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00:00:04I've finally got the 10,000th. Elias will be so pleased.
00:00:14Elias, the 10,000th level 8 essence. Today's the day you take human form.
00:00:23You have no idea how dangerous it was-
00:00:34We can form the bond now, can't we? Thank you, sister.
00:00:41Thanks to 10 years of your devotion, we couldn't have bonded without you.
00:00:52Supreme essence! How dare you keep this from me all along?
00:00:58No! The Academy's shield relies on it!
00:01:05No!
00:01:19Compared to you, she's nothing.
00:01:21Pathetic! See? Elias has always chosen me, no matter how much you did for him.
00:01:27Farewell, sister!
00:01:37Alien, Builder, I curse you both. If I get another charge, I will not let this happen.
00:01:53Everyone is still here.
00:01:55Good. That's good. That's good.
00:01:58As tradition dictates, I now proclaim the decennial bonding ceremony of Beast Word Academy underway.
00:02:05I have returned, to the day it all started.
00:02:13Fire Dragon, he boasts a pure bloodline unseen in a decade.
00:02:19Elaine Tidesong, as our premier apprentice, you are the only one fit to master him.
00:02:26Though he is not easily tame.
00:02:29The Fire Dragon just refused her?
00:02:30He is of noble blood, proud beyond measure. But there's no one better than Elaine.
00:02:34Hilda! Step away, it's dangerous!
00:02:42Professor, I know I'm nothing compared to my sister. It's just...
00:02:45I've never seen such a magnificent creature. And he seems to... like me more?
00:02:51Professor Talon, since their hearts are already entwined, let them have each other.
00:02:54What? She's a mere initiate!
00:02:56I will not bond with the Fire Dragon. In fact, my choice lies...
00:03:03Feathered serpent!
00:03:04A lowly half-breed?
00:03:18Professor Talon, since the Fire Dragon refused to serve as my mount, I shall take this little serpent.
00:03:24Elaine, you're the premier! Only the Fire Dragon is worthy of you!
00:03:28Such lowly beast isn't even worthy of being the Fire Dragon's lackey!
00:03:32Professor, my decision stands.
00:03:34Then it's done. The Fire Dragon goes to Hilda.
00:03:38In three months, the Beastware trials will judge your progress with the utmost rigor.
00:03:43Hilda, how could you do that? The Fire Dragon was meant for Elaine!
00:03:47Right! How can you steal from your own sister?
00:03:50I didn't! He chose me first!
00:03:56Brilliant! With that Fire Dragon, she'll be our new premier by morning!
00:04:00The newest initiate, and yet she scoops the finest prize in the hall.
00:04:04A treacherous Beast was never a good choice.
00:04:07In my past life, Aelius was just as arrogant. He refused to forge the bond with me.
00:04:16To feed his growth, I risked death on every hunt. Hunting man-eaters. Just to secure the Beast essence.
00:04:28He never once spared a glass for my wounds. He only had eyes for what he needed.
00:04:43When I was away, Hilda would come to him. I knew. I told myself she was just trying to help.
00:04:54In this life, I won't let them betray me. Not again.
00:05:04No!
00:05:08Elaine?
00:05:11Elaine?
00:05:13Professor?
00:05:19A familiar shares its master's magic. You and Aelius. You would have made an unstoppable pairing.
00:05:25But as you saw, Professor, he has no desire to bond with me.
00:05:29A Beast's will can be guided. I shall speak with Hilda again and have Elidus return to-
00:05:34Sir. I seek no mighty instrument of power, but a true companion.
00:05:42He is not so bad. After all.
00:05:46Fine. But remember, the Beastward Trials is in three months. Academy's judgement is absolute.
00:05:53Any beast that falls short of the standard will be stripped from its master.
00:06:11Oh, Elaine. If you truly wanted Aelius, why didn't you just ask?
00:06:16What? No.
00:06:17Weren't you begging him? Hoping the Professor hand Aelius back to you?
00:06:22Ridiculous.
00:06:24My dearest sister. I'd love to return him, but...
00:06:31He refuses to leave with you. Drop the act, Hilda.
00:06:35I have no interest in your precious mount. Save that energy for the Trials.
00:06:39Speaking of the Trials...
00:06:41I have to apologise in advance.
00:06:44When Aelius makes me the new premiere, where will that leave you?
00:06:54This time, let me see how Hilda gets this bloodsucker to take human form without me.
00:06:59Only if you can afford him.
00:07:05Of course I can!
00:07:06But can your little worm even survive three months?
00:07:13Yes!
00:07:31So you would defend your master, Aelius? You just detest me?
00:07:35Elaine! The Fire Dragon is Academy's most precious beast in a decade! You will be punished if you hurt him!
00:07:41So my serpent deserves to die?
00:07:43It's just a lowly half-breed. There are hundreds like it in the Beast Pavilion.
00:07:46No wonder last time, he died at your hands in just a year.
00:07:54Hilda! Where is your familiar?
00:07:57It was too frail! It couldn't survive! I tried everything I could to save him!
00:08:02What did you try? What potions? What healing spells?
00:08:07You're an apprentice of Beast Word Academy, and you don't even know basic of beast care?
00:08:12How dare you question her!
00:08:23Aelius! You never answered my summons, yet here you are for Hilda!
00:08:27Have you forgotten who your master is?
00:08:29I share no bond with you.
00:08:33You!
00:08:34It's my fault!
00:08:35It's her I refuse to acknowledge.
00:08:39Halt!
00:08:40At the Premier, I speak for the Dean himself. I order you to stay, Hilda!
00:08:45As you wish, Elaine.
00:08:47For your incompetence and the death of your familiar.
00:08:49I sentence you to the Outer Valley to clear out the Trolls.
00:08:53No! I can't! I can't do that! Please! Please!
00:08:56Do not panic, Hilda. I will come with you. My flames will be your shield.
00:09:00I gathered essence all on my own. A thousand times! All for you! And you never came! Not once!
00:09:09As long as he chooses me and stands by my side, I will treat him right in return.
00:09:15A fallen Premier and a mutt from the gutter. Perfect match. I hope you can last five minutes in the
00:09:19Trials.
00:09:20Keep yourself and your mountain check, Hilda. Next time, it won't be just a splash of water.
00:09:43Seven years after his death, my husband came back to life at Flame Keep's Spring Feast.
00:09:47Adrian, you black-hearted dog. To feign your death upon the field, poor liar must have wept herself blind.
00:09:53So what? She was utterly devoted to me. The only reason I married her was the gold her father brought
00:09:58me.
00:09:59Otherwise, what makes a merchant's daughter like her think she's worthy of climbing into my bed?
00:10:03If it weren't for her, how could Leora have committed suicide after marrying my brother?
00:10:06She should feel ashamed and beg for our forgiveness. If not, I will not go back.
00:10:11He'd been living easy all these years. He had no notion that his desertion had long since been laid bare,
00:10:16nor that White Flame Keep had passed to another hand. The day he faked his death.
00:10:19But on that same day, the Iron Cavalry of Sarn smashed the gates of White Flame Keep.
00:10:24In a single night, he was branded a traitor and a deserter. The city was put to the sword.
00:10:29Nearly all were butchered, including my parents. There was not even enough left of them for a proper burial.
00:10:35Had Lord Roderick Harwin not descended from the sky on Dragonback, I would not be standing here now.
00:10:40And Torrin, the old Lord of White Flame Keep, the father Edren kept talking about.
00:10:44On the day Lord Harwin pulled him from the ruins, he confessed his son's treason and threw himself into the
00:10:50flames.
00:10:51As for me, I survived. But I had remarried a long time ago.
00:10:56Darren was still jeering, playing to the crowd.
00:10:58By the gods, that's cold. Your lyre was a beauty.
00:11:02Were you not afraid she would run off with another?
00:11:07Run off? She was eight months pregnant.
00:11:09What man of honor would have her? And she was crazy about me.
00:11:12She was likely clutching my air to her breast every night, praying for my return.
00:11:17She would never have left.
00:11:18Given how hard Lyre was obsessed with you, she spent all these years hiding like a rat,
00:11:22and will die alone, still whispering your name.
00:11:25Honestly, she brought it on herself. Shameless, the way she begged for the marriage.
00:11:29No wonder she found herself a widow so young. I wager she's wasting away in her grief.
00:11:33If she saw you now, she'd probably lose her mind.
00:11:36He didn't object to a single word.
00:11:39I only slept with her once.
00:11:41And she got pregnant. What does that make her, huh? Sounds like a whore to me.
00:11:44Several men exchanged lead grins.
00:11:47I locked my eyes on Edrin's face, and a coal fire began to burn in my veins.
00:11:50Seven years ago, he abandoned us all.
00:11:53Old Torrin was forced to drag his alien body into a suit of rusted armor and ride out to meet
00:11:57the war.
00:11:58Mira and I were left behind in the war camp, huddled together, counting the last of our meager supplies.
