- 2 days ago
Bride In Red, Bride Of Bones
Category
๐ฅ
Short filmTranscript
00:01When the Yules choose a bride, there's only one rule.
00:05Be thin.
00:06They use a brass ruler to measure waist, wrists, and ankles.
00:10Meet the measurement, and you're chosen.
00:13The reward?
00:13$300.
00:15Enough to buy a house, get married, and feed a family for years.
00:18The village girls starve from childhood.
00:21But my sister Anna, she can't slim down.
00:23She's full-figured.
00:25Others get to eat oats while she gets soup.
00:28When others get bread, she doesn't.
00:30She even gnaws the bed from hunger and can barely stand.
00:33Still, she didn't lose even a pound.
00:36The day before the Yule steward visits, Mom looks at the empty larder and cries.
00:40She points at Dad.
00:42You useless man.
00:43The Yules are coming tomorrow.
00:45One shake of their heads, and we're doomed.
00:49Dad remains silent and keeps smoking.
00:52Mom grabs a plate and smashes it.
00:55Think of something.
00:56Dad looks up, sighing heavily.
00:59Enough.
01:00I have an idea.
01:01He looks at Anna.
01:03Anna, come inside.
01:05I want to follow, but Mom kicks me out.
01:08I press against the door, but hear nothing.
01:10But Dad's idea works.
01:12The next day, Anna's thinner.
01:14Her round body is now slender.
01:16I'm happy for her, but I'm also puzzled.
01:19The Yules come in with the ruler, and the village girls gather around.
01:23Anna is up front, wearing altered clothes.
01:27The steward measures them.
01:29Their wrists, ankles, and waists.
01:32When it's Anna's turn, he says,
01:34One finger too wide.
01:35It's one sentence, but Mom cries all night.
01:38Dad stays outside, smoking.
01:40At dawn, he taps his pipe.
01:43Call Anna in.
01:45The door stays shut for a whole hour.
01:47I peer through the crack, but see nothing.
01:50I only hear muffled groans, as if she's struggling.
01:53The door opens.
01:55Anna's face is pale.
01:56Thick cloth is wrapped around her finger, covered in blood.
02:00Three days later, they call the steward back.
02:03He measures Anna's waist, and his eyes light up.
02:06Perfect.
02:07This girl will take her.
02:10Everyone is happy.
02:11Even me.
02:12But I forgot.
02:13No one chosen has ever come back alive.
02:16On Anna's wedding day,
02:18the horns blare.
02:20All the villagers come.
02:21Mom has new clothes on.
02:23And smiles at the door.
02:25Dad spends all day smoking in the shed.
02:28Before leaving, Anna looks at me.
02:30That look puzzles me.
02:32For years, I keep wondering.
02:35Is it reluctance, fear, or something else?
02:39Our lives improve after Anna's marriage.
02:42Dad uses the money to buy land and repay debts.
02:46I live comfortably, but my dad grows strange.
02:50He's comfortable, but he keeps smoking on the doorstep.
02:54Sometimes, he just stares at the road to the Yule's place.
02:58One day, I ask him,
03:01Dad, why don't you come in?
03:03He doesn't answer.
03:04Only later do I realize he's waiting for Anna to come back alive.
03:09Three months later, the Yules send word.
03:12Anna is pregnant.
03:13My parents are overjoyed, saying Anna's blessed.
03:17I'm happy for Anna, too, but not long after.
03:19Anna is sent back.
03:21That day, a carriage stops by the door.
03:24Anna steps out, swollen all over.
03:27Her face is puffy, and her eyes are only slits.
03:32Even her clothes are stretched tight.
03:34Her five-month baby bump is obvious, but on her swollen body, it looks like it might burst any second.
03:41Mom freezes, dropping the broom.
03:45Anna.
03:46Anna looks down, saying nothing.
03:48The help tosses a bundle.
03:50Mr. Yule is merciful.
03:52He sent her here to rest for a while.
03:54He points at Anna and says,
03:56The Yules have plenty of food, but she eats way too much.
04:01It's not proper, is it?
04:03With that, he leaves.
04:05Anna simply stands still in the yard.
04:07I walk over and take her hand.
04:09Anna.
04:10She looks up, her eyes full of fear.
04:13She leans in and whispers.
04:16Rose.
04:16That spell.
04:17It backfired.
04:19What spell?
04:20Her voice shakes.
04:22That spell.
04:23I got pregnant soon after marriage.
04:26Everything was fine.
04:27But one day, I saw them kill a chicken.
04:29I frown in confusion.
04:31She grips my hand.
04:33So much blood.
04:34When I smelled it, I started puking.
04:38After that, I swelled and ended up like this in three days.
04:44They said this is inauspicious and that my pregnancy is cursed.
