Episode 30: The Fourth Winter
Summary:
Karisa hands Esal-sensei a letter informing her that an extra faculty member will be arriving. His name is Kiriku, a recent graduate of Tamuyuan. Karisa is disappointed about his gender because men tend to treat the rooms roughly. This off-season transfer reminds them of Erin’s arrival.
They think back to the past. Karisa expresses her surprise at Esal-sensei’s decision to let Erin take care of Lilan; Esal-sensei explains that she thought it was appropriate for someone who had experience with wild beast-lords. As they talk, a rear aerial view of an older Erin entering Lilan’s shed is shown. Lilan herself is hidden in darkness. Esal-sensei talks about how Erin is Wajyaku born, and that in a culture where Holons and Wajyaku detest one another, she has great influence on both sides. A frontal shot of Erin is then shown as she says Lilan’s name.
When Karisa excuses herself from the office, Esal-sensei takes out a letter from her desk. She then recalls everything else that has happened until now. At the end, it’s revealed that this letter may actually be Erin’s will that she was instructed to write.
The scene shifts back to Lilan and Erin, who emerge from the shed. The two look up in response to the falling snow. The hair underneath Lilan’s chin is a testament to her growth. Esal-sensei appears from behind and states how they need to prepare for winter. She notes how Erin is a college student now, and that she is free to do what she considers best. Erin acknowledges her words, giving thanks and running off towards Lilan. Esal-sensei wonders whether Erin will find what she had been searching for. Flashbacks of a younger Esal and Jone are shown. At one point, it’s revealed the two had seen a wild beast-lord near Ephon Noha. Esal-sensei wonders what Jone would think, gazing out towards Erin and Lilan in the snowy fields.
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My Thoughts:
For a recap episode, there were some interesting tidbits to hear and see. Esal-sensei, in particular, stated Erin’s importance for Holons (the Queen’s quarter inhabitants) and Wajyaku (those in the Grand Duke’s quarter). I’m guessing this is simply because she knows first-hand about the societies and creatures central to their cultures. It’s an interesting point, and something I hadn’t considered until now. Another +1 to Erin!
Speaking of plusses, Erin is just about as tall as Esal-sensei now, and she’s 18 (legal age as some would say– bad joke). Her red wardrobe reminds me of what the Mist People were wearing, so I wonder where she actually got those clothes. Maybe Nason stopped by and left them on her doorstep? Actually, I remember them having brown robes. Anyway, the campus feels pretty quiet, so I wonder if Erin’s classmates are still around. I would like to at least see a proper farewell between her and Yuuyan, unlike poor Saju. Speaking of which, maybe we’ll never get to see Ake Village again, after all. I can’t see any reason why Erin would want to visit them (other then saying ‘Hello. Remember me? You let my mom die! It should have been Wadan!’). Maybe Lilan will fly and she’ll notice and remember her friends there *wishful thinking mode activated*?
I wonder what Esal-sensei was trying to find out when she was younger. It sounds like Erin is getting closer to it. Maybe it’s something along the lines of coming to a clearer understanding of beast-lords and their true relation to man and other creatures, like Touda. It was nice seeing additional shots of Esal-sensei and Jone in their wonder years. They certainly hung out a lot. Ten bucks says they had a forbidden relationship!
By the way, I like the new song that played at the end of the episode. Seems to fit with the mood pretty well. Actually, this series is pretty good at inserting its pieces. Note that we’ve heard this song in previous episodes, too.
The new teacher arrival seems suspicious to me, even more after seeing the preview. Unexpected arrival? Check. Evil, narrow eyes? Check. Specializes in poisons? Check. Tries talking to a young girl alone in the library? BAM! Kazalm is just asking for trouble! He might be the rat that spoils everything about Lilan. I’m sure Esal-sensei is aware of that possibility, so she’ll probably find some way to prevent that from happening. We’ll see. Watch for the snake slithering its way towards Erin next time, on Kemono no Souja Erin: “Light in the Sky!”
Tags: anime, fantasy, heart-warming, Kemono no Souja Erin