00:12:03And there was nothing we could do.
00:12:09Torrin's forces were broken, again and again.
00:12:11From the rear, we heard the news from the front. Each report worse than the last.
00:12:16I heard my parents had been slain.
00:12:18I heard my family's lives, gathered over generations, had been looted.
00:12:22On the distant ridgelines, the warning beacons were lit.
00:12:25One after another.
00:12:27Until he came. Down from the clouds, through the smoke and ash, on the back of the dragon.
00:12:33Lord Roderick Harlow.
00:12:34The dragonlord, master of the second dragon, the emperor of the Iron Flame Throne, ruler of the Scarlet Sun Kingdom,
00:12:40Lord of Flame Keep and the Dragon's Pine Sea. He buried the truth of Edrin's treason.
00:12:44In return, I was wed to him.
00:12:46The keeper of the Iron Flame Throne held too much power for anyone to question him.
00:12:50The official story was that Torrin and Mira Castwood had died of a sudden sickness.
00:12:54It was a lie that preserved what little honor their name had left.
00:12:57Then someone in the crowd spotted me.
00:12:59His face lit up. He slapped Edrin on the arm and pointed straight in my direction.
00:13:06Laya? What are you doing here?
00:13:07Damn, Aedlin. You're barely back from the grave and she's already tracked you down. Someone's desperate.
00:13:12Have you no shame? This feast is Lady Harwood. Were you even summoned?
00:13:15Do not disgrace me before the guards drag you out.
00:13:18The dragonlord is insanely protective of his wife.
00:13:20Lady Harwood doesn't like seeing people, so he keeps her completely hidden away. No one's ever seen her face.
00:13:24This is the first feast she's ever hosted. We all came tonight hoping for a glimpse of her.
00:13:28So, Laya, I know you missed Aedrin, but try not to ruin the feast for the rest of us.
00:13:33You just crawled out of your grave, Sir Caitlyn. Worry about yourself.
00:13:38White flame coal is not as you remember it.
00:13:41Back then, Torrin sent him to the war hoping he'd earn some glory.
00:13:44I remember my belly was so swollen it was hard to walk, but I stood with him at the gates,
00:13:49terrified, begging him to stay safe.
00:13:51The only news we received was that he'd faked his death and fled the battlefield.
00:13:55I was eight months pregnant, hauling arrows and tending to the wounded in the rear camp.
00:13:59But the enemy broke into the alley was faster than anyone feared.
00:14:03Boys, a fat-bellied one! Any of you had the taste?
00:14:06One of them kicked me hard. I hit the ground, blood poured down my legs.
00:14:11You don't have to make up such pathetic lies to lure me back.
00:14:14If loneliness has made you so desperate, beg me sweetly enough and I may grant you one night in my
00:14:19bed.
00:14:19He saw the flicker of pain in my eyes and thought he'd hit the mark.
00:14:23He looked proud of himself.
00:14:26Why, Laia? Is that you?
00:14:28You poor thing.
00:14:30Having to look after White Flame Ward all these years.
00:14:34Aedlin, that is cruel.
00:14:35You have spent so long tending to us that poor Laia has been left to grieve alone.
00:14:39It was Leora Fane. She hid behind the lie that died of heartbreak and gone away with Edrin, to live
00:14:45as man and wife in some other place.
00:14:46And Edrin, who knew the whole thing was a lie, I remember.
00:14:50He once forced me to stand outside in the freezing cold all night as penance for Leora.
00:14:54My nails dug into my palms as I stared at the two of them.
00:14:57After Leora's tragedy, a healer managed to save her. Turns out she was already pregnant.
00:15:01She's been recovering in seclusion all these years. It hasn't been easy for her.
00:15:04A widow with a child. I couldn't just abandon them, so I decided to marry her, make her my wife.
00:15:08Her son will inherit the title of White Flame Keep.
00:15:09The least I can do to honor my brother's memory. You will return and make the keep ready.
00:15:13And if I hear so much as a whisper against her, you will answer for it.
00:15:16I had never heard such shamelessness uttered aloud. That boy was obviously his. His and Leora's.
00:15:22Whom you wed is no concern of mine, Sir Castwood. I was wed again long ago.
00:15:28Remarried? You think I give a damn? I didn't come back for a woman like you.
00:15:31I heard the dragon egg at White Flame Keep hatched. The ice dragon egg my family has guarded for generations.
00:15:35I, Adian of House Castwood, shall mount the ice dragon and rule as king, and that dragon is my blood
00:15:39right.
00:15:40Don't you come crying back to me when it happens.
00:15:42Of course! No wonder you came back now, Adrien. You're about to become a dragon lord!
00:15:46Even Lord Harwin will have to bow to you then, won't he?
00:15:49Already picturing himself on the back of a great ice dragon.
00:15:52And all I could think of was, he has no idea that dragon hatched seven years ago.
00:15:56It hatched on the night White Flame Keep was slaughtered. It hatched while the Sarnriders were searing over me.
00:16:01After my blood soaked into the dirt, my blood fell upon the ancient shell, already split with cracks.
00:16:06Then it broke. A little dragon, blew as winter ice.
00:16:10And you, the nerve you have, saying things like that.
00:16:14If I remember correctly, you were eight months pregnant.
00:16:17What man of rank would take a woman swollen with another man's bastard,
00:16:19or would you have to go crawling to some low-born merchant?
00:16:22Right. You are common trash, after all.
00:16:24The men are everything I have to do.
00:16:26Mother, when is father coming back? These people are so loud.
00:16:30You want me back that badly? You even brought the child with you?
00:16:35This child! She should be seven by now, should she not? Why is she so slight?
00:16:42Liar, even if you're angry with Adrien, you can't take it out on the child. That's just cruel.
00:16:47Just then, her son came charging back. He saw the unique dragon scale pendant around Alia's neck.
00:16:53Give me that!
00:16:55Mom said you and everything this woman has belongs to me.
00:17:00Give it back!
00:17:03It's my birthday present! It's not yours!
00:17:06It all happened so fast. I didn't have time to think.
00:17:10I just shoved the boy back and scooped Alia into my arms.
00:17:13The boy fell on his back and let out a piercing, theatrical shriek.
00:17:19You dare lay a hand on a child?
00:17:22Leora was right. You're a bitch who belongs in the slums, or a brothel!
00:17:28I'd known Adrien since we were children. When other kids would corner me and bully me, he was the one
00:17:33who fought for me.
00:17:34He'd get his face bruised and bloodied, but he would always stand stubbornly in front of me.
00:17:38Back then, I thought he would protect me forever, and that I would love and cherish him forever.
00:17:43But now, in front of this whole crowd, for another woman, he had just humiliated me without a second thought
00:17:49for my dignity.
00:17:49He reeled from the slap, his rage about to explode. But when he saw my red-rimmed eyes, he faltered
00:17:56for a second.
00:17:57For the briefest instant, he looked almost ashamed.
00:18:00Leora seized the moment. She clutched her son to her chest and let out a choked sob.
00:18:04It seems Leia doesn't want us to come back. I always knew Mira preferred her.
00:18:09But now that I'm a widow, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised I'm not welcome.
00:18:14Maybe we should just leave.
00:18:16I left you in charge. To see to my parents and the running of the keep.
00:18:20How dare you waste the keep's money on useless things like this!
00:18:23His eyes fell on the dragon scale hanging around Alia's neck.
00:18:27Wait! Where did you get that dragon scale? That's... that's a scale from my family's ice dragon!
00:18:32That scale is mine by blood! Mine! You have the nerve to scavenge it and wear it? That belongs to
00:18:38me!
00:18:39You've been squatting in White Flame Keep all these years. You probably never even got to touch the egg, did
00:18:44you?
00:18:45Now the dragon has hatched and that scale is mine! You're a commoner's daughter. By what right do you touch
00:18:52it?
00:18:52I couldn't even be bothered to answer him. I turned to a handmaiden who had just rushed over.
00:18:58Get the healer.
00:19:01Being ignored sent Edrin over the edge. He grabbed my arm.
00:19:05It's a little scratch. And you're gonna bother Lord Harwin's people over that?
00:19:11Liar, what the hell is wrong with you? I've seven years alone surely made you so bitter. Are you just
00:19:16lonely? Is that it? Blaming me because you've had no one?
00:19:20Ask pardon as you ought. I may yet come to your bed.
00:19:24I have told you I am remarried. You need to start worrying about yourself.
00:19:31Fine. Be stubborn. I'll be waiting for the day you come begging me to take you back.
00:19:36After the healer had cleaned and dressed Alia's cheek, a deep wave of exhaustion washed over me.
00:19:40I used to wonder, for a long time, if Edrin had a reason. Some secret hardship that made him abandon
00:19:46his wife, his unborn child, and his home for seven years.
00:19:50I remember the night before Mira walked into the throne room and took her own life.
00:19:54I never should have gone to your father's house with Torrid. I never should have promised you, on that monster's
00:20:00behalf, that he would be good to you. We did this. We ruined you!
