“Chapter Twenty – The Path Ahead of Lutz”
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):
Due to the resulting mess the orphanage children leave behind after playing during the Star Festival, the High Priest has no choice than to promptly place Myne in detention, but is stunned to find her collapsed due to the strain. She now finds herself bedridden with fever, but while she was asleep Lutz has an argument with his parents, causing the boy to run away from home. The next morning she finds Tuli and Ralph by her side, giving a brief summary of what happened and how they could not find the wayward sibling, now asking if she knows where he could be hiding. Confused by this panic, Urano inquires if they checked with his workplace at Gilberta Company, to which his own brother is embarrassed did not know it existed until now. However when they find themselves in front of the building and peer in the window, the pair witness missing boy diligently working serving customers, which causes Ralph to explode in anger and confront him, only resulting in the red-headed child being thrown out for causing such a rude disturbance.
Once she has recovered, Myne heads to Gilberta Company for a meeting with Benno, all in an effort to learn for herself what has happened and see if there is anything she can do for her friend. Her former mentor calmly converses with the girl, only to be interrupted as the boy in question walks by, clearly dejected by the situation. As she asks her partner where he has been staying, Lutz solemnly states he has been living in the attic, just as if he had been a live-in apprentice, to which Urano reaffirms she will stand by his side, no matter what happens. It is only Benno suggests he is willing to adopt the boy, however that would involve asking his parents for permission, which at the moment seems highly unlikely. However, when Myne returns to the cathedral and begins working with Ferdinand, the observant High Priest quickly notices something is bothering the girl and suggest they retire to the secret room. Once there he offers to hear her problems, since she clearly cannot properly function in her current state. After carefully listening to the problem, the clergyman suggests the church can step in and proceed with the adoption, with Myne signing as the director of the orphanage, but since she is a minor, he would also have to approve the procedure. But before such drastic steps can be taken, he wishes to hear from both sides of the matter so as to firmly grasp the entirety of the distress, and so summons all concerned parties to the cathedral the next day.
In Summary:
For a series that clearly places Myne at center stage, it is refreshing to witness the struggles of someone else finally addressed, namely the determined Lutz. We have always known his parents did not approve of his choice to become a merchant, but now to watch the breakdown of the family due to a single disagreement is troubling, especially when it due to their son’s choice. To think someone so young must make such a troubling decision is worrisome since viewers are not used to the old fashion system of apprenticeship, but at the same time, it is rewarding to see how much a seven-year-old can stand his ground, especially when he so strongly believes in himself and his friend’s goals to change their status in the world. You cannot but smile and worry as this episode progresses, but once all of problems are settled, how can you not wish to celebrate as Lutz takes another step forward to achieve his dream due to his own firm perseverance?
Grade: A+
Streamed By: Crunchyroll
