As the plot continued to convulse, our daily detectives, Shuurei, Tantan and Seiran are on the lookout to understand who is behind this conspiracy of fake paintings. The appearance of Heki Youyuu continued to elude us as well, as we are trying to figure out what is going on. Kaling’s running around like a mad woman without the pill must have a reason of sorts, and we will finally realize the true identity of the boy at the top right screenshots. Or will we?
Nevertheless, despite the more light hearted plot after the extremely heavy cult arc, this arc nevertheless throws up a lot of questions about Shuurei. Why is she working still? Why is she battling so hard? Why does she not know the happiness of a woman?
Episode summary
Shuurei and co continued on their search of the paintings, and Seiran found a skilled person following them still. Suou Shin wondered why Shuurei was asking all around, and Seiran told him to use his head. As Shuurei went to talk with a child, Suou Shin wondered why. Shuurei told them that the price of salt and commodities increased by a little, and Suou Shin could not understand what this has to do with the case. Shuurei said it has no relationship. Sai Rin arrived, and Shuurei asked her to investigate about the buying of paper, paint and brushes. Seiran decided to go to Santa’s uncle, and Suou Shin went for fishballs.
Shuurei told Suou Shin that the investigation would be over. Suou Shin said she could just send a proposal to the officer about such a case, and leave it as that. Shuurei said she had to do everything that she could, but Suou Shin said it seemed that she said it simply for herself to enjoy. Suou Shin said she was an exiled official, and could not understand why she worked so hard. Even if she was not around, nothing would change, and she would only be abused by others if she was around. It was better to stay at home then. Shuurei then banged his head extremely hard with her head, and Shuurei said she was forcing herself to work hard because she had to.
Shuurei said that she needed to work hard in order to fulfill the promise of expectations on a certain guy (ho ho ho~). She said despite the fact that the world does not revolve around them, there are times where struggling to work hard pays off, just like when Shuurei was thanked by all the people in Sa province. Once a person withdrew, it was hard to stand up. Shuurei acclaimed that If people were to just relax and not do anything at all, what would happen? Shuurei said being angry made her more motivated, as Santa wondered why he loved such a woman. When Seiran got back, Shuurei ate way too much, and Seiran said he found quite a lot of fake gold coins.
Shuurei told Suou Shin to check, and thanked Suou Shin for his “treat”. Hakumei still could not return home. Kochou also hung a painting up for one of the bosses. Kochou said the artist was very talented, and Kaling returned extremely tired. Kaling asked if a very stone-like guy looked for her, before getting excited over a painting that was named Gardener。 She fainted from exhaustion after that. The next day, the “Gardener” was missing as Kaling “borrowed” it for a while. Suou Shin arrived tomorrow, as he said that Shuurei’s SCARY aide, Seiran went over to his house and told him that he would be cursed by the raccoon if he did not come.
Shuurei said there was some place thye had to go. Ryuuki and co were still finding Kaling as well, but it seemed like Kaling was trying to look for a garden. Shuurei went to Hakumei, and Hakumei did not bathe for three days as they kept their distance. Suou Shin said he could not understand why Shuurei worked so hard, and he could never have any energy to make an effort. Seiran related the story about the kid yesterday, whose mother died from labor, and her father was out for business. The little girl was desperate as she carried her new born brother to Shuurei. Shuurei then went around to find help, and Suou Shin said it was not the job of officials. Seiran retorted that if people did not find officials to solve such issues, who would do it?
Shuurei was not only dealing with the false paintings, but also for the child as well as finding out about things about the captial. Suou Shin said he would never be able to do it. Hakumei determined that all the paintings are fake, and Shuurei found a painting that was shown during the celebration of their advancement as an official. Hence, the person who drew this seemed to be related to officials. The investigation department would probably be dealing with it, and Shuurei’s involvement might disrupt their process. Moreover, the head has extremely high pride, that hated to lose.
The stone-man, who was Hakumei’s elder brother, was shown the images. It seemed that Hakumei knew who the culprit was, and the elder brother was trying to find Kaling for two months. Hakumei added that the Heki clan had to act. Ryuuki finally found out where Kaling was from a merchant as they rushed over. Shuurei then looked at the tree in her house, as it bloomed. As there are no guards, Suou Shin entered and Suou Shin said Shuurei is the type of person he hated. That was why he would not listen to his father’s proposal.
Being with Shuurei would be tiring, and went on a tirade. Suou Shin said he was impressed that Shuurei never questioned why Suou Shin never worked hard. Hence, he thanked her as he said her mother used to say that he should never hinder anyone who really worked hard. Suou Shin decided to bring Shuurei to her house, and asked Seiran around because he would be killed by “the fierce aide if he is to bring Shuurei alone”. Ryuuki finally found Kaling, and they were called low lives. Shuuei remembered how Kochou said Kaling was extremely strict with men. Ryuuki asked about Heki Yuukoku, only for Suou Shin and Shuurei to arrive. As they entered a house, a little boy was drawing and the boy was Kaling’s child, Banli.
Thoughts
Ehh, is the kid Heki Yuukoku or is he perhaps the imitation artist? Why is Tantan or Suou Shin holding him in his house? These are the two raging questions that came into my mind when I watched this episode. I find it really out of the blue for Suou Shin to be keeping such a boy in his house, since he does not look like the type that will harbor any evil intentions. He looks way too lazy to do anything like that. My speculations are that Heki Yuukoku went around roaming after Kaling ran off suddenly to some strange interest, and when she did return, Heki Yuukoku was already away.
