Secrets of the Silent Witch Episode 10, titled “Bernie Jones and Everett the Mute,” takes viewers on a poignant journey into Monica Everett’s formative years, revealing the origin of a significant past friendship and its unexpected resurgence in the present. This pivotal episode sets the stage for new challenges as Monica grapples with her past while facing a high-stakes inter-academy chess competition.
Release Date and Streaming Availability
Episode 10 premiered for global audiences on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 9:30 am PDT and 12:30 pm EDT. In Japan, it was released on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:30 am JST. Viewers can stream Secrets of the Silent Witch on Crunchyroll, Aniplus Asia, and Bilibili.
A Glimpse into Monica’s Past
The episode heavily features flashbacks, transporting viewers back to Monica’s time at the Minerva magical training institute, a period that profoundly shaped the Silent Witch she is today.
The Minerva Institute and Bernie Jones
Before becoming one of the revered Seven Sages, a shy and introverted Monica attended Minerva. It was there that she encountered Bernie Jones, a boy with aspirations of becoming a Seven Sage himself. Bernie, despite his own talent and ambition, extended a hand of friendship to Monica, protecting her from bullies and becoming her first true confidant. He shared his knowledge, teaching her quick chanting techniques that Monica, with her exceptional intellect, quickly mastered and even surpassed.
A Friendship Tested by Talent
The bond between Monica and Bernie, however, proved fragile in the face of Monica’s burgeoning magical abilities. Bernie, possessing a deeply ingrained superiority complex, found his pride wounded when Monica, utilizing his teachings, rapidly developed the ability to perform unchanted magic—a feat he perceived as an insult and a mockery of his efforts. His frustration and aggression boiled over when Monica was appointed as one of the Seven Sages, leading him to furiously disregard their friendship, leaving Monica heartbroken and further reinforcing her tendency towards isolation.
The Inter-Academy Chess Exchange
In the present timeline, Monica, having chosen horseback riding and chess as her elective classes at Serendia Academy, is unexpectedly selected as a representative for an inter-academy chess exchange match. The revelation that one of the opposing schools is none other than Minerva, her former institution, triggers a severe panic attack as memories of Bernie and her painful past resurface.
Monica’s Reluctance and Disguise
Initially bewildered by her selection, Monica, with the support of Felix and other student council members, begins intense chess training. The prospect of confronting her past, specifically the possibility of Bernie recognizing her, causes her significant distress. To alleviate her anxiety, her friend Lana intervenes, giving Monica a complete makeover—including makeup, glasses, and a new hairstyle—to ensure her disguise is effective during the tournament.
Confrontation and Intervention
As expected, Bernie Jones is part of the Minerva team at the chess tournament. Monica’s disguise seems to work, as Bernie initially fails to recognize her. However, there are subtle hints that he might be somewhat aware of her presence. In a tense moment, Monica’s loyal companions, Nero and Ryn (the Barrier Mage’s familiar), step in, cleverly staging a dramatic, albeit feigned, love triangle with Monica to deter Bernie and de-escalate a potentially uncomfortable confrontation.
Production Details and Reception
The episode was brought to life by Studio Gokumi, with the script penned by Takaomi Kanasaki. The storyboard and direction were handled by Misaki Nishimoto and Shinsuke Gomi, with Megumi Nagayama and Hiromi Ogata serving as Chief Animation Directors. The anime series is an adaptation of the light novel written by Matsuri Isora and illustrated by Nanna Fujimi.
Coming on the heels of a recap episode (Episode 9.5), Episode 10’s heavy reliance on flashbacks sparked some discussion among viewers regarding its placement so close to the potential season finale. Nevertheless, it served as a crucial character development episode, providing valuable context for Monica’s reclusive nature and her journey as the Silent Witch.
Conclusion
“Bernie Jones and Everett the Mute” is a deeply personal episode for Monica, shedding light on the origins of her social anxiety and the hidden pain she carries from a pivotal childhood friendship. By revisiting her past at Minerva and confronting the ghost of Bernie, Monica takes another step in her ongoing growth. The inter-academy chess match not only presents an external challenge but also forces Monica to navigate her internal struggles, highlighting her resilience and the unwavering support of her new friends as she steps into the limelight, however reluctantly.
