- il y a 6 heures
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00:00:04I finally got the 10,000th. Elias will be so pleased.
00:00:15Elias, 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!
00:01:20Compared to you, she's nothing.
00:01:21Pathetic. See? Elias has always chosen me, no matter how much you dig 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. Good. That's good. That's good.
00:01:58As tradition dictates, I now proclaim the decennial bonding ceremony of Beast Word Academy underway.
00:02:06I 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?
00:02:31He 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... I've never seen such a magnificent creature.
00:02:48And he seems to... like me more?
00:02:51Professor Talon, since their hearts are already entwined, let them have each other.
00:02:55What? She's a mere initiate!
00:02:56I will not bond with the fire dragon. In fact, my choice lies...
00:03:03Feathered serpent! A 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.
00:03:36The fire dragon goes to Hilda. In 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! Right! How can you steal from your
00:03:48own 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.
00:04:00Hmph. The 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, Alias was just as arrogant.
00:04:11He 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.
00:04:29He 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.
00:04:58In this life, Alias... Elaine? Elaine?
00:05:13Professor?
00:05:18A familiar shares its master's magic. You and Alias. 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 Alias return to...
00:05:34Professor, I seek no mighty instrument of power, but a true companion.
00:05:42He is not so bad, after all.
00:05:47Fine. But remember, the beastward trials is in three months. Academy's judgment is absolute.
00:05:53Any beast that falls short of the standard will be stripped from its master.
00:06:12Oh, Elaine. If you truly wanted Alias, why didn't you just ask?
00:06:16What? No. Weren't you begging him? Hoping the Professor hand Alias back to you?
00:06:22Ridiculous.
00:06:25My dearest sister. I'd love to return him, but...
00:06:31He refuses to leave with you. Drop the act, Hilda. I have no interest in your precious mount.
00:06:37Save that energy for the trials.
00:06:39Speaking of the trials, I have to apologize in advance. When Alias makes me the new premiere, where will that
00:06:47leave 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.
00:07:04Of course I can! But can your little worm even survive three months?
00:07:16Of course I can.
00:07:31So you would defend your master, Alias? 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? It's just a lowly half-breed. There are hundreds like it in the Beast
00:07:45Pavilion.
00:07:46No wonder last time, he died at your hands in just a year.
00:07:55Hilda! 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? I... I... You're an apprentice of Beast Word Academy. And you
00:08:09don't even know basic of beast care?
00:08:12How dare you question her?
00:08:24Alias, you never answered my summons, yet here you are for Hilda. Have you forgotten who your master is?
00:08:29I share no bond with you.
00:08:33You! It's my fault.
00:08:35It's her I refuse to acknowledge.
00:08:39Halt! At the Premier, I speak for the Dean himself. I order you to stay, Hilda.
00:08:45As you wish, Elaine. For your incompetence and the death of your familiar, I sentence you to the Outer Valley
00:08:51to 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.
00:09:10As 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.
00:09:18I hope you can last five minutes in the trials. Keep yourself and your mountain check, Hilda.
00:09:21Next time, it won't be just a splash of water.
00:09:43Seven years after his death, my husband came back to life at Flamekeep'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
00:09:59me.
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?
00:10:07She 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 Flamekeep had passed to another hand. The day he'd faked his death,
00:10:19But on that same day, the Iron Cavalry of Sarn smashed the gates of White Flamekeep.
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 Flamekeep, 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 Laia was a beauty. Were you not afraid she would run off with another?
00:11:07Run off? She was eight months pregnant. What 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 Laia was obsessed with you, she spent all these years hiding like a rat,
00:11:22and will die alone still whispering your name. Honestly, she brought it on herself.
00:11:27Shameless, the way she begged for the marriage. No wonder she found herself a widow so young.
00:11:31I wager she's wasting away in her grief. If she saw you now, she'd probably lose her mind.
00:11:37He didn't object to a single word.
00:11:39I only slept with her once. And she got pregnant. What does that make her, huh? Sounds like a whore
00:11:44to me.
00:11:45Several men exchanged lead grins. I locked my eyes on Edren's face, and a coal fire began to burn in
00:11:50my veins.
00:11:50Seven years ago, he abandoned us all. Old Torrin was forced to drag his alien body into a suit of
00:11:56rusted armor and ride out to meet the war. Mira and I were left behind in the war camp,
00:12:00huddled together, counting the last of our meager supplies. And there was nothing we could do.
00:12:09Torrin's forces were broken, again and again. From the rear, we heard the news from the front.
00:12:14Each report worse than the last. I heard my parents had been slain. I heard my family's wrong.
00:12:20The other over generations, had been looted. On the distant ridgelines, the warning beacons were lit.
00:12:25One after another. Until he came. Down from the clouds, through the smoke and ash, on the back of a
00:12:32dragon.
00:12:33Lord Roderick followed. The dragon lord, master of the scarring dragon,
00:12:37the keeper of the iron flame throne, ruler of the scarlet sun kingdom, lord of flame keep and the dragon's
00:12:41pine sea.
00:12:42He buried the truth of Edrin's treason. In return, I was wed to him. The keeper of the iron flame
00:12:47throne
00:12:48held too much power for anyone to question him. The official story was that Torrin and Mira Castwood
00:12:52had died of a sudden sickness. It was a lie that preserved what little honor their name had left.
00:12:57Then someone in the crowd spotted me. His face lit up. He slapped Edrin on the arm and pointed straight
00:13:03in my direction.
00:13:06Laya? What are you doing here? Damn, Aedlin. You're barely back from the grave and she's already tracked you down.
