The preview for this episode got me pretty hyped up about what would be coming next, with the introduction of a certain minstrel.

Schifanoia, the almiraj minstrel
This episode adapts chapters from the fourth light novel of the series: more specifically, the “A Wandering Minstrel Showed Up” and “We Thoroughly Enjoyed the Demon Performances” chapters. Those who have read the light novel will know that there are actually two other chapters between them, but it is the almiraj minstrel who gets the main focus this time.

Kuku
There’s actually quite a lot that hasn’t been adapted this time around, including two full chapters. One involves a visit to Flatorte’s home, and the other is the first day of the two-day music festival. This episode is quite simply all about Kuku – which is Schifanoia’s real name, by the way.

Flatorte borrows Kuku’s lute
Whilst this episode may mostly be all about Kuku, it’s worth mentioning that Flatorte is fantastic here, too. I love that Flatorte has this deep understanding of all these different music genres.

Falfa and Shalsha
In terms of adaptation, Kuku staying at the House in the Highlands is in line with the light novel. The section where everyone comes up with their own songs is lifted straight from the light novel, too. However, we do miss out on Azusa’s song in the anime – though she does cut it short out of embarrassment.

Beelzebub arrives with some wine
Azusa and family learn about the music festival from Pecora in the light novel, but it is Beelzebub who tells them in the anime. In either case, Beelzebub does show up unannounced at the House in the Highlands, and does listen to Kuku performing. That leads to Kuku being invited to perform at the music festival.

Kuku performs at the music festival
There’s a whole lot from the music festival that just has not been adapted into the anime, which is a bit of a shame. However, the quality of Kuku’s performance certainly makes up for that.
I’ll be honest, though, I did like her stuff as Schifanoia… but the song she sings at the festival is very nice.

These two have a good dynamic
Another thing I particularly enjoyed about this episode is the master-pupil dynamic between Flatorte and Kuku. We’re seeing a new side of Flatorte here, with her interest in minstrels. A similar comparison to something from our world could be an idol otaku.
There’s more to the music festival than what has been shown here, at least in the light novel. But, Kuku is the star this time around, and she thoroughly deserves it.
Excellent episode.
I’m trying to remember….but not sure if I’m mixing things up, was this when Pecora made her “debut”? Or is that yet another demon festival that happens?
It was this festival, yeah. Shame they didn’t adapt it.
darn it! I knew something felt very missing. I really liked that part….and was really hoping for it to get animated. Plus, it ties into a lot of future plot things. Well, hopefully it ends up showing up somehow before the end. Maybe, at the very least, in a “flashback”. I wonder if we’ll get to the ancient society before the end of season?
This episode was tailor made for you Rory Old Bean. Twas another goodie for sure.
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