04:49So they sent me back.
04:52I don't know what the spell was, but I could guess.
04:55It's how Dad made her thin.
04:58That night, Dad calls Anna into the room.
05:01I press my ear to the door and hear her crying.
05:03When it opens, she's deathly pale and her body sways.
05:08Mom and Dad follow behind her.
05:10Mom's right index is wrapped in a white cloth and Dad's left one is stained by blood.
05:17The next day, Anna is thinner, but her belly swells scarily.
05:21When the yules arrive, the steward looks at Anna and nods happily.
05:26Before boarding, Anna looks at me.
05:29Later, I realize that was goodbye.
05:31Two months later, she comes back, but in a coffin.
05:35I grab a cleaver and pry it open.
05:38Anna lies curled, her eyes open.
05:40I kneel there, cold all over.
05:43Dad comes and closes her eyes.
05:45Then he turns to leave.
05:47I stop him.
05:48Dad, how did she lose her life?
05:52That spell, it backfired.
05:55You knew all along.
05:57You killed her!
05:59His shoulders shaking.
06:00He silences me.
06:02I stand by the coffin.
06:03The 300 tallers on the table shine brightly, but all I see are her eyes.
06:09She looks at me as if to say something.
06:11I lower my head and look down.
06:14There's something in the lid.
06:15Dad, I lean closer.
06:17It's a line of words written in dried blood.
06:20Don't blame Dad.
06:21It's not his fault.
06:23It wasn't him.
06:25Then who was it?
06:26I had to investigate the yules.
06:29The yules are picking a bride again.
06:31Only one clear soup and half a piece of bread a day.
06:35When I'm hungry, I go to the well and drink cold water.
06:38Until I feel full.
06:40I've learned Dad's spell.
06:41It's from my great-grandpa's secret book.
06:45It contains a thinning spell, Dad said.
06:48Anna used it too often.
06:49It backfired, remembering how she died.
06:52I doubt him.
06:53Something isn't right.
06:55The day the steward comes, I stand in line and watch him measure wastes.
07:00He keeps shaking his head until he gets to me.
07:03When he measures mine, his eyes light up.
07:06Perfect.
07:07I lower my head, smiling faintly.
07:09I'm in.
07:10The yules are richer than I thought.
07:13With vast courtyards at home.
07:15Jude Yule's helpers?
07:16He had four.
07:17The first time I meet him is our wedding night.
07:20He's as thin as a reed.
07:22He needs support just to catch his breath.
07:25He looks at me from the bed.
07:26I hear you'll bring luck to my family.
07:28I say nothing.
07:30He coughs, waving a hand.
07:32Sleep.
07:33I'm tired.
07:34I won't trouble you.
07:36That night, we sleep separately.
07:38Later, I understand.
07:40He couldn't do it.
07:41Jude's illness is congenital.
07:43Years ago, they hired a sage, Kai Hill.
07:46After staying for three days, he said,
07:49Ten miles southeast, there's a village.
07:52The girls there are strong.
07:54Marry one, and his life will stabilize.
07:56That village is ours.
07:58That story.
07:59After I married, I forced it out of an old nanny.
08:03She's been with the yules for 40 years.
08:06She says, I'm waiting for their karma.
08:08I do laundry for her.
08:10She finally says, girl, you're clever.
08:13But clever ones die sooner.
08:15I'm not afraid.
08:17I just want the truth.
08:18I ask her, that sage?
08:21Zoe clamps my mouth shut.
08:23Don't talk about that here.
08:24She continues.
08:26It nourishes Mr. Yule.
08:27I don't get it.
08:28She looks at my belly.
08:30Once you're pregnant, you'll get it.
08:32Three months later, I become pregnant.
08:34It's fine at first.
08:36Jude's coughing eases, and his complexion improves.
08:39He can even walk outside now.
08:41But I feel it.
08:42Something's wrong.
08:43He's getting better.
08:45But I'm getting paler.
08:47He's walking more.
08:48But I'm getting weaker.
08:50I can't even move well.
08:52He's eating more.
08:53But I'm always vomiting.
08:55It's as if he's draining my strength.
08:58One night, I can't sleep.
08:59So I go out to get some air.
09:01I walk past Jude's study and hear voices.
09:04It's Tim Yule and Kai.
09:06This one's better than the last few.
09:08Jude's getting better.
09:09He's improving.
09:11Kai said sharply.
09:13Of course.
09:13This spell's about nourishing.
09:15As the child grows in her womb, her vitality will flow into your son.
09:20Once she gives birth, Jude's illness will be cured.
09:24Tim asks.
09:25And her?
09:26Kai chuckles.
09:27After you've used her, just discard her.
09:29It's just business.
09:30It was necessary.
09:32I stand there, clenching my fists tightly.
