English Dub Review: The Eminence in Shadow “The Caged Bird”

Overview

Did Princess Rose Oriana take it upon herself to join up with the enemy? Not even the Seven Shadows have authority over this matter anymore.


Our Take

In response to Rose’s recent insubordination, Lambda, also known as 11, contemplates killing her but relents when Cid decides to personally visit Rose. Epsilon, renowned as the musician Sharon, offers to escort Cid into the palace under the guise of her student. Perv demands a musical performance from Cid to prove he is Sharon’s student. Cid captivates the nobles with a rendition of Moonlight Sonata, simultaneously using magic to discreetly steal their valuables, including the Ring of Succession from Perv’s pocket, which he mistakenly assumes is intended for Rose’s wedding. Rose’s maid, Margaret, attempts to entice Cid with the prospect of becoming her father’s musician in exchange for Rose’s whereabouts. Evading her, Cid gains access to Rose’s room.

Princess Rose, unaware that Cid from the academy is also Lord Shadow, is delighted to see him, expressing lingering affection. Despite Cid’s plea, she recommits to her dedication to the sword, hoping to resume her journey toward becoming a tyrant queen. She implores Cid to forget about her, as she intends to marry Perv. Later, Cid overhears Perv threatening to harm Reina unless Rose complies. Epsilon and Lambda are perplexed by Cid’s decision not to punish Rose, assuming he is preoccupied with the missing ring, a crucial element controlling the weapon Black Rose, capable of devastating the Oriana Kingdom in a single strike. Unaware that the ring box in his pocket is empty, Perv informs his superior, Mordred, about his imminent control of Black Rose, hinting at additional hidden strategies.

Overall, this episode effectively sets up some major plot threads that may play significant roles later on. The fact that Cid has no clue about that ring is hilarious. Cid never bothers to learn the matter. He does things and they strangely fall into place for the narrative. With two episodes left, I can’t wait to see how this plays out…