Original subtitles

SECOND PART

Why are you slowing down?

Don't tell me that you've had enough already.

We've been in the saddle since dawn!

We're so very tired.

Will we ever stop?

I need a bath, and to see my reflection in a mirror.

Are you tired, Count?

No, General.

But if you can't go on we can always rest for a while.

Help!

Help!

A bandit has captured me!

Help. Save me!

Count of Valdoca!

Stop whimpering.

I'll cut you down.

Fantaghirò, is that you?

Oh, Carolina.

No one has captured you. You just got stuck on a branch.

Fantaghirò cut it down.

Who is that?

It's you, my darling.

Me?

I'm the victim of an incantation, a terribly evil spell!

Who transformed me?

It's all your fault. You convinced our father.

Look at me, I'm pitiful!

Very good, General.

You were right.

Perhaps it's best if we stop and set up camp here.

No, it's blinding me. Put it away.

It possesses a unique brightness.

You can even see your reflection.

Put it away.

It will only hurt my eyes.

What's wrong?

You're not yourself today.

Do you regret issuing this challenge?

Good news, Romualdo! Good news!

Three knights are on their way.

We'll have one each.

What is it?

Are you worried?

What do you want to do?

What do you have in mind?

A proclamation.

Listen up! These are the words of our King!

King Romualdo orders that all maidens...

...at the age to be married are to present themselves at the castle today.

They are to be entirely covered in veils.

Not one piece of skin should be visible.

Apart from the eyes.

Don't whine, the soldiers will hear you.

Do you want them to discover our true identities?

Don't speak that way to your sister.

The Armour ruins the skin. Poor thing.

It's nothing, Carolina.

Your skin is still delicate.

But scabs will soon replace your sores.

And when they fall off, they'll be replaced by calluses.

Then the Armour won't hurt your skin anymore.

Are you happy?

I've had enough!

I won't put up with this hell for another minute.

- I'm going home. - Oh, really?

Do you know the way?

It would be better to take two soldiers as escorts.

Me, alone, with two men?

No, I don't think so.

I'll tell the General to take me home.

Good choice.

Even less trustworthy than a soldier.

But he's our father's representative!

And what a representative he is!

He's been paying the foretellers to say what he wants them to for a while.

I don't believe a word of it.

If you didn't spend...

...all your time knitting, and you stopped looking at...

...yourself in the mirror all day, you would both have realised...

...exactly what goes on.

Well, we should tell our father.

It's not very loyal to be a spy.

So we'll have to keep it a secret.

Come on, promise.

Or otherwise...

Don't tell anyone what you heard here...

...when you two get back to the castle.

You two?

Yes, Caterina.

It's better if you both go back.

There's nothing you can do against King Romualdo.

You could always challenge him to a duel in sewing.

And Carolina can take him on with one of her combs.

I let you come with me...

...because they wouldn't let me leave by myself.

But now you're here.

And you're just slowing me down.

All I hear is lamenting and crying.

You're both completely useless.

You're mean, disobedient and cruel!

Worse.

You're arrogant.

Though you're right.

It's better if we leave.

Though be careful.

Your arrogance will stop anyone from falling in love with you.

So what?

I don't want to be loved.

Now go.

Farewell, Fantaghirò.

We'll leave right away.

I hate to think what our father will say to this.

They've finally given in.

Caterina and Carolina are going home.

Good.

Only the little Fantaghirò is left.

Soon we'll get rid of her and this stupid duel, too.

Goose?

Are you hiding?

Or have you left me, too?

Why does everyone leave me and I'm always left alone?

Why does destiny want me to be all alone?

Wait!

Carolina!

Caterina!

Forgive me.

I said such terrible things back there.

But it's not what I was thinking.

Or it was, but I don't think them anymore.

I want to go home, I'm coming with you.

Excuse me, Caterina.

You were right.

My arrogance gets the better of me.

I wasn't very nice, either.

And I didn't mean what I said.

It's a lie that no one will love you.

