Ep 4. The Sunlit Garden - Prelude

Utena and her friend Wakaba attend a meeting of the Student Council in hopes of meeting its members and learning more about the duels that Utena has found herself drawn into. At the meeting, they meet Saionji, the council's vice president and a former friend and love interest of Anthy, the mysterious girl Utena rescued in the previous episode. Saionji challenges Utena to a duel in order to win back his place as Anthy's "owner," and Utena, though hesitant, accepts the challenge.

Meanwhile, Anthy reveals to Utena that she is the "Rose Bride," a girl who is promised to the winner of the duels and must serve as that person's loyal companion. Anthy also shows Utena a hidden garden, filled with sunshine and flowers, where she spends most of her time. Utena is intrigued by this serene and beautiful place, but also senses a sadness in Anthy and a hint of darkness lurking beneath the surface.

As Utena prepares for her duel with Saionji, she also tries to understand her own motivations for fighting. She is drawn to the idea of being a prince, of rescuing someone in need, but also feels conflicted about the idea of possessing or controlling another person. Meanwhile, Saionji reveals his own personal demons, including jealousy and anger towards Anthy and an insecurity about his own worth as a person.

The duel itself takes place in a courtyard surrounded by cheering students and flashing cameras. Saionji wields a wooden sword and Utena a real one, and as they fight, they reveal their true selves to each other. Utena is chivalrous and determined, while Saionji is vicious and cruel. In the end, Utena emerges victorious and gains the power to claim Anthy as her own "Rose Bride."

The episode ends with Utena and Anthy in the sunlit garden, symbolizing their new relationship as companions and potentially exploring the hidden depths of their own emotions. Overall, the episode explores themes of power, control, and desire, as well as the complexities of human relationships and motivations.