1 00:00:22,480 --> 00:00:24,983 Don't tell me you're full already, Charlotte. 2 00:00:24,983 --> 00:00:26,067 Um... 3 00:00:28,570 --> 00:00:31,781 The thing is... I don't really care for meat. 4 00:00:31,781 --> 00:00:34,034 You shouldn't be so picky about food. 5 00:00:36,036 --> 00:00:37,287 Oh. 6 00:00:37,287 --> 00:00:40,707 I wish there was someone to help me finish what I didn't want to eat. 7 00:00:42,917 --> 00:00:46,713 I recently heard a story about elves helping out a shoemaker. 8 00:00:46,713 --> 00:00:49,966 The elves sound so nice and generous! 9 00:00:50,800 --> 00:00:53,887 But you see, the reason the elves wanted to help the shoemaker 10 00:00:53,887 --> 00:00:57,515 is because he was such an honest and diligent worker, Charlotte. 11 00:00:57,515 --> 00:01:01,644 You could learn a thing or two about how to be a little bit less selfish. 12 00:01:01,644 --> 00:01:02,771 Aw. 13 00:01:08,193 --> 00:01:09,611 I wonder... 14 00:01:09,611 --> 00:01:10,695 Hmm? 15 00:01:10,695 --> 00:01:13,239 Between giving the elves my food to eat for me 16 00:01:13,239 --> 00:01:15,116 or pushing myself to eat it... 17 00:01:17,327 --> 00:01:19,496 which do you think is the better choice? 18 00:02:26,813 --> 00:02:27,647 BAR DAIKICHI 19 00:02:27,647 --> 00:02:28,731 DAIKICHI ODEN 20 00:02:32,694 --> 00:02:35,071 Starting this year, the Ryogoku River Festival, 21 00:02:35,071 --> 00:02:39,534 held at Sumida River, will be called the Sumida River Fireworks Festival. 22 00:02:39,534 --> 00:02:42,078 It's been 17 years since it was last held. 23 00:02:43,204 --> 00:02:47,167 In other news, with the beginning of this year's summer tourist season... 24 00:02:47,167 --> 00:02:49,127 Welcome home! 25 00:02:49,127 --> 00:02:51,379 She was in a great mood today. 26 00:02:51,379 --> 00:02:53,798 As always, thanks for taking care of her. 27 00:02:53,798 --> 00:02:55,758 Would you like to talk about the schedule now? 28 00:02:55,758 --> 00:02:56,885 - Yeah? - Sure. 29 00:02:56,885 --> 00:02:58,887 Mommy, help me! My poor dolly! 30 00:02:58,887 --> 00:03:02,307 - She's broken! - Oh goodness. There, there. 31 00:03:02,307 --> 00:03:05,935 {\an8}Did you hear about Z's kid? Failed the entrance exam, apparently! 32 00:03:05,935 --> 00:03:07,645 {\an8}Really? 33 00:03:07,645 --> 00:03:10,315 {\an8}That's what I heard! And you better sit down for this one. 34 00:03:10,315 --> 00:03:12,901 {\an8}I hear X is finally getting divorced. 35 00:03:12,901 --> 00:03:15,195 {\an8}I knew it! 36 00:03:16,779 --> 00:03:19,032 That was a long time coming. 37 00:03:19,032 --> 00:03:21,159 - Something about an affair-- - Shut up! 38 00:03:21,159 --> 00:03:22,243 - Oh! - Ooh! 39 00:03:23,036 --> 00:03:25,163 - Oh. - Who was that? 40 00:03:31,753 --> 00:03:32,879 JAPANESE DICTIONARY 41 00:03:35,840 --> 00:03:38,551 14TH JONICHI PUBLICATION CULTURE AWARD CEREMONY 42 00:03:39,135 --> 00:03:40,762 That's our neighbor, Mr. N. 43 00:03:40,762 --> 00:03:43,890 He at least says hello when I see him around. Not sure what's wrong. 44 00:03:43,890 --> 00:03:46,517 Miss Y, please be careful. 45 00:03:46,517 --> 00:03:49,604 Some people can flip a switch and get mad for no reason at all, 46 00:03:49,604 --> 00:03:51,522 and there's no telling what they might do. 47 00:03:51,522 --> 00:03:54,525 - Mommy! Read book! - Later, okay? 48 00:03:55,109 --> 00:03:57,528 Those types of people have tons of pent-up anger, 49 00:03:57,528 --> 00:04:01,491 and end up taking it all out on those they consider weaker than them. 50 00:04:01,491 --> 00:04:03,785 I know exactly what you mean. 51 00:04:05,703 --> 00:04:09,457 There's no telling what they might do, huh? 52 00:04:09,457 --> 00:04:15,546 IN A FIT OF RAGE, HE BEATS THE OLD LADY TO DEATH. 53 00:04:16,506 --> 00:04:18,883 - Oh, landlord! Question... - Huh? 54 00:04:18,883 --> 00:04:23,263 This Mr. N. Wouldn't you say he has a, uh, well, complicated history? 55 00:04:23,263 --> 00:04:24,847 I wouldn't say that... 56 00:04:25,598 --> 00:04:28,601 A fully-grown man staying all cooped up in his house 24/7 57 00:04:28,601 --> 00:04:31,771 just isn't normal behavior, I think anyone would agree about that. 58 00:04:31,771 --> 00:04:34,315 Perhaps, but novelists are often odd. 59 00:04:34,315 --> 00:04:37,110 What is that you said? Are you telling me he's an author? 60 00:04:37,110 --> 00:04:39,779 Has he written anything I may have heard of? 61 00:04:40,530 --> 00:04:44,033 Let's see. A couple of his titles are Two in the Ruin, and Ask at Midnight. 62 00:04:44,033 --> 00:04:45,743 Have you heard of either of those? 63 00:04:45,743 --> 00:04:47,662 Huh? Not me. 64 00:04:47,662 --> 00:04:49,706 Hold on. I actually have! 65 00:04:49,706 --> 00:04:52,834 Right, and the author of both those books would be, uh... 66 00:04:52,834 --> 00:04:56,129 But, uh... how long has it been since those came out? 67 00:04:56,129 --> 00:04:58,089 It's been some time, like, um, 68 00:04:58,756 --> 00:05:02,176 ten or... maybe even 20 years? 69 00:05:02,176 --> 00:05:06,139 Wow! Two entire decades have gone by and he still continues to be a writer? 70 00:05:06,139 --> 00:05:08,474 As far as I'm aware. 71 00:05:08,474 --> 00:05:12,103 He used to give me a copy of each of his books as a gift once a year, 72 00:05:12,103 --> 00:05:15,690 but now that I think about it, he hasn't done that recently. 73 00:05:15,690 --> 00:05:17,066 Oh! 74 00:05:17,066 --> 00:05:18,693 Flower! 75 00:05:18,693 --> 00:05:21,446 Now, now. You can't yell like that. 76 00:05:21,446 --> 00:05:24,532 Anyhow, it doesn't change the fact that we don't know what he's up to in there. 