Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia (天幕のジャードゥーガル)

Hey! Listen!

Don't you want to get that book back?

Huh?

Jaadugar

An Enduring Flame

The 13th century saw the rise of a vast empire across Eurasia.

Genghis Khan, the "universal ruler."

Hailed as the Great Khan, he and his kin built the Mongol Empire.

Although the Mongols were originally but a tiny tribe,

by A.D. 1206, they had conquered the other steppe tribes and become a major power.

Not long after, they forayed into the various nations bordering the steppe.

Spring, A.D. 1221 Taloqan

Fourth Prince Tolui

Greetings, brothers.

Tolui.

Third Prince Ögedei

Second Prince Chagatai

Haven't you drunk enough?

First Prince Jochi

Welcome back.

How did the campaign in Khwarazm go?

Favorably, except...

We lost a lot of soldiers.

The shame is mine.

Your indecision is to blame, Jochi.

All you had to do was follow Father's orders.

That's enough, you two.

What about you, Tolui? You were in Persia, I believe?

Indeed.

I did the name of Genghis Khan proud in battle.

As befits the Otchigin, our future emperor.

Not to mention, I acquired something good.

A book in a foreign tongue?

I hear it's called Elements.

My wife asked me for this book as a token of my exploits.

What a modest woman she is!

She could have asked for gold or jewels instead.

I would do anything to make her happy.

So what's written in this book?

No idea.

Oh, so you have a scholar who can explain its contents?

Nope.

Can your wife read foreign tongues?

I don't think so.

Oh dear.

As such, I was hoping to introduce you to Prince Tolui.

You're a scholar's daughter, no?

I'd have preferred to volunteer myself instead,

but sadly, I can only read and write simple things.

I do pick up new languages quickly, though.

Why did she want the book?

Huh? No clue.

She can't even read what's in it.

And she asked for it instead of gold or silver.

An odd request, to be sure.

Still, this is your chance to serve the imperial family.

And to have that book in your hands again.

Not a bad deal, wouldn't you say?

The Mongol emperor? Serve his family?

No, before that... Before all of that...

My wife asked me for this book.

My mistress died for that?!

Um, what happened to your family was, uh, unfortunate.

So let me apologize.

But I didn't have a choice.

I'm doing all I can to get in their good favor.

I don't want to be sent to the front lines.

Boys my age end up at the very front of their expedition armies.

To act as human shields.

You're not old enough to grow a beard. They took you captive?

That's right.

No, enough talking about the past.

This is my chance to move up in the world.

With this new social order,

a path to success based on merit has opened up to us.

I'll do whatever it takes to survive and make it big.

Now's your chance to make the most of your education.

And that fetching face of yours.

If the stars align, you could become an attendant to a high-ranking figure.

As you can see, her smile is quite fetching.

That's why you should do something.

But what, exactly?

How could I possibly know what course of action to take here?

What should I do?

But if you study and become wise,

you will know the best course of action to take, whatever trouble you're in.

I am well-versed in ancient wisdom and modern teachings alike.

It goes without saying...

that I can read that book, Euclid's Elements.

You're right.

I want to lead a cushy life, eating good food every day.

This might just be my big chance!

I'm sure we can make it happen if we work together!

Y-Yeah.

M-My name is Shira. I hail from Samarkand.

I'm Sitara.

Sitara?

Uh, hold on.

An ostentatious name like that...

Yes, I'm a slave. What of it?

It may be a new social order,

but being wellborn still gets you a long way.

Especially when dealing with the imperial family.

Well, I guess you can just lie.

Let's go with a more dignified name.

In that case...

Tumen commander.

This is the young lady I spoke of.

Oh, I'm her interpreter, Shira.

Pleased to make your acquaintance.

Listen up.

Anyone granted an audience with the Mongols must pass between two fires.

They believe fire has the power to purify evil.

A heathen ritual, huh?

Also, definitely don't step on the entrance's threshold.

If you do, you'll be put to death.

Greetings, scholar's daughter!

Glad to see you're still alive.

"Greetings, scholar's daughter! Glad to see you're still alive," says His Highness.

"'Greetings, scholar's daughter! Glad to see you're still alive,'

says His Highness," he says.

Yes, you seem much more obedient now.

Commendable.

Have you been told the details?

I want you to wait on my wife and explain that book to her.

She'll surely be delighted.

Oh, right. What's your name?

My name...

is Fatima.

These fires will never be enough to erase them.

Not those tender days that no longer exist outside of my memories.

Nor my ties to the mistress and the others.

If there's one thing I can still do, it's taking that book back.

I shall remain my mistress's slave until that day.

I've avoided a fate on the front lines, thanks to the commander's good word.

Is she Tolui's wife?

No, Princess Sorghaghtani should be at the Mongols' home camp, way out east.

Who could she be? One of the generals' wives?

What?

The Mongols always bring a number of women with them, even on military expeditions.

Women on an expedition?

I can't even begin to imagine it.

First, I need to learn about them.

Shira, teach me some simple Mongolian words.

I want to get ahead apace.

Then, in return, I ask that you help me in times of need.

Why, of course.

We're on the same side, aren't we?

Everyone here is my enemy.

I'll fight to the bitter end, as alone as I may be.

I searched all over for you, Töregene.

Prince Ögedei.

Dear me. Not a single word of appreciation for your husband returned from battle?

I am not your wife.