I was surprised to see that there were more of those dolls; it must be pretty hard for the hero to remember all their names in a day even if he named them all.
Oliver - green-haired, green-eyed doll who's always with Hugo. Appears to be a general asssistant in the home. Seems to be a little more energetic than Hugo.
Hugo - black-haired, dark eyed doll who's always with Oliver. Appears to be a general asssistant in the home. Seems to be a little more reserved than Oliver.
Cookie - white haired doll with distinctly darker skin. Prototype, so he doesn't speak as much as the others (although we haven't heard the two others speak yet.) Cooks food.
Flona - Blonde haired doll. In charge of "groundskeeping".
Paprika - Red haired doll. In charge of laundry.
Considering how happy Oliver and Hugo seem to be with their names, and how much they anticipated Guster to name everyone else, I think it's safe to presume that the other dolls are also pretty pleased upon receiving names. (And headpats)
It's so short and fast-paced, but the art is pretty and it's a rare merman story.
One may think that she transitioned so fast from cold and grumpy to sweet and loving, but I guess they did what they could to fit it in 5 chapters, much like fairytales where a people fall in love in a matter of minutes. Because she started out grumpy it looks unnatural rather than if she was bewildered and curious from the beginning, it'd be easier to transition into love. The backstory was the main brace and backbone of the story:
Because they met during their childhood, it's easier for the girl to accept that he's not a stranger, even becoming her savior, and easier for us to understand why the merman trusted her despite the possibility of being captured and exploited, because she didn't immediately do anything untoward, and even later tended to him and told him to go back to the sea, reconfirming his initial impression of her. Plus, it provides the brewing point of conflict for the confrontation later on, although this was not too necessary, as other humans can easily fill in that antagonistic role.
They could've explored more things that remain unanswered to the end, but I suppose it's a matter of fill in the blanks for the readers.
Like why merman has no voice, or how her sister/friend was able to know that she and the merman are ok, or even what may have happened to everyone else, including the villain. Then there's also the possibility of the existence of other mermaids, or why there's one young merboy who thrives despite avid hunting of mermaids.
So, if I'm just going to presume, I might as well just believe that the reason the lady knew their fate with strange certainty is thar maybe the girl remembered how they panicked when they hadn't heard from her when she disappeared for a few days after diving, so she decided to send a letter from an undisclosed location telling them that she's fine. The woman seemed so sure, and I want to believe in that happy ending.
Problem with this is that despite their happy ending, there's a looming cloud of uncertainty. What if the crazed villain eventually finds them? He knows what they look like. It only takes a little water to transform the guy into his original form, so even any of their possible future children can also be in danger.
But, like I said, since author ended it here for now, and it's good for a quick read like a little fairytale, maybe I ought to leave it at, "And they lived happily ever after".
... Like the others have said, it feels like it was all just put together in a rush.
Suddenly, sleeping together is part of a contract we barely had any info on.
Suddenly, his friends betrayed him, only to later seek him out, and he forgave them immediately, as if his life wasn't endangered earlier. Even if the way he was betrayed was cheap, the way the traitor was just shown with bandages and a swelling face just felt like a pasted resolution. Even if it seemed small on the grand scheme of things, I at least wanted to see how their meeting went with Shinichi. They don't even have to show the full on thoughts, even just "man, Samejima-senpai got involved with terrible people, huh? Not like we're any good, either~" and then meeting him - like a little bridge, rather than a fast gap, as if the serious betrayal was just a random event that happened. It would've been smoother. The loan shark job felt a little like a passing gig (because he was also a cafe owner and he seemed unsuitable for it, not like he dreamed of being a loan shark either...) and while I understand that he wanted a different path, it's like he rolled a dice and stuck to whatever he saw. Even the way Samejima reconciled with his family felt unsatisfying. It was all just mentioned in passing, after all the heartbreaking tidbits like being denied by his brother, being denied an opportunity to pursue his interests, and a serious back story... even just one panel of a mini-illustration would be better than nothing. But, well, it's cute, and we still got our happy ending, as author intended.
