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Short filmTranscript
00:00When the Yules choose a bride, there's only one rule.
00:03Be thin.
00:03They use a brass ruler to measure waist, wrists, and ankles.
00:08Meet the measurement, and you're chosen.
00:10The reward?
00:11300 dollars.
00:12Enough 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.
00:21She'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 stand.
00:31Still, she didn't lose even a pound.
00:34The day before the Yule steward visits, Mom looks at the empty larder and cries.
00:38She points at Dad.
00:39You useless man.
00:41The Yules are coming tomorrow.
00:43One shake of their heads, and we're doomed.
00:47Dad remains silent and keeps smoking.
00:50Mom grabs a plate and smashes it.
00:53Think of something.
00:54Dad looks up, sighing heavily.
00:57Enough.
00:58I have an idea.
00:59He looks at Anna.
01:00Anna, come inside.
01:03I want to follow, but Mom kicks me out.
01:05I press against the door, but hear nothing.
01:08But Dad's idea works.
01:10The next day, Anna's thinner.
01:12Her round body is now slender.
01:14I'm happy for her, but I'm also puzzled.
01:17The Yules come in with the ruler, and the village girls gather around.
01:21Anna is up front, wearing altered clothes.
01:25The steward measures them, their wrists, ankles, and waists.
01:29When it's Anna's turn, he says, one finger too wide.
01:33It's one sentence, but Mom cries all night.
01:36Dad stays outside, smoking.
01:38At dawn, he taps his pipe.
01:41Call Anna in.
01:42The door stays shut for a whole hour.
01:45I peer through the crack, but see nothing.
01:48I only hear muffled groans, as if she's struggling.
01:51The door opens.
01:52Anna's face is pale.
01:54Thick cloth is wrapped around her finger, covered in blood.
01:58Three days later, they call the steward back.
02:01He measures Anna's waist, and his eyes light up.
02:04Perfect.
02:05This girl will take her.
02:07Everyone is happy, even me, but I forgot.
02:11No one chosen has ever come back alive.
02:14On Anna's wedding day, the horns blare.
02:17All the villagers come.
02:19Mom has new clothes on, and smiles at the door.
02:23Dad spends all day smoking in the shed.
02:26Before leaving, Anna looks at me.
02:28That look puzzles me for years.
02:31I keep wondering.
02:33Is it reluctance?
02:34Fear, or something else.
02:37Our lives improve after Anna's marriage.
02:40Dad uses the money to buy land and repay debts.
02:44I live comfortably, but my dad grows strange.
02:48He's comfortable, but he keeps smoking on the doorstep.
02:52Sometimes, he just stares at the road to the Yule's place.
02:57One day, I ask him,
02:58Dad, why don't you come in?
03:00He doesn't answer.
03:01Only later do I realize he's waiting for Anna to come back alive.
03:06Three months later, the Yule send word.
03:10Anna is pregnant.
03:11My parents are overjoyed, saying Anna's blessed.
03:14I'm happy for Anna, too.
03:16But not long after, Anna is sent back.
03:18That day, a carriage stops by the door.
03:21Anna steps out, swollen all over.
03:25Her face is puffy, and her eyes are only slits.
03:29Even her clothes are stretched tight.
03:32Her five-month baby bump is obvious, but on her swollen body, it looks like it might burst any second.
03:39Mom freezes, dropping the broom.
03:42Anna.
03:43Anna looks down, saying nothing.
03:46The help tosses a bundle.
03:48Mr. Yule is merciful.
03:50He sent her here to rest for a while.
03:52He points at Anna and says,
03:54The Yules have plenty of food, but she eats way too much.
03:58It's not proper, is it?
04:00With that, he leaves.
04:02Anna simply stands still in the yard.
04:04I walk over and take her hand.
04:07Anna.
04:08She looks up, her eyes full of fear.
04:10She leans in and whispers,
04:13Rose, that spell, it backfired.
04:16What spell?
04:18Her voice shakes.
04:19That spell.
04:20I got pregnant soon after marriage.
04:23Everything was fine.
04:24But one day, I saw them kill a chicken.
04:27I frown in confusion.
04:29She grips my hand.
04:30So much blood.
04:31When I smelled it, I started puking.
04:35After that, I swelled and ended up like this in three days.
04:42They said this is inauspicious and that my pregnancy is cursed.
04:47So they sent me back.
04:49I don't know what the spell was, but I could guess.
04:53It's how Dad made her thin.
04:56That night, Dad calls Anna into the room.
04:58I press my ear to the door and hear her crying.
05:01When it opens, she's deathly pale.
05:04And her body sways.
05:05Mom and Dad follow behind her.
05:08Mom's right index is wrapped in a white cloth.
05:11And Dad's left one is stained by blood.
05:14The next day, Anna is thinner, but her belly swells scarily.
05:19When the yules arrive, the steward looks at Anna and nods happily.
