Well, since it is a Japanese light novel [which I adore], I know my opinion on this book will be slightly biased but: IT'S FRICKIN AWESOME!!! DAT CHARACTER GROWTH, SO OP!! A COMMONER JUST NONCHALANTLY LEADING ROYALS BY THE NOSE! SERIOUSLY BEST JAPANESE LIGHT NOVEL EVER! Its been a while since I have read stories about side-characters and actually cared about them. It is a light novel, but doesn't fall into the harem and marshmallow route, much appreciated! It is just well written, battle scenes, strategizing and stuf and no cheap slapstick humor... I am really enjoying this read, and can't wait for the next volume to be translated!!!