Episode 17

Moonlight That Pierces the Darkness (闇に射す月光) is the seventeenth episode of the The Eminence in Shadow anime adaptation.

Synopsis
Cid recollects piano lessons from his past life – what impact does this have on his present? Meanwhile, Epsilon's performance sets the soundtrack for something else...

Summary
Cid imagines on what he will do in the arena and how to reveal he is much more powerful. Skel comes knocking on his door, stating he has a plan on how to get rich fast. He shows that Rose has a reward for turning her in or giving information about her location and tries to convince Cid to work with him and find her, so that he can get rich. Cid sees that his sister is visiting and decides to avoid her. He accepts Skel's proposal and uses the window to leave.

While walking around town, Cid hears someone playing a piano and notes its someone good. He recalls how in his previous life he was forced to learn to play piano. He would have rather trained for his plan to become Eminence in Shadow, but in time he found out that piano is quite cool. However, as he recognizes the music, he wonders if it should exist in this world and decides to see who it was playing the piano, since it may be another reincarnated person.

Cid is surprised to see its Epsilon, who like Gamma and Beta, is using what he told her to become famous. After her performance, Cid asks if that was the "Moonlight Sonata" and Epsilon confirms, saying from all the pieces he taught her, this one is her favorite. Epsilon reveals that received rewards for her music composition and had gained connection with influential people. Cid realizes that she plagiarized all the music he showed her. He asks her if she knows where is Rose hiding. Epsilon states that Beta is working on that case, but she heard she is hiding in the tunnels under the Royal Capital. Cid thanks her and leaves, but on his way, he notices the piano and smiles.

Beta shares some information with Alexia on the suspicion that Perv Asshat is working with the Cult. They head down the tunnels under the Royal Capital. Beta notes it will be hard to provide evidence for Perv involvement with the Cult. Iris had told Alexia that the king of Oriana didn't seem affected by Rose actions. Alexia is also sure that if they continue to do nothing like her father suggest, the cult will eventually cause lots of problems for the kingdom. Alexia explains that they are heading to the underground passages as there is a chance that Rose had used them to escape. Beta notes that its a maze down there and wonders how they can leave, but Alexia states they will just return the way they came.

Rose recalls how she met her father and Perv the other day. When she saw her father, the king, she knew something was wrong with him and then saw Perv and the guards cunning smiles. She drew her sword and attacked Perv, but the guards then yelled that she went mad and called for some guards. Rose believed she made a rational decision, but later realizes it wasn't. Even if she managed to kill Perv, he is just one of the Cult, whose roots have already too deep within the Oriana Kingdom. Perv told her to turn herself in before the Bushin Festival, or he will have her father kill one of his guests. Rose now wonders if its best to turn herself in as that way it may avoid a war. She recalls her time with Cid, but as her possession gets worse, she feels that marrying Cid and living with him would have been a dream anyway.

Rose hears the Moonlight Sonata and starts following the music. Eventually, she finds Shadow who is playing on the piano. As he finishes, Rose explains she had heard the Moonlight Sonata many times, but without a doubt this was the best performance she heard. Shadow asks her what she hope to accomplish and Rose states she wanted to protect them, but couldn't do anything. Shadow wonders if this is her end and if she intends to put the sword down. He notes that if she has desire, he will give her power. Rose accepts as there are things she wants to do and protect. Shadow gives her power and heals her possession. He tells her that true strength lies not in one's power, but in one's way of being. After Shadow leaves, some members of the Cult show up and Rose defeats them easily.

Feeling the burst of magic, Alexia and Beta run towards it and find Rose. Rose states she obtained power and will follow the path she believes in. Alexia has questions, but Rose refuses to say anything, not wanting to drag Alexia into this. As Rose keeps refusing to say anything, Alexia draws her sword, stating she will make her talk this way. The two start fighting, but Rose defeats Alexia. Rose leaves Alexia to Beta, who states that she won't stop Rose. She notes that they are all different, but may have same ideals and their alliance may not have been such a bad idea.

In the evening, Cid returns home, however he is surprised to see his sister still waiting for him.