Nishi No Yoki Majo: Astraea Testament

Okay. Long ago I knew about Nishi No Yoki Majo: Astraea Testament (AKA The Good Witch Of The West as the official English title – though, it has no relevance whatsoever to the Wicked Witch Of The West from Oz) but never gave much thought or interest in watching it. And why now of all times? No, not because of a certain pandemic virus that had me go check out older anime stuffs like I did for many other series for the past couple of years. Of course, it has to be the pettiest of reasons because yeah, Mamiko Noto has a role in this anime, albeit just a very minor role. Okay. A small role is better than no role at all, right? So yes, this is one of those few animes chosen because it was Mamiko Noto driven. Am I special or what?

Episode 1
Today is the queen’s birthday and you bet Firiel Dee is happy to be heading to the ball to celebrate it. Her foster parents, Mr and Mrs Holy has got her a lovely dress so it would be a waste not to go. She laments her biological father, Professor Gideon is more interested in holing himself up in the tower for his research. Soon, Gideon’s assistant, Roux Ltskin AKA Rune comes rushing to wish her happy birthday. What’s the rush? He also passes a pendant that is believed to belong to her mother. When Firiel invites Rune to come to the ball with her, he gets mad because he doesn’t want to waste time prancing with nobles. With her friend Marie Oset, the girls head towards the seaside mansion. In the hall, they catch the attention of Eusis Roland. He finds Firiel familiar and wonders if they’ve met before. Because of this sudden embarrassment, his friend, Lot Chrisbart has to do some proper chivalric manners to ask. Since they’ve never met before, that’s the end of that. To atone for this embarrassment, the guys dance with both of them, much to the envy of the other ladies. When Eusis’ younger sister, Adale pops up, she instantly recognizes Firiel’s pendant. And the drama continues… The pendant belonged to their sister who went missing. The pendant is presumed stolen. They try to ask how she got it but she doesn’t know anything more besides being given by her father. They want to investigate but Firiel accuses them of treating others like criminals without proof. She will give it back to them if they so hard up for it. Adale uses her PR to stop this drama and take Firiel to the back as they explained it belongs to Princess Ediline who was the second princess and a queen candidate. She went missing about 10 years ago. Firiel has no qualms in giving the pendant back while she ascertains it really belongs to the royal family. Suddenly Rune arrives. Did he not say he won’t come? Too late his warning because he passes a message from Gideon that coming to the ball with the pendant is a bad idea. YOU THINK NOW?! Then here is the damning revelation from Rune: Ediline is Firiel’s mother!!! Firiel thought her mom’s name is Euna but apparently that is one of the many aliases of Astraea. Unimpressed, Firiel takes Rune and heads home.

By the time the enter Gideon’s tower, he has left a note saying he has gone on a journey. Such timing. They go through all his books left behind and Firiel is fond of a fairytale book her mom used to read to her. Mr and Mrs Holy arrive. They confirm they saw Gideon left but couldn’t stop him. They also have orders from him to burn the books, something that Rune is against. The old ones point out that he should know better their works are of heresy and it won’t be long before the Inquisition finds out. Rune disagrees especially for Firiel burning the fairytale book. Not because he is afraid of the Inquisition but doing so means destroying the only thing her mom left behind for her. However Firiel actually burns it! There are more important things out there. As long as they are safe, who cares about some research. While burning the books and packing their stuffs, looks like they are too late because the Inquisition is here. Seeing them burning the books, you bet those hooded guys need to bring them in to ask some hard questions. Firiel and co try to run and put up a fight but only Firiel managed to escape the tower. She runs back home but to her dismay, finds it on fire. What the f*ck is going on?!

Episode 2
Thanks to Adale having a morning horse ride, she wouldn’t have stumbled into Firiel along her way. She is brought back to the mansion as Eusis asks her about the kind of research Gideon and Rune were doing. Basically, astronomy. With Firiel so distraught and wants her loved ones saved, Eusis promises to do everything he can. Later he learns from his subordinates that only the body of a man was found and it is most likely Rune has been captured for interrogation. They start planning their rescue mission. Meanwhile Rune is being tortured by Jesus Christ Liamon Riez. He wants to know about one of the burnt books, Ephemeris. Rune won’t say so he burns a mark on his body. Mrs Holy manages to make her way to the mansion. Firiel is delighted but since she can’t sit still, together with Adale to go to save Rune at the Inquisition’s castle. Along the way, they got ambushed. You mean they came unprepared?! Lucky for them, these hooded people are Eusis and his men. He tells them to go home before they ruin their plan. The guys break into the castle and no Inquisition guards could even best them before they find and rescue Rune. Meanwhile Riez talks to the queen about Rune’s escape but also some black powder Gideon had created that is being closely studied by them. The queen will wait for the results but will not tolerate any more of his failures especially to get Ephemeris.

