Wilhelm. How is that new fairy tale you've been working on coming along?
I'm finished, Jacob. It's all written out.
Ah! Is that you, Charlotte?
We can see you hiding, you know.
My dear brother Jacob. And my dear brother Wilhelm.
I would love to know more about the new fairy tale you've been working on.
It's a story about a poor little girl who lost her parents.
Cinderella...
Orphaned and alone,
Cinderella is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters.
Poor thing...
There's no need to worry, little one.
Huh?
A diligent and hardworking girl like our protagonist
will inevitably get her happy ending, with good hope.
What do you say, Miss Tsuruko?
Viscount Otawara, I worry that if I accept your proposal...
Do you still have misgivings?
I only worry
what your darling daughter will think of us.
- Trust me, there's no reason for concern. - What?
Actually, the proposal was Kiyoko's idea.
She encouraged it.
- It seems she desires a new mother. - She'd see me as one?
That's right. You and your daughters would live here with us both,
and I promise you will live without a care.
Oh.
Mmm.
OTAWARA
Girls, we've finally arrived.
Now please, do watch your step.
Mama, tell me I'm not dreaming.
I've never seen such a magnificent building in my whole life.
Is this place really our new home?
You two, stop your prattling.
That talk is hardly befitting of the daughters of a viscount.
Oh!
Now, that's better.
- Madam Tsuruko. - Oh.
It with great pleasure that we welcome you and your daughters home.
"Sawako Otawara."
That has the most beautiful ring to it.
"Makiko Otawara" sounds much more ladylike.
Well, nobody asked you, wench!
- Sawako is far more charming and elegant. - In your dreams!
Come in.
Uh...
Oh! Who are you?
I'm Kiyoko! Oh, Mother! And my dear sisters!
- I'm your new little sister! How exciting! - Uh...
I've been dreaming about this day!
I've waited and wondered for so long what my new family would be like!
And now my dream's come true!
In fact, it's even better than I dreamt it!
I don't think there's a happier girl in the world than I am right now!
Please, don't hesitate to ask anything of me.
Make yourself at home! We're family now!
I swear I'll be the best little sister either of you have ever had.
Oh, that's right. I forgot to introduce my friend!
I'd like for you all to be her friend, too, please!
I was convinced she would be a selfish brat, but she's harmless.
She seems more innocent and naïve, really.
I know, right? She even called us her "dear sisters."
She'll probably do whatever we ask.
Right. Did you see that gorgeous hairpin she was wearing?
Is that all you can think about right now?
Though... those amethysts were very pretty, weren't they?
Yes!
She'd give it to you if you told her you liked it. We're family now, right?
Who's the selfish brat now?
Argh!
Use your manners!
You weren't raised in a barn.
Hmm!
- Hmm! Mmm! - Oh my, Lady Kiyoko.
I want to be just like my big sisters.
It makes the food taste better, and it's fun!
- Uh... - Can we eat this way from now on?
These are the clothes my mother wore when she was young.
I'm sorry that they're not brand new.
They're beautiful!
This is really quite nice!
Yeah. But I think it would look even nicer on me than you!
- How dare you snatch that from me? - Well, now this is mine! So just back off!
This is your fault, you brat!
My fault? Dusty old hog!
- How dare you? You pulled hard! - I could have got hurt!
You should have let go!
- What vulgar hussies. - Yoshi!
You can tell just by looking at them that they're the daughters of a former geisha.
But if you ask me, they're a complete disgrace to the Otawara household.
They're nothing like Miss Kiyoko.
I can't believe they had the audacity
to snatch up all of the late madam's kimonos.
Jeez, I mean It would have been nice
if those greedy selfish brats had saved at least one of them for me.
Enough of that, Yoshi.
It was Miss Kiyoko's idea, you know.
Those two are her sisters now.
Fine!
Such lovely people.
This will be so much fun for me!
My new mother seems intelligent, and my two big sisters are very kind.
I'm looking forward to this!
Hmm.
I really am.
Pardon the interruption.
Do either of you know who cleaned the girls' rooms yesterday?
I'm not sure. Either Tomi or Yoshi.
We can ask them whose duty it was. Is something wrong?
Yes. Lady Makiko's hairpin has disappeared.
You're kidding!
You mean Miss Kiyoko gave it to you?
Yes... yes, she did.
When she found out how much I loved her gorgeous amethyst hairpin,
she said it would look better on me than it would on her.
- So she gave it to me. - You got it? That's so unfair!
