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天才王子の赤字国家再生術~そうだ、売国しよう~ (Light Novel) #4
The Genius Prince's Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt (Hey, How About Treason?), Vol. 4
To decide the successor of the throne, the three children of the imperial family must meet to talk through their options. Imperial Princess Lowellmina personally invites Prince Wein to join them in the city, which he successfully declines with dramatic flair. That's too bad, because now he has to deal with a whole new problem: His sister, Falanya, going in his stead! Worried sick, Wein sends Ninym after her, but nothing will soothe his anxious soul...other than going to the Empire himself!
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 17, 2020
A frustratingly slow start gives way to anther exquisite narrative performance. In GENIUS PRINCE . . . #4, it would appear the Kingdom of Natra's allies are only those it chooses in the moment it needs them. Wein, himself, is equally picky. The dilemma, of course, is that nobody else in the novel series is nearly as deliberate or insightful as the crown prince. As such, while others fret and curse their pseudo alliances in lieu of confronting villains, real or imagined, Wein is the only one brave enough to charge ahead with the confidence (audacity?) to resolve things on his own.
GENIUS PRINCE . . . #4 has a hard focus on continental politics. So much so that readers should note ahead of time that almost nothing in this volume explicitly concerns Wein's duty as the leader of Natra. This novel focuses on the pushing and shoving for authority over the eastern half of the continent, the Earthworld Empire. And the competition is heating up, as the direct progeny of the now-passed king vies for the throne. Lowellmina, the only daughter, play acts the negotiator while assembling her own support. Meanwhile, the three sons -- Demetrio (the eldest, temperamental), Bardloche (the toughest, a military man), Manfred (the youngest, silver-tongued) -- bicker among themselves and refuse to give ground.
And so it goes. Children arguing over the right to rule in the wake of the deceased parent is a tale as old as time, so far as monarchic traditions go. As Lowa orchestrates her Summit of the Imperial Children to resolve the right of succession, countless diplomats descend onto Mealtars, a merchant city, for assorted meetings and debates. The Natra delegation, interestingly, is guided by none other than . . . Falanya?
Among the several awkward, comical, and surprising twists and turns that make this novel series so enjoyable, the relationship between Wein and his little sister has always felt derivative. The sister-complex dynamic in this book series is wildly unoriginal and forced and remains the author's most glaring blunder. One mentions this because Wein's little sister, Falanya Elk Arbalest, is the protagonist for more than half of GENIUS PRINCE . . . #4. Falanya's first foray into international politics goes as well as one can expect for a child -- she's shy, she doesn't know what to say, she stumbles into traps (figurative and literal). Wein's appearance, halfway through the book, saves the girl from being devoured by foreign dignitaries while also saving readers from being bored to death by his inept kid sister.
Wein's intense awareness of the dangers of enemies who would dare smile as warmly as allies and his cageyness for his allies who would dare whisper as quietly as his enemies enlightens the young man to the perils afoot in the merchant city. This volume takes a while to get going, but once the Earthworld siblings begin their threats, and it's clear loss of life is imminent, Wein concocts a plan to free himself and those he cares for. Will another civil war arise between feuding brothers? Will the calm and collected sister rise to the top? And will the entrance of a militant zealot from the west change whole dynamic? Natra is caught in the middle. But Wein's got a plan. He's always got a plan.
GENIUS PRINCE . . . #4 relies on the odd and frustrating personalities of its cast to propel the story forward. Sometimes this works exceedingly well (Prince Demetrio is an idiot and a total hoot; Mayor Cosimo, of Mealtars, is humble but naïve) and sometimes it causes the novel to drag (Falanya is a dreamer). Nanaki finally sees some action, which is nice, but one surmises this is only because Falanya was in the spotlight to an uncomfortable degree. Hopefully, the author will return Wein to the focus of the next installment, as it appears further complications will arise with the much-touted but little-discussed territories to the south of the continent.
