It has been a great year.
Because I got to meet you.
Yes, I feel the same way.
And, how is that case moving along?
Well, there are many dissenting voices in the military.
Is that so?
But this is the best option, so I would like you to go ahead with it.
Regarding the disappearance of the emperor,
is he safe?
Yes.
What about the people?
They shall not be informed about it.
More importantly, make sure everyone gets a good rest.
For the huge wave that's coming.
Excuse me.
What exactly do you see, Prince Takaihito?
Lord Takakura.
It's all right.
You can sense my confusion. Isn't that right?
There'll be sacrifices for the greater good.
And you're feeling guilty about it, aren't you?
MY HAPPY MARRIAGE
A NEW YEAR'S COMMOTION
This is our first New Year's visit to the shrine together.
Y-Yes, it is.
Watch your step or you'll trip.
Th-Thank you very much.
I can't get it out of my head.
That was so…
It was our second time,
but I can't stay composed.
How can he stay so calm?
I'm feeling so hot like my body is being boiled.
Could it be that he's used to all this?
He is 28 years old.
It's normal if he's experienced.
But… But still…
Or am I the indecent one, consciously thinking about it?
Am I indecent?
I know it's New Year's, but is it all right for us to be so relaxed?
It's fine. It's Prince Takaihito's wish.
It's only a short break.
There's no harm in relaxing for the time being.
What did you do for the New Year holidays before now?
Actually, never mind. Forget it.
It's okay.
Strangely, it doesn't make me feel sad to think back on those days anymore.
Are you sure?
Yes.
I always stayed at home for New Year's
and did my usual maid duties.
You've never gone for a first shrine visit?
I heard that my mother took me with her when she was still alive.
I see.
Then make enough wishes to make up for all the years you've missed.
I will.
A wish.
Dear God.
If you will allow me, I want to stay with my husband-to-be.
But, I'm afraid.
I'm afraid this newborn feeling inside me
will grow so big that I won't be able to hide it anymore.
What were you wishing for so intently?
Huh?
Um, I…
I wish for the imperial city to be safe and peaceful every year.
Yes, that's a wonderful wish.
But I added another wish this year.
For us to be together forever.
Yes, sir.
Let's go.
Dear God. I'm begging you.
Please let me stay by my husband-to-be forever.
I won't ask for more.
So please just let me stay by his side.
Is that a performance?
No.
It's the Gifted Communion.
We are an organization affiliated with the Gifted Communion.
Everyone, please take a look at this.
This creature is called Grotesquerie and they exist all over the Empire.
They are also called Spirits or Demons
and they bring harm to humans.
Unbelievable. They're doing as they like.
Sir, I can see the Grotesquerie. Why is that?
A technique to show Grotesqueries to those without Spirit-Sight.
Or maybe, they have created a type of Grotesquerie
that is visible to anyone.
How's that…
The government is hiding the existence of Grotesqueries
and ignoring the threat they pose.
In order to protect our peaceful lives from this threat,
you need a special power called supernatural ability to destroy them.
This power is the only way to fight against the Grotesqueries.
We can give you this power.
Become an ability-user and acquire the power to protect yourself!
That's enough! Please move out of the way!
We're the Special Anti-grotesquerie Unit. This gathering is illegal. Nobody move!
Get on your knees! We're confiscating everything!
Hand it over!
Everyone, we will not yield to the government's pressure!
The Gifted Communion knows how to protect you all!
You! And you, too! You can all become ability-users!
Thank you for notifying us.
This sort of activities are happening all over the imperial city.
If their influence continues to grow,
it won't be long until it gets out of hand.
Miyo, take this.
It's a protective shiki.
If something happens, use it.
Thank you.
I guess my break is over.
GIFTED COMMUNION
Sorry to call you in during your New Year holiday.
I'm sure you wanted to relax.
The same goes for you, Major General.
I guess so.
I believe you've already been informed of Prince Takaihito's plan.
Yes, sir.
There's no doubt they're coming after Prince Takaihito and Miyo Saimori.
If they take advantage of her power, the strongest amongst the Usubas,
we won't be able to do anything.
Yes, I'll protect Miyo at any cost.
The Gifted Communion is becoming a huge threat.
IMPERIAL CITY NEWSPAPER
Even the newspapers are writing about them and criticizing the military.
The government has strict control over information on Grotesqueries, don't they?
How did this get published?
The government would never allow them to write freely about our mission.
This is only speculation,
but they might already have influence over someone in the government.
They've kidnapped the emperor,
spread information about Grotesqueries,
and won the people over.
If they step up their operations in the future…
Kiyoka, be ready for what's to come.
Prince Takaihito has a premonition
that some sort of large political change is going to happen.
-I knew it. -Hang on!
You mean a civil war?
There haven't been any clear signs,
but this peaceful time will come to an end.