You two, quiet!
Why didn't you tell us?
Mmm... Kiyoko said to keep it a secret between just us.
She said she felt bad about the kimono being torn apart.
Oh!
- That hurts! - Oh?
Let go of me! I did nothing wrong!
She was prancing around like a crow with a shiny treasure between its beak.
- So I dragged her here. - What's all this about?
Here. This is it, right?
You have my hairpin!
- Gah! - Huh.
How dare you? Dirty little pickpocket!
You sullied the gilt with filthy hands!
Please stop! I found it in the garden and thought it was pretty!
I didn't know it was stolen!
- Please believe me! - You're a liar!
Makiko!
That's quite enough of that!
I won't stand for you tarnishing my husband's good name.
I cannot have a thief working here.
Everything between these four walls belongs to my husband,
down to the smallest stones.
You are to leave this house right this instant!
I'm so jealous.
You get all the nice things.
That's just too bad, isn't it?
Ugh! I can't stand you.
What Yoshi did was wrong, but those two sisters are just as bad.
Acting like feral territorial animals. All they do is take, take, take.
It must have been their upbringing.
Hmm.
Mm.
Please forgive me! I'm terribly sorry!
- Go get her another. - Right away, sir.
What's wrong with you all today? You're all acting strange.
Hmm?
It's nothing, my Lady.
If there's something you want to say, then out with it!
Huh?
Don't play coy. We can see your hands trembling from fear.
- I told you to spit it out! - Makiko!
She's right! You treat us like we're nothing but fools.
You call us unrefined and gossip about us.
Please settle down.
All of you, is that true?
It's not, my Lord!
I'm terribly sorry, my dear Makiko.
Mmm?
Your lives would be significantly harder if we lost our servants.
Be sure to treat them with the respect they deserve.
Well, what do you two have to say?
- My dear Makiko. - Mm?
Here. You can use this to clean yourself off.
Would you please forgive the servants, for my sake?
Please?
You won't wear it anymore?
Mm.
It's just too heavy.
I bet the servants all hate us, don't they?
That's for sure.
And since they're only ever going to see us as the children of a lowly commoner,
then it's no surprise they'd have no problem stealing a hairpin or two from us.
I suppose, but what a fool that girl was.
Of all the hairpins, why steal the one Kiyoko...
What, Makiko?
- Say, does any of this seem odd to you? - Hmm?
Even a poor girl like her,
she'd be able to tell how expensive that hairpin was.
So why would she be flaunting it like that?
She may as well have
declared from the rooftops that she stole it.
Do you think it's possible someone might be trying to disgrace us?
But who in the world would do that, Makiko?
Even I didn't know Kiyoko gave you that hairpin,
so how would anyone else know?
Kiyoko!
I, um... I was just...
You were just spying on us.
Hold on. Don't tell me it was you behind all of this!
I don't understand what you're saying...
Stop it. You're the one who gave me that hairpin in the first place.
You knew what you were doing.
What are you talking about?
You're scaring me!
Lady Kiyoko! Lady Kiyoko!
Are you hurt, Lady Kiyoko?
Lady Kiyoko! Lady Kiyoko!
You're saying she fell on her own?
Mmm.
According to what Lady Kiyoko told me,
when she went upstairs to console her sisters after the dinner incident,
she noticed that they were both acting rather strangely.
She said, when she ran from the room,
one of the two sisters suddenly reached for her,
which caused her to lose her balance and fall down the stairs.
- That's not what happened! - Are you saying Kiyoko is lying?
A small quarrel, as sisters do, but that's all it was.
We didn't touch her!
So now, you're insulting my daughter as well?
Although we are not blood, I have done my very best
to make sure you feel like you're family while in this home.
- However, all of that ends today. - No, please!
Papa!
- Kiyoko! - Oh!
Kiyoko!
Don't blame them.
I think they were only trying to help keep me from falling down the stairs.
But I wasn't in my right mind then, and I guess I must've gotten startled.
It was just bad timing that her hand struck me when it did.
So please, don't punish her because I fell down the stairs!
It... it was all my fault!
Please, my Lord. Despite my protests,
Lady Kiyoko insisted we come here to defend her sisters,
though she really should be in bed resting her ankle.
Kiyoko.
Do you wish to forgive your sisters?
Of course I forgive them, Papa.
Mmm!
Because that's what you do when you're a family.
Papa, nothing could ever separate me from my beloved sisters.
Please, don't punish them on my behalf.
