Sarasa had high hopes as her parents left to transport some goods for their business. Sadly, they didn’t make it back, but she is determined to create her own business through the power of alchemy. This sounds awfully familiar.
As expected, Sarasa seems to give me vibes of Miya-nee, whose bangs cover her eyes. Sadly, it appears that she lost her parents to a bunch of bandits. However, when she discovers alchemy, she believes this is the best opportunity to bring her up by the bootstraps and study hard to become one. So, she enrolled in an academy and even took on various part-time jobs to earn enough money for all those books that contained recipes and to pay for living expenses.
Yes, it’s starting to give me vibes of Atelier Firis. The main character, Firis, goes on a journey to collect three letters of recommendation to get the chance to take the exam for a license. Instead of containing three letters, Sarasa didn’t play or fool around like the other students. She studied hard as a true Asian would, although she made no friends. She even received training from a well-renowned alchemist, Ophelia Millis, who significantly influenced her. As expected, Olphelia has an assistant, Maria, who seems like they are soulmates since they always work together.
On exam day, Maria finally fixed Sarasa’s unkempt hair to make her look presentable. After all, she didn’t keep up her appearances as she focused on her studies.
Regarding the exam, she initially got stumped about what ingredients to use. After all, the ingredients can affect the resulting item and other things like quality. I guess if you played any Atelier games. Somehow, after some thinking, Sarasa made an item that a high-level alchemist would make, which surprised the instructors. However, someone messed up the ingredients and put in the wrong ones. Still, it must be that necklace that helped her too.
In short, they made the exam harder than it seemed. At least Sarasa got the fourth highest score, with the others being nobles. Yep, they pay their way to get their scores inflated, so they can party after graduating. At least she got the books now, and Ophelia gave her a bag to store that stuff without being heavy, along with tools.
She also finds a shop in a rural village for Sarasa to open her own business. Of course, it becomes apparent what her motives are. Since the place has a lot of good resources around that shop, she wants her to give her the good stuff in exchange for money. Yes, it’s all according to plan, as they say. However, Ophelia mentions if Sarasa fails, she can simply hire her. Still, Sarasa wants to make this work to bring in the dough. Still, it’s interesting how Ophelia has never created
When she got there, I found it funny how the shop there was a run-down shack. It looks like her work is cut out after that long journey. However, it seems that a girl witnesses Sarasa’s despair. I have a feeling that she is willing to help her out next time. Either way, it’s a good start.
Does it give similar vibes to RPG Fudousan? Maybe with Ophelia and Sarasa getting forced into the shop and Ophelia having a renowned reputation like Satona. Still, not much fanservice here in comparison, but the girls are cute though.
The deceased parents trope is eternal. Oh boy.
Hope we will see more of Mistress Ophelia and Miss María. Their relationship must be THAT. It must.
Hopefully by the end of this show Sarasa will get a video game.
Excited to see her meet her first homie.
That trope never gets old, but hopefully Ophelia will show up with Maria sometime. Should be interesting to see how Sarasa clean up the place let to rot and probably get some party members.