I haven't read the manga so I saw the anime without knowing anything about it, and it turned out to be a really nice surprise.
The story is sad but beautiful and despite being a short anime, it doesn't feel rushed. The characters are very likeable and expressive.
But my praise has to go to the art and the music. It really lifts this beyond just an average/good anime. With backgrounds reminiscent of Van Gogh and the wonderful music, going from chants to classical, the whole thing has an XVIII/XIX century european feel to it.
Overall, a very good fantasy drama that made me wish there was more of it.
