The Ancient Magus' Bride Episode 21 Review: Necessity has no law.

Have you guys ever wondered if something bad could get far worse? This episode of The Ancient Magus’ Bride proved that it can. It totally can and in ways you’d never expect. By the end, I’m pretty sure a lot of us were screaming, maybe out loud, maybe in your heart (probably both).

Plot

The duo accepts Mariel’s invitation to seek out help from her coven. However, they soon find out that they know no possible cure with which Chise and the dragon can be both safe. Except for Mariel, that is. She secretly gave Elias an idea of sacrificing another life to save Chise’s own…

Episode Highlights

Witches’ gathering: I’m not sure what to think of Elias and Chise’s visit to that meeting. For me, the only fruitful thing they got from it was Phyllis’ wise words about their respective curses, since it somehow comforted Chise. Phyllis merging to the tree, and Chise’s dragon arm are both evidence of their selflessness, but right now the girl needs to look after herself first before anyone else. But aside from that, I felt so bad because the duo banked on a false hope, at least on the surface. Mariel’s reaction to Phyllis’ saying that they can’t help seemed like she was initially expecting the High Priestess to tell them exactly what she gave Elias in secret. To think it was all for her sake too, just as Elias was doing everything for Chise’s. Aren’t they a perfect testament to how caring for someone selfless is so hard?

Exploits: No wonder Elias was so dead set on finding a cure for Chise. She was the only one, among those he’s met in his long, long life, who has ever looked at just him. That’s why he was getting desperate. That’s why he was willing to try Mariel’s suggestion, why he asked a sorcerer for assistance in exchange for showing him magic, why he was so motivated enough to affect his demeanor that Simon noticed. That’s why, when forced to choose between doing the inexplicable or losing his prized possession, he chose to be a monster. It was all for Chise’s sake. Even Ruth, who should know how it feels when someone uses an innocent life, let alone how his master feels about that act, still chose Chise. After all, he most likely didn’t want to lose another little sister. Our protagonist sure is loved, isn’t she? Too bad they left her out of solving her problem. They even scared poor Silky!

Seeking help: The development between Chise and the ariel’s relationship, I love it so much! At first, she tried to trick Chise into going back with her to the land of faeries, then she helped her in Ulthar only because she can, but now she agreed to a favor without any contract! The ariel even said that she likes Chise not only because she’s a Sleigh Beggy, but for who she is! And even when Chise decided not go through with asking her a favor anymore, she still pushed on with it herself! What a lovely friendship the two have! Truly, the ones who love our protagonist are growing in number!

Farewell?: What a grave, grave sin Elias has committed, enough for Chise to give up on him! (So did they break up, or is it just a cool off?) To think that she was so afraid of losing him in the past, yet now she was the one who left him! I guess it’s because she matured so fast while Elias still remained like a child. And what a child, indeed! Not only did he go against morality, but he was also comfortable with sacrificing someone in Chise’s place because the sacrifice was Stella, whom he was jealous of? Oh, my goodness. Honestly, I would’ve punched Elias, too. It didn’t help that Cartaphilus, I mean Joseph, was there, or maybe it did? I mean, try to imagine what could’ve happened if an uncorrupted Stella remained unconscious and Chise was up against Elias and Ruth? At least here, Stella’s body safely got away from them, and the only things hurt were Chise’s fist and Elias’ feelings. Then again, Stella’s still in trouble as she’s being used as blackmail against her friend, whose fate is uncertain in Joseph’s hands. Is there a win-win situation here for Chise?

Themes & Trivia

Necessity has no law: Just like Elias, if you’re desperate, you may look for a way to get what you need, even if it is illegal. This phrase was coined from Boris Sidis’ The Source and Aim of Human Progress.

Coven: In Wicca, this refers to an assembly of witches, usually in groups of thirteen. They gather together for ceremonies or celebrations and are led by a High Priestess and/or a High Priest.

Phyllis: Looks like Yamazaki Kore didn’t just randomly name the High Priestess of Mariel’s coven. Phyllis is a character in Greek mythology, the wife of Demophon, King of Athens. In one version of the story, when her husband had to leave to help his father, Phyllis realized that he will never return to her, so she hung herself from a tree. An almond tree grew where she was buried, and it blossomed when Demophon returned to her.

Comments

Okay, two things. First off, while I loved this episode a whole bunch because it was so emotional (and I love being an emotional wreck), there was one part I didn’t appreciate. If the scene with Elias and Tory came to your mind, that’s it. The first parts of that were good, but after Elias tore the paper to shreds and they just let them chat without any voices and context, it just…felt so unnecessary. They could’ve just cut out that part and put in the time for something more understandable, don’t you think?

Second, I am very curious as to how this anime will end. Unfortunately, we only have a few episodes left, but it has also almost caught up with the latest chapter in the manga! I’m worried and excited at the same time for how it will go!

A deal with the devil

Excluding the visit to the land of dragons, the next episode will be the first time Chise’s on her own, huh? To top it off, she’s with the enemy! Joseph said he’ll be able to help with her curse but, is he even trustworthy?

Well then, feel free to scream with me in the comments section! Let us know your favorite or least favorite parts of this episode! Please keep on reading our other Winter 2018 reviews, too! This season’s almost over, I can’t believe it!