05:24Before boarding, Anna looks at me.
05:26Later, I realize that was goodbye.
05:29Two months later, she comes back.
05:31But in a coffin, I grab a cleaver and pry it open.
05:35Anna lies curled, her eyes open.
05:37I kneel there, cold all over.
05:40Dad comes and closes her eyes.
05:43Then he turns to leave.
05:44I stop him.
05:46Dad, how did she lose her life?
05:49That spell, it backfired.
05:52You knew all along.
05:55You killed her!
05:57His shoulders shaking.
05:58He silences me.
05:59I stand by the coffin.
06:00The three hundred tallers on the table shine brightly.
06:03But all I see are her eyes.
06:06She looks at me as if to say something.
06:09I lower my head and look down.
06:11There's something in the lid.
06:13I lean closer.
06:14It's a line of words written in dried blood.
06:18Don't blame Dad.
06:19It's not his fault.
06:20It wasn't him.
06:22Then who was it?
06:23I had to investigate the yules.
06:26The yules are picking a bride again.
06:29Only one clear soup and half a piece of bread a day.
06:32When I'm hungry, I go to the well and drink cold water.
06:36Until I feel full.
06:37I've learned Dad's spell.
06:39It's from my great-grandpa's secret book.
06:42It contains a thinning spell, Dad said.
06:45Anna used it too often.
06:47It backfired, remembering how she died.
06:50I doubt him.
06:51Something isn't right.
06:52The day the steward comes, I stand in line.
06:55And watch him measure wastes.
06:57He keeps shaking his head until he gets to me.
07:01When he measures mine, his eyes light up.
07:03Perfect.
07:04I lower my head, smiling faintly.
07:06I'm in.
07:08The yules are richer than I thought.
07:10With vast courtyards at home.
07:12Jude Yule's helpers?
07:14He had four.
07:15The first time I meet him is our wedding night.
07:17He's as thin as a reed.
07:19He needs support just to catch his breath.
07:22He looks at me from the bed.
07:23I hear you'll bring luck to my family.
07:26I say nothing.
07:28He coughs, waving a hand.
07:29Sleep.
07:31I'm tired.
07:32I won't trouble you.
07:33That night.
07:34We sleep separately.
07:36Later, I understand.
07:37He couldn't do it.
07:39Jude's illness is congenital.
07:41Years ago, they hired a sage, Kai Hill.
07:44After staying for three days, he said.
07:47Ten miles southeast, there's a village.
07:49The girls there are strong.
07:51Marry one, and his life will stabilize.
07:53That village is ours.
07:56That story.
07:57After I married, I forced it out of an old nanny.
08:00She's been with the yules for 40 years.
08:03She says, I'm waiting for their karma.
08:06I do laundry for her.
08:07She finally says, girl, you're clever.
08:11But clever ones die sooner.
08:13I'm not afraid.
08:14I just want the truth.
08:16I ask her.
08:17That sage?
08:18Zoe clamps my mouth shut.
08:20Don't talk about that here.
08:22She continues.
08:23It nourishes Mr. Yule.
08:25I don't get it.
08:26She looks at my belly.
08:27Once you're pregnant, you'll get it.
08:30Three months later, I become pregnant.
08:32It's fine at first.
08:33Jude's coughing eases, and his complexion improves.
08:36He can even walk outside now.
08:38But I feel it.
08:40Something's wrong.
08:41He's getting better.
08:42But I'm getting paler.
08:44He's walking more.
08:46But I'm getting weaker.
08:47I can't even move well.
08:49He's eating more, but I'm always vomiting.
08:52It's as if he's draining my strength.
08:55One night, I can't sleep.
08:56So I go out to get some air.
08:58I walk past Jude's study and hear voices.
09:01It's Tim Yule and Kai.
09:03This one's better than the last few.
09:05Jude's getting better.
09:07He's improving.
09:08Kai said sharply.
09:10Of course.
09:11This spells about nourishing.
09:12As the child grows in her womb, her vitality will flow into your son.
09:17Once she gives birth, Jude's illness will be cured.
09:21Tim asks.
09:22And her?
09:23Kai chuckles.
09:24After you've used her, just discard her.
09:26It's just business.
09:28It was necessary.
09:29I stand there, clenching my fists tightly.
09:32When Anna died, it must hurt.
09:35Kai lowers his voice.
09:36One more thing.
09:38That spell needs blood from family to make the body thin.
09:41What your son absorbed is actually her parents' vitality.
09:45Tim remains calm.
09:47So what?
09:48They're poor.
09:49We're rich.
09:50They sold their lives to us.
09:52It's only fair.
09:53I stand outside, my heart pounding.
09:56Zoe was right.
09:57Clever ones die sooner.
09:59But the clever also know how to kill others faster.
10:03The next day, I get to work.
10:05I help Zoe hang the laundry, help in the kitchen, and sweep the yard.
