg you, let me see to it! [05:52] Cha-no-Hana     I will instruct my lady well and     deliver her as a perfect, untouched bride! [06:00] Nazukihiko     Well, Shiratama? [06:03] Nazukihiko     Depending on your answer,     I am prepared to make you my consort. [06:12] Ukogi     T-Truly?! [06:14] Kikuno     Marry her?! [06:16] Cha-no-Hana     My lady, tell him you will! [06:19] Cha-no-Hana     My lady! [06:28] Shiratama     Kazumi... [06:34] Cha-no-Hana     My lady! [06:35] Shiratama     Don't come near me! [06:38] Shiratama     No one will touch this child. [06:41] Shiratama     I will keep it safe. [06:43] Shiratama     You expect me to marry the Prince? [06:46] Shiratama     I will never... [06:50] Shiratama     I will never lose Kazumi again! [06:56] Nazukihiko     I see you have finally chosen for yourself. [06:59] Shiratama     What? [07:04] Kazumi     Shiratama! [07:15] Shiratama     Ka... [07:17] Shiratama     Kazumi! [07:24] Shiratama     Kazumi. Is it really you? [07:28] Kazumi     Yes. Yes, it's me. [07:33] Kikuno     What is going on here? [07:35] Kikuno     Was Kazumi not the scoundrel     that Takimoto beheaded? [07:38] Ukogi     I saw it with my own eyes. [07:42] Yukiya     That was someone else entirely. [07:44] Ukogi     Someone else? [07:45] Yukiya     Kazumi did sneak into Cherry Blossom Palace      that night to see Lady Shiratama. [07:51] Yukiya     But the intruder in the Autumn Hall      led to heightened security. [08:05] Kazumi     When morning came, I managed to     change shape and escape the palace, but... [08:16] Kazumi     Shiratama, forgive me.     I know I worried you. [08:21] Shiratama     Kazumi, don't leave me again. [08:25] Shiratama     I want to be by your side,     and be with you always. [08:36] Cha-no-Hana     This... [08:38] Cha-no-Hana     This cannot be. [08:41] Nazukihiko     I have spoken with a hill raven couple. [08:44] Nazukihiko     They lead a meager life, without     a house to sleep in, let alone finery. [08:50] Nazukihiko     So when winter comes,     they nestle on tree branches in raven shape. [08:58] Nazukihiko     "It gets cold," they told me with     a laugh, but they do not mind that. [09:05] Asebi     Lady Shiratama looks so happy. [09:10] Ukogi     That took years off my life. [09:13] Yukiya     Still, Your Highness went     out on a limb that time. [09:16] Nazukihiko     How so? [09:17] Yukiya     That bluff about Lady Shiratama's child. [09:21] Nazukihiko     Oh, that. The odds weren't so bad. [09:25] Nazukihiko     Shiratama was agitated, [09:27] Nazukihiko     and Cha-no-Hana pressured her,      as I expected she would. [09:32] Nazukihiko     I doubt those two have done anything     that might lead to pregnancy. [09:36] Nazukihiko     Still, I suppose Shiratama chose     the story she wanted to believe. [09:46] Ukogi     But in that case, who was that brute     of a raven Takimoto beheaded? [09:55] Yukiya     Next, the first daughter of the West,      Lady Masuho-no-Susuki! [10:03] Nazukihiko     Your father sheltered me in childhood. [10:07] Nazukihiko     I see that you approach this rite     with a strong sense of duty. [10:12] Masuho     I merely wish to aid Your Highness. [10:17] Masuho     Yet I never imagined... [10:21] Masuho     that we four who began the rite     would be but three a year later. [10:35] Masuho     As such, I hope you will     answer a question I have. [10:38] Nazukihiko     Ask it. [10:40] Masuho     It concerns Hamayu. [10:43] Masuho     I cannot bring myself to believe that     she truly sought to take Your Highness's life. [10:50] Masuho     Surely you have realized the same? [10:53] Nazukihiko     And what if I have? [10:55] Masuho     Restore Hamayu's honor. [10:57] Masuho     She may truly have been an assassin, [11:02] Masuho     but by refusing to act, she worked     to defend Your Highness instead. [11:09] Nazukihiko     I see. [11:11] Nazukihiko     But why, Lady Masuho,     do you ask for this now? [11:15] Masuho     Because I feel I ought to. [11:17] Masuho     My pride will not allow me     to look the other way. [11:21] Masuho     If I did, then even if you     chose me as your consort— [11:25] Nazukihiko     Do not bother. How can I restore her honor      when she has said nothing in her defense? [11:30] Nazukihiko     And I have no interest in your "pride." [11:41] Masuho     Why did you go an entire year      without visiting us? [11:45] Nazukihiko     Because I had no need to. [11:47] Masuho     "Need"? [11:49] Masuho     I do not take your meaning. How can     you choose a lady without meeting her? [11:55] Masuho     We came to Cherry Blossom Palace     to become women worthy of you. [12:00] Masuho     Each day, we refine ourselves and vie for— [12:03] Nazukihiko     Nonsense. [12:06] Nazukihiko     Are refinement and rivalry     worth touting with such passion? [12:11] Masuho     I merely wish to convey our feelings.     Each day seemed like a thousand years to... [12:18] Nazukihiko     Allow me to enlighten you. [12:20] Nazukihiko     Cherry Blossom Palace does not     exist for you to play house in. [12:25] Nazukihiko     It exists for me to choose a woman. [12:28] Nazukihiko     And I am looking for     only one quality in a bride. [12:32] Nazukihiko     Patience. [12:33] Nazukihiko     Nothing else matters. [12:55] Masuho     So you were testing us. [12:56] Nazukihiko     You are welcome to think that. [12:58] Masuho     Do not be absurd! [13:01] Masuho     Do you know how grueling it is     to simply wait with no end in sight? [13:05] Masuho     You can survey Cherry Blossom     Palace from on high, [13:08] Masuho     but Shiratama fretted herself into illness. [13:12] Masuho     Hamayu might have     even avoided expulsion. [13:17] Nazukihiko     Do you mean to say I should have     visited when I had no wish to? [13:21] Masuho     No. I am merely speaking of feelings. [13:24] Nazukihiko     You would do, you know. [13:28] Nazukihiko     You have a sense of duty,     and you can act when you need to. [13:33] Nazukihiko     Your personality leaves something to be desired,     but even so, you would make a fine empress. [13:42] Nazukihiko     Masuho-no-Susuki,     first daughter of the West, [13:46] Nazukihiko     I do not find you particularly special,     and I do not love you, either. [13:52] Nazukihiko     That will not change if I marry you, [13:55] Nazukihiko     nor will I favor the Western House      due to your family ties. [14:01] Nazukihiko     I will take any number of     concubines if the need arises. [14:05] Nazukihiko     Given the right circumstances,     I may even abandon you. [14:09] Nazukihiko     But I will not allow you to complain or     to become intimate with any other man. [14:16] Nazukihiko     You must stifle yourself     and live only for me. [14:20] Nazukihiko     If you are prepared to accept all of that,      I will make you my wife. [14:27] Nazukihiko     Masuho-no-Susuki, make your choice. [14:42] Kikuno     My lady. [14:45] Masuho     Kikuno, give me your dagger. [14:50] Kikuno     M-My lady! [14:52] Asebi     Lady Masuho-no-Susuki! [15:10] Masuho     Your Highness, though I appreciate     your proposal, permit me to decline. [15:16] Masuho     Even if you were to command me, [15:19] Masuho     I have just dedicated myself to the     Mountain God, and thus could not comply. [15:26] Nazukihiko     You leave nothing to chance.     You did not need to go that far. [15:33] Masuho     I find I am more stubborn     and simpleminded than I thought. [15:39] Masuho     But that is the price I pay     for living with pride. [15:45] Masuho     I could not become the woman you desired,     but if anything, I feel refreshed. [15:51] Masuho     Your Highness has my gratitude. [15:55] Nazukihiko     I am glad I could be of service. [16:03] Kikuno     Oh, whatever shall I do? [16:05] Kikuno     I must fix your hair, then return to     the Autumn Hall for fresh clothes— [16:08] Masuho     Calm down, Kikuno. [16:10] Masuho     His Highness is watching,     and he has yet to make his choice. [16:21] Yukiya     Now, finally... [16:40] Nazukihiko     Lady Asebi. [16:42] Nazukihiko     I have desired to speak to you for a long time. [16:45] Asebi     I feel the same way. [16:49] Asebi     I doubt you remember, but when     we were small children, you and I... [16:56] Nazukihiko     I remember. [16:58] Nazukihiko     You looked like a cherry blossom sprite. [17:01] Nazukihiko     You still do. [17:19] Nazukihiko     The court is nothing but a history of blood. [17:25] Nazukihiko     Becoming my consort means     always living within its confines. [17:31] Nazukihiko     Can you endure that? [17:35] Nazukihiko     Two lives were lost in     Cherry Blossom Palace this past year. [17:41] Nazukihiko     Do you still wish to become my wife here? [17:47] Asebi     I am sure you will think less of me for it, [17:50] Asebi     but I wish to marry Your Highness,      no matter the cost. [17:57] Nazukihiko     "No matter the cost"? [18:19] Nazukihiko     Shortly before Samomo passed away... [18:22] Nazukihiko     you used her as a messenger to     exchange letters with someone, correct? [18:27] Asebi     Yes. [18:29] Nazukihiko     With whom? [18:30] Asebi     An Eastern manservant. Kasuke is his name. [18:35] Ukogi     My lady! When did you do such a thing?! [18:37] Asebi     Can you blame me, Ukogi?     You refused to tell me anything. [18:41] Asebi     I wanted to learn about my mother. [18:45] Asebi     But Kasuke wrote that he couldn't     put something so important in writing. [18:50] Asebi     So I said, "Why not talk, then?" [18:55] Nazukihiko     You invited him to Cherry Blossom Palace. [18:59] Asebi     Yes. [19:03] Masuho     You invited... Tell me you are joking. [19:09] Nazukihiko     A lady in Cherry Blossom Palace corresponding      with a man, then arranging a tryst. [19:15] Nazukihiko     Even you must realize what a serious     breach of protocol that constitutes. [19:22] Asebi     I'm so sorry. He is only a manservant,     so I thought it wouldn't matter. [19:27] Nazukihiko     A manservant is still a man. [19:29] Asebi     A man? [19:31] Asebi     But he's a hill raven. [19:35] Asebi     It was nothing so grand as a tryst. [19:38] Asebi     And anyway, Kasuke never came.      He broke his promise. [19:43] Nazukihiko     No, Kasuke was a man of his word. [19:47] Nazukihiko     He came to Cherry Blossom     Palace at your call, [19:50] Nazukihiko     but he would be killed before he saw you. [19:52] Nazukihiko     On a moonless night. [20:01] (Flashback) Masuho     Who's there?! [20:01] (Flashback) Kikuno     Intruder! [20:05] (Flashback) Wisteria Guards     There he is! I found him! [20:11] Masuho     He was the intruder? [20:17] Asebi     Truly? [20:19] Nazukihiko     And that was not the first time     you had summoned Kasuke, was it? [20:25] (Flashback) Futaba     Even now, I cannot get     that night out of my mind. [20:30] ---     First Lady of     the Eastern House     Futaba [20:31] (Flashback) Futaba     My house held a New Year's party. [20:35] (Flashback) Futaba     I dismissed all my attendants     and remained alone in this room. [20:39] (Flashback) Futaba     That was always my way.     I am not fond of lively occasions. [20:49] (Flashback) Futaba     I thought one of my ladies had returned. [21:02] (Flashback) Futaba     That voice... That stinking breath...     They still cling to me. [21:08] (Flashback) Futaba     Again and again, he whispered in my ear, [21:13] (Flashback) Futaba     "I'm so glad. You finally called for me... [21:17] (Flashback) Futaba     Second Lady." [21:29] Yukiya     "Second Lady"? [21:35] Nazukihiko     By all rights, Lady Futaba, the first     daughter of the East, should be here now. [21:41] Nazukihiko     But unable to reveal what had befallen her,     she pleaded pockmarks and declined. [21:47] Nazukihiko     The second daughter of the East      was chosen in her place. [21:50] Nazukihiko     You, Asebi. [21:59] Ukogi     Y-Your Highness does not know her. [22:02] Ukogi     My lady could never maliciously     entrap someone. It is not in her nature. [22:07] Ukogi     I beg your pardon, but I am told Lady Futaba     has always been difficult and inclined to brood. [22:14] Ukogi     Who can say if she told you the truth? [22:16] Ukogi     And that intruder died in raven shape,      making him impossible to identify. [22:22] Ukogi     Nothing proves he was Kasuke, [22:24] Ukogi     and we cannot question Samomo,     who carried the letters. [22:29] Ukogi     Surely this is all supposition! [22:31] Ukogi     How can you claim that     my lady orchestrated it all?! [22:41] Nazukihiko     Very well. [22:44] Nazukihiko     In that case, let me tell you... SIGN    Kasuke [22:47] Nazukihiko     what your beloved lady has been up      to while your eyes were turned. [24:30] Narrator     Of the prospective consorts,     only Asebi remains. [24:35] Narrator     What do her clear, beautiful eyes behold? [24:42] Narrator     After unraveling every mystery,     what verdict will the Prince deliver? [24:49] Narrator     Next time: "Ravens Shouldn't Wear Kimono." SIGN    Ravens Shouldn't SIGN    Wear Kimono SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E13 - Ravens Shouldn't Wear Kimono Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master [01:47] Nazukihiko     Very well. [01:49] Nazukihiko     In that case, let me tell you... SIGN    Kasuke [01:52] Nazukihiko     what your beloved lady has been up      to while your eyes were turned. [01:58] Masuho     A letter? SIGN    Kasuke [02:02] Elderly Lady-in-waiting     When you return to the Center, please tell     His Highness we appreciate his concern. [02:08] Nazukihiko     Certainly. I promise to inform His Highness. [02:21] Nazukihiko     Shall I assist you? [02:23] Kasuke     Huh? [02:25] Nazukihiko     Then, you and the Second Lady     must be quite close, Kasuke. [02:30] Kasuke     I wouldn't dare! [02:30] Kasuke     Servant of     the Eastern House     Kasuke [02:33] Kasuke     But her ladyship has a good heart. [02:37] Kasuke     She even has kind words for hill     ravens with no family, like me. [02:43] Kasuke     I would do anything for her. [02:48] Nazukihiko     The next time I called on the Eastern     House, Kasuke had gone missing. [02:53] Nazukihiko     Most assumed he had grown dissatisfied     with his treatment and fled. [02:58] Nazukihiko     And just before that, an     intruder caused a stir here. [03:01] Nazukihiko     I saved this letter from the     fire in the nick of time. [03:05] Ukogi     Wh-What does it say? [03:28] Yukiya     "I'd like you to come see me     without a word to anyone." [03:32] Asebi     I'll await you on the first     moonless night after Tanabata. [03:39] Asebi     Come to the red kimono and— [03:43] Shiratama     A red kimono hangs outside the     Autumn Hall, not the Spring Hall! [03:47] Yukiya     Huh? [03:49] Masuho     Asebi, you meant to     send that man to me?! [03:54] Asebi     You misunderstand, Lady Masuho! [03:56] Asebi     I tried to put out a red kimono!     