GENIUS PRINCE . . . #4 has a hard focus on continental politics. So much so that readers should note ahead of time that almost nothing in this volume explicitly concerns Wein's duty as the leader of Natra. This novel focuses on the pushing and shoving for authority over the eastern half of the continent, the Earthworld Empire. And the competition is heating up, as the direct progeny of the now-passed king vies for the throne. Lowellmina, the only daughter, play acts the negotiator while assembling her own support. Meanwhile, the three sons -- Demetrio (the eldest, temperamental), Bardloche (the toughest, a military man), Manfred (the youngest, silver-tongued) -- bicker among themselves and refuse to give ground.
And so it goes. Children arguing over the right to rule in the wake of the deceased parent is a tale as old as time, so far as monarchic traditions go. As Lowa orchestrates her Summit of the Imperial Children to resolve the right of succession, countless diplomats descend onto Mealtars, a merchant city, for assorted meetings and debates. The Natra delegation, interestingly, is guided by none other than . . . Falanya?
Among the several awkward, comical, and surprising twists and turns that make this novel series so enjoyable, the relationship between Wein and his little sister has always felt derivative. The sister-complex dynamic in this book series is wildly unoriginal and forced and remains the author's most glaring blunder. One mentions this because Wein's little sister, Falanya Elk Arbalest, is the protagonist for more than half of GENIUS PRINCE . . . #4. Falanya's first foray into international politics goes as well as one can expect for a child -- she's shy, she doesn't know what to say, she stumbles into traps (figurative and literal). Wein's appearance, halfway through the book, saves the girl from being devoured by foreign dignitaries while also saving readers from being bored to death by his inept kid sister.
Wein's intense awareness of the dangers of enemies who would dare smile as warmly as allies and his cageyness for his allies who would dare whisper as quietly as his enemies enlightens the young man to the perils afoot in the merchant city. This volume takes a while to get going, but once the Earthworld siblings begin their threats, and it's clear loss of life is imminent, Wein concocts a plan to free himself and those he cares for. Will another civil war arise between feuding brothers? Will the calm and collected sister rise to the top? And will the entrance of a militant zealot from the west change whole dynamic? Natra is caught in the middle. But Wein's got a plan. He's always got a plan.
GENIUS PRINCE . . . #4 relies on the odd and frustrating personalities of its cast to propel the story forward. Sometimes this works exceedingly well (Prince Demetrio is an idiot and a total hoot; Mayor Cosimo, of Mealtars, is humble but naïve) and sometimes it causes the novel to drag (Falanya is a dreamer). Nanaki finally sees some action, which is nice, but one surmises this is only because Falanya was in the spotlight to an uncomfortable degree. Hopefully, the author will return Wein to the focus of the next installment, as it appears further complications will arise with the much-touted but little-discussed territories to the south of the continent.
September 22, 2020
Wow! This one was quite good, per usual I suppose. We got to see more about Falanya, and I have to say I'm quite proud of her character growth (and her ship *cough Wein and Ninym forever cough*). She really came into her own in this one, and I'm happy to see her take on a more active role in international politics. On the Wein front, he was fun as usual. He and Ninym cemented their ship status for me in this volume. I also enjoyed watching him deal with various political factions, and I'm looking forward to the aftermath of these new connections and relationships.
On another note, as previous books have generally had
On yet another note, throughout the series it's been hinted at, and maybe outright said, that Wein is going to end up ruling the entire continent (I think) or at the very least, heading up one of the most powerful countries, and being a decisive power. (I think it might be the latter?) I could do either one, tbh. I'm honestly quite curious how many books it's going to take in total. Definitely at least eight, but not more than fifteen (probably). It's pretty hard to say right now, of course. At any rate, I look forward to it!
On another note, as previous books have generally had
On yet another note, throughout the series it's been hinted at, and maybe outright said, that Wein is going to end up ruling the entire continent (I think) or at the very least, heading up one of the most powerful countries, and being a decisive power. (I think it might be the latter?) I could do either one, tbh. I'm honestly quite curious how many books it's going to take in total. Definitely at least eight, but not more than fifteen (probably). It's pretty hard to say right now, of course. At any rate, I look forward to it!
