In the year 1935 when the world was filled with political instability, a country located at the edge of Europe by the name of Kuchen decided to seek its own independence despite objections from neighbouring countries. The King was assisted by several learned scholars who aimed to restore the kingdom. These men had notable backgrounds, intelligence and were chosen by the Kuchen Church. Most of them were from the prestigious Rosenstolz Academy. Currently, several young men who aspire to be chosen for this task are striving to reach the top of their cohort and are called the Strahl Candidates.
Orpherus is sending his elder sister, Robertine out as she heads off to town and pick up her wedding dress. He offers to accompany her but she declines the offer, saying that she wishes to keep the wedding dress a secret until the ceremony. Orpherus expresses his reluctance to see his sister get married which leads Robertine to comment that he's still like a child. She promises that he will always be her little brother even if she gets married and has a family of her own. However, that becomes the last he sees of Robertine as a messenger rushes into the house to inform Orpherus of her demise due to a bomb planted on the horse carriage.Orpherus wakes up from his dream about Robertine's death and decides to get dressed instead of going back to sleep. He looks lovingly at the necklace which Robertine left behind and heads off for lessons at the Academy.
On the way, Eduard grabs Orpherus from the back but the latter manages to break free after a initial startle. Eduard comments that Orpherus is not on his guard today and realises that the latter is not his usual self because of the recurring dream for the past 2 years. Orpherus stresses that he still doesn't understand why Robertine was killed and the authorities failed to find the culprit since then. Eduard says that this could either be the work of another country or some rebel out to create chaos but this resulted in the death of an innocent person. Orpherus vows to stamp out such violence so that everyone in Kuchen can live in peace. Eduard assures Orpherus that he can surely be a Member of the Strahl where the latter also says that Eduard can be one too. However, Eduard laughs it off and says that someone like him cannot be a Member of the Strahl and he isn't that interested in the post too. Nevertheless, if Orpherus is going to enter the ranks of the Strahl, he doesn't mind joining him since Eduard had promised Orpherus before that he will stay with him forever. Actually, Eduard had been the one to provide moral support for Orpherus when Robertine passed away thus they have a strong friendship binding them together.
Naoji is practising kendo when Eduard and Orpherus pass by. Eduard praises Naoji for being so hardworking to practice everyday but the latter remarks humbly that he has to do this because he's not good at it. Orpherus asks Naoji to teach him kendo next time but he rejects this because he's not skilful enough. After Naoji takes his leave to get changed for class, Orpherus remarks that Naoji must be disliking him but Eduard says that this isn't the case. However, Eduard doesn't elaborate on the reason and reminds Orpherus that it's time to head for class.During class, Orpherus is arguing with Ludwig again because their views differ. Ludwig is of the view that more martial control is required to keep the country peaceful but Orpherus thinks otherwise and wants to use reasoning to change mindsets. Just then, their teacher Beruze enters the classroom and breaks up the argument since they should not do this during lesson time.
Naoji asks Ludwig why he had to antagonize Orpherus again but the latter stresses that Orpherus was the one who got things started. Ludwig asks Naoji if he is taking Orpherus's side but Naoji explains that this is not the case. In fact, he feels uncomfortable in Orpherus's presence because his lack of confidence is in stark contrast with the strong beliefs exhibited in Orpherus's eyes. Ludwig praises Naoji's humility but adds that if he is to belittle himself anymore, whatever merits he has would become flaws. He reminds Naoji to have higher aspirations if he is to follow him in future. Meanwhile, Ludwig's supporters are feeling indignant about Orpherus's insolence towards their respected leader and plan to get back at the latter...At the same time, Isaac is sitting at a cafe outside the Academy and remarks that it is a pretty impressive school. The waitress remarks that the scholars who are going to manage Kuchen in future are studying there so this is nothing strange. When Isaac remarks that it's tough to write about unfamiliar places, the waitress ask if he is a novelist but Isaac reveals that he's in this area to search for something.
The principal asks Beruze how he finds the students in the Academy. Beruze says that they have very distinct personalities and surprise him with their actions. The principal reveals that he expects several students to be chosen as the Strahl members this year. When Beruze asks why none were chosen last year, the principal reveals that good grades alone would not put the students in the running for the Strahl since fate also plays a role in this issue.Orpherus is fuming mad after the argument with Ludwig and Eduard tells him to cool down since this is not the first time it has happened. Eduard drags Orpherus to the greenhouse maintained by Camus, another Strahl candidate where they find Camus communicating with the plants and flowers. Camus realises immediately that Orpherus had a clash with Ludwig again and comments that it would be nice if they can get along well. However, Orpherus dismisses this possibility since he and Ludwig are entirely different and apologises quickly for criticising Ludwig in front of Camus since they are relatives.
