I’ve only recently watched up to episode 30, but I’m definitely enjoying it so far. From what I read from your review and what I’ve skimmed through in the RAW, it seems that Shuurei has always been attracted to Sakujun, but it’s a mere attraction probably due to the fact that he resembles Ryuuki (which is obviously her soul mate ). It’s normal for her to cry over someone she is attracted to, especially when you add feelings of guilt to it.

I really like Ryuuren in this episode. There’s much more to him than just any eccentric.

But the truth is, I’m more looking forward to next week’s episode than thinking about whether Shuurei really likes Sakujun or not. As you can probably see, I’m a big Ryuuki fan.

Thanks for the analysis! I am satisfied with the way Shuurei was portrayed in this episode because it seems
that (at least to me) Shuurei is only ‘attracted’ because of his looks. ^^;
This is one of my favorite episode as we finally get to know Shuurei’s actual feelings for Sakujun and Ryuuren appeared in this episode! XD

“Shuurei was surprised that he knew so much but he said it was his ability as the head of the Ran clan.”

@Briar: Well, that is exactly the charm of Shuurei. We often might forget with her strength that she is only 17, the age where most gals are whiny and all child-like, but she is one that wishes to grow up. That is why when she shows vulnerability, it always reminds me that she is but a young gal who is looking forward in her life. I am very sure that she has no romantic feelings toward Sakujun after watching this episode, just a form of attraction by his compelling behavior.

@Yan: First, welcome here and I am glad to have you in my blog Trust me, I doubt Shuurei will be married even by the end of the second season. She just cannot give it up for her dream: to be an official that can protect the people of Saiunkoku.

@Parcivale: Ya, I think you are right. I think I made an error. It is his name that labeled him a a genius as it is not his birth name. I need to go make some research to make sure it’s right but you triggered my memory of sorts. Thanks!

I personally do not think that Shuurei is attracted by his looks. It is perhaps a small factor but more of the fact that he’s completely devoted to her. He has never forced himself onto her, which he definitely can, but simply tried to wait for her patiently. He eventually even gave her the choice to die or to live. That is probably why she is attracted to him.

Actually, what you gave was the way the Chinese sub translated the title. In Japanese it was: “Rain comes from Heaven, Tears from the Eyes.” The Chinese is a saying meaning that some things happen naturally, whether you want them to or not. Maybe the Japanese is, too.

That aside, I really loved this episode…again. I thought Shuurei explained her relationship to Sakujun in logical terms she could live with, but I think it was deeper than that: physical attraction, attraction to his suavity and force, attraction to the remarkable person buried inside his cruel heart.

Ryuuki, despite being emperor, still seems like a little boy. I enjoyed the scene from the preview of him regal on his throne. I don’t think Shuurei will be able to be his wife until he grows into his full power — and until she has accomplished more as an official in her own right. But then she will, and as queen (she will be full queen because she is from the greatest family in the country) she will be able to do even more good.

Thank god they cleared this up! i knew that deep deep in her heart she did not truly love that guy! it’s jsut he situation she was in!! thank you! i can sleep easy now.

I enjoyed the way she logically looked at her feelings for Sakujun. I do not think she is deeply in love with him, however I do think it was her first major crush. I think in this episode you really see how much she has grown as a person. Also, any episode with Ran Ryuuren in it is wonderful (and he was SOOO sweet this time)!!

Just a summarization of the thoughts above, I realize that many people consider that the climax of the show will result in Shuurei eventually falling in love with Ryuuki (not really disputed) and becoming empress. In my opinion though, if Shuurei does become the empress, it will really be something of a step back for her.

I personally feel that Shuurei will not be able to do what she wants as an empress compared to being an official or a governor of a certain province. I mean, by working as the latter two, she is constantly exposed to the little details that will help protect the people of the state. As the empress, it is not of her right (it’s still a very patriarchal society) to control or do anything. In such states, the empress is simply a figurehead, which I highly doubt Shuurei will be interested in.

She even said it in this episode that she is not willing to allow love to dictate the thing that she likes. She is not able to forsake the dream that she has for the man that she loves. That is why the focus will never reach that point unless something changes in her heart or she feels that her life goal has been fulfilled.

A growing of age might change that.

For Ryuuki, he is a child. I mean, do not forget that this boy is only what 16-19 (I need someone to confirm this) and already an emperor of the state. It is not an easy task, considering that he has sheltered himself from the pains of the world. It is only very recently in the past year that he is finally exposed to the tortures and pains of what the common man is facing, rather than leaving a life of seclusion due to protecting himself from the attacks of the other corrupt officials.

I also have to agree with Heidi that the accurate word to use is a crush. That summarizes the emotions that Shuurei has, ahaha~

The expression means,

If the sky has to rain, it rains.

If a woman has to shop, she shops.

