Let’s just start by saying: I really liked this volume. Is it the most innovative? No. The plot is driven by two classic events:
1) A sleepover designed to help Vincent realize he’s jealous.
2) A ball that pushes Vincent to act on his feelings for Oriana.
Sleepover and magic school ball? We’ve seen it before. But here’s the thing: it works. And it works because the character interactions are tender and emotional. This volume does a lovely job of capturing the uncertainty, courage, and sweetness of teenage love, friendship, and crushes—exactly as they should be.
Oriana has grown. She’s respecting Vincent’s request for space and allowing things to unfold naturally. And Vincent has grown too—he’s no longer shutting her out or reacting defensively at every turn. Instead, he's giving both her and himself some room to explore their evolving feelings. That kind of emotional maturity in a manga is refreshing.
We also get a beautiful, subtle side story between Yana, a princess, and Azraq—her protector, friend, and (possibly) someone quietly in love with her. It’s a familiar trope—falling for someone you can’t have—but instead of being driven by drama, it’s portrayed with the weight of responsibility and what seems to be someone who genuinely cares for the one he is meant to protect. We’re invited to empathize with Azraq in what seems to be a silent heartbreak. There’s a moment where he holds a gift Yana gave him, clearly struggling with emotions that aren’t fully named. And that’s part of what makes this manga so good: we’re not told everything outright. We’re given hints, left to feel our way through the emotions with the characters.
And of course, all of this is layered over the fact that this isn’t just a story about magic school romance—it’s also a murder mystery. Someone assassinated Vincent and Oriana in their past life, and the shadow of that mystery lingers in every volume. Anyone—even the sweet and supportive Miguel—could turn out to be the villain. That tension adds depth to what might otherwise be a light, romantic story.
So yes, maybe it’s a little tropey. But the story works—thanks to heartfelt character development, emotional subtlety, and top-tier artwork that brings every feeling vividly to life. I’m genuinely looking forward to Volume 5!