77 00:05:29,996 --> 00:05:31,080 Hmm? 78 00:05:32,874 --> 00:05:36,753 Uh, come on, let's get you home now and I'll read you a book, okay? 79 00:05:36,753 --> 00:05:39,589 Hello! It's rare to see you go out anywhere. 80 00:05:39,589 --> 00:05:41,632 Yeah, well, you know... 81 00:05:41,632 --> 00:05:45,219 It's a good thing! You've gotta gather material and all. 82 00:05:45,219 --> 00:05:47,680 Well, now. I need to head on back. 83 00:05:49,599 --> 00:05:51,392 Don't know what I'm up to, huh? 84 00:05:51,392 --> 00:05:53,144 It's none of their business. 85 00:05:58,358 --> 00:06:02,820 How long has it been since the literary world called me the wonder boy? 86 00:06:02,820 --> 00:06:05,490 A NEW RISING STAR! ASK AT MIDNIGHT BY N 87 00:06:05,490 --> 00:06:09,118 Not that it matters. It's nothing but a thing of the past now. 88 00:06:09,118 --> 00:06:10,203 ACCOUNT BALANCE 89 00:06:11,496 --> 00:06:12,497 Thanks. 90 00:06:13,456 --> 00:06:15,124 Oh. Sorry. 91 00:06:16,125 --> 00:06:18,711 People think I'm in danger of dying alone. 92 00:06:18,711 --> 00:06:21,756 They even fear I might commit impulsive slaughter. 93 00:06:21,756 --> 00:06:24,592 But I'm normal. Well, maybe less interesting than that. 94 00:06:26,552 --> 00:06:28,054 Uh, hi. My name is N. 95 00:06:28,054 --> 00:06:32,183 Ah... Oh, yes! Thank you so much for your call. 96 00:06:32,183 --> 00:06:35,478 Your editor, H, just moved to another department the other day. 97 00:06:35,478 --> 00:06:37,814 - Uh-- - He's sorry he didn't say goodbye to you. 98 00:06:37,814 --> 00:06:39,899 He just got so busy, you know? 99 00:06:39,899 --> 00:06:43,152 {\an8}Then who's replacing him as my new editor? 100 00:06:43,152 --> 00:06:45,738 {\an8}Well, uh, that would be me. My name is S. 101 00:06:45,738 --> 00:06:47,698 {\an8}I can discuss this with you, if it's all right. 102 00:06:47,698 --> 00:06:52,787 {\an8}All right. Just checking in since I sent you a new draft last month and, uh... 103 00:06:52,787 --> 00:06:55,415 Mr. N, I'm afraid I must apologize. 104 00:06:55,415 --> 00:06:59,377 Your manuscript, uh... What was the title of that? 105 00:06:59,377 --> 00:07:01,504 It's From the Shores of Stupor. 106 00:07:01,504 --> 00:07:04,424 Right, right. Uh, can you give me some time? 107 00:07:04,424 --> 00:07:07,510 I'd like to get back to you after I read From the Shores thoroughly. 108 00:07:07,510 --> 00:07:11,722 {\an8}No problem. I'll give you another call next week and see where you're at with it. 109 00:07:11,722 --> 00:07:15,935 {\an8}That would be great. Thank you! I'd appreciate that very much. 110 00:07:15,935 --> 00:07:17,353 {\an8}Okay. Have a good one! 111 00:07:27,488 --> 00:07:29,407 Things haven't always been like this, 112 00:07:29,407 --> 00:07:31,868 but I can't remember when they weren't. 113 00:07:31,868 --> 00:07:34,120 I don't think I had too much of an ego... 114 00:07:34,120 --> 00:07:36,330 Well, maybe that's not true. 115 00:07:36,330 --> 00:07:40,543 But I can say with confidence there are much worse authors out there. 116 00:07:40,543 --> 00:07:42,670 And if we're talking quality... 117 00:07:47,550 --> 00:07:48,926 Welcome. 118 00:07:48,926 --> 00:07:51,429 - A bottle of beer and cold tofu. - Comin' up. 119 00:08:04,817 --> 00:08:06,068 Ah. 120 00:08:12,158 --> 00:08:13,159 {\an8}FROM THE SHORES OF STUPOR 121 00:08:13,159 --> 00:08:15,286 {\an8}Objectively, the story shouldn't be bad. 122 00:08:15,286 --> 00:08:16,787 {\an8}My ability hasn't diminished 123 00:08:16,787 --> 00:08:20,625 {\an8}since back when I sold 3.5 million copies of Ask at Midnight. 124 00:08:20,625 --> 00:08:24,921 {\an8}In fact, if anything, my structural and descriptive skills have improved. 125 00:08:26,255 --> 00:08:27,298 {\an8}Ah. 126 00:08:27,298 --> 00:08:30,009 {\an8}Is the problem the theme or the material? 127 00:08:30,009 --> 00:08:34,680 It doesn't matter. I'm not going to stoop to writing some pandering romance novel. 128 00:08:34,680 --> 00:08:36,182 Hey! Mister! 129 00:08:37,475 --> 00:08:39,018 Hey, I'm talkin' to you! 130 00:08:39,018 --> 00:08:40,937 Huh? Uh, yes? 131 00:08:41,562 --> 00:08:44,315 You're drinkin', but you got a big old frown on your face. 132 00:08:44,315 --> 00:08:46,108 Mmm... 'kay. 133 00:08:46,108 --> 00:08:48,653 Come on! If you're not happy, then what's the point? 134 00:08:48,653 --> 00:08:51,405 Barkeeper, pour my new friend here some sake. 135 00:08:52,698 --> 00:08:54,242 Go on, drink up! 136 00:08:54,242 --> 00:08:57,328 Oh... sake's not really... 137 00:08:59,539 --> 00:09:00,748 Yeah. Okay. 138 00:09:03,459 --> 00:09:06,462 - Good, right? - Sure... 139 00:09:06,462 --> 00:09:09,131 That's all you've got to say? Where's your spirit? 140 00:09:09,966 --> 00:09:11,968 Come on, now, that's no good. 141 00:09:11,968 --> 00:09:14,595 And you can't even muster up a civil thank you for me? 142 00:09:14,595 --> 00:09:16,264 Th... thank you. 143 00:09:16,264 --> 00:09:19,141 Man, that expression! You look miserable. 144 00:09:19,725 --> 00:09:23,771 That there's the face of a molester, or an arsonist or somethin' like that. 145 00:09:23,771 --> 00:09:25,189 {\an8}Well, I'm not. 146 00:09:25,189 --> 00:09:27,275 {\an8}It's like pullin' teeth tryin' to talk to you. 147 00:09:31,028 --> 00:09:33,281 Are you pissed? You're pissed, aren't you? 148 00:09:33,281 --> 00:09:35,449 Just please stop harassing me. 149 00:09:35,449 --> 00:09:37,535 You're such an ass! 150 00:09:37,535 --> 00:09:41,872 I'm talkin' to you 'cause I pity you, man, and this is how you repay my kindness? 