Inkblot's manga / #Romance(113)

I really liked the early story, and I wish they would have just ended it when they got together.

Long term one sided crush is my bread and butter! Do I just want to see a hot guy suffer under the weight of his own feelings and the obliviousness of the girl he likes? Oh absolutely. But this is also a really cool fantasy world and Nanari is a good protagonist.

Perfect quick bites of different villainess stories for anyone, whether they’re new to the themes or familiar already. A couple of these have received a lot of support already, so I’ll endorse a favorite that I think is underrated. Vol 2 Ch 2 is an absolutely gorgeous example of a villainess who is intelligent, charming, and realistic. Everything she says to the love targets is scathing but true: it’s the heroine’s fault for getting close to engaged men and the men’s fault for not setting boundaries. I just love the way she tells them to shut up so elegantly, and they listen because of her commanding presence. And upon having her engagement broken, she immediately finds a better man, with a clear understanding of the politics in her world. It’s my favorite kind of villainess, who leaves her enemies scorched and buried with a gentle smile on her face.

This is so well done, I love that it’s a story of a transwoman who has fears and insecurities that reflect her specific experience, not just generic feminine weaknesses or something. It’s unique and respectful and I totally recommend.