English Dub Review: Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts: “Recollections of a King and His Chancellor”
Overview: Anubis (Tom Laflin) is knocked unconscious and reminisces about when he first met Leonhart (Ray Hurd) and what led to their friendship.
Our Take: Anubis has had it out for Sariphi since the day she arrived at the castle doors. It’s high time to get the bottom of what crawled up his bum. His misconception surrounding Sariphi is in Leon’s best interest, but it does highlight how little he understands her. It’s especially true when considering all the trials she’s overcome, not to mention keeping Leon’s secret about his human half.
Anubis’s attempt on her life shows the morally dubious lengths he’s willing to go to protect the king. Getting to the core of that dynamic stems back to their past, showing how Leon cemented a place in his heart.
Leonhart plays a touching role in Sirius in the gap he fills as a caring friend to him. What strengthens the dynamic further is how genuine and selfless Leon is towards him, independent of his role as an advisor. Also, as an important side note, they are unfathomably adorable as little kids.
Sariphi’s uncompromising kindness towards him, despite his foul attitude, is inherently heartwarming. However, Anubis’s true wake-up call of her importance is in her compassion and understanding of his relationship with the king. It is a strong stepping stone in building a bridge between them. Better yet, it takes a gradual approach, with him not fully accepting her, but finally recognizing her as a proper candidate for queen.
