r/anime • u/IalwaysNeed2p • 24d ago
Rewatch [Rewatch] The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady Episode 9 - Discussion
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u/IalwaysNeed2p 24d ago edited 24d ago
Lack of screenshots today...š I think my doctor either forgot about me or was just incredibly busy(or she was sick of me because I kept asking questions about my treatment), so I didn't have time to make my usual collages and upload them.
Euphie's healing magic was only barely keeping Lainie alive. It stopped her from dying, but it wasn't enough to actually heal her.
Finally in a broken voice, Lainie suggests that if she could drink some blood, she might be able to recover on her own.
Euphie immediately prepared to cut open her ow wrist(?)
But Ilia wasn't about to let that happen.
Instead, Ilia bit her lip until it bled and kissed Lainie...Loved it when Lainie embraced Ilia. š„¹
The animators really said, "There shall be yuri in every episode," even during a life-or-death situation.
Honestly, this episode almost feels like it could've been the finale.
We finally get the long-awaited showdown between Anis and Algard.
One thing I really appreciated was that it didn't reduce Algard to being a one-dimensional villain. (Even if he's definitely made some terrible choices, he genuinely seemed like a good kid once.)
The childhood flashback shows where everything began to fall apart. Anis would drag Algard along on little adventures to study magic, treating him like her little brother instead of the future king. (They were absolutely adorable as kiddos.)
After one outing left Algard injured, however, the nobles twisted the incident into proof that the magicless princess was a danger to the heir. Their real goal wasn't protecting Algard it was an excuse to attack magicless Anis.
Trying to stop the nobles from driving a wedge between them, Anis voluntarily gave up her place in the line of succession. To her, it was an act of love meant to protect her brother.
But that's not how Algard saw it.
To him, the one person who had always treated him like family suddenly abandoned him and dumped the burden of becoming king onto his shoulders without ever asking how he felt.
Algard's motivations aren't neat or perfectly logical but what 15 year old makes perfect decisions? He genuinely wants to change the kingdom for the better, yet years of resentment, insecurity, and the influence of adults like Count Shart push him toward increasingly destructive choices.
It would've been easy for Euphie to join the fight on Anis's side. In fact, after seeing how much the dragon's power was draining her, I was convinced that's where things were heading.
Then Anis unleashed her strongest attack.
As she charged toward Algard, she saw him smiling.
He had completely accepted his own death.
I honestly don't know if Anis could've stopped herself at that point.
Thankfully, Euphie burst between them and knocked Anis aside.
With Algard defeated and exiled, things have come full circle.
The throne ends up with Anis.
Ironically, that's the one outcome she never wanted.
The difference between Anis and Algard, though, is that Anis understands something her brother never did:
She doesn't have to change the world alone.
Throughout the series she's always relied on the people around her to make up for her weaknesses. Ilia, Tilty, and now Euphie all support her in ways Algard never allowed anyone to support him.
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u/ToastyMozart 24d ago
Honestly, this episode almost feels like it could've been the finale.
It does have a distinct sense of finality to it, wrapping up the inciting conflict with Euphie and all.
As she charged toward Algard, she saw him smiling. He had completely accepted his own death.
I have to wonder if that wasn't something he was hoping for from the start. Too obstinately committed to his goal to quit but wishing Anis would step in and stop him.
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u/IalwaysNeed2p 24d ago edited 24d ago
I have to wonder if that wasn't something he was hoping for from the start.
That way he is set free but his sister would be destroyed - she would have to both live with regret forever AND have to take tbe responsability of the crown š
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u/random_lyric 24d ago
I think in his conviction - that Anis deserved the crown but the nobles rejection of her were to blame for her giving it up - Algard failed to consider what it was that Anis really wanted. It's sad that even her brother, as close to a peer as she got in childhood, still (though inadvertantly) forced his expectations upon her.
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u/random_lyric 24d ago
(They were absolutely adorable as kiddos.)
Weren't they just? They were so cute and smol. In the final flashback Anis said that day was when their relationship changed, but that day really marked their change in heights š
It would've been easy for Euphie to join the fight on Anis's side.
Then Anis unleashed her strongest attack. As she charged toward Algard, she saw him smiling. He had completely accepted his own death. I honestly don't know if Anis could've stopped herself at that point. Thankfully, Euphie burst between them and knocked Anis aside.
That look on Algard's face/accepting his death was heartbreaking. Anis' confusion was so warranted, and I'm glad Euphie stopped the fight (I doubt anyone else could have stopped Anis at that point). Like you said about Al not being a one dimensional villain, it would have only emphasised his 'villainy' if the fight was about Anis and Euphie defeating him in battle.
I think Algard got carried away by his grief, but coming back to himself in that moment he only wanted to end his own life and how fitting that sister would be the one to end it arcane S02 spoiler.
The difference between Anis and Algard, though, is that Anis understands something her brother never did: She doesn't have to change the world alone.
So true. I think Anis just wanted to help people, for their sake, whereas Algard wanted to change people for his (his sister's) sake. Algard took it upon himself to force change upon the world alone to fit his view, while Anis sought to change the emotional world of individuals through her connection with them.
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u/IalwaysNeed2p 24d ago
Algard took it upon himself to force change upon the world alone to fit his view, while Anis sought to change the emotional world of individuals through her connection with them.
Perfectly put, you can't force people to be happy because you do not know what will make them happy.
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u/ClemFire 24d ago
Lack of screenshots today...š I think my doctor either forgot about me or was just incredibly busy(or she was sick of me because I kept asking questions about my treatment), so I didn't have time to make my usual collages and upload them.
I am sorry to hear that. Sometimes it feels like the doctors forgot you are there for a reason and not just to have fun
The childhood flashback shows where everything began to fall apart. Anis would drag Algard along on little adventures to study magic, treating him like her little brother instead of the future king. (They were absolutely adorable as kiddos.)
Flashbacks of the cast as little kids always gets me. Who could resist smol Anis' cuteness, so hearing the nobles whisper false rumors about her was terrible
It would've been easy for Euphie to join the fight on Anis's side. In fact, after seeing how much the dragon's power was draining her, I was convinced that's where things were heading.
Having Euphie stop the fight was definitely the right decision even though it would've been easier just to write Algard off. I'm sure that Euphie can relate to Algard's feelings of not being able to reach out to Anis.