151 00:09:41,872 --> 00:09:43,124 Huh? 152 00:09:43,791 --> 00:09:46,794 That's odd. I don't remember asking you to pity me. 153 00:09:46,794 --> 00:09:50,715 Huh? Hey, man, are you seriously gonna give me attitude like that? 154 00:09:50,715 --> 00:09:53,301 In fact, I'm not interested in talking to you at all. 155 00:09:53,301 --> 00:09:54,510 What's your problem? 156 00:09:54,510 --> 00:09:57,054 Look, I'm not some musty old man like you, bud! 157 00:09:57,054 --> 00:09:59,473 I might as well be a different species altogether! 158 00:09:59,473 --> 00:10:01,726 Bastard! 159 00:10:06,939 --> 00:10:10,109 You kiddin' me? He was clearly in the wrong! 160 00:10:10,109 --> 00:10:12,445 I don't care. Don't come back! 161 00:10:12,445 --> 00:10:14,196 What the-- 162 00:10:20,453 --> 00:10:23,497 ONE CUP SAKE 163 00:10:25,916 --> 00:10:27,835 What the hell, man... 164 00:10:33,674 --> 00:10:36,427 "A different species altogether," huh? 165 00:10:36,427 --> 00:10:39,764 I can't believe I said that. How absolutely pathetic. 166 00:10:39,764 --> 00:10:43,267 When people talk about cowardly pride, they mean this. 167 00:10:43,267 --> 00:10:46,354 Looking from the outside, we're the same. 168 00:10:47,813 --> 00:10:52,485 No, I'm actually inferior, since I don't even produce anything. 169 00:10:53,277 --> 00:10:57,365 It doesn't matter. I was born with the blessing and curse of creativity. 170 00:10:57,365 --> 00:11:00,660 I'm always going to think of myself as something special. 171 00:11:04,455 --> 00:11:06,832 FROM THE SHORES OF STUPOR 172 00:11:15,966 --> 00:11:17,968 "The man, after having killed the old woman, 173 00:11:17,968 --> 00:11:20,680 wanders aimlessly around town in a stupor, 174 00:11:20,680 --> 00:11:22,890 when the women he had relations with in the past 175 00:11:22,890 --> 00:11:25,935 appear one after the other, asking him questions." 176 00:11:25,935 --> 00:11:28,354 But that's a story I've already heard somewhere. 177 00:11:29,772 --> 00:11:32,692 A pilgrimage? Or is it a confession? 178 00:11:32,692 --> 00:11:33,776 Wha... 179 00:11:34,652 --> 00:11:36,737 The story you're trying to write. 180 00:11:38,823 --> 00:11:42,201 Hey, kid? What are you doing out here this late at night? 181 00:11:42,785 --> 00:11:43,911 I got in trouble. 182 00:11:44,787 --> 00:11:46,122 What happened? 183 00:11:46,706 --> 00:11:48,332 I was told I need to be good. 184 00:11:49,041 --> 00:11:52,294 Wouldn't it be best if you went to a police station? 185 00:11:53,045 --> 00:11:54,505 Would you take me? 186 00:11:55,798 --> 00:11:57,967 Uh... no. 187 00:11:59,802 --> 00:12:01,387 {\an8}I figured. 188 00:12:02,805 --> 00:12:05,099 Your focus is blurred and you're messy. 189 00:12:05,099 --> 00:12:07,685 Is it the protagonist's anguish you want to write about, 190 00:12:07,685 --> 00:12:10,813 or is it perhaps the air of the period? 191 00:12:10,813 --> 00:12:14,942 If you're attempting to write about both, it's impossible with your skills. 192 00:12:14,942 --> 00:12:16,777 Give it back. 193 00:12:17,486 --> 00:12:21,282 The Supermarket in Alaska was a total abomination as well. 194 00:12:21,282 --> 00:12:25,035 What, did you get too excited about your first long-term fieldwork? 195 00:12:25,035 --> 00:12:28,372 It felt like you were showing off. So self-important. 196 00:12:29,248 --> 00:12:31,667 {\an8}That kind of thing is so annoying to me. 197 00:12:31,667 --> 00:12:34,003 {\an8}The Castle in the Strait also. 198 00:12:34,003 --> 00:12:38,007 {\an8}You have no ability to select the necessary materials at all. 199 00:12:38,758 --> 00:12:42,845 {\an8}Not to mention all your character studies lack any depth whatsoever. 200 00:12:43,721 --> 00:12:44,555 You... 201 00:12:44,555 --> 00:12:48,309 That said, back in the day, you were no doubt brilliant, 202 00:12:48,309 --> 00:12:50,728 armed with overflowing youth. 203 00:12:50,728 --> 00:12:53,397 But now, you're hopeless. 204 00:12:53,397 --> 00:12:57,401 How do you... Where did you learn to talk about things like this? 205 00:12:57,401 --> 00:12:58,819 And why are you here? 206 00:12:58,819 --> 00:13:01,280 You shouldn't walk around so late at night. 207 00:13:01,280 --> 00:13:02,823 You need to go home. 208 00:13:03,574 --> 00:13:07,036 - You truly are mediocre. - 'Scuse me? 209 00:13:07,036 --> 00:13:09,330 {\an8}A total cut-and-dried cliché. 210 00:13:09,330 --> 00:13:12,541 {\an8}Anyone who considers themselves to be a professional of words 211 00:13:12,541 --> 00:13:15,169 {\an8}should never neglect them at any given time. 212 00:13:16,921 --> 00:13:20,174 Look, I know you're just a kid and you assume it's a big deal to be an author, 213 00:13:20,174 --> 00:13:21,675 but that's not reality, okay? 214 00:13:21,675 --> 00:13:23,177 It's not like we're always eloquent, 215 00:13:23,177 --> 00:13:26,305 only using fancy words and speaking in clever phrases... 216 00:13:26,305 --> 00:13:28,808 We just only do that in our writing. 217 00:13:28,808 --> 00:13:31,519 How truly disappointing, 218 00:13:31,519 --> 00:13:34,897 with regard to your writing, as well as your existence. 219 00:13:34,897 --> 00:13:38,025 I can't find any excitement in either. 220 00:13:38,025 --> 00:13:39,568 {\an8}Go home, already! 221 00:13:39,568 --> 00:13:42,988 {\an8}I hate annoying brats like you. Get out of my face. 222 00:13:42,988 --> 00:13:44,740 Oh yeah? Well, that's too bad. 223 00:13:44,740 --> 00:13:47,952 You have no skill when it comes to writing or listening, it seems. 224 00:13:47,952 --> 00:13:49,495 That's very unfortunate. 225 00:13:49,495 --> 00:13:53,207 But at the end of the day, I'm assuming that's just who you are as a person. 226 00:13:53,207 --> 00:13:57,169 Listen here... if you think that I'm gonna quietly sit back and take it 227 00:13:57,169 --> 00:14:00,130 while you nonstop berate me, you're dead wrong. 