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Girl was making him his favorite dinner and he basically kicked her out and left her in an alley. More like Zagan the idiot.
Though now that she has the collar off and has some training, I wonder just how powerful Nephy is now.
Seeing how she associates that broken collar with his abandonment and feeling of loss...yeah, that collar will probably stay because "She wants it that way", which I get some people will feel a little bit icky about
I might just end up reading the manga just to find out how it gets resolved because I don't want to wait a full week.
Annnnnd then end up reading the entire manga in a day or two.
first time I've read ahead in... over a decade lol. just couldn't end on this note. fuck that.
hard to stop reading once you start though... >_< now that I know things I shall say no more!
Well at least the way they did it actually makes sense and was explained pretty extensively during the Archdemon meeting, and the reason was also understandable as well. So many times I see this "Character neglecting love interest for their own sake" has it happened very suddenly due to some off screen happenings, or have the reasons being an actual preventable misunderstanding or some pettiest shit possible
The simultaneous arm and ear flapping from Nephy sent me into a literal coughing fit from laughter, I cannnnn't.
And then of course right after Zagan accepts we get a scene reminiscent of one from Frieren when she "could only see half the sky", given that Fern's VA voices this white haired elf, I'd think they were doing it on purpose if they weren't totally separate works.
I love how she was willing to sleep with him in bed just to help him relax but was also more than willing to off up her lap, and a hug, for him. She's so pure, sweet, and adorable.
Kana Ichinose playing cute characters with great magical power with chests that are the first thing you notice in a lap pillow lol.
u/Mundology is [ahead of you](https://imgur.com/5EHClbu).
Bonus: The old [manga gif](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fi-heard-you-guys-like-elves-heres-an-elf-voiced-by-our-and-v0-acqkm0cy34hc1.gif%3Fwidth%3D309%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3D90f17116c3d04553787038c8a75dd6705f79aeef)
Im actually with him on his decision...aech demon path seems like hell...he may have thought he could be with her for years before making it this far but it's easier to let her go now before becoming too attached.
She has no collar and has some training under her belt .she should be able to survive now.
Of course she's gonna come back but I wonder how
>before becoming too attached.
He is wayyyy too late on that one.
I guess it is kind of a sign that Zagan is still emotionally inexperienced that he couldn't fully fathom what his actions would do to Nephy or how she would really feel about it even if he thinks he's doing this for her benefit. But this is a girl who prioritized his safety over her own.
You know What, I am with you.
I know we all come here for some cute romance because its fiction, and Im already waiting for next week to see how they go back togheter but your comment made me think what If this was real life...
1-That archd path seems way dark for her.
2-Declining the offer seems not easy as they know his special talent.
So set her free, and after some training no less.
Most of us have had a broken heart at some point in our life, and you may take months or 4 fucking years to heal but you always do, and she has a loooong life to live happy and find other nice men out there not involved with sorcery
Some say is better if you are harsh breaking up bc that helps the other to lose attachment faster, and while that may be ok, this wasnt the case, sadly he is emotionally naive and didnt know she really needed an explanation bc her heart is so weak after her past.
She's seen as a bad omen by her own kind, she's a highly desired race by any sorcerer - the first question his young friend asked was "you haven't sacrificed her yet?".
Sure she may be strong, but she's alone and can easily get tired, and overcome.
The author's perspective in role was probably that he just didn't want to say "I've freed you from the collar, and I'm now releasing you from your responsibiilites of serving me. You are free to do as you please. I won't throw you out, you can stay - but I warn you of x, y, and z situation"; Only to find out that she's only serving him so well to avoid bad treatment, and bounces at the first chance... That would be quite painful for him.
So to appease his own young feelings he throws the girl out, not thinking for a second about how unnatural her behavior has been for a servent to a master - and even moreso, how scared, and in danger she's going to be going forward.
I'll say again - it's no joke to be throwing a single sample of a magical species into a world of humans filled with evil sorcerers.For one, she was a new possession to an archdemon to begin with; Albeit one whom died, but this is how Zagan got his hands on her. If an archdemon wants her, any sorcerer will. Zagan's first philosophy is that one has no friends, and the one guy he likes chatting too already showed his own exaggerated disbelief that he had not sacrificed her - and instead had grown attached.
Zagan basically said "Sorry Zephy - I Am Sofa King We Todd Did". And he'd have to be, for him to think that anyone is going to think he did that due to caring for her, or at the least - that the action was going to somehow help her.
> Only to find out that she's only serving him so well to avoid bad treatment, and bounces at the first chance... That would be quite painful for him.
sigh... honestly, as much as I hate it... yeah, that is probably something he'd think. at least subconsciously.
"break up with them before they can break up with you" *is* a thing that people actually do.
i hope the next episode he thinks about the rest of your post... realizing how stupid it is to leave such a "valuable sacrifice" out alone with no protection...
While that is likely a factor, there is another likely one. It is obvious to _him_ that Nephy is dependent/co-dependent and may choose to stay regardless of it being the objectively worse choice for her; arguably, she lacks the self-reliance and self-awareness to pick what is in her own best interest. Presenting it as pushing her away bypasses any arguments from her based on what can easily be construed as co-dependence and Stockholme Syndrome.
While her being out in the open is indeed dangerous, being around an Archdemon is not necessarily safer.
> 1-That archd path seems way dark for her.
idk. I don't get why it has to be what they were describing it as. doesn't he just get to do whatever the fuck he wants?
like instead of having "fuck you money" he's got "fuck you power" who's gonna tell him what to do that couldn't have already done so before, when he was weaker?
I just don't get it. they all talk about a dark path but he's already not walking the dark path - no sacrifices or abusing his power to get things. he's already not like them, why would he assume suddenly with more power he will be?
Well, somewhat. They deal in unknown magic, are targets for politics and assassination, and allegedly might be involved in summoning actual demons. Given what we know about sorcerers generally, they are assumedly all quite a ruthless bunch, too. That is obviously a volatile position, to say naught of any risk of corruption.
I mean, I'm not even assuming something related with his role or actions. I said that purely bc of the implications of having that seal and the path of darkness the other archd described (anime only)
The funny thing I just thought is that you could say Nephy is like an empty book right now....What if she likes to walk that path with the guy he is starting to love :D
It goes further than that. His conditions for accepting the position are obvious; the previous Archdemon's property and by extension, the key to setting Nephy free. Furthermore, Zagan gave up his personal contact with her to protect her from the danger and corruption of that position. He prioritized doing what he believed was best for Nephy at the cost of forfeiting contact with her.
###Stitches!
* [Sleepwear Nephy](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/84apcbmlqv4.jpg)
* [Zagan's Imagination](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/b49zcz5kery.jpg)
* [Lap Pillow Nephy](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/w7pjc6embe7.jpg)
* [Barbaros Visits](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/l7lxc6m3wp7.jpg)
*[Maid Nephy](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyq9c6rapz4.jpg)
Last week we had Nephy's ears wiggling, this week we have [Nephy's ears wiggling and arms waving!](https://i.imgur.com/aFMFWmt.gif)
If only Nephy would bend forward, [Zagan can experience the legendary lap pillow sandwich](https://i.imgur.com/MO1UgNm.jpeg)
[Glad to see Nephy learning sorcery from Zagan.](https://i.imgur.com/IGv2hOs.jpeg) Her Mysticism is nice but seems unstable at the moment.
[Well this is unexpected!](https://i.imgur.com/PvgMp9i.png) I thought we'd wait until the season finale before Zagan becomes an Archdemon.
[And he even got the key to break Nephy's collar!](https://i.imgur.com/Dp3hddO.jpeg) I'm glad they got rid of that quickly!
Unfortunately, it looks like Zagan chose the cliche choice of [pushing Nephy away to protect her.](https://i.imgur.com/Jq10qvJ.jpeg) :(
ahh noble idiocy, you truly detestable bastard of a trope
i do appreciate the time skip but it would've been nice to see a bit more of Nephy's training
Emotionally I get where he was coming from and the other Archdemons probably made him far more self-conscious about it...but he basically just cast out a girl with abandonment issues after acting like he was the first person she could really believe in and would accept her. Like, come on.
Now that she's got the collar off she should have even more access to her mana, so she might be even stronger than she was before.