Firiel and Adale go to see Rune recuperating. He is still bitter about the whole experience. The timing is right for Adale to reveal about the pendant. It is confirmed that it belongs to the royal family and the queen’s own touchstone. Basically if it responds to you, it means you have the blood of the first queen flowing through you and thus a right to be a candidate for the throne. This leads them to talking about this pendant is the reason why Grahl became a matriarchy called the Good Witch of the West and there’s even a song about it. A drop of blood is taken from Firiel and put on the pendant. It glows. Proof she is a candidate. Firiel then speaks to Adale’s father, Count L’argot. He knows what has happened so far. He fears that Firiel and Rune might repeat some event that happened 20 years ago. He also notes that Adale was worried to become a queen candidate. But with Firiel’s confirmation, she is now at ease. He hopes they can both be friends. He also vows to protect Rune but in exchange, he wants her to learn to be more ladylike and will attend the same school Adale attends. Firiel disagrees and wants to stay by Rune’s side. He corrects her misunderstanding that despite she wants to protect others, it is rather the other way around. It is her who needs Rune considering the mysterious surroundings of her birth and the sudden disappearance of her father. Later Adale finds Firiel crying and she thought father said something harsh to her. Actually, Firiel just had an argument with Rune and she is sad he might start to hate her.

Episode 3
Firiel sets foot at Torus Convent. Adale warns her why neighbouring kingdoms refer to their kingdom as the Good Witch of the West. So basically it’s like a fantasy version of Maria-sama Ga Miteru? Anyway, being the new girl in town, she is a bit rough around the edges. Although she makes friends with Cisaria, there are also some b*tches who don’t like her. Namely, those from the student council, Ravenna. After prayers, she and her goons take Firiel to a room to interrogate. So all this business about being polite is just for show, huh? Because Firiel is neither a maid nor noble, they think she is a spy. They will have others not to speak with her. This the best they can do? So yeah, everyone avoids Firiel like a plague. Including Cisaria. Firiel then attends class and is shocked to learn today’s lesson is trying to seduce men from other countries?! WTF???!!! Meanwhile Eusis wants Rune to play chess with him and if he wins, he gets to ask him anything. In a span of a week, Rune did just that in what would have taken years. Sister Lain speaks to Firiel and tells her about the student council’s request to ban her from the festival. Of course she vetoes it. She knows she is being ostracized but hopes Firiel will still maintain her politeness and being respectful. Later, Ravenna and b*tches confront Firiel. Although they couldn’t bar her from the festival, they assign Roselitte to keep tabs on her. During the festival, Roselitte brings her to the balcony to watch the play so that others won’t see her. Thanks for the nice view. So the (lame) play is about Ravenna helming the heroine role to save the princess from an evil dragon. Pretty clichéd story. During the intermission when the lights go out, somebody tries to push Firiel off the edge. But during the struggle, Roselitte got pushed off instead. When the lights go out, although everyone is in shock, they claim Roselitte has become the sacrifice. I guess Firiel can’t take any more of this sh*t, so she intends to leave. But Vincent Clemencia Daquitaine and Leilia from the inquiry committee need to ask her some questions as they are investigating Roselitte’s death. Don’t worry, they operate independently from the student council. Still, Firiel has nothing to say and will leave. When they realize she is Adale’s friend (because Adale under a penname has wrote some yaoi stuffs), they believe Adale has sent her to put a stop to the student council’s wicked ways. Firiel not interested, though. She regrets coming here. But she will soon have a surprise. Not only Marie is here but also… Uhm, is that Rune cross-dressed as a girl???!!! This is the prize for winning chess…

Episode 4
Rune explains after he won in chess, his wish was to get out of that place so it was suggested he come here. Hence Marie is also here to look after him. Later Rune is interrogated by the usual student council b*tches. Of course Rune is not cowed and even warns them that if they hurt Firiel, they’ll pay. Show them who’s boss! During dinner, all the other girls seem to be watching Firiel and Rune with glee. That night, Rune teaches Firiel how to play chess as he mentions his intentions to go back to the observatory. But Firiel can see through him because he wants to get Ephemeris. It means he has not totally burnt the book. Rune still thinks she is bad at reading others and uses chess as an example. This includes how all nobles are nothing but just pieces on the board. After class, Vincent has Firiel look at herself in the mirror. Beautiful, right? What she wants to say is how seduction is a powerful weapon for them and it is the reason why their kingdom has never gone to war or spilled blood for that. It can be used to topple a nation and the more charming the women are, the more valiant their men will be. I somewhat agree men become stupid when they use the wrong head to think! She also wants Firiel to learn how to use a sword and hopes she can master it by the next fall festival. Apparently those who has issues with the previous festival can challenge those in responsible in the next festival which is a month later.