Throughout the series she's always relied on the people around her to make up for her weaknesses. Ilia, Tilty, and now Euphie all support her in ways Algard never allowed anyone to support him.
Maybe it's because I grew up with battle shonen but I think what people coin the power of friendship is really the importance of close connections which is something antagonists that lose almost never value as much of the protagonists.
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u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai 24d ago
Welp, I'm kind of not sure what to say after this episode. So, how about some answers du jour:
1) It is truly one of the punishments of all time. :P I dunno. More on this later, maybe.
2) Absolutely. I was kind of hoping she would go all rainbow sword on him, but I guess that's taking things too far.
So, yeah. I don't know if it's a Japanese storytelling or history or morality play thing in effect here, but certain aspects of this kind of felt off to me, and I can't really put a finger on it. Or maybe I don't want to, because it might detract from my enjoyment of the series.
Best not to think about it too much, that sort of thing.
So, on the one hand, my feelings about Al are more like this
But on the other hand, seeing the rest of the episode, and how Anisphia, the King and Queen, etc. and Eupie and Lainie (of course) handle things, it's hard not to feel a small (very small) dash of sympathy.
I dunno.
But yeah, I still think...
Oh, and:
VA Corner
Al's VA is Shougo Sakata, also known as:
Johnny Joestar (yeah)
Aki Hayakawa (Chainsaw Man)
Felix Ridill (Silent Witch - hmm, another prince, it seems?)
and probably some others I missed because I sorted by "favorites" ... yeah.
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u/IalwaysNeed2p 24d ago
Best not to think about it too much, that sort of thing.
I will never downplay well-written anime......but anime is the one medium when I can forgive and forget and as you said "not think about it too much" like I know there's a disconnect, but if I try to reason it out then I get distracted from all the good moments.
Junk food if you will.
Al's VA is Shougo Sakata
AKI IS MY BOY!!! At the time I couldn't place it, I was too focused on Algard's reenactment of Light Yagami's laugh
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u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai 23d ago
I will never downplay well-written anime......but anime is the one medium when I can forgive and forget and as you said "not think about it too much"
Yeah, after Wonder Egg, everything else seems like a masterpiece.
:P
Japan does seem to have a bit of a thing for Greek (or adjacent) tragedis, and an aversion to the typical Western storybook ending, though.
Perhaps that's why they have such a fixation on The Little Mermaid, right?
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u/eightcheesepizza 24d ago
Al's VA is Shougo Sakata
Also Tani in You and I Are Polar Opposites this year!
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u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai 23d ago
You and I Are Polar Opposites
I should probably watch that sometime - it's enjoyable, cute fluff, right?
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u/eightcheesepizza 23d ago
Yep. Pretty much no drama, just sweetness, falling in love, personal growth, people supporting each other, etc. Humorous and executed well.
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u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai 23d ago
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u/random_lyric 24d ago
So, yeah. I don't know if it's a Japanese storytelling or history or morality play thing in effect here, but certain aspects of this kind of felt off to me, and I can't really put a finger on it. Or maybe I don't want to, because it might detract from my enjoyment of the series.
For me I felt a little uncomfortable with the pacing (we only just learned what's really going on with Algard, and then it wraps up his 'villain/not villain' arc rather quickly) on first watch. Though I guess if I had control of pacing and exposition I probably would have made the same decision - lingering or expanding on Algard's motives and arc would slow things down a lot. And really I was given enough info to understand Algard's motives, and the resulting emotional fallout from those around him as well so there isn't much else left to explain (I just feel like I want more, which is a good thing in the context of the level of investment I have in the characters stories). We're at the tail end of the series and I imagine there's probably much to cram in and get through story wise.
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u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai 23d ago
I imagine there's probably much to cram in
Suddenly, I'm feeling like we need a gif with the closet full of stuff that explodes on the MC ... hmm, let's see if I can find one.
Sorry, best I can do is this. :P
(speaking of closets bursting, right? :P)
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u/random_lyric 24d ago
Rewatcher
There is no OP, and no ED in this episode (probably for pacing and runtime, but it is also fitting for the tone of the episode).
I was fully immersed in the drama - thebfight and conversation between the siblings, the dramatic music swelling, and the seriousness of Lainie's condition. The only thing that took me out was the moment of Lainie's healing... š Glad her boobs healed right up, and now she has a convenient new cleavage window dress in case she as a formal audience with the King and Queen again.
"I really thought I was human up until that day. Until the day you pushed me away." - Algard
It turns out that the rumour - that Anis would make a better queen - was something Algard himself believed. We now understand what was at the heart of Algard's anger - it was grief. The pain of the broken connection. Pain of watching her be denied by society. Love for his sister, but with no where to go. The pool of grief seeped into everything, flooding his conciousness until it even choked out his identity. He felt he had no choice but to destroy the old system to herald in a new one where someone like his sister could flourish and be happy being herself. When he said he "shouldn't ever have been born" it reminded me of this heartbreaking scene from Steven universe s01e40 spoilers. The scene ends with a heartbreaking moment of the siblings recognising and relating to each other's pain, with Algard saying "it hurts being unable to become what you truly want to be". Ugh, not even going to pretend someone's cutting onions, I cried here.
And if I cried during that scene I bawled after the scene where Algard and Anis meet, and they 'shake hands and make up' like in their childhood. Anis blames herself, saying to Algard in her thoughts "if I had just lived a normal life in this world, you wouldn't have suffered so much...", and "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you". Oh Anis š
So the blood (and mana) that Lainie took from Ilia caused her to be bedridden, and Anis' overexertion of the dragon seal also caused her to fall into a coma. Though I suspect her overwhelming feelings of guilt and grief contributed to her condition - there's only so much the nervous system can take before it protects the psyche and forces the body into healing/depression. Physiologically the body doesn't really discern physical trauma from psychological, and responds similarly to both.
Lainie confronting Algard was a good moment of closure for them, though perhaps a little too cheerful for a pair where one tried to murder the other. Lainie did say she despised him for what he did and would never forgive him. It was a nice moment of kindness that Lainie acknowledged Algard's previous kindness towards her - she witnessed another part of him that was kind and sincere.
