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.

Yeah. Natori didn't for sure but it's possible that the author is laying the groundwork considering this interaction is being compared to the game's favorably. But as we said earlier in the other discussion with Cogito, it's too early to know what the author means to imply here. I just wanted to point out the potential choices made in that scene, in case this does indeed come back (or continue to be hinted at).

But yeah Diana is spunky for sure. Gran seems to have some spice too, at least when he argues with her.

last edited at May 11, 2023 4:20PM

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

Tore him a new asshole. Had to be practically dragged out of there. Lovely. She's like a little pitbull Song Li can carry around for protection.

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

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

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

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

Now this is downright stupid and senseless, author can't even come up with a good excuse on why she misunderstands it, she gives her the lunch, she says she made it for the one she loves, and somehow Hiroko ends up on the conclusion Ayaka loves some random dude? Doesn't even make sense, and this completely sucks

She thinks Ayaka was “putting in effort for the one she loved” in terms of practicing her cooking. So she thinks the lunch she made for her was just her way of honing her cooking skills so she can impress some guy she likes or something.

Idk why everyone says this sucks lol. Sure, the excuses Hiroko comes up with are kinda dumb and obviously a reach from any bystanders perspective, but that’s kinda the WHOLE POINT OF THIS MANGA. Girl is so deep in denial for various reasons that she actively looks the gayest of girls in the face and thinks, “ah, yes. She straight. Can’t believe I almost misunderstood her.”

That’s the joke. The whole schtick of this series. It’s SUPPOSED TO BE DUMB AND GOOFY. It reminds me a lot of an inverse version of that “You’re Totally in Love With Me, Aren’t You?” manga where it’s just as goofy and the whole joke each time is the MC asking her friend who’s obviously crushing on her if she loves her and the friend always denying it. I think the only reason people are fine with that one and bash this one is cuz this manga has a more realistic art style and isn’t in 4-Koma style, so subconsciously think it’s supposed to be a realistic drama and not a silly comedy.

Maybe this isn’t your brand of comedy or whatever, but that doesn’t mean it sucks. It’s actually doing what it set out to do quite well.

I wouldn't get into the back and forth about it. That's a losing battle and some people don't like hearing that their opinion is a preference (ironic), so it'll go nowhere.

But, yeah it's great! This chapter had probably the most reasonable misunderstanding out of them all. The friend is either gumming up the works or has terrible timing.

last edited at May 11, 2023 8:48AM

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

Awesome! Wonder what the last 2 will be like then?

This was lovely. Wonder if they'll serialize it eventually.

last edited at May 9, 2023 6:56AM

Is this group dysfunctional or highly functional in convoluted ways?????

It feels like it's building a similarish group dynamic to "She is Also Cute Today?" But I'm not sure. That would be lovely though.

last edited at May 9, 2023 6:34AM

I mean, I really like it idk what you're saying people. Of course Ayaka is heartbroken but her expressions are hilarious and it's not that big of a deal to me. I've been through dumb heartbreaks and honestly much better to poke fun of them like this instead of taking them seriously lol. I think the tonal contrast really funny, especially how Hiroko is totally into her and in deep denial. Yeah ok, this chapter is kinda wacky I was so confused with the conclusions she draws but believe me it gets better lol.

Yeah it's hilarious. Their interactions are amazing. You're always going to get those who take it too seriously when the writer (based on all their writing) is clearly having some fun. I mean the title spells our the fun right up front. It's whatever, some will drop it. No big deal. How far have you read ahead? Just what's on Mangadex?

To be honest, I think this is one of the series that deserves "Parody" tag.

Because it so obviously is parodying the typical misunderstanding-romance tropes at every step, and pushing them to the breaking point and past it. There's no way to take this at face value, and you shouldn't try.

Definitely. It's an "unstoppable force meeting an immovable object," the story. Just watch them claw at each other for a bit and sometimes it'll probably get a bit dramatic but it's not that serious. This writer is always having fun with interesting, extreme and unconventional versions of personalities. That's part of why they're so great and unique. Ayaka is always going to get back up and fight and hopefully she knocks some sense into miss density. They'll be at their wedding and Hiroko will wonder why she's in a dress.

last edited at May 9, 2023 6:31AM

Her level of density is legendary. She's hilarious.

