Laios and Marcille. A ship that solidifies their character growths.
Laios and Marcille—the protagonist and deuteragonist of Delicious in Dungeon—have, through their mutual goal of saving Falin (Laios’s sister), all the hallmarks of a good romantic pair. Both are generally good-looking, they share a bond forged through hardship, they show tenderness toward each other, and most importantly—as I’ll elaborate—they strive to make each other better than they were before.
But before anything obviously romantic could occur canonically, the story ended. Sure, they lived happily ever after. But it has left a lot of fans, like myself, reeling from an unresolved resolution. It’s commonly stated that Laios and Marcille are best friends. I doubt that, because we have seen what best friends look like between Marcille and Falin. Some say they have a sibling relationship; again, I doubt that because we’ve seen a true sibling dynamic in Falin and Laios. What’s left then? Platonic friendship? That would resolve things nicely if it weren’t for the fact that Laios likes Marcille. That attraction leaves an open question that I’ll try to answer.
Before diving into each other’s layers. Some rules need to be established before I can ship the two together. They should not radically change the characters to fit the relationship, the relationship should not get in the way of the main story, and lastly, the ship should be believable from the perspective of other characters as well.
Of course the most important information of all is that this is all subjective.
I’ve highlighted three traits that I feel are most present in the two.
Layer 1: the awkward adventurer, monster enthusiast.
This is the most obvious characteristic of our protagonist, making itself known from the earliest chapters. He’s a bit awkward and loves monsters. From their behaviors and even their tastes, his knowledge forms the backbone of the party. Allowing them to survive dangerous encounters and progress deeper into the dungeon. Albeit with some side-eye from his peers.
Layer 2: the lonely adventurer, low self-worth, shame
Laios has been plagued by low self-worth. This is evident when he thinks that no one but Falin will be there for him. His little self-deprecating remark, like when he admits that he doesn’t have friends, admits his loneliness. We got a glimpse of what he’s thinking once he has subdued Thistle. His mind works on the logistics of the task of saving Falin, but small dark voices nibble away at him. But the biggest indication of his inner troubles was his nightmare. Parents that he disappointed, bullies that hurt him, and people that took advantage of him, and all of them saying that he would never amount to anything.
The last thing to add would be his shame. He was constantly called crazy by Chilchuck, to the point of hiding the fact that he sees ghosts from the party. His shame is also what kept the succubus briefly at bay.
Ryoko Kui herself said in an interview that in the real world. Laios is only good for stacking shelves and earning minimum wage.
Heroically, despite it all, he’s remained optimistic.
Layer 3: the boy and his dungeon gourmet guide, the escapist fantasy
Filled with monster trivia and possible ways of eating them. His book that was gifted to him by his mother provided comfort and escape during difficult parts of his life. It’s apparent that the book itself was his own painstaking recreation after the original was torn by bullies. That escapism that initially stemmed from his desire to leave his small village evolved into a larger desire to escape humanity that has treated him poorly and all the responsibility that comes along with being human.
The winged lion has also pointed out some past resentment that he had towards humanity.
Layer 1: the magic school’s first-ever genius
As the mage of the party, her affinity for magic is understandable. This skill for magic is the result of careful study at school and possible tutelage from her mother—a court mage. The clumsy yet talented Marcille is immediately depicted in the earlier chapters. With her specialty—or major, as I would say—being with ancient or forbidden magic, but as the story progresses, it’s revealed why she chose this path. Because of her dream
Layer 2: the nosy bitch, the romance enthusiast
Most apparent in her first introduction to the party. Marcille is made aware of the existence of the previous mage. In her utter fascination to know the story behind her and Laios, she strove to get herself as closely acquainted with everyone only to find out the disappointing truth. Asivia, the previous mage, has no romantic ties to anyone but is simply looking for an easy life by manipulating Laios to give her special favors. In the bicorn chapter, Marcille shows her romantic detective side by piecing together the cause for Chilchuck's estranged marriage. Overall, Marcille shows an obsessive desire to know more about people.
Funnily enough, she holds the Daltan Clan volumes in the same regard as Laios holds his Dungeon Gourmet guide, at least for matters of the heart.
Layer 3: the little girl who misses her papa
After the thistle fight chapter, Marcille opened up to Laios regarding her father. It’s interesting to see that this time, it was Marcille’s turn to have someone poke at her life and have her open up. Her young life is punctuated by loss. The most significant one being her father, whom she had a very close relationship with. This grief, along with her extended-than-normal lifespan, has been a motivator for Marcille to pursue her dream. A dream that will turn her against the world.
There are many interactions where his traits intertwine with Marcille’s own traits, creating fun little dynamics and cute little bonding moments. Not to mention the times they are presented as goofy as each other.
For brevity I’ll be focusing on noteworthy moments.