00:13:11Someone's desperate. Have you no shame? This feast is Lady Harwin's. Were you even summoned?
00:13:15Do not disgrace me before the guards drag you out. The dragon lord is insanely protective of his wife.
00:13:20Lady Harwin 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, Leah, 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 Catelyn. Worry about yourself. White flame coal is not as you remember
00:13:40it.
00:13:41Back then, Torrin sent him to the war hoping he'd earn some glory. I remember my belly was so swollen
00:13:46it was hard to walk, but I stood with him at the gates, terrified, begging him to stay safe.
00:13:51The only news we received was that he'd faked his death and fled the battlefield.
00:13:54I was eight months pregnant, hauling arrows and tending to the wounded in the rear camp.
00:13:59But the enemy broke and the audio 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. He looked proud of himself.
00:14:26Why, Laia? Is that you? You poor thing. Having to look after White Flame Ward all these years.
00:14:34Aedlin, that is cruel. You have spent so long tending to us that poor Laia has been left to grieve
00:14:39alone.
00:14:39It was Leora Fane. She hid behind the lie that died of heartbreak and gone away with Edrin,
00:14:44to live as man and wife in some other place. And Edrin, who knew the whole thing was a lie,
00:14:49I remember. He 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. A widow with a child.
00:15:05I couldn't just abandon them, so I decided to marry her. Make her my wife. Her son will inherit the
00:15:08title 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 Castlewood. 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, Aideon of House Casswood, 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 that happens.
00:15:42Of course! No wonder you came back now, Adrian. 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 was, he has no idea that dragon hatched seven years ago.
00:15:56It hatched on the night White Flame Keep was slaughtered.
00:15:58It hatched while the sarn riders were swimming over me. After my blood soaked into the dirt,
00:16:03my blood fell upon the ancient shell, already split with cracks. Then it broke. A little dragon,
00:16:08blew as winter ice.
00:16:10And you, the nerve you have, saying things like that. If I remember correctly, you were eight
00:16:16months pregnant. What man of rank would take a woman swollen with another man's bastard,
00:16:19or'd you have to go crawling to some low-born merchant? Right. You are common trash after all.
00:16:24The men are everything else again. Mother, 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 Adrian, 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! Mom said you and everything this woman has, belongs to me. Give it back!
00:17:03It's my birthday present! It's not yours! It all happened so fast. I didn't have time to think.
00:17:09I just shoved the boy back and scooped Alia into my arms. The boy fell on his back and let
00:17:14out a
00:17:14piercing, theatrical shriek. You dare lay a hand on a child? Leora was right. You're a
00:17:24bitch who belongs in the slums, or a brothel! I'd known Edrin since we were children. When other
00:17:31kids would corner me and bully me, he was the one who fought for me. He'd get his face bruised
00:17:35and
00:17:36bloodied, but he would always stand stubbornly in front of me. Back then, I thought he would protect
00:17:40me forever, and that I would love and cherish him forever. But now, in front of this whole crowd,
00:17:46for another woman, he had just humiliated me without a second thought for my dignity.
00:17:50He reeled from the slap, his rage about to explode. But when he saw my red-rimmed eyes,
00:17:55he faltered for a second. For the briefest instant, he looked almost ashamed. Leora seized the moment.
00:18:01She clutched her son to her chest, and let out a choked saw. It seems Leora doesn't want
00:18:05her to come back. I always knew Leora preferred her. But now that I'm a widow,
00:18:11I suppose I shouldn't be surprised I'm not welcome. Maybe we should just leave.
00:18:16I left you in charge, to see to my parents and the running of the keep. How dare you
00:18:21waste the keep's money on useless things like this! His eyes fell on the dragon scale
00:18:25hanging around Alia's neck. Wait! Where did you get that dragon scale? That's, that's a scale?
00:18:31from my family's ice dragon. That scale is mine by blood. Mine! You have the nerve to scavenge it
00:18:37and wear it? That belongs to me! You've been squatting in White Flame Keep all these years.
00:18:42You probably never even got to touch the egg, did you? Now the dragon has hatched,
00:18:47and that scale is mine! You're a commoner's daughter. By what right do you touch it?
00:18:53I couldn't even be bothered to answer him. I turned to a handmaiden who had just rushed over.
00:18:58Get the healer. Being 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.
00:19:16Are you just lonely, is that it? Blaming me because you've had no one? Ask pardon as you ought,
00:19:21I may yet come to your bed. I have told you I am remarried. You need to start worrying about
00:19:28yourself.
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.
00:19:41I 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. I remember the night before Mira
00:19:52walked into the throne room and took her own life. I never should have gone to your father's house with
00:19:56Torrid. I never should have promised you, on that monster's behalf, that he would be good to you.
00:20:03We 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,
00:20:11she treated me like her own daughter. But in one single night, the weight of it all had broken her.
00:20:17Liar. White Flame Keep has failed you. If that animal ever comes back, I give you my blessing to
00:20:24kill him 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
00:20:35stranger took Mira. I hosted this feast to tell the spirit of the old woman who loved me like a
00:20:39daughter
00:20:39that I was okay. That I had finally moved on. I took a breath, composed myself, and walked back to
00:20:47the great hall. Edrin and Leora were sitting together, acting for all the world like a happy couple.
00:20:52I walked right past their table without even glancing. But as I passed, 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? Liar, how could you?
00:21:16I know you're upset with Adrian, but you can't act like this at Lady Harwin's feast.
00:21:22Are 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
00:21:49village. But that huntsman, Vance, had a crippled leg and a scar that split his face in two. One punch,
00:21:56they said, could drop a full-grown tiger. They 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. Three years later, word came that father was
00:22:10dead. Grandma and the village elders collected 20 silver coins from Vance. They sold Mama off.