09:35When Anna died, it must hurt.
09:38Kai lowers his voice.
09:39One more thing.
09:40That spell needs blood from family to make the body thin.
09:44What your son absorbed is actually her parents' vitality.
09:48Tim remains calm.
09:50So what?
09:50They're poor.
09:52We're rich.
09:52They sold their lives to us.
09:54It's only fair.
09:55I stand outside, my heart pounding.
09:59Zoe was right.
10:00Clever ones die sooner.
10:02But the clever also know how to kill others faster.
10:06The next day, I get to work.
10:08I help Zoe hang the laundry, help in the kitchen, and sweep the yard.
10:13I smile at everyone and do what I can.
10:15I'm extra sweet to everyone.
10:17Tim praises me.
10:19Jude says I'm amazing.
10:20Even the staff say I'm different from all the others.
10:23Of course I am.
10:24The ones before me, they never knew how they died.
10:27But I know what sustains the yules.
10:30And what nourishes Jude.
10:32I also know Kai comes every three months and takes a jar from the dry well.
10:38It holds unborn children and dried up women who ended up as offerings.
10:45Anna didn't blame Dad.
10:47I don't either.
10:48I blame these parasites.
10:51That night, I take the book I got from home.
10:54That spell, it's actually a pact with a demon.
10:58With each use, you grow thinner.
11:00After three times, the demon comes to collect.
11:03I burn the book, so it can't harm anyone else.
11:06Seven months into it, my belly's huge.
11:08But I'm thin as a stick.
11:10I struggle to sleep.
11:12I keep seeing Anna in my sleep.
11:14I get up and go out.
11:16To the dry well.
11:18Jude is sitting by it with his back to me.
11:22He's holding the jar and eating.
11:24There's blood on his lips.
11:26And steam rises from the jar.
11:28He turns, squinting at me.
11:30Why are you out?
11:31I lower my head.
11:33I can't sleep.
11:34I came out for air.
11:35He smiles, beckoning me over.
11:37I sit beside him and ask softly.
11:40Mr. Yule, is it good?
11:41He nods.
11:43Very.
11:43I never knew it was this good.
11:46I smile.
11:47Then have some more.
11:49He turns to me, amused.
11:51Aren't you disgusted?
11:53I met his gaze.
11:54I'm with the Yules.
11:55If you like it, then eat it.
11:58He pauses.
11:59Then smiles.
12:00He says, you're not like Anna.
12:02She kept asking too many questions.
12:04You're sensible.
12:05I lower my head, smiling faintly.
12:08Anna, he remembers you and all your questions.
12:11Then he ate you dry.
12:13Just so he can live longer, I stand up and turn away.
12:16Enjoy yourself.
12:17I'm heading back.
12:19I have an axe hidden on me, but I hold back.
12:22If I kill Jude, there's still Tim.
12:25And after Tim, there's Kai.
12:26If I kill Kai, there's still the spell.
12:29If I kill, I'll kill them all.
12:31The next day, I find Zoe.
12:33Zoe, that spell, can it be reversed?
12:36Zoe is hanging the laundry.
12:38Her hand shakes and the clothes fall.
12:40I want the prey to become the predator.
12:43She stares at me, picking up the clothes.
12:46There is a way.
12:47Your father's spell, it uses Kin's blood to slim the body.
12:50The Yule's spell feeds on the mother and child.
12:53If both are used on the same person, he'd become a bottomless pit.
12:57Nothing will satisfy him.
12:59He'll never be full.
13:00And he'd starve to death.
13:02I ask her how to do it.
13:03She shakes her head.
13:05That's the Yule's secret.
13:07Only Tim and Kai know.
13:09Kai warned them.
13:10If the tables are turned, the Yule bloodline will starve forever.
13:15That night, I go to Tim's study.
13:17The door is unlocked.
13:19I search all over and find a wooden box.
13:22Inside lies a manual.
13:23I read it through.
13:25When I'm done, I smile.
13:27The Yule's ancestors bought it from a shaman.
13:30Before dying, the shaman said, it will backfire.
13:34Use it with care.
13:35They didn't listen.
13:37They used it for centuries, killing dozens for selfish reasons.
13:40I close the book.
13:42I have my answer.
13:43December 29th.
13:45It's two days to New Year.
13:46The Yule's celebrate.
13:48Jude is pleased and eats extra tonight.
13:50Only I know the food is spiked.
13:53With my child's blood and ashes from his clothes.
13:57I read it in the manual.
13:59To turn the prey into the predator.
14:01That's what's needed.
14:03He eats it and the reversal starts.
14:05Today is the first day.
14:07He ate extra.
14:08But in less than an hour, he's hungry again.
14:11He rushes into the kitchen.
14:13Rose, is there any food?