00:20:06Mira had always been so full of life. A woman who refused to grow old. From the day I married
00:20:11Edrin, she treated me like her own daughter.
00:20:13But in one single night, the weight of it all had broken her.
00:20:16Liar. White Flame Keep has failed you. If that animal ever comes back, I give you my blessing to kill
00:20:24him yourself. Now you go find a good man. And don't you dare grieve for us.
00:20:30In the seven years since I married Roderick Harwin, I've rarely left the castle. This was the day the stranger
00:20:35took Mira.
00:20:36I hosted this feast to tell the spirit of the old woman who loved me like a daughter that I
00:20:39was okay. That I had finally moved on.
00:20:43I took a breath, composed myself, and walked back to the great hall. Edrin and Leora were sitting together, acting
00:20:50for all the world like a happy couple.
00:20:52I walked right past her table without even a glance. But as I passed, the boot caught my head.
00:21:02I remember her. That's Adrian Casper's wife. The one who's been lonely for seven years.
00:21:07Is she doing this to get his attention? How shameless.
00:21:10Is she crazy, making a scene at a feast by Lady Harwin?
00:21:13Liar, how could you?
00:21:16I know you're upset with Adrian, but you can't act like this at Lady Harwin's feast.
00:21:21Are you trying to make Lord Harwin angry with Adrian on purpose?
00:21:25Edrin's expression turned lethal.
00:21:27Lia, so you are here to cause trouble. Seven years, and you still haven't learned a thing?
00:21:38Before father left to join the army, he made a promise.
00:21:44If I die on the battlefield, you can find another man to marry, like the hunter on the edge of
00:21:49the village.
00:21:50But that huntsman, Vance, had a crippled leg and a scar that split his face in two.
00:21:55One punch, they said, could drop a full-grown tiger.
00:21:59They also said he'd already beaten his first wife to death.
00:22:03Marrying Mama to him was the same as sending her to die.
00:22:07Three years later, word came that father was dead.
00:22:11Grandma and the village elders collected 20 silver coins from Vance.
00:22:15They sold Mama off.
00:22:17The news arrived on the day Mama was washing clothes by the river.
00:22:20Before, deep winter, the water was thick with floating ice, cold enough to cut bone.
00:22:26Grandma wouldn't allow her to use hot water.
00:22:28She said firewood was precious, not for a worthless brat who couldn't produce sons.
00:22:36I'd haul extra firewood down from the mountain, but it always went straight to Uncle Dale's fire pit.
00:22:42If Mama or I used so much as one extra stick, Grandma beat us and cursed us for three days
00:22:49straight.
00:22:51I tried to help with the washing.
00:22:53Mama waved me off.
00:22:55The river's cold, little one.
00:22:57Go play over there where the sun hits.
00:22:59It's warmer.
00:23:00In the dead of winter, midday sun was the only warmth we ever had.
00:23:05When the laundry was done and we walked home, Grandma and the village elders were already waiting.
00:23:11They'd been in such a rush, but not enough to walk down to the river and find us.
00:23:15You take this long, wandering off who knows where, worthless brat.
00:23:21Roy's barely gone and already your heart's drifting.
00:23:28The soldiers sent word.
00:23:30Roy's dead.
00:23:31You killed him.
00:23:32Every bit of bad luck he had started when he married you.
00:23:35He's gone now, so hurry up and remarry.
00:23:38Don't stay here dragging our family down.
00:23:40The bundle was small.
00:23:41Two of Mama's worn out dresses.
00:23:43Grandma didn't look like she was grieving her own son.
00:23:46She looked the same as always, like someone had told her the village dog had died.
00:23:51Mama said nothing.
00:23:52She just held my hand tighter.
00:23:56Grandma, can I bring my daughter with me?
00:23:58Mama wasn't crying much.
00:24:00She was only worried about me.
00:24:03See if the huntsman's willing to pay for her.
00:24:07A girl this size.
00:24:09Sell her to a broker and you'd get ten silver easy.
00:24:12Mama's grip went tighter around my hand.
00:24:15We both knew.
00:24:16The moment she left, Grandma would sell me.
00:24:18She wouldn't keep me a single day longer than she had to.
00:24:23Mama shouldered her bundle and held my hand.
00:24:26Grandma and the village elders herded us to Vance's house.
00:24:29He was inside, sharpening a blade.
00:24:31The scraping sound never stopped.
00:24:33His bad leg jutted stiffly to one side.
00:24:35It couldn't bend.
00:24:37A scar ran from below his left eye all the way to the right corner of his mouth,
00:24:41like something had tried to split his face in half.
00:24:44I stepped behind Mama.
00:24:46Vance looked us over.
00:24:48You people forced this woman on me.
00:24:51Twenty silver is already too much.
00:24:53Don't push it further.
00:24:55He clearly hadn't wanted to take Mama.
00:24:57Let alone me.
00:24:58Dead weight she'd dragged along.
00:25:00My Roy saved your life once.
00:25:02Now he's dead.
00:25:02And we're delivering this woman straight to your door.
00:25:05You should be on your knees thanking us.
00:25:07She wants to bring the girl along as your daughter.
00:25:09You get a wife and a child all at once.
00:25:11I'm not asking for much.
00:25:13Another ten silver and we're done.
00:25:15Most families earned two or three silver in a year.
00:25:18Ten silver could buy a full acre of good farmland.
00:25:22I was not worth that much.
00:25:26People in the village said he was a silent man.
00:25:28But when he opened his eyes and looked at you, really looked, it could stop your heart cold.
00:25:34Grandma shoved Mama hard.
00:25:36Mama's thin frame nearly went down.
00:25:38Mr. Hart.
00:25:40My daughter eats very little.
00:25:42She can work.
00:25:43Please.
00:25:44Could you give us somewhere to go?
00:25:46Vance finally looked at me.
00:25:47A long, unreadable frown.
00:25:49Mama tugged at my hand.
00:25:51I dropped to my knees beside her with a thumb.
00:25:55Call him something.
00:25:56I stared up at Vance.
00:25:58At the scar.
00:25:59My lips shook.
00:26:01Papa.
00:26:01Vance went still.
00:26:03The scar looked even more ferocious when his face froze like that.
00:26:07Grandma's foot connected with my back.
00:26:10Your real father's barely cold and you're already calling some stranger Papa.
00:26:15Worthless brat.
00:26:16Just like your harlot mother, heart already belongs to someone else.
00:26:20She kept kicking.
00:26:21Let her finish and she'd stop.
00:26:24Mama tried to crawl to me.
00:26:26One of the village elders kicked her back.
00:26:28It was always like this in Roy's household.
00:26:30Mama couldn't save me.
00:26:32She couldn't save herself.
00:26:34Enough!
00:26:35Vance stood.
00:26:36He went inside.
00:26:37He came back and threw ten silver coins onto the ground.
00:26:41This girl is my child now.
00:26:45I looked up at Vance.
00:26:47Mama hadn't caught what he said.
00:26:48I had.
00:26:50Grandma grabbed the silver and turned to leave.
00:26:52Vance blocked her.
00:26:54He demanded a written contract.
00:26:56Grandma refused.
00:26:58Vance snatched the silver right facts.
00:27:00No contract.
00:27:01No silver.
00:27:02In the end, with the village elders and the village head as witnesses, the contract was
00:27:08signed.
00:27:08Both Mama and I became part of Vance's household.
00:27:12Mama put down her bundle and started working immediately.
00:27:15If she stayed busy enough, maybe Vance would let me eat more.
00:27:19Maybe he wouldn't hit me.
00:27:21Vance's house was plain.
00:27:23Three main rooms.
00:27:24A hall in the center.
00:27:25A bedroom on each side.
00:27:27Only one bedroom had a bed.
00:27:29The other was empty.
00:27:30Mama led me to the woodshed.
00:27:32The firewood was stacked clean.
00:27:34The floor was tidy.
00:27:36Mama shifted some wood and found a board.
00:27:38She built me a rough bed out of it.
00:27:42Don't be afraid, little one.
00:27:48Mama, I'm not afraid.
00:27:50At Roy's house, it had always been the same.
00:27:53When Father was home, he'd say I was in the way, always getting between him and Mama
00:27:58when they were trying for a son.
00:28:00He'd chase me to the woodshed.
00:28:02Roy's woodshed was filthier than this.
00:28:04Rats.
00:28:05Snakes.
00:28:06Frozen solid in winter.
00:28:08A furnace in summer.
00:28:09I'd survived all of it.
00:28:11Mama held me against her chest.
00:28:13Maybe, once I give him a son, things will ease up.
00:28:17I said nothing.
00:28:18I'd long suspected Father's cruelty toward Mama had nothing to do with sons.
00:28:24Mama, why did Father want you to remarry Vance?
00:28:27Before he left, Father had kept Mama on a tight leash.
00:28:31Wouldn't let her leave the village.
