Voice Actor Honoka Inoue Produces a Dating Reality Show!? (Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden Interview)

The TV anime Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden has been airing since October 6. A warrior known as the "Hero Who Slew Gods" is reborn in the body of Nia Liston, a noble young lady on the verge of succumbing to illness. Beginning a second life, the warrior behaves as a proper noblewoman while secretly throwing themselves into battle.

One of the key points of the series is "Magic Vision," the family business of the Liston family. Programs are shown on a magic crystal tablet, an item resembling a tablet device, much like TV and streaming shows in the modern world. Nia also appears on programs, gaining popularity while working to spread Magic Vision itself.

In this article, drawn from an interview with Honoka Inoue, the voice actor who plays Nia, we share her impressions of the setting, including Magic Vision, and her thoughts on the highlights of the TV anime.

—In addition to the fantasy elements, such as the many floating islands, I felt the idea of Magic Vision being run as the Liston family's business also makes this a distinctive work. What are your impressions of these aspects of the setting?

Inoue: The Ice Rose troupe appears in Episodes 2 and 3 (of the TV anime), and the sound director gave the cast members playing troupe members the direction to "raise the elegance just a little." That made me feel the world is that refined. The visuals are also so beautiful that they draw you in, and I think they are packed with the staff's meticulous attention to detail.

—True, the streets of the royal capital also resemble early modern Europe.

Inoue: And in such a refined world, Nia is seeking out battles (laughs). That kind of gap is a lot of fun.

—So it's precisely because the world is so refined that it becomes a standout element (laughs). Incidentally, which would you prefer: the glamorous royal capital, or Liston Territory, which is a bit rural but calm?

Inoue: Wow! That's tough, but... the one I'd like to visit is the royal capital (laughs). It's drawn so beautifully, and I'd love to ride an airship, too.

—On to the next question. Nia's parents are also involved in Magic Vision, which is treated as a new business in the story's world, as their family trade. If you yourself owned a Magic Vision broadcasting station in the world of Nia Liston, what kind of program would you want to make?

Inoue: Romance between men and women seems to be popular in Nia Liston too, but I don't think the kind of dating reality shows that are popular in our world have been made there yet, so I'd love to try that! Something like "Romeo and Juliet," asking whether love is possible even across class lines.

I think there are many works overseas about lovers separated by class or whose families are at odds, so I figure it might go over surprisingly well.

—Combining universal elements dating back to Shakespeare's time with elements of a modern reality show. The original work also depicted how the magic crystal tablets used to watch Magic Vision would spread, so it sounds like a great theme that could appeal to both nobles and commoners!

Inoue: Right, like, what kind of romance would it develop into...

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