Must we be kept waiting before we see Her Majesty the Queen?
well, the Queen isn't ready yet.
Please wait just a little longer.
what should we do? That Prince seems so scary.
And his eyes!
we're very sorry.
we were delayed!
Is Queen Mashiro inside already?
well, actually...
Mashiro has disappeared?!
If they find out, we'll be in big trouble.
Zipang is a country that takes protocol very seriously.
They had a delegation come three days ago to check things out.
According to their tradition...
...anyone who causes embarrassment to a leader has to...
...slit their own stomach.
As if that's possible! If someone did do that, they'd die!
That's the point. They repent by taking their own life.
And so will we if this situation continues.
"we? "
Really.
So what should we do? we must do something.
How about a replacement?
If that's possible.
Don't be silly. How could we find someone as stuck-up as Queen Mashiro?
I mean, who could possibly be as angelic and pure as her?
what is it?
Mitsuketano DREAM
I found a dream
doki doki ga tomaranai
I can't stop this thrilling feeling
MY STAR DREAM
My star dream
Umaretano takaramono
A new treasure is born
mune ippai ni
It's filling my heart
kirameki hajimeru
And it's beginning to shine brightly
doushite konnani fuan ni naruno kana
What is it that's making me so anxious?
Kakae kirenai omoi
Unable to control these feelings
namida koboreru kedo
My tears flow out
kitto itsuka tadori tsukeruyo
I'm sure that I'll get there one day
tsumazuitatte akiramenai
Even if I stumble I won't give up
yuuki dashite mae ni susumou
With courage, let's keep moving forward
chiisana ippo fumidaseba horane
Take one small step and you will see
atarashii watashi
A brand new me
Masquerade?
Sorry, for all those times I teased you.
But I did that just to get your attention.
Nagi.
I, Nagi Dai Artai...
...would die for you!
In that case...
why don't you drop dead for me, Nagi?!
More!
Come on.
where am l?
Mikoto?
Thank goodness, you're finally awake.
Do you feel hurt anywhere?
N-No, not really.
Certainly sounds like you're okay.
Come out.
we apologize for the wait.
The Queen of windbloom, Mashiro Blan de windbloom, shall see you now.
Yeah, I'm definitely Mashiro. Make yourself comfortable.
Your Majesty, I sincerely thank you for welcoming us on such short notice.
Make yourself comfortable. Make yourself comfortable, I say.
I am Tokiha Takumi no Kami Tadayori. Pardon me.
Is something wrong? I heard that's the proper way to greet people here.
Make yourself comfortable.
It's an honor to meet you, Divine Prince Takumi.
I'm the Otome serving Queen Mashiro.
My name is Arika Yumemiya.
what?!
Oh, an Otome. I've heard about them.
Do you attend Garderobe Academy?
Yes, I'm a student there.
That's excellent.
One of the main reasons for our trip is to see that academy.
It's an honor to have the Queen and her Otome show us around.
Things are becoming very interesting.
Sorry to have you make the trip out here.
Never mind. It was a request from you, Aoi.
I'll come to help you any time.
Come on. You know very well...
...stuff like that should remain within the academy, Chie.
where is this place?
Sorry. I just arrived here from another country.
But I know we're in wind City.
wind City?! No way!
My country has no dirty places like this.
That's my castle. which means this place must be...
Don't make such a gloomy face.
The people here are all very kind.
Aren't you eating? It's really good.
I have no appetite.
You can have it.
How can you waste food like that?!
Huh? I recognize you from somewhere.
You're mistaken! I just arrived here from another country!
Another country? You too?
I'm visiting from Artai.
Oh, by the way, I haven't asked your name yet.
I'm... um... Akira. Akira Okuzaki. And you?
Me? I am Artai's...
Yeah, I'm Nina. Nina wang.
I must get going now.
Farewell.
So how do I get up there from here?
Impersonating Mashiro is impossible.
It's too late now.
And why did you have to introduce yourself as Arika?
Because even if it is an act...
...I would never want Nina wang to be Queen Mashiro's Otome.
Besides that wasn't a complete lie, was it?
Considering the fact you've already made a contract with Queen Mashiro.
How do you know that?!
I wonder.
I beg you don't let anyone know. I made a promise to Mashiro.
All right.
