the revelation that Nastassja never told Maria she was Finé's actual successor — she was only playing the role to gain Ver's cooperation — is the most important character moment of the season and this episode handles it with real care. Maria has been carrying an identity she was assigned rather than one she chose and watching that unravel while she still chooses to keep fighting is genuinely moving. the dynamic between the three FIS girls shifts significantly once this truth is out and Kirika and Shirabe's loyalty to Maria becoming about Maria herself rather than the mission she represents is a beautiful quiet development. the show is doing its best character work of the season here.