The Case Study of Vanitas (2021) s01e08 Episode Script
Where Death Slumbers
Maître, this is amazing.
We are now in Castle Carbunculus.
Her Majesty The Queen is somewhere within these walls!
I call this my office, but it's rather like my hobby room.
Make yourselves at home.
Is something the matter?
No, forgive me.
This morning, Domi couldn't believe I knew nothing about you.
Oh, you need not worry about that.
It makes sense, considering you are the Shapeless One's child.
And truth be told,
your mentor genuinely loathes me.
He even disliked my name passing his lips.
I have no doubt he'd eradicate all traces of my name to keep it from your eyes.
That
sounds like something he might do.
Yes, it does, doesn't it?
That machine interests you?
It's a difference engine given to me by Marquis Machina.
And that is a lamp powered by astermite.
Over there—
Lord Ruthven.
Sorry to interrupt the fun,
but can we cut to the chase?
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
Noé, Vanitas.
First, I would like to thank you for your heroic actions.
Lucius has told me everything.
Thanks to you, our brethren's casualties at the ball were kept to a minimum.
What are your thoughts on the attack that day?
It was Charlatan.
I'd thought they were hallucinations that only curse-bearers could see.
But now, I believe that attack
was an attempt on Lucius's life.
I agree.
The chaos caused by the curse-bearers was likely an attempt to distract the Queen's Fangs.
If that black shadow, Naenia,
is the one that steals true names,
it's no surprise there were a number of curse-bearers there.
Um, by Lucius, you mean Luca?
Why would they try to kill him?
What? You still don't get it?
The boy has rank and power second only to the queen.
No doubt, there are countless nobles who feel he's in their way.
Isn't that right, Luca?
Or should I say, Lucius, Grand Duke Oriflamme.
Grand duke?
Really?!
The grand duke is Her Majesty's close advisor.
That's right.
That is amazing!
I would not call it amazing.
Lord Uncle, who is also my guardian,
handles all of my duties as grand duke.
In any case, my succession to the office hasn't been made official.
My blood ran cold when I heard you ventured into the mortal world without leave.
You must be more conscious of your own position.
Yes, Lord Uncle.
Come to think of it, Luca, weren't you seeking The Book of Vanitas to save your brother?
My big brother suffers dearly from the Vampire of the Blue Moon's curse!
Where is he now?
Let us forget about that.
Huh?
I'm telling you not to mention the boy's brother ever again.
Salvation takes many forms.
Freeing him from the curse is not necessarily in his best interest.
But enough about that.
You're here to ask me about curse-bearers, aren't you?
I, too, have many questions I would ask you of the Blue Moon Clan.
Questions about the Vampire of the Blue Moon,
The Book of Vanitas, and
about you yourself.
You're right.
We should devote this time to more fruitful discussions.
Which is why I'd like to start with my request.
What is it? Speak.
I thought you'd never ask.
Take me to your queen.
What?
Did you not hear me?
I'm telling you to take me to your queen.
To what purpose?
My purpose?
It's simple.
I believe it is the queen that gives rise to curse-bearers.
Don't spout such nonsense, human!
What's the big deal?
Just let me see her.
I merely wish to examine every nook and cranny of Her Majesty's body.
Insolent fool!
Well, Ruthven? What say you?
It should be easy with the grand duke's prerogative.
How long has it been since the queen was seen in public?
Why has she become a hermit?
Vanitas.
I ask you
Uncle?
Does your queen yet live?
Lord Uncle?
Please, stop.
Lord Uncle!
Leave this place at once, human.
Every word you have spoken maligns the good name of our queen!
I forbid you from ever setting foot in this castle again!
So they booted us back across the barrier.
It's been about a week since we got back to the human world.
Every bone in my body aches, so I've been sleeping it off.
They sent Murr back later.
That's all we have to report!
Blasted fools!
You dare show such insolence toward the queen?!
Master!
Please calm yourself!
Wanna fight?
I'll rip you to shreds!
Think you can take me?
It worked out fine.
I got the information that I most wanted.
He played us for fools.
That human wasn't interested in me.
It was you, Lucius.
Most vampires fly into a blind rage when Her Majesty is insulted.
You should have too.
But you
You showed a moment of dismay.
That was the same as confirming his words.
Your Majesty
What am I to do?
So, until the dust settles, I will keep
curing curse-bearers as I've been doing.
