Original subtitles

Sariphi, why did you suddenly ask to see portraits of the late king and queen?

Huh? Oh, well...

Leonhart is half human, and his dad was king before him,

so I thought he must have gotten his human blood from his mom.

Once you're queen, your picture will be up there, too, Sari.

Huh?

Could I really be queen?

Cy!

Goodness. Please excuse my discourtesy.

Lady Sariphi, I presume?

Oh, y-yes.

I've heard so much about you.

I am Vivian, Princess of Bizond.

N-Nice to meet you.

Be that as it may,

you're even more charming than I expected of His Majesty's mistress.

I've begun to fear for my own chances.

What for?

You see,

I've come to ask His Majesty's hand in marriage.

The Feline and Reptile Princesses

S-Sire, please...

Please calm yourself.

Silence!

I am your king! Who approved this without consulting me?!

I did, Your Majesty.

Anubis...

Begging your pardon, but since Lady Sariphi's debut banquet,

we have been inundated with protests and questions from all quarters.

If you take a human queen as things stand,

mending relations with the slighted peers may prove impossible.

Naturally, I am well aware that you have always rejected all offers of marriage.

However,

if you would at least give your potential brides an audience...

We'll never stand for it!

Sariphi will be His Majesty's queen!

Queen!

I quite understand that, of course.

However...

Why, Princess Vivian.

Princess Kora. And Princess Alba, too.

It's been too long.

Let us speak later.

Each of us was sent here with the hopes of a nation on her shoulders.

How are we to face our countrymen unless His Majesty at least makes us concubines?

Oh, I beg your pardon.

How could I discuss such things before our future queen?

I'm so glad we had the pleasure of speaking.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

You startled me!

You don't need to shout so loud.

I wouldn't shout if you weren't so baffling.

What did you just say?

I said, I want you to meet these princesses and really talk with them.

It's a waste of time.

I'll never take a concubine, and I won't meet with these princesses.

That's awful.

You can't send them home without even seeing them.

Anubis arranged this on his own initiative.

I never asked for it.

But I think the chancellor has a good point.

You have so much trouble to deal with because of a human—because of me.

You shouldn't upset important people more than you can help.

Then... do you realize what it would mean

if I were to humor the nobility and take concubines?

What it would mean?

Even I know what a concubine is, more or less.

These are shrewd, ambitious women who chose a direct approach.

If I keep them close, they may eventually threaten your place as queen.

If one of them would be more help to His Majesty...

I wouldn't mi—

Do you honestly mean that?

Well, I don't want to hold you back.

Are you implying that I'm too weak a king to support you?

Hmph

I'm saying no such thing!

You're acting weird today, sire!

You're the odd one!

I'm done discussing this matter with you.

Shut your mouth and go to sleep!

I've had it!

What were you thinking?!

I mean, the king is just so stubborn!

B-But he'll give us a real tongue-lashing if he finds out we hid you.

Tongue-lashing!

Don't worry. His Majesty wouldn't lose his temper for no...

That's right. He wouldn't.

So what was he so angry about earlier?

I don't need to be queen. I just want to stay with him.

Is that not good enough?

I think I'll have another talk with the king after all.

I trust you realize what it means to set foot in my chamber.

But of course, Your Majesty.

I realize I'm being impertinent.

But while powerful wards normally protect your chamber,

for some reason, it is defenseless tonight.

I believe I know exactly what that signifies.

Please, don't look so fearsome.

I understand how deeply Your Majesty cares for Lady Sariphi.

But after all,

Your Majesty is still a gentleman.

You must require a concubine or two.

I mean, you can hardly make love like this with a human lady, can you?

Do you realize what it would mean if I were to take a concubine?

I know. I don't mind.

...you can hardly make love like this...

As long as I can stay with him, I don't...

...with a human lady...

No!

I... I'm sorry!

I didn't mean to intrude!

My, how hasty Lady Sariphi is.

Now, sire, let us continue.

Indeed.

Due to an unwanted guest, I missed the one I was truly expecting.

Begone. Never show your unseemly ambition in my presence again!

B-By your leave, sire!

Cy, Clops.

Let me sleep here tonight, after all.

Sari!

I'm sorry I woke you.

Come on, go back to sleep.

Why do I feel this way?

It stings, like I got something sharp caught in my throat.

I never dreamed I'd one day share breakfast with Your Majesty.

Yes, it's an incredible honor.

AWKWARD SILENCE

I couldn't look him in the eye.

I ought to be thanking him for meeting the princesses like this.

And...

Goodness, is Princess Vivian still abed?

After yesterday...

Sire, you simply must visit my native kingdom.

