01x06 - Pied Piper of Hamelin

[bunniefuu]

[insects chirping]

I have a question, dear brother Wilhelm.

The Pied Piper did what he was asked to do

and got rid of all the rats that were
causing trouble for the people of Hamelin,

so, um, why didn't they pay him
like they promised?

Well... I think they found it a waste.

But still!
A promise is a promise, you know?

He got rid of the rats.
That was the agreement.

[Jacob] Hmm.

For some reason, they must have thought
it was okay to break the promise.

However,
they didn't quite get away with it.

The Pied Piper took the children instead.

You see, because
they were dishonest and greedy,

they lost something
more valuable than money.

[wind howling]

[Charlotte] And... what about the children?

What happened to them
after they were taken away?

They must have stayed with the Pied Piper.

And they lived happily ever after
with him.

I'm sure.

[upbeat music playing]

[thunder rumbling]

[footsteps]

[thunderclap]

[birdsong]

[children] Five times one is five.
Five times two is ten.

- [chalk writing]
- Five times three is 15.

Five times four is 20.
Five times five is 25.

Five times six is 30.
Five times seven is 35.

Five times eight is 40.
Five times nine is 45.

Does anyone think they know
the answer to this problem?

[all] Uh...

Uh... [sighs]

Maria, what's the matter?
You're zoning out.

Sorry, sir. I'm okay.
It's just the clouds.

The clouds?

Well, the clouds are moving from the west,

which means
it's going to start raining soon.

That's good. I like rain.

Because it washes the world clean.

It hides all the dirty, ugly things
so no one has to see them anymore.

Ahem. Well, it's fine to long for rain,

since it does have a significant effect
on the crops in the village.

That being said, I hope you're also paying
attention to me and the math lesson.

Of course. I'm sorry, sir.

- Do you know the answer, then?
- It's 53.

That's correct. Very good.

I'm curious. Fields always have
an even number of furrows, right?

So why is that formula an odd number?

There are some cases where it may be odd.

Grand Code always says that as long
as you can do calculations for the field,

that's all the math you'll
ever need to know, right?

Uh... right. Grand Code is correct,
I'm not denying that.

However, bear in mind
an exception to the rule can exist.

In our village, you'll see there aren't
any fields that are perfect squares.

I guess not.
No fields are perfect squares.

I never thought about that before.
Thank you, sir!

[sighs]

Uh, village customs state
once you turn 17, your schooling stops

and you begin the work
you'll do for the rest of your life.

Maria, that means you too.

Oh, I know that.

I have half a month left
to learn from you as your student.

And before that happens,
I want you to stay focused

so you can learn as much as possible.

There are still so many
important things left to teach you.

My neighbor Deborah left here
when she was only 12 years old.

And Carol was 14.

So I don't think Grand Code will
make any special exception for me.

She holds herself to the same strict
standard she does for everyone else.

So I am certain
she would not make an exception

for even you to stay in school longer.

You're right. Probably.

[sighs]

Maria, I must admit
I am worried about you.

You're very smart,
but you spend most of the day

with your head in the clouds, daydreaming.

It'll be difficult for you
to get by in society like that.

- Wait... that's right!
- Huh?

There's a special lesson
I'd like to give you,

so I'll need you
to stay behind after school.

- [Maria] Just for me?
- [children gasp]

[teacher] Yes. So that you can learn
as much as possible

in the little time we have left
until you graduate.

Thank you, sir,
but if I don't get home at the usual time,

then I'll be scolded by Grand Code.

Well, this isn't loitering around
or being lazy!

I'm certain your grandmother
will allow it, given the reason.

It would be nice if she did.

[sighs]

Surely you understand
what kind of person she is?

Yes, I do. I also know
that she is as merciful as she is strict,

and it's part of what makes her an
excellent ruler of this village of ours.

[chuckles]

All the more reason to go home today.