00:28:33Wouldn't let her look up when she passed a man.
00:28:36Grandma would curse her for it, too.
00:28:38Said she was out there tempting people.
00:28:41Mama's bitter laugh stayed locked in her throat.
00:28:46Because Vance was the only one who could pay that much.
00:28:51She didn't finish.
00:28:52She didn't need to.
00:28:54Father had sent Mama here to die.
00:28:57Father had been planning to sell Mama even before he left.
00:29:01He knew he wasn't coming back.
00:29:03He made sure Mama would have nowhere left to go.
00:29:05I'd worked this out some time ago.
00:29:07Not because I was clever.
00:29:09They'd been obvious about it.
00:29:11The whole village talked.
00:29:13Not long after we arrived, Vance came back carrying armfuls of thick wooden boards.
00:29:17He disappeared into the empty west bedroom.
00:29:20Steady hammering rang out, one blow after another.
00:29:24Mama stood outside the door.
00:29:26She wanted to ask where the food stores were so she could start dinner.
00:29:29But she didn't dare.
00:29:31After a while, Vance came back out.
00:29:33He saw us both still standing there.
00:29:35He frowned.
00:29:37Something you need?
00:29:38His voice was rough.
00:29:39I flinched and nearly stepped back.
00:29:41But we were alone here, Mama and me.
00:29:44If I stepped back, she'd be standing by herself.
00:29:47I held my ground.
00:29:48I took Mama's hand and stood beside her.
00:29:51Vance noticed.
00:29:52Something shifted in his brow.
00:29:54Mama asked carefully.
00:29:55I want to ask.
00:29:58It's nearly dinner time.
00:30:00If you get the grain out, I can cook.
00:30:02You've worked hard all day.
00:30:03You should eat.
00:30:04Vance frowned harder.
00:30:05He looked us up and down like we'd said something strange.
00:30:08Then he pointed at the kitchen.
00:30:10In there.
00:30:14The key.
00:30:17Vance's frown deepened.
00:30:18He walked over and kicked the kitchen door open.
00:30:21He looked back at us.
00:30:23I had the feeling he was asking with his eyes whether we were simple.
00:30:27No lock.
00:30:28No key.
00:30:29Roy's kitchen was always locked.
00:30:31The grain.
00:30:32The oil.
00:30:33The salt.
00:30:33The eggs.
00:30:34Everything in locked cabinets.
00:30:36Grandma would measure out exactly what was needed for each meal.
00:30:39Set it on the counter.
00:30:41Then stand there watching Mama cook.
00:30:42Drop a single grain of rice.
00:30:44Get a lecture that lasted half a day.
00:30:47She called us starving ghosts.
00:30:49Said we never worked.
00:30:50Only ate.
00:30:51She was afraid we'd steal food.
00:30:53Mama and I stepped into the kitchen.
00:30:55Grain.
00:30:56Oil.
00:30:56Salt.
00:30:56All of it just sitting out in the open.
00:31:00Mama stood there for a long moment.
00:31:02She glanced toward Vance.
00:31:03He'd already gone back out.
00:31:05She was almost afraid to touch anything.
00:31:07She was afraid she'd cook it wrong.
00:31:09And he'd come back angry.
00:31:11Beat her.
00:31:12Like Grandma.
00:31:13She was afraid of being accused of stealing.
00:31:17Eventually, Mama cooked.
00:31:18The food sat on the table.
00:31:20The two of us stood in the courtyard.
00:31:22Neither of us moved toward it.
00:31:24Vance came back carrying two large wicker baskets.
00:31:27He saw the food on the table.
00:31:29He saw us standing there.
00:31:30His frown deepened.
00:31:32He washed his hands.
00:31:33Sat down.
00:31:34Saw us still standing.
00:31:35He told us gruffly to sit.
00:31:37He scooped himself less than half a bowl of rice.
00:31:40Not enough food.
00:31:42Cook more tomorrow.
00:31:44He ate fast.
00:31:45Loud and efficient.
00:31:47Finished in minutes.
00:31:48But barely ate half of what was there.
00:31:51Done.
00:31:52He sat sharpening his wood cutting knife.
00:31:54Watching us eat.
00:31:55Mama hesitantly filled my bowl.
00:31:57We ate.
00:31:57Both keeping our eyes on him.
00:31:59I noticed it quickly.
00:32:00When I ate fast, he looked away.
00:32:02When I slowed down and tried to set my chopsticks down, he frowned.
00:32:06He was telling me to keep eating.
00:32:08Mama and I finished every last bite.
00:32:10Then we sat waiting to be scolded.
00:32:13Or hit.
00:32:14Vance put the knife down.
00:32:15Wash up and get some sleep.
00:32:17You've worked enough today.
00:32:20Mama hurried to heat the water.
00:32:22She waited for Vance to finish washing.
00:32:25Then, after a moment, washed her own face and hands and feet.
00:32:29It's the first day.
00:32:32If I'm clean, he'll find less to resent.
00:32:34She muttered it while she scrubbed, eyes dim.
00:32:37I used her leftover warm water.
00:32:40The heat spread up through my hands and feet all at once.
00:32:43So this was what it felt like to wash with hot water.
00:32:46No wonder Grandma and Uncle Dale always demanded extra buckets in winter.
00:32:50I went to the woodshed for the night.
00:32:53Mama stopped me at the door.
00:32:54Cover your ears.
00:32:56No matter what you hear tonight, don't come out.
00:32:59Pretend you heard nothing, you understand?
00:33:02I nodded hard.
00:33:03I knew.
00:33:04Once, when Father was hurting Mama, I'd run in crying and begged him to stop.
00:33:09He'd kicked me so hard I ached for half a year.
00:33:12This time I wouldn't make a sound.
00:33:14We both had to survive.
00:33:16Stay alive.
00:33:17And there was still hope, even if I didn't yet know what that hope looked like.
00:33:22Then the woodshed door was kicked open.
00:33:25Vance stood in the doorway holding a lantern, staring at me where I lay in the straw.
00:33:30I shrank back.
00:33:31Cold sweat poured down my neck.
00:33:34Once, Father had come home half drunk in the middle of the night and walked into the woodshed.
00:33:38He beat me nearly to death.
00:33:40He said I was a burden.
00:33:42My fault he had no son.
00:33:43My fault he lost money gambling.
00:33:46That night, Mama grabbed the woodcutting knife and told him she'd take his life.
00:33:50That was the only thing that saved me.
00:33:52Vance was stronger.
00:33:54Could he put me down in three kicks?
00:33:56But he wasn't drunk.
00:33:57He wasn't angry.
00:33:59He reached down and grabbed me under the arms like he was picking up a stray chick.
00:34:03He carried me into the west bedroom.
00:34:05Mama was already standing there quietly.
00:34:07The empty room wasn't empty anymore.
00:34:09A wide wooden bed stood against the wall.
00:34:12Worn, but tidy.
00:34:14Vance set me down.
00:34:15He turned and walked back to his own east bedroom.
00:34:18The door closed.
00:34:19Within minutes, his snoring came through the wall.
00:34:22Mama and I stared at each other.
00:34:26That night we slept restlessly.
00:34:28But we slept warm.
00:34:29I burrowed into the quilt and said quietly,
00:34:31Mama, it's so warm.
00:34:34I had never been this warm in winter.
00:34:36Not once.
00:34:37And I'd eaten dinner.
00:34:38My stomach was full.
00:34:39This, I thought, was what being alive was actually supposed to feel like.
00:34:43Mama stroked my hair.
00:34:45Little one.
00:34:46You called him Papa today.
00:34:48Do it again tomorrow.
00:34:50Keep calling him that.
00:34:51Okay.
00:34:53Vance was already a better father than Roy had ever been.
00:34:56The meals got bigger after that.
00:34:58And slowly, Mama didn't dare increase the amount all at once.
00:35:02She added a little each day until she finally understood his appetite.
00:35:06He ate a great deal.
00:35:08Roughly as much as Mama and I put together.
00:35:10But he never once stopped us from eating.
00:35:12If we ate too little, he'd frown.
00:35:14He hunted.
00:35:15Large catches he sold.
00:35:17Sometimes he'd bring back a rabbit or a wild chicken.
00:35:20And he'd have Mama stew it.
00:35:22He ate half.
00:35:23The rest went to us.
00:35:24I had eaten meat three times in my life before that.
00:35:28This was the fourth.
00:35:29It was so good.
00:35:30No wonder Grandma and Uncle Dale had always been so desperate for it.
00:35:34Mama saved the extra pieces for me.
00:35:36I ate without thinking.
00:35:37Too happy to pace myself.
00:35:39That night, I woke in the dark with my stomach seizing up in cramps.
00:35:43I rolled across the bed and pinged.
00:35:46Mama rubbed my belly.
00:35:47It didn't help.
00:35:49She ran outside and scraped ash from the bottom of the cooking pot,
00:35:52stirred it into water, and brought it to me.
