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