As Shurei, Eigetsu, and their companions set out with the highest of hopes tempered by devotion to hard work they begin their journey to Sa Province. However, travel plans have never been reliable, and the group separates, with each faction forced to find alternate arrangements. Planning to meet up again with the others at Kinka, Shurei finds herself taking an assumed name and working as a maid for a beautiful, if mysterious, man who calls himself Senya Rin. Weeks of travel breeds familiarity and somewhat strange companionship, but Senya Rin’s true motives are half-hidden. If his identity is a lie, were his confessions of emotion false?
As before, the story of this anime is subtly simple and straightforward. Knowing nothing of any prior situations or characters, it is wonderfully freeing to be able to simply “watch” a series without having to mentally track each character to detect falsehoods and subterfuge. When all is revealed, and those who would disqualify or manipulate our heroes step into the open, the true strength concealed under our characters’ pretty young exteriors is tested in a final and largely satisfying showdown. (Y’hear that? “Step into the open!” I love it! No more skulking around until discovered by the heroes only to monologue your ultimate evil plan and be thwarted when your cape snags!)
The art and style of this series is still flawless, and seems wonderfully unchanging throughout the series. Excellent planning, Funimation. Also, the music remains an often-overlooked feature of their everyday lives, and is enhanced by musically-talented and character-true performances within the storyline. Blending seamlessly into the unobtrusive, but essential, background, the overall score is fantastic, and performed so well that I am currently seeking the soundtrack for myself.
A wonderful story arc is drawn to a fitting close in these last 12 episodes of Season one, leaving plenty of room for growth into season two without ignoring any crazy loose ties laying about from season one. I look forward to more of this series, and eagerly await the next incarnation.