I have a question, dear brother Wilhelm.
The Pied Piper did what he was asked to do
and got rid of all the rats that were causing trouble for the people of Hamelin,
so, um, why didn't they pay him like they promised?
Well... I think they found it a waste.
But still! A promise is a promise, you know?
He got rid of the rats. That was the agreement.
Hmm.
For some reason, they must have thought it was okay to break the promise.
However, they didn't quite get away with it.
The Pied Piper took the children instead.
You see, because they were dishonest and greedy,
they lost something more valuable than money.
And... what about the children?
What happened to them after they were taken away?
They must have stayed with the Pied Piper.
And they lived happily ever after with him.
I'm sure.
Five times one is five. Five times two is ten.
Five times three is 15.
Five times four is 20. Five times five is 25.
Five times six is 30. Five times seven is 35.
Five times eight is 40. Five times nine is 45.
Does anyone think they know the answer to this problem?
Uh...
Maria, what's the matter? You're zoning out.
Sorry, sir. I'm okay. It's just the clouds.
The clouds?
Well, the clouds are moving from the west,
which means it's going to start raining soon.
That's good. I like rain.
Because it washes the world clean.
It hides all the dirty, ugly things so no one has to see them anymore.
Ahem. Well, it's fine to long for rain,
since it does have a significant effect on the crops in the village.
That being said, I hope you're also paying attention to me and the math lesson.
Of course. I'm sorry, sir.
- Do you know the answer, then? - It's 53.
That's correct. Very good.
I'm curious. Fields always have an even number of furrows, right?
So why is that formula an odd number?
There are some cases where it may be odd.
Grand Code always says that as long as you can do calculations for the field,
that's all the math you'll ever need to know, right?
Uh... right. Grand Code is correct, I'm not denying that.
However, bear in mind an exception to the rule can exist.
In our village, you'll see there aren't any fields that are perfect squares.
I guess not. No fields are perfect squares.
I never thought about that before. Thank you, sir!
Uh, village customs state once you turn 17, your schooling stops
and you begin the work you'll do for the rest of your life.
Maria, that means you too.
Oh, I know that.
I have half a month left to learn from you as your student.
And before that happens, I want you to stay focused
so you can learn as much as possible.
There are still so many important things left to teach you.
My neighbor Deborah left here when she was only 12 years old.
And Carol was 14.
So I don't think Grand Code will make any special exception for me.
She holds herself to the same strict standard she does for everyone else.
So I am certain she would not make an exception
for even you to stay in school longer.
You're right. Probably.
Maria, I must admit I am worried about you.
You're very smart, but you spend most of the day
with your head in the clouds, daydreaming.
It'll be difficult for you to get by in society like that.
- Wait... that's right! - Huh?
There's a special lesson I'd like to give you,
so I'll need you to stay behind after school.
Just for me?
Yes. So that you can learn as much as possible
in the little time we have left until you graduate.
Thank you, sir, but if I don't get home at the usual time,
then I'll be scolded by Grand Code.
Well, this isn't loitering around or being lazy!
I'm certain your grandmother will allow it, given the reason.
It would be nice if she did.
Surely you understand what kind of person she is?
Yes, I do. I also know that she is as merciful as she is strict,
and it's part of what makes her an excellent ruler of this village of ours.
All the more reason to go home today.
Believe me, it's the best thing for me to do, I'm certain.
I'm incredibly worried about Maria.
She's a bright young woman.
She understands anything I throw at her.
But I get the sense that she's detached from reality, and she lacks maturity, too.
Is she capable of working alongside the tough women of the village?
These worries run through my head constantly.
If only there were someone who could protect her...
Sadly, I know too well how Maria's education is no priority to Grand Code.
This means that in a few years, following the local custom,
she'll end up marrying a man from the village.
The mere thought of it is so unbearable.
I want to ma--
What did I just...
Tell me, Maria, what did you learn today?
I went to the teacher's place like usual and learned some math.
And how was that?
It was just another boring lecture.
- I see. - Grand Code.
I'm bored every day there.
How much longer do I have to stay in school?
Oh, dear, what a thing for you to say.
