Literary Analysis — Shingeki no Bahamut VIRGIN SOUL: With Nina

This is a special episode from the Collector's Edition Blu-Ray of Shingeki no Bahamut VIRGIN SOUL, which includes a Limited Edition Drama CD exclusive to Amazon.co.jp titled "With Nina." It recreates an intimate conversation between King Charioce XVII and Nina Drango. Charioce has been blinded as a result of his confrontation with Bahamut in the series finale. Nina, with her naturally sweet disposition and wanting to cheer up her beloved Chris, covers his eyes with her hand at the beginning of the audio.

This is an audio drama in which only Charioce is heard speaking. Nina has become mute after facing Bahamut and roaring in the last episode, a sacrifice that cost her her vocal cords, just as Charioce sacrificed his sight, offering his eyes as payment to activate the powerful ancient weapon, Dromos.

Their conversation touches on topics such as the dinners they have been sharing since the conflict with Bahamut ended, life in the palace, and the nature of their relationship now that their true identities are no longer a secret to each other. Charioce brings up the idea of making Nina his consort, which surprises and slightly annoys her, because, while she desires it, she doesn't appreciate Charioce's jest. However, it is implied that Charioce genuinely intends for Nina to become the Queen of Anatae.

The rebuilding of the cavalry squadron is also mentioned, as is the appearance of black feathers in Charioce's room. These are linked to the presence of Azazel, who visited Charioce and left the feathers as a gesture of forgiveness for his actions and the pain he caused.

The King reflects on his blindness and how it affects his perception of time and his connection with Nina. Although he can no longer see her – something he laments, because he remembers her as beautiful, especially when he first beheld her true dragon form – he feels a strong connection when they dance together.

The conversation is emotional and reveals the closeness and affection between the two characters. Throughout the dialogue, the King attempts to maintain his regal dignity but also reveals a more vulnerable and personal side that he only shows to his beloved Nina.

The Lmited Edition Drama CD depicts an intimate and emotive conversation between King Charioce XVII and Nina, set during a quiet meal in the palace. The conversation begins with Nina covering Charioce's eyes with her hands, an action that doesn't affect his vision, since he is blind, but is intended as a tender gesture. Charioce notices that Nina has been attending his meals recently and suggests that she join him. He requests that food be prepared for both of them, and, though Nina remains silent, Charioce continues to converse with her.

Charioce mentions that Nina no longer needs to sneak into the palace, as the gate guard now allows her entry without issue. He also notes that the servants have begun to accept her presence, preparing her meals without concealment. This leads Charioce to suggest that Nina could officially live in the palace, although he initially frames it as a jest about making her his consort. Nina is taken aback, and Charioce apologizes, conceding that it may not have been a joke for her.

During the meal, Nina attempts to feed Charioce, which he finds bothersome given his dignity as king. He insists that he doesn't require assistance with eating, but Nina persists. Charioce laughs at the situation and requests that his meat be cut for him, to make it easier to eat.

The conversation also addresses more serious topics, such as the reconstruction of the Orleans cavalry squadron. Charioce has recruited the former second-in-command, Dias, to lead the squadron. He also mentions the appearance of black feathers in his room, implying a visit from Azazel, which could be interpreted as a sign of forgiveness for past events.

Charioce reflects on his blindness and how it has affected his perception of time. He feels that time passes more slowly without his sight, but his ability to hear has been enhanced. He regrets not having preserved the image of Nina in his memory when he could still see, especially in her red dragon form. Though Nina does not speak, Charioce feels a strong connection with her, particularly when they dance together.

At the end of their conversation, Charioce invites Nina to dance again, feeling that he can "see" her clearly in those moments. He is surprised when Nina seems to leave without a word and asks her to return for more dancing. The conversation is emotive and reveals the closeness and affection between the two characters, showcasing a more vulnerable side of the King.

Style: The text's style is conversational and reflective. Direct dialogue is used to convey the characters' emotions and thoughts, especially those of the King. The use of the first person allows the listener to immerse themselves in the King's internal reflections, creating a sense of closeness and understanding of his emotional state.