228 00:14:00,130 --> 00:14:03,384 Children who make fun of adults learn lessons the hard way. 229 00:14:03,384 --> 00:14:06,679 You gonna drag me into a public bathroom and rape me? 230 00:14:06,679 --> 00:14:09,098 Cut me up, and toss the body? 231 00:14:09,098 --> 00:14:10,474 Wha-- 232 00:14:15,688 --> 00:14:18,399 - I'm only joking with you. Goodbye. - Uh... 233 00:14:19,692 --> 00:14:23,237 Huh? What the hell is this? 234 00:14:39,545 --> 00:14:41,046 Oh, my head... 235 00:15:00,858 --> 00:15:04,028 This is the worst. 236 00:15:04,028 --> 00:15:04,987 Uh... 237 00:15:20,920 --> 00:15:22,046 Uh... 238 00:15:22,046 --> 00:15:25,007 SELF-INTRODUCTION BY N 239 00:15:33,432 --> 00:15:35,935 This is my handwriting... 240 00:15:39,396 --> 00:15:43,150 Self-Introduction. That's the title, huh? 241 00:15:43,651 --> 00:15:44,860 A novel? 242 00:15:52,284 --> 00:15:54,662 Reading through it was simply bizarre. 243 00:15:54,662 --> 00:15:58,916 A story I knew nothing of, and handwriting I knew all too well. 244 00:15:59,458 --> 00:16:00,751 As far as the plot goes, 245 00:16:00,751 --> 00:16:04,296 if I'm being honest, I didn't quite get it. 246 00:16:04,296 --> 00:16:07,758 The sorrow of a middle-aged man is described in a detached manner, 247 00:16:07,758 --> 00:16:10,177 and I felt it was lacking in dynamics. 248 00:16:18,310 --> 00:16:22,398 Looking back, it's unclear to me what kind of emotions I felt at the time. 249 00:16:22,398 --> 00:16:24,483 I'm far too removed. 250 00:16:24,483 --> 00:16:27,069 Confusion? Maybe desperation? 251 00:16:27,069 --> 00:16:28,988 And rage? 252 00:16:28,988 --> 00:16:31,115 I think that probably sums it up. 253 00:16:32,116 --> 00:16:33,492 {\an8}MR. S CENTRAL PUBLIC OPINION CO. 254 00:16:33,492 --> 00:16:35,452 What I do remember is that I wished 255 00:16:35,452 --> 00:16:37,913 the editor would just lose the draft again. 256 00:16:38,706 --> 00:16:41,083 That way, he'd be indebted to me. 257 00:16:41,083 --> 00:16:42,918 Worst case, I'd get apology money. 258 00:16:42,918 --> 00:16:46,213 Or I might get my work published out of charity. 259 00:16:46,213 --> 00:16:48,882 I should be able to get at least one of those. 260 00:16:51,927 --> 00:16:52,845 Guess that's it... 261 00:16:52,845 --> 00:16:53,804 EXTERMINATE DRUNKARDS 262 00:17:03,355 --> 00:17:05,232 IMAIZUMI STORE 263 00:17:06,400 --> 00:17:09,653 Uh-- Oh there he is, over there! Mr. N! 264 00:17:10,279 --> 00:17:11,864 CENTRAL PUBLIC OPINION CO. S 265 00:17:11,864 --> 00:17:15,659 I had the chance read your manuscript, and I simply could not sit still! 266 00:17:16,952 --> 00:17:19,955 This is all so sudden. I don't know what to... 267 00:17:19,955 --> 00:17:22,875 Are you talking about From the Shores of Stupor? 268 00:17:22,875 --> 00:17:27,087 Of course not! Come on. No. Self-Introduction. 269 00:17:27,838 --> 00:17:30,716 Even though it's a short story, it's surprisingly robust. 270 00:17:30,716 --> 00:17:33,552 And it has a solid underlying universal theme. 271 00:17:34,845 --> 00:17:36,764 Anyway, I'll cut to the chase. 272 00:17:36,764 --> 00:17:38,390 I want it, Mr. N. 273 00:17:38,390 --> 00:17:41,560 I'd like Self-Introduction to open our next month's issue. 274 00:17:41,560 --> 00:17:43,896 I have no doubt that it'll cause a major buzz, 275 00:17:43,896 --> 00:17:46,231 {\an8}and it's a perfect chance for you to make a comeback! 276 00:17:46,231 --> 00:17:47,441 What do you say? 277 00:17:47,441 --> 00:17:49,777 Will you please give me your permission to publish it? 278 00:17:49,777 --> 00:17:52,071 You seem really determined, huh? 279 00:17:52,071 --> 00:17:53,447 I am. 280 00:17:53,447 --> 00:17:57,326 I'm incredibly determined. No, captivated, even. 281 00:17:57,326 --> 00:18:00,662 It's rare for an editor to find a piece of writing he's passionate about 282 00:18:00,662 --> 00:18:02,748 and considers an amazing masterpiece. 283 00:18:02,748 --> 00:18:06,585 {\an8}If there's any request on your end, I promise I'll do all that I can. 284 00:18:08,462 --> 00:18:10,964 I don't have a problem with you publishing it. 285 00:18:11,715 --> 00:18:15,010 But is it possible for me to get paid sooner rather than later? 286 00:18:15,010 --> 00:18:16,845 - Get paid? - Uh-huh. 287 00:18:17,513 --> 00:18:20,307 Ah, you mean your manuscript fee. I've got you! 288 00:18:20,307 --> 00:18:23,352 I'll speak with the editor-in-chief and our accounting department right away... 289 00:18:23,352 --> 00:18:26,063 ...and come up with an amount that's satisfactory for you! 290 00:18:26,063 --> 00:18:29,441 I was beyond clueless back then. 291 00:18:29,441 --> 00:18:34,488 It was as if there was a thin membrane separating me from the rest of society. 292 00:18:35,030 --> 00:18:39,451 I was in a state of derealization. Experiencing a lack of reality. 293 00:18:39,451 --> 00:18:44,248 As if I were looking at the rest of the world from underwater. 294 00:18:44,248 --> 00:18:47,251 And what a peculiar view that was. 295 00:18:47,251 --> 00:18:49,962 Sure enough, that short story of 20 pages or so 296 00:18:49,962 --> 00:18:52,714 became a hit and stirred up the scene. 297 00:18:52,714 --> 00:18:56,677 That magazine decided to order a reprint the day before it went on sale. 298 00:18:57,427 --> 00:19:01,640 {\an8}Apparently, it was the first time ever in the entire history of the magazine. 299 00:19:01,640 --> 00:19:03,517 Huh? 300 00:19:11,483 --> 00:19:14,695 Mr. N, sir, I'm so sorry to come by unannounced. 