彩雲国物語 8

The Story of Saiunkoku #8

by Kairi Yura, Sai Yukino

国試合格に不正疑惑をもたれた秀麗。その潔白を証明するため、必死にまとめた書類を手に、ついに査問会の場に立ったのだが…！？やがて伝説となる少女・秀麗の最初の大演説がここに！

Genres: Manga, Historical Fiction, Shojo, Fantasy, Romance, Graphic Novels, Comics

156 pages, Comic

First published October 26, 2011

About the author

Also known as 由羅カイリ

Reviews

[Estara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume is mostly denouement of the civil servant exam arc. The strongest threads are intrigue and comedy - especially with the unmasking of Minister Ko, the return of Ensei and Kourin (although she doesn't even reunite with Shurei here) and the setting up and intensification of the Sa Province arc (if it's true that the manga adaptation ends at volume 9 we won't get to see that. I'm quite happy that the second series of the anime was fansubbed so I know what happened there: it's not as if the light novels were licensed in a language I could read).

I quite enjoyed Ryuki really showing up that corrupt official, together with all his allies - but the strongest bit was probably Shurei's uncle Reishin: the influence of the Hong family on the fabric of commerce in Saiunkoku is shown, he delivers the verbal death thrust to the corrupt minister and manipulates the worthy but modest testing official Ro to accept a higher rank in the government.

The comedy highlight, well handled in art (you can't after all show matchless beauty) was the unmasking of Minister Ko *grin* (also very nicely added in the short bonus manga, which this time was all comedy).

Shurei's strongest hour was most probably her realisation that she can be a woman and a civil servant and that she wants to be both, her acknowledgement that she wants to stand by Ryuki's side as his helper (she wants to be a civil servant to protect others) and not as his wife. Ryuki accepting that but also reiterating that he wants to wait for her, even as he has helped her achieve her dream (I remembered Li Senya as giving her the first true kiss in the anime, maybe I was wrong. It certainly is Ryuki here).

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the side story that occurred in this, the added details that I didn't remember from the anime, and the romantic end. However, it still felt choppy at times. Because of these points, I have to give this a 3.5 out of 5 stars.

[Kayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

[Amanda Setasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annoyingly cute plot and chapters.

[ReadingFrog · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

[Khari · Rating 3 out of 5]

これが恋愛話だって。

そう思わない。歴史の様な政治の様な話。主人公は一緒にならないと思う。国のことはいつも真ん中に残ると思う。

[Megan Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Magdalenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm shocked that someone decided to end main story, when it clearly was about to begin...
I also believe that romance was so undeveloped, that it was hard to believe that female lead loved the emperor.

[Miss Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah, okay, that was an extraordinarily goofy way to resolve the Ministry of Rites conflict. xD None can stand up to Minister Ko's devastating beauty! All shall love him and despair! (I found myself head tilting at this point, like beauty is subjective, it's not possible for someone to exist who could have the kind of devastating effect Ko has on literally everyone. And then I slapped myself upside the head because this is shoujo okay, suspension of disbelief is necessary! Just think of it as magic if you have to!)

Looking forward to watching Shurei handle her first job next volume! 3 stars

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This manga is absolutely worth the read, however the final volume falls short. Nothing is resolved, and the ending is lazy. This is a nine volume manga covering a twenty-two volume light novel, and the last novel is just side stories.

The ending of the light novel is utter bullshit. After waiting for her for twelve years, Ryuuki and Shuurei finally get married, then she dies in childbirth. It's an awful, stupid ending to series that deserved better.

Seriously, it's like Princess Tutu all over again.

I'm traumatized.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume concludes the trials of Shurei's training for a civil servant position and sets up for the next arc. It was quite engrossing. There really isn't too much to say about this except that the side story reveals Shurei's feelings toward Ryuki and it's pretty much the I love you but not in love with you speech. It's no surprise. It's pretty much have always been one-sided. No chemistry between the two really. oh well.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 8 is another solid installment for The Story of Saiunkoku. What is not to love about Shurei? She's intelligent, she's loyal, she's strong, and she knows what she wants to do with her life. Recommended.

[Laurianne Uy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like that Ryuki's relationship with Shurei is basically impossible because she's more interested in a career. It's an unbelievably empowering but also heartbreaking story.

[Smile Sami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generally I love this series

[Rachel (Sfogs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shurei proves them wrong!
Eigetsu and Shurei get the most surprising placements!!!
The little extra story on the 'cross dressing' is hilarious!!

[nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good volume. The art style keeps getting better. The story's also good. And I like some of the characters.