Makiko, wait!
I have the best present in the world for you!
Oh my...
I'm sure they will look perfect on you!
And I thought, "This is probably too plain for Sawako."
Huh? Kiyoko! What are you wearing?
Aah! Do you like it? I decided I mustn't get out of line in front of my sisters,
so I'm dressed like a servant.
So from now on, think of me as your humble maidservant,
and ask me for anything at all.
My dear sisters!
I'm sure they will look perfect on you.
- ...maidservant and ask... - Dear Makiko! My dear Sawako!
That's what you do when you're a family.
Nothing can separate me from my sisters.
Dear sisters. My dear Makiko!
My dear Sawako!
I'd do anything to be with you.
The older sisters have become even more demanding with us these past few weeks.
It's unbearable.
And they've dragged poor Lady Kiyoko into it.
She's doing everything she can to appease their wishes.
Then why don't you go and tell Kiyoko?
Why not just tell her that you don't want our commoner family around here?
In fact, while you're at it, tell her to just kick us out!
- We would never do that, of course! - Please forgive our gossip, my lady.
Cut the act. I didn't ask for an apology!
What's the matter, Makiko?
Oh no. Did I do something to upset you again?
Please don't take it out on them. It was all my fault, I'm sorry!
Kiyoko?
What are you doing in here?
Wait a minute!
Oh! Kiyoko, did she do something to you?
Don't you worry about me, Papa. I'm all right.
Hmm. I've had quite enough of them and their little antics.
It was probably a mistake to let them into this house in the first place.
JAPANESE PASSPORT MAKIKO OTAWARA
Kiyoko laid a trap for you?
That's right! That little brat's been playing us all along.
Ugh, this is so ridiculous.
You both have let your imaginations run away with you.
Please listen to us, Mother!
You're wrong, there's something off about that girl. She's creepy!
I've had enough of your mischief!
Honestly, what if your stepfather heard you say any of this?
Let him hear!
Do you really think he would kick us out, Mother? Of course he wouldn't!
She'll just apologize with tears
and manipulate him to think we're some unscrupulous and diabolical masterminds.
Let me ask you this.
Just what benefit would Kiyoko gain from playing these games?
Mmm?
It's clear she wants to look good in the eyes of others.
I've gathered that much about her.
With that said, why would she cater to her stepsisters
and act like a maid to achieve that goal?
No normal person would go that far.
Well, Kiyoko isn't normal!
For some childish reason, you despise Kiyoko. That's evident.
- We don't! - Wait! Listen to us, Mother!
Enough of this. You're giving me a headache.
Ugh.
What is it now? Oh...
If I may say so, you don't look so well, madam.
I'm all right. I have quite a bit weighing on my mind is all.
Ugh. It's unbelievable. Depressing, really.
I sense that something is troubling you.
Well, if there is any way I can be of service to you,
please let me know, my madam.
Wh... "Madam"?
Your father was in an accident?
Yes, he's dead now.
- How terribly sad. - How come?
It's sad when a person dies suddenly.
Is that right?
Then why do I feel so good?
You feel good?
Kiyoko? Why are you dressed like that?
I'm celebrating!
Now nothing can get in the way of us sisters becoming closer than ever!
Mmm.
OTAWARA
FIVE YEARS LATER
Makiko, how has Mother's health been doing lately?
Why on earth are you asking me that?
Well, how is she?
This morning, she developed a mild fever.
That's troubling.
My lady wishes she could be here,
but is concerned about giving you two her cold.
I see.
I'm leaving. Have them bring the car around for me.
Certainly.
Always so restless.
Lady Makiko?
What is it?
If anything is not to your liking, milady, please do feel free to let me know.
To my liking?
Oh, please. You don't need to ask me that.
You know perfectly well that things are not to my liking.
Those two girls have completely taken over this house now.
I'll never understand why Lady Kiyoko lets them.
Well, could they possibly have some kind of dirt on her?
How could they?
There is no one with a kinder or purer heart than Lady Kiyoko.
What could they possibly have against her?
Pardon the interruption.
It is time for your medicine, madam.
How are you feeling today?
Same as always.
Where are my girls?
They have both gone out for the day, madam.
I see.
Here you are.
That tea is bitter, and has such a foul smell to it.
Well, I apologize for the taste.
They all say medicine only works when it's bitter.
Mm.
Is this how it feels to be truly happy?
Huh?
It's just that ever since my father died in that accident,
every day has been so much more fun.