10:10I smile at everyone and do what I can.
10:12I'm extra sweet to everyone.
10:15Tim praises me.
10:16Jude says I'm amazing.
10:17Even the staff say I'm different from all the others.
10:20Of course I am.
10:21The ones before me, they never knew how they died.
10:24But I know what sustains the yules and what nourishes Jude.
10:30I also know Kai comes every three months and takes a jar from the dry well.
10:35It holds unborn children and dried up women who ended up as offerings.
10:42Anna didn't blame Dad.
10:44I don't either.
10:45I blame these parasites.
10:48That night, I take the book I got from home.
10:51That spell, it's actually a pact with a demon.
10:55With each use, you grow thinner.
10:57After three times, the demon comes to collect.
11:00I burn the book, so it can't harm anyone else.
11:03Seven months into it, my belly's huge.
11:06But I'm thin as a stick.
11:08I struggle to sleep.
11:09I keep seeing Anna in my sleep.
11:11I get up and go out to the dry well.
11:15Jude is sitting by it with his back to me.
11:19He's holding the jar and eating.
11:21There's blood on his lips.
11:23And steam rises from the jar.
11:25He turns, squinting at me.
11:27Why are you out?
11:28I lower my head.
11:30I can't sleep.
11:31I came out for air.
11:32He smiles, beckoning me over.
11:34I sit beside him and ask softly,
11:37Mr. Yule, is it good?
11:38He nods, very.
11:40I never knew it was this good.
11:43I smile.
11:44Then have some more.
11:46He turns to me, amused.
11:48Aren't you disgusted?
11:50I met his gaze.
11:51I'm with the Yules.
11:52If you like it, then eat it.
11:55He pauses, then smiles.
11:57He says, you're not like Anna.
11:59She kept asking too many questions.
12:01You're sensible.
12:02I lower my head, smiling faintly.
12:05Anna, he remembers you and all your questions.
12:08Then he ate you dry.
12:10Just so he can live longer.
12:11I stand up and turn away.
12:13Enjoy yourself.
12:14I'm heading back.
12:16I have an axe hidden on me.
12:18But I hold back.
12:19If I kill Jude, there's still Tim.
12:22And after Tim, there's Kai.
12:23If I kill Kai, there's still the spell.
12:26If I kill, I'll kill them all.
12:28The next day, I find Zoe.
12:30Zoe?
12:30That spell, can it be reversed?
12:33Zoe is hanging the laundry.
12:35Her hand shakes and the clothes fall.
12:37I want the prey to become the predator.
12:40She stares at me, picking up the clothes.
12:43There is a way.
12:44Your father's spell, it uses kin's blood to slim the body.
12:47The Yule's spell feeds on the mother and child.
12:50If both are used on the same person, he'd become a bottomless pit.
12:54Nothing will satisfy him.
12:56He'll never be full.
12:57And he'd starve to death.
12:59I ask her how to do it.
13:00She shakes her head.
13:02That's the Yule's secret.
13:04Only Tim and Kai know.
13:05Kai warned them.
13:07If the tables are turned, the Yule bloodline will starve forever.
13:12That night, I go to Tim's study.
13:14The door is unlocked.
13:15I search all over and find a wooden box.
13:18Inside lies a manual.
13:20I read it through.
13:21When I'm done, I smile.
13:24The Yule's ancestors bought it from a shaman.
13:27Before dying, the shaman said,
13:30It will backfire.
13:31Use it with care.
13:32They didn't listen.
13:34They used it for centuries.
13:35Killing dozens for selfish reasons.
13:38I close the book.
13:39I have my answer.
13:40December 29th.
13:41It's two days to New Year.
13:43The Yule's celebrate.
13:45Jude is pleased and eats extra tonight.
13:47Only I know the food is spiked.
13:50With my child's blood and ashes from his clothes.
13:54I read it in the manual.
13:56To turn the prey into the predator.
13:58That's what's needed.
13:59He eats it and the reversal starts.
14:02Today is the first day.
14:04He ate extra.
14:05But in less than an hour, he's hungry again.
14:08He rushes into the kitchen.
14:10Rose, is there any food?
14:12The cook is startled.
14:14Mr. Yule, you just ate.
14:16Cut the crap.
14:16Get me food now.
14:18He finds some cold buns and wolfs them down.
14:21Then he grabs a slab of ham and stuffs it into his mouth.
14:25I leave.
14:26In five days, he'll become a bottomless pit.
14:29It's January 3rd.
14:30Jude hasn't slept in three days.
14:33He starves all the time, making him anxious.
14:35It was a gnawing hunger.
14:37He's eaten everything edible in the kitchen.
14:39Even raw meat, vegetable stalks, and trash.
14:42Tim is terrified and sends for Kai immediately.
14:45When Kai comes, Jude is pinned to the bed, struggling wildly.
14:50He's biting his own hand, chewing until it's bloody.
