English Dub Review: Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts: “A False Charge and a Lonely Hyena”
Overview: Lante’s (Orion Pitts) horrific past is explored as Sariphi (Emi Lo) strives to clear his name.
Our Take: Rather than focus on the monotony of a long-winded investigation, Lante’s case takes a different approach as condensed and clever. However, that shorter inquiry allows for a more in-depth look into Lante, that we may not have gotten otherwise.
The prejudice Lante faces is cruel beyond belief in the consequences he and his ailing mother paid, simply for existing as hyenas. Adding salt to the wound is how young and innocent he was, devoid of anything to do with past hyenaian crimes. The entire brutal tragedy makes for a real tearjerker, but so is how Sariphi’s presence enters the mix.
Sariphi being the only bright light to believe in his innocence is especially touching. There is also a bittersweet complexity in how he envies her empathy and understanding, especially when no else did during his childhood. It makes for a meaningful means of devotion to her, especially with the lengths she goes to for him. Also, Sariphi’s human genetics allow for a unique skill set and advantage over beasts that’re smartly utilized in the case.
Lante’s final scene with Leonhart is impressively heartfelt in how much he puts Sairphi even above the king. It is a sweet way of solidifying his connection to her and his new role as her knight.
