Dear brother Wilhelm?
Why didn't the people of Hamelin
pay the Pied Piper for ridding the town of its rats?
I suppose they felt it was not worth the price.
But a promise is a promise.
He got rid of the rats as agreed.
It seems they did not mind breaking a promise.
That is why the Pied Piper took the children instead.
They ended up losing something more valuable than money.
And the children?
What happened to them?
They were taken by the Pied Piper
and lived happily ever after?
That must be it.
Five times one is five. Five times two is ten.
Five times three is fifteen. Five times four is twenty.
Five times five is twenty-five. Five times six is thirty.
Five times seven is thirty-five. Five times eight is forty.
Five times nine is forty-five.
Does anyone know the answer to this?
What's the matter, Maria? You seem distracted.
Oh, teacher. I was looking at the clouds.
The clouds?
The clouds are from the west, which means it will rain soon.
I like the rain.
It washes the world clean.
All the ugly and dirty things vanish.
It's fine to look forward to rain. Village crops depend on it after all.
But I want you to pay attention to your lessons too.
I'm sorry, teacher.
Do you know the answer?
It's 53.
Correct.
Teacher? There is always an even number of furrows in a field, correct?
So why is that one an odd number?
Odd numbers may result in some cases.
Grand Code says if you can do calculations for the fields,
that's all the math you need.
That's right.
Grand Code is correct.
However, there are always exceptions.
No field is a perfect square, correct?
That's true. They aren't perfectly square.
It's just like you said, teacher.
In our village, one must leave school and start working upon turning 17.
You, too, Maria.
I know.
I have half a month left as your student.
I want you to learn as much as you can before then.
There are still many things you must know.
My neighbor Deborah left school at 12.
And Carol was 14.
But I don't think Grand Code will make an exception for me.
She is as tough on herself as she is on others.
I don't imagine she'll allow you alone to stay in school longer.
You're probably right.
Maria, I'm worried about you.
You're smart but sensitive and a dreamer.
I wonder if you're prepared for the real world.
- I know! - Huh?
I'll teach a special lesson today. Don't leave after school.
A special lesson?
Yes, so you can learn as much as possible in the short time before graduation.
Thank you, teacher.
But Grand Code will scold me if I don't get home.
This isn't loitering or indolence.
I'm sure your grandmother will allow it.
I hope you're right.
Surely you know how Grand Code is?
Of course.
She is the great leader of our village, as stern as she is merciful.
That's why I'm going home today.
It would be better if I were there.
I'm worried about Maria.
She is bright and understands whatever I teach her,
but she can be immature and detached from reality.
Is she ready to go to work with those strong, sturdy women?
I can't help but worry.
If only someone could protect her.
Sadly, I know how her education is no priority to Grand Code.
This means that in a few years,
she'll be married off to a man from the village.
The mere thought is so unbearable. I want to ma--
What am I doing?
Maria, what did you do today?
I went to the teacher's house and learned math.
What else?
Just his boring old lectures.
I see.
Grand Code, I'm bored.
How long do I have to stay in school?
Oh dear, what a thing to say.
Only the most fortunate children like you can go to school until they're 17.
But I have to be in that cramped, smelly classroom all the time.
I memorize the names and types of crops each day.
And I can't recall how many times
I've done the same math I could do in my sleep.
Isn't it natural to be fed up?
Dear me, what a handful you are.
In that case, I'll have Lucas over for dinner around month's end.
Sound good?
Grand Code!
Yes?
Maria is still a child. Is it not a bit early for that?
Maybe in two or three years?
Why should we wait that long?
Maria can read a calendar and count furrows in a field.
That should be enough.
I suppose so, but...
You need to know math to plant seed potatoes in the spring.
That's right.
Maria knows why education is necessary.
That proves she is a clever girl.
But Maria,
are you sure you're ready marry?
I don't know if I'm ready.
But I know I will be someone's wife.
A wife is her new family's treasure.
She is cherished greatly by her husband, his father, and his siblings.
Lucas is strong, and his family has 20 sheep.
It's a fine match.
But they say Lucas is a brute and picks fights with anyone.
- He is-- - The stronger, the better.
This village has no need for layabouts and libertines.
I loathe fools who only complain and criticize but never work.
We need only earnest, hardworking people.
We didn't mean to complain, right?
Joseph, if you don't like how I run things,
feel free to leave with Malta.
Perish the thought. I would never say...
I apologize if we've offended you.
This village survives thanks to your skillful leadership.
Now then, I'll have you make some chicken stew.