When awkwardness and curiosity breeds what looks like overbearing confidence. Director Shen never stood a chance.

last edited at May 8, 2023 5:03PM

This reminds me of the Straight Girl Trap manhua on bilibili lmao

That series is great.

This series had such a neat premise but it really flogged itself off with this NTR creepy chick continuing to try and steal Ichigo every chapter for the last like five. Oh well.

Well at least they seem to both be thinking about each other now. Honestly wish the last three chapters the NTR queen and her minion would just fuck off and let them be together but we all know that wont happen.

Well NTR Chick has been pining (ch.1), kabedoning (ch.3) (and scheming) since the beginning. She does a good job of being irritating but also helps pit Ichigo's unhealthy desire to do what literally any Epicurean demands, against her real growing feelings for Shizuku. Ditto for Shizuku's following of traditions.

Based on Ichigo's subservience, she "should" be OK with doing what a more powerful vampire demands of her, but it doesn't seem like she is and she has to understand where that conflict comes from. And Shizuku "should" be fine with sharing, but she isn't. "NTR chick" works as a method of showing that Ichigo's relationship with Shizuku is "chosen love," and not just a result of following orders and traditions (therefore, less problematic).

She's definitely annoying, though, mainly because in most situations like these the preyed-upon party does not reciprocate, so the likelihood of success is low. With Ichigo's servant mentality, there seems a real possibility that she would indeed just go along with whatever NTR chick demands of her (and she has so far). It's like dealing with a significant other who has been brainwashed or under mind control. She's come pretty far though (the symbolism of how she handles the drink-can from ch3, compared to now, showcasing that added personality and disobediance).

last edited at May 6, 2023 3:07PM

There I go reading way too much into a straight woman's words!

Yeah, about that... How useless can you be? Really.

Haha. Yea, At this point she's in active denial. I guess she's had a few too many bad run-ins with alluring straight women.

GO FOR IT KIMURA

This manga better not be close to ending or I will be the saddest lesbian

Unfortunately, it does end in 3 chapters.

I love how the henchgirls were not even sure about what they were doing during the entire manga.

They take being supportive best friends to a whole different level. They both seem to know what just happened too. I wonder if they knew all along? And their "did we succeed" means something more? I feel like they hinted at it before but it's been a while.

And Kimura standing strong is great. She really demonstrated how important Hiyama is to her. Considering that she thinks her best friend is her rival, she still confesses while grabbing Hiyama away with little hesitation.

last edited at May 5, 2023 6:19AM

Okay I think I've fully realized why I am not invested in biker girl and her romance. Well, there are a few reasons (she's too pushy and I kinda can't get into that), but one of the main ones is it feels like its done out of order

This girl was introduced and interacted with Liaoliao basically just once, and then we were introduced to her romance with someone else we had never really met. Secondary romances and characters in stories like these are ordinary and can be extremely good (Wakana in Lonely Girl, anyone?) but it feels like they did it all out of order

I really can't care about this character. She only JUST met the other primary character, and she's been around doing her flirt on with some other girl who is no consequence to the other two. It feels less like a secondary character getting their romance and more like someone who's hijacking the story.

This is all true but I don't think we're meant to feel too strongly about that relationship yet. It's really early days for that one. It's all been played as funny for now, and the model has barely begun to reciprocate or even show an interest.

last edited at May 4, 2023 11:47AM

Mom's gotta check up on how her baby's doing at work. Normal behavior.

So the biker friend was also into Liaoliao huh..

Yeah they were close friends in college and there were rumors that they dated (or people just assumed they were). Seems like she actually did confess (or maybe just realized that LiaoLiao would never forget her real crush and gave up).

last edited at May 4, 2023 3:30AM

dayuuum we need a series of these two dorkiess that story telling journey love bloomed in the train trip

Pretty sure this got serialized. Edit: didn't see all these comments. Everyone already said it.

last edited at May 2, 2023 1:21PM

Love Sal's stuff, especially this and "Black & White."

last edited at May 2, 2023 1:11PM