March 5, 2022
Even though author made the main plot arc of this light novel governance of small and poor Natra Kingdom, on Volumes 2-3-4, author has concentrated on foreign policy, foreign current events and foreign religious interests.
Wein having no relevant religion went to a religious conference in Volume 3. Being a monarchy and having no idea of separation of Church and State, author makes it a theme for the 3rd Volume. Having no role to play in the Summit and the naming of the future emperor (neighbor to the southeast) sends little sister Falanya and his Flahm aides only to become a target of assassination by one of the leading emperor candidates (Demetrio) because of their presence in the territory of the Empire. If they would have sent the Ambassador, or any other public official, nothing would have happened.
Author wrote "genius" as an adjective describing Wein the new Natra King. In the first four volumes, this "genius" has not created jobs, improved healthcare or education, made new roads or bridges, constructed ports, airports, new industries, new trading products or solved the compensations to the families of all of the soldiers that have died in the wars he ordered.
Wein captured a spent Gold Mine without intending to, killed the King of the Calvarin Kingdom (because that king wanted to hunt down Flahms of Natra Kingdom), wanted to join Holy Western Federation without being religious or having religion within his Natra Kingdom. Wein sends his sister to Empire, so that one of the "princes" has the possibility to try to assassinate her.
The same prince (Demetrio) that tried to assassinate Falanya, offers her an arranged marriage ultimatum, which is absurd. So what is the point of putting Falanya in constant danger and sending her to the Empire to be the bait of an arrogant moron like Demetrio? Where is "genius" brother in all of this? What brother would consent to his sister marry the person that has tried to kill her? How does Natra Kingdom improve by being the target of assassinations by the Empire's Princes? Wein fails to capture the assassin sent by Prince Manfred that wanted to poison him with the tea that Demetrio drank. Wein failed to stop Demetrio from drinking Manfred's poison tea. Wein failed to capture the assassin sent by Prince Manfred, and failed to stop Demetrio from drinking the poison. Where is the genius in all of this luck and circumstantial attacks? What benefit does Natra hold from having their king detained or accused of poisoning one of the Princes of the Empire?
Where is Wein's contribution to the development of his Natra Kingdom? Wein has accomplished more for Marden and Cavarin than for Natra his small and poor kingdom. Now it appears that Wein is getting more done in the Empire (again) than for Natra. Maybe he should quit and seek employment in the other Kingdoms instead? What is the point to this light novel? It's as if Wein is an inspector Clousseau/inspector gadget, clumsy character that achieves impossible goals having no idea, no intention and no abilities.
Falanya as a foreign princess is committing a crime when she speaks and organizes the crowds to revolt in the city of Mealters. Foreign dignitaries are not allowed to organize, direct or participate in protests.
The illustrator has a fault/difficulty with drawing noses, mouths, hands and fingers. In the illustrations with in all of the volumes, illustrator leaves these details empty or unfinished/invisible. I don't like this. I don't like this light novel.
Wein having no relevant religion went to a religious conference in Volume 3. Being a monarchy and having no idea of separation of Church and State, author makes it a theme for the 3rd Volume. Having no role to play in the Summit and the naming of the future emperor (neighbor to the southeast) sends little sister Falanya and his Flahm aides only to become a target of assassination by one of the leading emperor candidates (Demetrio) because of their presence in the territory of the Empire. If they would have sent the Ambassador, or any other public official, nothing would have happened.
Author wrote "genius" as an adjective describing Wein the new Natra King. In the first four volumes, this "genius" has not created jobs, improved healthcare or education, made new roads or bridges, constructed ports, airports, new industries, new trading products or solved the compensations to the families of all of the soldiers that have died in the wars he ordered.
Wein captured a spent Gold Mine without intending to, killed the King of the Calvarin Kingdom (because that king wanted to hunt down Flahms of Natra Kingdom), wanted to join Holy Western Federation without being religious or having religion within his Natra Kingdom. Wein sends his sister to Empire, so that one of the "princes" has the possibility to try to assassinate her.