Is this completed? I think this is one of those stories that may need a second volume.
There's a lot of things resolved and clarified, and also a lot more things that I'd like to see, like Haruto being able to go back into society and get a job.
It was worrying to see him caught between two people who scare me a little:
A woman who wants him to throw away everything and become her little pet or doll, and sees nothing wrong with it who he fell in love with
Or
A man who is possessive, can get forceful, and makes decisions for him a lot.
Either way he can't be free with those two, no matter how much they promise their own terms of freedom. (In that regard, Asahi is better; thinking of a way to let Haruto get back into society)
It would probably be better if he gave some space while checking in on Haruto from time to time. Give him encouragement, maybe enjoy some activities together like playing games, hiking, traveling, etc.
It's scary to think that if it wasn't for his mom's call, it would just be Asahi persisting in something Haruto can't accept, and him feeling terrible and coerced into everything, rather than him genuinely making a foundation to stand up in.
I was thinking that Asahi's love is purely unrequited to the end, and nothing will change that, but with the extras, I think that Haruto is starting to also be interested in Asahi- visiting Asahi in his workplace and getting jealous, wanting to be together after being given space - perhaps all according to Haruto's plan, by monopolizing him and yet making it appear that he is setting him free - like a push-pull effect of sorts.
But I think that, despite his possessiveness, if Haruto genuinely falls in love with a suitable woman, and is adamant about being with her, Asahi will probably let go. He was close to doing so until he remembered that the lady was a terrible person to be with, one that might destroy his brother. No waiting "for things to settle down", no chance of him becoming independent, or even be his own proper person, just overly dependent on her. And while he kind of wants the same from Haruto (for Haruto to depend on him the most), he understands, at least, that this will cripple his brother and make him no better than a doll on display. So, if a suitable woman who really appreciates and encourages Haruto appears, he might relent eventually.
Right now, at its ending after the extras, while his feelings show promise, it's not like Haruto has acknowledged them. Unless he meets new people, especially those who are accepting and nice, we can't really tell, and he might consider his dependence on Asahi's encouragement and pampering as "love" rather than genuinely being on equal footing and properly falling in love: as in, "despite all options, I chose you, because I love you even with all other things considered" kind of thing, rather than "he gives me what I want, I give him what I want, he's the only one who can do this for me, it must be love." It's almost similar to how he was with the lady from before.
I guess Asahi doesn't mind as long as Haruto ends up his, but it'll always linger as something wobbly, unsecure, and delicate rather than something sturdy and sure.
It would have been a disaster if due to that misunderstanding, he somehow fell in love with someone else during those 4 long years.
Then again, if he was the type to somehow lose his hearing temporarily due to shock and heartbreak, enough to misunderstand the main point, then I doubt he'll move on all that easily. Even at the point wherein he was angry and wanted to give up before being confronted with the truth, I doubt he'd be easily able to move on considering how he is. I mean, in spite of everything, he continued to love his Hyung.
So it all worked out despite the mess at the beginning, thanks to their unwavering love and dedication to each other.
Since it's "The end", I hope that Lala gives birth safely, that she remains healthy and lives a good, long life for her own sake and for all those who love her. I do think she'll be fine because she has Alistair with her and he's an excellent mage, but that doesn't discount the threat of other nobles, not to mention royalty. Her good heart is her greatest strength and weakness, and she can put a lot of trust in others, so if someone could zero in on Alistair's weakness, and then to Lala's weakness, and exploit it...
They shouls check on the villains every now and again, watch over their dealings, and keep them away from Lala and those she knows. That way they won't exploit a poor child or family or creature and Lala won't end up being ensnared. (Hah, at that point Alistair might end up becoming
Artstyle is cute. The eyes are sometimes too vivid, like they're permanent floursecent bulbs, but it doesn't look too bad.
Story was... ok. It's not too different compared to similar "pitiful ML/2nd ML/Villain finds love in a dedicated reincarnator/transmigrator who will do everything to make them happy." There are a ton of stories with that premise that I've grown to love.