301 00:19:14,695 --> 00:19:17,030 I'm here to ask if you'll write a piece for us. 302 00:19:17,030 --> 00:19:19,324 - Who do you think you are? How rude! - Please hear me out. 303 00:19:19,324 --> 00:19:21,785 Allow me to discuss it with you in further detail, okay? 304 00:19:21,785 --> 00:19:22,870 HAKUBUNKAN, INC. B 305 00:19:22,870 --> 00:19:24,246 Wait. When did you-- 306 00:19:24,246 --> 00:19:26,206 But why do you want me? 307 00:19:26,206 --> 00:19:30,043 One thing about me is that I can spot great talent when I see it. 308 00:19:30,627 --> 00:19:33,422 I was so moved by your Self-Introduction. 309 00:19:33,422 --> 00:19:36,341 It made me look forward to reading whatever comes after. 310 00:19:36,341 --> 00:19:39,428 Oh, man, lady! You are so overstepping! 311 00:19:39,428 --> 00:19:41,638 I can't help how I feel. 312 00:19:42,389 --> 00:19:46,310 Plus, I'm certain we can accommodate any request you might have financially. 313 00:19:46,310 --> 00:19:47,936 This isn't a matter of money! 314 00:19:47,936 --> 00:19:50,105 Oh? You can't deny money's important, though. 315 00:19:50,105 --> 00:19:51,899 I'll leave it to you two to hash it out. 316 00:19:51,899 --> 00:19:53,358 Mr. N! 317 00:19:54,443 --> 00:19:56,111 DEPOSIT: 2,000,000 YEN 318 00:19:58,071 --> 00:20:01,283 The manuscript fee deposited into my bank was significant. 319 00:20:01,867 --> 00:20:03,827 Every single day, there was a line at my door 320 00:20:03,827 --> 00:20:06,246 of editors who figured out my address. 321 00:20:06,997 --> 00:20:09,708 And of course, each one wanted me to write for them. 322 00:20:10,792 --> 00:20:13,879 If I said it didn't make me happy, I'd be lying. 323 00:20:13,879 --> 00:20:17,424 Well, I should just be straightforward and admit that I was happy. 324 00:20:18,008 --> 00:20:20,969 There was an audience out there, waiting for my writing. 325 00:20:20,969 --> 00:20:22,596 When I thought about that fact, 326 00:20:22,596 --> 00:20:26,892 it filled me with joy, pride, and a sense of superiority. 327 00:20:27,476 --> 00:20:32,105 Even if it all came to be because of a novel I had no memory of writing. 328 00:20:41,156 --> 00:20:43,450 Damn it, I can't come up with anything. 329 00:20:45,994 --> 00:20:47,829 What's so great about this? Huh? 330 00:20:47,829 --> 00:20:48,872 SELF-INTRODUCTION BY N 331 00:20:48,872 --> 00:20:52,334 Makes me think no one has any reading comprehension these days. 332 00:20:52,918 --> 00:20:54,753 People just really love to talk. 333 00:20:54,753 --> 00:20:57,297 If someone proclaims it's interesting among their peers, 334 00:20:57,297 --> 00:20:58,590 everyone agrees with them. 335 00:20:58,590 --> 00:21:02,052 And if they say it's boring, then it magically becomes boring. 336 00:21:02,052 --> 00:21:04,137 It's all about gossip. 337 00:21:07,808 --> 00:21:09,351 Here's the thing. 338 00:21:09,351 --> 00:21:13,272 I'm really sorry to do this, but I can't accept this. 339 00:21:13,814 --> 00:21:16,692 Has, um, something been troubling you lately? 340 00:21:17,526 --> 00:21:19,152 What do you mean by that? 341 00:21:19,152 --> 00:21:24,283 Sorry. I'm not quite sure how to best put it into words, but... it's just... 342 00:21:24,866 --> 00:21:28,620 I read it, and it seemed like you were not your usual self. Something was off. 343 00:21:28,620 --> 00:21:32,332 Are you trying to insinuate that I've gone crazy or somethin'? 344 00:21:32,332 --> 00:21:35,294 By "not my usual self," you mean out of my mind, huh? 345 00:21:35,294 --> 00:21:38,130 I must apologize for repeatedly prodding you to write. 346 00:21:38,797 --> 00:21:42,175 It seems as if my actions may have had a negative effect on your motivation. 347 00:21:42,175 --> 00:21:46,305 {\an8}I let my excitement get the better of me. It's entirely my fault! 348 00:21:47,639 --> 00:21:49,599 But still, If you don't mind me asking, 349 00:21:49,599 --> 00:21:51,685 was this perhaps written by a student of yours? 350 00:21:51,685 --> 00:21:53,186 It's too unrefined to-- 351 00:21:53,186 --> 00:21:56,690 Are you accusing me of having someone else write this for me? Really? 352 00:21:57,232 --> 00:22:00,861 It's just that it seemed the only logical explanation. 353 00:22:00,861 --> 00:22:03,905 I mean, if someone else with less talent or experience wrote it, 354 00:22:03,905 --> 00:22:05,699 then that would explain the quality. 355 00:22:05,699 --> 00:22:08,869 Because if I'm looking at this novel objectively... 356 00:22:08,869 --> 00:22:10,287 Enough. 357 00:22:10,287 --> 00:22:14,624 You're not the only literary magazine out there. I'll take this somewhere else. 358 00:22:14,624 --> 00:22:16,626 I won't accept no for an answer. 359 00:22:18,128 --> 00:22:20,255 Very well, then. Do whatever you need to. 360 00:22:20,255 --> 00:22:22,341 We won't be needing that manuscript after all. 361 00:22:26,762 --> 00:22:28,305 I'm sorry. 362 00:22:28,305 --> 00:22:30,557 I did take a look, but I can't help. 363 00:22:31,224 --> 00:22:33,518 I'm afraid short stories aren't my area. 364 00:22:34,770 --> 00:22:36,980 Ridiculous. What kind of excuse is that? 365 00:22:36,980 --> 00:22:38,482 I'm so sorry. 366 00:22:39,024 --> 00:22:42,402 But either way, I'm really glad that you reached out to me for this. 367 00:22:42,402 --> 00:22:44,863 How about you write a novel for us? What do you say? 368 00:22:44,863 --> 00:22:46,990 That's nothing but lip service. 369 00:22:46,990 --> 00:22:50,827 If you don't believe me, what else can I tell you? 370 00:22:50,827 --> 00:22:52,412 At least give it to me straight. 371 00:22:52,412 --> 00:22:55,540 I want to hear your honest thoughts on the story. No holding back. 372 00:22:55,540 --> 00:22:56,666 What did you think? 373 00:22:56,666 --> 00:22:59,961 I showed it to another editor and he thought it was written by someone else. 374 00:22:59,961 --> 00:23:01,630 He wouldn't stop shitting on it. 375 00:23:01,630 --> 00:23:04,341 Oh, you must mean Mr. S, right? 