Episode 4 – Secrets of the Silent Witch

This episode is interesting in the fact that Monica gets not one but two “big damn hero” moments. However, despite the big fire dragon she creates in her fight against Cyril’s rampaging ice powers, that battle isn’t really about her. It’s about Cyril instead.

Cyril is one of those people who has a core childhood memory that has defined their world. Cyril wanted to be loved by his mother, so he decided the only way to do that was to become a perfect noble. After all, if he did so—overcame his half-commoner blood—then she’d have to be proud of him, right? It’s the kind of thing an innocent child would think of, and even though he’s now old enough to see the truth, he’s still blinded by the way he viewed the situation as an innocent child—he hasn’t even thought to question it.

The truth is that Cyril’s mother was heavily abused by her husband. Her feelings for him transferred over onto her son after his death—and the more Cyril strived to be like his father (even an idealized version of him), the less she approved of him. Thus, the tragedy here is that the more Cyril tries to be a perfect noble, the less his mother will like him—and he’s been walking this path blindly for years.

The second flashy moment of the episode, on the other hand, teaches us about Monica—not who she is on the inside but how she is perceived. So far, we’ve seen how the common man views her. Issabelle, for one, sees the Silent Witch and a hero out of myth and legends—her feelings are outright adoration.

But with Professor Thornlee, we see how those in the magical community proper view her. When Monica begins rewriting his spell, he is confused and outraged. However, in the moment he realizes that she isn’t chanting, that turns to pure terror. Among mages, if there is one to be feared, it is the Silent Witch.

The reason for this is further expanded upon by Louis in the episode. While his pride won’t let him say so, he views her as the stronger mage. Moreover, he, as a genius himself, knows what talent is. Yet, in his eyes, Monica isn’t like him. She’s far beyond him: a monster. His bullying of her is simply him battling against his own sense of inferiority—him trying to take the superior position in their relationship. And while he knows how to exploit her true personality, he is nonetheless in awe of her power. Because of that, he is driven to make her see just how formidable she is—because it’s only by overcoming her at her strongest that his ego will truly be satiated.

All in all, this first arc of Secrets of the Silent Witch has been a good one. Before diving into the actual assassination plot proper, we’ve gotten a multifaceted mystery that not only allows Monica some time in the spotlight but moves her into a place near Prince Felix as well. I’m excited to see where things go as we start the second arc of the story next week.

Rating:

Random Thoughts:

• One man’s beautiful mathematics sequence is another man’s being smothered to death by pigs.

• As the former treasurer and his fiancée were clear victims of Professor Thornlee and his mind control magic, I hope they get justice—or at least get allowed back into the school.

• Isn’t someone going to notice the extra wards on Louis’ pendant? Or is only a mage on Monica’s level able to notice things like that?

• It’s odd that Felix seemingly has the strongest claim on the throne despite being the second prince. I’m interested to learn more about his family and the politics surrounding it.

Secrets of the Silent Witch is currently streaming on
Crunchyroll.

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