I love you, Fantaghirò.

Me too.

Then take me with you!

Don't leave me alone.

But you won't be alone, Fantaghirò.

You have your courage, your persistence...

...your strength of character, your anger.

Finally the time has come to test yourself...

...and find out how much you are worth.

I have this fear that I won't live up to my expectations.

If you want to know, the only way is to try.

We've never had the wish to test ourselves at anything.

But you have.

And it's only right that you fulfill your wishes.

Have faith in yourself.

Our hearts will be with you.

We would only hamper you if we stayed here.

You can fight for all three of us.

Good luck, little sister.

Thank you, Carolina!

Thank you, Caterina!

Farewell.

Let us pass, noble knight.

Why should I?

You move aside.

Or do you think that you have the advantage of being 3 against 1?

If that's what you think, I'll take you on by myself.

No, don't do it!

Now let me pass.

We are men of honour.

And you are profiting from the fact that we cannot accept...

...your challenge, all three of us at once.

I didn't issue a challenge.

I was attacked.

Easy, Cataldo.

Men of royal blood like us...

...need not make way for a common knight.

I'm not a common knight. And I'll prove it to you.

Face me, if you dare!

Leave it.

I'll take care of this in an instant.

Cataldo!

Don't do it, wait!

He tripped.

Let me help you up.

Give me your hand.

I won't give you my hand.

I can get back up just fine.

Who are you?

I am the Count of Valdoca.

And I am here to accept the challenge of King Romualdo.

If you see him, tell him that the Count of Valdoca...

...is here to fight him. And that I hope I meet him soon.

Wait, Knight!

You already met him.

Count.

I am King Romualdo.

He was trying to humiliate me.

He is barefaced, arrogant and a coward.

He didn't have the courage to finish me off.

Do you really think so?

Of course!

You blame him because he spared your life?

It was a generous gesture.

And also chivalrous.

Close that beak of yours, or you'll end up roasted.

You can easily keep me quiet, but you will never...

...keep your conscience quiet. Inside you know very well...

...that Romualdo is a brave warrior.

Then why do the other two fight for him?

That's easy.

Because he's loyal and generous.

He's a barbarian.

Perhaps, but he's a handsome one!

Get out of here!

How dare you?

What does a goose know about men?

He's handsome?

How is he handsome?

He's not handsome at all.

No.

You're a lucky man.

The most beautiful woman in the realm is here for you, she's all yours.

How can you dismiss her?

She is glorious.

Look at her soft neck!

And those eyes! No, Romualdo.

You can refuse wine, food...

But a woman like this...

She will do anything for you, you don't even have to ask.

She's yours, Romualdo.

You can ask her anything.

So it's true.

I can ask you anything.

Yes, Sire.

And you'll hide nothing from me?

Nothing.

Then tell me, what is a woman most afraid of?

How foolish!

How foolish of me! How didn't I think of that before?

You could always announce yourself, General.

Forgive me, Princess, but I am forced to...

...treat you like my equal. No one must suspect...

...that you're not a knight.

A message has arrived from our good friend the young King.

Ah, good.

When is the duel?

There's nothing about the duel.

It's an invite to a hunt.

Has he lost it?

How ridiculous.

Tell him that I refuse.

And you can add, on my behalf, that he should hurry up...

...and fix a date for the duel.

My sisters have left. I'm here by myself!

And I'm starting to get impatient.

Wise decision, knight.

You are very much aware, I should congratulate you.

This hunt is just a futile excuse...

...to try and humiliate you.

And what right does he have to want to humiliate me?

It is said that this hunt will take place...

...in the Gorge of Saint Elfo.

No one is stupid enough to fight...

...the Sacred Beast on his own territory.

Even less a woman.

I'm not afraid of beasts.

Not even sacred ones.

Listen to me.

Follow your first instinct.

Refuse.

You're not cut out for hunting.

No, I will accept the invitation.

And we'll see who is humiliated.

This time I don't understand you, Romualdo. Why here?

