Original subtitles

Can you track them, Gwiber?

Yes, but human presences are weak.

It may take time to locate—

What? You're a sorry excuse for a white dragon, Gwiber.

Leave it...

to me.

C-Can it be...

Bennu, the great phoenix?!

Yup. Long time no see.

Did you not retire from the world?

It's a long story, but the girl you're looking for is my new master.

Our souls are paired.

So I could find her anywhere.

Sariphi's holy beast? What is it saying?

I'm saying I'll help out, King All-Shaken-Up- 'Cause-Somebody-Swiped-Your-Woman.

So show some gratitude, numbskull.

H-He promises to find the human lady for you, sire.

I see.

You really toned that down, huh?

I thank you, Phoenix Bennu.

I ain't doing this for you. I just feel like it.

What's the point of my coming out of retirement if that girl ain't around?

Oh, keep heading straight north.

Forgive me, Sariphi.

Even if you wish to live happily with him,

I can no longer resist my longing for you.

A Boy of Love and Hate

We've come pretty far from the palace. Is this area deserted?

Oh?

I wondered who was suicidal enough to traipse into Hyenian turf.

What have we here?

I smell human.

And that one's...

A female! Don't see those every day.

We lower classes haven't had many humans since the truce.

We're nice, so we'll let you go, male.

But leave the female behind. We'll gnaw her down to the bones!

Ilya?

D-Damn it! He's no pushover!

Come on! Run for it!

Dad!

S-Stop it, human!

Don't kill my dad!

Run away! Hurry!

Why, Ilya?

Why would you attack a little child?

It may be small now, but it'll kill humans when it's grown.

That's just how they are.

But you said...

that you would get stronger to protect the weak

by fighting off bad beasts who cross the border to raid human towns.

That's the Ilya I know.

I said that, but now I know those half measures can't save anyone.

The beasts have charmed you, Sariphi.

I'll kill every last one,

if that's what it takes to open your eyes.

Why?

Why would you go so far for me?

Ilya?

Ilya? What...

Because...

Because I love you, Sariphi! I have since we were kids!

Where are you, Sariphi?

If you've crossed the border and hidden in Yoana, I cannot follow.

Oh, chill out. For a big guy, you sure are high-strung.

If you're a king, show some confidence. Lie back all cocky-like.

What did he say, Gwiber?

That he is devoting all his energies to tracking the human.

Guess you've got it rough, too.

If you think so, please choose your words more carefully.

Yeah, yeah.

Anyway,

they're moving awful fast for humans on foot. Maybe they found horses?

We might wanna hurry up.

Ilya...

I'm sorry. Right now,

I can't accept your feelings.

You aren't seeing me at all right now.

The only thing in your eyes is hate.

So much that it scares me.

And saddens me.

I can't blame you for hating the beasts who attacked your home.

More fighting between humans and beasts might be going on even as we speak.

A lot of people might be hurting because of it.

But not all beasts want that.

There are all kinds of beasts. Some are nice, and some are scared.

Just like humans.

Making a world where humans and beasts don't fight might be unrealistic,

but His Majesty is trying to get as close as he can.

He hides his kind heart behind strength and intimidation

because he wants to protect beasts and humans alike.

That's why I want to do all I can at his side.

Even if you still hate beasts, please have at least a little faith.

Trust my judgment of His Majesty.

Beasts are just like humans?

You know nothing. That's the only reason you can spout that nonsense.

Sure, plenty of humans are scum who'd be better off dead.

But beasts are fundamentally different.

You know how kids tear wings and legs off of bugs for fun?

Or how we eat meat and fish without thinking?

Have you ever imagined what it's like to be on the other side of that?

That's how everything I cared about was taken from me.

On that day, thirteen years ago...

Crap, it's Ilya! Run for it!

Ow!

I'll do a whole lot worse if you ever make my sister cry again!

Are you okay, Misha? What'd they say to you?

They said I'm adopted, because my hair's not like yours and Mom's.

And that someone will come from the beast realm to take me away.

That's a pack of lies. Our late dad had red hair just like yours.

And even if beasts did come,

I wouldn't let 'em lay a paw on you.

So don't worry, Misha.

Okay! It's a promise!

No take-backs!

Mom sure is late. Is it snack time yet?

Ilya! Misha! Come here!

Are we playing hide and seek?

Shush. Stay right here, and whatever you do, don't make a sound.

Ilya, take care of Misha. Understand?

What? What's going on outside?

Look.

I thought I smelled something.

Beasts?!

So that woman was hiding brats.

Ilya... I'm scared, Ilya.

Then Mom must be...

This one'll be perfect for dessert. C'mere.

Misha!

Stop! Let go of her!

Ily—

What about this one?

The males taste too gamey, even when they're young.

Hey, I know.

Let's bet on how long he can run before we catch him.

Good idea. If I win, give me half the females you caught earlier.

Hey, brat! On your feet!

Go on.

Get running.

Go on. Hurry up.

We're gonna catch you!

They took my family, my home, and my dignity.

If my teacher hadn't found me on the way, they would've killed me like a bug.

And then, after I'd lost everything...

I glimpsed a new hope.

But they stole even that from me.

I should have realized sooner.

As long as beasts exist, we'll never be able to live in peace.

So I'll kill them.

Kids, kings... I don't care!

That's the reason I became stronger!

Ilya...

Ilya's hatred and sadness are so much deeper than I realized.

I can't stop him.

It's too much for me.

Looks like we spent too long chatting.

But this is perfect.

Ilya?

Ow!

Stay there and watch.

Ilya?

I'll open your eyes in no time.

Sire...

You haven't mistreated her, I trust?

Return my queen!

