Semi-jest. I think a few chapters ago hinted at Lapis being impressed by that aspect of Natori, and that I called out the true fantasy of having OL skills useful in an isekai.

they are going to start fighting over the MC soon ofc

I'm starting to get won over by the faction of Poly because I like both characters. Unless they introduce a new female character who matches well with one of them, I wouldn't mind if the 3 of them end up together

I'm starting to get won over by the faction of Poly because I like both characters. Unless they introduce a new female character who matches well with one of them, I wouldn't mind if the 3 of them end up together

The least exciting outcome. I want to see some hurt feelings. Or at least duke it out first if that route is chosen for whatever reason.

big agree with ColdGoldLazarus with the dissection of ch6 and ch7.

although I also agree with REDflame23

Really hope it ends up Lapis/MC/Diana

So, why exactly does Natori suddenly have a calculator on her? O_o

Also, way to break the plot even more, Natori. :D

So, why exactly does Natori suddenly have a calculator on her? O_o

She had her handbag with her when she got summoned, so I guess she carries one around! You never know when one of your scumbag no-good freeloading coworkers will ask you to do basic sums for them

i just love how the prince is the biggest supporter for our main ship

The plot of this series is very interesting, even beyond the relationships. I look forward to seeing more of what's happening with Lapis and how events will shift from the game to now. Natori clearly has a lot on her plate in order to protect Lapis. It's also a nice twist that although she views Diana and Gran as friends for now, she knows that in the game they end up killing Lapis. There is always that sense of uneasiness about their interactions and I wonder if there will be a point where they come into conflict because of Natori's siding with Lapis in whatever she's doing. Could be really fun if done right.

I also wonder what the prince's role will be. He seems to feel sorry for Lapis and now sees Natori as the person who can break Lapis's shell (and whatever "chess" game she's playing behind the scenes). He implies that he might have tried but failed. And by his quote and story, it seems Lapis also feels she is forced into a certain path with no other options. Either way, we need more Lapis time. Either way, we need more Lapis time.

This chapter has also just made it clearer that Lapis' place by Natori is different, special, and romantic. She's clearly crushing and the prince knows she's in denial. I really like Diana and Natori's friendship though (even though Diana hopes that it's more). Diana is a really good person and will hopefully be a strong ally moving forward regardless of all the relationship stuff.

Something I didn't see, though, is a potential romantic "off-ramp" for Diana with Gran. It's common to present and hint at an "off-ramp" in these kinds of "love triangles," but I hadn't seen anything for Diana before. In this chapter, though brief, they positioned Diana and Gran visually in a way similar to characters who fight a lot and therefore "must get along," or "must like each other." Natori even specifically commented on how nice their situation seemed (even nicer than from the game). The scene even went so far as to use the series' visual language for an emotional moment (the shapes floating around them). It is true that in the game these two end up together--and there's no reason to assume anyone here is strictly only into women--so I wonder if that is the direction this will go in as well (if/when Diana moves on from Natori like I expect she will at some point)? I'd be surprised if it did go that direction at some point in the future though, since I can't imagine Diana supporters would like it no matter how nice Bran may end up being. But it's interesting either way and the author chooses the direction their comfortable with.

last edited at May 11, 2023 7:50AM

The plot of this series is very interesting, even beyond the relationships. I look forward to seeing more of what's happening with Lapis and how events will shift from the game to now. Natori clearly has a lot on her plate in order to protect Lapis. It's also a nice twist that although she views Diana and Gran as friends for now, she knows that in the game they end up killing Lapis. There is always that sense of uneasiness about their interactions and I wonder if there will be a point where they come into conflict because of Natori's siding with Lapis in whatever she's doing. Could be really fun if done right.

I also wonder what the prince's role will be. He seems to feel sorry for Lapis and now sees Natori as the person who can break Lapis's shell (and whatever "chess" game she's playing behind the scenes). He implies that he might have tried but failed. And by his quote and story, it seems Lapis also feels she is forced into a certain path with no other options. Either way, we need more Lapis time. Either way, we need more Lapis time.