376 00:23:05,133 --> 00:23:07,260 I do. But it doesn't matter. 377 00:23:07,260 --> 00:23:09,429 I think you have a better eye than him. 378 00:23:10,305 --> 00:23:11,973 Let me think... 379 00:23:11,973 --> 00:23:15,310 Setting aside whether or not it was you who actually wrote it, 380 00:23:15,310 --> 00:23:19,648 and the fact that I'm only in charge of long novels and not short stories... 381 00:23:19,648 --> 00:23:21,066 I'd say... 382 00:23:21,775 --> 00:23:23,610 It just didn't feel like a novel. 383 00:23:23,610 --> 00:23:27,572 It was like being made to listen to a dream someone has with no punchline. 384 00:23:29,116 --> 00:23:31,576 Sorry, that's only my personal reaction. 385 00:23:31,576 --> 00:23:33,412 I'm sure if you show it to another person, 386 00:23:33,412 --> 00:23:35,622 they'll say something completely different. 387 00:23:36,164 --> 00:23:37,499 It's fine. 388 00:23:40,377 --> 00:23:42,212 I can't take it anymore. 389 00:23:42,212 --> 00:23:46,049 I didn't write Self-Introduction! It's borrowed. 390 00:23:46,049 --> 00:23:48,468 No, it's plagiarized! 391 00:23:48,468 --> 00:23:51,388 Mr. N, please calm down. Listen. 392 00:23:51,388 --> 00:23:53,974 No one understands how talented you are better than me. 393 00:23:53,974 --> 00:23:56,935 No! My talent has long since dried up! 394 00:23:56,935 --> 00:24:00,439 That's not true at all. You're not in your right mind right now. 395 00:24:00,439 --> 00:24:03,608 I know you've been drinking, but I'm worried about you... 396 00:24:03,608 --> 00:24:06,903 Don't worry about me, I'm fine. 397 00:24:06,903 --> 00:24:10,574 Wanna know why? 'Cause I'm not gonna write anything at all! 398 00:24:11,783 --> 00:24:14,703 Damn it! It's all that stupid kid's fault! 399 00:24:14,703 --> 00:24:17,998 She said all that messed-up shit, and it all went downhill from there! 400 00:24:17,998 --> 00:24:19,249 I'm done! 401 00:24:29,426 --> 00:24:30,552 Please! Calm down. 402 00:24:30,552 --> 00:24:32,512 Mr. N? Mr. N! 403 00:24:33,263 --> 00:24:35,474 - Mr. N! Are you okay, Mr. N? - Huh? 404 00:24:35,474 --> 00:24:37,851 What? 405 00:24:37,851 --> 00:24:40,103 Oh, thank God... 406 00:24:40,103 --> 00:24:43,356 After that whole conversation last night, I got so worried. 407 00:24:43,356 --> 00:24:44,816 Ohh... 408 00:24:45,400 --> 00:24:47,777 I tried calling you, but you never picked up. 409 00:24:47,777 --> 00:24:49,988 I thought maybe something bad had happened. 410 00:24:50,489 --> 00:24:52,073 Uh... Is that... 411 00:24:53,033 --> 00:24:54,284 Oh, wow! Mr. N! 412 00:24:54,284 --> 00:24:56,203 - Huh? - Is this what you were up to? 413 00:24:56,203 --> 00:24:57,537 THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER BY N 414 00:24:57,537 --> 00:24:59,873 - What have you written? - Huh? 415 00:25:04,628 --> 00:25:05,837 Mmm... 416 00:25:05,837 --> 00:25:10,175 This is such marvelous work! I can't believe it! 417 00:25:10,175 --> 00:25:14,012 I know I've only read the beginning so far, but I can already tell! 418 00:25:14,012 --> 00:25:17,516 This here is a masterpiece. There is no denying it! 419 00:25:17,516 --> 00:25:19,893 Your passion can't be topped, Mr. N. 420 00:25:19,893 --> 00:25:21,853 My passion? 421 00:25:21,853 --> 00:25:23,313 This piece transcends time, 422 00:25:23,313 --> 00:25:26,191 cutting through time itself to be experienced by us. 423 00:25:26,191 --> 00:25:28,610 I've never read such a powerful opening! 424 00:25:29,277 --> 00:25:32,864 Sir? I'm sure you're exhausted, but I do have a request. 425 00:25:32,864 --> 00:25:35,700 Sir, I'd like you to meet the editor-in-chief. 426 00:25:47,212 --> 00:25:49,589 Please, go on, Mr. N. Have a cup. 427 00:25:49,589 --> 00:25:52,259 Pardon me, sir. Here you are. 428 00:25:52,259 --> 00:25:53,301 Oh... 429 00:25:56,930 --> 00:25:59,224 Now then, let's get down to business, shall we? 430 00:25:59,224 --> 00:26:01,726 S told me quite a bit about your new work already. 431 00:26:02,477 --> 00:26:05,939 First of all, I have absolute faith in his reading comprehension, 432 00:26:05,939 --> 00:26:09,442 sense of aesthetics, fervor and raw talent as an editor. 433 00:26:09,442 --> 00:26:11,444 That's why it means a lot when I say 434 00:26:11,444 --> 00:26:13,905 I haven't seen him praise a piece of writing this much 435 00:26:13,905 --> 00:26:15,699 since your Self-Introduction! 436 00:26:15,699 --> 00:26:18,368 After he turned down From the Shores of Stupor, 437 00:26:18,368 --> 00:26:21,997 I got another magazine to publish it instead, but, um... 438 00:26:21,997 --> 00:26:25,500 It got completely slammed by the public and didn't fly at all. 439 00:26:26,501 --> 00:26:28,378 That's past. 440 00:26:28,378 --> 00:26:30,672 This publication is going to be a sensation. 441 00:26:30,672 --> 00:26:33,008 A real renaissance of literature. 442 00:26:33,008 --> 00:26:34,092 Right... 443 00:26:34,092 --> 00:26:38,305 Well, it's yours now. Do whatever you want with that manuscript. 444 00:26:38,305 --> 00:26:41,766 - I won't complain or argue or anything. - Huh? 445 00:26:41,766 --> 00:26:43,977 I think the anxiety you have about your writing 446 00:26:43,977 --> 00:26:46,271 only proves you're a sincere person. 447 00:26:46,271 --> 00:26:47,689 You don't see being an author 448 00:26:47,689 --> 00:26:51,067 in terms of how much money or fame or power it might be able to bring you. 449 00:26:51,067 --> 00:26:52,527 You're an artist. 450 00:26:53,403 --> 00:26:54,863 Uh... I'm not anxious. 451 00:26:55,572 --> 00:26:57,699 Trust us, and let us take care of the rest. 452 00:27:02,746 --> 00:27:04,497 It all felt so strange. 