3. Louise and Saito’s Separation in Volume 8
Like most anime adaptations, there are always changes depending on the number of episodes, and the pacing between it and the original sources. A majority of the stories still play out as intended and to some degree like the Love potion incident, Colbert’s supposed death, or the pope being manipulative. But, this is the one major pivot that I enjoyed more in the light novels than the anime for its immense maturity and reflection on both Saito and Louise.
Originally, Louise and Saito didn’t reunite until she attempted the summoning spell again in Westwood village. They were both confused on the next step, like if they were to be more than a master and servant or if they can even reclaim their lost bond. In Saito’s case, he felt unworthy to return since losing his powers and being presumed dead. He even hid when Louise did try to find him because he wanted to properly sort out his insecurities like the connection between them, and if being Hiraga Saito was enough. For the first time after the war, Saito was thinking heavily of Louise and how he can be a better man for her.
In Louise’s case, she was a total wreck and was willing to kill herself. The last time she saw him was at the church sharing wedding vows and nearly confessed her love towards him, until waking up to the news of his noblest act. She then spent weeks isolating herself and debated what she would do now: to find a new familiar, to be the heroic mage, or if she was again the Zero Louise. Saito had the biggest impact on her life and now she felt hopeless and empty, wondering how she can even consider replacing him if the spell went wrong. Not only would it confirm that their bond wasn’t strong enough for a resummon, it would confirm his death and something she didn’t want to know.
All of those emotions helped set the next stage, when they finally reunited in the battle against Sheffield. Louise didn’t want to die without confirming Saito’s death and opened the summoning gate, believing that he would return. Saito was powerless, yet it didn’t stop him from rushing in after hearing her pleas for help, reclaiming his abilities and a renewed connection. Every negative thought was defeated, as they looked towards each other and stopped looking just within themselves. The moment was incredibly rewarding because the anticipation was killing me when the book separated them for an entire volume.
The light novels contained more separation moments and it was beautifully breathtaking how much these two matured and carefully improved themselves to not make those same mistakes ever. Some moments include when Louise caught Princess Henrietta and Saito together in the mansion basement, Saito being abducted by the elves, and the pope purposefully blackmailing Louise into leading the charge for the Holy Land. Those exact moments also lasted about a complete volume or two before they reunited, so imagine the agonizing wait between publications back then, long before Google or social media were as powerful as today in accuracy and the number of platforms.
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