Ep 4. The Queen and I

The Queen and I is the fourth episode of the anime series Qwaser of Stigmata. As the title suggests, this episode revolves around a queen named Miyuri Tsujidou. Miyuri is introduced as a popular student at St. Mihailov Academy, where the main characters Katja, Hana, and Sasha also study.

Miyuri seems to be the center of attention at the school, with students and teachers alike showering her with praises and admiration. However, it is revealed that this is all a facade. In reality, Miyuri is struggling with the pressure of being a queen and an exemplary student. She feels like she cannot live up to people's expectations of her and has been turning to alcohol to cope with her stress.

The episode opens with Miyuri stumbling out of a bar and getting into a car with a stranger. As she is driving, he attempts to take advantage of her, but she manages to fend him off. Meanwhile, Hana and Sasha are out on a mission to find a new Qwaser to ally with. However, their quest leads them to a dead end, and they return to the academy empty-handed.

Back at the academy, Miyuri's struggles come to light when she becomes severely hungover and is unable to perform her duties as a queen. As a result, the student council president tasks Katja with taking care of her. Katja is initially hesitant about this, but she soon takes a liking to Miyuri and the two of them become fast friends.

Throughout the episode, Miyuri and Katja spend time together, with Katja offering a listening ear and Miyuri revealing her innermost thoughts and feelings. In turn, Katja shares her own experiences and emotions, and the two of them bond over their shared struggles.

The episode also features a showdown between Hana and a mysterious new Qwaser named Jita Phrygianos. Jita gains the upper hand early on in the battle, but Hana refuses to give up and manages to turn the tide of the fight. In doing so, she earns Jita's respect and a potential ally in the future.

Overall, The Queen and I is a character-driven episode that explores the themes of expectation, pressure, and the importance of human connection. Miyuri's struggles are relatable to anyone who has felt overwhelmed by the demands placed on them, while the bond between Katja and Miyuri adds a touching emotional layer to the story. The action-packed showdown between Hana and Jita also keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats, making it a well-rounded episode that delivers both character development and exciting fight scenes.