I hope this feeling continues forever.
Sisters, are you really going to abandon our mother?
Please don't go!
I'll do anything you ask!
Now they're all here with me.
And they let me do whatever I want.
Whatever I want.
Uh?
You're right. It's frightening.
Who knows when this happiness will disappear?
Happiness is a truly fragile thing, don't you think?
MRS. TSURUKO OTAWARA AND HER DAUGHTERS
Count Ichijo?
Yes. He is hosting an extravagant ball next month,
and he has invited all of us to attend.
He's a count, so it's safe to assume he's a man of great standing.
Yes.
Count Masateru is a great man.
And his heir, Masataka, graduated from Imperial University
and is an officer in the navy.
He is renowned for his wonderful personality.
Kiyoko, aren't you going to attend?
I would never think of it, madam.
Someone like me doesn't belong at a ball.
You don't need to be worried about me, if that's what it is.
Madam...
I'm sure my daughters will want to attend.
Make sure they don't offend anyone.
Certainly.
So he's a count, you say?
I will call for new gowns to be made for you both!
They must be more beautiful and extravagant than anyone else's!
There's no time to dillydally. I must place an order immediately.
Just what is she scheming now?
Now, how on Earth would I know that?
Yeah, good point. How would you know?
Wait... Interesting.
It looks like the count's heir will also be searching for a bride at this ball.
My, how refined.
- What was that for? - Hold on.
This could finally be our chance!
Our chance? For what?
Things have taken an interesting turn.
I've had it!
None of these dresses are flattering! Is this all you have?
What about those nice pearls over there?
Well, those pearl earrings are madam's fav--
"Madam"?
You still see her as the head of this house?
And what about our mother? She's actually alive!
- I'm so sorry. I-- - Do you see her as some kind of imposter?
No, not at all.
They were only cheap trinkets.
My dear sisters should be adorned
with only the most beautiful jewelry we have to offer.
Yes. I think Kiyoko just might have the right idea.
Mmm. She does. These are perfect.
Makiko...
It'll be just fine.
Wait. This could be our chance!
Our chance? For what?
You're saying that if Mr. Ichijo chooses one of us...
After all, he is the son of a count.
No woman in her right mind would complain about that.
We'd be free for good! We could finally escape Kiyoko!
And take Mother with us!
Hmm.
If we're able to capture the count's attention,
we will finally be free from all this!
Look. It's the Viscount Otawara's girls.
Those are just the stepdaughters.
Clothes can make anyone look good.
Mm.
- Here you are. - Um...
Oh! Thank you, kind stranger!
I am Masataka Ichijo.
And who might you be?
I... I am Sawako Otawara, sir.
And this here is my beautiful older sister, Makiko.
Welcome, and thank you for coming.
Now please, come in.
Your daughters have left.
They were very eager to attend the ball tonight.
I can hardly wait myself.
Those two are such vulgar, boorish tramps.
They could never have been fit to be the daughters of a viscount.
I can hardly wait to see how they will behave themselves.
Why, you...
How dare you? What are you planning?
Uh...
- Wow, you can certainly hold your liquor. - Oh?
What, you're not attracted to a woman who can hold her own?
Men and women are equal in this world, you know.
I concur. I'm all for equality.
- Masataka, sir. - Uh...
- Pardon me. - Oh!
Give me another!
Stop drinking so much.
Why? What's the matter with it?
We're at a ball, and there's an open bar! Mmm!
Oh?
What's wrong?
Beautiful...
Kiyoko...
My dear Makiko!
Please, forgive me!
After seeing the two of you off earlier,
I just couldn't keep myself from coming to the ball with you.
All I had was this pathetic dress from 20 years ago,
but it was my late mother's dress.
I wanted to wear it so my mother and I could attend a radiant ball together
at least once in my life.
So, please, forgive me, dear sister!
Why, you...
Give me a break!
You have some nerve!
Sawako...
You act all innocent to hide what a terrible person you are!
You're a monster!
It appears you've had more than enough to drink tonight.
Mr. Ichijo...
No need to worry yourselves!
I'll take care of Lady Kiyoko.
- You two may go. - Uh--
Hey! Let go!
You must be enjoying this!
How dare you disgrace my sister in front of everyone?
Kiyoko!
I hope you're proud of your vicious little scheme!
You godless fiend!
- She's quite rude. - I must go. I need to return home!
- Uh-- - They both are so upset with me!
You don't need to be afraid anymore.
You're safe here.
