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

In the distant past,

scholars used geometry to establish the size

and scope of Earth for the first time.

In which case,

could one also use geometry to determine the size and scope

of the fate we hold in our very hands?

This is the story of a witch who made a vast,

expansive continent into her plaything.

[Muslim prayer call in the distance]

[Sitara continues panting]

[Muslim prayer call continues]

Where are you trying to fly to, my little bird?

You're quite a handful, child!

I love the bazaar here.

It is so full of life.

Mistress, once your iddah

for the late master is over, we'll go to the shops.

Yes, let's.

But today, I just hope Allah will guide the way

and lead us to find a fine slave.

-Uh? -Not as fine as you, though.

Hmm...

Each one of them is a hard worker.

Hm.

This woman can cook up any meal you desire,

for example.

-She's a great seamstress. -Hm. Hm.

And this one here has the gift of gab.

What a perfect conversation partner, right?

Well, perhaps.

But what we need help with the most right now is...

Is housecleaning.

That huge mansion

is just too much for me to handle!

Indeed, and I still haven't finished sorting

all my late husband's belongings.

Ah, say no more!

What do you think about this woman, then?

There's no one can clean the way she does!

Hello, my name is Anis!

Cleaning isn't about what you feel like discarding,

but what you wish to keep!

Your days will be neat and tidy, I give you my word!

That is wonderful! How much would she be?

I'll let you have her for 800 dirham.

I know that slaves are expensive, but my goodness.

Oh, please, Mr. Ahmad!

Isn't there any way you could go lower?

Mmm...

Normally, I would refuse a request like that.

Just this one time, though.

I will let you have her for only half price!

But in return for this... Come here.

Huh?

Uh?

Now go on. Do as I taught you.

Oh, how cute!

And who is she?

Her name's Sitara, and I just acquired her.

Oh, your name's meaning is "star."

-That's so lovely! -

Although she may just be a little bashful,

her smile is quite fetching, as you can see!

And if she were given a proper education,

I think she could be a servant to someone of high standing!

So, here's what I'm proposing.

-Lady Fatima... - Uh?

Your household is known for being rather scholarly,

and Young Master Muhammad's perceptive mind

shines brightly even here in Tus.

So, studying with you will give her real cachet!

Might I trouble you to take her into your home for a while?

Huh?

- What? - Uh?

You agreed to this?

Oh, please.

You're the only one who's truly qualified

to give her lessons now, brother.

I'm still fulfilling my iddah,

and you're the best teacher I know.

As you are aware, whether you're a slave or not,

every Muslim's duty is to seek knowledge.

I suppose.

Recitation's the cornerstone of learning.

And the first step on that journey

is to recite the Quran properly.

So now I want you to repeat after me.

Hm?

"In the mighty name of Allah,

the Most Gracious, and also the Most Merciful."

Uh? Now it is your turn.

Hmm?

Hmm? Well, go on. Your turn.

It's hopeless.

No matter how hard I try, she sits and smiles,

showing absolutely no interest in learning at all.

But I swore I'd take her in.

You can keep the other slave.

I'll repay the discount.

I hope you'll forgive me, brother.

- Hmm? -I'll have him come get you.

-Just wait here, all right? - Hm. Hm.

No, I'll go. Mr. Ahmad's establishment, yes?

Yes. I'm so sorry.

Here's my chance!

If I don't leave, who knows where I'll get sold off to?

I need to go home!

Find her?

Mm-mm.

I'm so lost!

How do I get out of here?

Can't let him see me.

And Young Master Muhammad's perceptive mind

shines brightly even here in Tus.

Uh?

Excuse me.

Uh, where is the door?

Hey! This is most improper!

Don't you know that a woman must not ever reveal

her uncovered hair to a man?

It's all right, 'cause I'm still little!

You're too close.

And besides, it looks to me like you're still a child, too,

Young Master Muhammad!

So, um, who are you?

-My name is-- - Ah-ha!

Since you up and disappeared,

I've been looking all over the place for you!

Mm. The roses were so pretty, I had to see them!

Actually, she was looking for the way out.

Unbelievable!

How could you try to escape?

Now, now there.

In only a few moments,

my brother will be back here with Mr. Ahmad.

I'm sorry.

Didn't you want to go back?

No, not back to that man's place.

To the house where my mother and I used to live.

Soon after she died,

her master sold me off to the highest bidder.

- -Then that isn't your house,

so there's no point!

Remember, you're a slave!

If you want a real home worth returning to,

study hard, so you'll be bought by a good master!

No! I don't ever want to study!

And I won't be making cute faces anymore, either,

because it only makes me seem more valuable to them!

If I learn, I'll just be sold again

and taken away forever.

I'm sick of going places where I don't recognize things!

Little girl. I mean, Sitara,

is that the reason you came here to study?

Uh?

Even though our lots in life might seem fairly different...

Say, Zumurrud?

Will you go and fetch me a water bucket from the kitchen?

A large one please.

Yes, of course.

Come with me.

Huh?

Where are we going?

Up here?

Will this one here be all right?

Mm-hmm. Thanks so much.

I'll be dropping it in the courtyard.

Huh?

Young master, why?

Do you really think the girl is a lost cause?

- -

What on Earth was that? Oh, my goodness!

What's going on?

Huh?

Is everyone all right? What was that?

Wait... Did lightning strike the house?

Are... are you sure those barbarous nomads

haven't started attacking us?

- - A water bucket?

Everyone down there was so afraid.

Young Master, your little prank went too far!