Point of View: The predominant point of view is that of King Charioce XVII. The narration centers on his thoughts, feelings, and actions, offering an internal view of his experiences and emotions. Although Nina is an important figure in the scene, her perspective is not directly expressed through dialogue or thoughts, because she cannot vocalize anything, only make sounds with her hands or by gently tapping things. Instead, her perspective is inferred through the King's reactions and actions toward her. This suggests that the dialogue is primarily focused from a first-person point of view, or, at least, with an emphasis on the King's subjectivity and warmth.

Tone: The predominant tone of this text is intimate and emotive, with touches of humor and vulnerability. The conversation between Charioce and Nina is personal and reveals a deep connection between them. Charioce displays a softer and more sensitive side when interacting with Nina, contrasting with his public image as a powerful and stoic king.

The dialogue includes moments of emotional tension and conflict, especially when Charioce jests about making Nina his consort, which causes her surprise and annoyance. However, the conversation also has a hopeful and romantic tone, as Charioce seems genuinely interested in Nina and her well-being, because he loves her.

In addition, the text presents a reflective tone when Charioce discusses his blindness and how it has affected his perception of time and his connection with Nina. He laments not being able to see her anymore, adding a touch of melancholy to the overall tone.

In summary, the tone is a blend of intimacy, humor, vulnerability, emotional tension, and reflection, making the conversation emotive and revealing of the relationship between the characters.

The tone is intimate and emotional, with moments of humor and tenderness towards Nina. There is also a reflective tone when the King speaks about his blindness and the passage of time since his fight against Bahamut.

Literary Devices

• Recurring Themes:
• Love: The most central theme.
• Identity and Secrecy
• Dependence
• Adaptation to Disability

(*): While there aren't clear recurring symbols, the King's blindness could symbolize a new perspective or dependence. This is in addition to the established themes of love, identity, and secrecy.

• Recurring Symbols (motifs):
• Charioce's Blindness: Symbolizes a loss of power and control, but also the gain of a new perspective and sensitivity. His blindness makes him more aware of sounds and voices, potentially representing a greater emotional connection with Nina, who communicates with him using sounds with her hands or with things, including himself.
• Black Feathers: Symbolize forgiveness or reconciliation, possibly related to Azazel. They indicate that Charioce has been forgiven for his past actions. It is inferred that Azazel has come to understand that Charioce never truly desired to start a war, and that it was all a plan to eliminate Bahamut.
• The Red Dragon (Nina): Symbolizes transformation and power. Nina, in her red dragon form, represents a powerful and beautiful force that has captured Charioce's heart.
• Acceptance and Change: The motif of acceptance is seen in how Nina is increasingly accepted in the palace, and how Charioce adapts to his new situation of blindness.
• Dignity and Vulnerability: Charioce struggles to maintain his dignity as King while facing his personal vulnerability, especially in his relationship with Nina.
• Forgiveness and Redemption: The mention of Azazel's black feathers suggests an act of forgiveness or reconciliation on his part, adding a theme of redemption to the dialogue.
• The Importance of the Present: Charioce reflects on how the past is meaningless and how he must move forward, emphasizing the importance of living in the present.
• The Food: Represents the intimacy and connection between Charioce and Nina. The food prepared for both of them and the act of eating together symbolize their growing closeness.
• The Dance: May symbolize the harmony and emotional connection between Charioce and Nina. In Virgin Soul, the dance is the way Charioce and Nina communicate their deepest feelings, even if they have lost sight and voice respectively.

Mutable Literary Elements:

• Episode Themes:
  In this special episode, two main themes emerge:
  
  
• Theme #1: 
• Dependence and Adaptation: This theme focuses on the King's blindness and how he adapts to his new condition, relying on Nina for his emotional and physical well-being. Blindness symbolizes a loss of independence and the need to trust others.
• Theme #2: 
• Dignity and Autonomy: This theme refers to the King's struggle to maintain his dignity as a monarch despite his disability. His resistance to being fed by Nina reflects his desire to preserve his autonomy and authority.