Suou Shin somehow got into contact with the little boy, and somehow got him in. Yes, that makes almost no sense considering how that Suou Shin is so lazy that he will hardly bother to save anyone at all. In fact, I am deep smacked lost to speculate what really transpired between the two of them for this little kid, Banli to be drawing. He seems to be an extremely bright child too. Hakumei seems to know who the child is, so this child probably has some connections with Heki Yuukoku in order to draw so well, and the connection is that he is with the Heki clan. These are all major speculations though, so tell me how you see it.
In addition, the retort of Shuurei when they are eating fishballs is a rather powerful scene. She knew as well that she feels helpless and useless, and I find that her declaration to work hard in order to fulfill the promise of a person (Ryuuki) is extremely touching. It might not have been romantic at all, but I can so imagine the face of Ryuuki if he ever hears it. It is also a nice touch that Ryuuki and Shuurei finally got to meet each other at the end of the episode. I wonder how awkward it will be for the two of them to meet though, considering the many conflicting messages given to Shuurei about how officials do not care less about her plight.
This is definitely going to be rather touchy business, if you ask me. I wonder if Shuurei or Ryuuki will start talking to each other. I am very sure that Shuurei hardly blames Ryuuki for what he did, since she is smart and kind enough to know that Ryuuki will not deliberately do something that will hurt her. On the other hand, I find that Ryuuki, despite his huge love for Shuurei, also understands that he cannot do anything just for his love and he can only follow what is good for the country even if that means his own life will be screwed. It’s a sad life for sure, from how they look at each other, and they cannot express the things they want.
On the light hearted side of things, Seiran proves to be a completely malicious person to anyone other than Shuurei and his friends. I mean, waking up early simply to warn Suou Shin about a curse if he is to forsake Shuurei’s trip around is just so classic. Shuurei’s quizzical face over the whole issue really shows how much Seiran can be evil to others, but look like a complete gentleman to Shuurei. Oh, before the idiotic girlfriend of mine screams at me and goes like “Kyaaa, SEIRAN!”, he is actually very nice but will be extremely defensive to anyone against Shuurei. Do not play with Shuurei, people!
To end off, the preview seems to be about the child and why he is in Tantan’s house. Hmmm. I am still lost, so give me your opinions!
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37 Comments
I was under the impression that the child is the imitation artist; because he is a child, his skills are of a lower level, which is why everyone can see that his drawings are imitations. Kaling found him because he was smuggling clues by drawing his location; perhaps that is the only original painting, so Kaling immediately decipher that it was a clue and not an imitation.
The kid can’t be Heki Yuukoku, IMO, because he doesn’t have that level of skill yet. I think the guy following Shuurei and co. around is Heki Yuukoku.
I also don’t think Suou Shin is the culprit “confining” the kid to the house. I think the mastermind of the entire imitation thing is his father, hence his decision to bring Shuurei to his house to rescue the kid and the words he said to Shuurei.
IMO, it’s time for Shuurei and Ryuuki to meet and talk. Shuurei promised that they will see each other when the sakura blooms. And now that the sakura has bloomed, it’s time for them to continue their relationship.
I’m interested at the people knocking on Rin’s door. Who are they, and what do they want?
~Lalalalalala!~ Not spoiling! ~Lalalalalala!!~
Thanks for the summary as usual. I am yet to look at this episode so I shall read your summary later.
btw. Thanks for considering putting up larger pics in your summaries.
@Briar: Tantan becomes Heki Yuuyoku O_O. That sounds so darn queer because he does not even look like anyone who will DO ANYTHING at all. Ermm, ya, that is right, I do not even think he will draw anything to save his life since he looks so darn lazy. Nevertheless, you might be right since there is really no one else that can fit the bill, and Saiunkoku Monogatari never suddenly throws someone into the bill.
Of course, there is only one more mystery person here, which is the person that is tracking Seiran and Shuurei all the time. It’s either Tantan and this tracking stalker then. My bet is probably Tantan, but trust me to be totally shocked since it gives me cognitive dissonance.
Arr, the part about the drawing being a clue where he is was something I did not think about. Now to think of it, that sounds pretty logical, and the idea about the father being the mastermind might be true too. Tantan shouldn’t really be Heki Yuukoku if …he has a father not from the Heki clan….no? I think…
@L-chan: EVIL EVIL EVIL
@Bootoye: no problem. It just slipped my mind when I did the entry ;_;
Hmm, it actually looks and sounds like Kaling might be Hakumei’s sister and the other guy is his brother-in-law, no? I mean just going off of their appearances, they look to be more blood-related than the other guy (Kaling and Hakumei share similar color hair and eyes, eh?). Maybe it’s just me, sorry. ^^;
Hahaha… I love Shuurei and her temper. ^^ It’s refreshing how I can relate so well with her. I loved how she just eats tons of odango (Mmmm…) dishes to quell her anger… then charges it to Tantan-kun. ^.^
@Pandalin: They are in fact, confirmed in this episode to be siblings. Maybe i didn’t make it that clear. I think that she is going to be really fat if she exists in real life, though with her metabolism at moving around all the time, maybe not
Well, the charging of the food to Tantan-kun is a good touch. It shows how she is still holding on to her feminine anger
Impz, thanks for continuing to post these summaries while we wait…patiently…for the kind souls subbing the episodes. You rock! I’ve read summaries of the novels, so I know what’s going on and don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun. I hope it’s not really a spoiler to say that from what I’ve read, Yuukoku is a genius title along the lines of Ryuuren.