I kinda like the direction this is going. At least compared to other similar relationships. It's putting the ball in her camp and asking her to proactively seek him out. Instead of living the eternal cope out "you own me so I'm not leaving". He broke off the master/slave relationship permanently. Not ideal right now but good in the long run.
I thought during the conversation with the other Archdemons, Zagan realized Nephy could be placed in danger? Protecting her from potential danger is why he tossed her out I think. If not for that, then their relationship would have transitioned from master/slave to master/apprentice and there would be no reason to toss her out.
I kind of question his decision making though. Zagan the Archdemon basically has nothing to fear except the other Archdemons so Nephy would be protected in most cases. But Nephy the extremely rare elf would be hunted by a lot more sorcerers and slave traders. Having her stay is a lot safer!
"we could take much more from you than you could take from us" sounded like a threat against nephy to me. idk. seems unlikely they wouldn't know about his million gold purchase or anything about him if they're going to appoint him one of them... especially since they seemed to know his whole backstory? from a child? not sure how they managed that. street urchin history isn't written anywhere lol
Not it definitely was a threat against Nephy. Especially based off how Barbaros came to visit and abruptly left after he realized that Zagan cares about the elf.
He made the right decision, albeit he should of actually communicated why instead of throwing her out. But it is anime so that barely ever happens.
There is an argument to made for it in this instance. Nephy is so co-dependent that it is obvious to _Zagan_. This bypasses any appeals by her to stay because she dismisses the dangers out of ignorance and dependency while pushin her to develop and do things for herself. Hypothetically, at least; in reality, she is likely to take it as confirmation of her self-loathing.
> Especially based off how Barbaros came to visit and abruptly left after he realized that Zagan cares about the elf.
you think barbaros is a spy or informant for the other demon lords or something? I hadn't considered that
I’ve seen other people theorize in here he may end up being the main antagonist due to how quickly he wants to sacrifice people.
I personally think there is something off about him, as in I don’t think he is actually Zagan’s friend. An interesting twist would be if Barbaros is the actual son of the guy who captured Zagan as a kid to be used as a sacrifice and Zagan eventually kills as we see. So he wants to get back at Zagan.
They fear assassinations, their own cutting-edge experiments, and being the highest-priority targets of the church, not to many any sort of ethical corruption. Her staying is likely a serious risk.
It is frustrating but I do see this. Very firmly and directly cutting off their existing dynamic means any future connection is on more even footing and not just inertia from what they had, and it’ll require active involvement on her part. Probably healthier long term.
At this point any better development would be : you're free to do as you please, but be warned if you stay with me you might disappear for ever if *I* fuck up.
I think partly that's Zagan's continued display of overthinking his actions, lack of self worth, and conservative assumption that she couldn't value him all that much, but there is also a practical and well calculated side to this decision. He's now a prime target - either to be "trained and matured" from the other 12 demon Lords, or as a candidate to be the lowest hurdle to overcome for any ambitious sorcerers wanting to have the title (and power) - and she becomes the easiest way to get to him - as he pictured during the "interview". So I don't think this is too much of a plot contrivance and trope-y to go this way.
While Zagan is a kind yet cunning overpowered dude, he's still 18-19 years old
Young adults aren't really the best at the decision making department, especially with such a huge responsibility shouldered on him
I was actually wondering where I'd heard Barbatos before but now I realize he was frikkin' DARK SCHNEIDER lol.
I'm kind of getting more sus vibes from him, especially the way he reacted to Zagan being fine after facing off against the Angelic Knights.
I'm almost crying. I love this show so much I started reading the LN right away.
Of course we get some drama this episode. Zagan the idiot sent Nephy away. Hopfully it doesn't last long, but she is certainly going to get into trouble. Maybe she can defend herself without too much collateral damage.
Also, she is super rare, she is going to get attacked by other sorcerers. Zagan does not think ahead lol.
This really showed how he's still immature and unused to relationships, feelings, and people that he felt like he could just up and do that to Nephy despite her issues and feelings towards him and it would be okay, and probably not thinking far enough ahead to how she would be able to survive without him (or whether she would even want to).
I am kind of curious how her magic will be like with what training she has and now that she's not held back by the collar.
> he felt like he could just up and do that to Nephy despite her issues and feelings towards him and it would be okay
i hope she thoroughly cusses him the fuck out for his stupidity next episode when she shows up at his front door
fingers crossed they don't keep these two apart for an entire episode or more
Although we may feel sad for Nephy right now, I am very sure she will be back by Zagan's side in no time. Perhaps due to "Even with this archdemon power, I can't fill the void in my heart... nor stomach." Lol!
Barbatos is somewhat eccentric, but I hope he is a genuine friend / ally, instead of turning into the antagonist later.
> Barbatos is somewhat eccentric, but I hope he is a genuine friend / ally, instead of turning into the antagonist later.
maybe he'll find her next episode and protect her or something? he seemed to realize his buddy actually cares for her but thinks that's ridiculous so....idk. don't really have high hopes for him tbh
His character design doesn't exactly scream 'friendly ally'. More of a very Snape design. Then again, Snape turned out to be a triple crosser where he was good then bad but actually good all this time so there's that possibility.
its weird because he *is* a friend so you'd think he has some sort of redeeming qualities about him compared to other sorcerers....but he also thinks sacrificial sorcery is...normal? so does he do it himself? I can't imagine zagan putting up with that
I also wish Barbatos was a true bro, because Zagan deserves one of those.
However considering his personality, how he's obviously also aiming to be an Archdemon, and how the OP shows them fighting....it ain't looking good
So I get why everyone is focused on what happened with Nephy and it's definitely the most important part of the episode, this is a romcom after all. But how is no one talking about how Zagan looked at the gathered Archdemons, who's power literally made him ill, and went "ok, you've seen me, can I go now?". Or how after their explanation of why they wanted him his response was basically "why don't I just take what I want from you then?". The man is an absolute menace to the other sorcerers in the best possible way (excluding Nephy who I guess is now a sorcerer too). I mean the level of self assurance required to look at a bunch of people who could destroy you, and probably would if you managed to upset them, and just treat them like an annoyance is astonishing. If only he could take just a little bit of that in dealing with Nephy it would go a long way.
Go big or go home, I guess. Acting meek if front of other sorcerers is probably a good way to get taken out. They seem like the kind of folks to respect strength and ambition.
He definitely went big on that one. Man got offered one of *the most* coveted positions for a sorcerer and made them *pay him* to take the seat. Which is a fucking baller move. I think you're right about projecting strength being the play because it definitely worked.
Zagan's intro to the world of magic was when he merked a renowned Sorcerer. Guess hitting above his weight class is just something he's used to. Still, it really was ballsy of him. They basically explained that he's both the bane of sorcerers and essentially THE Future Pioneer for magic. He's lucky they valued being allies with him more than they fear the potential his ability has to destroy them.
That scene did not get enough of the attention it deserved, it was chilling to see they see how Zagan will grow into power, and still give him the seal anyway.
No no no no. You can't do this to me. This anime is supposed to be my comfy show of the week. I know Zagan is doing it out of his care for Nephy and he is horrible at communication, but come on man. At least explain it to the poor elf.
So cute how excited Nephy was to have Zagan use her lap as a pillow. The two of them have a really adorable dynamic and I enjoy watching their relationship develop.
This whole Archdemon business happened a lot sooner than I thought. I can see why Zagan set Nephy free and cast her out like that. The path of an Archdemon seems to be one filled with a lot of danger and darkness. Still, I hope she makes her way back to him soon.
If she can't take him to bed she'll let him use her lap instead! And she'll be there to comfort his emotional pain and cherish him, prioritizing his safety above her own.
An Archdemons Dilemma: How to Kick Out Your Elf Bride Like a Total Idiot.
I get he thinks this is for her own good but knowing Nephy already has abandonment issues and was already incredibly attached to him...like, how could he think she'd be happy with this? Granted he's never been close to anyone before so he probably doesn't really know what he's doing either.
Awww nephy brought tears to zagans eyes for saying he is a good person. He has had a tough childhood and this is just helping him feel like he matters even if it’s just one person and just so happens to be someone he loves.
