Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki – 25

「相手を知り、己を知れば夫婦仲も危うからず」 (Aite o Shiri, Onore o Shireba Fuufunaka mo Ayaukarazu)
“Know Your Enemy and Know Yourself, and Your Union Shall Not Be Endangered”

Now what did I tell ya these last couple of weeks would be. Grand political manoeuvres? Shrewd alliance making? Taking advantage of foreign powers? Nawh, it’s all romancing in these twilight hours. Serious romancing. One may complain about Genjitsu going out with a whimper over a bang, but I doubt too many will find fault with the type of sound bound to be made.

Although I’m fully on record for not really liking how Genjitsu’s harem elements have turned out, I will give some credit for them being amusing, with this week being case in point. This was always how I envisioned Kazuya’s various marital forays proceeding: a little blushing, a bunch of humour, and even more room for comedic relief as the more serious aspects of the story start kicking off. It’s undeniably true Genjitsu has gone overboard with its reliance on the mechanism to answer any and all major conflict in its story (for all I like Aisha she (and Juna) in any other scenario wouldn’t be in this position), but credit where credit is due, at least the lighthearted side knows how to be fun. What can I say, I’m a sucker for romantic innuendos.

As for the more serious side of Genjitsu, well you can pretty well guess where next week’s finale will lead off. While I expect some degree of teasing regarding future arcs, next episode will certainly be more of a wrap up and reminiscence than any sort of serious development. Kazuya meeting with Elfrieden’s former king effectively confirms that, because outside of Liscia’s father reaffirming his choice to hand over the throne there’s not much outside of history such a talk will really bring. Sure, might get some chuckle-worthy pushing to bed the girl already and get on that baby making, but a lot of it will be more about Friedonia’s place in the greater scheme of things and the continued (and increasing) expectations placed on Kazuya. After all the Empire is still very much a friend in name only and plenty of other powers as we’ve seen have designs on Kazuya and Friedonia both. Such things are bound to change in the future, but it’s wholly unclear whether we’ll get to see them in Genjitsu’s future.

Guess we’ll just have to see what shenanigans are gotten up to in this show’s last hurrah. One way or another you can be bet there’s a final surprise or two still laying in wait.