After the brief stay in the greenhouse, Orpherus has calmed down and comments that it was good to see the plants and flowers. As the trio heads for dinner, Camus stops in his tracks and says that he senses an evil presence somewhere...At night, one of Ludwig's followers chat with Beruze and complain about Orpherus not being worthy of being a Strahl candidate. Beruze tells the student that someone who is not entirely of a noble status has managed to enter the Academy and this leads the student to come up with an idea of throwing this person out...
Camus rushes to look for Orpherus and Eduard where he passes a notice being spread around to expose Eduard's background. Actually, Eduard may be titled as a Viscount but he is actually the child of his father with a non-noble woman whom he had not married. The students gather around to mock Eduard and questions his eligibility to enter the Academy. Orpherus tells the guy leading the insults to shut up as he will not allow anyone to insult his friend. However, Eduard says that it's OK since that's the truth but Orpherus refuses to take it lying down since Eduard is indeed the son of Viscount Braunschweig. Orpherus goes to look for Ludwig and questions why he had to use such dirty tactics to get back at him. Ludwig doesn't deny this accusation and taunts Orpherus to see what he will do. Orpherus then challenges Ludwig to a duel to settle the differences between them.
Orpherus and Ludwig begin their duel at a secluded spot within the Academy. Camus, Naoji and Eduard want to stop them since nobles are prohibited from such fights but Eduard knows that Orpherus will not back off at all. Camus is certain that Ludwig would never insult Eduard in this manner thus Naoji doesn't understand why Ludwig did not explain himself. Just then, they see one of Ludwig's followers peeping at the duel and find out that this is all his doing.
At the same time, Orpherus and Ludwig are so engrossed in the duel that they even slash the other party's arm Even as Camus, Naoji and Eduard bring the culprit before them and wants them to stop fighting, they fail to hear what is said. Naoji then steps in to break up the fight by using two tree twigs. Ludwig tells the culprit to get out of his sight before leaving.When Camus dresses Orpherus's wound, Eduard remarks that he didn't have to go to that extent but Orpherus insists that he has to protect Eduard's reputation. Camus tries to prove Ludwig's innocence and is surprised to hear that Orpherus knew soon after they started the duel since Ludwig did not have any malice towards him at all. Meanwhile, Naoji asks Ludwig why he had to accept the challenge. Ludwig wanted to defeat Orpherus but finds that the latter is not a walkover rival thus he is relishing the challenge more than ever...
The reason why I started watching this series is largely due to the fact that I came to know about the second season shown during winter this year and thought the story was quite interesting. As such, I decided to backtrack and watch the first season before continuing with the second season. Some familiar names in the seiyuu list include Hoshi Souichirou and Ishida Akira who play Camus and Naoji respectively. By the way, Koyasu Takehito who plays Isaac sounds rather close to Ookawa Tooru who played Mustang in Fullmetal Alchemist which led me to think for a brief moment that I was hearing Mustang in this anime. And of course, Kusunoki Taiten who did the narration and the role of the principal was a surprise for me since I like Taiten-san's voice. If you know my obsession with Tenipuri, you will see why I'm so besotted with his voice. ^__^
As for the 5 main characters, personal favourite as at this point in time would be Eduard. I just have this preference for guys who put on the cheeky look but actually has some emotional wounds or trauma to get over with and Eduard happens to fit the bill. Besides, I like his tanned appearance and casual style. With regards to the rest, Camus seems like a nice and gentle bishonen while Naoji doesn't attract me in any particular way. For Orpherus, I will use rigid and idealistic to describe him while Ludwig strikes me as an extremist who worships control and power as the sole means to great achievements. If Orpherus and Ludwig can work together and resolve their differences, that would be a good partnership but given their different personalities, that's quite unlikely to materialise in the near future.
With regards to the story, it appears that this episode is telling us about the background of Orpherus and the trailer suggests that Ep 2 will talk about Eduard. As such, I think the first 5 episodes will reveal the background and personality of one character before the story goes into full gear towards their journey of being a member of the Strahl.
The OP is OK to listen but the opening of the ED gives me the creeps. I just don't like such songs and I doubt I will grow to like it anyway.
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