"I can fix her" <<< "i can accept her for the messy bitch that she is"

They're both messy bitches but in a sort of complementary way and I absolutely need more of this.

Genuine romance between messed-up people is the best kind of romance fiction, and that's a hill I'm ready to die on.

We'll die together, friend.

That's why there is a great possibility that Ruriko was assaulted in her past by someone, her reflexive slap says that something is repressed in her subconsciousness coming out as a reflex in a shape of a slap.

Based on what? What knowledge do you have in this area to suggest that with confidence? There's some large leaps being made here based on too little, unless there's other evidence from earlier in the manga that you think implies this idea? That or you believe anyone who reflexively slaps a person after having their personal space invaded is doing so as a result of past trauma/assault?

As people, including me, have been saying, it just seems like such a tonal lapse in comparison to the rest of the series, and a less overtly violent gesture (a shove, pushing away, etc.) most likely would have been just as effective in communicating the hurt feelings and misunderstandings in that situation.

A slap in a situation like that is not an uncommon response to that kind of sudden physical interaction (in real life and literature). It's also not much different than a push, or shove, etc. In this case it was reflexive. I don't think it took anything away from or affected the tone in a lingering way. In most cases that defensive slap is not treated as an issue and the one who caused the fear of safety or personal space isn't treated as the victim. It was definitely intended to be dramatic but be reasonably corrected after their apologies. I think for most, that will be fine. I guess it's an issue here (for some) but overall I'd be surprised if it were a major sticking point. So I'd disagree with questioning the writing.

last edited at Aug 30, 2023 12:20AM

Especially her inner conflict about Natori, and especially after the "reveal" that Natori has known all along. It's clear that Natori's words and kindness and other feelings reach Lapis, and I'd say are so, so close to breaking through her facade, but Lapis does everything in her power to reject it all, as well as her own feelings because in her mind there's no point. She's already doomed, there is no way back. Makes the romantic tension between the two so much more palpable and delicious.

Well said and agreed. "Delicious" is also a great word. I'd differ from you in one spot: I view Natori as having already broken through. Lapis definitely loves her already and knows it. The issue seems to be that Lapis treats this plot as though it were a given conclusion or destiny. She acts like she has no agency. So with no agency against the outcome, all she can do is protect Natori when it comes crashing down.

Where normally she would push someone away as part of a cold, calculated plan, here she intends to "save" Natori out of love, like pushing someone out of the way of an incoming bullet. It's just that it's Lapis who feels she's stuck firing the shot.

Whatever happened in the past to that girl must have been unforgivable. I don't know how Natori gets her out of that mindset, especially if the people who committed whatever acts are still alive and well. For example, you might love your SO but if you had the chance to get revenge for the brutal, traumatizing murder of your sister, you might take it no matter what in they say. Can't wait to see it all develop.

As an aside, the art in this series has been incredible from the beginning, but chapter 11's designs were phenomenal.

Yeah it's wonderful.

last edited at Aug 29, 2023 11:32AM

So is our heroine really okay with Lapis just killing all the poor people or am I reading the situation wrong?

Of course she isn't "okay" with it. She just didn't run away from Lapis or go telling someone of her plans, because she came to care for Lapis. I would be shocked if she didn't still try her hardest to dissuade Lapis or even involve someone else (the heroine?) in an attempt to stop her that doesn't end with Lapis dead or guilty of a massacre.

My bet is that Lapis can't abandon her plan, but is stopped by the combined efforts of Natori, the heroine (I forget her name) and the prince before she can go full villain.

That and also there's likely a complex history that incited Lapis in the first place. I'm not sure how much Natori is actually aware of Lapis' past. If she's currently unaware, her feelings may become more sympathetic to Lapis' cause (though of course she won't suddenly be ok with whatever extreme plan Lapis has at the moment).