Yaaaay for nephy being freed from her shackle but wow did he really toss her out that way? I get it about her not going down that dark path with zagan but still
Zagan helped Nephy with her emotional pain last episode and she returned the favor! In a life where they had to grow up alone and experience a lot of hardship, they've finally found people they can truly open up to emotionally and be with.
Though that also made him casting her out hurt even more.
That’s exactly what I’m thinking too. He loves her and shares her pain about growing up alone. Now he does it to her. The pain and regret must be eating him up
We went from speedrunning Angel Next Door to abandonment. Zagan you awkward dumbass wtf?
I hope the knight girl somehow ends up giving him a sacred sword bonk to bring him back to his senses.
Gah these two are just too cute! Do appreciate how even though they get embarrassed they go through with things such as the lap pillow.
[](#akyuusqueel)
Really thought he was going to turn it down and wow the collar is already gone?? I expected this plot but not this early! This show just keeps surprising.
Definitely better for their relationship to lose the collar but yeah poor Nephy...
I love how she offered up sleeping together in the same bed because they literally only have the one bed lol.
Anyone still at all bothered by the slavery aspect will be happy the collar is off...not that Nephy is in a mood to be happy about it. Dang it, Zagan...
The Archdemons are such try-hards; they're just standing around in this stuffy, dark room, wearing hoods, and trying their darndest to look ominous and intimidating.
If I was in Zagan's position, I would be like:
*"Why are you all just standing around in this barely-lit room, can we get some more lights in here please?"*
I mean Zagan wasn't much better. He just left skulls and torture equipment around because he couldn't be bothered. The only reason he even gave it a second thought was Nephy.
Well at least in Zagan’s case, his castle looked that way because he was too lazy to clean up after the last guy, these Archdemons are actively trying to look dastardly and ominous
Hey, if you have the title, then you have to look the part! I know damn well I'd try to look as ominous and intimidating as possible if I had their title and power.
~~Also, it's easier to pull off than the unnerving type of presence where the outside may look bright and accomodating but the inside is anything but~~
> Hey, if you have the title, then you have to look the part!
eh. I'd be more like "since i am an archdemon however I act is actions befitting an archdemon"
I'll be honest I thought it would have taken longer to have Zagen to become an archdemon and get Nephy's collar off. Would have been nice to have more SoL of Zagen and Nephy training with each other. It would add more to build up their relationship which we haven't seen beyond the fluff moments.
Nephy is awkward on how she approaches to comfort Zagen, but her saying to him that he is not a bad person was a great moment. Sometimes we just need one person to be in our corner for us to realize who we truly are.
I give respects to Zagen, he gave Nephy her freedom, but he knew she wouldn't try to live her own life. It is for Nephy's own good, but for this really has to hurt. I am intriuged to how Nephy bounces back now. Yes she has her freedom, but she feels all alone at the moment.
I'm really hoping she uses her sorcery training to break back into the castle and refuses to leave. We already transitioned from "slave" to "maid" to "apprentice" at staggering speed; all we need now is her proving herself as a peer and we can be over basically all of the unpleasant power dynamics in the relationship.
It's a good thing it got resolved quickly. We knew Zagan would become an archdemon from the series title, why create fake expectations? And the collar, some people were really iffed about it, so at least they won't complain again.
Next episode is going to start with her waking him up and telling him breakfast is ready! Also this is definitely not how to love your Elf Bride!
[](#emptyinside)
Man I absolutely adore Nephy so much. That arm + ear flapping killed my heart by cuteness!! There’s so many great girls this spring season, but she might be my favorite. It helps when everytime she talks I hear fern. She even looks like fern, but with silver hair and elf (frieren lol). They even did the lap pillow + boobs in the face LOL I want to punch zagan in the face for that ending tho. How can he not see she CLEARLY wants to be with him. Hopefully this gets resolved next ep.
[Nephy again was so cute](https://imgchest.com/p/na7krn653y8), especially when [she proposed lap pillow](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/j7mmc5xaob7.png) to [Zagan who misunderstood that proposition](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/3yrgc6dx5e4.png) xD
[Everything was going good between Nephy and Zagan](https://imgchest.com/p/n87wvj3jq4x) until [Zagan](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyq9c6qkgd4.png) became Archdemon and decided to [free Nephy from collar](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/k739c3rzev7.png) and set her free.
Of course [Zagan did it in the worst possible way](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/3yrgc6dxg54.png) by [telling Nephy that he doesn't need her anymore](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/l7lxc6baex7.png) and teleporting her to the city without any other words.
I know that [Zagan isn't especially good at social things](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/my2pc6bqn87.png) but he certainly could do this much better, especially considering that [he did it for her](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyq9c6qkdl4.png) not for himself.
Now [I'm pretty pissed off by seeing Nephy sad](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/e4gdcnz3234.png) after she was 'abandoned'. I just hope that the entire situation will be resolved in the next episode and we'll again see [that beautiful Nephy's smile](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/myd5cb25q84.png).
Here my screenshot albums from the episode:
* [Nephy](https://imgchest.com/p/na7krn653y8)
* [Nephy & Zagan](https://imgchest.com/p/n87wvj3jq4x)
* [Zagan & Others](https://imgchest.com/p/wl7lk6vl34x)
D'awww what a cute wholesome start. And cute lil Nephy already asking to sleep with Zagan (wholesomely cause she wants him to actually lay down and rest, bad pevy mind, Zagan). Oh boy, lap pillow! Hope that gets gif'd, Nephy's cute arm and ear wiggling. What a nice moment and bonding time this is. Nephy has obtain title as Zagan's Apprentice 😛 d'awww... what a nice hug. This is the good stuff of the series
How nice, tea time with your best sorcerer buddy, Zagan. You should tell him off not just in your head, Nephy is no object! How nice of him wanting to get an Archdemon seat all for Nephy's sake. Look at that tsndere like response towards being called friends, heh.
Good for you, Zagan, realizing the joy of companionship and good for Nephy getting to smile more and be happy. A good student too.
That's quite the messenger bird. Good for you, being chosen to be an Archdemon. Quite the powerful brand. How nice, his skills being acknowledged (even if he wanted them to be secret hehe). LORE! Fun. Time for all of you sorcerers to become best buddies! Even a second name!
D'awww, wifey nephy is happy for you. Also, yay, can remove the collar. Bad, Zagan, don't lie. Look how sad Nephy is 😦 and her being out on her own is dangerous. Zagan needs to be punished for dumbness.
[Oh my goodness, *her ears* are blushing!!!](https://imgur.com/7FwHq1w)
[Today's](https://imgur.com/hBTPauB) [haul](https://imgur.com/5AZ2Qdz) [of](https://imgur.com/64244fa) [Nephy](https://imgur.com/o36kn5N) [blushes](https://imgur.com/X5lQu2O) [is](https://imgur.com/68y1303) [plentiful](https://imgur.com/l4Rwrr6)
[Oh my god, I love her](https://imgur.com/rX8HE18)
[](#feelingloved)
[Yes, it would be very nice](https://imgur.com/KXabSiz)
[I love her.](https://imgur.com/CtMvLck) Pls no drama and setbacks
Nanji.
[Uh, no thanks?](https://imgur.com/20Wz9bX)
[Don't lose the one ray of light](https://imgur.com/hRczEib) ;-;
Pls don't have that seal thing change his personality. ..Its gonna effect his personality, isn't it
[Yooo,](https://imgur.com/gyYE9Ub) ep 4 and already unlocked! ..Aaand its not a good thing for our girl
[Nuuuuu ;-;;;;;;](https://imgur.com/onNY3qQ)
[Nephy..](https://imgur.com/ITVQpLM)
[](#yuitears)
[Pain.](https://imgur.com/aKjhhoN) Melancholy ED very appropriate right after..
Wow, we really started the episode with Nephy sad, and ended it with her even sadder.. It just ain't right.
[](#kurisudisappointed) [Nothing bad happened, this is the real ending of the episode](https://imgur.com/M7FMfAY)
We now return to our intimate moment with Zagan and Nephy...complete with Nephy blushing ear to elf ear! Especially Zagan finally properly thanks her for something.
Dang Nephy jumping ahead to sleeping the same bed together? Though Zagan jumped ahead to imagining her naked in bed when she really just wants him to relax and take a break, because she's so pure and wholesome, though a lap pillow with a great view of her chest is pretty nice too :smile:.
