Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (精霊の守り人)

I want to shine on you, and always like that dazzling sun.

I will defend you from all the darkness.

This is the truth from my heart.

If only our hearts could connect, I could get you to believe me.

Even if you can't see it now, don't lose it.

Your kindness won't be in vain.

You'll be carried aloft by the wind to somewhere that isn't here.

You'll cross the sea and cross time, and I know you'll blossom one day.

Whatever the day, I'll be there for you.

I hope I can watch over you like the sun for all time.

This is the truth from my heart.

Moribito Guardian of the Spirit This is the truth from my heart.

Has it been two years?

Episode 1 Balsa, the Female Bodyguard

...and swing your plows!

Sow the rice seeds and make the seedlings sprout!

Nahji, come, come!

Swarm like a black cloud and fly down from the northern mountains.

It's good to be in Yogo.

I can feel my soul growing more tranquil.

What is it?

It's not often that you see a woman warrior.

Are you from Kanbal?

Well, yes. I'm here for maintenance on my short spear.

Maintenance?

Well, unlike Kanbal, you can get anything you need in Yogo.

That's assuming, of course, that you have money.

Perhaps.

But those with money end up living the same life wherever they go.

Having none, however, means you can live as those around you do.

And there's really nothing wrong with that.

You're quite philosophical for someone so young.

I'm not young anymore.

I'll be 30 this year.

Listen, you!

It's a royal family procession!

But I'm not from this country.

I have no obligation whatsoever.

He's going to fall!

There he is...

He's just a child?

What happened back there?

He must've lost consciousness right away.

He didn't swallow any water.

Step aside!

Commoners such as you must never look upon one of the royal family!

Do not look at him!

Do not look at him! Hurry, send for a carriage and doctor!

Hurry, send for a carriage and doctor!

Listen! Get rid of that crowd!

I had a feeling it was you, Tanda.

Is something wrong?

For you to come all the way to Ogi no Shimo...

I gather she hasn't come here yet?

Sorry, Tanda. But it's been two years now.

I wouldn't be surprised if Balsa came back any day now.

I hope you're right...

Would you like to come inside, Tanda?

No, I'll visit with you some other time.

I have an order for medicinal herbs, so I'll be in town for a few days.

If we hear anything about Balsa, you'll be the first to know.

I hear they read this would-be hero the riot act!

Can you believe the gall of that guy?

Thank you for your patience.

Sake! Bring us some more sake!

Sake! Bring us some more sake! Here you go!

Sake! Bring us some more sake!

Very well!

Wait!

There is something we'd like to ask you.

We heard that a warrior rescued a member...

...of the royal family from Aoyumi River today.

We are searching for this person.

Rumor has it that this warrior was a short-spear bearer.

Would you happen to know anything of this warrior?

Not a thing...

Just as I thought.

Forget we had this conversation!

I can see you don't want me to just forget it.

I wouldn't if I were you.

With your skills, you'd be killed twice before your sword was drawn.

Wait!

I realize we have acted with disrespect.

We are emissaries from the court...

...and have been searching for you on orders of the second queen.

The second queen?

Hearing that it was a skilled warrior who saved the prince...

...we assumed it was a man, and have only been questioning men.

But I am now convinced that this warrior was, in fact, you.

You have my word that we will do you no harm!

Please, do us the honor of accompanying us to Ninomiya Palace.

Not what I had in mind.

I should've had this repaired as soon as I arrived.

Moribito Guardian of the Spirit

This is quite a view.

If this palace is so lavish, the mikado's lifestyle must be beyond belief.

I'd hate to see this feast go to waste.

Then again, why would they poison me now?

Forgive us for not being more effusive after inviting you here.

A foreigner such as yourself might not be aware of this, but...

We commoners are unable to look directly into the eyes...

...of a member of the royal family.

If we do, we will instantly be struck blind in both eyes.

Well, that is one of the reasons...

But the second queen is most grateful to you for saving the prince.

This money is your reward.

The amount is paltry for the life of a prince, but please accept it.

Also, Her Majesty the second queen herself...

...has instructed me to ask you to spend the night here.

No, you have already done more than enough for me.

Now, now...

Please, do us the honor of staying the night.

Your belongings have been taken to your room.

Thank you.

What can I say?

At any rate, what on earth is this futon made of?

I wonder if the nobility are called "those who dwell on the clouds"...

...because they sleep on these huge things every night.

Oh, never mind!

This may be my only chance to experience what they call "heaven"!

Warrior from another land...

Are you awake?

Yes, I'm awake. Please come in.