Snow White with the Red Hair (赤髪の白雪姫)

We've come quite a long way.

Looks like we'll be able to reach the village by sundown.

Raj and the others will probably reach the castle at around the same time.

Yeah, it'll take them some time to escort all the Claw of the Sea members, though.

Shirayuki, are you tired?

Shirayuki?

Yes?

Do you need to rest somewhere?

No, I'm fine.

What about you, Zen?

I'm used to this.

I see.

Even so, I didn't think the chief of the Lions of the Mountain would be Shirayuki's dad.

I didn't even imagine.

I was surprised, too.

It really is Dad, huh?

You never saw him?

No. That's why it feels strange.

Hey, after we get over the mountain pass up ahead, we'll be at the village.

Just a little further!

Yeah, okay!

All right. Shall we go?

"Episode 20: The Temperature of a Smile, a Cherished Place"

The Claw of the Sea has fallen!

All right!

Did you see the true strength of the Lions of the Mountains?

Yeah!

Is it true you worked with the prince?

Tell us more!

I have to prepare for the banquet first.

Aw...

Bring your best wine!

I know.

Oh dear, getting excited like a child. You're surprising the customers.

By the way, where's the chief?

I don't see Kazuki, either.

They're busy in the back.

Don't go bothering them.

Um, let me officially introduce myself.

I'm the chief of the Lions of the Mountain, Mukaze.

And Shirayuki's dad.

It's hard to believe.

Yeah. But I'm glad you look well, Dad.

Say something.

Uh, right. I'm supposed to be dead.

I thought you were told that, too, but...

Oh, I heard from Grandma and Grandpa that you were actually alive...

Aw, they told you after all, huh?

But how did you know what I looked like?

Well...

They told me when you came to our bar that one time.

That's how--

What? That time? I was trying to go in secret...

You were too obvious.

It's true that your grandparents weren't really the type to keep quiet,

but I can't believe you remembered.

That trip to the bar was a long time ago.

I kept thinking back on that day so that I wouldn't forget it.

I see...

But what about you, Dad? How--

Oh, I guess you knew by my hair.

No, I knew right away.

Huh?

Your face and voice are exactly like your mother's.

They said it was in the mountains, so I wondered what kind of place it was,

but this looks like a thriving village.

Mitsuhide.

Hm?

Thanks for worrying about me.

A surprise attack, huh?

When you say something to me honestly like that, I can't help but get nervous.

Shall I make sure to never say anything like that again, then?

No, no, that's not what I want!

Oh?

Speaking of which, where's Obi gone?

He said he'd take a look at the surroundings just in case.

I see.

So, you were driven out of your homeland?

Yeah, I was, uh, part of the family of landowners to the west.

My fiancée--your mom--was about to be married off to my uncle,

and when I stole her back, I was banished.

Was that how it was?

Good job, old man.

It was just that my beloved wife was no laughing matter.

What happened after that?

Well, partly because of my uncle searching for us,

we couldn't stop for long in one place.

We ran away, and the Lions of the Mountain from back then took us in.

After some time, you were born.

I was born in this village?

That's right.

Your mom and I and all our friends really liked that red hair of yours.

But then, your mom died...

I didn't think it would be good to raise you among outcasts, being dogged by danger.

So that's why I took you to your grandparents while you were still small.

Y-You know, when Pops found out you had left the country,

he searched all over for you, Shirayuki. He wanted to know how you were doing.

I heard about that when I got here and thought we should be the ones to protect you.

That we needed to get you to a place where the prince couldn't reach.

Kazuki...

Pops saved me, and I owe him, so I wanted to do something,

but you were caught up in the worst kind of mess because of me. I'm sorry!

But this village is full of good people.

So, Shirayuki, maybe you could live with us here?

--I'm sorry. --That was fast!

But thanks.

I'm sure it's the same as with you and Dad.

I know how precious this place and everyone here is now.

That's why I want to be in Clarines.

Kazuki!

I thought you'd say that, but...

I hate nobles.

I wish they'd all be ruined.

But not you guys.

I'm sorry I assumed stuff about you.

I don't remember doing anything to make you like me.

I don't mind.

I didn't say I like you.

It's just, if you're an ally of Shirayuki's...

Oh? That's unfortunate.

Somehow that makes me mad.

All right! Wanna get some grub?

I'm sure everyone else has already started the party without us.

Shall we go, too?

Oh, Zen...

Before that, I want to...

Obi!

Obi!

Miss.

Obi!

Oh good, I heard you were around here.

I'm sorry. My job was to guard you, Miss, and look what I let happen.

I'm sorry.

W-Wait! Th-That's not what I think--

Even if you say it, I won't listen.

Because I came to protect you.

Oh, sorry. Was it hard to breathe?

I'm fine...

Does that mean it doesn't matter what I think?

I guess it does...

All right.

But--

The next time I come to Tanbarun, please be my guard again.

You said we could go to the castle town next time, right?

Shirayu...

I'll be counting on you.

I'll keep that in mind, Miss.

Oh, Shirayuki!

This way! This way!

Woah, wait a sec!

I have a story I definitely want you to hear, Shirayuki!

It's an amazing tale of Pops' heroic deeds!

Apparently, this is good wine.

They said we could drink as much as we'd like.

Where's the master?

Well then, shall we have a match?

I know! If I win, I want to share a room with Miss Kik--

No.

And then Pops chased that guy away and said to me,

"Think of me as your big brother."