You'll understand soon enough, Cataldo.

Be patient.

There's nothing to hunt here. Let's go into the forest.

I didn't come to hunt animals.

Then what, will you tell me?

Look.

Welcome, my lords.

But he's just a boy!

I was defeated by a baby!

No.

Not a baby.

Not even a boy.

Welcome to you!

And welcome to our territory, Count of Valdoca.

You're just in time for the hunt.

And what will you hunt in the Sacred Forest...

...where it's forbidden to kill animals?

Are you going to dress your friends up as deer?

All that matters... is that we hunt.

If the prey turns out to be a bear...

...or a woman, what difference does it make?

It makes a huge difference.

Bear can be hunted for food.

But women are not animals.

No, you misunderstand me.

I meant the hunting of love.

But perhaps your young ears are still too innocent...

...to talk about such things?

I didn't come here to chat, Romualdo.

Just tell me what I am to hunt...

...and let's get moving.

What would you prefer?

Lizards or butterflies?

It's all the same to me.

Choose our prey.

There's nothing that I fear.

Not even the Sacred Beast?

I don't fear animals. Whether they are real, or legendary.

Where is the Sacred Beast?

Take me to it.

How could you let this happen?

We would never have succeeded.

If we had fought, now you would be a laughing stock.

I'm not angry because you turned down the challenge.

But because you left your sister all alone!

You shouldn't have done it.

But Fantaghirò is perfectly capable of getting away with it.

She is the only one of your daughters that might succeed.

She is the youngest.

She is just a girl.

I must know what has become of her.

The foretellers!

I will consult the royal foretellers.

What a useless waste of time.

They're nothing but traitors.

- We promised Fantaghirò... - What did you promise her?

To keep a secret.

What did you promise your sister?

Well, it's useless to keep it a secret now.

Fantaghirò found out that the General has been paying...

...your foretellers to tell you whatever he wanted.

I knew that they were charlatans, boot lickers...

...but traitors, no!

Foretellers! Where are you?!

Where are those traitors?

Good day, Sire. What can we do for you?

Traitors!

Traitors! You sold me to the General.

Now you will pay for your lies with your heads.

Forgive us, Sire. We meant no harm.

All the General wanted was to continue the war.

What use is peace to a soldier?

And what use are three charlatan foretellers to me?

Who will tell me what's going on with my daughter?

How can I trust you now?

That's true, Sire, perhaps we are charlatans...

...but 'they' do not lie.

If you do not wish to believe our words...

...believe your own eyes.

Here they are.

Juice of the viper!

- Soul of the garlic! - Onion. - Onion.

Seed of the mandrake!

Magic formula.

If it is for the images of Fantaghirò that you look...

...open your eyes and read the bubbles like a book.

Boil?

Boil.

How long does it have to boil?

I don't know, why are you asking me?

Please excuse us.

Here it is!

Here it is!

Here it is, finally!

What is that?

I don't understand.

What is it showing us?

- It looks like... - It looks like...

- It looks like... - It looks like...

- What does it look like? - A cave.

A cave?

- Where is this Sacred Beast? - In the cave.

Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!

We cannot enter.

It is part of our territory, but only foreigners may enter.

Then I'll go alone!

But not on your horse! You have to go on foot.

Dismount, we'll look after your horse.

While you go and pay a visit to the Sacred Beast.

You want me to kill it?

There's no man that can kill it.

Bring us the golden rose that it guards.

Consider it yours.

What do you mean?

I was just kidding!

Wait!

Forgive me, Knight!

I didn't want you to go in.

I thought you would have refused.

And that your refusal...

...would have been humiliating for you.

But now I see that you're so decisive...

...I admit that you have proved yourself.

I'm not used to proving myself with mere words.

I said I'm going, so I'm going.

You're a stubborn, insolent, crazy man! Wait!

Stop there, Knight, or it will be your end!

Don't go in!

I will do what you wish!

You can decide the...

...date and place for the duel!

I beg you, wait!

We will fight properly.

But this way your don't have a chance!

