Lighting a blue light; that is destruction, slumber, rebirth
Gespenst Jäger
Wandering wounded, you advanced toward a definite rendezvous
Gespenst Jäger
Ah, your back
Bears scars where your wings were plucked off
Believe in that small something and grasp it once more
Pulsing steel burning red, pain and then wavering
Gespenst Jäger
Rise to tear to pieces and rip apart any kind of husk
Gespenst Jäger
Have pride and raise your sword overhead
I (You) Your hands (My hands) know peace!
Non! That is enough
Non! That is hope
I will at least (Hold me) protect (Tightly) Your smile!
Ripped By mstoll
Old man.
Is what you say the truth?
Yes.
A merchant from our country has been arrested
by Imperial Army Intelligence, State Section 3.
For smuggling?
Indeed.
This could be useful.
Huh?
If I remember correctly, State Section 3 is Alice's unit.
Crude but Elegant
Princess Settiam is coming to the empire?
Yeah, she'll be arriving on an early afternoon train.
A princess?
Settiam Rodelia.
She is one of seven siblings in line for the throne of Rodelia.
A princess from a neighboring country making a secret trip?
A royal getaway... It's so dreamy!
The princess is hardly the carefree type.
Do you know the princess?
Only to the extent that I've met her a few times through my great-grandfather.
And what is the purpose for her visit?
You know that smuggler who exposed the military corruption recently?
It looks like he was from Rodelia.
The princess probably has some agenda
like striking a deal with the higher-ups regarding the corruption.
That's pretty much how the royals in that country operate.
I am sure a carriage has been sent for us.
Let it wait.
There's somewhere I wish to go first.
But Princess! This is a clandestine trip! A top-secret mission, if you will!
I've heard that four times already!
When we left the royal palace, right before we left the country, at dinner...
And the last time was when I got up at 7:05!
We must find the empire's weakness in any way we can!
I've heard THAT from you 13 times!
I will repeat it as many times as I must!
Even the smallest advantage in succeeding to the throne must...
It seems I've missed my chance to eat one.
Is there something about that wall?
There used to be a hot dog stand there.
H-Hot dog?!
Princess! Royalty must never, never stoop to eating such common fare as...
I looked around, but I couldn't find it.
The hot dog stand with the black and white checkers.
Shoot. That was the best one around here, too.
It's not just that one stand.
Compared to just after the war, there aren't as many food carts now.
Because back then, they were exempt from taxes.
They're probably all in a slum getting their hands into some shady business.
"One step closer to exposing corruption in the top military ranks..."
Isn't that talking about Section 3?
Did we take paid vacations or didn't we? Let's just forget about work.
You're right. I hope the corporal's resting up, but...
Yeah, I bet he's taking it easy right now...
Under "full nursing care."
Time for your urine sample.
This one's no good either?!
Sorry to keep you waiting!
Let me introduce you. This is Rose.
It's Rosanna!
Right, Rosanna. Isn't she cute?
The two of us hit it off while you were out running around.
This is the first time I've ridden in one of these!
Well, that's that.
You should try having fun with girls once in a while, too!
I can't believe Oreldo!
There's no way I could chat up a lady.
Conserving water, huh?
The military doesn't have any limits on water use,
but conditions are still like this for civilians...
Oh, no. I have to forget about work!
Ah. It was a commoner's toilet, was it?
Go on, continue.
I have no interest in the physiology of commoners.
Hmm. You have good fashion sense for a commoner.
I commend you.
Who the heck are you?!
Who, you ask?
Normally, I wouldn't bother giving my name to commoners, but...
I will this time, for amusement!
My name is Settiam!
I am one of seven children vying to be next on the throne of the Kingdom of Rodelia!
Thank goodness, the sink has running water.
Are you listening?!
Yeah, yeah, Princess.
I'm Martis. What are you doing in a place like this, Princess?
I happen to currently be on the run.
Huh?
My servant nags me too much.
He keeps saying the same things over and over...
I am perfectly capable of remembering the first time!
So I lost him.
I guess I should just take her to the police...
Hey, don't you have to go back?
I'm sure your servant is worried about you right now.
Forget him.
I cannot believe he let me escape like that.
Anyway, do you want to eat something?
It's not like I can have a princess eat hot dogs, though...
Hot dogs?
The stand with the black-and-white checkered roof?
