Episode 7 shows the inhabitant’s way of life in the fortress of Valghia, as Ririha, Yaona, and Kaina wonder around the street. People are lining up for the guard to give them a certain amount of water, which is an important resource due to the water shortage. Some do not get them until the next day or so. Robbers are quick to steal things from others in exchange for water or for other purposes. Ririha, Yaona, and Kaina get robbed by three robbers, who will eventually save them in return for saving a life of a little girl, Chiru.
One emotionally charged moment is the ending. The discussion of the giant spiral tree reveals how Noze, the robber, and his family members think about the sage. It leaves the tree with a mystifying or curious feel. According to the dialogue between them and Ririha, Yaona, and Kaina, it sounds like it represents the tree of life. The robber’s family member says that the tree in Canopy can feed the entire planet. Yet, the robber does not believe it, as shown in his dialogue. He thinks the sage is just a fairy tale, based on the given circumstances he is in. People struggle to survive each day while war may happen.
The announcement of the little girl’s execution to force Ririha out into the public captured my attention. The uncertainty of whether Ririha would intervene to save her increased slightly in the beginning. Her action and what her brother says do not seem to indicate that she would come forth to save the little girl. Kaina would be the one to save her. His suggestions shown in Episodes 1, 4, and 6 assume that he would think of something, but no. She interferes to prevent the incident. Good for her.
The way Ririha, Yaona, and Kaina escape from the Valghian soldiers is not exciting. It does not intensify tension. There is no struggle or obstacle that gets in their way. Even when Noze’s dialogues reveals that Ririha’s chances of survival are all but zero if she fights Amerote, it is unbelievable. The repeated pattern of them rescuing and escaping from their enemy makes it predictable that they will escape easily. This is similar when they explore the country.
Overall, this episode is OK. It reveals quite a lot about how people live in Valhi and about the fortress of Valghia. Ririha’s action to try to save the little girl is unexpected. It slightly increases tension and surprise. The escape scenes and their exploration of Valghia do not heighten the suspense.
Rating: 6.3/10
| Characters, Season 1 Episode 7 | Cast |
| Kaina | Yoshimasa Hosoya |
| Amerote | Maaya Sakamoto |
| Ririha | Rie Takahashi |
| Ngapoge | Tomokazu Sugita |
| Yaona | Ayumu Murase |
| Noze | |
| Handagil | Nobuyuki Hiyama |
| Chiru |