Right in front of my room! [04:00] Asebi     But... [04:01] Ukogi     I... I bear the blame! [04:04] Ukogi     I took the kimono down, never     dreaming what it was for. [04:10] Ukogi     My lady never meant to cause distress. [04:13] Nazukihiko     She should have had no difficulty     foreseeing you would stop her. [04:17] Ukogi     That is but more speculation! [04:20] Nazukihiko     I see ladies-in-waiting     are loyal to a fault. [04:24] Nazukihiko     I hear that Kasuke could not read. [04:27] Asebi     What? Is such a thing possible? [04:31] Nazukihiko     It's hardly unusual, especially     among poor, rural hill ravens. [04:37] Nazukihiko     Samomo read your letter aloud to Kasuke     and wrote out his reply for him. [04:45] Nazukihiko     You didn't realize? I thought as much. [04:50] Asebi     Thank you for going, Samomo. [04:53] Asebi     How did it go? Did you get an answer? [04:57] Asebi     Thank you! [04:58] Asebi     You must be tired. Take it easy today. [05:15] Asebi     Samomo doesn't seem like herself. [05:18] Asebi     I think she found out that I     summoned a manservant here. [05:22] Asebi     Samomo won't tell anyone, will she? [05:25] Asebi     Will I need to leave the palace     if this becomes public knowledge? [05:34] Asebi     Whatever shall I do, [05:38] Asebi     Princess Fujinami?! [05:44] Nazukihiko     Do I have that     approximately right, Fujinami? [05:47] Takimoto     Her Highness is in ill health. [05:51] Takimoto     Even Your Highness has no right to... [05:56] Nazukihiko     Now, let's read one more letter. [05:59] Asebi     That's... the letter I wrote to you! [06:03] Asebi     Receiving my first     letter from Your Highness [06:06] Asebi     made me so happy that I     wrote back right away. [06:08] Nazukihiko     Yes. And I wrote identical     letters to all four ladies. [06:15] Nazukihiko     But for some reason, I only     received this single reply. SIGN    His Highness     the Prince [06:24] Kikuno     Only the Spring Hall received     His Highness's letter? [06:27] Kikuno     Ukogi, is that true?! [06:30] Ukogi     W-Well... [06:31] Asebi     Wait! Don't blame Ukogi. [06:34] Asebi     I felt so giddy that I didn't     think things through. [06:38] Cha-no-Hana     You have some nerve,     feigning innocence. [06:41] Cha-no-Hana     Don't tell me you and Hamayu     stole those letters together? [06:46] Yukiya     I don't think Lady Hamayu     was the letter thief. [06:50] Cha-no-Hana     What do you mean? Hamayu     admitted to the theft herself! [06:56] Masuho     I believe in Hamayu's innocence as well. [07:00] Masuho     The letters were kept under strict watch. [07:02] Masuho     Messages to Cherry Blossom Palace     are stopped at Wisteria Hall, [07:07] Masuho     from which each house's     ladies-in-waiting retrieve them. [07:11] Masuho     The system allows no opportunity     to take another house's letters. [07:14] Masuho     That goes for all of us, not only Hamayu. [07:18] Cha-no-Hana     But the letters were in fact— [07:21] Shiratama     You said all correspondence is stored     in Wisteria Hall, didn't you? [07:26] Shiratama     Then, even if we couldn't     take it, perhaps... [07:36] Fujinami     B-Brother, I... [07:41] Fujinami     Forgive me, Brother! [07:45] Fujinami     I've been a fool. [07:47] Fujinami     I merely wished for Lady Asebi     to become your consort. [07:52] Nazukihiko     Hiding my letters is a trivial matter. [07:55] Nazukihiko     At least compared to your     other crime, Fujinami. [08:12] Fujinami     I understand. [08:14] Fujinami     I'll speak with Samomo. She won't breathe     a word of your manservant to anyone. [08:19] Asebi     But I can't help feeling uneasy. [08:22] Asebi     Samomo loves to chat. What     if her tongue slips? [08:25] Fujinami     Surely you worry too much. [08:28] Fujinami     Samomo knows her duty, and she has     a good head on her shoulders. [08:38] Asebi     That's true. No doubt you're right. [08:43] Fujinami     Sister, umm... [08:45] Asebi     Forgive me for intruding on     you at such a busy time. [08:59] Fujinami     You've served me well all this time. [09:01] Fujinami     You may have this. Now, leave     Cherry Blossom Palace at once. [09:06] Samomo     Is it Lady Asebi? [09:08] Samomo     She isn't the person Your     Highness imagines her to be. [09:12] Samomo     Her ladyship— [09:13] Fujinami     Enough. [09:14] Fujinami     I told you to go. Now, go. [09:15] Samomo     She's trying to ensnare her     rivals by underhanded— [09:18] Fujinami     I don't want to hear another word from you! [09:20] Samomo     Please! Please hear me out! [09:28] Fujinami     Dawn has broken. [09:30] Fujinami     Fly away this instant. [09:32] Fujinami     A hill raven like you must know how! [09:34] Samomo     Be care— [10:06] Takimoto     Worry not. [10:08] Takimoto     I, Takimoto, shall ensure     Your Highness's safety. [10:15] Fujinami     I didn't know. [10:17] Fujinami     I thought hill ravens could     fly whenever they want. [10:20] Fujinami     How could I know her kimono     would get in the way? [10:24] Fujinami     I only wanted her to leave. [10:27] Fujinami     Lady Asebi was troubled. [10:30] Fujinami     I didn't want to lose     Lady Asebi's affection! [10:36] Nazukihiko     You share her guilt, Takimoto. [10:39] Nazukihiko     You beheaded Kasuke while he merely     ran in panic, branded him a thief, [10:44] Nazukihiko     and then twisted the truth to claim he     killed Samomo after falling out with her. [10:49] Nazukihiko     All to shield your mistress. [10:52] Yukiya     Samomo's corpse was half human     and half in raven shape. [10:59] Yukiya     She struggled frantically to     fly until the bitter end. [11:07] Fujinami     S-Samomo! [11:15] Fujinami     I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! [11:23] Asebi     Oh, poor Princess Fujinami. [11:27] Nazukihiko     You pity her? [11:30] Nazukihiko     You must have realized she harbored     special feelings for you, [11:35] Nazukihiko     that she'd hidden my letters to     the other ladies for your sake. [11:38] Asebi     I did, and it pained me. [11:42] Asebi     I felt so guilty toward Lady Shiratama     and Lady Masuho-no-Susuki. [11:46] Asebi     But Princess Fujinami acted     out of affection for me. [11:52] Asebi     I couldn't possibly fault her for it. [11:55] Nazukihiko     And what about Samomo? [11:57] Nazukihiko     Did you never stop to think     what Fujinami would do [12:02] Nazukihiko     if you mentioned leaving the     palace and begged her for help? [12:06] Asebi     You don't mean... [12:08] Asebi     the Princess misunderstood me?! [12:14] Asebi     Oh, how awful! [12:17] Asebi     I failed to make myself clear, [12:20] Asebi     but I never dreamed she would     do anything so frightful! [12:26] Asebi     I bear all the blame. [12:29] Asebi     If only I hadn't presumed on     Princess Fujinami's affection. [12:33] Asebi     Please forgive me, Princess Fujinami. [12:39] Asebi     Samono and Kasuke should     never have had to die. [12:44] Asebi     What a tragic twist of fate. [13:14] Nazukihiko     I can't prove your malice. [13:21] Asebi     Your Highness, for so long,     I've felt drawn to— [13:26] Nazukihiko     But I'm sorry to say I loathe you. [13:37] Fujinami     Sister... [13:47] Fujinami     Brother...! [14:26] Nazukihiko     I've kept you waiting, Sumi. [14:28] Yukiya     "Sumi"? [14:30] Nazukihiko     Hey. Face facts already. [14:32] Nazukihiko     Did you forget your old name? [14:34] Nazukihiko     Or did falling off a cliff on your     rump knock it out of your head? [14:39] Hamayu     You... pasty-faced wimp! [14:42] Shiratama     L-Lady Hamayu?! [14:46] Masuho     Honestly! You had me worried sick! [14:58] Hamayu     So, when did you     figure out I was Sumi? [15:02] Nazukihiko     When I sounded out the Southern House. [15:05] Nazukihiko     It turned out my old partner-in-crime     had entered the palace as a lady. [15:09] Nazukihiko     I assume you sent me that warning. [15:12] Nazukihiko     Not many people would     take my side, after all. [15:17] Hamayu     I guess nothing gets past you. [15:23] Nazukihiko     I got a letter from Masuho-no-Susuki. [15:26] Nazukihiko     She wrote that she was harboring you, [15:29] Nazukihiko     and that you'd confessed to stealing     letters you never touched. [15:33] Hamayu     Why, that— [15:34] Nazukihiko     You didn't shield Fujinami. [15:37] Nazukihiko     You tried to protect her     kin in the Western House. [15:41] Nazukihiko     A stain on their reputation would get     in the way of my marrying Masuho. [15:45] Hamayu     You're too clever by half. [15:48] Hamayu     I put my money     on Masuho-no-Susuki. [15:51] Hamayu     If anyone has what it takes     to be your consort, she does. [15:55] Nazukihiko     Well, you have a point. [15:58] Hamayu     Then, why did you goad her into     giving you the cold shoulder? [16:02] Nazukihiko     You could tell? [16:03] Hamayu     Ask for Masuho-no-Susuki's hand again. [16:06] Nazukihiko     Masuho just took holy vows. [16:07] Hamayu     It's not too late. I'll talk to her. [16:10] Hamayu     Of the Four Houses, only the West     can protect you going forward. [16:14] Hamayu     You know that, right? [16:18] Hamayu     This isn't funny! [16:20] Hamayu     Your life is on the line! [16:23] Nazukihiko     Thank you, Sumi. [16:32] Nazukihiko     I want to change the status quo. [16:35] Nazukihiko     The Empress and the Kin'u have warped     imperial relations with the Four Houses. [16:39] Nazukihiko     I want to set them right. [16:42] Nazukihiko     To do that, the Royal House     must have neutrality. [16:45] Nazukihiko     For my consort, I need a     woman who can do her duty [16:49] Nazukihiko     but who won't tip the power     balance of the Four Houses. [16:53] Hamayu     I see where you're coming from, [16:55] Hamayu     but where will you find a woman like— [16:59] Nazukihiko     Hamayu. [17:01] Nazukihiko     I do not find you particularly special,     and I do not love you, either. [17:07] Nazukihiko     That will not change if I marry you. [17:11] Nazukihiko     I will take any number of     concubines if the need arises. [17:14] Nazukihiko     Given the right circumstances,     I may even abandon you. [17:19] Nazukihiko     But I will not allow you to complain or     to become intimate with any other man. [17:26] Nazukihiko     You must stifle yourself     and live only for me. [17:30] Nazukihiko     If you are prepared to accept all of that,      would you consent to become my wife? [17:38] Hamayu     So, that's how it is. [17:41] Nazukihiko     You belong to none of the Four Houses. [17:43] Nazukihiko     I couldn't ask for a more perfect consort. [17:47] Hamayu     You don't mind making enemies     of all four houses? [17:50] Nazukihiko     I'm counting on it. [17:52] Hamayu     Your mother was murdered by— [17:54] Nazukihiko     I know, but it doesn't matter. [18:06] Hamayu     I have one condition. [18:09] Hamayu     Let me tend to you on your deathbed. [18:14] Nazukihiko     Very well. You have my word. [18:25] Nazukihiko     What was that for? I thought you'd     fallen head over heels for me. [18:31] Hamayu     I suggest you study up on women's feelings. [18:39] Sumi     Ow. [18:41] Sumi     Damn it. I slipped. [18:47] Nazukihiko     Let's go, [18:48] Nazukihiko     Sumi. [19:26] ---     Castle Town Center [19:29] Girl     See you later. [19:53] Sumio     So, you're going back     to Taruhi after all? [19:55] Yukiya     Sorry, but I guess the Center     just doesn't suit me. [19:59] Sumio     And you're letting him go, Nazukihiko? [20:01] Yukiya     I'm grateful to Your Highness. [20:03] Yukiya     You saw me for myself, not     my birth or breeding. [20:08] Yukiya     No one's ever done that before. [20:10] Nazukihiko     I don't deserve your thanks,     but I appreciate them. [20:32] Sumio     Well, take care. [20:34] Yukiya     I will. You too, Sumio. [20:37] Nazukihiko     We'll meet again someday. [20:39] Yukiya     Er, I don't plan on coming back. [20:42] Nazukihiko     My kin'u instinct tells me. [20:44] Yukiya     That again? [20:49] Yukiya     I might as well ask you     while I have the chance. [20:52] Yukiya     Why are you so     obsessed with the throne? [20:55] Yukiya     I've been with you for a year now,     watching court power struggles. [21:02] Yukiya     They were a total farce. [21:06] Yukiya     The court wants Lord Natsuka     to succeed, right? [21:10] Yukiya     So, why not just let him? [21:12] Yukiya     You could get involved in     government through Lord Natsuka. [21:16] Yukiya     Why risk your life just     to become kin'u yourself? [21:20] Sumio     You've got it wrong, Yukiya. He— [21:22] Nazukihiko     Sumio. [21:23] Yukiya     I'm saying this because     I don't want to let you die! [21:34] Yukiya     Please give up on the throne. [21:39] Yukiya     I'll stay here if you do. [21:42] Yukiya     If you become just another     court raven, not a golden one, [21:46] Yukiya     I'll serve you. [21:53] Nazukihiko     If you take being the kin'u from     me, I'll have nothing left. [22:01] Yukiya     Then get yourself killed without me. [22:04] Yukiya     And out of my sight, if you please. [22:21] Sumio     Nazukihiko, do you see something? [24:30] Narrator     Having finished his service as     aide, Yukiya lingers in Taruhi [24:35] Narrator     when a raven lands before him. [24:39] Narrator     New encounters bring new enemies. [24:43] Narrator     Yukiya has yet to learn of the     threat creeping toward Yamauchi. SIGN    The     Taboo     Elixir [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "The Taboo Elixir" SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E14 - The Taboo Elixir Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) [01:49] Boy     Shh! Don't cry! SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    The North SIGN    Physician SIGN    Physician SIGN    The Lord's manor, Taruhi [04:29] Azusa     Yukiya. Yukiya! [04:33] Azusa     Rise and shine. [04:39] Azusa     Yukiya. [04:42] Yukiya     Mother. [04:45] Yukiya     Good morning. [04:47] Azusa     Good morning. [04:48] Azusa     For the second time today. [04:52] Yukiya     What do you mean? [04:55] Azusa     Yukima and Yukichi went out     right after breakfast. SIGN    Wife of the Lord of Taruhi     Azusa [05:02] Azusa     They looked like they had     somewhere they had to be. [05:07] Yukiya     Plum picking! [05:09] Yukiya     Of course! Today's the plum harvest! [05:11] Yukiya     Ah! How could I fall back asleep? [05:15] Yukiya     Aw, man. [05:24] Azusa     Are you feeling all right? [05:27] Yukiya     I-I'm fine, mother. [05:30] Yukiya     Never been healthier. [05:32] Yukiya     Anyway, see you later. SIGN    The Lord of Taruhi's      third son     Yukichi [06:07] Yukichi     Yukiya! SIGN    The Lord of Taruhi's     eldest son     Yukima [06:10] Yukima     Don't go telling us you're sorry. [06:12] Yukima     You're late! The harvest is already over! [06:18] Villager 1     He never changes. [06:20] Villager 1     It's been two whole months     since he got back from the Center. [06:23] Villager 2     Leave him be. I like that     the middle brother's so easygoing. [06:29] Yukiya     Aw, man. I really messed up. [06:32] Yukiya     Guess I might as well land. [06:40] Yukiya     Huh? Is that guy hurt or something? [06:56] Yukiya     Whoa! [07:02] Yukima     What are they doing? [07:20] Yukima     Yukiya! [07:22] Yukiya     Ow. [07:24] Yukima     Are you all right? [07:25] Yukiya     Something's wrong with that guy. [07:27] Yukima     Huh? [07:28] Yukiya     He tried to grab me and     slam me into the ground. [07:33] Yukiya     He didn't even care that he might also die. [07:37] Yukiya     Brother. [07:39] Yukima     Everyone! Into the sheds! [07:45] Yukima     Hurry! [07:51] Old Man     Ow, that smarts. [07:53] Yukiya     Gramps! [08:07] Yukiya     Huh? [08:14] Yukiya     Now's our chance. [08:15] Old Man     R-Right. [08:34] Yukiya     Wow. [08:41] Yukiya     Thank you so much, Mr. uh... [08:44] Nazukihiko     You're not hurt, are you? [08:45] Yukiya     Huh? [08:47] Yukiya     Huh? What?! [08:55] Yukimasa     Come. Have a drink. SIGN    The Lord of Taruhi     in the North     Yukimasa [09:05] Yukimasa     Well, I'll be. You really     know how to put it away. [09:10] Nazukihiko     They say fate works in strange ways. [09:13] Nazukihiko     Still, I never imagined I'd run into you here.      What a coincidence, Sir Yukiya. [09:19] Yukiya     Sure. Whatever you say. [09:21] Yukimasa     Yukiya, at least try to act friendly. [09:24] Yukimasa     I beg your pardon, Sir Sumimaru. [09:27] Yukimasa     My second son isn't good for much. [09:29] Yukimasa     No doubt he caused you no end     of trouble in the Center. [09:33] Nazukihiko     Not at all. Your son was a great help      to His Highness and myself. [09:38] Yukimasa     Oh, there's no need for flattery. [09:42] Yukimasa     He admitted he was so useless     the Prince couldn't wait to send him packing. [09:54] Azusa     Please, eat your fill. [09:59] Azusa     These young sweetfish are freshly caught. [10:02] Azusa     Come now. Start serving. [10:04] Maidservants     Yes, my lady. [10:11] Guard     Do me a favor and stay put. [10:16] Yukimasa     A taboo elixir? [10:19] Nazukihiko     Those who take it supposedly     feel utterly fulfilled. [10:23] Nazukihiko     They brim with confidence,     as if they had ascended to godhood. [10:29] Nazukihiko     But after repeated doses,     they lose their minds... [10:31] Yukichi     And end up like that guy today? [10:33] Nazukihiko     Indeed. [10:35] Yukimasa     How could such a drug... [10:37] Yukimasa     But wait... [10:43] Yukimasa     A little while back, I got a report     of someone at the Taruhi inn [10:48] Yukimasa     peddling some strange medicine     they claim had caught on in the Center. [10:53] Yukimasa     I took my men to investigate, [10:58] Yukimasa     but we couldn't find any solid proof. [11:01] Nazukihiko     The drug definitely exists. [11:05] Nazukihiko     But we know far too little about it. [11:08] Nazukihiko     What is it made of? Who is spreading it?      