You know that place?
From when I visited here before.
It gave off such a pleasant aroma...
Furthermore, the crude, brutish behavior of eating it out on the street
is actually quite intriguing.
I used to go to that stand, too...
But it looks like they've moved somewhere else.
I see...
There's no way to find it, either.
The way you're walking...
Martis!
You're in the military, aren't you?
Huh? Y-Yeah...
Then that makes things simpler.
Hey, wait!
Princess!
Honestly... Where did she run off to?
I'm terribly sorry...
But I can't allow outsiders to view the registry.
Yes, I suppose not.
Don't give up so easily!
But...
Listen. Martis is in the military. And he's an officer!
I heard that in this country, military men have quite a bit of political influence.
Um...
Oh, Warrant Officer Martis!
Ah! Thank you for the other day!
What seems to be the problem?
Well, sir...
Oh, it's all right.
We often exchange information with this gentleman
when it comes to collecting taxes and whatnot.
They revoked the stand's permit due to failure to pay taxes, huh?
The world sure can be harsh...
As someone from State Section 3, you should have good connections in the tax office.
Why did you not give your name?
But those are two different things...
One's position should be used to exploit an opponent's weakness, yes?
It's only logical.
Exploit?
That's not the kind of thing a child should be saying.
Have you ever seen the Rodelia national flag?
Huh?
Yeah. It has a bunch of grapes on it, right?
Each of those grapes represents a child.
Have many children and make them fight against one other.
The most talented one will ascend to the throne in the center and rule the country.
They scheme to get the better of one another, sometimes even carrying out assassinations.
Chateau des Raisins du crépuscule.
Towers for the children are built in clusters, just like grapes in a bunch,
and the children live separated from one another.
Each day, they develop strategies to bring down their own siblings.
The only time members of the family see each other is during supper.
And even then, they bring along a poison taster.
Exploit others or be exploited.
That law is the same in both heaven and earth.
That was a pointless speech I just gave.
Let's go, Martis.
Go? Where?
The stand owner's address was listed in the registry.
You want to just show up uninvited?
Yes!
Let him know that no one gets away from me!
I wonder if she's being considerate of me...
Her emotions are like a child's, but her way of thinking is strict.
Oh yeah, she's a little bit like the lieutenant.
In other words, you want us to search for your princess?
I ask this for your own sake.
If anything were to happen to the princess, it would be an international incident!
Sounds like passing the buck to me...
Did you say something?
No, nothing!
Lieutenant, have a listen to what he has to say.
Understood.
Let's see...
That trip was longer than expected.
Tell me about it. The fare was ridiculous.
This is certainly a dismal place.
That's because it's close to District Zero.
What's that?
Well, uh... Not a very safe area.
A dangerous region, huh?
We'll be fine as long as we don't go too deep inside.
This delicious smell!
We found it!
There you go!
I'm so glad you came all this way!
I'm starving, too.
It feels like my stomach's shrunk to the size of a pea!
Well then, time to eat!
Huh? You're not going to eat?
No, it's just...
Mmm!
Don't worry, it tastes great! Go on and eat before it gets cold.
The taste is crude, but somehow elegant.
With this, we're going to have to walk back...
By the way, mister.
How about you make all of this your treat?
That's quite a joke.
Your operating license has been taken away.
Have you saved enough money to pay what's overdue?
Warrant Officer Martis here is a member of State Section 3.
In other words, he can collect taxes of course,
but he can also make arrests for running an illegal business.
Don't use Section 3's name like that!
I was doing it for you...
Always taking advantage of other people's weaknesses...
How can you enjoy a life like that?!
Do you really think I enjoy it?
If I show any weakness, I won't survive.
On my fifth birthday, my food was poisoned.
By my own brothers... My own sisters...
My poison taster died for me.
It taught me that if I show any opening at all, I'll die.
I remember it every day, every time I eat.
I want to forget it, but I can't!
My mind won't let me forget anything!
Settiam...
Don't touch me!
Settiam!
Sir, the direction she's running is...
District Zero!
District Zero, huh?
That's where the princess is?
According to witness reports.
This is bad.
H-Hurry! If you don't hurry, it will turn into an international incident!
Roger!
Please drive safely!
I can't believe I did that.
I lost my calm arguing with a commoner. How disgraceful.
Whoa. She's got nice clothes AND nice hair.
