01x11 - Lucius Builds a Spa Town

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The opinion of the senate
is worth next to nothing.

All we can do right now

is to rectify
the decisions made by the emperor.

All of this is unacceptable.

Aelius Caesar.

Rome will come to an end,
if he becomes the next emperor.

But I hear that
he’s popular among the people.

I’m sure Hadrian is maneuvering things
in the background.

Attilianus.

I’m worried about
the current situation in Rome.

Hadrian doesn’t want to go to w*r

and prefers to work on
maintaining his territories.

He's hardly ever in Rome because
he’s traveling to different provinces,

while observing the territories.

Even when he is in Rome,
he stays away from the senate

and secludes himself in his villa.

Rome will become weak

if we leave Rome in the hands
of someone like Hadrian.

I guess w*r is necessary

in order to maintain our dignity.

That’s right.

Therefore, we must bring down Aelius,

who has Hadrian’s backing.

But Hadrian has no mercy

towards those who plot an internal scheme.

What if we’re found out?
Isn’t there a better way?

The citizens just need to stop
supporting the emperor.

Sergianus. What do you mean by that?

We’ll start by doing
something with the bath.

Bath?

Lately, there have been many bath-related

developments in Rome
under the name of Aelius.

Yes, like that entertainment bathing
facility that was built recently.

That’s wonderful.

He’s providing bathhouses that
the citizens love.

No wonder Aelius is gaining popularity.

So we need to get rid of the person
who's creating that

source of popularity behind the scenes.

Is there such a person?

Lucius Modestus.

The emperor’s personal thermae architect.

As long as that man is connected with
the emperor and Aelius…

The citizens will continue to weaken.

Your plan is

to get rid of that man,
and bring the citizens back to reality?

You have a plan?

I came up with an idea
that will not raise any suspicion.

Let’s shape Rome back to our ideal state.

Don’t beat yourself up.

It’s not your fault that your wife left.

All you did was do your job.

No, it’s my fault.

I had neglected my wife
because I was too preoccupied with work.

Then you should reduce your workload.

When I think that
it’s for the emperor, and for Rome…

there’s no way I can turn the work down.

No matter…

what sacrifice I have to make.

Lucius Modestus?

Hey, Lucius.

I’m here to deliver a letter
from the senate.

Do they want you to build another bath?

They want me to go behind Mount Vesuvius

to investigate the hot spring area.

At such a dangerous place?

Hot spring deposits were found there,

and since the emperor’s health is failing,
he wants to build a destination spa there.

I'll go take a look.

Hey!

I hear that there are
dangerous bandits around there.

You’ll get k*lled
if you go there on your own.

It’s the emperor’s order. I must go.

I guess so…

but be careful, Lucius.

Yeah.

Rome is close-by,
yet this place is so desolate.

There's lots of steam rising
in various spots.

It’ll be difficult to make something
of this place by myself.

Maybe I’ll go back.

It seems like we have a guest.

We haven’t had anyone
pass by in a long time.

Let’s make him feel welcome.

I came here because the emperor
entrusted me with a job.

A job?

You’re joking, right?

A job at a place like this?

I was told to build a bath here.

Did you hear that?

He’s here to build a bath.

You’re making fun of the bath,

but your stench is out of the world.

How long have you gone
without taking a bath?

Shut up. We bandits do not have time
to be taking a leisurely bath.

But with a stench like that,

everyone can sniff out
your exact location.

Well, I guess we stink a little.

Don’t get too ahead of yourself.

Who cares if we stink?

Hand over your horse and clothes.

You’re surrounded by these mountains

full of treasures,
but you don’t even realize it.

Treasures?

What does he mean by treasures?

Stop spouting nonsense.

If you want to know,
I’ll show you. Follow me.

Look, isn’t it wonderful?

There’s so much water.
And the temperature is just right.

And this water quality is superb.

This will create a very good bath.

Enough about this water.
Just tell us where the treasure is.

Treasure?

It’s right in front of you.

