Quick Summary
In Campione! episode 9, “The Missing King,” Liliana Kranjčar was absolutely horrified. The Campione Godou Kusanagi lay at her feet, dead, with Perseus’ arrow protruding from his chest. Despite her state, she still interposed herself between Perseus and the fallen Godou as he aimed another arrow. She need not have bothered, though, because Athena chose that moment to manifest and warn Perseus off. Faced with the god’s power, and still feeling his injuries from his fight with Godou, Perseus withdrew — for now. Liliana was astonished when Athena confirmed that Godou would recover from his death. “He becomes far more interesting once he has been defeated.” Though granted a reprieve, their problem remained: How can Godou defeat Perseus if the god can seal Godou’s main weapons? And how far is Liliana prepared to go to ensure that victory?
Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.
Best Moment in the Show: It’s Liliana’s Turn to Save Godou from Himself
Liliana may fall apart under some forms of stress, but when Godou’s life was on the line — and potentially the lives of a lot of humans in that vicinity — she found her courage and told Godou what he needed hear. Whether he liked it or not! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
There are times when I like an Over Powered (OP) character. For example, I really like Layfon Alseif from Chrome Shelled Regios. Not only did he have work hard to develop his power, but it was thematically important. On the other hand, I don’t like OP characters who didn’t earn it. Fortunately for Campione!, Godou is really powerful, but he makes a lot of mistakes — mistakes that could have been costly. Back in episode 6, Erica Blandelli saved Godou from certain death at the hands of the older and cannier Campione Sasha Dejanstahl Voban. In this episode, it was Liliana’s turn.
Taking a break from studying about Perseus, Godou found a manuscript on the balcony. It was a romance novel written by guess who? Yep — Liliana. She was mortified that he’d found it and even threatened to murder him and then kill herself to spare herself the humiliation.
Guess I finally found a writer who thinks even less of their own work than I do mine.
I like Liliana.
Liliana should really be more confident in her writing skills! What’s that about a physician healing themselves? I have no idea what you’re talking about… Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Fortunately for Godou and Liliana, Athena chose that moment to show up and congratulate Godou on healing. They moved the conversation to a beach where Godou asked Athena if she knew how Perseus had sealed his powers. He’d learned since his encounter with Voban — he knew he had to offer at least something in return. He told Athena she owed him because (11:47) “You involved me in this fight. Surely, you can tell me that much!”
They argued back and forth, and Liliana marveled at this change that had come over Godou. Previously, he’d been easy going and, frankly, a little wimpy. Now, though, he was fully present. He was completely engaged, and he seemed to be enjoying it.
Athena seemed to be enjoying herself, too, and agreed to answer — if Godou did her a favor. Godou was about to agree when Liliana intervened.
“We refuse, of course!” she said (12:24). “A King that protects humanity could never accept a proposal like that!” A bored Athena left.
Liliana can find her courage when it counts! But she definitely needs a better strategy for dealing with her maid! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Godou didn’t understand what had happened, and Liliana shook her head before telling him that he usually acted reasonably, but when the stakes got higher, he tended to get rash. Godou must be feeling more confident as a Campione, because he tried to push back. But she said, “Carelessly accepting a rogue god’s bargain could be fatal! And with a goddess like Athena, it won’t matter if you’re a Campione!”
He thought about her words, softened, and thanked her for saving him. Of course, Liliana being Liliana, she sank to one knew and begged his forgiveness for being so forceful. That’s not what I liked about the scene, though. I liked that she stood up to him when it was important, and thereby saved his life. I liked how he argued with her, and when he saw she was right, he thanked her. I just love the relationship Godou has with the women surrounding him in this show. It feels so supportive and productive. It also makes his tremendous power much more realistic and balanced, which I welcome.
I only wish I could get Liliana to be more confident in her writing!
What did you think of Karen Jankulovski’s contributions to Liliana’s anxiety? What was your Best in Show moment? Let me know in the comments!
Other Posts about This Series
Other Anime Sites
- The Glorio Blog: Campione! Episode 9 – 10
- Random Curiosity: Campione! – 09
- The Fandom Post: Campione! Episode #09 Anime Review
This Site (Crow’s World of Anime!)
- Review: Campione! Episode 1: Tale of the Beginning
- Review: Campione! Episode 2: The Landscape with a King
- Review: Campione! Episode 3: From Afar, An Enemy Comes
- Review: Campione! Episode 4: Rogue Athena
- Review: Campione! Episode 5: Unpleasant Days
- Review: Campione! Episode 6: The Kings Converse
- Review: Campione! Episode 7: Wind, Rain, Wolf
- Review: Campione! Episode 8: A Hero Arrives
- Review: Campione! Episode 9: The Missing King
- Review: Campione! Episode 10: The Turbulent Demon King, The Sun Hero
- Review: Campione! Episode 11: Princess Shrine Maiden of the Long Sword
- Review: Campione! Episode 12: The Sword of Ama no Murakumo
- Review: Campione! Episode 13: Tale of the God-Slayer
