“A Young Girl and the Kitty Paradise.”
What They Say:
Dale is a well-known and highly skilled adventurer despite being so young. One day he’s on a quest deep in the woods and finds a little devil girl named Latina, who us just skin and bones. Latina is branded with the mark of a sinner, but Dale decides he can’t just leave Latina there and decides to become her guardian. Thinking to himself “Latina is too cute, I don’t want to work,” he ends up doting over her before he even realizes it.
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Having returned back home to Kruez Latina hesitates upon entering the Temple once again, but an exuberant Chloe rushing behind her quickly vanishes any fears she may have had in returning. While she may have missed her friend she knew the special necklace would be reminder of their special bond, with the devil child immediately recognizing it as being made from her broken horn. As they stepped inside and settled down Sylvia joyfully joined them and boisterously asked for details of her journey, wanting to know of all the sights, foods and creatures they had encountered along the way. But as the girls continued their conversation, Rudy and the others stepped in and he began to blush upon noticing she was back, however could continue their talk once the teacher returned and started class. It was only during lunch did Chloe notice a familiar item hanging around his neck and questioned about it – why did he have a piece of the horn? When Latina confirmed it was a piece of the original he once again became flustered and tried to excuse himself by stating his charm was a test piece since it was so hard to polish and did not want anything to go to waste. While all pushed for details as to why he truly kept the reject, the cornered apprentice justified the memento due to its rarity which Latina accepted … but everyone else knew the real reason and all one had to do was look at his red face.
As the girls begin their walk home their conversation immediately stops once a lone feline crosses their path, with both happily noticing a sudden change in Latina’s attitude as she becomes very excited with the addition of a big smile. Once Chloe asks if she adores cats their friend enthusiastically acknowledges their suspicion, only to sadly respond they don’t return the relationship in kind causing her to then grow melancholy. As she begins work at the Dancing Tabby Cat the patrons immediately notice a change in mood and while she may try to put up a cheerful front everyone knows there is something troubling the girl including and especially Dale. Although Rita states she could ask about the problem, she admits it is her father’s responsibility to confront his daughter and try to solve any problems she may be having, even if it may seem like meddling. After pulling her aside Reki finds out Sylvia told her of a cat gathering in the marketplace late at night, however since she cannot go outside after dark this magical event cannot be witnessed by his sullen child. Imagining the joy it would bring Latina if they went to the meeting Dale is overcome with sheer euphoria, but as his blissful dream continues the normally quiet Jilvester perks up upon hearing her story and states his neighbor is known throughout the district as a collector of cats, thus allowing the girl to see the animals during the day. With Dale’s hopes of making his daughter happy now dashed Latina questions if she can go visit the man to which the gentle giant states he will ask … thus filling the little girl with hopes for a bright tomorrow.
In Summary:
With a return to Kruez the show once again returns to a happy Slice of Life series but in light of their prior adventures outside the walls this episode is lackluster in its enthusiasm. Although we are once again surrounded by her friends and the excitement of telling of her journey, the first half feels like a retelling of what happened even if we never saw the event and the second is disappointing since the expected end never comes. While Latina still presents herself as a happy girl this episode lacks the fun and enthusiasm we had before plus with the finale coming up next there are still many story holes left to be resolved, thus unless there is a sequel this series will conclude with us questioning what will happen next and if there is a future for our adored Latina.
Grade: B+
Streamed By: Crunchyroll
