How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom (2021–2022): Season 2, Episode 5 - Seeing Snake Shadows in Every Cup - full transcript
Souma more or less finishes dealing with the aftermath of the war. However, he was set upon by an inexplicable anxiety, the distress and pressure only felt by those in authority. It was not something he could bear alone.
I heard
that the issue of the second queen
and consort has been sorted.
Despite being locked up here,
you seem to have your ear to the ground.
ORIGINAL STORY BY DOJYOMARU
The guards get pretty chatty, you know.
How did you feel about it, Liscia?
I'll tell you what I already
said to Aisha.
Souma will have more and more queens
and consorts moving forward.
When that happens, it could
lead to a weird power struggle.
As kindred spirits…
I wasn't asking how you thought about it.
But rather how it made you feel.
I didn't like how it made me feel.
Did you get to meet Duke Carmine
before it went down?
No, but I felt strangely relieved
to hear he had taken his own life.
It's not that I'm not sad.
I mean, I am truly heartbroken.
It is just that I had a
premonition that this is how
it would happen.
Liscia.
I just had a feeling that
the Duke would choose to perish alone
with the darkness and his stubbornness
would mean that Souma would be
forced to go along with it.
It was a decision made jointly by
two people I hold dear, so
although it is painful and sad,
unless I accept it,
I would not be respecting their decision.
Liscia,
have you made your peace with
it to that extent?
If so, there is
no reason for you to be here.
They are completely separate matters.
You are still alive.
There are still ways to help you.
"Your behavior is cowardly."
He said that during the battle for Van.
He is still fighting.
Both for you, Liscia, and his family.
His behavior on the battlefield
demonstrated to me
what a load he is carrying.
If you think so, then…
I can't let you intercede on my behalf.
Why, Carla?
Duke Carmine gave up his life
to reveal the darkness surrounding
this kingdom.
What's the point in
you martyring yourself?
That is not it, Liscia.
I just can't stand being a
burden that drags you all down.
After distinguishing yourself in
the recent battle, Duchess Excel Walter,
your appeal has been granted,
and the trial of Castor Vargas
and Carla Vargas has moved
from the jurisdiction of the
Royal Court of Elfrieden to
the provisional ruler Souma
for him to pass judgment.
The trial in which the King has authority
is now in session.
We will now hold the trial
of Castor and Carla.
Former air force General, Castor Vargas,
and his daughter, Carla,
failed to recognize
the true position of King Souma as ruler,
and rallied troops in rebellion,
acts falling under the definition
of treason.
Punishments deemed fitting for treason
are the seizing of personal property,
territory, or to face execution.
It is certainly true that their actions
were filled with folly.
However,
their intention was not
to topple the king.
Their loyalty to previous King Albert
and friendship with Georg Carmine
caused them to stray from
the correct path.
The throne was officially passed
down to me from former King Albert.
There is no excuse for any retainer
to hold such misgivings.
The sudden change in the throne
caused a state of confusion,
not only in Castor but throughout,
among many of the commoners.
I think your Majesty is
somewhat responsible for this.
Do you recognize that fact?
Fortunately, the Battle of
Red Dragon City did not lead
to any fatalities among the commoners.
Can we appeal to your mercy
to at least spare their lives?
Castor,
do you have anything
to say in your defense?
Just one thing.
I am solely to blame for this situation.
Carla was just following my orders.
Father!
I want the burden for the
whole crime to fall on my shoulders.
So…
please… spare Carla's life!
Father!
The fact is that Carla was
head of the air squadron at that time.
She cannot escape the consequences of
her rebellious actions.
Carla, what do you have
to say in your defense?
Nothing.
You have nothing at all to say?
Well, just this.
I apologize if our words
and actions have been unclear.
So, you don't plan to beg for forgiveness?
No, I do not.
Make your judgment.
Very well.
In that case,
I would like to ask the noblemen
how you would judge this case.
Of course,
you can take into account
what you just heard.
Your Highness!
Aren't you just assuming their guilt?
Who is this person?
Master Saracen.
Head of the Viltori Saracen house.
This is a place to decide
the severity of crimes committed.
Simply the fact that Carlos Varga
and his daughter agree to
abide by any punishment set
is not the same as them pleading guilty?
Nicely put!
Young Saracen hit the nail on the head.
Master Jabana.
Owen Jabana.
Prime Minister,
Carlos Vargas has been protecting
this Kingdom since before we were born,
in fact as much as a hundred years.
Are you expecting a lighter sentence
because of those achievements?
