Among the many remarkable things in Piero Karasu’s light novel series, the most remarkable to me continues to be the author’s willingness to address issues after the happily-ever-after of the romance plot. In The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady, Vol. 6, having faced and reconciled with her brother who caused Euphyllia so much grief, and the college of magic whose members previously opposed her, Anis is now taking on a crisis that has been brewing on the outer reaches of their country.
That the crisis is merely okay as a plot line does not change my opinion that it is a remarkable thing that this series is both continuing and also addressing the consequences of Anis’ and Euphie’s partnership, as well as the remaining problems in the country as we know it. Problems that are, conveniently, not poverty or social injustice. It’s true that Anis’ ideas for use of magic stones seems to be more on the side of capitalism than socialism and the proliferation of flying vehicles, for instance, strikes me as less useful for the commons than trade and military, but she’s trying.
Was I deeply irritated when the 1) greatest and most powerful of all the Vampires was basically 2) a lonely child 3) with an extremely limited vision of what “togetherness” is? Yup. Very. On all three counts, so the climactic battle was not engaging except as an exercise in tactics – but that, too, does not detract from the fact that this author cleans up their messes, which is both unique and interesting.
In the end, Anis and Euphie as a couple are cute and Anisphia and Euphylia as a ruling couple are interesting and I’d like to read more because I am a fan and don’t want to let go….
Ratings:
Art – Inconsequential and moe
Story – 8 for intent, 7 for execution
Characters – 9, except for the Most Powerful Vampire In The World who was a 5
Service – More in intent than practice, but I am becoming inured to the series’ coyness about sex
Yuri – 9
Overall – 7
….but I am very, very done, with powerful immortal, supernatural beings that look and think like children. LN authors, please get a new idea already.
