OVA 3: The Dry Wind
If you need to watch the episode, check out this post (community locked) for information!
Screencaps from here.
I wrote 95% of this last week, but it took me longer than I thought I would to choose the screenshots and resize them. There were so many great shots to choose from.
Summary:
We continue to ignore the happenings in OVA 1...
Wolfram tramps angrily through the Halls of Justice with Gunter behind trying to calm him saying that no matter what Wolfram is still the official fiancé.
We cut to the king's chamber where Gunter and Wolfram witness Yuuri surrounded by beautiful young maidens in skimpy belly-dance outfits, the "I dream of Jeannie" kind.
Wolfram gets angry, but thankfully, he is only dreaming of the Jeannies. He wakes up from the nightmare sweating and breathing hard and still mad as hell.
Yuuri is sleeping comfortably beside Greta. How dare he sleep so well when Wolfram is having nightmares. Time to fix that.
There's no rest for the wimpy.
At Shinou's temple, soldiers are busily preparing for a garage sale helping with spring cleaning. Dakaskos is trying to carry off King Tut's sarcophagus in the hopes of selling it on ebay. He bumps into something and dust billows. The shrine maiden doesn't have it on the list so she tells him to get rid of it for now.
Dakaskos and soldiers wheel the dusty replica of the time machine from the 1960 movie "The Time Machine" artifact into the courtyard of Blood Pledge Castle where it catches the eye of Poison Lady Anissina.
She walks with purpose (because Anissina always walks with purpose) to look for Gunter who upon googling "The Time Machine", finds out that the odd-looking mechanism is the forbidden magic item called "The Dry Wind" (special ability +2d20 clothes-drying).
Lasagna is excited about the find, "Big News! Big News!" because nothing is more exciting than laundry. She tells Sangria and Doria about the magical device that can tell the future of two lovers. Fortune telling machine! For lovers?! How exciting!
Meanwhile, Effe is serving deliciously evil pastries and tea to Gunter and Anissina. (Members of the audience try to figure out the role this mysterious new maid plays in the third season. Is she evil? Is she Yuuri's new love interest. There must be a reason she's got on a slightly different outfit.... Only time will tell. Hey, but look, we've got a time machine!)
She walks out and in walks the Prince Grumpy and Prince Corny. News of the love machine had spread like wildfire and the castle servants were abuzz with the news. Conrad says they need to do something about it. Anissina decides that the best thing to do is to experiment with it. She wants to test it on the couple with the greatest mutual love. Gunter gets excited, surely Anissina means he and Yuuri.
Conrad interjects that there is a couple that fits perfectly Conrad/Yuuri. Gwendal agrees surprised to hear his brother supporting Gwendal's and Yuuri's forbidden passion.
Later that evening, Greta asks if they would be able to see Yuuri's and her future. Yuuri assures her that as long as they love each other they don't have to be lovers.
Greta falls asleep. Wolfram tells Yuuri that he would be sleeping in his own room as he had something to think about.
Meanwhile, at Shinou's temple, Murata and Ulrike are talking about the Dry Wind. Ulrike regrets that she didn't get rid of the forbidden device much earlier because it caused great tragedy in the past... Dun dun dun... the plot thickens.
Early next morning, Wolfram practices on the balcony for the role of Juliet. Celi joins him and they look as the sun pours gold on the cityscape, ah such pretty picture, such pretty words. What a perfect moment to think about romantic thoughts. What a perfect time for Celi to remind Wolfram that they're testing the Dry Wind today.
Wolfram: Hey, I can see Russia from here.
Celi: Silly, Wolfie, that's Canada.
Finally, the moment of truth comes. Everyone gathers in the courtyard. Anissina announces Geigen Huber and Nicola as the first test subjects. Everyone is suitably excited.
Conrad and Yuuri are in the balcony waiting for their turn, Wolfram comes up and ask confirmation of the rumors that if two people sit in the movie replica of the time machine, that they would see their future. Yuuri says that it isn't enough to sit there. Anissina then reads from the manual (because forbidden magical devices always come with instruction manuals) that the couple needs to kiss to activate it.
Anissina: Stick tab F into slot B.
Wolfram is aghast. "A kiss? Like I could do that," he exclaims blushing at the very thought. Yuuri replies that no one is telling him to do it.
Is that a blush Yuuri? Why I think it is.