We have so many splendid works of art.

Oh, if it's beauty you're after, my homeland is rich in currant rubies.

I am dining. Still your tongues.

Oh, I beg your pardon!

Goodness, who's she?

Amit, the sixth princess of Murga.

Even those unsightly Reptilians seek the king's hand? How shameless.

Are you all right?

Did you hurt yourself?

You should take in some air outside.

Come on.

What?!

Leaving during a meal is the height of discourtesy!

Never mind.

Let her do as she pleases.

Are you all right, um... Amit?

P-Please forgive me, Lady Sariphi. I didn't mean to trouble you.

Oh, I'm no one special.

No, you're inspiring, Lady Sariphi!

You stand your ground in the king's presence.

I'm overcome with terror at the mere sight of His Majesty.

Princess Amit looks a lot scarier.

If you're so scared of the king, why ask to marry him?

My homeland, Murga, is the foremost Reptilian kingdom.

And until just 200 years ago, we were at war with Ozmargo.

Two hundred years?

Considering how long beasts live, that's not such ancient history.

As a relatively new vassal state, we Reptilians face persecution.

We'd assumed the king wouldn't even give us the time of day,

but then it seemed he might have, um, peculiar tastes, so...

Peculiar tastes

Ah.

Ah

But it turns out I don't fit in after all.

Not that he would ever have chosen me. All my sisters are prettier than I am.

Yet I'm forbidden to return home without winning the king's heart,

so I've essentially been exiled.

That's awful!

It's just how things are.

Royal women must give themselves for their kingdoms.

I was born into shackles I can't hope to escape.

This has always been my fate.

Have you heard? Our troops have returned from the campaign in Gael.

Then the Royal Guard has returned!

Look there!

It's Guard Captain Jormungand!

You've served well in this campaign. Once you've made yourself presentable—

Where is the king? I must report the outcome of the expedition.

You fool!

Would you face His Majesty in those travel-stained clothes?!

You're as uptight as ever, Abi.

Hm?

You must be the human princess.

Your reputation precedes you.

I am Jormungand, captain of His Majesty's Royal Guard.

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Th-The pleasure is mine. I'm Sariphi.

I have sworn loyalty to His Majesty.

If he wishes you to be his consort, I will abide by his decision.

Still, I have my reservations about a human queen.

Please perform your duties well,

and disappoint neither myself nor His Majesty.

Now, excuse me.

I was so nervous!

Captain Jormungand is a commoner who rose through the ranks.

Wait, I refuse to accept this girl as queen!

He's one of the few soldiers to have His Majesty's trust!

Listen! Listen to me, Jor!

So cool!

What's wrong, Amit?

Oh, nothing. Only...

Whenever I see the captain, w-well, my heart skips a beat.

Are you sick?!

I don't think so.

You see, it all started when I was a little girl,

during the first royal visit to Murga since we became a vassal state.

Everyone in Murga was eager for a glimpse of the young king.

And I...

Out of the way, Amit!

I must get His Majesty to see me in this dress!

Just then...

Use this.

Th-This is a Royal Guard scarf!

It has the royal seal to show you take orders only from His Majesty!

I can't accept something so precious!

His Majesty wishes his Royal Guard to defend his kingdom.

Every scrap of cloth I wear and drop of blood in my veins belongs to its people.

That was Captain Jormungand, although he was a common guardsman at the time.

What a man!

I only met him that one time,

so I doubt he even remembers me.

But I longed to see him again and return his scarf.

And that's why you came to woo the king?

Even I think I'm a fool.

But I don't care how miserable I end up if I can go to his side.

That's what love is.

Love, huh? I guess I don't really understand.

Oh, don't worry. You'll know when your time comes.

It's like the ringing of a bell.

Your heart starts racing to tell you that he's the one.

Do you not know such a person?

Someone who makes your cheeks hot upon merely seeing him,

and whose voice makes you tingle?

And the sight of him becoming intimate with another woman makes your heart ache?

I take it you've thought of someone?

I'm not sure.

We're kind of fighting right now.

Oh, dear! That absolutely won't do!

You need to make up as soon as you can!

No matter how much your heart aches, you mustn't ignore how you feel.

Stand your ground, confront him, and tell him frankly how you feel.

Um...

I understand! Your love is a secret from the king, isn't it?!

Have no fear! I'm on your side!

Well...

From this day forth, we are the League of Maidens in Love!

Sari's overwhelmed. I don't really get it, but I'm impressed.

Please say it with me! Ready?

We are the League of Maidens in Love!

Scary.

...In love.

Once more!

What is that Reptilian princess thinking, fawning over the human?

