01x04 - Episode 4

[bunniefuu]

The residents of Sky Castle are

adept at concealing their misfortunes.

Victors face tragedies too.

What kind of tutor charges 30 million yen?

Are you sure it's not a scam?

Sorry, Aoba, for being in first place.

The wives of Sky Castle

lavish money on their children

for the sake of their futures.

I have something important to discuss.

Are you going to blame me

for what happened 16 years ago?

I was told that she still hasn't paid

this month's hospital bill.

If word gets out that I'm doing

Yuma's assignments on his behalf,

he'll be expelled.

The girl then picks up

and collects the cash

to pay

for her mom's hospitalization bills.

It appears that in exchange

for cash from Yuma's mother,

Ms. Miku did Yuma's thesis,

social research,

and other assignments on his behalf.

If the school finds out,

she'll be expelled immediately.

Well done.

Please approach Ms. Miku with this

and request she withdraw her candidacy.

However, according to her profile,

she was raised in a single-mother family,

and her mother is currently hospitalized.

She seemed really in need of cash.

There is no need for sympathy.

You're someone who is capable

of doing anything in order to win.

I could not have asked

for a better business partner.

If a student like Ms. Miku

becomes student council president,

it would be a problem

for the school as well.

We're only preventing that from happening.

There's no need to hold back.

I feel less guilty

after hearing your words, Ms. Kujo.

We've confirmed

your payment for this month's bill.

-I'll give you a receipt.

-Thank you.

The world is not made equal.

You're running

for student council president?

It's for the entrance exam.

Ms. Kujo said I'll definitely win.

Then let's celebrate

with a little extravagance today.

Thanks, Dad!

Some are blessed

from the moment they are born,

and some are not.

And that's where disputes arise.

It's nice that you're back

in the general ward again.

But I'm still

feeling weak somehow.

You'll be fine.

You'll recover soon.

NOZOMI YAMADA

I'm sorry, Miku.

Your shoes and bag are all worn out.

You don't have to worry about that.

As long as you're healthy,

I'm happy.

I'm so proud

to have a daughter like you.

What are you saying?

There's a lot more things

you can be proud of.

More importantly,

let's go to Enoshima

when you're discharged.

You and Dad used to go there

on your birthday, right?

It's a memorable place, isn't it?

I want to go too.

I want to hear stories

about Dad from time to time.

What was he like?

He was like you, Miku.

A very smart person.

And he cared about someone like me.

He was a kind

and wonderful person.

You loved him, didn't you?

You want Sho to be Ruri's recommender?

Yes, please.

We need a recommender

to support Ruri's run

for student council president.

But Sho has no influence, and I'm afraid

it may do more harm than good.

I have a plan.

Besides, if you accept this offer,

it will definitely help Sho

in his entrance exam evaluation.

-What's this?

-It's the in-school mock questions.

I heard it's pretty accurate.

It's going to help your performance

on the entrance exam.

Where did you get that from?

This set of mock questions

was prepared by Ruri's exam tutor,

and Mrs. Asami passed them to me.

Why would she do that?

Sho just needs to be

Ruri's recommender

in her run for president. I agreed.

-So this is her way of saying thanks.

-I'm going to?

You didn't even ask for Sho's opinion,

and you already promised her?

Please rescind the offer right away.

You object to whatever I do, don't you?

We've seen the mock questions.

How can I go back on my words?

That's your problem.

You're taking entrance exams too lightly.

Where's your sense of urgency?

Please stop fighting.

I'm saying this for your own good.

Fine.

I just need to be her recommender, right?

-But

-Don't worry.

She has a plan.

A plan?

NOMINEE : RURI ASAMI

RECOMMENDER : SHO NIKAIDO

You must have it rough

to be Ruri's recommender.

KENSAKU NATSUME

I did it for family peace.

-What's the next period?

-English.

-You don't like it?

-Not much.

AOBA MINAMISAWA

You've got guts, Miku.

But I'll have you know,

sympathy votes for your poor upbringing

-won't get you elected.

-Stop it, Ruri.

-Yeah.

-Don't you know

what people are saying about you

behind your back?

Huh?

-I'll enlighten you.

-Miku, you stop it too.

You're Ms. Miku, right?

