SOTSW's animators need to explain themselves RIGHT NOW. Because it did not escape my attention that when Monica dances with Glenn, Neil, Nero, and Felix, they all use the proper lead and have their hand underneath Monica's to support hers throughout the dance, with her fingers resting between their thumb and pointer fingers;
But then with Cyril they switch things up and have them dance with the fingers on the lead hands interlaced with one another;
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Monica finding comfort while leaning on Cyril and Cyril comforting her as well🥺💙 😭💜them dkdkdk also this whole section of scenes was animated so beautifully
The student council of Serendia Academy had errands to run in town. After they finished their tasks, their president, Felix, suggested that they enjoy themselves around town, and that's how everyone separated.
Presently, Monica found herself crouching by an alleyway with her back to a bustling street, muttering all known mathematical constants to mankind to ground herself.
'This is bad. Nero's not here and there are too many people here. I don't even know where the crown prince went. Not that the probability of anyone attacking in board daylight is high but still… ' she thought. "I have to keep moving," she whispered as she slowly got up and turned to face the street.
………..
………….
Her legs started shaking……..
Pushing the fear to the back of her mind, she started moving forward. 'Maybe I could check out the dumpling stall nearby that Casey mentioned,' she thought, going in the direction of the stalls. 'And I also need some books.'
Despite her determination to move forward, she ended up getting blindsided by the crowd. She was sitting on a bench nearby, thinking of going back to the dorm.
"Miss Norton? What are you doing here?" said a familiar voice behind her, making her jump. It was Cyril.
"I-uh… I was just resting," she replied meekly.
He stared at her for a while. "Don't tell me you got pushed by the crowd and ended up here," he said.
Monica could only look away which answered his suspicions.
He sighed and sat beside her. "Did you have any plans?"
"I wanted to try the dumplings Casey mentioned… and buy some books," she replied. "But it's okay- I'll get them some other time."
"Do you want to go together?" Cyril asked out of the blue.
"Yes!" Monica was so happy hearing his offer that she answered immediately without processing the question properly….
"L-lord Ashley…. you don't have to do this," Monica said.
They were standing at the side of the dumpling stall.
"This is the one, right?" he said, turning to her, completely ignoring her pleas.
She could only nod being faced with his stern gaze.
"Wait here. I'll get some for you," he said, leaving her. She could only stand there jittery and waiting for him to come back.
…….
Cyril came back with two packets of dumplings and handed her one.
"You didn't have to do this." She felt nervous about making him do work for her.
"At times like this, you should say thank you. I'm trying to do something nice for you," he reproached, although there was no heat in his tone.
"T-hank-f You!" she quickly stuttered out.
Cyril bit back a smile. "Let's go eat them somewhere less crowded."
……..
Monica took a bite of her food. 'It's so tasty!' she thought, savouring the taste.
Cyril, on the other hand, was observing her carefully. 'Does she always look so happy while eating? No- her face lights up more when she is blabbering about calculations.'
Monica finished her food first. And now she had nothing to distract herself with while Cyril ate in silence beside her.
"Would you like to try some of mine?" he offered.
Monica stared at him like he'd grown a second head.
"What is it?" he thought he had something on his face.
"You're being nice," she blurted out.
"I'm always nice!" he exclaimed. Most of the time, he was sure he was nice. "A-and you need to eat more. I only offered because you keep falling asleep in the sacred grounds of the student council room."
"T-that won't happen again!" She only fell asleep because she used a lot of mana the previous day.
…………………..
They were inside the bookstore. It wasn't as crowded as the streets. Monica was skimming through the shelves. Cyril was looking at books in the nearby aisle.
'Should I get this?' she contemplated pulling out a book on magical formulas. 'What if Lord Ashley gets suspicious since this is not within my syllabus?'
She put the book back and walked away.
A second later, she returned. 'I'll hide this within the other books,' she thought, taking it with her.
Monica found the second book she needed. She stretched up on her tiptoes. But it was too high for her to reach. Her fingertips barely touched the spine of the book. Normally, she would've used magic to bring it down, but now she's undercover.
She looked around. She was about to give it a tiny push to make it reach her without looking suspicious.
A bigger presence covered her body from behind.
"Is this the one you wanted?" Cyril said, reaching for the book she was trying to grab.
"Eeeeekkkk!" she shrieked, skidding to the side away from him.
"Hey wait-"
*THUD*
Monica slammed into a nearby shelf. The shelf rattled; the books started tumbling toward her.
If she used wind to change their trajectory she'd give herself away. So she quietly accepted her fate as she calculated the probability of them hitting her on the head.
