I'm really enjoying the layers that Bibliophile Princess has been offering viewers these last 2 episodes. It's not just driving home the changes of Elianna, not just the separation of her and Christopher, nor just her influence on everyone around her, or how people perceive her. It's a much more vast net being cast in what they story wants to tell us, the inclusion of characters like Irvin, Hayden, Sophia, and Anna really serve to widen the perspective of both the viewers and Elianna. Hayden continually chastising Elianna, and only Elianna for her ability because of her interference is a really solid angle, because how
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does the Bibliophile Princess know what remains in the hearts and minds of the people when she only pursues what exists within books? It plays out really interesting because his criticism from the episode prior has validity to it, but his continual derision of Elianna's actions clearly lies in another place in regards to the influence she holds over the actions of the crown.
Irvin presents sort of a similar, but almost opposite, criticism of Elianna that really shows how far she's come as a character from her beginnings. He's after the Brain of Sauslind, not the Fiance of Christopher, and it really feels like he's making the most of the scheming of Sophia and the commotion that it causes to isolate Elianna and attempt to coerce her into where she originally was. I'm not entirely sure if he'll end up some love interest trope in some way or not, but at this point in time there's definitely nothing that points to it, in comparison to his potentially malicious involvement. It's hard to really guess at which faction had the arrow pierce the boar in that regard because his involvement is so loose comparatively. The arrows in his quiver don't match but it's possible to use a different one for that moment if prepared for it. At the same time though, Sophia's maid could have been the one to orchestrate as they could have used the horse as misdirection for protecting Elianna, and Irvin just chose to swoop in for his own benefit. I'm really interested to see where the mystery leads itself.
Speaking of mystery, Theodore and the ghost in this episode was an interesting piece to add that doesn't get directly addressed. The similarity to Elianna, and the isolation and history of her family really paints a curious picture for what may have gone on. I don't have high hopes that it will end up as lofty as Elianna being related to them, but I definitely think Theodore will find some closure or answers to his history with the ghost in the future. Aside from that though, I loved how Theodore brushed off Sophia constantly, it added a much appreciated fun spin to some of the heavy drama involved in the episode. Though, there's quite a few small moments that make great use of levity to give the viewer a break, like the running gag with Alan (who I didn't actually recognize as Alan immediately, I'm sorry Alan!), and things like that.
Anna was a really interesting character in this episode, and seeing her interest in Elianna I'm super curious for where she ends up going forward. There's definitely two routes to take, and I think with how the author's handled things so far both will end up interesting and satisfying. Regardless of that though, I swear I know Elianna's quote about kings and women from somewhere but for the life of me I can't find it. Anna and Elianna definitely make a great pair though so I'm hopeful to see them turn into a long term thing within the story. Especially so with how Elianna sees Anna, and how its inferred that Anna sees Elianna. Both admire the other and already seem to get along quite well.
Going to the other side of the spectrum though, Christopher gives off a lot of negativity which I think is great to see. There's been cracks in his façade in earlier episodes, but this feels like the first time he takes the mask off. He voices his concerns of overthinking and anxiety, and his frustration to leaving Elianna on her own. He even goes as far as lamenting the fact that he pulled Elianna away from her beloved books so much and put her in danger in the first place. It's really great to see that the prince that has everything under control always is capable of suffering and self-tormenting as well, and really places him perfectly beside the challenges we already know of with Elianna. The pair were already great on the surface considering the slight differences between one another, but they continue to find ways to express the uniqueness of each without alienating the other.
I'm definitely curious to see what the plan is that Sophia's maid has cooked up and ready for Elianna in the next episode, and what Irvin's involvement will be. Is he going to attempt to thwart it? Will he out himself as a malicious actor and alter the plan to his benefit? Lots of interesting stuff to go off of for sure, so I'm really looking forward to it!
Dec 7, 2022
Mushikaburi-hime
(Anime)
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I'm really enjoying the layers that Bibliophile Princess has been offering viewers these last 2 episodes. It's not just driving home the changes of Elianna, not just the separation of her and Christopher, nor just her influence on everyone around her, or how people perceive her. It's a much more vast net being cast in what they story wants to tell us, the inclusion of characters like Irvin, Hayden, Sophia, and Anna really serve to widen the perspective of both the viewers and Elianna. Hayden continually chastising Elianna, and only Elianna for her ability because of her interference is a really solid angle, because how
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