Prince Licht once again finds himself caught between his role as a prince and his desire to have some fun in his life. How will he react when the count offers his assistance?
This volume in particular piqued my interest. I think it is because of the build up of the chapters to the revelation on the last few chapters... Hm, makes me think about what Akai-sensei is planning for the next volume.
Another great volume! Lots of changes, beautiful illustrations and excellent portrayal of emotion. This one pulled at my heart strings! I can't wait to see where the brothers end up next and how they fare on their various excursions and adventures.
The manga completely diverges from the anime with Licht choosing to devote himself to Cafe Mitter Meyer rather than compete for the throne. His decision sends shockwaves through the palace, but the resulting repercussions take the princes in a surprising direction. Between lots of character development and hints of someone acting in the shadows, Akai-sensei does an excellent job keeping readers engaged.
The Review
Volume 8 ended with what looked to be the beginning of an extended story about Licht. As it turns out, this arc actually involves all our four princelings, plus it continues beyond Volume 9. This is a refreshing change from the episodic pace that the series has fallen into. However, the plot does build on the information and events of those single-chapter stories.
Volume 9 begins with Count Rosenberg once more slithering around Licht. The count definitely has the air of a villain, but his motives for meddling in the affairs of the younger princes as of yet remain unknown. Eldest prince Eins views his brothers with such contempt that it seems unlikely Rosenberg’s acting on his orders. As such, the mystery of the count’s true objective brings an air of intrigue to this volume.
Licht, however, has the sense not to trust the count, especially since he’s already gotten burned before. When changes with Cafe Mitter Meyer inspire the youngest prince to live in town, he’s careful not to accept Rosenberg’s easy deal for a place to stay. Instead, Licht goes so far as to limit his budget to his earnings at the cafe. Much like the time he was forced to spend the night at the cafe, Licht is confronted with the difficulties of life outside the palace as he struggles to form a plan for independence. But Licht has grown as a character and displays newfound fortitude as he seeks his father’s permission to leave.
This, of course, causes an uproar among the other princes. Not surprisingly, the most outspoken is straitlaced Bruno. But just when you’re expecting Bruno to begrudgingly accept Licht’s decision, he goes far and beyond mere acceptance. As a result, Licht’s decision has a kind of domino effect in the palace. Akai-sensei looks like she’s setting the stage for something big, and I eagerly await the next installment.
Extras include bonus manga celebrating the anime adaption and first page printed in color.
I love how each of them are growing and truly thinking about their future. It's one thing to be in running to be the king is another to decide what will make you happy. It's good to see how different they each are but also their home and the struggle to let the each other pursue life different from their own.