00:22:16The news arrived on the day Mama was washing clothes by the river. Deep winter, the water was thick with
00:22:23floating ice, cold enough to cut bone. Grandma wouldn't allow her to use hot water. She said
00:22:29firewood 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. Mama waved me off.
00:22:55The river's cold, little one. Go play over there where the sun hits. It's warmer.
00:23:00In the dead of winter, midday sun was the only warmth we ever had. When the laundry was done and
00:23:07we
00:23:07walked home, Grandma and the village elders were already waiting. They'd been in such a rush. But
00:23:13not enough to walk down to the river and find us. You take this long, wandering off who knows where,
00:23:19worthless brat. Roy's barely gone and already your heart's drifting.
00:23:29The soldiers sent word. Roy's dead. You killed him. Every bit of bad luck he had started when he
00:23:35married you. He's gone now, so hurry up and remarry. Don't stay here dragging our family down.
00:23:40The bundle was small. Two of Mama's worn out dresses. Grandma didn't look like she was grieving
00:23:45her own son. She looked the same as always, like someone had told her the village dog had died.
00:23:51Mama said nothing. She just held my hand tighter. Grandma, can I bring my daughter with me?
00:23:59Mama wasn't crying much. She was only worried about me. See if the huntsman's willing to pay for her.
00:24:07A girl this size. Sell her to a broker and you'd get ten silver easy. Mama's grip went tighter around
00:24:14my hand. We both knew. The moment she left, Grandma would sell me. She wouldn't keep me a single day
00:24:20longer than she had to. Mama shouldered her bundle and held my hand. Grandma and the village elders
00:24:27herded us to Vance's house. He was inside, sharpening a blade. The scraping sound never
00:24:32stopped. His bad leg jutted stiffly to one side. It couldn't bend. A scar ran from below his left eye
00:24:39all the way to the right corner of his mouth, like something had tried to split his face in half.
00:24:44I stepped behind Mama. Vance looked us over.
00:24:49You people forced this woman on me. Twenty silver is already too much. Don't push it further.
00:24:55He clearly hadn't wanted to take Mama, let alone me. Dead weight she'd dragged along.
00:25:00My Roy saved your life once. Now he's dead and we're delivering this woman straight to your door.
00:25:05You should be on your knees thanking us. She wants to bring the girl along as your daughter.
00:25:09You get a wife and a child all at once. I'm not asking for much. Another ten silver and we're
00:25:15done.
00:25:15Most families earned two or three silver in a year. Ten 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, but when he opened his eyes and looked at you,
00:25:31really looked. It could stop your heart cold. Grandma shoved Mama hard. Mama's thin frame nearly
00:25:37went down. Mr. Heart, my daughter eats very little. She can work. Please, could you give us somewhere to go?
00:25:46Vance finally looked at me, a long, unreadable frown. Mama tugged at my hand. I dropped to my knees
00:25:52beside her with a thump. Call him something. I stared up at Vance, at the scar. My lips shook.
00:26:01Papa. Vance went still. The scar looked even more ferocious when his face froze like that.
00:26:07Grandma's foot connected with my back. Your real father's barely cold and you're
00:26:12already calling some stranger Papa. Worthless brat. Just like your harlot mother,
00:26:18heart already belongs to someone else. She kept kicking. Let her finish and she'd stop.
00:26:24Mama tried to crawl to me. One of the village elders kicked her back.
00:26:27It was always like this in Roy's household. Mama couldn't save me. She couldn't save herself.
00:26:34Enough!
00:26:35Vance stood. He went inside. He 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. Mama hadn't caught what he said. I had. Grandma grabbed the silver and turned to
00:26:52leave. Vance blocked her. He demanded a written contract. Grandma refused. Vance snatched the
00:26:59silver right fax. No contract. No silver.
00:27:02In the end, with the village elders and the village head as witnesses, the contract was signed. Both
00:27:09Mama and I became part of Vance's household. Mama put down her bundle and started working immediately.
00:27:15If she stayed busy enough, maybe Vance would let me eat more. Maybe he wouldn't hit me.
00:27:21Vance's house was plain. Three main rooms. A hall in the center. A bedroom on each side.
00:27:27Only one bedroom had a bed. The other was empty. Mama led me to the woodshed. The firewood was stacked
00:27:34clean. The floor was tidy. Mama shifted some wood and found a board. She built me a rough bed out
00:27:40of it.
00:27:42Don't be afraid, little one.
00:27:48Mama, I'm not afraid. At Roy's house, it had always been the same. When father was home,
00:27:55he'd say I was in the way, always getting between him and Mama when they were trying for a son.
00:28:00He'd chase me to the woodshed. Roy's woodshed was filthier than this. Rats, snakes, frozen solid in
00:28:07winter. A furnace in summer. I'd survived all of it. Mama held me against her chest.
00:28:13Maybe, once I give him a son, things will ease up. I said nothing. I'd long suspected father's
00:28:20cruelty toward Mama had nothing to do with sons. Mama, why did father want you to remarry Vance?
00:28:27Before he left, father had kept Mama on a tight leash. Wouldn't let her leave the village. Wouldn't
00:28:33let her look up when she passed a man. Grandma would curse her for it too. Said she was out
00:28:39there tempting people. Mama's bitter laugh stayed locked in her throat. Because Vance was the only
00:28:47one who could pay that much. She didn't finish. She didn't need to. Father had sent Mama here to die.
