An Archdemon’s Dilemma: How To Love Your Elf Bride episodes 10-12

Rating (episodes 10-12): B

Rating (overall): B

Episodes 10-12 conclude the adaptation of the second volume of the source light novels. That and the way episode 12 ends strongly suggest that this is the end of the anime for now. Assuming that’s the case, the series’ last quarter consists of two episode which wrap up all current outstanding plot lines and an epilogue episode which reinforces the series’ concluding status quo. In all, it’s a pretty satisfying way to handle things.

Episode 10 and the first part of 11 deal with the primary source of conflict in this part of the story: the Angelic Knight Raphael. The writing and framing has pushed hard the impression that Raphael is a classic case of a crusader who perhaps crusades a little too ardently, but it has also left hints that Raphael may not be what he appears or what For thinks he is. Indeed, that his intent can be so easily misinterpreted because of his intimidating presence ultimately becomes a joke. Although he has come to judge Chastille, he actually sees her as the uncorrupted hope for the future of the Church, in terms of both talent and conviction, and he definitely doesn’t see sorcerers who aren’t doing truly evil things as the enemy. Moreover, he was actually working with For’s father against true demons rather than trying to kill the mighty dragon. Quite understandably, For is more than a little conflicted about how deferential Raphael becomes once he knows who she really is and especially how he loses an arm to protect her.

While Chastille has all too often been a bumbling crybaby (also to the point of becoming a running joke), episode 11 reinforces what episode 3 shows: there’s a very good reason while Raphael thinks highly of her. Despite hardly being physically imposing, her Sacred Sword gives her the strength to stand back-to-back with Zagan in a serious fight, and she has enough skill and tactical coordination to take advantage of that strength. She spent the previous few episodes struggling to figure out how she fit into Zagan’s inner circle, even toying with the possibility of a romantic attachment she knew was never possible with Nephy around, but considering how indomitable a duo she made with Zagan when teaming up against the demonic golem, her role now seems clear.

And that golem, which has been around in dormant form since episode 4, serves as a perfect back-up villain to rally everyone against a common foe. Considering what little we’ve seen of true demons so far, merging parts of one with a golem just seems like asking for trouble, so it raises the question of what Marchosias was trying to accomplish. Presumably this is something that will get delved into later in the series.

The one negative here is, again, that Nephy’s magic isn’t addressed at all. Granted, the recent fights haven’t been in environments where Nephy can exploit her magic, but still, it being largely ignored for the last nine episodes seems incongruous given how special and powerful it was shown as being, and her status as a “cursed child” (and what bigger meaning that might have) hasn’t even been touched on. At least Nephy does get a fair amount of attention in other ways, and For’s observations about her and Zagan continue to be a delight.

Overall, nothing that the series has done to this point has been spectacular, but it has still delivered solid entertainment in almost every aspect. Its artistic and animation efforts are mid-range, its musical support is capable, it has a real and potentially interesting set of world-building principles with a few odd quirks (past sorcerers with eccentric interests are used as the source for certain foods and devices that aren’t fantasy staples being present in this world), it delivers some amusing comedy beats, and it wraps up existing plots while providing plenty of potential for future development. Most importantly, the key cast members are all highly likable at minimum and highly adorable at best and have entertaining interactions. (If someone doesn’t make a figma for Nephy, they’re missing out on a great opportunity.) Only the first two of 18 existing novels have been adapted here, so there’s plenty of room for continuation, and I will enthusiastically be back if there is.