01x03 - The Night of Dreams

[bunniefuu]

[NINA]

That fateful day,

I lost my name and former life

to replace a blue-eyed royal.

[AZURE]

Today, you shall die.

And then live

as Princess Alisha.

[NINA] Soon after,

he revived my true name.

[AZURE]

Nina.

Alone,

that is what I shall call you.

[NINA]

Just like that, I belonged.

I had no one in the world.

But then he said he needed me.

Onward! Hup!

Horsemanship

came naturally to her.

She learns quickly

when thinking isn't involved.

I love to ride!

Can I go beyond the palace?

And that was a rude

thing to say.

[AZURE]

You have the ears of a cat.

Permission denied.

It is not worth risking

your safety.

Are you worried after

what happened the other night?

Prince Azure, usurper!

[NINA] He was probably

one of that nasty

queen's henchmen.

Did he attack because

he thought Az

would take the throne?

I told you to forget

about what transpired.

It is behind us now.

[NINA] Something tells me

it's only just the beginning.

Hmm.

Wait. Where's Dytus going?

Returning the horse

to the stable.

Really, now?

♪

-Something wrong?

-Um.

There's no one

but us around here.

♪

We're alone.

Ya know?

Right.

Ni-na.

[whimpering]

Thanks!

[NINA] My true name

is our little secret.

Does it really make you

so happy

just to be addressed

by that name?

Mm-hm!

[NINA] It makes me feel

all warm and fuzzy.

Someone in the world

knows the real me.

Not too long ago,

I despised him.

Life sure is funny.

Night 3:

the night of dreams

What is this thing?

It's called a fita.

Making them is a popular

pastime among court ladies.

They're protective charms

from the south

woven with your wishes

and prayers.

And if I had to guess,

I'd say most ladies

make them with the one

they love in mind.

[NINA]

The one they love?

Nina.

[yelling]

[NINA]

Not a chance!

It's just that he calls me

by my real name.

I mean, sure,

he's a nice guy and all.

But it's not like that!

Is something wrong?

Not really. This was sudden.

[NINA] Besides, I'll be

married soon, so there!

I'll be married soon.

[COURT LADY 1A] Uh, I think

the prince should know.

A long ride?

Your ladies in waiting said

you needed a change of pace.

[NINA]

Hooray!

♪

I wanna ride. Let's go!

[NINA]

Nice to meet you!

[giggles]

You're too cute!

-Hey. Az, are you ready?

-[horse neighing]

What's wrong?

On second thought,

I cannot let you

ride by yourself.

We shall go together.

Huh?

Dytus.

We're using your horse.

You take the princess'.

Yes, sir!

[NINA]

So, we're riding together, huh?

W-w-w-what is this?

I might die of embarrassment!

It would be safer

if you moved nearer.

[NINA]

He sounds too close!

Oops! I'm so sorry!

That could have gone better.

[NINA]

Oh, wow.

It's like I can see forever!

Tell me, Az.

Have you ever got

to travel far away

-from your home?

-Perhaps I have.

[NINA] What's that building

with the red roof over there?

[AZURE] Hm.

That would be the royal villa.

Dwelling there at present

is the former king of Fortna.

I'm guessing

he's pretty distinguished

around here?

[AZURE] My great-grandfather

laid the foundation

for this land's prosperity.

To put it in your terms,

yes, he's far more

distinguished

than the current king.

He taught me much as a child

from 4 to 14.

I resented certain things,

but I respect him.

[NINA] That's the first time

he's talked about himself.

His great-grandfather must be

really important to him.

It's weird.

I can't help but wonder

what he thinks of me.

And how do I feel?

Are you in better spirits now?

Don't make the ladies

in waiting worry so much.

♪

Nina.

[NINA]

He's maybe a little special?

And kinda

How to describe it?

I know. He's important to me.

♪

Perfect! All done!

I'm going for a walk.

Princess? Wait!

-Don't go!

-She's far too quick.

[NINA]

It's gift time. Hey, Az

[DYTUS] You were right

about your horse.