Right now, I'm not sure what role Diana will play yet. She could go either way. Ultimately I think she'll be an ally but it could be a bumpy road there. She has a running competitive/envious streak regarding Natori's romantic affection (one she's aware that she's losing or lost). If that gets out of hand, I could see her misguidedly try and "save" Natori from Lapis (especially once things start) and therefore become a hindrance to Natori's own plans for saving Lapis.

She is a friend to Lapis too. She also seems to care for her as much as she cares for Natori, though not romantically. I think it'll take her getting over that crush before she finds her true role. No matter how we get there, I do feel her and Gran will eventually help Natori and Lapis get together and also help solve whatever issues arise.

last edited at Aug 29, 2023 11:31AM

Glad this is back! Can't wait to get to later events in the story.

last edited at Aug 28, 2023 11:36PM

Another lovely chapter with the two of them. More doubling down on their relationship to each other. More insights into Lapis' frame of mind but also how weak she is for Natori already. Ditto, for Natori. Of course Natori plans to fight for her love, even if she knows that things might get a bit messy. Must feel weird for Lapis to be accepted by someone that "knows" her darkest secrets. Must be comforting too but also a bit scary.

last edited at Aug 28, 2023 11:37PM

To be fair to the chapter, it shows the magic defenses aren't all they're cracked up to be (or someone snuck it in) and shows what it means that Evie is vulnerable to possession just like her mother.

Yes that was very interesting, along with what the father did to protect the mansion. Evie being especially venerable to magical possession was also very good information along with all the funny cuteness.

Which, in turn, supports the speculation that the "villainess system" is just a particularly insidious mare.

Yeah adds something to that theory, mare or something else. Either way she specifically is especially vulnerable for some reason (maybe her mother too?). Potentially some good (not so subtle) info here as long as the translations are correct. I'm interested to see how the author plays with everything they've hinted, here, as we go along. This was fun either way.

last edited at Aug 28, 2023 8:31AM

This chapter is clearly meant to be sweet and all, but I just can't link her explanation to her slap, I can only make sense of it by concluding that it's a rationalisation

The slap was a panicked reaction to having a drunk person violate her personal intimate space. The discussion here is more about why she's been weird about the whole situation after the fact.

It's not just some drunk violating your personal space, it's your crush kissing you while an intimate mood has been built up

Doesn't matter. It was unexpected, shocked her, she got scared in that split second, and she responded reflexively. She actually liked the kiss but had a flurry of complicated emotions. It was an uncharacteristic and confusing moment for both of them. Then they felt bad, they talked, quickly apologized and communicated. What else should they do, exactly? Being a crush doesn't mean that a sudden kiss can't be surprising or create anxiety from an already established to be anxious person.

They had a miscommunication. In this case it was a light incident between them and they both quickly met the problem head on by talking it through. It's not like either of them have shown any indication of this being normal behavior, either. I feel like the story did well to address what was a small correctable moment. Their second kiss was better for both of them. Now it's fine to move on. I'm genuinely surprised by a few of the reactions here but I guess we have one or two different opinions.

last edited at Aug 27, 2023 6:23PM

I was very confused for a page or two there before I realized it's what happened in the past ... Unless it's not and I double bamboozled myself.

Yeah as the above person said. The previous chapter ends with her about to explain the sword situation. This chapter is the explanation.

last edited at Aug 26, 2023 2:35PM

Welp, that was resolved rather, unfussed like in the end. Idk, I guess I just thought that there would be more of a point to their standoffishness but there was point enough ig. Oh well, ig "alls well, that ends well." On that front at least.

There was already 2 chapters of it so. . . . And there was enough development imo. Especially being able to build off of the foundation they’ve laid. Authors know that people don’t always like drama drawn out over long periods. Especially over mutual things. That’s why Useless Princess took like 5 or more chapters, as there wasn’t exactly mutual feelings there. I’d say this and Crescent Moon and Donuts is beyond accurate without a doubt. Y’all should look up “queer platonic” and “squish”.