I'm sure you know this,
but getting to stay in school up until one's 17th birthday is a privilege.
But how? I'm trapped in a small room.
It's stuffy and smells gross and moldy.
Forced to sit there and memorize the names of crops every day,
and I can't even remember how many times
I had to repeat the same math I could do in my sleep.
- It's only natural to be fed up! - Uh...
My child, you are such a handful.
All right then, if that's the case,
I'll have Lucas over for dinner at the end of the month.
What do you say?
- Grand Code! - Yes, Malta?
Maria is still only a child, so we think it's just too early for her to be married.
In another two or three years, maybe?
What's the point in waiting that long,
when Maria can already read a calendar
and count the number of furrows in the field?
She knows enough now.
That might be true. However...
I get it. You need to know math to plant the potatoes in springtime, right?
That's correct. See? She understands what her education is for.
That's what we call being a smart girl.
Think about it, Maria...
Are you sure that you're prepared to be wed?
I don't know what it means to be prepared for that.
But I do understand it means I will become someone's betrothed.
And also that a bride becomes a family's treasure,
and that I'll be cherished, by my husband,
and also by his father, and siblings.
Lucas is remarkably strong, and we have 20 sheep that need to be kept in line.
So it's truly a good match.
But Lucas is a roughneck, a hooligan
who's known throughout the village for picking fights with anyone, any time.
- He isn't... - I know all that!
The stronger, the better.
Understand, there's no need for lazybones in this village.
I loathe useless fools who only complain and don't do any work!
I only need diligent, hard workers who get the job done.
It's not like we meant to complain or anything... right?
Joseph, if you have a problem with the way I do things around here,
feel free to leave the village with Malta.
I don't feel that way at all, Grand Code. I'm sorry.
If what I said was offensive to you, I really do apologize for it.
We know the only reason this village can survive
is because of the way you expertly handle everything.
Hmm. Well, if that's settled,
maybe I'll have you cook a chicken stew for Lucas and his family,
and we'll just treat him as a guest for now.
As you wish.
It finally started raining. I like this weather.
Hmm?
Who is it?
Could it be?
Maria? Is that you?
I'm sorry, but could I bother you for a glass of water?
You're a hooded stranger who just fell through my doorway.
I'm not getting you anything! You need to get out right now.
I just need a place to sleep. Under the awning is good enough for me.
No way! I said, get out of here! You're filthy!
You're gonna give me lice or something!
- Even if I beg? - You seem very damn stubborn for a beggar!
Maybe that's because I'm not a beggar.
What? You barge in in the middle of the night
and do nothing but give me your demands.
What would you call that?
I'm a traveler.
Traveler? From where?
Everywhere. I go to towns, visit villages, seeing the world.
If that's not a beggar, what's your definition of one, huh?
A beggar only ever receives.
But I'm different, because I can give you something in return.
You've already lied enough to me.
You can't even feed yourself or afford a place to stay,
so what could you possibly have of value to offer?
In this case, I'm willing to give this to you
as a payment for an overnight stay.
What is it?
This is positively vile!
What do you mean? What problem do you have with it?
It's a man and a woman, obscenely smiling at each other in lavish clothes!
How can you fail to see how appalling that is?
Really? Is that how this looks to you?
Long ago, at a market in a faraway town, I fell in love with this picture.
I gave a lot to buy it.
It looked to me like a precious moment between lovers.
Exactly, lovers! The reprehensible bottom feeders
who engage in indecent activities!
What do you mean? You think love is reprehensible?
Seeing two people in love is beautiful.
- Certainly nothing you should fear. - Not another word about this!
I don't need to listen to some dirty, shameless, arrogant beggar!
Get out of my sight, right now!
I see.
- Good morning, sir. - Oh. Yes, good morning to you as well.
Good morning!
- Morning! - Uh--
Ah! Oh!
Then what happened after that?
Well, the moment that bear saw how big I was, it ran away scared.
Really?
That's Lucas.
Don't tell me that he and Maria are...
Good morning, sir. What's the matter? You look upset.
Listen... you need to stay behind after school today.
Don't worry, I will send someone to your house to let them know.
- Please excuse us. - Goodbye.