14:53Even his bones are exposed.
14:55Kai stands there watching.
14:57His face grows paler.
14:59Tim is right beside him.
15:01Kai, look at him.
15:02What happened?
15:03Kai walks over, prying Jude's mouth open.
15:06He glances at it, saying calmly,
15:08Mr. Yule Sr., prepare yourself.
15:10Tim's legs give out, and he falls.
15:13Kai sighs.
15:14It backfired.
15:15The Yules have long prospered.
15:16Now it's time to repay.
15:18Tim lunged at Kai.
15:20Impossible.
15:21Wasn't this spell foolproof?
15:23Think of something.
15:25Kai shakes Tim off.
15:26There's no way.
15:27It's backfired.
15:29It's hopeless.
15:30Kai moves to the door.
15:31Tim gets up and stops him.
15:33Stop.
15:34You can't leave.
15:35I've paid you so much.
15:36Kai looks at him with a smile.
15:38Tim, I only sell the spell.
15:40Nothing else.
15:42Tim is furious.
15:44He turns around and grabs a sword from the wall.
15:47If you don't save Jude, then you won't make it out alive.
15:51Kai's expression changes, but he quickly calms down.
15:54He glances at the convulsing Jude and at me by the door.
15:58He takes out a bottle.
16:00Fine.
16:01There's a pill here.
16:02It'll suppress it for now, but only for three days.
16:06After that, you'll need a catalyst to completely undo the spell.
16:11Tim's eyes brightened.
16:12Kai looks at me.
16:13The child she's bearing.
16:15My heart sinks.
16:16Tim looks at me.
16:18His eyes.
16:19It's as if he's looking at livestock.
16:21He orders the staff to grab me.
16:23I take a step back, shielding my belly.
16:26Mr. Yule Sr., this is your grandson.
16:29He laughs.
16:30Grandson?
16:30My son is dying.
16:32What use is a grandson?
16:34Grab her.
16:34Two staff rush over.
16:36I dodge one, but the other catches my arm.
16:39In the struggle, my axe falls to the ground.
16:42Tim looks at it and picks it up.
16:45His expression changes as he stares at me.
16:47An axe.
16:48Why do you have this?
16:50I stay silent.
16:51He looks at the axe and suddenly laughs.
16:54It's terrifying.
16:55Good, he says.
16:57So you're a traitor.
16:58Then don't blame me.
17:00He grabs the axe and rushes at me.
17:02Kai shouts, keep her alive.
17:04She's useless dead.
17:06He walks toward me and raises the axe, aiming at my belly.
17:09I'm pinned down tightly.
17:11I stare at the axe as it draws closer.
17:15Suddenly, something moves behind me.
17:17Mr. Yule is gone.
17:19I turn around.
17:20Jude's no longer in bed.
17:21Four of the staff are on the ground.
17:23Two clutch their arms and two their throats.
17:26It's a bloody scene.
17:28Tim freezes.
17:29Then, something shoots out from under the bed.
17:31Lunging straight at Tim, Jude's eyes are bloodshot and his face is bloody.
17:36There's flesh in his mouth.
17:38He lunges at Tim, biting down on his hand.
17:41Tim screams in pain and drops the axe.
17:44Jude is like a wild dog, refusing to let go.
17:48He growls the whole time.
17:49Tim strikes Jude with his other hand.
17:52But Jude doesn't let go.
17:53Kai stands nearby, looking pale.
17:55Taking the chance, I slowly crouch down and pick up the axe.
18:00Jude finally lets go.
18:01He raises his head, flesh still in his mouth.
18:04He chews it, then swallows.
18:06Then, he turns around, looking at Kai.
18:09Kai turns and runs.
18:10Jude chases after him, grabs his leg, and bites into his calf.
18:15Kai screams as he falls.
18:17Jude climbs on top of Kai and bites him.
18:19Kai's screams grow weaker until they stop.
18:22Tim clutches his hand, hiding in a corner.
18:25He's trembling.
18:26The room reeks of blood.
18:28The staff have already fled.
18:30I grab the axe, standing in place as I watch.
18:33Tim scrambles up and runs to the door.
18:36I rush after him, bringing the axe down on his leg.
18:39He falls, screaming,
18:41You bitch!
18:42I say nothing and strike again.
18:45Hitting his other leg, he can't crawl anymore and lies there, wishing he'd die.
18:50I walk in front of him and kneel down.
18:52Your family's feasted for so long.
18:54Now, it's payback time.
18:55He looks at me, his eyes full of fear.
18:58What are you doing?
18:59I stand up.
19:00Nothing.
19:01I'll let Jude finish eating.
19:03Jude turns around and sees Tim.
19:05His eyes light up, and he crawls over.
19:07Tim frantically backs away.
19:09Don't come here!
19:09I'm your dad!
19:10I'm your father!
19:12Tim's screams ring out.