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I’m really looking forward to this arc because it starts off simple and turns into a deep and murky pool. INTRIGUE! Ok, I’m shutting up. Thanks again!
Oops, sorry for misreading then. ^^; I thought you were referring to the guy as being Hakumei’s (blood) brother.
My bad. Why do you think she’d be really fat? o.O
Thanks again for the summary! I forgot to mention that since it was so late and I was just typing what was fresh on my mind after watching that episode. Your translations certainly do help a ton at explaining what’s going on. ^^
I love how they non-nonchalantly brought in Hakumei as a support/minor character in the first season, and it turns it all around showing that he may in fact be a major character during this arc! SaiMono is by far the best and deepest story I have encountered in such a loooong time! It’s so refreshing, especially with only having been able to watch anime’s that don’t have much depth to them. *sigh*
Thanks for the updates…but please no more encouraging updates for Ryuuki and Shuurei that really depresses me.
I don’t see all the hype over Ryuuki. I hope the meeting is akward between them. I want Shuurei to get back on the political horse and climb her way to the top. She can’t do that married to Ryuuki. And I wish people would stop feeling bad for him…for crying outloud, he is a bi-sexual king who can have multiple wives. He can easily love someone else. Does anyone honestly believe that he will be faithful to Shuurei for the rest of his life? Poor Shuurei…as she will end up marrying Ryuuki and giving up her dream. Then while she is crying over Ryuuki’s unfaithfullness, who do you think will still be by her side? Serian! As far as I’m concerned Serian or Kuyoou are the only two who will be a good match for her and encourage her on her path towards her dream.
Now back on track:
As for the child…well since Kaling work in a brothel, I will say that the child is The stone-man, Hakumei’s elder brother, that is why she is running from him. At least my opion. I’m excited to see where it goes.
Thanks for the summaries. I really love this series!
I think the child is a very talented artist whose talent is being exploited by whoever is running the “fakes” ring. The family of Sou Shin might be involved, but Sou Shin himself doesn’t seem to have the character or aptitude for this kind of setup.
i love shirley hong… =D
@Sakujun: Don’t mind me putting your text in spoilers because I am not sure whether it is one or not. Deleting it will be way too painful since you took your time to do it, so i put it under spoiler tags ^^.
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The plot is still quite simple currently. I do wonder what the twist is, and the reason behind the fraud. I do not think it is merely a greedy official trying to get some petty cash.
@Pandalin: He is his blood brother. Haiz, I think me writing during a period when I am working decently hard makes it hard for people to understand. You are right, sorry for the confusion.
I think that it is always the charm of Saiunkoku Monogatari to bring in possibly small characters and throw them into the main arc. I mean, the supposedly main character Ryuuki and Seiran have been little more than side characters previously, and now they have a bit of stake in the current arc. That is how Saimono works out well!
I am glad it helps, and do clarify things because I tend to write them quite fast and might confuse people ^^
@Healther: Arr, I feel that Saiunkoku Monogatari is not only a political show, but also a romance anime as well. The thing is that it is disguised that he is a bi-sexual initially before the show to display his competence and get rid of enemies that might plot against him. After that, he hardly does anything frivolous at all.
In addition, he can probably get a lot of girls, but he has not done so. He is waiting still for Shuurei, and will probably be so. I really cannot see Ryuuki as an unfaithful man, simply because he is finally trying to be a good king. A true good king needs loyalty and belief, and his vow to wait for Shuurei should be treated with the utmost respect.
Nevertheless, you are definitely fine to respect Shuurei’s political drive upwards. I have to politely disagree that Ryuuki has done a lot of sacrifices and risks (the women permit for exams, the Sa cult) for Shuurei in order for her to do well.
@Fudge: Arr, I also feel that Suou Shin looks too lazy to do something like that. I wonder who is behind it, and I wonder what his father is in the first place
IMPZ … You are right in saying that part of the fun is the romantic side of the story. But again, I’m rooting all the way for Si Serian. I’m touched at the deep connection between him and Shuurie. I think it is cute how he can not stand any (expect his brother of course) to be with her in the romantic sense. I was totally touched last season when he asked her if he was speacial to her…and her answer and episode or two later was he was the second most speacial person to him. Sa Sakajin (i know i didn’t spell his name right) understood what that meant. Plus, (I’m sorry for you Ryuuki fans please don’t hate me i know they are going to end up together.) Look at what the two men say to her… Ryuuki says I want YOU by MY side. (Note that everything he does do for her is to try to make her love him…not because he wants to do it for her altimate happiness aka whether or not she is with him) Si Serian: says I will always be by YOUR side. (Note that everything he tries to do for her, he does believing it will make her happy, whether or not he has her.)