Not at all.
That's not what I am saying.
Duke Vargas has already fallen
from his perch,
losing status and property.
Going further and taking his
life might be considered a step too far?
You expect us to pardon a traitor?
Is that what you are saying?
I think not doing so would be wrong.
He has the ability to be of service to the
Kingdom for two or three more centuries.
This man who you may execute
is the perfect one to lead our air force
into battle.
Your Highness!
You said you were willing to make
use of any talents.
Are you willing to let this
special skill go to waste?
What I mean to say is…
Anybody else before I pass judgment?
The law is the law.
If you let this go, it sets
a bad precedent for the retainers.
People foolish enough to oppose you
will not be any use moving forward.
These traitorous actions besmirch
the name of the nobility.
Please make judgment, Your Majesty.
That's right.
Your Majesty. The law is the law.
However, applied so rigidly,
it will not bring you benefit,
and you may lose
the good will of the people.
The strictness of the interpretation
of the law is not the point.
I just wanted to know what sort of person
Duke Vargas was.
Off with their heads.
Machiavelli's book The Prince is
known as the work of the devil.
and has been constantly attacked by
the Christian church
during the several centuries since
its publishing.
A prime target has been Chapter 8,
entitled "Concerning those who have
attained principalities through malice."
Chapter 17.
It asks the question,
"Is it better to be loved or feared?"
In Chapter 8,
the reader is asked the question,
"How can one take a country
by nefarious means,
yet live in peace without
the fear of insurrection?"
The answer was that they were
expert in applying cruel means.
Then, again, in Chapter 17,
Machiavelli states that it is
better for a leader to
be loved than feared.
It also asserts that "when leading
an army, it is not necessary
to be concerned with one's reputation,
especially in terms of ruthlessness."
However, in Chapter 8, Machiavelli states,
"When cruelty is done well,
it is done at once
and never repeated after that."
He stops short, though,
of giving examples of specific acts
and the levels of permitted ruthlessness.
Saying "Kill all your enemies,"
is too simplistic.
Machiavelli does allude to
some targets of cruelty.
They are not enemies,
as would be expected,
but often one's own allies.
The philosopher states
it would be wise of a ruler
to purge himself of all informants,
and other perpetrators
of treacherous acts.
To such people, cruelty should be applied
quickly and finally,
even if it seems cruel to others.
Stand down.
They are working for me.
Working for you?
Carmine…
Put your sword away, Aisha.
But…
This is "Kagetora"
leader of the "Black Cats"
one of the special forces
under my direct command.
Make contact with the Forbidden Army
members outside,
and make sure they leave no stone unturned
to get the necessary evidence.
If anyone resists, then do away with them.
Your Majesty. If I may speak…
Can you explain what just happened?
Those 12 nobles were
in leagues with
the Principality of Amidonia
as well as other domains.
They were little more than
weather vanes being blown
according to the strongest wind.
That's right.
Even if my acts may be considered cruel,
I had no choice but to destroy
the weeds at the root.
That may be so,
but those 12 have served
the royal family for many years.
They may have given service to
the King, at least on the surface,
but unseen to the King,
they have been conspiring with others,
and undermining him in the shadows.
They were desperate to put
the blame on others
when suspicions began to arise.
This is what we were dealing with here.
I didn't want to be in a position later
if something happened
to the people most important to me,
like Liscia, Aisha, and Juna
and I would be forced to regret
not killing them when I had the chance.
Going back to Machiavelli,
he also alluded to
the following in The Prince.
"Fortune is a force
not completely in our control.
But at least half
of the direction it takes is
in the hands of the person concerned."
Even though, we cannot control
sudden changes in fate,
if we prepare in advance
for such sudden changes,
we can at least make the process easier.
I understand where you are coming from,
but what do we do about
Masters Saracen and Jabana?
I will explain in regard to this matter.
We have information that points to
the heads of the families being previously
in cahoots with the other 12.
That is true, except for one thing.
It ended with the current generation.
Piltori and Owen,
you have cut all ties with the traitors,
and so are vindicated in our eyes.
Piltori, while young, has great talent in
both the military and literature fields.
Owen has the twin qualities of honesty
and passion.
They will devote themselves to
the Kingdom and serve faithfully.
We swear our allegiance to Your Majesty.
Stand!
You don't need to be so formal.
But, the fact is
if we had been in leagues with
the other 12, my head wouldn't
have been on these shoulders around now.