If your daughter wants to get married, she’s gonna get married. You won’t be able to stop her. Just like trying to stop rain.

@apex: Noooooo, you cannot argue with me. I am right! Just kidding, the reason for having comments is to discuss, to spar and to have communication. I do not want people to agree on everything

Still, I have to disagree on your arguementas well. For one thing, rules have been broken to the fact that there is some respect given to women of status in order to be an official. However, that is by far another dimension altogether when you have her as an empress that rules over the land.

I mean, for most officials, the reason that they accepted it sees Shuurei’s apparent talent. Other than the clear supporters of Shuurei, there are more officials who are more swayed by her capability than anything else. However, to go up to the level in which she will rule will be problematic. It is perhaps a reflection of real life politics around 10-20 years ago where women are generally seen as capable, yet never having the chance to hit leadership roles.

I do not know. Shuurei might be that special woman that will eventually reach such ranks but I think that a combination in the mindset change of a woman that will rule over the whole nation as well as her own reluctance to be empress will not see this as a resolve.

Heh, yes, we know it’s a romantic historical shoujo series and I am just been an evil person introducing my realistic view on things into the blog.

@Ele: Thanks for the help in the expression. I generally have problems with proverbs due to the lack of Chinese/Japanese used in my daily life. I generally speak more English than anything else, which is why I tend to get a little fuzzy on things.

@Ricaryx: Arr, actually, your comments make me wonder about something really interesting. If you notice, Seiran is in fact very reliant on Shuurei in many things. Considering that he’s generally out of the loop and in fact has failed in his mission to protect Shuurei, what do you think are the likely repercussions that will lead to his emotions and character?

I do not know but I feel this cold distant Seiran appearing more in the background that makes me feel that he’s turning more…dangerous.

Welcome to Impzie’s favorite male character. I should be saying that Ryuuren, amidst his ridiculous random self, has a really mature soul that observes everything that it is around him. Parviacle has mentioned that it is simply of his genius talent that he is called Ran Ryuuren and I think that this episode makes him much more human than anything else.

I am surprised that I did not mention this development when it came because it does not come into my thoughts. That is why I am glad for Lys for reminding me. If anything, we know that he is not an one-dimensional eccentric character but one that can help his friends in terms of trouble, be it in physical, emotional and mental distress.

He is perhaps the character that changes the most in this episode and has provided more character development.

AHHHHH!!! OMG! OMG! Wrong link! Wrong link! Don’t click!
Correct link: http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h106/blusirius/1024.jpg

hehehehe *pats*

By the way, your voice is pretty good. I love the song ^+^

hahahahaha, ok, i will delete it

I have done it. Back to this point, does anyone think that the sudden maturity and calm shown by Ryuuren is a bit too rushed or you find it consistent with his behavior?

Vesper, plus it doesn’t hurt that Ryuuren himself is quite yummy ^-^

I think Shuurei has certainly grown a little, she’s still a long way off emotionally though. But at least Sakujun managed to prod her enough to admit that she’s holding back on love because she is scared.

Before he came along I think she just totally lived in denial.

Hmm, with as much as Ryuuki loves her, I think if she were to become Empress she could do a lot of good. I don’t think Ryuuki would simply let her talents go to waste as a figurehead. I think he would continue to listen to her advice as he has done in the past.

I don’t think what’s stopping her from considering being Empress is that she couldn’t do much, but rather I think she wants to do it herself. She wants to put in the hard work herself, not have something happen because she suggested something to the Emperor and with a wave of a wand it gets done.

Ahh I’m not being very coherent today.

nope, because there’s a 2nd season, galad that will be opening in april. So, I doubt seriously that there is any rush to close it up considering that they have enough material to cover

Shen Bu Ke Ce means in literal terms “Deep and cannot look through”. It relates to a person who is so deep and mysterious that you cannot never predict or understand him/her. I think I got the main gist of the proverb and I do agree with you that it is probably a very good definition on him.

Well, as some had said earlier, it is also the very fact that Ryuuki entrusted the seal to him, not only because he is weird but the very fact that he’s a very capable man. I guess we will be slowly surprised more by him.

Yes, Pluto, i want to see more of Kijin and especially Reishin. I like the effeminate and totally violent uncle. I cannot wait for his reaction when he meets Shuurei and realizes how much Sakujun tormented her.

“I am going to make him suffer for the next thousand years!”

ha ha ha. For all waiting for Episode 38, it’s a little slow due to work commitments.

I think that Ryuuren is a really interesting character, and I wouldnt mind having him as more of a main character….>.>

Well, lalala, the part about giving up her dream as governor is not like a literal asking, but more like a subliminal attempt by Sakujun to get her love. On the explicit sense, it should be the grandfather but the implied meaning is how she was giving up love for her dream as a governor. That’s the giving up, and I apologize for not putting that clearly.