The Tempted Young Wife

"The Tempted Young Wife" is the fortieth episode of the Queen's Blade anime.

Story
In Gainos, several wanted posters depict three women, two of them unknown and the other depicting Annelotte. The citizens note that it’s not much of a big notice yet, and believe that some of them are secretly rooting for them. Meanwhile, back at the castle, Elina blames Ymir for the status of the army, and the way things have turned out. The two shortly argue before Claudette silences them, and tells Elina to seek out the warriors gathering. Back at Gainos, Aldra cleans her home in wait of her husband and then goes to the town to purchase food for the meal she intends to cook when he arrives home. She then converses with Sigui at the Cathedral about her loss of memory, noting the only thing she remembers is the search for her sister. As Aldra walks home, she runs into Ymir. At the hideout, Mirim attempts to learn more about combat, but to no avail, as without the power of the crystals her armor has no real value. Dismayed, Mirim learns that she cannot actually do anything unless the armor works, but her spirits are brought up when Yuit mentions a possibility of a fix. In the sauna, the group then discuss the impact of the notices, and the fact that they all would enjoy the fact of Annelotte being Queen. Overwhelmed by the group discussion, Annelotte goes outside to get some time to think. Mulling over the situation, Annelotte rests on a stack of hay, becoming indecisive about actually becoming the Queen. She accidentally falls asleep and the haystack, which was loaded on a wagon begins to move away. Meanwhile, at Aldra’s home, Ymir discusses the possibility of Aldra becoming a Summoner and convinces her to join the Queen’s Army. With the book Ymir gave her, Aldra heads to the Swamplands and conjures up two demons, Belphe & Dogor, who inhabit two of the stuffed animals she brought along. The duo get unruly, but Aldra bludgeons them with a giant ladle, which she read from the book was the way to command them. Meanwhile, the hay wagon hits a hole in the ground, and Annelotte falls out, confused and disoriented. The rest of the group then split up and search for her, with Luna Luna traveling with Mirim, Sainyang & Tarnyang traveling together, and Yuit and Vante traveling along the river. Aldra then writes a farewell letter to her husband, promising to return after she finishes her goals. She goes to her room to find Belphe and Dogor missing, while the duo intend to eat humans. Ymir reports that Aldra has been successfully recruited, and Claudette then asks for Sigui.