Believe me, it's the best thing
for me to do, I'm certain. [laughs]

[thinks] I'm incredibly worried
about Maria.

She's a bright young woman.

She understands anything I throw at her.

But I get the sense that she's detached
from reality, and she lacks maturity, too.

Is she capable of working
alongside the tough women of the village?

These worries run through my head
constantly.

If only there were someone
who could protect her...

Sadly, I know too well how Maria's
education is no priority to Grand Code.

This means that in a few years,
following the local custom,

she'll end up
marrying a man from the village.

The mere thought of it is so unbearable.

I want to ma... [gasps]

What did I just...

[gasps in horror]

[tears paper]

[Maria murmuring]

Tell me, Maria, what did you learn today?

I went to the teacher's place
like usual and learned some math.

And how was that?

[Maria] It was just another
boring lecture.

- I see.
- [Maria] Grand Code.

I'm bored every day there.

How much longer
do I have to stay in school?

Oh, dear, what a thing for you to say.

I'm sure you know this,

but getting to stay in school up until
one's 17th birthday is a privilege.

But how? I'm trapped in a small room.

It's stuffy and smells gross and moldy.

Forced to sit there and memorize
the names of crops every day,

and I can't even remember how many times

I had to repeat the same math
I could do in my sleep.

- [sighs] It's only natural to be fed up!
- Uh...

[sighs heavily]

My child, you are such a handful.

All right then, if that's the case,

I'll have Lucas over for dinner
at the end of the month.

- What do you say?
- [both gasp]

- Grand Code!
- [Grand Code] Yes, Malta?

Maria is still only a child, so we think
it's just too early for her to be married.

In another two or three years, maybe?

What's the point in waiting that long,

when Maria can already read a calendar

and count
the number of furrows in the field?

She knows enough now.

That might be true. However...

I get it. You need to know math to
plant the potatoes in springtime, right?

That's correct. See?
She understands what her education is for.

That's what we call being a smart girl.

Think about it, Maria... [gasps]

Are you sure
that you're prepared to be wed?

[Maria] I don't know what it means
to be prepared for that.

But I do understand it means
I will become someone's betrothed.

And also that a bride
becomes a family's treasure,

and that I'll be cherished,
by my husband,

and also by his father, and siblings.

[chuckles]

Lucas is remarkably strong, and we have


So it's truly a good match.

But Lucas is a roughneck, a hooligan

who's known throughout the village
for picking fights with anyone, any time.

- He isn't...
- [Grand Code] I know all that!

The stronger, the better.

Understand, there's no need
for lazybones in this village.

I loathe useless fools
who only complain and don't do any work!

I only need diligent, hard workers
who get the job done.

It's not like we meant to complain
or anything... right?

Joseph, if you have a problem
with the way I do things around here,

feel free to leave the village with Malta.

I don't feel that way at all, Grand Code.
I'm sorry.

If what I said was offensive to you,
I really do apologize for it.

We know the only reason
this village can survive

is because of the way
you expertly handle everything.

[Grand Code] Hmm.
Well, if that's settled,

maybe I'll have you cook a chicken stew
for Lucas and his family,

and we'll just treat him
as a guest for now.

[Malta] As you wish.

[heavy rainfall]

[Maria] It finally started raining.
I like this weather.

- [sighs]
- [thumping]

- [thumping continues]
- Hmm?

Who is it?

- [thump]
- [gasps] Could it be?

Maria? Is that you?

[Debussy's "Prelude
to the Afternoon of a Faun" playing]

[gasping]

[teacher screaming]

[panting]

I'm sorry, but could I bother you
for a glass of water?

You're a hooded stranger
who just fell through my doorway.

I'm not getting you anything!
You need to get out right now.

I just need a place to sleep.
Under the awning is good enough for me.

No way!
I said, get out of here! You're filthy!

You're gonna give me lice or something!

- [traveler] Even if I beg?
- You seem very damn stubborn for a beggar!

[traveler] Maybe that's because
I'm not a beggar.