Don't try to fool me.

-What kind of treasure is this?
-Help me.

What? Help you? What for?

I need help in order to
prove that this is a treasure.

Hey…

We're going to help him?

Just do it, you fools!

Move that rock to the other side.

Yes, that rock.

That rock needs to be placed on the right.
Further right!

That b*stard is getting ahead of himself!

The boss told us to help him.
We can't go against him.

Well, he'll be finished off
once we find the treasure.

It'll be a sight to see.

What?

That b*stard!

What is he doing
while he's making us work?

Hey you! Stop fooling around!

It's amazing, just as I expected!

All of my animosity is melting away.

I'm being renewed.

Soaking in this warm water

makes me too lazy to go attack people.

Right, Boss?

Yeah, I agree.

But how can we survive
in this desolate land

without attacking people?

You're right…

Just as I was starting to

cleanse my body and soul
with this nice bath…

It’s too early to give up.

Hey, you can’t fool us any longer!

We were looking forward to the treasures!

But you have the nerve to tell us
that this bath is the treasure?

I mean, I guess you can
call this bath a treasure too…

But this won’t help us survive here.

We’ll make you pay for this.

You just might find something more
than the physical treasures you expected.

I have a plan.

A plan where everyone can live in peace.

You're still going on about this?

If you use this water to your advantage…

He slipped off the rocks.

What an idiot!

Wait, is he okay?

Who would drown in a place like this?

He's not here!

It's the town of the flat-faced people.

The surrounding mountains
are volcanic mountains.

This is a garment belonging
to the flat-faced people.

There's no one here.

Did someone forget this?

I will borrow these clothes.

That was a great bath.

The townscape is so lively and bright,

that it doesn't feel like
a dangerous place at all.

It's an open space that’s surrounded
by the steam of the hot spring.

This must be a hot spring town
surrounded by volcanic mountains.

This is similar to the reconstruction plan
that I had vaguely pictured in mind.

No,

this place is even more wonderful
than what I had imagined.

It's freshly made!

It's onsen manju !

Taste one!

Go ahead and take one.

It's delicious! What is this?

Is it bread? Is this bread?

Please take a look around
our shop if you'd like.

We have onsen manju .

OKUMURA HOT SPRING

What is this?

It's called flowers of sulphur…

Oh, maybe you don't understand Japanese.

What should I do? Hold on one second.

It became white! And this smell!

I know what it is now!

Basically, this powder is a bath additive.

You can enjoy the hot spring experience
even when you’re using an indoor bath.

I’m always impressed with

the flat-faced people’s love for baths.

SOUVENIR SHOP

SHELL CRAFT

I see…

The town is thriving because they're
selling those products.

I want to take
everything back if I can, to study it…

but I think that's impossible.

I have some Roman currency

but I'm sure it won't be accepted here,
since it's not part of the provinces.

There are lots of customers here.

What kind of shop is this?

Dad, get me the Hikachu!

You missed it!

I'm sorry.

This is impossible!

You can do it.

See? I knew I wouldn't be able to do it.
Let's give up.

That'll be a waste. Try it one more time.

He's a good-looking foreigner.

He's been looking this way.
Maybe he wants to give it a try.

I've played enough, so maybe
I'll give him my leftover arrows.

Um… would you like to play?

Are they asking me
to show them how it's done?

This is such a poorly made bow.

Is this object placed at the tip
of the arrow to prevent injuries?

How interesting.

GRAND PRIZE!

That's amazing!

What is this?

I can get something like this

just by aiming at an easy target?

But…

That was amazing!

He won the grand prize!

Is he an archer?

I won this by using their arrows.

I think I'm obligated to
give this to them.

This belongs to you.

He's saying something.

He's not giving it to us, is he?

No thank you. We don't want it. Bye.

This strange doll is important,
because it's proof

that I was finally able to
surpass these people.

I want to take this back to Rome somehow.

I'm sorry.

Pardon.

A wallet?

Young man. Here you go.