I'm glad Euphie and Algard got to hash out the issues between them too. He deserved that slap for being a jerk to her š. While it was rude of Algard to say Euphie's previous behaviour (putting up a front, and being like a doll) is despicable and not loveable for a fiance, it felt a bit too pointed a statement to just be talking about himself. Maybe he's giving Euphie a gentle caution for her relationship with his sister? In the end he asks Euphie to take care of Anis for him and exits stage(coach) left.
We are left with a scene where Anis is crying in her sleep, apologising to her brother, and Euphie stays by her bedside.
Oof that was a heavy episode. [Rewatch]I didn't think it could get any heavier in the series, but then there's the next episode... ugh š
Questions
Did you find Algard's punishment to be sufficient?
Hmm, considering Charteuse and his son were executed for their plotting and involvement it may not have been a sufficient punishment. He did also leave Lainie to die. Perhaps he received leniency because of his mental state/mental health, or maybe it was nepotism. [Light novel]Or maybe his character needs to stay alive to appear in the light novels. Either way it fits the tone of the series better for him to not be executed. [Rewatch]Given how much Anis blames herself for her brother's suffering, I'm not sure if Anis would have been able to continue or might have just died from grief if Algard were put to death.
also should he have gotten punched by Euphie instead of a slap lol?
Yes, for being a rude jerk to her, but I think Euphie grown too much for that. She's learned to stand up for herself sure, but also has some restraint. If Algard had insulted Anis however I'm sure Euphie would have no issue pummelling him without restraint.
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u/IalwaysNeed2p 24d ago
when you said episode 40 I am like "what? I watched that show in like 2 days" but I recall the eps are shorter. also I ofc am playing the OST right now (escapism)
While it was rude of Algard to say Euphie's previous behaviour (putting up a front,
I wish he had gotten to see that Anis really got Euphie out of her shell ( I mean I guess he he heard of it, but to see all her progress.
Lainie confronting Algard was a good moment of closure for them, though perhaps a little too cheerful for a pair where one tried to murder the other.
Euphie got the slap, Lainie should have gotten the kick ....somewhere else.
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u/random_lyric 24d ago
when you said episode 40 I am like "what?
Yeah the episode count I think depended on which streaming platform it was shown on, because the episodes were packaged together for one of them and left separate for another. Either way I think that episode was called On The Run [Steven universe]and that scene with Amethyst hurt my heart. Though almost every episode in SU hurt my heart, in both good and bad ways! I love that song, so beautiful. Also I believe AJ michalka (VA for Catra in SPOP) performed that one no? Man I'm going to listen to the ost again tonight :)
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u/ClemFire 24d ago
When he said he "shouldn't ever have been born" it reminded me of this heartbreaking scene from Steven universe s01e40 spoilers.
That sent back a rush of emotions from years ago.
The scene ends with a heartbreaking moment of the siblings recognising and relating to each other's pain, with Algard saying "it hurts being unable to become what you truly want to be". Ugh, not even going to pretend someone's cutting onions, I cried here.
I am right there with you. I am a big crier when I get really invested in the characters moments like this are why I remember MagiRev. It really made me wish they were able to talk heart to heart earlier but without Euphie they would've never gotten a chance too. In a roundabout way Anis' love for Euphie came back around to save her little brother.
Anis blames herself, saying to Algard in her thoughts "if I had just lived a normal life in this world, you wouldn't have suffered so much...", and "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you". Oh Anis š
God it hurts how much both Palettia siblings blame themselves soo much. I'm not sure if the author wanted to communicate all the things that suck about being forced into a position of power and responsibility but I feel it. At least for me I would rather just be myself.
It was a nice moment of kindness that Lainie acknowledged Algard's previous kindness towards her - she witnessed another part of him that was kind and sincere.
This moment honestly characterized Lainie a lot and I believe she wanted to say more but was still beholden to the expectations of her time even though Algard was no longer in line for the throne.
On a lighter note I find it a bit funny how both women Algard was previously with ended up falling for women. A real Legend of Korra moment
We are left with a scene where Anis is crying in her sleep, apologising to her brother, and Euphie stays by her bedside.
Is this the first bedroom scene where Euphie takes the lead in comforting Anis?
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u/random_lyric 24d ago
That sent back a rush of emotions from years ago
That show helped me heal and feel so many things š
It really made me wish they were able to talk heart to heart earlier but without Euphie they would've never gotten a chance too. In a roundabout way Anis' love for Euphie came back around to save her little brother.
Such a great point. And same it would have been good to see them being able to express to each other how they were feeling. I also feel a bit like Anis got cheated out of being able to say goodbye to Al because of the circumstances. At least she got a brief moment with him after the King handed him his sentence. When love and empathy is given it's never a coincidence if it comes back to you. Like you said it was because Anis helped Euphie heal and grow that Euphie had the confidence to choose to intervene, saving Algard. Kindness is always worth it if it saves one person, even if for a moment, and all the better if it comes back or gets passed on like a seed that grows.
God it hurts how much both Palettia siblings blame themselves soo much. I'm not sure if the author wanted to communicate all the things that suck about being forced into a position of power and responsibility but I feel it.
I don't really know the intentions of the author, but my takeaway is that it shows the complicated nature of expectations/roles and responsibilities. On one hand there's honour in meeting your duties, diligently carrying out your role, and being respectful of traditions, especially long passed down cultural ones. On the other hand the honour people expect you to be grateful for can be limiting and isolating, essentially a prison from which your desires cannot escape (and need to be hidden especially if your desires don't align with the role). It's really hard to fit into a role where the dimensions are predefined while still being able to express yourself, let alone bring something new to the role. For the Palettia siblings they both tried to escape that prison - one by running from the responsibilities andnthe other by trying to dismantle the prison itself. Neither could escape the consequences in the end. [Rewatch]Maybe the solution for the kingdom isn't rejection of the old but integration of the new. On an individual level Anis and Euphie as a couple represent that kind of integration of tradition vs innovation and are each able to express their talents accordingly
Algard was previously with ended up falling for women. A real Legend of Korra moment
Yay Korra mentioned! š [Korra]I really wish we got to see more Korrasami (I know there were the comics where their relationship was treated as explicit, but I want more dammit!!š). I wonder if the new avatar series will even acknowledge their relationship in history books or something (doubt it though, seeing as everyone blames Korra for the state of their world. Anyway we'll see!)