But I need information—
Impudent, human!
Master Orlok has no time for you!
Another incident?
"Vampires disappear."
"Three in one week."
That's a lot.
Hands off the files!
Get the hell out!
Hey, quack.
Oh, Dante, perfect timing.
Wait. What happened?
Leave it!
I've got some new info on curse-bearers.
I'll do you a solid and sell it to you!
It was yesterday that we finally located this
curse-bearer who slipped into Paris not long ago.
That's when
She was abducted right before our eyes.
But like an idiot, Riche tried to stop it.
I got dragged in and beat up too.
I never asked you to save me.
What did you say, hag?!
Shut it, fatty!
Hag!
Fatty!
All right, children, no need to fight.
Butt out!
Fatty!
Johann, you got pretty beat up too!
What is your problem?!
When I was all alone, I was mistaken for a vampire and nearly abducted.
But they fled the moment they realized I was a dham.
That was so rude.
A dham?
Mixed race.
You know, half-vampire, half-human?
All three of us are.
You've never seen a dhampir before?
No.
Hey, quack.
A little trophy I tore off the abductor's coat.
A sword and six wings?
Vani—
I know who abducted the vampires and who old-man Orlok's after.
It's the church's anti-vampire unit, the chasseurs.
Captain, have you heard?
It's about that human.
Of course, I have.
Vanitas, was it?
Not only was he made minion of the Blue Moon Clan,
but they say vampires are flocking to his side in an attempt to use his power.
What a
What a poor
pitiful child!
We must do whatever it takes to
save him in the name of the Lord!
The Catacombs of Paris.
Once an old stone quarry,
they were later converted into a vast ossuary.
"Halt. The Empire of the Dead lies ahead."
I'm shocked.
I knew there was an ossuary beneath Paris,
but now it's a tourist attraction?
How can I put it?
It's such a curious place.
It is, but the ossuary is only a teeny part of the tunnel network beneath Paris.
Vanitas.
Dante saw the chasseurs heading down here,
but do you really think we'll find them in this labyrinth?
Beats me.
But I often heard that the chasseurs wiped out the
vampires infesting the tunnels under wartime Paris
and then established a base down here, or so the story goes.
Based on that, Dante must've come down here to find a way there.
Wouldn't it be better to seek help from Count Orlok in investigating the disappearances?
Oh, I think not. That would be impossible.
The bad blood between the vampires and chasseurs still runs deep.
One false move and you guessed it.
Another war could break out.
In short, the count must watch his every step.
Precisely.
Like I said, Dante, I wish you wouldn't make matters worse.
Stop yapping!
I won't rest till I pay 'em back for that beat down!
Hey! What are you doing?!
Stop that!
The devil take them!
Where'd those robed bastards get to?!
Enough already.
That tourist trap can't possibly provide any clues.
It was beyond stupid to look for
their base through the catacombs.
What?!
Unexpected clues sometimes turn up where you least expect them!
Idiot, idiot, idiot!
Baldy, baldy, baldy!
What's this? Worried about Vanitas, are we?
I suppose so.
He's acting perfectly normal.
So I wonder.
Why would he be acting so?
What took so long?
I almost finished this book.
I don't know where we're going, but fear not.
I took a respectable catnap.
Couldn't care less!
Off to investigate the disappearances, I take it?
None of your business.
So you really do think the chasseurs are behind this?
Stop following me.
I'm not following you.
I'm joining you.
Suit yourself.
Yes, I'll do that.
Noé, this way.
Wait. Vanitas!
Hey!
What are you doing there!
Perfect timing.
All right! These disguises should get us in.
Shall we?
Um it should be around here.
Where does that lead?
The catacombs.
The catacombs?
Not the same ones from earlier today.
We're going where only those in the know can travel.
The chasseurs' secret lair.
How do you know about this place?
It's as if you've been here before.
Never a hesitant step.
Vanitas!
Please tell me.
You already know, don't you?
Who really abducted those vampires?
Chasseurs who aren't really chasseurs at all.
What does that mean?
Listen, Noé.
If we encounter chasseurs, and it comes to a fight, they will go straight for your eyes.
Underestimate human adversaries, and you'll end up dead.
This place looks different from the catacombs we saw earlier today.
Are these the remains of those who were somehow special?
No.
This is—
All the bones you see here are from vampires!
