Mononoke the Movie: Chapter II - The Ashes of Rage (劇場版モノノ怪 第二章 火鼠)

Fujimaki.

Uh, I... um... Councilor Otomo?

Tell me, how do you see this match going?

Sir, I, uh...

I see you'll be checkmated in seven moves, Councilor Otomo.

How unfortunate. I've been outplayed, then.

Speaking of misfortune, Utayama,

this last month was rife with it, was it not?

Keeping the maids in line after losing a daughter.

One in the position of managing the Ōoku, no less, must be difficult.

Not at all, sir!

It should be simple to find a suitable replacement for her.

- So there's nothing to-- - I disagree.

- It's not that simple. - Huh?

Once the central pillar burns,

it's only a matter of time before the castle falls.

And His Majesty simply cannot reside in such a place.

Thus, the Utayama clan shall be abolished.

Wait. Please wait, Councilor Otomo!

The event that spirit caused last month simply cannot be considered our fault!

How was I supposed to plan for such an incident?

Isn't planning to prevent the unpredictable

precisely the duty your position entails?

Or rather... entailed?

Careful now!

Let's put it down slowly. Slow and steady. Slowly.

- You're the... - Humble medicine seller, sir.

- Huh? - Here.

Thanks a lot, mister!

That's such relief! I don't wanna get yelled at again.

Then don't try to carry everything in one go.

That's your fault, Tome. You should've stopped me, then!

Stop! That is enough.

Stop fighting, you two!

Repairs already?

Yes.

We need to be very strict about fire safety in the Ōoku.

Rumor has it that one of the girls here died in a fire long ago.

Oh?

Hey! Quit gossiping with outsiders!

Come on! What's the big deal? It's just a rumor.

I will deal with the repairman.

Just get back to your duties already.

Fine.

What brings you here this time?

Didn't you already exorcise the mononoke last month?

Yes. The first one.

There are more?

In this world,

there are emotions that do not perish so easily.

What's that supposed to mean?

Step right up, ladies. Don't be shy! Looking for good luck?

These mouse charms are guaranteed

to help with pregnancy and a smooth and safe delivery.

A princess once bought one,

and before she knew it, she was blessed with five strong boys

- Mice. - ...and five beautiful girls!

Interesting.

Fire watch! Fire watch!

Ah, Lady Fuki!

Looks like she's on her way to night service.

What a beautiful lady.

Well, you'd have to be in order to end up with His Majesty for the night.

But it sounds like a tough spot to be in.

Every concubine shoulders the weight of their families' future

every time they're summoned for night service.

How so?

First girl to bear a child would become the mother of the next ruler.

Her family would rise to the top with her.

The whole family?

You there.

- Aw! Lady Botan! - Ah! Lady Botan!

Are you maids resting already?

- No. - We were just...

Overlooking any flames is unacceptable.

To worry about fire is to worry about the Ōoku,

and failing to do so places His Majesty in danger.

Is that understood?

We're terribly sorry!

I trust this won't happen again.

Oh...

- Oh, she's just so pretty! - Oh, you.

What will you do now, Tokita?

Well, I... I'm not really sure.

My apologies, sir. Councilor Fujimaki here.

Councilor Otomo, there is a matter I wish to discuss with you.

All right, let's hear it.

I would prefer to talk without a subordinate present.

He will not be an issue.

Begin.

Concerning the princess that Lady Yukiko gave birth to last month,

the time has come to appoint a guardian to raise the princess.

But she has made it clear she wishes to be the guardian and raise the child herself.

Which won't do.

Better to stick with tradition and choose a guardian

from among the concubines.

I understand, but Lady Yukiko made it clear--

Lady Yukiko's wish is not His Majesty's command!

Of course.

Well then,

when one considers each family's standing,

perhaps the Katsunumas?

Ah, yes, the Katsunuma Family.

How very perceptive of you.

Understood.

The Katsunuma Family it shall be.

Your turn.

Right.

So what are your thoughts on the matter?

One of my rank could hardly understand

the matters discussed among councilors who lead the nation--

A guardian is like a seed of fire, if you will.

"A seed of fire"?

If no male successor is born,

the princess will assume the role of the next consort when she marries.

The princess's guardian will become the mother of our future Lord

when he enters the royal family.

And she'll gain power without even having to give birth.

Hmm.

Even a mere seed of fire can grow into a blazing inferno if overlooked.

Preserving the administrative structure that has stood for 150 years is crucial.

For that is what keeps His Majesty safe.

You're absolutely correct, Councilor Otomo.

- Speaking of, Tokita. - Yes?

Your daughter.

I believe her name is Fuki, is it not?

Yes, that's right, sir.

It would appear that His Majesty has grown quite... fond of her.

Indeed.

And we are immensely grateful, sir.

Lady Fuki and Lady Botan are both truly stunning.

But if someone is going to bear our Lord's child,

it has to be Lady Fuki of the Tokita Family.

She's been exclusively enjoying His Majesty's favor, after all.

You think so?

Lady Botan of the Otomo Family is up there as well.

She's highly capable.

She's managing the Ōoku.

And most importantly, she's the daughter of Councilor Otomo too!

Family standing means nothing after you've given birth.

The mother of the successor is the mother of the successor.

It doesn't matter if she was once the daughter of a merchant or a farmer.

If she bears the successor, she wins!

Uh, ah...

That's how you play to win. Am I right?

I suppose I should advise my daughter

to do her absolute best as well.

Oh!

Are you sure you want to do that?

I'll checkmate you in five moves!

Good heavens! I'm simply no match for you, sir.

Councilor Otomo.

What? Oh, Sir Tokita.

I've come to visit my sister.

We'll wait here in the lobby until our appointment.

Oh, you're more than welcome to.

Ah!

He had no pass. Is that permitted?

Mizorogi family members are the exception.

It's because there's a water goddess they supposedly protect or something.

I honestly don't really understand, but...

- How lucky. I'm almost jealous. - Uh...

Medicine Seller!

Pull that crap again, and I'll have your head!

- Oh, Tsuyu. - Oh?

This is where you were.

I see why you didn't come when I called.

Apologies, my lady.

They were short on staff and asked for my help.

Uh, my lady. A word?

Madam Suikoin is waiting inside as well.

And why does that worry you?

The presence of His Majesty's mother was to be expected,

and I'll manage just fine.

Perhaps I was just needlessly fretting.

If you would, my lady?

I'll be off, then.

It appears that Lady Fuki assumes her role perfectly, doesn't she?

Mm... Come on. Don't.

It was only a year ago both of us were dragging pitchers of water together.

Enough! Please, Sayo.

Lady Fuki caught His Majesty's eye.

And thus, she was chosen.

Now, after much consideration,

we recommend that the Katsunuma Family's Lady Matsu

take on the role of the princess's guardian.

I humbly ask that you accept this duty.

I am honored to accept such an offer.

Then Lady Yukiko's wishes were ignored?

Seems like it.

That's simply how tradition is.

Those who have served His Majesty longest

are entrusted with protecting the princess,

which means the Katsunuma Family was more than a fitting choice.

Your words humble me.

There's one thing I'd like to share.

I was thinking about what Lady Yukiko must wish for her daughter.

This is her first child.

I imagine she must have wanted to raise the princess herself.

Agreed.