Just as it was impossible to grasp the sun no matter how far I stretched,
I thought it was unattainable.
Rather, I wasn't even trying to attain it,
this thing known as "ordinary happiness"...
Because I had no need of it.
I believed that I would walk the path chosen both for and by me.
But feelings change.
Today, I'm going to open the door like I always do and leave this room...
in search of the spring sun.
Nice weather, isn't it, miss?
Do get home before it gets too dark, all right?
I will leave behind my favorite cliff and my life here.
I'm not going back to the organization.
Chief Lancome.
There's a report that Chloe was seen at the Matool Cliffs today.
Special Operations Force Central Control Room, Kingdom of Hagl
Go investigate.
Come morning, check the rocks below as well.
Comb the area.
Yes, sir.
Lancome, Chloe likes to frequent those cliffs, doesn't she?
Yes.
I've warned her many times that they're dangerous since there's no fence.
Has something happened to her?
Our engagement came as quite a shock to her. She's grown so thin.
Enough.
We don't know if anything has actually happened.
But...
It's all right.
It must be a mistake.
Chloe is a strong person.
Separated from my family at the age of eight,
I was picked up by Lancome, who was still a junior employee.
I'm 27 now, and ever since, I've lived as an agent of the Kingdom of Hagl.
Oh, is that hard liquor?
Indeed. It's going to be a long journey.
Would you all care for some?
Now all they'll remember about me should be my makeup, my mole, or my red hair.
Oh, and maybe my chest.
Kingdom of Randall, the Border
I worked hard so that I could send money to my family.
I adored Lancome like a big brother and respected him as my boss.
Until I learned of his betrayal, that is.
It was then that I decided to walk away from the operative life.
Kingdom of Hagl
Kingdom of Randall
Kingdom of Ashbury
Victoria Sellars...
She's a real missing person in the Kingdom of Randall.
We're the same age and neither of us have any identifying marks.
Kingdom of Ashbury, the Border
She's been missing for years and has no family.
Now that I've crossed two borders, it'll be tough for anyone to track me.
Kingdom of Ashbury, Royal Capital
From now on, I'm going to live life on my own as Victoria Sellars.
Free, unbound by anyone.
And I'll be fine... because I happen to have many faces.
Victoria of Many Faces
Episode 1 Free, Unbound by Anyone
Have a good day.
We've gotta get there quick or they'll all be gone!
Let's hurry.
Huh?
That child is still there.
What if villains make off with her?
What's the matter?
Are you lost?
No.
I'm not lost.
What's your name?
Nonna.
Where are your parents, Nonna?
Mom told me to wait here.
And do you know what time that was?
Before the bell struck ten times.
So over four hours ago...
Are you hungry?
Shall we share a bite while we wait here for your mother?
Thank you.
Chew well and eat slowly.
Okay.
How old are you, Nonna?
I'm six.
She's been waiting all alone for so long, the poor girl.
She must have been abandoned.
There has to be a station somewhere I can take a child.
Out of my way!
Whoa!
This is trouble.
I should step aside.
Move it, move it!
Ugh!
That hurt...
Hold it right there!
Stay down!
Are you hurt, miss?
No.
Thank you for your assistance.
Come on. Up you go.
Pardon, but are you handing him over to the watch?
If so, might I come with you?
What? You want to come with me?
I brought you a purse snatcher I caught.
Oh, excellent work, Captain.
Captain?
And this lady here?
She found an abandoned child.
I was hoping you could handle it.
Thank you very much.
What happens to her tonight?
She'll have to spend the night here.
We'll contact the children's home,
but tomorrow is the earliest the woman in charge can make it.
Tomorrow...
Er, would it be possible for her to stay with me at the hotel for tonight?
I only just moved to this country, so I have no guarantor,
but it pains me to leave her here after spending the day with her.
You have no guarantor?
Well, I have no way of knowing if you're really staying at a hotel...
I can go myself and confirm this young lady's lodgings.
It also pains me to leave the girl all alone in this dingy station.
Thank you very much.
I hate to trouble the captain of the Second Knightly Order.
Please, consider this a thank-you for your help apprehending that thief.
Where do you hail from, miss?
From the neighboring Kingdom of Randall.
And how long are you staying?
I lost all of my family in a fire.
I came here so I could move on with my life.
This is the answer I've prepared.
Tell as few lies as possible.
It's easier to remember, and the story won't fall apart.
I see.
You speak our language rather well.
Thank you.
Now that I've confirmed your lodgings, allow me to thank you once again
for your help in the arrest and ensuring this child's safety.
Well then, a good night to you.
A good night to you too.
My first day as Victoria Sellars was rather eventful.
Good night, Nonna.
Good morning, miss.
I bought this on the way back yesterday.
It fits you perfectly.
Where's my mom?
I'm afraid she couldn't come.
Go on. Eat up.
What kind of work does your mother do?
I don't know.
What did you do when you were alone?
Stayed quiet.
I see.
Perhaps she's grown up without learning to emote much.
And when you were with your mother?
Stayed quiet.
Did your mother tell you to do that?
Yes.
Her mother most likely won't come back,
and even if she does, I don't trust that someone who's abandoned their child once
would look after her properly.
Don't get too involved...
I couldn't possibly take care of a child.
Give me a minute.
This blue ribbon looks great with your beautiful blonde hair.
This is the best I can do.