Also, as for Ryuuki hasn’t done anything yet (in the way of romance), you are right. BUT it is really hard for him. In all honesty, the main thing that lost me rooting for him (besides seeing Si Serian’s obvious love for Shurrie in the later part of season one) was when Ryuuki went to capture a glimpse of her (when she was traveling to SA providence) and they missed her. While Shūei and Kōyū were praising her for what she had accomplished, Ryuuki didn’t even acknowledge what she did and just whinned about not being able to see her.
all in all, I’m just begging for you to do the cutesie stuff with her and Si Serian. Give this fan some hope! You are all I have for the current updates! (AND TRUST ME WHEN I SAY HOW GRATEFUL TO YOU I AM!!!!) Like I loved how you pointed out and showed the clipped of how Si Serian blushed (I would love to know what she said to make him do that!). And even though she doesn’t want to dissapoint Ryukki…She did say (I think that is what you wrote) that she could only go forward because she knew Serian was protecting her from the back.
Now isn’t that a nice thought… hehehe
But either way, I love this series and I’m glad I have people to share my views with. I’m so hoping season three will push foward. You really should read the manga as it is different from the anime (12 volumes!!!)
Aww maan. Sorry Heather, I’m pro Ryuuki and Shuurei (catfight!! hahaha Just kidding. PEACE PEACE!! LOVE AND PEACE!!) Well, i think all your points are valid. Although, I dunno. I think Seiran’s love for Shuurei is beyond romantic love. A lot of philosophers say that the greatest form of love is friendship and I think that’s how Seiran thinks of Shuurei. It’s like… a selfless thing. He wants to do everything for her. Or even do everything to “preserve” her. The way he acts/reacts around Shuurei is way different than how he reacts/acts towards everything else. I think it’s more like, wanting to live his life to keep her safe/willingness to “die” for her (see, he doesn’t mention anything about himself)And he gets so frustrated when Shuurei grows and seems to not need him anymore, or she’s become so “able” and “independent” that she doesn’t need him/he can’t help her anymore (a theme in Season 1 + earlier parts of Season 2)
Ryuuki, while more “selfish”, wants companionship with Shuurei. Now this companionship is something he cannot have (whereas Seiran can have this freely) and by giving this up/not getting it, he’s so whiny. Haha. And well, i think he really acknowledges what Shuurei has been doing, it’s just that acknowledging it out loud reiterates how far she is drifting away from him. This makes him pissed. a lot. Not just at their circumstances, but at himself. So in this light, I can say that Ryuuki also has the “Selflessness” Seiran has, although it’s of a different nature. Ryuuki’s love for Shuurei, i think is of a romantic nature. He wants to be with her and he wants both of them to complement each other. Because hey, you have to remember, Ryuuki is a poor unloved child. I may be overthinking this but well, I suppose Shuurei is the only person aside from Seiran that genuinely cared for him, that’s why no matter what, he’d stay loyal to her and do everything he can to make her happy – of course in the hopes of someday, somehow, she’d realize that he loves her and she’d come to love him and all that. It parallels Shouka and Shuurei’s mom’s relationship (…forgot her name, sorry) Shouka says, “it was I who needed her, not the other way around”, yet you’d feel sorry for Shouka because he was willing to give up everything for her, even not get the the relationship he wanted just to have her near him. This is something Ryuuki is also willing to do = except that SHUUREI CAN’T BE WITH HIM by the way things are going because of Shuurei’s dreams of becoming an official, and Ryuuki becoming more secluded for being an emperor – and Ryuuki knows this, that’s why he’s extra pissed, and why he deserves a lot of sympathy. So Ryuuki’s predicament is either to “bend” shuurei to his will (which is bad) or let her go and have her dream and be happy and be forever away from him (Which is also bad) so there.
I suppose Seiran also went through the same phase, the one where he would want to do everything for shuurei because she showed him love, etc. But I suppose but you have to remember, he was with her as a child and so he probably saw Ryuuki in Shuurei and since he was somehow “adopted” by Shouka uh… he didn’t develop romantic feelings for her? Ok. maybe this is pure speculation
Sorry sorry, I couldn’t help myself. Sorry sorry. I said too much. Hahha, But anyway, Heather, I think Seiran x Shuurei is very plausible/acceptable/probable. I respect all those people who like this pairing, heck. I like her with everyone. (except sakujun. I really can’t make myself like the guy…)
Hey I’ve been reading your comments about Shuurei-Ryuuki / Shuurei-Seiran relationship…very interesting
I’ve only started watching this anime last week and so far I’m at episode 10 of the first season. Very funny!! Because the main theme of this season is to establish the different character’s personality and also to lay the foundation for Shurrei and Ryuuki’s relationship I’ve got to say that I really like them together and hope that they eventually do end up together…though from reading posts and later episode summaries..things will obviously get more complicated.
I love the ‘complexity’ of this show…and everyone’s relationship with each other…I like Seiran too….and I like Ryuuki….and I like Koyou….(sigh)…
I’ve read some chapters of the Manga..and the relationship between Shuurei & Ryuuki is a little different from their relationship in the anime…Shuurei is a little “less friendly” in the Manga…and Ryuuki a little less “gentlemanly” LOL.
I’m so looking forward to watching all the back episodes of Saiunkoku til I reach the current episodes so I can join in more recent discussion….