Come out of there, I implore you!

By now it's too late to implore me.

I hope not.

Alright, you asked for it!

The Sacred Beast has never spared a human being.

Think what you're doing!

What possessed you?

I want proof!

Isn't the bravery he has showed enough for you?

Or does he scare you?

I'm not scared. Not of him, at least.

Of his eyes.

He has those eyes...

Do you know what the dancing girl told me...

...when I asked her what...

...women most fear?

Yes, the Sacred Beast.

But what does that matter?

Here, drink.

We have rid ourselves of the third champion.

Are you sure, General?

Where have they gone to hunt?

In the gorge of Saint Elfo.

And what is in that gorge?

Oh, my God!

The cave of the Sacred Beast!

And the beast, what does it eat? Do you know?

Women, only women.

Let's go back while we still have the chance!

Are you not afraid of the Sacred Beast?

No.

The White Knight, my great master...

...did not just teach me how to fight.

But also how to speak with all animals.

You know, the Sacred Beast is not like other animals.

And I'm not like other men!

He's a woman?

So, I was beaten by a woman?

Those eyes, those are the eyes of a maiden.

- But are you sure? - No, I'm not.

That's why I want proof.

He's a boy! You've just been deceived...

...by his young skin.

No.

It is my heart that has deceived me.

Why are you tormented by these doubts?

Don't you understand?

If the Count of Valdoca was a woman...

Well, then I can't fight her.

Even winning would be humiliating.

If the knight is refused entry to the grotto.

No woman has ever been in there.

Then you've sent him to certain death.

The beast will kill him and there will be no duel.

You're right.

- No, don't go. - I have to.

Before it's too late.

You'll see, I'll convince it.

You mean to say that you have no intention of killing it?

No, I don't kill animals.

For food, or otherwise.

You're still alive, aren't you?

I didn't kill you.

If you're afraid, turn back.

I'm not in the slightest.

Alright, I'll stay just this once.

Quick, another black stone! Put it in the cauldron!

Come on.

- But it's the last one. - Put it in!

I have to see what has happened to my daughter!

- Give it to me. - No...

But, where am I?

I'm not afraid.

I'm not afraid.

I am not afraid.

Quiet!

Don't touch it!

Count Valdoca!

Where are you?

You've proved your bravery!

Do not touch the golden rose.

Don't touch it!

You can't touch it, no...

No, you can't, you can't!

- Isn't it wonderful? - Yes.

What's going on?

Who dares touch me?

Come on, show me more!

There are no more stones, Sire.

It's impossible.

It's impossible.

No!

I am the Count of Valdoca!

And I mean you no harm.

I just wanted to touch the rose.

Really?

I came here to talk to you.

Really?

Is that the only word you know?

'Really'?

It's lucky you're a man.

Otherwise I'd have already devoured you with one bite.

Now I'll just please myself by killing you.

You only devour women?

Yes.

Why?

You hate them so much?

I do not hate women.

On the contrary, I like them a lot.

That's why I eat them, they're much more tasty than men.

- I'm going. - No.

Don't do it. It's the cave of the Sacred Beast.

Our people are forbidden.

Do not make the same mistake as Romualdo.

But we have to save him.

If it's possible to be saved, he can do it alone.

Didn't you feel that shaking?

I apologise.

But Romualdo wouldn't have let you.

Here he is.

I don't like talking to someone I can't see.

And yet you're looking at me.

Where are you?

All around you, Knight.

Do you understand any of this?

I told you.

I told you not to come in here.

Let's see if you can understand these.

Are you starting to realise where you are, Knight?

In your cave!

In your kingdom!

- In your... - In my mouth!

What's he laughing at?

Father, what has happened?

My daughters.

Fantaghirò...

I fer she is dead...

Do not be so sure, Sire.

There is still one hope.

And it is in the legend of the Sacred Beast.

No one has ever come out of its cave alive.

The beast kills men and devours women.

That's terrible.

But why, I ask myself, does it devour women...

