It is really ambiguous for the scene at least for the preview. I guess that is just as well to confuse the watchers ^^ Good job, them. That said, I am glad that you found it and do comment and discuss more!

@Ling: To be honest, I am not that acquainted with the use of acupuncture, which is why it took me by surprise when they mentioned the use of it to reduce pain and to sooth the muscles. I mean, it is impressive in which the patient doesn’t really feel THAT painful at least when his stomach is open. It’s a pity that they did not have anything to make them sleep, though i thought acupuncture can do that too. Hmm..

I am not sure if i got the ore name right though. From what i heard, it sounds like chrome…but i might be wrong.

To reply: Now that the series has been licensed I can at least buy it online (I hope) from the U.S. Its definitely good to show support for the anime you love because they’ll hopefully make more shows like it or styled like it.

And no worries, I will definitely continue to read your blog even after the second season gets subbed. Where else can I get decent intelligent conversation about my favourite show?

Yes I agree more Ryuuki! I’m amazed at how complex this anime gets. Its great to see things like the acupuncture (as mentioned in a few blogs above). I can vouch for acupuncture because I just had surgery on my hand end of May and I had bad swelling and pain and could not move my fingers at all so I had acupuncture and it only took half an hour all up and the swelling went down, and I could move all my fingers for the first time in a week!!

Back to Saiunkoku - its even interesting they add details such as the type of stone/alloy used for the surgical knife.

I’m in suspense! Can’t wait to find out what Ryuuki is doing with Riou…

@ayumi and alym: Well, if you really want to be spoiled, you can look at my site (click on my name) and I have some blog entries up that have spoilers for the current arc. However, this will really spoil you badly, so I would only do it if you really, really want to know more.

This episode sounds so good.

Its one of the many reasons I love this show, it does drama so well!

For the Hyou clan, I believe that it is because they do not have any females to reproduce with. Unless you believe in the situation of ermm one girl with a whole clan of guys, it means that only one guy can have the interaction with the sole girl in the clan. I am sorry for making it slightly unclear.

To add, I think Riou is the only one that has the chance to be with Shuurei’s mother which is why the cult member is probably complaining that the other guys do not have females. As they are very close minded in their contact with the outside world, the lack of females in the clan means that they appreciate females much more.

I wonder what Ryuuki is going to do though, since Ryuuki gave HIM the sword after drawing it. Wonders @_@

@Ayumi: I think the LJ community for saiunkoku might have some details on the novel. I am not sure though.