I’m with Uruz 8 on the whole Ryuuki vs. Seiran issue as far as Shuurei is concerned. My reasoning is that I see ALL of Seiran’s actions as something a big brother would do for his lovable little sister. He protects her like a little sister and treats her like a little sister. He acts just as the specified role that is given to him: A retainer of the Kou family. *shrugs* He has never shown signs of romantic love towards Shuurei.
I’m gonna put it behind a spoiler tag because my post is *really* long. x_x
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Although, Heather… there’s nothing wrong with fantasizing about your favorite coupling! I don’t mean to rip it apart, and I’m not necessarily one of the fangirls who are pro RyuukixShuurei (because I’m not necessarily “rooting” for them, just kinda going with wherever this story goes) so please don’t think I’m just trying to say “you’re wrong” or whatnot. :\ I just don’t see a SeiranxShuurei coupling happening.
And for the love of God… please don’t refer Kou Shuurei as “Shirley Hong.” *winces* Geneon screwed up soooo bad there. I mean I understand what they were trying to do (capture her “Chinese” name since it seems to take place in a “Chinese”-like setting) … but no. Please don’t!!! T_T SaiMono is NOT in China!!!! I’m Chinese but still can’t stand how they changed that in their adaptation!!! x_x I have no idea where “Shirley” came form though. Ugh. It should be pronounced something like “SHEW-RAY”, not Shirley. ~_~
(oops, spoiler tag didn’t work. Gomen nasai! m(_)m )
and fixed with that spoiler, I got to comment but marking so many papers is killing me. ^^ I will promise to comment when i get back home (which seems like an eternity considering how much answer sheets I have to deal with).
Sigh, let me go back to drawing crosses T_T
I know from the ’shuurei’ point of vue, Seiran may not be a possible match for her… But I must admit that I totally prefer him ^_^
Ryuuki is too whiny, and childish. He has good points, sure, but I would chose someone like Seiran anytime. (Not to mention he is divinely-handsome ^^)
Anyway, thanks for the summary, as always. It really help!
(And forgive my poor english…… I usually speak french)
I love the summary, the comments, everything!! It gives me an insight to every episode and the ideas, and speculations really help! Like how Serian and Shuurie could happen and same as Ryuuki and Shuurie! Its tons of fun……Heres what I think… Ryuuki truly cares for Shuurie but since he hasn’t been with her for a long time and he cant stay with her it gets on his nerves and thats when he starts to act like a whiney baby. Then also Shouka was the closest kind of parenting that Ryuuki could get since Serian disappeared so thats why he was looking for that motherly instinct in a woman wich he found with Shuurie so he cant let her go. Serian to me is more considereable and since he knows what Ryuuki went through as a child he allows Ryuuki to be with Shuurie even though he may also have romantic feelings for her because hes not a shelfish. Also maybe he feels very responsible for the outcome of Ryuuki’s tragical child life for not being there and sees Shuurie as a good match for him so he dosent over react. Just remember this people since the beggining Shuurie always showed her intentions of making Saiunkoku a better empire which included starting with the emperor. Although she may love Ryuuki as well, what she went through as a child has impulsed her to strive to become an official and make the empire a better place. So I wouldnt get my hopes up for her because its not her main priority. I have noticed that every time an anime series comes out and it displays handsome main characters everyone automatically starts to pair up so it might not necessarily happen with this series….sorry if this disappointed or made anyone mad but I really do endorse any kind or paring as long as it doesnt include sakujun cause hes creepy and to pretty…. O_o
But the little boy at the end is just to adorable!!!! Plus I think that hes the smart kind because of his paintings* if they are his…are really good!^^ So yea I cant wait for the next episode and thnx!^^
Where do you get all this? O_O
OKAY I’M BACK!! HEHE
Pandalin.
I totally agree with you on the Ko vs Hong! What is up with that! That was the one complaint about them transfering it to english. Now as for the bi-sexualness of our favorite hottie king…I hate to tell you this. BUUUUUTTT he is. It is clearly stated in the Manga and only insinuated (hinted/suggest) in the anime. My guess is they do this to make Ryuuki more likeable to the audience. So, just going my the insinuations from the anime.
(I don’t know how to submit a spoiler so don’t read if you dont’ want to know)
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And I LOVE the pairing or Egiusue and Korin
Edited by the Evil Impz to add the spoiler
Okay as promised… but it is long, so I’m breaking it up part one is on Shurrie. Serian x Shuurie love or in love. Note: I’ll be mentioning both Anime and Manga
First, I believe that Shuurie and Serian are both very deeply in love with each other but neither is aware of it…at first. I will start with subtle hints. At first, watching the anime I didn’t think anything of the two. But as the anime progressed, little things began to show through. Now I do agree with both CariCandyXD and Impz on their take about how Serian loves her. But I think it goes deeper than that. I do believe Serian is in love with her. Unlike her however (who is not aware of how much in love she is with him), I think he is aware of it.