14:15The cook is startled.
14:17Mr. Yule, you just ate.
14:19Cut the crap.
14:20Get me food now.
14:21He finds some cold buns and wolfs them down.
14:24Then he grabs a slab of ham and stuffs it into his mouth.
14:28I leave.
14:29In five days, he'll become a bottomless pit.
14:32It's January 3rd.
14:34Jude hasn't slept in three days.
14:36He starves all the time, making him anxious.
14:39It was a gnawing hunger.
14:40He's eaten everything edible in the kitchen.
14:42Even raw meat, vegetable stalks, and trash.
14:46Tim is terrified and sends for Kai immediately.
14:48When Kai comes, Jude is pinned to the bed, struggling wildly.
14:53He's biting his own hand, chewing until it's bloody.
14:56Even his bones are exposed.
14:59Kai stands there watching.
15:00His face grows paler.
15:02Tim is right beside him.
15:04Kai, look at him.
15:05What happened?
15:06Kai walks over, prying Jude's mouth open.
15:09He glances at it, saying calmly,
15:11Mr. Yule Sr., prepare yourself.
15:14Tim's legs give out, and he falls.
15:16Kai sighs.
15:17It backfired.
15:18The Yules have long prospered.
15:20Now it's time to repay.
15:21Tim lunged at Kai.
15:24Impossible.
15:25Wasn't this spell foolproof?
15:26Think of something.
15:28Kai shakes Tim off.
15:30There's no way.
15:31It's backfired.
15:32It's hopeless.
15:33Kai moves to the door.
15:35Tim gets up and stops him.
15:37Stop.
15:37You can't leave.
15:38I've paid you so much.
15:40Kai looks at him with a smile.
15:41Tim, I only sell the spell.
15:44Nothing else.
15:45Tim is furious.
15:47He turns around and grabs a sword from the wall.
15:51If you don't save Jude, then you won't make it out alive.
15:54Kai's expression changes, but he quickly calms down.
15:57He glances at the convulsing Jude and at me by the door.
16:02He takes out a bottle.
16:04Fine.
16:04There's a pill here.
16:06It'll suppress it for now, but only for three days.
16:09After that, you'll need a catalyst to completely undo the spell.
16:14Tim's eyes brightened.
16:16Kai looks at me.
16:17The child she's bearing.
16:18My heart sinks.
16:20Tim looks at me.
16:21His eyes.
16:22It's as if he's looking at livestock.
16:24He orders the staff to grab me.
16:27I take a step back, shielding my belly.
16:29Mr. Yule Sr., this is your grandson.
16:32He laughs.
16:33Grandson?
16:34My son is dying.
16:35What use is a grandson?
16:37Grab her.
16:38Two staff rush over.
16:40I dodge one, but the other catches my arm.
16:43In the struggle, my axe falls to the ground.
16:46Tim looks at it and picks it up.
16:48His expression changes as he stares at me.
16:50An axe.
16:51Why do you have this?
16:53I stay silent.
16:54He looks at the axe and suddenly laughs.
16:57It's terrifying.
16:59Good, he says.
17:00So you're a traitor.
17:01Then don't blame me.
17:03He grabs the axe and rushes at me.
17:06Kai shouts, keep her alive.
17:08She's useless dead.
17:09He walks toward me and raises the axe, aiming at my belly.
17:13I'm pinned down tightly.
17:15I stare at the axe as it draws closer.
17:18Suddenly, something moves behind me.
17:21Mr. Yule is gone.
17:22I turn around.
17:23Jude's no longer in bed.
17:25Four of the staff are on the ground.
17:27Two clutch their arms and two their throats.
17:29It's a bloody scene.
17:31Tim freezes.
17:32Then, something shoots out from under the bed.
17:35Lunging straight at Tim, Jude's eyes are bloodshot and his face is bloody.
17:40There's flesh in his mouth.
17:42He lunges at Tim, biting down on his hand.
17:45Tim screams in pain and drops the axe.
17:48Jude is like a wild dog, refusing to let go.
17:51He growls the whole time.
17:53Tim strikes Jude with his other hand.
17:55But Jude doesn't let go.
17:57Kai stands nearby, looking pale.
17:59Taking the chance, I slowly crouch down and pick up the axe.
18:03Jude finally lets go.
18:05He raises his head, flesh still in his mouth.
18:08He chews it, then swallows.
18:10Then, he turns around, looking at Kai.
18:12Kai turns and runs.
18:14Jude chases after him, grabs his leg, and bites into his calf.
18:18Kai screams as he falls.
18:20Jude climbs on top of Kai and bites him.
18:23Kai's screams grow weaker until they stop.
18:26Tim clutches his hand, hiding in a corner.
18:28He's trembling.
18:30The room reeks of blood.