If Nephy is this powerful even with her mana sealed, how powerful could she be if she truly learned to master her abilities as Zagan's apprentice? It would be great in-terms of self-defense, but she only wants that power to protect her beloved master...just like she wants to support him through his emotional pain, as she brings him into an embrace.
Barbatos is a real "friend," he seems genuinely disappointed Zagan looks no worse for wear from his encounter with the Angelic Knights and immediately acts dismissive of Nephy as anything more than a tool for Zagan. But he is probably the only person Zagan can really shoot the breeze with.
Look at a month of these two living in domestic bliss as Nephy takes care of the castle and Zagan teaching her to better control her mysticism! They look so good together.
Well, Zagan said he wanted to become an Archdemon (and that's what the show is titled), and he finally receives an invitation...and gets to see just how powerful the other 12 Archdemons are just from their presence alone. And now they're offering him up Marchosias' seat.
Why Zagan? He may not come off as the most powerful sorcerer, but he's a prodigy who can see magic and instantly understand/counteract it, and that gives him the potential to become even more dangerous in the future...which makes him perfect Archdemon material. Though even in his acceptance, he was only thinking of Nephy.
Well, Zagan is finally an Archdemon! Time to eat some fine Lamb Stew and celebrate with his Elf Bride, right? They even finally got Nephy's collar off! Wait...no, Zagan, don't kick her out because you think it's for her own good and leave her abandoned in an alley! The girl already has abandonment issues! You didn't even explain yourself properly! SHE WAS GOING TO MAKE YOUR FAVORITE DINNER YOU IDIOT!!!!
Poor Nephy, now we have to live with the thought of her being alone in some dark alley for a whole week because Zagan thought it would be the best for her
>and gets to see just how powerful the other 12 Archdemons are just from their presence alone.
I wish we got to see how some of these archdemons look. Despite Zagan claiming they have powerful auras, mana, etc, to us viewers, characters hidden behind cloaks are just NPCs. On the other hand, I am sure more will be revealed eventually.
This show really surprised me. It's kind of tropey and could probably be called a little trashy, but it's hit this perfect balance of diabetic sweetness, likeable characters, and an interesting plot that it's my second or third favorite show I'm watching this season.
Glad to see the collar go, the whole slave girlfriend thing is always a bit iffy in anime.
I hope Nephy was at least given some cash, otherwise freeing her with nothing is not much of a kindness. Of course I'm sure they'll get back together, probably with Nephy getting into trouble and needing rescued.
Dw guys this had to happen, they relationship would feel awkard to progress with collar around her neck. Trust me boys this is all for a purpoe of those two having a healthy long term relationship. Trust me! GOD PLEASE!
1 what Zagan did ask for? was that the key? i mean he already got that archdemon's knowledge so i guess he could desroy that collar without asking for anything.
2 also what name did they give to him
3 did he abondon her cause it was too dangerous for her?
I don't understand, did he not buy her because he was in love or something like that? He spend like 1 million or something, but now he is so strong he forgot how much he liked her? He better take her right back next episode.....
Please tell me I'm not the only one whose imagination is running amok and somehow imagined an alternative scenario where Nephy turns complete yandere due to the events at the end of this episode and goes on a rampage to satisfy her sadistic side. *Zama Miro*
oh, it's this dumb trope. well, hopefully it'll get resolved next week, because I'm here for cute ear flaps and protecting the one you love, not dumbass unasked-for sacrifice.
edit: it would feel remiss if I didn't point out how much I loved the flapping Nephy, in which the animators displayed a clear love for the manga. good job all around.
😩 the Nephy lap pillow was the cutest thing ever, lucky mf.
Zagan been isolated for so long and obsessed with his quest to become an Archdemon, it’s so good to see him have someone he can connect with finally.
“You might not talk much but I’ll never forget how kindly you’ve treated me” yea I figured things were going too well with this line. Zagan and Nephy were on top of the world just to have it broken after Zagan becomes an Archdemon 😢. I didn’t think Zagan would accept their offer and become an Archdemon so early on.. seeing Nephy heartbroken after being pushed out when she’d just found purpose and someone to be with.. just rough.
I know Zagan wants her to be free and safe from any danger that may arise as a result of him being an Archdemon, but I wish he would’ve listened to her or heard out what she wanted first. If she’s willing to stick with him inspite of any potential challenge,that should be respected.
Obviously they’re gonna make up and we’ll see them back together, but just hate seeing Nephy sad like that. After being a slave for so long, choosing to live by Zagan’s side was the first time she really got to have some control
Zagan was just thinking of himself he's stupid basically a teenager with no communication skills he freed and kicked her out now she has no roof over her head no money and will be hunted by everyone all because he thought oh now I'm an arch demon I have to be alone that's the life I live blah blah blah and after saying he needs her and all what a TOOL another stupid MC
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that''s what has happened
actually if you even don't consider the MC as an incel, just notice how much he has her objectified. He did notice it himself that he is referring to her as an object sometimes and thinks he is allowed to. And at the end he even "rescued" her by throwing her out like an old toy. There's little room for interpretation, he doesn't see her as a person.
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I guess he is known as Zagan the Lamb Stew now.
Girl was making him his favorite dinner and he basically kicked her out and left her in an alley. More like Zagan the idiot. Though now that she has the collar off and has some training, I wonder just how powerful Nephy is now.
Her collar is on in the OP and ED I wonder if it will be put back on later, it seems to be iconic. I hope not though, better without.
I could totally see her getting desperate and putting it back on in the hopes that it let's her be with Zagan.
it's a classic trope... which i hate, but i got used to it
Seeing how she associates that broken collar with his abandonment and feeling of loss...yeah, that collar will probably stay because "She wants it that way", which I get some people will feel a little bit icky about
Not just that but honestly the character design looks better without it. I've been waiting to see it off
No, Zagan😭 Why didn't you at least talk it over with her? Maybe Nephy is okay with walking into darkness as long as it's by your side SMH😠
Where do I get lamb stew?
You don't have an elf waifu to make it for you? sadge
Indeed just the town Orc who makes poached egg beans toast
Ah we're doing this trope... at least it's pretty early on. Pain pain pain, entire week to see where this goes ahhhh
I might just end up reading the manga just to find out how it gets resolved because I don't want to wait a full week. Annnnnd then end up reading the entire manga in a day or two.
first time I've read ahead in... over a decade lol. just couldn't end on this note. fuck that. hard to stop reading once you start though... >_< now that I know things I shall say no more!
I’ve done that too many times this season lol. Re:monster was quite a binge
I am so sorry you had to go through RE:Monster
Not too bad when you read a chapter a minute. The princess and kids were pretty adorable, too
Well at least it’s clear she chooses him. I was kinda wondering about the Stockholm Syndrome situation developing here xd
[TFW you fell for wizard who is both a chuunibyou and a tsundere](https://i.imgur.com/msK1Wz6.jpeg) [](#shatteredsaten)
Well at least the way they did it actually makes sense and was explained pretty extensively during the Archdemon meeting, and the reason was also understandable as well. So many times I see this "Character neglecting love interest for their own sake" has it happened very suddenly due to some off screen happenings, or have the reasons being an actual preventable misunderstanding or some pettiest shit possible
But I thought when a show has you on your toes wanting more it's a good thing?
Depends a bit if it left you in agony or excitement it leaves you wanting to see more.
The simultaneous arm and ear flapping from Nephy sent me into a literal coughing fit from laughter, I cannnnn't. And then of course right after Zagan accepts we get a scene reminiscent of one from Frieren when she "could only see half the sky", given that Fern's VA voices this white haired elf, I'd think they were doing it on purpose if they weren't totally separate works.
The arm/ear flapping was the cutest thing ever lol
It was basically tradition to post the gif of the [manga version](https://imgur.com/WHy3bDG) to every manga discussion.
I also love how her ears blush as much as she does lol.
[Any faster and Nephy would take off](https://i.imgur.com/5EHClbu.mp4) [](#uwaa)
I'm expecting [this sequence](https://youtu.be/TUOR6-bxzvc?t=11) at some time during this show.
I love how she was willing to sleep with him in bed just to help him relax but was also more than willing to off up her lap, and a hug, for him. She's so pure, sweet, and adorable. Kana Ichinose playing cute characters with great magical power with chests that are the first thing you notice in a lap pillow lol.