Maria, let me first ask you this.
Do you fully understand the real meaning behind having a dinner party?
I'm pretty certain that I do.
We'll all eat dinner together and have a conversation.
It's unthinkable for a man and woman who aren't even family
to be seated at the same table.
Not to mention, Grand Code has forbidden any type of luxury.
Oh really, sir. There's no need for you to be cryptic about this with me.
I know all about it.
It's just a very important event to see if Lucas is fit to be my husband,
and if I am fit to be his wife.
Simple as that.
Right, but the thing is, it's not really simple, though.
I mean, you're still far too young.
That's why, to make you...
That's not true. I'm old enough to be wed.
Uh--
It's a normal part of life that we all will eventually go through.
And one day, I will succeed Grand Code in becoming the village's leader.
So it's not too soon for me.
Well, at least that's what Grand Code has told me.
I heard she got married much younger than me,
at just 13 years old.
That kind of thinking is a thing of the past! Times are different now!
You think that's true?
Because, as far as I know, this village hasn't changed
since the time of Grand Code's Grand Code.
That's why... I plan to live the same way she did.
- Hold on a second! - Hmm?
That attitude of yours is admirable.
But marriage is a serious institution that connects family to family.
It is.
And while that is true, it's also an official excuse.
You need to know that there are also private matters in this world.
What does that mean, though?
I'm sorry, I don't know what you're talking about.
Since I trust you're mature enough, I have something I want to show you.
It might seem toxic to an ordinary child,
but you should be fine since you're so bright.
Huh?
Oh.
Oh, wow. This is... wonderful.
Ah...
I'm not showing this to anyone else, only to you.
That's a painted portrait of what they call "lovers."
You can almost feel the love they have for each other emanating from the canvas.
These are lovers...
As you may know, this does go against
the teachings Grand Code has in place regarding discipline.
But... this is a form of truth as well.
Yes, you're completely right!
I can't thank you enough for sharing such a beautiful thing with me, sir!
It's only because I trust you so completely.
How magnificent!
Oh.
Welcome back, Maria.
Thank you, Grand Code.
How did your teacher respond?
You did tell him you'd be stopping school once your marriage was arranged?
Yes, of course.
But he said it would be best if I stayed to study spelling a little bit longer.
When I become the village chief,
I'll have to be able to read and write mountains of paperwork, won't I?
The only thing you need to be able to read properly are the names.
That teacher has been telling you pointless things again.
Oh, but he's a great teacher! He's so kind.
The thing about kindness is it doesn't fertilize the barley fields.
I know that!
What's wrong with me? How could I do such a horrible thing?
After Paul said that, I showed him who's boss by punching him right in the nose!
I mean, he knows better than to talk to me like that, right?
Anyway, he cried like a pathetic little baby for a long time.
Well, it seems like you're quite reliable.
Speaking of Paul, he said he saw some sort of figure near Nodate Rock
two or three days ago that may be of concern.
But if miscreants happen to break into the village,
I'm sure I can rely on you to take care of the problem.
Yeah, of course you can count on me! They don't stand a chance.
Maria, you don't need to worry about a thing if you stay by my side.
She's this village's treasure. I expect you all to cherish her.
Of course we will! We'll keep her inside the house
and make sure all her needs are taken care of.
One day, when I pass, she will become the next chief of the village.
Unfortunately, Malta didn't have the makings of one, but Maria is bright.
I'm certain she'll make a fine successor after I'm gone.
Ah!
Yeah, yeah, I know all that stuff.
And Maria ain't half bad to look at, either.
I'll take good care of her.
If you really do mean that,
then I'd like to request that you allow her to manage her dowry herself.
What did you say?
You want me to let the woman control the purse strings?
- That's right. - You're kiddin' me!
Even coming from you, Grand Code, there's no way we can agree to that!
We understand she's your precious grandchild,
but that's asking far too much!
There's a reason for it. If you control the money.
I've no doubt Maria's assets will be used up in less than a year.
Uh...
- Are you disappointed? - Well, I...
Maria will eventually give birth to a child.
Then you will be free to combine your assets.
I suppose, but...
What will happen if I have no child?
