The Ancient Magus' Bride (魔法使いの嫁)

You're not going to regret this, are you?

No.

With that, the contract is final...

...Chise Hatori.

No difficulty breathing, is there?

Very well, then, let's go.

I've heard rumors,

but I've never actually seen one.

All these creatures, not human or animal,

but something else.

I've seen plenty of unusual things.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

It doesn't matter.

I just want someplace I can call home.

And now for the item

you've all been waiting for.

A rarity, even among our current offerings.

We'll open at 500,000.

One point one million!

One point five!

One point eight!

Two million!

Look! See who it is?

-- Why is he here? -- 2.25!

I have two million,

two hundred and fifty-thousand.

Going once.

Going twice.

Excuse me.

Five million.

It's decided.

You will be my apprentice.

Who is he?

What the hell do you think he's up to?

I'm not sure. Prepare a reception room.

Ah! Wai--

You have agreed to the price of five million pounds.

He spent a fortune on me.

Who is he to throw around money like that?

She's docile, so she shouldn't give you any trouble.

It was an unexpected honor to see you at the auction.

However, we must ask that you follow the same rules

as everyone else, including staying off the stage.

I'm not here for small talk or a lecture.

You. Come.

No need to keep your head down.

Back straight, chin lifted, eyes forward. Understood?

Y-Yes.

I'll be borrowing your lobby.

By all means.

He some kinda monster?

Careful what you say.

You wouldn't want him to hear you.

He is neither a con-artist nor an alchemist.

He's the genuine article. A rarity these days.

A shame.

I can't believe we allowed him to win it.

The Sleigh Beggy's his.

The Sleigh Beggy?

So, you can see them. Excellent.

Um, were you speaking to me?

Do you see anyone else here

I might have been speaking to? What's your name?

It's Chise. My name's Chise Hatori.

My name is Elias. Elias Ainsworth.

Pleasure to meet you, my little puppy.

From what I've observed so far,

it appears that you have the sight.

How fortunate.

Fortunate?

Take her in? Think of the expense!

What would people think if we

gave her to an orphanage, though?

She's acting all strange again.

Why is she so creepy?

She scares me.

What a freak.

N-No.

I've never been fortunate, once in my life!

Well, perhaps someday we will be able to change that.

Some people may appreciate your passivity,

but I am not one of them.

I paid good money for you.

I didn't come here looking for a doll.

Carry yourself like somebody

who is worth looking at.

Um, but, I...

Now, close your eyes and stand close to me.

You may feel a bit dizzy.

Nettle in the shadow.

False holly in a ring

Twine the branches.

Entangle, enmesh. Spin a spider's web.

Thorns?

You can open your eyes now.

As I expected.

We made it in one leap.

Welcome. This is my home.

And as of today, it is yours as well.

W-Wait, hold on. I'm confused.

Where are we?

How'd we get here from the auction house?

We're to the west of London,

in the countryside on the outskirts of England.

We're in England now?

And what am I an apprentice of?

Oh, here. You won't be needing that anymore.

As of today, you are my pupil, an apprentice mage.

A mage? There's no way.

We're a dying breed, and I warn you,

you may find me a bit old fashioned.

I welcome you into my home as my new apprentice,

Sleigh Beggy.

No. Chise.

No way! I can do it myself!

I know how to take a bath.

But do you know how to use this tub?

Besides, you're filthy.

I'll help wash you up.

Come now. Stop mewling like a skittish kitten.

Immerse yourself completely

or you'll take a chill.

He saw everything.

Come out when you've warmed up.

This is nice.

I wasn't sure I would ever get to take a real bath again.

You know, if you're so eager to throw your life away,

perhaps you should consider giving it to someone

who would make better use of it than you can?

Well, look at that.

I thought I smelled something delicious.

What an adorable, little human girl.

Are you fairies?

Hmm.

Well, "fairies" is the term you humans always seem

intent on using for our kind.

There are so many better names you could use, though, sweetie.

That's right! You should call us your neighbors.

Or your good friends.

Hey, you're a Sleigh Beggy, aren't you?

Taking a Sleigh Beggy for an apprentice.

That silly Thorn Mage.

Sometimes I wonder what he's thinking.

Dear thing, sweet as honeyed wine.

More valuable than a treasure chest.

More precious than than the most beautiful fairy flower.

-- Adorable. -- Adorable.

Our dainty little robin.

If you're going to become a mage,

we will give you all the help you need.

We're happy to look out for you, Beloved, just say the word.

Beloved?

-- Chise. --

Are you all right? Not overheating?

Um, yes, I'm fine, I-I swear!

It's all under control, please, you don't need to come in here!

They're gone.

Have some food and drink.

I imagine it's been a long day.

He's going to a lot of trouble to make me feel welcome.

You look like you have a great many questions.

In lieu of a bedtime story,

ask and I shall do my best to answer.

There, uh, were fairies in the bathroom.

Ah, those were the Ariels.

I'm not surprised they greeted you.

They're attracted to anything new and shiny.

They're Ariels...

And is it true, what you had said before

about you being a mage?

Yes, it's true.