Elias has never been more terrifying.

The twenty-first episode of Mahou Tsukai No Yome (The Ancient Magus’ Bride) has aired and we are here to bring you a thrilling recap and review of this episode.

Recap

The episode begins with Elias reflecting on the centuries he has lived and the contrasting reactions from humans and fae towards him. However, it is Chise who holds a special place in his heart.

Meanwhile, rumors about the dragon incident in London are spreading among the neighbors. Aerial, who has helped Chise in the past, overhears these rumors and rushes to visit her.

Alice assists Adolf, who is exhausted from the recent events involving the dragon. Lindel, through Merituuli, apologizes for burdening Adolf with too much work. Adolf feels guilty for not being able to become a mage and be of use to Lindel.

Chise and Elias both sleep in the same bed to access a meeting with the witches in another realm. There, they meet Phyllis, the high priestess of the coven. However, the meeting is cut short when Mariel whispers to Elias that they could transfer the curse to save Chise.

Elias decides to follow through with this plan and seeks information from Tory at the College. He runs into Simon and Stella, leaving an ominous air hanging over him.

Aerial checks on Chise after hearing the rumors and voices her concerns. Chise, however, believes that things will change for the better soon. Aerial senses that Elias is up to something and asks Chise for a favor to be paid later.

Elias and Ruth conspire to sacrifice a child to save Chise. They use magic to make Chise sleep through it all, but Nevin (or rather her memory) advises Chise to wake up and go back home. She finds that Silky has been made to wait outside.

Carta confronts Elias and Ruth, accusing them of planning to sacrifice her. Chise witnesses this confrontation and gives them a dark glare. Elias admits to his jealousy over Chise’s relationship with Stella.

Aerial distracts Elias while Chise goes after Stella, only to discover that Carta is possessing her. Carta gives Chise an ultimatum – go with him and avoid death or refuse and Stella dies. Chise, with no other option, decides to go with him.

And thus, the episode ends.

Review

This episode covers chapters 38-40 of the manga, taking us deeper into the dark motives behind the actions of the characters. Mariel attempts to use Chise, Elias attempts to sacrifice Stella, and Ruth stands aside and allows it to happen. These characters are normally good-hearted, but love drives them to do questionable things.

The moments of silence in this episode build suspense and showcase the terrifying lengths these characters are willing to go for their loved ones. Chise’s betrayed expression is heart-wrenching, and it becomes clear that she can no longer trust those closest to her.

Stella, who has already suffered so much, finds herself being possessed and used as a bargaining chip. The complexities of the characters’ relationships and their sacrifices make for a gripping storyline.

We also learn more about Adolf and his guilt over not being able to become a mage like Lindel. Chise shares a similar sense of guilt for her past with her mother. These factors bring them pain that they cannot escape.

Overall, this episode delivers on its emotional weight and leaves us eagerly anticipating the upcoming adaptation of Chise’s past.

Differences in Materials

There are a few differences between the anime adaptation and the original manga material:

1. In the manga, we learn that Lindel’s master, Rahab, prepared the land for the dragons from the beginning.
2. Adolf is not a Magus or a Wizard in the manga. He feels abnormal and worthless due to his lack of talent.
3. The process of Chise and Elias entering the dreamscape with the witches is more detailed in the manga, involving a ritual with the full moon, lilies, and rosemary.
4. The meeting with the coven is fleshed out more in the manga, giving more information about their magic and how curses work.
5. The Aerial summoned by Elias in the manga is different from the one commonly seen with Chise.
6. Elias goes to the College to access a book on the ritual, which requires higher status.
7. Issac informs Phyllis that Mariel told Elias how to deal with the curse, causing tension among the witches.
8. Elias cannot put Chise to sleep immediately in the manga, and Carta can move Stella’s body more easily because of it.
9. Chise realizes the resemblance between Elias and Carta, recalling Elias’ previous words about being a monster.

And that’s everything!

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