[teacher] What?
You barge in in the middle of the night

and do nothing but give me your demands.

What would you call that?

[coughing]

I'm a traveler.

Traveler? From where?

Everywhere. I go to towns,
visit villages, seeing the world.

[laughs]

If that's not a beggar,
what's your definition of one, huh?

A beggar only ever receives.

But I'm different, because
I can give you something in return.

[gasps]

You've already lied enough to me.

You can't even feed yourself
or afford a place to stay,

so what could you possibly
have of value to offer?

In this case,
I'm willing to give this to you

as a payment for an overnight stay.

What is it?

[shrieks]

This is positively vile!

What do you mean?
What problem do you have with it?

It's a man and a woman, obscenely
smiling at each other in lavish clothes!

How can you fail to see
how appalling that is?

[traveler] Really?
Is that how this looks to you?

Long ago, at a market in a faraway town,
I fell in love with this picture.

I gave a lot to buy it.

It looked to me
like a precious moment between lovers.

Exactly, lovers!
The reprehensible bottom feeders

who engage in indecent activities!

What do you mean?
You think love is reprehensible?

- Seeing two people in love is beautiful.
- [splutters]

- Certainly nothing you should fear.
- Not another word about this!

I don't need to listen to some
dirty, shameless, arrogant beggar!

Get out of my sight, right now!

I see.

[whimpering]

- [birdsong]
- [sighs]

- Good morning, sir.
- Oh. Yes, good morning to you as well.

[children] Good morning!

- Morning!
- Uh...

Ah! Oh!

Then what happened after that?

Well, the moment that bear saw
how big I was, it ran away scared.

- [Maria] Really?
- [laughs]

That's Lucas. [gasps]

Don't tell me that he and Maria are...

[Maria] Good morning, sir.
What's the matter? You look upset.

[teacher] Listen... you need
to stay behind after school today.

Don't worry, I will send someone
to your house to let them know.

[crow cawing]

- Please excuse us.
- Goodbye.

[children giggling]

[teacher sighs]

Maria, let me first ask you this.

Do you fully understand the real meaning
behind having a dinner party?

I'm pretty certain that I do.

We'll all eat dinner together
and have a conversation.

It's unthinkable
for a man and woman who aren't even family

to be seated at the same table.

Not to mention, Grand Code
has forbidden any type of luxury.

Oh really, sir. There's no need
for you to be cryptic about this with me.

I know all about it.

It's just a very important event
to see if Lucas is fit to be my husband,

and if I am fit to be his wife.

Simple as that.

[teacher] Right, but the thing is,
it's not really simple, though.

I mean, you're still far too young.

That's why, to make you...

That's not true. I'm old enough to be wed.

Uh... [sighs shakily]

[Maria] It's a normal part of life
that we all will eventually go through.

And one day, I will succeed Grand Code
in becoming the village's leader.

So it's not too soon for me.

Well, at least
that's what Grand Code has told me.

[teacher shudders]

I heard she got married
much younger than me,

at just 13 years old.

That kind of thinking is a thing
of the past! Times are different now!

You think that's true?

Because, as far as I know,
this village hasn't changed

since the time of Grand Code's Grand Code.

[shudders]

That's why...
I plan to live the same way she did.

- [gasps] Hold on a second!
- Hmm?

That attitude of yours is admirable.

But marriage is a serious institution
that connects family to family.

It is.

And while that is true,
it's also an official excuse.

You need to know that there are
also private matters in this world.

What does that mean, though?

I'm sorry,
I don't know what you're talking about.

Since I trust you're mature enough,
I have something I want to show you.

It might seem toxic to an ordinary child,

but you should be fine
since you're so bright.

Huh?

Oh.

[gasps]

[Debussy's
"The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" playing]

Oh, wow. This is... wonderful.

Ah... [gasps]

[sighs] I'm not showing this
to anyone else, only to you.