Shuurie’s mother points it out. Saying that Shurrie is quite take with him. Let’s look at Shuurie. She was raised with Serian at her side. Could it be possible that no one has been able to win her heart because she has given it away since she was a child? Could she have been in love with Serian for so long that it has become unknown to her? Notice how she compares men to him? (One of the reasons Ryuuki was jealous of him) Notice how she lights up when she sees him. Notice how she is always telling Serian how beautiful/handsom/goodlooking he is. Notice how she watches him as much as he watches her. Notice how she is always quick to jump to his side. Notice how much she wants him to rely on her like she does on him. Notice how she wants him by her side. And notice because he is by her side, she can do anything because of it. I find it strange that she is interested in the person who most resembles Serian…Ryuuki. How Ryuuki’s hands are like Serian’s hands (talk about notice to detail) and how Ryuuki will say things that sound like something Serian would say. Now in the Manga, the relationship is more intense between them. She is always reaching out to touch and hug Serian. And I found it VERY interesting in the Manga how when Shuurie went to her father to assure him that nothing happen between Ryuuki and herself (the first night they slept together). Shoka wasn’t worried because they just slept next to each other. She was upset by this and made a comment about Ryuuki being a man. Shoka then said “Well don’t you OFTEN asked Serian to sleep with you? And who is it during a thunderstorm, that clings to HIM (not her father) so tightly and refuses to let go all night?” She turns red with embarrassment. Well if it didn’t mean anything, why is she embarrassed, and more importantly, why is she often asking him to sleep with her? Likewise She refers to Serian in the Manga as a manservant/worker who stays with her family out of gratitude for taking him in. It is clear that she does not regard him as her family, in the brotherly fashion. Also in the Manga, she is A LOT less friendly about Ryuuki advances towards her. Granted, I’ve only been able to read up too volume 2, but there are different dynamics.
Now on the Serian Romantic Love, since so many of you claim that it is not there. I must respond to show that my thoughts are not without cause. Again, these are little things (that make it so much better than the big banner waiving). It really started with Ensei (I LOVE HIM)!! If you notice, he is always watching the two of them and tries so hard to foster the love between them. He said to Serian “Why do you marry her? Then she can follow her dream and everyone will stop trying to marry her.” It caught my attention that Serian didn’t say anything but changed the subject. I wondered why he didn’t say no. Because he does love her and would marry her…if he thought himself worthy or knew that she wanted him that way. It also shocked Ensei that Serian didn’t get angry over Ryuuki kissing Shuurie. Serian response was interesting. “It means nothing.” We see later what happens when it means something (Sakujun). Plus I do agree with CariCandyXD about how and why Ryuuki, being the only one who Serian will allow to have Shuurie. Serian’s romantic love is also seen as he gives her a whole bunch of pink roses. Now why would a man, who only thought of a woman as a sister take so much time to pick that many roses…and pink? For that matter, how many brothers give their sisters flowers? Most men who feel romantic feelings don’t do that, yet Serian, who is in deep love does. I say deep love because I really believe his love encompasses romantic feelings but goes much deeper than that.
Anyway, Serian’s love really comes out when our favorite creepy man appears Sakujun. First, Sakujun asked why she was buying that one kind of tea, her response was for special people that she would make it for (but the only one she makes it for is Serian and that is because it makes him happy…) Sakujun stops, and asks Shuurie if she has someONE special. She says yes (ghee, I wonder who that is). Sakujun learns who it is when Serian appears and she mentions to Serian (calming him down suddenly) to do his job and then she will make that tea. And for those of you who think I’m making too much of the tea…I want to point out that so did Sakujun because he knew the implications behind it. Serian. She only makes that tea for the ONE SHE LOVES…Serian. That is their intimate, romantic, symbol. But to go further into the romantic love of Serian for Shuurie, like his jealous flash back of Sakujun holding her. Which brings the sudden terror that someone might be taking her away from him, that she might be falling in love. Why would this notion upset him (besides Sakujun being a creep), because it is not him she is falling in love with. I think that Serian had always hoped that one day she would look at him and want him, but he would never force that feeling on her (unlike a certain younger brother whom she keeps telling no too). Because in the episode when she made that special tea for him and the first thing he asked her (very sadly) was. “Am I…special to you?” Again, no important if brotherly love. Then he followed it like a jealous husband inquiring about why his wife was acting strangely “What is this man to you? Why haven’t you put your hair up? What did he say to you?” Then the moment of confession as he embraced her. “I knew you would fall in love one day. I have always known this. But not with this man…(tells her how creepy he is)…Even I am better than he is.” Then he walks out. Showing in that moment that because of his past he doesn’t feel worthy of her, but that if she was to consider such an unworthy man…even he is better… How sad! Think I’m reading too much into it. Then remember back to the cell when he and Ensei were talking. He was ashamed of his past and would kill anyone who dares to tell her about it. Why would it matter so much to him. Because, he didn’t want her to think less of him, he didn’t want to loose what part of her he had. Lastly, there was the part when she made tea for him again. Announcing that he was her 2nd favorite person as she rushed to his side and became embarrassed (hence the hehehe she did) about making her feeling so known. But, upon hearing that he was #2 made he wonder “should I be happy or cry”. Then when he found out who #1 was he asked about Sakujun again. After she told him that she wasn’t in love with Sakujun and was just overcome with his passion towards her and his beauty. Serian laughed. She then told Serian that he didn’t understand what it was like to be “ordinary in appearance” because he is so beautiful, and it can be overwhelming when a beautiful person pursues you. This made Serian very happy because he knew that she wasn’t in love and she told him he was very beautiful.
