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