English Dub Review: High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even In Another World, “It Seems Lyrule’s Growing Closer to Him!”

Overview (Spoilers Below)

As Tsukasa continues to make large societal reforms, Lyrule asks him for some time alone. His reluctance to do so puts a spotlight on the tension currently between them.

Our Take

This week, the world-changing advancements in civilization are replaced by more personal advancements in the relationships between the characters.

Tsukasa keeps moving forward with his modernization of policies in the fiefdom, altering society greatly. He’s been working so hard, he’s barely caught any sleep and even those reluctant about his reforms show concern for his health. Tsukasa’s attitude and work ethic further display his strong sense of justice and selflessness, contrary to any hints of underhanded ideas in the previous episode. 

Tsukasa’s selflessness is established even further when he is confronted by Lyrule. Their actions in the events of the past two episodes have caused some misunderstandings between them. The two spend a generous amount of time playing the “I’m the guilty one here” card before Lyrule finally steps up. Her determination settles the tension, ending the self-pity play before it goes on too long and saving the audience’s patience. 

The quick resolution to this interpersonal quagmire allows for some decent exposition. Tsukasa’s past is recounted, revealing even further evidence that Tsukasa is a selfless human being. This conversation allows Lyrule more opportunities to appreciate Tsukasa and deepen the relationship between them, as the title of the episode implies. 

I honestly thought, given the mood and the amount of intimacy on display, that their relationship would advance very quickly. Lyrule even tells Tsukasa that she would do anything he asks and this show has a history of abundant fanservice. That, with the candlelit study and the gleaming eyes, seemed indicative that a physical component would soon come into play. But ultimately, all Tsukasa asks for is a one-hour lap pillow. I bet a lot of people are very upset for a variety of reasons. 

On the other side of the coin, Ringo sees Tsukasa taking his lap pillow nap and is dismayed. I would feel bad for her if I knew more about her. Thus far, the show has only shown her enough to establish that she’s a genius scientist and that she likes Tsukasa. This has proven enough screentime to manufacture drama between them, but not enough for it to have any substance, as of yet. 

Other thrilling developments in this episode include the building of a power plant and a weapons factory. Tsukasa plans to skip right past bows and arrows and go straight to guns. He also wants an aerial defense system to protect against magic spells and dragons. How science will combat sorcery has yet to be clearly defined yet, but it should prove at least a little interesting. 

This episode was smaller in scope and less bombastic, indicating that we’re currently in some downtime for the plot. I believe this works, as the last few episodes featured a lot of drama, good or otherwise. Slowing down a bit and taking stock is appropriate in a story with characters with ambitions has big and wild as they are. At the halfway point for a standard anime season, the pace should start to move a bit faster next time.