English Dub Review: Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts: “The Sea God and the Second Ordeal”

Overview: Sariphi (Emi Lo) does her best to impress an admired, but intimidating war hero, Galois, arriving to judge her worth as queen. 

Our Take: Sariphi has been tested time and time again. The biggest player in those tests has been Leonhart’s right hand man, Anubis. What’s so engrossing is how his scheming continues to blur the line between necessary and cruel. The weight of his relationship with Leon will dictate its significance and whether it’s warranted. 

Galois’s disdain for humans makes him a Grade A asshole, plain and simple. One wouldn’t be remiss for thinking he’s a run-of-the-mill antagonist meant to garner more sympathy for Sariphi’s unfair discrimination. And for the most part, it was even working in his cruel treatment of her, despite her kind gestures. It would all be a means to a plodding end in his change of heart due to her warm nature. At least, that is what the episode cleverly misdirects you to believe. 

The episode’s shocking twist justifies his terrible actions in a surprisingly considerate way, flipping the script on an otherwise bland foil and predictable plot line. Galois’s ruse as a slave is a compelling test for Sariphi. The trial effectively focuses on her gentle and just character in how she addresses those of a lower status. It is an understandably fair test, tying up the conflict in a smart, well-executed little bow. Leon’s reaffirmed faith and admiration in Sariphi’s good-natured heart is also incredibly sweet, making their ending dance all the better.