That's a painted portrait
of what they call "lovers."

You can almost feel the love they have
for each other emanating from the canvas.

[Maria] These are lovers...

[teacher] As you may know,
this does go against

the teachings Grand Code
has in place regarding discipline.

But... this is a form of truth as well.

[Maria] Yes, you're completely right!

I can't thank you enough for sharing
such a beautiful thing with me, sir!

It's only because
I trust you so completely.

[gasps]

[Maria] How magnificent!

[teacher gasps]

[sighs]

[music continues]

[bleating]

[sighs]

[gasps]

Oh.

Welcome back, Maria.

[gasps]

Thank you, Grand Code.

How did your teacher respond?

You did tell him you'd be stopping school
once your marriage was arranged?

[Maria] Yes, of course.

But he said it would be best if I stayed
to study spelling a little bit longer.

When I become the village chief,

I'll have to be able to read and write
mountains of paperwork, won't I?

The only thing you need
to be able to read properly are the names.

That teacher has been telling you
pointless things again.

Oh, but he's a great teacher!
He's so kind.

[Grand Code] The thing about kindness is
it doesn't fertilize the barley fields.

[Maria chuckles]

I know that! [giggles]

[door opens and closes]

[teacher] What's wrong with me?
How could I do such a horrible thing?

[breathing shakily]

[gasps]

[grunts]

[yelps]

[gasps]

[sighs]

[Lucas laughing loudly]

After Paul said that, I showed him who's
boss by punching him right in the nose!

I mean, he knows better than
to talk to me like that, right?

Anyway, he cried like
a pathetic little baby for a long time.

Well, it seems like you're quite reliable.

Speaking of Paul, he said he saw
some sort of figure near Nodate Rock

two or three days ago
that may be of concern.

But if miscreants happen
to break into the village,

I'm sure I can rely on you
to take care of the problem.

Yeah, of course you can count on me!
They don't stand a chance.

Maria, you don't need to worry
about a thing if you stay by my side.

She's this village's treasure.
I expect you all to cherish her.

Of course we will!
We'll keep her inside the house

and make sure
all her needs are taken care of.

One day, when I pass, she will become
the next chief of the village.

Unfortunately, Malta didn't have
the makings of one, but Maria is bright.

I'm certain she'll make a fine successor
after I'm gone.

[gulping] Ah!

Yeah, yeah, I know all that stuff.

And Maria ain't half bad
to look at, either.

I'll take good care of her.

If you really do mean that,

then I'd like to request that you
allow her to manage her dowry herself.

[all gasp]

What did you say?

[grunts] You want me to let the woman
control the purse strings?

- That's right.
- [father] You're kiddin' me!

Even coming from you, Grand Code,
there's no way we can agree to that!

[mother] We understand
she's your precious grandchild,

but that's asking far too much!

[Grand Code] There's a reason for it.
If you control the money.

I've no doubt Maria's assets
will be used up in less than a year.

- [laughing]
- [both] Uh...

- [Grand Code] Are you disappointed?
- Well, I...

[Grand Code] Maria will
eventually give birth to a child.

Then you will be free
to combine your assets.

I suppose, but...

What will happen if I have no child?

- I wonder if I'll be butchered like this...
- Maria!

Today's chicken doesn't smell bad,
although it is a little chewy.

Usually it's a rooster,
but today is special,

so we butchered a hen for you instead.

A hen that was no longer able to lay eggs.

Hmm, mm, mm.

[baby gurgling]

[Grand Code] So, Maria,
what do you think of Lucas?

[Maria] Let's see.
Lucas is pretentious and stupid.

What?

He's a big brute, so once we're married,
he'll probably raise his hand against me.

[all gasping]

[Maria] After all,
he loves to bully the weak.

But I don't really mind that,
since he's the best option.

There's no other man more suitable for me,
so there's nothing I can do.

[growls]

Maria, are you telling me
that's how you really see me?

This whole time, I assumed that we'd...