Don't get confused.

Sariphi's human, and I'm the one who's taking her back from you.

You want her back that bad? Then fight me here.

If you want Sariphi, take her by force!

Ilya! Ilya, stop!

Ilya!

Yo. You okay?

Bennu!

Hey.

Please, untie me!

And what if I do? Are you gonna stop 'em?

Well, don't. Leave 'em to it.

Sometimes, men need to settle things with their fists.

But then, Ilya will...

Of course he will.

How's one human supposed to fight the king of beasts?

That punk's gotta know that better than anyone.

But so what?

He's not just strong. He sees right through me.

I don't stand a chance.

But so what?

I can't back down!

If I do, it'll be like that day all over again.

I'll have nothing...

Nothing...

He's only open for a moment!

I've got y—

So this is the best the devil king can do?

Your little tricks won't stop me.

Rend me with your claws! Bite me with your fangs! Kill me!

Come on.

Show that you're a cruel monster at heart, no matter how you try to hide it.

Show Sariphi what you are!

If that'll wake you up, Sariphi,

then I'll gladly let him kill me!

Why...

Harming you would sadden Sariphi. That is my only reason.

But I cannot retreat, either.

I need Sariphi.

Sire!

Sire! Be strong, sire!

Please, answer me!

No! Don't die!

Sariphi?

Who was it?

Who made you cry?

Listen, Sariphi. If anybody makes you cry, you tell me.

No matter who they are, I'll protect you.

Calm yourself.

Beasts are physically far more resilient than humans.

I won't die from this scratch.

More importantly...

What was the point?

What did I storm all this way to do?

What have I been doing all this time?

Ilya, I'm sorry.

Since I was little, I always accepted that I was going to be sacrificed.

So I thought I didn't need to make friends or memories.

But I just finally realized.

I was able to spend the days leading up to my sacrifice so peacefully

because you were there for me, Ilya.

You've been saving me all this time.

So please,

forgive yourself.

Don't tell yourself that you couldn't protect anything.

Don't blame yourself.

Ilya,

thank you for protecting me.

Hey, it's dawn at last.

There. I more or less patched him up.

Not that a big guy like him had much to worry about.

Thanks so much, Bennu!

I can't just ignore your orders.

But you know,

you've got some nerve making me, the great phoenix, ferry some human!

I don't need a sendoff, and I won't take help from beasts.

I ain't one of those beasts!

I'm the holy phoenix, and I've lived a hundred times longer than you, jackass!

I've sentenced you to semipermanent deportation.

Sariphi doubtless wishes to see you on your way.

Thank you, sire.

But are you sure?

Yes.

Well, aren't you confident?

Just so you know, I don't give a damn about rules made by beasts.

What'll you do if I run off with her again?

You will do no such thing.

Sariphi believes that, and I trust her judgment.

What a pushover. Some devil king you are.

It was the humans who decided to call me that.

My realm recognizes no such title.

My name is Leonhart. It means "brave-hearted."

Pretty fancy name you've got there.

Listen up.

If you ever do anything to make Sariphi cry,

I'll make you give her back.

Don't forget that, Leonhart.

I'll bear it in mind.

All right, buddy, the border's in sight.

Beyond those woods is Yoana, the human realm.

He says we're almost to the border, Ilya!

Ilya?

Wait, are you afraid of heights?

Sh-Sh-Shut up! Don't talk to me right now!

You don't have to act tough, you know.

I see. Since I last knew you,

you've learned to smile so much more brightly, Sariphi.

Sorry for always acting so selfishly.

No, I should apologize.

For not telling you I was a sacrifice.

And for never realizing that you had feelings for me.

I can't blame you.

Like you said, I was always looking past you at the beasts I hated.

I can't forgive them for what they've done, and I'm sure I'll go on hating them.

But...

You believe in him, and I'll trust your judgment.

I'm serious about loving you, understand?

Thank you, Ilya! I'll see you again, won't I?

Yeah.

For your sake,

I'd go anywhere.

I really am sorry, sire.

I caused so much trouble for you.

You needn't apologize. In fact, I owe you an apology.

For a moment, I hesitated to pursue you.

I lacked confidence.

I thought that perhaps life in Yoana with him would make you happier.

That you might have gone with him of your own free will.

The home I long for isn't in the human realm or the beast realm.

It's right here, sire.

Thank you, Leo.

Sariphi!

We're so sorry! We should have protected you!

I'm so glad you're safe and sound.

No, I'm sorry for worrying you all.

Oh, I know!

Let's celebrate with a tea party.

No matter how hard the king works,

there will be beasts who hate humans and humans like Ilya who hate beasts.

Is the reality that

we can never intermingle?

All is ready, Lady Sariphi.

Oh, a garden party!

A bit of open air every now and then will do us good.

Please, help yourself.

Wait, where are Cy and Clops?

And it looks like there's an extra chair.

R-R-Right this way, sire.

Your Majesty!

Why...

They asked me to put in at least a brief appearance.

I can guess what it is you're brooding about.

Sariphi, you won't change reality by grieving alone.

But both beasts and humans are gathered round this table.

Don't forget holy beasts, genius!

People truly rejoiced at your return and wish to remain with you.

This, too, is incontrovertible reality.

He's right. Why did I lose sight of that?

Beasts, holy beasts, and humans can all laugh around this table here.

I hope that one day, this little table

will grow to fill the whole world.

I'm back, Mr. Chancellor!

Sorry I worried y—

What's wrong, Mr. Chancellor?

Mr. Chancellor?!

Hey, Mr. Chancellor!

Chancellor Anubis...

...just dropped dead.

Next Episode

The Sea God and the Second Ordeal