Oh boy, now I am glad to be keeping up with ACCA: 13-ku Kansatsu-ka! I knew that slow start was just a façade! Information upon information has finally started falling into place now, while new ones have also popped up, making things even more interesting! Looks like we’re just as lost in the dark as our protagonist, Jean! But we’re all in this together to see how everything unfolds!

Japanese Original Episode Title:城にただよう噂の煙

Plot

According to Director-General Mauve, the rumors of a coup d’état aren’t just rumors this time! There really are some people restless about the government, though only because the heir to the throne is viewed as an idiot. Guess I can’t blame them if they think their soon-to-be leader will ruin everything they’ve been working hard for. However, I can be angry at them for making Jean seem like the leader of a possible rebellion! Now everyone’s keeping an eye on him, especially during the idiot prince’s birthday celebration!

Episode Highlights

Business ‘Date’: We saw quite a surprising side to Jean because of this! His blushing face looked so cute, especially since we only usually see him with a nonchalant expression! Looks like he’s got a huge crush on Mauve now, huh? Who wouldn’t though, given how beautiful she is! Too bad the dinner date wasn’t an actual romantic date, but a business meeting, and Mauve getting friendly with him was only because she wanted his help.

Prince Schwan: The idiot prince really does seem like an idiot. He didn’t take the rumors of the coup seriously only because he’s going to be king. He must think everybody adores him. He also believes he’ll do a great job as a monarch, even though his first plan on the job was to disband ACCA, their country’s symbol of peace! Is anybody even tutoring this guy on how to be the next king of Dōwā?

The Coming of Age Ceremony: With how King Falke II gathered prominent members of ACCA to his grandson’s celebration, it’s no surprise that everyone was thinking he’d abdicate. But I guess it’s also no surprise that he didn’t, and just wanted to present his successor to the public. Maybe just having a lot of guests is pleasing to him? Well, whatever the case, a lot of important and powerful people have gathered in one place. It should prove to be an interesting night, if the party’s not over yet in the next episode.

All eyes on Jean: And speaking of important people, it seems like Grossular did a very good job in spreading the rumor of a coup d’état, and how Jean is supposedly a key person in that! I do wonder if Grossular chose him as a scapegoat for a specific reason, or only because he’s standing out through his job? Due to these wild gossips, Jean’s being put in a bad light, and attracting different factions!

Themes & Trivia

Politics: Guess you can’t have an inside story on the government without including different political factions and tactics. At this point, we’re not sure yet what Grossular, Mauve, and Lilium are all standing for, or if there are other players, like maybe the President of the Privy Council. It can’t be helped, though; everyone’s got their own opinion on how to rule a country, that’s why there’s division. Some are genuinely concerned for their nation, while others go for their own personal interests. What’s for sure is that every single politician will put their best foot forward in public, and you can never know what they’re actually thinking.

Succession to the throne: Looks like, even in the world of ACCA:13, the eldest royal males are the most eligible for the throne. That’s why Prince Schwan is planned to succeed King Falke II, instead of any one of his daughters. However, in our world and age, there are already many countries that don’t care whether you’re a male or female; as long as you’re the eldest child of the reigning sovereign, you can become the heir apparent.

Coming of Age: This is celebrated differently all over the world. When you reach a certain age, it just usually means you’re already an adult, getting adult responsibilities like voting, driving, or living by yourself. With others, it’s a cause for celebration, either because of culture or religion. In some fictional stories, like ACCA:13, young nobles are presented to the public during their own coming of age celebrations.

Comments

This episode was clearly more solid than the previous two in terms of storytelling, and it makes me quite happy! The plot is finally moving forward in a more coherent way. It’s also worthy to note that the staff did a good job in making the viewers curious, hinting at small things that seem really important every now and then. I have yet to see them unravel more about the side-characters, though. But at least with Prince Schwan, we already got enough info just from the dialogues.

The Spotlight is on the Protagonist

Now that Jean knows he’s being used, I wonder what he’s going to do. Certainly his cunning and wits will come in handy for this! However, some things have yet to be exposed. Let’s just hope our crafty protagonist doesn’t fall into their trap!

What do you guys think? Did you like this episode just as I did? I’m excited to hear your thoughts! Please leave them below! And don’t forget to check out our other Winter 2017 reviews!

NEXT TIME: Smoldering Embers in an Isolated Nation

TV Anime ‘ACCA: 13-ku Kansatsu-ka’

Official Page:http://acca-anime.com/
Twitter Page: @ACCA_anime

(c)Natsume Ono/SQUARE ENIX, ACCA Committee