Wilhelm, how is the fairy tale we heard last month coming along?
I've written it down, Jacob.
Is that you, Charlotte?
Come in.
Dear brother Jacob.
Dear brother Wilhelm.
What fairy tale did you discuss today?
A tale of an unfortunate child who lost her parents.
"Cinderella."
Her stepmother and stepsisters abuse her once she is all alone.
Poor thing.
Fear not.
An earnest, hardworking girl is bound to find happiness in the end.
What say you, Tsuruko?
Viscount Otawara, I appreciate your proposal, but...
You have cause for concern?
I'm worried what your daughter will think.
- You needn't be concerned about that. - Truly?
Kiyoko encouraged me to remarry.
She wants a new mother.
She does?
That's right. You need not worry about a thing.
Come live here with your daughters.
OTAWARA
This is our new home.
Watch your step.
Mama, are we dreaming?
I've never seen such a magnificent building.
Are we really going to live here?
Enough. The daughters of a viscount must not say such things.
That's better.
Madam Tsuruko.
We bid you and your daughters welcome.
"Sawako Otawara."
It has a nice ring to it.
"Makiko Otawara" sounds far more ladylike.
Who asked you?
- My name is charming and elegant! - Oh, please.
Enter.
And you are?
I'm Kiyoko!
Dear Mother! Dear sisters!
I'm your new daughter and their little sister!
I've dreamed of this day.
I wondered for so long what my new family would be like.
Now my dream has come true.
No, it's better than I dreamed.
I doubt anyone could be as happy as I am now.
Please, think of me as family and let me know what I can do for you.
I promise I'll be a good little sister to the both of you.
And this little one is my friend.
I hope you'll be friends with her too.
I expected a selfish brat, but she's just an innocent child.
She even called us "dear sisters."
She'd probably do whatever we ask.
Say, did you see her hairpin?
Is that all you think about?
Well, those amethysts certainly were lovely.
They were.
Perhaps she would give it to us if we asked.
Who's being selfish now?
What atrocious etiquette. Mind your manners.
Miss Kiyoko?
I'm doing like you do, dear sisters.
Eating this way is so fun and yummy.
Let's all eat this way from now on.
My mother wore these when she was little.
I'm sorry they are hand-me-downs.
How lovely!
This is quite nice.
That one would look better on me.
How dare you take that!
Hey, hands off!
Now look what you did.
It's your fault, you pig!
What did you say?
- What if I got hurt? - You shouldn't pull so hard!
- They are utterly vulgar. - Yoshi.
They're pretty, as you'd expect of a former geisha's daughters,
but they're a disgrace to the Otawara family.
Nothing like Miss Kiyoko.
They even took all the late madam's kimonos.
The kimonos are wasted on them. Why didn't I get one?
Enough of that.
It was Miss Kiyoko's idea. She's thinking of her family.
Yes, ma'am.
Isn't this fun?
They are all so nice.
My new mother seems smart, and my sisters are so kind.
I look forward to this.
I really do.
Who cleaned the children's rooms yesterday?
Tomi or Yoshi, I think.
We can find out, but why do you ask?
Makiko's hairpin has disappeared.
What?
Miss Kiyoko gave it to you?
Yeah. I mean, yes, she did.
When she found out how much I adored her hairpin,
she said it looked better on me.
Why do you get it?
Silence!
Why didn't you tell us?
Kiyoko said to keep it a secret.
She felt bad the kimono got torn.
Ouch!
That hurts! Let me go!
She was prancing around like a crow with a shiny new thing.
Caught her red-handed.
How dare you!
I believe this is yours.
My hairpin!
You filthy thief!
You've sullied its beautiful craftsmanship!
I didn't know it was yours!
I found it in the garden!
- You liar! - Makiko!
That's quite enough.
I won't stand for you tarnishing my husband's name.
I want you out of this house.
Everything here belongs to my husband, every last thing.
I cannot allow a thief like you to live here.
I'm so jealous.
You get all the good stuff.
Too bad for you.
I hate you.
What Yoshi did was wrong, but those sisters are plain greedy.
It wasn't hers in the first place, so she's no better than Yoshi.
It must be their upbringing.