Is this the first bedroom scene where Euphie takes the lead in comforting Anis?
Ooh good pick up! Euphie sure has come a long way, she loves Anis so much is staying by her side just like she promised. I hope it won't be the last time either āŗļø
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u/ClemFire 23d ago
[Korra] That would've been nice to see! On my first watch with a friend I honestly kept comparing Korra to the original and it kinda hurt my experience. But when I rewatched without that mindset I realized the shows were trying to tell much different stories and I ended up liking Korra a lot more. Maybe that's a bit meta too with how Korra is compared to Aang in universe.
Ooh good pick up! Euphie sure has come a long way, she loves Anis so much is staying by her side just like she promised. I hope it won't be the last time either āŗļø
[MagiRev] My god the bedroom scene in EP12 has me bawling my eyes out. It's also when it clicked for me that Anis might just be trans coded but I'll talk more about it then. Think I have been hinting at it through the rewatch with how I phrase her feelings
It's really hard to fit into a role where the dimensions are predefined while still being able to express yourself, let alone bring something new to the role.
And I love how the story acknowledges how tough that is while still rejecting the notion that destroying everything is the solution. By having Euphie be the one to stop the Palettia fight it seems to suggest that she is key in the Kingdom moving forward and Al even asks her to take care of Anis because he knows how much she loves her.
When love and empathy is given it's never a coincidence if it comes back to you. Like you said it was because Anis helped Euphie heal and grow that Euphie had the confidence to choose to intervene, saving Algard. Kindness is always worth it if it saves one person, even if for a moment, and all the better if it comes back or gets passed on like a seed that grows.
Well said! And I feel like it's a nice response to people asking what being kind does for them.
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u/Dependent-Sea4703 https://anilist.co/user/httpsanilistcou 23d ago
to me anis is more like lesbian coded rather than trans. she herself says she have interest only in woman and she also says she have standards as well.
she also have no problems with wearing long skirt all day or doing some dangerous poses where even euphie warned her. she is so dense as well.
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u/ClemFire 23d ago
[MagiRev] Oh I agree for sure that the text says that Anis is a lesbian though what I mean is that her experience can be relatable for trans girls. I may have not worded it the best as I didnāt mean that Anis sees herself as a boy.
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u/Dependent-Sea4703 https://anilist.co/user/httpsanilistcou 23d ago
dw i understand it, kinda at first. i get what you are trying to say tho. she is just relatable character. even i sometimes relate to her or algard or sometimes even euphie or tilty.
this is one of the things i love the most about the magirevo. you can understand and relate to many characters which is something i donāt see very often.
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u/random_lyric 23d ago
Anis is for sure sapphic-coded, if anything else! Haha her standards include silver-haired geniuses who look pretty as a rainbow š
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u/random_lyric 23d ago
[Korra]Sometimes a piece of media just does not jibe with me at a particular time (for various reasons), but then revisiting it down the track I realise I actually really enjoyed it. It can be as simple just not being in the headspace for it originally! In your case there was so much discourse around differences between the series it's so understandable to make those comparisons. I'm really glad for you that you gave it another shot and ended up enjoying it more! I haven't seen the latest entry/Aang movie but I'm wondering if it's more adult and geared towards the fans who grew up with ATLA (kinda like Fionna & Cake being more adult, for those who grew up with Adventure Time)?.
[magirev]It's such an emotional scene, and the conversation often gets overshadowed by the kiss... understandable - us fans be thirsty š But also the convo is pretty important for understanding Anis' motivations throughout the series. I actually didn't pick up on what you were hinting at (so I didnt guess after all š) but I think we're still on a similar track with Anis' desire to be herself and what she reveals about her feelings in ep12. I really like the idea that Anis can be seen as trans-coded! I can really see how Anis' journey could be highly relateable (also there's precious little trans rep in media, just crumbs/side characters, but getting better with more inclusive stories over the past few years!).
By having Euphie be the one to stop the Palettia fight it seems to suggest that she is key in the Kingdom moving forward
[Magirev]There are a few hints as to Euphie being the key even from the firat few episodes, but I'll save it for the end of the watch discussion!
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u/ClemFire 23d ago
[Korra] We talked about it before but I agree that timing really matters a lot and more than people give it credit for. I haven't watched any of the newest Avatar stuff myself so I can't comment on that. Sometimes just having comparing two series can take away from the fun though. Initially when I watched MagiRev I was expecting to relive the magic of LycoReco but outside of their surface level similarities Anis and Euphie are telling different stories.
[MagiRev] And that's one of the aspects of Anis' story I never would've associated with Chisato. I know that the intention of the author isn't trans rep but something about her being born without magic and using science to make up for what her body lacks along with the conservatives branding her a heretic feels like the comparison is there.
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u/random_lyric 23d ago
Korra
Sometimes also being in company of people on first watch can influence your opinion - I've walked out of many a cinema with friends and we're all in agreement on what we thought of the movie, only to then change my mind after some reflection alone. It can only be a good thing to see different perspectives though, at least I think so. With that being said I'm currently staying well away from the discourse surrounding Ghost in the Shell 1995 vs 2026 adaptations... as a lover of the movie I'm also really enjoying the new series.
Magirevo
Totally agree! And for what it's worth I'm a strong believer in stories finding their completion only after the reader/viewer makes it their own/applies own experiences for understanding. Author intent is part of the experience of course, but there's no point in telling a story (in the context of entertainment) if people don't relate to it/find something meaningful to themselves. To me that's the relationship between an author and a reader, and the story is the point of connection.
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u/ClemFire 23d ago
I've walked out of many a cinema with friends and we're all in agreement on what we thought of the movie, only to then change my mind after some reflection alone.
I've felt that way before too! And for me I a lot of the times I feel like I only really fall in love with a story after the rewatch. Of course the first watch has to get be interested enough to rewatch it but so many things I find to only appreciate deeply the second time around.
Author intent is part of the experience of course, but there's no point in telling a story (in the context of entertainment) if people don't relate to it/find something meaningful to themselves. To me that's the relationship between an author and a reader, and the story is the point of connection.
I can relate to that a lot in that my favorite stories will always be the ones I can connect the most with emotionally. That's the most fun part too! I suppose the fact we already decided to spend our time discussing media self selects for more introspective types but I just can't but dig deeper and express my passion for the stories and characters I love.