In that case,
the plan I was considering was
to provoke you into anger,
If you had acted like the other 12
and pandered to his Majesty,
we wouldn't have had much need
for you moving forward.
That would certainly be true.
I'd rather not imagine.
You really thought this through.
The time has come, Your Majesty.
I am ready.
Castor Vargas.
You are found guilty of treason
due to your rebellion against
my ultimatum.
I, alone, am guilty.
I take full responsibility for it.
Please spare the life of Carla.
That's not up to you to decide.
I will judge you.
The verdict in this case is clear.
However, given the fact
that you have defended the
Kingdom for over a century,
certain concessions may be made.
So, I have decided to spare your life.
You will be handed over to Excel.
But, you are not allowed
to enter the former
Duchy of Vargas or contact
or make contact with your son Carl
or his mother,
Excel.
Your son-in-law committed this crime.
I would keep your eye on him.
Yes, I will follow your word
to the letter.
Carla.
You are guilty of the same crime.
However, you don't have
the achievements of your father
to mitigate your sentence.
Understood.
Take my life instead!
Carla only rebelled against you
under my instruction.
I beg you.
Give all my concessions to her.
Take him away.
Let me go!
I'm begging you.
Please, have mercy on my daughter.
Kill me instead.
Please.
Your crime is clear,
but execution would be unfair
given your involvement.
Your life will be spared.
But your status will be
no greater than a slave.
You will belong to the Royal Family.
That is to say, Liscia and I.
Understood.
I will give my orders later, but
there is one I must give now.
Anything.
If I stray from the correct path,
strike me down on the spot.
If I become a tyrant,
it will be your job to end my life.
That's a huge weight.
Why are you putting that on me?
Because Liscia and the others
may not be able to it.
If I no longer am able to exert my
authority in a just way,
I am frightened what that might lead to.
I am not sure Liscia and the others
will be able to put a stop to it.
Carla, before I cause
sorrow to myself
and the people important to me,
you have to be the one
to put an end to my life.
I agree to abide by your command.
The judgment has now been determined.
-Souma?
-Your Highness.
I'm fine.
I'm just a bit tired, I suppose.
But…
I said I am okay.
Can you just leave me alone
for a little while?
Liscia, just now, his Majesty reminded
me of a soldier returning from battle
after killing somebody for the first time.
When he killed those 12 noblemen
it was like he was a different person.
Aisha,
what would you do to help soldiers
in those circumstances?
Let me see.
I don't have any experience
in these matters, so I am not sure,
but they say that making them
forget it is the only way.
Make him forget?
Aisha, could you help me with this?
Acts of cruelty should be done
all at once.
A ruler should not mind having
a reputation for ruthlessness.
It is necessary to choose
fighting sometimes or perish.
And when the time comes,
it will be too late
if he has regrets about
what he should have done.
What Machiavelli said may
have been correct,
but I still have doubts about
whether my actions were right.
What do you think you are playing at?
Sorry, but
I said I wanted to be left alone.
We couldn't leave you alone in this state.
Excuse us.
What is this?
What are you up to?
Well, I mean…
We are trying to help you forget.
What?
In any case,
you are free to do with us as you wish.
This is my first time,
doing something like this
so please be gentle with me.
Do as I like. Be gentle.
What are you on about?
Well, Souma…
It is cold.
Can we join you under the covers?
You are so cold.
The thing is, Souma,
we are trying to understand
the weight of authority
you are feeling around your neck.
We know it wasn't easy for you
to come to that decision.
But then again, aren't we your family?
We don't want you to bear
everything on your own.
If not,
what is the purpose of
being First and Second Queen?
I haven't actually been appointed yet.
We will be here to support you
when things are hard,
in the same way you support
us when we need it.
You two.
What is it?
You are nice and warm.
To have Van returned,
he agreed to pay compensation?
Is he so dumb?
We don't have the money to pay it.
It is the old folk who will suffer.
They should have just left it to them.
Then Julius would have
gotten off scot-free.
You may be right. The Principality wasn't
exactly on its last legs.
If he had left the territories
as they were,
the Kingdom and empire wouldn't have
come so hard. If we had been patient,
we may have had just one more move.
However,
it might not have been sorted so simply.
We will never know.
What did you think of Souma when
you met him, Sebastien?
Well, he has the appearance of
an ordinary youth,
but he listens attentively and
carefully to what people say.
He seems to
really look after those closest to him.
So, the complete opposite of my father.
This may give us an opportunity.
He may be the perfect opponent
in that case.
But Princess, are you sure?