Yeah, after months of romantic tension they had a weird moment spurred by long brewing, confused emotions. They knew they made mistakes. They talked. They apologized. They moved on. There's nothing about them that implies some sort of pattern (actually the opposite). If the story discussed this more I'd think it were odd. Now I'm just interested in how they act as a "real" married couple.

last edited at Aug 26, 2023 11:26AM

Yes. Lovely way to end the night! She's been protective of her even before they formally became friends. Still the same great quality, as always. These extra chapters are always so intimate. They're so attentive to each others needs. All the small stuff. I also voted in the pixiv event.

last edited at Aug 26, 2023 12:25AM

(Edit: Man that series was good, though.)

Agree with what you said before but yeah that series was great wasn't it. Should reread it again.

Maybe the slap is setting up a future arc? Seems kinda nonsensical to have it happen and then the next chapter has a TV special on domestic violence, just for the gravity to be unaddressed.

That was because she was in her own head and exaggerating their interaction. She felt guilty and that commercial was meant to be a visualizing of that guilt. Never read that scene as accusatory. She was also worrying about her sudden kiss in that scene, not the slap. Doubt it comes back and don't think it needs to, personally. I'd basically say what Heaven said.

last edited at Aug 25, 2023 6:50PM

Cute. Some light "pre-wedding jitters" (less than a chapter) but with the kind of quick and lovely resolution that I've come to expect from Shio-san. Now I wonder where they'll go from here.

last edited at Aug 25, 2023 8:53AM

Yay it's back.

On one hand I am glad it was settled pretty easily but on the other hand it felt like fighting a boss fight where you won in 1 punch...

that's just how powerful of a scumbag Makino is. her mother thought she was out-scumming her but Makino proved in this chapter she will always be the scummiest of them all. truly a heroine we need but don't deserve

Truly scummy. She only went to the interview because she was promised no more studying! The whole thing was a scummy master plan. Truly "you're in here with me" energy.

y'all say this development is sudden but really, how long did you want this realization to be stretched out for?
Having the thought "huh, seems familiar", voicing it and immediately being told "fucking finally, took you long enough" def makes for better pacing than another 17 chapters of "okay i think she might be my childhood friend, but is she really? Let me go through the most convoluted ways of secretly confirming my suspicion without her finding out" xD

Lol yeah it's not like there's anything being cut short. It was all just 1 funny secret that's now out in the open (and we already know she is her crush). Would be fun to see maybe 1-2 chapters post reveal but the title is all about that one gag. I was surprised though. Half expected some hilarious reason for dragging it out longer.

last edited at Aug 22, 2023 8:33AM

That was both genuinely sweet and also pretty darn hot at the same time :⁠0 Kishi-sensei really is a master at that elusive combo.

That and all the little often overlooked moments, and body language that communicate so much without dialogue. Really good with non-verbal communication through characters or scenes and also with showing tenderness through small shows of affection (like in this chapter). And the variety of relationship types but at the same time, doesn't really judge them. Just let's them play out. Awesome.

These two are super cute though. My second favorite pairing, here.

last edited at Aug 21, 2023 9:56AM

Absolutely. I made the same argument multiple times when people here acted like those two hadn't had any screen time for the past 25 chapters. But at the same time I think it's undeniably true that this Arc will be remembered as Shiho's, since the focus was always on her, even when she wasn't around.

I don't know if i'm totally agree with this. Even when it feels like the figure of Shiho gets very bright (not so in a positive way) and eclipse the other ones, to me this is the Aki's arc. She's the character that we know and she's the one who get development from the girl who secretly cries for an unrequited love, to make of with her past, close old wounds, leave behind her unrequited love and find a new love to move forward. Shiho's just a trigger to Aki's development, maybe it's the artist's mistake to choose a character as flashy as her. Aki's the one who's gonna be different after this arc, as long as the artist is consistent with the actions of his characters, obviously.

