01x09 - The Window of Love

[bunniefuu]

[NINA]

Az became the king?

How could that be?

What's going on?

Who's that?

The messenger in the back.

Could he be

♪

[NINA]

I've got to make sure.

No, Princess!

You cannot see the messengers

without permission!

You belong to Galgada now,

not Fortna!

[Nina panting]

[NINA]

I'm so close.

[MALE GUARD 1]

Stop this at once!

[guards grunt]

[NINA]

I have to know!

[HIKAMI]

Damn that tomboy!

[panting]

[NINA]

It's Az.

He's really here.

Times New Roman

The Window of Love.

[NINA] I was so sure

I'd never get to see him again.

[breathes heavily]

[NINA]

I want to scream.

I can't explain it.

But I do.

I feel like

my heart's in my throat.

It's just too much.

What's this?

Dear Princess.

I'm glad that you seem well.

Yes. Please tell me

what has transpired.

Of course.

The King decided

to relinquish the throne

to second Prince Azure.

Back in Fortna,

we performed

an informal coronation.

An official coronation

with other nations present

will take place in the spring.

We came to deliver

the good tidings in person.

I see.

But why was it so sudden?

[HIKAMI] [speaking softly]

Highness.

Be careful

what you say to them.

[NINA]

Oh. She's right.

But if I could

only hear his voice.

Is everyone well

back in Fortna?

Rest assured, they are.

You've brought us enough news.

I wish to hear from

the other messengers as well.

Answer me,

you in the very back.

[groans]

[NINA]

It's you.

It really is.

Please look at me!

Say something!

♪

[gasps]

I beg your pardon,

Princess Alisha,

but this man is a mercenary.

[MALE FORTNA GUARD 1]

One of his status

is not permitted

to speak to you.

[MALE FORTNA GUARD 2]

Pardon,

but if we continue

this conversation,

people may get the wrong idea.

I must ask you to excuse us.

We have a letter to deliver

with utmost haste.

No, wait!

I have questions!

[NINA]

Please, Az.

Turn around.

♪

[breathes steadily]

♪

[NINA]

Please?

He didn't even look back.

[NINA]

I've been rejected.

He must be mad

that I basically

went behind his back

when I left Fortna.

I betrayed him.

He swore to protect me,

and I made this huge decision

without consulting him.

In truth,

I practically abandoned Az.

No wonder he despises me now.

What was I hoping

to accomplish there?

Who even knows.

You.

What is the matter with her?

Huh?

[gasps]

Me?

You're asking me

about the princess?

Who else is present?

[SETT] I've never seen her

so quiet before.

-Something must be

troubling her. -Huh?

I'm afraid

I'm not sure what's wrong.

Let's see.

Those messengers

arrived from Fortna.

Perhaps seeing them here

has her feeling

a little homesick.

She's homesick?

What will restore her?

Welltime heals all wounds.

But apart from that, I guess

all we can do

is attempt to distract her.

I imagine some delicious food

and fun activities

could be just what she needs.

[SETT] Youbring all

the delicious food we have.

-Right!

-[gasps]

What are we celebrating?

Please eat to

your heart's content.

Thanks.

But I'm not hungry

at the moment.

Princess Alisha!

[ANNE] [speaking softly]

I believe Prince Sett

is trying his very hardest

to pull you out

of your recent melancholy.

[NINA]

Wait, is that true?

A mere seven days from now,

we welcome winter's birth with

the King of Beasts festival.

Music and games and the like.

It will be lively and fun.

[NINA] He really is trying

to cheer me up.

I can't wait.

[chomps]

So tasty!

[NINA]

No more sulking.

Things are going

so well with him.

[chuckles]

We've gotta do something

about that laugh, though.

[NINA] I can't help wanting

to take good care of this man.

That is my heart's truth.

But I swore to protect Fortna,

and especially Az.

[wind whooshing]

[BIDOH]

If it isn't Yor!

Curious about

the Fortnan messengers, eh?

Yes, but given they're all men.

I'm surprised

to find you lurking.

It sounded amusing.

Fortna's new king

must not be taken lightly.

Our spies have been cut off.

Not only within their palace,

but even those

disguised as peddlers.

[TOAT]

If this continues,

the King may reconsider

upending the current line

of succession.

You're here, too.