Another dream about the past.
I wonder what will happen to our family.
Sumi, don't worry.
I'll work something out.
Thank you.
But I doubt we can do anything about it.
The person who's pressuring us
might be someone from a very noble family.
You don't need to worry about that.
I'm your protective sword.
I won't let anyone ruin your dream.
I'll break down all the walls.
Then, I'll be your sheath.
So please don't hurt anyone else.
Okay?
Why…
Your eyes met?
Yes.
I'm sure I saw the past with my Dream-Sight ability,
but for our eyes to meet?
What does it mean?
It's my own power. And yet, I don't know anything.
You'll learn more about it.
Yes.
I'm thinking of asking Arata about it too.
He hasn't been around lately.
You're right.
This is the imperial palace?
That's right.
You'll be staying here for a while.
My unit will protect you and Prince Takaihito from Usui.
That's the plan Prince Takaihito has been working on.
They even have a carriage to take you around the premises.
It's the imperial family's residential area from here on.
No cars are allowed.
Prince Takaihito's residence is even further away.
There's no need to be nervous.
Just think of it as staying in an inn.
An inn? How can I…
I'm not someone who's allowed to be near Prince Takaihito.
Have some confidence.
You are my fiancée now.
Just walk around the palace like it's no big deal.
I'll try my best.
Plus…
Miyo!
Hey! Over here!
Yurie and my sister will be with you.
This is Prince Takaihito's residence. Come on. Let's go.
Welcome, everyone.
I'm Takakura, Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal.
I'll continue to show you around.
This is incredible.
Isn't it? It's like being in a dream.
Arata Usuba, where have you been all this time?
I've been doing some research.
Miyo,
I'll be your personal bodyguard in here.
Thank you very much.
They've assigned me to protect Prince Takaihito.
I had no choice.
Let's continue your studies on supernatural abilities too.
Yes. I'll work hard on it.
Miyo, you can only move freely within the premises.
Stay with Usuba at all times.
Yes, sir.
Also, do not invite anyone inside.
Always be on guard for Usui's traps.
I will.
As for how to handle Usui if you'd end up confronting him,
it seems there is time between all of his attacks,
so his ability must have some sort of restriction.
Still, don't let your guard down.
If worst comes to worst,
do whatever it takes.
I don't need to capture him?
Can you capture that man?
Miyo's safety is your top priority.
When it comes down to it…
This will be your room, Ms. Miyo.
A maid will come for you shortly.
Please rest until your meal is ready.
Thank you.
What a huge room.
Is this entire room really just for me?
It feels like my mother is watching over me.
Thank you for the meal.
-It's delicious! -It's delicious!
As expected of the imperial palace.
Yes.
Arata, does it not suit your taste?
Why would you say that?
Um, well…
You seem a little down.
It's tasty.
That's good, then.
I thought I was eating it like I'm enjoying it.
As the negotiator for Tsuruki Trading, I've always hidden my emotions
to avoid making others feel uncomfortable.
And I guess I've forgotten how to enjoy a meal as well.
Now, can I talk about our future plans?
We can't leave the palace's premises.
So, Miyo will continue her studies to become a fine lady with me.
And study about abilities with Arata. Okay?
Yes.
Um, Arata.
I had a strange dream again this morning.
In order to understand that dream, please teach me more about my ability.
I'll teach you everything I know.
It seems you've not fully awakened as the maiden of Dream-Sight.
Something inside you might be holding it back.
What?
It's all right. Don't worry.
I'll do whatever I can in my power to help you.
Come in.
Sir.
I'm just checking in. I got a little worried.
I know you must be busy.
Thank you.
Are you all right? Are you tired?
I'm not tired at all.
I just had something on my mind, that's all.
Are you worried about something?
Arata told me that
something inside me is holding back my ability to awaken fully.
But I'm not aware of it myself.
If you're suppressing some kind of feelings,
why don't you talk about it?
Talk?
Your psyche plays a big part in controlling your ability.
You tend to bottle up your emotions.
Also,
I want to know more about you, too.
Miyo, how do you feel about me?
What?
I, um…
I'm sorry. Forget what I just said.
Sir.
Good work, Commander.
As expected, even if what Jinnouchi saw was an illusion,
it doesn't match the military record.
During the time Jinnouchi saw her father being tortured,
Master Jinnouchi said he was called in by our unit and was in the imperial city.
And our men have actually seen and talked to him as well.
Normally, the military unit here would have contacted him
through the Second Unit in the old capital.
But we couldn't find such records on either side.
In spite of that,
my father carried an official request form for a visit.
Now, my suspicion has turned into conviction.
There's someone who sent the request form to Master Jinnouchi
and someone who hid that on purpose.
Someone who's cooperating with Naoshi Usui
has wormed their way into the heart of the empire.
Subtitle translation by: Aya Kudo