This chapter has also just made it clearer that Lapis' place by Natori is different, special, and romantic. She's clearly crushing and the prince knows she's in denial. I really like Diana and Natori's friendship though (even though Diana hopes that it's more). Diana is a really good person and will hopefully be a strong ally moving forward regardless of all the relationship stuff.

Something I didn't see, though, is a potential romantic "off-ramp" for Diana with Gran. It's common to present and hint at an "off-ramp" in these kinds of "love triangles," but I hadn't seen anything for Diana before. In this chapter, though brief, they positioned Diana and Gran visually in a way similar to characters who fight a lot and therefore "must get along," or "must like each other." Natori even specifically commented on how nice their situation seemed (even nicer than from the game). The scene even went so far as to use the series' visual language for an emotional moment (the shapes floating around them). It is true that in the game these two end up together--and there's no reason to assume anyone here is strictly only into women--so I wonder if that is the direction this will go in as well (if/when Diana moves on from Natori like I expect she will at some point)? I'd be surprised if it did go that direction at some point in the future though, since I can't imagine Diana supporters would like it no matter how nice Bran may end up being. But it's interesting either way and the author chooses the direction their comfortable with.

I assume that part of the reason Natori likes the new version of Diana and Gran's interactions is that they are more varied, rather than the narrow, increasingly romantic ones in the game. As for the "arguments = closeness" trope, friends can often feel even freer to argue and diss each other.

I assume that part of the reason Natori likes the new version of Diana and Gran's interactions is that they are more varied, rather than the narrow, increasingly romantic ones in the game. As for the "arguments = closeness" trope, friends can often feel even freer to argue and diss each other.

Certainly possible. But I wouldn't call Diana and Prince friends at this point. Diana also did not say that she enjoyed the new variation. In fact she actually seemed a bit negative at first that the "lovingly soothing" scene had now turned into arguing ("eeek"). It was then that she noticed how they seemed to be enjoying their interactions even more so than in the game, where they did end up together. So whether that's a flag that they're even closer than they were in the game (or at least have the potential to be) is up in the air. But that's why I specifically mentioned romance, because they end up together in the game, partly after this interaction; and in this scene Natori is saying they seem even closer than they were in the game (which could similarly imply eventual romance). The two of them have had very interesting interactions this whole manga as well, even in previous chapters. So if it does happen, there's seeds that have been planted by the author along the way. They could easily become a pair of allies to Lapis and Natori, rather than the antagonists they are in the game. So, we'll see. It's definitely still too early to say for sure.

last edited at May 11, 2023 10:41AM

Nice to get some insight into the prince without shifting him into a romantic relationship with Natori. Also Diana is as spunky as always, especially against the prince lol.

I can see how this chapter could be used to seed a GranxDiana end, and given the game Diana is almost certainly bi. But I don't think that's the only reason the scene could exist either. The main point of the chapter as a whole is Natori coming to realize that, while she loves the game, she disagrees with some of its major themes -- most notably, that Gran "should" sacrifice his own happiness for the sake of the country. Similarly, now that she actually knows Diana and Gran personally, she's coming to see their romance in the game as, while sweet and charming, also rather bland and lifeless. So a "Diana and Gran work better as rivals" upshot seems at least as likely imo.

So, why exactly does Natori suddenly have a calculator on her? O_o

She had her handbag with her when she got summoned, so I guess she carries one around! You never know when one of your scumbag no-good freeloading coworkers will ask you to do basic sums for them

I'm not even kidding, my mom used to carry a calculator exactly like that with her in her purse. It was just used for whenever she was shopping to calculate stuff like taxes and discounts, back when she didn't own a smartphone. This has to be like almost 15 years ago though and this comment made me remember this random fact that I'd forgotten LOL

I can see how this chapter could be used to seed a GranxDiana end, and given the game Diana is almost certainly bi. But I don't think that's the only reason the scene could exist either. The main point of the chapter as a whole is Natori coming to realize that, while she loves the game, she disagrees with some of its major themes -- most notably, that Gran "should" sacrifice his own happiness for the sake of the country. Similarly, now that she actually knows Diana and Gran personally, she's coming to see their romance in the game as, while sweet and charming, also rather bland and lifeless. So a "Diana and Gran work better as rivals" upshot seems at least as likely imo.

