Slow Loop Episode 3: Thank You

The episode opens with Maria von Annabatti (Mimi), far from a delicate noblewoman, systematically dismantling her kidnappers with martial arts. Her strength, a source of family pride, is usually hidden, but here it is laid bare. Prince Lennart von Rubini (Lenni) arrives, witnessing her prowess firsthand, his shock quickly turning to admiration. In a tender moment, he proposes, confirming his love for her true self, not an imagined lady.

Inside the castle, Maria is primped by enthusiastic maids, feeling like an impostor in the grand attire. The political landscape, now cleared of corruption, solidifies her role as future Crown Princess. Lennart and his aide, Raymond, outline her daunting schedule and the strict protocols she must master. Maria's head spins from the sheer volume of expectations.

Lost in the vast castle gardens, Maria is found by Lennart having rescued a small, lost dog. The dog's owner is revealed to be the Queen Mother, who is charmed by Maria's genuine kindness and disheveled state. The King finds her informal meeting hilarious, but the Queen stands silently in the background, a stern, critical presence.

Back at the Royal Academy, Maria skips happily through the halls, only to be scolded by Raymond for her unladylike behavior. Her friend, Aida von Cassari, offers gentle counsel and support, solidifying their bond amidst the pressures of royal life. They discuss Maria's upcoming trip home, and both Aida and Raymond later acknowledge Maria's unique, positive influence on the court.

Rosaria Pinotti, a haughty noblewoman, attempts to belittle Maria with remarks about her country upbringing. Maria's unyielding sincerity, however, disarms Rosaria, who is perplexed by Maria's genuine reactions. Maria's passionate stories of rural life, contrasted with Rosaria's urban snobbery, inadvertently draw other classmates to her. She even extends an invitation to Rosaria for a unique summer visit, catching her completely off guard.

Later, Maria is discovered high in a tree, successfully rescuing a stray cat, much to Raymond's familiar exasperation. Raymond gravely warns her that while other royals might be lenient, the Queen is not, and remains skeptical of Maria's suitability. Soon after, an official invitation arrives for a private tea party with the Queen, clearly a direct test of Maria's conduct and character.

Lennart arrives to see Maria, looking exhausted from his new duties but finding solace in her presence. He admires her unique, knuckle-duster hair ornament, promising a royal version to honor her heritage. He then becomes unexpectedly clingy, expressing his worry about her returning home, and a playful struggle ensues as Maria tries to gently break free from his embrace.

Raymond interrupts Maria and Lennart's intimate moment, reminding her of the impending tea with the Queen. As Maria walks towards the Queen's private garden, accompanied by stoic guards, she senses an unseen presence, her instincts on high alert. She approaches the Queen, who waits with an unreadable, stern expression, setting an immediate tone of intense scrutiny and tension.

The tea party begins stiffly until Maria, overwhelmed by a macaron's deliciousness, blurts out her delight. This awkward moment is shattered by an assassination attempt on the Queen, with arrows flying towards them. Maria, acting purely on instinct, uses the heavy tea table as a shield and pulls the Queen to safety. The Queen's stern facade immediately breaks, revealing an ardent admirer of Maria's raw strength, and she declares her full support for the engagement.

As the commotion in the garden subsides, a mysterious, long-haired man in an elegant purple suit watches from a high balcony, a knowing, slightly mischievous smile on his face. He is later revealed to be Prince Frederico. The preview for the next episode hints at Maria's return home, her brother Teodorico's warm greeting, and the Queen's continued 'fandom,' alongside new dangers foreshadowed by a fiery carriage.