We haven't had it in ages, and we'll have guests to feed.
Understood.
It's raining.
I like the rain.
Who's there?
Could it be...
Maria, is that you?
Forgive me, but might I have a cup of hot water?
I have nothing for a shady character like you.
I must ask that you leave now.
Under your eaves is fine. I simply need a place to sleep.
Don't be absurd.
You are filthy and likely teaming with lice!
- And if I beg? - You sure are stubborn for a beggar!
I am no beggar.
You're not?
Yet you barge in in the dead of night, making demands?
I'm on a journey.
A traveler?
Yes. Going town to town, visiting villages, traveling the world.
If that is not a beggar, what is?
A beggar only takes.
But I can give you something.
Enough with your lies.
What could one who begs for food and lodgings possibly offer?
I'm prepared to give you this
as a payment for a night's stay.
What is it?
How horrid!
What makes you say that?
A lavishly dressed couple leering at each other?!
If that's not horrid, what is?!
Is that how you see it?
I was captivated the moment I saw it in a town market long ago.
I went to great lengths to obtain it, for I saw them as happy lovers.
Lovers?
You mean lewd folk who engage in indecent behavior?!
Lewd? Is that what you call displays of affection?
Lovers are a beautiful sight to behold. They are nothing to be feared.
Silence!
You dirty beggar! Disgraceful, insolent rogue!
Get out now!
Very well.
Morning, teacher.
Yes, good morning.
- Morning. - Morning.
And then what happened?
The bear fled the moment it saw me.
And then?
Lucas?
Don't tell me Maria and Lucas are...
Good morning, teacher.
Why do you have such a stern look?
Maria, I need you to stay after school today.
I'll send someone to inform your family.
- We have to go. - Goodbye.
Maria, do you understand what a dinner party means?
What it means?
We will eat dinner and talk.
It's unthinkable for a man and woman who aren't family to be at the same table.
And Grand Code forbids any sort of indulgence.
Come now, teacher.
You needn't beat around the bush. I understand.
We shall see if Lucas is suited to be my husband
and if I'm suited to be his wife.
Yes, but that's not the issue. You are still young.
And yet you...
I'm not too young to be wed.
Everyone eventually marries.
Besides, I will succeed Grand Code and become the chief of our village.
So it is not too early.
At least Grand Code thinks so.
They say Grand Code was 13 when she wed.
That was then. This is now.
Is that so?
This village hasn't changed since the days of the previous Grand Code.
I, too, shall live a life like Grand Code.
- Hold on! - What?
Your intentions are admirable.
Marriage is a solemn institution that binds family to family.
Yes.
But that's only the part people talk about.
Some things aren't mentioned in public.
I don't understand, teacher. What do you mean?
I think you're old enough to see this.
It would do a child harm, but with your wisdom, you should be fine.
Oh my, how very lovely.
I've shown this to you alone.
It's a portrait of lovers.
You can feel the elation that their love for each other brings.
Lovers.
It may go against Grand Code's teachings and precepts,
but this, too, is another truth.
Yes, you're right.
Thank you, teacher! You've shown me something so lovely!
It's because I have faith in you.
It really is lovely.
Welcome home, Maria.
Good evening.
What did the teacher say?
Did you say you'll quit school once you're to be wed?
Yes, of course.
But he said I should study spelling a little more.
I'll have mountains of paperwork when I'm the village chief, won't I?
It's fine as long as you can read names.
Your teacher always says such useless things.
But he's a good teacher because he's kind.
Kind words feed not the family.
I know that.
What have I done?
So I slugged Paul right in his nose.
I said, "No one talks to me like that."
Then he moaned for a while with this pathetic look.
I'm glad we can depend on you.
Paul said he saw someone near Stony Peak a few days ago.
I'll count on you to deal with miscreants intruding into our village.
I'm on it! I'll boot 'em all the way out!
Maria, you needn't worry. You just stay by my side, okay?
She is the treasure of our village. I expect you to cherish her.
Of course.
We'll keep her indoors and take good care of her.
When I am gone, she will be our next village chief.
Sadly, Malta wasn't cut out for that, but Maria is quite clever.
She will make a fine successor.
I know! And she's a beauty too.
I'll treat her good.
If you truly mean that, give her control of her dowry.
What?!
A woman holding the purse strings?!
- Precisely. - That's not even funny!
No way we'd agree to that, even if it is you asking!
Even if she's your precious grandchild, that is asking too much!
If you people controlled the money,
Maria's fortune would be exhausted within a year.
Are you disappointed?
But that's...
