I want to shine on you, and always like that dazzling sun.
I will defend you from all the darkness.
This is the truth from my heart.
If only our hearts could connect, I could get you to believe me.
Even if you can't see it now, don't lose it.
Your kindness won't be in vain.
You'll be carried aloft by the wind to somewhere that isn't here.
You'll cross the sea and cross time, and I know you'll blossom one day.
Whatever the day, I'll be there for you.
I hope I can watch over you like the sun for all time.
This is the truth from my heart.
Moribito Guardian of the Spirit This is the truth from my heart.
Hello!
What's this?
Balsa isn't home?
It's not like I can just leave all this here and go, either...
She's out?
Looks that way.
Let's talk to the neighbors and get a description of the people who live there.
Right.
It's so tranquil around here...
Episode 17 The Water Mill Burns
That's...
The prince is walking about on his own, buying sweets?
Prince Chagum.
Shuga?
I'd like to see that children's-size karru too.
Here you are!
Your Highness... to find you in such a state...
There are too many people here. This way, please.
Thank goodness you are safe.
You have suffered hardship for a long time.
But those days of deprivation are now over.
Meeting you here is surely a sign from the heavens.
I will escort you back to the palace immediately.
But no, you see...I...
You needn't worry, Your Highness.
I have already determined what sort of being possesses you.
It is not something that taints you.
It is a benevolent spirit, one which blesses our lands with water.
I have informed the mikado of my findings, as well.
So I assure you, there is no longer anyone who wishes you harm...
That's quite a self-serving speech there.
Ah, you must be Balsa.
First you send assassins to kill him, and then the instant...
...circumstances change, you suddenly want to bring him home.
Don't you think you're being a bit too selfish?
You don't understand, Balsa. This man is...
True, you have my deepest gratitude for protecting the prince thus far.
However, he no longer requires your protection.
You will be exonerated of any crimes and will be given a suitable reward.
I can see you have the wrong idea about me.
I haven't been protecting this boy with the aim of making money.
It's because his mother asked me to keep him safe for the rest of his life.
The only one who can terminate our agreement is the second queen.
In that case, I shall terminate it in the second queen's stead.
That's not good enough.
After sharing life's joys and sorrows for so long, your attachment is no surprise.
But we can no longer afford to be swayed by such sentiments.
I must ask you to know your place and back down without an argument.
I'm sorry, but even if the second queen were to come for him...
...I couldn't do as you ask.
What?
I don't know how much you've learned about what's possessing the boy...
...but there are compelling reasons why I can't send him back to the palace.
What is it that you have uncovered?
Let's go, Chagum.
Your Highness! Prince Sagum has passed away.
What are you talking about?
His duties as crown prince were apparently too great a burden.
He passed away some days ago as if falling asleep.
You're lying.
No, Your Highness, this is no lie.
Spear-wielder, you see how things stand.
If His Highness does not return, the palace will be thrown into turmoil.
I cannot humor you and your so-called reasons at this time.
Leave us. A messenger will eventually be sent for you.
I can't do that.
If you insist on taking the prince, you'll have to kill me first.
Otherwise, I will send a military force after you.
We have already located your hideout.
Prince Chagum!
Everyone is eagerly awaiting your return!
I shall serve you to the best of my abilities, so please!
Chagum, I'll explain everything on the road.
Wait, Balsa! My brother is...
Come on!
Shuga!
Balsa and the others sure are taking forever...
I guess there's no choice.
Sometimes my own thoughtfulness amazes me!
He put down the goods and left?
Yeah.
So, how about you? Did you learn anything?
It seems that a woman and child have been living there.
Let's check out the hut.
They're going to Toumi village?
Hey, that's... That's the chief!
From the descriptions we've heard...
...there's a strong possibility that it's the spear-wielder and Prince Chagum.
What do you want to do?
What did they just say?
It looks like they're out, all right.
All right, I'll keep watch here.
You report back to the commander.
Get the word out to Taga and Sune on your way back.
Understood.
It can't be...
Chief...
Looks like I've blundered again!
What took you so long?
What's the matter? Did something happen?
We ran into someone from the palace.
So, what happened?
He wasn't a warrior, so we managed to give him the slip.
We can expect pursuit soon, though.
Let's head straight for Toumi village.
But what about the supplies?
