“Side Story One: Eustachius’s Incognito Operation Downtown” &
“Side Story Two: Visiting Missus Corinna”
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):
It is the beginning of summer and as Myne celebrates her chance to finally read books as a blue-robed apprentice priestess, Head Priest Ferdinand wishes to learn more about this odd girl who has such a burning obsession, and how a commoner afflicted with the Devouring is able to pay a large gold coin to the church. As such he summons his aides Eckhard and Eustachius to perform their own investigations into her background, sending them to the downtown area where she lives and has established her plant-based paper Myne Studio. However, when they arrive in the working-class neighborhood, the two immediately stand out due to their noble influenced clothing, with Eckhard immediately complaining about the unusual smells. After buying more suitable clothes to fit in they ask the sellers if they know about a girl named Myne and her workshop, which promptly draw looks of suspicion toward the two men, causing them to stop this line of questioning. But as they move forward down the cobblestone paved street, Eckhard still cannot get used to the nauseating odors, which is made worse once he steps in a fresh pile of horse manure, causing him to retch and forcing them to retire to a local inn. With his partner now disabled, Eustachius is now forced to continue the search on his own, going to great lengths to learn more about this strange girl and why no one wants to reveal any secrets or why they are so protective of someone which engenders fear or caution.
At the same time as Eustachius begins his investigation, Myne tells her mother Eva she has been summoned to the home of Corinna to show off the outfit and hairpin she wore to her baptism. However, the usually composed woman is now in an utter state of panic due to this news, unsure of what to do after being called to display her modest wares to someone so elevated within the Seamstress Guild. But at the same time, the elated Tuli cannot wait to go to the home of idol and talk with this amazing woman, with both daughters waiting for their parent’s stressed decision of whether to attend this meeting, although she knows by not going it will be an insult. The next morning the trio find themselves briskly walking to Gilberta Company, the home of Corinna, Otto and Benno, with neither knowing what to say to such an esteemed woman, endless worrying they will embarrass themselves before someone they both admire. Once Myne coaches her sister and mother on appropriate greetings, they finally find themselves at the imposing building, and once they calmly declare their rehearsed speeches, both stiffly walk into the impressive parlor room. After being served tea and delicious sweets by their hostess, Eva finally brings out the goods in question, with Corinna being impressed by the quality of these simple ceremonial items, especially by the delicate workmanship of the floral ornament. And yet when she politely asks if her studio and produce these adornments, Myne promptly points out these are their winter handiwork and thus contribute a hefty part to their household earnings, to which her mother and sister insist she is being rude. However, this instead illicts a stinging rebuke from the normally reserved young girl, causing her to show off her enterprising side and offer a chance for Corinna to barter the exclusive rights to produce them for a year. Surprised in seeing this shocking side to their ordinarily polite family member, their superior calmly smiles and directs Myne to negotiate with her brother, excusing herself and the other ladies to discussing sewing in the next room as the heated discussion becomes ever more contested.
In Summary:
With the next season of this truly delightful show about to start, these brief side stories remind the audience why we absolutely adore these characters and the endless bundle of enthusiasm named Myne. Although she is not the main focus within these charming teasers, her weighty influence is felt throughout these meaningful departures, allowing fans to acquaint themselves with new and underused actors who will likely play an important role in the upcoming cours. One cannot but laugh out loud or smile at the antics invoked within these shorts, presenting themselves as refreshing reminders of how our blue-haired heroine strongly influence all around her, creating a longing urge and painful yearning for the following season of Ascendance of a Bookworm to start soon, all if only to satisfy our immense desire to see what kind of trouble Myne’s steadfast desires will create for her friends and family, all while bringing joy and pleasure to any who see her.
Grade: A+/A+
Streamed By: Crunchyroll