Look at this one.
It still has its fangs.
Vestiges of formulaic alteration even in death
are a sign that this was a high-ranking vampire.
All the bones in this chamber are from vampires our predecessors slew in the underground labyrinth.
The slayer's name is carved above each one.
They vied to behead the most vampires and be deemed the mightiest.
Um, and you are?
Who am I?
My name is Roland Fortis.
I am the Sixth Paladin, graced with the Jasper Gem.
A paladin?
You're one of the twelve captains of the chasseurs!
Stop. You're making me blush.
I didn't make captain until recently.
My posting to this district was recent too.
I was on a patrol-slash-walk to drill the map into my head.
Right
So, who are you?
What are you doing here at such an hour?
We beg your forgiveness!
I am Vincent, and this is Gilbert.
We discovered a secret passage in the church.
We should have reported it at once, but we ventured in to investigate.
We ended up getting lost for several hours.
So you're lost?
Same as me.
H-Hold on. Sir Roland, are you saying that you're lost?
Yes, that's right.
I'm at a total loss. I can't find my way back.
But the Lord's hand is in all things.
How else could I have come across you after losing my way?
Now, follow me!
Have no fear.
My trusty subordinates are bound to be searching for me.
Noé, it could get ugly if he takes us back to the chasseurs' guard post.
Is there some way to silence him?
No.
At least none that I can see.
All this was beneath our feet?
What's this?
Vincent, Vincent!
Could you come here a moment?
Sir?
This writing on the wall
Writing?
Aw, hell!
Noé, close your eyes!
A flash grenade?
What is this? My vision is
I thought so. You're a vampire.
Do you suffer?
That light you just beheld has the
power to render your eyes useless.
The real world and the formulaic world are blurring together.
Noé!
That clothing does not belong to you.
Did you slay those you stole it from?
N-No
I don't know why you're here, but no vampire who sets foot in here leaves this place alive.
We are the chasseurs.
Those who corrupt the divine law of God's creation,
the crimson-eyed heretics, are our prey!
We are the Lord's eternal blade!
Amen!
Where the Dead Sleep
Where the Dead Sleep
Where the Dead Sleep
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
Those Who Hunt Crimson
Those Who Hunt Crimson
Those Who Hunt Crimson
We are now in Castle Carbunculus.
Her Majesty The Queen is somewhere within these walls!
I call this my office, but it's rather like my hobby room.
Make yourselves at home.
Is something the matter?
No, forgive me.
This morning, Domi couldn't believe I knew nothing about you.
Oh, you need not worry about that.
It makes sense, considering you are the Shapeless One's child.
And truth be told,
your mentor genuinely loathes me.
He even disliked my name passing his lips.
I have no doubt he'd eradicate all traces of my name to keep it from your eyes.
That
sounds like something he might do.
Yes, it does, doesn't it?
That machine interests you?
It's a difference engine given to me by Marquis Machina.
And that is a lamp powered by astermite.
Over there—
Lord Ruthven.
Sorry to interrupt the fun,
but can we cut to the chase?
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
Noé, Vanitas.
First, I would like to thank you for your heroic actions.
Lucius has told me everything.
Thanks to you, our brethren's casualties at the ball were kept to a minimum.
What are your thoughts on the attack that day?
It was Charlatan.
I'd thought they were hallucinations that only curse-bearers could see.
But now, I believe that attack
was an attempt on Lucius's life.
I agree.
The chaos caused by the curse-bearers was likely an attempt to distract the Queen's Fangs.
If that black shadow, Naenia,
is the one that steals true names,
it's no surprise there were a number of curse-bearers there.
Um, by Lucius, you mean Luca?
Why would they try to kill him?
What? You still don't get it?
The boy has rank and power second only to the queen.
No doubt, there are countless nobles who feel he's in their way.
Isn't that right, Luca?
Or should I say, Lucius, Grand Duke Oriflamme.
Grand duke?
Really?!
The grand duke is Her Majesty's close advisor.
That's right.
That is amazing!
I would not call it amazing.
Lord Uncle, who is also my guardian,
handles all of my duties as grand duke.
In any case, my succession to the office hasn't been made official.
My blood ran cold when I heard you ventured into the mortal world without leave.
You must be more conscious of your own position.
Yes, Lord Uncle.
Come to think of it, Luca, weren't you seeking The Book of Vanitas to save your brother?