What I wasn't too fond of was the way she left due to the plot changing too much. I understand if she left because of their positions and ages.
I understand if she considered his fixation.
But after changing the plot so much and even being resonsible for healing his curse, she says she doesn't want to change the plot too much? It already changed the moment she stepped in as his maid and warmed his heart. It already changed when he healed him. Did she really want the plot to proceed as normal? Even considering what could happen to him later? There are potentially other ways for her to try and divert his feelings:
Try to let him meet new people.
Make him trust others more.
Be by his side and treat him as a family member, and be firm about it, regardless of how she also feels.
Why leave him and cruelly reject him with the thought that the story changed too much after decidedly changing his childhood?
...Ok, I guess I'm too nitpicky with that tiny detail.
But it's like watching a teenage comedy romance, with the only reason why they're aged up is for them to participate in politics and make big decisions. Pouting, whining, and acting cute are commonplace. It gets a little tiring after a while. It's not even a cute trait - the entire family acted like that 20 years later. I get that there's sappy love, and unchanging relationships, but they really are acting like literal children - even Ibelina, who seems the most mature, is no exception. I'm all for "being yourself", I tend to have childish interests and sometimes act immature but it's like they don't act like children, they ARE children. In the case of the audience with the emperor during his birthday - the emperor might forgive it, and they are 2nd highest, but doing being petty, rude, and childish in front of other nobles? On his birthday? It sets a bad precendent. You can express your displeasure without downright disrespecting him ON his birthday IN FRONT of the nobles - even if it doesn't foster potential disrespect from the other nobles and other classes, even if the emperor doesn't mind, the other nobles might. They may not do anything about it, but it still reflects badly - and in a noble society wherein connections are essential, they basically played jesters of the court.
I don't know, I'm just whining, it all just didn't sit well with me. Nonetheless, I did like the story enough, and as one of the first I've seen of its kind back then, it holds a spot in my memories.
The last sidestory(?) was a little confusing, but I think I can imagine what may have happened, maybe. Little 8 year old Nine wanted to meet someone warm, as he said somewhere here. He likely made that wish on a full moon, and hence it was granted - on the moment wherein there is no more danger nor crisis, and their feelings for each other are already clear and determined. If it happened earlier, Melissa might not have been able to give him all that much care due to dealing with crisis after crisis, not to mention how it might impact future Nine's relationship with Melissa. So, he likely replaced older Nine for a moment, until the magic wore off and he went back to his world. After that, little Nine was determined to meet her again - perhaps in a different timeframe, in a path that leads to a similar future? This is what confuses me. I don't think Melissa had to wait for this Nine to grow up, as old as she is, for them to reunite, when they were already together.
If it's an alternate story, universe, and timeline, then we can't guarantee if it's the same "Melissa" that this Nine will meet. So, maybe, little Nine reunited with another version of this reincarnated Melissa, outside of the usual story too, but in a different path? And then, in the previous world, adult nine must've simply thought of it as a strange dream, probably to be told that a younger him had played with everyone in there?
While other's mind was immediately centered on something else, the first thing that came to my mind is worry. First, the dragon doesn't remember Taehyuk. Then, Hyo Un remembers him, but Taehyuk nearly dies. Then, Taehyuk forgets, gets abducted, and gets thrown to the sea. Even their past life is tumultous. Just when things were looking up, he's suddenly seized by a strange sickness which made him turn into a child... Considering the seriousness of the problems they faced, I'm just worried something terrible is brewing in the horizon.
Thinking about it more clearly, I am probably worrying too much. Taehyuk now has the orb, and their memories are restored. This could be nothing more than a small hiccup, perhaps an allusion to the fact that Hyo Un was once a child spoiled by Taehyuk along time ago. Maybe, like someone else said, he just wanted to relive his youth subconsciously, and wanted to be taken care of. Hopefully it's not too serious.
I guess what was really off is the timing of when this event took place. It could have happened before, or after... rather than when they're on their honeymoon. But, maybe the author will reveal the reasons why it had to take place now and how it should fit in the story.