But in return...
Forget everything that happened on our way here.
Then for this day only I will serve as your Otome.
Thank you. You're a lifesaver.
This really is a messed up birthday.
You got that right.
You sure you're okay on your own?
Don't you worry.
From here on, this place is like my backyard.
But didn't you say you just arrived from a foreign country?
That was a lie.
I shall tell only you what my true identity is.
Come with me.
Look at that portrait!
Be surprised to know that I'm none other than...
what portrait?
But why? Today is my birthday.
Nina, it's your birthday?
That's right. That's why...
wait for me here.
Still haven't found him?
Unfortunately not.
How dare he sneak in with the first delegation.
His medication will run out soon.
He's too damn nice to everyone.
He could be mixed up with some strange people.
I also fear for his health. we must find him quickly.
Yes.
Here.
You're giving me this?
Happy Birthday.
You have the nerve to give me a single flower and call it a present?
Sorry. I spent the last of my money buying the flower.
You spent it on me?
You're crazy to be that nice to someone.
Sorry.
I just remembered something.
I was always scolded for being too nice a person.
But isn't it a happy thing?
Having someone to celebrate with.
I should get going.
wait.
well... if you're that adamant, then...
...I don't mind having you take me home.
Now is everyone clear?
The situation is as I explained. Let's make sure we greet him properly.
Yes, ma'am!
Thank you for coming here.
I am Headmistess Natsuki Kruger.
welcome.
Please allow us to take you on a tour of the academy.
Thanks, I'm much obliged.
Is something the matter?
Climbing these steps can be exhausting, so please come this way.
Thank you.
what are you doing here?
It's part of the job. I had to meet the Prince in person.
But I didn't expect to see you as Queen.
Be quiet.
I bet you're thinking this dress doesn't suit me.
No, it's quite becoming.
Actually that dress makes you look prettier.
Oh yeah, I heard from Nina.
Happy Birthday, Antsy.
Coming from you that doesn't make me happy one bit.
I almost forgot how wonderful it is to play...
...and not care about others watching you.
You're right.
I haven't had this much fun in a long time.
By the way, you said you came from another nation...
Darn it. That was the last one.
Is something wrong with you?
No, I'm fine.
So, what is the purpose of your trip here?
well, l...
I came here to find someone.
Although I already know that I won't find her here.
But I want to find out for myself what she saw in this city...
...and how she felt being here.
who is she?
The person who scolded me for being too nice.
My older sister.
She's my older sister.
It's the Prince.
He seems naive.
It should be easy to trick him.
Nao, with your skill he'd pick you as his Otome...
...without you resorting to tricks.
Give me a break.
Staying pure forever and protecting some country with my life is not my thing.
I'll find myself some young, rich guy and live a comfortable life.
That's my life plan.
Oh yeah, a rich guy like the heir of Cardair would be the perfect candidate.
what?!
No! Don't touch Kazu!
I'm kidding.
well, don't be careless or you might lose your privilege to become an Otome.
Zipang, huh?
That country doesn't have an Otome, does it?
what a handsome guy! what if I catch his fancy?
It would be great if we could get that nation on our side.
You're right.
The current situation calls for it.
But there's something about that prince.
what's wrong?
It's nothing.
That's not very ladylike, Miss Mashiro.
Give me a break.
Miss Aoi, haven't they found Mashiro yet?
The guards have been searching desperately, but nothing yet.
Thank you for your work, Akira.
Really, where has the Prince gone?
He's gotten us all worried.
And he's forced me to take on the burden of this role.
I can understand how the Prince feels, but...
He was always so close to his sister.
And as a result, I always...
what's with that laugh, lori?
Nothing. I will go and talk with the people outside.
Meanwhile, I suggest you relax in a nice hot bath.
what a pain.
So you are a girl, like I suspected.
who's there?
You can fool others, but you can't fool my eyes.
Let go of me.
No, I won't.
Not before you tell me why you're impersonating Prince Takumi.
Excuse me...
I've come to invite you to dinner.
Miss Shizuru?
we're giving chase.
That's an impostor, not the real Takumi.
Materialize!
They discovered me.
I have information. The prince was seen with some strange girl.
I'm not letting you get away.
Akira, I'll handle things here!
Thanks.
I think we should go back now.