18:31The staff have already fled.
18:33I grab the axe, standing in place as I watch.
18:36Tim scrambles up and runs to the door.
18:40I rush after him, bringing the axe down on his leg.
18:42He falls, screaming,
18:45You bitch.
18:46I say nothing and strike again, hitting his other leg.
18:50He can't crawl anymore and lies there, wishing he'd die.
18:54I walk in front of him and kneel down.
18:56Your family's feasted for so long.
18:57Now, it's payback time.
18:59He looks at me, his eyes full of fear.
19:02What are you doing?
19:03I stand up.
19:04Nothing.
19:05I'll let Jude finish eating.
19:06Jude turns around and sees Tim.
19:08His eyes light up and he crawls over.
19:10Tim frantically backs away.
19:12Don't come here.
19:13I'm your dad.
19:14I'm your father.
19:15Tim's screams ring out.
19:17I turn and leave.
19:19At the doorway, I throw a fire starter inside.
19:22In an instant, flames shoot up.
19:24I stand at the door and look back.
19:26The flames grow until Tim's screams stop and Jude is swallowed up.
19:32Anna.
19:33I fed him well.
19:34The fire burns for three days.
19:36I stand by the blaze, watching the house collapse.
19:40The child in my womb isn't lively anymore.
19:42So be it.
19:43The Yule family shouldn't survive.
19:46The axe hangs by my side.
19:48The blood on it?
19:49Already dry.
19:50It's heavy in my hands.
19:51Zoe comes over to support me.
19:53Girl, let's go.
19:54The officials will come when they smell the smoke.
19:57I shake my head, looking over the ruins.
20:01I turn to the dry well, where the Yule's dirty secrets are hidden.
20:06Those drained women and fetuses were all sealed in jars and left there in the darkness.
20:13They can't even rest in peace.
20:15Zoe.
20:16I want to get those jars out.
20:18Zoe freezes, then sighs heavily, her eyes full of sorrow.
20:22Such an atrocity.
20:24They should be able to rest in peace.
20:26We took 23 jars out of the well.
20:29As I take the last one out, I feel a sharp pain.
20:33I collapse, holding my belly.
20:35Zoe's expression changes.
20:37It's coming.
20:38She helps me lean against a tree and places a clean cloth on the ground.
20:43Girl, bear with it.
20:45I'll stay with you.
20:46I grit my teeth, clutching Zoe's hand.
20:48Some time passes, and I give birth to a stillborn.
20:52It's a boy.
20:53His tiny body has long gone cold.
20:55I look at the small child and feel no regret at all, only relief.
21:01He's a Yule, raised on the blood of countless people.
21:04He shouldn't have been born.
21:06Zoe wraps the child in a cloth and places him beside me.
21:09She sighs.
21:10A pitiful child.
21:11He was wronged.
21:12I force myself to stand.
21:14Zoe and I work together, pushing the jars and the tiny stillborn toward Alder Abbey.
21:20It's the only religious place nearby.
21:23The abbot there is kind.
21:25He doesn't charge much and helps us see the dead off.
21:29He only prays for the dead to find peace.
21:32By the time we arrive, it's already night.
21:34The abbot hears our request and doesn't ask.
21:37He sighs, calling it a great sin.
21:40Then has a hall cleared out.
21:42He prepares what he needs.
21:44Then he starts praying.
21:45I stay there, looking at the jars and the tiny bundle.
21:49I say to myself,
21:51Anna, those who harmed you are dead.
21:54You don't have to suffer anymore.
21:55Go in peace.
21:57The jars are burned and buried behind the abbey with unmarked graves.
22:01He says,
22:02They all suffered.
22:03If there's any solace, we hope they pass in peace.
22:06He buries the stillborn beside the grave, adding some fresh earth.
22:10He whispers,
22:11Child, don't resent this.
22:13May you be at peace.
22:14I bow before the grave.
22:16When I stand up, I finally feel a sense of relief.
22:20Zoe is beside me, gently patting my back.
22:22Now, your sister can finally rest in peace.
22:25Zoe wants me to go with her to her relatives.
22:28She says this will be investigated.
22:31I shake my head.
22:32I want to go home.
22:33Zoe frowns in disapproval.
22:36But I know this isn't over.
22:37I need to go take a look.
22:39I accept the money she gives me.
22:41And some spare clothes.
22:42Zoe, you should go.
22:44Live well from now on.
22:46Avoid messy things like this.
22:48Zoe looks at me, her eyes full of worry.
22:50Then she says,
22:51Don't be too stubborn.
22:53If you can't handle it, come find me.
22:54I'll always be on your side.
22:57I part ways with her at the abbey and head back alone.
23:01When I get there, the sun has risen.
23:03I get home and push the door open.
23:06Dad hears it and came out of his room.
