English Dub Review: Vermeil in Gold: “Confession”

Overview: Vermeil (Monica Rial) still deals with the truth of her demon origin, looking to Alto (Mike Haimoto) for acceptance. 

Our Take: Vermeil’s acceptance of herself is as plodding and derivative of a spiel as they get for characters’ internal struggles in how it is executed. However, at the very least, it fosters a moment of warmth between her and Lilia in her being an uncritical kindness towards her demonic genes and not merely an annoying, rabid chihuahua who is chomping at the bit with her. 

Alto “accepting” Vermeil is something that feels like a formality at this point with how plainly nice he is and already understanding he is of her. Although with Vermeil wanting him to instigate his physical affection, with any luck, he will be pushed to be more than just a cliché shy guy protagonist in finally embracing the smooches but, most importantly, a clear romantic relationship. Vermeil’s boobs are always out and about, with the show never letting up in gladly putting them on a silver platter. The fanservice has varying degrees of steaminess but is distracting this time around, not in the good eye candy sort of way, with her bust bursting out of her shirt being a tired trope. 

The scheming platinum square mages, who were a part of Obsidian’s plot, make their presence known with their secret plot intriguing. Things really heat up when the student council directs their attention towards Alto. Their standoff makes for uneasy tensions in the council’s cutthroat attitude regarding the honesty behind their allegiance with Alto with him divulging Vermeil’s true nature as well as the circumstances surrounding his demon heart. For how simple he has been, Alto’s edge in how he protects Vermeil is one of the sweetest aspects in his endearing rage. However, most shocking is the president’s invitation for Alto to join their ranks, making for a well-executed cliffhanger as a result, in how Alto and Vermeil’s relationship with them will build.