00:35:55I took one sip and vomited everything up.
00:35:59Vance burst through the door.
00:36:01One look at me.
00:36:02He wrapped me in the quilt, hoisted me onto his shoulder, and ran.
00:36:05Mama stumbled after him.
00:36:06She didn't say a word.
00:36:07He ran all the way to the village doctor's house at the edge of the road and kicked the door
00:36:11in.
00:36:11The whole household lurched awake.
00:36:13They started to complain.
00:36:14Then they saw his face and went quiet.
00:36:17The doctor checked my pulse, then asked what I'd been eating.
00:36:20What did she eat?
00:36:21Over-aid.
00:36:22Indigestion.
00:36:23Nell's been underfed all her life.
00:36:25Eat this much meat at once and her stomach can't manage it.
00:36:28She'll be fine.
00:36:29I'll give her something to bring it up.
00:36:31Keep her warm.
00:36:32Light food for a few days.
00:36:33She'll recover.
00:36:34She gave me something.
00:36:35I vomited, loudly, and at length.
00:36:37The smell filled the whole room.
00:36:39The doctor's husband muttered from the corner.
00:36:42I've never had good food her whole life.
00:36:43Body can't handle it when she finally does.
00:36:45Vance looked at him.
00:36:47One hard stare.
00:36:48He retreated to the back room.
00:36:50I was humiliated, getting sick from eating too much meat.
00:36:54Just like Grandma had always said, I was a bottomless pit with no sense.
00:37:00Vance carried me home over his shoulder.
00:37:03On the way back, he said gruffly,
00:37:05You've really never had meat before.
00:37:07I thought he was scolding me.
00:37:10This was only the fourth time before we only ever got a piece or two.
00:37:16Grandma had never let us have even the broth.
00:37:19He made a low sound.
00:37:20Eat more often enough, and this stops happening.
00:37:23I was wrapped too tight in the quilt and didn't quite catch it.
00:37:27The next few days, I could only drink porridge.
00:37:30Vance brought back millet.
00:37:32He brought back brown sugar.
00:37:34Millet and brown sugar were things only new mothers got after childbirth.
00:37:38A bowl or two, a little sweetness stirred in.
00:37:41I was getting a full bowl at every single meal.
00:37:44I was eating better than Mama had after giving birth to me.
00:37:49Vance watched me eat every morning until the color came back to my face.
00:37:53When it did, something in his own expression finally loosened.
00:37:58He fixed the village doctor's front gate as payment for the house call.
00:38:02Then he pulled the doctor back to check my pulse again.
00:38:06Only when she said I was fully recovered did he walk her out.
00:38:09He said he was going up the mountain to track a big animal.
00:38:13Might be gone several days.
00:38:14He told Mama to bake a stack of flatbreads for the road.
00:38:18Mama kneaded the dough with lard and mixed in brown sugar.
00:38:21The flatbreads came out golden and fragrant.
00:38:24She pressed into his hands the thick insoles and padded cap she'd sewn over the past few days.
00:38:29Vance took the flatbreads.
00:38:31He looked at the insoles and the cap.
00:38:33He looked up at Mama.
00:38:34Something in his eyes went soft.
00:38:36New Year's coming.
00:38:37When I sell what I catch we'll go buy supplies.
00:38:40Think about what you want.
00:38:42Mama held my hand as we stood at the door to see him off.
00:38:45His figure moved away from us, uneven but steady.
00:38:49I couldn't help shouting after him.
00:38:51Papa!
00:38:52Come home soon!
00:38:54Vance stopped.
00:38:55He didn't look back.
00:38:56He lifted a hand in our direction.
00:38:58Go inside.
00:38:59It's cold.
00:39:03Mom, over there!
00:39:05No!
00:39:09Impressive.
00:39:10My little fighter.
00:39:15A storm is coming.
00:39:17Leo, let's hurry inside.
00:39:23Show yourself.
00:39:27Fire so quan разб yay doesn't move out.
00:39:41High,ocks Joni predicexs,0 eter positioning it up for me asking.
00:39:42No!
00:39:43No!
00:39:46No!
00:39:48Nobody!
00:39:49Nothing!
00:39:50No!
00:39:52No...
00:39:52Mom...
00:39:53No, he Kaufman!
00:40:26Not too shabby, Winston. Your aim's getting better.
00:40:30Commander of the Allied forces and your humble herald, at your feet.
00:40:33All hail the goddess of war!
00:40:37Rise. Any news from Trow?
00:40:39Your husband Callan led the siege himself. Fifteen cities breached in a matter of days.
00:40:45Winston, pass the word. Callan has earned his kleos. He shall be among the Olympians as supreme commander.
00:40:50Grant him a heavenly army, a suit of golden armor, and a vaulted palace.
00:40:53Tomorrow, when he returns in triumph, you shall light the sacred fires and host the victory feast in his honor.
00:40:57It shall be done.
00:41:00Aurelian wings!
00:41:04The Aurelian wings!
00:41:05It drank the blood of the great titans.
00:41:08Today, I grant it to him.
00:41:15My goddess. Your husband's success is built entirely upon your secret support. Why giving him the wings?
00:41:22He was but a mortal warrior when we met. I feared my identity would burden him, so I played the
00:41:27role of a simple white king.
00:41:28Now that he has been promoted, there's no need to hide. At the victory feast, I will unveil my true
00:41:32identity and crown him as the god of war.
00:41:34Welcome back, goddess of war.
00:41:36Have you found my family?
00:41:39We scoured all of Athens, but there's no trace of your mother or brother. Forgive me.
00:41:56Look at him! He's like a god!
00:41:58That must be his wife in the chariot.
00:42:10Who is she? Where is Lady Leonis?
00:42:17Look at you! The mightiest warrior of Athens. And this must be Rhea. Even prettier than the rumors say.
00:42:25My pleasure. Make yourself at home.
00:42:29Today, I can finally kick that useless woman out of my house.
00:42:37The roast chicken is served.
00:42:40Mom, look! This is the gift I prepared for father.
00:42:45Lane, how did you become so impressive? With this triad, father will be unstoppable in battle, won't he?
00:42:55Dad!
00:42:57Colin, you're back!
00:43:00Who is this?
00:43:01This is the daughter of the wealthiest merchant in Greece.
00:43:04Callan owes his success today to Lea.
00:43:07So, the noble benefactor, is it?
00:43:10Then please, sit.
00:43:11I happen to have prepared some wine. I'll go fetch it.
00:43:15Karen, this is your commoner wife who only knows how to do chores.
00:43:19Sure enough, reeking of a sour stench.
00:43:24Don't speak ill of my mom!
00:43:37Kallallon, you brewed this before you left for Troy.
00:43:42Here's a toast for your glorious return.
00:43:46Try a sip.
00:43:48The goddess of war ordered a strict ban on alcohol. Are you trying to get me killed?
00:43:53I... I didn't mean that. Why are you serving my son with this filth?
00:43:57Enough. I am only here to tell you this.
00:44:00Tomorrow, the goddess of war will host a victory feast in my honor.
00:44:04Bring the boy. I have an announcement to make.
00:44:07I... of course. But we don't have proper garments for that.
00:44:11Wear whatever you want, it doesn't matter. I have business to attend to.
00:44:14Dad!
00:44:17He must be giving me a surprise.
00:44:19I knew he wouldn't abandon us, even with all his glory.
00:44:27You promised you would get rid of that woman today!
00:44:29Why didn't you do that?
00:44:31Don't tell me you actually care for her.
00:44:36Listen to me. Your family's gold bought the intelligence that won me this war.
00:44:41You also secured me the goddess' favor.
00:44:45That housewife is nothing to me.
00:44:48Then why invite her to the victory feast?
00:44:52A quiet divorce is just boring.
00:44:54Tomorrow, I'll divorce her in front of every noble in the city.
00:44:57It'll be a public humiliation.
00:44:59Let that be my tribute to you.
00:45:01Now I see. You're truly wicked.
00:45:04But I like it!
00:45:13Let's go, Leo.
00:45:14We shouldn't be late for Father's victory feast.
00:45:16Yes! To the temple!
00:45:32You shall not touch him!
00:45:33You shall not touch him!
00:45:48Lena, bring us down!
00:45:53Lena! Lena!
00:45:55Search the streets!
00:45:56Find the woman with the silver owl ring!
00:45:59I must go to my mother, Athena.
00:46:01Helena has been found!
00:46:08To Commander Leonos!
00:46:10To Commander!
00:46:11Congratulations!
00:46:12A divine spear gifted by the goddess of war herself.
00:46:15You are destined for greater things.
00:46:17She speaks the truth.
00:46:19The Awagreen wings, the title of supreme commander.
00:46:22Soon enough, you'll be dining on Olympias with the gods themselves.
00:46:28I am merely a humble servant of the goddess.
00:46:34My lords and ladies, I have been tasked to keep the victory feast in order.
00:46:38Please don't be reckless, is all.