... Seeing the update date and the lack of topics under here, it looks like this might be one of those consigned to oblivion. If we're only to base this story on the 3 chapters we have, it doesn't seem to be the type to stand out too much, apart from that premise of an omega lady pretending to be an alpha, and a man who was supposed to be an omega but might be an alpha. Who knows? Maybe someone will pick this up...
...In past life and Current life.
Past life:
Sia: Intensely possessive, Highly emotional, more dangerous.
Heeyoun: Keeps up walls and bluffs his way through (didn't let her know his feelings, didn't let her know the truth about his name , tried to make it appear that he doesn't care for her until his life was nearing its end, which was when he did express that he probably did care for her more than he let on), Didn't want to bear children, Wants to leave her and doesn't want to shackle her, Doesn't wish to cling.
Current life: (as if to make up for their past lives, somewhat...)
Sia: Still possessive, but keeps reminding herself of the contract, and trying to keep her thoughts and emotions under control more.
Heeyoun: Still trying to not to shackle her, still tries to bluff somewhat, but is more honest with his feelings- to the point wherein he wanted to hide his pregnancy for a little longer if only to maintain their contract, Expresses his love for her more (esp. in his youth), Wants to have children.
As if they're trying to make up for their regrets in their past life subconsciously, with Heeyoun being more honest and Sia being (slightly)more in control with herself (although the changes of the boy are more pronounced.) Maybe he also regretted the death of their children in his past life - so rather than see them as shackles like before, he sees them as a new family, that he is capable of taking care of. After all, times have changed - prejudices are less pronounced and his being an actor can rake in money compared to back in those days. The most pronounced thing, though, is probably that unlike his past self, rather than think that she should fall in love and find someone else, he isn't completely against the possibility of that someone being him.
It feels like the series has ended in a way that might allow for another volume, but whether it does or doesn't I hope to at least see an extra - nay, even just a single page- wherein he can finally see the restaurant owners' faces fully. I'm happy that the ending hints at him starting to truly move forward.
So...
Does the man return the locket? I sort of skimmed near the end.
Also, did the investigators find the culprit? I feel like the main characters should sort of try and keep an eye out at least to properly clear Lenny's name.
Visible Age gap? It turns out she was younger than the little boy turned young man! He grew up in a short amount of time!
Horns? He can hide them away!
Messenger appears and turns out hey: Emperor is still alive and is seeking his son, who was a prince!
Family? Yeah, sure there was trouble, but some of them are alive!
Humans and foreigners have yet to enter this territory in a span of centuries, but Saintess is accepted by the citizens so far. (Even if it was because she saved him, surely there should've been one or two onlookers who are worried about a random person entering their realm, even if she saved their prince.) Since there's only few chapters out, we've yet to really see... who knows, maybe there'll be hostile people who despise humans but get convinced in a span of a few chapters/ get defeated by the prince. )
It was like scattering puzzle pieces and seeing them immediately fall into place. I'm not looking for a complicated plot or some intricately made story when I read this, just that it was all so convenient. Still, it's cute and fun, and is nice to read.
And then there's me, who wants to ship Otonari with Toomaki. Haha, although of course I'm not as severe as them. They look like they have boundless amounts of energy enough to power all the light bulbs in their school amd literally worship their favorite pairing. (I know it's mostly exaggerated for gags, but comparing myself to them is more like: Me:"Wow, the official pairing is great but I like seeing these two otaku together. Well, they may or may not end up together since Otonari's heart eyes are lazer focused on their main pairing, and even Toomaki pays more attention to the two." And them: "AAAAAAAAAHHHH the two of them are holding hands to school together while whispering sweet nothings under the cherry trees!!! This should be taken a picture - nay, a portrait of and displayed on a National Museum for generations to appreciate and worship!!!" Or something, so I feel like some random easygoing person who isn't really all that crazy about it, just thinking it'd be nice. )
If those two are to have any chance at romance, considering how Otonari's energy and love is 100% directed at the main couple, it'll probably take until after the main couple's wedding for him to consider any romance for himself, and considering he isn't self-aware, it'll probably be impossible unless Toomaki makes a lot of moves.
