Author: Faris
Editor: KnightAvenger
Studio: Kinema Citrus
Watch at: Crunchyroll
After the exciting cliffhanger of the mid point episode, we are thrust into another very interesting episode. As Myne always does, she tried to set up Naofumi yet again, this time making the set up much grander than usual, framing him with kidnapping her little sister Melty. The pay-off for the cliffhanger is pretty good and the entire concept and execution of the episode was pretty good, but of course, it does lend itself to some questions, such as, “How is every single soldier and the other heroes so blind to the scheming Myne does?” To be fair, the heroes are starting to be suspicious, with the exception of Spear Hero who keeps being the embodiment of the “dumb blonde” trope, just as a guy instead of a girl. The other soldiers can be written off as not having seen it all like the main characters have, as well as some zealotry and such. It is still funny how blind they seem to be, sometimes. As opposed to Spear, Bow and, especially, Sword Hero are definitely starting to redeem themselves and become more interesting.
Aside from the main plot of the episode itself, we also get some more development of the backstory and world-building, specifically in regards to the power relations within the world. Queen is finally revealed to be the one in charge, King is owned by having it revealed that he married into the royalty, and some apparent motivation behind everything Myne does is revealed to a degree.
One thing I must mention is that I certainly hope that during the rest of the season, at some point, Raphtalia stops being the slave of Naofumi. I realize that their current relationship is mostly that of fellow party members and partners than it is one of direct master and servant. However, that obvious incredible loyalty that Raphtalia feels for Naofumi makes it even weirder to remember the fact that since the episode 4 duel, the slave contract spell was remade and is still active and it makes some scenes a bit weird to watch.
We also get a new OP but as always, I will talk in detail about the OPs and EDs some other time. It’s enough to just say that I like both of them, but I can’t say which of the two I prefer, so far.
In short, a very nice start to the second half of the show. I can’t wait to see the meeting between Naofumi’s party and the Queen, which should be close by.
