01x04 - The Day of Departure

[bunniefuu]

[NINA]

Ah!

These items are a gift

from Galgada.

They were sent in anticipation

of your marriage.

[chuckles]

A little birdie!

Wow. Such a pretty box.

Shatar pieces?

Expensive ones.

[COURT LADY 1B]

Look at this, Princess Alisha!

It's beautiful.

[COURT LADY 1A] You look like

a proper bride in that outfit.

[AZURE]

Do not touch those gifts.

-Not just yet.

-Huh.

Why might that be?

It is possible

they will be sent back.

♪

Hm.

[NINA] [sighs]

That night.

I know it wasn't a dream.

♪

-That doesn't suit you.

-[gasps]

What, you think

I don't know that already?

[AZURE]

Get out of those Galgadan rags.

Huh.

[AZURE]

For the fita.

Blue really is your color,

isn't it?

You look lovely.

[NINA]

Me? Lovely?

Oh, um, that's, I

That's very thoughtful,

so thanks!

[chuckles] Why are you

acting so flustered, Nina?

[gasps]

Don't call me that when

there are people around!

We are alone at present.

Look, just warn me first, okay?

Hmm.

I'll be sending a messenger

off to Galgada

to negotiate ending

your engagement.

Huh.

But I thought you said

that wasn't possible.

It isn't, but I shall try.

This is where you should stay.

Always.

[NINA]

I don't have to be married off?

I can stay with Az forever?

If that happened,

I'd be so happy.

♪

[NINA]

There's still one problem

that hasn't been resolved.

Stop that.

You mustn't touch those.

[MALE RETAINER 4A]

These gifts belong to the king.

[NINA]

We don't know who's been going

to such lengths to k*ll Az.

I'm worried.

Alisha alone

could save Azure

from what threatens him.

[NINA] I can't figure out

what he meant by that!

But if I'm the only one

who can fix this,

I'll just have to do my best.

I hear some impressive gifts

arrived, Sister!

So, why do you have

a troubled look on your face?

Thinking doesn't suit you

a bit, you should know.

What's that supposed to mean?

I didn't mean it!

Unhand the future king!

Tell me what kinda gifts

they sent you!

Hm. Fine fabrics,

accessories, a little bird.

Your own bird?

Oh. And they also sent an

expensive-looking Shatar set

carved from jewels.

A jeweled Shatar set?

I wanna see!

Did they really think

I'd want a gift like that?

[QUEEN]

My, such a naive princess!

You do realize your marriage

is in exchange for those gifts?

Hi, Mother!

[NINA] Hold on. Was that

legitimate gossip or what?

Ha!

Okay, I'm gonna wait outside.

[grunting]

Now, then. What do you

wish to discuss with me?

I won't waste your time

being coy.

It's clear that you think

Azure is in your way.

So, just admit what

you're trying to do!

I am simply hammering down

a wayward nail

that is out of place.

One day Muhulum will

become king of Fortna.

Wouldn't it be useful

to have Azure around

as royal advisor?

-[fan rustles]

-Hm.

Of course, it would.

I am well aware.

[NINA] [gasps]

She agrees?

His council will certainly

be indispensable

to Muhulum's reign.

There is no doubt

that he has value.

Even so, I must remind

him of his station

lest he get any ideas.

Once I am through,

no one will ever again

dare suggest Azure

should be the next king.

[NINA]

Then she doesn't think of him

as a threat to be eliminated.

I can tell she means it.

I've been wondering

about someone.

He's an attendant of yours

with upturned eyes

and a hunched back.

I realized I haven't seen him

since the Star Festival.

How will she react?

Your description could only

be referencing Lord Bouge.

That is the last

I saw of him as well.

Despite his title,

I would never associate

with the likes of him.

[NINA]

What? But that means

[QUEEN] That man

is one of the King's dogs.

[gasps]

♪

[KING]

Once again, Alisha,

there is no need

to be so formal.

Now, as for your question,

he went missing

while investigating

something for me.

Might you know

what he discovered?

No clue.

I haven't the faintest.

[NINA] The King is almost

certainly the one

who's been trying to k*ll Az.

But if that's true,

there's, there's nothing

we can do to stop him.

I am told that you paid

my grandfather a visit.

What prompted such behavior?

[NINA]

This is bad.

What if he suspects

that I'm an imposter?

You needn't hesitate

to tell me anything.

