English Dub Review: Ascendance of a Bookworm “Cleanups and Star Festivals”

Overview:

Main decides to shape up the orphanage.

Our Take:

As Main has been given her new position, she is not only responsible for the orphans’ care, but also the presentation of the place. She has not only subordinates, but now people under her direct supervision. As such, she has to make sure they are fed and bathed, but also that they manage to pull their own weight. Since Main is used to business, she treats the orphans in the same way. Instead of simply handing out the alms of the gods, she makes it clear that anything additional will be due to hard work. In other words, if individuals excel, then they will be rewarded accordingly; either with actual pay, or with additional amenities.

This goes over with mixed results; some orphans are upset that others get anything period, because that looks like favoritism. However, when Main tells them, and shows them, that anyone has the chance to get extra by working hard, some begin to warm up. By the end, everyone is showing her respect, not just because of her reforms, but because she recognizes their potential.

She also most importantly; treats them like people. She understands that they’re children and want to act and play as children, even if they are orphans. The higher ups of the church treat them like garbage and would rather not see them, but Main wants to give them a chance at happiness. Her arranging a festival for the orphans demonstrates Main’s

While the Head Priest does respect her abilities, here we find out that he also underestimated Main- although not in what she can do, but what she is capable of. He agreed for her to commute because she was of poor health, but he underestimated just how fragile she really is; when she was to be given punishment, she collapsed. The head priest comes off not just with guilt, but with the promise to believe her more.

It really does seem that despite the hurdles the head priest places in her path, he is someone that could be on her side. He does seem to respect her capabilities, but he is also limited by the fact that he’s in the church, which has a very strict bureaucracy. Also, it is doubly hard when nobility, which make up the majority of the blue robes, have their own expectations and mannerisms that they don’t tend to compromise on. As such, it seems that Main does have an ally; but they do need to come to terms with each other and work around the rules so they both can succeed.