Meanwhile, below in the courtyard, Hube kisses Nicola.
What, we don't even get to see the kiss close up? I feel cheated. The Dry Wind lights up like one of the Wheel-of-Fortune slot machines in Las Vegas.
Gwendal is in his office because he's Mr. Grumpypants and the allure of the dangers of papercuts is more exciting than the forbidden love machine. As the excitement reaches a crescendo, the fortune-telling slot machine of love slows down for the big reveal-- the contestants have won A BRAND NEW CAR! that it was only a love compatibility machine and that *gasp* Hube and Nicola only score 45%.
Lord Briscella is quickly surmised as the cause for the low score. Even Gwendal gets up and expresses his disapproval. Oh, Hube, how you have shamed the family!
Nicola and Eru are not amused/ This has to be one of the most cracktastic screenshot in the history of ever.
Later, with the romantic background of the explosive colors of the setting sun, another couple passionately play with their swords (yeah, Studio Deen, no need to give me fanservice, I will find it myself in the most innocuous places). Conrad tells Yuuri that the experiments on the Dry Wind are ending tomorrow. Yuuri expresses disappointment, but it's a ploy to get Conrad to lower his guard as Yuuri tries becoming seme, literally (as in the not-yaoi meaning of seme - ya darn perverts!) Our uke Conrad cuts him off before Yuuri even gets near to poking him.
Yuuri: What's my name? Say my name, bitch!
Conrad: HA! You are one hundred years too early to be putting the moves on me, grasshopper!
Cut to Gunter studying for finals in the library.
And another cut where Murata is living it up with the girls of Phi Delta Kappa. Woohoo! And boy, does he lay it on thick.
Murata: Sweethearts, there are no girls on Earth as wonderful as you. Now give me some sugar, baby.... Or cookies.
The girls lap it up. Just need to get some more liquor, have them loosen those apron strings, and it's 'Girls Gone Wild: Shin Makoku'.
Unfortunately, *cue ominous music* Gunter interrupts the fun since he's not really into girls and why aren't there any videos 'Boys Gone Wild'? This Gunter demands videos of young men asking him for beads and asks for an audience with Murata.
Gunter has discovered the true reason why the forbidden magical wheel of fortune is being locked away. *More ominous music* *cue exposition* Gunter explains that there is a hollow on the front of the machine exactly in the shape of the Demon Mirror and that the demon mirror would unlock the true powers of the Dry Wind. *More ominous music* Murata's eyeglass glow ominously as he reiterates the properties of the machine. *more ominous music*
Drumroll.... And the Golden Globe winner for the most ominous and mysterious eyeglass reflection goes to...
In another part of the castle, Wolfram is busy painting while Greta reads one of Anissina's books.
Suddenly, the brush drops to the floor, Wolfram stops painting, Greta stops reading. Greta calls to Wolfram but he does not answer. He walks off entranced. (If you haven't guessed by the ominous music and the words like tragedy and forbidden, something is definitely up.)
That evening, Wolfram is lying on his bed in his own room. Something is amiss because he's not lying crooked, or halfway off the bed or with his leg up in the air, and he's not snoring gulu-gulu-gulu. He gets up, goes to the treasure room and we see the Demon Ramen Bowl of Visions.
Next day, soldiers conduct a frantic search. Gunter tells the Brothers Karamazov...something... but we get a scene change before we hear what he tells them. Presumably he told them about the powers of the Dry Wind.
Cut to the inner sanctuary of Shinou's temple. Ulrike gives her daily report to the walls. Murata walks in and remarks that it's almost as if he's here. Hmmm... who could he be referring to. Murata plays hard to get and says that he's more interested in Shibuya. (Clearly, someone has been reading The Rules: Time-Tested Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right.) Ulrike makes a sad face.
It's late at night, Wolfam walks in the royal chamber still in full uniform. He walks as if possessed. Yuuri is snoring and aw, look, drool.
We hear a thud and possessed!Wolfram is walking off with the king. But fear not, citizens, Captain Grumpypants and Captain Sexypants are here to the rescue.
Gwendal and Conrad plays Good Cop/Bad Cop
Gwendal: That's as far as you get, you king-stealing thief!
Conrad: And by the way, I was wondering, did you also happen to steal the Demon Mirror?
Wolfram: You are trying to steal what I've rightfully stolen.