I am beginning to wonder whether there will be a rising trend of elves (or related themes) in anime, if it is not already the case.
You just noticed dis? Did High Ground Elf, Hungry Elf and Horny Elf not tip you off?
We already had otaku elf.
Wait, what is the Horny Elf anime?
I think they mean Elinalise from MT,
> The simultaneous arm and ear flapping from Nephy Please someone crop it and gif it without the sub's 😭 That was so cute!!
u/Mundology is [ahead of you](https://imgur.com/5EHClbu). Bonus: The old [manga gif](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fi-heard-you-guys-like-elves-heres-an-elf-voiced-by-our-and-v0-acqkm0cy34hc1.gif%3Fwidth%3D309%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3D90f17116c3d04553787038c8a75dd6705f79aeef)
Thank you!! So cute Sadly can't play the manga gif
Does [the imgur](https://imgur.com/WHy3bDG) version work.
Thank you so much!!!!! So cute 😍
Imagine having Nephy, Eldar (Otaku elf) wiggling their ears, while Tsundere Elf (Isekai Ojisan) waving her hands, as a gif :D
Im actually with him on his decision...aech demon path seems like hell...he may have thought he could be with her for years before making it this far but it's easier to let her go now before becoming too attached. She has no collar and has some training under her belt .she should be able to survive now. Of course she's gonna come back but I wonder how
>before becoming too attached. He is wayyyy too late on that one. I guess it is kind of a sign that Zagan is still emotionally inexperienced that he couldn't fully fathom what his actions would do to Nephy or how she would really feel about it even if he thinks he's doing this for her benefit. But this is a girl who prioritized his safety over her own.
Yeah he shoulda told her why but this guy could barely say good morning to her a month ago.
Him saying "thank you" in this episode was seen as an achievement lol.
You know What, I am with you. I know we all come here for some cute romance because its fiction, and Im already waiting for next week to see how they go back togheter but your comment made me think what If this was real life... 1-That archd path seems way dark for her. 2-Declining the offer seems not easy as they know his special talent. So set her free, and after some training no less. Most of us have had a broken heart at some point in our life, and you may take months or 4 fucking years to heal but you always do, and she has a loooong life to live happy and find other nice men out there not involved with sorcery Some say is better if you are harsh breaking up bc that helps the other to lose attachment faster, and while that may be ok, this wasnt the case, sadly he is emotionally naive and didnt know she really needed an explanation bc her heart is so weak after her past.
She's seen as a bad omen by her own kind, she's a highly desired race by any sorcerer - the first question his young friend asked was "you haven't sacrificed her yet?". Sure she may be strong, but she's alone and can easily get tired, and overcome. The author's perspective in role was probably that he just didn't want to say "I've freed you from the collar, and I'm now releasing you from your responsibiilites of serving me. You are free to do as you please. I won't throw you out, you can stay - but I warn you of x, y, and z situation"; Only to find out that she's only serving him so well to avoid bad treatment, and bounces at the first chance... That would be quite painful for him. So to appease his own young feelings he throws the girl out, not thinking for a second about how unnatural her behavior has been for a servent to a master - and even moreso, how scared, and in danger she's going to be going forward. I'll say again - it's no joke to be throwing a single sample of a magical species into a world of humans filled with evil sorcerers.For one, she was a new possession to an archdemon to begin with; Albeit one whom died, but this is how Zagan got his hands on her. If an archdemon wants her, any sorcerer will. Zagan's first philosophy is that one has no friends, and the one guy he likes chatting too already showed his own exaggerated disbelief that he had not sacrificed her - and instead had grown attached. Zagan basically said "Sorry Zephy - I Am Sofa King We Todd Did". And he'd have to be, for him to think that anyone is going to think he did that due to caring for her, or at the least - that the action was going to somehow help her.
> Only to find out that she's only serving him so well to avoid bad treatment, and bounces at the first chance... That would be quite painful for him. sigh... honestly, as much as I hate it... yeah, that is probably something he'd think. at least subconsciously. "break up with them before they can break up with you" *is* a thing that people actually do. i hope the next episode he thinks about the rest of your post... realizing how stupid it is to leave such a "valuable sacrifice" out alone with no protection...
yeah but I think she can handle herself now lol
physically, probably. then again anti-magic swords seem to exist. emotionally? doubt it.
While that is likely a factor, there is another likely one. It is obvious to _him_ that Nephy is dependent/co-dependent and may choose to stay regardless of it being the objectively worse choice for her; arguably, she lacks the self-reliance and self-awareness to pick what is in her own best interest. Presenting it as pushing her away bypasses any arguments from her based on what can easily be construed as co-dependence and Stockholme Syndrome. While her being out in the open is indeed dangerous, being around an Archdemon is not necessarily safer.
thx for the reply, nice read
> 1-That archd path seems way dark for her. idk. I don't get why it has to be what they were describing it as. doesn't he just get to do whatever the fuck he wants? like instead of having "fuck you money" he's got "fuck you power" who's gonna tell him what to do that couldn't have already done so before, when he was weaker? I just don't get it. they all talk about a dark path but he's already not walking the dark path - no sacrifices or abusing his power to get things. he's already not like them, why would he assume suddenly with more power he will be?
The Archdemons has an actual inherently dangerous role aside from being the pinnacle of mages, but that goes into spoiler territory
Well, somewhat. They deal in unknown magic, are targets for politics and assassination, and allegedly might be involved in summoning actual demons. Given what we know about sorcerers generally, they are assumedly all quite a ruthless bunch, too. That is obviously a volatile position, to say naught of any risk of corruption.
I mean, I'm not even assuming something related with his role or actions. I said that purely bc of the implications of having that seal and the path of darkness the other archd described (anime only) The funny thing I just thought is that you could say Nephy is like an empty book right now....What if she likes to walk that path with the guy he is starting to love :D
It goes further than that. His conditions for accepting the position are obvious; the previous Archdemon's property and by extension, the key to setting Nephy free. Furthermore, Zagan gave up his personal contact with her to protect her from the danger and corruption of that position. He prioritized doing what he believed was best for Nephy at the cost of forfeiting contact with her.
###Stitches! * [Sleepwear Nephy](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/84apcbmlqv4.jpg) * [Zagan's Imagination](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/b49zcz5kery.jpg) * [Lap Pillow Nephy](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/w7pjc6embe7.jpg) * [Barbaros Visits](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/l7lxc6m3wp7.jpg) *[Maid Nephy](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyq9c6rapz4.jpg) Last week we had Nephy's ears wiggling, this week we have [Nephy's ears wiggling and arms waving!](https://i.imgur.com/aFMFWmt.gif) If only Nephy would bend forward, [Zagan can experience the legendary lap pillow sandwich](https://i.imgur.com/MO1UgNm.jpeg) [Glad to see Nephy learning sorcery from Zagan.](https://i.imgur.com/IGv2hOs.jpeg) Her Mysticism is nice but seems unstable at the moment. [Well this is unexpected!](https://i.imgur.com/PvgMp9i.png) I thought we'd wait until the season finale before Zagan becomes an Archdemon. [And he even got the key to break Nephy's collar!](https://i.imgur.com/Dp3hddO.jpeg) I'm glad they got rid of that quickly! Unfortunately, it looks like Zagan chose the cliche choice of [pushing Nephy away to protect her.](https://i.imgur.com/Jq10qvJ.jpeg) :(
ahh noble idiocy, you truly detestable bastard of a trope i do appreciate the time skip but it would've been nice to see a bit more of Nephy's training
Zagan you fool!!!! Sniff sniff! 😭 If they don't resolve this quick, I will be very very disappointed!!!
Emotionally I get where he was coming from and the other Archdemons probably made him far more self-conscious about it...but he basically just cast out a girl with abandonment issues after acting like he was the first person she could really believe in and would accept her. Like, come on. Now that she's got the collar off she should have even more access to her mana, so she might be even stronger than she was before.
I kinda like the direction this is going. At least compared to other similar relationships. It's putting the ball in her camp and asking her to proactively seek him out. Instead of living the eternal cope out "you own me so I'm not leaving". He broke off the master/slave relationship permanently. Not ideal right now but good in the long run.