Yeah it's possible. We'll have to see more. However I'd contest the idea that Natori views their relationship in game as "bland and lifeless." She never says this or thinks this. The only thoughts about their game interactions she has are positive. She thinks of their scene from the game as a "lovingly calming scene," and says no more about it. She just recognized that in this new interaction the "players" seem even more close and enjoying themselves even greater than before. That "bland and lifeless" I think is maybe your own feelings on the issue, but I don't see the character suggesting that same feeling verbally or through actions. Beyond that I agree that the possibilities are still varied at the moment.

As for the chapter's purpose: I think this chapter was more focused on introducing this idea of people chained to their destiny, especially Lapis (and Natori's potential to be the breaker of those chains, as she does a bit for Gran). Gran was/is chained and he seems to suggest that Natori might be the one to show Lapis that there is another path. This implies that Lapis also views herself as having no other path but whatever one she is on. So from my perspective, the story is setting up/foreshadowing Natori and Lapis here, more than just contrasting the game. In fact this whole first volume seems like mostly worldbuilding and setup, as we still do not know Lapis's desires, plans, background, history, relationships etc. She's purposefully still a mystery and I expect she'll start coming into focus more moving forward.

last edited at May 11, 2023 12:39PM

Yeah it's possible. We'll have to see more. However I'd contest the idea that Natori views their relationship in game as "bland and lifeless." She never says this or thinks this. The only thoughts about their game interactions she has are positive. She thinks of their scene from the game as a "lovingly calming scene," and says no more about it. She just recognized that in this new interaction the "players" seem even more close and enjoying themselves even greater than before. That "bland and lifeless" I think is maybe your own feelings on the issue, but I don't see the character suggesting that same feeling verbally or through actions. Beyond that I agree that the possibilities are still varied at the moment.

I see your point, but Natori re-evaluating her opinions of the game when she meets the characters "IRL" is a consistent theme of the manga. "In the game, Lady Lapis seemed so scary, thinking only of the rules of nobility, but, here, the sight of her wanting to protect the place she admires so much seems so grown-up...or rather, so noble..." "From across the screen of my phone, [Diana] was an earnest, strong-hearted girl whose sense of justice never got in the way of her kindness. . . . But, here, right next to me, is a girl who's scared of her future." You're right that I was exaggerating when I said Natori is coming to view their game relationship as bland and lifeless, but I also don't think that Natori's feelings on the game while it was still a game can ever be assumed to remain the same now that the game is her real life.

As for the chapter's purpose: I think this chapter was more focused on introducing this idea of people chained to their destiny, especially Lapis (and Natori's potential to be the breaker of those chains, as she does a bit for Gran). Gran was/is chained and he seems to suggest that Natori might be the one to show Lapis that there is another path. This implies that Lapis also views herself as having no other path but whatever one she is on. So from my perspective, the story is setting up/foreshadowing Natori and Lapis here, more than just contrasting the game.

This I 100% agree with. I think Nekotarou is using the otome isekai premise to make a thematic point. The characters in "Fairy Tale of Jewels" were obviously chained to their destinies because they were fictional. But even now that it's real life, the characters all feel obligated to follow their prescribed role because they lack the imagination and/or courage to see other paths they could take. Natori's status as an outsider is what enables her to see beyond these limited horizons.

I see your point, but Natori re-evaluating her opinions of the game when she meets the characters "IRL" is a consistent theme of the manga. "In the game, Lady Lapis seemed so scary, thinking only of the rules of nobility, but, here, the sight of her wanting to protect the place she admires so much seems so grown-up...or rather, so noble..." "From across the screen of my phone, [Diana] was an earnest, strong-hearted girl whose sense of justice never got in the way of her kindness. . . . But, here, right next to me, is a girl who's scared of her future." You're right that I was exaggerating when I said Natori is coming to view their game relationship as bland and lifeless, but I also don't think that Natori's feelings on the game while it was still a game can ever be assumed to remain the same now that the game is her real life.