I found cuts

on the saddle as well.

-I'm glad you took mine.

-Huh!

Yesterday could have

gone very badly.

[NINA]

What?

Someone messed with his horse

to try and hurt him?

♪

[DYTUS] These attempts

are swiftly escalating.

I fear I cannot protect you.

Perhaps the former king

can help.

[AZURE]

There is no need for that.

While I've no wish

to die young,

if it's the will of the people

and benefits Fortna,

I shall lay down my very life.

After all, one cannot

change the star

they were born under.

♪

[NINA] I hate this "written

in the stars" nonsense!

That's enough!

[gasps]

You're snooping? Again?

You make it sound like

you're okay with dying!

Somebody is threatening

your life.

Aren't you going

to fight back?

What if you ignore this

and wind up dead?

Then, that's the end.

You can't say things like that!

My life's not worth much.

Less than you might think.

You're wrong.

That doesn't make sense!

If you're going

to throw your life away

♪

then what am I

doing this for?

Please.

Tell me.

Such things should be

none of your concern.

I suggest you focus solely

on fulfilling your role, Nina.

[gasps]

Don't call me that unless

we're alone, you idiot!

[DYTUS] Are you

all right, Your Highness?

♪

[NINA]

That royal jerk!

I can't believe him.

He doesn't care

if he lives or dies!

[KING]

Alisha. Hello.

-Huh?!

-What brings you here?

[NINA]

The king! Could he help?

I heard you felt unwell

during the Star Festival

and had to retire early.

What a shame you missed out.

[NINA]

Oh, right.

The king doesn't know anything.

And it's not like

I can tell him.

It's about the queen.

I am here for you should

you ever need me.

Marquis Lloyd is waiting,

Your Majesty.

[KING]

Time to play Shatar, at last!

[NINA] I can't rely

on the king for this.

So now what?

Who can I ask for help?

Who has the power to save Az?

There must be someone.

Huh!

How has your morning

been so far, Princess Alisha?

[gasps]

Has she run off again?

[panting]

[NINA] By horse,

it's a half-day round trip

to the former king's

royal villa.

[horse neighs]

[grunts]

♪

[groans]

Owie.

Oh, did I startle you?

It's okay. I'm sorry.

Didn't mean to fall.

I won't let it happen again.

Someone important

to me is in danger.

But you'll help me, won't you?

♪

[NINA] I know he wants me

to leave it alone,

but I won't lose anyone

else I care about.

♪

You intrude upon

my solitude without notice?

But never you mind.

You may raise your head, child.

[gasps]

[NINA] It's a pleasure

to make your acquaintance.

I am called

Alisha Seth Fortna.

I hear your power is great.

I come before you today

with an urgent request.

You're my only hope.

I beg.

Help me save Prince Azure.

On the night of the festival,

an assassin

nearly m*rder*d him.

The other day someone

tampered with his saddle.

I worry if this continues,

he will surely die.

I see.

Yet, who would undertake

such treachery?

Respectfully,

I believe it is the queen.

She hates Azure and imagines

he would usurp the throne.

It was her.

Azure himself voiced

what you've shared?

No. He won't say

anything at all about it.

I'm here of my own accord.

Good. I knew as much.

That is how I raised him.

He is gifted.

Teach him one thing,

he understands ten.

He has grown

into the cornerstone

of this land.

Given that, there's surely

a reason he chose inaction.

It must mean he feels that

is what's best for our kingdom.

That's not it!

He does whatever he wants.

Don't you want him to live?

You must!

He'll die if you don't act!

Hm. Calm down and come closer.

♪

Closer still.

Oh. Sure.

I knew it.

You are not the real Alisha.

[gasps]

Gainan! Fohnam!

-Right!

-Right!

No!

I, uh

One raised in the Astral Villa

would never dare tread upon

the star crest as you have.

♪

Throw her in the dungeon!

And strip the imposter

of her royal garments!

[gasps]

[door thuds]

Your Majesty.

I have an update

about Princess Alisha.

Is she bawling shamelessly?

Wellnot exactly.

