"So remember this—choose the one you yourself will not regret. That is the only true 'right answer.' And it is the only path to a bright future."
Another amazing volume and this time with a focus on Anubis!!
I am thankful because as I have shared in previous reviews of this series, he has really bothered me with his actions, but this volume made him much more understanding. I have been hoping to love his character again and while I am still hesitant about him, it's hard to not want to give him a hug after hearing his story. I'm sure he would be angry with me saying so because he would feel it is sympathy because I couldn't imagine being in his shoes (or, er, feet I guess I should say) and feel such compassion for him. So much more of his actions make sense and why he acts the way he does.
But goodness! The King! If anyone has won my heart even more so than before, it is him. We really see more behind his "face" (saying mask sounds weird given the story #ifyouknowyouknow) and how deeply he cares for those around him, especially Anubis. I truly hope moving forward that Anubis can feel that warmth again from their friendship, and even from Sari too.
One thing I have found interesting so far about this series is that "chapter one" always gives us some happy King and Sari moments. I feel it is such a good choice given how these chapters are usually layered with hate from a character(s), political strife, and/or anger from a variety of characters. There is usually always a big decision that needs to be made and starting off the volume with something "happy" really helps me to brace myself for the events that follow. LOL! I have deeply appreciated that as a reader and truly hope it continues through the end. <3
That last chapter was definitely a little bit alarming!! Okay, maybe A LOT alarming! Ha! I am not sure if that is a foreshadowing to come or something else, but I ultimately hoping it was just a one-time thing! *nervous laughter*
Eagerly looking forward to reading the next volume!
ANUBIS BACKSTORY?!?!?! YES PLEASE!!! This series continues to be a lovely slow burn. The characters challenge what is thrown at them. Learning the source of Anubis' concern for the King was so great! Where can I get a plushie of the kiddo king?? It was so cute! I continue to adore what is going on in this series. I cant get enough, and am anxiously awaiting the next volume!
I still think the Chancellor is a piece of shit, but in this volume you do understand a bit on why he does what he does. Although there is a bit of irony in his reasoning.
✨ Este volumen comienza exactamente en el mismo punto, donde se quedó el anterior. Desvelado el gran misterio de los peces dragón, continúan siendo invitados de pleno derecho.
✨ Leo deja claramente sus intenciones de convertir a Sariphi en su esposa, pese a las pruebas que todavía deben realizarse. Me encanta que se haya representado una escena tan icónica, como lo es el baile de La Bella y la Bestia.
✨ Anubis sigue conspirando en contra de Sariphi. Por otro lado, por fin nos adentramos en los orígenes de su linaje. Gracias a este tomo, comprendemos mejor muchas de sus motivaciones o el papel que juega en la servidumbre real.
✨ Tanto Leo como Sirius recuerdan mucho a Shippo de Inuyasha. Son tremendamente adorables de pequeños y a través de los ojos de Sirius, entendemos el fuerte vínculo de amistad que le une a él.
✨ La festividad por la fundación del Reino de las Bestias, me ha parecido fascinante, ya que nos explican las antiguas leyendas en relación a los primeros monarcas del país. Hay paralelismos con una alianza beneficiosa, en el caso de que contrajeran matrimonio.
✨ Llegados al final, tenemos de nuevo a Leo en su forma humana. Siempre os digo que se muestra mucho más vulnerable y cercano en este estado, pero también está más expuesto a sus sentimientos y miedos.
FINALLY, backstory about Anubis and Leo's work relationship! While I'm not surprised by Anubis's motivations, since it's been implied for awhile, but I enjoyed learning the full story. Also, tiny Anubis and tiny Leo? I almost died several times from the cuteness. So damn cute...
I'm sad I didn't get to see Amit or her interactions with Sariphi as much, but she made an appearance in the beginning and that was enough. As for Sariphi, her interactions with Anubis were interesting and the fact that she doesn't want to change his mind about her was nice. I think it's great that she acknowledges who he is and understands that his attitude towards her won't change so easily, so she doesn't try to. To me, it shows how she picks and chooses her battles in a subtle way and how she's unwilling to force someone to change for her. I'm not surprised Anubis changed his mind about disqualifying her as a queen candidate after she helps him, but I am glad that he did so wanting to see where she goes from here. He still doesn't like, but is giving her a chance to change his opinion of her as she continues the trials. Not original, but it suits his character so I'm fine with it.
While I didn't get a lot of Amit and Sariphi interactions, I got more than enough Leo and Sariphi interactions to make my heart swell ten times over. Seriously, him being so please when Sariphi compliments his royal attire for the consecration ceremony was so precious I almost died. Her helping him hide his human form was tense yet awesome, especially when she attacks one of the royal guards to give Leo more time to change back. I just love them so much, they make me so happy!
Great volume, loved it, need volume 6 as soon as possible!
How is it possible to continuously fall in love over and over with the same characters? I don't know but each new volume endears both Seraphi and the King in my three sizes too small heart. This volume we even had Anubis attempt to worm his way in. Getting a look at the King and Anubis' past was extremely eye opening and set the foundation for Anubis' motivation throughout the series. Also they were absolutely freaking adorable as children. I love this series and will definitely be continuing.
Fairly predictable storylines in this installment with Sariphi’s kind heart winning over the duke, and Leo’s kindness winning over prickly Anubis in their childhood. Of course, there is the bonus of seeing Leo and Anubis in adorable young versions of themselves. However, the end of the volume hints that the narrative will shift away from Sariphi’s trials to a challenge she and Leo must face together, which I think would make for a more interesting story.