I'm Ruri Asami's mom.

I have something to discuss with you.

Will you come with me?

What is it you want to discuss?

I have something to show you.

Listen, madam.

If word gets out that I'm doing

Yuma's assignments on his behalf,

he'll be expelled.

The same goes for you.

-Yes.

-You're violating the school rules.

-I'm doing this fully aware

-This can be

-considered blackmail, as you can see.

-of the risk.

You'd better not anger me.

A student council president

that does dishonest things like this

isn't good for the school.

Don't worry.

If you're willing to rescind

your candidacy,

I'll keep this a secret

between the two of us.

I understand you did this

for your mom's hospital bills.

I'm

trying to be understanding here.

You're amazing, Mrs. Asami.

To make your daughter the president,

you're willing to go this far.

The world is so unfair.

Ruri has wealthy parents like you

who will go this far to help her.

You live in Sky Castle, right?

"I wanted to let you live

in a wonderful place like this."

I wanted to let you live

in a wonderful place like this.

I remember my mom telling me that.

I always see you reading this book.

I'm going to live here one day.

You can come to me

if you ever face any trouble.

I'll be glad

to be of assistance to you.

I know you're indignant.

But

take it.

Dirty money is still money.

You'll need it to survive.

I know you'll be fine.

You're smart,

so you'll definitely make a comeback.

The answer is x=8.

Perfect.

That's because you're

such a good teacher, Big Sister Miku.

I can't wait for the upcoming test.

-Right.

-Yup.

-Time for a tea break. Shall we?

-Okay.

We baked cookies too.

They look tasty!

I heard you're going up against my sister

for the student council president.

Your recommender is Aoba, right?

IZUMI MINAMISAWA

Knock her down a peg.

I'll vote for you too, Big Sister Miku.

It's not nice to say things like that.

Ruri is on edge too.

About that

I'm thinking of withdrawing my candidacy.

I thought you were doing it

to get accepted?

But

aiming for student council president

just so I can get accepted

isn't really right, I feel.

My mom's condition isn't great either.

I just think that now isn't the time

to be student council president.

So

What's the real reason?

Tell me the truth!

I'm

frustrated.

KOYO GAKUEN JUNIOR HIGH

It's decided.

RESULTS OF STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTION

STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT - RURI ASAMI

I'm also proud that Ruri was elected

as student council president!

Why don't we celebrate

this joyous occasion?

Feel free to bring your husbands!

To celebrate Kensaku's improved grades,

my husband's family sent

champagne, caviar, and truffles!

Oh, how wonderful! Thank you, Mrs. Misaki.

But why did Ms. Miku

withdraw her candidacy?

Who knows?

She probably got scared.

She became afraid of Ruri, the top scorer.

I can't wait to see what

the aggravating novelist has to say!

Mrs. Izumi.

What are you doing at a place like this?

Could it be you're working on that novel?

I thought I made myself clear

to not write about a family's misfortunes.

But I couldn't shake the feeling

that we should be concerned.

It's as if the tragedy

of the Saejima family and our daily lives

are connected in one way or another.

That's why I have to write about this.

Looks like we'll have to talk this out.

What do you think, Mrs. Misaki?

Shouldn't we invite the Minamisawa couple

to celebrate Ruri's

getting elected as president?

You're right.

I have yet to meet your husband,

who's a brilliant doctor

and head of the neurosurgery department.

But if you're really not feeling up to it,

-you can decline, it's fine.

-Why wouldn't I come?

Then, it's decided.

I'll be looking forward to it!

Mr. Asami, congratulations

to your daughter on becoming president!

-Cheers!

-Cheers!

Oh, wow, Mrs. Misaki.

What a feast this is!

Of course.

This is the least I can do

for my respectable seniors.

I expected nothing less from Ruri.

Both of her parents' excellent genes

were passed down to her.

Feel free to treat yourself

to the champagne!

Thank you, Mrs. Misaki.

But why did Ms. Miku

withdraw her candidacy?

Well, that's

Because Ruri was running too,

she knew she had no chance of winning.

Well, that's unfortunate.

It's not your fault.

Ruri is the school's top scorer after all.

That wasn't the case, was it?

I heard from Aoba

that

you met with Miku.

After that, she withdrew her candidacy.

I wonder what happened?

That's rude, Mrs. Izumi.

You're talking as if Mrs. Sae

caused her to withdraw.

Her mom is hospitalized,

and she's in need of cash.

Are you saying that Mrs. Sae coerced

Ms. Miku into withdrawing with cash?

Mr. Minamisawa,

could you ask your wife to be silent?

Oh, no

My wife just wants to know the truth.

Please do not misunderstand.

I happened to come

across Ms. Miku's issue,

and so I assisted her.

-Issue?

-What kind of assistance did you give?

Mrs. Izumi

I want to protect Ms. Miku.

If I speak more of this,

Ms. Miku's future will be destroyed.

Are you fine with that?

Now, now More importantly,

let's get into the main topic for today.

-Main topic?

-Yes.

It's about the novel that

Mrs. Izumi Minamisawa is trying to write.

-Novel?

-Yes.

I'm sure many of you are not aware,

but Mrs. Izumi is a novelist.

A novelist?

I'm a small author

who has only published two books.

I read your books.

They were both very interesting.

-What kind of novels are they?

-They bring social awareness to issues.

One of them was

about a young girl's exam struggles.

The other was in an orphanage setting,

depicting issues of educational disparity.

Wanting to raise social awareness

doesn't give free writing rein.

What are you trying to say?

She wants to write

about the tragedy of the Saejima family.

I want her to stop.

She wants to include

that tragic incident in her novel?

Who would want to read such a novel?

That's right.

I'm sure both Haruto and Mr. Saejima

wouldn't want to be bothered any further.

The novel's only going to damage

the reputation of Teito Hospital.

Public exposure of the scandal

will devalue our property too.

Mrs. Izumi, are you able

to compensate for that loss?

Mr. Minamisawa, did you allow

your wife to write that novel?

So you think my wife needs to get

my permission for her creative work?

Don't you get it?

The Saejima family, Teito Hospital,

and the residents of Sky Castle

are going to be hurt.

And if Ruri becomes shaken by this

and fails the entrance exam,

how will you take responsibility?

Do you want to stop my wife that badly?

Writing about people's misfortunes

for the sake of sensationalism

isn't it unreasonable for her

to abuse the "social awareness" card?

Such a hypocrite.

Hypocrite

It seems we have made

a mistake by coming here.

Thank you for inviting us over,

but we'll be taking our leave now.

Shall we go?

Are you going to run?

If you get in my way any further,

I don't know what I'll do to you.

You're Yoko Maba, aren't you?

We spent time together

in Wakanaen when we were young

That couple is clueless to the value

of Teito Hospital and Sky Castle.

Now, now Let's resume drinking.

-Sorry you had to witness that.

-It's not your fault.

They're obsessed

with Teito Hospital and Sky Castle.

They're the abnormal ones.

Mrs. Izumi!

I hope you will write the novel.

-What?

-You're right.

I think that tragedy

is indeed connected to our daily lives.

Thank you, Mrs. Kyoko.

As to why that tragedy happened

I want to know too.

Do you know of anyone

I can approach to get more information?

Haruto's tutor, Ms. Kujo,

-might know something.

-Ms. Kujo, huh?

I have a son

attending Koyo Gakuen Junior High.

My name is Izumi Minamisawa.

I've been wanting to meet you,

so I'm calling you now.

When you have time, I

Aoba is self-taught, and his parents

have a laissez-faire attitude.

Why would his mom contact me?

Perhaps she's trying to gather

information on the Saejima family.

Come again?

She's trying to write a novel

about the Saejima family's tragedy.

What an interesting person.

15 YEARS AGO

Ok, everyone. Can I have your attention?

-It's present time!

-Yay!

Slowly now.

Everyone has one.

Yay!

SHIORI KINOSAKI

Sorry, I have a call.

MULTIPURPOSE ROOM

What's wrong, Ms. Shiori?

Ms. Izumi, help me.

Please. I need you to come over.

I'm sorry. The Wakanaen Christmas Party

is not over yet, so I can't leave.

I'll pass by right away when it's over.

Sorry for these calls.

SHIORI KINOSAKI

-I'm bothering you, aren't I?

-Not at all.

I'm glad you're relying on me.