I thought during the conversation with the other Archdemons, Zagan realized Nephy could be placed in danger? Protecting her from potential danger is why he tossed her out I think. If not for that, then their relationship would have transitioned from master/slave to master/apprentice and there would be no reason to toss her out. I kind of question his decision making though. Zagan the Archdemon basically has nothing to fear except the other Archdemons so Nephy would be protected in most cases. But Nephy the extremely rare elf would be hunted by a lot more sorcerers and slave traders. Having her stay is a lot safer!
"we could take much more from you than you could take from us" sounded like a threat against nephy to me. idk. seems unlikely they wouldn't know about his million gold purchase or anything about him if they're going to appoint him one of them... especially since they seemed to know his whole backstory? from a child? not sure how they managed that. street urchin history isn't written anywhere lol
Not it definitely was a threat against Nephy. Especially based off how Barbaros came to visit and abruptly left after he realized that Zagan cares about the elf. He made the right decision, albeit he should of actually communicated why instead of throwing her out. But it is anime so that barely ever happens.
There is an argument to made for it in this instance. Nephy is so co-dependent that it is obvious to _Zagan_. This bypasses any appeals by her to stay because she dismisses the dangers out of ignorance and dependency while pushin her to develop and do things for herself. Hypothetically, at least; in reality, she is likely to take it as confirmation of her self-loathing.
> Especially based off how Barbaros came to visit and abruptly left after he realized that Zagan cares about the elf. you think barbaros is a spy or informant for the other demon lords or something? I hadn't considered that
I’ve seen other people theorize in here he may end up being the main antagonist due to how quickly he wants to sacrifice people. I personally think there is something off about him, as in I don’t think he is actually Zagan’s friend. An interesting twist would be if Barbaros is the actual son of the guy who captured Zagan as a kid to be used as a sacrifice and Zagan eventually kills as we see. So he wants to get back at Zagan.
They fear assassinations, their own cutting-edge experiments, and being the highest-priority targets of the church, not to many any sort of ethical corruption. Her staying is likely a serious risk.
I see the the logic, but seeing Nephy on the street was still heartbreaking to see.
It is frustrating but I do see this. Very firmly and directly cutting off their existing dynamic means any future connection is on more even footing and not just inertia from what they had, and it’ll require active involvement on her part. Probably healthier long term.
At this point any better development would be : you're free to do as you please, but be warned if you stay with me you might disappear for ever if *I* fuck up.
I think partly that's Zagan's continued display of overthinking his actions, lack of self worth, and conservative assumption that she couldn't value him all that much, but there is also a practical and well calculated side to this decision. He's now a prime target - either to be "trained and matured" from the other 12 demon Lords, or as a candidate to be the lowest hurdle to overcome for any ambitious sorcerers wanting to have the title (and power) - and she becomes the easiest way to get to him - as he pictured during the "interview". So I don't think this is too much of a plot contrivance and trope-y to go this way.
While Zagan is a kind yet cunning overpowered dude, he's still 18-19 years old Young adults aren't really the best at the decision making department, especially with such a huge responsibility shouldered on him
At least he’s been canonically introduced as a goddamn moron
WHY DID HE DO THIS TO MY GIRL!! ZANGAN IMMA KICK YOUR DUMB ASS!!
The worst part is she was cooking his favorite dinner just to see him smile...
My heart just broke all over again
Zagan could only see half the sky.
And here I thought Fern and Nephy only have the same VA! 😆
[An imposing view indeed](https://i.imgur.com/nosGaIw.jpeg) [](#Ero)
Although in this case, half the ceiling of his castle. :D
I wonder if not-Dark-Schneider is gonna be discontent with Zagan taking the Archdemon seat.
I was actually wondering where I'd heard Barbatos before but now I realize he was frikkin' DARK SCHNEIDER lol. I'm kind of getting more sus vibes from him, especially the way he reacted to Zagan being fine after facing off against the Angelic Knights.
I'm kind of wondering if he's just equally socially awkward, and he ran over to check on his friend when he heard of the threat.
Agya!
This show feels like a fanfic and I mean that in the best possible way. More of this please
Nephy was secretly Ebony Darkness Dementia this whole time?
I'm almost crying. I love this show so much I started reading the LN right away. Of course we get some drama this episode. Zagan the idiot sent Nephy away. Hopfully it doesn't last long, but she is certainly going to get into trouble. Maybe she can defend herself without too much collateral damage. Also, she is super rare, she is going to get attacked by other sorcerers. Zagan does not think ahead lol.
This really showed how he's still immature and unused to relationships, feelings, and people that he felt like he could just up and do that to Nephy despite her issues and feelings towards him and it would be okay, and probably not thinking far enough ahead to how she would be able to survive without him (or whether she would even want to). I am kind of curious how her magic will be like with what training she has and now that she's not held back by the collar.
> he felt like he could just up and do that to Nephy despite her issues and feelings towards him and it would be okay i hope she thoroughly cusses him the fuck out for his stupidity next episode when she shows up at his front door fingers crossed they don't keep these two apart for an entire episode or more
Although we may feel sad for Nephy right now, I am very sure she will be back by Zagan's side in no time. Perhaps due to "Even with this archdemon power, I can't fill the void in my heart... nor stomach." Lol! Barbatos is somewhat eccentric, but I hope he is a genuine friend / ally, instead of turning into the antagonist later.
I feel like a character that thinks absolutely nothing of human sacrifice is condemned to the fate of being an antagonist.
That line of thinking is the "normal" of sorcerers, Zagan is opposed to it because he almost became one.
I would love it if she takes the training he gave her and her newfound access to her mana and stormed the castle to get back together with him lol.
> Barbatos is somewhat eccentric, but I hope he is a genuine friend / ally, instead of turning into the antagonist later. maybe he'll find her next episode and protect her or something? he seemed to realize his buddy actually cares for her but thinks that's ridiculous so....idk. don't really have high hopes for him tbh
His character design doesn't exactly scream 'friendly ally'. More of a very Snape design. Then again, Snape turned out to be a triple crosser where he was good then bad but actually good all this time so there's that possibility.
its weird because he *is* a friend so you'd think he has some sort of redeeming qualities about him compared to other sorcerers....but he also thinks sacrificial sorcery is...normal? so does he do it himself? I can't imagine zagan putting up with that
I also wish Barbatos was a true bro, because Zagan deserves one of those. However considering his personality, how he's obviously also aiming to be an Archdemon, and how the OP shows them fighting....it ain't looking good
So I get why everyone is focused on what happened with Nephy and it's definitely the most important part of the episode, this is a romcom after all. But how is no one talking about how Zagan looked at the gathered Archdemons, who's power literally made him ill, and went "ok, you've seen me, can I go now?". Or how after their explanation of why they wanted him his response was basically "why don't I just take what I want from you then?". The man is an absolute menace to the other sorcerers in the best possible way (excluding Nephy who I guess is now a sorcerer too). I mean the level of self assurance required to look at a bunch of people who could destroy you, and probably would if you managed to upset them, and just treat them like an annoyance is astonishing. If only he could take just a little bit of that in dealing with Nephy it would go a long way.
Go big or go home, I guess. Acting meek if front of other sorcerers is probably a good way to get taken out. They seem like the kind of folks to respect strength and ambition.
He definitely went big on that one. Man got offered one of *the most* coveted positions for a sorcerer and made them *pay him* to take the seat. Which is a fucking baller move. I think you're right about projecting strength being the play because it definitely worked.
Zagan's intro to the world of magic was when he merked a renowned Sorcerer. Guess hitting above his weight class is just something he's used to. Still, it really was ballsy of him. They basically explained that he's both the bane of sorcerers and essentially THE Future Pioneer for magic. He's lucky they valued being allies with him more than they fear the potential his ability has to destroy them.
That scene did not get enough of the attention it deserved, it was chilling to see they see how Zagan will grow into power, and still give him the seal anyway.
No no no no. You can't do this to me. This anime is supposed to be my comfy show of the week. I know Zagan is doing it out of his care for Nephy and he is horrible at communication, but come on man. At least explain it to the poor elf.
