Episode 17: The Targeted Queen
Summary:
At the capital, Erin and Jone watch as gifts arrive for the Queen’s 60th birthday. They are waiting on word from Esal to let them know when they can visit Kazalm. A shot reveals that one gift has something with feathers.
In the garden, an older Princess Seimiya gathers flowers for the dinner table as her caretaker, Nami, calls out to her. When she mentions how Shunan is arriving soon, Seimiya blushes.
As Shunan and the Grand Duke enter the grounds, his father talks about how the capital can remain so peaceful because their Touda army protects it. Back at the Grand Duke’s quarter, Ngan receives a letter from Daimya that wishes him luck at the ceremony. He gives a bitter smirk in response.
Around the dining table, the Grand Duke, Shunan, Damiya, Seimiya, and the Queen talk amongst themselves. Damiya cracks a bad joke at Shunan’s gaze on Seimiya which causes some slight tension in the room. His further mentioning of the Saigamuru makes things worse. Shunan acknowledges their presence but says they will never forget their honor towards the Queen. The Queen smiles, asking that he support Seimiya in the coming years.
That night, while Seimiya thinks over the day’s events, Nami hands her a letter from Shunan. As Ial and Kyle patrol the grounds, Ial notices Seimiya running off. He follows her to a secluded clearing in the trees, where she is greeted by Shunan. He tells her there is no future for their Holy Kingdom of Ryoza if things continue as they are; however, she remains confident that things will be fine as long as he’s around. Shunan persists, saying that as long as the Grand Duke’s and Queen’s forces are separated, the internal divide will grow. He states honor towards the Queen is not enough to fix this problem, but Seimiya stops him. She says how she loves their kingdom, quoting Damiya on some phrase and saying how she agrees with her uncle. Shunan brings up the Saigamuru as one proof of the growing problem. To ensure their kingdom’s future, he says he needs her, implying they eventually get married. However, Damiya interrupts their conversation, asking Seimiya to go back and then having a man-to-man talk with Shunan. As they part, Shunan warns him he is not as easily manipulated as his brother, Ngan, and Damiya takes this to heart. Ial bears witness to these events.
Back at the Grand Duke’s quarters, Ngan alone gazes at his large sword, which is a weapon only given to the Grand Duke. He believes that as long as they have the Touda army, other countries stand no chance. He is interrupted by a robed man who has a letter for him. Its contents anger Ngan, and he tries to strike the messenger but he quickly disappears. His parting words explain how his “master” believes Ngan is a necessity for the country.
The next day, a grand celebration takes place in honor of the Queen’s birthday. She, along with Princess Seimiya, Shunan, and the Grand Duke sit and watch the people enjoy the festivities. Ial and Kyle, along with the other Sezan, patrol the perimeter. Kyle wonders if anyone would be foolish enough to try anything. Ial tells him not to forget about the Saigamuru and how this is one of the few times the Queen publicly shows up. Kyle recalls how they were rumored to be involved with the Touda egg robbery; he wonders why they would go after the Touda since they’re the Grand Duke’s treasure. Ial tells him to stop thinking and focus on security.
Just then, the gifts from earlier in the episode are brought in by Damiya as his present. Ial grows suspicious since he wasn’t informed of this. It’s revealed that the gifts are all brown adult beast-lords, save for one: a white baby beast-lord. The Queen gazes at them with a contemplative expression. Ial observes the surroundings carefully and happens to notice something; he dashes towards the Queen. As the male assistant by the beast-lords blows his mute whistle, an assassin launches his arrow from the trees. However, the baby beast-lord gets in the way as it falls: the arrow pierces through its flesh. This prevents Ial from getting fatally wounded as he takes the hit to protect the Queen. Amazingly, he is able to fire an arrow of his own which pierces the assassin’s helmet, though it looks like he gets away. As Ial fades into unconsciousness, he thinks how the baby beast-lord saved him and hears the Grand Duke commanding that the guards go after the assassin.
Ial thinks how he can’t die yet, and that he will personally put an end to this.
The scene shifts back to Erin, who receives word that they can now head to Kazalm on the morrow. She is unaware of the events that have unfolded at the palace or the looming shadow over their country.
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My Thoughts:
We received some good character development between Shunan and Princess Seimiya. It looks like a possible union between the two exists. Ngan seems to be off the radar. One thing that this episode made apparent is how sheltered the princess is. She swings around words like “love” and “honor” and how they alone can maintain a kingdom. However, all of us, like Shunan, know that this isn’t realistic. He tries to buy her a clue but it seems Damiya’s influences have somewhat fogged her mind. She’s also pretty obedient to her uncle. I’m sure something in a future episode will slap her awake; otherwise, she’ll just be an easy tool to manipulate for someone like the creepy Damiya. Personally, I think having those ideals isn’t entirely her fault, since everyone has intentionally kept her from the outside world, so she isn’t aware of these things. Wonder if she and Erin will become friends.
Big surprise: someone tried to assassinate the Queen. With how the creators have been making Damiya out to be the bad guy (with the evil music whenever he shows up in key moments and occasional bitter stare), he looked surprised when he saw the arrow hit Ial. Then again, maybe he was surprised because it didn’t hit the Queen! The security around the castle must not be too strong if a man can walk in with some arrows. Although, the Sezan are a specialized force, unlike general guards, so I guess it makes sense they can’t have every inch covered.
The episode also covers how things about the status quo need to change. Erin will probably play a role in the factors involved, though I’m not yet entirely sure how.
I felt bad for the chained beast-lords that Daimiya rolled in. While the Grand Duke looked pleased, Princess Seimiya and the Queen didn’t seem as happy. It was also interesting how these beast-lords were a different color than the ones we’ve seen. Perhaps they’re a different breed or something? Who knows.
In any case, the focus shifts back to Erin next episode, where she finally comes face-to-face with Esal and tackles the exam. Will she make it? Find out next time, on Kemono no Souja Erin: “Teacher, Esal!”
Tags: anime, fantasy, heart-warming, Kemono no Souja Erin