How? And for how long? [11:13] Yukimasa     So you have come to investigate? [11:15] Nazukihiko     Yes. On direct orders from His Highness. [11:19] Yukimasa     Truly? Then, allow us to     assist you in any way we can. [11:25] Yukimasa     This matter concerns     the peace of the North as well. [11:28] Nazukihiko     Thank you. [11:29] Nazukihiko     In that case... [11:32] Nazukihiko     May I borrow Sir Yukiya? [11:35] Yukiya     Huh? [11:36] Yukimasa     Y-Yukiya? But a blockhead like him won't— [11:40] Yukiya     I respectfully decline! [11:45] Yukiya     I can't trust myself with     such a weighty responsibility. [11:49] Yukiya     Only today, I slept in, even though     I promised to help with the harvest. [11:54] Yukiya     I'll help in any way I can, but I don't     believe I'd make a fitting companion. [12:00] Yukiya     Please take my eldest brother,      Yukima, instead. [12:08] Yukima     No, I beg you to take Yukiya. [12:11] Yukiya     What? [12:12] Yukima     I have faith that my brother      will not disappoint you. [12:15] Yukima     He works well when he puts his mind to it. [12:16] Yukiya     What are you talking about? [12:18] Yukiya     I just got in everyone's way in the Center! [12:21] Yukima     But you won't tell us anything     about your duties there. [12:26] Yukima     Only that they couldn't     wait to be rid of you. [12:29] Yukiya     Brother! [12:33] Yukima     Sir Sumimaru spent a year with you      and is still asking for your help. [12:39] Yukima     What clearer proof could there be? [12:43] Azusa     Boys, don't forget we have a guest present. [12:49] Yukimasa     I'm sorry you had to see that. [12:51] Nazukihiko     Don't be. [12:53] Yukimasa     I suppose you might find it easier     to work with a familiar face. [12:57] Yukimasa     Set Yukiya to do any odd jobs      you may have for him. SIGN    Sugou, Taruhi SIGN    Koume [13:19] Koume     What did you just say? [13:22] Jihei     Let's bring an end to this. [13:25] Jihei     We can live out in the countryside. [13:28] Jihei     We'll get away from the Center and     run a little shop where no one knows us. [13:35] Koume     You've said that before. [13:37] Jihei     I mean it this time. SIGN    Jihei [13:41] Jihei     I'll turn over a new leaf. [13:57] Jihei     Where are you going? [14:00] Koume     The outhouse. [14:30] Yukiya     Your "kin'u instinct"     was right on the money. [14:34] Yukiya     Or did you know this would happen all along... [14:38] Yukiya     Your Highness? [14:44] Nazukihiko     You must be confused. [14:46] Nazukihiko     His Highness is in the Center,     doing his duty with aplomb. [14:50] Nazukihiko     For the moment, I am merely     his attendant, Sumimaru. [14:57] Nazukihiko     And I haven't come to bring you back. [15:00] Nazukihiko     People will hesitate to answer an outsider     if there are local accomplices. [15:07] Nazukihiko     I would be glad to have you along, [15:09] Nazukihiko     but I won't force you if you refuse. [15:14] Nazukihiko     I learned of the elixir ten days ago. [15:18] Nazukihiko     According to a petition     from the pleasure quarter, [15:20] Nazukihiko     a courtesan was flailing wildly in     raven shape, unable to change back. [15:26] Nazukihiko     An investigation revealed     similar cases throughout the Center. [15:32] Nazukihiko     Then I heard of a man peddling     suspicious medicine in Taruhi. [15:40] Nazukihiko     This is hardly the first drug     used to bring pleasure. [15:45] Nazukihiko     The people of the Ravine     control all the others, [15:48] Nazukihiko     but not even they know     where this one comes from. [16:03] Nazukihiko     A mere few doses destroy both a person's     reason and power to take human shape. [16:08] Nazukihiko     The Center's physicians have devoted     themselves to finding a cure, [16:12] Nazukihiko     but they have yet to discover     any way to reverse the effects. [16:18] Nazukihiko     If we stand idly by while     it spreads through Yamauchi... [16:23] Yukiya     Taruhi and the very existence     of the yatagarasu will be in danger? [16:41] Yukimasa     What happened? [16:44] Guard     He suddenly went berserk. [16:50] Yukima     Did that medicine cause this, too? [16:55] Courtesan     Can I have more? [16:58] Dandy     I don't know. It's awfully rare. [17:01] Courtesan     Have a heart. [17:03] Courtesan     Tell me, what do you call it? [17:06] Nazukihiko     I'm told that in some quarters,     the drug goes by the name... SIGN    Sagecap SIGN    Sagecap [17:13] Nazukihiko     "Sagecap." [17:16] Yukiya     Sagecap. [17:35] Shopkeeper     Sorry. We're out of stock. [17:55] Yukimasa     I sent my men out ahead of you. [17:58] Yukimasa     I am certain you will find them useful. [18:02] Nazukihiko     I am much obliged. [18:04] Yukima     Please don't hesitate to     put my brother to work. [18:08] Yukima     Yukiya, you have an important job.      We're counting on you. [18:11] Yukiya     Yes, brother. [18:17] Yukiya     I'll see you soon. [18:52] Nazukihiko     You're lucky to have     brothers like them, Yukiya. [18:57] Yukiya     Your Highness doesn't play fair. [18:59] Nazukihiko     How so? [19:00] Yukiya     You said you wouldn't force me if I refused, [19:03] Yukiya     but you must have known     I couldn't ignore a threat to Taruhi. [19:09] Nazukihiko     Oh, that's what you mean. [19:11] Nazukihiko     Well, work hard for this place     that means so much to you. SIGN    Sunrise Palace [19:36] Sumio     Blue. [19:39] Sumio     Blue. [19:41] Sumio     Blue. Blue. [19:45] Sumio     You'd better come back soon, Nazukihiko. SIGN    Tamari, Taruhi [20:04] Merchant 1     Ah, I've had it. [20:08] Merchant 1     Damn it all. [20:12] Merchant 2     What's wrong? [20:14] Merchant 1     A customer stood me up. [20:17] Merchant 1     I was supposed to meet     someone from Sugou here. [20:21] Merchant 1     I've been waiting since yesterday. [20:29] Yukiya     No leads here, either. [20:31] Nazukihiko     I wouldn't say that. [20:33] Nazukihiko     We got a description     of our suspected dealer. [20:37] Yukiya     "A thin man of about 40 years of age"? [20:41] Yukiya     Do you have any idea     how many of those there are? SIGN    Sugou SIGN    Mukawa SIGN    Hirai SIGN    Taruhi SIGN    Shiozawa SIGN    Inemura SIGN    Tamari SIGN    Sugou SIGN    Mukawa SIGN    Taruhi SIGN    Shiozawa SIGN    Inemura SIGN    Tamari SIGN    Sugou SIGN    Mukawa SIGN    Taruhi SIGN    Shiozawa SIGN    Inemura SIGN    Tamari SIGN    Nakasato SIGN    Sugou SIGN    Mukawa SIGN    Taruhi SIGN    Shiozawa SIGN    Inemura SIGN    Tamari SIGN    Nakasato SIGN    Sugou SIGN    Mukawa SIGN    Taruhi SIGN    Shiozawa SIGN    Inemura SIGN    Tamari SIGN    m 0 0 l 100 0 100 100 0 100 SIGN    Nakasato [20:49] Yukiya     Let me see. The next town is... [20:52] Merchant 1     Gh-Ghost-fire? [20:55] Merchant 1     You mean those lights up in the hills      that lead people astray? [20:59] Merchant 3     Yeah. I saw lights flickering     on the brow of the hill at Sugou. [21:07] Merchant 2     Yup, that's ghost-fire all right.     I hear it's been showing up a lot lately. [21:13] Merchant 1     Stop, both of you! [21:15] Merchant 1     I'm trying to get answers, and you just— [21:17] Nazukihiko     Let me buy you a drink. [21:20] Nazukihiko     In exchange, would you mind     telling me the whole story? [21:24] Merchants     Huh? [21:32] Yukiya     So wait, how did we get stuck     delivering this stuff to Sugou? [21:36] Nazukihiko     I got in too deep to back out. [21:38] Yukiya     What good will looking      into ghost-fire do us? [21:41] Nazukihiko     I don't know, but it's another anomaly     in Taruhi at around the same time. [21:45] Nazukihiko     There must be some connection. [21:47] Yukiya     Your "kin'u instinct" again? [21:50] Nazukihiko     Exactly. [22:06] Yukiya     Maybe everyone's out in the fields? [22:10] Yukiya     I know this smell. [22:14] Nazukihiko     Be ready to fly at a moment's notice. [24:31] Narrator     A grotesque horror reveals itself. [24:36] Narrator     The reek of death     clings to the small village. [24:42] Narrator     A lone girl escaped the slaughter, [24:45] Narrator     but is she friend or foe? SIGN    The Girl SIGN    Who Lived [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "The Girl Who Lived." SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E15 - The Girl Who Lived Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) [00:35] Yukiya     Your Highness! [00:35] Nazukihiko     Stay back! [00:50] Yukiya     A monkey? [00:53] Nazukihiko     Don't let your guard down. [01:17] Yukiya     Your Highness... [01:20] Yukiya     What happened here? SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master [03:26] Yukiya     Your Highness! [03:29] Yukiya     This one's alive! [03:31] Yukiya     I think he's hurt. [03:33] Yukiya     He needs treatment before... [03:35] Nazukihiko     Yukiya! [03:36] Yukiya     Huh? [03:40] Yukiya     L-Let go! [03:57] Nazukihiko     Unbelievable. You still     have room in your belly? [04:02] Nazukihiko     Then, eat. [04:04] Nazukihiko     But you'll pay for this meal with your life. [04:07] Yukiya     Oh, come on! [04:30] Yukiya     How did a monkey turn into a person? [04:35] Nazukihiko     They can take human shape,     but they may not understand our speech. [04:41] Nazukihiko     I warned him the meal     would cost him his life, [04:44] Nazukihiko     but he didn't even hesitate. [04:47] Yukiya     Wh-What if he really had eaten me? [04:50] Nazukihiko     I saved you in time, didn't I? [04:57] Nazukihiko     We'll check the other houses. [05:22] Yukiya     Did they really get the whole village? [06:01] Nazukihiko     Yukiya. [06:01] Yukiya     Huh? [06:09] Yukiya     Sh-She might be a monkey, too. [06:11] Nazukihiko     No, she's a yatagarasu. [06:14] Nazukihiko     I have no power to harm her. [06:19] Yukiya     Come again? [06:53] Yukima     Father went out to search the countryside.     He won't be back until tomorrow. [06:58] Yukima     Where's Sir Sumimaru? [06:59] Yukiya     He just took his leave. [07:01] Yukiya     To bring help from the Center, he said. [07:03] Yukima     We could certainly use some. [07:05] Yukichi     Hey, is this girl okay? [07:08] Yukichi     She's been asleep this whole time. [07:11] Yukima     The physician said     we shouldn't start worrying yet. [07:16] Yukima     So no one else survived, huh? [07:19] Yukima     Poor girl. [07:22] Yukiya     I wonder. [07:25] Yukiya     The whole village was slaughtered,     but she doesn't have a scratch on her. [07:30] Yukima     Maybe she got lucky. [07:32] Yukiya     "Lucky"? [07:35] Yukiya     You wouldn't talk about luck     if you'd seen that place. [07:40] Yukiya     Sorry. [07:41] Yukima     No, you're right. [07:45] Yukima     We still can't prove she's not a monkey. [07:49] Yukima     You've had a rough day. [07:51] Yukima     I'll stay awake tonight. You get some rest. [08:38] Sumio     That sounds like... SIGN    The Court [08:45] Gatekeeper 1     A post bell? [08:57] Nazukihiko     Urgent tidings! [08:58] Nazukihiko     Disaster has struck Taruhi in the North! [09:00] Nazukihiko     Open the gates! [09:06] Sumio     I sent word to the Four Houses. [09:08] Sumio     I told them to assemble in Purple Hall.     In their nightgowns if they have to. [09:13] Nazukihiko     Much appreciated. [09:14] Sumio     I'm sure they'll grumble about it, though. [09:17] Sumio     So... [09:18] Sumio     What's in this thing? It's heavy as hell. [09:22] Nazukihiko     Smelling salts. They'll wake     our drowsy ministers right up. [09:34] Nazukihiko     Will you still speak of "tall tales"      after seeing this? [09:41] Nazukihiko     This mouth... These very fangs     devoured a whole village of yatagarasu. [09:50] Akira     I... I can't believe it. SIGN    Lord of the West     Akira [09:52] Akira     Monkeys that feed on yatagarasu? [09:55] Akira     Where in Yamauchi did     such creatures come from? [09:58] Toru     We can see the monkeys exist,     whether you believe in them or not. SIGN    Lord of the South     Toru [10:04] Toru     Whatever happens,     they must not reach the Center. SIGN    Lord of the East     Haruhito [10:07] Toru     I suggest we bar the road to Taruhi at once. [10:10] Genya     Our enemies are monkeys. SIGN    Lord of the North     Genya [10:12] Genya     What would blocking     our roads do to stop them? [10:16] Nazukihiko     These monkeys can take     human shape, just like yatagarasu. [10:24] Haruhito     Then, could they already be among us? [10:27] Nazukihiko     Lord Genya. [10:28] Genya     Your Highness. [10:29] Nazukihiko     Prepare to dispatch troops at once. [10:32] Nazukihiko     I wish you to join Taruhi's lord     in scouring the countryside. [10:38] Nazukihiko     The monkeys have the advantage in     close combat. Have bows and spears ready. [10:42] Genya     As you wish. [10:43] Nazukihiko     Strengthen the guard on all checkpoints. [10:45] Nazukihiko     Investigate anyone who seems     even remotely suspect. [10:48] Nazukihiko     Inspect isolated villages for     disturbances like what befell Sugou [10:53] Nazukihiko     in every domain and without delay! [10:56] Akira; Toru; Genya Haruhito     Yes, Your Highness. [10:57] Nazukihiko     Assume that these monkeys may come     to eat your wives and children tomorrow. [11:03] Nazukihiko     This is no Northern crisis. [11:07] Nazukihiko     It threatens the whole of Yamauchi. [11:13] Crowd     Don't push. [11:15] Crowd     Hurry up. SIGN    Taruhi Checkpoint [11:21] Crowd     Wait your turn. [11:25] Official     Okay, next! [11:26] Merchant     Here, sir. [11:27] Traveler 1     I hear they're ten shaku tall     and swallow grown men whole. [11:32] Traveler 2     Word is they've got a hundred fangs. [11:34] Traveler 3     First, it's that big, mad raven, and now this. [11:37] Traveler 3     I'm too scared to stay in this town. [11:45] Koume     How many times do I have to tell you?     