Later Firiel learns that Rune has got a letter from a secret admirer. You bet Firiel is going to be a busybody mother to find out who that girl is. Too bad, timing has her go see Vincent. The secret admirer turns out to be Lain. Rune isn’t interested in the first place until she whispers they have a few secrets. She hints she knows about Ephemeris and that mark of his. She wants him to obey her lest he wants to see Firiel get hurt. Vincent introduces Firiel to Igraine Burnett. She is the one who will teach her fencing. It seems they want Firiel to fight against Ravenna in the next festival. As she trains, Ravenna comes to drop by to mock them. Especially how Igraine is weak and that’s the reason why Roselitte chose her. Firiel realizes that Igraine and Roselitte were best friends and Igraine still regrets not saving her. Firiel is now fired up to train harder and beat Ravenna. That night, Rune wakes up from his haunting nightmares. That is when Firiel sees that mark on his body. She feels sad for him and also the lengths he would go to hide it from her. Rune doesn’t appreciate her help because his mission is to kill all those who did this to him and wants her to stay out. He still thinks she is not careful enough as he pulls her closer and asks if she still thinks of him as a little brother. Then stuns her with a real kiss on the lips. Your guard’s still very wide open.

Episode 5
Rune receives a letter from Lain to meet her at the student council’s room. She still insists he gives her Ephemeris. Basically, once she learns about the Star of Revolution, an ancient astrology that once she masters it will allow her to rule the world! In exchange she will give him anything he desires. She tries to seduce him and of course he is resisting. Had not Firiel barge in to stop this unholy act (I guess she saw the letter in his room), who knows if Rune could’ve resisted the temptation. Rune wonders if Firiel can beat Ravenna because Lain was training her and it doesn’t look good. Hence Firiel’s mind cannot concentrate so she makes lots of mistakes in her practice. Then a threatening letter for Firiel to withdraw. She won’t. Change of practice place. Now at the rooftop. Feeling better? WTF Igraine kisses her. Must be some good luck charm? Maybe it’s what Firiel needs for her to win the bout. That night, Rune takes Firiel to watch the shooting stars. He promises to take her to where her mother rests before she dies. WTF Firiel kisses him? Since she thinks he doesn’t get it, she kisses him again. HUH?! More threatening letters to warn Firiel to yield. Not going to do so, b*tch! On the day of the fight, why the f*ck Ravenna dressed like a slut?! Anyway, it is obvious Ravenna dominates and Firiel losing. However a light blinds Ravenna and this allows Firiel to win. But suddenly Cisaria tries to kill Firiel with a knife?! Did she miss at that range?! Not sure what Cisaria’s problem is because she views Firiel as traitor to Astraea and must be eliminated. Not sure about Ravenna’s conspiracy to betray too and that’s why she plotted to kill Roselitte for the wrongdoing. Cisaria tries to kill herself but Rune saves her. When Ravenna learns Rune was the one who blinded her, she reveals his identity for all to say. WTF moment as Adale pops up to nullify this match and disband the student council because no oppression policy. Wow. Does she have the right to do that?! Then why did she not do this in the first place?! More drama as Eusis takes Rune away on his steed, fuelling swooning yaoi fantasy from the virgins. Yeah… So much BS drama today. Meanwhile Lain will not concede defeat and vows to get Ephemeris and strip Adale of everything.

Episode 6
Yup, it’s Eusis’ fault alright. Because when Rune requested he teach him swordsmanship, he laughed. Yeah, Rune threw the chess board at his face! Eusis may not mean any harm because he thought Rune is more of the intellect type and should use his talents playing chess as the next ‘battle’ is at Heilaglion. Later Firiel talks to Rune about his rudeness but the latter wants her to hold on a little longer till he finds a way to return home. Because if they leave for Heilaglion, they won’t return and Firiel won’t be able to see her mom’s grave. Well, Firiel is adamant they’ll head to Heilaglion first before returning to their hometown. After all, they promised with a kiss. Who’d knew kisses were so binding. And since she tries to kiss him again, the head maid sees this unholy act and lectures her. A lady and candidate for the throne shouldn’t be kissing men so nonchalantly! Hence she is made to go see Lady Margot at her beautiful rose garden. She is asked why she wants to go to Heilaglion. Her will so strong that it reminds her of Adale so she just gives her blessing. Lot talks to Eusis about Riez already beginning his move for the throne that may see the end of Grahl’s queendom itself. It is rumoured many traditionalists are supporting him for they fear Leandra, another queen candidate who is a radical. If she becomes queen, she may oust all of them. Because the Cheviat house is backing Leandra, Lot needs to know whom the Roland house is backing. At Heilaglion, a grand ball is held to parade and introduce the queen candidates. Among them is Leandra and is she not Lain?! Adale further tells Firiel about the truth about fairytales. Basically only nobles and royals are allowed to judge fairytales as they hold some ancient power. If one knows how to leverage those powers, they can be in control. Hence she warns Firiel to beware those who speak the language of paradise. Whether friend or foe, they will reveal themselves in time. This has Firiel think deep about this as she also ponders Rune’s name was based on Rumpelstiltskin. Because Firiel feels awkward being courted by a few nobles, Eusis comes to dance with her. Then he brings her outside and promises that he will protect her. By hugging her, does this mean he is another love rival? Next morning, Firiel wakes up in bed as Marie shocks her when she asks how she got Eusis to propose to her. WHAT?!