The King wants

to conquer Fortna.

It previously made sense

to wait three more years.

But everything has changed now.

We must act quickly

or lose our chance.

That's nonsense!

She can't undo

what's already undone!

All that said,

I never could

have imagined that

Sett would become so attached

to the lovely princess

of Fortna so soon.

I suppose she is

his intended bride, after all.

Perhaps even he has red blood

flowing through his veins.

[grimacing]

There must be some other way!

I'll find it!

I will!

Oh.

[BIDOH]

Speak of the devil.

She seems to do as she pleases.

[NINA]

That's a lot of guards.

I'll just have to

fearlessly charge straight in.

I'm sorry, Anne.

[ANNE]

Where are you, Princess Alisha?

[NINA]

Sorry, Hikami.

[HIKAMI] Do not cause

any further trouble.

[NINA]

And Sett.

Forgive me.

But I have to see Az

and tell him how I feel

before he's gone,

or I'll regret it.

-[MALE GUARD 1] What?

-[MALE GUARD 2] Huh?

Hello!

Many thanks

for your loyal service.

A gift from Prince Sett!

He gave me a bunch

of Galgadan sweets yesterday,

so I'd like to share them

with the messengers.

You can't see them

without permission.

-[MALE GUARD 2] Uh-huh.

-[chuckles]

Well, of course,

that's been granted.

Were you not informed?

I see.

Then we'll go and confirm it.

[laughs]

That sounds like a good plan.

Farewell, then!

[vessels clatter]

Princess Alisha!

[NINA]

Az.

It's you.

[NINA]

I found you.

I see you.

And now

[NINA]

Az

What are you doing here?

Sett, I

Prince Sett.

He's their future king.

-[gasps]

-[groans]

I realize you're homesick,

but even still

Why are you so desperate

to meet the messengers?

People will think

that you're a spy.

Let me go!

Ridiculous!

That's not remotely true!

It's just

You see, long ago,

someone helped me.

I've never forgotten.

And the man in the middle

reminds me of him.

So

[NINA]

Idiot!

Saying that will only

cause him trouble.

And yet

And yet

I am afraid

you are most mistaken.

This is our first meeting.

[NINA]

Wow.

He still won't look my way.

Tell me

when will you be

returning to Fortna?

Can you take a message for me?

[NINA]

For my father and the queen,

the former King,

my brother Muhulum?

[NINA]

And also

my brother Azure,

the newly crowned King.

Tell them this.

I swear.

[NINA]

I will always protect you,

even from the distant land

of Galgada.

That's true now

and always will be.

[AZURE]

Pardon me.

There's a shard on your foot.

Don't hurt yourself.

[breathes shakily]

♪

[NINA]

Az.

[Nina groans]

Don't worry yourself.

They will be remaining here

a while longer.

The King arranged

accommodations

until the festival.

Oh, really?

Why so long?

Well

it is likely just an excuse

to detain them.

[SETT]

It has been determined

that we must not

underestimate their new king.

Are his messengers

truly as they seem?

Or did they come here

with ill intentions?

Sett, no!

[swords clangs]

[chuckles]

You didn't so much

as bat an eye.

Listen

touch her again

and I'll k*ll you.

[NINA]

Stop it! What are you doing?

Don't say that!

They all knew that

they were risking their lives

by coming here.

[NINA]

You can't be serious!

It appears that my actions

have displeased you.

I apologize.

[SETT]

Hmm.

You seem confident

in your skills.

The highlight of the festival

is the combat tournament

at the coliseum.

Anyone may participate.

The King will be elated to hear

our guests wish to enter.

-[NINA] Huh?

-No!

Please, Your Highness!

We never said any such thing!

The prize is whatever

your heart desires.

Best of luck.

[NINA]

Wait, I wasn't finished!

[NINA]

Sett!

[NINA]

Az.

♪

[MALE FORTNA GUARD 1]

I didn't expect them

to delay us for so long.

On another note,

couldn't you have shown

a bit more kindness

to the Princess Alisha?

-After all--

-Be more mindful of your words.

There are soldiers right on

the other side of that door.

[MALE FORTNA GUARD 2]

Yes. Please forgive me.

I thought they couldn't hear.

[AZURE]

Ah.