Conflicts: Although brief, several distinct conflicts can be identified in this special episode:

• Dependence vs. Dignity: The main conflict in this story can be described as King Charioce XVII's internal struggle between his need for dependence and his desire for dignity. On one hand, his blindness forces him to depend on Nina for his emotional and physical well-being, which makes him uncomfortable. On the other hand, as King, he feels the need to maintain his dignity and authority, which is threatened by his dependence on Nina, whom he gradually accepts as his consort, as he loves her and wants her by his side because he is getting used to her company.
  This conflict manifests in moments such as when Nina tries to feed him and he resists, as eating from her hand seems like a loss of dignity. The tension between accepting the necessary help and preserving his identity as King is the core of the conflict in this story.
  The conflict arises when these two themes collide: the King needs help to survive (dependence), but at the same time wants to maintain his dignity and autonomy as King. This internal conflict is central to the story and reflects the tension between accepting help from others and preserving one's own identity.
• Power vs. Control: Charioce, as king, represents power and control. His position forces him to make decisions that often involve sacrificing his personal emotions for the good of the kingdom.
• Blindness vs. Loss of Power: Charioce's blindness symbolizes a loss of control and power, leading him to rely more on Nina and face his emotions more deeply.
• The Fight Against Bahamut: The battle against Bahamut is an example of how Charioce uses his power to protect Anatae, but also shows his vulnerability in needing Nina's help.
• Emotions and Connection: The relationship between Charioce and Nina is the core of the emotional conflict. Charioce is torn between his duty as king and his feelings for Nina, the love of his life.
• Nina's Transformation: Her ability to transform into a red dragon symbolizes her inner power and her connection with Charioce, who is attracted to her both in her human and dragon forms.
• Sacrifice vs. Common Good: Both characters are willing to sacrifice their personal well-being to save Anatae, showing how their emotions and connection lead them to prioritize the common good over their individual interests.

Thematic Elements:

• Love and Emotional Connection: The love between Charioce and Nina is a central theme. Their relationship is passionate and symbolizes a deep connection that transcends social and political barriers.
  Love is also presented as a force that can break curses and overcome obstacles, as seen in the use of the color red associated with Nina and Charioce.
• Identity and Secrecy: Nina's identity as a red dragon and her secret are crucial to the plot. Charioce also faces internal conflicts about his identity as King and his relationship with Nina
  The interplay of identities and secrets is a recurring theme in the series, influencing the decisions and actions of the characters.
  On the other hand, there is Azazel's secrecy in leaving only black feathers in Charioce's room to communicate that the demons, and he particularly, forgive him for the damage done. This is mainly because he manages to understand his motives and that he never acted with malice, and that Nina was right.
• Decisions and Consequences: Charioce's decisions, such as his attempt to make Nina his consort, have emotional and political consequences.
  The series explores how personal decisions can affect not only individuals but also the world around them.
• Certainty and Uncertainty: Charioce and Nina face uncertainty in their relationship and in their future, but they also find certainty in their emotional connection.
  Uncertainty about the fate of Bahamut and the world of Mistarcia adds a level of tension to the narrative.
• Power and Control vs. Emotions and Connection: This theme is reflected in Charioce's internal struggle between his duty as king and his feelings for Nina.
  The series explores how power can be limited by emotions and personal connections.
• Forgiveness and Redemption: The appearance of black feathers from Azazel in Charioce's room suggests an act of forgiveness or reconciliation, adding a theme of redemption to the narrative. This theme relates to the ability of the characters to overcome their past mistakes and seek a new beginning.
• The Importance of the Present: Charioce reflects on how the past is meaningless and how he must move forward, emphasizing the importance of living in the present.
• This theme is reflected in the need for the characters to face their current challenges and not be trapped in the past.