Episode 7
Firiel goes to see Rune but he doesn’t want her here because of the rumours floating around that she is engaged to Eusis. She thinks he is jealous but looks like he is not in the mood. As she leaves, she thinks Rune has forgotten her birthday today and owes her a birthday kiss! Well, at least Adale and Marie help celebrate with her. Adale advises Firiel to marry her brother if she loves him. Though, Adale herself envies her because she too wants to experience such romance. Hell yeah, I think she writes better fantasy romance in her books than in real life! As the ball continues, Firiel is approached by Riez. At first she doesn’t recognize him but after he mentions he is the man who honoured his older sister in secret who is no other than Ediline, they go out for a private chat. First, he talks about Adale and Leandra are just puppets and trying to preserve the queendom and if things continue this way, it will lead Grahl to ruin. That’s why this country needs strong leaders. Basically he wants Firiel to marry him and they can rule the world together. He claims they are both the same as they are heretics. He reveals the truth when Ediline refused to become a puppet, the queen tried to crush her but she ran away with Gideon. Now that Ediline is no longer around, Firiel must marry him in her stead. WTF IS WRONG WITH THIS DUDE! SEE THAT RAPE FACE! Had not the queen summon him, it would’ve been more anguish for Firiel. Shortly, Eusis comes by and learns what happened. He wants her to marry him and in that way he can protect her. Poor Firiel so confused on what to do. So she goes to see Rune and blames him for not giving her a birthday kiss despite he admits he knew it was her birthday. Then she tells what happened. I know, it’s pretty devastating when you have 2 guys propose to you in the same night! While Rune claims she is nothing like the heretic Riez claims she is, Rune is just saying what he thinks Firiel wants to hear. Like just marry Eusis if she so wants to. After all, he brought her to this house so he should take responsibility. Apparently that’s not what Firiel wants to hear and so she leaves in tears. Maybe she’ll just marry Eusis then! Leandra then confronts Rune. She has spied on the whole affair and wants him to cooperate with her since she finds it preposterous for a man to take over the throne. Rune cannot refuse because Leandra reveals that Riez is the guy who put that mark on him and the leader of Caduceus.

Episode 8
Margot talks to Firiel and nobody has objections to her marriage to Eusis should she choose to accept. However once that happens, she cannot see Rune anymore because they don’t want to be associated with heretics. After a lot of thinking, Firiel goes to see Rune who drops the bomb he cannot keep his promise to take her back as circumstances have changed. Firiel insists she wants to go back with him because she loves him. As they embrace, he tells her to accept Eusis’ proposal but she won’t. Then he gives her this belated birthday kiss. But it’s just a distraction to poke a needle into her to sleep. Rune then goes to see Riez who anticipates this. Oh f*ck, is Riez actually gay as Leandra implied?! Of course Rune is going to kill him but do you think that weakling can do it? Well, somebody crashes into the party. Soon, Eusis comes looking for Firiel and wants to know if she has seen Rune. No. Why? Riez’s corpse has been found and Rune is suspected to be the killer! Now that he is missing, because Firiel doesn’t have much info on Rune’s whereabouts, he thinks she is covering for her. But Adale won’t stand for that. Eusis explains he is merely doing his job as the head of royal security and needs to find him before anyone else does. Adale wonders if this affects his proposal since Riez is dead. Eusis claims it doesn’t so Adale doesn’t like how he always takes too much pride in being responsible (isn’t that a good thing?) because if he makes Firiel cry, there’ll be hell to pay. Firiel then accompanies Adale as the latter will be undergoing some trial for the throne. So it’s only Adale and Leandra? Firiel not in the fray? Some b*tch showdown before the trial begins. After that, Adale discusses with Firiel about the meaning of this trial which is shrouded in mystery. That is when Eusis comes in with importance news to tell them. He is going on a dragon slaying quest but doesn’t mean he is rescinding the proposal. Adale opposes this because it puts his life at danger. He reasons because of Riez’s murder, the suspicions fall on Roland house. This is their chance to clear their name. No matter what, Adale is still against this and since he won’t back down, she hates him. Firiel then asks if he would change his decision if she agrees to marry him. It would not. In that case, she turns him down because they both understand that there are some things worthier than a safe life in a castle.

