As with Mairimashita Iruma-kun, Mao is headed for a second cour. But it likewise gives us a sort of mid-finale that has a summing up feel to it. Overall it was the most low-key episode of the series, probably. But in addition to level-setting the relationship between Nanoka and Mao (and Byouki) it planted some seeds that are going to take root in the second cour. We still have many more questions than answers but given how early we are in the overall narrative that’s certainly to be expected.

Kamon is definitely one of those more questions than answers characters. Turns out he snuck a tracking spell into that medicine he gave Mao for Tenko (which Mao never used anyway). Nanoka stops by to tell Mao about her Byouki encounter but finds the three apprentices at the clinic, all extremely wary of each other in amusing fashion. I think we can take Hyakka more or less at face value – I don’t believe he has subtle deception in his bag. I don’t feel like Kamon is hostile towards Mao, per se, or especially interested in the succession killing game. But I also think his motives are more complicated than what’s been revealed about them so far.

Once the two freeloaders (at least Hyakka is doing housework) depart, Nanoka figures she can tell Mao about the Byouki. Mao’s takeaway from his warning is that by giving him some of her blood, Nanoka may have shortened her own lifespan. She’s pretty cavalier about this but Mao isn’t – he clearly doesn’t want that on his conscience. She’s also brought a “letter” from Uozumi – “WHAT DO I DO?”. Mao responds to this by having Nanoka drink a protective talisman ground up in water and giving her a bag of talismans for Uozumi-san (whose first name is Funa, as it turns out) to protect Nanoka with.

The Byouki is waiting for her when she gets home, seated peacefully on Grandpa’s lap. I’m again struck by a seeming lack of hostility from him. He bemusedly notes the talisman inside her, and tells Nanoka if she ever wants to speak with him she should call his name. She also tells him that Mao will need him if he ever wants to learn the truth about what happened at the compound – specifically with Lady Sana especially. Byouki’s motives are the most mysterious of all, of course, but I’m increasingly convinced he’s not evil, per se – and perhaps not at all.

Nanoka is more and more consumed with Sana, for obvious reasons. She’s convinced herself that Mao was in love with her, and Hyakka more or less confirms it. As for Mao Tenko summons him to meet with Shibasato-sensei, a retired doctor who injured his hand in the earthquake. Shibasato tells Mao the story of Yoshifusa, the son of a wealthy family who begged him for help after strangers showed up in his family estate after the quake. After Yoshifusa “escaped” and stumbled to Shibasato’s home, those strangers came by claiming to be relatives, and offered Shibasato a wad of cash to care for him. There’s obviously a lot more going on there.

Finally, Nanoka gives Mao a Christmas present – a scarf – and is shocked to find he’s prepared a gift for her too (though it turns out to be homework – that will surely come in handy later). The lady in traditional garb from Yoshifusa’s house sees Mao and recognizes him. It would make sense for this to be Sana or Masago the water sorcerer, though I don’t recognize her as either. Finally, we meet the man in military uniform from the OP/ED at last – his name is Hakubi, apparently – and it seems clear he’s likely another of the five apprentices and big trouble. There’s plenty of grist for the second cour mill here, that’s for sure.