It is unacceptable to keep

secrets from your father.

[NINA]

Stay calm.

If he's probing me like this,

he must not have any proof yet.

Very well.

I'll share one of my secrets

to entice you to do the same.

The truth is that

Azure is a substitute

for the real prince who died

when he was just a child.

[NINA] What is he playing at,

telling me this?

[KING] The day

of my birthday celebration

was fast approaching.

I was in good spirits.

[chuckles]

Father!

-[laughing]

-[KING] What have you done?

Your hands are filthy!

[thuds]

[Azure's mom crying]

Azure.

[KING]

It was not my fault, of course.

The boy was simply unlucky.

We shall keep this a secret.

Bring me another

to take his place.

This is quite inauspicious.

And with my birthday

almost upon us, too.

Azure is not dead.

Understood?

How could you be so foolish?

If I am a fool,

then everything is foolish.

[NINA]

The King k*lled his own son.

And over something so trivial.

You're making the same face

as all the others

who learned what happened.

It looks ridiculous.

Children merely

share your blood.

Nothing but a kingdom's pawns.

[NINA]

Pawns?

I suppose that's the reason

you feel the need

to eliminate Azure.

You are exceptionally

quick-witted, aren't you?

I am most impressed.

Azure is the last person

who would betray you!

All he's ever wanted is

to do right by this kingdom!

You speak the truth.

Having someone as dependable

as Azure around

has only made

your life easier, hasn't it?

Yes, it certainly has.

Why not let him live?

-Because I despise the boy.

-What?

[KING] Despite

his lack of royal blood,

he cares deeply for this nation

and selflessly devotes

himself to it.

I find his perfection

irritating.

Alas, everyone here

trusts him implicitly

and my grandfather

highly praises him.

Why must I suffer being

compared to an imposter?

I am the king!

It is a source

of much displeasure.

A pawn should remain a pawn

and be regarded as such.

[thuds]

[KING] The kingdom

is my game board.

It is mine to control.

Surely the pieces can't

command each other.

[NINA]

This is just a game to him.

A source of amusement.

Even life and death.

[KING] Now, I wish to hear you

say what we both know.

"I am nothing

but an imposter

who was brought here

by Azure, Sire."

[NINA]

He saw right through me.

Admit that you have done

something foolish, child.

The truth is your only option.

What should I do?

If one person controls

Fortna's fate,

it is Alisha.

[NINA]

What can I

No, what can Alisha do?

[AZURE] This is where

you should stay. Always.

[NINA]

That's all I want.

[AZURE]

Nina?

[NINA] I need to hear him

call my name.

♪

[NINA]

But if I don't want to lose Az,

I can't stay with him.

Instead, I will become Alisha.

Please allow me

to cure your confusion.

I'm real, not a fake or double.

-You are wrong.

-[gasps]

[NINA] If you are in doubt,

you are free to investigate me

to your heart's content.

[KING] Did Lord Bouge

jump to conclusions?

[NINA]

To the very God of the stars,

I swear I am Alisha.

A lie to a God.

All is well, I suppose.

We are finished.

You may leave.

[NINA] If divine punishment

awaits, so be it.

I will journey to Galgada

to be married.

Once there,

I shall do whatever I must

in order to become their queen.

I shall be the shield

that protects Fortna.

It pleases me to hear as much.

Good. And in return,

Prince Azure

must remain unharmed.

I am guided

by the wisdom of the stars,

and my blue eyes can see

to the very ends of the world.

That said, I would know

should Azure ever die

under suspicious circumstances.

Your shield would

become a sword.

I would lead Galgada

to destroy Fortna.

Wha

How dare you speak words

of treason against the King!

Shared blood be damned.

I will destroy you!

Are you sure about that?

If I die, there's no way

of stopping Galgada.

I am truly the only hope

you have.

You are as powerless as ever.

Remember me well

when you're playing with

the jeweled Shatar set

you sold me for.

-Ugh!

-[NINA] I shall guard you

in your remaining years.

"Alisha" is my future.

So is Galgada.

I will get married

and become their queen.

Only I have the power.

I will not fail.

Hey, Az!

All to keep him safe and free.

[AZURE]

Take anything you please.

I hear you've been

quite eager to study lately.

[NINA] I can't believe

I'm in his room again.

To you, these topics

aren't relevant.

But they're nonetheless

useful to know.

Some have pictures as well.

[thuds]

[page riffles]

[NINA]

Ooh, so pretty!