[humming]

[GAINAN] It seems

she is humming joyfully.

[NINA] I thought a genuine

dungeon would be a lot scarier.

But it's a lot like

my old home.

Anyway

I need to make sure

the others are forgiven.

I made this mistake

all on my own.

I'll take the fall.

Then, I'll ask him

one more time

to protect Az at all costs!

He won't be in the best mood.

If only I could do something

to make a good impression.

There's gotta be a way.

Ah!

Say that again?

As you wish.

[NINA (SONG)]

Cleaning, cleaning! ♪♪

[GAINAN] She is inexplicably

and happily cleaning her cell.

What's the meaning of this?

[GAINAN] We have no idea

what she's playing at.

It could be bad

if someone unaware

of the situation noticed.

Indeed.

Threaten her a bit.

[humming]

You've been sentenced.

You will be ruthlessly flogged

a hundred times tomorrow.

Really? Thank you!

[NINA] That means

they're not beheading me.

You're all too kind!

Sorry.

Uh?

[groans]

[FORMER KING]

It seems you slept rather well.

[NINA]

Yes, thank you!

Like a rock!

Huh!

[NINA] I didn't think

he'd see me again so soon.

This could be my last chance.

I can't mess it up.

Your Majesty!

I humbly beg you

to save Prince Azure!

That is what you say to me

upon release from the dungeon?

Do I not deserve

an apology for your deception?

[NINA]

Of course. I'm terribly sorry.

I accept any punishment.

But in exchange,

I ask you to forgive

all others involved.

They are good people.

They use you in service

of their own interest.

So, why sacrifice

your life for theirs?

I owe them for giving me

somewhere to belong.

Besides, once you live

with someone,

they become your family!

Hm.

Living together

makes you family, does it?

Well, then

You said you

wanted to save Azure?

Uh, yes!

But I need your help.

Use your influence

to stop the queen

from threatening his life!

I do not possess

that kind of power anymore.

[gasps]

These withered

legs no longer move.

One day the poison

will spread and stop my heart.

I am dying.

I can no longer affect

this world.

[NINA]

What now?

However,

Alisha could do something.

Huh?

[FORMER KING] Your position

is actually quite powerful,

"Alisha."

It was my grandson,

the current king,

who agreed to this marriage

with Galgada.

He was remiss.

That mistake began

this whole tragic affair.

You see?

Uh-uh.

[FORMER KING] Galgada seeks

any excuse to invade Fortna,

despite our efforts

to promote goodwill.

That is why they demanded

something so precious

as our priestess-princess.

If we refuse, they'll invade

due to a collapse of relations.

And if you marry,

they'll simply invent

some offense

and invade anyway.

It's terrible.

There's nothing we can do.

[FORMER KING]

It would seem that way.

♪

And yet, this situation

affords Alisha

great power in Fortna.

She holds its fate.

With determination

and iron resolve,

Alisha alone could save

Azure from the schemes

that threaten his life.

[NINA]

Alisha's the key.

I see.

What exactly do you suggest?

You must use your head.

A fool cannot possibly

protect anyone or anything.

[MALE GUARD 3A]

Stand down!

No one is allowed

inside at present!

It is him.

I did not dispatch

a messenger until noon.

How fast must

he have ridden here?

You hasty boy.

-[door thud open]

-Huh?

-[panting]

-[NINA] Az!

You should know

that girl showed up here

begging me to save your life.

I and I alone am responsible

for this whole scheme.

Please spare her.

She is innocent.

I'm not!

It's my fault he found out!

Silence now.

I will explain to him

as best I can.

[FORMER KING]

That is unnecessary.

I have grasped the situation.

Only my two attendants here

know of the matter at hand,

so you may worry not.

We will guard your secret.

Rest here tonight.

And you may both return

to the palace tomorrow.

[AZURE]

So then, you're not

That is correct.

I cannot remember the last time

I have been so amused.

♪

Right.

♪

Let's go.

[door opens]

Hmm.

You may reveal yourself, Dytus.

Yes. Sire.

That girl is an outlier,

isn't she?