I don't know anything. [11:50] Koume     Why am I even tied up in a cell, anyway? [11:54] Koume     What are you accusing me of? [11:57] Guard 1     Enough chatter. [11:58] Guard 1     Just answer our questions. [12:02] Guard 2     What were you doing, sleeping in that chest? [12:05] Koume     I told you... [12:06] Yukima     Koume, isn't it? [12:09] Yukima     We wouldn't restrain you     if we didn't have to. [12:14] Yukima     We'll release you as soon as we can prove     you're a yatagarasu and you mean no harm. [12:21] Koume     Huh? [12:22] Koume     What do you mean "prove I'm a yatagarasu"? [12:26] Koume     What else could I be? [12:28] Koume     And who would I "mean harm" to? [12:31] Yukima     Are you from Sugou? [12:34] Koume     I'm from the Center. [12:36] Koume     I'd never been to Sugou before. [12:38] Yukima     What brought you there from the Center? [12:40] Koume     Business. [12:42] Koume     My dad and I brought sake. [12:45] Koume     They threw a big party     as soon as we got there. [12:49] Yukima     Your father was with you? [12:53] Koume     Yes. [12:55] Yukima     And your mother? [12:56] Koume     Haven't got one. [12:58] Koume     It's always been just my dad and me,     two traveling merchants. [13:04] Koume     Hey, has my dad caused      some kind of trouble again? [13:08] Koume     So you know, I have nothing— [13:10] Guard 2     Where is your father now? [13:12] Koume     I told you, I got drunk and fell asleep! [13:16] Koume     Ask one of the villagers where to find him. [13:19] Yukiya     The villagers of Sugou     are no longer with us. [13:23] Koume     What? [13:25] Koume     They died? [13:27] Yukiya     Yes. [13:28] Yukiya     Vicious monkeys attacked them. [13:31] Koume     Monkeys? Don't you mean bears or something? [13:35] Yukiya     Monkeys. [13:36] Yukiya     We're still searching for survivors     while we comb the countryside, [13:40] Yukiya     but you're probably the only one     who left that village alive. [13:48] Koume     W-Wait. [13:50] Koume     Is... Is my dad all right? [13:53] Yukima     Right now, we only know that he's missing. [13:57] Koume     No. [13:59] Koume     Why? [14:01] Koume     How did this happen? [14:02] Yukiya     I can't understand it, either. [14:04] Yukiya     Why were you spared     when everyone else died? [14:10] Koume     I haven't got a clue. [14:14] Koume     How would I know that? [14:33] Guard 1     That girl's got some rotten luck. [14:37] Guard 1     She and her father picked     a hell of a time to visit Sugou. [14:41] Guard 2     I bet her father hid her in that chest,      hoping it would save her. [14:46] Guard 1     That was probably the last thing he did. [14:49] Yukima     Will she be released? [14:52] Guard 1     She was able to take raven shape,      so I don't see why not. [14:57] Guard 1     But with no family left, how will     she support herself back in the Center? [15:05] Azusa     Excuse me. [15:08] Azusa     In that case... [15:13] Azusa     We've decided to take Koume in      until we find her father. [15:18] Azusa     She may not be here long,     but be kind to her. [15:22] Koume     I'll help with anything I can. [15:25] Koume     I hope you'll all put up with me. [15:56] Azusa     What's gotten into you, Yukiya? [15:59] Azusa     How is she supposed to settle in     with you watching her like a hawk? [16:04] Yukiya     I can't help questioning     your judgment, Mother. [16:09] Azusa     Really? Why? [16:13] Yukiya     How can you be sure      she's telling the truth? [16:16] Yukiya     The villagers who could     confirm her story are all dead. [16:20] Yukiya     Everyone pities her as a girl     on her own with a missing father, [16:25] Yukiya     but I get the feeling     she's hiding something. [16:28] Yukiya     How could you let a yatagarasu     we know so little about into the house? [16:33] Azusa     Even if she has her secrets, [16:35] Azusa     I can't abandon a child to fend for herself. [16:39] Yukiya     A child? [16:40] Azusa     Yes, a child. Just like you. [16:46] Azusa     All right. How about this? [16:48] Azusa     You look after that girl. [16:51] Yukiya     Excuse me? [16:53] Azusa     Who better? You're almost the same age. [16:58] Azusa     It will give her someone to talk to. [17:00] Yukiya     Mother! [17:04] Azusa     It will do more good than     glaring at her from afar and fretting. SIGN    Clear Mirror Temple [17:22] Rokon     Have you learned anything, Lord Natsuka? SIGN    Clear Mirror Temple's     Natsuka [17:26] Natsuka     No. This is the strangest incident      in Yamauchi's history. [17:30] Natsuka     I have never heard of any creature     but us taking human shape. [17:35] Rokon     So long story short, we Yatagarasu      aren't as unique as we thought, huh? SIGN    Natsuka's bodyguard     Rokon [17:42] Rokon     Not that I'd know much about it. [18:04] Yukimasa     As we feared, no one from Sugou survived. [18:08] Yukimasa     They ate all the women     and children on the spot. [18:12] Yukimasa     The men, though, they rounded up and     shredded, tossing the chunks into big pots... [18:20] Yukimasa     and pouring salt over them. [18:23] Yukichi     Salt? What for? [18:26] Yukima     Food preservation. [18:29] Yukima     They salted the leftover meat      to save it for later. [18:35] Azusa     And the merchant visiting Sugou? [18:39] Yukimasa     We couldn't tell the bodies apart. [18:45] Yukima     But how did it happen? [18:46] Yukima     No matter how vicious these monkeys were,     how did not a single adult escape? [18:52] Yukimasa     We found the remains of a village party. [18:56] Yukimasa     Maybe the food was laced with     some drug that slowed them down. [19:03] Yukiya     They're intelligent. [19:08] Yukiya     Normal animals don't drug     people's food or salt meat to last longer. [19:18] Yukiya     They didn't do this just to fill their     bellies. They have another goal. [19:24] Yukiya     They smile at the sight of frightened prey.      Prey they toy with as they kill. [19:30] Yukiya     They're hunting yatagarasu for sport. [19:56] Shabby Man     I heard something     I thought you'd want to know. [20:02] Shabby Man     It wasn't easy getting this news. [20:07] Shabby Man     I can't give it up for less than— [20:14] Shabby Man     It's about S-Sagecap! [20:36] Yukiya     Here. [20:39] Koume     Thank you. [20:47] Koume     Do you need anything else? [20:50] Yukiya     I'm sorry about the other day. [20:54] Yukiya     I shouldn't have asked that     when you'd been through so much. [20:58] Koume     It's fine. [20:59] Koume     I can't blame you for suspecting me,      under the circumstances. [21:09] Koume     Hey, what are you glaring at me for? [21:11] Yukiya     Huh? [21:13] Koume     There. That look. [21:15] Koume     You'd think I was your archenemy     the way you keep eyeing me all day long. [21:20] Koume     Did I do something to offend you? [21:23] Yukiya     No, it's nothing like that. [21:28] Yukiya     Sorry if I bothered you. [21:30] Yukiya     I didn't want to leave you alone     after all you've been through. [21:36] Yukiya     But that was no excuse to be rude. [21:39] Yukiya     I, well, wasn't sure how     to talk to a girl my own age. [21:49] Koume     Oh, really? [21:51] Koume     You know, her ladyship asked me... [21:54] Koume     if I'd like to stay and     work here permanently. [21:57] Yukiya     Huh? [21:58] Koume     Only if they don't find my dad, obviously. [22:04] Koume     But I didn't give her a clear answer. [22:08] Koume     I mean, I thought you     hated having me around. [22:18] Koume     That's a load off my mind. [22:21] Koume     I might be living under your roof      for a long time to come. [22:25] Koume     So again, I hope you'll put up with me. [22:30] Koume     Okay, Yukiya? [22:35] Yukiya     Likewise. [22:50] Tobi     You sly bastard. SIGN    Tobi [22:53] Tobi     Wherever you hide, I swear I'll find you. [24:30] Narrator     At long last, Yukiya returns to the Center, [24:33] Narrator     but he doesn't have long for reunions     as he hurries to the Prince's side. [24:42] Narrator     In a forest flickering with ghost-fire,     a boy witnesses a mysterious power. SIGN    Wisteria SIGN    Arrows [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "Wisteria Arrows." SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E16 - Wisteria Arrows Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master [02:08] Koume     Wow! [02:09] Koume     I've never flown this high before! [02:12] Yukiya     Don't lean over like that. It's not safe. [02:15] Koume     I hear you used to serve the Prince. [02:18] Yukiya     What about it? [02:20] Koume     Tell me about the palace. [02:22] Koume     I've always admired court ravens. [02:26] Koume     Are you going to stop by     to say hello? If you are— [02:30] Yukiya     I'm going nowhere near the palace. [02:33] Yukiya     We'll pick up some spare clothes from     your house, then head straight home. [02:37] Koume     You're no fun. SIGN    Lower Town Harbor, the Center [02:52] Yukiya     That's outrageous! [02:54] Inn Staff     It's the standard rate here.     Go someplace else if you don't like it. [02:57] Yukiya     Aw, come on. Can't you     cut me some kind of deal? [03:02] Yukiya     I only need to leave him for an hour. [03:04] Inn Staff     I said no, and I mean no. [03:05] Yukiya     Please? [03:11] Yukiya     Fine. Here. [03:12] Inn Staff     Come again. [03:17] Yukiya     And they wonder why     I can't stand the Center. [03:20] Yukiya     Sorry to keep you waiting... [03:31] Yukiya     Seriously? [04:09] Yukiya     Koume. [04:12] Yukiya     Are you okay? [04:14] Koume     I had this feeling that     my dad had come back. [04:21] Koume     I feel so stupid. [04:28] Koume     We've been water peddlers for generations. [04:31] Yukiya     You sold water? [04:34] Koume     Not just any water. [04:36] Koume     Some springs on the Central Mountain      have special attributes. [04:42] Koume     That well is one of them. [04:45] Koume     The water from it can cure illnesses     and make crops grow. [04:49] Koume     It's sold as medicine out      in the countryside. [04:54] Koume     And it doesn't cost anything to make, [04:57] Koume     so, well, we made out like bandits. [05:02] Koume     Until one day, out of     the blue, the well ran dry. [05:08] Yukiya     Shh! [05:09] Koume     Huh? [05:19] Yukiya     Who are you? [05:20] Man 1     Back off, brat.     We've got business with the girl. [05:24] Koume     Bill collectors?     Sorry, but we've got nothing left. [05:28] Koume     So get out. [05:30] Man 2     Sorry if we startled you. [05:32] Man 2     We're Jihei's buddies. [05:35] Man 2     He asked us to come get you. [05:39] Koume     You know my dad? [05:40] Man 2     Yup. [05:42] Koume     Why didn't he come himself? [05:45] Man 2     Oh, you know. Things happen.      Do I need to remind you what his job is? [05:55] Man 2     Come on. We'll take you to him. [05:58] Yukiya     Are you really friends of Koume's father? [06:02] Yukiya     I have a duty to keep her safe. [06:05] Yukiya     I can't leave her with people I can't trust. [06:08] Man 2     "Duty"? [06:11] Man 1     Don't make this harder     than it has to be, kid. [06:14] Koume     Okay, fine. But at least     let me put my sandals on. [06:17] Man 1     Make it quick! [06:18] Koume     I know! [06:19] Yukiya     Wait! [06:21] Yukiya     Give her back! [06:24] Man 1     You little punk! [06:29] Man 1     Take that! [06:35] Man 2     You little... [06:36] Koume     Yukiya! [06:38] Yukiya     Hurry! [06:44] Man 1     I'll teach you to waste our time, brat. [06:48] Man 1     Now, what are we gonna do with you? [06:52] Koume     That boy waits on His Highness the Prince! [06:55] Man 1     Did you say the Prince? [06:59] Koume     And he's a proper court raven himself. [07:02] Koume     Leave a scratch on him,     and you'll all pay for it big time. [07:08] Man 2     Is that true? [07:10] Yukiya     It's true that I served the Prince. [07:16] Man 2     Let him go. [07:20] Koume     Yukiya! [07:21] Man 2     Boy, take this message to the Prince: [07:24] Man 2     "Tobi of the Underground     will be in touch soon." [07:28] Man 2     "When he finds you, you'd better have     a good excuse for breaking our agreement." [07:34] Yukiya     What "agreement"? [07:39] Koume     I can't take it anymore. [07:42] Koume     My dad must have made another mess. [07:45] Yukiya     What kind of "mess"? [07:48] Koume     I don't know! [07:50] Koume     I've had it with him! He always     leaves me to clean up after him. [07:55] Koume     I hope that good-for-nothing     never comes back! [07:59] Koume     This was my chance to     make a fresh start in Taruhi. [08:05] Yukiya     What a way to talk. [08:08] Yukiya     Aren't you worried about your father? [08:13] Yukiya     Do you think about anyone but yourself? [08:16] Yukiya     What about the monkeys?     Who knows when they'll be back? [08:20] Yukiya     All of Taruhi is in danger. [08:22] Yukiya     But just listen to you. [08:26] Koume     Who are you to judge? [08:28] Koume     You're just a spoiled little rich boy! [08:31] Yukiya     What would you know about me? [08:34] Koume     My dad's been sponging off me since forever! [08:38] Koume     He clung to his dried-up well until     my mom gave up on him and left us! [08:44] Koume     So I worked. [08:46] Koume     A kid can't bring in much money, [08:50] Koume     but I still stuck it out      from dawn until dusk. [08:54] Koume     And he wasted what little I'd earned     on gambling and get-rich-quick schemes. [09:01] Koume     "Sorry. I know I'll hit it big next time." [09:06] Koume     I want out of this hell. [09:09] Koume     Can you blame me for feeling that way? [09:12] Koume     You could never understand! You grew up     with both parents and a loving family! SIGN    Sunrise Palace [09:37] Sumio     Hey, Yukiya. Long time no see. [09:41] Yukiya     Sumio! It's good to see you again. [09:45] Yukiya     Listen, I... [09:49] Sumio     First things first. Come in. [09:55] Sumio     I've already heard. [09:58] Sumio     Is the girl safe? [09:59] Yukiya     Yes. I left her with the Yamauchi Guard. [10:04] Yukiya     I'm sorry to trouble you. [10:07] Sumio     Don't mention it. [10:08] Sumio     You'd better start by     reporting to Nazukihiko. [10:12] Sumio     Your Highness. [10:15] Sumio     I've brought Yukiya. [10:24] Yukiya     Forgive me for interrupting     the business of state. [10:27] Yukiya     I bring news Your Highness     will wish to hear. [10:31] Yukiya     A blunder on my part caused... [10:39] Hamayu     What stunt did you pull this time? [10:42] Yukiya     L-Lady Hamayu? [10:47] Hamayu     I step in to handle official duties     for a bit during the daytime. SIGN    The Prince's Wife     Hamayu [10:51] Hamayu     Think of me as a body double. [10:54] Yukiya     A body double? [10:56] Yukiya     Then, where's His Highness? [10:59] Hamayu     Did you really think he would stay put     in the palace with this crisis going on? [11:03] Yukiya     You have a point. [11:05] Hamayu     Anyway, take it easy. [11:06] Hamayu     Want a snack? [11:08] Yukiya     Lady Hamayu. [11:10] Yukiya     Oh, wait! We haven't got time! [11:17] Hamayu     Tobi of the Underground? [11:21] Hamayu     Talk about a big shot. [11:25] Hamayu     If he's involved,     the "agreement" must be... [11:29] Sumio     The non-aggression pact. I'm sure of it. [11:34] Yukiya     I'm sorry, but what non-aggression pact? [11:37] Hamayu     The court and the Ravine     have a secret treaty. [11:40] Yukiya     A secret treaty? [11:42] Hamayu     Ever been to the Ravine? [11:44] Yukiya     For about a month.     As collateral for the Prince's sword. [11:48] Hamayu     Collateral? [11:53] Yukiya     I thought I'd never make it out of there. [11:56] Hamayu     Sounds like you had a hell of a time. [12:01] Hamayu     But it used to be even worse      a long time ago. [12:05] Hamayu     It was a real lawless zone.     