Even then, Toomaki's feelings are mostly onesided, and to be frank his type of girl seems to be Kakoi, so it's also likely that it'll be just that: a potential cute ship.
I think Louis should probably change his appearance. Since he'll be living in Daeho's world from now on, and considering his striking resemblance to Sion, a lot of people might mistake them; not to mention how Sion himself might run into them and somehow add to potential insecurities, considering how he acted in the past. Even without dying his hair, maybe Louis can restyle it, and then wear fashion glasses to more efficiently change his appearance outdoors.
That way, Louis will be seen by Daeho's friends and acquaintances as Louis, and even if Sion or his friends randomly appear, his appearance would be considered somewhat different. No doubt Sion might still find a way to stir trouble, but at least the chances of Louis's appearance being a potential subject of trouble is lessened.
I think the contrasting feelings in this manga is because while it is cute and sweet, it has an undertone of darkness.
It's not just that Yatamori slept around, ( putting aside issues) it's that he did it with such disregard towards himself, almost with a hint of normalcy, due to a loneliness that seems to be covered up by his unnatural way of smiling through it and making it seem like a lighthearted thing - almost as if fretting about it any more can be troublesome.
I mean, a classmate comes in, and not only does he see that, it's treated as something "normal".
As if it was as simple as eating food or falling asleep. Even after his classmate sees him, rather than put a halt to whatever they're doing, the guy even proceeds to ask if he was the boyfriend rather than stopping, and Yatamori himself doesn't care. It gives such an odd feeling, especially considering he had a "boyfriend". The situation is such to the point wherein Yatamori doesn't even lock his door. Like I said, complete disregard towards himself and most things.
In the next chapter, too... it was almost nonchalant and practiced, how quickly he approached his teacher in that manner after talking about his newfound feelings. Even the teacher says what a lot of people already know - that (putting aside arguments), it's best to do those things with people you love - and he seems aware of this as well, but Yatamori just treats it like buying a juicebox or eating food.
Therein lies the darkness of it: a boy who was left alone too early, forced to be independent, with budding desires and a strong sense of loneliness - that he sees it as a quick and currently effective way of satisfying both. Like it's just a need to be fufilled, without going through complications or nuances, like valuing oneself or putting weight into those acts. Being aware of it, and yet not truly knowing it or dismissing it. To put it simply, he KNOWS that you can't and shouldn't just do it with anyone, but he has his needs, and he doesn't care enough about anything else. Hence why he could easily be exploited. And unfortunately, Yatamori doesn't care.
Indeed, it's more evident when you realize he's had a boyfriend and had been inviting men to his house, but hasn't had a friend in ten years.
It's like it's only upon meeting Nanami that he's finally experiencing a normal highschool life, a normal love, and experiencing a normal desire to protect friendship, that even desires are put in the background if it means continuing to be together. Like he's finally started to treasure something in his life. It took so long, that things had to happen first, and it just feels so bitter, how his problems were downplayed by himself: from the irregular meals, to the lack of familial presence and love, to his sleeping around with older guys in order to receive love or affection. He regards all these concerning things with near indifference, because it's all he knew so far. It is such that even a simple headpat, a simple hug, is enough to make him feel more happy and satisfied, not only because he's barely had that, but because it came from someone he found important.
On one hand, their first love, and the way they discover simple joys is so sweet, but on the other hand, there's a lingering sense of darkness from how Yatamori had been living his life until then.
I know I'm rambling, but I can't help it when it's such a delicate yet complicated manner of weaving the story together, like a warped woven rug, wherein stitches jut out here and there, but the colors and the imagined finished product is beautiful. Like I said, contrasting feelings.