Forgive me! I'm terribly sorry!
Fetch another bowl.
At once, sir.
What's wrong with everyone?
You're acting so oddly.
Everything is fine.
If you have something to say, say it.
Enough of this deliberate display of nervousness and fear!
- Makiko! - She's right.
You dare question our upbringing?
I know you look down on us!
Settle down.
Is what they say true?
Not in the least!
I'm terribly sorry, dear sister.
How would you get by without servants?
No more treating them harshly.
Well?
Dear sister.
Here, use this to wipe the soup.
Won't you please forgive her, for my sake?
Okay?
You're done wearing it?
It's too heavy.
They all hate us, don't they?
Yes, they do.
The servants only see us as stepchildren of humble means.
It's no wonder they want to steal a hairpin or two.
But what a foolish thing to do.
Of all the hairpins, she stole the one Kiyoko...
What is it?
Doesn't it seem odd to you?
What?
It's clearly an expensive hairpin. Anyone can see that.
So why would she show it off like that?
That's like telling everyone she stole it.
Is someone trying to make us look bad?
Who would do such a thing?
Even I didn't know Kiyoko gave you that hairpin.
- Kiyoko? - Kiyoko?
I was just...
You were eavesdropping.
Don't tell me you were behind all this.
- I have no idea what you're-- - She's right.
You're the one who gave me that hairpin.
What are you talking about?
Leave me alone!
Miss Kiyoko!
Please stay with us. Please!
Miss Kiyoko!
So she fell on her own?
According to Miss Kiyoko,
she went to their room to console them and noticed they were acting strangely.
She ran, but one of them laid hands on her,
causing her to lose balance and fall down the stairs.
That's not true!
Are you saying she lied?
We did bicker a bit, but that's it. We never touched her!
So you're calling my daughter a liar.
We are not related by blood,
but I've done my best to offer you a life of comfort here.
That ends today.
No!
Wait!
Kiyoko.
Kiyoko!
I believe my sisters were simply trying to save me.
But it startled me because I wasn't thinking straight.
That a hand struck me just then was but bad luck.
So it's not my sisters' fault I fell down the stairs.
It's all mine!
Miss Kiyoko's leg must still hurt,
but she forced herself out of bed to defend her sisters.
Kiyoko.
Are you saying you forgive them?
Why, of course, Father.
They are family, after all.
I would do anything to be with my sisters.
So please tell me you'll forgive them.
Dear sister.
I have a gift for you.
Oh my.
I'm certain they'll suit you well.
This one is too plain for you.
Why are you dressed like that?
Isn't it obvious? I must never outshine my dear sisters.
Think of me as a maid at your beck and call.
Dear sisters.
They'll suit you well. I'll be your maid...
Dear Makiko!
Dear Sawako!
They are family.
I'd do anything to be with you.
Dear sisters.
They'll suit you well.
Dear sisters! We're family.
I'd do anything to be with you.
The stepsisters have been even harder on us lately.
Miss Kiyoko tries so hard to appease them, but it's never enough.
Then why don't you go tell Kiyoko?
Tell her our family isn't welcome here.
Say you want us kicked out.
Heavens no.
I am terribly sorry.
Who asked you to apologize?!
What is it?
Did I do something wrong again?
It's my fault. Please forgive them.
Kiyoko?
What are you doing?
Get back here!
Kiyoko, did she do something to you?
I'm fine, dear Father.
I won't stand for any more of their bad behavior.
Perhaps it was a mistake to welcome them into our home.
JAPANESE PASSPORT MAKIKO OTAWARA
A trap laid by Kiyoko?
That's right.
She had it all planned out.
How utterly absurd. You have a vivid imagination.
No, Mama!
Something about her gives me the creeps.
Enough of this nonsense.
What if her father caught wind of this?
What if he did?
He can't kick us out. Don't you get it?
She'd cry, say it's her fault,
and we'd look all the more wicked for it.
Let me ask you this.
What would Kiyoko gain from doing such things?
Let's assume she does it to make herself look good.
That's perfectly understandable.
But elevating her stepsisters by acting like their maid?
Who would go that far?
Kiyoko would!
I know that you two despise Kiyoko.