I'll definitely pass by,

so please wait for me.

Thank you.

What's wrong?

It's nothing.

I was just thinking of the past.

About Ms. Shiori?

It's my mission to write after all.

WHO k*lled THE MISTRESS?

I looked up information

on Mrs. Izumi Minamisawa.

During a teaching internship

to become a high school teacher,

one of her students ended her life.

After that shocking experience,

she did not take up teaching

but began writing novels instead.

In her debut work, she delves deeper

into why the student died

and why she couldn't stop her.

THE STRUGGLES OF A YOUNG GIRL

TO MS. S

x=-2.

You can solve equations perfectly now!

Then

-Try this next!

-Okay!

TEITO HOSPITAL

Hello, did something happen to my mom?

What?

What's wrong, Miku?

Mom!

Mom! Can you hear me?

Mom!

Mom

Sorry

Miku.

But

I'm sure

you'll do fine

by yourself.

No.

No

Don't leave me alone!

You'll be fine.

Miku

you're smart.

So I'm sure

you'll find

happiness.

Mom! Mom, Mom

Mom?

Mom!

I'll handle the paperwork.

You don't have to worry about it.

If you ever face any trouble,

you can let me know.

Thank you very much.

If there's anything I can do for you,

I'll do it.

Thanks.

SKY CASTLE

I wanted to let you live

in a wonderful place like this.

HIDEYO ASAMI - 14 MAY 2024

SORRY FOR THE SUDDEN MESSAGE

I CAN ONLY DISCUSS THIS WITH YOU

I HAVE A DAUGHTER

THE STRUGGLES OF A YOUNG GIRL

Sorry to interrupt.

Ms. Miku's mother has passed away.

Just to be safe,

I did some research on the father.

He was supposedly deceased,

but I found out he may actually be alive.

The man most likely to be her father

is living in Sky Castle.

A perfect score? You did great, Maju.

I knew you could do it

if you studied hard.

-I'll keep it up.

-Maju!

-Hurry up. We'll be late.

-Coming.

Okay, you are good to go.

Have a nice day.

NOZOMI YAMADA

What do you want? If it's cash you need,

please find someone else.

Our relationship ended long ago.

Don't ever call again. It's annoying.

Is the one who called

I'm happy to be with you, even at work.

I feel the same too.

Was it Ms. Nozomi?

She's trying to get money out of me.

She went to the trouble of admitting

herself to Teito Hospital. How terrifying.

-You should be careful too.

-I will.

Oh, yeah. I got

a perfect score on my test,

and my dad praised me for it.

I envy you.

You have a dad who's nice.

I wish I was born into your family.

She doesn't have any debts,

but her bank balance is not high either.

I think there's enough

to manage Miku's school fees, but

She doesn't seem to have relatives either.

When I think about the apartment

and living expenses,

things are looking quite grim for her.

-Is there no vacancy at Wakanaen?

-I think staying there at her age

is a little hard

considering she's in her exam period.

Then, why don't we take her in?

We have rooms available. Her meals

and daily needs can also be taken care of.

Right. If this can help Miku, let's do it.

Um

I feel bad making all of you

worry about me.

So you overheard, Miku?

I'm glad and grateful for that.

But

if a guy and a girl from the same school

live in the same house,

there'll be strange rumors,

and I think it'll be troublesome for Aoba.

You're right.

In fact,

Miku might have it rougher than Aoba.

In other words, it would be fine

if you stayed at a girl's place.

Well, I guess you can say that.

Then, why don't you come to our place?

We have a basement for the housekeeper.

And I want to be with you,

Big Sister Miku.

It's just me and my sister,

so there won't be any strange rumors.

That might work.

Being across the street

allows us to assist Miku too.

But I wonder if the Asami couple

would be willing to accept this proposal.

What do you think, Miku?

If I'm able to stay there, I'd be happy.

Okay.

I'll discuss it with Mrs. Sae first.

I'm sorry

for all the inconvenience I've caused.

I look forward to their response.

Letting Ms. Miku stay here?

I feel that's

the best solution for Ms. Miku.

This is all very sudden, and besides,

we also have our problems to deal with.

-Yes, I'm aware of that

-I absolutely don't want her here!

I don't want to live with Miku!