And, I know I've already said too much, but Nanami's behavior towards his girlfriend is definitely concerning, too. The nonchalant way upon which they proceeded throughout the chapters gives readers the image that their relationship wasn't serious, but c'mon, man. I know it's important to let the other person know when you're interested in someone else rather than cheat on them, putting aside the intricacies of this matter, but really? In the middle of it? And yes, he should be more considerate of things - who says that they're better than their ex at cooking - in the presence of their ex - if not out of spite? And that's the thing: he didn't do it out of spite, he's just that callous. His ex-girlfriend has tolerated a lot, I can tell... Of course, these things take a backseat due to the seriousness of what's going on in Yatamori's side.
As such, while I'm looking forward to reading the rest, I also can't help but be worried and feel nervous. I hope these two get a chance to grow and learn; for Yatamori to value himself more, and live a better life (from basic necessities to healthier relationships), and for Nanami to be less callous and more serious (on the plus side, they're starting to show progress!)
For me, spoilers are great for this kind of story, so I really appreciate all the comments below.
I mean, it was a terrible life she lived, like life was out to really get her and make her suffer.
Her parents die, her friend and loyal housekeeper dies, her husband scorns and neglects her, her mother-in-law vehemently abhors her, and even her child was raised to fear/dislike her.
At that point I would've just absolutely refused anything to do with them once I realize time has turned back. It was painful how they just wanted her to live a life worse than death.
What hit most of all was that even her child was taken away from her, and raised that way...
But after reading the comments and skimming through the raws, I believe the greatest sacrifice that time was not done by her husband, but by her child.
He bet his life for her return, and for all the terrors of losing one's life, especially at such a young age, he readily accepted death if it meant bringing her back, even if he barely met with her and knew her, even if it might not work.
So, if fate was to be changed with memories intact, doesn't that mean that what happens afterwards may also very well be a gamble? I mean, will she marry him again? Will she bear his child again? Will that son of hers be reborn again, or will it be a different child? (Therein poses the dilemma of whether or not the child is the same or different, and I suppose the short answer is that in the event that the son is reborn, that child is the same, but is different at the same time. The same in a biological sense, but different in everything else, because there's a chance he would not experience what the previous him did.) In other words, what are the chances that the child would come to existence and meet his mom again? (Just in the current timeline a couple of guys seemed to be interested in her... in the event she falls in love with and marries someone else, he would not exist. Would they simply accept it with resignation, as a price to pay for their regrets? I know that the husband will still be the person she ends up with, but I can't help but think about this.)
It's just that after reading the raws, I feel sorry for both the main character and her child. While a part of me doesn't want her to end up entangled with the duke in any way, part of me wants her to happily live with that child of hers, and for him to experience life with her, that he seemed to desire in his past life, in spite of his grandmother's teachings. I want his sacrifice to at least be rewarded, not only for his mom or dad, but for him as well. I know that sometimes sacrifice doesn't have anything in return. But he deserves happiness too. Seeing his death in that one chapter makes me think that he truly loves his mom, even if he might not meet her, even if he might not experience her warmth in the future, and it makes me teary.
I didn't have much expectations at first thanks to the typical setting, typical beginning, and even typical progression, but she shines as an amazing and fun character by not only being funny, but also truly relatable. Finding utter enjoyment in splurging on merchandise and supporting your favorite characters? Yes. Feeling very intensely about wanting to save your favorite character? Yes. Wanting to be a supporting fangirl even if you transmigrate to your favorite game/novel? Yes! She reacts and feels as intensely as a fan does, even her reaction to her transmigration feels exactly like how one would normally react, to the point that it won't be far-fetched to believe that the author of this story definitely was a fan of a character and massively supported them. And since she seems to have transmigrated to a supposedly unrelated character (since she isn't reacting about that yet, we can't tell for sure), she can just fully immerse herself into being a fan, and doing her best for her idol. Whatever role she's given, it'll probably take a backseat for her for now anyway, whether she be a mob or a villainess, because her priorities have been firmly supplanted into her mind.
I hope to read more of this.
These days when there's a new update I just skip to the last 5 or so pages and just skim through that. I hope this gets resolved eventually, but it looks like it won't be any time soon...