Possessed Wolfram has no time for this. He summons the elements and throws fireballs at our heroes. From the outside, we see a large flash of fire, then Wolfram breaks through the glass window with the demon king in tow. Inside, the walls are singed but the heroes are unharmed. Gwendal does not look amused.
Yuuri is on the ground in front of the Dry Wind bound and gagged (Muwahahaha, just the way we like our-- ahem, I mean, quick work with the ropes there Wolfram. Good boy!)
Wolfram has the Demon Ramen Bowl of Farseeing and explains to no one in particular in a passionless voice that... oh god, do I need to repeat it. I mean, you guys already know right? Yuuri is still in the dark and he asks Wolfram (in a clear voice because gags can't stop the Maou) WTH, my BFF Wolfram!
Wolfram puts the Demonic Bowl of Noodle Clairvoyance into the cavity and voila, Systems Activate!
Wolfram places Yuuri into the machine and removes his gag (not that it was doing much anyway). He goes into the driver seat of the Tardis 3000 Dry Wind. Yuuri protests.
Yuuri: Oh Wolfram, no we can't kiss yet *blush blush*.
Murata runs in to stop the shenanigans.
Murata: Stop in the name of love, before you break my heart.
Shinou has possessed Wolfram and plans on smooching Yuuri; Murata stops him because he's jealous bad things happen when the Dry Wind's power is used.
But fear not, fans, Shinou would never let us down. He's going to give us a kiss no matter what. Yay! Shinou!
The Dry Wind explodes with light. The rest of the gang runs in.
Depending on your preference; Wolfram/Yuuri, Shinou/Yuuri, or Shinou/Wolfram/Yuuri are still smashing faces.
Gunter von Obvious tells us that the demon machine has activated. Anissina is very excited, "His Majesty and Wolfram are in there right?" Gwendal throws in that it's impossible to see the future.
The lights die down and the passion of their makeout session has completely fatigued the boys. That must have been some serious tonsil tennis if you were that tired.
Ulrike scolds Shinou.
Shinou-heika?!!!
Shinou-Heika appears on Murata's shoulder. Gwendal's reaction: "That form..." Gwendal could just hug him and squeeze him and call him George.
Murata reveals that it was just a prank and he calls Wolfram a tsundere XD. Shinou just wanted to grant Wolfram's wish. Ulrike reminds him that the machine shows the least wanted future of all the possible futures. What? You mean you can't see the future? Of course not, silly, it hasn't happened yet. But with hard work you can avoid it, so the wise Shinou says.
Next morning, in Yuuri's bedroom, Gisela finishes checking up on her patients and leaves.
Yuuri asks Wolfram if he really wanted to see their future that badly. Wolfram says he didn't want to see their future, he wanted to see Yuuri's future. Wolfram knows his own future. Yuuri suggest that they should try and avoid the future they saw. Wolfram agrees.
He never wants to see that scene again of him competing with loosely-dressed women for Yuuri's affection as he distributed flowers. Yuuri says that wasn't right. It was wait....What?! Yuuri didn't see the same thing!
The rest of the gang were all waiting at the door for this exact moment so Murata can explain, while Yuuri and Wolfram argue in the background, that the Dry Wind shows the least wanted future for the person which may correspond to the most wanted future for the partner. This is the reason why the forbidden machine had caused of many breakups in the past.
Greta does not react happily to the implication.
Geez, adults need to learn when to not say things in front of children.
Later, on the veranda, Celi and Anissina have tea. Celi remarks that a kiss is needed to activate the device meaning that Wolfram and Yuuri definitely kissed. Anissina agrees. Crash. A teacup is broken.
Gunter's reaction is priceless.
Anissina adds that surely Shinou with all his power could have activated it without a kiss. Celi agrees. Oh you evil women. ILU.
Back at the temple, BFFs Murata and Ulrike bemoan being the caretaker of the prankster god.
Yuuri visits Shinou at the temple and asks if he had returned because of how Yuuri is handling the kingdom. Shinou assures Yuuri that he has left the kingdom to him... for now.
My thoughts:
Okay, let's start with the dream. I know the sub had caused a bit of hullabaloo in the fandom regarding the unfortunate way the statement was cut off in English by the fansubbers. And there have been discussions on what was possibly Yuuri's 'worst' future. I have figured it out and I laughed and laughed because it makes sense because it is so Yuuri.