23:09When he sees me, his eyes widen.
23:11His cigarette falls to the ground, making a mess.
23:14He stammers.
23:16Rose, what are you doing here?
23:18Didn't the house burn down?
23:20How are you alive?
23:21He sounded shocked and panicked.
23:23But he had a thoughtful expression.
23:26I lean against the door, looking at him coldly.
23:29Why can't I be alive?
23:31The Yules are finished.
23:32Jude is dead.
23:33And so is Tim.
23:35Dad's face pales.
23:36And he staggers back, hitting the doorframe with a dull thud.
23:40You killed them.
23:41Have you gone mad?
23:42He sounds afraid.
23:43But it's not out of concern.
23:45He's afraid for himself, thinking his life will be ruined.
23:48Mom comes out as well.
23:50When she sees me, her eyes redden.
23:52She rushes over to grab my hand.
23:55But Dad shoves her away.
23:56She's a murderer.
23:58If the officials come, we're done for.
24:00Mom is stunned and stares at me, her eyes full of hurt and confusion.
24:04Rose, what happened?
24:06Did you suffer with the Yules?
24:08I don't answer her.
24:09And continue staring at Dad.
24:11You knew about the Yules, didn't you?
24:14They don't marry for heirs, but to extend their lives.
24:18You knew the spell kills us.
24:20You knew Anna would die when you sent her there.
24:22Dad avoids my gaze and says,
24:24What do you mean?
24:25I just wanted to give us a better life.
24:28It's a lot of money.
24:29It's enough to buy a house and support us for life.
24:32I sneered.
24:33It's enough for you, but not for us.
24:36You knew about the spell and that it'd backfire.
24:39But you still did it.
24:40Because you didn't care.
24:42You were just greedy.
24:44Dad is furious.
24:45He points at me, shouting,
24:47I raised you.
24:48How dare you say that?
24:49I'll beat you up, ungrateful brat.
24:51Mom rushes to stop him.
24:53Rose just got back.
24:55Do you know what she's been through?
24:56If you lay a hand on her, I'll fight you.
24:59After that, Dad is unusually quiet.
25:01Mom holds my hand, wiping my wounds through tears.
25:05Rose, I'm so sorry.
25:07Back then, I was confused and blinded by poverty.
25:10I watched your father do it, but I didn't stop him.
25:14I've been dreaming about Anna.
25:16She stares at me, asking me why I didn't save her.
25:19I wipe away her tears and pat her back.
25:22Mom, it's not your fault.
25:24The world's just too cruel.
25:26And Dad's too greedy.
25:28I know that Dad's planning something.
25:30He only cares about money and material gain.
25:33Sure enough, someone gags me that night.
25:36I struggle, but I'm pinned down and tied to a chair with rope.
25:41In the faint moonlight, I see Dad.
25:44He stands in front of me with that secret book, his eyes full of greed.
25:49Rose, don't blame me.
25:51The Yules are gone, but there are others.
25:53I mean, there are many rich families around.
25:56They want strong girls, too.
25:59As long as we make you thin and marry you off again, I'll get even more money.
26:03Then, we'll have a better house and even more land.
26:06We'll be rich and live comfortable lives.
26:09I glare at him, but with my mouth gagged, I can only make muffled sounds.
26:14He hasn't changed.
26:16Anna and I, we're just goods for sale.
26:19Mom heard the noise and rushed out the room.
26:21She grabbed the book from Dad.
26:23Dad, you're crazy.
26:24Do you want to kill Rose?
26:26I've lost Anna because of your greed.
26:28I don't want to lose Rose.
26:30Wake up.
26:31The money and the land.
26:32What's the point?
26:33You can't even protect your child.
26:35What kind of dad are you?
26:37Dad pushes her away.
26:38His eyes red.
26:39He shouts, what do you know?
26:41It's the only way can we live a good life.
26:43I'm doing this for Rose, too.
26:45As he speaks, he continues the spell.
26:48But then, he suddenly starts to convulse.
26:50His body twists as if something's gnawing at him.
26:54He collapses, clutching his chest and screaming in pain.
26:58He looks at me, his eyes full of fear.
27:01He reaches out, pleading.
27:03Save me.
27:04Rose, I was wrong.
27:05Mom and I stand still.
27:07Mom's tears keep falling, but she murmurs.
27:10You deserve this.
27:11You asked for it.
27:12Don't blame anyone else.
27:14Not long after, dad's cries grow weaker, and he stops moving.
27:19His eyes are wide open, just like Anna's in her coffin.
27:23It's similar, but Anna was wronged, killed by the greed of others.
27:28Meanwhile, dad died because of his own greed.
27:32It's bright outside.
27:33The noise draws the neighbors over.
27:35Mom calms down and wipes her tears.
