Liveblog: https://anilist.co/activity/662804643
Rating: https://anilist.co/activity/662816503

This fucking episode man.....I was not familiar with Ryukishi's game...
"Illusions to Illusions" & That entire extended Tea Party & "???"....
RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH PEEEEEAAAAAAK
NGL I began to form doubts after my interest wanned in EP6 prior,
but this ep was near-perfection. I can legit say it's a masterpiece and mean it.

This 7th episode marks a significant turning point in the series, TRULY an answer arc yet still maintaining its enigmatic allure. The introduction of Will (fucking GOAT btw); summoned by Bern to delve into the unresolved elements of Beatrice's tale, grants a fresh perspective and an opportunity to explore the tangled histories of the central characters. Will's engagement with Clair, a doll embodying Beatrice's story, becomes a conduit to understanding Yasu's obscured past, shedding light on the complexities of identity while recontextualizing everything about the many Beatrices thus far.
Will is such a cool fucking character, instantly shot up to my favs.

Will's portrayal as a protagonist exhibits a delicate balance between closure and ambiguity. His execution of Clair's revelations through riddles offers an elegant resolution without entirely exposing the truth, akin to a graceful closure that avoids the humiliation of a complete unveiling. His insistence on preserving the story's heart stands as a monument to the Umi's emotional integrity and the art of concluding the enigma without sacrilege.

Not only was the theatre-like presentation peak alongside Will & Lion's sherlock watson dynamic charming to follow, the reveal of Yasu's backstory being Beatrice's was executed so fucking fantastically. Side note I love that the Seven Sisters were all servants as well. This episode really was about breaking down and stripping the Witch's Illusion, culminating in a riveting extensive Tea Party segmented into multiple chapters.

Bernkastel's relentless pursuit of the 'truth' thrusts Will and Ange into a harrowing confrontation, pushing Ange towards the brink of madness as the cat box is finally opened to her.

Consider the prospect of a miracle world where Natsuhi raises Beato's child as her own, showering them with unwavering love and acceptance. Such a scenario could redefine everything, if not for a different truth. Bernkastel's revelation to Lion and Ange, presenting a stark and disconcerting reality, prompts reflection. While I'm inclined to believe it, the manner in which we remember the deceased becomes Ange's personal quandary.

The portrayal of Kyrie's duplicity - calculative and detached yet capable of profound love akin to Natsuhi in Lion's world - poses a dilemma for Ange. Should she trust in Kyrie's love, like Lion's faith in Natsuhi's affection? This question embodies Ange's quest for her own form of magic - her unique belief amidst complex and conflicting interpretations.

The episode meticulously unravels the crux of mysteries, from the disappearance of the shrine to the revelation of the island's concealed military base and the intricate identities of various Beatrices, how Kinzo was looking for a doctor and eventually ended up on Rokkenjima with Nanjo saving her TO THE "REAL" EVENTS OF WHAT HAPPENED ON ROKKENJIMA & THE CULPRITS RAHHHHHHHH THIS WAS SO SATISFYING.

The absence of Battler's demise in this episode was as an unexpected twist, contributing to the ongoing intrigue of wtf happened after this, is Battler alive canonically? Kinzo's portrayal, particularly his link to twisted and abhorrent love, surpasses the already dismal familial dynamics. His utilisation of his daughter as a substitute for his deceased wife, birthing another offspring, is fucking revolting. Furthermore, the glimpse into Kinzo's role in instigating & resolving the conflict at the military base adds a layer of repulsion to his character.

Also, this episode was living proof that going VN was well worth it and has leagues more satisfying payoffs than just reading the manga.
The manga is still great don't get me wrong but without the masterful voice acting from each of the cast members, eye-catching character designs & CGs, and riveting soundtracks - stretches like the Tea Party just would not hit as hard.
Umi's fusion of mystery and suspense is accentuated by its use of music, evoking emotions and enhancing the atmospheric elements. The fragmented text and brain-splitting darker tracks employed in pivotal scenes, such as Eva's confrontations, intensify the narrative's impact 20-fold, engaging me constantly in unexpected and gripping ways.

To conclude, Umi's 7th episode showcases a thought-provoking exploration of human emotions, motives, and the intricate interplay between truth and subjective interpretation. The introspective analysis of characters' depths, their virtues, and flaws, even amidst tragedy, reflects the series' thematic depth and the challenges of memorializing the deceased amid the complexities of their personas.

This episode's culmination raises alot of hype for the final episode (8), promising closure on lingering questions while setting the stage for a climactic showdown between conflicting narratives by Battler and Bernkastel. The yearning for a conclusive ending, addressing lingering mysteries and culminating in a compelling resolution, heightens my anticipation for the series' ultimate resolution.

I'm really looking forward to the final episode, Rudolf's cryptic messages surrounding Battler & Asumu will finally elaborated on, Battler will reach his peak alongside Beatrice, Will & Lion joining the fray, and Ange will finally return to a pivotal role hopefully. A story "made just for Ange" eh?