Wolfram's vision was that he was surrounded by loosely-dressed women as he tried to compete for Yuuri's affection. Then Yuuri says that wasn't right. That it was instead Wolfram... Then he gets cut off. Now remember Yuuri had expected that Wolfram also wouldn't want whatever vision Yuuri saw because earlier he had said to Wolfram that no matter what, they should avoid that future.
Here's Yuuri's vision: Wolfram was surrounded by loosely-dressed men as he tried to compete for Yuuri's affection as Yuuri distributed flowers.
That makes the most sense since Yuuri would prefer to be surrounded by loosely-dressed women, but he also knows that Wolfram wouldn't want to be competing with anyone for his affection.
What I love about this episode (and all the filler episodes) is we get to see a lot of the characters. The episode isn't really a Yuuram fanservice episode. Even though the episode revolved around Wolfram and Yuuri, the other characters are not relegated to audience/support roles. We see Gunter being silly and serious. We get to see more of Murata and Shinou's relationship. We see the changing relationship between Shinou and Ulrike. We get Anissina relying on Gunter and later on teasing him. We get Yuuri and Conrad doing what they usually do. We see Greta and her bit of worry regarding a stable family. We have Hube, Nicola and Eru and Hube not being the perfect manly-man we all thought he was. And we have a bit of politics at the end. There's so many things going on and some things are so subtle that you don't catch them on the first viewing.
The other reason why I love this episode is the revelation of Wolfram's character, what is most important to him. Now remember, this episode was practically written by Takabayashi-sensei so the characterization is, most likely, closer to the novel characterization. What is most important for Wolfram? He wasn't concerned whether he and Yuuri would marry, he was concerned about Yuuri's future. This usually goes counter to how he is portrayed in fanworks. Wolfram also states that he knows his future because he's not going to change. I interpret this to be that Wolfram would always support Yuuri and that he understands his own capabilities and accepts his shortcomings, he's not going to change because he is what he is and knows what he is and he would always do what he sees fit -- it's in keeping with how I view Wolfram- a very prideful person.
One other thing, yes, I think Takabayashi-sensei did get the design of the Dry Wind from The Time Machine.
Though, we could have used a bit of Yozak >:D
Next Episode: OVA 4 hosted by glitteringloke.
Screencaps from here.
I wrote 95% of this last week, but it took me longer than I thought I would to choose the screenshots and resize them. There were so many great shots to choose from.
Summary:
We continue to ignore the happenings in OVA 1...
Wolfram tramps angrily through the Halls of Justice with Gunter behind trying to calm him saying that no matter what Wolfram is still the official fiancé.
We cut to the king's chamber where Gunter and Wolfram witness Yuuri surrounded by beautiful young maidens in skimpy belly-dance outfits, the "I dream of Jeannie" kind.
Wolfram gets angry, but thankfully, he is only dreaming of the Jeannies. He wakes up from the nightmare sweating and breathing hard and still mad as hell.
Yuuri is sleeping comfortably beside Greta. How dare he sleep so well when Wolfram is having nightmares. Time to fix that.
There's no rest for the wimpy.
At Shinou's temple, soldiers are busily preparing for a garage sale helping with spring cleaning. Dakaskos is trying to carry off King Tut's sarcophagus in the hopes of selling it on ebay. He bumps into something and dust billows. The shrine maiden doesn't have it on the list so she tells him to get rid of it for now.
Dakaskos and soldiers wheel the dusty replica of the time machine from the 1960 movie "The Time Machine" artifact into the courtyard of Blood Pledge Castle where it catches the eye of Poison Lady Anissina.
She walks with purpose (because Anissina always walks with purpose) to look for Gunter who upon googling "The Time Machine", finds out that the odd-looking mechanism is the forbidden magic item called "The Dry Wind" (special ability +2d20 clothes-drying).
Lasagna is excited about the find, "Big News! Big News!" because nothing is more exciting than laundry. She tells Sangria and Doria about the magical device that can tell the future of two lovers. Fortune telling machine! For lovers?! How exciting!
Meanwhile, Effe is serving deliciously evil pastries and tea to Gunter and Anissina. (Members of the audience try to figure out the role this mysterious new maid plays in the third season. Is she evil? Is she Yuuri's new love interest. There must be a reason she's got on a slightly different outfit.... Only time will tell. Hey, but look, we've got a time machine!)
