E6 - A Tanabata Invitation

Source: Crunchyroll
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(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