The Case Study of Vanitas (2021) s01e02 Episode Script
In the City of Flowers
Ever heard of a curse-bearer, Noé?
That's what they call vampires who suddenly lose their minds and go berserk.
My grandfather told me about them.
A curse?
Whose?
Who else? The Vampire of the Blue Moon's.
Are you okay?
Noé! Let's play!
Tell me, Noé.
Even with a curse-bearer here before you,
are you still able to see the blue moon as something beautiful?
The Case
Study of
Vanitas
The Case
Study of
Vanitas
You always ponder the simple stuff like emotions and love
I hope one day you'll come to understand them
Torn apart and patched back together so many times leaves you a miserable sight
You don't even know what it means to be alive
You needn't put into words that you want us alone together
I have a feeling we can accept one another, and that's fine for now
I love this world, and I love the light that only you can bring me
Even with my fractured eyes it makes this world
Appear ever so radiant
There's nothing certain in life
But I'm sure you can see me
When the sky and void meet, turn back from dreams of the future
Vanitas.
Yes?
Can you explain why we're behind bars?
A fine question, my dear Noé.
About ten hours ago, you were poisoned
by the Eglantine due to your absurd antics.
Then you face-planted by the roadside.
You've slept like a baby ever since—
nearly half a day, to be exact.
That about sums it up.
You up to speed now?
No, I'm not.
Seriously?
You were the one who stole aboard the airship.
I just happened to be there,
so how did I end up in prison too?
Because I told them we're partners in crime,
you moron!
My wallet's missing!
They confiscated all our belongings.
What?! The Book of Vanitas too?!
Naturally.
H-How can you remain so calm?!
Wait, were you after my book?
No!
My maître merely requested that I assess its true nature.
Assess, you say? That's quite a vague way for your maître to word it.
That's true.
He didn't say steal or destroy it.
What is it my maître wants me to do?
Wait a second, Noé!
Yes?
If you seek The Book of Vanitas, then you should join me.
So why do you keep refusing to help?
That's true!
Jeez.
Now I understand, Vanitas!
Perhaps I simply don't like you that much!
What?
What shall I do?
For my maître's sake, I suppose I should go with you.
But meekly accepting whatever someone I
dislike says is bad for my mental well-being.
Or rather, it's psychologically impossible.
Okay, so what now?
Out.
We're unable to hold you here any longer.
This is an invitation from Count Orlok.
The vampires likely came to an arrangement with the humans.
Huh?
Come along.
I'll show you the way.
Thank you.
This is my first time in Paris.
Is that so?
Welcome to Paris, the City of Flowers.
The invitation from the count said to come get our things,
both those the police took and those we left on the airship.
Why are you so exhausted, Vanitas?
A certain someone keeps wandering off when I'm not looking.
We're here.
Galerie Valentine.
This is where we'll find the count?
That's right.
After the war with humankind,
vampires were forbidden from attacking humans.
After that, most of them vanished beyond the barrier.
But there are still many who continue to live among humankind.
A vampire has been appointed by the queen to maintain the balance between the vampires and humans here in Paris.
He is
the Lord of Altus, Pax Orlok.
Don't move.
Is this how you welcome invited guests?
Silence.
Ill-mannered fools who do not knock are no better than trespassers.
So you're the human who has assumed the name of Vanitas.
Murr! I'm so relieved you're safe!
Your possessions.
What about the rest?
I'll get right to the point.
Hand over The Book of Vanitas and Amelia Ruth. I want them back.
Vanitas, Mademoiselle Amelia is fine now, so—
Curse-bearers cannot be allowed to live.
We will take it upon ourselves to eliminate her.
Please, Count, don't!
Mademoiselle Amelia should be cured!
You mean by using this book?
That's right!
I saw him use The Book of Vanitas.
Its power restored her to her former state.
Therefore—
Don't be absurd!
Do you truly believe this fool's nonsense?
There is no such thing as a cursed grimoire.