- I wonder if I'll be butchered like this... - Maria!
Today's chicken doesn't smell bad, although it is a little chewy.
Usually it's a rooster, but today is special,
so we butchered a hen for you instead.
A hen that was no longer able to lay eggs.
Hmm, mm, mm.
So, Maria, what do you think of Lucas?
Let's see. Lucas is pretentious and stupid.
What?
He's a big brute, so once we're married, he'll probably raise his hand against me.
After all, he loves to bully the weak.
But I don't really mind that, since he's the best option.
There's no other man more suitable for me, so there's nothing I can do.
Maria, are you telling me that's how you really see me?
This whole time, I assumed that we'd...
That we'd fall for each other and become lovers,
then get married out of love?
Love?
That's enough filth out of your mouth, child.
You are no doubt a smart girl, but you have a tendency to be too blunt.
You must choose your words more carefully.
'Kay.
Lucas, I'll move ahead with your marriage to Maria.
But it's not set in stone just yet.
I'll be keeping my eye on you, so be on your best behavior.
Yes, of course. Understood, Grand Code.
I hear Lucas and Maria are getting married soon.
When I get married, I hope it'll be with Thomas.
It's Grand Code that decides who you get married to.
So it could be snotty-nose Simon.
No!
The two of you who were speaking just now, get over here this instant!
Such talk is not appropriate for children, especially in the classroom!
How absolutely despicable!
If you speak like that, you can't be my students!
Now, show me your hands!
It's my duty as your teacher to punish you!
Good morning, everyone.
Uh...
The weather is so nice today.
I bet the sheep are really happy about it too.
Oh, and sir?
There's something I want you to teach me after school today, one-on-one.
Can I stay behind?
Uh... yes.
Of course you can.
It's fine. Sit down.
I'm sorry for saying that stuff, sir.
I'm so sorry.
A wordy apology doesn't serve any meaningful purpose.
Just make sure you don't repeat the same mistake again.
I... I'm telling you the truth.
There was a tall man, looking down at the village,
and standing right where we are now!
- A man for sure? - Uh...
Well, there's no way a woman would be walking around like that, you know?
That's actually a decent and well-thought-out response for you.
- Thank you, Paul. - Oh!
We have no need for outsiders.
They only bring trouble.
Shall we get started, Maria?
- What is it you want me to teach you? - Mine's better, though!
Grand Code always says...
"Maria, it's important for you to learn how to speak properly."
What does she mean?
Apparently, I'm too direct.
But I don't like having to beat around the bush,
it seems so pointless.
Sir, do you think you could bring out that picture you showed me the other day again?
Oh...
It would make me so happy!
Very well.
I'll show you.
- Oh! - You're the best! Thank you!
Can I see it right now?
Just keep your voice down.
Here you go.
It's as wonderful as I remember, sir!
Who knew such a beautiful thing could even exist?
Oh...
- Say, sir? - Uh...
May I borrow this for a little while?
I'll make sure to hide it properly so no one will see.
Out of the question!
Who knows what might happen if Grand Code found out?
I'm sure it will be fine. Even if she does happen to find out,
I'll never tell her that it came from you.
I said no.
Sir?
Uh...
I was wondering how you got your hands on this picture in the first place?
We're only allowed to venture to the town on the other side of the mountain
with Grand Code's permission, once in a blue moon.
But I've never heard of you going,
and I feel like I would have known about it.
- Uh... - Huh!
I... I'm willing to tell you everything.
Huh?
I'll even give you that picture as a gift.
Huh.
If... you'd be willing to become all mine, that is.
I could be wrong, but when you say "become all yours,"
you mean marriage, am I right?
You know...
I don't mind. You or Lucas, I'm fine with either.
- Huh? - I simply follow what Grand Code tells me.
If that's the case, then I probably don't stand a chance.
She already has her mind made up about you marrying Lucas.
That's likely true.
But if you tell me the story of how you got ahold of this,
then perhaps there's something I could do about that.
Let me think on it a bit.
Surely there's a way to convince Grand Code to change her mind.
A beggar showed up at my doorstep.
A beggar? Grand Code said Paul saw a figure by the Nodate Rock.