You see Even Ruri hates it.

I don't think we can help.

But her mom just passed away,

and she needs help.

Even so, it's unthinkable

to go and live with a complete stranger.

Then, she can only live with Aoba.

What? Live with Aoba?

If we can't take her in,

that's the only way.

But then weird rumors

will start spreading

so will you please lend a helping hand?

We will take care

of her food and living expenses.

We'll pay rent too.

So, please.

Let's accept it. Big Sister Miku

can help with my studies too.

Your studies?

I kept it a secret, but Big Sister Miku

has been teaching me at Aoba's place.

Really?

That's how I got a perfect score.

If you say so,

I don't mind putting up

with it for Maju's sake.

I wouldn't want

bad rumors around Aoba.

I'll feel sorry for him.

-Thank you, Ruri.

-This isn't final.

This is something I need to discuss

with my husband and Ms. Kujo,

so this conversation

will be put on hold for now.

I thought you'd given up on the novel when

you said you had something to discuss.

But I didn't expect this proposal.

There are things

one person alone can't handle.

I want to maintain a relationship

where we're able to help each other.

Do you remember what you said?

Ms. Miku has no one to rely on.

We're the only ones who can help her.

Wakanaen also helped you

when you were young, right?

Are you threatening

to expose my past if I don't accept

-your proposal?

-That's not

That's great news for us, isn't it?

Ms. Kujo, you're fine

with Miku staying with Ruri?

If they're together,

we'll get to know

her superb studying techniques.

Ruri is a step closer to be recommended

now that she's been elected as president.

We should look at it positively.

But if she's holding a grudge

against me for forcing her

to withdraw her candidacy,

-won't that spark a dispute?

-Don't worry.

You also have evidence of her deeds

which could get her expelled.

That's true.

It's Mrs. Minamisawa again.

IZUMI MINAMISAWA

Perhaps I should meet her once.

Ms. Kujo is over there.

-May I ask one question?

-Go ahead.

I received no response

even after multiple contacts,

so why did she want to meet me suddenly?

THE STRUGGLES OF A YOUNG GIRL

She read your novel

and seemed to resonate with your sincerity

in wanting to prevent another tragedy.

Thank you for making time to meet with me.

I heard you moved into the Saejimas' home.

Yes, and I learned

of Mrs. Kaori Saejima's tragedy.

To prevent that tragedy from recurring,

you're trying to write the

Saejima's misfortunes into a novel, right?

Yes.

If your novel

can bring the slightest improvement,

I'm up for the collaboration.

If I'm able to reach Mr. Saejima

and his son, Haruto,

I'll arrange for the three of you to meet.

Thank you so much.

I look forward

to reading the novel.

I'm ashamed of myself.

I

thought you were a scary person.

But you're kind.

I'm glad you think of me like that.

Mrs. Sae.

About the talk we had the other day,

you're right.

-What?

-There are things you can't do alone.

I was able to come this far too

with the help of others.

Then

We'll offer our basement to Ms. Miku.

-I'm so glad for you, Miku.

-Yeah.

This way.

This will be your room from today onward.

It's pretty.

Feel free to tell me

if there's anything you need.

If you don't mind,

you can put your dirty clothes

in this and pass it to me.

I'll wash them for you.

You're being so nice to me

I don't know how to thank you.

When you asked me

to withdraw my candidacy,

I thought you were an evil person.

I don't blame you.

But, like I said,

I'll be glad

to be of assistance to you.

Thank you so much.

Big Sister Miku.

-This is great, isn't it?

-Yeah.

My dad wants to meet you.

The world is not made equal.

Some are blessed from the moment

they are born, and some are not.

Ms. Miku. It seems you've been teaching

Maju, and I'm grateful for that.

Having a brilliant friend like you

is a great motivator for Ruri as well.

I welcome you!

He's like you, Miku

He's a kind and wonderful person.

You loved him, didn't you?

It's a pleasure to meet you.

That handshake

marked the beginning of a new tragedy.

Mom, I finally got into this house.

Don't worry, I'm with you.

Ms. Kujo,

you're the only one I can rely on.

Isn't this great!

I know just how much the kids

in the institution are suffering!

I couldn't care less.

I was raised in the institution.