“Chapter Seventeen – Needs”
What They Say:
Avid bookworm and college student Motosu Urano ends up dying in an unforeseen accident. This came right after the news that she would finally be able to work as a librarian like she had always dreamed of. When she regains consciousness. She was reborn as Myne, the daughter of a poor soldier. She was in the town of Ehrenfest, which has a harsh class system. But as long as she had books, she really didn’t need anything else. However, books were scarce and belonged only to the nobles. But that doesn’t stop her, so she makes a decision … “If there aren’t any books, I’ll just create some.”
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
As Myne and Lutz arrive at the cathedral’s gate for a new day, they are met by retainers Fran, Gil, and Delia, with the eldest respectfully greeting his mistress, but the younger two once again spitefully insulting the pair for their ignorance of how things are work in the church. But this time Urano cuts them off by stating she is talking to their senior and it is rude to interrupt without a respectful reason, and so the spirited redhead leaves while the trouble child remains. It is then when Lutz declares he will accompany them to show how to monitor Myne’s health, but as they walk past Gil he lashes out thinking they are ignoring his complaints, quickly grabbing her arm and pulling the girl down. Seeing his friend being injured in such a vile manner, Lutz swiftly restrains his rival and is about to throw a punch until Fran reminds them violence is prohibited on the sacred grounds. With his anger now fully ignited, the boy finally explains the source of his rage – since his mistress does not live in the church and thus does not eat here, none of them are able to receive her alms for the gods, in other words leftovers from meals with any remains going to the orphanage, and so he has gone hungry ever since being appointed to such a neglectful master. Upon hearing this outrage, Myne promises she will correct her oversight and make sure he will be able to eat as much as he can, as long as he does the work she assigns.
With her assistants leading them to Head Priest’s office to aid in paperwork, everyone is surprised when she appears not wearing church robes, only then putting them on in front of all assembled. Ferdinand becomes exasperated by this lack of common courtesy, but is confused even more by the explanation – she has chosen not to wear her blue raiments in town after Benno warned people might consider kidnapping her after seeing the clothes of a noble. While he can see the sense in this reasoning, it is still insulting to change in front of everyone before she works, only to have Fran comment she can use the orphanage director’s office to do so and also receive guests since it was originally meant for such usage by blue robes. Ferdinand concedes to this option, but remembers it has not been used in a very long time, so it will need a good cleaning, to which Myne now has an option to allow Gil to work, earn his meals and also gain a fair wage. And yet as he enters this neglected two-story space, the level of filth is overwhelming and while one may think it is too much for one person, the trouble child spiritedly rolls up his sleeves and is now determined to show what he can do to an undeserving mistress.
In Summary:
Although this season may have started on a dour note due to the need to emphasize how the church is run by nobles and they are not afraid to off their superiority, especially noting their power over the lower classed grey robes, we finally return to the reason why this series remains so delightful – showing how Myne can remedy any situation if she can comprehend the truth behind injustices. While ignorance in how this organization runs things may be an excuse, it does not stop her from making things better, especially for her retainers by now recognizing their dire situation due to her neglect. This charming turn in events reminds us why we watch this show and how an enterprising girl can initiate change once she understands their needs and how only she can do what is needed in this lopsided system.
Grade: A+
Streamed By: Crunchyroll