100%. It's just that in those other instances you've shown, she uses clear language to distinctly differentiate her old feelings from her new feelings ("but," "but" etc.). Here, yes she noticed a difference but it's a positive difference, an enhancing difference. She liked their game representation and is initially shocked that they're now "arguing." Then she realizes: essentially, "in the game they were close but here they're seem even closer!" Since they wed in the game, being even closer now might have meaning. That's all I was pointing out. A part of all these types of Isekai villainess game stories is this idea that the game world shifts and stories change and you're right that, that's definitely a major part of this story.

This I 100% agree with. I think Nekotarou is using the otome isekai premise to make a thematic point. The characters in "Fairy Tale of Jewels" were obviously chained to their destinies because they were fictional. But even now that it's real life, the characters all feel obligated to follow their prescribed role because they lack the imagination and/or courage to see other paths they could take. Natori's status as an outsider is what enables her to see beyond these limited horizons.

Yes, and this is partly why I can't wait for the series to bring Lapis back into the fold, fully. Her story with Natori is where we will get to really delve into these issues of destiny and I agree that Nekotarou seems to be doing an interesting spin by having these characters surrounded by
real world reasons for their presumed inability to change their lives. A lot of good worldbuilding and setting of the stage in these first 8 chapters. Their struggles aren't just because of the "game" it's also potentially a commentary on their political lives. Having them struggle with issues outside of "just because" game mechanics is an exciting spin and watching Natori attempt to "save" Lapis from whatever her "preordained purpose" is will be fun.

The only issue I see is that because Lapis has to be sidelined so much to start, it leaves her character in the position of needing to "catch up" to the familiarity other characters have already garnered. But as long as the author knows this and has prepared for that, it's fine.

last edited at May 11, 2023 1:23PM

Armour piercing question just obliterated his #3 engine room and set a fire that's poised to touch off the aft magazine in short order. Spectacular.

I think this chapter is starting to hint at why Lapis seems to be diving headlong into cackling evil villainy: That's exactly what she's doing.

The way she was talking about how the prince was a player and he needed to be ready to sacrifice pieces, while holding a queen that she ultimately lets fall, implies that she thinks the prince should be willing to sacrifice her. This also seems to line up with the way Natori describes her rampage ending with the prince solidifying his position and Diana gaining authority as a voice of the commoners, who also showed the power they can exert if pushed too far.

When we first saw her scheming, it seemed kind of weird and silly, because obviously slaughtering a bunch of people isn't going to cow their allies, but it is a great way to make everyone hate you and to cast whoever stops you as a Hero. If you do it right, you might even be able to take down the more problematic conservatives at the same time.

The way she was talking about how the prince was a player and he needed to be ready to sacrifice pieces, while holding a queen that she ultimately lets fall, implies that she thinks the prince should be willing to sacrifice her. This also seems to line up with the way Natori describes her rampage ending with the prince solidifying his position and Diana gaining authority as a voice of the commoners, who also showed the power they can exert if pushed too far.

When we first saw her scheming, it seemed kind of weird and silly, because obviously slaughtering a bunch of people isn't going to cow their allies, but it is a great way to make everyone hate you and to cast whoever stops you as a Hero. If you do it right, you might even be able to take down the more problematic conservatives at the same time.

Super interesting theory! Does fit with what's she's shown thus far. If that's the case, I'd wonder what role the prince would have. It seems Lapis and he might both be somewhat aware of what she's doing (whatever that is). Could explain his quote from this chapter--wishing for Natori to show Lapis there's a different path.

last edited at May 11, 2023 2:06PM

When we first saw her scheming, it seemed kind of weird and silly, because obviously slaughtering a bunch of people isn't going to cow their allies, but it is a great way to make everyone hate you and to cast whoever stops you as a Hero. If you do it right, you might even be able to take down the more problematic conservatives at the same time.

but what if the prince you're doing it for abdicates to be a professor

100%. It's just that in those other instances you've shown, she uses clear language to distinctly differentiate her old feelings from her new feelings ("but," "but" etc.). Here, yes she noticed a difference but it's a positive difference, an enhancing difference. She liked their game representation and is initially shocked that they're now "arguing." Then she realizes: essentially, "in the game they were close but here they're seem even closer!" Since they wed in the game, being even closer now might have meaning. That's all I was pointing out. A part of all these types of Isekai villainess game stories is this idea that the game world shifts and stories change and you're right that, that's definitely a major part of this story.