19:14I turn and leave.
19:15At the doorway, I throw a fire starter inside.
19:18In an instant, flames shoot up.
19:20I stand at the door and look back.
19:23The flames grow until Tim's screams stop and Jude is swallowed up.
19:28Anna, I fed him well.
19:30The fire burns for three days.
19:33I stand by the blaze, watching the house collapse.
19:36The child in my womb isn't lively anymore.
19:39So be it.
19:39The Yule family shouldn't survive.
19:42The axe hangs by my side.
19:44The blood on it?
19:45Already dry.
19:46It's heavy in my hands.
19:48Zoe comes over to support me.
19:49Girl, let's go.
19:51The officials will come.
19:52When they smell the smoke.
19:54I shake my head, looking over the ruins.
19:57I turn to the dry well, where the Yule's dirty secrets are hidden.
20:02Those drained women and fetuses were all sealed in jars and left there in the darkness.
20:09They can't even rest in peace.
20:12Zoe.
20:12I want to get those jars out.
20:14Zoe freezes, then sighs heavily, her eyes full of sorrow.
20:19Such an atrocity.
20:20They should be able to rest in peace.
20:22We took 23 jars out of the well.
20:25As I take the last one out, I feel a sharp pain.
20:29I collapse, holding my belly.
20:32Zoe's expression changes.
20:33It's coming.
20:35She helps me lean against a tree and places a clean cloth on the ground.
20:39Girl, bear with it.
20:41I'll stay with you.
20:42I grit my teeth, clutching Zoe's hand.
20:45Some time passes, and I give birth to a stillborn.
20:48It's a boy.
20:49His tiny body has long gone cold.
20:52I look at the small child and feel no regret at all.
20:55Only relief.
20:57He's a Yule, raised on the blood of countless people.
21:00He shouldn't have been born.
21:02Zoe wraps the child in a cloth and places him beside me.
21:05She sighs.
21:06A pitiful child.
21:07He was wronged.
21:08I force myself to stand.
21:10Zoe and I work together, pushing the jars and the tiny stillborn toward Alder Abbey.
21:17It's the only religious place nearby.
21:19The abbot there is kind.
21:21He doesn't charge much and helps us see the dead off.
21:25He only prays for the dead to find peace.
21:28By the time we arrive, it's already night.
21:30The abbot hears our request and doesn't ask.
21:33He sighs, calling it a great sin.
21:36Then has a hall cleared out.
21:38He prepares what he needs.
21:40Then he starts praying.
21:42I stay there, looking at the jars and the tiny bundle.
21:45I say to myself, Anna, those who harmed you are dead.
21:50You don't have to suffer anymore.
21:52Go in peace.
21:53The jars are burned and buried behind the abbey with unmarked graves.
21:57He says, they all suffered.
21:59If there's any solace, we hope they pass in peace.
22:02He buries the stillborn beside the grave, adding some fresh earth.
22:06He whispers, child, don't resent this.
22:09May you be at peace.
22:10I bow before the grave.
22:12When I stand up, I finally feel a sense of relief.
22:16Zoe is beside me, gently patting my back.
22:19Now, your sister can finally rest in peace.
22:21Zoe wants me to go with her to her relatives.
22:24She says, this will be investigated.
22:27I shake my head.
22:28I want to go home.
22:30Zoe frowns in disapproval.
22:32But I know this isn't over.
22:34I need to go take a look.
22:35I accept the money she gives me and some spare clothes.
22:38Zoe, you should go.
22:40Live well from now on.
22:41Avoid messy things like this.
22:44Zoe looks at me, her eyes full of worry.
22:46Then she says, don't be too stubborn.
22:49If you can't handle it, come find me.
22:51I'll always be on your side.
22:53I part ways with her at the abbey and head back alone.
22:57When I get there, the sun has risen.
22:59I get home and push the door open.
23:02Dad hears it and came out of his room.
23:05When he sees me, his eyes widen.
23:07His cigarette falls to the ground, making a mess.
23:10He stammers.
23:12Rose, what are you doing here?
23:14Didn't the house burn down?
23:16How are you alive?
23:17He sounded shocked and panicked.
23:19But he had a thoughtful expression.
23:21I lean against the door, looking at him coldly.
23:25Why can't I be alive?
23:27The Yules are finished.
23:28Jude is dead.
23:29And so is Tim.
23:31Dad's face pales.
23:32And he staggers back, hitting the doorframe with a dull thud.
23:36You killed them.
23:37Have you gone mad?
23:38He sounds afraid, but it's not out of concern.
23:41He's afraid for himself, thinking his life will be ruined.
23:44Mom comes out as well.
23:46When she sees me, her eyes redden.
23:48She rushes over to grab my hand, but Dad shoves her away.
23:52She's a murderer.
23:53If the officials come, we're done for.
23:56Mom is stunned and stares at me, her eyes full of hurt and confusion.