Just a bit longer.
Isn't there somewhere else we can go for a little while?
Sorry, but I imagine everyone's looking for me.
Besides, I'm satisfied with how much of this nation and this city I got to see.
I see.
So, what do you think? It's a great country, right?
It certainly is, Nina.
well... actually, my real name is...
But my main thoughts are of the Queen.
She's celebrating her birthday and having her castle rebuilt...
...when there are more important things for her to do.
For example, think of that place where you woke up.
About the lives of the people there.
That's their own fault for not working!
They can't work. They can't find jobs.
They're not sure if they'll have bread tomorrow.
So some kids resort to stealing.
If they don't have any bread...
Then they can eat candy!
You're very fortunate, I can see.
You don't understand anything about me.
I know enough. well, in my case, I have to understand.
You do?
Found you!
Are you an Otome?
Don't group me with those things. I'm...
Prince!
what are you doing to the Prince?!
Nina!
Mashiro!
You're late!
Back off! Back off, I say!
who do you think he is?!
He's the eldest son of the Shogun of Zipang!
Tokiha Takumi no Kami Tadayori!
I deeply apologize.
You are the Divine Prince Takumi?
Takumi!
Are you okay? where's your medicine? Are you all out?
Hang in there.
Thank you, Akira.
You stupid fool. You had me so worried.
Akira.
I'm sorry.
You fool. You fool.
They're both boys, aren't they?
That's also a form of love.
The Prince has a congenital stomach disease.
what's going on?
what is going on?!
The Otomes are even greater than rumored.
I am honored to receive such a compliment.
However, I also have some concerns.
Concerns about?
Even though it is to guarantee safety...
...I'm uneasy with the idea of burdening girls...
...with the tremendous technology of the past and the fate of a nation.
However, it's because of the existence of the Otomes...
...that peace is maintained.
That is a fact.
But because of such great power, everyone wants an Otome.
And the Otomes who must answer to these demands will suffer.
That cannot be helped. But that is why we have a strict selection process.
And the Fire Stirring Ruby? How do you explain her circumstances?
She was torn between love and her dreams...
...and everyone thought she was strong. Yet...
Your Highness...
Hey, what is the Fire Stirring Ruby?
The reason I've come here isn't to find an Otome or to have an arranged marriage.
For the time being, Zipang will not intervene...
...in matters concerning the western nations.
I have come here to tell you that.
Does that mean other nations have sent envoys to you?
I shouldn't have to disclose which nations, but I will say there were many.
I see.
I'm sorry, Headmistress.
It's all right.
You're very fortunate.
Dancing gracefully in the sky
On pure and innocent wings
Burdening the blessed child
I've been told Queen Mashiro isn't feeling well.
So she won't be coming to see you off.
I see.
I feel terrible for the things I said to her.
Please tell her I had a good time and I hope she becomes a wonderful Queen.
Sure.
Uh, Prince, are you Mai's...
Goodbye!
See you again!
That's right.
I may come here again.
Yuuki ga negai kanaeru noyo
Courage makes your wishes come true
DO YOUR BEST
Do your best
Makenai youni susumi mashou
Keep moving forward, so you don't lose
Hajimattayo watashi dake wo matsu
It has started and it's waiting right now
Monogatari ga ima
A story just for me
Nigedasu yori
Instead of running from it
tachimukaeba iine
I'm going to face it
sorega Otome no yuuki
Because that's the courage of Otome
Ganbatteruyo munega
I am doing great
kyun to samishikunaru
Even when I feel lonely
tokimo egaode
I smile
NO, NO, NO wa nai
No, there is no "no"
kanarazu anatano sekaino nakani
In the world you're living in
Tanoshii mirai ga aru mamotte agetaino
The future will be fun and I'll protect you
daijyoubuyo
Everything's going to be fine
Kireina omoi houseki yorimo hikaru
Pure thoughts are brighter than jewels
Hokori wo motte susumi mashou
Just keep moving forward with pride
Makenai youni susumi mashou
Just keep moving forward so you don't lose
In the Crimson Sky...
Thank goodness we got to appear too.
I'm not satisfied! why must I serve you?!
what's wrong with that? The important thing is that I'm always yours.
You idiot!
Lovey-dovey, as always?
who are you to talk, Akane?