00:28:57Father had been planning to sell Mama even before he left. He knew he wasn't coming back. He made
00:29:03sure Mama would have nowhere left to go. I'd worked this out some time ago. Not because I was clever.
00:29:09They'd been obvious about it. The whole village talked. Not long after we arrived, Vance came
00:29:15back carrying armfuls of thick wooden boards. He disappeared into the empty west bedroom. Steady
00:29:21hammering rang out, one blow after another. Mama stood outside the door. She wanted to ask where the
00:29:27food stores were so she could start dinner. But she didn't dare. After a while, Vance came back out.
00:29:33He saw us both still standing there. He frowned. Something you need?
00:29:38His voice was rough. I flinched and nearly stepped back. But we were alone here, Mama and me. If I
00:29:45stepped back, she'd be standing by herself. I held my ground. I took Mama's hand and stood beside her.
00:29:51Vance noticed. Something shifted in his brow. Mama asked carefully. I-I want to ask. It's nearly
00:29:59dinner time. If you get the grain out, I can cook. You've worked hard all day. You should eat.
00:30:04Vance frowned harder. He looked us up and down like we'd said something strange. Then he pointed
00:30:09at the kitchen. In there.
00:30:14The key.
00:30:17Vance's frown deepened. He walked over and kicked the kitchen door open. He looked back at us. I had
00:30:23the feeling he was asking with his eyes whether we were simple. No lock. No key. Roy's kitchen was
00:30:30always locked. The grain. The oil. The salt. The eggs. Everything in locked cabinets. Grandma would
00:30:37measure out exactly what was needed for each meal. Set it on the counter. Then stand there watching
00:30:42Mama cook. Drop a single grain of rice. Get a lecture that lasted half a day. She called us
00:30:47starving ghosts. Said we never worked. Only ate. She was afraid we'd steal food. Mama and I stepped
00:30:54into the kitchen. Grain. Oil. Salt. All of it just sitting out in the open. Mama stood there for a
00:31:01long
00:31:01moment. She glanced toward Vance. He'd already gone back out. She was almost afraid to touch
00:31:07anything. She was afraid she'd cook it wrong and he'd come back angry. Beat her. Like Grandma. She was
00:31:13afraid of being accused of stealing. Eventually, Mama cooked. The food sat on the table. The two of
00:31:21us stood in the courtyard. Neither of us moved toward it. Vance came back carrying two large
00:31:26wicker baskets. He saw the food on the table. He saw us standing there. His frown deepened. He washed
00:31:32his hands. Sat down. Saw us still standing. He told us gruffly to sit. He scooped himself less than
00:31:38half a bowl of rice. Not enough food. Cook more tomorrow. He ate fast. Loud and efficient. Finished
00:31:48in minutes. But barely ate half of what was there. Done. He sat sharpening his wood cutting knife.
00:31:54Watching us eat. Mama hesitantly filled my bowl. We ate. Both keeping our eyes on him. I noticed it
00:32:00quickly. When I ate fast, he looked away. When I slowed down and tried to set my chopsticks down,
00:32:05he frowned. He was telling me to keep eating. Mama and I finished every last bite. Then we sat
00:32:11waiting to be scolded. Or hit. Vance put the knife down. Wash up and get some sleep. You've worked
00:32:18enough today. Mama hurried to heat the water. She waited for Vance to finish washing. Then,
00:32:25after a moment, washed her own face and hands and feet. It's the first day. If I'm clean,
00:32:33he'll find less to resent. She muttered it while she scrubbed, eyes dim. I used her leftover warm
00:32:39water. The heat spread up through my hands and feet all at once. So this was what it felt like
00:32:44to wash
00:32:45with hot water. No wonder Grandma and Uncle Dale always demanded extra buckets in winter. I went to
00:32:51the woodshed for the night. Mama stopped me at the door. Cover your ears. No matter what you hear
00:32:57tonight, don't come out. Pretend you heard nothing, you understand? I nodded hard. I knew. Once,
00:33:05when Father was hurting Mama, I'd run in crying and begged him to stop. He'd kicked me so hard I
00:33:11ached
00:33:11for half a year. This time I wouldn't make a sound. We both had to survive, stay alive, and there
00:33:17was
00:33:17still hope, even if I didn't yet know what that hope looked like. Then the woodshed door was kicked
00:33:24open. Vance stood in the doorway holding a lantern, staring at me where I lay in the straw. I shrank
00:33:31back. Cold sweat poured down my neck. Once, Father had come home half drunk in the middle of the night
00:33:37and walked into the woodshed. He beat me nearly to death. He said I was a burden. My fault he
00:33:43had no son.
00:33:43My fault he lost money gambling. That night, Mama grabbed the woodcutting knife and told him she'd
00:33:49take his life. That was the only thing that saved me. Vance was stronger. Could he put me down in
00:33:55three kicks? But he wasn't drunk. He wasn't angry. He reached down and grabbed me under the arms like he
00:34:01was picking up a stray chick. He carried me into the west bedroom. Mama was already standing there
00:34:06quietly. The empty room wasn't empty anymore. A wide wooden bed stood against the wall. Worn,
00:34:13but tidy. Vance set me down. He turned and walked back to his own east bedroom. The door closed.
00:34:19Within minutes, his snoring came through the wall. Mama and I stared at each other.
00:34:26That night we slept restlessly. But we slept warm. I burrowed into the quilt and said quietly,
00:34:31Mama, it's so warm. I had never been this warm in winter. Not once. And I'd eaten dinner. My stomach
00:34:39was full. This, I thought, was what being alive was actually supposed to feel like. Mama stroked my
00:34:44hair. Little one, you called him Papa today. Do it again tomorrow. Keep calling him that.