27:38Taking a deep breath, she says,
27:40Rose, don't tell them the truth.
27:42Say your father died of illness.
27:44If the officials come, don't slip up.
27:46It's just us now.
27:47We can't afford more trouble.
27:49The chief listened to her story and sighed.
27:52Carl, he lived a hard life and always wanted better.
27:56He died so suddenly.
27:58Prepare the funeral.
27:59The village will help you.
28:00By the village customs, when people die, they're buried nearby.
28:04Anna's grave is there, all alone.
28:07It's just a little mound with a wooden plaque.
28:10Mom shakes her head, saying,
28:12Bury him far away.
28:14No tombstone, no offering.
28:16Let it be as if he never existed.
28:18Mom and I arrange a simple funeral.
28:20On the burial day, the sky is overcast.
28:24We carry the thin coffin to a barren slope, dig a shallow pit, and bury him.
28:29There are no markers and no tombstone, only a mound of soil.
28:33There isn't even a name.
28:35We feel no sorrow, only relief.
28:38The heavy burden in our hearts has finally lifted.
28:41After the funeral, the villagers ask about the yules sometimes.
28:45I tell them the house caught fire at night, and no one escaped.
28:50I was lucky to get out of the back and barely survived.
28:53Mom backs me up.
28:55Speaking of their cruelty and my misfortune, they believe it all.
28:59When they look at me, it's with pity.
29:02No one brings up the yules anymore, especially the measurements.
29:06The yules are gone.
29:07No more wealthy families come to the village.
29:10The girls no longer need to starve.
29:13They don't fear the brass ruler, or worry about being sent to the yules anymore.
29:19A mother comes to me, saying her daughter is eating will.
29:23The girl looks a lot healthier.
29:25She holds my hand, her eyes red as she says,
29:28If the yules were around, my child's life would have been ruined.
29:32I look at the girl.
29:33She's stuffing herself with a bright smile.
29:36If Anna were still alive, she'd love it.
29:40Eating well and growing.
29:41There's no brass ruler and no money anymore.
29:45She wouldn't need to die at such a young age.
29:49Slowly, the village changes.
29:51No more girls need to starve themselves.
29:55All the girls can eat well and grow up healthily.
29:59In the fields and the alleys, you can always see girls playing and laughing.
30:03That laughter?
30:05It's crisp and bright, like wind chimes in spring.
30:08The village is brightening up.
30:10A few days later, on the day Anna died, Mom and I bring a bouquet, wine, and Anna's favorite foods
30:17to her grave.
30:18Weeds have grown over it.
30:20Mom crouches down, pulling them out.
30:22She moves gently, as if afraid of disturbing Anna.
30:26She mumbles.
30:26Anna, your dad's gone.
30:29The yules are gone too.
30:30No one will hurt you anymore.
30:32Rest in peace.
30:34I'm sorry, I failed to protect you.
30:36Don't hate me.
30:38Rose and I are living well.
30:39We'll make sure no one has to go through what you did.
30:42I take out the secret book, brushing off the dust and blood, and place it down.
30:47Then, I light it up.
30:49Flames lick the pages, crackling softly.
30:52That harmful spell, the painful ritual, and the words soaked in sacrifice, they all turn to ashes.
31:00I look at the fire.
31:01Anna, the book is gone.
31:03I won't hurt anyone ever again.
31:05The girls in the village can grow up in peace.
31:08They won't have to suffer or be driven to despair.
31:11Mom looks at the burning book, tears falling.
31:14She smiles.
31:16Good.
31:16Burn it all.
31:17Now, everything's over.
31:19The fire dies out, and the ashes are blown away, drifting before Anna's grave.
31:25It's as if she's answering us.
31:27As if she's finally happy and can rest in peace.
31:31After that, things seem to settle.
31:33However, beneath the surface, trouble brews.
31:36The death of the yules is something no one dares probe.
31:40Yet, everyone knows about it.
31:42Officials come to the village twice, asking routine questions.
31:46Mom cries as she says.
31:48The house caught fire.
31:50It was intense.
31:51Rose was lucky to crawl out.
31:53I keep my head lowered, looking shaken.
31:56I barely speak.
31:57The villagers agree that I returned in a sorry state, utterly dazed.
32:02There's nothing more to ask, and no one seems suspicious.
32:05They leave after taking notes.
32:08I know they don't believe us, but there were no survivors.
32:12The other wealthy families stay silent, not wanting trouble.
32:15It'll probably be ruled an accident, and the case will be closed.
32:20But I know it still isn't over.
32:22There are those with ties to the yules.
32:25Similarly, using dark arts and hiding in the shadows.
32:29They might already sense something.
32:31Burning the book?
32:32It only cut off the visible trail.
32:35Greed can never disappear.
