Anime

Review of Chivalry of a Failed Knight Episode 03: Errant Whipped Cream and Falling with Style

Quick Summary

In Chivalry of a Failed Knight episode 3, “The Worst One III,” Stella Vermillion tried to work up the courage to ask Ikki Kurogane on a date, but Ikki’s sister Shizuku Kurogane beat her by seconds. Along with Shizuku’s roommate Alice Arisuin, they go to the mall for what they hoped would be a carefree day of shopping. What they didn’t expect was for Stella and Shizuku to become hostages with dozens of other women and children while Ikki and Alice barely avoided being machine-gunned by terrorists. Can Stella and Shizuku keep their cool long enough to help the hostages? Can Ikki and Alice survive long enough to help? 

Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.

What’s in This Post

3 Favorite Moments

Moment 1: Stella’s Competitive Streak Misfires

Review Of Chivalry Of A Failed Knight Episode 03: Stella and whipped cream

Stella needs to rein in her competitive side sometimes! Capture from the Hulu stream.

You might think I’m cheating by choosing this moment, and I have to admit you’d have a point. But these two moments blend together well enough that I’m going to pretend they count as one. Besides, it’s pretty adorable!

Alice had recommended a shop that served tasty crepes, and Shizuku and Stella experienced a moment of rare harmony when they both gushed about how good the food was. As Alice explained how this shop was the best for crepes another on the second floor was better for ice cream, Ikki noticed that Shizuku had a little spot of whipped cream on her cheek.

You can probably guess what came next. 

Yep. Ikki leaned over, gently brushed the whip cream from her face, and ate it (7:27). Shizuku was so astonished that all she could do was blush and sit there was her mouth gaping. I like how Alice gently teased her about it.

Review Of Chivalry Of A Failed Knight Episode 03: Shizuku is embarrassed

It was fun seeing the usually reserved Shizuku reduced to stuttering. Capture from the Hulu stream.

Remember how Stella has a competitive streak? Well, she indulged it, because a moment later, she cleared her throat in what sounded like a sorta-discrete attempt to get Ikki’s attention (7:45). 

“Oh, hey, do I have something on my face?” she asked. Ikki actually started. Yes, she had something on her face. In fact, it looked like she’d dipped her face into the crepe, because whipped cream covered her entire lower face. 

When she said that if there was something on her face, he could just help her get it off like he did for his sister, he said he’d have to go find a towel.  

She’s an outstanding fighter. She might make a great ruler some day! But when it comes to social situations, well, she needs more practice.

Moment 2: Stella’s Raw Courage 

Review Of Chivalry Of A Failed Knight Episode 03: Stella doesn't lack courage

Stella is certainly not lacking in courage. She didn’t even hesitate to put herself in harm’s way to protect the little boy. Capture from the Hulu stream.

Stella and Shizuku were hiding among the other hostages. Both were smart enough not to let the terrorists know they were there. Shizuku said she had an idea to keep the hostages safe, but she needed time to prepare the magic. She asked Stella to keep her head down, and Stella said she’d try.

That was before one of the terrorists shoved a mother, and her small son hurled an ice cream cone at his head. Kicking the child away, he pulled the hammer back on his machine gun and fired.

Stella’s flame magic melted the bullets, and she put herself between the boy and his attacker. Undaunted, the terrorist continued firing, even after Stella said, “Nice try, but bullets are not really effective against my Empress Dress” (12:40). 

The idiot continued firing, so as he did, she calmly strode towards him, evaporating the bullets as she walked. She told him, “I am not going to waste my time with you. Where’s your boss hiding, tough guy?”

There were two things that I really liked about this moment. First, when Stella saw the child was in danger, she didn’t hesitate to stand up and fight. Second, she showed how politically savvy she was when she said she wanted to talk to the boss. That’s just what I’d express from a royally-trained Princess in line for the throne.

Moment 3: Ikki Enters the Fray

Review Of Chivalry Of A Failed Knight Episode 03: Ikki enters the fray

Ikki gets kinda serious when lives are on the line. Capture from the Hulu stream.

Ikki wanted to throw himself into the fight sooner, but Alice used his weapon to pin Ikki’s shadow. I think it was only after Alice told him to trust his sister and give her time to work her magic that he relented. It’s a good thing he did, too, because moments later, she unleashed the spell (16:40) and surrounded the hostages with a bullet-proof shield. 

Alice released his hold on Ikki’s shadow. Ikki drew his sword, Intetsu (17:02). Standing on the railing two floors above them, the muzzle blasts illuminating his face, he slowly pitched himself forward and invoked Ittou Shura, one of his noble arts. 