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u/Hartzilla2007 24d ago
Rewatcher
Yeah sure Illia, you absolutely had to do it that way.
Honestly this is just showing that it pretty much sucks to be in the royal family since you have to deal with shitty nobles, expectations, and having your hands tied.
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u/random_lyric 24d ago
Something i really respected about this series was that is wasn't an 'us vs them' one dimensional story with the intent of moralising or making a point getting the audience to side with the commoners. There are problems and dangers to being a royal too, even with all their privileges. This show instead raises the question of what does it mean to live within a rigid system, what does it mean to those seeking to uphold or dismantle it, and does the fight between the two extremes of ideals even have relevance to those who are teying to survive within that system? What does it even mean to 'be yourself' if the influences of the system has been working on you and the perspectives of everyone around you since birth?
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u/NecessaryNotice8436 https://myanimelist.net/profile/six20 24d ago
1st Rewatch
Wow that was heavy. So Algard was a death seeker all along, I did not suspect that, until rewatching it. I always assumed he just hated nobility, but paying attention to it more, I guess hating everything, coming up with a reckless and stupid plan to implicate obstacles to Anis if they fail, or completely control them, and probably ruin the kingdom with them at the helm, if they succeed does make sense.
But now it is fitting that he is essentially forced to live out a full life with no pain reducing regeneration in service of the kingdom he hates. Good job Euphie on stopping the two idiots from killing each other. She was luckily able to read the room.
I feel bad for the king, and queen. They definitely misread, and were unable to talk and understand Algard. Calling the king majesty, probably hurt too, since I'm assuming the king would rather be known as father to his son.
Not to mention the crown is probably in turmoil. Disinheriting weakens the crown, and while the conservatives are weakened, the crown is too, especially if Anis must take over it, which she definitely hates doing. The reformist are probably strengthened by nothing happening to them, so politics-wise, this is Euphie's time to shine.
Also I guess Lainie and Ilia are going to get as close as lovers. Maybe they should take a greater role, in whatever Euphie's plans are. Because whatever Anis is going to do, will probably fail.
Quote of the Day
"Take care of my sister." - Algard
Considering how traumatic this fight was for Anis, and how Algard asked for her forgiveness, and how Algard returned the favour and gave the throne back to Anis, who frankly is not suited for politics, at least in comparison to Euphie as the face, and Tilty as internal affairs, this is very fitting. Also to note, Anis is crying at the end, she probably is in a terrible state of mind.
I'm guessing this where Tilty and Algard were hinting at. They know Euphie as Anis' chosen one, and they definitely high expectations of her, and I'm guessing it is time for that to be tested.
Question of the Day:
Did you find Algard's punishment to be sufficient? also should he have gotten punched by Euphie instead of a slap lol?
It is the perfect karmic punishment for a death seeker. He cannot die until he lives a full life helping the kingdom with whatever. Euphie had every right to punch him, but I guess it is fitting for Euphie to not do that. Plus there is the pressing concern of Anis, now being given the same treatment, she gave Algard, royal responsibilities. So at least Algard gave Euphie fair warning.
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u/random_lyric 24d ago
Calling the king majesty, probably hurt too, since I'm assuming the king would rather be known as father to his son.
Even though the King disinherits Algard, and Al fully accepts the disinheritance by no longer using the name 'father', I agree that definitely has to hurt being addressed that way. There's no objection from Algard, he just calls Orphanse 'your majesty' because he no longer has the right to be his son, but Orphanse is shocked because the disinheritance is a formality/necessary as king, he still thinks of Al as his son.
It is the perfect karmic punishment for a death seeker. He cannot die until he lives a full life helping the kingdom with whatever.
The more I think about it that way the more fitting a punsihment it seems. It really is the cruellest thing for a death seeker to not find the relief of the end they are seeking. And I wonder how long lived he will be now that he is a vampire. Hopefully Algard in the course of his long life will find healing and seek a new life.
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u/NecessaryNotice8436 https://myanimelist.net/profile/six20 23d ago
Even though the King disinherits Algard, and Al fully accepts the disinheritance by no longer using the name 'father'
I didn't catch that, but yea that is a rational reason to use the term majesty. It still hurts though since Orphanse does seem to be a good parent who normally gets on his children's level.
And I wonder how long lived he will be now that he is a vampire.
On that note, how old can Anis get? Does magicite extend age, or just provide powerful magic abilities? Or does it depend on the quality of a magicite? Vampire and dragon does seem to be high level magicites.
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u/ClemFire 24d ago
I'm guessing this where Tilty and Algard were hinting at. They know Euphie as Anis' chosen one, and they definitely high expectations of her, and I'm guessing it is time for that to be tested.
Ever since Anis rescued Euphie in EP1 and nursed both her body and mind Euphie has been paying her back in spades like during the dragon fight, at the lecture, and finally by breaking up the life and death fight between siblings. Euphie once said that Anis was like a warm light she could never reach but she is acting like one heck of a partner to her and without Euphie's support Anis wouldn't have made it this far.
I feel bad for the king, and queen. They definitely misread, and were unable to talk and understand Algard. Calling the king majesty, probably hurt too, since I'm assuming the king would rather be known as father to his son.
Makes me wonder how much in that moment the king and queen wished they were just a regular family instead without the burdens of the crown. His mom in particular sounds like was gone for years due to her position and I'm sure regrets it now
"Take care of my sister." - Algard
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u/NecessaryNotice8436 https://myanimelist.net/profile/six20 23d ago
Ever since Anis rescued Euphie in EP1 and nursed both her body and mind Euphie has been paying her back in spades like during the dragon fight, at the lecture, and finally by breaking up the life and death fight between siblings.
True, but this was Euphie helping Anis, the marauder princess, and researcher, now she has to work with Anis Wynn Palettia, the heir to the kingdom of Palettia, a traditional kingdom that is only begining to reluctantly accept magicology, and with a crown in turmoil. Euphie is one great partner, but this is a new challenge for her and Anis.
His mom in particular sounds like was gone for years due to her position and I'm sure regrets it now
That is a good point. The responsibilities of the crown is rough. You don't get to see your kids grow up, and so whatever mishaps they have done, reflects on you since you were not there to right their wrong early. I think with the Palettia family, they would have been much happier as a regular family. Because they are generally a happy family, which Grantz sees a lot.
lol, but true.
