Highlights
- Claire's feelings for Rae are starting to thaw as she shows concern for her and saves the school from a monster attack.
- The magic system in the world of the anime is simple, with four elemental attributes and the possibility of dual-casters or tri-casters.
- Claire's feelings for Prince Thane have become serious, causing tension with Rae, but Claire's behavior suggests a potential shift in their relationship.
Warning: The following contains spoilers for I’m in Love With the Villainess, Episode 4, "When Monsters Attack, Unpreparedness Is the Greatest Enemy," now streaming on Crunchyroll.
After a sudden tonal shift in the show’s narrative, I’m in Love With the Villainess is back to its comedic antics. Rae has resorted to her usual over-the-top personality while Claire is the same as ever – a mean villainess. However, Claire’s feelings have begun to thaw out for Rae as she gains a soft-spot for the commoner.
Claire opening up to Rae was initially only subtle and conveyed through hints, yet the latest events have brought these feelings out in the open. With Claire defeating a monster and saving the entire school from its attack, she has proven that there is more to this villainess than meets the eye. Her concern for Rae also shined through, indicating that the two are slowly making progress toward becoming a legitimate couple.
The Elemental Attributes
While magic and sorcery isn’t at the forefront of I’m in Love With the Villainess’ premise, it still delves into the complexities of its power systems. Unlike other magic-based anime, the series’ system is rather simple and straightforward. With just four elemental attributes populating the world, each individual can only utilize one element. Some exceptions are possible, leading to dual-casters and tri-casters, though such individuals are highly rare.
The four elements are Wind, Water, Fire, and Earth, with each one possessing its own affinities and weaknesses. For instance, Fire is strong against Earth, yet it is easily countered by Water. Some elements also have synergies with one another, resulting in considerably stronger attacks with higher potency. Wind and Fire are a prime example as the former is capable of increasing the latter’s strength. Understanding these intricacies is essential for anyone to become a mage, and this very information allows Claire to take center stage as the savior.
A Monster Invasion
I’m in Love With the Villainess has witnessed its first action-focused scene as the academy braces for a sudden monster attack. However, the monster’s appearance isn’t treated as a serious threat initially as Rae points out that this is merely an event from the dating sim. Knowing how the event progresses, Rae came prepared and maxed out her magic power to subjugate the monster immediately. Her plan was to trap the slime in her Earth walls, followed by a volley of magic attacks by the other students.
However, Rae had miscalculated the slime’s potency as it was able to overpower her magic, taking down both the young mage and their teacher. With most students caught by the monster’s tentacles, it was up to Claire to save the day with her magic. While she initially doubted her ability to take on the monster, she was backed by Prince Thane and his words of encouragement. As the love of her life roused her spirits, Claire became an unstoppable force at that moment.
With Claire’s Fire magic empowered by Thane’s Wind element, the result was an enchanted blast capable of taking down the monster in one blow. Before Claire and Thane could share a moment, however, Claire is taken aback by the roaring applause that follows her act of selflessness. With these events, the villainess ironically takes on the role of the savior, turning the narrative around for once. This ordeal also revealed that I’m in Love With the Villainess is different from other Otome anime as changing the game’s course is rather easy and direct.
Claire’s Feelings for Prince Thane
While it had already been made apparent, the events of this episode clearly portray Claire’s sentiments for Prince Thane. Her initial crush on the prince seems to have developed into something rather serious, becoming an obstacle for Rae’s feelings. Despite the game forcing all three princes to aim for the protagonist’s love, Prince Thane has shifted his focus towards Claire, leaving the Otome’s predetermined route.
Rae has already felt neglected and is holding onto her past trauma of being ignored due to her sexuality. As she watches on from the sidelines, she can’t help but notice the situation turning into another unrequited love. However, Rae seems to have made peace with the fact that Claire is in love with Prince Thane, and she is willing to step aside and let the villainess have her happily ever after.
However, Rae may have underestimated her worth in Claire’s eyes as the two get to share an intimate moment once more. Unlike Rae’s forceful advances, this moment between the two came at the expense of interrupting Prince Thane and Claire. Normally, Claire would have been fuming at the thought of losing her moment with Thane, yet she ignored the prince to inquire about Rae’s wellbeing. This sudden change in Claire’s behavior is indicative of the changes yet to be witnessed in Claire and Rae’s relationship.