There are other small “I love you” moments in the anime but I trust that you will see them now. Granted, it isn’t waived like a banner…but that is what makes it more touching for me. And remember, this wasn’t a Serian better than Ryuuki case, it was an answer to posts about how there is not romantic love between them. Like all good stories it is hinted at, which makes it so much fun. And just for the record I do like Ryuuki, I’m just waiting to see more development occur. Then I’m sure I will jump on the band wagon with everyone else.
I am so not typing any of this again…it took WAY to much time. Really, I am a nerd! LOL
lol… I feel bad/sorry for poor Impz. XD So many fangirls debating about couplings on his weblog, eh?
Anyways, Heather… you have stated rather sound points in your post. Thanks for all of that! I guess I just kinda took everything in a more platonic fashion. *shrugs* I never really had any said vibes, but I tend to be rather ignorant when it comes to love myself. ^^; Heh. It was great insight all in all. Someday, I’d like to collect/read the manga myself (if it ever becomes translated ^^) but for now, my only access to this story is via the anime. You’re probably right about the whole Ryuuki bi-sexual bit as well. I guess deep down I was just hoping it was just a cop-out/excuse/show and not the real thing. ^^; *sigh* That he was just really confused since he was never really shown what love was outside of Shouka and his visits to the archives.
One thing I’d like to say just from my point of view is that if Seiran really truly loved Shuurei, he shouldn’t keep anything a secret from her, including his past. His past is his past; he had very little control over it. But oh well… it’s just a fantasy story written by a very talented author! ^^ Not my story. XD I’m just gonna enjoy it as it is and not really “fight” the outcome of the story. :3 Whoever Shuurei ends up choosing to be with (if any! ._.) will be totally fine by me. It’s not the coupling aspect of the story that is keeping me entertained/interested in the show after all. ^^ It’s just one of the aspects of a brilliantly constructed story!
From what I see there’s a lot of Shuurei x Ryuki Shi vs Shuurei x Seiran Shi debate going on. Yeah its hard not to notice that a guy would give pink roses to any lady if he never meant anything towards the lady. But in the earlier episode we also saw Shuurei having a romantic feeling on Ryuki Shi.
In the world of Anime, the female lead in Paradise Kiss did not even have the hapily ever after with the romantic male, George. In fact many of the anime does not have the happy ending which the female lead gets to be with her knight in shinning armour.
So I would not put a lot of hope either Shuurei will end up with either ryuki or Seiran since both have been having feeling on her since god knows when although I still hope that Shuurei will choose Ryuki.Any anime ending is unpredictable coz thats juz the nature of anime.
T_T how am I going to reply to everyone. It’s hard desu, but I will try my best as usual ^+^ I actually tried to get my girlfriend to reply for me but she simply told me to do something else for her instead. Anyway, replying replying replying!
@Uruz 8: A catfight? *films*. Well, I actually was discussing this with my girlfriend all the way in the US using skype over this issue. We felt that Seiran’s form of love is something more of a brotherly type (I forgot what she said) rather than one of romance. In a way, Seiran is a bit too dependable on her not in the romantic sense, but has this issue with mental strength. Shuurei has become a pillar of support already.
I believe both Seiran and Ryuuki are badly unloved children. In a way, Seiran is just about the same with Ryuuki in terms of having an emotional imbalance in terms of support. The more recent support shown by Youshun means that Ryuuki is no longer alone and unloved as well. That is something I simply want to add on ^^
@Malwethien: I believe that things are always getting worse since the harem just gets bigger and bigger. It will never end and soon Shuurei will become the first female official to have multiple husbands, including Reishin! X_X;;;
The relationship is a bit different? Arr, I will love to get your into the recent discussion. Tempt tempt tempt. Go watch it quick!
@Pandalin: I really do not think that Ryuuki is looking for motherly sense. If so, he can always go for Shusui, no? I believe that Ryuuki realizes that Shuurei is the only one that he knew currently that cared without asking for anything in return. It is rather hard to find a woman of pure heart, not yearning for power or riches when dishing out advice (and a few punches to add).
In a way, it can be seen as a motherly figure. However, I am very sure that Ryuuki sees her as a companion that will never falter. Do not worry about fangirls debating about couplings. I always argue for an unique pairing in Ryuuren x Shuurei, and get shot down. But i will get up again!
@Mimi: You are definitely pardoned. I am a guy (surprisingly, the two bloggers sticking with this series are both guys, what the hell is wrong O_O). Nevertheless, Seiran is perhaps not a good fit as explained earlier. The Sa arc shows that there is still a lot of hatred in his heart, and the imbalance of treatment means he will always have that pain. Seiran might not be able to truly give love.
@Clari: Hmm, I just cannot see Shouka as a parent sometimes since he is such a screwed up when it comes to cooking or doing menial tasks. I always laugh and wonder if Shuurei is the daughter or mother for Shouka. It’s rather hilarious.
Ya, the little boy looks really cute and pinchable. I do want to know quickly who he is and figure it out.
@heather: I think that the fantasizing of your favorite character is fine…as long as you do not hit my girlfriend’s level. I better shut up before she starts kicking me when I finally get to travel to the united states again ^_^;;
@Lily: Hmm, I actually fully agree with you in this. The thing is that despite the framing of romance in Saimono, this show does not concentrate that much on the romance part…Sigh.
again sorry sorry. Hahaha, i could not help myself.