This thing is but rubbish.
Or perhaps you stole it but don't know how to use it.
I expect you can't even open it. That's why you summoned me.
What a riot!
Couldn't you just say,
"Please teach me how to use the book"?
You are mistaken.
I summoned you, the man who assumed the name of Vanitas,
to rake you over the coals till you confess your plot.
I'm simply trying to save vampirekind from utter annihilation.
Save us?!
Don't be pretentious, human!
Are you so loathe to admit The Book of Vanitas is real?
That Amelia regained her sanity should be as plain as day.
Bourreaus must behead curse-bearers as soon as they are found.
Mina is to be executed tomorrow?
I don't understand!
Because she's a curse-bearer.
They're beheaded by a bourreau. That's the rule.
We must go save her!
Can you lift the curse of the blue moon?
Of course, you can't!
She is beyond all help now, Noé!
Hear me now, human!
Vampires whose names have been defiled can never return to their former state.
This is what's wrong with you senile old coots bound by antiquated traditions!
You wretch!
There's nothing you can do.
How about this?
The vampire attacks sowing chaos throughout Paris are the work of a curse-bearer, are they not?
Let us go capture that vampire and bring the fiend back here.
Then Vanitas will use the book's power here before you!
You must see what The Book of Vanitas is with your own eyes!
Very well.
We shall wait but one day.
I thank you.
We must hurry!
At last, you wish to help me, Noé!
I'm not helping you!
It's you who is helping me!
Excellent!
I knew you'd prove quite amusing!
There's nothing you can do.
Not this time.
I will not fail to save her!
Noé.
Hey, Noé, wait!
Do you know where you're supposed to go?
I've no idea—
Looks like you could use a hand, Vanitas.
Dante!
Hey.
You left Amelia Ruth behind to save your own skin!
My agreement with you didn't include protecting the target!
I don't work beyond what I'm paid!
Greedy jerk!
Shut your piehole, quack!
Excuse me.
What the hell are you doing with him?!
Noé, allow me to introduce you.
This is Dante, an information peddler I often use.
But he's really just someone who'll do anything for money.
Now I remember. The one you called baldy.
I'm not bald!
Don't remember me by that slur!
I don't know why you're here, Dante, but it's your loss!
I already found my ultimate partner!
Ultimate partner? You mean this guy?
Nope, not me.
So, sorry, Dante.
You'll have to look elsewhere for your allowance.
Really? That's too bad.
Just when I located that killer who claimed nine lives.
What a crying shame.
O Lord Dante, how I love thee!
What? That's highway robbery, baldy!
Shut it!
That old fart Orlok doesn't even know about this.
Such information doesn't come cheap!
We should follow this bat?
Exactly.
It will lead you to my comrade
who is tailing the killer you seek.
Seriously, what's that guy's deal?
Was that the Vanitas?
Such an adorable face, don't you think?
You followed me here, Johann?
I have something very special I wanted to tell you myself.
Lord Ruthven's bourreau is here in Paris.
What?!
They're after The Book of Vanitas, no doubt.
And that friend of yours
may end up dead.
Thomas Berneux.
What?
He's the vampire who came from beyond the barrier
two months ago and killed nine by draining their blood.
I'd been pursuing him up until I
received a letter from Amelia Ruth.
So I already know much about him.
So then you're the doctor Mademoiselle Amelia mentioned?
Oui.
There he is. I'm sure of it.
Thomas Berneux.
Stop him, Noé!
Very well!
Are you trying to kill me?!
I paralyzed him for a short while.
Let's tie him up while we can and take him back to Orlok.
That was amazing.
You so swiftly incapacitated a curse-bearer.
You must be Vanitas.
I am Luca.
And this is Jeanne.
Are you humans or vampires?
How rude of me.
We are vampires.
Monsieur Vanitas.
Though it may seem ill-mannered, I have a favor to ask.
Would you not give me that grimoire, The Book of Vanitas?
No way in hell!