We'll finally be able to get a good meal again.
Dammit!
I am a princess of the Rodelian royal family! This will turn into a diplomatic dispute!
A princess?
Then we'll be able to sell you for even more!
They're so low that they don't fear the people at the top?
It's vexing, but I have no choice...
My companion is in the military.
Even you lot fear the military, yes?
The military never come here!
Just like the name says, this place don't even got a number!
The people who live here don't got any civil rights or any laws to protect them!
On the other hand, even killing a military guy isn't a crime.
Who do you think's gonna rescue you in a place like this?
Are you okay?
Martis!
Looks like we've got a daredevil here!
Get out of here now while you can. Hurry!
I'm sorry. My legs have become so weak...
I'm sorry... I'm sorry...
Oh, great. Now you're acting like a real princess.
Martis, you...
Martis, behind you!
Martis!
This is your "companion"?
He's pretty weak for a military guy.
Martis is not weak!
Ya think so, huh?
It's not over yet!
Bastard!
Come on, hurry!
Princess!
She really is a princess?
Looks like it.
If we'd messed up, it would've turned into a diplomatic incident.
I will get straight to the point.
Our country requests the extradiction of the merchant.
The unjustified arrest of our citizens tarnishes our country's pride!
With all due respect...
It has been some time, Alice Lei Malvin.
The smuggler in question is an important witness for exposing corruption in our military.
Simply handing him over would be a drawback for our country.
So our citizen is being troubled because of another country's problem?
We shall handle the interrogation of the merchant.
Hand him over at once!
Lieutenant, what is your response?
Or do you not care if this becomes a diplomatic dispute?
You never change, Alice.
It's no wonder you've developed such excellent subordinates.
You may interrogate the smuggler as much as you wish.
Princess, what are you saying?
Silence.
Of course.
Why thank you.
And what should we offer you in return?
R-Right, let's see...
I shall take this.
Indeed, just like a commoner.
Crude, but somehow elegant.
During any future visits to the imperial capital,
I shall require the services of Warrant Officer Martis.
One subordinate in exchange for saving the empire's face... You drive a hard bargain.
Indeed.
We're leaving.
P-Princess!
Old man, how long are you going to keep sulking? Come over here!
Soft...
You've turned soft.
Have you lost your ability to take advantage of weakness?
Taking advantage of weakness is easy.
But its ease makes it worth little more than the weakness itself.
However, when an exchange is made in gratitude and sincerity,
the standard becomes ambiguous.
Depending on one's perception,
the compensation could be something more valuable.
You're telling me to put a price on that palm...
I could draw infinite value from it.
Forming that kind of bond is also necessary for me to achieve rule.
You call me soft for trying to take advantage of people's compassion?
I feel so sad...
There is nothing left for me to teach you.
Putting that aside!
Have you no idea what it means for a royal to bestow her kiss?!
It was on the cheek. Don't worry about it.
No! I saw it with my own eyes!
That was undeniably mouth to mouth!
Princess!
Well, who knows?
My heart was beating so fast when I did it...
I don't remember it well.
I heard the news, Martis. You got a kiss, huh?
Who told you that?!
Uh, I think I'll take Merc for a walk now!
I heard it was a French kiss, too!
What?! It sounds like you heard it from someone who saw it up close.
Ah, oh no! It's time for my date with Mireille.
Don't look at me.
Your eyes are big and round, pa pa pa dokkin!
It's an important mission, let's do it, probie
Listen closely for intel
Put a bowl on your head and go underground
Sleep seriously
Your tail wags, pi pi pi zukkin!
This right now isn't necessarily the fate of love
Target that girl and lock on
Wag your tail, love and roll
Unparalleled fire!
L-Launch!
The world is right in the middle of mist
I'm following your scent
Find it, Mercury!
Go! Find it, Mercury!
If you do find
Hey! If you do find
The treasure that used to be precious, bite it lightly!
Whenever a "Yes" comes out of your mouth, I want to hear "Sir" before and after it!
Sir, yes sir!
No! Don't, Merc!
Next Episode
Hey Merc, something's happened in the underground waterways.
Next Episode A lot of people are suffering. We have to hurry up and save them!
Next Episode But, what's this flame?
Next Episode
Next time: "The Flame Still Burns"
Next Episode Come and get us, if you're not scared!
Next Episode
Ripped By mstoll