Vinland Saga (ヴィンランド・サガ)

1014 A.D. NORTHUMBRIA REGION, YORK

DAY OF THE IMPERIAL COUNCIL

What's in there?

It's wine.

-There's so many soldiers here. -Of course there are.

Miscalculation

The elders are going to gather here today.

Wow, the elders are going to eat all this?

What do you think?

That's not true.

Anyway, when he was about to get stabbed, he didn't even notice!

What do you think about what happened the other day?

Do you mean the assassination attempt on the prince?

I know it's awful to say this, but we can't ignore the rumors.

I guess this means the king has chosen Harald, not Canute.

Surely Canute's supporters are upset.

You're talking too loudly!

It's still just a rumor.

It looks like we must reconsider our plans.

No. Thorkell has joined Canute.

This more than compensates for the loss of Ragnar.

Thorkell doesn't know how to govern.

He's too much for Canute to handle.

By the way, there's someone else who joined Canute, too.

His name was Askeladd, "covered in ash."

Well, I've never heard of him.

Lords!

Rise!

His Highness the king and His Highness the prince are about to enter the room.

Well, lots of good food!

Where's Thorfinn?

Well...

There's no need to feel worried for your safety.

No one here is so foolish as to shed blood in this place.

Hurry up and walk! Don't drag your feet!

You're a stupid kid.

Whoa, hey!

Hey, what's wrong with you?

What? It's just a kid.

Hey, wait!

How dare you touch me with those dirty hands of yours!

What's wrong with this kid?

Hey! Don't ignore me.

Hey! Say something!

Hey, hey!

Are you making fun of us?

Pay up, you!

Hey, you--

Out of the way! Let us through!

You idiots!

You again!

You will be notified of your punishment later!

What a time to cause trouble!

Are you sure this is okay?

I heard he's the prince's guard.

The prince is attending the imperial council right now.

There's no way his guard would be walking around town.

Elders of Denmark...

thank you for gathering here today.

My long-awaited wish has finally come true.

This land, England, has finally come under my control.

This achievement is all thanks to your valiant efforts in battle.

In addition, my old friend Thorkell...

and my son, Canute

have returned to us, thanks to the protection of the gods.

This is an unexpected stroke of good fortune.

I'm glad you've returned, Canute.

Your father is happy.

I'm going to put Mercia, part of our new territory, under your rule.

Let's make this land a good country together.

Thorkell.

Support my son.

This is my wish.

Yeah.

Mercia?

That's the most prosperous land within England...

Maybe the rumors were just rumors after all.

No. You don't know that for sure. If the rumors really are true,

then of course he'd say that.

I shall reward you as well in accordance with your achievements in battle.

Let us continue to fight with valor in Ireland, our next battleground.

Ireland is the land where our previous king, King Harald,

was humiliated by Brian Boru, that insolent tyrant.

Victory is mine!

The king is reacting just as I had expected.

This proves he has no counter to my strategy.

If it's a battle of wits, I'll come out ahead.

Floki, I like that look on your face.

Sorry, but I'm going to have you draw a losing ticket this time.

I'm the one who's going to be in control of this fight.

I have all the pieces. I can do it!

However...

this land still harbors impudent fools who show no respect for their king.

I wanted to let you know about this matter.

I sent a messenger to urge them to become my vassals.

However, despite that, they refused twice.

If they are sowing seeds of rebellion that would threaten our new territory,

then we must do everything we can to nip it in the bud!

Wales.

We shall show the inhabitants of Wales

the power of the true king.

We shall attack in the coming spring.

Be prepared.

Get up.

Do you hear me?

Get up!

You have a visitor.

Is it one of Canute's men?

Send him away.

What?

It's not one of the prince's messengers.

It's just a sailor.

Thorfinn.

I heard from one of the traders