By Matsuri Isora and Nanna Fujimi. Released in Japan as “Silent Witch” by Kadokawa Books. Released in North America by Yen On. Translated by Alice Prowse.
This volume definitely has the feel of the author realizing that they can take their time and add the subplots that they were going to skip if this ended up being just 5 volumes long. As a result, we get more ominous foreshadowing as to what Felix’s goal is, and how it ties into what Duke Clockford wants for him… or rather wants to do to him. This ends up being connected to Monica’s own past as well, in a very sinister way. I remains convinced, especially after this volume’s backstories, that this is gonna end with a Felix/Monica pairing, but man, at the moment it would be the worst thing ever and we’d hate it, and I think the author knows that as well. Felix is trying to maniplulate those trying to manipulate him, and the only thing that gives him happiness is his fanboyish obsession with the Silent Witch, who he’d dearly love to meet so he could gush.at her. And hey, good news, Felix!
It’s Winter Break at school, and Monica is hoping to go home, spend some time with her stepmom, spend some time with Isabelle, and dread the upcoming New Year’s event she’ll be forced to attend. Unfortunately, to her horror, she gets a new assignment. Felix is going to Farfolia for some diplomatic work, trying to convince the local lords to set up a military base that is there in case of dragon attack and definitely not in case they decide to go to war with the Empire. Felix needs bodyguards, but Louis is needed on dragon-watching duty, as there’s been prophecy of a dragon attack. So we get Glenn instead… as well as the Silent Witch, who is supposed to guard Felix. Monica is going to have to be extra silent, wear a hood and veil, and hide her identity as hard as possible, lest Felix discover all. Fortunately, she’s already used to wearing a hood and not speaking…
The main plot is excellent, and promises that future books are going to get even darker as Monica tries to redeem her father’s reputation and Felix tries… well, to survive as himself. That said, there’s lots of stuff on the fringes that’s just as interesting in terms of what’s going to happen. Cyril continues to be featured enough that I’m not 100% sold on Felix/Monica being endgame (just 90%), and the scene with him and his mother ended up being the most heartwarming moment in the book. The demise of this book’s bad guy was very reminiscent of the climax of the Sherlock Holmes story “The Speckled Band”, which was nicely gruesome. And we continue to get the threat that Bridget might one day be important, without that actually happening. At this point I wonder if she’s secretly the last boss. (Probably not, it looks more likely she’s just a more serious “jealous girl”.)
The sixth volume promises to follow up on the consequences of this one, and Monica’s identity looks less secure than ever. Can she survive attempts at killing her? Can she survive Felix trying to get her to annotate his thesis some more?