Ep 9. Louise's Change of Heart

Louise's Change of Heart" is the 9th episode of the first season of the anime series "The Familiar of Zero." This episode is a turning point for the series as it marks a significant change in Louise's character development.

The episode starts with Saito feeling homesick and fuming over Louise's treatment of him. He sulks in his room until he is summoned by Louise to accompany her on a mission. Saito is excited to leave the academy, thinking Louise is finally going to trust him with an important task. However, his joy is short-lived when he discovers that Louise only wants him to accompany her on a shopping trip.

The duo ends up in the magic market, where Louise is on the lookout for a rare potion. While shopping, they come across a group of nobles who bully Saito for not wearing proper attire. Louise orders them to stop harassing him, but they ignore her. This leads to a fight between Saito and the bullies, and Saito comes out victorious.

Louise witnesses Saito's bravery and realizes that she had been treating him unfairly. She feels guilty for her past behavior and starts to question the way she has been treating him. As the episode unfolds, she undergoes a significant change of heart towards Saito.

The show delves into Louise's past, revealing why she treats Saito the way she does. We learn that she comes from a noble family and has been brought up to believe that commoners are beneath her. She is also under a lot of pressure from her family to become a powerful mage and bring honor to their name. Her behavior towards Saito is a manifestation of her upbringing and societal norms.

Throughout the episode, Louise reflects on her treatment of Saito and how it affects him. She also starts to see him in a new light and recognizes his loyalty towards her. She finally comes to the realization that Saito is not just a familiar, but a friend.

The episode ends on a hopeful note, with Louise apologizing to Saito for her behavior and promising to treat him better in the future. Saito forgives her and expresses his gratitude towards her for saving his life. The two share a heartwarming moment that marks a significant turning point in their relationship.

Overall, "Louise's Change of Heart" is an important episode in the series as it sets the tone for the rest of the seasons. It marks a significant change in Louise and Saito's relationship and leads to more character development for both of them. It highlights the importance of treating people with respect and kindness, regardless of their background, and shows how people can change for the better.