This review is mostly spoilers but what can I say?
So Aileen and Claude this volume were quite a pair. Poor Aileen believes Claude has issues with his manhood. Meanwhile, Claude is just having trouble controlling his magic and feels bad for Aileen.
Lilia, oh man, this volume I actually started to enjoy her character a bit. The previous two volumes had me hating her. This volume and her dynamic with Aileen made her infinitely more enjoyable. Would I say she redeemed herself? No. But she definitely became more enjoyable and gained a lot of depth. Her relationship with Aileen also gained a whole new level.
Serena. Once again, in Volume 2, I hated her. In Volume 3 she became semi-likeable. This volume, she definitely gained a bit of depth. Her relationships with Aileen and Auguste were entertaining as hell. She also gained more kudos this volume and has begun redeeming herself some.
Now for the spoilers. Roxanne. This girl. I felt so bad for her. She was trying so hard to help everyone but was treated so bad.
Baal. At the start, I was ready to hate this guy. But he really was just a dude trying his best. Especially once he pulled his head out of his ass.
Sahra and Ares. Not gonna lie, I didn't like them from the very start.
Clever writing by @nagasesarasa with an entertaining, sexy premise. After a disaster of a honeymoon, and everyone in the kingdom aware that Aileen and the Demon Lord have not consummated their marriage yet, Aileen sets out on a diplomatic mission only to be kidnapped and forced into another man’s harem—the final boss of Game 3. Nagase-sensi took hoary old tropes and turned them on their heads in this volume. I won’t spoil them, but I can say that just when you think the story is going to play out predictably, the author pulls out a surprise.
The biggest dilemma is how can Aileen get close to the final boss and coax him to fulfill the role of hero without getting too close? When the Demon Lord infiltrates that castle and becomes a harem guard to get his revenge on Aileen, she’s at her most adorable. It’s refreshing to have an adult story that is only rated PG-13. It was an old fashioned battle of the sexes with a light novel twist. It’s fun when an author understands her characters so well. Fun read.
I was in a terrible reading slump for months so it took me a couple of tries before I finished this. It was great. Not the greatest since I still consider the first 3 volumes better (honestly could’ve ended with vol. 3 if author chose to). I’m excited to find out what happens next though since it seems there’s more to come, plus I still need to see how or where Lilia would end up. I’d prefer it if she gets sent back to the real world just so Aileen can enjoy her married life with Claude with much less to worry about lol but she helps at times so… must. Tolerate. Her. Looking forward to next volume! Especially since it seems we’re meeting Claude’s father, if I read the synopsis for vol. 4 right.
Another good one! I was impressed with how Sarasa actually got me to like a character I was 100% certain I'd be wishing 10 deaths on.
The Arabia-esque setting was fun! It's nice seeing more of the world that Aileen inhabits. I liked that Claude actually got to participate in this story a decent amount and how.
One thing that bugged me was Aileen gets criticized - by several people - for "becoming another man's consort." ??? She didn't exactly have a choice in the matter!? She was literally kidnapped?? It was something she was livid about and wanted revenge over??? Even when she "could escape" she couldn't because she needed to nip the current situation in the bud before it sparked a war????
I’m not really fond of romance plots where the lead gets jealous over things outside the other’s control. The exploration and expansion of the world and lore is interesting though.