- No! - No!
Listen to us, Mama!
Enough.
I'm getting a headache.
What is it now?
Madam, you don't look well.
I'm fine. I just had a lot on my mind.
This is so utterly dreary.
Something is troubling you.
If there is anything I can do for you, Madam, you need only ask.
"Madam"?
Your father died?
That's right. He's dead.
How sad. Terribly sad.
How come?
It's sad when someone dies.
Really?
But I'm fine.
Fine?
Kiyoko.
What are you wearing?
It's a celebration.
We'll be even closer now, won't we?
OTAWARA
FIVE YEARS LATER
How has Mother been feeling lately?
You're asking the wrong person.
Well? How is she?
She had a slight fever again this morning.
That is concerning.
Madam is ever so worried you might catch whatever she has.
I see.
I'll be going out.
Have them ready the car.
Yes, ma'am.
She never sits still.
Miss Makiko.
What?
If anything is not to your liking, please do not hesitate to let me know.
"Not to my liking"?
I'm surprised you had to ask.
You know perfectly well there is.
Those two have taken over this house.
I don't understand why Miss Kiyoko doesn't kick them out.
- Do they have something on her? - Don't be absurd.
There is no one kinder or purer of heart than Miss Kiyoko.
I beg your pardon.
It is time for your medicine, Madam.
How are you feeling?
The same as always.
Where are my daughters?
They have both gone out.
I see.
Here you are.
It always has such an awful smell.
I am terribly sorry.
But bitter medicine has blessed effects.
Is this what it's like to be happy?
Father died in a car accident,
but each day is a joy now.
I hope it lasts forever.
You're leaving Mother all alone?
Don't go!
I'll do anything you ask!
They are all here with me and let me do anything I want.
Anything.
But you're right. It's frightening.
Who knows when this happiness might vanish?
Happiness truly is a fragile thing.
MRS. TSURUKO OTAWARA AND HER DAUGHTERS
Count Ichijo?
Yes. He invited us to a ball he will be holding next month.
If he's a count, he must be a man of great standing.
Count Ichijo is indeed a great man.
So is his heir, Lord Masataka,
a naval officer who was top of his class at Imperial University.
Everyone says he's a true gentleman.
Kiyoko, you're not going?
That is out of the question.
One such as I could never attend.
You need not worry about me.
Madam.
I'll let my daughters respond, but see that they behave.
Yes, Madam.
A count, is he?
We must have new clothes made for you.
Something more lovely and lavish than everyone else's!
No time to dawdle. I will order your dresses at once.
What is she up to?
How should I know?
I suppose you're right.
It seems the count's heir will be seeking a bride at the ball.
That's nobility for you.
That's rude!
Hold your horses.
This could be our chance.
Our chance? For what?
Now it's getting interesting.
I've had it!
None of these suit me! Is this all there is?!
Those pearls look nice.
Those were Madam's favorite.
"Madam"? Is that how you still think of her?
- And our mother is some imposter? - Please forgive--
Do you think she's an imposter?
No, not at all.
They were but cheap trinkets.
We must have only the most lovely and elegant jewelry for you.
Yes, of course.
These will suit me just fine.
Makiko.
Don't worry.
Hold your horses. This could be our chance.
Our chance? For what?
You mean, if Lord Ichijo chooses...
No one could possibly object. He's the son of a count.
This is our chance to escape, to be free of Kiyoko.
We can take Mama with us!
If we can catch the heir's fancy,
we'll finally be free of this life.
The late Viscount Otawara's daughters.
You mean stepdaughters.
Like lipstick on a pig.
Is this yours?
Why, thank you.
I am Masataka Ichijo.
And you are...
I am Sawako Otawara.
This is my elder sister, Makiko.
Thank you for attending.
If you please.
They were ever so excited as they left for the ball.
I can hardly wait.
They are unruly, lewd, crass, and ignorant.
How will two ladies so unsuited to a viscount's household
seize this eagerly awaited opportunity?
You little...
What are you up to?
You drink with such gusto.
You don't like women who drink?
What about equality of the sexes?
I'm all for equality.
Lord Masataka.
Excuse me.
Give me another!
Slow down, will you?