First, the fall alone was pretty amazing. I should probably complain that with all of that gunfire, he should have taken at least one hit, but the coolness of his fall constrains me.

Review Of Chivalry Of A Failed Knight Episode 03: Stella appreciates Ikki's attention

Only after the fight was over did Ikki allow himself to show how worried he was for Stella and Shizuku. Stella was less embarrassed about standing there in her lingerie than she was that the man she loved had suddenly hugged her! Capture from the Hulu stream.

Second, his noble art let him stop seeing color so he could repurpose his receptors to help him better target Bisho’s device, Judgement Ring. I can see how that’d be useful in combat!

Finally, he was able to propel himself so quickly off the wall that he was able to slice Bisho’s arm off before the villain could activate Judgement Ring. His attack was bold, well executed, and fearless. 

Stella gets honorable mention for taking care of the lackeys so Ikki didn’t have to worry about them — all the while being in her underwear. Bisho had tried to humiliate her by ordering her to undress (and nearly causing Ikki to attack prematurely!). But this scene showed that she’s more courageous than that. I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of action and character in this scene.

Thoughts

Did you see how Shizuku brought Stella her clothes after the fight was over (18:50)? It was a surprisingly kind gesture, given their history. Even more surprising was commenting on Stella’s fight, saying, “It was also decidedly badass.”

Stella then complimented Shizuku on her defensive spell!

Nothing like a little combat to bring rivals closer together, I guess!

Review Of Chivalry Of A Failed Knight Episode 03: Shizuku makes a peace offering to Stella

Shizuku and Stella seem to have come to an understanding after the fight. Shizuku even folded Stella’s clothes for her! Capture from the Hulu stream.

I’m really happy I’ve decided to review one older series each season, because I’m noticing so much more about this series as I’m rewatching it to review it. One thing that’s really jumping out at me is how nuanced Stella’s character is. After this episode, I think I think I have a better insight into how skilled she is in various social situations.

Take the opening scene, when she’s sparring with Ikki. She’s in top form. She’s decisive, her attacks are crisp, and she’s keeping up with his moves. But as soon as the sword play’s over, she begins to stumble. It’s because she couldn’t get the words out quickly enough that she couldn’t go on a Saturday date alone with Ikki. 

Remember the crepe shop? Just chatting with friends (and I think Shizuku is becoming Stella’s friend), she did fine. The words seemed to flow, and she wasn’t embarrassed or awkward. But when she tried to compete with Shizuku and whipped cream for Ikki’s attention? Spectacular failure! 

My favorite example, though, is in the fight after Ikki sliced Bisho’s arm off. Stella had the presence of mind to use the opportunity to take out the remaining lackeys, even though she was just wearing her underwear. How many other series have we seen where a woman character loses her clothes and seems to lose her composure, as well? Not Stella. She’s trained for combat, and while she’s in the mode, she’s focused, powerful, and extremely dangerous. 

Review Of Chivalry Of A Failed Knight Episode 03: Stella knows what's important

I’ve seen a lot of anime where a woman in Stella’s position would have been embarrassed. But Stella? There was fighting to be done, so she was far too busy to worry about minor things like near nudity. I gotta respect that attitude! Capture from the Hulu stream.

But when Ikki hugged her? At least this time, she seemed to relax into it with a minimum of awkwardness. She might be getting used to his attention! So not only do we have a nuanced character, we’re getting character development, too!

I’m usually more perceptive than this, but I’m beginning to think I didn’t give his show enough credit when I originally watched it because of its ecchi elements. Well, time to fix that with these reviews!

What did you think of Stella’s reactions in this episode? What were your favorite moments? Let me know in the comments!

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13 thoughts on “Review of Chivalry of a Failed Knight Episode 03: Errant Whipped Cream and Falling with Style

    1. It was based on the first three volumes of the light novels, right? That is, if I’m reading Wikipedia right. So the anime ended just as a major arc was kicking off?

      I’ve got to try to make time to read some more…

    1. You just ordered it, didn’t you? I’m really hoping you’ll review it! I’m really curious to know what you think!

    1. “one of the next on my review list.”

      Sweet! I’m looking forward to reading your take on it.

      I might sound like a broken record, but watching this to review it has revealed a lot more depth of character than I remembered. I’m kinda impressed!

        1. “Unexpected depth is always good.”

          Isn’t it, though? Not just in anime — in any fiction. There are times I feel like I live for these moments! At the very least, I look for them constantly.

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