She walks out and in walks the Prince Grumpy and Prince Corny. News of the love machine had spread like wildfire and the castle servants were abuzz with the news. Conrad says they need to do something about it. Anissina decides that the best thing to do is to experiment with it. She wants to test it on the couple with the greatest mutual love. Gunter gets excited, surely Anissina means he and Yuuri.
Conrad interjects that there is a couple that fits perfectly Conrad/Yuuri. Gwendal agrees surprised to hear his brother supporting Gwendal's and Yuuri's forbidden passion.
Later that evening, Greta asks if they would be able to see Yuuri's and her future. Yuuri assures her that as long as they love each other they don't have to be lovers.
Greta falls asleep. Wolfram tells Yuuri that he would be sleeping in his own room as he had something to think about.
Meanwhile, at Shinou's temple, Murata and Ulrike are talking about the Dry Wind. Ulrike regrets that she didn't get rid of the forbidden device much earlier because it caused great tragedy in the past... Dun dun dun... the plot thickens.
Early next morning, Wolfram practices on the balcony for the role of Juliet. Celi joins him and they look as the sun pours gold on the cityscape, ah such pretty picture, such pretty words. What a perfect moment to think about romantic thoughts. What a perfect time for Celi to remind Wolfram that they're testing the Dry Wind today.
Wolfram: Hey, I can see Russia from here.
Celi: Silly, Wolfie, that's Canada.
Finally, the moment of truth comes. Everyone gathers in the courtyard. Anissina announces Geigen Huber and Nicola as the first test subjects. Everyone is suitably excited.
Conrad and Yuuri are in the balcony waiting for their turn, Wolfram comes up and ask confirmation of the rumors that if two people sit in the movie replica of the time machine, that they would see their future. Yuuri says that it isn't enough to sit there. Anissina then reads from the manual (because forbidden magical devices always come with instruction manuals) that the couple needs to kiss to activate it.
Anissina: Stick tab F into slot B.
Wolfram is aghast. "A kiss? Like I could do that," he exclaims blushing at the very thought. Yuuri replies that no one is telling him to do it.
Is that a blush Yuuri? Why I think it is.
Meanwhile, below in the courtyard, Hube kisses Nicola.
What, we don't even get to see the kiss close up? I feel cheated. The Dry Wind lights up like one of the Wheel-of-Fortune slot machines in Las Vegas.
Gwendal is in his office because he's Mr. Grumpypants and the allure of the dangers of papercuts is more exciting than the forbidden love machine. As the excitement reaches a crescendo, the fortune-telling slot machine of love slows down for the big reveal-- the contestants have won A BRAND NEW CAR! that it was only a love compatibility machine and that *gasp* Hube and Nicola only score 45%.
Lord Briscella is quickly surmised as the cause for the low score. Even Gwendal gets up and expresses his disapproval. Oh, Hube, how you have shamed the family!
Nicola and Eru are not amused/ This has to be one of the most cracktastic screenshot in the history of ever.
Later, with the romantic background of the explosive colors of the setting sun, another couple passionately play with their swords (yeah, Studio Deen, no need to give me fanservice, I will find it myself in the most innocuous places). Conrad tells Yuuri that the experiments on the Dry Wind are ending tomorrow. Yuuri expresses disappointment, but it's a ploy to get Conrad to lower his guard as Yuuri tries becoming seme, literally (as in the not-yaoi meaning of seme - ya darn perverts!) Our uke Conrad cuts him off before Yuuri even gets near to poking him.
Yuuri: What's my name? Say my name, bitch!
Conrad: HA! You are one hundred years too early to be putting the moves on me, grasshopper!
Cut to Gunter studying for finals in the library.
And another cut where Murata is living it up with the girls of Phi Delta Kappa. Woohoo! And boy, does he lay it on thick.
Murata: Sweethearts, there are no girls on Earth as wonderful as you. Now give me some sugar, baby.... Or cookies.
The girls lap it up. Just need to get some more liquor, have them loosen those apron strings, and it's 'Girls Gone Wild: Shin Makoku'.
Unfortunately, *cue ominous music* Gunter interrupts the fun since he's not really into girls and why aren't there any videos 'Boys Gone Wild'? This Gunter demands videos of young men asking him for beads and asks for an audience with Murata.