00:34:52Okay.
00:34:53Vance was already a better father than Roy had ever been. The meals got bigger after that,
00:34:58and slowly, Mama didn't dare increase the amount all at once. She added a little each day until she
00:35:04finally understood his appetite. He ate a great deal. Roughly as much as Mama and I put together.
00:35:10But he never once stopped us from eating. If we ate too little, he'd frown. He hunted. Large catches,
00:35:16he sold. Sometimes he'd bring back a rabbit or a wild chicken, and he'd have Mama stew it. He ate
00:35:22half.
00:35:23The rest went to us. I had eaten meat three times in my life before that. This was the fourth.
00:35:29It was so
00:35:29good. No wonder Grandma and Uncle Dale had always been so desperate for it. Mama saved the extra
00:35:35pieces for me. I ate without thinking, too happy to pace myself. That night, I woke in the dark with
00:35:41my stomach seizing up in cramps. I rolled across the bed in pain. Mama rubbed my belly. It didn't
00:35:48help. She ran outside and scraped ash from the bottom of the cooking pot, stirred it into water,
00:35:54and brought it to me. I took one sip and vomited everything up.
00:35:59Vance burst through the door. One look at me. He wrapped me in the quilt, hoisted me onto his
00:36:04shoulder, and ran. Mama stumbled after him. She didn't say a word. He ran all the way to the
00:36:09village doctor's house at the edge of the road and kicked the door in. The whole household lurched
00:36:13awake. They started to complain. Then they saw his face and went quiet. The doctor checked my pulse,
00:36:19then asked what I'd been eating. What did she eat?
00:36:21Ova-aid. Indigestion. Nell's been underfed all her life. Eat this much meat at once and her stomach
00:36:27can't manage it. She'll be fine. I'll give her something to bring it up. Keep her warm,
00:36:32light food for a few days. She'll recover. She gave me something. I vomited, loudly,
00:36:37and at length. The smell filled the whole room. The doctor's husband muttered from the corner.
00:36:42Never had good food her whole life. Body can't handle it when she finally does.
00:36:46Vance looked at him. One hard stare. He retreated to the back room. I was humiliated,
00:36:52getting sick from eating too much meat. Just like Grandma had always said, I was a bottomless pit
00:36:57with no sense. Vance carried me home over his shoulder. On 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. He made a low sound.
00:37:20Eat more often enough, and this stops happening.
00:37:24I was wrapped too tight in the quilt and didn't quite catch it. The next few days,
00:37:28I could only drink porridge.
00:37:30Vance brought back millet. He brought back brown sugar. Millet and brown sugar were things only new
00:37:36mothers got after childbirth. A bowl or two, a little sweetness stirred in. I was getting a full bowl
00:37:43at every single meal. I 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. When it did,
00:37:54something in his own expression finally loosened.
00:37:58He fixed the village doctor's front gate as payment for the house call. Then he pulled the doctor back
00:38:04to check my pulse again. Only 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. Might be gone several days.
00:38:14He told Mama to bake a stack of flatbreads for the road. Mama kneaded the dough with lard and mixed
00:38:20in
00:38:20brown sugar. The flatbreads came out golden and fragrant. She pressed into his hands the thick
00:38:26insoles and padded cap she'd sewn over the past few days. Vance took the flatbreads. He looked at the
00:38:31insoles and the cap. He looked up at Mama. Something in his eyes went soft.
00:38:35New year's coming. When I sell what I catch we'll go buy supplies. Think about what you want.
00:38:42Mama held my hand as we stood at the door to see him off. His figure moved away from us,
00:38:47uneven but steady. I couldn't help shouting after him.
00:38:51Papa! Come home soon!
00:38:54Vance stopped. He didn't look back. He lifted a hand in our direction.
00:38:58Go inside. It's cold.
00:39:03Mom! Over there!
00:39:09Impressive. My little fighter.
00:39:15A storm is coming. Leo, let's hurry inside.
00:39:23Show yourself.
00:39:26...
00:39:27...
00:39:42...
00:39:44...
00:40:45Winston, pass the word. Calon has earned his kleos. He shall be among the Olympians as supreme commander. Grant him
00:40:50a heavenly army, a suit of golden armor, and a vaulted palace. Tomorrow, when he returns in triumph, you shall
00:40:55light the sacred fires and host the victory feast in his honor.
00:40:57It shall be done.
00:41:00Aurelian wings!
00:41:03The Aurorian wings. It drank the blood of the great titans. Today, 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 wife. Now that he has been promoted, there's no need to hide. At the victory feast,
00:41:31I will unveil my true identity 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. That must be his wife in the chariot.
00:42:10Who is she? Where is Lady Leonis?
00:42:18Look 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. Today, I can finally kick that useless woman out of my house.
00:42:38The 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?
00:43:01Who is this?
00:43:02This is the daughter of the wealthiest merchant in Greece.
00:43:05Callan owes his success today to Leah.
00:43:07So, the noble benefactor, is it?
00:43:10Then please, sit.
00:43:11I happen to have prepared some wine.
00:43:13I'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!
00:43:38Calalon, 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.
00:43:55Why are you serving my son with this filth?
00:43:57Enough. I am only here to tell you this.
00:44:01Tomorrow, 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!
00:44:30Why didn't you do that?
00:44:31Don't tell me you actually care for her.
00:44:36Listen to me.
00:44:37Your 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.
00:45:02Now 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.
00:45:17Yes! To the temple!
00:45:42You shall not touch him!
00:45:45You 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 Leonos!
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, Captain.
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!
00:46:56Calon.