A most peculiar impostor.

And for that,

she will be the wind

propelling him forward.

[AZURE] You can see

the western horizon

so clearly from here.

I once adored this place.

[NINA]

He doesn't seem very angry.

Though his voice does

sound a little tired.

I wonder

if he was worried about me.

I assume you have something

you wish to say to me?

Me? Uh, I-I'm so sorry.

You could at least leave

a note saying

where you're going.

-Uh!

-[AZURE] What is it?

Golden eyes!

That's who you take after.

Your great-grandfather!

I noticed you didn't look

a thing like the king.

Now, I see the resemblance.

[wind whistling]

I have no royal blood

in my veins.

We are the same.

I am only a replacement prince.

[NINA]

What?

You?

It can't be true.

When I was a boy,

I was secretly

swapped for a prince

who died of illness.

Only the king, the former king,

and a few others know.

Our deception was complete.

Even the current queen

is unaware.

The young prince

was only four years old.

We could keep him out

of the public eye.

In a few years,

no one will notice

his changed appearance.

We can blame the illness.

I'll raise the child

at the royal villa.

We can't leave

such a vital task to him.

You will live

for this kingdom,

sacrificing everything for it,

never hoping for anything

else nor desiring more.

This is your destiny.

[AZURE]

My fate was not my own.

I was taught

that for ten years.

[MALE SERVANT 3C]

Though not yet grown,

Prince Azure is already

so wise and capable!

[AZURE]

I excelled at the part.

It fooled everyone.

You certainly enjoy

those foreign paintings.

[AZURE]

I longed to leave the villa.

It's a boy!

-A new prince has been born!

-Wonderful!

[AZURE]

A real prince, unlike myself.

As of today, you shall be

the second prince, Azure.

[AZURE (YOUNG)] Dytus,

am I no longer necessary?

[DYTUS]

Do not think like that.

You will be the king's advisor.

That is an important role

for our kingdom.

You're right.

Never hoping for anything else

nor desiring more.

[AZURE]

What does this make me?

They could have k*lled me

the day Muhulum was born.

That fact has never been

lost on me.

[NINA]

Az.

[AZURE]

I was merely a pawn.

I can't say that explains it,

but I saw others as pawns, too.

♪

That includes you.

I intended to k*ll

my princess stand-in.

We only need blue eyes.

Their gender

and appearance matter not,

for they shall die before

ever setting foot in Galgada.

[AZURE]

It would prevent giving Galgada

an excuse to move against us.

Blame for her death

would be placed

squarely on them.

However

[wind whooshing]

it turned out you were

no pawn, after all.

♪

From the moment

you went missing, I wondered.

What would I do

if you were truly gone?

I cannot lose

that tearful smile.

You're special.

There is only one of you.

-[whimpering]

-I won't let you die.

♪

Listen! You're not allowed

to go and get k*lled either!

I don't care

if you're not a true royal.

That's no excuse for you

to give up!

When Muhulum is king,

there will be plenty of ways

to still support the kingdom!

What's the harm in that?

I'll be a source of discord.

Even if that

is not my intention,

so long as others think that,

it could cause conflict.

Enough. I won't let you

throw your life away!

[AZURE]

Nina.

There! That's the reason.

You can't die on me.

No one will be left

to call me by that name.

I need you for that.

You could ask it of Dytus

and your ladies in waiting.

Shut up! I want you.

Who cares

if someone else says it?

With you, it means something.

Who cares

if you're not a prince?

Why can't you see

you're so much more

than that to me?

There's only one of you.

You are irreplaceable.

Nina.

♪

[AZURE]

Blue as the dawn.

Those honest eyes,

they weren't looking

at a prince.

Or at anyone else.

But right at me.

♪

Before, my life was empty.

There was nothing I desired.

♪

That-that was just

♪

Just a dream.

[NINA]

A dream?

[AZURE]

That is all.

[NINA]

A dream.

♪

Good night, Nina.

♪

[NINA]

That was not a dream.

It was real.

[NINA] "Night Four.

The Day of Departure."