453 00:27:05,707 --> 00:27:08,084 Editors insisted that I wrote the manuscript, 454 00:27:08,084 --> 00:27:10,920 even though I have no recollection of writing whatsoever. 455 00:27:10,920 --> 00:27:14,215 Even when I told them that, they tried to persuade me otherwise. 456 00:27:17,802 --> 00:27:19,721 {\an8}- It's just... - Yes? 457 00:27:20,472 --> 00:27:24,309 Actually... can I take another look at the manuscript? 458 00:27:24,934 --> 00:27:26,519 Of course, sir! 459 00:27:27,729 --> 00:27:30,607 It was a baffling experience. 460 00:27:30,607 --> 00:27:34,486 It felt foreign and familiar, all at the same time. 461 00:27:35,070 --> 00:27:39,199 It was certainly my writing, but then again, it really wasn't. 462 00:27:39,199 --> 00:27:43,119 Of course I was confused. Anyone would be, in this situation. 463 00:27:43,119 --> 00:27:45,205 I was looking at a portrait of myself, 464 00:27:45,205 --> 00:27:48,667 and realizing it differed from the face I saw in the mirror. 465 00:27:55,465 --> 00:27:56,675 Mr. N? 466 00:27:57,676 --> 00:27:58,760 I read it. 467 00:28:00,387 --> 00:28:01,680 What did you think of it? 468 00:28:05,225 --> 00:28:08,770 - It's not bad. - Right? 469 00:28:08,770 --> 00:28:11,481 The Elves and the Shoemaker. 470 00:28:11,481 --> 00:28:15,568 It's a richly allegorical, beautiful title. The perfect fit. 471 00:28:16,277 --> 00:28:17,445 I agree. 472 00:28:18,697 --> 00:28:19,948 {\an8}Beautiful. 473 00:28:20,740 --> 00:28:21,741 Yes. 474 00:28:22,450 --> 00:28:25,704 It's beautiful. I'm sure... 475 00:28:28,373 --> 00:28:31,251 Uh... yep, there's no denying it. 476 00:28:37,465 --> 00:28:41,219 This piece is simply wonderful. Isn't it? 477 00:28:41,219 --> 00:28:44,681 Mmm. You're absolutely correct. Of course! 478 00:28:45,640 --> 00:28:48,601 It looks like it's going to be my magnum opus then. 479 00:28:48,601 --> 00:28:50,562 This is just brilliant. 480 00:28:53,231 --> 00:28:55,108 Yes, I'm confident it will be! 481 00:28:56,401 --> 00:28:59,487 Absolutely... fantastic... 482 00:29:03,825 --> 00:29:06,244 Tell us how you feel about receiving these awards. 483 00:29:06,244 --> 00:29:08,288 Was the protagonist based on you? 484 00:29:08,288 --> 00:29:11,166 Did it take a lot of biding your time and trusting the process? 485 00:29:11,166 --> 00:29:14,377 What's next for you? Do you have anything you're currently writing? 486 00:29:14,377 --> 00:29:15,587 {\an8}Hmm. 487 00:29:18,465 --> 00:29:20,550 THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER 488 00:29:23,094 --> 00:29:26,473 CONGRATULATIONS ON THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER 489 00:29:29,517 --> 00:29:32,145 MORE IMPACTFUL THAN HIS PREVIOUS WORK! 490 00:29:46,367 --> 00:29:48,953 - Mr. N, this is B. - Oh, hello. 491 00:29:48,953 --> 00:29:51,247 Thank you very much for your time today. 492 00:29:51,247 --> 00:29:54,709 The president was delighted he got to spend some quality time with you. 493 00:29:54,709 --> 00:29:58,213 About your new book, we've decided to preemptively go into reprint 494 00:29:58,213 --> 00:29:59,672 before it goes on sale! 495 00:29:59,672 --> 00:30:01,257 {\an8}THE LATEST BOOK BY BEST-SELLING AUTHOR N 496 00:30:01,257 --> 00:30:04,969 We also thought about it, and since it'll be our first time publishing your work, 497 00:30:04,969 --> 00:30:07,764 we'll be, um... putting extra effort into sales. 498 00:30:08,973 --> 00:30:12,852 So, anyway, Mr. N, I hope through all of this that you're taking care of yourself. 499 00:30:12,852 --> 00:30:15,522 You've published five long novels already. 500 00:30:15,522 --> 00:30:18,233 Between the writing itself, and endless meetings and events, 501 00:30:18,233 --> 00:30:20,068 have you even had time to rest? 502 00:30:20,068 --> 00:30:22,237 Yeah. I'm getting plenty of sleep. 503 00:30:22,237 --> 00:30:24,030 But thank you. Bye! 504 00:30:30,370 --> 00:30:33,122 Right, there's nothing to worry about. 505 00:30:34,791 --> 00:30:37,669 Okay! This is good. Let me out. 506 00:30:40,213 --> 00:30:44,092 Sir, the bill has already been taken care of. 507 00:30:44,092 --> 00:30:46,678 Doesn't matter! Take it. 508 00:30:52,350 --> 00:30:54,477 "I feel both intense ecstasy, 509 00:30:54,477 --> 00:30:57,564 and the crippling terror of being among the chosen." 510 00:30:57,564 --> 00:30:58,690 Hah. 511 00:31:02,527 --> 00:31:04,320 Arrogant self-esteem. 512 00:31:04,988 --> 00:31:07,574 Or was it actually "shame"? 513 00:31:08,950 --> 00:31:10,660 Wha... Huh? 514 00:31:19,961 --> 00:31:23,089 NO TRESPASSING DO NOT ENTER 515 00:31:41,733 --> 00:31:42,859 Huh? 516 00:32:30,073 --> 00:32:32,533 It's been a while. 517 00:32:37,664 --> 00:32:38,706 {\an8}What's wrong? 518 00:32:41,042 --> 00:32:42,126 Huh? 519 00:32:43,503 --> 00:32:45,338 Where am I? 520 00:32:45,964 --> 00:32:49,884 A park. In fact, the one where you and I met for the first time. 521 00:32:49,884 --> 00:32:52,762 But I don't live here anymore. 522 00:32:52,762 --> 00:32:55,348 I moved to an apartment on the edge of downtown Tokyo, 523 00:32:55,348 --> 00:32:57,976 and then to a nicer place in the center of the city. 524 00:32:57,976 --> 00:33:01,396 And I just had a dinner party with the president of a publishing company, 525 00:33:01,396 --> 00:33:04,023 and then I was heading home in a taxi. 526 00:33:04,023 --> 00:33:07,944 No way. No way I would return to this damn backwater town. 527 00:33:19,080 --> 00:33:21,958 Say, are you getting close to finishing your writing? 528 00:33:23,001 --> 00:33:23,918 For what? 529 00:33:24,961 --> 00:33:27,672 For your novel. Obviously. 530 00:33:29,966 --> 00:33:30,883 What's wrong? 