Just because someone might look okay doesn’t mean they’re actually okay. Some stray thoughts and observations…

— That’s a significant size difference. I’m no witch, but why not increase it gradually?

— Why is Agott in this pose? Why do they have her aura-farming randomly in a scene? I suppose she does carry an air of self-importance, and the pose sorta adds to that characterization.

— All this map does is make me wonder what lies beyond the seas. What are other lands like? Do they also practice magic? If yes, have they also been ravaged by the reckless use of magic?

— The girls all start sharing their dreams and aspirations, i.e. what sort of witch they eventually want to become. Why is Tetia so hellbent on giving and receiving thanks? Is it going to be some traumatic backstory about how her parents never showed any gratitude for what she did?

— They are so color-coded. She’s pink from head to toe. Pink hair, pink eyes, pink clothes, pinkish skin.

— Interestingly enough, Richeh is the one with the “rebellious” streak. She doesn’t want to be told what to draw. She only wants to draw what she wants to draw. Hm, what’s the sob story for that, I wonder…

— If she doesn’t pass the tests, she doesn’t officially become a full-fledged witch. And I suppose this severely limits your opportunities in life… but it doesn’t take away your magical powers. It’s not like if you fail, they erase your memories and seal away your magic. So if Richeh finds her niche in life that never requires her to become an ordained witch or however you put it, it doesn’t really matter if she sticks to her guns. Just some food for thought. I was thinking this while watching that rakugo show, actually. Like yeah, some old fuddy-duddy might expel you, but if you can still entertain people with your craft, do you need his approval? Same thing here.

— Meanwhile, we already know what Agott’s about: she’s determined to prove herself to her cold, harsh mother. But you’re just playing her game. You’re telling her that she’s right for judging you poorly. I don’t know if that’s a healthy mindset.

— Speaking of mothers, Coco has a rather… disturbing dream later that night. Oof. But do any of these nightmares actually have an effect on her? She ends up practicing late into the night, but I don’t think that’s her biggest problem. Rather, Coco’s biggest character flaw is that she gets overexcited and thus gets herself into trouble. Moreover, this hasn’t changed whatsoever. It has been a constant thing since we’ve first met her. I feel like her character development has inched along at a snail’s pace.

— I don’t want to keep harping on Qifrey’s (lack of) attentiveness, but I mean… this girl just lost her mother. Maybe he should’ve checked up on her mental state a little more often. Actually, has he ever checked in on how she’s feeling? He could also find her a therapist. There’s gotta be one in that town full of witches, right? Ah, who am I kidding? This is anime, so therapy doesn’t exist.

— Instead, Qifrey is busy trying to extract a hidden medal that will help point him in the Brimmed Caps direction. Unfortunately, they’re always watching. The Brimmed Cap witch immediately shatters the ink bottle. Welp, that’s that. This lead is now a dead end. Should he have reported the tainted ink to the Knights Moralis after all? I can’t really say. What would’ve been the trade-off?

— Of course, the Brimmed Caps will keep messing with Coco because she’s special for whatever reason, so it’s not like Qifrey won’t have other opportunities — other leads to pursue. Still, the fact that they could disable him so easily (just submerge him in water) makes me wonder if he’s up to the task. It looks like he needs to undergo a little character development of his own before he can truly take on the Brimmed Caps.

— Ah, but you won’t tell us what was taken, huh? Gotta dangle that carrot stick to keep the viewers hooked.

— Not only do you guys look evil, you guys gotta hang out in evil-looking locations as well? Bruh. Where can I find the most desolate, depressing ass beach? Ah, I know!

— Damn, I had forgotten all about Agott lending her those shoes. But Agott is so distrustful. She’s been wondering all this time why Coco never ratted her out to Qifrey. I mean, that’s just classic projection, isn’t it? If she had been in Coco’s shoes, she would’ve been a rat. Plus, do you really think Coco seems like the scheming type? I mean, she’s a nice girl, but she’s not exactly… cunning. I don’t want to say she’s dumb, but she clearly doesn’t have what it takes to be devious.

— Like I said, you’re projecting…

— Haha, I had to laugh at what happened next. The timing is just so perfect. It’s like that Truman Show meme that’s been making the rounds lately. “Okay, have Coco pass out to make Agott feel even more guilty…”

— Agott is in such a hurry that she turned herself into a human missile. Sheesh. Guess guilt will do that to you.

— How did staying up late a few nights get her this sick? Well, the nightmares probably don’t help. Also, you can usually tell when people are getting sick. They don’t just yawn. They’re sluggish, look pale, might shiver, etc. But there weren’t any warning signs? Nobody had an inkling that this was coming? Eh… again, is Qifrey really qualified to care for a bunch of kids?

— Qifrey has multiple child apprentices, but he doesn’t know the directions to the hospital off the top of his head? Then again, he has Tartah leading him down multiple corridors and alleyways. Why is this damn city so labyrinthine? Why is the hospital so hard to find? Feels like it defeats the purpose.

— Right before the credits roll, Tartah decides to confront Qifrey about what happened to Nolnoa that day. This adds another dimension to the kid. I thought he would just be a side character that we see once in a blue moon, i.e. whenever the girls need to re-up their ink supply. But him genuinely questioning Qifrey’s motives hopefully means he’ll have a larger role to play. Also, Qifrey’s apprentices seem to trust him unquestioningly, so it’s nice to see someone harbor some doubts about the guy. Of course, I’m biased since I’ve never really liked Qifrey from day one…

— Now I wonder what potential Tetia and Richeh might have as characters. So far, they’re kinda stereotypical.