Episode 41: The Truth About the Queen
Summary:
Six days after the Touda raid, the Queen is awake and on the road to recovery. Erin watches Lilan and her family enjoy a meal at Kazalm. She feels like what happened was a dream, but is reminded of the horrible event when Lilan bites a piece of meat. Esal-sensei arrives and hands her an invitation from the Queen: she requests her presence at a banquet before leaving. Esal-sensei tells Erin that they have no other choice than to see what she has to say.
Outside Sir Kazalm’s estate, Nukku and Mokku talk about the grandness of the dinner Erin is attending while waiting for her return. Inside, she is guided to the banquet and passes by Ial and asks how his injury is. He instead tells her that the Queen is inside, but he gives thanks for her concern before she heads in; Kyle thinks their behavior is cute. In the dining hall, Erin is welcomed by the Queen and Damiya. The Queen says she heard the story from Damiya and thanks her for the assistance, and is willing to grant her a request. Erin starts to talk, but Damiya remarks how she doesn’t have to hesitate in saying what she would like, for her accomplishment was quite impressive. He calls it a re-enactment of the gods, but Erin knows the true tragedy of the past. As she thinks, Damiya makes a request of his own: escorting them back to the capital as a bodyguard. Erin realizes where this is going.
She gracefully declines the offer, which angers Damiya, who claims her words could be taken as a refusal to protect the Queen. Erin acknowledges this, and he again orders her to protect the Queen on their way back; yet, she still refuses. Damiya threatens her with treason and death, further stating that the teachers at Kazalm would also be punished for allowing a person who refused to protect the Queen responsibility over a beast-lord. Erin says it would hurt more than death to see them suffer; however, no matter what they say, she will not budge. The Queen asks why she so strongly refuses to protect her, and Erin wishes to speak with her in private. An offended Damiya asks why he’s not invited, but Erin explains this is her request. The Queen questions her trust because of the refusal, but Erin invites Ial’s presence. Damiya wonders why she would trust Ial but not him. Yet, the Queen asks him to take everyone and step outside.
Meanwhile, Shunan discovers that their get-well gifts for the Queen have been rejected. Seimiya stated that they could not accept something from hands covered in blood. He wonders if Seimiya really thinks they were behind the attack.
Back at Sir Kazalm’s estate, Erin, Ial, and the Queen talk amongst themselves. Erin confirms that the Queen is ignorant of the Beast-Lord Imperatives’ true purpose. She reveals this to her, and goes into detail of their true history. An enlightened Queen trembles from her past ignorance. She explains that she never learned this because her mother and grandmother died in the fire set by the Saigamul. It hurts the Queen to realize her ancestor was merely a criminal, not a god. Erin says she does not want to keep Lilan in a small cage out of paranoia, but that if they become a cause of disaster, she will gladly die. Her resolve surprises both of them. Erin states that if her death can prevent a tragedy, then she will follow her beliefs to the end. She also explains her background and parents, including her mother’s execution: Soyon had died to abide by the code, but disobeyed it to save her life. Because of this and for Lilan’s sake, Erin doesn’t want to die bound by codes either.
The Queen compliments Erin’s strength, and thanks her for sharing her secrets. She says she’ll cancel her previous request, and Erin thanks her. However, she does wish to return to Kazalm to see her and the beast-lords again. Erin rides back happily with Nukku and Mokku. Ial and Queen talk over what they’ve learned. She’s visibly distressed from the information, but Ial reminds her that she is the shield of Ryoza; if she does not remain strong, then the country will crumble. Ial also informs her that he believes the assault was by a third party, pointing to the corruption in their country. The Queen tells him not to worry, for she will correct all the wrongdoings on her return to the capital.
Days later at Kazalm, Erin informs Lilan that they may be the talk of the town for awhile, but things should die down eventually. Esal-sensei interrupts and informs her of grave news: the Queen has passed away. She had collapsed right before entering the capital; apparently, there was bleeding in her head undetected by doctors, and it had spread slowly. Erin stands in shock, realizing that her hopes have died as well.
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My Thoughts:
Lots of flashbacks this episode. Erin finally got to have a heart-to-heart talk with the Queen and things looked set for a happy ending… until the end. I wonder if the Queen really had bleeding in her head versus being poisoned by Damiya. The timing of when she collapsed (right before the capital? Come on.) was too coincidental. It’s a shame they didn’t have phones back then; otherwise, she could have at least updated Seimiya on the situation. We’re now left with a young and inexperienced Queen likely to be manipulated by Damiya. Speaking of him, I enjoyed it when he was given the cold shoulder, though that ultimately could have frustrated him enough to retaliate by assassinating the Queen. Her death felt likely after Erin told her everything; it would not have been as obvious if this was episode 50, but with 9 episodes remaining they needed some spice to finish things off. Plus, Erin wouldn’t be involved in the country’s troubles anymore if the Queen had done the problem solving back at the capital. At least Ial knows the truth behind their kingdom, too.
One other thing to touch on is Erin’s resolve to die if necessary. It’s interesting in the sense that it’s similar to Soyon’s line of thought: dying to prevent other tragedy. Though I admire her resolve, I think it’s a horrible thing to lay down, especially when she’s only 18. She should remember her sadness when Soyon died, and I hope she understands that there are those who care about her. Then again, she’s probably talking about worst case scenario. But I think there are so many good things she could achieve if she found a way to live on even in that situation. I’m fond of Erin so I’m intent on seeing her live to the end. She’s been through a lot and deserves a happy end. Real life isn’t fair like that but since this is fiction they can make it happen :)!
One minor thing that would have been cool is if the Queen told Erin she wanted the punishment system reworked for beastinarians. I still think being eaten alive by Touda is way too harsh. I doubt the series will touch on that anymore, though.
Have your seat belts on? Good. Looks like we’re in for an emotional roller-coaster as we ride through these last 9 episodes. It’s not over yet! See what happens next time, on Kemono no Souja Erin: “Seimiya’s Tears!”
Tags: anime, fantasy, heart-warming, Kemono no Souja Erin