What strange creature is that?

I can't make out a word.

This book comes from a nation

that's far to the west.

That's why the language

is so different.

[NINA] His voice

is warm and soothing.

[AZURE] It says that creature

is called a camel.

[NINA]

If only this could last.

[AZURE]

Nina.

I've sent a message to Galgada.

It proposes

delaying the wedding

to buy us some time.

I swear to fix this.

Have patience and trust me.

[NINA]

Sorry, Az.

Your messenger

will never reach Galgada.

I have come to you in secret,

sent by the former king

asking if you might have

a special request for him.

[NINA]

His great-grandfather

saw through

everything, of course.

He knew exactly

what I would ask for.

In order to protect Az

from the King,

and to protect

Fortna from Galgada,

I will leave this kingdom

without letting Az

catch wind of my plan.

And never see him again.

What's wrong?

Oh, you have so many

things from foreign lands.

You must study an awful lot.

It's for pleasure

as well as study.

Makes it feel like

I'm traveling.

I quite enjoy the thought

of it, to be honest.

[NINA] That's

the first thing I've learned

about his interests.

I want to know everything.

Ya know, Az,

I could sure use

a break about now.

Is that okay?

Let's go visit the city.

Together.

I'll show you around!

I really want you to see

where I used to live

with your own eyes.

Please, please, please,

please, please, please!

[NINA]

The details don't matter.

It's my last chance

to make some memories.

[indistinct chatter]

[NINA] It's the market!

This takes me back.

Keep your eyes well hidden.

Our presence here is a secret.

But I can hardly see!

-Oh! [chuckles]

-Huh.

These are yummy!

I swiped them all the time

back in the day.

[Nina chuckles]

-[gasps]

-Two of those, please.

Right away.

-The rest is for you.

-[chuckles]

[gasps]

[MALE SHOPKEEPER 4A]

Hey, pal! This is a gold coin!

Now your balance is paid.

Ah.

[chomps]

[MALE SHOPKEEPER 4B]

Hey, you!

Need a gift

for your girlfriend?

Wait, no!

Why would he think I'm your

girlfriend? Honestly!

[chuckles]

Hm.

[NINA] He's not denying

that guy's assumption!

Is he serious?

[AZURE]

What's wrong?

[NINA]

Don't make this harder.

Oh, I know where

I wanna go next!

[NINA]

We can't do this.

Not when I have to leave you.

Huh.

Our hands!

I'll have to let go soon.

But not now. Not yet.

Way too hot!

[groans]

Widdle baby tongue!

That is not so.

This was far too hot.

-Weakness confirmed!

-[indistinct chatter]

[NINA]

I'll hold on just for today.

[AZURE]

My real name, huh?

[NINA] Mm-hmm,

from before you were a prince.

[indistinct chatter]

I don't recall.

It was lost long ago.

I have been Azure for about

as long as I can remember.

Huh.

[AZURE]

What inspired such a question?

Nothing. Just wondering.

[NINA] I can't admit I want my

own special name to call him.

Come to think of it,

did you know you're

the only one who calls me Az?

-Nina?

-[gasps]

[NINA] It's not fair when he

says my name like that!

[sighs] I got to see so many

different sides of him today.

We should head back.

Hold on.

There's one last place to go.

♪

[NINA]

This boy.

In my heart, he was like

a younger brother.

One day, he got sick.

We didn't have the money

for a doctor, so he died.

He said it was in the stars.

I've always hated it

when people say

silly things like that.

Fortna is a land

of great prosperity.

There should be a way

for us to reduce

such hopeless poverty.

It is possible.

[NINA]

The eyes I saw that night.

They frightened me.

Like the golden eyes of a beast

blazing in the darkness.

I wish I could see

such a great place.

This future of yours.

[chuckles]

What a thing to say.

[NINA]

I was wrong.

They're a much kinder color.

They're like the moon,

softening the blackness

of the night.

Don't move.

[chuckles]

[Azure gasps]

Hm? Explain.

[NINA]

This just felt right.

I'm not sure why.

[sighs]

[chuckles]

I just can't take it.

[gasps]

Pardon?

You know exactly why.

And I do too.

It's called love.

♪

[NINA]

I feel warm and weightless.

My chest is tight.

I'll fill my heart

with this moment,

lock it away safe

and treasure it forever.

That was fun!

Let's do it again.

I can't allow this very often.