Oh, finally, you're here.
I'm the director of the children's home in the southern quarter.
Thank you for watching over her last night.
No problem.
Come, let's go.
Miss... Thank you.
Wait!
Please wait!
Yes?
Would it...
Would it be possible for me to take her in?
Thank you very much.
I'm sorry for calling for you while you're on duty.
You even agreed to be my guarantor.
Please, it was nothing.
The girl is a citizen of the Kingdom of Ashbury and ought to be protected.
But still, why did you take her in?
It felt like her eyes were saying, "Help me."
Long ago, I knew another girl with those same eyes.
And when I was reminded of her, my hand reached out before I knew it.
To be honest, I regretted something after I went home last night.
I realized you two hadn't had dinner.
Pardon?
But I knew you wouldn't leave her and go out to get something.
So I figured you probably went to bed hungry.
I should have brought you two something good to eat.
Correct on all counts.
But you needn't blame yourself.
Then will you help me ease my guilt by letting me buy you dinner tonight?
If Nonna can come with us.
Nonna, let's look for a place for us to live together.
If we can rent somewhere with a kitchen, I can cook for you.
Cook?
That's right. What kind of food do you like?
Dinner rolls.
I see.
We'll work on expanding your favorites.
We're going to have lots of delicious food every single day.
I'll cook for you.
Thank you, miss.
Listen, starting today, you and I are family, Nonna.
So call me Victoria, won't you?
Vicky works too.
Okay.
We'll make this work, Nonna.
Now, let's go look for a place to rent.
Who knew you'd get turned away at the door for simply having a child?
Everyone was a child at one point!
I'll pray that every time that landlord goes out somewhere,
he accidentally steps in dog poop.
Nonna, I'm going to go look at other places after dark.
So please don't be alarmed if I'm not here when you wake up.
I'll come with you.
It'll be late at night, so I can't take a child with me.
I don't want to stay behind.
In that case, Nonna, can you promise me what I'm about to ask you?
When I tell you to be silent, don't make a peep no matter what.
Okay.
When I tell you to run, go as fast as you can and hide.
I'll run.
When I say scream, do it at the top of your lungs.
I'll scream!
When I say freeze, don't move a muscle.
I'll freeze.
She doesn't complain.
Maybe she doesn't act like a child because she's never been allowed to be one.
I'm going to teach you how to protect yourself.
Protect myself?
Yes, I'll give you the skills to do so.
When something scary happens, acting up or crying won't solve the problem.
It's up to you to keep yourself safe.
Okay!
Now, it's almost time to go, so let's get changed.
You look beautiful, miss.
Thank you. You're beautiful too, Nonna.
Want to put it on?
Yeah. It's my first ribbon.
Yes? Who is it?
It's me, Jeffrey Asher.
Let me open the door.
Good evening, Captain.
Goodness, you both look very nice.
I'm a regular here, so I guarantee you the food is good.
I'm excited.
Are you sure it was all right to bring us here?
It's not a problem.
I am a carefree bachelor.
That's good to hear.
I wouldn't want to earn the ire of anyone who has their eye on you.
There isn't anyone like that.
Oh, yes, there is. In spades to boot.
What is this meat?
It's grilled lamb with herbs.
Oh...
Is it good?
Yes.
I hope this isn't too late for Nonna, since it had to be after work for me.
I'm fine. We're going to look at places.
Somewhere to rent?
It's dangerous to take a child at night.
That's true, but you need to see what a place is like after dark before signing,
lest you find yourself with a raw deal.
Then allow me to come with you.
It may be a bother, but as your guarantor, I must insist.
If he comes along, I can't probe the area, which isn't helpful, but...
A bother? On the contrary, it's reassuring.
So readily disclosing my address to others...
How cagey can I get away with being as an ordinary woman and civilian?
This would be unthinkable as an agent,
but I doubt Mr. Asher is going to break in and kill us.
I'm sorry for dragging you to come see the property with us.
Not at all. You only just arrived in this country.
I don't know how things were in Randall,
but here, it's not exactly safe for a woman to carry a child on her back
while walking around alone at night.
I'm grateful.
At any rate, your Ashburian really is excellent.
What was your line of work Randall?
Oh, this and that.
If I have a chance to see you again, maybe I can share my stories.
Then I shall look forward to the day we meet again.
I had a wonderful night, Captain.
Likewise. Good night.
Good night.
No footprints.
No trace the door was opened.
I guess there normally wouldn't be...
I'm sorry. Did I wake you up?
The lamb was tasty.
It was. I'll cook it for you sometime.
Really?
Of course.
I want to cook too.
Sure, I'll teach you.
I'll teach you everything I know.
Okay.
Um...
Thank you, Vicky.
Nonna, we'll live a happy life full of lots of laughter.
Laughter?
That's right. Just like this!
That's tickly, Vicky!
I am going to teach her everything I know.
Because even a child is better off with many faces.
Two Weeks Later
Is Miss Victoria still staying here?
No, sir.
She did leave a letter for you, though.
What?
Dear Captain Jeffrey Asher of the Second Order...
Thank you for the other day.
I've successfully found a job and a place to rent.
I understand I'm obliged to send you, my guarantor, a monthly report.
Please expect my report at the order in a month's time.
Victoria Sellars.
Quite administrative.
That's fine.
If fate allows, I'm sure I'll see her again.