But even if you are

barely whispering,

those who received

special training

can still hear you.

Can they not?

Hikami?

[AZURE]

I wonder.

Whose side are you on?

[birds chirping]

[QUEEN]

Rest, Muhulum.

You'll make your fever worse.

Sorry, Mother.

I'm just worried.

Is my brother all right?

He only recently became King,

but he's been away

for a long time.

It's hard to say.

And I could not care any less.

Honestly,

I don't know

what my husband was thinking

when he abdicated.

[QUEEN] He's done nothing

but play shatar since.

It's infuriating.

[MUHULUM] She doesn't know,

I overheard their conversation.

You will be King

for just one year.

Give it your all, and then die.

[MUHULUM]

What does that mean?

[QUEEN]

Now, return to bed, my darling.

I promise I will not rest

until you have taken

your place on the throne.

[footsteps receding]

[MUHULUM]

What would you do, Alisha?

I really miss you.

I'm certain,

you would know how to fix this.

There, I got ya!

MevaI told you

not to run away from me.

Also, you're getting

rather heavy, aren't you?

[ANNE]

Princess Alisha!

You're too fast!

[Anne pants]

[ANNE]

I'm sorry.

I accidentally

left the door open.

It's not a big deal.

I can handle

catching Meva myself.

That isn't easy

for most people.

[ANNE]

Huh?

Oh, dear. Have we wandered

over by the Purple Wing?

[NINA]

Looks like.

Next time you run off,

go to where the messengers are.

Got it?

[Mevaria meows]

[NINA]

Just a stone's throw away,

in the same castle.

Az is that close

to me right now.

But I can't see him.

[HIKAMI]

You've been too reckless.

Your careless actions

could put them in grave danger.

[NINA]

It's fine.

I'm just glad I got to tell him

that I'll always protect him.

[ANNE] Look, Princess!

Over there!

Did you know

that all the guards

in the Purple Wing are women?

Every last one?

Huh.

I've heard that Galgada has

more than a few

female warriors, too.

So, perhaps that means

that they'll compete

in the upcoming tournament.

[BIDOH]

They shall!

Each of the royal wings

may enter

but a single contestant

into the tournament.

Only princes

and generals are not allowed.

[NINA] Bidoh Tahha,

the lustful prince!

Hello, tomboy Princess.

The tournament is

an opportunity

to show off one's strength.

Winners enjoy a bump

in their status.

The champion gets

whatever they desire.

-[Mevaria meows]

-[all gasp]

[NINA]

Status and rewards, huh?

Might I be allowed

to participate?

[gasps]

[chuckles softly]

Well, there's no rule against

a princess

entering the tournament,

and yet

-Here.

-[NINA] Huh?

Hold my sword.

[NINA]

It's heavy.

[BIDOH]

I would advise against it,

given your small stature.

You needn't do things

that don't suit you.

A princess has one job.

To let themselves

be loved by all.

Sweet lady-in-waiting.

I like you.

Come to me,

and I will shower you

with my love and affection.

[gasps]

That is not happening.

You've got plenty of company!

Do I?

Why should I limit the number

of treasures I can enjoy?

The harvest is as bountiful

as the well of love is deep!

No?

[BIDOH] Besides, however could

I choose between them all?

The reason is that I'm greedy,

just like everyone else is.

Yes?

[BIDOH]

Just so you know,

I still have not given up hope

of marrying you,

my lovely little tomboy.

I haven't the faintest

what Toat might be planning.

As for Yor,

he will likely try to win

your hand at the tournament.

He will?

But I thought you said

princes couldn't enter.

That very fact

should work in his favor.

Huh?

You're going to release

former general Holt

from the eastern dungeon?

That man is a criminal!

[YOR] It can be done

with royal authorization.

With my pardon,

he will come

and represent the Black Wing.

And he will prevail.

Then I'll get what I desire.

Lord Holt is almost

certain to win.

Everyone from the White Wing

is rather strong.

But Prince Sett

cannot enter himself.

[MALE HUNK 2]

Criminal or no,

Holt is quite mighty.

-[liquid trickling]

-If we do not act,

the King will soon restore

the previous

line of succession.

I'll get the King's word

in front of the retainers

and the people.

I won't allow Sett

to ascend the throne.

I'll do whatever I must

to stop it!