...without leaving a trace?

Because once it was foretold that a woman would destroy it.

That woman could be...

Fantaghirò.

- Her? - No!

- Yes? - No?

Yes!

Yes, yes...

- I have an idea. - Tell me.

Take one of my feathers.

Ouch!

Well? Have you decided in which way I am to die?

Why, have you not died of fear already?

No! Anyway, I know that you won't kill me.

You haven't told me what I'm supposed to do with the feather.

Why would I do something like that?

Because I'm a woman.

A woman?

If those are teeth...

...and we're on his tongue...

...what do you think the golden rose is?

Then you're right, my sweet maiden.

I will not merely kill you.

But of course! It's the uvula.

That's the uvula!

A woman, much worse for you.

I'm going to eat you instead.

I don't think you'll be able to eat me.

And you know why?

Because you can't eat and laugh at the same time.

What's going on?

Don't tickle me!

We have to go inside.

If we find the body, then it means it was a man.

If we don't find him, he will have been devoured.

It'll be my fault anyway.

I shouldn't have suggested such a cruel test.

I'm coming with you.

It didn't devour you?

I thought it would have eaten you.

Doesn't it only feed on women?

I don't need any help.

First you expose me to risks, then you want to help me.

Are you afraid to fight me?

I didn't mean for you to go in.

I just wanted to provoke you.

I thought you would fear the Sacred Beast.

Why should I fear a beast?

It was nice. We laughed a lot together.

I will await news from you.

My lords.

No!

I will not fight a woman!

I can't, I can't...

I can't fight a woman.

Don't talk nonsense.

The beast didn't eat him.

But it didn't kill him either.

Then it's not a man or a woman.

Why don't you just admit that you're afraid to fight him?

Say that again...

...and I'll prove that I'm not too afraid to cut your throat.

What do you want to know?

If it's a man or a woman?

Fight, and find out.

I must know before.

I will pull out of the duel.

Because I love her.

I love her.

I love her.

And I can't think of anything but those eyes.

Oh, God!

Does this not prove that it's not a man?

You need a way of being certain.

And I have it.

You trust me, don't you

I have a plan in mind.

Don't make that face.

Everything will be fine.

Why do you think he sent me to certain death?

He's your enemy.

Does he hate me that much?

Why? Do you love him?

You're so stupid, Goose.

He's afraid of me.

But I'm not afraid of him.

I'd love nothing more than to stab him in the chest.

Then you can't allow him to put it off any longer.

Exactly.

May I come in?

The duel must be settled now.

Another message from King Romualdo.

This time, however, you really must refuse.

Water, quickly!

Bring us water!

Speak, what news to you bring?

Is the Count Valdoca dead?

No, he lives. He survived the Beast.

There was an earthquake, the cave has been destroyed forever.

Thank the Gods.

This must mean that the duel will take place today.

No! No, your Majesty.

King Romualdo has challenged the Count of Valdoca to a swimming race.

What? A swimming race...

I imagine that he will have turned the challenge down.

No, your Majesty. He has accepted.

We have to stop it.

If she gets undressed...

If she gets undressed, everyone will find out.

No! Quick, let's go.

Wait.

It's useless, your Majesty.

You will never make it in time.

I rode all night long.

I wore out two horses.

Before you get there, it will all be over.

You're wasting your time.

You'll have to get undressed regardless.

I can tell them that I was wounded in the cave.

- And keep the bandage on. - Yes, I'm sure.

They'll never believe you.

If Romualdo has come up with this kind of challenge...

...it's because he suspects that you're a woman.

So he wants to see you naked.

You'll be put to shame in front of all those people.

Yes, but it would have been worse if I'd turned the challenge down.

What will you do, then?

Why don't you help me out with one of your magic tricks?

I can't. I can only do magic on myself.

Not on others.

Then I don't have a chance.

Once he realizes that I'm a woman, he'll refuse to fight me.

And the war will go on forever.

Unless I...

I want the fastest knight.

Where can I find him?