[Maria] That we'd fall for each other
and become lovers,

then get married out of love?

Love?

That's enough filth
out of your mouth, child.

You are no doubt a smart girl,
but you have a tendency to be too blunt.

You must choose your words more carefully.

'Kay.

Lucas, I'll move ahead
with your marriage to Maria.

But it's not set in stone just yet.

I'll be keeping my eye on you,
so be on your best behavior.

- [baby squealing happily]
- Yes, of course. Understood, Grand Code.

[father growls]

[birdsong]

I hear Lucas and Maria
are getting married soon.

[gasps]

When I get married,
I hope it'll be with Thomas.

It's Grand Code that decides
who you get married to.

So it could be snotty-nose Simon.

No! [laughs]

[gasps] The two of you who were speaking
just now, get over here this instant!

[gasping and whimpering]

[teacher] Such talk is not appropriate
for children, especially in the classroom!

How absolutely despicable!

If you speak like that,
you can't be my students!

[whimpering]

[gasps]

[teacher] Now, show me your hands!

It's my duty as your teacher
to punish you!

Good morning, everyone.

Uh...

- [gasps]
- [Maria] The weather is so nice today.

I bet the sheep
are really happy about it too.

Oh, and sir?

There's something I want you to teach me
after school today, one-on-one.

Can I stay behind?

- Uh... yes.
- [girl continues crying]

[teacher] Of course you can.

It's fine. Sit down.

I'm sorry for saying that stuff, sir.

I'm so sorry.

[teacher] A wordy apology
doesn't serve any meaningful purpose.

Just make sure
you don't repeat the same mistake again.

[crow cawing]

[man] I... I'm telling you the truth.

There was a tall man,
looking down at the village,

and standing right where we
are now!

- A man for sure?
- Uh...

Well, there's no way a woman would
be walking around like that, you know?

That's actually a decent
and well-thought-out response for you.

- Thank you, Paul.
- Oh!

[wind whistling]

[Grand Code] We have
no need for outsiders.

They only bring trouble.

[door closes]

Shall we get started, Maria?

- What is it you want me to teach you?
- Mine's better, though!

[chuckles]

Grand Code always says...

"Maria, it's important for you
to learn how to speak properly."

- [laughs]
- [teacher] What does she mean?

[Maria] Apparently, I'm too direct.

But I don't like having to
b*at around the bush,

it seems so pointless.

Sir, do you think you could bring out that
picture you showed me the other day again?

[gasps] Oh...

It would make me so happy!

[sighs] Very well.

I'll show you.

[Maria gasps]

- Oh!
- You're the best! Thank you!

Can I see it right now?

[sighs] Just keep your voice down.

Here you go.

[giggles]

It's as wonderful as I remember, sir!

Who knew such a beautiful
thing could even exist?

Oh...

- Say, sir?
- Uh...

May I borrow this for a little while?

I'll make sure to hide it properly
so no one will see.

[gasps] Out of the question!

Who knows what might happen
if Grand Code found out?

I'm sure it will be fine.
Even if she does happen to find out,

I'll never tell her that it came from you.

I said no.

[gasps] Sir?

Uh...

[Maria] I was wondering how you got your
hands on this picture in the first place?

We're only allowed to venture to
the town on the other side of the mountain

with Grand Code's permission,
once in a blue moon.

But I've never heard of you going,

and I feel like
I would have known about it.

- Uh...
- Huh!

[gasps]

[Debussy's
"The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" playing]

[teacher] I...
I'm willing to tell you everything.

[Maria] Huh?

[teacher] I'll even
give you that picture as a gift.

Huh.

If... you'd be willing
to become all mine, that is.

I could be wrong,
but when you say "become all yours,"

you mean marriage, am I right?

[breathing shakily]

[Maria] You know...

I don't mind.
You or Lucas, I'm fine with either.

- Huh?
- I simply follow what Grand Code tells me.