This book isn't some plaything for little brats like you!
Why do you want it, anyway?
The Book of Vanitas can corrupt a vampire's true name.
That is why it is known as an analytical engine in the form of a book.
It is the infernal device that creates those known as curse-bearers!
Are you suggesting that I'm using The Book of Vanitas to spread the curse?
I am.
I shall save the curse-bearers by destroying that book in the proper manner.
And as its bearer, I imagine you'll be punished accordingly.
I'm afraid I can't let that happen!
Hooray!
But do as you will with Vanitas himself.
Boo!
We must make haste.
Forgive me. Let us discuss later—
I don't have time, either!
Someone dear to me suffers terribly as a curse-bearer, and I must save them!
Unbelievable.
Who put that nonsense in your head?
Huh?
Listen.
I'm a doctor.
I'm using the power of The Book of Vanitas to save vampires.
If you wish to save the one you hold dear,
I will exam the patient.
My big brother suffers dearly from the Vampire of the Blue Moon's curse!
For you to suggest that I take you to him is beyond all foolishness!
Master Luca.
Interesting.
So your brother is the curse-bearer.
Master Luca, further talk serves no purpose.
Master Luca, command me as you will.
Monsieur Vanitas, will nothing
convince you to give me the book?
Jeanne
Understood.
I will do my best to take him alive.
Please.
Take The Book of Vanitas from him!
Oui, Votre Altesse.
The Crimson Gauntlet!
Run, Noé!
She's Lord Ruthven's bourreau!
Who?
You're like a country bumpkin squared!
Listen up!
In the war long ago, some vampires sided with humanity, betraying their own kind,
but a single bourreau is said to have slain all 1,000 of them!
It is she who wields the Crimson Gauntlet, Carpe Diem!
The bearer of a saintly name who slew her own kind!
The Hellfire Witch, Jeanne!
She has no intention of taking me alive!
I can't have you die on me yet!
We're in trouble!
Jeanne!
Master Luca?
You're in danger.
Please find a safe place to hide!
Jeanne!
You must not slay him!
You're no longer a bourreau!
You're my chevalier!
Forgive me, Master Luca.
Whether it's Count Orlok or the city's vampires, they're all horrible listeners.
All vampires have the fear of the Vampire of the Blue Moon etched into their minds. That's just how it is.
Huh?
And what that kid said is not entirely wrong.
The Book of Vanitas can corrupt a vampire's true name.
That much is true.
A corrupted name causes a malnomen.
My treatment consists of restoring that name to its true state.
In short, it's a matter of application.
So it's no wonder that vampires fear this book.
But the potential to do something and doing it are two different things!
Even if The Book of Vanitas was
created to exterminate vampires,
it's an undeniable fact that you used it to save Mademoiselle Amelia.
Thank you!
What I saw that day was a resoundingly righteous act.
That is why I wish to return at once so we may save her!
Keep it down before she finds us!
You really are
a most amusing fellow.
What?
Now then! I've steeled myself, Noé!
I know not whether this will work,
but it's our only hope for a swift return.
What are you—
I've found but one way.
One way we can defeat the Hellfire Witch.
In the City of Flowers
In the City of Flowers
In the City of Flowers
As soon as it all began
I could see how it would end
Like melting ice cream beginning to drip
I release a sigh that echoes ever so far
Ever so gently like ripples on the water
When I lose myself I become you
I'll meet all your desires
I'll cling to you
Lose the veil
'Cause tomorrow
All doubts will be dispelled
Was it you who I've been searching for
Spent my life alone and waited for?
So tenderly and endlessly
You made me whole, you made me whole
I'm sinking beneath all the tears
To a place beyond goodbyes
Torn through time by myself
You made me whole, you made me whole
Was it you who I heard through the door
When I cried and had no place to go?
Torn through time by myself
I know I'm never alone
Since I found your embrace
You made me whole, you made me whole
I lose myself
I lose myself
I know I'm never alone
Fangs That Reveal Blood
Fangs That Reveal Blood
Fangs That Reveal Blood
That's what they call vampires who suddenly lose their minds and go berserk.