24:00Rose, what happened?
24:02Did you suffer with the Yules?
24:04I don't answer her, and continue staring at Dad.
24:07You knew about the Yules, didn't you?
24:09They don't marry for heirs, but to extend their lives.
24:13You knew the spell kills us.
24:15You knew Anna would die when you sent her there.
24:18Dad avoids my gaze and says,
24:20What do you mean?
24:21I just wanted to give us a better life.
24:24It's a lot of money.
24:25It's enough to buy a house and support us for life.
24:28I sneered.
24:29It's enough for you, but not for us.
24:32You knew about the spell and that it'd backfire, but you still did it, because you didn't care.
24:38You were just greedy.
24:40Dad is furious.
24:41He points at me, shouting,
24:43I raised you.
24:44How dare you say that?
24:45I'll beat you up, ungrateful brat.
24:47Mom rushes to stop him.
24:49Rose just got back.
24:50Do you know what she's been through?
24:52If you lay a hand on her, I'll fight you.
24:55After that, Dad is unusually quiet.
24:57Mom holds my hand, wiping my wounds through tears.
25:01Rose, I'm so sorry.
25:03Back then, I was confused and blinded by poverty.
25:06I watched your father do it, but I didn't stop him.
25:10I've been dreaming about Anna.
25:12She stares at me, asking me why I didn't save her.
25:15I wipe away her tears and pat her back.
25:18Mom, it's not your fault.
25:20The world's just too cruel.
25:22And Dad's too greedy.
25:24I know that Dad's planning something.
25:26He only cares about money and material gain.
25:29Sure enough, someone gags me that night.
25:32I struggle.
25:33But I'm pinned down and tied to a chair with rope.
25:37In the faint moonlight, I see Dad.
25:40He stands in front of me with that secret book.
25:42His eyes full of greed.
25:45Rose, don't blame me.
25:47The Yules are gone, but there are others.
25:49I mean, there are many rich families around.
25:52They want strong girls too.
25:54As long as we make you thin and marry you off again, I'll get even more money.
25:59Then, we'll have a better house and even more land.
26:02We'll be rich and live comfortable lives.
26:05I glare at him.
26:06But with my mouth gagged, I can only make muffled sounds.
26:10He hasn't changed.
26:11Anna and I?
26:13We're just goods for sale.
26:15Mom heard the noise and rushed out the room.
26:17She grabbed the book from Dad.
26:19Dad, you're crazy.
26:20Do you want to kill Rose?
26:22I've lost Anna because of your greed.
26:24I don't want to lose Rose.
26:26Wake up.
26:26The money and the land.
26:28What's the point?
26:29You can't even protect your child.
26:31What kind of dad are you?
26:33Dad pushes her away.
26:34His eyes red.
26:35He shouts, what do you know?
26:37It's the only way can we live a good life.
26:39I'm doing this for Rose too.
26:41As he speaks, he continues the spell.
26:44But then, he suddenly starts to convulse.
26:46His body twists, as if something's gnawing at him.
26:50He collapses, clutching his chest and screaming in pain.
26:54He looks at me, his eyes full of fear.
26:56He reaches out, pleading, save me.
26:59Rose, I was wrong.
27:01Mom and I stand still.
27:03Mom's tears keep falling, but she murmurs.
27:06You deserve this.
27:07You asked for it.
27:08Don't blame anyone else.
27:10Not long after, dad's cries grow weaker.
27:13And he stops moving.
27:14His eyes are wide open, just like Anna's in her coffin.
27:19It's similar, but Anna was wronged, killed by the greed of others.
27:24Meanwhile, dad died because of his own greed.
27:27It's bright outside.
27:29The noise draws the neighbors over.
27:31Mom calms down and wipes her tears.
27:34Taking a deep breath, she says,
27:36Rose, don't tell them the truth.
27:38Say your father died of illness.
27:39If the officials come, don't slip up.
27:42It's just us now.
27:43We can't afford more trouble.
27:45The chief listened to her story and sighed.
27:47Carl, he lived a hard life and always wanted better.
27:51He died so suddenly.
27:53Prepare the funeral.
27:55The village will help you.
27:56By the village customs, when people die, they're buried nearby.
28:00Anna's grave is there, all alone.
28:03It's just a little mound with a wooden plaque.
28:05Mom shakes her head, saying,
28:08Bury him far away.
28:10No tombstone, no offering.
28:12Let it be as if he never existed.
28:14Mom and I arrange a simple funeral.
28:16On the burial day, the sky is overcast.
28:19We carry the thin coffin to a barren slope,
28:22dig a shallow pit, and bury him.
28:24There are no markers and no tombstone,
28:27only a mound of soil.
28:29There isn't even a name.
28:30We feel no sorrow, only relief.
28:33The heavy burden in our hearts has finally lifted.
28:37After the funeral, the villagers ask about the yules sometimes.