Maria will eventually birth a child. You can combine your assets then.
- Well, I suppose... - What happens if I have no children?
Will I be butchered like this chicken?
Maria.
Today's chicken doesn't smell bad, but it's a bit tough.
Last time, we butchered a rooster.
Today, it was a hen just for you.
The one that could no longer lay eggs?
So Maria, what do you think of Lucas?
Well, Lucas is a pretentious fool.
What?!
He's a brute, so he'll probably start hitting me once we wed.
He loves bullying the weak after all.
But I don't mind.
Lucas is the one best suited to me, so there's no point worrying about it.
Maria, is that how you see me?
I just assumed--
We'd fall for each other like sweethearts and be wed out of love?
Love?!
Enough, Maria. It's indecent.
You're a clever child but too direct at times.
You must learn to choose your words.
All right.
We'll proceed with your marriage to Maria, but it's not a done deal.
I'll be keeping an eye on you.
Understood, Grand Code.
I hear Lucas and Maria are getting married.
Really?
If I'm to be wed, I hope it's to Thomas.
Grand Code decides who you'll marry.
You might get runny-nosed Simon.
How awful!
Who said that?! Come forward now!
What a foolish thing to say! It's absurd!
Vulgar to the extreme. I have no need for such students here!
Hold out your hands!
You must be punished!
Good morning.
Such fine weather today.
The sheep must be happy too.
Teacher?
I want you to teach me something after school today.
- May I stay after class? - Yes.
Of course.
Never mind. Go sit.
I'm sorry, teacher.
I'm sorry.
Saying sorry ad nauseam is no apology at all.
Just don't do it again.
It's true.
I saw a tall man standing here, gazing down on the village.
Why do you say a man?
A woman wouldn't be roaming about like that, Grand Code.
A surprisingly plausible response coming from you, Paul.
We've no need for strangers. They only bring trouble.
What is it, Maria?
What do you want me to teach you?
Grand Code says,
"Maria, you had better learn how to speak properly."
How to speak properly?
She says I'm too direct.
But I don't like beating around the bush.
Teacher, will you show me that picture again?
Please, teacher!
Very well.
I'll show you.
Thank you!
Show me now.
Keep it down.
Here.
It truly is lovely!
To think there was something so beautiful.
Listen, teacher.
May I borrow this? I'll make sure no one sees it!
Don't be absurd! What would happen if Grand Code found out?
Don't worry.
Even if she found out, I'd never tell her it was yours.
Absolutely not.
Teacher?
Where did you get this picture?
We only visit the town beyond the mountain when Grand Code permits.
Once every few years.
But I've never heard of you going there.
I'm willing to tell you.
I'll even give you the picture.
But only if you promise to be mine.
"Be mine"? Does that mean marriage?
Well...
I don't mind whether it's you or Lucas.
I just do what Grand Code says.
Then I have no chance.
Grand Code will likely wed you to Lucas.
Yes, most likely.
But there might be something I could do if you told me how you got this.
Something that could convince Grand Code.
A beggar came to my door.
A beggar?
Grand Code said Paul saw someone near Stony Peak.
- The beggar perhaps? - I have no idea!
All I know is a beggar came and asked to stay the night!
I received the book in return.
What was this person like?
Where are they from, and where are they going?
Are they still here with you?
No, the beggar is...
I know you wish to please me even more, teacher.
If so, you must introduce me to whomever it is.
They aren't here!
Really? Where did they go?
I didn't ask!
But I'm sure they'll return.
I'll tell the beggar to stay in to meet you tomorrow.
Truly?
I promise.
You promise too.
Yes, I will marry you if you introduce me to The Traveler.
Do you swear?
I swear.
Then I will hold on to the picture as a token of your good faith.
I'm home.
Welcome back.
Get up. I know you're awake.
Drink this. I can't have you die here.
"I can't have you die"? What an awful thing to say.
Especially after you've nearly killed me.
Traveler.
I've come to collect today's payment.
I've given you everything of value.
I'll be the one to judge what's of value.
I see.
This is all that's left.
After that, there's only me.
Are you trying to deceive me?!
It's just a hole-ridden stick!
Now I see. You're utterly ignorant.
Hold your tongue!
That is no way to speak to one above your age and station!
What is it?
It's a flute.
It plays music.
It keeps the legs going when tired and heals the heart when sad.
That's absurd. You think it can control the body and mind?
Control? Perhaps.
For music stirs the heart.
Could it make someone desire another?
That is what music does best.
It stirs up lovers' passions, making it too painful to part.
