Impression
After going through three “arcs” that focused on each of our protagonists, I suppose it’s only right that we have an episode on how things are going on Hakuryuu’s end (protip, he’s not doing too great). There’s a lot of strife within the Kou Empire – despite being seen as a dominant, united country with expansionist policies from an outsiders’ point of view, the internal politics we saw today told a very different story. Seeing all the Kou siblings (and their bitch of a mother) gather in one place demonstrated where the true power lies in the empire – it’s amazing that someone like Kougyoku, who appeared as someone “of rank” in Balbadd actually has hardly any power in the grand scheme of things. In fact, on the side she’s even being manipulated by Sinbad. Amidst all that, everyone has their own personal agenda they want to fulfil, none more so than Hakuryuu.
If nothing else, the grotesque monsters Hakuryuu creates with Zagan exemplifies the sort of hate he’s boiling with deep down. The sort of thing he’s aiming for – civil war and the dethroning of his mother – is pretty much the opposite from what Ren Kouen is after, which involves the unity of the Kou Empire (and ultimately the world) under a single king. Hakuryuu’s been holding a deep grudge all this time, unlike Hakuei who, even after learning about the fate of their family seems to be fine with acquiescing and carrying on with her life. At this rate, he’s well on his way to falling into depravity, something which Judal is clearly ready to take advantage of – and it’s chilling to think that this is exactly what Gyokuen wanted. In trying to go against the dark side, Hakuryuu’s unknowingly aligning his interests with theirs. His descent would effectively warp his mind; who knows what sort of personality he’ll have once he’s fallen?
Not only is Gyokuen a bitch, she’s also a whore – she was all over Kouen during that gathering, and I’m sure she was giving her previous husbands the same treatment before she killed them off they died in unfortunate circumstances. Seriously, what on earth happened to his body? It looks like it’s been infected with something… really really bad. Gyokuen really thinks things through – she’s even managed to make herself the next emperor, with the aid of her priests. Priests like Banker, as you’ll remember from last season. In other words, by extension Al-Thamen is in control of all the national affairs the Kou Empire is involved in. Ugh… the bitch needs to die a horrible death, and she needs to do it quickly. I mean, it’s pretty evident the Kou siblings themselves don’t like her that much, even though she’s technically their mother – however a key obstacle is that she’s no lightweight herself. While she’s a complete nutcase, she’s ridiculously strong – Hakuryuu was knocked out of his full djinn equip immediately after attempting to attack her. It’s not like Gyokuen’s relying on metal vessels either (like past Al-Thamen agents have done). It’s said that the Bolg is the proof of a magician, which means that, like Judal and everyone in Magnostadt, Gyokuen is a magic user.
Just like how Gyokuen jumps between various powerful men, we’re returning to Magnostadt to catch up with Aladdin, who seems to have developed his skills even further, all without the help of the Rukh. The next episode’s going to be exciting – I don’t know whether Magi’s going to be on break for the next couple of weeks (Strike the Blood and Golden Time are at least) but whenever it turns up, we’ll finally be introduced to Titus Alexius, a key character in events to follow.
Oooh, I totally forgot about that mini backstory with lil’ Kougyoku~ So cute~ Sinbad may have his hooks in her for now, but I really hope she gets a happy ending one way or another ^^
Poor, poor Hakuryuu. The guy’s had a pretty messed up childhood, and I actually felt really sad when they showed that little flashback with his family all smiling in the meadow, holding his mother’s hand…but his way of thinking is definitely skewed, and like this he’s not only a danger to himself but also to the people around him such as Hakuei and our main trio. I really hope Alibaba/Aladdin/Mor (or maybe not Mor- I’d fear for her safety in the presence of this Hakuryuu, as strange as that may sound considering who and what Mor is) can help him onto the right path sooner rather than later.
Eeeewww, Gyokuen…I’m actually happy that A-1 animation had Gyokuen simply put her hand on Kouen’s chest in this episode, rather than under his clothes as in the manga. That was squicky as hell. The emperor’s corpse on the other hand was even more disgusting in the anime thanks to the coloring, so I suppose my disgust all balanced out in the end.
Aladdin!! He looks so boyish and cute yet manly at the same time ^^ with a ponytail he’d look freakishly similar to Sinbad actually O.o;; but who cares! That’s the way to do a time-skip! I can’t wait for Titus’ introduction next episode.
Hakuei in particular looked terrified after hearing of Hakuryuu’s plans. If he hadn’t separated from our main trio, I’m sure they could have done something about his hatred. He’s definitely around the wrong Magi – Aladdin at least could help him out with Solomon’s Wisdom if he begins to fall too far, while Judal is the last person you’d want to be around if you want to stay within the light.
Clearly Gyokuen feels absolutely no shame in what she’s doing (although maybe she doesn’t even have the capacity to do so any more). I don’t think Kouen’s quite buying it though, and he definitely won’t be happy at not getting any closer to the throne. While he’s talking about uniting the world under one king, I’m pretty sure he intends that king to be him.