Cyril swiftly rushed to her side and pulled her into him by her waist shielding her with his body as his other arm angled protectively over her head.
'He's bigger than me! Now the probability of the books hitting his head is higher!' she thought horrified. 'Unless-'
The books made impact. Though none of them directly fell on Cyril and a few only brushed his back and shoulders.
Cyril looked around. "They didn't fall on me?…. Are you okay?"
'It worked… but I almost got caught. It was a close one!' she thought in relief. She created a barrier at the last moment to angle the books away from directly hitting him.
Now that the danger's gone, Monica felt like her legs were going to give out. She could only stand still since Cyril was holding onto her waist. "Don't faint now, Miss Norton," he said, steadying her.
"3.14159265359….." she recited to keep herself from fainting.
"And you can mutter to yourself later. Help me pick up the books first," Cyril slowly let her go after making sure she could stand still and crouched to pick the books up.
They were on their way back to the academy. Cyril was striding forward as Monica dejectedly dragged her feet behind him.
Cyril stopped without a warning, almost making her bump into him. He turned around to face her.
Monica tensed under his gaze. She looked around hoping to put her mind to something else but Cyril was relentless in his stare.
"I… I- I'm sorry…" she finally managed to mutter out.
"Why are you apologising?" he said, encouraging her to explain.
Monica gulped. Her throat was starting to get dry but she knew Cyril wouldn't let the matter go without hearing an explanation. "I… you had to follow me around even though you were busy. And…" her voice died down. She looked up at him, hoping he'd let the matter go.
"And?" he urged.
"Uh- you got hit by books because of me," she said, fiddling with her fingers. "So I'm s-sorry."
"First of all, I wrapped up my work and secondly," he held out a finger. "I shouldn't have startled you like that in the bookstore. So don't blame yourself."
Monica was still immersed with her fingers, her gaze down.
Cyril was having a hard time making her relax. So he reached out his hand and looped his index finger around hers to bring her attention to him.
It worked. A slight hue of red painted his face, but yes. It worked.
Monica stopped playing with her hands and glanced up at him.
"I followed you around because I wanted to spend time getting to know you," he said, tightening his finger a little. "And today wasn't that bad. I had fun…. so don't you have anything to apologise for."
Monica felt her face become warmer.
"I had fun too. Will you- Can we… do it again?" She mustered the courage and said.
A smile crept up on Cyril's face. "Of course."
………….
"What are you doing here? Are you returning from a date or something?" Glenn Dudley popped out from nowhere, freaking out both of them.
"W-what do you mean d-d-date??!" Cyril exclaimed quickly, letting Monica go.
Monica, on the other hand, was a stuttering mess. "D-d-d-da-day-d-"
"It's r-rude to jump in on people like that," Cyril reprimanded. He was trying hard to keep his voice straight.
"Well, you were standing on the way to the academy. I was returning from town," Glenn answered.
Cyril had nothing to say in retaliation. Glenn was right. And they were literally holding (touching) hands seconds ago.
"Anyway, we had some student council errands to run in town," Cyril began, clearing his throat. "So it wasn't a date."
Monica nodded fervently without saying a word.
"I see. Come think of it, I think I saw you near that popular dumpling stall," Glenn casually said.
Glenn wasn't accusing them or anything but there was no way Cyril could get them out of this one. However he was glad it was Glenn who saw them, not Elliot.
Monica, on the other hand, started swaying.
"Miss Norton! Pull yourself together!" she could hear Cyril saying.
Saw six episodes read the manga started the light novel and loved the chemistry between Cyril and Monica. Didn't see any fics on them and that's how I ended up infront of a blank document =P
Hope ya'll liked it as much as I loved writing it
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I've finished the entirety of Silent Witch novel and Silent Witch Gaiden. It has been a whole while since a series had charmed me that deeply, craving more to read until I was done ToT.
I've yet to start Gaiden After, in any case, quick summary to my rambles: Definitely, Monica and Cyril quickly escalated into my list of OTPs to a point I didn't expect at all, I literally was squealing for all the scenes and moments.
SPOILER ALERT (slight-mid): for the first arc and second arc (Gaiden) + some predictions I theorise for the next content to come and how it will unfold.
The whole cast of characters is splendid and I love all the roles they play, how they started and their respective developments, plus the world where the story happens. My top favourites are Monica, Cyril, Lana, Isabelle, Raul, Ray, Glenn and Cecilia. There's a common theme of becoming the best versions of theirselves, to grow and go forward, as well as redemption. (To no one's surprise, I have a weak spot for those stories)
Even though nothing is yet settled in a romantic sense, I'm happy for how Monica and Cyril relationship has been evolving since the start of the series til the end of Gaiden, with both cherishing the feelings for the other with roses and snowflakes.