You dropped this.

This is…

a wallet?

It's not mine.

It must belong to the owner
of these clothes.

I must return it immediately.

That's strange.

How strange.

We searched, but it's not here.

Damn it! It was stolen.

Fortunately,
there wasn't much money in it.

Is this your wallet?

That's my wallet!

He made a mistake and took your kimono.

Thank you for bringing it back.

I apologize.

That's right!

What is that?

Can I buy your currency with this?

What is he saying?

Hold on a second. This is real silver.

Silver? Stop talking nonsense.

I own a pawn shop.
There's no doubt about it.

I want to exchange this with that.

I got it!

I think he's saying that he wants to
exchange this coin for your wallet.

I don't know how much this is worth,

but I'm sure I'll be able to
buy something to eat.

But…

what an outstanding minting technique.

Thank you!

RAMEN

What is this shop?

This place smells incredibly good.
Is it a restaurant?

I can't hold back any longer.

What would you like?

I'll have what he got.

What?

The same thing as him.

What are you saying?

I think he's saying that he wants
the same soy sauce ramen like me.

That must be it.
One soy sauce ramen coming up!

Thank you!

You're welcome.

We can communicate by using our emotions.

At any rate…

this aroma is so exquisite

that it's paralyzing all my senses.

Thanks for waiting.

It was completed in no time!

But what are these ingredients?

I can only recognize the thinly sliced
meat and hardboiled egg.

What is this long yellow thing?

This thing with a swirl looks
too beautiful to eat,

but I have no idea what it is.

This is meander,
the traditional Greek design!

These people were influenced
by the Greeks, just as we were!

But this kind of dish
does not exist in Rome.

Sir… Sir?

Hurry up and eat,
or the noodles will get soggy.

The noodles will expand, and it will…
Never mind, he doesn't understand.

Is he telling me to eat
before it cools down?

Oh, he understood me.

How can this be?

We were influenced
by the Greeks in the field of cuisine

just like these people… but…

How were these flat-faced people

able to develop something this delicious?

Sir… did you burn the inside
of your mouth?

It's really delicious.

I think he's saying that it's delicious.

Judging by the way he's eating,
he must be very impressed.

So my ramen was so good
that it moved him to tears?

All right!

Even if we were to serve them
the most luxurious Roman cuisine,

it would probably be scoffed at
by these people.

It's on the house,
since you liked my ramen.

It's for you. Please eat it.

He's telling me to eat it?

Oh, I see.
This is a side dish for the soup?

I guess both my ramen and dumplings
are world-class!

I will take this back to Rome.

You're ready to pay?

I haven't got the slightest idea…

This gold coin with a hole in the middle
looks very elaborate.

I'm guessing that this is worth a lot.

Please accept this.

What?

Take it as my token of gratitude.

Young man, you're joking right?

It seems like he's not satisfied with it.

I guess that wasn't enough.

How much would be enough?

Use this.

This paper money will cover the cost.

What is this?

You're telling me that this is
a currency too?

This is the emperor of
the flat-faced people?

This will cover it. Thank you, young man.

Let me hand you your change.

That papyrus currency was a shock.

I'm satisfied since I was able to
eat something delicious.

But I can't waste too much time.

SOUVENIR SHOP

Young man, you're back again.

Thank you.

I hope I can take all this back to Rome.

Let's go over there.

Sorry.

My trophy!

That was the handsome foreigner, right?

Yeah, it was.

Do you think he's all right?

Oh? He's alive.

I don't know when you put your clothes on,

but you floated up
with some strange items.

What?

Oh, it made it here safely!

What's wrong with him?

What are you picking up?

This is… oh, wait…

Can you hold this for a moment?

It's here!
All right, everything is in place!

We have no time to lose!

This place is bustling.

Everyone in Rome is talking
about this place right now.

Mom, can you buy this for me?

Welcome.

How much is this sea shell craft?

It's… uh… how much is it?

How much was it?

You don't remember?

You don't remember?