Maybe that's who it was. I'm curious.
I don't know anything about that!
All I can tell you is a beggar came in the middle of the night
and asked for a place to stay.
And in return for my help, I was given that picture as a payment.
- Tell me all about this beggar! - Huh?
Where did this person come from, and where are they going next?
Hold on a second. Are they staying at your place right now?
No... The beggar is...
If you want to be with me, then you must want to make me even happier, right?
And to do that, you simply must introduce me to them!
The beggar's not here!
That so? I wonder what they're up to.
I didn't ask!
But I'm sure the beggar will eventually return.
I'll tell the beggar not to go out tomorrow, so the two of you can meet.
- Really, you'd do that? - Of course, I promise.
And I want you to promise me as well.
I will. I promise to marry you if you introduce me to the traveler.
You have my word on that, sir.
Do you swear?
Absolutely.
Then... I will hold on to this picture
as a pledge of your good faith.
Good evening!
Welcome home, dear.
Get the hell up. I know you're really awake.
Drink this. It would be a real problem for me if you died.
It would be a problem for you, huh?
What a cruel thing to say.
Especially considering that you already almost killed me once.
Listen here. I've only come down to collect payment for your stay today.
I've already given you everything I have that's valuable.
What has value and what doesn't is for me to decide, and me alone.
I understand.
This is the last item.
After this, all I have left is myself.
Oh!
What are you trying to pull, miscreant? Do you think you can deceive me?
How could a stick with holes be worth anything at all?
I see you're truly clueless.
How dare you speak to me like that, you disgusting hag?
Don't you ever call me "clueless" again! You will show me respect, got it?
Now, tell me what this thing is.
It's a flute.
Huh?
It's a tool that plays music.
The kind that can make your legs work when you're exhausted,
or heal your aching heart when you're sad.
That's just absurd! Are you saying it can actually manipulate one's body and soul?
Manipulate? You could say that.
Because when you listen to music, your heart naturally stirs.
How does it work, exactly?
Could this "music" make someone long for another?
Actually, out of anything, that's what music is best at.
Stirring up emotions of lovers,
making them feel the sweet sorrow of parting with each other.
Not wanting to feel that pain, they'll wish to be together forever.
Even more than they did before.
You're not lying to me right now, are you?
Have you really never heard music being played before?
Grand Code strictly forbids it.
Music, lewd paintings, and every one of the useless items you've given me.
Every day must be so lackluster for you, then.
If you're so confident in this "music" you speak of,
then I want you to show me what it can do.
Now?
Not now. Tomorrow.
Sure.
You better hope, for your sake, that you're not lying to me.
I might exaggerate, but I don't ever lie.
Sir? Are you ready yet?
I really want to see the traveler now.
But before we do that, Maria...
Are you sure that you can, you know...
That I can marry you?
Yes, that.
Well, I thought about it, but it might actually be impossible.
Wha--
I thought that might be the case. I'm sad to hear that.
I already told you that you could meet the traveler,
but I guess that's not happening now.
Hold on, sir.
Uh...
Would you accept something else instead?
I know it means a lot to you, and that you're disappointed,
but I think I can make your wish come true just once.
Oh, the scent of rain. Do you hear anything?
Is it the birds?
It's like they're talking...
But that can't be true, right?
Birds aren't supposed to sing when it's raining.
- Hmm. - But what else could make such beautiful--
- No! No way! Where are you hiding? - Huh?
Where? How?
- That damn cagey beggar managed to escape! - Hmm.
That wretch swore not to lie to me, but deceived me anyway!
I was such a fool for believing in those lies.
I... I didn't lie!
The beggar was really here and gave me that painting in return for shelter.
Then also promised to show me something called "music" too. I swear it's true!
Music.
You have to believe me, please, Maria!
To prove I'm telling the truth, I'll entrust this picture to you.
Please take it!
It's not just our secret. It's more. We made a vow!
You understand that, don't you?
Yeah, I get it.
But it doesn't make up for the fact
you didn't hold up your end of the bargain, so I owe you nothing.
How can you?
How can you say that, when you and I are this far involved with each other?
It makes me laugh.