The Princess will be mine!

She'll be the bride of Yor Att!

♪

[squawking]

I must learn to use a sword.

What?

I can't just wait.

I've got to get stronger!

Uh, you're not really

planning to enter, right?

You can't!

That's impossible!

If you wish it,

I will teach you.

[NINA]

How did he already find out?

Uh

Thanks, but I think

you'd be an awful teacher.

That is baseless.

Our soldiers are well trained.

I make sure of it.

-[NINA] Then what's the trick?

-The trick?

Read your foe's movements

and k*ll them

before they k*ll you.

It's not that simple!

There must be basics,

protocols,

and then some

complicated things, too!

[SETT]

That describes it.

[gasps]

Complicated.

[SETT] I never used to care

what anyone thought of me.

I simply cut down

all who opposed.

I don't understand you, Nina.

I can't predict you.

You're far more complicated

than swordplay.

[chuckles]

Guess you'll have

to work a bit harder

to figure me out, huh?

[exhales]

[SETT] You don't want these

without love behind them,

right?

Then, that should suffice.

Huh!

♪

[chuckles softly]

[breathes shakily]

Hmm.

[NINA]

With love?

Did that really

just happen?

[sword swinging]

[groans]

[NINA] How is he back to normal

after yesterday?

What even was that?

And he's being merciless!

Do you wish to continue?

[NINA]

He sounds annoyed!

But he's the one

who offered to teach me!

[Nina grunts]

Never in my life have I seen

Prince Sett hold back

while training someone.

Nor have I.

[NINA]

Now, I'm angry.

Here it comes!

♪

[all gasp]

A scabbard's not sharp,

you know.

Let it go, argh!

At least, she's quick

on her feet.

And she's quite tricky.

That she is.

True potential.

[MALE GUARD 1]

Why is he teaching her, anyway?

[MALE GUARD 2]

It's hard to explain.

[MALE GUARD 3]

There's something strange

about Princess Alisha.

I feel that even Prince Sett

has changed since meeting her.

[MALE GUARD 2] Perhaps

that Princess has become

someone he considers

invaluable to him.

[Nina wails]

[sighs]

I'm exhausted.

[Meva and Neena squawk]

[Nina screams]

[NINA]

Leave me be!

[ANNE]

Isn't that just precious?

[ANNE] Neena and Meva

clearly love you a whole lot!

That's love?

[ANNE] And Prince Sett's

attendants seem to like you.

You've really made

an impact here, Princess.

I'm sure all the people

of Galgada will love you, too.

Just like all of us

from Castle Bastea.

You have a way

of reaching people's hearts.

Hmm.

I love you.

Huh?

I love you too,

Princess Alisha.

You're dear to me.

Hmm.

[NINA]

I love Meva.

I love Neena.

Anne and Hikami.

Everyone in Bastea.

All of Sett's attendants.

The people of Galgada.

And also, Sett.

[NINA]

When I think about him,

my chest tightens.

It squeezes so tight,

and I feel

the need to hold him.

I've grown

so attached to this place.

I lived in Fortna

for as long as I can remember,

and it's home.

But Galgada has become

significant to me as well.

There are people who are

so important to me

in both places.

[NINA]

That's why

I want these two nations

to get along with each other.

I want to protect

everything I love.

Also, Sett?

And everyone?

I want them

to know the truth one day.

[HIKAMI] Your Highness.

May I speak with you a moment?

[Nina groans softly]

[NINA]

What's wrong?

It's the middle of the night.

Where are we going?

Know that I do not

approve of this at all.

[HIKAMI]

You have 30 seconds,

no longer.

You mustn't make a sound.

[gasps]

♪

[whimpering]

♪

A

Quickly.

There is one thing

I must tell you.

Huh?

[NINA]

It's the bracelet I gave him.

Before your spring wedding,

I will bring you

back to Fortna with me.

I promise.

Trust in me.

♪

[AZURE]

Nina.

[NINA]

Then he hasn't forgotten me.

♪

[NINA] I feel like my heart

is being torn in two.

♪

[NINA]

It's not fair.

Don't do that.

[Nina crying]

[NINA] [sobbing]

If you don't stop,

you'll make me love you.

[Nina crying]

[NINA] "Night Ten.

Mouth of Money, Heart of Gall."