Nothing but bloody turf wars, day in, day out. [12:11] Hamayu     Then one day, a man appeared out of the blue     and set up shop in the Underground. [12:17] Yukiya     Where's that? [12:19] Hamayu     Down past the Ravine. It's where     wanted men go when they're out of options. [12:26] Hamayu     This man took charge of them all      in the blink of an eye, [12:30] Hamayu     then unified the Ravine     from his base in the Underground. [12:34] Yukiya     How? [12:35] Hamayu     Search me. [12:37] Hamayu     He must have been awfully smart      or awfully tough. [12:43] Hamayu     With reverence, they called him: [12:49] Hamayu     "King Saku." [12:51] Yukiya     "King Saku"? [12:54] Hamayu     He organized the ruffians into     a band that follows its own laws, [12:59] Hamayu     and made the criminal underworld     its own society with clear borders. [13:03] Hamayu     Nazukihiko's grandfather sat     on the Kin'u's throne at the time. [13:09] Sumio     He was known as a wise ruler, wasn't he? [13:12] Hamayu     Do you mind the smell? [13:13] Hamayu     My mind works better when I drink. [13:16] Sumio     No. [13:17] Hamayu     The Kin'u and King Saku met as equals      and reached an agreement. [13:23] Hamayu     They would each govern their own territory     and stay out of each other's affairs. [13:29] Yukiya     Hence the nonaggression pact. [13:32] Hamayu     It's been 40 or 50 years since then. [13:36] Hamayu     Tobi replaced King Saku,     but no one broke the pact. [13:42] Hamayu     You could call it the secret that's     keeping the peace in Yamauchi. SIGN    Yamauchi Guard Post [13:58] Hamayu     This Jihei character must have done     something to rile up the Ravine. [14:04] Hamayu     But he went missing, so they've     resorted to kidnapping his daughter. [14:11] Hamayu     But they hit a snag when     the daughter brought up the Prince. [14:17] Yukiya     I beg your forgiveness! [14:22] Yukiya     If only I hadn't brought Koume here. [14:24] Sumio     You only did what your father told you to do. [14:28] Yukiya     I was simply careless. [14:31] Yukiya     I should have been more vigilant. [14:33] Hamayu     Yukiya, have you been suspicious      of that girl all along? [14:42] Yukiya     Koume's hiding something. [14:44] Yukiya     I've felt so from the start. [14:47] Yukiya     But I have no proof, so I can't rebut     anyone who says I'm overthinking things. [14:55] Yukiya     Still, she might have known what     using the Prince's name would mean. [15:03] Hamayu     Yukiya. [15:05] Hamayu     Would you mind leaving that girl with me? [15:07] Yukiya     Huh? [15:12] Yukiya     This is an aide's sash. [15:14] Hamayu     I want you to go fetch Nazukihiko. [15:18] Hamayu     That will get you through checkpoints. [15:20] Yukiya     R-Right. [15:21] Hamayu     Hold onto it for a while. [15:23] Hamayu     Unless you want the gatekeepers     to challenge you every time you visit. [15:29] Sumio     Don't worry about Taruhi. [15:31] Sumio     I'll fill them in on your situation. [15:33] Yukiya     What? Excuse me? [15:35] Hamayu     Well, there you have it. [15:40] Hamayu     Welcome back, Yukiya. SIGN    Shigure, the North [16:17] Yukiya     Why does this feel familiar? [16:34] Yukiya     Ghost-fire? [16:47] Yukiya     His Highness? [17:19] Yukiya     Y-Your Highness! [17:22] Nazukihiko     What are you doing here? [17:25] Yukiya     Lady Hamayu asked me to fetch you. [17:29] Yukiya     Anyway, what was that? [17:34] Nazukihiko     I'm patching tears. [17:36] Yukiya     T-Tears? [17:38] Nazukihiko     Tears in the boundary that separates     Yamauchi from the world outside. [17:43] Yukiya     Outside Yamauchi? [18:20] Nazukihiko     All done. [18:24] Yukiya     What did you do? [18:28] Nazukihiko     I reinforced the boundary,     although it won't hold forever. [18:32] Nazukihiko     Think of tears as places where     Yamauchi's boundary has weakened. [18:37] Nazukihiko     No yatagarasu who leaves     through one can ever return. [18:45] Yukiya     Is this what you do when     you disappear sometimes? [18:50] Nazukihiko     That's right. [18:52] Nazukihiko     I thought the monkeys might have     slipped in from the outside world. [18:57] Nazukihiko     But the boundary was only frayed.     Its defenses hadn't been breached. [19:04] Nazukihiko     So where did those monkeys come from? [19:09] Nazukihiko     Tears expose Yamauchi to danger. [19:13] Nazukihiko     Only I can mend them. [19:16] Nazukihiko     I'm charged with only one duty:     safeguarding all yatagarasu. [19:30] Yukiya     As a true kin'u? SIGN    Cherry Blossom Palace [19:51] Lady-in-waiting     First, let's do something about your kimono. [19:55] Lady-in-waiting     You need proper clothes for court service. [19:57] Koume     R-Right. [20:00] Kikuno     What is Lady Hamayu thinking? [20:03] Kikuno     Keeping a girl with such a troubled     past at court gives me chills. [20:08] Masuho     I am sure Hamayu has her reasons. [20:12] Masuho     And do not blame the girl     for her father's crimes. [20:16] Masuho     We should show her hospitality. [20:25] Hamayu     Tobi sent an invitation. [20:33] Sumio     He must have written it     after Koume mentioned you. [20:36] Sumio     Those Underground guys always work fast. [20:41] Sumio     What now, Nazukihiko? [20:44] Nazukihiko     I'm going, of course. [20:45] Yukiya     Your Highness! [20:47] Nazukihiko     We need to focus on our monkey problem. [20:50] Nazukihiko     This is no time for feuding     with the Underground. [20:52] Nazukihiko     In fact, I relish this opportunity. [20:58] Nazukihiko     Only Koume survived the     monkey attack on that village. [21:03] Nazukihiko     Now the Underground wants her.     I doubt it's a coincidence. [21:08] Nazukihiko     The Underground holds clues. [21:10] Hamayu     What makes you so sure? [21:13] Nazukihiko     My kin'u instinct. [21:18] Natsuka     Nazukihiko! [21:31] Natsuka     Would you really go to     the Underground yourself? [21:34] Nazukihiko     So you overheard, Brother? That saves time. [21:38] Natsuka     Reconsider. [21:40] Natsuka     Think about what will happen     if they take you hostage. [21:43] Natsuka     The court would be bound hand and foot. [21:47] Sumio     Sorry, but I'm against it, too. [21:49] Sumio     I'm not confident I can keep      you safe down there. [21:51] Nazukihiko     I'm going. There's no other way. [21:54] Natsuka     Nazukihiko! [21:56] Nazukihiko     It will all work out.     You both worry too much. [22:11] Nazukihiko     Yes, Rokon? [22:13] Rokon     To be honest, I don't give a damn     if you end up as sashimi. Still... [22:20] Natsuka     I refuse to let you go to the Underground. [22:24] Natsuka     In your place... [22:27] Natsuka     We'll send Yukiya. [22:29] Yukiya     Huh? SIGN    The Ravine SIGN    The Underground [24:30] Narrator     Deep beneath the Ravine,     scoundrels gather. [24:38] Narrator     Yukiya and Natsuka go to parley with them,     seeking knowledge of the monkeys. [24:44] Narrator     Then, a strange old man steps forward. SIGN    King of the SIGN    Underground [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "King of the Underground." SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E17 - King of the Underground Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) [00:05] Nazukihiko     Rokon? [00:07] Rokon     To be honest, I don't give a damn     if you end up as sashimi. Still... [00:12] Nazukihiko     Sumio. [00:14] Sumio     Sorry, but I'm against it, too. [00:16] Sumio     I'm not confident I can keep      you safe down there. [00:19] Natsuka     I refuse to let you go to the Underground. [00:22] Natsuka     In your place... [00:24] Natsuka     We'll send Yukiya. [00:26] Yukiya     Huh? [00:28] Yukiya     H-Hang on. They asked     to see His Highness, remember? [00:32] Yukiya     They won't be too happy     if I turn up in his place. [00:34] Sumio     I agree. Yukiya can't fill     His Highness's shoes— [00:38] Natsuka     Of course he can't. [00:40] Natsuka     I will represent Nazukihiko. [00:43] Natsuka     Yukiya will accompany me. [00:46] Hamayu     I doubt you can placate the     Underground as easily as you think. [00:50] Natsuka     The eldest son of the Royal House     should satisfy their self-esteem. [00:54] Natsuka     And I'll have Yukiya in case of trouble. [00:59] Natsuka     They are wary of the Northern House     and the soldiers it controls. [01:10] Nazukihiko     Brother. [01:14] Yukiya     So that's why you want to     take me to the Underground? [01:20] Natsuka     Precisely. The Underground     holds clues to the monkeys, [01:24] Natsuka     but they won't give up that information     simply because we ask nicely. [01:29] Natsuka     The Lord of the North's grandson will     give us a strong hand. One they can't beat. [01:38] Natsuka     You want to protect your home, yes? [01:41] Natsuka     Well, I want to defend Yamauchi. [01:44] Natsuka     I will do whatever I must to keep it safe, [01:47] Natsuka     even if it means being branded     a coward or giving up my life. [01:53] Natsuka     Yukiya, don't you feel the same? [02:19] Yukiya     I hear and obey. [02:24] Yukiya     Allow me to accompany     your lordship to the Underground. SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Clear Mirror Temple [04:11] Masuho     Just as I thought. [04:13] Masuho     My little brother's clothes     fit you perfectly. [04:15] Yukiya     Thank you. I can't believe a lady of     the West would dress me personally. SIGN    Lady-in-Waiting of     Cherry Blossom Palace     Masuho-no-Susuki [04:21] Masuho     I renounced that title. [04:23] Yukiya     Oh, sorry. Slip of the tongue. [04:25] Kikuno     And no wonder. [04:27] Kikuno     I couldn't believe my ears SIGN    Western Lady-in-Waiting     Kikuno [04:30] Kikuno     when Lady Masuho-no-Susuki declared     her intention to wait on Lady Hamayu. [04:35] Masuho     I merely felt that no one else      would be up to the task. [04:39] Masuho     There. All done. [04:41] Kikuno     What shall we do with this? [04:46] Masuho     You haven't come of age, yet you're     dressed like you're going off to die. [04:51] Masuho     Doesn't that bother you? [04:53] Yukiya     Please don't worry. I made up my own mind. [05:01] Rokon     That's the spirit! [05:04] Rokon     I was worried you'd start whining about     not wanting to go, in spite of everything. [05:11] Rokon     Hm? [05:12] Rokon     You don't have any headgear yet? [05:17] Rokon     Then, I'll do the honors. Any complaints? [05:22] Yukiya     No. None whatsoever. [05:27] Masuho     Kikuno. [05:29] Kikuno     O-Oh, of course!     Sir Yukiya needs a dress sword. [05:35] Kikuno     I'll be right back. [05:37] Rokon     Sure seems like a hassle. [05:47] Yukiya     Um... [05:48] Rokon     The monkeys hit the North again. [05:50] Yukiya     What? [05:51] Rokon     A solitary house in Sazaki. We were late finding out,     but they probably struck there before Sugou. [05:57] Rokon     We might have been able to do something      if we'd caught on sooner. [06:06] Yukiya     Why only the North? [06:09] Rokon     Today's meeting will probably fail. SIGN    Sunrise Palace [06:28] Sumio     Your Highness. [06:29] Sumio     May I open the door?     This business seems urgent. [06:35] Sumio     Your Highness, are you listening? [06:41] Sumio     I beg your pardon. [06:45] Sumio     Nazukihiko. [06:49] Sumio     Get over it already. [06:52] Sumio     You know I didn't want to go against you— [06:55] Hamayu     Oh, be quiet. He's got good reason to sulk. [06:59] Hamayu     First, he got left behind, and now,      you won't let him out of your sight. [07:03] Sumio     If I may, His Highness never dreams up      anything good in this mood. [07:08] Sumio     You can't imagine how many times     I learned that the hard way. [07:11] Masuho     Why are you dithering? [07:13] Masuho     You promised to lend Yukiya a sword.      What if you make him late? [07:19] Sumio     I beg your pardon. [07:20] Hamayu     Sorry. Feel free to come in. [07:24] Hamayu     You stay out there. [07:28] Sumio     Have a heart. SIGN    The Ravine SIGN    The Underground [09:27] Natsuka     Tobi, I presume? [09:30] Tobi     We called for the Prince. [09:37] Natsuka     I am Natsuka of Clear Mirror Temple. [09:40] Natsuka     I have come here today     on His Highness's behalf. [09:49] Natsuka     I hate to be abrupt— [09:50] Tobi     The meeting's off. [09:56] Yukiya     Lord Natsuka. [09:58] Natsuka     Wait! Forgive me. I should have said more. [10:01] Natsuka     I am the eldest son of the Royal House      and brother to His Highness. [10:05] Natsuka     He sent me despite trying circumstances     because this meeting is most serious to him. [10:11] Natsuka     I believe there has been     a misunderstanding. [10:14] Natsuka     We have not breached our agreement     with you, and we do not intend to. [10:19] Natsuka     You may take issue with us holding the     water-merchant's daughter, but we merely— [10:24] Tobi     Enough. [10:26] Tobi     If you don't get it,     I'll spell it out for you. [10:28] Tobi     Your oh-so-noble birth and upbringing     aren't worth a bronze piece down here. [10:34] Tobi     Only one thing counts. [10:37] Tobi     And that's trust. [10:41] Tobi     The same goes for our agreement. [10:43] Tobi     Not a word in writing, but it has lasted     for decades, all on the strength of trust. [10:50] Tobi     Except the Prince stood us up. [10:54] Tobi     A proxy? "Trying circumstances"? [10:57] Tobi     I can't believe he takes     our relationship that lightly. [11:04] Tobi     Our agreement is history. [11:08] Tobi     Tell that to your sniveling brother. [11:14] Yukiya     Lord Natsuka. [11:18] Yukiya     Lord Natsuka. [11:23] Natsuka     This is Yukiya, grandson of Genya,      Lord of the North! [11:26] Natsuka     I leave him in your care as a hostage      to demonstrate our sincerity. [11:34] Tobi     Are you crazy? [11:35] Natsuka     It pains me to take such steps,     but I can see I have no other choice. [11:40] Natsuka     What could the Underground desire     more than a Northern hostage? [11:46] Natsuka     What are you waiting for? Accept him. [11:49] Underling     That does it. [11:50] Underling     What the hell do they take us for? [11:55] Tobi     Throw them out. [11:56] Natsuka     Huh? [12:07] Rokon     I suggest we retreat and     let the Prince sort this out later. [12:11] Natsuka     You fool. How could I? [12:24] Yukiya     Lord Tobi, I beg you to hear my request. SIGN    Cherry Blossom Palace [12:32] Lady-in-Waiting     Now, turn the thread around there. [12:35] Lady-in-Waiting     Yes, just like that. [12:36] Azusa     Koume. [12:38] Koume     My lady! [12:40] Koume     You didn't have to come all this way. [12:42] Azusa     I heard you'd had an awful time.     Are you all right? [12:46] Koume     Yes. Yukiya kept me safe. [12:49] Koume     And everyone here has been so kind to me. [12:53] Koume     Has Yukiya gone back to Taruhi? [13:04] Yukiya     I sincerely apologize     for our repeated affronts. [13:07] Yukiya     Though I accompanied Lord Natsuka     as the Lord of the North's grandson, [13:12] Yukiya     I am well aware how     meaningless my birth is here. [13:16] Yukiya     And so, as a humble     supplicant like any other, [13:20] Yukiya     I hope you will hear me out      for a short while. [13:24] Natsuka     Yukiya? [13:28] Yukiya     I call Taruhi in the North my home. [13:32] Yukiya     No doubt you have heard of the many deaths      the monkeys have recently inflicted on us. [13:38] Yukiya     Those they devoured were like family to me. [13:41] Yukiya     And this morning, yet another     monkey attack came to light. [13:47] Yukiya     So I ask you plainly: [13:50] Yukiya     Lord Tobi, do you know     anything about these monkeys? [13:56] Tobi     What? [13:57] Yukiya     I heard the Underground holds a clue. [14:00] Tobi     Who told you that? [14:02] Yukiya     His Highness the Prince. [14:03] Tobi     The Prince? [14:04] Yukiya     Yes. [14:06] Yukiya     Kin'u instinct, he called it. [14:15] Tobi     "Kin'u instinct," huh? [14:18] Tobi     It sounds like you believe that     lily-livered prince is a real Golden Raven. [14:40] Yukiya     He can't be a yatagarasu     like the rest of us. [14:46] Yukiya     So what is he? I don't know. [14:50] Yukiya     However... [14:51] Yukiya     If a "kin'u" is one who brings     salvation to the yatagarasu, [14:57] Yukiya     then I believe the Prince is a true kin'u. [15:01] Yukiya     I'll do anything I can for you. [15:04] Yukiya     So please, tell us about the monkeys! [15:07] Underling     He's got some nerve! [15:07] Underling     Get a load of this kid! [15:07] Underling     Say that again! I dare you! [15:08] Yukiya     Please! I'd gladly die to keep my home safe. [15:13] Yukiya     Please, Lord Tobi. [15:16] Yukiya     I beg of you. [15:30] Saku     Well, I'll be. What a lad. [15:32] Saku     I guess a few court ravens     have some fire in 'em yet. [15:52] Underling     It's King Saku. [15:55] Underling     King Saku. [15:57] Yukiya     King Saku? [15:59] Tobi     Boss. [16:00] Saku     Sorry to butt in.     