[sighs] If that's the case,
then I probably don't stand a chance.

She already has her mind made up
about you marrying Lucas.

That's likely true.

But if you tell me the story
of how you got ahold of this,

then perhaps there's something
I could do about that.

Let me think on it a bit.

Surely there's a way to convince
Grand Code to change her mind.

[sighs] A beggar showed up at my doorstep.

A beggar? Grand Code said Paul saw
a figure by the Nodate Rock.

Maybe that's who it was. I'm curious.

I don't know anything about that!

All I can tell you is
a beggar came in the middle of the night

and asked for a place to stay.

And in return for my help,
I was given that picture as a payment.

- Tell me all about this beggar!
- [gasps] Huh?

Where did this person come from,
and where are they going next?

Hold on a second.
Are they staying at your place right now?

[teacher] No... The beggar is...

If you want to be with me, then you must
want to make me even happier, right?

And to do that,
you simply must introduce me to them!

The beggar's not here!

That so? I wonder what they're up to.

I didn't ask!

But I'm sure
the beggar will eventually return.

I'll tell the beggar not to go out
tomorrow, so the two of you can meet.

- Really, you'd do that?
- Of course, I promise.

And I want you to promise me as well.

I will. I promise to marry you
if you introduce me to the traveler.

You have my word on that, sir.

Do you swear?

Absolutely.

[teacher] Then...
I will hold on to this picture

as a pledge of your good faith.

[door opens]

[door closes]

[sighs] Good evening!

- Welcome home, dear.
- [door opens]

[door closes]

Get the hell up.
I know you're really awake.

Drink this. It would be
a real problem for me if you d*ed.

[traveler] It would be
a problem for you, huh?

What a cruel thing to say.

Especially considering
that you already almost k*lled me once.

Listen here. I've only come down
to collect payment for your stay today.

I've already given you
everything I have that's valuable.

What has value and what doesn't
is for me to decide, and me alone.

I understand.

This is the last item.

- [gasps]
- After this, all I have left is myself.

[teacher] Oh!

[grunts]

What are you trying to pull, miscreant?
Do you think you can deceive me?

How could a stick with holes
be worth anything at all?

[traveler coughs]

I see you're truly clueless.

- [grunts]
- [groans]

How dare you speak to me like that,
you disgusting hag?

Don't you ever call me "clueless" again!
You will show me respect, got it?

Now, tell me what this thing is.

It's a flute.

Huh?

[traveler] It's a tool that plays music.

The kind that can make your legs work
when you're exhausted,

or heal your aching heart when you're sad.

That's just absurd! Are you saying it can
actually manipulate one's body and soul?

Manipulate? You could say that.

Because when you listen to music,
your heart naturally stirs.

[gulps]

How does it work, exactly?

Could this "music"
make someone long for another?

Actually, out of anything,
that's what music is best at.

Stirring up emotions of lovers,

making them feel the sweet sorrow
of parting with each other.

Not wanting to feel that pain,
they'll wish to be together forever.

Even more than they did before.

You're not lying to me right now, are you?

[traveler] Have you really never heard
music being played before?

[teacher] Grand Code strictly forbids it.

Music, lewd paintings, and every one
of the useless items you've given me.

[traveler sighs] Every day must be
so lackluster for you, then.

- [teacher grunts]
- [traveler winces]

If you're so confident
in this "music" you speak of,

then I want you to show me what it can do.

[traveler] Now?

Not now. Tomorrow.

[traveler] Sure.

[teacher] You better hope, for your sake,
that you're not lying to me.

I might exaggerate, but I don't ever lie.

[chuckles]

["The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" playing]

- [Maria] Sir? Are you ready yet?
- [gasps]

I really want to see the traveler now.

But before we do that, Maria...

Are you sure that you can, you know...

That I can marry you?

[teacher] Yes, that.

Well, I thought about it,
but it might actually be impossible.

Wha...

