[Guido]

I'm starting to grasp the broad picture with the dynamics of the storytelling for Pumpkin Scissors. Each but not all of the episodes give tips and hints to the various story elements. This twists and story devices are explored individually through their respective episode.

Once the story reaches into a major turning point, it'll be easier for the audience to deduce the plot by linking all plot devices in hand. The problem with this kind of storytelling is that the writers do not make an effort to build momentum and climax for the pace to transition evenly from episode to episode.

I just get the feeling that with this starting episode seem more like fulfilling the mission of the day format. We are not allow to travel and dig into the deeper picture.

Spoiler:

The new plot hint delivered in episode seven is that there are other driving forces besides the Kaupland Institute, that work under shadows and out of the range of the Empire.

This forces are taking advantage of the impoverished situation left after the war, manipulating the classes of nobles and commoners alike. Implanting and instilling a foreboding fear of treason and revolt. Their aim is to provoke isolated guerrillas within the Empire to substract credence and reliability on the Empire's word for national security.

They likely sell their advanced, manufactured weaponry to those who can afford it as their main source of income and to extend their market channels.

This is just my personal feelings, but I do suspect that Lord Loir Taylor (Alice's true fianceé) is involved with those terrorists factions- either by sponsoring them or he holds a prominent position within those dark organizations.

I have annoying complains because Schültz was so plainly lame on screen, that I could not bear his boot-licking more than Alice was fed up with.
It even saddens me more when a scene switching takes place amidst a tense scene returning the spotlight back to Schültz non ceasing speeches tinged of corny romanticism.

Spoiler:

Luckily, the climax is saved when Alice "grabs her iron pants" and jumps into the scene to prove the worth of her beliefs in full Section III militia glory.

When Oreld, Machs, and Oland went into the feudal castle I have this feeling in my gut that Alice will make her pressence there as well when the scene changed from the three dorks going to castle on jeep to the carriage transporting Schültz and Alice inside.

Just I make a mistake, thinking that the carriage was heading the same to the castle. In fact, it's because Alice spotted Mercury on its way to deliver the message to HQ.