Louise and Saito’s Growth
In Louise’s case, I cannot blame her for the way she is: starting with her insecurity towards magic and the expectations as the third daughter of a powerful family. She had no one. I repeat, no one stood by her side 24/7 as she had to bottle up resentment and confusion about herself. Her specialty was the lost element: void magic, but mostly everyone assumed that she lacked the talent, feeling extreme isolation and embarrassment. She had no friends and didn’t understand positive feelings like love, confidence, and support.
Her aristocrat status also blinded her from respecting herself as a genuine person and followed ridiculous notions of noble pride. For example, when she refused to run from Fouquet and almost got killed in Season 1 or was ordered to fight 70,000 soldiers by herself in Season 2. It was a death sentence but she still lied to herself about “honor” and “being useful,” while trembling in fear. Louise would rather die than admit anything and it showcases her vulnerability; a desire to be recognized and feel more confident about herself.
In Saito’s case, he mentioned in Season 4 and Volume 17 about living without a purpose before arriving to Tristian. He had no life experience and constantly got into trouble for saying the wrong things, like making a song about “Zero Louise” in Volume 1/Season 1 Episode 3 or accidentally ruining the mood with Louise by saying “are these breasts” in Volume 8. It’s honestly no surprise as to why she always punished him, and he eventually learned the hard way about carefully thinking before reacting.
Despite his shortcomings, Saito quickly surprised me with his growing maturity, like when he gave up going home or decided to become Louise’s familiar again. He chose to help his new friends, and started envisioning a path forward because he finally understood his purpose in life. Although he still makes occasional mistakes, Louise and Saito were only teenagers with practically no life experience. It’s no wonder why neither could have made mature decisions and acted rashly at times.
Now I’m not saying that it excuses her tendencies to violence and dishonesty. Rather, I see her as an extremely vulnerable and paranoid person. Personally, I wouldn’t mock her and mind my business, understanding that she has a thin boundary and is simply reacting with years of pent-up anger. Saito is just that lucky guy who eventually learns of her patterns and his own mistakes that makes their relationship, one of the most realistic and iconic examples of patience and sacrifices.
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