The following contains spoilers for That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime Season 4, Episode 4, “Invitation,” available on Crunchyroll.
The fourth episode of The time I was reincarnated as a slime Season 4 saw the formal acceptance of Tempest into the Council of the West, the regulatory organization made up of the various human nations of the West, established to act as a bulwark against the growing threat of monsters. The most interesting and significant development in this episode was the meeting of the council to vote on the inclusion of a nation of monsters in an organization that was once created as an anti-monster measure.
With decent pacing and exciting plot seeds being sown, The time I was reincarnated as a slimeseason 4, episode 4 was a very nice set up for what will be a very significant, action-packed arc.
That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime Season 4 Episode 3 introduces its main antagonists
Granville and Mariabel Rozzo's true ambitions are finally revealed in That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime Season 4 Episode 3.
An End to the Dungeon Hijinks, for now
Demon Lord Frey's surprise appearance means no more dungeon grumbling
The episode begins in the Dungeon, with Rimuru, Ramiris, Veldora, and Milim once again thwarting the efforts of adventurers taking on the difficult challenge. By now, they have gained a level of fame among the adventurers who visit the dungeon, and are part of its increasing reach and success. It was a fun and light-hearted start to an episode that would become relatively serious as it reconnects to the main story, especially with how vulnerable and guilty Milim looks when the Demon Lord Frey makes a surprise appearance to remind Milim of the task she was given and take her home.
Milim trying to hide behind Rimuru as she, Veldora, and Ramiris crawled away to safety away from Frey's icy gaze was a good comedic moment, as she had been particularly vocal about needing a bigger challenge in the dungeon now that they've gotten used to using their Avatar bodies. That being said, the Dungeon stuff has started to take valuable time away from the more interesting plot developments and potential plot points, reducing the overall impact of the episode. This may well be the point, as the Rimuru themselves have used the Dungeon to avoid more important responsibilities, but perhaps more focus on the Eastern Empire's agenda and the clear antagonists of this arc could give episodes more narrative weight.
After the remaining trio narrowly avoid being scolded by Frey, Rimuru is approached by Shuna, who is well aware that Rimuru has shirked his responsibility to play with his friends in the dungeon. It was like watching a group of kids get scolded by their teacher, who also happens to be one of the kids' older siblings.
Rearrange the casings in the correct Japanese release order.
Start
Rearrange the casings in the correct Japanese release order.
Light (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
The use of “yandere eyes” to illustrate Shuna's disdain was a particularly funny detail, given her pink hair and the fact that she is named after a certain species of fuchsia plant with a mild purple flower. It's a nod to the pink hair usually associated with yandere characters. This isa reflection of the “nadeshiko” flower that shares its name with the concept of “the ideal Japanese woman”. Anyway, it was fun until Mjolmille brought an important letter containing a summons from the Council of the West as part of their acceptance of Tempest's participation in the organization.
The Council of the West votes to include Tempest
Human leaders worry about war brewing in the East
After a brief run through of the economic system of the West, Mariabel talks about her desire to rule the world from the shadows, and her brief appearance excitingly introduces the actual meat of the episode before we're introduced to the Council of the West. Located in the Kingdom of Engrassia due to its centrality to the various member states, the leaders of the various member states debate whether to accept Tempest's application. There are different opinions, but the general concern among the leaders is the fact that Rimuru is a monster who leads a nation of powerful monsters, who have decimated a human kingdom before, as seen with the kingdom of Falmuth.
The other concern is the fact that the Nasca Namrium Ulmeria United Eastern Empire is currently engaging in increased military exercises as if preparing for war. The Eastern Empire has greedily devoured many nations in the past and will have its sights set on the West. As Mariabel Rozzo revealed in the last episode of The time I was reincarnated as a slimeshe loves being in the super elite class that runs the world from the shadows.
As it turns out, she actually already has control over the two largest decision-making entities in the West: the Council and the Five Elders. Some of the leaders at the council meeting showed the intention of using Rimuru in the brewing war against the Eastern Empire, but given his strength and the fact that they did not know his disposition, they were wary of potentially making him an enemy.
But the decision is ultimately to let Tempest into the council. Hinata Sakaguchi, despite being present, was not once consulted about the demon lord 'fighting to a draw', and the nobles' clear agendas and clear lack of direction stood in painful contrast to the meeting she attended in the Tempest. Just as she realizes that she would rather go the rest of her life without interacting with another noble, the First Prince of Engrassia asks to speak with her. His design is brilliant and communicates exactly the kind of pomposity and megalomania one would expect from a high-ranking noble, let alone the prince of a rich and powerful nation.
Hinata Sakaguchi's trust in Rimuru is clear
The first prince of Engrassia's hare-brained plan is shot down
Simply put, the Prince of Engrassia is terrified of having to face Rimuru at the next meeting and wants Hinata Sakaguchi, the knight who fought such a terrifying presence to a draw, by his side to protect him. Unfortunately for him, Hinata has no confidence that she could beat them in a second encounter, not to mention the much more pressing fact that she has absolutely no interest in enabling and participating in any “character tests” that Western nobles want to administer to Rimuru upon his arrival. Hinata Sakaguchi trusts the Demon Lord Rimuru, and after making that clear, she leaves the council headquarters.
Back in Tempest, Rimuru, Benimaru, So'ei, and Shuna prepare to leave for the council meeting, leaving Shion behind to protect the kingdom, and the episode ends as it began, with some comedy to offset the seriousness that came with the meat of the episode. Seeing Shion push Rimuru with such convincing and comedic physicality is the kind of ridiculousness that the series does particularly well, and it's likely that we'll have fewer of these hilarious moments when things start to get real as the arc progresses. The time I was reincarnated as a slime season 4, episode 4 was a good primer episode to set up things to come, paying enough attention to the main plot to heighten anticipation for episode 5.