28:41I tell them the house caught fire at night and no one escaped.
28:45I was lucky to get out of the back and barely survived.
28:49Mom backs me up.
28:50Speaking of their cruelty and my misfortune,
28:53they believe it all.
28:54When they look at me, it's with pity.
28:57No one brings up the yules anymore,
28:59especially the measurements.
29:01The yules are gone.
29:03No more wealthy families come to the village.
29:06The girls no longer need to starve.
29:09They don't fear the brass ruler
29:11or worry about being sent to the yules anymore.
29:14A mother comes to me,
29:16saying her daughter is eating will.
29:18The girl looks a lot healthier.
29:20She holds my hand,
29:22her eyes red as she says,
29:24If the yules were around,
29:25my child's life would have been ruined.
29:28I look at the girl.
29:29She's stuffing herself with a bright smile.
29:32If Anna were still alive,
29:34she'd love it.
29:35Eating well and growing.
29:37There's no brass ruler and no money anymore.
29:40She wouldn't need to die at such a young age.
29:44Slowly, the village changes.
29:47No more girls need to starve themselves.
29:50All the girls can eat well
29:52and grow up healthily.
29:54In the fields and the alleys,
29:56you can always see girls playing and laughing.
29:59That laughter,
30:00it's crisp and bright,
30:02like wind chimes in spring.
30:03The village is brightening up.
30:06A few days later,
30:07on the day Anna died,
30:09Mom and I bring a bouquet,
30:10wine,
30:11and Anna's favorite foods to her grave.
30:13Weeds have grown over it.
30:15Mom crouches down,
30:17pulling them out.
30:17She moves gently,
30:19as if afraid of disturbing Anna.
30:21She mumbles.
30:22Anna,
30:23your dad's gone.
30:24The yules are gone too.
30:26No one will hurt you anymore.
30:28Rest in peace.
30:29I'm sorry,
30:30I failed to protect you.
30:32Don't hate me.
30:33Rose and I are living well.
30:34We'll make sure no one has to go through what you did.
30:37I take out the secret book,
30:39brushing off the dust and blood,
30:41and place it down.
30:42Then,
30:42I light it up.
30:44Flames lick the pages,
30:46crackling softly.
30:47That harmful spell,
30:49the painful ritual,
30:51and the words soaked in sacrifice,
30:53they all turn to ashes.
30:54I look at the fire.
30:56Anna,
30:57the book is gone.
30:58I won't hurt anyone ever again.
31:01The girls in the village can grow up in peace.
31:03They won't have to suffer or be driven to despair.
31:07Mom looks at the burning book,
31:08tears falling.
31:10She smiles.
31:11Good.
31:12Burn it all.
31:12Now,
31:13everything's over.
31:14The fire dies out,
31:16and the ashes are blown away,
31:18drifting before Anna's grave.
31:20It's as if she's answering us,
31:22as if she's finally happy and can rest in peace.
31:26After that,
31:27things seem to settle.
31:28However,
31:29beneath the surface,
31:30trouble brews.
31:31The death of the Yules is something no one dares probe.
31:35Yet,
31:36everyone knows about it.
31:38Officials come to the village twice,
31:40asking routine questions.
31:41Mom cries,
31:42as she says.
31:43The house caught fire.
31:45It was intense.
31:47Rose was lucky to crawl out.
31:48I keep my head lowered,
31:50looking shaken.
31:51I barely speak.
31:52The villagers agree that I returned in a sorry state,
31:56utterly dazed.
31:57There's nothing more to ask.
31:59There's nothing more to ask,
31:59and no one seems suspicious.
32:01They leave after taking notes.
32:03I know they don't believe us,
32:04but there were no survivors.
32:07The other wealthy families stay silent,
32:09not wanting trouble.
32:10It'll probably be ruled an accident,
32:13and the case will be closed.
32:15But I know it still isn't over.
32:17There are those with ties to the Yules.
32:20Similarly,
32:21using dark arts and hiding in the shadows.
32:24They might already sense something.
32:26Burning the book?
32:28It only cut off the visible trail.
32:31Greed can never disappear.
32:34Sure enough,
32:35the peace doesn't last.
32:37A strange peddler appears.
32:38He doesn't shout his wares like others.
32:41Merely shaking a rattle slowly,
32:44his gaze drifts across each house,
32:47lingering on young ladies and stopping sometimes.
32:50He chats with villagers,
32:52steering the topic toward the Yules,
32:54and asking for special details.
32:57An elder sighs.
32:59The Yules?
33:00What a tragedy.
33:01They burned to nothing.
33:03But it's peaceful now.
33:05Girls in our village don't have to starve anymore.
33:07The peddler smiles,
33:09saying no more.
33:10He wanders around for days,
33:12then stops outside my house.
33:14That day,
33:15I'm fixing the fence alone.