My big brother suffers dearly from the Vampire of the Blue Moon's curse!
Where is he now?
Let us forget about that.
Huh?
I'm telling you not to mention the boy's brother ever again.
Salvation takes many forms.
Freeing him from the curse is not necessarily in his best interest.
But enough about that.
You're here to ask me about curse-bearers, aren't you?
I, too, have many questions I would ask you of the Blue Moon Clan.
Questions about the Vampire of the Blue Moon,
The Book of Vanitas, and
about you yourself.
You're right.
We should devote this time to more fruitful discussions.
Which is why I'd like to start with my request.
What is it? Speak.
I thought you'd never ask.
Take me to your queen.
What?
Did you not hear me?
I'm telling you to take me to your queen.
To what purpose?
My purpose?
It's simple.
I believe it is the queen that gives rise to curse-bearers.
Don't spout such nonsense, human!
What's the big deal?
Just let me see her.
I merely wish to examine every nook and cranny of Her Majesty's body.
Insolent fool!
Well, Ruthven? What say you?
It should be easy with the grand duke's prerogative.
How long has it been since the queen was seen in public?
Why has she become a hermit?
Vanitas.
I ask you
Uncle?
Does your queen yet live?
Lord Uncle?
Please, stop.
Lord Uncle!
Leave this place at once, human.
Every word you have spoken maligns the good name of our queen!
I forbid you from ever setting foot in this castle again!
So they booted us back across the barrier.
It's been about a week since we got back to the human world.
Every bone in my body aches, so I've been sleeping it off.
They sent Murr back later.
That's all we have to report!
Blasted fools!
You dare show such insolence toward the queen?!
Master!
Please calm yourself!
Wanna fight?
I'll rip you to shreds!
Think you can take me?
It worked out fine.
I got the information that I most wanted.
He played us for fools.
That human wasn't interested in me.
It was you, Lucius.
Most vampires fly into a blind rage when Her Majesty is insulted.
You should have too.
But you
You showed a moment of dismay.
That was the same as confirming his words.
Your Majesty
What am I to do?
So, until the dust settles, I will keep
curing curse-bearers as I've been doing.
But I need information—
Impudent, human!
Master Orlok has no time for you!
Another incident?
"Vampires disappear."
"Three in one week."
That's a lot.
Hands off the files!
Get the hell out!
Hey, quack.
Oh, Dante, perfect timing.
Wait. What happened?
Leave it!
I've got some new info on curse-bearers.
I'll do you a solid and sell it to you!
It was yesterday that we finally located this
curse-bearer who slipped into Paris not long ago.
That's when
She was abducted right before our eyes.
But like an idiot, Riche tried to stop it.
I got dragged in and beat up too.
I never asked you to save me.
What did you say, hag?!
Shut it, fatty!
Hag!
Fatty!
All right, children, no need to fight.
Butt out!
Fatty!
Johann, you got pretty beat up too!
What is your problem?!
When I was all alone, I was mistaken for a vampire and nearly abducted.
But they fled the moment they realized I was a dham.
That was so rude.
A dham?
Mixed race.
You know, half-vampire, half-human?
All three of us are.
You've never seen a dhampir before?
No.
Hey, quack.
A little trophy I tore off the abductor's coat.
A sword and six wings?
Vani—
I know who abducted the vampires and who old-man Orlok's after.
It's the church's anti-vampire unit, the chasseurs.
Captain, have you heard?
It's about that human.
Of course, I have.
Vanitas, was it?
Not only was he made minion of the Blue Moon Clan,
but they say vampires are flocking to his side in an attempt to use his power.
What a
What a poor
pitiful child!
We must do whatever it takes to
save him in the name of the Lord!
The Catacombs of Paris.
Once an old stone quarry,
they were later converted into a vast ossuary.
"Halt. The Empire of the Dead lies ahead."
I'm shocked.
I knew there was an ossuary beneath Paris,
but now it's a tourist attraction?
How can I put it?
It's such a curious place.
It is, but the ossuary is only a teeny part of the tunnel network beneath Paris.
Vanitas.
Dante saw the chasseurs heading down here,
but do you really think we'll find them in this labyrinth?
Beats me.
But I often heard that the chasseurs wiped out the
vampires infesting the tunnels under wartime Paris
and then established a base down here, or so the story goes.
Based on that, Dante must've come down here to find a way there.