32:39Sure enough, the peace doesn't last.
32:41A strange peddler appears.
32:44He doesn't shout his wares like others.
32:46Merely shaking a rattle slowly.
32:49His gaze drifts across each house, lingering on young ladies and stopping sometimes.
32:55He chats with villagers, steering the topic toward the yules, and asking for special details.
33:02An elder sighs.
33:04The yules?
33:05What a tragedy.
33:06They burned to nothing.
33:08But it's peaceful now.
33:10Girls in our village don't have to starve anymore.
33:12The peddler smiles, saying no more.
33:15He wanders around for days, then stops outside my house.
33:19That day, I'm fixing the fence alone.
33:22Across the wall, he hands over a bundle of thread, saying it's a new, trendy design.
33:27It's cheap.
33:29I look at him.
33:30He's about 40, with a fair face and long fingers.
33:34He doesn't look like a peddler.
33:36Not at all.
33:37Catching my gaze, he changes the topic and praises the village.
33:41It's great.
33:42He praises the girls.
33:44Then says he's heard of the Dane family, whose daughter married someone rich, saying it's lucky.
33:50I keep working on the fence, saying, you're mistaken.
33:54Nothing like that happened two years ago.
33:56The yules were around, but sadly, a fire wiped them out.
34:01The peddler laughs, saying, guess I mixed it up.
34:05But miss, you look like you've seen a lot.
34:08I brush off my hands and stand up, looking at him.
34:12I was born here, and I grew up here.
34:15Most I've seen is the river nearby and the hill.
34:18If there's nothing else, I have to do my laundry.
34:22Then, I ignore him, going to grab a basin and soap.
34:26I head straight to the river, but I feel his gaze on me.
34:30When I turn a corner, I tell Mom about him.
34:34Mom's face pales, and she freezes.
34:37Rose, why won't they give up?
34:39The yules are gone, so why?
34:42I say calmly.
34:44The yules are gone, but they got wealthy with that spell.
34:47Someone must have noticed.
34:49He must be looking into it.
34:52Even Dad managed to get that book, which means it's not the only one.
34:56Mom's hands tremble.
34:58What do we do?
34:59Report it?
35:00I shake my head.
35:01There's no proof.
35:02What would we report?
35:04That he asked about the yules?
35:06They'd rather put this behind them.
35:08Now, we can only stay on guard.
35:10Go out less these days.
35:12If anyone asks about me, pretend you don't know.
35:15Say I was traumatized and disoriented.
35:17I look for the chief.
35:19When I find him, I don't mention the peddler, but say that some strangers have been.
35:24Looking into the yules and past marriages.
35:27Likely ill-intentioned.
35:28I tell the chief to warn everyone, especially those with daughters, to not chat with strangers
35:33or go anywhere alone.
35:36The chief is on guard from the incident with the yules.
35:39He rings the bell, gathering the villagers and warning them.
35:44Life here has just improved, so no one wants trouble.
35:48They promise to be alert and look out for each other.
35:51The peddler comes back twice, but the villagers are cold, and the young ladies avoid him.
35:57Since there's nothing useful for him, he stops appearing.
36:01But it's the calm before the storm.
36:03The seed of greed has been planted, and it's not easily uprooted.
36:08I destroyed the yules, but seeds still remain.
36:11Anna has had her revenge, but in this village, or even the county, are there others like her,
36:18being pushed to the same fate?
36:20I slowly realize something.
36:23Protecting myself?
36:24It's not enough.
36:25As long as that spell and those who use it still exist, tragedy can repeat itself anywhere.
36:31I need to know.
36:32Other than the books I've burned, were there others?
36:35Other than the yules, are other families doing it?
36:39And what of Kai?
36:41Where did he come from?
36:43I start looking into it, using needing to trade as an excuse to go to the county.
36:48I investigate.
36:48I never ask anything sensitive, merely talking to inns and fabric stores.
36:54I listen out for anything strange, especially about the wealthy.
36:58From an old night watchman, I hear that over 10 years ago, the yules suddenly prospered.
37:04And so did the wards, who sold fabrics.
37:07They seemed to have hired an expert, who changed their fates.
37:11But the wards kept a lower profile.
37:13I also hear from an old lady, who used to work as a housekeeper, that in earlier years, some
37:20sages would take on private jobs to extend lives.
37:23They charged high, but seemed effective.
37:26They were also elusive, hiding their names.
37:29Clues are scattered, and vague as well.
37:33It's hard to make sense of, but I know this.
37:36The yules weren't alone.
37:37This runs deeper than I thought.
37:40Days pass calmly, but I'm secretly ever vigilant.
37:44With mom's care, I slowly recover.
37:46Though my belly still aches at times, it's due to the bad pregnancy, as well as...
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