We are the League of Maidens in Love!

Since she can't win the king's affection,

she must mean to curry favor with the human instead.

What base cunning. She needs to learn her place.

Cy, Clops, do I really need to attend, too?

Of course you do!

His Majesty is holding a banquet to recognize Captain Jor tonight!

And the festivities can't start without our queen!

Huh?

What's wrong, Amit?

The banquet's about to...

Your dress is in shreds! How did this happen?!

W-Well, you see...

My, Reptilian formal wear is quite daring.

Don't tell me you did this!

It's all right, Lady Sariphi.

But tonight is...

I know. Captain Jormungand will attend this banquet.

I had dreamed that I might share a word with him.

But the worlds we live in are just too far apart.

This is my punishment for having ideas above my station.

YANK

L-L-Lady Sariphi?!

It is not all right!

You came all this way to see the captain, didn't you?

Then don't let a little thing like this beat you.

You want to be with him, no matter what.

Isn't that what love is?

We honor the safe return and illustrious achievements of Captain Jormungand.

Girl, what became of the formal wear I had prepared for you?

The hem caught on something and ripped.

What?! And you had the gall to come anyway?

Say, I don't see Princess Amit.

She's probably too busy deciding what to wear.

I... I'm so sorry for my lateness.

U-Um...

Oh, I can't!

I'm hopeless.

You can do it, Amit!

I promise. If you can work up your courage, then...

For you.

Is this...

I hardly recognized you, my little lady.

Way to go, Amit.

I'll be brave, too.

Here you are.

Oh, thank you.

I'll face these feelings I can't name.

Vivian...

I thought she looked at me just now. Maybe I imagined it?

I feel... dizzy...

Huh? What am I doing here?

How do you feel?

It appears you were suddenly taken ill.

I'm fine now.

Really? That's a shame.

Perhaps I should have presented stronger liquor.

Say, would you kindly make way for me?

Huh?

Um... What do you—

Be quiet!

I've controlled all manner of men with my body.

Yet the king refused to so much as touch me!

I've never been so humiliated!

Royal women are scorned as wastes of space unless they're politically useful.

I won't stand for it!

The idiot king who fell for a human is the truly worthless one!

What is he good for, except as my puppet?!

So... just disappear!

Even if I weren't here,

I know His Majesty would never keep you by his side.

The king just isn't that kind of person.

You see, he suffers under the weight of his authority more than anyone.

But he tries to hide that from everyone and be a strong king.

He does it for all his people.

And because His Majesty is like that,

even if I can't be his queen, I'll never stand aside for you!

Why, you...

Run, Lady Sariphi! Hurry!

Amit!

Even the Reptilian stands in my way?

You lesser races never know when to stop!

Sire!

Have you forgotten what I said last night?

P-Please forgive me!

B-But I had no other choice.

I can't survive without Your Majesty's affection.

I beg you, please have mercy!

Silence!

This is your final warning!

Never show your hideous self in my presence again!

Are you all right?

That spoiled the evening.

You needn't return to the banquet. Rest in my chamber.

Sire.

Thank you for taking the time to meet them all.

And I'm sorry. This is all my fault.

This banquet was my idea.

Anubis insists I humor the nobility occasionally. I merely saw his point.

And... I spoke too harshly last night. Forgive me.

So in the end, none of the princesses managed to move the king's heart.

Oh, my, Lord Chancellor. What brings you to the palace outskirts?

Wh-Why, Princess Amit.

What are you still doing here?

I received special permission to stay on as Lady Sariphi's friend.

His Majesty called it my reward for defending her.

What?!

I baked mandragora scones for a late-night snack.

Would you care for one?

N-No, thank you.

I see. Then excuse me.

All I've done is give the wench another ally!

Sariphi, you needn't pity or sympathize with her.

Princesses Amit, Vivian, and the rest all knew the risks of what they did.

I know. I need to be more prepared, too.

For what it means to stay by the king's side.

Then remember this:

I need neither concubines nor any other women.

The only woman I desire is you, Sariphi.

A bell.

It's like the ringing of a bell,

telling you that he's the one.

Huh?

Sari, what's come over you?

It's cold out today! And you're so fluffy, sire!

The weather seems ordinary to me.

I don't get it.

Well, no matter.

Stay that way as long as you like.

Maybe I'll figure it out someday,

if I can stay beside this warmth.

Curse you, human wench!

You turn my every ploy against me!

If this continues, my position will—

What?! What is this strange menace I sense?!

Would you care for a scone, Lord Chancellor?

Next Episode

The Holy Beast of Immortality and Rebirth

No, thank you.