Here, Sir.

What do you like the most in the whole world?

Wine, Sir. What else?

If you follow my orders...

...you will have wine from all the vineyards of the castle as your reward.

Look at that banner.

Yes.

When its shadow...

...reaches that rock...

...you are to mount your horse and gallop all the way to the river.

Where you will find me.

Ready to face off against King Romualdo in the swimming race.

You will have to appear desperate, destroyed...

Your heart broken in pieces.

You will state that our King is gravely ill.

And that I have the obligation to return to the castle at once.

- Is that clear? - Perfectly!

Swear that you won't make any mistakes.

And that nothing will you stop you.

What more could a man wish for than...

...to serve his lord and his vineyards?

Nothing will stop me.

I swear, on my honour.

I think you can do a little better than that.

If you fail, you will never touch another drop of wine.

Very well.

Our people are happy not to have to fight.

All wars should be decided with bloodless challenges.

King against King,

What will you do if you find out that the Count of Valdoca is a woman?

- I will marry her. - And if she turns out to be a man?

I will challenge him to a duel.

A duel to the death.

No holds barred.

I will kill him.

With no mercy.

And then kill myself.

You won't be able to take the shame of loving him?

I won't be able to take the pain of losing her.

My greetings, King Romualdo.

Welcome, Count of Valdoca.

You have accepted the challenge willingly, I see.

There was no reason for me not to.

My wise friend Cataldo will be my second.

The General will be mine.

Those banners show where the finish line is.

If the distance is too much for you...

...we can always reduce it.

As far as I'm concerned, you can always increase it.

If it pleases you.

Good.

At this point, nothing remains but for us to get undressed.

Count, I said get undressed.

What are you doing?

Before every important event, we must thank the gods.

Here we go again.

Sir?

Sir!

Sir!

I have here a spicy wine from the orient.

Your famed knowledge of wine knows no bounds.

Do me the honour of trying it.

I would be happy to taste it.

Here.

On my return.

Now or never again.

My lord above all else.

Good day.

How much longer will these prayers take?

Don't make me lose my concentration, Sire.

I am almost done.

Why aren't you looking at me?

Don't tell me that you find the sight of a naked man embarrassing?

What's embarrassing?

It's just that I...

That I imagined you to be stronger.

- You're very delicate. - Really?

I don't see this as the time to admire your muscles.

Do you need a hand?

There you go.

How many jackets do you wear?

Here it's much colder than in my lands.

I'm not used to it.

I wouldn't have thought you could be so delicate.

Come on, take off another layer.

Help!

Help!

Help!

What happened to you, Miss?

I've been attacked by bandits. Help me!

I think I'm dying!

You're very generous.

Your famed generosity knows no bounds.

As soon as I make it to the river, I'll send you aid.

No, now or never again.

I have a mission to complete.

And my lord comes before my generosity, good day.

I'm ready, let's swim.

You're still dressed.

In my lands we swim with all our Armour on.

Your clothes will only hamper you.

I can't allow such an advantage.

Take off your clothes like me, or the challenge is off.

But you must admit that you fear the cold.

I'm starting to think that perhaps you're hiding...

...some kind of horrible deformity.

Help!

Help!

Help me, I beg you!

I don't know how to swim, save me!

Don't move from there.

I'll complete my mission and then I'll be back.

No, now or never again.

Your fame as a lover knows no bounds.

Show me that it is merited.

What are you waiting for? Dive in.

It's quite warm.

Take off your shirt.

Otherwise I'll be forced to think think that...

Think what?

That you don't know how to swim.

I swim very well.

What is it?

Are you waiting for someone?

No, no one.

If you are afraid of something, it would be best if you just confess.

I fear only that which I don't understand.

I came to fight a duel.

And instead, first you invite me to hunt...

And then...

...you challenge me to this stupid swimming race.

Are you trying to entertain the people or to win this war?

You're not afraid to fight me, are you?

I'm not afraid of anything.

Prove it!

On guard!

Here!