I understand the people who ship Ike/Felix x Monica because there's potential material to further enhance, yet I see them more as roommates / companions / close friends in the same way as Monica and Nero; Cyril with Thule, Pikeh and Sophocles; Ike with Wil. I wasn't fan of how Ike first approached Monica during the Serendia arc, he later grew more on me as a character during the end of the first arc and Gaiden. He reminds me of Dimitri from FE3H, though I prefer Dimitri more.
Yet with Cyril and Monica I've grasped more genuine moments, how high they think of each other and the slow burn yet lovely flame both are lighting. My favourites where the roses of courage as good luck charms, the hug of "How could I ever hate you", glistening hair, the rose paper, bench and intertwined hands. (Those who know, know eue)
Other couples that have grown so much on me had been Ray x Frieda, Lionel x Cecilia and Glenn x Elliana. I couldn't help but smile at reading their stories.
WHAT WOULD BE NEXT? I honestly think Monica will be the one taking the step to confess to Cyril, as she started to warm his heart. It will take her courage, most likely asking advice to Lana (Monica and Lana's friendship is so precious) since she was aware of Monica's feelings (Extra credit for Clifford to make Monica realise she loved Cyril after hearing about the broken engagement). I also see Monica seeking advice from Cecilia and Frieda. As for other characters involved, I see a plot regarding the birth of Neil and Claudia's child, with Cyril and Monica babysitting at some point. About Ike: a bit tough, there's the chance he might confess to Monica to be rejected and start healing, or his unrequited feelings evolve to wishing for her happiness (like Tomoyo for Sakura in CCS).
Lastly, I'm open to rambling and chatting about the story deeper. I don't know that many people fan of Secrets of the Silent Witch. It's more likely I schedule more fanarts and maybe fanmerch in the future uwu
cyril feeling unworthy of monica because he's scared he's not kind, when he's the one who's grown to show her so much consideration and refuses to act on his selfish desires so she won't be frightened. monica feeling unworthy of cyril because she's scared she's not reliable, when she's the one whose determination to grow and do her best has always given him courage and inspired him in turn.
monica feeling self conscious about complimenting cyril on his appearance because she knows he resents his resemblance to his father, not knowing that her words are what help him accept his looks as his own. cyril feeling self conscious about complimenting monica on her appearance because he doesn't want to unsettle her by suddenly acting different due to his romantic feelings, not knowing that she wants to hear those words from him the most.
cyril refusing to borrow thule and pikeh's strength for the duel because he wasn't the one who made those contracts, he has to fight using his own strength. monica refusing to borrow ryn's strength for the magical dedication because it wasn't the spirit's job to help her, she has to do this on her own.
monica who recklessly dove into a dragon's mouth to perform unprecedented, untested magic, who injures herself by using a thorned vine around her arm as a lifeline. cyril who recklessly ran away holding the artifact they're after to draw a dragon's attention towards him instead of the others, who injures himself by falling into poisoned waters.
cyril giving monica a rose that she doesn't realize is an invitation to dance and yet she keeps it anyway because it's her good luck charm. monica giving cyril a bead that he doesn't realize is her declaration of love and yet he keeps it anyway because he knows it's important to her.
monica holding the flower close for courage so that she can reclaim her happiness and walk proud beside the man she loves. cyril holding the bead close for confidence so that he can reclaim the parts of himself he shares with his father and sing quietly to himself while thinking about the girl he loves.
cyril and monica who both had to face their jealousy head on and refuse to look away because they couldn't bear the thought of their feelings harming the other. monica whose familiar is a black dragon and cyril who's contracted with a white dragon. cyril who's terrible at tourism and suggests nonsensical eyes and a mouth onto a vest that everyone hates, and monica who looks at that vest and only sees calculations to make the placement of the facial features look more pleasing. monica and cyril who both cry with relief when they're able to bring isaac back from the gate of the underworld. cyril and monica who earnestly believe in the powers of carrot divination.
monica who walks towards him with her own strength, even if her steps are unsteady, who would always love him. cyril who waits up ahead for her to start walking, even if her stride falters, who could never hate her.
My 2025 Wrapped Part 2: My Top 10 Favourite New Ships
This seemed like it would be a fun way to reflect on some of the newer series I saw last year, but I underestimated how difficult it would be haha. In a way it's also an opportunity to express my fondness for some of the more underrated pairings and a way to let you guys know where I'm at…
This list will primarily consist of new pairings (i.e., ones that I only started shipping in 2025). However, I’m making an exception for one pairing I’ve shipped for a while—as it is from a series that only received an animated adaptation in 2025.
