Grancrest Senki (Record of Grancrest War)

Lady Marrine. Word is that Lord Alexis has been attacked.

What did you say?

However, he apparently suffered no injuries, and is now safe.

That so?

The details are still unclear,

but it seems he was caught in the crosshairs of some Union in-fighting.

So it wasn't the people behind my father's assassination?

Alexis!

Why now, after the incident in the Great Hall?

Lord Alexis has expressed his desire to speak with you, no matter what it takes.

Why don't you consider hearing him out?

Father's assassination was a premeditated plot.

Those who were against our marriage triggered that tragedy.

My lady...

We were never meant to be together, that's all!

I see.

To plot an assassination is a bold move for Lord Pederico.

Still...

Just as I suspected, the marquis is still in love with Marrine, eh?

It did seem that way.

Do you two know how the marquis and Marrine first met?

No.

All I've heard is that they met while studying in Eramu.

Right. That's where they fell in love, six years ago.

What's going on?

There's a man sitting in the middle of the road.

Judging by his outfit, I'd say the son of a Lord.

This is a public carriage road. Kindly abstain from such reckless behavior.

The cobblestones used to pave this road are so very beautiful.

Reflecting the sunlight, sparkling and lovely!

My name is Alexis.

My name is Marrine.

I've known the word "love".

But after seeing you, for the first time, I now know what it means!

Is that your favorite pick-up line?

My lady, a letter has arrived for you.

Is it from that young man again?

- Please put it away. - Very well.

Perhaps you could read just one, and decline his advances in a letter?

I suppose.

Right now, I am enveloped in the joy of discovering what love is.

That is what moves me. Tonight, I will deliver flowers to you.

Tonight?

Does that mean a messenger will be arriving shortly?

Are those roses?

Last night, Lord Alexis appeared, saying he'd come to bring you flowers,

and then suddenly started lining up those stones.

I see.

Well, he's a bit odd, but interesting, yes?

Do you think I'll need to thank him for this?

Lord Alexis often attends soirées where the sons of Lords gather, I'm told.

Well, well! You're a new face here.

Your hair is lovely.

Your hips are so slender, I'm dying to put my arms around them!

Would you mind not touching me?

I have no interest in you whatsoever.

H-How dare you!

Let's stop.

Alexis?

This young lady doesn't want your attention.

You mustn't try to force yourself on her.

Listen, you! Stay out of my business!

Lord Alexis!

How do you feel?

Am I dreaming, perhaps?

This isn't a dream.

Your wound must hurt.

Now that we've met again, I'm certain.

You're Jalucia's Prince of the Sun, Alexis, aren't you?

And I know who you are, too.

But still, why did you come to this soirée?

You gave me such lovely flowers, so I wanted to thank you.

You knew about my family, so why did you fall in love with me?

In Eramu, family names mean nothing.

When I met you, my heart skipped a beat,

and I realized it was love.

That's all there is to it.

But you and I are enemies who can never be united.

That may be true, but I can't resist a heart that now knows love.

I could sense how you felt just by reading your letters.

It was like reading the script of a romantic play!

But... it's a play that will end in tragedy.

This is my thanks for the flowers.

It's my first kiss ever.

Not that you have to treasure it...

Let's end this right now, as I have no intention of seeing you again.

If that's what you want...

But I will never forget you.

Because all that you are is now inscribed in my soul.

I thought we were heading to Lord Darcy's mansion?

My lady, please look outside.

Let's do it again, one last time! Ready?

Okay!

Three, two...

Twinkle, twinkle, little star...

How I wonder what you are...

What were you thinking?

I am prepared to be rebuked.

Up above the world so high...

It's just... I could no longer bear seeing you so crushed.

Like a diamond in the sky...

I'd call that unsolicited concern!

We're not very far from where Lord Alexis lives.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star...

How I wonder what you are...

He's been known to come here by foot, and interact with the children like that.

Right! Well done!

All right, everyone, now take your silver coins, and head on home.

Okay!

- Here. - Thanks!

Here.

Is that his idea of interacting?

Bye, Alexis!

You do realize that you'll lead the Union one day?

And yet here you are, handing out silver coins to children.

Perhaps it gives you satisfaction...

But if you start giving charity to some, there will inequity.

And it will gradually undermine your sovereignty.

You may be right about that.

But I don't see what I'm doing as charity.

At first, they only did it for the money I gave them.

But that's not how it is now.

Now they look forward to singing together.

What do you mean?

Charity is the act of giving money or things, nothing more.

The recipient may feel gratitude, but there's no joy.

For someone to live in bliss, their heart must be filled.

But that is not a Lord's duty.

I don't see it that way.

Rather, I think it to be the most important thing of all.

If a sovereign has forgotten that, he'll eventually bring his people grief.

That's not possible.

That's...

...just an ideal.

Even if attaining that ideal is an arduous path,

as long as you keep pursuing it, you can certainly get closer!