One last epilogue to round off this arc, and man is there lots of shuffling across the board. Where to begin?
Sara and Mia
Nearly two weeks ago, I posted my
speculation about Sara and Mia. What good timing for this chapter.
| What I got right | What I got wrong |
|---|
| - Mia's brainwashing had worn off and sees her master as trash | - Mia being exiled and wanting to earn back her family's love |
| - Needs to guide Sara so she'll do her job properly, so that both gain greater standing | |
| - Collapse of the House won't be salvation in her eyes, so no place in human world for her, so she will willingly oppose Kate and Emilyko | |
When I first wrote my theories, I opted to reason her spanking as being a result of family punishment for inadequacy instead of something like child abuse, because the latter was too much of an easy answer for my liking. With Mia's claim that she "killed" her family though, the latter's chances have gotten more likely.
That said, it's still possible that she was of noble birth, was spanked as punishment, and she went into the House with the mindset of rising above the ranks. Furthermore, I've read enough stories to know that such claims of "kill" can range from deliberate murders to accidental deaths that one feels guilty for, so I'll keep possibilities open. For all we know, she might've wanted to live a better life by serving the Shadows House, but when an argument broke out, her family accidentally died in the heat of the moment (hit their head on a column or something).
I remain insistent that she's not some mastermind like Kate or Candy. Just a girl who sought a better life, got brainwashed, was living relatively blissfully until the effects recently wore off, and now will guide her "master" in such a way that she can reap better benefits and live more comfortably.
Either way, for those wishing for Sara to get her comeuppance, it's totally coming for her in all directions.
Edward
Judging from the slash wound on the body's throat, Maggie's corpse was used as the substitute after all. Just how did Anthony dig up both girls' bodies without anyone noticing their grave was disturbed?
And yet, with how careful Anthony is, he didn't bother to disguise the wound and left it visible, noticeable. As though he
wants Edward to suspect the ritual was tampered with, but why draw suspicion on Lewis and Kate instead of letting Edward think it was his fault? I can't see the benefits outweighing the losses.
Regardless, given that Edward was no longer sweating after the panel with the wound, it's safe to say he noticed it. His insistence on not letting Lewis dispose of the corpse (under the pretence he'll get the Faceless to do it) must be because Edward actually wants to keep and investigate it further. More things to add to Shirley's next report.
Joseph
Kate really messed up by panicking and releasing soot.
As expected, at least some of the 3rd Floor guys hailed from the Mirrors House era. While I can see Joseph being family to Catherine (or at least close enough to one), I'm not sure if I buy that he's outright her husband/Kate's father.
In any case, it seems fortunate that he's not hostile to Kate, but I don't think he's an ally exactly. One way or another, Kate will be the one to do the heavy lifting.
Kate
It occurred to me that she's not only in position to not serve the Special Coffee to the children, but she has a chance to
study it. With fresh samples under her management and Oliver on her side, perhaps she can get the Research Team to analyse its properties? Lydia's power would really help here.
You would think Kate's group would act more excited in front of the Great Grandfather, especially with how vigilant Edward is. The lack of enthusiasm would come off as suspicious.
As she says, this rescue operation was an act of defiance, there's no going back. A clash with the adults is coming soon, especially with the potential of chaos from the brainwashing wearing off for the children.
For preparations, she not only needs a more complete map of the Great Grandfather's Wing, but also the number of adults occupying it, plus their powers if possible. Unless she can prepare that much, it's a suicide march. But between Shirley being too scared to explore further and Anthony being untrustworthy, what else can we rely on?