Episode 9
Firiel has left on a journey to follow Eusis but accompanying her is Igraine. Lonely Adale has Vincent to accompany her but the former laments her own uselessness and being born in this position. Of course Vincent says comforting words that everyone is fighting their own battles and this gives Adale hope to face hers. As Firiel and Igraine camp out, they talk about the duchy of Gilbia. It seems this is the only place that breeds unicorns, the only creatures that can defeat a dragon. Next day upon reaching the border of Gilbia, Firiel stumbles into a small critter that takes a liking for her. Uhm, is this Pokemon a squirrel? A bird? A mouse? Guess what? It’s a unicorn foal!!! Holy sh*t! Anyway, they also stumble into Gilbia’s queen, Augusta. Thanks to Margot’s recommendation, she brings them into her kingdom (all uninvited visitors will be turned away). There, they see Eusis trying to tame a unicorn but this 2 legged stallion will not be easily submitted. With the foal following Firiel everywhere, Augusta believes it has now taken a liking for her. Although it is attracted to the pendant, leaving it behind will not make any difference since a bond has already been formed. Hence Firiel calls this cutie, Rubo. Once Eusis manages to master his unicorn, off his regiment go to Cagwell where the dragon attacked. Firiel too follows and looking at the city, it is now a refugee camp. Firiel finally meets Eusis at his camp and tells him she is here on her own accord. She is here to see a dragon with her own eyes. She wants him to take her along. Of course he won’t since it is too dangerous but with Lot hinting he shouldn’t turn down a lady’s request, Eusis makes some provisions but she must stay out of trouble. She returns to Igraine who notes that she has been worked up recently although Firiel believes she has not changed. To Igraine, it seems like she is desperately rushing into things and could this has something to do with Rune. Firiel admits that she can’t stand around and surround herself in luxury while he is suffering out there. That’s why she wants to follow Eusis and make herself useful. Igraine finds it hard to believe since many have worked hard just to protect her. Firiel replies that she doesn’t want it all but just one whom she cares for.

Episode 10
Leandra learns about the advancing force of Brigeon. They have to defend Tolbart because if that falls, it is as good as Grahl falls too. We see Eusis and his knights fight a dragon. He is successful but then they didn’t expect another dragon! It’s running wild so they have to run. It is about to attack Firiel but Rune saves her. At a safe place, he chides her for doing reckless things but she too throws him back the same. Having a death wish here is the same when she was at Heilaglion because when he went away, she felt like committing suicide! Quarrel ends when Rubo snarls at Rune. Anyhow, Firiel is hell bent in following Rune to wherever he goes. Reuniting with Eusis’ camp, they learn that there are 4 more dragons have popped up. Firiel wants Eusis to listen to Rune as he has studied about them. So Rune reveals to them that dragon hunting is not rare but never done in the eyes of mankind. In fact, this continent is actually their home and there are tens of thousands of them. Further explanation reveals that this world is guarded by invisible walls/barriers from dragons. It is called World’s Edge. His observations prove right as they open at regular intervals and dragons always appear. Gideon first noticed this when the dragons entered and invaded Cagwell. Once you get to a certain point, calculations from astronomy don’t apply because of that light refraction thingy. Now that the barrier is opening more than usual, more dragons are coming in. Gideon noticed all this has to do with the Midday Star and that’s why Rune is here to verify it. To solve this, they need Ephemeris to guide them. It is buried next to the grave of Ediline. For now, Eusis’ group will focus on the dragon while Firiel will join Rune in investigating the walls. Later, Igraine sees Rune’s mark when he was bathing so she interrogates him on this. He admits the mark from Caduceus and that the Hermes faction set him free from the Cheviat house. She backs down when Firiel pleads her to. Firiel tries to find out more from Rune but he only says about Hermes waiting for Gideon who was making his way south. It could be that Gideon could be part of Hermes but since he isn’t, Hermes is also looking for him. It’s a reason why Rune wants to take his place and show Firiel what it was he hoped to see. Once he shows her World’s Edge, he will leave her because he can’t further drag her into this darkness that he is too deep inside. Next day, they make their way to the barrier. When Firiel touches it, she disappears into it.

Episode 11
Rune panics with her disappearance but is adamant she is still alive. Firiel wakes up in the desert and with her is a man named Bard. She thinks he works for the queen as she has seen him a few times at the palace. She is shocked to learn that they are at the edge of Tolbart. He believes her pendant caused that barrier to activate. Since she won’t make it back to where she was, he has her follow him to the nearby city of Elroy. There, they see many Brigeon guards camping and Firiel realizes the rumours of Brigeon invading is true. She thinks the queen sent him here on a mission. All he tells her is that is going to their camp and she will stay out of trouble. Rune is getting desperate as he searches for a way in to the barrier. He is mad that Eusis can be this calm but I guess Eusis being the mature dude gives him some good advice. Don’t worry, Firiel will be found. So they leave Rune to continue searching. In the Brigeon camp, Firiel cannot stand the men badmouthing Grahl and this causes her identity to be busted. They want to have their way with her but Bard hypnotizes them and takes her away. Meanwhile Adale and Vincent are spying on Leandra in military training. Vincent talks about rumours on Lot. Let’s say he has influence on over just about anyone. Just in time as Marie returns with report of Mrs Holy doing some investigation about the villa Rune was captured. After Riez’s death, his estate is even more in commotion. But even more so, Lot has been spotted making several visits there. Adale and Leandra confront each other. The former disagreeing with the latte in going to war as they have never done so since the founding of their kingdom. Leandra doesn’t care about traditions and will adapt when to modern times. Bard has Firiel step into this giant magic circle he makes and this throws her back out to the barrier where Rune is. Damn, Rune so happy to see her that his hug almost crushes her. Wow, he’s getting emotional over her disappearance. So don’t disappear again? I thought he was going to leave her after this? Well, change of heart. He doesn’t want her to leave again! I guess he can’t live without her. So it’s weird they ascertain their love for each other with lots of kisses. Yeah. Kisses for me, save all your kisses for me… Love interrupted when Cain Abel is here because he points out the Midday Star is closing in.