00:46:59Cairn, you said you had an announcement to make?
00:47:01I do.
00:47:02Very important words.
00:47:03Just 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.
00:47:17She 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.
00:47:47Calon, not in front of a crowd.
00:47:49Now, allow me to introduce my one and only, the future wife of the Supreme Commander.
00:47:59Lady Rhea.
00:48:08Mom, did father make a mistake?
00:48:11Calon'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.
00:48:48Carolyn, 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?
00:49:18Raising 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.
00:49:31What 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 of all...
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?
00:50:07How 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?
00:50:58Leo, are you hurt?
00:51:04You'd butch 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 Lianus name.
00:51:18So be it.
00:51:20You did this to yourself.
00:51:22We are done.
00:51:28I will take everything back!
00:51:31Glaxa!
00:51:48Urgent call from the goddess of war!
00:51:50Gather the legion!
00:51:52We 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.
00:52:16Harold 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.
00:52:39I 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?
00:53:03What?
00:53:10Jalavi!
00:53:11Jalavi!
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
00:53:38you!
00:54:06This stupid animal may be a curve, but its flesh carries resistance to the froth.
00:54:11Solve it and consume its flesh.
00:54:13You will all inherit the resistance.
00:54:17Shh!
00:54:21Frugan!
00:54:22No!
00:54:22You 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 gray-maned bear of rather modest lingonagy has been left unchosen.
00:54:47And in that case, Bruggan, it seems you'll be bound to our lowest-ranking student, Emma.
00:54:53Who bound?
00:54:54Did I survive?
00:54:56Wait!
00:54:57Am I back to the day when I was bound with Bruggan?
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
00:55:14jealous.
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 has 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.
00:55:56I 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.
00:56:36No, it's really-
00:56:37Ouch!
00:56:42Ouch!
00:56:43This, this 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.
00:56:54She refused it, then bound the dragon the moment she could.
00:56:57Shameless.
00:56:58That's an Aenarian 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.
00:57:26We shall know!
00:57:28No!
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.
00:57:47Yes.
00:57:49Bruggen, I'm not worried about surviving the frost without you.
00:57:53But 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.
00:58:27But 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, her 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, your 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.
00:59:48Brugish, could you pass me my wand?
00:59:55Aqua.
01:00:01That's on me.
01:00:02I should have taught you about wand 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.
01:00:19Voluntas Ligot.
01:00:27When a wand is reversed, the magic turns back on the caster.
01:00:31And that means Brugan 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.
01:00:49If you've bound yourself to me, then 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 and accelerating their growth.
01:01:19The Academy has procured a fresh supply from the Old Doll Volcane.
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.
01:02:02Finding with Valrax is wasted on her.
01:02:04Let me remind you, fire salvamanders are not easily obtained.
01:02:10They are to be used with care and in accordance with Academy guidelines.
01:02:15Do 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, of course.
01:02:57I will just fine with him by my side,
01:03:00freezing to death on the first day of the frost.
01:03:09Get 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.
01:03:21I...
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.
01:03:44That place is covered in heavy fog all year round.
01:03:47The Shadow Woods.
01:03:48If I remember correctly, before the frost,
01:03:51someone found a salamander's nest there.
01:03:54If the timeline hasn't changed,
01:03:56no one's discovered it yet.
01:03:58This is going to take forever.
01:04:00If you want to crawl like this,
01:04:02hop 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.
01:04:24Shall we?
01:04:42I was adopted by a poor family.
01:04:45My little sister Tiffany was taken in by a wealthy family,
01:04:48the Sinclids.
01:04:50Yet in less than five years,
01:04:52she was thrown out of the Sinclair house.
01:04:54She miserably died on the street.
01:04:57As for me, I studied hard
01:04:59and made it into an Ivy League school.
01:05:03Sinclair was thrown out of the Sinclair house.
01:05:06She miserably died on the street.
01:05:08Sinc-Raeftetist Eiling earned the Sincre.
01:05:11In the end, I built my own business empire,
01:05:13married Tony with my adoptive parents' blessing,
01:05:16gave birth to kids,
01:05:17and lived a long, happy life.
01:05:21Somehow, I was reborn.
01:05:24The second the couple from the poor family walked in,
01:05:26she ran straight to Tony.
01:05:28Brother!
01:05:29Threw herself into his arms.
01:05:31Called him her brother.
01:05:32Then she grabbed our new parents' hands
01:05:33and looked back at me with that smug little smile
01:05:36I knew too well.
01:05:37Audrey,
01:05:38you can have the rich family.
01:05:39But just a heads up,
01:05:41the Sinclair's house is a prison.
01:05:43I'm not going back there.
01:05:44I looked at the young man
01:05:45who had once been my husband.
01:05:47and I hoped he would say something.
01:05:49Stay away from my sister.
01:05:51So in the end,
01:05:53with my sister grinning like she'd already won,
01:05:55I walked toward the Lincoln with a showgirl.
01:05:58That was the moment it hit me.
01:06:00One look at her face told me everything.
01:06:04She 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,
01:06:17the director of the orphanage told us
01:06:19we could choose our own family.
01:06:21Tiffany stepped in first,
01:06:23lifted her ditt to her chin,
01:06:24and 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,
01:06:32and day by day,
01:06:34the smile disappeared from her face.
01:06:37And now,
01:06:39I 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
01:06:51with those keen eyes,
01:06:52waiting 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
01:07:04and more like a royal palace.
01:07:06Mrs. Sinclair.
01:07:07She's here.
01:07:09An elegant woman sat on the sofa,
01:07:11sipping tea.
01:07:12She sized me up slowly
01:07:13and 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.
01:07:27Good.
01:07:28From now on,
01:07:29you're Audrey Sinclair.
01:07:33Brent,
01:07:34take her upstairs.
01:07:36Yes, ma'am.
01:07:39I followed the butler,
01:07:40step by step.
01:07:42Everything gleamed.
01:07:44Everything whispered money.
01:07:46But none of it shook me.
01:07:47In my past life,
01:07:49I had built this kind of life
01:07:50with my own hands.
01:07:51I knew what wealth looked like.
01:07:57Miss,
01:07:58this 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.
01:08:06I stepped inside
01:08:07and looked around.
01:08:09The room was perfect.
01:08:10And somewhere deep inside me,
01:08:12something stirred.
01:08:14Excitement.
01:08:15In my past life,
01:08:16I had no strong family background.
01:08:18Yet I still built this kind of life
01:08:20with my own hands.
01:08:21This time,
01:08:22with the Sinclair name,
01:08:23I could become so much more.
01:08:25I was lost in thought
01:08:26when I heard shouting outside.
01:08:28A basketball came out of nowhere
01:08:30and slammed into my head.
01:08:31A boy was there.
01:08:33Zero manners.
01:08:35I knew who he was right away.
01:08:38Jasper Sinclair.
01:08:39He was into street racing,
01:08:41skydiving,
01:08:42anything dangerous enough
01:08:43to get him killed.
01:08:44Never serious.
01:08:45Never still.
01:08:46In my past life,
01:08:47his legs were crushed
01:08:48in 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,
01:08:56picked up the ball,
01:08:57and did it over.
01:08:59Here you go, Jasper.
01:09:01He froze for half a second
01:09:02and said,
01:09:03What an ass curer.
01:09:05You think living here
01:09:07gets you a cut
01:09:07of the Sinclair money?
01:09:08And remember,
01:09:09never call me by my first name.
01:09:11We're not that close.
01:09:12He snatched the ball
01:09:14and walked off.
01:09:16For the next few days,
01:09:17I barely saw Mrs. Sinclair.
01:09:19The butler showed me
01:09:20around the mansion.
01:09:21When we were done,
01:09:22he handed me
01:09:23a printed schedule.
01:09:25This is your schedule
01:09:27from now on.
01:09:27Starting tomorrow,
01:09:28you'll get private lessons
01:09:29in business management.
01:09:31Mrs. Sinclair arranged everything.
01:09:32Just study hard.
01:09:34If you do well,
01:09:35trust me,
01:09:35it'll pay off.
01:09:38You can handle that, right?
01:09:40In my past life,
01:09:41I didn't get to learn
01:09:42any of this
01:09:42until I started
01:09:43my first company.
01:09:45This time,
01:09:46I was getting it at 15.
01:09:50Absolutely.
01:09:54This girl learns
01:09:55frighteningly fast.
01:09:56She's not only finished
01:09:57the high school curriculum,
01:09:59but she's also mastered
01:10:00obscure business theory.
01:10:03At this rate,
01:10:05she won't even need
01:10:05to finish high school.
01:10:07She could start applying
01:10:07to universities now.
01:10:11But that was never
01:10:12Mrs. Sinclair's plan.
01:10:14She wanted me to stay
01:10:15with Jasper
01:10:16through high school
01:10:17and then go to university
01:10:18with him.
01:10:18And she wanted me
01:10:20to rein him in.
01:10:21Come here.
01:10:22I walked over.
01:10:24She took my hand
01:10:26and pulled me down
01:10:26beside her on the sofa.
01:10:30Then she handed me
01:10:31an acceptance letter.
01:10:33West Field High.
01:10:35A 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
01:10:50right in the eye.
01:10:52Get through high school
01:10:53with him
01:10:53and I'll cover
01:10:54all your tuition
01:10:55and arrange
01:10:56the best change program
01:10:57for the two of you.
01:10:58Deal?
01:11:01And I didn't hesitate.
01:11:05Thank you, Mom.
01:11:08Good girl.
01:11:10No limit.
01:11:11One day off.
01:11:13Since arriving
01:11:14at the Sinclair house,
01:11:15it was the first day
01:11:16that actually felt
01:11:17like mine.
01:11:19I had barely taken
01:11:20a few steps
01:11:21when I saw a face
01:11:22I knew.
01:11:24Tiffany.
01:11:25She was standing
01:11:26on the curb
01:11:27in the brutal heat,
01:11:28handing out flyers.
01:11:30Of course,
01:11:30she had to take
01:11:31a part-time job.
01:11:33In my past life,
01:11:34that was me.
01:11:35Three jobs
01:11:36every summer.
01:11:37School on top of that.
01:11:39Housework after dark.
01:11:42Later,
01:11:42I found out
01:11:43why they took me
01:11:43in at all.
01:11:44Not because
01:11:45they wanted a daughter.
01:11:46Because they wanted
01:11:47free labor.
01:11:48Hey there.
01:11:49Want one?
01:11:54Audrey?
01:11:59So, you're living
01:12:00comfortably, huh?
01:12:01But don't say
01:12:02I didn't warn you.
01:12:03The Sinclair house
01:12:04isn't for girls like us.
01:12:05Mrs. Sinclair is far
01:12:06more 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,
01:12:15she said.
01:12:15Tony even helps me study.
01:12:17Oh, by the way,
01:12:18we got accepted
01:12:18into Westfield High
01:12:19early.
01:12:21Westfield High?
01:12:22I almost laughed.
01:12:26The school was full
01:12:27of Rickhead's legacy names
01:12:28and a handful
01:12:29of brilliant
01:12:29scholarship students.
