English Dub Review: Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts: Episodes 10-12
Overview: Sariphi (Emi Lo) helps Leo (Ray Hurd) escape the prying eyes of his kingdom to avoid his human form being revealed. Later, Amit (Brittany Lauda) makes a move towards Jormungand (Brian Mathis) and Sariphi and the king visits the kingdom of Sarbul.
Our Take: The temporary disappearance of the miasma presents a unique opportunity for Sariphi and Leon. Rather than rely on him, Sariphi is essential to keeping Leonhart’s human side secret. It starts as a fun romp with Sariphi playing keep away with the king. However, it soon turns into an experience more intimate.
Leo’s confrontation with his own insecurities allows for genuine moments of vulnerability between him and Sariphi, one that he’s rarely open to. She makes for a warm confidant and inspiration to him, building a dependable relationship. His endeavor for the kingdom’s progression is an impactful, topical approach to his life with Sariphi and human/beast relations. Sariphi’s new role as queen consort is also a nice step forward in Sirius continuing to recognize her.
Amit gets her own little moment during the episodes in how she progresses her feelings for Jormungand. Sariphi’s advice makes for a sweet dialogue in relating with necessary selfishness, encouraging Amit to give Jormungand a charm, despite her doubts. It’s a cute storyline, but also it’s a pleasant way of keeping Amit a relevant character, not to be forgotten. While Amit’s mini story is nice, it is far from the focal point of the episodes.
The majority of the focus is on Sariphi’s visit to Sarbul to bless a child. Sariphi connects with a lonely, neglected princess, Tetra. Predictably, she starts off as antagonistic and cruel towards Sariphi before transitioning into being sympathetic for her loneliness, having no support from her parents. Sariphi has a wholesome dynamic with her, taking the time to play with her and understand her problems. Simultaneously, Sariphi’s true heart and friendship with Tetra overcomes Queen Caltra’s vitriol for her.
If this story is at all starting to feel familiar, that’s because it is. The formula is very wash, rinse and repeat, and while wholesome, hopefully it’ll be shaken up as it’s starting to become stale. For all its faults, at least it allows for a closer look into Leo’s intense childhood.
Leo also plays a good supporting role giving firm, sensible advice to a king who’s neglected his parental duty. This also smartly plays into his own trepidations about making a child stemming from his past family trauma. There’s a deeper exploration of the pain and suffering Leo endured his father that he mistook as tough love and care. Sariphi’s presence acts as a heartfelt way of easing his fears. Their love is yet another tender closer. Although, with any luck and similar to Sariphi’s ordeals, the endings will also start to innovate as the series progresses.