Thank you for such a funny story, sir. I mean it.
When I was in class with you,
everything you taught me was so boring and stupid,
but in the end, you sure made me laugh.
So thank you.
Maria! Maria...
Maria! Maria, please come back!
Believe me! I promise I never lied!
You have to believe me! Maria!
Maria!
I... I love you! I'm in love with you!
At this point, why not just eat it with your bare hands?
I... I'm so sorry.
You don't need to get so angry about it.
Angry? When did I get angry?
You two are truly idiots.
Maria ending up the way she did makes sense.
I always thought she was quite intelligent, at least for a woman,
but I guess I was wrong.
Grand Code, there is nothing wrong with Maria.
She is not bad or stupid!
Dear, please...
And besides, you're a woman yourself.
It doesn't make sense to me that you can speak so horribly about a girl.
Your own family, even!
You should be embarrassed by your ignorance.
Kindness doesn't help anyone when survival is at stake.
But... but still.
What a miserable life.
Getting to live or dying, which is more miserable?
One person whines and gets their way,
and soon after, everyone joins in and things fall apart.
You won't survive one winter like that. Everyone will starve and freeze to death.
The end.
It's necessary to have strict rules, proper structure and unity to survive.
To that end, I will exile lazy bums and outcasts from the village.
Please, Grand Code, we have heard enough.
Everyone says Maria has a pretty face.
That she's all-around beautiful.
So what do you think about selling her to the highest bidder?
Wouldn't that be best for everyone in this situation?
How can you say such horrible things?
Malta...
See why I could never let you go out into the world with that attitude?
You have to understand, there are so many ugly things out there.
You would never survive.
It's just like before.
I can hear something.
But what is it?
When I listen to it carefully, it stirs something deep in my heart.
The same as when I looked at this painting for the first time.
No, even more.
- What is that sound out there? - Huh?
Don't you hear it? That strange noise.
What on Earth is that?
- Such chaotic noise. - It hurts my ears, I'm getting dizzy.
Ugh.
It's coming from Nodate Rock. Paul said he saw someone lurking there.
I assumed it was just another one of his tall tales, but...
I should have Lucas lead a group there at once to investigate.
Grand Code!
What is your business? I don't at all remember summoning you out here.
Please forgive me, I'm so sorry.
It's all my fault that this mess is happening!
Whatever do you mean?
It was me! I brought an outlander into the village!
It's all because of that damn sound.
The traveler kept making these... strange noises I can't explain.
And once Maria heard them, it was like she was possessed!
And she went crazy and left me!
Music...
Music!
This is music!
Ooh!
Good evening, Maria.
Good evening to you as well, traveler!
It really is you, isn't it?
Did you hear my music? What did you think?
It was simply wonderful!
I'd like to keep listening, so would you please play some more?
I'd be honored.
I think I understand now
why Grand Code forbade pretty things and beautiful things,
things that light a fire in your heart.
It's because they disturb the order she aims to protect.
They set our emotions free, and expand our horizons.
They can change you.
There are even more pretty and beautiful things
I've never experienced before, right?
Want to see?
I want to see it all.
You're also likely to see things
more ugly and terrible than you ever have before.
That's fine. It's also wonderful.
Hmm.
Come with me!
Maria!
Maria! Please come back to me!
You can't leave the village, absolutely not!
It's too dangerous! Don't you realize that you could die?
Hey, you! You need to stop her, now!
I won't let a filthy outsider like you take my Maria away from me!
Taking her away? I think you misunderstand.
She's following me of her own free will.
The ones who will go will go, and the ones who will stay will stay.
It's not something anyone can force you to do!
And what happened to everyone else after that?
The young girl left the village, once and for all,
and never returned there again.
That's it? Did she die like the villagers thought?
What about them?
I'm not sure.
Huh?
Hmm!
Say...
what if fairy tales didn't have the happy endings we've come to expect?
What if Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood weren't good girls?
Or if Hansel and Gretel were children from the far future?
What would happen?
The heroes of fairy tales are all honest and upright, do good deeds,
and yes, live happily ever after.
But what if that wasn't the case?
I want to listen to stories like that.
Don't you?