They'll wish to be together forever, even more than before.
You're not lying, are you?
Have you never heard music?
Grand Code forbids it.
Same with lewd pictures and all the useless items you gave me.
Is that so? Are your days not dreary?
Then let us see this music of yours, shall we?
Now?
No, tomorrow.
Very well.
If you're lying to me...
I may blow things out of proportion, but I never lie.
Are you ready, teacher?
Let me meet The Traveler.
Before that, Maria,
will you really...
Marry you?
Yes.
I thought about it, but marriage may be impossible.
I see. That is unfortunate.
Let's forget I ever promised to introduce you.
Wait, teacher.
What if we weren't married?
I think I might be able to,
shall we say, make your wish come true just once.
Smells like rain.
Do you hear that?
Songbirds, perhaps?
It's as if they're talking.
That can't be true, can it?
Birds don't sing in the rain.
What else could make so beautiful...
Huh? Where's the beggar?!
Where?!
That sneak managed to escape!
They claimed to never lie. I've been deceived!
What a fool I am.
It's true!
There really was a beggar here!
That's where I got the picture. I was to be shown what's called music!
Music.
Please believe me, Maria.
I will entrust this to you to prove I am not lying.
This is our secret alone, and also our vow.
Tell me you understand.
A little.
But it doesn't make up for the fact that you broke your promise.
How can you say that?
We're no longer casual acquaintances.
That was funny.
Thanks for the laugh, teacher.
Everything you taught me was worthless and boring,
but you gave me a laugh in the end.
Thanks.
Maria.
Maria? Maria!
Maria, please wait!
Please believe me! You must!
Maria!
I am in love with you!
Why not eat with your bare hands?
Please forgive me.
There's no need to be so angry.
Why would you think I'm angry?
You two truly are fools. You can't even raise Maria properly.
I thought she was clever for a woman, but it seems I was wrong.
Grand Code, I don't think Maria is hopeless or foolish.
Malta.
Besides, you're a woman too.
Why would you look down on her like that?!
You truly don't understand a thing.
"Why"? To survive, of course.
Even so...
What a miserable life.
Which is more miserable, to be dead or alive?
Let someone throw a tantrum,
and soon everyone will be doing as they please.
We'd never last the winter like that. Everyone would starve and freeze to death.
We need strict rules and cooperation to survive.
I will have layabouts and outcasts exiled from our village.
Please, Grand Code, that's enough.
Everyone says Maria is beautiful and lovely.
Wouldn't it be best for everyone to sell her to the highest bidder?
How can you say such a thing?
Malta.
Dear me, I can't let you two out into the world with such a mindset.
You wouldn't survive all the ugliness out there.
There it is again. That sound.
What could it be?
It makes me feel restless deep in my heart,
just like when I saw this picture.
No, even more.
- What is that? - Huh?
Surely you hear that strange sound?
What is this that vexes me so?
It's deafening.
What a grating sound. I feel dizzy.
It's coming from Stony Peak, where Paul saw someone.
I was sure it was a tall tale, but...
I'll send Lucas and some others there at once.
Grand Code!
What is it? I don't recall summoning you.
Please forgive me, Grand Code.
It's all my fault!
Your fault?
I let a stranger into the village!
What?
It was that sound.
Those strange sounds coming from The Traveler.
They've made Maria go mad
and leave me behind!
Music.
Music!
It's music!
Good evening, Maria.
Good evening, Traveler!
It's you, isn't it?
Did you like my scherzo?
Yes, very much!
I can't get enough. Let me hear more!
Of course.
I think I understand now why Grand Code forbade things lovely and beautiful.
They are the things that set us free.
They expand our world.
They change us.
There are things even more lovely and beautiful, are there not?
Want to see?
I do.
You might also see things even uglier and more dreadful.
That is wonderful too.
Come with me.
Maria!
Maria, come back!
You must never leave the village!
It's dangerous! Do you wish to die?!
No! Somebody stop her!
I won't let someone like you take Maria away!
I'm not taking her away.
She is following me.
Those who will go will go. Those who will stay will stay.
Only you can choose!
And then what happened?
The girl left the village, never to return.
That's it?
Did she die? What about the villagers?
Who knows?
I wonder...
What if a fairy tale wasn't a fairy tale?
What if Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood were bad?
What if Hansel and Gretel were children in the far future?
Fairy tale protagonists are always respectable and honest,
do good deeds, and live happily ever after.
What if that were not true?
I want to hear stories like that.
Don't you?
Subtitle translation by: Jason Franzman