Gunter has discovered the true reason why the forbidden magical wheel of fortune is being locked away. *More ominous music* *cue exposition* Gunter explains that there is a hollow on the front of the machine exactly in the shape of the Demon Mirror and that the demon mirror would unlock the true powers of the Dry Wind. *More ominous music* Murata's eyeglass glow ominously as he reiterates the properties of the machine. *more ominous music*
Drumroll.... And the Golden Globe winner for the most ominous and mysterious eyeglass reflection goes to...
In another part of the castle, Wolfram is busy painting while Greta reads one of Anissina's books.
Suddenly, the brush drops to the floor, Wolfram stops painting, Greta stops reading. Greta calls to Wolfram but he does not answer. He walks off entranced. (If you haven't guessed by the ominous music and the words like tragedy and forbidden, something is definitely up.)
That evening, Wolfram is lying on his bed in his own room. Something is amiss because he's not lying crooked, or halfway off the bed or with his leg up in the air, and he's not snoring gulu-gulu-gulu. He gets up, goes to the treasure room and we see the Demon Ramen Bowl of Visions.
Next day, soldiers conduct a frantic search. Gunter tells the Brothers Karamazov...something... but we get a scene change before we hear what he tells them. Presumably he told them about the powers of the Dry Wind.
Cut to the inner sanctuary of Shinou's temple. Ulrike gives her daily report to the walls. Murata walks in and remarks that it's almost as if he's here. Hmmm... who could he be referring to. Murata plays hard to get and says that he's more interested in Shibuya. (Clearly, someone has been reading The Rules: Time-Tested Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right.) Ulrike makes a sad face.
It's late at night, Wolfam walks in the royal chamber still in full uniform. He walks as if possessed. Yuuri is snoring and aw, look, drool.
We hear a thud and possessed!Wolfram is walking off with the king. But fear not, citizens, Captain Grumpypants and Captain Sexypants are here to the rescue.
Gwendal and Conrad plays Good Cop/Bad Cop
Gwendal: That's as far as you get, you king-stealing thief!
Conrad: And by the way, I was wondering, did you also happen to steal the Demon Mirror?
Wolfram: You are trying to steal what I've rightfully stolen.
Possessed Wolfram has no time for this. He summons the elements and throws fireballs at our heroes. From the outside, we see a large flash of fire, then Wolfram breaks through the glass window with the demon king in tow. Inside, the walls are singed but the heroes are unharmed. Gwendal does not look amused.
Yuuri is on the ground in front of the Dry Wind bound and gagged (Muwahahaha, just the way we like our-- ahem, I mean, quick work with the ropes there Wolfram. Good boy!)
Wolfram has the Demon Ramen Bowl of Farseeing and explains to no one in particular in a passionless voice that... oh god, do I need to repeat it. I mean, you guys already know right? Yuuri is still in the dark and he asks Wolfram (in a clear voice because gags can't stop the Maou) WTH, my BFF Wolfram!
Wolfram puts the Demonic Bowl of Noodle Clairvoyance into the cavity and voila, Systems Activate!
Wolfram places Yuuri into the machine and removes his gag (not that it was doing much anyway). He goes into the driver seat of the Tardis 3000 Dry Wind. Yuuri protests.
Yuuri: Oh Wolfram, no we can't kiss yet *blush blush*.
Murata runs in to stop the shenanigans.
Murata: Stop in the name of love, before you break my heart.
Shinou has possessed Wolfram and plans on smooching Yuuri; Murata stops him because he's jealous bad things happen when the Dry Wind's power is used.
But fear not, fans, Shinou would never let us down. He's going to give us a kiss no matter what. Yay! Shinou!
The Dry Wind explodes with light. The rest of the gang runs in.
Depending on your preference; Wolfram/Yuuri, Shinou/Yuuri, or Shinou/Wolfram/Yuuri are still smashing faces.
Gunter von Obvious tells us that the demon machine has activated. Anissina is very excited, "His Majesty and Wolfram are in there right?" Gwendal throws in that it's impossible to see the future.
The lights die down and the passion of their makeout session has completely fatigued the boys. That must have been some serious tonsil tennis if you were that tired.
Ulrike scolds Shinou.
Shinou-heika?!!!
Shinou-Heika appears on Murata's shoulder. Gwendal's reaction: "That form..." Gwendal could just hug him and squeeze him and call him George.
