Recap

After learning the truth about the Mitsumine family, Kobeni feels even more confused about her feelings for Hakuya. As Valentine’s Day approaches, she tries to decide how she should give him chocolate.

Jel’s Thoughts

Despite having a just a little too much Benio, this week’s episode had some really sweet development for Kobeni and Hakuya’s relationship as well as an amusing comedy subplot for Mashiro. Kobeni’s mental laboring over how to handle her Valentine’s chocolate is nothing new in itself, but adding on her bizarre circumstances made it much more interesting.

The most noteworthy consequence was forcing Kobeni to think about what she does want to do with her life. I can see some people cringing at her lack of ambition beyond wanting to be a “housewife”, but contrary to what the internet may tell you there are actually people that enjoy that lifestyle. Personally I see nothing wrong with that if that’s what she wants to do and she seems to be good at it, the important thing is she still has the choice to do whatever else she wants and she doesn’t have to decide right now. Of course there’s also the fact that she may be looking forward to marrying a HORRIBLE DOG MONSTER, but I guess those details can be worked out later.

Speaking of the horrible dog monster, I love how Hakuya’s personality continues to develop beyond the mute, browbeaten male in the female dominated household. His refusal to transform was a good way to show he’s not just a slave who will do anything Kobeni asks him to. It would make things a whole lot weirder if they developed a “Dog and Master” relationship, and so far they’ve managed to avoid that. The funny scene on the rooftop with all the other kids in love was an amusing way to illustrate they’re not quite in a romantic relationship yet either, and at this point in time I’m OK with everything being appropriately ambiguous.

As mentioned, I also enjoyed Mashiro’s little subplot as she pursued her collection of other legendary monster toys. The irony of this considering her own origins made the set up that much better, and the Nessie joke was repeated just enough to make it hilarious. I’ll also give Benio credit for the giant Valentine’s chocolate cakes, as they made for a great visual gag toward the end. All in all this was a really sweet and fun episode and a really natural follow-up to last week’s big reveal.