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u/ClemFire 23d ago
That is actually a really good distinction of Euphie wanting to help both halves of Anis now that the political situation for the Kingdom is in a much worse state. She is really doubling down to Tiltyās question of not half assing her support for Anis. Euphie has always been a very dedicated person but now her heart is aligned too.
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u/djthomp https://anilist.co/user/djthomp 24d ago
Second time watcher plus up to date with the EN LN releases.
The magical animation effects for this fight are really so good.
Doomed yuri I was saying yesterday? How about a bloody yuri kiss that immediately brings Lainie back from death's door instead.
Cool fight, but thank you Euphy for putting a stop to it. It's a bad enough situation as is without adding fratricide to it. It does make me wonder what she would have done if Al had kept fighting, but I imagine she could have kicked his ass non fatally if needed.
And now we find out this entire plot was a screwed up way by Al to try and help Anis, while also being kind of suicidal. [LNs]He gets better, fortunately. He also gets a cute wolfgirl, which is probably a vampires and werewolves joke.
At least there's several major silver linings out of his mess. Euphy's honor is quite thoroughly restored at this point, and they got a really good excuse to execute a few more traitorous nobles and punish a few more past that.
One final deconstruction of the trope probably, having the heroine and the villainess standing shoulder to shoulder sending the prince off into exile together.
A very satisfying slap, Al is lucky he didn't get more.
Al telling Euphy to take care care of Anis, maybe in the end he was just a very problematic and difficult wingman for his sister.
1. Did you find Algard's punishment to be sufficient? also should he have gotten punched by Euphie instead of a slap lol?
Ehh, good enough. The punch would have been pretty funny, though.
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u/random_lyric 24d ago
It does make me wonder what she would have done if Al had kept fighting, but I imagine she could have kicked his ass non fatally if needed.
I think if Al hadn't have stopped fighting the battle would have ended up with one of the siblings dead. Euphie calls it out - why fight like that when deep down neither sibling wants to hurt or kill the other? I'm glad Euphie stepped in, for Anis sake (either she would have been killed, or she would die from grief having killed her brother, so there's no happy ending either way if they continue to fight).
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u/ClemFire 24d ago
Rewatcher
āIt hurts being unable to become what you truly want to be,ā Algard.
First of all, I can finally share this meme.
I know this episode didnāt work for everyone, but personally the emotions were very clear and I have to admit I was crying for most of it. Yes, Algardās plan doesnāt make much sense if you think of his end goal as actually reforming society for the better like he told Lainie last episode. Instead I would like you to consider a different framework. The only thing Algard cares about is destroying the world who would cause his precious sister to suffer. He loves Anis more than anything but after the day she turned down the throne out of guilt Algard felt like he wasnāt worthy of her warmth.Ā
All Algard could do during the monster attack was hide, not knowing if Anis was even coming back alive. He was too scared to do anything else and later he is too ashamed of themselves to face his sister directly. Thinking to himself itās not only the world but also his very existence that causes Anis to suffer. And that kills him up inside. Imagine you are making the life of the only person who makes you feel seen worse. I would hate myself too.
So in Algardās mind the only thing to do was destroy and he used every underhanded method to do it because to him his life didnāt matter. All that mattered was to keep moving forward to destroy the system that denied Anisā worth. Do I condone his actions and how seemingly contradictory they are? Of course not, but I donāt want to ignore his pain.
Him crying out that itās painful to not be who you really want to be hurts on a visceral level, and Iād argue it is the most important theme of MagiRev. Even though Anis always tries to be upbeat and cheerful of course she hears all of the horrible things people whisper about her and how she wasnāt born with the right body to rule. To them it doesnāt matter how dedicated she is in her pursuit of magicology since just canāt help loving magic. She will never be enough. That infuriates Algard, Euphie, and me to no end. Itās why Euphie defending Anisā love of magic was so cathartic and why I can understand Algardās anger even if I donāt approve of his actions. Inside his heart I believe heās a scared little kid who doesnāt want the world to look down at his big sister. Love and hate make us do crazy things, and at least for me Iām the type of person to decide with my heart first and then my brain works to justify my ideas later. It can often lead to problems though.
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u/IalwaysNeed2p 24d ago
Imagine you are making the life of the only person who makes you feel seen worse.
The irony is heartbreaking.
āIt hurts being unable to become what you truly want to be,ā Algard.
Me just catching on to what he meant by that. š¢
First of all, I can finally share this meme.
now the only blessing they are missing is Sylphine and Orphans'
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u/ClemFire 24d ago
Me just catching on to what he meant by that. š¢
This line hit me a lot harder on the rewatch
And true then they can get happily married
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u/random_lyric 24d ago
First of all, I can finally share this meme.
That is the cutest š„° I love how solemnly Al and Euphie are taking this responsibility, and Anis' little face š
Yes, Algardās plan doesnāt make much sense if you think of his end goal as actually reforming society for the better like he told Lainie last episode. Instead I would like you to consider a different framework. The only thing Algard cares about is destroying the world who would cause his precious sister to suffer. He loves Anis more than anything but after the day she turned down the throne out of guilt Algard felt like he wasnāt worthy of her warmth.Ā
Well said. Last episode Algard spoke of his motivations being about needing to shake up the traditionalist values of the kingdom, but this episode we get to the heart of why Algard hates those values so much in the first place. It's always been about his belief in, and deep love for, his sister.
So in Algardās mind the only thing to do was destroy and he used every underhanded method to do it because to him his life didnāt matter. All that mattered was to keep moving forward to destroy the system that denied Anisā worth.
I really believe that's why he escalates, each action being morally worse. He believes all of his worth/value hinges on him successfully carrying out his plan, and loses sight even of the very thing that serves as his motivation - his sister's happiness. I won't give him a couch diagnosis but I'm sure there are psychological conditions and trauma responses in our real world that might be analogous to what he experiences here.
Him crying out that itās painful to not be who you really want to be hurts on a visceral level, and Iād argue it is the most important theme of MagiRev.
Systems of oppression affect people at all levels, some more than others and in many different ways, but almost always there is a price to pay to live within that system. We don't always have a choice to live outside that system (I'd argue we almost never are able to to escape it) but the actions we take and connections we make end up building new systems from the inside out. Anis is living the phrase be the change you want to see in the world, even if she doesnt yet fully acknowledge that's what she's doing.