531 00:33:30,883 --> 00:33:35,430 One book's due next month, and I have two more to finish by the end of the year. 532 00:33:36,431 --> 00:33:38,266 I don't mean those ones. 533 00:33:38,766 --> 00:33:39,934 Huh? 534 00:33:40,727 --> 00:33:43,062 I'm talking about the one that you showed me last time, 535 00:33:43,062 --> 00:33:44,897 about the young man who's a murderer. 536 00:33:44,897 --> 00:33:46,649 Whatever happened to that? 537 00:33:48,609 --> 00:33:50,528 I thought you were going to rework it? 538 00:33:51,195 --> 00:33:53,781 That one's a lost cause. I'm over it. 539 00:33:53,781 --> 00:33:55,116 How come? 540 00:33:58,161 --> 00:34:01,539 Why are you asking me about that one, when you told me it was boring? 541 00:34:02,123 --> 00:34:04,542 You're right, I'm not going to deny that. 542 00:34:05,293 --> 00:34:07,545 But still, if you don't write that story, 543 00:34:08,796 --> 00:34:11,007 what exactly can you write? 544 00:34:12,508 --> 00:34:14,343 Is that... a joke? 545 00:34:14,886 --> 00:34:17,722 Do you have any idea who the hell I am, you little brat? 546 00:34:17,722 --> 00:34:20,516 I've published a ton of books since the last time we met. 547 00:34:21,184 --> 00:34:22,393 Really, now? 548 00:34:22,393 --> 00:34:25,646 It's true! And every one of them was a bestseller! 549 00:34:25,646 --> 00:34:29,150 Any publisher would kill to get their hands on just one of my manuscripts... 550 00:34:29,150 --> 00:34:31,110 Since I'm a bestselling... 551 00:34:31,110 --> 00:34:33,071 ...author... 552 00:34:33,071 --> 00:34:35,031 Is that true? 553 00:34:39,577 --> 00:34:40,953 Are you sure? 554 00:34:51,380 --> 00:34:53,091 Were they actually your novels? 555 00:34:53,091 --> 00:34:56,469 What do you mean, were they my novels? Of course... 556 00:34:56,469 --> 00:34:59,055 What the hell? What are you trying to say? 557 00:34:59,597 --> 00:35:00,807 Are you stupid? 558 00:35:00,807 --> 00:35:03,935 When you refer to a novel as being yours, 559 00:35:03,935 --> 00:35:07,021 shouldn't the storyline within it be yours as well? 560 00:35:07,021 --> 00:35:11,234 But if you haven't been writing at all, I'm done wasting my time with you. 561 00:35:11,859 --> 00:35:13,486 How disappointing. Goodbye. 562 00:35:13,486 --> 00:35:16,239 Wait! Wait... Hold on... 563 00:35:26,916 --> 00:35:29,210 If none of those stories are actually my work, 564 00:35:29,210 --> 00:35:31,587 then who the hell has been writing them? 565 00:35:39,512 --> 00:35:41,139 Sometimes I wake up. 566 00:35:41,139 --> 00:35:44,183 Sitting there on top of my desk is a whole new story, 567 00:35:45,143 --> 00:35:46,519 in my handwriting, 568 00:35:47,103 --> 00:35:49,522 on subjects that I would write about. 569 00:35:49,522 --> 00:35:51,482 But I have no memory of 'em. 570 00:35:52,483 --> 00:35:53,484 Huh... 571 00:35:56,195 --> 00:35:59,949 It was me, wasn't it? Why won't you say I wrote them? 572 00:36:00,533 --> 00:36:04,036 But you know the answer to that better than anyone, isn't that right? 573 00:36:06,914 --> 00:36:09,542 That's the problem. I can't tell. 574 00:36:10,459 --> 00:36:11,836 You can't? 575 00:36:11,836 --> 00:36:14,255 The handwriting... It is mine. 576 00:36:15,298 --> 00:36:19,510 The quirks, the phrasing, it's so familiar. 577 00:36:19,510 --> 00:36:22,805 But I can't tell what's so good about the writing. 578 00:36:22,805 --> 00:36:26,309 No matter how many times I read, I don't find it exciting. 579 00:36:26,309 --> 00:36:29,020 I can't even comprehend the context. 580 00:36:29,729 --> 00:36:31,647 But everyone gives it so much praise. 581 00:36:31,647 --> 00:36:33,524 They call it a masterpiece. 582 00:36:33,524 --> 00:36:36,485 A timeless classic that will go down in history. 583 00:36:37,069 --> 00:36:39,697 It's like I slipped into another dimension. 584 00:36:39,697 --> 00:36:42,366 Trapped here forever in solitude. 585 00:36:42,366 --> 00:36:44,202 So painfully alone. 586 00:36:44,827 --> 00:36:47,997 Everybody around me is like a totally different species. 587 00:36:47,997 --> 00:36:50,166 Do you have any idea how that feels? 588 00:36:50,166 --> 00:36:53,169 I'm terrified. I feel like I'm losing my mind. 589 00:36:53,169 --> 00:36:57,632 {\an8}Then again, how could anyone be expected to keep their sanity living like that? 590 00:37:00,676 --> 00:37:02,428 {\an8}But I grin and bear it! 591 00:37:02,428 --> 00:37:06,557 {\an8}I keep my mouth shut and pretend I'm the same kind of creature they are! 592 00:37:11,103 --> 00:37:12,480 {\an8}Aw, I'm sorry. 593 00:37:13,773 --> 00:37:18,736 But it was your choice to accept it, to continue living that way. 594 00:37:18,736 --> 00:37:21,948 Even now, you're choosing not to resist it. 595 00:37:21,948 --> 00:37:24,700 And there's nothing I can do to change that, 596 00:37:24,700 --> 00:37:28,913 because my only interest has been about your novel. 597 00:37:30,081 --> 00:37:31,624 So goodbye. 598 00:37:45,137 --> 00:37:46,806 Welcome home, honey. 599 00:38:11,163 --> 00:38:13,541 Huh? 600 00:38:13,541 --> 00:38:15,042 It's all right. 601 00:38:15,042 --> 00:38:17,169 There, there. 602 00:38:46,324 --> 00:38:48,701 FROM THE SHORES OF STUPOR BY N 603 00:39:09,180 --> 00:39:10,431 THE END 604 00:39:38,834 --> 00:39:41,712 EXTERMINATE DRUNKARDS 605 00:39:48,677 --> 00:39:50,763 Huh? 606 00:39:51,597 --> 00:39:53,516 Huh? 607 00:39:56,602 --> 00:39:58,229 FROM THE SHORES OF STUPOR BY N 608 00:40:24,880 --> 00:40:31,262 {\an8}BREAKING NEWS SUDDEN DEATH OF BESTSELLING AUTHOR N 609 00:40:58,914 --> 00:41:01,333 {\an8}THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER BY N 610 00:42:38,013 --> 00:42:39,265 THE END