Right, but what I find interesting is that, as she interacts with the other characters, Natori seems to be questioning the underlying ideological assumptions of the game she loved so much as a player. As she says, "this world exists for the protagonist and the main characters"; Diana is the protagonist so "anyone she injures with her power must be 'evil'", while Lapis as the villain is a mere stepping stone for Diana and Gran's character arcs. But in this chapter we see Natori, not just reevaluating her opinions of Lapis and Diana as real people and not fictional characters, but also implicitly criticizing the game's ending by telling Gran he doesn't need to become King. So while I agree that your interpretation of that scene is plausible, I think "Diana and Gran never had much romantic chemistry to begin with" is also a plausible route the story may go from here.

The only issue I see is that because Lapis has to be sidelined so much to start, it leaves her character in the position of needing to "catch up" to the familiarity other characters have already garnered. But as long as the author knows this and has prepared for that, it's fine.

In fairness Lapis got most of the page time in volume 1, so it makes sense for volume 2 to focus more on Diana and Gran. I just hope Nekotarou isn't going to wait too much longer before revealing what Lapis's real plans and motivations are, since it would make the central romance less compelling if we know little about Lapis until the climax.

In fairness Lapis got most of the page time in volume 1, so it makes sense for volume 2 to focus more on Diana and Gran. I just hope Nekotarou isn't going to wait too much longer before revealing what Lapis's real plans and motivations are, since it would make the central romance less compelling if we know little about Lapis until the climax.

Agreed, it's just that the audience reaction to that is predictable. This is especially since her character is rightfully reserved and mysterious at the moment, compared to Diana and Prince, who are both pretty much open books that we more or less already know the contents of. It's easier for the audience to connect to them, at least for right now, since Lapis' characterizations thus far are mostly subtle (and "subtle" is easily missed). So she's playing catch up a bit. If it were me I'd expect my audience reaction beforehand and prepare accordingly, knowing that my titular character will be a bit behind for a short time. I'm interested in how this volume will end.

Right, but what I find interesting is that, as she interacts with the other characters, Natori seems to be questioning the underlying ideological assumptions of the game she loved so much as a player. As she says, "this world exists for the protagonist and the main characters"; Diana is the protagonist so "anyone she injures with her power must be 'evil'", while Lapis as the villain is a mere stepping stone for Diana and Gran's character arcs. But in this chapter we see Natori, not just reevaluating her opinions of Lapis and Diana as real people and not fictional characters, but also implicitly criticizing the game's ending by telling Gran he doesn't need to become King. So while I agree that your interpretation of that scene is plausible, I think "Diana and Gran never had much romantic chemistry to begin with" is also a plausible route the story may go from here.

Super fair. I just feel that if Neko wanted to communicate that message, they could have had Diana and Gran argue without needing the comments from Natori about their getting along better than the game. Had they simply argued, that alone would have been a shift from the game and Natori could have looked on in tongue-in-cheek "horror" as she realized that the two had no real chemistry. Instead, she reinforces their chemistry, even going so far as to say it trumps the game and I find that a potentially meaningful choice from the author. That extra turn wasn't needed, if all they wanted was to show that they had no chemistry.

last edited at May 11, 2023 2:57PM

Super fair. I just feel that if Neko wanted to communicate that message, they could have had Diana and Gran argue without needing the comments from Natori about their getting along better than the game. Had they simply argued, that alone would have been a shift from the game and Natori could have looked on in tongue-in-cheek "horror" as she realized that the two had no real chemistry. Instead, she reinforces their chemistry, even going so far as to say it trumps the game and I find that a potentially meaningful choice from the author. That extra turn wasn't needed, if all they wanted was to show that they had no chemistry.

To me what Natori means is that Diana and Gran actually looks like they could be friends now instead of being constricted to what the game's plot demanded. I don't think she's implied any romance possibility between them.