Summary
While we don’t make much progress in terms of plot progression, fans of Chise and Elias’ storyline will enjoy learning more about what makes the mysterious mage the way he is.
We recap the Crunchyroll anime series The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 4, “The cowl does not make the monk,” which contains spoilers.
After a few initial hiccups, Chise’s (Atsumi Tanezaki) first day of school ended reasonably well after lunch with classmates. Things at home didn’t seem as smooth, however, and yet a visit from an angry Joseph wasn’t even the worst of their problems.
Now it appears Chise and Ruth (Koki Uchiyama) may have been kidnapped, but who and why remains unclear.
The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 4 Recap
The episode opens where the last one left off, with Chise and Ruth transported to a mysterious place that seems to be in the middle of a body of water. As a house appears in front of them, Chise comments that the place seems familiar while Ruth informs her that he cannot sense Stella’s presence.
Who is Rahab?
As Chise and Ruth try to figure out where they are, a woman appears before them and introduces herself as Rahab. She says she is a mage, sorcerer, and even demon of the sea, but fans will recognize her as Lindel’s master and the woman who gave Elias his name during a flashback in season one.
The last time Elias visited Rahab, he requested that she teach him as he struggled to understand humans and their subtle differences. He hoped that by learning to copy her, he would live better amongst the humans and understand them, but he still struggled to grasp emotions.
Why did Elias give Chise his necklace?
Afraid of the idea that Chise would keep putting her life on the line, Elias asked Chise to wear his necklace in hopes she’d be more careful if she were carrying something that was considered important to someone else.
As she goes to leave, Rahab asks Chise not to tell Elias they’ve met because she does not want him to know that she was secretly surveilling him. She tells Chise that learning when to withhold things is also important in becoming a mage.
READ: The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 3 Recap
Who is Guimph?
Giumph is a centaur that Elias has shown him and Chise a secret back passage to get to the College.
The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 4
Why are the back passages dangerous?
As they travel, Giumph and Elias explain that back passages are channels through the realm that can be quite dangerous to navigate because they distort space and time. On top of that, the passages are filled with vicious monster-like guards called Hound Dogs that can prevent passage without a contract of agreement.
The episode ends with several students inquiring about Chise for different reasons and Chise’s roommate, Lucy, waking up from a nightmare.
Sometimes I watch this series, and I am puzzled by the fact that romance isn’t the main selling point because it’s the most interesting thing going on most of the time.
While the age gap can feel weird but not weird because of the fantasy elements, the relationship between Chise and Elias, especially as he learns more about humanity, is the most compelling thing happening.
There really wasn’t any excitement in this episode, but somehow it still managed to be entertaining because we learned so much more about Chise and Elias.
With that said, this season could use an exciting storyline or pick-me-up. The introduction of the passages and Hound Dogs was interesting, but only if the series chooses to do something with them. Only time will tell.
What did you think of the Crunchyroll anime series The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 4? Comment below.