01:12:31In my past life,
01:12:32Tony and I
01:12:33had been the
01:12:33scholarship kids.
01:12:34Tiffany looked at me
01:12:36like she was already
01:12:37watching my funeral.
01:12:39Our lives are only
01:12:41going to get better.
01:12:43You?
01:12:45You're going to end up
01:12:46dead in the street!
01:12:49Just as I was about
01:12:50to answer,
01:12:50a voice cut through
01:12:51the noise.
01:12:52Tiff!
01:12:53Tony!
01:12:54What are you doing here?
01:12:58Tony walked over
01:12:59with a lunch bag
01:13:00in one hand.
01:13:01Mom sent me.
01:13:02She wanted me to
01:13:02bring you lunch.
01:13:03It's blazing out here.
01:13:03Want me to cover for you
01:13:04for a while?
01:13:06It's okay.
01:13:06I'm fine.
01:13:08The Roberts would rather
01:13:08scrape together money
01:13:09for Tony's test prep
01:13:11than let Tiffany
01:13:11take a break.
01:13:12Same as the past life.
01:13:13Same pressure.
01:13:14Same grind.
01:13:15You're the best.
01:13:22This is my sister Audrey.
01:13:24You met her at the orphanage.
01:13:27Tony looked me over.
01:13:28His expression was cold,
01:13:30faintly disgusted.
01:13:32Don't hang around
01:13:32people like that.
01:13:33Come on.
01:13:33Let's go.
01:13:34He grabbed her hand
01:13:35and pulled her away
01:13:36before I could say a word.
01:13:39Their voices still carried
01:13:41even after they walked away.
01:13:45Tony,
01:13:45why 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
01:13:54in the back.
01:13:54The words hit,
01:13:55like pressing on a bruise
01:13:57that had already healed wrong.
01:13:58I stood there
01:13:59for only a second.
01:14:00Then I looked down
01:14:01at the card
01:14:02Mrs. Sinclair
01:14:02had given me.
01:14:03I went luxury shopping.
01:14:06When I walked out of the stores
01:14:07with both hands full,
01:14:09Tiffany was still outside.
01:14:10The jealous look on her face
01:14:12was almost funny.
01:14:13What a show-off.
01:14:14You're still gonna die
01:14:15on the street.
01:14:16Tony and I,
01:14:17we're gonna run companies
01:14:18one day.
01:14:19She was so naive.
01:14:21The truth was,
01:14:23none of the shopping
01:14:23was for me.
01:14:24Everything I bought
01:14:25was 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
01:14:37for just a while
01:14:38and you're already
01:14:39spending money
01:14:40that doesn't
01:14:41belong to you.
01:14:44Jasper.
01:14:46She's your sister.
01:14:48In what world?
01:14:49I don't have a sister
01:14:50and I never will.
01:14:51You think I'm bringing
01:14:52this bumplad
01:14:53around my friends?
01:14:53Oh, please!
01:14:55Jasper had never liked me
01:14:56and I wasn't dumb
01:14:57enough to push him.
01:14:58Mom, this is for you.
01:15:01Then I handed out gifts
01:15:03to the butler
01:15:03and the rest
01:15:04of the household staff.
01:15:06The butler
01:15:07and the rest
01:15:08of the staff
01:15:08were only Jasper'd.
01:15:10His face dropped
01:15:11on the spot.
01:15:12Oh, come on!
01:15:13You really think
01:15:14a few gifts
01:15:14are enough
01:15:15to buy people off?
01:15:16You think that makes you...
01:15:18Well, this one's for you.
01:15:20It was a custom
01:15:21race car model.
01:15:22I heard you're
01:15:23into racing.
01:15:24I saw it
01:15:25and thought of you.
01:15:33School started
01:15:34soon after that.
01:15:35I was already set
01:15:36to grab a cab
01:15:37on my own,
01:15:38but when I stepped
01:15:39outside,
01:15:39I saw a car
01:15:40waiting at the front.
01:15:42I smiled
01:15:42before I could help it.
01:15:45I ran over.
01:15:47Jasper!
01:15:49I told you
01:15:50not to call me
01:15:50by my first name!
01:15:53Well, get in.
01:15:54I don't have all day.
01:15:56Oh, right.
01:15:58I climbed in,
01:16:00slowly, on purpose.
01:16:03Then I handed him
01:16:04the breakfast
01:16:04the cook had packed.
01:16:07Mom said
01:16:07there was one
01:16:08for each of us.
01:16:09Who even eats
01:16:10breakfast these days?
01:16:12But he still took it.
01:16:16He was back
01:16:17with that
01:16:17we-don't-know-each-other face.
01:16:20Listen carefully.
01:16:21I don't care what Mom said,
01:16:22but at school,
01:16:24you do not tell people
01:16:25you're a Sinclair.
01:16:26You do not tell people
01:16:27we're related.
01:16:27If I hear any rumors,
01:16:29I'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
01:16:39after Jasper.
01:16:41And 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
01:16:50that made girls talk.
01:16:51A crowd had already
01:16:52formed around them.
01:16:54I caught snipses
01:16:55as I walked by.
01:16:56Did you hear about
01:16:57the 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
01:17:04were like that.
01:17:05My test scores landed me
01:17:07in the advanced academic class.
01:17:09I stepped into
01:17:10the classroom first.
01:17:11A few seconds later,
01:17:13Tony and Tiffany
01:17:13came in behind me.
01:17:17Well, what a coincidence.
01:17:19Who would have thought
01:17:20we'd end up
01:17:21in the same class, sis?
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