So cute how excited Nephy was to have Zagan use her lap as a pillow. The two of them have a really adorable dynamic and I enjoy watching their relationship develop. This whole Archdemon business happened a lot sooner than I thought. I can see why Zagan set Nephy free and cast her out like that. The path of an Archdemon seems to be one filled with a lot of danger and darkness. Still, I hope she makes her way back to him soon.
If she can't take him to bed she'll let him use her lap instead! And she'll be there to comfort his emotional pain and cherish him, prioritizing his safety above her own. An Archdemons Dilemma: How to Kick Out Your Elf Bride Like a Total Idiot. I get he thinks this is for her own good but knowing Nephy already has abandonment issues and was already incredibly attached to him...like, how could he think she'd be happy with this? Granted he's never been close to anyone before so he probably doesn't really know what he's doing either.
Lol the title of the anime is already kinda spoilery, imagine if it happened even later in the series
Awww nephy brought tears to zagans eyes for saying he is a good person. He has had a tough childhood and this is just helping him feel like he matters even if it’s just one person and just so happens to be someone he loves. Yaaaay for nephy being freed from her shackle but wow did he really toss her out that way? I get it about her not going down that dark path with zagan but still
Zagan helped Nephy with her emotional pain last episode and she returned the favor! In a life where they had to grow up alone and experience a lot of hardship, they've finally found people they can truly open up to emotionally and be with. Though that also made him casting her out hurt even more.
That’s exactly what I’m thinking too. He loves her and shares her pain about growing up alone. Now he does it to her. The pain and regret must be eating him up
We went from speedrunning Angel Next Door to abandonment. Zagan you awkward dumbass wtf? I hope the knight girl somehow ends up giving him a sacred sword bonk to bring him back to his senses.
> We went from speedrunning Angel Next Door to abandonment. me watching this right before bed now i have to go to bed sad and frustrated :(
Gah these two are just too cute! Do appreciate how even though they get embarrassed they go through with things such as the lap pillow. [](#akyuusqueel) Really thought he was going to turn it down and wow the collar is already gone?? I expected this plot but not this early! This show just keeps surprising. Definitely better for their relationship to lose the collar but yeah poor Nephy...
I love how she offered up sleeping together in the same bed because they literally only have the one bed lol. Anyone still at all bothered by the slavery aspect will be happy the collar is off...not that Nephy is in a mood to be happy about it. Dang it, Zagan...
The collar is off; the mentality is not. I think Zagan may be in part pulling an Evergarden to Nephy's Violet.
The Archdemons are such try-hards; they're just standing around in this stuffy, dark room, wearing hoods, and trying their darndest to look ominous and intimidating. If I was in Zagan's position, I would be like: *"Why are you all just standing around in this barely-lit room, can we get some more lights in here please?"*
I mean Zagan wasn't much better. He just left skulls and torture equipment around because he couldn't be bothered. The only reason he even gave it a second thought was Nephy.
Well at least in Zagan’s case, his castle looked that way because he was too lazy to clean up after the last guy, these Archdemons are actively trying to look dastardly and ominous
Hey, if you have the title, then you have to look the part! I know damn well I'd try to look as ominous and intimidating as possible if I had their title and power. ~~Also, it's easier to pull off than the unnerving type of presence where the outside may look bright and accomodating but the inside is anything but~~
But what if you’re an Archdemon that wants to live in a well-lit pleasant house?
Hey, nothing saying you can't have a nice well-lit house in private AND a dark intimidating castle for PR purposes at the same time.
> Hey, if you have the title, then you have to look the part! eh. I'd be more like "since i am an archdemon however I act is actions befitting an archdemon"
People really be like "I can't believe he cast her out right after the evil council threatened to destroy everything he cares about".
Just romcom things
You are now known as Zagan The Foolish.
I'll be honest I thought it would have taken longer to have Zagen to become an archdemon and get Nephy's collar off. Would have been nice to have more SoL of Zagen and Nephy training with each other. It would add more to build up their relationship which we haven't seen beyond the fluff moments. Nephy is awkward on how she approaches to comfort Zagen, but her saying to him that he is not a bad person was a great moment. Sometimes we just need one person to be in our corner for us to realize who we truly are. I give respects to Zagen, he gave Nephy her freedom, but he knew she wouldn't try to live her own life. It is for Nephy's own good, but for this really has to hurt. I am intriuged to how Nephy bounces back now. Yes she has her freedom, but she feels all alone at the moment.
I'm really hoping she uses her sorcery training to break back into the castle and refuses to leave. We already transitioned from "slave" to "maid" to "apprentice" at staggering speed; all we need now is her proving herself as a peer and we can be over basically all of the unpleasant power dynamics in the relationship.
It seems pretty Evergarden-y to me.
It's a good thing it got resolved quickly. We knew Zagan would become an archdemon from the series title, why create fake expectations? And the collar, some people were really iffed about it, so at least they won't complain again.
Next episode is going to start with her waking him up and telling him breakfast is ready! Also this is definitely not how to love your Elf Bride! [](#emptyinside)
Everyone knows where it's going, but damn if that isn't a real bastard way to end the episode. Blueballing people that hard for a week is pure evil.
If I had a nickle for Fern blocking half of the sky for MC when doing a lap pillow I'd have 2 nickles, which isn't much, but...
WHITE HAIRED? CUTE? ELF? OFFERING A LAP PILLOW??? Subaru would be proud
Nah imma go fight Zagan right now
Use rebar
Zagan, you fool! Nephy looks nice without the collar at least, too bad it came with a broken heart at the same time.
Show has no business being this good lol Was the source material really popular? I swear I had never heard of it.
LN had 17 volumes so that’s quite popular
Man I absolutely adore Nephy so much. That arm + ear flapping killed my heart by cuteness!! There’s so many great girls this spring season, but she might be my favorite. It helps when everytime she talks I hear fern. She even looks like fern, but with silver hair and elf (frieren lol). They even did the lap pillow + boobs in the face LOL I want to punch zagan in the face for that ending tho. How can he not see she CLEARLY wants to be with him. Hopefully this gets resolved next ep.
[Nephy again was so cute](https://imgchest.com/p/na7krn653y8), especially when [she proposed lap pillow](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/j7mmc5xaob7.png) to [Zagan who misunderstood that proposition](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/3yrgc6dx5e4.png) xD [Everything was going good between Nephy and Zagan](https://imgchest.com/p/n87wvj3jq4x) until [Zagan](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyq9c6qkgd4.png) became Archdemon and decided to [free Nephy from collar](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/k739c3rzev7.png) and set her free. Of course [Zagan did it in the worst possible way](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/3yrgc6dxg54.png) by [telling Nephy that he doesn't need her anymore](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/l7lxc6baex7.png) and teleporting her to the city without any other words. I know that [Zagan isn't especially good at social things](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/my2pc6bqn87.png) but he certainly could do this much better, especially considering that [he did it for her](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyq9c6qkdl4.png) not for himself. Now [I'm pretty pissed off by seeing Nephy sad](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/e4gdcnz3234.png) after she was 'abandoned'. I just hope that the entire situation will be resolved in the next episode and we'll again see [that beautiful Nephy's smile](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/myd5cb25q84.png). Here my screenshot albums from the episode: * [Nephy](https://imgchest.com/p/na7krn653y8) * [Nephy & Zagan](https://imgchest.com/p/n87wvj3jq4x) * [Zagan & Others](https://imgchest.com/p/wl7lk6vl34x)
D'awww what a cute wholesome start. And cute lil Nephy already asking to sleep with Zagan (wholesomely cause she wants him to actually lay down and rest, bad pevy mind, Zagan). Oh boy, lap pillow! Hope that gets gif'd, Nephy's cute arm and ear wiggling. What a nice moment and bonding time this is. Nephy has obtain title as Zagan's Apprentice 😛 d'awww... what a nice hug. This is the good stuff of the series How nice, tea time with your best sorcerer buddy, Zagan. You should tell him off not just in your head, Nephy is no object! How nice of him wanting to get an Archdemon seat all for Nephy's sake. Look at that tsndere like response towards being called friends, heh. Good for you, Zagan, realizing the joy of companionship and good for Nephy getting to smile more and be happy. A good student too. That's quite the messenger bird. Good for you, being chosen to be an Archdemon. Quite the powerful brand. How nice, his skills being acknowledged (even if he wanted them to be secret hehe). LORE! Fun. Time for all of you sorcerers to become best buddies! Even a second name! D'awww, wifey nephy is happy for you. Also, yay, can remove the collar. Bad, Zagan, don't lie. Look how sad Nephy is 😦 and her being out on her own is dangerous. Zagan needs to be punished for dumbness.