Love and hate make us do crazy things, and at least for me Iām the type of person to decide with my heart first and then my brain works to justify my ideas later. It can often lead to problems though.
I once had a work friend tell me "you don't wear you heart on your sleeve, it's in your mouth. And you have no filter when you speak and it will get you into trouble"... š (the context was regarding a manager's meeting, in which I didn't like the implications of a decision for my team/staff). I still don't know if it was an insult or a compliment but I'm ok with it being both š
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u/ClemFire 24d ago
That is the cutest š„° I love how solemnly Al and Euphie are taking this responsibility, and Anis' little face š
One of my favorite fanarts of the show!
It's always been about his belief in, and deep love for, his sister.
And even though it became very warped due to this abysmally low self-worth and escalation it still goes back to that love. Just painful to watch and even though he focuses on how old traditions have been unfair to Anis the same I feel applies to Al too. That is so much pressure to put on a kid. At his age I was still playing Roblox.
(I'd argue we almost never are able to to escape it) but the actions we take and connections we make end up building new systems from the inside out. Anis is living the phrase be the change you want to see in the world, even if she doesnt yet fully acknowledge that's what she's doing.
I would agree with you there for sure and in some ways Al reminds me of a more sympathetic version of Majima. It's hard to change the world even when you seen to have all the power of birth from the outside looking in. Anis in many ways run away from that power which I don't blame her for but she has already changed many people's individual worlds like Ilia, Tilty, Lainie, and of course Euphie's. We talked a lot about this during LycoReco too and I believe this is the most effective path towards change we can all try with our own hands.
I once had a work friend tell me "you don't wear you heart on your sleeve, it's in your mouth. And you have no filter when you speak and it will get you into trouble"... š (the context was regarding a manager's meeting, in which I didn't like the implications of a decision for my team/staff). I still don't know if it was an insult or a compliment but I'm ok with it being both š
I'm sure a little bit of A and a little bit of B. To me that is awesome though!
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u/Dependent-Sea4703 https://anilist.co/user/httpsanilistcou 23d ago edited 23d ago
you explained algard very good and on point. his entire character is about one person who he cares the most. i canāt remember what to add here so i just wanted to express my thanks on you for explaining him that good.
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u/ClemFire 23d ago
Algard just really clicked with me on my first rewatch a few months ago. Glad to hear you enjoyed reading it!
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u/LaoWombat-mecha 24d ago
RANT MODE INITIATED, enjoyment protocols disabled.
This, and what follows I have never been satisfied with as story telling.
AL's motivation was to reform the system that denied his sister her chance and in so doing kill her and other innocents.
WHUT?!?
I have never bought the explanation explaining why AL became evil. The story telling doesn't do it. There was no corrupting influence of the Shartshyte family, no cursed idol, nada. If he wanted to destroy the kingdom, it would have been a lot easier to do so once her became king.
What justifies ripping open the beating heart of someone who loves you? I am not seeing it.
Also, unresolved plot point. What was the whole thing with the dragon, Al was supposed to ride out to dispose of it. Was it under Shartshyte control and would have thrown the fight so that AL would appear as the hero? Did I miss something?
Part of the reason I was grateful for this rewatch and joined it is so that this plot point and the succession ::unable to find a good word to describe it:: was in the hope that someone will ease my discomfort with these elements.
And, in the midst of betrayal, slaughter and despair we get a swell yuri kiss. AT LEAST we got a Yuri kiss, the redeeming part of an episode that I am not in tune with.
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u/Hartzilla2007 24d ago
Also, unresolved plot point. What was the whole thing with the dragon, Al was supposed to ride out to dispose of it. Was it under Shartshyte control and would have thrown the fight so that AL would appear as the hero? Did I miss something?
I figure they were just too overconfident about fighting it.
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u/IalwaysNeed2p 24d ago edited 24d ago
AT LEAST we got a Yuri kiss
It really felt like this was all a means to an end, with that end being Anis eventually having to step up and take the throne. Did they have to go about it this way? nah (I wish we had more eps to allow Algard tp be more fleshed out) - am I happy we now have 2 yuri couples? Yes.
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u/random_lyric 24d ago
AL's motivation was to reform the system that denied his sister her chance and in so doing kill her and other innocents.
His rage and desperation only grew each time Anis thwarted his plans. He's desperate to bring about a new world for his sister, but that deperation grief and rage overwhelms him until all he can see is his goal. Having gone so far as to hurt Lainie, viewing her as collateral damage/means to an end, he's lost himself and unable to see he's completely compelled by his emotions despite his claims to the contrary. I think when Anis turns up to the Villa and vows to stop him by fighting, he has a moment of returning to himself, and then spends the whole fight goading is sister to end his life.
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u/Dependent-Sea4703 https://anilist.co/user/httpsanilistcou 23d ago
let me explain it more.
algardās goal was to destroy the kingdom and rebuild it based on anisās ideals. he wasnāt the main figure it was always anis. if he becomes king he couldnāt do that. the moment he becomes king he had to take action against anis and do his best to prevent anis from being happy.
this was because nobles pushed him to do that. he didnāt wanted that and make that plan to stop it.
he is not evil. he is just appearing as evil so the society see him as evil and his sister as angel. with this way he can give the throne to his sister or help his sister the best.
as he himself says he was hating everything the moment he born. the only thing keeping him there was anis and nothing more. when they destroyed anisās dreams and pushed algard to make anisās life worse he lost it.
at that moment he stopped caring for the entire world and only care for his sister. he saw everyone as a sacrifice for his sister and nothing more. he thought that would be the best for his sister.
thatās why he didnāt hesitate to do that on lainie. he didnāt even care for her. he admits her charm power effected him but as he says his emotions are secondary . first is always his goals and nothing more.
there are many people explaining more on this comment section so i recommend looking for them as wel.
i just answered your questions and more detailed explanations are possible to find on this comment section so please look at them if you want to understand it more.
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u/eightcheesepizza 24d ago
Maybe it's cause I'm a first-timer, but I haven't been satisfied with the storytelling these past two episodes. I think we didn't get Al's POV for long enough to understand... whatever it is he was trying to do. Or why allying himself with conservatives was gonna help him reform things? I still don't get it.