Lady Kiyoko, may I ask for a dance?
I find music and dancing is the best way to calm your nerves.
Hmm...
Hmm! Yes.
They make such a lovely couple.
Like out of a fairy tale. So enchanting.
They look so lovely, don't they?
After the sudden death of Viscount Otawara,
we lost communication with your household.
I would like to reestablish that connection.
This may come across as impertinent, but your stepsisters...
They're a little odd, don't you think?
Please don't say that about them.
My sisters don't have any ill will towards me.
Kiyoko...
PASSPORT
To think he was planning to send them abroad to study.
Such an imprudent decision.
That's right.
Why doesn't he understand what I'm trying to do?
Oh, my dear Father.
If only he hadn't meddled,
he could've lived on forever as one of my favorite toys to play with.
I don't want a toy like him anymore.
But I thought you saw us as a family?
Yes, madam.
To me, you are an irreplaceable family.
As well as... my prized doll collection.
Kiyoko!
You've lasted a long time. You're very tough.
But...
I don't need any broken dolls.
Mmm.
- You seem happy. - Hmm?
I can see it on your face.
Hmm.
I am. I'm having an excellent time.
Please, don't go!
Are you leaving already?
Have I done something to offend you?
Not at all.
When will I see you? Please, Lady Kiyoko.
Sadly... we will never meet again.
Uh-- Oh.
Please wake up! Please, Mother!
This can't be real! Open your eyes!
You come here!
How could you! What did you do to her?
My Lady Makiko!
I know it was you, Kiyoko!
You killed our mother!
Lady Makiko!
You never letting us see Mother was all part of your scheme, wasn't it?
Mama, I'm sorry. We wanted to visit,
but were terrified she would hurt you if we tried to defy her.
Oh, my lady, that's utterly ridiculous.
Not one of you ever even questioned what was happening here!
All I know is your mother has been suffering for a very long time.
But she's finally found her eternal rest.
She didn't die from her illness!
This is all her fault. I won't stand for this!
I certainly understand them being blinded by their grief...
But then to blame Lady Kiyoko for madam's death is absolutely absurd.
It really is awful.
I suppose I never really understood
what it was my two sisters desired from me.
I think I will brew them some of the tea with the medicine that Madam drank.
It has a calming effect and quiets the mind.
From now on, I must dedicate myself to serving them as best as I can.
I must be even more diligent.
Lady Kiyoko...
Since I am the eldest daughter,
the title of master of the household has been bequeathed to me.
This upon the untimely deaths of the late viscount and his wife.
While the grief of my late mother's passing still hangs heavy over this house,
I find it incredibly rude, even for the son of a count,
to come here inquiring about Kiyoko.
All due respect, but Kiyoko is the only blood heir of the late viscount.
Yes, well, Kiyoko put me in charge.
Everyone is aware of how you terrorized that poor girl,
and forced her to act as your personal handmaid
instead of treating her like she was your sister.
That was also Kiyoko's wish.
I am not ashamed to have obliged.
This is going nowhere!
Excuse me?
You dirty little tramp!
- Caught you red-handed! - Please forgive me, dear Sawako!
Lady Kiyoko!
Lord Masataka!
- Lord Masataka! Uh-- - Lady Kiyoko!
Oh, Lord Ichijo...
You're safe.
- Lady Kiyoko is coming with me! - Mmm!
Fine, do as you wish.
But this house belongs to me and my sister.
You have absolutely no legal right to this household.
All of it was passed down to Lady Kiyoko.
No!
Let us in! Listen to me!
I'll never forgive you!
Open up! I said open it!
That's enough, Sawako.
Huh?
We did it. We're finally free.
Those two ran off, or so it seems.
They managed to outwit me.
They were a disgrace at the ball and treated the servants harshly.
They put on a good show, but it was all an act so I'd marry the count's son.
Clearly the daughters of a geisha.
They even managed to raise the ire of the Count's son in the end.
It's such a shame.
But they kept us entertained. Far longer than anyone else ever did.
Speak for yourself.
Entertained? Hardly.
How can you say that? Come now, we've enjoyed playing this game together.
- Is that so? - Of course.
So, then. What will you do?
- What do you mean? - What will be the next game you play?
My next game? I don't know.
Hmm?
You couldn't sleep?
Mmm. No.
I just had something on my mind.
What was it?
Oh... just thinking about the fun I'm going to have.
Uh...
Oh...
Hmm!
Yes. We're going to have so much fun.