Ep 3. The Cry of the Mandrake

In Sakura Quest season 1 episode 3 "The Cry of the Mandrake," the focus shifts away from Yoshino and onto her new friends in the small town of Manoyama. This episode centers on the character of Ririko, a shy high school student who is trying to manage her schoolwork along with her duties as a tourism board member.

Ririko struggles with feeling disconnected from both her classmates and the other members of the board. She finds some solace in spending time alone in a local forest where she feels a connection to a mysterious and rare flower known as the mandrake.

When the tourism board decides to promote the mandrake festival, Ririko is hesitant to share her secret spot with outsiders. Yoshino and the rest of the board try to convince her to open up and share the beauty of the mandrake with all of Manoyama's visitors.

As preparations for the festival get underway, the board has to deal with various challenges, from designing original merchandise to dealing with tricky fliers. In the end, the festival is a resounding success, with visitors from all around Japan flooding into the town to see the rare and magical mandrake flowers.

The episode is filled with sweet moments, as well as some lighthearted comedy. The dynamic between the members of the tourism board continues to be a highlight, as each character brings their unique strengths and quirks to the table. Ririko's personal journey is also a standout, as she learns to open up and share her love of the mandrake with others.

Overall, "The Cry of the Mandrake" is another charming installment in the Sakura Quest series, balancing humor and heart in equal measure. Viewers looking for a heartwarming and wholesome anime will find a lot to love here.