The first major interaction happened when Laios, using his gained monster knowledge on nightmares, entered Marcille’s dream. Where he encountered the scared little girl. Then, with an understanding of her fears, he pushes Marcille to fight on and gain the power to defeat her nightmare. This action, I think, marks him as someone Marcille could find comfort in. His presence in her nightmare made it into a fun little adventure instead.
The second major interaction occurred after the mad mage fight. Laios reaches out to Marcille. The half-elf, as he had come to know now. And for the second time, he gets to know more about her, this time not through the nightmares but through her own words as she tells him about her father.
The mage fight also shows the fruit of Marcille’s magic teaching and Laios’s innate talent. It made him capable of self-healing, and his hardy nature ensures that he keeps fighting on while out of mana. This encounter makes him appreciate the mages in his party more and greatly impresses Marcille as well.
For a man with low self-worth, genuine praise is appreciated. But genuine praise from someone he likes does wonders for him. Confessions of genuine appreciation, and for the first time, I think, they shared each other’s and only each other’s company over some wine. This is as close to a canon date as we can get.
Marcille is not normally a drinker, but I think the wine is just too good this time.
The third interaction occurred when Marcille was at her most raw and vulnerable. With her desires bared for everyone to see and amplified by the winged lion. She finds herself confronted by the only person close to her who could stand up against her and her dream. Unlike common heroes who use their might to save the princess from her tower, this one uses his understanding of her loneliness and how much he would keep her smiling. All throughout their journey, Marcille has never faced judgement from Laios. (Might have called her a bedwetter one time.) Right now, with everything she has done, she is only met with kindness, understanding, and—I cannot stress this enough—the goofiest, most honest, and most heartfelt way to win her back.
Compare this to how the canaries, with all their power and influence, could only meet death in Marcille’s hands.
Chapter 85. It is one of my favorite chapters because, to me, it didn’t feel like an evil mage striving towards a terrible dream. It felt like a little girl, who misses her papa, throwing a tantrum because she doesn’t want to lose her friends. This is believable immaturity.
The fourth major interaction happens towards the end. The demon’s appetite is no more; the world has been saved, but its savior is nowhere to be found. It was Marcille that found him. Hiding and ashamed of what he’s done, Laios sinks lower into himself. She tried her usual admonishing stare and tried picking him up from his slump, but all she could do was reassure him that he isn’t hated. That everyone would be glad to see him, contrary to his miserable perceptions.
Marcille saw firsthand the shame he has carried and still encourages him to be himself.
I’d like to think that it’s partly her belief in him that gave him confidence. And truly, a confident Laios is a sight to behold.
He would ask something of Marcille. He would ask her to stay with him. All he needed was a “yes,” and when he got it, not even the western elves could say anything in protest. He would ensure that Marcille would not be arrested, that she would be with the people she likes, and that she would have meals with them anytime that she likes.
In the final chapter of the manga, we—the audience—didn’t get to witness what Laios and Marcille talked about with Falin as she lay unconscious. I would have liked to know what they said to her and to each other, but I think they’ve earned that privacy.
Where their relationship should go next.
Throughout their interactions, I’ve felt a subtle background tension. And like tension in music, it has the urge to resolve. Once the main goal had been reached with Falin’s revival. The subtle tension between Laios and Marcille can finally come forward. But as far as the plot is concerned, the goal has been reached, the story is finished, and there is nothing more to say.
Dungeon Meshi isn’t the first story to leave tension hanging. To use a food analogy, I think there’s still a bite of food on the plate that hasn’t been eaten while the waiter (author) whisks it away. I’m satisfied, but I couldn’t help but wonder about that last bite.
To resolve this feeling. I’ve felt it necessary to pair Laios and Marcille romantically. It would solidify Marcille’s growth by making her understand her mother’s decision in loving her father. And to further solidify living in the moment, not prematurely grieving the people she loves.
As for Laios, to recognize his attraction to Marcille would solidify his growth by allowing himself act on it. To try to be more than friends with someone he holds to such high regard would allow himself the courage, and set aside his shame and low opinion of himself for a brighter possibility that Marcille might return his affection. This time he cannot and will not run away from his feelings.
The truth is. Had falin not get eaten by the dragon. Laios and Marcille would have only stayed as close as co-workers.
The truth is. Had Falin’s resurrection failed. Laios and Marcille would still stay together and still be forever transformed by their shared love for Falin and the close bond that they formed in attempting to save her
The kingdom of Mileni is the culmination of their dreams. A place where the races are equal; a place where food is in abundance; a place where their friends can find a home in. A place founded on their shared love. Whether platonic or romantic. It’s up to our own imagination.
But I’m a lowly shipper, yes, and I’m not asking for much. When things have settled down in the kingdom, I just want Laios to ask Marcille out. Make his intentions known, that he sees her that way.
The ingredients and tools for a good relationship are there; take that first step, your majesty, and cook!
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