Shoukei, Suzu, and Youko, are talking with each other during the night, telling each other there hardships in order to get to Kei. Youko finally revealed her true identity. The two were shocked, but after getting to know who the queen really is, they forgave her. That night, the provincial army attacked the near by town, and proceeded to march towards the town castle. The assault was being led by large ballista like vehicles motored by several horses. Though one of the members within the rebellion was a hanjyuu; the same one that saved Suzu from those thieves. He halted the army's progress single handedly. The next morning, the royal army was mobilized, but is unable to attack unless the queen herself authorizes it. Shoukei, using her politics, puzzles everything together, and pin points the exact minister that's behind this conspiracy. Suzu and Shoukei calm the townspeople, along with the rebellion, reassuring that the royal army won't attack.
I'm not a big fan of politics after going through Gundam Wing, but this was really mind boggling. It was extremely impressive how Shoukei used her political knowledge in order to find out who was pulling the strings just for the event alone that the royal army was mobilized. In fact, Shoukei compelled me a little to learn more about politics. What was equally impressive was the the provincial armies siege weapons. I'm a big fan of medievil war, and no fictional weapon in medievil warfare has impressed me more than the concept of the Kei ballistas. Even though the design bears the same resemblance to a normal ballista, the enhanced designed made it even more impressive. Other than those two, the rest of the episode is, like all the previous ones in the anime, well refined with no rough edges anywhere.moreless