This is where things turn around.
I'm not letting my brother or Souma
run the show from now on.
We will get the last laugh.
Death or glory.
Subtitle translation by: Simon Way
that the issue of the second queen
and consort has been sorted.
Despite being locked up here,
you seem to have your ear to the ground.
ORIGINAL STORY BY DOJYOMARU
The guards get pretty chatty, you know.
How did you feel about it, Liscia?
I'll tell you what I already
said to Aisha.
Souma will have more and more queens
and consorts moving forward.
When that happens, it could
lead to a weird power struggle.
As kindred spirits…
I wasn't asking how you thought about it.
But rather how it made you feel.
I didn't like how it made me feel.
Did you get to meet Duke Carmine
before it went down?
No, but I felt strangely relieved
to hear he had taken his own life.
It's not that I'm not sad.
I mean, I am truly heartbroken.
It is just that I had a
premonition that this is how
it would happen.
Liscia.
I just had a feeling that
the Duke would choose to perish alone
with the darkness and his stubbornness
would mean that Souma would be
forced to go along with it.
It was a decision made jointly by
two people I hold dear, so
although it is painful and sad,
unless I accept it,
I would not be respecting their decision.
Liscia,
have you made your peace with
it to that extent?
If so, there is
no reason for you to be here.
They are completely separate matters.
You are still alive.
There are still ways to help you.
"Your behavior is cowardly."
He said that during the battle for Van.
He is still fighting.
Both for you, Liscia, and his family.
His behavior on the battlefield
demonstrated to me
what a load he is carrying.
If you think so, then…
I can't let you intercede on my behalf.
Why, Carla?
Duke Carmine gave up his life
to reveal the darkness surrounding
this kingdom.
What's the point in
you martyring yourself?
That is not it, Liscia.
I just can't stand being a
burden that drags you all down.
After distinguishing yourself in
the recent battle, Duchess Excel Walter,
your appeal has been granted,
and the trial of Castor Vargas
and Carla Vargas has moved
from the jurisdiction of the
Royal Court of Elfrieden to
the provisional ruler Souma
for him to pass judgment.
The trial in which the King has authority
is now in session.
We will now hold the trial
of Castor and Carla.
Former air force General, Castor Vargas,
and his daughter, Carla,
failed to recognize
the true position of King Souma as ruler,
and rallied troops in rebellion,
acts falling under the definition
of treason.
Punishments deemed fitting for treason
are the seizing of personal property,
territory, or to face execution.
It is certainly true that their actions
were filled with folly.
However,
their intention was not
to topple the king.
Their loyalty to previous King Albert
and friendship with Georg Carmine
caused them to stray from
the correct path.
The throne was officially passed
down to me from former King Albert.
There is no excuse for any retainer
to hold such misgivings.
The sudden change in the throne
caused a state of confusion,
not only in Castor but throughout,
among many of the commoners.
I think your Majesty is
somewhat responsible for this.
Do you recognize that fact?
Fortunately, the Battle of
Red Dragon City did not lead
to any fatalities among the commoners.
Can we appeal to your mercy
to at least spare their lives?
Castor,
do you have anything
to say in your defense?
Just one thing.
I am solely to blame for this situation.
Carla was just following my orders.
Father!
I want the burden for the
whole crime to fall on my shoulders.
So…
please… spare Carla's life!
Father!
The fact is that Carla was
head of the air squadron at that time.
She cannot escape the consequences of
her rebellious actions.
Carla, what do you have
to say in your defense?
Nothing.
You have nothing at all to say?
Well, just this.
I apologize if our words
and actions have been unclear.
So, you don't plan to beg for forgiveness?
No, I do not.
Make your judgment.
Very well.
In that case,
I would like to ask the noblemen
how you would judge this case.
Of course,
you can take into account
what you just heard.
Your Highness!
Aren't you just assuming their guilt?
Who is this person?
Master Saracen.
Head of the Viltori Saracen house.
This is a place to decide
the severity of crimes committed.
Simply the fact that Carlos Varga
and his daughter agree to
abide by any punishment set
is not the same as them pleading guilty?
Nicely put!
Young Saracen hit the nail on the head.
Master Jabana.
Owen Jabana.
Prime Minister,
Carlos Vargas has been protecting
this Kingdom since before we were born,
in fact as much as a hundred years.
Are you expecting a lighter sentence
because of those achievements?
Not at all.
That's not what I am saying.
Duke Vargas has already fallen
from his perch,
losing status and property.
Going further and taking his
life might be considered a step too far?
