The following contains spoilers for Episode 2 of Ascendance of Bookworm Season 3, "The Story About Winter Stays And The Future," now streaming on Crunchyroll.
In the second episode of Ascendance of a Bookworm's third season, we get more details of Myne's life in the cathedral. A side of Myne that isn't normally shown is on full display here, and the importance that she places on her bonds with her family and close friends is in full display.
At the same time, we get a clearer look at the politics and scheming working in the background. While Ferdinand and Karstedt are working to try and protect Myne no matter what happens, the future is unclear, and possible enemies remain yet unknown. Season 3 is quickly shaping up to be the tensest section of the series yet.
"The Story About Winter Stays And The Future"
Myne remains lonely and listless after having spent the night at the church, made worse by Ferdinand ordering that she not leave her chambers out of safety. Without even the library to serve as a temporary escape, Myne continues her daily business, coming up with new board games and discussing opening a classroom to teach people to read and write. She also receives visits from Lutz and Tuuli, easing her loneliness a bit. However, despite these short moments of warmth, Myne continues to miss her family dearly, and the loneliness clearly takes a toll on her.
Some time later, Benno visits in order to present Myne's newly fixed robes. While there, Ferdinand and Karstedt discuss with Benno about the Ink Guild master Wolf, and what his intentions towards Myne might be. Benno believes that Wolf is interested in Myne not just because of the ink, but because word of Myne's many new inventions and creations have started to spread amongst the nobles. He suggests that Wolf might wish to sell her off to a noble for her inventive talents.
After Benno leaves, Ferdinand reintroduces Damuel to Myne, who recognizes him as the knight who failed to stop her from getting injured during the mission to exterminate the trombe. Ferdinand explains that part of Karstedt's and Damuel's punishment was to pay for her robes, and Damuel will now serve as Myne's personal bodyguard. Ferdinand and Karstedt then continue to discuss possible measures to keep Myne out of danger, and Ferdinand suggests to Myne that she be adopted by Karstedt. Myne refuses completely, and becomes so emotional that she starts to lose control of her mana.
Ferdinand uses a magic object to drain Myne's mana and calm her down and then takes her to his secret workshop. There, Myne confesses that Ferdinand's trip into her memories reminded her of the family that she'll never see again, causing her to miss her current family even more. Her emotions began to destabilize, and Ferdinand is forced to calm her down with an awkward hug. Ferdinand reminds Myne that her mana is dangerous, even to her loved ones, but Myne begs Ferdinand not to take her away from her family. He finally relents, and tells her that he will wait until she is ten years old, old enough to go to the Royal Academy. However, he also insists that if Myne becomes too dangerous, he will deal with her accordingly.
An Uneasy Path To The Future
This episode shows the intense bond and connection between Myne and her friends and family. Her separation from them causes her to become forlorn and listless, and eventually contributes to her mana going berserk later on. Even occasional visits and the companionship of her retainers won't save her from quiet dinners and lonely nights. The consequences of Ferdinand's journey through her memories can be seen here, and it's clear that Myne has some regrets towards her previous life's family. While Ferdinand and her retainers do their best to keep Myne from feeling too lonely, it just isn't enough. The winter stay is having a severely negative effect on Myne, and the scheming of the Ink Guild isn't making things easier for her.
In the meantime, an uneasy look at the future has been presented. Myne currently refuses to be adopted by a noble, even a trusted one like Karstedt. However, she may not have a choice once dangers start to surface. In addition, the deadline that Ferdinand sets means that this choice will happen sooner rather than later. While Damuel's presence as Myne's bodyguard might provide some relief, the threats to her and her family remain unknown, and it is not clear when or how they will strike. Myne's new life continues to be complicated, and while she would be content just to read and make books, it is clear that peace will not come so easily to her. This second episode is full of tension, and it's certain to rise as the new season goes on.