I've got a little business to take care of. SIGN    King Saku [16:04] Saku     But you... Lord Natsuka, was it? For shame. [16:07] Saku     I'm amazed you can look down on     anyone with the way you act. [16:11] Natsuka     Wh-What? [16:14] Rokon     Please forgive him. [16:15] Rokon     We had no idea you'd be      putting in an appearance. [16:18] Saku     I almost didn't recognize you      in that uptight getup. [16:24] Saku     At least teach your boys how to behave. [16:27] Rokon     I have no excuse. [16:28] Rokon     If you'll excuse us. [16:29] Natsuka     Your "boys"? [16:30] Natsuka     Wait! I can't let that— [16:32] Natsuka     H-Hey now! [16:33] Natsuka     Rokon! Unhand me! Release me now! [16:40] Saku     They didn't break the agreement. [16:42] Tobi     What? [16:43] Saku     What happened with the water-peddler's     daughter. We got ahead of ourselves. [16:48] Saku     I won't claim there's no connection,     but the Prince isn't mixed up in you-know-what. [16:54] Saku     Guess we dragged you into our mess, boy. [16:57] Saku     Stand up. [17:03] Saku     So you want clues about the monkeys? [17:06] Saku     In that case, I think I can help you. [17:09] Yukiya     You mean it? [17:10] Saku     Sure. Nothing simpler. [17:12] Tobi     Boss, you don't mean... [17:14] Saku     Lord Tobi. Would you let me sort this out? [17:20] Saku     Think of it as doing an old man a favor. [17:34] Saku     Behind that rock, you'll find     a tunnel that goes even deeper. [17:40] Saku     Sandalwood and cassia. Good stuff. [17:46] Saku     This incense clock will last four hours. [17:49] Saku     I'll leave the entrance open that long. [17:51] Saku     If I remember right, you'll find     what you want about two hours in. [18:00] Saku     White shards. [18:02] Saku     Bring one back,     and I'll tell you all I know. [18:07] Yukiya     White shards? [18:10] Saku     Ever used a ghost-fire lantern? [18:12] Saku     Here's the kindling. [18:14] Saku     One lump for two hours, two for four. [18:18] Saku     So start turning back     when the first one runs out. [18:24] Yukiya     And if I need more than four hours? [18:25] Saku     Find another way out. [18:28] Saku     Well? Having second thoughts? [18:32] Yukiya     No. Please begin. [19:13] Tobi     What a waste. [19:15] Tobi     No one has ever come out of     this hole alive. Except you, boss. [19:24] Tobi     Wait all you like,     but I doubt you'll see that kid again. [19:29] Tobi     I'm not complaining, mind. [19:32] Tobi     I just got the feeling     you'd taken a liking to the boy. [19:38] Saku     I treat anyone who asks for help     with real sincerity the same. [19:43] Saku     That's what the Underground is about. [19:47] Saku     If he makes it back, great. But if not... [19:51] Saku     I guess that's all he amounted to. [20:53] Yukiya     "White... shards." [21:09] Yukiya     Two hours on the dot. I barely made it. [21:16] Yukiya     What are kids doing here?     Don't tell me they live here. [21:30] Yukiya     They're monkeys! [22:35] Yukiya     Your Highness? [22:36] Nazukihiko     Go! [22:56] Yukiya     Your Highness. [24:31] Narrator     Pursuers close in on the pair     as they wander the labyrinth. [24:35] Narrator     The white shards hint     at the truth of their world. [24:41] Narrator     The Prince's words cause     ripples in Yukiya's heart. SIGN    The World SIGN    Outside [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "The World Outside." SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E18 - The World Outside Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) [00:32] Nazukihiko     Never mind behind us.     Keep your eyes on the thread. [00:36] Yukiya     R-Right. [00:55] Nazukihiko     What's that? [00:57] Yukiya     This? [01:00] Yukiya     King Saku told me he'd tell me     all he knows about the monkeys [01:04] Yukiya     if I brought back a "white shard." [01:13] Yukiya     Your Highness must have     seen those heaps of bones. [01:17] Yukiya     They've been eating yatagarasu     long before Sazaki and Sugou. [01:23] Yukiya     Why didn't we catch on to them before now? [01:26] Nazukihiko     No, that's not the only explanation. [01:29] Yukiya     What do you mean? [01:35] Yukiya     Don't tell me these are monkey bones? [01:38] Nazukihiko     We'll have to get out of here     if we want to find out. SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master [03:42] Saku     Two hours to go. [03:45] Tobi     What are you plotting, boss? [03:52] Yukiya     So I know it's a little late to ask this, [03:54] Yukiya     but what are you doing here? [03:59] Yukiya     Actually... [04:00] Yukiya     Almost none of this makes any sense to me. [04:04] Nazukihiko     I slipped out of Sunrise Palace. [04:06] Yukiya     I get that part. [04:08] Nazukihiko     Anyone could see negotiations would fail. [04:12] Nazukihiko     I let King Saku know I would     be there, just not on time. [04:16] Yukiya     Huh? [04:18] Yukiya     Ow. [04:19] Nazukihiko     Are you hurt? [04:20] Yukiya     Your Highness knows King Saku? [04:24] Nazukihiko     Yes. [04:26] Nazukihiko     We can't afford a permanent breach     between the court and the Underground. [04:31] Nazukihiko     No one but the old man could have     kept the situation under control. [04:38] Yukiya     I see. So that's why     King Saku showed up. [04:44] Nazukihiko     Once King Saku had smoothed     over my brother's meeting, [04:47] Nazukihiko     I was supposed to enter this cave     to investigate the monkeys alone. [04:53] Yukiya     What? [04:54] Nazukihiko     Still, I didn't expect you to come along. [04:58] Nazukihiko     I don't know everything     that old man is thinking. [05:03] Nazukihiko     Don't let you guard down. [05:13] Yukiya     So we were all dancing to his tune? [05:18] Yukiya     Wait, what about Sumio? SIGN    Sunrise Palace [05:29] Hamayu     It's stuffy in here.     Shall I let in some fresh air? [05:41] Hamayu     Sorry for roping you into this. [05:44] Kikuno     No, I'm happy to help. [05:50] Sumio     Is that... [06:01] Sumio     I've been had! [06:09] Hamayu     He doesn't have it easy, either. [06:23] Nazukihiko     Do you hear something? [06:32] Yukiya     Nothing special. [06:47] Saku     Well... [06:50] Saku     Any moment now. [07:03] Yukiya     Huh? I thought this was a straight path. [07:06] Yukiya     I didn't pass a place like this. [07:08] Nazukihiko     Neither did I. I followed your thread. [07:16] Yukiya     The thread... [07:19] Yukiya     Your Highness, give me the light. [07:29] Yukiya     Found it! [07:30] Nazukihiko     You fool! [07:32] Nazukihiko     Look at the ground. [07:37] Yukiya     Sorry. [07:39] Yukiya     But I found the thread. [07:42] Yukiya     We can follow it to the exit. [07:52] Yukiya     Huh? Isn't this... [07:55] Yukiya     We're back here? [07:57] Yukiya     Did we take a wrong turn somewhere? [08:00] Yukiya     Let's try again. [08:06] Yukiya     How are we back here again? [08:09] Yukiya     The path was straight.     It didn't fork off anywhere. [08:13] Nazukihiko     Yukiya, do you remember... [08:16] Nazukihiko     when I mended a tear in the boundary? [08:20] Nazukihiko     I think this place is outside it. [08:25] Yukiya     Outside the boundary? [08:29] Nazukihiko     I think the boundary that protects Yamauchi     is causing this strange phenomenon. [08:35] Nazukihiko     It's removing those who would     try to enter from outside. [08:39] Nazukihiko     We crossed the boundary     without realizing it, [08:44] Nazukihiko     and now it is hindering our return. [08:48] Nazukihiko     It perceives us as threats to Yamauchi. [08:52] Yukiya     Threats? But... [08:56] Yukiya     We're running out of time. [09:10] Yukiya     Monkeys? [09:11] Nazukihiko     They've caught up to us. [09:13] Nazukihiko     I'll hold off the monkeys.     You think of a way out of here. [09:17] Yukiya     M-Me? [09:18] Nazukihiko     If King Saku could do it, so can you. [09:21] Yukiya     Oh, come on! [09:24] Nazukihiko     King Saku doesn't act thoughtlessly. [09:26] Nazukihiko     He must have given you some sort     of clue before you entered the tunnel. [09:33] Nazukihiko     Think back and figure it out. [09:40] Nazukihiko     Stand back, Yukiya! [09:59] Yukiya     What could it be?     What hint did King Saku give me? [10:03] Yukiya     Think. Think. [10:04] Yukiya     He gave me the lantern, and then... [10:06] Yukiya     Damn it! There must be something! [10:16] Nazukihiko     Yukiya? [10:18] Yukiya     Your Highness! [10:36] Yukiya     Your Highness. [10:38] Nazukihiko     Yukiya. I'm here. [10:43] Nazukihiko     Did you find the path? [10:44] Yukiya     Not yet, but I think I know how to. [10:46] Yukiya     You search, too. For sandalwood and cassia. [10:51] Nazukihiko     Sandalwood? [10:52] Yukiya     The smell of it. [10:53] Yukiya     That's King Saku's hint. [10:55] Yukiya     The scent of the incense clock     will lead us through the boundary. [10:59] Nazukihiko     Of course. [11:07] Nazukihiko     Sandalwood and cassia. [11:10] Nazukihiko     This way. [11:13] Nazukihiko     Right here. [11:26] Nazukihiko     Yukiya? [11:30] Yukiya     There's the exit! [11:35] Yukiya     Wait! Wait! Don't close it! [11:52] Saku     You took your sweet time. [12:04] Yukiya     Please see for yourself. [12:08] Saku     Well now. An Adam's apple. [12:11] Saku     Not bad. [12:13] Nazukihiko     King Saku. [12:14] Nazukihiko     Did you know about this? [12:17] Saku     You noticed? [12:19] Saku     Well, you were away for     a long time, so I guess you would. [12:24] Saku     These give off a smell like nothing else. [12:28] Saku     They don't belong to any animal     that lives in Yamauchi. [12:32] Saku     Nor to yatagarasu, naturally. [12:35] Yukiya     Huh? [12:36] Yukiya     Then, they really are monkey bones? [12:39] Saku     Not monkeys, either. [12:42] Nazukihiko     They're human. [12:43] Yukiya     Huh? [12:47] Nazukihiko     That's human bone. [12:51] Yukiya     "Human"? [12:55] Yukiya     Um, what's a "human"? [12:59] Yukiya     Some animal from the outside world? [13:03] Nazukihiko     Yukiya, what is the world outside? [13:07] Yukiya     Everything outside Yamauchi, right? [13:10] Nazukihiko     What is the world outside Yamauchi like? [13:14] Yukiya     What do you mean? [13:16] Nazukihiko     Yamauchi is a little world     wrapped in a thin boundary. [13:23] Nazukihiko     We call everything beyond it     "the world outside." [13:27] Nazukihiko     And that world is ruled by humans. [13:32] Nazukihiko     They resemble yatagarasu in appearance. [13:37] Nazukihiko     Or rather, we make ourselves look like them. [14:32] Sumio     First monkeys, now humans? [14:35] Sumio     Give me a break. [14:37] Nazukihiko     It isn't as though humans are     poised to do anything to Yamauchi. [14:43] Natsuka     Indeed. The monkeys are our immediate foe. [14:48] Nazukihiko     At present, the humans     are victims, if anything. [14:52] Nazukihiko     I suspect the monkeys dwell in the gap     between Yamauchi and the world outside, [14:57] Nazukihiko     and have been feeding on humans from there. [15:01] Nazukihiko     But recently, a passage to Yamauchi opened, [15:06] Nazukihiko     and they discovered another     humanlike creature: the yatagarasu. [15:11] Nazukihiko     They may not even recognize a distinction. [15:16] Rokon     That explains it. They didn't touch     the horses in Sazaki or Sugou. [15:21] Hamayu     If only we knew where this passage was. [15:24] Hamayu     Didn't you learn anything     about that in the Underground? [15:27] Natsuka     The people down there      don't know everything. [15:30] Natsuka     All evidence suggests the passage      is somewhere in the North. [15:34] Yukiya     Oh, but King Saku said— [15:37] Natsuka     What did he say? [15:40] Saku     They're probably     coming through the Center. [15:43] Yukiya     The Center? Not the North? [15:47] Saku     The North is a distraction. [15:50] Saku     Someone may have given them tips. [15:53] Nazukihiko     Would you mind sharing your reasoning? [15:56] Saku     Remember when a string of     Central girls got kidnapped not long ago? [16:03] Saku     I think someone used them to broker a deal. [16:07] Nazukihiko     A deal? [16:08] Saku     Yeah. Between the monkeys      and the yatagarasu. [16:13] Saku     As you saw, the monkeys' lair      is full of human bones. [16:18] Saku     Those are just trash to the monkeys, [16:21] Saku     but a whole lot of yatagarasu     would be happy to have them. [16:26] Saku     What I mean is human bones turn a profit. [16:34] Saku     I don't know who made the offer, [16:37] Saku     but the girls ended up monkey food,     and the monkeys paid in human bone. [16:43] Saku     Whoever got those bones     sold them on the sly. [16:46] Nazukihiko     And that's what got the     Underground concerned? [16:49] Saku     Right. We tracked the seller down,     but he slipped through our grasp. [16:56] Saku     But at least, I'm sure the monkeys     are coming through the Center. [17:02] Saku     You can have this back, boy. [17:08] Yukiya     Thank you for everything. [17:11] Nazukihiko     King Saku, I thank you as well. [17:15] Saku     Talk to Tobi next time. I'm retired. [17:18] Nazukihiko     But aren't you forgetting one thing? [17:24] Nazukihiko     The name of the man who sold the bones. [17:30] Nazukihiko     You promised to tell Yukiya "all you knew"     if he returned with a white shard. [17:47] Natsuka     Jihei the water seller? [17:48] Yukiya     Yes. That's what King Saku told us. [17:52] Yukiya     As I thought, Koume's father was involved. [17:55] Yukiya     We can explain why the monkeys     appeared in the North. [17:59] Yukiya     They find hunting in     the Center too dangerous. [18:02] Yukiya     They'd stand out,     and there are soldiers everywhere. [18:05] Yukiya     But they're safe in remote villages      like Sugou and Sazaki, [18:10] Yukiya     and they can get a lot more food there. [18:12] Natsuka     But it can't be that simple. [18:14] Natsuka     They'd have to pass through     checkpoints with the salted meat, [18:19] Natsuka     and they can't even speak. [18:21] Yukiya     That's why they needed a collaborator. [18:24] Yukiya     Someone to do the talking for them. [18:28] Sumio     And that was Jihei? [18:30] Sumio     It does make sense. [18:32] Nazukihiko     Actually, King Saku told me one other thing. [18:37] Nazukihiko     What human bone is used for. [18:41] Nazukihiko     The Underground forbids      the trafficking of it, [18:45] Nazukihiko     but some people still secretly     compound it into medicine. [18:49] Nazukihiko     Small doses of powdered bone      can cause elation. [18:54] Nazukihiko     Take too much, however,     and it becomes addictive. [18:59] Nazukihiko     Those who consume it lose their senses     and can never leave raven shape again. [19:07] Yukiya     Your Highness, do you mean... [19:10] Nazukihiko     I am told that this rare     and valuable elixir is known... [19:17] Nazukihiko     as Sagecap. [19:29] Rokon     That ties everything together. [19:32] Rokon     The monkeys and the Sagecap     come from the same place. [19:36] Rokon     For the time being— [19:37] Natsuka     We must force a confession     by any means necessary. [19:39] Natsuka     We'll do whatever it takes to     flush out Jihei the water seller. SIGN    Jihei SIGN    His likeness [19:52] Townsman 1     It says he helped to arrange murders. [19:54] Townswoman 2     How dreadful. He looks so meek. [19:58] Townsman 3     I hear he's got a daughter. [20:00] Townsman 3     They'll make an example of her and     parade her around unless he shows himself. [20:20] (Flashback) King Saku     We'll take in anyone     who falls through the cracks, [20:23] (Flashback) King Saku     so at least protect the people under     your wings like your life depends on it. [20:45] Yukiya     I didn't know a thing. [20:49] Yukiya     I was so focused on keeping my home safe, [20:52] Yukiya     I never stopped to think     that someone was protecting us. [20:57] Nazukihiko     Of course not. [20:58] Nazukihiko     No ordinary yatagarasu learns of humans     or the world outside in peacetime. [21:06] Nazukihiko     This situation arose     because I fell short in my duties. [21:13] Yukiya     Are you a true kin'u? [21:17] Yukiya     What is a kin'u, exactly? [21:22] Nazukihiko     The kin'u is both father     and mother to all yatagarasu. [21:27] Nazukihiko     He must always face his subjects—     his children—with compassion. [21:33] Nazukihiko     He must defend and guide his people     through any and all hardships. [21:41] Nazukihiko     So it says in The Roots     of the Great Mountain. [21:44] Nazukihiko     That's what I was born for. [21:57] Nazukihiko     The boundary has sheltered Yamauchi. [22:00] Nazukihiko     In recent years,      that boundary has weakened. [22:04] Nazukihiko     Ghost-fire, tears,     monkey invaders, and now humans. [22:11] Yukiya     Your Highness said that yatagarasu     make ourselves look like humans. [22:17] Yukiya     What did you mean by that? [22:20] Yukiya     Does it have something to do      with these disturbances? [22:25] Nazukihiko     