The Review
The Duke Galois arc wraps up with one last chapter. Nothing too surprising here. The Duke reiterates his support for Sariphi, who continues to regard him like an old grandpa, and the king reaffirms his love for Sariphi. The sharky general Joz provides some unexpected comedy with his crush on Amit though. Amit’s crocodile mouth is terrifying, but with Joz, they’re actually visually well-matched. One thing that was a bit odd is that characters kept asking for dances when the hall seemed completely deserted of guests, staff, and musicians.
Then the story shifts to the individual who’s been pushing for these queen trials: Anubis. It’s been clear from the start that he takes his chancellorship very seriously, and we learn why in a childhood flashback. If you’ve wanted to see cute chibi versions of the king and chancellor, you’ll get spades in Chapters 26 and 27. Anubis’ critical, cynical personality hasn’t changed, but his attitude toward the royal family was once quite different. In fact, he viewed the king with a disdain similar to his scorn of Sariphi. Predictably, the king wins him over, and the fact that Sariphi treats Anubis with similar consideration hints that it’ll just be a matter of time before the chancellor extends his loyalty to her.
But while Anubis’ antagonism toward Sariphi is starting to crumble, another threat continues to lurk. Anubis’ motivation for eliminating Sariphi is so that the kingship won’t be undermined, but the judge Set appears to seek just that. In the volume’s last two chapters, a literal perfect storm renders the king in human form on a day he must appear before the entire kingdom. Of course, it’s up to Sariphi to protect Leo’s secret as the palace frantically searches for him. Her confrontation with Set insinuates that the judge is less concerned about the king’s well being and more interested in an opportunity to increase his own power. How much Set conspires against the king remains to be seen, but if and when he does, it would give Sariphi and Leo an obstacle to surmount together.
Extras include embedded author’s notes about the characters and the bonus manga, “The Beast Princess and the Regular King (and His Attendant).”
The past of Anubis is revealed and a powerful wind brings trouble
Finishing up the Ichthyan story we get to see the various major players letting their true natures show now that they are no longer playing their parts to discover the truth about the human queen they heard about. However thinking she was going to lose the trial given by Anubis with the false Galois instead of giving up her beliefs she admits defeat in the lst volume before it turned out she did not fail anyway. This leads to a discussion between Anubis, Leonhart, and his council leading to a story about Anubis's past and some insight into why he is so set in making sure Sariphi is found unworthy. After a trip into the past we see a special event is coming up but a strong wind has blown the miasma that allows Leonhart to retain his secret (if you don't know what his secret is you really need to read the 1st volume) and of course it does not return until it is nearly to late. Time for some high stakes hide and seek.
Empezamos el tomo con Anubis, terco como siempre, no aceptando que Sali pasó la prueba anterior, así que nos remontamos a su pasado de cuando era pequeño y tuvo que ocupar el lugar de su padre como asesor del rey, pero ya que no tenía edad suficiente para eso, empezó a trabajar para el príncipe, nuestro Leo.
Cuando eran pequeños, Leo y Anubis fueron secuestrados, pero lograron rescatarlos y es desde ahí que Anubis decide servir al actual rey. Entonces, volvemos al presente y al ver que Sali estuvo todo el tiempo esperando su recuperación después de que le cayeran unos libros encima, decide seguir con las pruebas.
Una noche el rey vuelve a su forma humana y a la mañana siguiente, extrañamente no ha vuelto a ser una bestia, así que todos en el palacio lo empiezan a buscar. Después de un tiempo, logra volver a ser bestia antes de que lo encuentren.
Una de las cosas que me dio mucha risa, fue que Joz quería cazarse con Amit.
It is great that they get a lot of world building like learning how the kingdom was founded and a little about the founder along with a little implied mystery with the founder's maiden. But one of the best parts was learning about Anubis' past as we learn about how his family, his goals and why he is so loyal to Leonhart. It was interesting to see that he did hate the king but as time went on and seeing the King's action and personality made him want to protect and serve the King and why he hates Sariphi so much.
Five volumes in and I think I can confidentially say this series is starting to become one of my favorites.
The baby Leo and Anubis flashback chapters were SO GOOD. As well as the chapters after of Leo not being able to change back to beast form. And I can't express how much I love the little reverse parody sections at the end of the volumes. I need an anime of this stat.
While I still don’t like the Lord Chancellor, I like that this volume at least gave us background information as to why he’s so critical and harsh. It was also really interesting seeing seeing a young Leo (before he got his name) and how kind he was. I’m starting to get curious about Judge Set and hope to learn some more information on him.
(3.75) J'ai trouvé vraiment sympa le fait de consacrer autant de place au personnage d'Anubis dans ce volume, ainsi qu'à ses motivations quant à son refus de voir Salifie s'élever en tant que reine. Dommage que le tout m'ait moins captivé que dans le précédent. En revanche, plus j'avance dans l'histoire et plus ça se lit facilement !
You know…. There is something about Set that makes my something wig-out. I don’t trust them to not be corrupt…. Maybe I’m wrong?
Anyway, we learn about Anubis in this volume, but he still is a jerk (with a sad past). If he wasn’t so harsh with Sari, I would like him a bit more for protecting the King, but Anubis needs to stop acting like he knows what’s better the the king and kingdom.
Thai volume deepened our knowledge between the relationship of Anubis and Leo, getting into why Anubis is the way he is and his ambitions. Each volume deepens the lore and story and this journey has been fascinating. I love the complete and utter devotion Sari feels toward Leo. It’s precious to see. Excited for the next volume!
This volume gives us a lot of materials to understand Anubis, his history and his motivations, kind of like you empathize with him but personally bothering me and I don't care about his past, I'm sorry for him but I don't care.