Episode 12
With the Midday Star nearer to the land, more dragons come in. While Leandra leads her forces to fight off Brigeon, Adale’s side comes to aid Eusis in his dragon slaying efforts. When that is done, all is happy to see Firiel well and okay. Eusis is unfamiliar with Cain so he introduces himself and is part of Hermes. Firiel notices Igraine taking on the dragon slaying job and that’s because Lot has been missing since last night. The next move is to get Ephemeris and as Cain take Rune and Firiel on that journey, Adale talks to Eusis about Lot and he could be a member of Hermes. As Firiel is confused about Hermes, Cain and Rune explain about a shadow nation that some calls as Caduceus that exists alongside the queendom. Both are necessary for each other. But Hermes is now split into several factions. Rune and Cain belong to the faction devoting themselves to research but Riez is one for military expansion. Yeah, I suppose this confuses Firiel even more about what’s wrong and right. Along the way, they stumble into Leandra’s forces and they warn her the invasion on Tolbart is just a distraction. As there are traitors among the nobles, Brigeon is going to attack from the south instead. To play safe, Leandra expends some of her forces there just in case. The gang then infiltrate the villa and look who is there to greet them? It’s Lot. But he claims he isn’t part of Hermes and is just working for someone there. And that person is… Riez! He’s not dead and only faked his death to go into hiding and observe from the shadows. He also shows them he has Ephemeris. He thinks he can control everything now so Firiel is not amused and fights him. She lost but he won’t kill her as he will find her useful doing research for him. But the tables are turned when Rubo jumps in for Firiel to now hold the sword at his neck. Rune then clears up Ephemeris isn’t some tool to control Midday Star but it is just to calculate the star’s orbit and its effects. Riez still thinks he has the upper hand with Brigeon’s invasion. That is when Bard comes in. He points out Midday Star is at its limits and is now going berserk.

Episode 13
Disasters are happening everywhere and Bard claims this is a warning sign from Midday Star. The cause of it all is of course mankind. Bard further reveals he was sent by the queen to dissuade Riez but looks like it is too late because the flooding caused by Midday Star is due to some light refracting crap thingy. HUH?! Can Ephemeris be used to calculate how to save the world in time? Not really. Because Firiel wants to save everyone, Bard says the only one who can stop this is the queen. So get ready as Bard draws a magic circle for the gang to teleport back to the palace. Leandra returns to the palace to smoke out the traitor among the nobles and of course they expected her and she is ambushed. She defeats them and then faces off with the noble, Menielle who is the big fish traitor and part of Hermes. She thinks the nation has grown soft after a long period of peace. With Brigeon as her pawns, she is set to wake things up. Damn, she’s using her throne to shoot bullets! Just in time as Firiel and Rune teleport in. Eusis’ side won’t need to worry about Brigeon’s invasion as the dragons are easily routing them. Yeah, now they have to deal with the dragons. Don’t worry, Ravenna’s side will provide aid as Bard is here to teleport Adale to where Firiel is. Putting a stop to Menielle’s madness is a toy frog from Rune’s bag?! How the f*ck does Rubo know this?! With Menielle scared, she is forced to reveal where the queen is.

With all of them gathered before the queen, looks like the queen knows what is happening but yet is not taking action. She has broken her vow and this is her way of atonement even if it means killing her people. A punishment for her negligence. Before she can start her boring long history about this country’s secret pact with some fairy, Firiel cuts her off and talks about the determination of the people of Grahl. Seeing her resolve, Bard convinces the queen to put the future of Grahl in the hands of the young ones. And just like that, Bard makes a wish to some fairy and the disasters reside. The Midday Star return to its normal position. When Bard suggests Firiel for the throne, she declines because she is happy to be with Rune. WTF Grahl’s old saying those who tame the unicorns, tame the world?! In the aftermath, we see Adale writing a letter to Firiel who is living her simple life back in her hometown with Rune. She lets her know about the things happening like Leandra forming her own military and trying to get the senate to follow her. The queen has pardoned Riez and Menielle and trying to negotiate peace with Brigeon (Riez and Menielle look like sorry kids who regret their actions?!). Eusis has formed a unicorn regiment and Igraine is now part of it after her dragon slaying efforts. Lot has been released from custody and after a good punch from Eusis, he forgives him and lets him join his side again. Adale envies Firiel’s simple royal life and is everything that she aspires to be. Of course, we need to know what happened to Gideon. He is probably happing watching the stars by himself. Now Rune and Firiel can kiss all they want. This their way to show the people how to live? Love conquers all, people!

The Witcher: Wild Goose Hunt
I can’t say I am impressed with this anime, honestly. The whole thing feels like it has a pacing problem and there are at times when I just felt confused by the whole thing. To sum it up in a short sentence, the whole thing felt like nothing burger. Well, firstly I might be quick to blame that this anime has just a single cour and perhaps everything could have been fleshed out better had this lasted another cour. But then again, I would’ve complained how boring and draggy the series would become. Damned if they do, damned if they didn’t.