Yukiya. [22:26] Nazukihiko     As we speak, Yamauchi     is on the road to collapse. [22:31] Nazukihiko     Collapse? [22:52] Lady-in-Waiting     Koume. [22:54] Lady-in-Waiting     Try to keep calm and listen to me. [24:31] Narrator     A father changed beyond recognition. [24:35] Narrator     Who invited the monkeys in? [24:39] Narrator     At the bottom of a dried-up well, [24:42] Narrator     someone awaits a reunion     with the true kin'u. [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "A Well Run Dry." SIGN    A Well SIGN    Run Dry SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E19 - A Well Run Dry Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) [00:30] Koume     Dad? [00:39] Yukiya     It's better you don't look. [00:41] Koume     Let go of me! [00:45] Koume     Let go! I said let go of me! [00:47] Koume     Dad! Dad! [00:49] Koume     No! Dad! SIGN    YATAGARASU SIGN    The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master [02:31] Dandy     Me? Sell Sagecap? [02:33] Dandy     Don't even joke about that. [02:35] Dandy     I want nothing to do     with a drug that risky. [02:39] Watchman 1     A courtesan died in Shimobara yesterday. [02:42] Watchman 2     Stuck her head in a burning oven,      I hear. In raven shape. [02:47] Watchman 2     Ring any bells? [02:50] Dandy     Now that you mention it, a woman     did frequent the physician's place there. [02:55] Dandy     Maybe she's your seller. [02:58] Watchman 1     What kind of woman? [02:59] Dandy     Kind of young. An "older sister" type. [03:03] Dandy     Never got a good look     at her face, though. [03:07] Dandy     Oh, I know! She had moles. [03:09] Dandy     Around here, I think. SIGN    Clear Mirror Temple [03:12] Natsuka     We have identified the body as Jihei's. [03:15] Natsuka     He was flayed alive     before being strung him up. [03:19] Natsuka     He reaped what he sowed, but even so... [03:22] Sumio     The Underground has     always worked that way. [03:25] Rokon     Basically, they played us for fools. [03:29] Rokon     They used the court to smoke out Jihei, [03:32] Rokon     then snatched him when he broke cover. [03:35] Rokon     King Saku got one over on us. [03:41] Hamayu     And that letter? [03:42] Natsuka     It was found tied to the corpse. [03:44] Natsuka     They want us to take it     from here, I suppose. [03:48] Natsuka     It's in Jihei's hand. [03:51] Yukiya     Are you certain Jihei wrote it? [03:54] Natsuka     Positive. We had his daughter     identify the handwriting. [03:59] Natsuka     We will never get a chance     to question Jihei now. [04:02] Natsuka     These are his final words. [04:05] Jihei     My well ran dry. [04:08] Jihei     That's how it all started. [04:16] Jihei     I'd heard whispered rumors about water     drying up on the central mountain, [04:22] Jihei     but I never imagined it would happen to me. [04:29] Jihei     Changing trades didn't work out. [04:32] Jihei     Debt collectors took     the kimono and valuables. [04:35] Jihei     Then, my wife left us. [04:38] Jihei     My little girl went out to work. [04:41] Jihei     I started drinking, [04:43] Jihei     and gambled my days away. [04:45] Jihei     When I happened to luck into some money, [04:47] Jihei     I bought an old well. [04:50] Jihei     I trusted promises that it still had water. [04:53] Jihei     I was grasping at straws. [05:01] (Flashback) Jihei     No luck here, either? [05:04] (Flashback) Jihei     God, please bring the water back. [05:15] (Flashback) Great Monkey     You're a yatagarasu? [05:19] (Flashback) Great Monkey     I'm in here. [05:22] (Flashback) Great Monkey     Thanks for drink. [05:25] (Flashback) Jihei     C-Can it be? [05:27] (Flashback) Jihei     G-God? [05:31] Sumio     Huh? [05:33] Yukiya     God? At the bottom of a well? [05:41] (Flashback) Great Monkey     Well, you can call me what you like. [05:44] (Flashback) Jihei     W-Will you please bring the water back? [05:47] (Flashback) Great Monkey     Sorry. I can't do that. [05:50] (Flashback) Great Monkey     But I'll give you a present     by way of thanks. [06:01] (Flashback) Great Monkey     Take it to a physician. [06:04] (Flashback) Jihei     A physician? [06:05] (Flashback) Great Monkey     If you want more, lower down some sake. [06:08] (Flashback) Great Monkey     I'll come again when I smell it. [06:24] Jihei     I didn't learn the name "Sagecap"     until a while later. SIGN    Physician [06:37] Jihei     I never doubted it was a divine blessing. [06:46] Jihei     And I kept doing what the voice asked. [06:55] (Flashback) Jihei     Wh-What did you say? [06:56] (Flashback) Great Monkey     I smell something delicious     on you. A young woman. [07:01] (Flashback) Great Monkey     I want to eat her next. [07:04] (Flashback) Jihei     Y-You can't. [07:05] (Flashback) Great Monkey     Why not? Is she your wife? Your daughter? [07:09] (Flashback) Jihei     Please! Anything but that! [07:14] (Flashback) Great Monkey     You must really care for her. [07:18] (Flashback) Great Monkey     Another woman will do. [07:21] (Flashback) Great Monkey     I'll give you heaps more Sagecap. [07:23] (Flashback) Great Monkey     Why not use it to make that woman     who means so much to you happy? [07:44] Jihei     It was then that I learned     I hadn't been worshiping a god, [07:50] Jihei     but a monstrous monkey     that feeds on yatagarasu. [08:12] Jihei     I didn't want my daughter     to find out what I'd done. [08:17] Jihei     Anyone but her. [08:25] Natsuka     "And then, one day..." [08:29] (Flashback) Great Monkey     I've had a bright idea. [08:32] (Flashback) Great Monkey     A way to snatch up     a lot of prey all at once. [08:36] (Flashback) Great Monkey     You won't need to hunt anymore. [08:38] (Flashback) Great Monkey     From now on, just lead     my friends to the hunting ground. [09:01] Jihei     I made up my mind to     cut ties with the monster. [09:05] Jihei     But then, I hear rumors the Underground     was looking for someone selling Sagecap. [09:12] (Flashback) Koume     Peddling goods to Sugou? [09:14] (Flashback) Koume     Why do I have to come, too? [09:15] Jihei     I decided that after Sugou, I'd take     my daughter and leave the Center. [09:21] Jihei     And I put sleeping powder     in the sake pots... [09:27] Jihei     so that she'd never find out. [09:44] Jihei     I thought I'd pulled it off     until those two showed up. [09:54] (Flashback) Nazukihiko     Don't let your guard down. [10:15] Jihei     Koume. [10:16] Jihei     We have to run. [10:18] Jihei     Wake up, Koume! [10:28] Natsuka     So when Nazukihiko and Yukiya     landed in Sugou and slew the monkeys, [10:33] Natsuka     Jihei was left with no choice     but to abandon Koume and flee. [10:36] Natsuka     Meanwhile, thanks to her drugged sleep, [10:40] Natsuka     Koume awoke in the Lord of Taruhi's home     with no knowledge of the Sugou massacre. [10:45] Natsuka     Jihei must have expected death     when he emerged from hiding. [10:49] Natsuka     Both the Underground and the court suspected     his daughter. He sought to clear her name. [10:56] Natsuka     It was all Jihei's doing. [10:58] Natsuka     The thorough chronology,     details only the culprit would know... [11:03] Natsuka     They all ring true. [11:05] Natsuka     This letter... [11:07] Natsuka     is Jihei's confession. [11:23] Sumio     I might get drunk just smelling that stuff. [11:26] Sumio     Will that thing really take the bait? [11:29] Yukiya     Who knows? It's what     Jihei's letter said he did. [11:33] Yukiya     But should we really be doing this      before the council meets? [11:38] Yukiya     Won't they have complaints again? [11:40] Nazukihiko     If I hold a council, the old men will     demand we block up the well at once. [11:46] Nazukihiko     If we want to identify that voice,      we must act now. [11:51] Nazukihiko     What did you think of that letter? [11:54] Yukiya     I have no sympathy for Jihei. [11:57] Yukiya     Loving his daughter doesn't excuse     sacrificing yatagarasu to monsters. [12:02] Yukiya     And Koume never mentioned the     two men who went with them to Sugou. [12:08] Yukiya     I know she wanted     to shield her father, but— [12:21] Great Monkey     Who's there? [12:23] Nazukihiko     First, who are you? [12:26] Great Monkey     Oh, I see. You've found me out. [12:29] Great Monkey     I liked this well, but that's life. [12:32] Great Monkey     Are you the one who killed my brethren? [12:35] Nazukihiko     I killed those who attacked yatagarasu. [12:39] Great Monkey     Even the children. Poor things. [12:42] Nazukihiko     You killed yatagarasu children     in the villages you attacked. [12:47] Nazukihiko     I have a duty to defend my people. [12:51] Nazukihiko     I can't afford to be gentle with those      who mean the yatagarasu harm. [12:56] Great Monkey     You wouldn't be their leader, would you? [13:00] Nazukihiko     I am the true kin'u. [13:04] Great Monkey     I see. The true kin'u. [13:08] Great Monkey     How nice to see you again. [13:10] Great Monkey     Or should I say, nice to meet you? [13:15] Nazukihiko     What are you getting at? [13:18] Sumio     Don't play its game. [13:19] Nazukihiko     I know. [13:21] Nazukihiko     Where did you come from? Are you a monkey? [13:24] Nazukihiko     If so, why can only you speak our language? [13:28] Nazukihiko     Why did you eat yatagarasu? [13:30] Great Monkey     Don't be in such a rush. [13:32] Great Monkey     I've lived a long time. [13:35] Great Monkey     I've known you lot since     you only knew how to caw. [13:40] Great Monkey     You yatagarasu have survived      by forgetting inconvenient truths. [13:45] Great Monkey     But now, the bill has come due. [13:49] Nazukihiko     What do you mean? [13:51] Great Monkey     I mean Yamauchi will crumble. [13:55] Great Monkey     Can't you tell? [13:56] Great Monkey     Put a hand on where your     heart should be and think. [14:05] Nazukihiko     Wait! [14:06] Sumio     Nazukihiko, no! [14:11] Yukiya     Your Highness! [14:46] Sumio     Nazukihiko! SIGN    Cherry Blossom Palace [15:09] Lady-in-Waiting     Koume, it's time you got ready. SIGN    Sunrise Palace [15:23] Yukiya     I know, I know. [15:26] Yukiya     Huh? [15:36] Hamayu     About Koume's future... [15:39] Hamayu     Someone offered to take her in,     even knowing all that's happened. [15:44] Masuho     She has no family, but we can't     keep her in Cherry Blossom Palace. [15:49] Masuho     We've been scratching our heads      about that ourselves. [15:53] Sumio     That offer sounds perfect, then. [15:56] Sumio     But who's the generous benefactor? [16:00] Yukiya     Lady Hamayu, you don't mean... [16:03] Hamayu     Oh, yes, I do. [16:05] Hamayu     Lady Azusa of Taruhi      called on me yesterday. [16:09] Hamayu     She asked to fetch Koume back from     Cherry Blossom Palace as soon as she can. [16:15] Yukiya     What is my mother thinking? [16:18] Yukiya     Koume's father sold Taruhi to the monkeys. [16:23] Hamayu     All the more reason not to abandon her,      according to Lady Azusa. [16:28] Hamayu     She said Koume shouldn't bear     the burden of living as a criminal's child. [16:37] Yukiya     I'll speak with my mother. [16:39] Sumio     Yukiya? SIGN    His Highness     the Prince [16:42] Yukiya     This report from the town watch      arrived this morning. [16:45] Yukiya     Koume's still hiding something. [16:47] Yukiya     I'll convince my mother to reconsider. [16:51] Sumio     Hey! [16:52] Nazukihiko     Wait. [16:55] Nazukihiko     I doubt you could hold a decent     conversation in your present state. [17:00] Yukiya     I'm quite calm. [17:02] Nazukihiko     Have you ever said that     and actually been calm? [17:06] Yukiya     If you'll excuse me. [17:08] Nazukihiko     Don't go. That's an order. [17:10] Yukiya     Since when did I pledge my loyalty to you?! SIGN    Mansion of the Northern House [17:29] Yukiya     Koume. [17:34] Koume     Yukiya? [17:35] Yukiya     You begged my mother, didn't you? [17:39] Koume     What? [17:40] Yukiya     Don't come to Taruhi. I can't trust you. [17:47] Koume     I can't blame you for being angry. [17:50] Koume     I wasn't truthful, even though you all     showed me so much sympathy and kindness. [17:56] Koume     When I heard you went to     the Underground because of me, [18:00] Koume     I thought my heart would burst. [18:03] Koume     But Yukiya, I really didn't know. [18:08] Koume     Not about what happened in Sugou      or what my father did. [18:12] Koume     I mean, he was so spineless. [18:17] Koume     I still can't believe it. [18:20] Yukiya     They say a woman sold Sagecap in Shimobara. [18:22] Koume     Shimobara? [18:23] Yukiya     Yes. A town on the road     from the Center to Sugou. [18:30] Yukiya     She had a huge supply of Sagecap. [18:33] Yukiya     And although she took care      to hide her face, [18:37] Yukiya     she had two moles under her right eye. [18:42] Yukiya     Just like you do. [18:45] Yukiya     Are you sure you didn't know     what your father was doing? [18:54] Koume     That wasn't me. [18:56] Yukiya     Lying won't— [18:57] Azusa     Is that you, Yukiya? [19:01] Yukiya     Mother. [19:03] Koume     My lady. [19:04] Azusa     What brings you here? [19:06] Azusa     What were you talking about? [19:10] Koume     Nothing, my lady. [19:13] Koume     I think I'd better excuse myself. [19:15] Yukiya     Wait. [19:16] Yukiya     I still have... [19:19] Koume     See you, Yukiya. [19:25] Yukiya     Mother, she's fooling you. [19:27] Azusa     How so? [19:28] Yukiya     She's crafty. A schemer. [19:31] Yukiya     She spotted your kindness immediately     and tried to take advantage of it. [19:35] Azusa     What makes you think that? [19:39] Yukiya     She's laying all the blame on her father, [19:41] Yukiya     while she gets a nice,     cushy new life for herself. [19:45] Yukiya     How could she ask to live in Taruhi,     the very place the monkeys attacked? [19:50] Azusa     I invited Koume to come to Taruhi, [19:54] Azusa     but she just turned me down. [19:57] Yukiya     Huh? [20:02] (Flashback) Koume     I truly appreciate your kindness. [20:06] (Flashback) Koume     But I realize what my father did. [20:10] (Flashback) Koume     As his daughter, I can't escape     responsibility just because I didn't know. [20:15] (Flashback) Azusa     Koume, I don't think— [20:16] (Flashback) Koume     My father was kind to me,     even if he was a hopeless good-for-nothing. [20:21] (Flashback) Koume     I probably won't see Yukiya again,     so please give him my best. [20:28] (Flashback) Koume     Thank you so much. [20:33] Azusa     Your mother can tell that anger     is clouding your eyes right now. [20:38] Azusa     Taking revenge on someone is not at all     the same thing as making them atone. [20:44] Azusa     You mustn't become so bitter that     you lose sight of what's really happening. [21:17] Yukiya     Has Koume been found, Sumio? [21:20] Sumio     Someone saw a girl like her     board a basket out of the city. [21:24] Sumio     Nazukihiko has the Yamauchi Guard      out looking for her. [21:28] Yukiya     It's all my fault. [21:29] Sumio     Well, now we know Koume     was selling the stuff, [21:34] Sumio     just like you suspected. [21:36] Yukiya     Was she really? [21:40] Yukiya     The moles aren't really     enough to prove anything. [21:44] Yukiya     Even if Koume was selling Sagecap,     she didn't need to run. [21:48] Yukiya     So why has she disappeared? [21:54] Yukiya     Don't tell me... [21:57] (Flashback) Koume     See you, Yukiya. [21:59] Yukiya     She wants me to chase her? [22:03] Yukiya     Is she counting on me suspecting her, and... [22:08] Sumio     H-Hey! [22:18] Nazukihiko     Yukiya? [22:19] Yukiya     Your Highness, I may have     overlooked something important. SIGN    Shimobara, the North SIGN    m 0 0 l 100 0 100 100 0 100 SIGN    Bridge     of     Heaven     Inn [22:30] Woman     Are you there, Hatsune? [22:31] Hatsune     Right here! [22:33] Woman     You have a visitor.     