33:17Across the wall,
33:18he hands over a bundle of thread,
33:20saying it's a new, trendy design.
33:23It's cheap.
33:24I look at him.
33:25He's about 40,
33:26with a fair face and long fingers.
33:29He doesn't look like a peddler.
33:31Not at all.
33:32Catching my gaze,
33:34he changes the topic and praises the village.
33:36It's great.
33:37He praises the girls,
33:39then says he's heard of the Dane family,
33:41whose daughter married someone rich,
33:44saying it's lucky.
33:45I keep working on the fence,
33:47saying,
33:47You're mistaken.
33:49Nothing like that happened two years ago.
33:51The Yules were around,
33:53but sadly,
33:54a fire wiped them out.
33:56The peddler laughs,
33:57saying,
33:58Guess I mixed it up.
33:59But miss,
34:01you look like you've seen a lot.
34:03I brush off my hands and stand up,
34:06looking at him.
34:07I was born here,
34:08and I grew up here.
34:10Most I've seen is the river nearby and the hill.
34:13If there's nothing else,
34:15I have to do my laundry.
34:17Then,
34:17I ignore him,
34:18going to grab a basin and soap.
34:20I head straight to the river,
34:23but I feel his gaze on me.
34:25When I turn a corner,
34:27I tell Mom about him.
34:29Mom's face pales,
34:31and she freezes.
34:32Rose,
34:33why won't they give up?
34:34The Yules are gone,
34:36so why?
34:37I say calmly.
34:38The Yules are gone,
34:40but they got wealthy with that spell.
34:43Someone must have noticed.
34:44He must be looking into it.
34:46Even Dad managed to get that book,
34:49which means it's not the only one.
34:51Mom's hands tremble.
34:53What do we do?
34:54Report it?
34:55I shake my head.
34:56There's no proof.
34:57What would we report?
34:59That he asked about the Yules?
35:00They'd rather put this behind them.
35:02Now,
35:03we can only stay on guard.
35:05Go out less these days.
35:06If anyone asks about me,
35:08pretend you don't know.
35:09Say I was traumatized and disoriented.
35:12I look for the chief.
35:14When I find him,
35:15I don't mention the peddler,
35:16but say that some strangers have been
35:19looking into the Yules and past marriages,
35:21likely ill-intentioned.
35:23I tell the chief to warn everyone,
35:25especially those with daughters,
35:27to not chat with strangers
35:28or go anywhere alone.
35:30The chief is on guard from the incident
35:33with the Yules.
35:34He rings the bell,
35:35gathering the villagers
35:37and warning them.
35:38Life here has just improved,
35:41so no one wants trouble.
35:43They promise to be alert
35:44and look out for each other.
35:45The peddler comes back twice,
35:47but the villagers are cold,
35:49and the young ladies avoid him.
35:52Since there's nothing useful for him,
35:54he stops appearing.
35:56But it's the calm before the storm.
35:58The seed of greed has been planted,
36:00and it's not easily uprooted.
36:02I destroyed the Yules.
36:04But seeds still remain.
36:06Anna has had her revenge.
36:08But in this village,
36:09or even the county,
36:11are there others like her,
36:12being pushed to the same fate?
36:15I slowly realize something.
36:17Protecting myself?
36:19It's not enough.
36:20As long as that spell
36:21and those who use it still exist,
36:23tragedy can repeat itself anywhere.
36:25I need to know.
36:27Other than the books I've burned,
36:29were there others?
36:30Other than the Yules,
36:32are other families doing it?
36:34And what of Kai?
36:36Where did he come from?
36:38I start looking into it,
36:39using needing to trade
36:41as an excuse to go to the county.
36:42I investigate.
36:44I never ask anything sensitive,
36:46merely talking to inns and fabric stores.
36:48I listen out for anything strange,
36:51especially about the wealthy.
36:52From an old night watchman,
36:54I hear that over 10 years ago,
36:56the Yules suddenly prospered.
36:58And so did the wards,
37:00who sold fabrics.
37:01They seemed to have hired an expert,
37:03who changed their fates.
37:06But the wards kept a lower profile.
37:08I also hear from an old lady,
37:10who used to work as a housekeeper,
37:12that in earlier years,
37:14some sages would take on private jobs
37:16to extend lives.
37:18They charged high,
37:19but seemed effective.
37:21They were also elusive.
37:22Hiding their names.
37:24Clues are scattered.
37:25And vague, as well.
37:27It's hard to make sense of.
37:29But I know this.
37:30The Yules weren't alone.
37:32This runs deeper than I thought.
37:34Days pass calmly,
37:36but I'm secretly ever vigilant.
37:38With mom's care,
37:39I slowly recover.
37:41Though my belly still aches at times,
37:43it's due to the bad pregnancy.
37:45As well as,
37:46str-
38:03I'll see you next time.
38:04I'll see you next time.
38:05I'll see you next time.
38:15You
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