Finally in the water.

Are you drowning?

So it was true.

You don't know how to swim.

Oh, my God! I'm so sorry.

What's wrong?

Can't stand the sight of blood?

I'm sorry that I didn't kill you.

Then go on, try again. Perhaps you'll succeed.

More conviction.

Not so close.

What if you get blood on you?

Your blood doesn't interest me.

Finally.

At least the legs are naked now.

They're thin.

Without muscles.

You were saying, Romualdo?

You win.

Finish me.

Kill him!

What are you waiting for?

Kill him!

You cannot leave him alive, it would be without honour.

You've won.

Finish me, now.

I can't kill him.

Coward! Traitor!

Your behaviour...

...dishonors our people.

It is my duty to inform our majesty the King.

You can be sure of that, Count of Valdoca.

- Sister! - Stop that, are you crazy?

My beloved champion.

I understand that you were about to win the duel.

But that you refused to kill the enemy King.

Why?

I don't know, Your Majesty.

I didn't have the courage.

And whatever punishment you have in mind for me...

...it will never be terrible enough to...

...cancel out the pain...

...that I feel in my heart.

Forgive me, father.

Forgive me, father.

Forgive me.

Forgive me.

I beg your forgiveness.

In consideration of your courage...

...we will abstain from sentencing you to death.

You will atone for your crime with isolation in the tower.

Take him away.

But father!

The only way to get Fantaghirò back...

...is to get rid of the Count.

General, wait.

I have something to tell you.

Halt! Who goes there?

Identify yourselves!

I wish to speak with your King, I am King Romualdo.

Proceed.

Wait!

I am the daughter of the King.

And I order you to leave us.

So that I can speak with the prisoner for a moment.

Don't try to save me, Caterina.

I got what I deserved.

As soon as you're alone, take this potion.

You will fall into a deep sleep.

Such that you will appear dead.

No one will be able to reawaken you for an entire month.

The people will say that the Count of Valdoca is dead.

And that Fantaghirò...

...has returned from a trip.

But it was Fantaghirò that made the mistake.

Not the Count of Valdoca.

He has behaved with dignity.

With honour.

You have deceived us in a thousand ways.

Bribing my foretellers.

You have forced our people into a long and exhausting war.

Put of nothing but thirst for power and ambition.

I therefore condemn you to the penalty of...

It is not I who deceived the people.

But you, Sire.

It was not my idea to send your daughter...

King Romualdo!

The Baron Ivaldo, and the Count Cataldo!

Carolina, everything is settled.

Sire.

I am here to give you that which you have the right to.

Your champion has defeated me.

I put myself...

...and my people in your hands.

I ask but one thing.

Be merciful towards them.

They do not deserve prison.

Nor to be punished.

And as for me...

...my life is worth nothing anymore.

Your champion has humiliated me.

By sparing my life.

If you wish, you may decide his fate.

The Count of Valdoca has already paid...

...for declining to carry out his duty.

As far as you are concerned...

Don't stare at him like that.

He's supposed to be our enemy.

Considering the bravery...

And I suppose the one you're staring at is our friend?

I deem that you, Sire...

...not only deserve my forgiveness...

...but also the chance to reign.

But in order to ensure an everlasting peace...

...between our two kingdoms, I ask that you...

...marry one of my daughters.

Supposing that they wish to marry you, of course.

This is my condition.

You are free to accept it.

Or do declare a new war upon us.

Thank you, my lord.

You are more generous than words can describe.

But I have no reason to declare a new war.

Of course you do!

You have no idea how much the King has humiliated you.

The truth is that Count Valdoca is his...

Farewell, General.

He had it coming.

- General? - General?

- General? - General?

He's turned to stone.

Let's take him away.

Stop!

Don't drink it, no!

I don't accept orders from a mouse.

Presumptuous little girl, I'm a friend of yours.

Let's see if you recognise me.

Will you accept some advice, instead?

Presumptuous little girl.

I don't know why you're wasting so much time.

Why didn't you come to the river with me?