Your little sister, maybe? [22:36] Hatsune     My sister? [22:49] Koume     Found you. [22:56] Koume     It's been a long time... [22:58] Koume     Mom. [24:30] Narrator     Yukiya races through     the skies in pursuit of Koume, [24:36] Narrator     and the fate of the     true kin'u comes to light. [24:42] Narrator     Once Yukiya learns all,     what path will he choose? [24:50] Narrator     Next time: "The Golden Raven." SIGN    The Golden SIGN    Raven SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki E20 - The Golden Raven Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) [00:00] Nazukihiko     The mother who abandoned her family? [00:04] Yukiya     I think Koume pieced it together. [00:06] Yukiya     But she didn't think I'd take     her story seriously, so... [00:10] Nazukihiko     She went to settle things herself? [00:13] Yukiya     My humble apologies. [00:17] Nazukihiko     We must hurry... [00:20] Nazukihiko     to where Koume's gone. SIGN    Shimobara, the North [00:29] Hatsune     What are you doing here? [00:32] Koume     Is that all you have to say to     your daughter after all this time? [00:40] Coworker     You have a visitor, Hatsune? [00:42] Hatsune     Yes, one of my relatives. [00:44] Hatsune     We'd better step out for a bit.      It seems urgent. [00:47] Coworker     Sure thing. [00:59] Koume     Well, I see you're living well. [01:04] Koume     Is that a man's kimono? [01:06] Hatsune     So what if it is? [01:08] Koume     I was just wondering if he knows     you've been seeing your ex-husband. [01:15] Koume     Dad came here, didn't he? [01:19] Hatsune     Whatever do you mean? [01:22] Koume     Dad stopped at this inn before Sugou.      He said he had a good customer here. [01:28] Koume     At the time, I never dreamed he meant you. [01:34] Hatsune     Pure coincidence. I haven't seen him. [01:37] Koume     What did you put him up to? [01:39] Hatsune     Nothing. I just told you. [01:42] Koume     I heard a woman with moles like yours     sold Sagecap to a physician in Shimobara. [01:49] Koume     That made me a suspect. [01:52] Koume     I kept my mouth shut. For now. [01:55] Koume     You made that deal with     the monkeys, didn't you? [02:00] Koume     You got rich off Sagecap but made Dad do all     the work so you could keep your hands clean. [02:06] Koume     Then you cut him loose     when he got inconvenient. [02:10] Hatsune     I don't know what you're talking about. [02:13] Hatsune     Could you leave already? [02:18] Koume     Don't worry. I won't go and turn you in. [02:25] Koume     I need to make my own way from now on. [02:29] Koume     Won't you give me a little     something to get started... [02:32] Koume     Mom? [02:39] Hatsune     You really are my daughter. [02:42] Hatsune     Wait a moment. [02:45] Koume     Still, I'm impressed. [02:48] Koume     How'd you ever convince that coward to     kidnap girls and feed them to the monkeys? [02:55] Hatsune     As if Jihei would've ever found the courage. [03:01] Hatsune     I just asked him to do a little job. [03:04] Hatsune     You know, "Won't you take     some shady cargo to Sazaki for me?" [03:08] Koume     "Some shady cargo"? [03:13] Koume     You mean Dad didn't know about the monkeys? [03:17] Hatsune     You think he would've agreed if he had? [03:20] Hatsune     Sure enough, he came back     from Sazaki as pale as a ghost. [03:23] Hatsune     "What did you make me do?" and     "I'll never take a job like that again!" and so on. [03:29] Hatsune     But in the end, he agreed     to go to Sugou, too. [03:33] Koume     Why? Didn't he say he was     done with that stuff? [03:36] Hatsune     Well, you see, he sold Sagecap to an amateur     and caught the Underground's attention. [03:43] Hatsune     If you'd stayed in the Center,     you would've both been dead. [03:47] Hatsune     He decided to flee to the countryside and      make it look like the monkeys had eaten you. [03:52] Hatsune     That's why he took the Sugou job. [03:55] Koume     Let me guess. You planned that part, too. [03:58] Koume     Dad could never handle Sagecap. [04:02] Koume     You knew that and set him up     so he'd have no choice but to go to Sugou. [04:06] Hatsune     Me? Perish the thought. [04:09] Koume     And to top it off,     you dumped all the blame on him. [04:12] Koume     You told him to write that     he'd done it all on his own and— [04:16] Hatsune     Jihei wrote that confession for your sake. [04:20] Koume     What? [04:21] Hatsune     "Think of poor Koume with     two murderers for parents," he said. [04:25] Hatsune     "Let me be the only villain." [04:28] Hatsune     That letter convinced     the Underground to stop with him. [04:32] Hatsune     You were all Jihei thought     about to the bitter end. [04:40] Hatsune     How's this? I think it suits you. [04:44] Hatsune     Oh, I know. My man will be home soon.      Let's have a nice meal. All three of us. [04:51] Hatsune     You really do take after me.     Like mother, like daughter. [04:56] Koume     Don't touch me! [04:59] Hatsune     Koume? [05:01] Koume     Dad's the only parent I have! [05:03] Koume     You... [05:05] Koume     You're not my mother! You can't be! [05:18] Hatsune     I can't believe you just waltzed in     here alone. How stupid can you be? [05:31] Hatsune     I bet you thought no parent would     ever kill her own child. How naive. [05:37] Hatsune     My father sold me when     I was 13 to pay off his tab. [05:43] Hatsune     And not just once. Over and over. [05:48] Hatsune     One winter night,     he got dead drunk outside. [05:52] Hatsune     It was supposed to snow the next day. [05:54] Hatsune     So I locked him out.     He was ice cold by morning. [06:04] Hatsune     I was so happy when Jihei fell for me. [06:07] Hatsune     I thought I finally had a family.     That Jihei would treasure me. [06:14] Hatsune     But then, you came along, [06:16] Hatsune     and I ended up alone again. [06:20] Koume     Murderer. [06:22] Hatsune     Yes, I'm a murderer. [06:29] Hatsune     How did I end up like this? [06:32] Hatsune     I only wanted to be happy. [06:46] Yukiya     Koume! Are you all right? [06:52] Koume     Yukiya? [06:55] Nazukihiko     I heard the gist of it from Yukiya. [06:59] Nazukihiko     You must have found it hard to bear alone. [07:03] Yukiya     I'm so very sorry.     I said so many awful things to you. [07:07] Koume     I thought you'd come, Yukiya. [07:10] Koume     Because you suspected me. [07:14] Koume     When you told me you couldn't trust me, [07:19] Koume     I realized everyone who'd     really believed in me was gone. [07:28] Koume     Dad... [07:47] Nazukihiko     Take your time. [08:01] Hatsune     Darling! [08:03] Hatsune     Save me! [08:05] Hatsune's Man     Hatsune. [08:09] Nazukihiko     Sagecap? [08:26] Nazukihiko     Go back inside! [08:34] Koume     Yukiya! [08:36] Koume     Help! Yukiya! [08:41] Yukiya     What does this remind me of? [08:47] Nazukihiko     Wait, Yukiya! [08:52] Yukiya     Your Highness! [09:14] Yukiya     Is he dead? [09:15] Nazukihiko     No. [09:16] Nazukihiko     We'll retreat for now. [09:17] Nazukihiko     Take Koume and— [09:48] Yukiya     Your Highness! [09:54] Yukiya     Your Highness! [10:00] Yukiya     Your Highness! Your Highness! [10:03] Koume     Yukiya! [10:29] Yukiya     Your Highness! Your Highness! [10:31] Sumio     Nazukihiko! [10:32] Sumio     Can you hear me?     Hey, pull yourself together! [10:34] Yukiya     Your Highness! [10:35] Sumio     Say something, Nazukihiko! [10:36] Yukiya     Your Highness! Your Highness! [10:37] Sumio     Hey! Open your eyes! Come on! SIGN    Northern House, Main House [11:48] Sumio     It was my fault. I'm so sorry. [11:55] Yukiya     Lady Hamayu. [12:19] Hamayu     Now you've been punished... [12:22] Hamayu     so don't get any crazy ideas. [12:25] Hamayu     That's an order. [12:38] Hatsune     It must have been three or four years ago. [12:41] Hatsune     The water dried up, starting at     the foot of the central mountain. [12:45] Hatsune     Eventually, our well failed, too. [12:49] (Flashback) Great Monkey     I smell something delicious     on you. A young woman. [12:53] (Flashback) Great Monkey     I want to eat her next. [12:56] (Flashback) Hatsune's Man     Out of the question. [12:58] (Flashback) Great Monkey     Why not? Is she your wife? Your daughter? [13:02] (Flashback) Hatsune's Man     I said no, and that's final! [13:04] (Flashback) Hatsune     Oh? And why not? [13:07] (Flashback) Hatsune's Man     H-Hatsune! I told you not to come here. [13:12] (Flashback) Hatsune     Say... [13:13] (Flashback) Hatsune     You say you want female flesh,      but do you really care if it's mine? [13:17] (Flashback) Great Monkey     No, not really. [13:20] (Flashback) Great Monkey     I'll give you heaps more     Sagecap in exchange. [13:25] (Flashback) Hatsune     Well? I'm sure we can work something out. [13:38] Hatsune     Surely you've heard enough? [13:40] Hatsune     Can you untie me now? These ropes hurt. [13:44] Natsuka     They cannot begin to compare... [13:47] Natsuka     to the pain your sacrifices inflicted      on our poor fellow yatagarasu. [13:52] Hatsune     My "fellow yatagarasu"? [13:55] Hatsune     I don't recall any of you     lifting a feather to help me, [13:59] Hatsune     but if we're "fellow yatagarasu,"     would you mind letting me out of here? [14:08] Natsuka     How dare you... [14:10] Hatsune     No one came to my rescue. [14:14] Hatsune     Especially no blowhards who go on about      "our poor fellow yatagarasu." [14:21] Hatsune     But the monkeys didn't lie,      and they paid up. [14:26] Hatsune     They helped me to live in the lap of luxury. [14:31] Hatsune     I still feel gratitude to them. [14:36] Hatsune     Now, I suppose you're going to kill me. [14:41] Hatsune     Go ahead. [14:43] Hatsune     I forgive you. [14:49] Official     Take her away! [14:52] Soldier     On your feet! [14:54] Hatsune     This society isn't going to last     much longer like this anyway. [14:58] Soldier     Move! [15:09] Natsuka     I do not understand. [15:11] Natsuka     I cannot make sense of that woman. [15:14] Natsuka     No. She is beyond pity. [15:18] Natsuka     I do not need to understand her. [15:21] Rokon     I bet her execution won't be pretty. [15:29] Natsuka     She brought it on herself. [15:31] Rokon     Yes, Lord Natsuka. You've got that right. [15:34] Natsuka     Then, wipe that smug look     off your face this instant! [15:50] Yukiya     It's my fault His Highness was stabbed. [15:53] Yukiya     I assumed he could kill the big raven     with one blow, like he killed that monkey. [15:59] Hamayu     No, it's not your fault. [16:05] Hamayu     What do you think makes a true kin'u? [16:08] Yukiya     Huh? [16:11] Hamayu     You see, Yukiya, Nazukihiko... [16:14] Hamayu     cannot kill yatagarasu. [16:17] Yukiya     What? [16:18] Hamayu     The Golden Raven regards     all yatagarasu with love. [16:23] Hamayu     He could never kill one of us.     Not even one that was trying to take his life. [16:35] Hamayu     That's just how kin'u are. [16:39] Hamayu     Some even say a true kin'u has no heart. [16:43] Yukiya     What do you mean? [16:45] Hamayu     "No emotion" might be nearer the mark. [16:48] Hamayu     In fact, Nazukihiko says so himself. [16:50] Hamayu     "I can't recall feeling joy,     sorrow, or any other emotion." [16:56] Hamayu     "To a lord who would rule justly,     personal feelings are nothing but a burden." [17:04] Yukiya     That does sound like him. [17:07] Hamayu     You've had an especially rough time of it. [17:11] Hamayu     But you know, I'm convinced Nazukihiko's     lying about having no emotions. [17:20] Hamayu     It's just that in the face     of his grand duty as kin'u, [17:25] Hamayu     his own feelings become     as weak as wet paper. [17:29] Hamayu     They probably dissolve into nothing     before he even notices them. [17:41] Voice     His Highness, the Prince, has awakened! [17:56] Natsuka     Thank goodness. Oh, thank goodness. [17:59] Sumio     Nazukihiko! Do you recognize me? [18:04] Sumio     Nazukihiko. [18:12] Yukiya     Oh, God... [18:37] Yukiya     How is Your Highness's wound? [18:40] Nazukihiko     It barely gives me pain now. [18:42] Nazukihiko     You look sickly yourself.     Would you rather wait here? [18:46] Yukiya     You must be joking.     What if something happened to you? [18:53] Nazukihiko     There. [19:08] Yukiya     Ghost-fire? [19:13] Yukiya     Why is there so much of it? [19:14] Nazukihiko     It seems the tears have widened     while I was bedridden. [19:33] Nazukihiko     Ghost-fire is the light humans make. [19:36] Yukiya     Really? [19:39] Nazukihiko     Humans can't stand to leave     any darkness unilluminated. [19:47] Nazukihiko     They move at a tremendous pace. [19:49] Nazukihiko     Their light is already     closing in on our mountain. [19:52] Nazukihiko     No... [19:55] Nazukihiko     It has already engulfed and     destroyed several outlying villages. [20:00] Nazukihiko     The monkeys will reemerge before long. [20:05] Nazukihiko     Yamauchi's waters will run dry.     Its people's hearts will grow barren. [20:11] Nazukihiko     The tears will continue to spread     until the humans eventually find us. [20:16] Yukiya     Will that be the end of Yamauchi?     Will it all disappear? [20:21] Nazukihiko     Not even I know what form      our ruin will take, [20:25] Nazukihiko     but I know it's coming. [20:27] Yukiya     How can you be so certain? [20:30] Nazukihiko     Because I was born. [20:32] Nazukihiko     A true kin'u is always born     with the strength his times demand. [20:39] Nazukihiko     Healing in times of strife.     Wisdom to survive in times of disaster. [20:44] Nazukihiko     And I have... [20:47] Nazukihiko     the power to halt Yamauchi's collapse. [21:01] Yukiya     What should I do? [21:04] Nazukihiko     Other than go home to Taruhi     and protect your family? [21:10] Yukiya     Then, will you guard     Yamauchi all on your own? [21:14] Yukiya     Stifling your feelings and mending tears     with no one any the wiser? [21:22] Nazukihiko     I am the leader of all yatagarasu. [21:25] Nazukihiko     I would give all I have to save even one. [21:29] Nazukihiko     That is my joy. [21:45] Nazukihiko     We're leaving. [21:47] Yukiya     Your Highness. [21:50] Yukiya     Guarding you means guarding     all of Yamauchi, my home included. [22:00] Yukiya     That means staying to support you      is the best choice I can make. [22:06] Nazukihiko     Yukiya. [22:08] Yukiya     Our true kin'u can do his duty, but he's got      no clue how to take care of himself. [22:12] Yukiya     I can't risk leaving him. [22:19] Yukiya     I humbly beseech Your Majesty, the Kin'u. [22:22] Yukiya     I, Yukiya of Taruhi, hereby pledge     my loyalty to you for as long as I live, [22:28] Yukiya     till my body withers to nothing     and the last flicker of my spirit fades. [22:45] Nazukihiko     You will be my right hand one day, [22:49] Nazukihiko     but I suspect you'll endure     suffering and hardship because of it. [22:55] Nazukihiko     I may abandon you if I grow desperate, [22:58] Nazukihiko     and I may not always be the best of lords. [23:02] Nazukihiko     Will you still have me? [23:05] Yukiya     Please take me as your lowliest servant. SIGN    Unbending Reed Monastery [23:56] Student 1     I hear we've got     serious competition this year. [23:58] Student 2     Oh, you mean that big-shot noble's kid? [24:01] Student 3     I heard he was the Prince's aide. [24:03] Student 4     Is that the same guy who got     a perfect score on the test? [24:06] Ichiryu     This is Unbending Reed Monastery, [24:08] Ichiryu     built to train Yamauchi Guardsmen     to defend the kin'u, lowborn or not. SIGN    Of Shimaki Village      in the North     Ichiryu [24:12] Ichiryu     Only strength matters here. [24:14] Ichiryu     Who cares if he's some noble's kid or aide? [24:17] Ichiryu     I'll beat him black and blue and     into shape, or my name ain't Ichi— [24:24] Ichiryu     Y-Yukiya? [24:26] Yukiya     It's so nice to see you again, Ichiryu. [24:28] Ichiryu     What are you...     You said you'd never come here! [24:31] Yukiya     Oh, well, I changed my mind. [24:34] Yukiya     Joining the Yamauchi Guard     doesn't seem so bad after all. [24:38] Yukiya     I hope you won't be too hard on me. SIGN    YATAGARASU:     The Raven     Does Not     Choose     Its Master SIGN    Illustration: Natsuki