For fans of the enchanting anime series Secrets of the Silent Witch, Episode 10, titled “Bernie Jones and Everett the Mute,” offers a poignant blend of past revelations and present-day anxieties for the shy but powerful protagonist, Monica Everett. Premiering internationally on September 12th and in Japan on September 13th, this episode delves into Monica’s formative years, her complex relationship with a childhood friend, and her struggle to navigate social pressures while safeguarding the second prince.
Unveiling Monica’s Early Days at Minerva
Episode 10 transports viewers back in time, offering a rare glimpse into Monica’s difficult childhood at the magical training institute, Minerva. Here, she encountered Bernie, a boy determined to achieve greatness as one of the Seven Sages. A pivotal moment shows Bernie defending a young Monica from bullies attempting to force a spider into her mouth, using his fire magic to scare them away. This initial encounter blossomed into a friendship, with Bernie even teaching Monica quick chanting skills.
However, their bond fractured when Monica, despite Bernie’s teachings, began to master unchanted magic and subsequently achieved the esteemed title of a Seven Sage. Bernie, harboring a superiority complex and having been told his entire life he was special, perceived her advancement as a personal insult and a mockery of his own efforts, leading to a bitter falling out. He became furious, believing Monica looked down on him, and ultimately severed their friendship, leaving a lasting emotional scar on Monica.
The Interschool Chess Exchange: A New Arena for Anxiety
In the present day, Monica finds herself thrust into a new challenge: an interschool chess exchange match. Despite her innate shyness and desire for seclusion, she is chosen to represent Serendia Academy. Supported by Felix and other student council members, Monica reluctantly commits to intense chess training. Her trepidation intensifies upon discovering that one of the opposing schools is Minerva, her former magical institute, where her painful memories with Bernie resurface.
The prospect of facing someone who might recognize her from her past triggers Monica’s profound social anxiety. To mitigate this, her friend Lana steps in, providing Monica with a clever makeover involving makeup, glasses, and a different hairstyle, effectively disguising her. This transformation, while serving a practical purpose, underscores Monica’s ongoing struggle with her public persona and her deep-seated fear of judgment.
Confronting the Past: Bernie’s Return
As anticipated, Bernie Jones is indeed a member of the Minerva team participating in the chess tournament. The episode cleverly builds tension around their potential reunion, with Monica’s anxiety palpable. In a moment of comical intervention, Nero and Ryn, disguised as students from Monica’s school, attempt to deter Bernie by pretending to be caught in a love triangle with Monica. While Bernie appears not to recognize Monica in her disguised form, there’s a subtle hint that he might be more aware than he lets on, setting the stage for future developments.
Production Details and Where to Watch
Secrets of the Silent Witch is an anime adaptation of the light novel series written by Matsuri Isora and illustrated by Nanna Fujimi. Studio Gokumi is responsible for the animation, bringing Monica’s story to life with careful detail. Viewers can stream Secrets of the Silent Witch Season 1, including Episode 10, on platforms such as Crunchyroll, Aniplus Asia, and Bilibili. The series is expected to have 13 episodes in total, with new episodes typically releasing on Fridays.