-Boo.

-Let's see.

Our next chance

will be during the fall,

amid the bustle

of the harvest festival.

Huh.

[NINA]

The fall.

Yeah. Sounds good to me.

By that time, I'll be gone.

But he doesn't know it.

I'm still in the future

he's imagining.

Az.

[AZURE]

I must be off.

I'll see you tomorrow.

[NINA]

Look at me.

Hm.

I'm so grateful.

I really mean that.

[NINA]

Thank you

for giving me one special thing

to hold on to.

What's this about?

[NINA]

Another whim.

The stars aren't to blame.

I chose this path myself.

♪

[COURT LADY 1A] You look

utterly beautiful, princess!

[COURT LADY 1B]

Those Galgadan clothes.

They suit you perfectly.

[COURT LADY 1A]

You have many hair ornaments

to choose from.

It may be a bit difficult to

attach them yourself, though.

Huh? Aren't you coming with me?

We have both sworn

ourselves to the Astral Villa,

and so, we cannot

leave the kingdom.

Simply being in the palace

is unprecedented.

[NINA]

It's even worse than I thought.

I really will be all alone.

I'll have no one.

Not one soul.

[COURT LADY 1A]

Princess Alisha?

[NINA]

I'm scared.

The ground is shrinking

beneath me.

I reach out,

but there's only darkness.

I see.

-[MUHULUM] Big sister!

-Huh.

-Muhulum?

-[groans]

I heard an awful rumor

you're leaving today,

ten days earlier

than you're supposed to go!

And Azure's not even here

to say goodbye!

The former king made all

of the arrangements for me.

After all, Azure has been

so busy these days.

But I don't want you

to go away!

You've gotta stay here

with me forever!

Huh.

[crying]

[NINA]

No more of that selfish talk.

You're a future king.

Don't you worry.

I shall be watching

over Fortna from afar.

Sister, please don't go.

Once I acquire

some power in Galgada,

I'll come back and visit.

But that makes it

sound even scarier!

It's time to go.

Please take care, and know that

we have truly come to love you.

If we had any choice, we would

stay by your side even now.

Huh.

I thank you.

You took great care of me.

[horse neighing]

Prince Azure.

What is it?

What troubles you?

Something is off.

I can feel it down in my gut.

[wind whooshing]

[AZURE] It's like

I'm overlooking something.

But what is it?

[birds chirping]

[AZURE] I heard

you were in need of assistance.

We were, but our issue

has already been resolved.

[gasps]

Who gave the order?

I mustn't say!

-His majesty, the former king.

-[gasps]

Dytus, you tricked me.

How dare you!

For the sake of the kingdom.

-[horse neighs]

-[AZURE] Move!

[horse galloping]

[AZURE] That explains

this sense of dread.

As well as

Nina's strange behavior.

And why my messenger went

elsewhere instead of returning.

It was all to keep me away.

Who would do this?

-[horse galloping]

-Huh.

Were you the one, Nina?

♪

[NINA]

Az knows by now.

I wonder if he's angry.

But there wasn't

any other option.

I couldn't let him stop me.

If he had tried

♪

[NINA]

Please stop me.

I don't really

want to go away!

I want to see your face!

[crying]

Please, Az.

Just once more.

[MALE SOLDIER 4B] We were

told not to let you pass!

[grunts]

[MALE SOLDIER 4B] It takes

three days to reach the border!

You won't make it in time!

[soldiers gasp]

[horse galloping]

[AZURE]

Nina.

Nina.

I asked you to trust me.

I swore I could fix everything.

♪

[panting]

♪

Huh.

♪

[crying]

[NINA]

Just this once

I'll let the tears fall.

[crying]

[NINA] [crying]

Only for a moment.

[waves crashing]

[g*nsh*t]

[Sett chuckles]

[SETT] An ill-advised choice

for a spontaneous attack.

Shame to lose

that alluring voice.

[both whimpering]

[SETT]

Huh. Calm down.

Don't cower like that.

You'll make me think

you want to k*ll me as well.

Princess Eliza.

Ah.

That was her name, wasn't it?

Prince Sett.

The time has come.

[COURT LADY 4A] Today's attire

features crimson embroidery.

It was designed

to match your eyes.

Not bad.

As a reminder,

the princess from Fortna

is scheduled to arrive today,

your highness.

♪

Who's that?

[NINA]

"Night Five. Crimson Eyes."