The biggest gripe I have for the series is how there were quite a lot of intriguing stuffs and other matters but at the end of the day, many of them did not really matter. That’s why I said I felt that this whole thing was like nothing burger. Perhaps it was just me overthinking and placing some sort of hope that those stuffs would materialize or become relevant somewhere as a twist but nothing came out of it. Like, what happened to Adale’s sister who went missing 10 years ago? I thought there would be some sort of conspiracy exposed later on like she was murdered for getting closer to some truth. But that was conveniently forgotten. Or it did not matter at all. Then, how did Ediline died? This may be trivial but once more, if it was murder to cover up things, it could’ve changed the ball game. Then towards the end we have revelations from Rune like World’s Edge and that invisible barrier. Sounds pretty interesting because the world is a whole lot more than it seems. What happened to that? Meh. Nothing really. It would’ve been great if they explained more about these and even why the barrier flung Firiel to the other side of the kingdom (reaction to the pendant feels like a flimsy excuse) but instead it all feels like plot convenience. You thought Gideon was running away from some conspiracy. Nah. Just turned out he just wanted a change in scenery in watching the stars. What a downer!

In the end, we had a very rushed ending because the biggest troll came in the form of Ephemeris. I don’t know, the way Rune sounded like it was the most important item ever. Yeah, something on the level of the Infinity Gauntlet, if I should say! Turns out the whole thing was just a farce because the book didn’t really matter as revealed in the end. It’s just a bloody normal textbook for astronomy! And so to avert a sudden disaster, call forth the power of the fairy whatever! Like, WTF?! So it wasn’t some sci-fi astrology stars thingy that saved Grahl but some mystical unexplained fairy power?! Did they just pull something out of thin air? Oh right. That fairytale language of paradise thingy Firiel pondered that didn’t actually matter. Can’t believe it is related to this somehow. Yet another nothing burger. So why the f*ck did they not do this fairy summoning in the first place? Oh, you mean to tell me that they want to see if these puny humans are worth continue existing, huh? Okay. Whatever. And to think that the Midday Star was only this threatening until some convenient mysterious power brought it back to its original orbit. Sheesh.

The other disappointing part was that I was under the impression that Firiel would be undergoing challenges and obstacles as she finds her path and destiny to become the new queen. So the ending doesn’t make her queen and it is okay. In fact, for the entire series, Firiel wasn’t even part of the trials as a candidate queen. It’s like ever since she got taken in by the house of Roland, she kept stumbling into one conspiracy after another. That is fine too except I thought since she has been proven to be a descendent of royal blood, she would try to live up to her newfound destiny. Instead we have her being confused and b*tching about her puppy love for Rune. Good thing love conquers all in the end, huh? As long as she has this guy, she doesn’t need anything else. Leave to ruling of a nation to somebody else. Simple life is the best. I should keep a count on how many times they kissed each other throughout the series. It should’ve been enough damning proof how much they love each other without coming to terms with it.

Hence it started out pretty intriguing when the conspiracy was set in motion. Then suddenly in order to turn Firiel into an exemplary woman, this weird Maria-sama Ga Miteru-like mini arc that felt out of place. Did this do anything special or different? I don’t think so. After all, Firiel is still the same feisty tomboyish girl, right? So to me it was like, what the hell was this part for? Especially Adale suddenly showing up in the climax and exert her authoritative vetoing power to disband the student council. Isn’t that as bad as the student council’s tyranny? Whatever. Then the rest has her being confused about her feelings for Rune and hence this weird journey to go after him right till the edge of the world before the short-lived disaster struck and then happily ever after. I take it that’s the end of her journey, right? Oh well, better to end this way than to end on a cliff-hanger.

Rune feels like another confused character. He tries to play the tough guy and thus this cold shoulder treatment to Firiel. In the end, he is made to eat humble pie because plot convenience says he must finally accept that he is indeed in love with Firiel. Then he turns into a bit of a comical wuss but I guess that’s better than putting on arrogant airs. So the whole thing is just about him averting his feelings for Firiel and trying to find excuse in the name of allowing her to live a better life before. From Eusis’ proposal and even leaving her. Oh wow. Not like he did anything to save the world, did he? I even thought his name’s essence would play some pivotal role but maybe that’s a good thing because it’ll confuse the hell out of me at this point. Now Rune can play house with Firiel as his wife and Rubo the obligatory pet mascot! Yeah! Once Rubo grows up, I wonder whom Firiel will ‘ride’ more! HAHAHA! Just kidding!