You expect us to pardon a traitor?
Is that what you are saying?
I think not doing so would be wrong.
He has the ability to be of service to the
Kingdom for two or three more centuries.
This man who you may execute
is the perfect one to lead our air force
into battle.
Your Highness!
You said you were willing to make
use of any talents.
Are you willing to let this
special skill go to waste?
What I mean to say is…
Anybody else before I pass judgment?
The law is the law.
If you let this go, it sets
a bad precedent for the retainers.
People foolish enough to oppose you
will not be any use moving forward.
These traitorous actions besmirch
the name of the nobility.
Please make judgment, Your Majesty.
That's right.
Your Majesty. The law is the law.
However, applied so rigidly,
it will not bring you benefit,
and you may lose
the good will of the people.
The strictness of the interpretation
of the law is not the point.
I just wanted to know what sort of person
Duke Vargas was.
Off with their heads.
Machiavelli's book The Prince is
known as the work of the devil.
and has been constantly attacked by
the Christian church
during the several centuries since
its publishing.
A prime target has been Chapter 8,
entitled "Concerning those who have
attained principalities through malice."
Chapter 17.
It asks the question,
"Is it better to be loved or feared?"
In Chapter 8,
the reader is asked the question,
"How can one take a country
by nefarious means,
yet live in peace without
the fear of insurrection?"
The answer was that they were
expert in applying cruel means.
Then, again, in Chapter 17,
Machiavelli states that it is
better for a leader to
be loved than feared.
It also asserts that "when leading
an army, it is not necessary
to be concerned with one's reputation,
especially in terms of ruthlessness."
However, in Chapter 8, Machiavelli states,
"When cruelty is done well,
it is done at once
and never repeated after that."
He stops short, though,
of giving examples of specific acts
and the levels of permitted ruthlessness.
Saying "Kill all your enemies,"
is too simplistic.
Machiavelli does allude to
some targets of cruelty.
They are not enemies,
as would be expected,
but often one's own allies.
The philosopher states
it would be wise of a ruler
to purge himself of all informants,
and other perpetrators
of treacherous acts.
To such people, cruelty should be applied
quickly and finally,
even if it seems cruel to others.
Stand down.
They are working for me.
Working for you?
Carmine…
Put your sword away, Aisha.
But…
This is "Kagetora"
leader of the "Black Cats"
one of the special forces
under my direct command.
Make contact with the Forbidden Army
members outside,
and make sure they leave no stone unturned
to get the necessary evidence.
If anyone resists, then do away with them.
Your Majesty. If I may speak…
Can you explain what just happened?
Those 12 nobles were
in leagues with
the Principality of Amidonia
as well as other domains.
They were little more than
weather vanes being blown
according to the strongest wind.
That's right.
Even if my acts may be considered cruel,
I had no choice but to destroy
the weeds at the root.
That may be so,
but those 12 have served
the royal family for many years.
They may have given service to
the King, at least on the surface,
but unseen to the King,
they have been conspiring with others,
and undermining him in the shadows.
They were desperate to put
the blame on others
when suspicions began to arise.
This is what we were dealing with here.
I didn't want to be in a position later
if something happened
to the people most important to me,
like Liscia, Aisha, and Juna
and I would be forced to regret
not killing them when I had the chance.
Going back to Machiavelli,
he also alluded to
the following in The Prince.
"Fortune is a force
not completely in our control.
But at least half
of the direction it takes is
in the hands of the person concerned."
Even though, we cannot control
sudden changes in fate,
if we prepare in advance
for such sudden changes,
we can at least make the process easier.
I understand where you are coming from,
but what do we do about
Masters Saracen and Jabana?
I will explain in regard to this matter.
We have information that points to
the heads of the families being previously
in cahoots with the other 12.
That is true, except for one thing.
It ended with the current generation.
Piltori and Owen,
you have cut all ties with the traitors,
and so are vindicated in our eyes.
Piltori, while young, has great talent in
both the military and literature fields.
Owen has the twin qualities of honesty
and passion.
They will devote themselves to
the Kingdom and serve faithfully.
We swear our allegiance to Your Majesty.
Stand!
You don't need to be so formal.
But, the fact is
if we had been in leagues with
the other 12, my head wouldn't
have been on these shoulders around now.
In that case,
the plan I was considering was
to provoke you into anger,
If you had acted like the other 12
and pandered to his Majesty,
we wouldn't have had much need
for you moving forward.
That would certainly be true.
I'd rather not imagine.
