Episode 7 of “Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!” takes viewers on a journey deeper into the unique world of Melphiera and Aristide, intertwining culinary exploration with poignant revelations about their pasts and the societal taboos surrounding monster meat. The episode masterfully balances moments of domesticity and scientific advancement with hints of a darker history that continues to shape their present.
Culinary Adventures and Magical Innovations
The episode opens with Melphiera and Aristide engaging in a shared task: dispatching a Zanas fish monster. Melphiera initially attempts to use a sword forged by her father’s blacksmith, but finds it too heavy. Aristide effortlessly handles the task with her sword, a moment that visibly flusters Melphiera. This collaborative effort sets the tone for their evolving relationship.
Following the successful hunt, Melphiera excitedly trials her new magic circle for removing magic blood. Unlike previous attempts drawn on the ground, this iteration is inscribed on oil paper, yielding satisfying results. Aristide then demonstrates his own unique contribution to monster processing: a fire spell he invented specifically to incinerate monster heads, a practical and efficient disposal method. Knight Ambry further aids their culinary endeavors by flaying the monster’s skin, preparing it for Melphiera’s specialty: battered fish. The shared experience culminates in Melphiera and Aristide preparing Moodle skewers, which they share with Chaos and the knights, leading everyone to develop an appreciation for monster cuisine.
Echoes of the Past: Aristide’s Health and Melphiera’s Mission
Beneath the surface of their cooperative activities, underlying concerns about Aristide’s health emerge. His mysterious “Sight” ability suddenly activates, causing him pain. This prompts him to release excess magic by hunting another Zanas fish monster. Melphiera observes this with worry, drawing a parallel to her own mother’s tragic demise, which she believes was caused by a build-up of magic toxins. The fear that Aristide might suffer a similar fate deeply concerns her.
The episode delves into Melphiera’s personal anguish, revealing her anger over the ignorant rumors that her mother died from eating monster meat. She reaffirms her solemn vow to complete her research and discover a cure, not only to protect Aristide but also to vindicate her mother’s memory and challenge societal misconceptions. The morning after one such intense research session, Melphiera wakes up in bed, realizing Aristide must have carried her there after she fell asleep, adding a tender dimension to their growing bond. Despite Aristide’s assurances of recovery, Melphiera remains deeply worried about his well-being.
Societal Taboos and Hidden Research
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the societal context of monster meat consumption. Melphiera takes Aristide to her mother’s hidden laboratory, a place where she conducts her private research. She confesses her complicated relationship with her father’s citizens, who adhere to a strict taboo against eating monsters, a belief referred to as Animism. She recounts how even those her mother saved from starvation during a past famine never openly admitted to consuming monster meat, highlighting the pervasive stigma.
The episode sheds more light on a past famine that, approximately 17 years prior, forced many to resort to eating monster meat out of desperation, a grim reality that contrasts sharply with the established societal norms. It’s implied that the king, Aristide’s brother, capitalized on the monsters slain by Aristide, including their meat, to alleviate the crisis. However, the specific details regarding the famine’s causes and its eventual end remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, prompting Melphiera’s dedication to her research.
Aristide’s Revelation and the Path to Galbraith
Aristide, sensing Melphiera’s internal struggles and her feeling of being a “burden,” insists on knowing her better, and for her to know him. This mutual understanding is crucial as their journey takes a new turn.
The episode sees Melphiera and Aristide embarking on a journey to Galbraith, Aristide’s domain. As they travel, Melphiera reflects on Galbraith becoming her new home, symbolizing a new chapter in her life and her continued efforts to challenge preconceived notions about monster cuisine and its potential benefits. Hints of deeper political intrigue also surface, with discussions about a drought 17 years ago possibly occurring under suspicious circumstances, and Aristide’s past decision to become a knight rather than king to prevent further tragedies. This suggests a complex history for the Galbraith territory and the wider kingdom that will likely be explored in future episodes.
Episode 7 serves as a pivotal installment, enriching the world of “Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!” by deepening character relationships, revealing crucial backstory, and setting the stage for future conflicts and culinary triumphs.