With you at my side, I wouldn't have made such a mistake.

But you didn't make a mistake.

You just followed your heart's impulse.

What do you know of my heart's impulse?

More than you think.

Farewell, Fantaghirò!

That's right.

Seriously...

You!

Do you really think that I would have abandoned you?

This is my first-born, Caterina.

She is made for me.

My great friend Cataldo has confessed to me...

...that from the moment he first laid eyes on your daughter Caterina...

...he felt almost overwhelmed by the intelligence in her eyes.

And by her beauty.

Therefore it is on his behalf that I ask permission to marry her.

Say yes, Father.

Father?

Yes, I just want to see you happy.

I am happy to give my consent.

This is my second-born.

The beautiful Carolina.

Intercede in my favour, I beg you.

No, Father!

With your permission, I'd like to marry the Baron Ivaldo.

Well, at this point I believe...

...that there isn't much to be done.

King Romualdo, what do you say?

I agree.

I leave my throne to you two.

My loyal friends.

These marriages will join our two kingdoms in peace.

Forever.

Now please, dismiss me.

He could marry Fantaghirò!

Of course, yes, perhaps he could.

No, my lord.

I will never get married.

Never.

My heart is lost forever.

But you haven't met Fantaghirò.

She is beautiful, intelligent, lively...

Oh, my God! The potion!

- Quick! - No.

- Quick, come with me! - I don't want to meet anyone.

You don't have to meet her.

You have to save her.

Let's go.

Only you can decide your destiny.

They are coming.

If you don't love Romualdo, drink the potion.

But I do love him.

Repeat it.

What did you say?

I love him.

I love him.

I love him, unfortunately.

Then do not despair. He is on his way.

But look what I've been reduced to!

I'll take care of that.

Actually, not me...

The witch from the forest!

Yes, and the goose, and the mouse.

I have always been with you, even as the White Knight.

But that's enough about me.

Now we have a job to do.

Of course, your disguise is not easy to remove.

Then you need the full treatment.

Yes.

Wait.

If this is really about saving someone...

...you can count on me, but I have no interest in marrying.

I will never be able to love her.

- My heart belongs to... - Wait until you see her.

It's too late.

But she was supposed to go into a deep sleep, not to vanish.

I haven't vanished.

Why are you blushing?

I've never kissed a knight before.

Me neither.

From now on...

...there will not be a single King to govern you.

The throne will be divided between my daughters and their proud husbands.

The two realms that have seen nothing but war...

...for so many centuries, will be forged into one.

Between our two castles a city will prosper.

And all of you will have employment and food.

For you, for your children, and for your children's children.

I have been the King of war.

This is why I have decided...

...to abdicate and to leave.

I will travel the world, telling people this story.

As a message of peace.

This throne will not remain vacant.

Queen Carolina and King Ivaldo.

You are even more beautiful than yesterday, my dear.

I hope that you say the same thing tomorrow.

Queen Caterina and King Cataldo.

Are we up to the great task that awaits us, my darling?

If there is any doubt, we will ask the people what they think.

It is the people who will decide whether we deserve this throne.

And now...

...she, who with her bravery and love, won the war.

Queen Fantaghirò.

The Queen is outside defending her geese. Come quickly.

Excuse me.

Let us pass!

I've told you a thousand times to not cook geese.

I even created a law to forbid it.

A law that recognizes geese as inedible animals.

And you will be in big trouble...

...if you chase after another one with the intention of eating it.

Romualdo!

But you're all here!

You haven't started already, have you?

I thought you had changed, but instead...

I changed my ways, not my beliefs.

And besides, I was teaching them that they are to respect the laws.

Is that not a part of governing?

Though today your duty as queen was to attend the investiture.

Yes, but what's the use of there being so many of us governing...

...if we have to stay together all the time?

Yes, you're not wrong...

...though in this case your presence is essential.

There is but one crown.

And I believe that the people wish to see it on your head.

Hear that? Even the geese are happy.

THE END

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