Episode 8 of “From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman” delivers a mix of diplomatic duties, personal affections, and thrilling combat, deepening the relationships between Beryl and his former students. In this episode, Beryl is asked to guard a delegation, leading to both humorous and heartfelt moments.
Recap of Episode 8
Beryl is asked by Allucia to help guard visiting dignitaries from Sphenedyardvania. Allucia insists Beryl must dress appropriately to meet the royal families and takes him shopping for new attire. This leads to a shopping trip that feels like a date to Allucia. Henblitz and Curuni observe their interactions, noting the obvious romantic undertones. Allucia picks out a flashy outfit for Beryl, but he ultimately chooses a plain but comfortable suit. During the shopping trip, Allucia admits to wanting to make her master happy.
The episode’s emotional core revolves around Allucia’s feelings for Beryl. She challenges him to a duel, revealing she would confess her feelings only if she won. The duel becomes a symbolic representation of their emotional tension, with Allucia demonstrating exceptional speed and precision, living up to her nickname, “Lightning-fast Allucia.” Despite her skill, Beryl wins using his practical fighting experience, leading Allucia to recognize that Beryl’s happiness is more important than her romantic desires.
Key Events and Plot Points
- Diplomatic Preparations: Allucia invites Beryl on a clothes shopping expedition to prepare him for his role in protecting the Sphenedyardvania delegation.
- Shopping Trip Date: The shopping trip turns into a date-like outing as Allucia tries to find suitable attire for Beryl.
- The Duel: Allucia challenges Beryl to a sword duel. If she wins, she will tell him her desires.
- Lightning-Fast Allucia: Allucia demonstrates incredible speed and technical precision during the duel, pushing Beryl to his limits.
- Unspoken Feelings: Allucia’s plan to confess only if she wins reveals her vulnerability and deep emotions for Beryl.
- Selfless Love: Allucia’s conversation with Henblitz shows her selfless nature, prioritizing Beryl’s happiness.
- Mewi’s Perspective: The dinner scene between Beryl and Mewi offers a crucial perspective on the events, highlighting the growing bond between them.
Character Development
Beryl Gardinant
Beryl continues to be portrayed as a humble yet skilled swordsman. He remains somewhat oblivious to the romantic feelings of his former students, particularly Allucia. He deflects Allucia’s advances, maintaining a professional distance. He emphasizes the importance of this distance to Mewi.
Allucia Citrus
Episode 8 gives Allucia significant character development. Her clear crush on Beryl is apparent, and she actively tries to spend time with him. The duel highlights her emotional vulnerability and her willingness to put Beryl’s happiness above her own. She is portrayed as a powerful and skilled knight, earning the moniker “Lightning-fast Allucia.”
Mewi
Mewi’s role as Beryl’s ward is further explored. She notices Allucia’s feelings for Beryl and points it out to him. The dinner scene between Beryl and Mewi shows their growing bond.
Themes
- Hidden Emotions: The episode explores the theme of hidden emotions, particularly Allucia’s feelings for Beryl, which she intends to reveal only if she wins the duel.
- Workplace Boundaries: The tension between personal feelings and professional responsibilities is highlighted through Allucia’s interactions with Beryl.
- Selflessness: Allucia’s ultimate decision to prioritize Beryl’s happiness over her own romantic desires demonstrates selflessness.
- The Master-Student Relationship: The episode delves into the complexities of the relationships between Beryl and his former students, particularly the romantic undertones.
Review and Reception
Reviews of Episode 8 are generally positive, with many highlighting the character development for Allucia and the balance between action and emotion. Some reviewers note that while the episode is enjoyable, it is one of the weaker episodes in the series but still enjoyable.
Critics have noted the handling of the potentially uncomfortable theme of former students having romantic feelings for Beryl. The episode manages to address this theme without delving into impropriety, as Beryl maintains professional boundaries.
Light Novel and Anime Differences
The anime is adapted from a light novel series written by Shigeru Sagazaki and illustrated by Tetsuhiro Nabeshima. The light novel series began serialization in November 2020 and was later acquired by Square Enix, who began publishing it in April 2021. The light novel is licensed in English by J-Novel Club.
The anime adaptation is directed by Akio Kazumi at studios Passione and Hayabusa Film. The series composition is by Kunihiko Okada, character designs and chief animation direction by Satsuki Hayasaki, and music by Yasuharu Takanashi.
Additional Information
- The anime series began airing on April 5, 2025.
- “From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman” is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
- The anime stars Hiroaki Hirata as Beryl Gardinant and Nao Tōyama as Allucia Citrus.
- Other key characters include Surena Lysandra (Hitomi Ueda), Curuni Crueciel (Yūki Hirose), and Ficelle Harbeller (Hinaki Yano).
Conclusion
Episode 8 of “From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman” successfully blends action, character development, and emotional complexity. The episode advances the overarching plot, with Beryl’s diplomatic duties setting the stage for future events. The episode’s focus on Allucia’s character and her feelings for Beryl adds depth to the series, while the sword duel provides thrilling entertainment.