00:46:41Of course, Captain.
00:46:42Of course.
00:46:42Commander, soon enough, you'll wed my sister and we'll be blood.
00:46:46When you ascend to Olympias, don't forget what's between you and me.
00:46:50Of course.
00:46:50We'll soon be brothers.
00:46:54Dad!
00:46:56Kalon.
00:46:59Karen, you said you had an announcement to make?
00:47:01I do.
00:47:02Very important words.
00:47:02Just stay down here and watch.
00:47:04Honored guests, I have big announcements to make before Harold Winston and the goddess of war.
00:47:09First, I want to thank someone very important to me.
00:47:12Someone who has offered tremendous help along the way.
00:47:14No doubt it is Lady Leonos.
00:47:16She bore him an heir, willingly became a housewife, and even funded his battle out of her own pocket.
00:47:23It's more than that.
00:47:24I heard the gold needed for the army was earned from her endless hours at the loom.
00:47:29A woman like that?
00:47:31A man's got nothing left to want.
00:47:34Dad is going to talk about you.
00:47:36When I was nobody, she stood by me.
00:47:39Without her support, I would never be who I am today.
00:47:43She is the love of my life.
00:47:47Kalon, not in front of a crowd.
00:47:49Now, allow me to introduce my one and only, the future wife of the Supreme Commander.
00:47:58Lady Rhea.
00:48:08Mom, did father make a mistake?
00:48:11Karolan's blood and sweat brought him where he is today.
00:48:14I just gave him a little push.
00:48:16Seven days from now, I will marry Rhea, in the vaulted palace granted by the goddess of war.
00:48:21Helena, when I come back with glory, I promise there will be a grand wedding.
00:48:27So grand that every soul in Athens will know that you are my wife, the love of my life.
00:48:39Rhea, meeting you is the best thing that's ever happened to me.
00:48:41I will make sure everyone in this realm knows that you, Rhea, is my wife.
00:48:48Karolin, why are you doing this to us?
00:48:50Fine.
00:48:50Let me tell you why.
00:48:52The second thing I am announcing today is the end of our marriage.
00:48:55What?
00:48:55I am the mightiest warrior of aths, my merit in blood.
00:48:58The goddess of war herself is granting me the Aurean wings.
00:49:00And you, you're a maid who happens to share my bed.
00:49:02You just don't get to be my wife.
00:49:04I'm not worthy.
00:49:05Have you lost your mind?
00:49:06My dowry paid for your armor.
00:49:08And I took care of your family so you could fight with peace of mind.
00:49:10You swore to the gods you'd give me a proper wedding.
00:49:12Where's all that promises?
00:49:14Shut your mouth!
00:49:16Weaving?
00:49:17Cooking?
00:49:17Raising a brat?
00:49:18I don't need any of that.
00:49:20Any woman could do that.
00:49:22Helena, you are nothing but a slave.
00:49:24What did you just say?
00:49:26Rita is the daughter of the wealthiest man in Greece.
00:49:28She brings me power, knowledge, armies.
00:49:30What did you bring me, Helena?
00:49:32Nothing but a baby.
00:49:35That's right.
00:49:36I am the one who bought the intelligence that won him the war.
00:49:39I secured his favor with the goddess of war.
00:49:41And I will be his wife, not you.
00:49:43Liar!
00:49:43You're but a spoiled child of a merchant.
00:49:45You've never met the goddess of war and you did nothing to help him.
00:49:48That intelligence was mine.
00:49:49The victory feast, the wings...
00:49:50How dare you taking credit for my work?
00:49:52A lowborn housewife like you?
00:49:54You call me a housewife?
00:49:56You know I can wipe your entire bloodline out of existence whenever I want?
00:50:00You bitch!
00:50:04Have you completely lost your mind?
00:50:06How dare you disrespect my wife?
00:50:09Neil, apologize to Raya.
00:50:12Now.
00:50:15No?
00:50:20Father, please don't!
00:50:23She is nobody!
00:50:25That noble lady is your mother now.
00:50:27Hurry up!
00:50:28Call her mother!
00:50:29I hate you!
00:50:30Don't hurt my mom!
00:50:32You little brat.
00:50:34Where's your manor?
00:50:39No!
00:50:58Leo, are you hurt?
00:51:04You'd butcher your own flesh and blood just for gold and power?
00:51:08A bastard is still a bastard.
00:51:11Even with my blood.
00:51:14Only Rima can bear me true airs worthy of the Lyanna's name.
00:51:18So be it.
00:51:19You did this to yourself.
00:51:22We are done.
00:51:28I will take everything back!
00:51:31Glaxa!
00:51:32I will take everything back!
00:51:33I will take everything back!
00:51:48Urgent call from the goddess of war!
00:51:50Gather the legion!
00:51:51We march on to the temple!
00:51:58Did you honestly think throwing a tantrum could ruin my victory feast?
00:52:02She couldn't handle being cast aside, so she's completely lost her mind.
00:52:06So pathetic.
00:52:07A housewife who spends her entire life around a man and now she's abandoned?
00:52:10No wonder she snapped!
00:52:12A low-blown peasant, thinking you can steal him from my sister.
00:52:16Herald Winston is arriving any minute.
00:52:18Let's see how long you can keep up this little act.
00:52:20Winston, if he hasn't arrived within the hour, I should have him dismissed.
00:52:24Show your respect!
00:52:25How dare you disrespecting the Herald!
00:52:28When Winston arrives, he'll have you executed!
00:52:32When he arrives, you shall be his first blood.
00:52:36How dare you!
00:52:38Wait.
00:52:38I want to see exactly what she thinks she can take back.
00:52:47I originally intended to hand this to you personally when you earned your kleos.
00:52:52But now, you are just not worthy.
00:52:56So the first thing I am going to take back is the Aruian wings!
00:53:01What?
00:53:02What?
00:53:10Jalavi!
00:53:23Run!
00:53:24They're after you!
00:53:25Run!
00:53:26And this pathetic bastard sister of mine is what you turned me down for?
00:53:31You simple-minded beast!
00:53:33If it wasn't the frost out of nowhere that killed my dragon, I would never have even considered you!
00:54:06This stupid animal may be a cur, but its flesh carries resistance to the froth.
00:54:11Solve it and consume its flesh.
00:54:13You will all inherit the resistance.
00:54:23You chose him, and yet, you failed him.
00:54:27Your whole existence is a disgrace to our family!
00:54:32Die, crock roach!
00:54:40As expected, this grey-maned bear of rather modest lingonagy has been left unchosen.
00:54:46And in that case, Bruggen, it seems you'll be bound to our lowest-ranking student, Emma.
00:54:53You bound?
00:54:54Did I survive?
00:54:56Wait!
00:54:56Am I back to the day when I was bound with Bruggen?
00:55:00So, Emma, though I suppose your choices are rather limited.
00:55:05Professor Rockweld, I'll take him.
00:55:08Laugh while you can.
00:55:09When the frost takes over everything in half a month, you will all be overwhelming with jealous.
00:55:15Wait!
00:55:22I'm taking the bear.
00:55:23You can bind with the dragon, sister.
00:55:26What is Fiona doing?
00:55:27The heir to the Drake family is always bind with dragons.
00:55:30Why would she go with anything else?
00:55:31And that's an Aurelian dragon.
00:55:33They appear only once in centuries.
00:55:35Fiona must be out of her mind to choose an inferior beast over that.
00:55:38Fiona, I must remind you that the selection of your bonded creature is not a trivial matter.
00:55:43It will affect not only your graduation, but also the limits of your future magical potential.
00:55:49Professor Rockweld, and that's precisely why Emma needs the dragon more than I do.
00:55:54My grades speak for themselves.
00:55:55I can handle myself regardless of what I bind with.
00:55:58But Emma, on the other hand, look at her.
00:56:01She's already struggling.
00:56:03And on top of that, if she's paired with an inferior creature, I fear she may not graduate at all.
00:56:08A fine sentiment, Fiona.
00:56:10For a witch, power is secondary to character.
00:56:14And with a heart of gold like yours, you will go very far, even if your bound creature is lesser.
00:56:20Well, Emma, don't you think you owe Fiona your gratitude?
00:56:24Um, thank you for the offer, Fiona.
00:56:26But this is really unnecessary.
00:56:28I quite like Bruggen, to be honest.
00:56:31Oh, come on, Emma.
00:56:32I'm trying to help you.
00:56:34Don't let your pride get in the way.
00:56:35No, it's really-
00:56:37Ouch!
00:56:43This-
00:56:44This is the unique way dragons bind with humans.
00:56:48This means the dragon chose me?
00:56:51Well, so much for it's really unnecessary.
00:56:53She refused it, then bound the dragon the moment she could.
00:56:57Shameless.
00:56:58That's an Anerian dragon.
00:57:00Some noble bloodline that appears once in centuries.
00:57:04If not for Fiona, she'd never have laid a hand on it.
00:57:07Lucky bastard.