[sighs]

I thought that might be the case.
I'm sad to hear that.

I already told you
that you could meet the traveler,

but I guess that's not happening now.

[Maria] Hold on, sir.

[teacher] Uh...

[Maria] Would you accept
something else instead?

[teacher gasps]

[Maria] I know it means a lot to you,
and that you're disappointed,

but I think
I can make your wish come true just once.

[teacher trembling]

[gasping and sobbing]

[heavy rainfall]

[soft, ethereal flute version of
"The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" playing]

[Maria] Oh, the scent of rain.
Do you hear anything?

Is it the birds?

- It's like they're talking...
- [grunts]

But that can't be true, right?

Birds aren't supposed to sing
when it's raining.

- Hmm.
- But what else could make such beautiful...

[loud creaking]

[footsteps]

[teacher gasps]

- No! No way! Where are you hiding?
- Huh?

[teacher] Where? How?

- That damn cagey beggar managed to escape!
- Hmm.

[teacher whimpers]

That wretch swore not to lie to me,
but deceived me anyway!

I was such a fool
for believing in those lies.

[gasps]

I... I didn't lie!

The beggar was really here and gave me
that painting in return for shelter.

Then also promised to show me something
called "music" too. I swear it's true!

[Maria] Music.

[teacher] You have to believe me,
please, Maria!

To prove I'm telling the truth,
I'll entrust this picture to you.

Please take it!

[sobs]

It's not just our secret.
It's more. We made a vow!

You understand that, don't you?

Yeah, I get it.

But it doesn't make up for the fact

you didn't hold up your end
of the bargain, so I owe you nothing.

How can you? [sobs]

How can you say that, when you and I are
this far involved with each other?

[giggles]

[gasps]

[thudding]

- [thump]
- [teacher groans]

[moaning]

[groaning]

- [Maria] It makes me laugh.
- [gasps]

Thank you for such a funny story, sir.
I mean it.

When I was in class with you,

everything you taught me
was so boring and stupid,

but in the end, you sure made me laugh.

- So thank you.
- [creaking]

- [echoing slam]
- [gasps]

[panting] Maria! Maria...

Maria! Maria, please come back!

- Believe me! I promise I never lied!
- [thumping]

You have to believe me! Maria!

- [giggling]
- [teacher screams] Maria!

I... I love you! I'm in love with you!

[giggling]

[Malta gasps]

[Grand Code] At this point,
why not just eat it with your bare hands?

[Malta] I... I'm so sorry.

[Joseph] You don't need
to get so angry about it.

[Grand Code] Angry? When did I get angry?

You two are truly idiots.

Maria ending up the way she did
makes sense.

I always thought she was
quite intelligent, at least for a woman,

but I guess I was wrong.

[growls]

Grand Code,
there is nothing wrong with Maria.

She is not bad or stupid!

Dear, please...

And besides, you're a woman yourself.

It doesn't make sense to me that
you can speak so horribly about a girl.

Your own family, even!

You should be embarrassed
by your ignorance.

Kindness doesn't help anyone
when survival is at stake.

[gasps] But... but still.

What a miserable life.

[soft rainfall]

[Grand Code] Getting to live or dying,
which is more miserable?

One person whines and gets their way,

and soon after,
everyone joins in and things fall apart.

You won't survive one winter like that.
Everyone will starve and freeze to death.

The end.

It's necessary to have strict rules,
proper structure and unity to survive.

To that end, I will exile lazy bums
and outcasts from the village.

Please, Grand Code, we have heard enough.

[Grand Code] Everyone says
Maria has a pretty face.

That she's all-around beautiful.

So what do you think about
selling her to the highest bidder?

Wouldn't that be best
for everyone in this situation?

[Malta] How can you
say such horrible things?

- Malta...
- [sobbing]

[sighs] See why I could never let you
go out into the world with that attitude?

You have to understand,
there are so many ugly things out there.