It's only a three-day journey. We'll manage.
I guess we'll have to.
What's the matter, Chagum?
The man we ran into seemed to be a close acquaintance.
And we heard from him that Chagum's older brother...
...the first prince, just passed away...
But that means...
I know, but we have more important things to worry about right now.
We have no choice.
More important things? What could possibly be more important?
My brother is dead!
I said that I would explain later, didn't I?
For now, hold your tongue and go on ahead with Tanda.
What about you?
I left the map to Toumi village in the hut.
I'm sure we'll be able to manage without it, but I'll go get it just in case.
If we leave the city right now, I don't think anyone will see us.
Go on ahead and meet up with Torogai.
Listen, I think the water mill will be fine without you going back...
It's just to be on the safe side. Look after Chagum.
Moribito Guardian of the Spirit
Commander.
The errand runner's destination appears to be...
...the prince's and spear-wielder's lair.
Are you certain?
No one was home, so we did not see the prince with our own eyes...
...but judging from the neighbors' description, it is almost certainly him.
What sort of place was it?
A water mill surrounded on four sides by rice fields.
Zen is keeping watch, and I've sent Taga and Sune on ahead.
What do you think, Commander? Shall we launch a raid?
All right, let's join the others and confirm that it's the prince.
Jin. You track down Master Shuga.
Sir?
Explain the situation to him and have him wait here.
Surely it wouldn't be too late to inform him after we have confirmation...
Jin...
You have a tendency to get overly passionate where the prince is concerned.
Master Shuga is a very prudent man.
Join the rest of us after you've calmed down somewhat.
I've written down the location here.
Must dispatch pursuers...
Hiding here won't get me anywhere!
I've got to find a way to let Balsa know what's going on!
There's just one of them.
If I run out the door and break for the fields, maybe I can...
Son of a bitch!
I'm surrounded!
Jin...
What happened to you?
I found Prince Chagum...
You did?
Not long ago, I happened upon him right over there...
Where is the prince now?
He was led away by the bodyguard...
I don't believe this!
Damn, if only I had been the one who met him...
I'm sorry. The fault is mine...
It happened so suddenly that I found myself unable to do anything.
Where are the others?
Yun discovered a water mill that appears to be the prince's hideout.
Everyone has left for it.
If the spear-wielder returns there with the prince, everything will be resolved.
But if they remain at large, they...
Anyway, I will try to find them. You wait at the inn.
I'm sorry. She was headed eastwards.
I'm counting on you.
Now that it's come down to this...
I've got to make sure Balsa and the others escape!
Commander!
She hasn't returned?
No.
I've stationed Rai and Hyok on the farm roads just to be safe.
All we have to do is wait for the spear-wielder to return with the prince.
Someone is inside!
That's not possible.
Knowing Balsa, she'll figure out what this fire means.
It's on fire!
What happened? Did embers in the hearth start a fire?
Hot! Ow! Ow!
What's that?
That's the...
Were you the one who set this fire?
The people who live here, where did they go?
I don't know a thing! And even if I did, I wouldn't tell you people!
You set it to warn off the spear-wielder?
Damn.
Orders, sir?
The spear-wielder won't show herself. Not with all this commotion...
She might be somewhere nearby, though.
Should we bring him back with us and make him talk?
No, the spear-wielder is the cautious type.
I doubt that this boy has been told anything.
Yes, maybe you're right.
Let's go.
I'm impressed that you thought of setting the place on fire.
I respect your courage. But you shouldn't risk your life like that.
I'm sorry, Toya. I'll never forget this as long as I live.
Your Highness...
As I sat huddled and alone, holding back the tears on those nights...
When it felt like I was about to succumb to my doubts...
...there you were, at my side before I knew it.
It was none other than you who was there for me.
I keep wishing, "I want to be strong." I stumble and hurt myself again.
But because I have you to believe in, I can get back to my feet.
I simply want to tell my dear one, "Thank you."
At the top of my lungs, again and again.
I call out to my precious loved one.
Is my voice reaching you?
In this world that always changes, human warmth never does.
I'm certain I sensed the presence of the one that I hold dear.
At the end of their path lies a Yakoo village harkening back to bygone days.
Steam rises from earthenware pots. The rice cakes are aromatic.
Next time, "The Ancient Village."
But the storyteller proclaims Chagum's death.