HiNa

Ofc Mio doesn't trust him a lick and refuses to sign the contract even though they both have much to gain by allying. She suspects his motives justly, but she's mistaking his genuine care for her as ambition.

Which leads to the biggest mistake Shaddiq made with Miorine. Inaction. He's played his cards close to the chest from their first school days, something we briefly see in the opening scene. While Guel duels Shaddiq stands on the sidelines and waits, perhaps thinking she'll recognize he's respecting her boundaries before he finally takes initiative.

Yet the distance also means he can never close the gap between them. Miorine only allows Suletta to cross this line willingly. And since Suletta is unattached to the company warfare within Benerit, Mio feels safe with her in ways she can't with the other duelists. Guel barged inside without regard for her feelings and Shaddiq waited, but both were doomed to fail.

Miorine herself acknowledges by the end that while he may care for her, he did nothing to show it. He stood by as Guel and the rest treated her as a trophy and only began taking action when it was clear Mio was changing for Suletta. RIP

By the way, can we just appreciate the growth from Suletta in this episode?? She did amazing with the duel ofc, but it's the first time we see some steel from her and I'm so proud. Girl has finally accepted Mio as her bride and voiced multiple times she believes in her. I'm gonna cry

The duel itself was fascinating as Shaddiq and his Angels play dirty. Speaking of, I wonder if they're set to play a bigger part. It's intriguing they're all named and given personalities beyond what we see from Guel's flunkies. One of them even had beef with Lilique because her boyfriend was rejected. Amazing

Earth House provided Suletta support in this duel and while they're certainly not ace pilots, they came through at the last moment to score the definitive win. Ngl, I may have shouted when ChuChu blasted his antenna. Shaddiq ate a piece of humble pie here. He deliberately called off his support and demanded to face Suletta himself; a decision which led to his defeat. Mio even rubs salt in the wound, calling out his hypocrisy.

I was wondering if Shaddiq would play the role of Touga wholly, even giving Suletta her first loss. But I'm very happy to be wrong and see a coordinated team effort between Earth House. This episode was amazing from beginning to end, though there are parts of it that leave me puzzled.

Why is Prospera crying here? Why is she so overcome with joy at a mere won duel with so little (from her pov) stakes? Is it related to Suletta's performance, or because we see the GUND format glowing blue just like in the prologue; proof of Eri's influence within Aerial? Only she knows the truth, but I'm eager to find out. Until then, looks like the happy train is going full steam ahead for Suletta, Mio, and friends~

I said it would be incredible if the show had Miorine take up Elnora/Dr. Cardo's original goal of bettering the lives of humanity with GUND. I just wasn't expecting it to happen so soon! But I suppose it's not that much of a swerve considering Mio is definitely the Relena Peacecraft of this Gundam.

I am so happy she brought in Earth House too. Chuchu's reaction to a peaceful goal was unexpected and touching. Her and Nika continue to be great but we also get a better idea of the House's personalities and relationships. Good food

Their dreams might be crushed one day but not today!

The major concern of this episode is Shaddiq. He's moving ahead with his personal aims, though it's clear he sees potential in Gundam and doesn't want them destroyed like his father/company wants. He's hard to pin down, but I'm enjoying his scenes. I greatly anticipate a duel in the future since Mio's company is now in danger and we get this ominous shot of a mobile suit

And if I'm not mistaken it's the same one from the prologue? Very similar at least

Moving on, I also wanted to briefly discuss Prospera. Her manipulation and lying to Suletta are expected after everything we've seen from her. But I think she showed her cards here. Seems she wants gundams to be produced on a greater scale while washing away the stigma of piloting. She doesn't bring up GUND's original purpose at all. Is she angling for war? Probably :/

Miorine side-eyed her speech so I trust she knows Prospera isn't on the level. Best regards Miomio, your future mother-in-law is a viper

Miorine and Suletta got some cute moments in between all this intrigue though. This was the standout-- just a sweet moonlit ride with Mio being bemused by her groom and leaning against her back. So sweet. Ahh I want the next episode ;-;