Symbols: 

• The Palace and the Castle: They represent power and authority. Nina's acceptance into the palace symbolizes her growing importance and recognition in society. In addition, it represents the status that Nina has achieved by being chosen as Charioce's companion, as he wishes her to be his consort: the Queen of Anatae.
• The Food: The food prepared for Nina and Charioce symbolizes the intimacy and connection between them. It can also represent the king's abundance and generosity towards Nina.
• The Dance: The dance is a symbol of the emotional and physical connection between Charioce and Nina. In an environment where Charioce cannot see, the dance becomes a way of "seeing" Nina through touch and movement.
• The Black Feathers: In addition to symbolizing forgiveness, it is implied that they represent the presence of Azazel and his influence on Charioce's life. Leaving feathers in his room is interpreted as an act of forgiveness for the king's actions.
• Nina's Transformation into the Red Dragon: Besides being a symbol of power and transformation, it also represents the passion and intensity of her relationship with Charioce.
• Charioce's Blindness: In addition to symbolizing the loss of power, it also represents a new perspective and greater dependence on Nina, deepening their emotional connection.
• Time and Perception: Charioce's altered perception of time symbolizes how personal experiences can change our perception of the world and time.

Settings

• The Royal Palace of Anatae: It is the main setting where the relationship between Charioce XVII and Nina develops. The palace represents power and authority, and it is where Charioce faces his internal and external conflicts. Nina's acceptance in the palace symbolizes her growing importance in society.
• The City of Anatae: The city is a center of wealth and power, where humans have enslaved demons. Anatae is a place of contrasts, with opulence and poverty coexisting. The city is also a setting for political and social struggles, where the main characters are involved in broader conflicts.
• The World of Mistarcia: Mistarcia is a magical world where humans, gods, and demons coexist. Although the series focuses on Anatae, the broader world of Mistarcia is crucial for understanding the political and magical context of the story. The history of Mistarcia includes the past threat of Bahamut and the seal that keeps its power at bay.
• The Reconstruction of the Orleans Cavalry Squadron: This setting shows Charioce's effort to rebuild and strengthen his kingdom, reflecting his role as a leader and his commitment to his people's well-being. The reconstruction of the squadron also symbolizes the quest for stability and security in a world filled with conflicts.
• Charioce's Personal Environment: The King's environment, including his room and interactions with Nina, is an intimate setting where his emotions and internal conflicts are explored. This environment reveals Charioce's vulnerability and his emotional connection with Nina.
• The World of Gods and Demons: Although not a primary setting in the provided text, the world of gods and demons is crucial for the overall plot of "Shingeki no Bahamut: Virgin Soul". The interaction between these entities and humans is fundamental for the balance of the world of Mistarcia.

Foreshadowing

• The Appearance of Black Feathers: The mention of black feathers in Charioce's room suggests a visit from Azazel and may indicate future forgiveness or reconciliation. This could foreshadow events where Azazel plays an important role in the story.
• The Possible Continuation of Bahamut's Threat: Although not directly mentioned in the text, the series "Shingeki no Bahamut: VIRGIN SOUL" explicitly shows at the end that the threat of Bahamut has not completely ended, as it is an elemental being, which could suggest that this threat continues in future installments.
• The Change in Nina's Status: Nina's growing acceptance in the palace and the suggestion that she might officially live there could foreshadow a significant change in her social status or her relationship with Charioce, as he desires her to be his consort.
• The Reconstruction of the Orleans Cavalry Squadron: Charioce's decision to rebuild the squadron could foreshadow future battles or conflicts in which this squadron plays a crucial role.
• Charioce's Blindness and Its Future Impact: Charioce's blindness could be a foreshadowing of how his perception of the world and his connection with Nina will evolve in the future, possibly leading him to make important decisions based on his new perspective.
• Tension between Humans and Demons: The enslavement of demons by humans and the growing resentment among demons could foreshadow a future uprising or conflict between these races.
• Nina's Power as the Red Dragon: Nina's ability to transform into a red dragon could be a foreshadowing of her crucial role in future events, especially in maintaining peace among gods, demons, and humans, and in protecting Charioce. The reason for this is that Nina is the only character in the series who manages to establish bonds with characters from different species that were originally in conflict. Nina is a pacifist; that is, she is the opposite of Charioce, making them an ideal ruling couple for the peace of Mistarcia.