00:57:10Lucky my ass.
00:57:12They have no idea.
00:57:14Indeed, Aurelian dragons possess extraordinary magical affinity.
00:57:20But their hatchlings are fragile in the cold.
00:57:29And that's exactly why last time it was killed in the frost on the first day.
00:57:36Thalrax!
00:57:38You gave up a dragon and took my bear.
00:57:42I see, sister.
00:57:45You also came back with your memories.
00:57:49Bruggen, I'm not worried about surviving the frost without you.
00:57:52But I'm worried, what if Fiona mistreats you?
00:58:02Don't worry.
00:58:03Bruggen got you.
00:58:12Our fist hump?
00:58:14He remembers.
00:58:15It means he's alright.
00:58:17Did he also come back with his memories?
00:58:20Last time, Fiona drove the others and torn Bruggen to pieces.
00:58:24He may look gentle and simple-minded, but Bruggen never forgets.
00:58:29This time, this is going to be fun.
00:58:33Are you done staring at him?
00:58:36Are you talking to me?
00:58:38Your skills, they are beautiful.
00:58:40Naturally.
00:58:41I am an Aurelian dragon.
00:58:43We do not choose lightly.
00:58:46You should feel honored, human, rather than getting distracted by lesser creatures.
00:58:52Fair enough, little one.
00:58:54But why me?
00:58:55That ferocious woman.
00:58:57Her soul reeks.
00:58:58I can smell it out.
00:59:00But yours?
00:59:02It smells rather delightful.
00:59:03In fact, it is the most agreeable in this room.
00:59:07And do refrain from calling me little one.
00:59:10You may address me as your majesty.
00:59:12Of course.
00:59:14Your majesty.
00:59:17All right, class.
00:59:19Copy this formation exactly as shown.
00:59:21Then speak the incantation.
00:59:24Voluntas Ligot.
00:59:26The bond will complete once you cast the spell.
00:59:29You may begin now.
00:59:41Where's my wand?
00:59:45I taught you the difference.
00:59:48Brugge, could you pass me my wand?
00:59:55Aqua.
01:00:01That's on me.
01:00:02I should have taught you about wands sooner.
01:00:04There's a right end.
01:00:06And a wrong one.
01:00:08Now you are using this knowledge against Fiona, clever bear.
01:00:15Voluntas Ligot.
01:00:27When a wand is reversed, the magic turns back on the caster.
01:00:31And that means Bruggen has become your master.
01:00:40Must you keep exchanging looks with that bear?
01:00:43Aurelian dragons are not only of noble blood.
01:00:46We are also particular about what belongs to us.
01:00:49You've bound yourself to me.
01:00:52Then your attention should follow.
01:00:54Um, okay.
01:00:56I will keep that in mind.
01:01:11As mentioned previously, fire sabamanders play a vital role in strengthening bonded creatures
01:01:17and accelerating their growth.
01:01:20The Academy has procured a fresh supply from the Old Dahl Volcain.
01:01:25Each of you will receive a month's allocation.
01:01:29Collect your share and you are dismissed.
01:01:39Jalabi!
01:01:47Well done.
01:01:49That was a month's supply.
01:01:51She fed it all at once?
01:01:52Has she lost her mind?
01:01:56She clearly wasn't paying attention.
01:01:58Last in the class and now this?
01:02:00Poor Valrax is doomed with her.
01:02:02Binding with Valrax is wasted on her.
01:02:04Let me remind you.
01:02:06Fire salvamanders are not easily obtained.
01:02:10They are to be used with care.
01:02:12And in accordance with Academy guidelines, do not waste them.
01:02:17Of course, Professor Rockweil.
01:02:19I assure you, it wasn't wasted.
01:02:22We only have half a month till the frost arrives.
01:02:25Valrax has to grow fast to survive and protect me.
01:02:29If he dies right at the beginning again, that would be the real waste.
01:02:34Class is over.
01:02:45You remember too, don't you, sister?
01:02:48Last time, you survived by clinging to that curt bear.
01:02:51This time, it's my turn.
01:02:55Then I wish you best of luck.
01:02:56Of course.
01:02:57I will just fine with him by my side, freezing to death on the first day of the frost.
01:03:08Get that cursed, feral creature of yours away from me!
01:03:12I'm sorry.
01:03:14But you shouldn't have woken him up from his nap.
01:03:30Are you hungry already?
01:03:31You gotta be kidding me?
01:03:33Where am I supposed to find the extra salamers for you?
01:03:36I don't have the money for it.
01:03:38Did you hear?
01:03:38A freshman went into the shadow woods last night.
01:03:41Got completely lost.
01:03:42I'm not surprised.
01:03:43That place is covered in heavy fog all year round.
01:03:47The shadow woods.
01:03:48If I remember correctly, before the frost, someone found a salamander's nest there.
01:03:54If the timeline hasn't changed, no one's discovered it yet.
01:03:58This is going to take forever.
01:04:00If you want to crawl like this, hop on my back.
01:04:04I will take you there.
01:04:06But you are still just a hatchling.
01:04:08You're hardly big enough to carry.
01:04:10I'm sorry.
01:04:24Shall we?
01:04:27Shall we?
01:04:42I was adopted by a poor family.
01:04:45My little sister Tiffany was taken in by a wealthy family, the Sinclids.
01:04:50Yet in less than five years, she was thrown out of the Sinclair house.
01:04:54She miserably died on the street.
01:04:57As for me, I studied hard and made it into an Ivy League school.
01:05:03Sinclair was thrown out of the Sinclair house.
01:05:05She miserably died on the street.
01:05:08Sinc-reftetist Eiling earned the sinker.
01:05:11In the end, I built my own business empire, married Tony with my adoptive parents' blessing,
01:05:16gave birth to kids, and lived a long, happy life.
01:05:21Somehow, I was reborn.
01:05:24The second the couple from the poor family walked in, she ran straight to Tony.
01:05:28Brother!
01:05:29Threw herself into his arms, called him her brother.
01:05:32Then she grabbed our new parents' hands and looked back at me with that smug little smile
01:05:36I knew too well.
01:05:37Audrey, you can have the rich family.
01:05:39But just a heads up, the Sinclair's house is a prison.
01:05:43I'm not going back there.
01:05:44I looked at the young man who had once been my husband.
01:05:47I hoped he would say something.
01:05:49Stay away from my sister.
01:05:51So in the end, with my sister grinning like she'd already won, I walked toward the Lincoln
01:05:56with a shogur.
01:05:58That was the moment it hit me.
01:06:00One look at her face told me everything.
01:06:03She had been reborn too.
01:06:08Get in, miss.
01:06:10The Sinclairs had sent no one but a chauffeur.
01:06:14Same as the past life.
01:06:15At this exact point, the director of the orphanage told us we could choose our own family.
01:06:21Tiffany stepped in first, lifted her dick to her chin, and said,
01:06:25I'm not living broke.
01:06:27You are the big sister.
01:06:28You better suffer for me.
01:06:30Then she got the rich family she wanted, and day by day, the smile disappeared from her face.
01:06:37And now, I was the one stepping into the Lincoln.
01:06:42The chauffeur kept talking as he pulled away.
01:06:44He told me about the Sinclair's house rules.
01:06:47Got all that?
01:06:49He looked at me in the rearview mirror with those keen eyes, waiting for an answer.
01:06:56I got it.
01:06:59We arrived fast.
01:07:00I followed the chauffeur into a mansion.
01:07:03It looked less like a home and more like a royal palace.
01:07:06Mrs. Sinclair, she's here.
01:07:09An elegant woman sat on the sofa, sipping tea.
01:07:12She sized me up slowly and beckoned to me.
01:07:17Come here.
01:07:18I walked over.
01:07:21What's your name?
01:07:23Audrey.
01:07:24That was the name the orphanage had given me.
01:07:26It's...
01:07:27Good.
01:07:28From now on, you're Audrey Sinclair.
01:07:33Brent, take her upstairs.
01:07:36Yes, ma'am.
01:07:39I followed the butler, step by step.
01:07:42Everything gleamed.
01:07:44Everything whispered money.
01:07:45But none of it shook me.
01:07:47In my past life, I had built this kind of life with my own hands.
01:07:51I knew what wealth looked like.
01:07:57Miss, this is your room now.
01:07:59He set my bag down by the bed.
01:08:01Get some rest.
01:08:02I'll come back for you.
01:08:03Then he left.
01:08:05I left.
01:08:07I stepped inside and looked around.
01:08:09The room was perfect.
01:08:10And somewhere deep inside me, something stirred.
01:08:13Excitement.
01:08:15In my past life, I had no strong family background.
01:08:18Yet I still built this kind of life with my own hands.
01:08:21This time, with the Sinclair name, I could become so much more.
01:08:25I was lost in thought when I heard shouting outside.
01:08:28A basketball came out of nowhere and slammed into my head.
01:08:31A boy was there.
01:08:33Zero manners.