Heather’s points were all valid. And i think the shuurei-loves-seiran thing is pretty obvious. I don’t think I should add anymore to what had been said, or i might incite a war or something.
I think, the better question should be, If I were shuurei, who/what would I pick (career/love ==> Which one among the lively harem…?) Or for the gentlemen’s sake, if I were a part of the harem (…sounds disturbing)… who would I be, and what would my fighting chance be to get shuurei? (That is if i want her at all…)Hahaha. I guess we should reserve that for the next time Saimono decides to put a huge cliffhanger and leave us episodeless for how many weeks.
Yeah, you guys were right. By the way things are going, it’s better/more plausible if Shuurei doesn’t end up with anyone at all.
Ok… last indulgence. When Impz said “got to comment but marking so many papers is killing me. ^^” All i can think of was…
*points at Impz* HAHA!! KOUYUU!!!! HAHAHA
Sorry, i can’t help myself.
Ok ok. Enough from me. I shall now keep my silence.
Uruz –
I love that comment about IMPZ being Kouyuu!! (laughing and wiping a single tear from my eye). That was great. No offense to you Impz, but it really was funny.
Impz as for the pairing of Ryuuren…I will say that is interresting. I’m courious to know (sense I have only been able to find season 2 up too episode 6). Why Ryuuren? Are the dynamics changing between the two of them? Or is it your own personal tast?
And does anyone know who Reishin’s wife is?? Has she been mentioned at all in the anime? From what I have seen she hasn’t.
And I’m still a little confused as to HOW or Exactly WHAT Shurrie did to loose her title as Gov? Could someone please explain that to me.
Hopefully the spoiler tag will work this time. ~_~
For Heather…
Shuurei lost her title because she went over and beyond the measures that the court wanted her to take to save Sa Province from the disease. She used a lot of resources and funds to save the sickly and they were not happy… so to basically shut them up, Ryuuki basically just put her on “probation.” He didn’t want to, but he had to do something to quell the flames of the court members. *sigh*
No mention of Reishin’s wife (outside of mentioning that he HAS one) has ever been shown as far as I know. o_o Odd as that is.
SaiMono season II hasn’t been translated past 6… raws can be found various places, although it’s been hard for me to locate a couple of them. I get all of mine from Saiyaman.info. It seems to play every Sunday… or at least that’s when I see the torrent for it up.
*wonders if she’s saying anything wrong/bad/out-of-place since her last post was deleted/eaten* T_T
Didn’t Reishin marry the girl who turned Kijin down because he was too pretty?
….
Nevermind
For all, it feels like I am going to kill myself later for writing this out, but I have a supreme lack of direction sense. I actually get lost all the time when I travel, but it is a good thing that I can find places with maps. So, I am not that bad as yet.
Work is piling up all the time, and it never ceases to end. It is a good thing that my research deals with anime blogging and the interaction of traffic flow within anime blogging.
~_~ yes, i am off topic, but I am bored at work. Being a master’s student and reading a hell ton of papers and data crunching for my thesis paper can be boring at times ^^
Hmm lots of good ideas about the whys of love and pairings. I’ll just stay the silent spectator there… guess its more fun to go with the flow of the story. (But I’m secretly a Ryuuki/Shuurei fan).
Impz – its handy that your study involves anime. Its gotta be fun or you wouldn’t be doing your masters in it right?
I kinda agree that Seiran is more like a brother to Shuurei, and his fierce protection of her is because he knows how precious she is in that she was unbiased and warm in her attitude toward him even though she didn’t know who he was when they first found him. Of course you would be vicious if anyone dared to intrude or threaten the person who cared for you and loved you like a family member. His over-protecting attitude is soo funny though, like in this episode making Tantan-kun come especially by waking up early to threaten him.
I agree that the scene where Shuurei left Tantan-kun to pay for the dango was soo funny!! And to knock her head so hard into his to the point where she’s got a tear in her eye! lol.
Tantan-kun is definitely too slack and in that way its suspicious, but I agree his father is the one to hold the child captive. Actually going back to the head knocking scene because of the flow of her tirade was going I thought she was going to throw that vegetable at Tantan-kun like Seiran did in the last episode.
thanx once again..
the part where Shuurei bangs her head on Tantan’s head was so scaryyyy.. lol i knew she had a hot temper but that was such a cool daring shot for a girl..
also Shuurei’s appetite for dango is truly impressive.. hehe.. feel sorry for Tantan having to pay for all that.. lol
funny.. even i wanna think that Tantan is the one they’re looking for, despite his personality n attitude. he seems to be hiding something. also the stalker.. he can’t be a genuine artist, the way he’s stalking.. can he?
Seiran goes from evil mode to gentle mode whenever he’s in the presence of Shuurei.. so cute.. hehe.. wonder whether he’s got a split personality.. lol
Noooooooooo it has to be seiran and shuurei
(( or if it does end up being ryuuki, can i pleease have seiran?? hes so hot!! but yeah, ive ben thinking the same thing – shes probably not going to choose either..maybe she’ll figure tat she likes both equally and stay single.
HoW cUtE tHeY aRe WhEn ThEy ArE tOgEtHeR!!!
Really like Heather’s write up on Seiran’s love for Shuurei.
Am a Seiran x Shuurei fan. I really hope they end up together!!!!
Guyz, can you pls. tell me where I can read the novels on SaiMono?