Eusis serves to provide some love triangle but that is doomed from the start because we’ve seen Firiel’s heart has always been with Rune and Eusis because he looks good and is a responsible guy, only plays the role to further confuse her feelings and add some drama to the whole romance shenanigans. Which of course didn’t amount to anything. Adale also feels another character for plot convenience and if I should say, that novelist job she takes on feels like a running joke because it’s like she loves to write about romances of all sorts from same sex romance to even NTR. If she wasn’t a queen candidate, she could’ve made a killing as an author. Which shouldn’t be anything a surprise for Grahl as they use seduction to keep things in line. Which feels strange because since they use seduction, they’re like witches but of the good kind. Oh well, sex > violence. Female empowerment! So why don’t these witches use their charms against Brigeon. I think all the men there are gay…

The villains feel paltry and a joke because at first they sound threatening but look what happened to them in the end? I thought Jesus Christ Riez would play a more active antagonistic role but he killed off himself just to go into hiding so as to just go dig Ediline’s grave for Ephemeris? Even though he sounds like he has authority, this guy is just f*cking powerless. I feel Disney villains have more credibility than him. Best part, he is forgiven and from my knowledge, he doesn’t even atone for his sins like going to prison. Even this Lot dude feels like a character for a twist but I’m still not sure why he aligned himself to Riez except just for the sake of the twist. He thinks he can get away with his good looks and suave charm and perhaps lady luck is on his side because he too doesn’t get punished. Just a punch in the face from his friend and then all is forgiven. Man, these people are really so forgiving and peaceful. I think they’ll even let Brigeon off the hook once negotiations end. Even Leandra who once made an impression of being a megalomaniac who wants to rule the world, decided to have a change of heart and tone down a lot. I guess she isn’t the true enemy whom our main characters are supposed to fight against. So by forming her own military unit, is she still interested in controlling whatever that Star of Revolution thingy?

Art and animation are of course retro style and I think overall it’s pretty okay. You’ve got good looking main characters and antagonists looking like typical baddies. Yeah, still can’t help see Riez looks like Jesus Christ if he walked down the dark path! Leandra has got that b*tch resting face and Adale probably has the widest wide eyed anime eyes. She really looks like a doll from certain angles. Why do I keep thinking Rune looks like a discount Harry Potter? Background and sceneries are okay considering this is a fantasy setting. However the Midday Star’s design looks like it is influenced from eastern elements whereas the entire anime’s setting is mostly western style fantasy. But the weirdest design goes to that of the unicorns and dragons. I never expect unicorns to be bipedal creatures while dragons look more like dinosaur monsters. Looks really strange if you ask me. Never in my wildest imaginations that I would really imagine them as such but I guess it’s better than giving these strange creatures new names that don’t even resonate. This anime is done by Hal Film Maker who did Skip Beat, Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan, the original Aria trilogy series, Boys Be and DearS. Unfortunately this studio got absorbed into another entity after finishing B Gata H Kei. I can see why there was no sequel for that ecchi series.

Of course before I almost forget (how could I?!), Mamiko Noto having a short cameo here is the reason why I watched this. Well, I was really expecting her to not have a significant role and true enough, it was really more insignificant than insignificant. They really went below my lowest expectations, huh? She is the voice of Cisaria and her character really feels so insignificant except for that strange plot twist which I can never comprehend until today. After the spoof Maria-sama Ga Miteru arc, she is never heard of again. Well, you might see her in snippets towards the end but literally no dialogue. Well, still good to hear her voice, though. On a trivial note, this is another sister character whom she voices after the main character Esther in Trinity Blood and in the most recent a hot scheming evil nun in Tensai Ouji No Akaji Kokka Saisei Jutsu. But thank goodness at least they didn’t kill off her character. Which they almost did!!! THANK GOODNESS!!!

Other seiyuus I recognized are Jouji Nakata as Riez and Akira Ishida as Lot. The rest are Fumiko Orikasa as Firiel (Rukia in Bleach), Hiromi Hirata as Rune (Maggie in Read Or Die), Chiwa Saito as Adale (Aika in Aria series), Kishiou Taniyama as Eusis (Jean in Shingeki No Kyojin), Rie Tanaka as Leandra (Suigin Tou in Rozen Maiden), Kaho Kouda as Ravenna (Cher in Wolf’s Rain), Mitsuki Saiga as Igraine (Phantom in MAR), Ayumi Tsunematsu as Vincent (Maiya in Fate/Zero), Ayumi Fujimura as Marie (Mafuyu in Qwaser No Stigma), Teruaki Ogawa as Bard (Wakaouji in Full Moon Wo Sagashite) and Tohru Furusawa as Cain (Knives in Trigun). The opening theme as Starry Waltz by Kukui. It’s a moderate slow piece that sounds dramatic. Not really to my liking since it sounds mostly flat. The ending theme is Kanata by Mariaria. Feels weird and creepy because it’s like some choir cult singing a hypnotizing slow hymn to you.

Overall, this anime felt like it had potential to go to greater heights under the fantasy genre. But it fell short and so far from everything that it just felt like one big, wait for it, nothing burger. Disappointing for a retro anime that ironically I read many viewers love. Maybe there’s something that I just don’t see like they do. So many questions left unanswered and that could be mainly my part for thinking too much. Even so, everything that I have seen happened so far here, all that was just sufficient on the surface level. At the end of the day, I can’t really complain too much about this because it’s all just a fairytale. After all, how much do I know about the language of paradise? A commoner like me has no right to judge them, right? Maybe I’ll find some unicorns to tame then…