My grandfather told me about them.
A curse?
Whose?
Who else? The Vampire of the Blue Moon's.
Are you okay?
Noé! Let's play!
Tell me, Noé.
Even with a curse-bearer here before you,
are you still able to see the blue moon as something beautiful?
The Case
Study of
Vanitas
The Case
Study of
Vanitas
You always ponder the simple stuff like emotions and love
I hope one day you'll come to understand them
Torn apart and patched back together so many times leaves you a miserable sight
You don't even know what it means to be alive
You needn't put into words that you want us alone together
I have a feeling we can accept one another, and that's fine for now
I love this world, and I love the light that only you can bring me
Even with my fractured eyes it makes this world
Appear ever so radiant
There's nothing certain in life
But I'm sure you can see me
When the sky and void meet, turn back from dreams of the future
Vanitas.
Yes?
Can you explain why we're behind bars?
A fine question, my dear Noé.
About ten hours ago, you were poisoned
by the Eglantine due to your absurd antics.
Then you face-planted by the roadside.
You've slept like a baby ever since—
nearly half a day, to be exact.
That about sums it up.
You up to speed now?
No, I'm not.
Seriously?
You were the one who stole aboard the airship.
I just happened to be there,
so how did I end up in prison too?
Because I told them we're partners in crime,
you moron!
My wallet's missing!
They confiscated all our belongings.
What?! The Book of Vanitas too?!
Naturally.
H-How can you remain so calm?!
Wait, were you after my book?
No!
My maître merely requested that I assess its true nature.
Assess, you say? That's quite a vague way for your maître to word it.
That's true.
He didn't say steal or destroy it.
What is it my maître wants me to do?
Wait a second, Noé!
Yes?
If you seek The Book of Vanitas, then you should join me.
So why do you keep refusing to help?
That's true!
Jeez.
Now I understand, Vanitas!
Perhaps I simply don't like you that much!
What?
What shall I do?
For my maître's sake, I suppose I should go with you.
But meekly accepting whatever someone I
dislike says is bad for my mental well-being.
Or rather, it's psychologically impossible.
Okay, so what now?
Out.
We're unable to hold you here any longer.
This is an invitation from Count Orlok.
The vampires likely came to an arrangement with the humans.
Huh?
Come along.
I'll show you the way.
Thank you.
This is my first time in Paris.
Is that so?
Welcome to Paris, the City of Flowers.
The invitation from the count said to come get our things,
both those the police took and those we left on the airship.
Why are you so exhausted, Vanitas?
A certain someone keeps wandering off when I'm not looking.
We're here.
Galerie Valentine.
This is where we'll find the count?
That's right.
After the war with humankind,
vampires were forbidden from attacking humans.
After that, most of them vanished beyond the barrier.
But there are still many who continue to live among humankind.
A vampire has been appointed by the queen to maintain the balance between the vampires and humans here in Paris.
He is
the Lord of Altus, Pax Orlok.
Don't move.
Is this how you welcome invited guests?
Silence.
Ill-mannered fools who do not knock are no better than trespassers.
So you're the human who has assumed the name of Vanitas.
Murr! I'm so relieved you're safe!
Your possessions.
What about the rest?
I'll get right to the point.
Hand over The Book of Vanitas and Amelia Ruth. I want them back.
Vanitas, Mademoiselle Amelia is fine now, so—
Curse-bearers cannot be allowed to live.
We will take it upon ourselves to eliminate her.
Please, Count, don't!
Mademoiselle Amelia should be cured!
You mean by using this book?
That's right!
I saw him use The Book of Vanitas.
Its power restored her to her former state.
Therefore—
Don't be absurd!
Do you truly believe this fool's nonsense?
There is no such thing as a cursed grimoire.
This thing is but rubbish.
Or perhaps you stole it but don't know how to use it.