*P.S. I just wanted to post a reminder that this list ranks some of my favourite new pairings for 2025; therefore, these rankings do not correspond to my previous overall favourite pairings list.
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-> Honourable mentions:
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-> My Top 12 Favourite New 2025 Ships
12. HakuKoyu │Hakuji × Koyuki (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
As much as I love Kimetsu no Yaiba, I've haven't always enjoyed the series' canonical romance elements, so I went into the movie with low expectations with regards to this pairing. Imagine my surprise with how nicely their relationship was presented and developed with how little time they had together.
I like the angst pairings particularly "right person not enough time" trope when it's done right and isn't overly melodramatic. While they could've had a lot more development, I'm very happy with what we got and can say that these two are my favourite canonical pairing within the series.
I was honestly surprised by how much negative criticism this series and its leads received as the show was releasing. While some aspects could've definitely been executed a bit better, this series very much resonated with the vibes of many early/mid 2000s shoujosei series. All in all, the character dynamics of these two really reminded me of ships like Kazehaya×Sawako and Kou×Futaba.
I liked how considerate and attentive Kai was with Uka while remaining blunt and assertive. I appreciate how he didn't directly solve her problems but encouraged her to stand up for herself and go after what she wanted.
10. Cheneau Clematis × Iana Magnolia & Sol Nemophila × Iana Magnolia & Yomi Blacksarna × Iana Magnolia (Tensei Akujo no Kuro Rekishi)
This is honestly the first time I've watched a comedy-romance anime and didn't know what to ship... While I like to take my time deciding which ship to support when there are multiple good options, Iana just has such great chemistry with all three male leads that I still haven't made up my mind. This is why I ultimately decided to include all 3 pairings on the same rank.
Each dynamic is uniquely compelling with its own flaws and strengths. Sol and Iana's relationship is largely an enemies-to-lovers dynamic along themes of emotional repression and slow burn development. Meanwhile Yomi and Iana's relationship centres around themes of obsessive devotion and tense unpredictability. Lastly Cheneau and Iana's dynamic is defined by a shift from deep-seated mutual hostility to a tentative, begrudging respect.
09. CyriMoni │Cyril Ashley × Monica Everett (Silent Witch: Chinmoku no Majo no Kakushigoto)
Although this paring wasn't very central in the series' first season, the little glimpses we had of their interactions stole my heart.
I like how much respect and adoration Monica seems to have for Cyril as well as how comfortable she felt around him during their dance scene compared to the other guys. I also like how attentive, patient and concerned Cyril is when it comes to her.
I've honestly been living for all of the KudoIchi × BakuDeku parallels made during season 8 of BNHA. As you guys know, BakuDeku is my 2nd favourite ship overall—so naturally I've developed a liking towards KudoIchi as well, considering all of the similarities. I wish we had gotten to see more interactions between these two characters, but the little we've gotten was conveyed really nicely.
While KudoIchi is very much resonate themes of angsty tragic doomed pairings, despite their limited screentime their relationship depth and development are very apparent and is central to the series' lore.
07. ShiMao │ Shisui × Maomao (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto)
Everyone who follows me knows how crazy I am about JinMao, and I obviously still love their dynamic... That being said, I really liked the dynamic between Shisui and Maomao during season 2, platonic or otherwise...
Maomao notoriously maintains a detached and aloof persona when it comes to others to avoid getting into trouble. That being said, her attachment to Shisui was incredibly apparent. She cared about Shisui to the point that she willingly gave her Jinshi's hairpin it the hopes that it would protect her and/or facilitate their reunion someday. Not only do they match each other well personality wise but their backgrounds also parallel eachother, making it so that they can empathize and understand one another incredibly well.
06. MizuSua │ Mizi × Sua (Alien Stage)
Most of the pairings I favour tend to be centred around positive growth and compatibility, but lately I've enjoyed many ships that feature a lot more nuanced and destructive themes. Alien Stage uses its dystopian setting to explore the intricacies of human connection and the empowering albeit destructive nature of love. Mizi and Sua's relationship is arguably the series' core arc as the series both starts and ends with a duet between the two.
Their relationship is largely defined by themes of emotional intensity, idol worship and toxic dependency. Mizi refers to Sua as her "god" and her "universe" and often views herself as bad person in comparison to Sua. Losing Sua was an immense shock for Mizi causing her to shut down mentally. Sua likewise considers Mizi to be her whole world—believing her to be innocent, emotionally pure and unknowing of the harsh realities of their existence. As such Sua sacrifices herself not just to save Mizi but also because she can't see imagine herself living without Mizi. All in all, their dynamic centers around sacrifice, resilience and emotional intimacy while encapsulating the concept that love can be both transcendent and ruinous.