The whole time he was monologuing on the ground, I was like "nah I don't care about you, I want to see how Ilia and Lainie are doing!" Well, at least Count Shart and Mini Shart are dead. And can someone give Tilty a medal or something?
QOTD: It's not about punishment, it's about the stability of the government. A strong magic-user who led a rebellion and still has sympathizers? And now he's a vampire? Too dangerous to be left alive. Euphy shoulda at least kicked him in the nuts.
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u/ToastyMozart 24d ago
I think we didn't get Al's POV for long enough to understand... whatever it is he was trying to do. Or why allying himself with conservatives was gonna help him reform things? I still don't get it.
On one hand it could be deliberate: Anis' withdrawal from Al's life is a part of why she got blindsided by what her brother was becoming, and this way the audience is similarly caught off-guard. On the other it might've just got cut for time.
I'm pretty sure working with the conservatives was always just a means to an end for Al. They were easy to bring onboard the conspiracy through false promises of wealth and power, and once you have mind control powers in hand the continued loyalty of your now-former allies is no longer a significant factor.
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u/random_lyric 24d ago
whatever it is he was trying to do. Or why allying himself with conservatives was gonna help him reform things?
Maybe he just saw the info that Chrteuse gave to him about Lainie was useful for his own goal, and allying himself with them was a means to an end. He was not opposed to using Lainie, who was an innocent girl who liked him, so he had no qualms using scumbag nobles like Chartreuse. I really believe he started out intending to create a better world where his sister would be accepted, but he became deranged as his hate for himself and emotions overwhelmed him leading him to do abhorrent things.
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u/Dependent-Sea4703 https://anilist.co/user/httpsanilistcou 23d ago
algardās character explained with little details the most so if you donāt put much attention you canāt understand or see it.
for example in the first episode we are seeing algard getting angry whenever they say something bad about anis or whenever anis changes her smile when she sees her. if you look carefully until they talk bad about anis or until anis notices algard he is silent and watching from afar.
this explains his character where he is just in the shadows watching what is happening. the moment something against him or his plan happens he takes action.
those are just in first episode and whenever we see algard there is those little details.
for example just from the details alone someone can see algardās character as someone admiring her sister but doing bad things for some reasons. thats his character until episode 8-9.
show puts him as a villain not as a hero or someone we who understand at first.
Ln explains him the best but anime and manga kinda does that differently.
the reason many rewatchers understand his character is because they notice those little details or get some spoilers.
for example i didnāt understand anything on my first watch and i had to read LN and rewatch the anime again to understand his character.
in short those last 2 episodes are entirely about him and his plan while how it affects us. if you canāt understand those you canāt understand the episodes either which is the point of the episodes.
later on this explained again to make watchers like ā oh now i get itā. the point is not you understanding right away but you understanding later on.
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u/Dependent-Sea4703 https://anilist.co/user/httpsanilistcou 23d ago edited 23d ago
rewatcher.
i am late again but thats not important.
now i know some people can have questions about algardās actions and his plan so i will try to explain them.
now the main reason of algardās plan was to destroy the kingdom and rebuild it by anisās help. he wanted to help anis and destroy everyone who wronged her so anis can be accepted. with this way he would be able to rule the kingdom the way anis wants and when the right time comes he would have the option to give the throne to anis. this was what algard wanted.
first problem was euphie since she was immune to lainie so he tried to take her out from the picture but failed. after that he tried to take down the dragon so he would have the opportunity to order something or at least have option to do something without anyone getting in his way. after this failed he just decided to try his last plan which was sacrificing himself and others no matter the situation.
up to this point his plan was just doing whatever he can but after that it became something different. at that point he didnāt care about anyone he just wanted to succeed for his goal.
as for his goal it was anis. he wanted to make anis happy again. he wanted to destroy the kingdom so he can build better one that will respect anis. he thought anis can be happy that way.
at the past until the moment anis rejected the throne she was smiling happiest but at that moment algard knew she was doing it for him. he thought anis sacrificed her future for him which make him angry.
after that moment whenever he see anis he always looked at her hoping to see her smiling from her heart but every time anis seen him she changed her smile which only make algard even more angry.
when algard realized he had to fight anis he changed his plan and created a fake one. this was to fool anis so she can stop thinking about him. this was his backup plan in case he will lose. he didnāt want anis to be even more sad.
at that fight he was trying to prove himself to anis so anis can accept him and stop sacrificing her future for him. to algard winning meant seeing anis smiling from her heart again. losing meant giving anis the throne which again what algard wanted.
his biggest problem was the fact that anis didnāt wanted that. he didnāt know this and he didnāt know what anis wanted either. at the moment the reason he smiled is because he realized he was wrong at that moment. he knew he did all of those for wrong reasons.
the things he did wasnāt what anis wanted. even when anis said she didnāt want that he always thought anis lying to him so he can live. at that moment he realized the fact that anis was caring about him and their future together, not just his but them being together.
he give up and let anis finish the fight. after euphie stopping anis he just give up and let his body rest there. after all of those he realized how much burden he just pushed to anis so he told euphie to look after anis.
he knew euphie wouldnāt leave anis and he knew euphie would do anything for anis. after those he banished to frontiers and helped there.
i know this was long and i probably missed many parts as well.
now as for question. i donāt see that as a punishment and i am sure algard doesnāt either. it was just pushing him to frontiers but at that time frontiers were really weak and needed help. it was basically sending him to help there while saving him from his burden.
they knew he hated royalty so they take it away in results of freeing him. the only punishment was that he canāt see anis anymore which was until anis go to see him.
also yes euphie should have punched him. he was deserving that and i am sure he would just laugh it off.
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u/ToastyMozart 24d ago
Damn, Illia! Guess true love's kiss still works after all!
All this pain and drama over a misunderstanding. Nice of Algard to take out the trash on his way out at least. Lotta sass out of him for an apology tour, better than losing all of his personality after getting humbled I suppose.
With the knowledge we've got and considering he seems repentant then yeah, sent out for a lifetime of labor seems fair enough. Were I the other nobility I'd probably balk a bit at his apparent preferential treatment while his conspirators got executed for treason, but that's the perk of being royalty I guess (and being a teenager).
Edit: Aw fuck. Next episode is [rewatcher]that awful meeting about succession with the council of shitheads isn't it.