I expect you can't even open it. That's why you summoned me.
What a riot!
Couldn't you just say,
"Please teach me how to use the book"?
You are mistaken.
I summoned you, the man who assumed the name of Vanitas,
to rake you over the coals till you confess your plot.
I'm simply trying to save vampirekind from utter annihilation.
Save us?!
Don't be pretentious, human!
Are you so loathe to admit The Book of Vanitas is real?
That Amelia regained her sanity should be as plain as day.
Bourreaus must behead curse-bearers as soon as they are found.
Mina is to be executed tomorrow?
I don't understand!
Because she's a curse-bearer.
They're beheaded by a bourreau. That's the rule.
We must go save her!
Can you lift the curse of the blue moon?
Of course, you can't!
She is beyond all help now, Noé!
Hear me now, human!
Vampires whose names have been defiled can never return to their former state.
This is what's wrong with you senile old coots bound by antiquated traditions!
You wretch!
There's nothing you can do.
How about this?
The vampire attacks sowing chaos throughout Paris are the work of a curse-bearer, are they not?
Let us go capture that vampire and bring the fiend back here.
Then Vanitas will use the book's power here before you!
You must see what The Book of Vanitas is with your own eyes!
Very well.
We shall wait but one day.
I thank you.
We must hurry!
At last, you wish to help me, Noé!
I'm not helping you!
It's you who is helping me!
Excellent!
I knew you'd prove quite amusing!
There's nothing you can do.
Not this time.
I will not fail to save her!
Noé.
Hey, Noé, wait!
Do you know where you're supposed to go?
I've no idea—
Looks like you could use a hand, Vanitas.
Dante!
Hey.
You left Amelia Ruth behind to save your own skin!
My agreement with you didn't include protecting the target!
I don't work beyond what I'm paid!
Greedy jerk!
Shut your piehole, quack!
Excuse me.
What the hell are you doing with him?!
Noé, allow me to introduce you.
This is Dante, an information peddler I often use.
But he's really just someone who'll do anything for money.
Now I remember. The one you called baldy.
I'm not bald!
Don't remember me by that slur!
I don't know why you're here, Dante, but it's your loss!
I already found my ultimate partner!
Ultimate partner? You mean this guy?
Nope, not me.
So, sorry, Dante.
You'll have to look elsewhere for your allowance.
Really? That's too bad.
Just when I located that killer who claimed nine lives.
What a crying shame.
O Lord Dante, how I love thee!
What? That's highway robbery, baldy!
Shut it!
That old fart Orlok doesn't even know about this.
Such information doesn't come cheap!
We should follow this bat?
Exactly.
It will lead you to my comrade
who is tailing the killer you seek.
Seriously, what's that guy's deal?
Was that the Vanitas?
Such an adorable face, don't you think?
You followed me here, Johann?
I have something very special I wanted to tell you myself.
Lord Ruthven's bourreau is here in Paris.
What?!
They're after The Book of Vanitas, no doubt.
And that friend of yours
may end up dead.
Thomas Berneux.
What?
He's the vampire who came from beyond the barrier
two months ago and killed nine by draining their blood.
I'd been pursuing him up until I
received a letter from Amelia Ruth.
So I already know much about him.
So then you're the doctor Mademoiselle Amelia mentioned?
Oui.
There he is. I'm sure of it.
Thomas Berneux.
Stop him, Noé!
Very well!
Are you trying to kill me?!
I paralyzed him for a short while.
Let's tie him up while we can and take him back to Orlok.
That was amazing.
You so swiftly incapacitated a curse-bearer.
You must be Vanitas.
I am Luca.
And this is Jeanne.
Are you humans or vampires?
How rude of me.
We are vampires.
Monsieur Vanitas.
Though it may seem ill-mannered, I have a favor to ask.
Would you not give me that grimoire, The Book of Vanitas?
No way in hell!
This book isn't some plaything for little brats like you!
Why do you want it, anyway?