05. YanShen │ Yan Wushi × Shen Qiao (Qian Qiu)
Reading Thousand Autumns was certainly an experience... For once I was glad that I had heard so many spoilers for the series as they helped a great deal. I liked that the series wasn't afraid to portray a relationship between two characters with directly opposing worldviews and personalities without having either completely compromise on their values in the end.
YanShen's dynamic is complex, having evolved from a relationship rooted in manipulation and antagonism to one of mutual respect and emotional connection. Yan Wushi represents ruthlessness, cynicism, and ambition, whereas Shen Qiao embodies integrity, persistence, and compassion. Throughout the novel, their encounters influence one another—with Shen Qiao's fortitude challenging Yan Wushi's rigid worldview and the latter's presence pushing the former to become more conscious and guarded.
04. WangSi │ Nangong Si × Ye Wangxi (Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun)
Guess who finally got around to reading erha! Honestly that scene in volume 7 had me tearing up even though I very much saw it coming... I very much clung to the misguided belief that since this wasn't an MXTX work, the side ships had a chance of working out. Part of me does enjoy the angst because of how well it was conveyed. Even though they didn't work out in either of the 2 lifetimes, their feelings for one another are indisputably clear and I adore that.
Their dynamic largely centres around mutual respect, shared trauma, solidarity and loyalty. Nangong Si's impulsiveness, righteousness, sincerity and kindness pair well with Ye Wangxi's composure, diligence, elegance and strong sense of justice. In a way, they remind me a lot of NejiTen—the first pairing I took a liking to.
03. LucAthy │ Lucas × Athanasia de Alger Obelia (Who Made Me A Princess)
Let it be known that I am very much disappointed and conflicted about the way their relationship has been portrayed in certain parts of the donghua and manhwa adaptations... However, nothing can take away from how much I originally liked their dynamic, which is why they're still so high on my list despite it all... Just seeing their interactions is enough to make me happy. That being said both adaptations certainly delivered on many key moments with these two.
Their relationship development is subtle yet complex, having evolved from one of playful antagonism to one of profound loyalty and affection. Lucas' wittiness, haughtiness and introspective nature pair well with Athy's perceptiveness, compassion and playfulness. Athy breaks through Lucas' harsh and aloof exterior—bringing out a more vulnerable, loyal and protective side of him. Similarly, Lucas is a source of security and strength for Athy—helping to encourage her growth and empowering her to rewrite her fate.
02. IvanTill │ Ivan × Till (Alien Stage)
Ivan and Till's dynamic is largely defined by themes of miscommunication, unrequited love, repression and pining. Although Till wears his heart on his sleeve, he doesn't fully understand his emotions and is somewhat oblivious when it comes to the true natures and feelings of others. In comparison Ivan is much more indirect when it comes to expressing his affection and as such his devotion and affection is largely misunderstood and unnoticed.
The cruelty of the series' setting magnifies their emotional disconnect as their feelings are buried under layers of miscommunication and external pressures. In the end, Ivan sacrifices himself not only to save Till but in a desperate attempt to convey his feelings towards Till. Although their arc is less central to the series than of MiziSua, both pairings are equally impactful. IvanTill's relationship very much encapsulates the lingering sense of “what could have been” if they had only found the courage to voice their feelings.
I love the ambiguity of their relationship and feelings for one another and think the series does a phenomenal job at portraying that. I enjoy the ambiguity of this pairing in terms of who we're pairing Yoshiki with—the original Hikaru or the supernatural being that has replaced him. Like most fans, I enjoy both ships for different reasons.
Yoshiki and the original Hikaru's dynamic centres around a childhood friends dynamic with the former being confirmed to hold romantic feelings towards the latter. Yoshiki's introspective, anxious and secretive nature pairs well with Hikaru's boisterous, compassionate and extroverted personality. In contrast, Yoshiki's responsibility, reservation and composure pair well with the current "Hikaru's" curiosity, expressiveness, tumultuousness. Yoshiki and "Hikaru's" dynamic initially centred around the former's grief and inability to accept his friend's death. Their bond has since grown into a separate but no less meaningful one that centres around co-dependance, existential horror and the human need for connection.
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For the most part, I tried to keep this post shorter and more informal than my top 10 favourite 2025 anime/donghua series list... Also, I know I haven't been posting much lately but things haven't been going great for me lately... My next few posts—when I have time again—will probably end up being hanakotoba related...