I'd say it's for both of them. It's about their relationship, after all. We also spent a lot of time from both of their perspectives. They both had their moments but Aki was more active, while Shiho was often reactive.

last edited at Aug 20, 2023 7:09PM

Upcoming bad end?

Heros have to lose first before the come back.

why do i feel kinda sad w this chapter? maybe bc it looks like its gonna end this series. jk we need more of the other couples

Yeah. It does have that feeling about it but that could also be because it's the end of a major set of events (and the coming together of Aki and Shiho). Could still be more to come just like we didn't end when Himari and Yori got together. We have the hint of Himari's friend and her potential relationship coming up. They could be the next couple whose story we follow for a bit, while HimaYori and AkiShiho develop around them.

Shiho literally just saving face right now. The song and effort worked! She’s just covering her tracks by claiming her intention was to date Aki all along…

Yeah she is. Aki affected and changed her a bit but she's too proud and shy to admit it, in the moment. But that's her anyway, she's always been an emotional paper tiger. They've nearly all alluded to knowing that at some point. That kiss was definitely, part saving face and trying to take back some control (still cute too). Shiho got what she needed, not what she thought she wanted. Aki's the one who got what she wanted all along and really won and Shiho has to begrudgingly accept that. But if "losing" gets you a likely girlfriend, a little perspective and some closure, it can't be all that bad. If it does continue, I look forward to their dynamic and development after all this.

last edited at Aug 20, 2023 7:45AM

That was really cute~ Shiho going from pushing Aki away bc she can't bear to be close to her unrequited love to saying "screw it!" and pursuing her openly and honestly, regardless of whether her feeling are/will be requited or not, is very sweet~

I have a feeling their dynamic going forward will be very entertaining to see :D

Yeah could be interesting having them develop alongside Yori and Himari, while we shift some focus to the new couple (Aki's sister/Himari's best friend) being added to the ensemble. If that happens: that would be nearly everyone, who was introduced near the start of the manga, getting their time in the spotlight.

last edited at Aug 19, 2023 7:04PM

it likely will, especially with the hinting that the best friend is about to have her romance arc

Yeah that's possible but I don't know if that wouldn't be part of the winding down though. We'll see. I'm down either way--built up enough trust.

last edited at Aug 19, 2023 1:54PM

So happy for all of them! Really happy Shiho and Aki are on their way and starting a new kind of relationship (that they both seem up for). Sometimes we fight over issues that, once we've made up, seem so insignificant in retrospect; but it can be hard to recognize that when you're in it. Aki was content with at least just being friends again but Shiho is in the mode of "not making the same mistakes."

It wouldn't surprise me if this starts winding down. This is so popular right now, partly because of the Aki/Shiho story; so, she could do whatever with it. She's already shown that she can jump from one popular pairing to another and keep the momentum. Maybe she'll do it again. If she does, I'll be there for it. "Hana ni Arashi" just ended, so part of me hopes this continues for a bit.

last edited at Aug 19, 2023 1:18PM

"I'm plotting something that will result in this girl feeling eternal pain, why do I feel bad for her?"

GIRL, WTF!

Lol She's more wondering whether she should be trying to maintain the stories predetermined plot, rather than plotting herself. She seems to have assumed that the demon queen would be much worse and intolerable but (I wonder why) she's finding herself connected to her. Yeah, though, that "fate" kind of sucks.

last edited at Aug 18, 2023 8:13AM

So happy about this ending. Hiroko is now taking the lead instead of Ayaka. She's home early and she's pinching her cheeks. She's cooking for her. Then that was a lovely embrace. What was great was that Hiroko was the one who surprised Ayaka by grabbing and kissing her (at work), when you'd think it would be the other way around. She's really continued to evolve with help from the people around her. Not to mention that she's promoted. Ayaka is a leader now. Their living together, super happy and in love. Risa is living her best life. Happy all around. It's hilarious that they're basically an open secret, even moreso after getting caught making out! Old Hiroko would never.

last edited at Aug 17, 2023 2:49PM