The Book of Vanitas can corrupt a vampire's true name.
That is why it is known as an analytical engine in the form of a book.
It is the infernal device that creates those known as curse-bearers!
Are you suggesting that I'm using The Book of Vanitas to spread the curse?
I am.
I shall save the curse-bearers by destroying that book in the proper manner.
And as its bearer, I imagine you'll be punished accordingly.
I'm afraid I can't let that happen!
Hooray!
But do as you will with Vanitas himself.
Boo!
We must make haste.
Forgive me. Let us discuss later—
I don't have time, either!
Someone dear to me suffers terribly as a curse-bearer, and I must save them!
Unbelievable.
Who put that nonsense in your head?
Huh?
Listen.
I'm a doctor.
I'm using the power of The Book of Vanitas to save vampires.
If you wish to save the one you hold dear,
I will exam the patient.
My big brother suffers dearly from the Vampire of the Blue Moon's curse!
For you to suggest that I take you to him is beyond all foolishness!
Master Luca.
Interesting.
So your brother is the curse-bearer.
Master Luca, further talk serves no purpose.
Master Luca, command me as you will.
Monsieur Vanitas, will nothing
convince you to give me the book?
Jeanne
Understood.
I will do my best to take him alive.
Please.
Take The Book of Vanitas from him!
Oui, Votre Altesse.
The Crimson Gauntlet!
Run, Noé!
She's Lord Ruthven's bourreau!
Who?
You're like a country bumpkin squared!
Listen up!
In the war long ago, some vampires sided with humanity, betraying their own kind,
but a single bourreau is said to have slain all 1,000 of them!
It is she who wields the Crimson Gauntlet, Carpe Diem!
The bearer of a saintly name who slew her own kind!
The Hellfire Witch, Jeanne!
She has no intention of taking me alive!
I can't have you die on me yet!
We're in trouble!
Jeanne!
Master Luca?
You're in danger.
Please find a safe place to hide!
Jeanne!
You must not slay him!
You're no longer a bourreau!
You're my chevalier!
Forgive me, Master Luca.
Whether it's Count Orlok or the city's vampires, they're all horrible listeners.
All vampires have the fear of the Vampire of the Blue Moon etched into their minds. That's just how it is.
Huh?
And what that kid said is not entirely wrong.
The Book of Vanitas can corrupt a vampire's true name.
That much is true.
A corrupted name causes a malnomen.
My treatment consists of restoring that name to its true state.
In short, it's a matter of application.
So it's no wonder that vampires fear this book.
But the potential to do something and doing it are two different things!
Even if The Book of Vanitas was
created to exterminate vampires,
it's an undeniable fact that you used it to save Mademoiselle Amelia.
Thank you!
What I saw that day was a resoundingly righteous act.
That is why I wish to return at once so we may save her!
Keep it down before she finds us!
You really are
a most amusing fellow.
What?
Now then! I've steeled myself, Noé!
I know not whether this will work,
but it's our only hope for a swift return.
What are you—
I've found but one way.
One way we can defeat the Hellfire Witch.
In the City of Flowers
In the City of Flowers
In the City of Flowers
As soon as it all began
I could see how it would end
Like melting ice cream beginning to drip
I release a sigh that echoes ever so far
Ever so gently like ripples on the water
When I lose myself I become you
I'll meet all your desires
I'll cling to you
Lose the veil
'Cause tomorrow
All doubts will be dispelled
Was it you who I've been searching for
Spent my life alone and waited for?
So tenderly and endlessly
You made me whole, you made me whole
I'm sinking beneath all the tears
To a place beyond goodbyes
Torn through time by myself
You made me whole, you made me whole
Was it you who I heard through the door
When I cried and had no place to go?
Torn through time by myself
I know I'm never alone
Since I found your embrace
You made me whole, you made me whole
I lose myself
I lose myself
I know I'm never alone
Fangs That Reveal Blood
Fangs That Reveal Blood
Fangs That Reveal Blood