So sad. Hope Nephy can save her master.
What kind of heartless monster decides to end the chapter with our cute elf looking so sad??!?? I DEMAND HER TO BE HAPPY!!!
[Oh my goodness, *her ears* are blushing!!!](https://imgur.com/7FwHq1w) [Today's](https://imgur.com/hBTPauB) [haul](https://imgur.com/5AZ2Qdz) [of](https://imgur.com/64244fa) [Nephy](https://imgur.com/o36kn5N) [blushes](https://imgur.com/X5lQu2O) [is](https://imgur.com/68y1303) [plentiful](https://imgur.com/l4Rwrr6) [Oh my god, I love her](https://imgur.com/rX8HE18) [](#feelingloved) [Yes, it would be very nice](https://imgur.com/KXabSiz) [I love her.](https://imgur.com/CtMvLck) Pls no drama and setbacks Nanji. [Uh, no thanks?](https://imgur.com/20Wz9bX) [Don't lose the one ray of light](https://imgur.com/hRczEib) ;-; Pls don't have that seal thing change his personality. ..Its gonna effect his personality, isn't it [Yooo,](https://imgur.com/gyYE9Ub) ep 4 and already unlocked! ..Aaand its not a good thing for our girl [Nuuuuu ;-;;;;;;](https://imgur.com/onNY3qQ) [Nephy..](https://imgur.com/ITVQpLM) [](#yuitears) [Pain.](https://imgur.com/aKjhhoN) Melancholy ED very appropriate right after.. Wow, we really started the episode with Nephy sad, and ended it with her even sadder.. It just ain't right. [](#kurisudisappointed) [Nothing bad happened, this is the real ending of the episode](https://imgur.com/M7FMfAY)
im beyond pissed bro why did he have to do that does she come back do they get back together
We now return to our intimate moment with Zagan and Nephy...complete with Nephy blushing ear to elf ear! Especially Zagan finally properly thanks her for something. Dang Nephy jumping ahead to sleeping the same bed together? Though Zagan jumped ahead to imagining her naked in bed when she really just wants him to relax and take a break, because she's so pure and wholesome, though a lap pillow with a great view of her chest is pretty nice too :smile:. If Nephy is this powerful even with her mana sealed, how powerful could she be if she truly learned to master her abilities as Zagan's apprentice? It would be great in-terms of self-defense, but she only wants that power to protect her beloved master...just like she wants to support him through his emotional pain, as she brings him into an embrace. Barbatos is a real "friend," he seems genuinely disappointed Zagan looks no worse for wear from his encounter with the Angelic Knights and immediately acts dismissive of Nephy as anything more than a tool for Zagan. But he is probably the only person Zagan can really shoot the breeze with. Look at a month of these two living in domestic bliss as Nephy takes care of the castle and Zagan teaching her to better control her mysticism! They look so good together. Well, Zagan said he wanted to become an Archdemon (and that's what the show is titled), and he finally receives an invitation...and gets to see just how powerful the other 12 Archdemons are just from their presence alone. And now they're offering him up Marchosias' seat. Why Zagan? He may not come off as the most powerful sorcerer, but he's a prodigy who can see magic and instantly understand/counteract it, and that gives him the potential to become even more dangerous in the future...which makes him perfect Archdemon material. Though even in his acceptance, he was only thinking of Nephy. Well, Zagan is finally an Archdemon! Time to eat some fine Lamb Stew and celebrate with his Elf Bride, right? They even finally got Nephy's collar off! Wait...no, Zagan, don't kick her out because you think it's for her own good and leave her abandoned in an alley! The girl already has abandonment issues! You didn't even explain yourself properly! SHE WAS GOING TO MAKE YOUR FAVORITE DINNER YOU IDIOT!!!!
Poor Nephy, now we have to live with the thought of her being alone in some dark alley for a whole week because Zagan thought it would be the best for her
>and gets to see just how powerful the other 12 Archdemons are just from their presence alone. I wish we got to see how some of these archdemons look. Despite Zagan claiming they have powerful auras, mana, etc, to us viewers, characters hidden behind cloaks are just NPCs. On the other hand, I am sure more will be revealed eventually.
They seem to have a lot of different shapes so I bet they will be interesting
Bro, you gonna just toss her out like that? What, is your new title [Zagan the Stupid](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOx7gFwE1oU) or something?
Didn't like the ending.
This show really surprised me. It's kind of tropey and could probably be called a little trashy, but it's hit this perfect balance of diabetic sweetness, likeable characters, and an interesting plot that it's my second or third favorite show I'm watching this season.
I’ve never wanted to punch someone in the face so bad. God damn it zagan how could you do that to nephy
Idiot moves made with good intentions.
Glad to see the collar go, the whole slave girlfriend thing is always a bit iffy in anime. I hope Nephy was at least given some cash, otherwise freeing her with nothing is not much of a kindness. Of course I'm sure they'll get back together, probably with Nephy getting into trouble and needing rescued.
Dw guys this had to happen, they relationship would feel awkard to progress with collar around her neck. Trust me boys this is all for a purpoe of those two having a healthy long term relationship. Trust me! GOD PLEASE!
What wholesome show.
This show has no right being as good as it is.
1 what Zagan did ask for? was that the key? i mean he already got that archdemon's knowledge so i guess he could desroy that collar without asking for anything. 2 also what name did they give to him 3 did he abondon her cause it was too dangerous for her?
I don't understand, did he not buy her because he was in love or something like that? He spend like 1 million or something, but now he is so strong he forgot how much he liked her? He better take her right back next episode.....
He set her free exactly because he loves her.
Please tell me I'm not the only one whose imagination is running amok and somehow imagined an alternative scenario where Nephy turns complete yandere due to the events at the end of this episode and goes on a rampage to satisfy her sadistic side. *Zama Miro*
oh, it's this dumb trope. well, hopefully it'll get resolved next week, because I'm here for cute ear flaps and protecting the one you love, not dumbass unasked-for sacrifice. edit: it would feel remiss if I didn't point out how much I loved the flapping Nephy, in which the animators displayed a clear love for the manga. good job all around.
😩 the Nephy lap pillow was the cutest thing ever, lucky mf. Zagan been isolated for so long and obsessed with his quest to become an Archdemon, it’s so good to see him have someone he can connect with finally. “You might not talk much but I’ll never forget how kindly you’ve treated me” yea I figured things were going too well with this line. Zagan and Nephy were on top of the world just to have it broken after Zagan becomes an Archdemon 😢. I didn’t think Zagan would accept their offer and become an Archdemon so early on.. seeing Nephy heartbroken after being pushed out when she’d just found purpose and someone to be with.. just rough. I know Zagan wants her to be free and safe from any danger that may arise as a result of him being an Archdemon, but I wish he would’ve listened to her or heard out what she wanted first. If she’s willing to stick with him inspite of any potential challenge,that should be respected. Obviously they’re gonna make up and we’ll see them back together, but just hate seeing Nephy sad like that. After being a slave for so long, choosing to live by Zagan’s side was the first time she really got to have some control
Zagan was just thinking of himself he's stupid basically a teenager with no communication skills he freed and kicked her out now she has no roof over her head no money and will be hunted by everyone all because he thought oh now I'm an arch demon I have to be alone that's the life I live blah blah blah and after saying he needs her and all what a TOOL another stupid MC
Barbatos heading straight to Zagan's castle to see if he's fine after being attacked, what a friend 😁
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damn, bro got removed *twice*
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OOOF man what a cliffhanger. i wish i would have waited another week, that was harsh
So the incel MC throws her out after she can't be his slave. Typical.
you are joking right.
that''s what has happened actually if you even don't consider the MC as an incel, just notice how much he has her objectified. He did notice it himself that he is referring to her as an object sometimes and thinks he is allowed to. And at the end he even "rescued" her by throwing her out like an old toy. There's little room for interpretation, he doesn't see her as a person.
Your stupidity... it is impressive. Good job.
sure buddy
bait used to be believable