Two halves to this episode. First we get to see the individual tournament arc. We get a couple nice moments where Makoto’s students get to flex a bit and really mess with the Hopeleys heir. Something I liked about this was Princess Lily. I mentioned last week that I felt kind of bad for her as she seems to mostly be doing her best with the hand she has been dealt (human trash hero Tomoki). She shows her flexible thinking and practicality again this episode in how she is able to recognize the improved but non-traditional methods of Makoto’s students.

The second half of this episode is an uncharacteristic humbling moment for Makoto. The merchant guild representative completely outwits and corners Makoto. It is a sign of Makoto’s inexperience that he hadn’t thought that other, established trading companies wouldn’t put up any kind of barrier they can to prevent Kuzunoha’s ascendancy. We see it in the modern world as well, large established companies using tools like regulatory capture to block out startups or slow their growth.

Fortunately for Makoto, there is a whole untapped market where the Merchant’s Guild has no power: the demons. It’s free real estate!

@rikka@ani.social: