Konosuba season 3 episode 2 review: Princess Iris introduced as Kazuma is abducted to the Royal Capital

Konosuba season 3 episode 2 was officially released on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, bringing with it the exciting continuation of the long-awaited return of the smash-hit isekai series. The episode begins to build up what appears to be the third season's overarching plot, with Kazuma being abducted to the Royal Capital by the episode's conclusion.

Princess Iris is also officially introduced and is shown to become fond of Kazuma by the installment’s end, despite their rocky beginning. With the duo's budding friendship on full display, she's likely to play a significant role in whatever fight Kazuma gets into by the end of the third season.

Konosuba season 3 episode 2 sets up Kazuma as a royal protector for any battle that comes next

Brief episode recap

Kazuma prepares to meet with royalty in Konosuba season 3 episode 2 (Image via Drive, Deen)

Konosuba season 3 episode 2 began with Kazuma Sato rereading his invitation from Princess Iris while fantasizing about the possibilities that could occur. Darkness, who had changed into a skimpy maid outfit for the occasion, chimed in, pleading with him to reconsider the meeting, but Kazuma quickly shut it down.

Kazuma and Darkness then went out in town after the latter changed, with Megumin and Aqua also joining them. He said he had a deal to wrap up before meeting with the Princess. It was then revealed that Kazuma made tools from his world for Wiz to sell at her shop, namely lighters.

Konosuba season 3 episode 2 then saw Kazuma try to charge Aqua for one she wanted to take, pointing out that she didn’t help in their creation while the others all did in a key role. Aqua then stormed out to perform street tricks with her Goddess powers, having forgotten that she first went out there to promote the lighters Kazuma made.

Vanir reappears for the first time this season in Konosuba season 3 episode 2 (Image via Drive, Deen)

Vanir then appeared and reprimanded Aqua for performing in front of the store, with Wiz going out to intervene. She distracted the crowd by properly showing them the lighter, which people lined up in droves to purchase. Vanir teased Kazuma for being anxious about his relationship with Megumin, prompting him to yell at both Vanir and Megumin, despite the latter not saying or doing anything.

Konosuba season 3 episode 2 then saw Vanir tell Kazuma that his 300 million eris cut would soon be ready from the lighter sales. The focus then shifted back to Kazuma, preparing for his meeting with Princess Iris at their mansion. He became worried after seeing Megumin and the others discuss their plans, when Darkness suddenly walked in, looking very regal and formal, taking everyone by surprise.

Aqua and Megumin struggled with borrowing Darkness' clothes, but eventually managed to put together formal outfits. Kazuma then further fantasized, prompting the others to ridicule him for this. Darkness briefed everyone on the plan before entering the meeting room, with her saying she'd handle the talking while everyone else stayed silent.

Konosuba season 3 episode 2 officially introduces Princess Iris (Image via Drive)

Konosuba season 3 episode 2 then saw Kazuma smitten with Princess Iris Stylish-Sword Belzerg’s looks. The others began introducing themselves, causing Darkness to intervene and cause a scene. Kazuma, however, remained silent and looked smitten at Iris. However, Iris’ guards then instructed him to behave properly, prompting him to ask for a “new princess.”

Darkness ridiculed Kazuma and Co. for their behavior, while Aqua prepared an illustration of Princess Iris to celebrate the meeting. She began panicking and offered to remove everyone, but Iris then whispered something to her guards, who then communicated that she was so impressed with Aqua’s sand-drawing that she’d allow them all to stay.

Konosuba season 3 episode 2 then saw Iris ask Kazuma how he beat Mitsurugi, prompting him to begin telling tales of his adventures, which seemingly impressed the princess. The conversation continued with Kazuma describing his prior NEET status in an impressive way. One of the guards then asked to inspect Kazuma’s adventurer card, which caused him to grow concerned given some of the inconsistencies on it and issues with it.

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Megumin tried changing the subject, but the guard and Princess Iris pressed on, even suspecting him of lying to them. Kazuma reacted poorly to this, resulting in a sword being stuck in his face. However, Darkness thankfully intervened and prevented any further issues. Princess Iris then dismissed the group after one final insult to Kazuma, with Megumin starting to feel bad on Kazuma’s behalf and being prepared to say or do something.

However, Konosuba season 3 episode 2 saw Megumin calm herself since her actions could cause trouble for Darkness. Inspired by Megumin, Darkness then asked her to retract her claim that Kazuma is a liar, adding that despite his low rank, the protagonist is incredibly dependable and strong. She even approached Princess Iris directly, with the latter spekaing for the first time, demanding that she learn how Kazuma defeated Mitsurugi before taking it back.

Darkness then shockingly slapped Princess Iris before politely and kindly ridiculing her for her actions towards Kazuma. In turn, Kazuma demonstrated how he beat Mitsurugi with Iris’ knight Claire, but his Steal ended up taking her underwear instead of her sword. The two groups then apologized to each other, with Iris then apologizing to Kazuma for calling him a liar. The episode ended with Kazuma being abducted by Iris and taken to the Royal Capital.

In review

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While still containing the trademark comedy the series is known for, Konosuba season 3 episode 2 largely focuses on its plot more than its humor, suggesting that a major narrative for the third season will be set up in the coming weeks.

In addition, the episode does a great job with its character work, letting each of Kazuma’s party members shine while fleshing out newly introduced characters Claire and Princess Iris. Likewise, with Kazuma having been taken to the Royal Capital by Iris in the ending segment, it’s expected that the pair will be further developed in the coming installments.

Konosuba season 3 episode 2 also does a great job of establishing Kazuma’s standing as an adventurer, reminding fans that despite his impressive accomplishments, he is still, on paper, a low-ranker. Similarly, this plot point will likely come into play later on in the season, with Kazuma likely to receive a higher ranking and more social status after whatever his next major victory or achievement is.

In summation

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Overall, Konosuba season 3 episode 2 serves as an exciting installment that promises a satisfying trajectory for the series. While the upcoming episode should be relatively less dramatic considering Kazuma’s abduction to the Royal Capital, fans can nevertheless expect the humor and chaos the series is known for.