What's the big deal?
We're at a ball.
Makiko?
She's beautiful.
Kiyoko.
Dear sister!
Please forgive me!
After seeing you off, I just could not resist joining you.
All I had was this shabby dress from 20 years ago,
an heirloom from my late mother.
I wanted to wear it so I could attend a ball with her, just once.
Please forgive me!
Why you...
That's rich coming from you.
Sawako.
Acting all pathetic.
You truly are a horrible person.
You make me sick!
You've had too much to drink.
Lord Ichijo.
Do not worry yourself.
I shall take care of Lady Kiyoko.
Hey, let go of me!
I bet you're enjoying this!
The nerve of you, humiliating your stepsisters like this!
Kiyoko! Bravo on a scheme well played!
You fiend!
Such nonsense.
I must go home at once.
My sisters will be upset with me!
What are you so afraid of?
Calm down.
Come, let us dance.
Dancing to music will soothe your nerves.
Yes, milord.
They're perfect for each other.
I've never seen a lovelier couple.
I never saw you after Viscount Otawara passed away,
but I would like to change that.
I do not wish to be rude,
but is there not something off about your sisters?
Please do not say that.
My sisters mean no harm.
Lady Kiyoko.
PASSPORT
Sending my dear sisters to study abroad?
An ill-advised plan.
Indeed.
How can Father not see that?
If only he hadn't meddled,
he could've been my doll to play with forever.
But I don't want him anymore.
I thought we were family.
We are family.
Each of you has a special place in my heart,
my dear, precious dolls.
Kiyoko.
How strong you are to have lasted so long.
But...
I don't need broken dolls.
- You seem happy. - Huh?
You look delighted.
Yes, I am having a wonderful time.
Please wait!
Must you leave already?
Did I offend you?
Not at all.
May I see you again?
No, this will be the last time.
Mama!
Please! Open your eyes!
Kiyoko! You little...
What did you do to Mama?!
Miss Makiko.
You killed her, didn't you?!
Murderer!
Miss Makiko!
You kept us away from Mama! It was all part of your trap!
I'm sorry, Mama.
We feared Kiyoko would hurt you if we defied her.
What utter nonsense, Miss Sawako.
You people never questioned what was happening!
Madam had been ill for a long time.
Now she is resting in peace.
You think this was an illness?!
You won't get away with this!
I believe it's a momentary lapse of reason.
But painting you as a villain?
It's quite awful.
I failed to understand how they were feeling.
I shall brew Madam's medicine for them.
It has a calming effect.
I must devote myself to serving them from now on.
I will serve them with all my heart.
Miss Kiyoko.
Now that Viscount Otawara and his wife, Tsuruko, are gone,
I, the eldest daughter, am the head of this household.
Yet you suddenly turn up, asking to see Kiyoko?
You may be the son of a count, but is that not a terribly rude request?
With all due respect, Kiyoko is the viscount's blood heir.
Kiyoko put me in charge.
Everyone knows you mistreat her
and work her to the bone like some maidservant.
That, too, was Kiyoko's wish.
I have nothing to be ashamed of.
This is pointless.
What?
You little minx!
You stole him from me!
Please forgive me, Miss Sawako.
Lady Kiyoko!
Lord Masataka!
Lady Kiyoko!
Lord Ichijo.
You poor thing.
I'm taking Kiyoko with me.
Do as you wish, but this house is ours.
You have no legal right to it.
Lady Kiyoko inherited everything.
Open up!
Do you hear me?! I'll never forgive you for this!
Open up, I say!
We can stop acting now.
We're finally free.
They managed to escape.
I've been outwitted.
Their disgraceful behavior at the ball, the way they treated the servants...
It was all just an act to marry me into the Ichijo family.
A geisha's daughters indeed.
They played the count's son like a fiddle.
What a pity.
They entertained us longer than anyone.
"Us," you say?
Hardly.
Don't be silly. Have we not played this game together from the start?
Have we?
Of course.
What will you do now?
What do you mean?
What's next?
What's next? I'm not sure.
Can't sleep?
I was just thinking.
About what?
About all the fun we'll have.
This shall be ever so fun.
Subtitle translation by: Jason Franzman