The same prince (Demetrio) that tried to assassinate Falanya, offers her an arranged marriage ultimatum, which is absurd. So what is the point of putting Falanya in constant danger and sending her to the Empire to be the bait of an arrogant moron like Demetrio? Where is "genius" brother in all of this? What brother would consent to his sister marry the person that has tried to kill her? How does Natra Kingdom improve by being the target of assassinations by the Empire's Princes? Wein fails to capture the assassin sent by Prince Manfred that wanted to poison him with the tea that Demetrio drank. Wein failed to stop Demetrio from drinking Manfred's poison tea. Wein failed to capture the assassin sent by Prince Manfred, and failed to stop Demetrio from drinking the poison. Where is the genius in all of this luck and circumstantial attacks? What benefit does Natra hold from having their king detained or accused of poisoning one of the Princes of the Empire?
Where is Wein's contribution to the development of his Natra Kingdom? Wein has accomplished more for Marden and Cavarin than for Natra his small and poor kingdom. Now it appears that Wein is getting more done in the Empire (again) than for Natra. Maybe he should quit and seek employment in the other Kingdoms instead? What is the point to this light novel? It's as if Wein is an inspector Clousseau/inspector gadget, clumsy character that achieves impossible goals having no idea, no intention and no abilities.
Falanya as a foreign princess is committing a crime when she speaks and organizes the crowds to revolt in the city of Mealters. Foreign dignitaries are not allowed to organize, direct or participate in protests.
The illustrator has a fault/difficulty with drawing noses, mouths, hands and fingers. In the illustrations with in all of the volumes, illustrator leaves these details empty or unfinished/invisible. I don't like this. I don't like this light novel.
April 16, 2021
Wein is struggling with the absorption of Marden into Natra when he is invited to a conference in the trade city Mealters in the Empire. His younger sister volunteers to go in his stead, something which he begrudgingly accepts. Things don't go as expected, which is saying something when the conference is between the three rival Imperial princes and Lowa. What follows is a story mostly from Falanya's point of view at the start, and Wein's later on.
The book is written much like the previous ones, mostly about events and actions with only a few small reveals behind the real motivations of those involved. Wein might outwardly state he wants to retire all the time, but his actions say otherwise. He is still smart, and still gets into trouble by overthinking things, having him scrambling to find a solution. The author uses flashbacks this time, starting with the outcome and followed by the planning, something that seems to work well to keep things tense. Not as much exposition in this book as in the previous ones. Still the occasional boob joke and cute art (mostly showing faces and not scenes) that does not fit the story at all.
Still greatly enjoying the story, and looking forward to reading the next part.
The book is written much like the previous ones, mostly about events and actions with only a few small reveals behind the real motivations of those involved. Wein might outwardly state he wants to retire all the time, but his actions say otherwise. He is still smart, and still gets into trouble by overthinking things, having him scrambling to find a solution. The author uses flashbacks this time, starting with the outcome and followed by the planning, something that seems to work well to keep things tense. Not as much exposition in this book as in the previous ones. Still the occasional boob joke and cute art (mostly showing faces and not scenes) that does not fit the story at all.
Still greatly enjoying the story, and looking forward to reading the next part.
September 22, 2020
Another good book in an excellent series.
I really enjoy this series. It is funny and well written and you really want to cheer for the main characters. Wien's sister has an important role in this issue, and I'm glad to see it.
I really enjoy this series. It is funny and well written and you really want to cheer for the main characters. Wien's sister has an important role in this issue, and I'm glad to see it.
April 2, 2022
I gave it 3 stars only because the author tried to cram a complex plot into a small number of pages, so it felt rushed. The comedy was the best so far, and the solutions Wein finds for problems are always creative and interesting
January 5, 2023
This novel series continues to amaze me. Book 4 was another great example of breaking down complicated political situations and resolving them with out-of-the-box solutions.
January 14, 2023
นักแปลของ yen press ทำดีมาก ความ witty น่าหยิก น่าตี มาครบ และไม่ฝืนไม่แข็ง ชอบ
August 30, 2023
主角機關算盡還是會翻船的系列
接下來要看下去的話就只能啃英文版了
接下來要看下去的話就只能啃英文版了
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews