“A Young Girl’s Wish.”
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):
As Latina is cleaning tables and Rita does the tavern’s books, the young girl asks how the expectant mother is doing to which she exclaims aside from back and hips hurting, she is fine. Although she tries to offer some healing magic to relieve the pain Rita proudly states it is tough to be a parent and wishes to experience all of trials, then bringing the child’s hand to her belly in time to feel a small kick by which both are delighted. While Dale looks on at the unfolding scene Kenneth cannot but boldly state how Latina seems to make friends with anyone she meets, to which Reki explains how she even tamed the phantasmic beasts who are living nearby Teathrow which in of it self seems unbelievable, but the former adventurer will not deny her kindness is capable of such things. But as they relish in the warm feelings the door opens and someone unexpected strides into the room to break up the pleasantness by exclaiming she has finally found the young talented mage she was searching for in a haughty voice.
The proclamation belongs to the beautiful elven mage Helmine who confidently begins to familiarize herself with Latina, but even as she praises the little girl using a condescending tone it immediately puts the person in question in a foul mood stating she is not little and wants to grow up soon, then rushes over to Dale for a comforting hug. When asked by Reki why this teasing woman is here she states it is in preparation for their mission then asks if there are any rooms available, which makes both father and daughter even more uneasy. Although she does her best to keep a bright disposition, it is soon obvious to regulars something is wrong with their favorite mascot even if she will not admit it. After finishing work Latina and Dale go upstairs and try to relax but it is not easy as Reki reads the commission to which the woman was referring – a letter from his friend Lord Gregor asking for help to escort himself and his father to the border to settle disputes and if necessary to pacify more demons. This will take some time but can he really leave with Latina in such a bad mood, but when he tentatively asks if she needs some cheering up Latina of course states everything is fine and will be downstairs once finished studying. It is only after leaving the room does the full impact of the sorceress’ words come to bear as the child now realizes she hates being called little … she truly wants to grow up and now.
In Summary:
While one cannot but become enraptured by the adorable nature of this series and its effort to broach sensitive topics such as being alone and shunned for being different, at the same time it was a bit annoying to see obvious venues to see Latina grow being ignored in lieu of more cuteness. Although one cannot condense an oncoming light novel series into a single season what was more heartbreaking was the tendency of Dale to avoid talking about the hatred toward demons even though the opportunity presented it self several times, which would have made the tragic moments more tolerable for both the girl and audience. But to see this overly smothering father and his optimistic daughter deal with troubles in their life was gratifying and yet the main statement from the title was never dealt with which made the ending all the more unsatisfying when we consider their chances to search into her history but nothing was settled with all of this valuable information – leaving us to wonder what will happen next for this lovable duo.
Grade: B+
Series Grade: A
Streamed By: Crunchyroll