01:08:34I knew who he was right away.
01:08:38Jasper Sinclair.
01:08:39He was into street racing, skydiving, anything dangerous enough to get him killed.
01:08:44Never serious.
01:08:45Never still.
01:08:46In my past life, his legs were crushed in a racing accident.
01:08:50Hello?
01:08:51You deaf or what?
01:08:53His voice snapped in my ear.
01:08:54I came back to myself, picked up the ball, and did it over.
01:08:59Here you go, Jasper.
01:09:01He froze for half a second and said,
01:09:03What an ass curer.
01:09:05You think living here gets you a cut of the Sinclair money?
01:09:08And remember, never call me by my first name.
01:09:11We're not that close.
01:09:12He snatched the ball and walked off.
01:09:16For the next few days, I barely saw Mrs. Sinclair.
01:09:19The butler showed me around the mansion.
01:09:21When we were done, he handed me a printed schedule.
01:09:25This is your schedule from now on.
01:09:27Starting tomorrow, you'll get private lessons in business management.
01:09:30Mrs. Sinclair arranged everything.
01:09:32Just study hard.
01:09:34If you do well, trust me, it'll pay off.
01:09:38You can handle that, right?
01:09:40In my past life, I didn't get to learn any of this until I started my first company.
01:09:45This time, I was getting it at 15.
01:09:50Absolutely.
01:09:54This girl learns frighteningly fast.
01:09:56She's not only finished the high school curriculum, but she's also mastered obscure business theory.
01:10:03At this rate, she won't even need to finish high school.
01:10:06She could start applying to universities now.
01:10:11But that was never Mrs. Sinclair's plan.
01:10:14She wanted me to stay with Jasper through high school and then go to university with him.
01:10:19And she wanted me to rein him in.
01:10:21Come here.
01:10:22I walked over.
01:10:25She took my hand and pulled me down beside her on the sofa.
01:10:29Then she handed me an acceptance letter.
01:10:33Westfield High.
01:10:34A private boarding school.
01:10:36Super elite.
01:10:38You did well.
01:10:39Jasper's grades are a mess.
01:10:40Help him out.
01:10:43I don't expect miracles.
01:10:45Just make sure he passes.
01:10:49Then she looked me right in the eye.
01:10:51Get through high school with him, and I'll cover all your tuition and arrange the best change program for the
01:10:57two of you.
01:10:58Deal?
01:11:01And I didn't hesitate.
01:11:05Thank you, Mom.
01:11:08Good girl.
01:11:09No limit.
01:11:11One day off.
01:11:13Since arriving at the Sinclair house, it was the first day that actually felt like mine.
01:11:19I had barely taken a few steps when I saw a face I knew.
01:11:24Tiffany.
01:11:25She was standing on the curb in the brutal heat, handing out flyers.
01:11:29Of course, she had to take a part-time job.
01:11:33In my past life, that was me.
01:11:35Three jobs every summer.
01:11:37School on top of that.
01:11:39Housework after dark.
01:11:42Later, I found out why they took me in at all.
01:11:44Not because they wanted a daughter.
01:11:46Because they wanted free labor.
01:11:48Hey there.
01:11:49Want one?
01:11:54Audrey?
01:11:59So, you're living comfortably, huh?
01:12:01But don't say I didn't warn you.
01:12:03The Sinclair house isn't for girls like us.
01:12:05Mrs. Sinclair is far more evil than you think.
01:12:08Give it time.
01:12:09You'll find out.
01:12:10Oh.
01:12:11Okay.
01:12:13My parents are amazing, she said.
01:12:15Tony even helps me study.
01:12:17Oh, by the way, we got accepted into Westfield High early.
01:12:21Westfield High?
01:12:23I almost laughed.
01:12:26The school was full of Rick Hidd's legacy names and a handful of brilliant scholarship students.
01:12:31In my past life, Tony and I had been the scholarship kids.
01:12:35Tiffany looked at me like she was already watching my funeral.
01:12:39Our lives are only going to get better.
01:12:43You?
01:12:45You're going to end up dead in the street!
01:12:48Just as I was about to answer, a voice cut through the noise.
01:12:52Tiff!
01:12:53Tony!
01:12:54What are you doing here?
01:12:58Tony walked over with a lunch bag in one hand.
01:13:01Mom sent me.
01:13:01She wanted me to bring you lunch.
01:13:03It's blazing out here.
01:13:03Want me to cover for you for a while?
01:13:06It's okay.
01:13:07I'm fine.
01:13:08The Roberts would rather scrape together money for Tony's test prep than let Tiffany take a break.
01:13:12Same as the past life.
01:13:13Same pressure.
01:13:14Same grind.
01:13:15You're the best.
01:13:16You're the best.
01:13:22This is my sister, Audrey.
01:13:24You met her at the orphanage.
01:13:26Tony looked me over.
01:13:28His expression was cold, faintly disgusted.
01:13:31Don't hang around people like that.
01:13:33Come on.
01:13:33Let's go.
01:13:34He grabbed her hand and pulled her away before I could say a word.
01:13:39Their voices still carried even after they walked away.
01:13:44Tony, why are you being so mean?
01:13:47What if you scared her?
01:13:49You're too nice.
01:13:50Girls like that are trouble.
01:13:51Stay away from her.
01:13:53One day she'll stab you in the back.
01:13:54The words hit, like pressing on a bruise that had already healed wrong.
01:13:58I stood there for only a second.
01:14:00Then I looked down at the card Mrs. Sinclair had given me.
01:14:03I went luxury shopping.
01:14:06When I walked out of the stores with both hands full, Tiffany was still outside.
01:14:10The jealous look on her face was almost funny.
01:14:13What a show-off.
01:14:14You're still going to die on the street.
01:14:16Tony and I, we're going to run companies one day.
01:14:19She was so naive.
01:14:21The truth was, none of the shopping was for me.
01:14:24Everything I bought was for them.
01:14:26For Mrs. Sinclair.
01:14:28For Jasper.
01:14:29For the staff.
01:14:32Jasper was home.
01:14:33That was rare.
01:14:34Well, look at that.
01:14:37You've been here for just a while, and you're already spending money that doesn't belong to you.
01:14:44Jasper.
01:14:46She's your sister.
01:14:48In what world?
01:14:49I don't have a sister, and I never will.
01:14:51You think I'm bringing this bumplad around my friends?
01:14:53Oh, please.
01:14:55Jasper had never liked me, and I wasn't dumb enough to push him.
01:14:58Mom, this is for you.
01:15:01Then I handed out gifts to the butler and the rest of the household staff.
01:15:06The butler and the rest of the staff were only Jasper'd.
01:15:10His face dropped on the spot.
01:15:12Oh, come on.
01:15:13You really think a few gifts are enough to buy people off?
01:15:16You think that makes you...
01:15:18Well, this one's for you.
01:15:20It was a custom race car model.
01:15:22I heard you're into racing.
01:15:24I saw it and thought of you.
01:15:27I thought of you.
01:15:33School started soon after that.
01:15:35I was already set to grab a cab on my own, but when I stepped outside, I saw a car
01:15:40waiting at the front.
01:15:42I smiled before I could help it.
01:15:45I ran over.
01:15:47Jasper!
01:15:49I told you not to call me by my first name!
01:15:53Well, get in.
01:15:53I don't have all day.
01:15:55Oh.
01:15:57Right.
01:15:58I climbed in, slowly, on purpose.
01:16:03Then I handed him the breakfast the cook had packed.
01:16:07Mom said there was one for each of us.
01:16:09Who even eats breakfast these days?
01:16:12But he still took it.
01:16:16He was back with that we-don't-know-each-other face.
01:16:20Listen carefully.
01:16:21I don't care what Mom said, but at school, you do not tell people you're a Sinclair.
01:16:25You do not tell people we're related.
01:16:27If I hear any rumors, I'll blame you.
01:16:32Don't mind young Mr. Sinclair.
01:16:33He's always been like that.
01:16:35I know.
01:16:38I stepped out after Jasper.
01:16:40And there they were.
01:16:42Tiffany and Tony.
01:16:43Right by the front gates.
01:16:45Tony was handsome.
01:16:46Clean cut.
01:16:47Straight A golden boy.
01:16:49The quiet kind that made girls talk.
01:16:51A crowd had already formed around them.
01:16:54I caught snipses as I walked by.
01:16:56Did you hear about the transfer kid?
01:16:58He was top of the district.
01:16:59And his sister, too.
01:17:01She scored top 15.
01:17:03God, I wish my brother were like that.
01:17:05My test scores landed me in the advanced academic class.
01:17:09I stepped into the classroom first.
01:17:11A few seconds later, Tony and Tiffany came in behind me.
01:17:17Well, what a coincidence.
01:17:19Who would have thought we'd end up in the same class, sis?
01:17:23What a coincidence.
01:17:23What a coincidence.
01:17:23You might find that man, by the way.
01:17:23Do not see theervousness.
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