Murata reveals that it was just a prank and he calls Wolfram a tsundere XD. Shinou just wanted to grant Wolfram's wish. Ulrike reminds him that the machine shows the least wanted future of all the possible futures. What? You mean you can't see the future? Of course not, silly, it hasn't happened yet. But with hard work you can avoid it, so the wise Shinou says.
Next morning, in Yuuri's bedroom, Gisela finishes checking up on her patients and leaves.
Yuuri asks Wolfram if he really wanted to see their future that badly. Wolfram says he didn't want to see their future, he wanted to see Yuuri's future. Wolfram knows his own future. Yuuri suggest that they should try and avoid the future they saw. Wolfram agrees.
He never wants to see that scene again of him competing with loosely-dressed women for Yuuri's affection as he distributed flowers. Yuuri says that wasn't right. It was wait....What?! Yuuri didn't see the same thing!
The rest of the gang were all waiting at the door for this exact moment so Murata can explain, while Yuuri and Wolfram argue in the background, that the Dry Wind shows the least wanted future for the person which may correspond to the most wanted future for the partner. This is the reason why the forbidden machine had caused of many breakups in the past.
Greta does not react happily to the implication.
Geez, adults need to learn when to not say things in front of children.
Later, on the veranda, Celi and Anissina have tea. Celi remarks that a kiss is needed to activate the device meaning that Wolfram and Yuuri definitely kissed. Anissina agrees. Crash. A teacup is broken.
Gunter's reaction is priceless.
Anissina adds that surely Shinou with all his power could have activated it without a kiss. Celi agrees. Oh you evil women. ILU.
Back at the temple, BFFs Murata and Ulrike bemoan being the caretaker of the prankster god.
Yuuri visits Shinou at the temple and asks if he had returned because of how Yuuri is handling the kingdom. Shinou assures Yuuri that he has left the kingdom to him... for now.
My thoughts:
Okay, let's start with the dream. I know the sub had caused a bit of hullabaloo in the fandom regarding the unfortunate way the statement was cut off in English by the fansubbers. And there have been discussions on what was possibly Yuuri's 'worst' future. I have figured it out and I laughed and laughed because it makes sense because it is so Yuuri.
Wolfram's vision was that he was surrounded by loosely-dressed women as he tried to compete for Yuuri's affection. Then Yuuri says that wasn't right. That it was instead Wolfram... Then he gets cut off. Now remember Yuuri had expected that Wolfram also wouldn't want whatever vision Yuuri saw because earlier he had said to Wolfram that no matter what, they should avoid that future.
Here's Yuuri's vision: Wolfram was surrounded by loosely-dressed men as he tried to compete for Yuuri's affection as Yuuri distributed flowers.
That makes the most sense since Yuuri would prefer to be surrounded by loosely-dressed women, but he also knows that Wolfram wouldn't want to be competing with anyone for his affection.
What I love about this episode (and all the filler episodes) is we get to see a lot of the characters. The episode isn't really a Yuuram fanservice episode. Even though the episode revolved around Wolfram and Yuuri, the other characters are not relegated to audience/support roles. We see Gunter being silly and serious. We get to see more of Murata and Shinou's relationship. We see the changing relationship between Shinou and Ulrike. We get Anissina relying on Gunter and later on teasing him. We get Yuuri and Conrad doing what they usually do. We see Greta and her bit of worry regarding a stable family. We have Hube, Nicola and Eru and Hube not being the perfect manly-man we all thought he was. And we have a bit of politics at the end. There's so many things going on and some things are so subtle that you don't catch them on the first viewing.
The other reason why I love this episode is the revelation of Wolfram's character, what is most important to him. Now remember, this episode was practically written by Takabayashi-sensei so the characterization is, most likely, closer to the novel characterization. What is most important for Wolfram? He wasn't concerned whether he and Yuuri would marry, he was concerned about Yuuri's future. This usually goes counter to how he is portrayed in fanworks. Wolfram also states that he knows his future because he's not going to change. I interpret this to be that Wolfram would always support Yuuri and that he understands his own capabilities and accepts his shortcomings, he's not going to change because he is what he is and knows what he is and he would always do what he sees fit -- it's in keeping with how I view Wolfram- a very prideful person.
One other thing, yes, I think Takabayashi-sensei did get the design of the Dry Wind from The Time Machine.
Though, we could have used a bit of Yozak >:D
Next Episode: OVA 4 hosted by glitteringloke.