The world of “Secrets of the Silent Witch” continues to enchant viewers with its unique blend of magic, intrigue, and the perpetually anxious yet incredibly powerful protagonist, Monica Everett. Episode 11, titled “My Friend,” marked a pivotal moment in the series, propelling Monica into a high-stakes chess tournament that not only tested her strategic prowess but also forced her to confront a ghost from her past and a dangerous new threat. This episode deepens the narrative, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and the ever-present dangers lurking beneath the surface of Serendia Academy.
Unveiling the World of the Silent Witch
“Secrets of the Silent Witch” is an anime adaptation of the popular light novel series written by Matsuri Isora and illustrated by Nanna Fujimi. The story centers on Monica Everett, known as the “Silent Witch,” one of the esteemed Seven Sages and the only mage capable of casting spells without incantations. Despite her immense power, Monica is painfully shy and a recluse. Her quiet life is upended when she’s tasked by the king to go undercover at a prestigious school for nobles to secretly guard the second prince, Felix Arc Ridill. This secret mission forms the backbone of the series, often forcing Monica into uncomfortable social situations that lead to both comedic and critical developments.
The anime series is produced by Studio Gokumi and began airing in July 2025. Viewers can stream new episodes on platforms like Crunchyroll, Aniplus Asia, and Bilibili.
Episode 11: Release and Accessibility
“Secrets of the Silent Witch” Episode 11 premiered on September 19, 2025. For viewers in the U.S., the episode became available at 9:30 a.m. PT / 12:30 p.m. ET, with English-subtitled versions typically followed by same-day English dubs on Crunchyroll. The episode was highly anticipated, building on the events of the previous installment.
From Electives to Espionage: Preceding Events
Before the dramatic turns of Episode 11, the tenth episode saw Monica taking on elective courses, notably horse-riding and chess. Her exceptional skills led to her appointment as a representative for three schools in an upcoming chess tournament. The stakes were raised significantly when she discovered that a school she had previously attended would also be participating, hinting at a reunion with someone from her past while training to be a witch. This setup perfectly laid the groundwork for the personal and strategic challenges that defined “My Friend.”
Monica’s Chessboard and the Weight of the Past
Episode 11 plunges Monica into the heart of the inter-academy chess exchange match involving Serendia Academy, Minerva’s Mage Training Institution, and the University.
A Victorious, Yet Awkward, Match
The episode kicks off with Monica demonstrating her formidable strategic mind, swiftly checkmating her opponent, Robert, one of the best students from another school. Her overwhelming victory puts her in the spotlight, a place the shy Silent Witch typically tries to avoid.
An Unexpected Proposal
Adding to Monica’s discomfort, her defeated opponent, Robert, takes an extraordinary step: he kneels and proposes marriage to her, stating his desire to continue playing chess with her. Flustered and startled by this public declaration, Monica quickly flees the scene, further showcasing her social awkwardness despite her magical prowess.
Confrontation with Barney Jones
Monica’s hasty retreat leads her directly into a tense confrontation with Barney Jones, a former friend from her days at magic school. Barney, who apparently harbored jealousy when Monica surpassed him in magical ability, reveals Monica’s disguise as he confronts her harshly for answers. He uses a fire spell to provoke her, which she disarms without chanting, confirming his suspicions about her true identity as the Silent Witch.
The Assassin’s Move and Monica’s True Power
As the personal drama unfolds, a more sinister plot begins to take shape behind the scenes of the chess tournament. A suspicious figure, later revealed to be an assassin, makes a move. This criminal, capable of using forbidden magic like dragon-shift abilities, attacks Bernie, who is quickly overpowered. Monica intervenes, but the assassin attempts to trap her in a ball of water, underestimating her unique abilities. Monica, true to her title as the Silent Witch, swiftly defeats the assassin with a non-chanting spell, knocking him unconscious.
Rekindled Bonds and Lingering Questions
Following the intense battle, Bernie, who initially attempted to take credit for discovering the plot, ultimately helps to protect Monica’s secret mission by making it appear as though he uncovered the assassin. While the chess tournament is canceled due to the incident, Monica and Bernie manage to rekindle their complicated friendship, with Bernie acknowledging his past jealousy. This emotional reconciliation is a significant development, highlighting Monica’s ability to impact those around her, even her former rivals. However, the episode leaves viewers pondering the broader implications of the assassin’s presence and the continued threats to Prince Felix.
Impact and Future Implications
Episode 11 serves as a crucial installment, blending intense magical action with significant character development. Monica’s ability to navigate both the strategic complexities of a chess match and the immediate danger of an assassin, all while dealing with her profound shyness and past relationships, underscores her growth as a protagonist. The re-establishment of her relationship with Barney Jones adds a layer of depth to her personal history, setting the stage for potential future collaborations or continued emotional exploration. As the series progresses towards its assumed 12- or 13-episode conclusion for the season, the events of “My Friend” will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions on Monica’s mission and her evolving identity as the Silent Witch.