I feel like I remembered it,
but I'm not sure…

You feel like you remembered it,
but you're not sure…

That's just one as .

Wow, how cheap! I'll take three.

Thank you!

One special soup, coming up!

It smells amazing.

Please enjoy this as a side dish.

What is this?

It's delicious!

Hey!

Boss!

I'm no longer your boss.

Call me Owner.

Yes, Owner!

Everyone is making an honest living,
and they're enjoying it.

Lucius.

I'm very thankful to you.

You were right. This was more
than merely a physical treasure.

Who could have imagined a bath like this.

Oh Lucius…

Our plan failed.

It all depends on how you look at it.

We attempted to plan a conspiracy,
but it all worked out in the end.

This is a great bath.

I don't care anymore
about bringing people down.

Emperor.

Lucius Modestus. Please raise your head.

I can't believe you established
an entire town.

You really surprised me, Lucius.

Thank you for those kind words.

All I did was accomplish
your request, Emperor.

What? I didn't request anything?

I just accepted your idea.

Huh?

Then what was that letter I received?

Enough about that, Lucius.

I prepared a special reward for you today.

Livia!

Your marriage was about to
fall apart because of me.

I feel very bad for causing you trouble.

I'm sorry.

Emperor, please raise your head.

Lucius.

I'm always amazed by your humble attitude.

Come!

Livia!

I'm sorry,

for neglecting you because of work.

No. Your work is indispensable to Rome.

I should have tried harder
to understand you.

Because you're a wonderful,
and outstanding architect.

Livia…

thank you.

ALL BATHS LEAD TO ROME

Thermae Romae. The Hot Water Pilgrimage.

Author Ms. Mari Yamazaki,

embarked on a journey to rediscover
Japan's bathing culture.

EPISODE 11 - FLOWERS OF SULPHUR

Today's theme is "flowers of sulphur."

Flowers of sulphur appeared in the anime,

but what does
the actual product look like?

We went to investigate.

It's called flowers of sulphur,
but what does the "flowers" mean?

What exactly is flowers of sulphur?

Simply put,

Flowers of sulphur is a bath additive.

It's a by-product yielded
by cooling the water.

Deposits are formed by a chemical reaction
when the water is exposed to air.

-I see.
-That's the flowers of sulphur.

The deposit is dried

and packaged as a bath additive.

-That's wonderful.
-So it's 100% sourced at Yubatake.

-It's from Yubatake.
-Yes.

-It's packed in here.
-Yes.

Is this the natural color
of the flowers of sulphur?

It's sulfur.

Sulfur?

It's a component from the volcano.

To use this at home, please add
a teaspoon of it into the bath water.

That will be enough.

Then it becomes this hot spring?

-There are lots of hot spring products.
-Yes.

Thermae Memoria.

Ms. Yamazaki sketched
a memorable moment from this trip.

I'm sure many people in the past
wished they could take home

the hot spring water at Kusatsu.

I think it's wonderful

that the Kusatsu hot spring can be
recreated with flowers of sulphur.

And the water at Kusatsu is beneficial

for wounds and cuts.

So if Lucius came here, he would want to
take this back to Rome.

Since Rome had many wounded people
due to all the wars and such,

I believe he would
happily take it back to Rome.

That's my idea.

There were many memorable moments.

Japan is a country of hot springs.

I only traveled around
Gunma prefecture this time,

but there's a method of facing
and dealing with the hot spring.

I think a certain part
of Japan's civilization

was built together with the hot springs.

I really felt that during this trip.

When you visit the hot springs
located nationwide,

their local territory, climate,
national character, and history

are all reflected in each
of their hot springs.

So to sum it up, the hot spring

is a vital element of the earth
that provides humans

with the affirmation that we are alive.

This trip helped me to realize that.

If we are to create another series of
Thermae Romae

I think that might become
the principal theme.

Ms. Yamazaki's passion

that bubbles forth like the hot spring,

was inscribed onto the new page
of Thermae Romae.