- You would never survive.
- [Malta sobbing]

[soft, ethereal flute version
of Debussy's Arabesque no. 1]

[gasps]

It's just like before.

I can hear something.

But what is it?

When I listen to it carefully,
it stirs something deep in my heart.

The same as when I looked at this painting
for the first time.

No, even more.

- [cicadas chirping]
- [music continues more loudly]

- [gasps]
- [Malta sobbing]

- What is that sound out there?
- [Joseph] Huh?

Don't you hear it? That strange noise.

What on Earth is that?

[very loud, orchestral version
of Arabesque no. 1]

[all gasp]

- Such chaotic noise.
- It hurts my ears, I'm getting dizzy.

Ugh.

It's coming from Nodate Rock.
Paul said he saw someone lurking there.

I assumed it was just another one
of his tall tales, but...

I should have Lucas lead a group there
at once to investigate.

[panting]

- [whickering]
- [teacher, gasping] Grand Code!

What is your business? I don't at all
remember summoning you out here.

[wheezes] Please forgive me, I'm so sorry.

It's all my fault
that this mess is happening!

Whatever do you mean?

It was me!
I brought an outlander into the village!

[gasps]

[rattling]

[music swells]

[all gasp]

[whimpering]
It's all because of that damn sound.

The traveler kept making these...
strange noises I can't explain.

And once Maria heard them,
it was like she was possessed!

And she went crazy and left me!

[wails]

- [wail echoing]
- [wind whistling]

- [Maria panting]
- [music continues]

Music...

Music!

[chiming sound]

[Maria gasps]

[music swells]

This is music!

[giggling]

Ooh!

Ooh! [gasping]

[laughs]

Good evening, Maria.

Good evening to you as well, traveler!

It really is you, isn't it?

[traveler] Did you hear my music?
What did you think?

[Maria] It was simply wonderful!

I'd like to keep listening, so
would you please play some more?

- I'd be honored.
- [gasps]

[plays Arabesque no. 1]

[gasps]

[music swells]

[Maria] I think I understand now

why Grand Code forbade
pretty things and beautiful things,

things that light a fire in your heart.

It's because they disturb
the order she aims to protect.

They set our emotions free,
and expand our horizons.

They can change you.

[chuckles]

There are even more
pretty and beautiful things

I've never experienced before, right?

Want to see?

I want to see it all.

[traveler] You're also likely
to see things

more ugly and terrible
than you ever have before.

[Maria] That's fine. It's also wonderful.

Hmm.

[dramatic, upbeat version
of Debussy's "Clair de Lune" playing]

Come with me!

[gasps]

[teacher screams] Maria!

Maria! Please come back to me!

You can't leave the village,
absolutely not!

It's too dangerous!
Don't you realize that you could die?

[gasps]

[growls] Hey, you!
You need to stop her, now!

I won't let a filthy outsider like you
take my Maria away from me!

Taking her away?
I think you misunderstand.

She's following me of her own free will.

The ones who will go will go,
and the ones who will stay will stay.

It's not something
anyone can force you to do!

["Clair de Lune" intensifies]

[woman vocalizing operatically]

[music fades]

[faint orchestral music playing]

[gasps]

[laughs]

[music fades]

[car horns blaring]

[laughter and voices]

And what happened
to everyone else after that?

The young girl left the village,
once and for all,

and never returned there again.

That's it?
Did she die like the villagers thought?

What about them?

I'm not sure. [chuckles]

[gasps]

Huh?

Hmm!

[lively jazz version
of Arabesque no. 1 playing]

[music fades]

[Charlotte] Say...

what if fairy tales didn't have
the happy endings we've come to expect?

What if Cinderella and
Little Red Riding Hood weren't good girls?

Or if Hansel and Gretel were children
from the far future?

What would happen?

The heroes of fairy tales are all honest
and upright, do good deeds,

and yes, live happily ever after.

But what if that wasn't the case?

I want to listen to stories like that.

Don't you?