You really thought this through.
The time has come, Your Majesty.
I am ready.
Castor Vargas.
You are found guilty of treason
due to your rebellion against
my ultimatum.
I, alone, am guilty.
I take full responsibility for it.
Please spare the life of Carla.
That's not up to you to decide.
I will judge you.
The verdict in this case is clear.
However, given the fact
that you have defended the
Kingdom for over a century,
certain concessions may be made.
So, I have decided to spare your life.
You will be handed over to Excel.
But, you are not allowed
to enter the former
Duchy of Vargas or contact
or make contact with your son Carl
or his mother,
Excel.
Your son-in-law committed this crime.
I would keep your eye on him.
Yes, I will follow your word
to the letter.
Carla.
You are guilty of the same crime.
However, you don't have
the achievements of your father
to mitigate your sentence.
Understood.
Take my life instead!
Carla only rebelled against you
under my instruction.
I beg you.
Give all my concessions to her.
Take him away.
Let me go!
I'm begging you.
Please, have mercy on my daughter.
Kill me instead.
Please.
Your crime is clear,
but execution would be unfair
given your involvement.
Your life will be spared.
But your status will be
no greater than a slave.
You will belong to the Royal Family.
That is to say, Liscia and I.
Understood.
I will give my orders later, but
there is one I must give now.
Anything.
If I stray from the correct path,
strike me down on the spot.
If I become a tyrant,
it will be your job to end my life.
That's a huge weight.
Why are you putting that on me?
Because Liscia and the others
may not be able to it.
If I no longer am able to exert my
authority in a just way,
I am frightened what that might lead to.
I am not sure Liscia and the others
will be able to put a stop to it.
Carla, before I cause
sorrow to myself
and the people important to me,
you have to be the one
to put an end to my life.
I agree to abide by your command.
The judgment has now been determined.
-Souma?
-Your Highness.
I'm fine.
I'm just a bit tired, I suppose.
But…
I said I am okay.
Can you just leave me alone
for a little while?
Liscia, just now, his Majesty reminded
me of a soldier returning from battle
after killing somebody for the first time.
When he killed those 12 noblemen
it was like he was a different person.
Aisha,
what would you do to help soldiers
in those circumstances?
Let me see.
I don't have any experience
in these matters, so I am not sure,
but they say that making them
forget it is the only way.
Make him forget?
Aisha, could you help me with this?
Acts of cruelty should be done
all at once.
A ruler should not mind having
a reputation for ruthlessness.
It is necessary to choose
fighting sometimes or perish.
And when the time comes,
it will be too late
if he has regrets about
what he should have done.
What Machiavelli said may
have been correct,
but I still have doubts about
whether my actions were right.
What do you think you are playing at?
Sorry, but
I said I wanted to be left alone.
We couldn't leave you alone in this state.
Excuse us.
What is this?
What are you up to?
Well, I mean…
We are trying to help you forget.
What?
In any case,
you are free to do with us as you wish.
This is my first time,
doing something like this
so please be gentle with me.
Do as I like. Be gentle.
What are you on about?
Well, Souma…
It is cold.
Can we join you under the covers?
You are so cold.
The thing is, Souma,
we are trying to understand
the weight of authority
you are feeling around your neck.
We know it wasn't easy for you
to come to that decision.
But then again, aren't we your family?
We don't want you to bear
everything on your own.
If not,
what is the purpose of
being First and Second Queen?
I haven't actually been appointed yet.
We will be here to support you
when things are hard,
in the same way you support
us when we need it.
You two.
What is it?
You are nice and warm.
To have Van returned,
he agreed to pay compensation?
Is he so dumb?
We don't have the money to pay it.
It is the old folk who will suffer.
They should have just left it to them.
Then Julius would have
gotten off scot-free.
You may be right. The Principality wasn't
exactly on its last legs.
If he had left the territories
as they were,
the Kingdom and empire wouldn't have
come so hard. If we had been patient,
we may have had just one more move.
However,
it might not have been sorted so simply.
We will never know.
What did you think of Souma when
you met him, Sebastien?
Well, he has the appearance of
an ordinary youth,
but he listens attentively and
carefully to what people say.
He seems to
really look after those closest to him.
So, the complete opposite of my father.
This may give us an opportunity.
He may be the perfect opponent
in that case.
But Princess, are you sure?
This is where things turn around.
I'm not letting my brother or Souma
run the show from now on.
We will get the last laugh.
Death or glory.
Subtitle translation by: Simon Way