Episode 4

**It Takes Two to Tango** (二人の知謀, *Futari no Chibō*?) is the fourth episode of the Anime. It was aired in Japan on February 1st, 2022.

## Synopsis

The prince of Antagdull Gerard arrives in Natra and seeks to retrieve Lowa from there. Wein hoping to get rid of the two and crush the upstarting rebellion within Antagdull, he invites Gerard to stay and enjoy a banquet prepared for him there. During the banquet, however, an unfortunate accident occurs that compromises both Wein and Lowa's plans.

## Summary

Both Wein and Lowa enjoy tea and snacks together within Wein's quarters. Wein mentions that Lowa is leaving soon and she notes her only regret is that she was unable to secure his help in seizing the throne. Although Wein finds the confession amusing, he calls her out for having an ulterior motive, but Lowa feigns ignorance and asks what exactly he had in mind. Hence, Wein details that by spring they'll be a massive uprising amongst the alliance nations with the intent of conquering the empire. It is Lowa's goal to prevent that from ever happening. Keeping a calm composure, Lowa asks how Wein would come to that conclusion. He goes on to explain that he had an epiphany when he saw all of the weapons confiscated from her soldiers were forged in the west. Natra would act as a transit point for her goal and the small cache of weapons is in case of a civil war. On the other hand, Lowa claims that weapons made in the empire are of the best quality within the land but would run short if her brother fight over them. Retrieving a couple of papers from his desk, Wein places them on the table and notes that only if the weapons weren't equally divided. The papers contained information on the weapons being equally distributed to the three factions. The intention behind all of this was to keep the power balanced and prolong the struggle between the three princes. This would allow rebellions to spark across the empire. Although Lowa claims that had she known of this then she'd warn her brothers, however, due to her age, gender, and political influence, Wein claims they didn't take her seriously. Hence, Lowa had to get infallible proof of her claims and set the stage in Natra and the Gairan providence where Grinahae Antgadull has his stronghold.

Finally admitting to Wein's claims, she states that due to her brothers not believing her and being unable to. Thus she decided to use herself as bait and Wein thinks that it'd be her ticket to the imperial throne. In Wein's opinion, if the rebellion would succeed then the princes would be executed, and if the victor captures her, then they can claim the imperial fortune and throne. There's also the possibility that the victor can claim their nation as the new empire. The suspected leader of the rebellion is believed to be Antagdull by Lowa, who betrayed the empire by siding with the alliance. To him, Lowa would be an attractive pawn for his cause, which is why Lowa decided to visit there since it'd be easier for him to get a hold of her. This makes Wein propose the question of what would happen if he told Antagdull he'd turn her over. Lowa claims that he'd never do that due to Ninym, since due to the west side treating Flahms like slaves, Ninym would be in a predicament due to her lineage. Recalling what Lowa said to Ninym a couple of days ago, about how she's still close with Wein which makes her glad. Holding nothing else back, Lowa claims that Antagdull's forces will soon invade Natra in hopes to claim Lowa's hand, prompting Wein to intervene and save the empire. However, to illusively counter this outcome, Wein sent a letter to Antagdull's manor stating that Lowa would be visiting him soon. By sending Antagdull that message, it would thereby prevent an invasion from Antagdull's forces. Confidently, however, Lowa claims that Ninym would barge through the door to that room and claim that Antagdull's are invading. Despite him not believing such an audacious claim, Ninym does barge into the room to inform him of an important matter.

By the entrance of the palace, Grinahae's son Gerard accompanied by some attendees greets Wein who is followed by Ninym. Contrary to Wein's polite and pleasant demeanor toward Antagdull, he acts in a pompous and pretentious manner demanding that he see Lowa. Playing along with Antagdull's attitude, Wein says that a room has been prepared for him and asks that he wait there so Lowa can prepare herself. He also claims that a lovely banquet will be prepared in honor of the future couple. Agreeing to Wein's offer, Antagdull asks to be escorted to his room. Back at Antagdull's domain, his father reads the letter sent by Wein and claims his son is a fool, but hopes that situation would allow them not to have to dispatch any forces. He then claims to his associate Owl that his ruse to topple the empire would be foiled. On the other hand, Owl states that the rebellion plot is well underway. Therefore, they'll wait for the Natra Prince Wein to make his move. In his inner monologue Owl curses Wein for creating such a serious obstacle.

Meanwhile, Wein laments over Antagdull's arrival there, but Ninym was furious that Antagdull looked down upon him the entire time. She also notes her disdain for Antagdull's attitude as well. Wein tries to calm Ninym down saying getting angry would contribute to insufficient thoughts and suggests they think happy thoughts. Perplexed by the suggestion, Ninym is suggested by Wein to think of him. Supposedly understanding the suggestion, Ninym sits on Wein's lap and contemplates the situation at hand. She thinks that Lowa will try and sabotage the banquet as a way to pit Natra and Antagdull's forces against each other. On the contrary, Wein believes that she'll use the banquet as a way to make Gerard reveal the rebellion plot set by his father by using her hand in marriage as bait. Not only that, Wein claims that Lowa believes that Natra will ally with hers and her goals to take the imperial throne. Despite Natra having inadequate manpower, they have political influence that can be added to her roster. Although this would go against Lowa's plans, the truth behind it is that Lowa hopes that Gerard would bring down his own father's plan for a rebellion. Elsewhere, Lowa confirms and conveys this all to Fyshe, and her plans to use Natra soldiers to help in the endeavor against Antagdull's forces. Wein also deduces that'd be what Lowa is planning, but has no intention of doing so, as he'd be getting involved in a succession war. This back and forth deduction between them continues as the banquet with Gerard fast approaches.

During the banquet, both Wein and Lowa shower an inebriated Gerard with praise. They also try and entrap the other in their own plan/ploy. Sensing a familiarity between the two, Wein confesses they are and when swordplay is brought up, Gerard challenges Wein to a match. Much to Wein's chagrin and Lowa's pleasure, Gerard faces off against Wein in a friendly duel. Wein holds back and tries to make it a draw. To add to this predicament, Gerard tries to attack Wein despite losing the match, but once again Wein tries to make the situation to his advantage. Again, however, this plan fails as it leads to Gerard falling to his death. News of his son's death reaches his father who learns of his son's death from a message heard from his son's squire. In a different place, Owl contemplates the dire situation that the death of Antgadull's son has caused.

Within the bathing area, Fyshe tries to reason with Lowa to return home given the present situation. This prompts Lowa to hug Fische and exclaim how fortunate to have a retainer that she can trust working for her. Although she understands that her life is at risk staying there, Lowa admits that she's in no position to ascend the throne. Hence, as her position as princess of the empire, peace with the empire would be her prerogative for the situation. Meanwhile, Wein contemplates with Ninym over the untimely demise of Gerard and how the commonfolk would interpret this as him assassinating him. Frantic about how this would lead to a war with not only Antagdull, but also the empire, Ninym suggests they prepare whatever move Antagdull tries to pull and Wein agrees. Just then, a servant enters the room and notifies Wein that Lowa seeks an audience with him and Wein agrees to it. Lowa then enters the room and announces that she surrenders and plans to crush the rebellion. Therefore, she seeks Wein's help to concoct a plan and Wein does allowing them a chance to crush the rebellion without dropping a single bit of blood.

## Character

Characters in order of appearance.

* Wein Salema Arbalest
* Lowellmina Earthworld
* Ninym Ralei
* Gerard Antgadull
* Grinahae Antgadull
* Owl
* Fyshe Blundell
* Falanya Elk Abralest