Wouldn't it be better to seek help from Count Orlok in investigating the disappearances?
Oh, I think not. That would be impossible.
The bad blood between the vampires and chasseurs still runs deep.
One false move and you guessed it.
Another war could break out.
In short, the count must watch his every step.
Precisely.
Like I said, Dante, I wish you wouldn't make matters worse.
Stop yapping!
I won't rest till I pay 'em back for that beat down!
Hey! What are you doing?!
Stop that!
The devil take them!
Where'd those robed bastards get to?!
Enough already.
That tourist trap can't possibly provide any clues.
It was beyond stupid to look for
their base through the catacombs.
What?!
Unexpected clues sometimes turn up where you least expect them!
Idiot, idiot, idiot!
Baldy, baldy, baldy!
What's this? Worried about Vanitas, are we?
I suppose so.
He's acting perfectly normal.
So I wonder.
Why would he be acting so?
What took so long?
I almost finished this book.
I don't know where we're going, but fear not.
I took a respectable catnap.
Couldn't care less!
Off to investigate the disappearances, I take it?
None of your business.
So you really do think the chasseurs are behind this?
Stop following me.
I'm not following you.
I'm joining you.
Suit yourself.
Yes, I'll do that.
Noé, this way.
Wait. Vanitas!
Hey!
What are you doing there!
Perfect timing.
All right! These disguises should get us in.
Shall we?
Um it should be around here.
Where does that lead?
The catacombs.
The catacombs?
Not the same ones from earlier today.
We're going where only those in the know can travel.
The chasseurs' secret lair.
How do you know about this place?
It's as if you've been here before.
Never a hesitant step.
Vanitas!
Please tell me.
You already know, don't you?
Who really abducted those vampires?
Chasseurs who aren't really chasseurs at all.
What does that mean?
Listen, Noé.
If we encounter chasseurs, and it comes to a fight, they will go straight for your eyes.
Underestimate human adversaries, and you'll end up dead.
This place looks different from the catacombs we saw earlier today.
Are these the remains of those who were somehow special?
No.
This is—
All the bones you see here are from vampires!
Look at this one.
It still has its fangs.
Vestiges of formulaic alteration even in death
are a sign that this was a high-ranking vampire.
All the bones in this chamber are from vampires our predecessors slew in the underground labyrinth.
The slayer's name is carved above each one.
They vied to behead the most vampires and be deemed the mightiest.
Um, and you are?
Who am I?
My name is Roland Fortis.
I am the Sixth Paladin, graced with the Jasper Gem.
A paladin?
You're one of the twelve captains of the chasseurs!
Stop. You're making me blush.
I didn't make captain until recently.
My posting to this district was recent too.
I was on a patrol-slash-walk to drill the map into my head.
Right
So, who are you?
What are you doing here at such an hour?
We beg your forgiveness!
I am Vincent, and this is Gilbert.
We discovered a secret passage in the church.
We should have reported it at once, but we ventured in to investigate.
We ended up getting lost for several hours.
So you're lost?
Same as me.
H-Hold on. Sir Roland, are you saying that you're lost?
Yes, that's right.
I'm at a total loss. I can't find my way back.
But the Lord's hand is in all things.
How else could I have come across you after losing my way?
Now, follow me!
Have no fear.
My trusty subordinates are bound to be searching for me.
Noé, it could get ugly if he takes us back to the chasseurs' guard post.
Is there some way to silence him?
No.
At least none that I can see.
All this was beneath our feet?
What's this?
Vincent, Vincent!
Could you come here a moment?
Sir?
This writing on the wall
Writing?
Aw, hell!
Noé, close your eyes!
A flash grenade?
What is this? My vision is
I thought so. You're a vampire.
Do you suffer?
That light you just beheld has the
power to render your eyes useless.
The real world and the formulaic world are blurring together.
Noé!
That clothing does not belong to you.
Did you slay those you stole it from?
N-No
I don't know why you're here, but no vampire who sets foot in here leaves this place alive.
We are the chasseurs.
Those who corrupt the divine law of God's creation,
the crimson-eyed heretics, are our prey!
We are the Lord's eternal blade!
Amen!
Where the Dead Sleep
Where the Dead Sleep
Where the Dead Sleep
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
Those Who Hunt Crimson
Those Who Hunt Crimson
Those Who Hunt Crimson