badobarm's proper introduction is something ive been curious (and nervous) about for ages, for reasons that are obvious and for reasons that are not. allow me to metapost a little.
Every kingdom is a little different in terms of culture, architecture, and technology. Compare a place like Cogyumun's Kingdom to somewhere like Pochaco's kingdom. Characters show awe at when one of these aspects is rather robust but rarely do we get into the realm of comparsions or rankings. Which makes hearing "WOW THIS PLACE IS REALLY UNDERDEVELOPED" as one of the first things we hear upon entering the kingdom is quite something. (I do believe Kuromi's kingdom is in a similar state of having "room to grow", but the characters in Blue's arc were a little more kind about it).
But to tighten my thoughts, the most important to me is that this kingdom.....Was Abandoned! Someone (whether it be the entire community, or Badtz-maru's former Fragaria) did attempt to bulid this country up, but for whatever reason.....it simply Stopped, and was stopped for a while to the point where Pikero couldn't consider it to be a revitalization project in progress. And if they've made it a point to where Fragaria who aren't from their home nation are inevitably attracted to the nation of choice not just because of their Lord, but the community and culture to be found in said nation......Hm..........
I think across the entire ""canon"" (not just the VDs, but other stuff) something I ended up associating with Bado is how he believes in the potential within People (and within in his responsibilities as a Fragaria, a servant of his people, the ability to create a platform where that potential can be polished and shine!) I think it's an undeniable part of his charisma and what makes people so eager to follow him. So him encountering Badtz-maru Kingdom during his travels and seeing this kingdom that someone has given up, encountering the people there, and taking it upon himself to finish the job.......It really paints him as a dedicated and decisive person, doesn't it?
His little shock about being called a nickname....cute. Given That One 4-koma I imagine Bado lived with Hangyon and their Master for a very long time, so perhaps he's never made good friends with people around his age.....? (The people in Badtz Kingdom, of course, treat him as a Fragaria: while they may talk friendly, he's in position above them that obviously tints their relationship, see: ANIKIIIIIIIIIIII~) That's a fun way of making "getting along with everyone" fun with this kind of character, if I'm getting the correct vibe.
One might find it mysterious that despite recently gaining the boon of a dependable, strong knight, that SEEDs continue to plague this kingdom. After all, the current working theory is that the dependability of a kingdom's Fragaria reduces the overall sense of unease brewing, no? (Which is why kingdoms home to strong and capable knights like Ciel and Merold rarely if never experience SEEDs attacks, in addition to their disgustingly high magic capabilities, and why the formations of the Bouquets are important beyond having the strength of the knights together). But I feel the answer is quite simple: after ages, the kingdom is being re-organized, and being revitalized bit by bit......but in doing so, doesn't the fear of becoming abandoned once more blossom in the back of one's mind, no matter how capable the knight that stands before them, is? The bigger hope one has, the more frightening it is to lose it.........
This exchange feels........Suspect. Incredibly suspect. Hangyon has been singing Bado's praises all episode so this......subdued? reaction to Pikero's comment feels strange. I Legitmately Do Not Know What This Could Imply, given that the nature of magic is still quite heavily shrouded in mystery in this franchise. I like Bado's magic being impactful and unrestrained in contrast to Aru's floaty and ethereal (cuz its bubbles) kind of magic. I'm marking this down as something to look back on later, as well as re-checking if anyone's elses magic is described in a similar way......
Speaking of praises, I feel like Hangyon's delight here adds to my earlier idea and Bado and friends. He almost feels like a parent seeing an arranged playdate successfully work out. He's obviously invested in Bado's happiness given his history with him, but that sense of melancholy that tinted Badobarm's departure makes me curious to dig into their current relationship.....hm......
this is really funny but also really cool. It's a total role-reversal that the Other Accolade problem going on in Blue's storyline: Kurode has the favor of his Lord, but personally does not find himself capable enough to ask for the Accolade. Bado is super capable, and is favored by the community but as we've seen, he might not have the favor of his Lord, which is the most important thing......!
It really makes his inclusion in T2O A Lot More Obvious for those who weren't already picking up what the VDs were putting down. but also it begs the question. He's literally visited by one of the knights who have been serving their lords For A While, why hasn't Hangyon said anything........? It feels like a test of some kind, doesn't it? That guy's never straightforward.
I could talk more Bado (especially about how his desire for aknowledgement/recongition/desire to be king comes into play for this episode) but im tired looooooool. Bado is great and im interested to see where his character goes.
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