Characters

• Charioce XVII / Chris: 
• Actions and Motivations: Charioce is a complex king who combines power and vulnerability. His blindness makes him more aware of his emotions and leads him to depend more on Nina. His joke about making Nina his consort reveals genuine attraction and a desire for deep connection.
• Relationship with Nina: Charioce is attracted to Nina from the beginning, and their relationship is passionate and symbolized by the red chili pepper (cornicello). Although he tries to maintain his dignity as a king, his love for Nina makes him vulnerable.
• Character Development: Throughout the dialogue, Charioce shows a softer and more emotional side, contrasting with his public image as a powerful king.
• "Nina, even though you cover my eyes with your hand, I couldn't see anything before. What makes you laugh?"
  This dialogue shows Charioce's vulnerability and interest in Nina.
• "What am I saying? You don't seem to understand. I was joking about becoming the queen. It's not surprising that you're shocked. Was it really that unpleasant living with me? I said it was a joke. Sorry. Don't be so angry. Would it have been better if it wasn't a joke?"
  On the other hand, this dialogue reveals Charioce's attraction to Nina and his desire for deep connection, because although he says he was joking, his real intention is for Nina to be his queen.

Nina Drango

• Actions and Motivations: Nina is a cheerful and energetic young woman who has moved to Anatae in search of a new life. Her secret is that she transforms into a red dragon when interacting with handsome men, which reflects a past trauma.
• Relationship with Charioce: Nina is attracted to Charioce, and her love for him is unconditional. Her transformation into a red dragon is linked to her emotional connection with him.
• Character Development: Although Nina does not speak in the dialogue, her actions and reactions reveal her playful personality and deep connection with Charioce. Although Nina does not speak in the dialogue due to having become mute after fighting against Bahamut, her actions are significant. For example, when she covers Charioce's eyes and when she tries to feed him, showing her emotional and playful connection with him. Nina is always concerned about him.

Dias

• Actions and Motivations: Dias is mentioned as the former second-in-command who became a lumberjack. Charioce recruits him to lead the Orleans cavalry squadron, suggesting that Dias is a capable and loyal character.
• Relationship with Charioce: Dias accepts Charioce's offer without hesitation, indicating respect and trust in the king.
• Character Development: Although Dias is not present in the dialogue, his acceptance of Charioce's offer suggests that he is a pragmatic character willing to serve.

Azazel

• Actions and Motivations: Azazel is not present in the dialogue, but the mention of black feathers in Charioce's room suggests a visit from him. This could indicate forgiveness or reconciliation.
• Relationship with Charioce: Azazel's presence in Charioce's room suggests a connection or interest in his life, possibly related to past events.
• Character Development: Although not developed in this dialogue, Azazel is an important character in the series, known for his power and role in the plot.

The Royal Guard

• Actions and Motivations: The guard allows Nina to enter the castle without issues, suggesting that he no longer sees Nina as an intruder.
• Relationship with Charioce: Charioce should punish the guard for not following the rules, but his concern indicates that he values Nina's relationship with the palace more.
• Character Development: Although a minor character, his action reveals a change in the perception of Nina within the palace.

The Servants

• Actions and Motivations: The servants no longer hide food from Nina, indicating that her presence in the palace is increasingly accepted.
• Relationship with Charioce and Nina: Their change in attitude towards Nina suggests that they recognize her importance to Charioce and in the palace.
• Character Development: Although secondary characters, their behavior reflects the change in social dynamics within the palace.

This analysis was conducted using my own original Blu-Ray copies, and I own the collector's edition. I took the photograph featured in this post myself.

This is the English version of the literary analysis originally posted in Spanish on March 4, 2025.