Accomplishments of the Duke's Daughter (Light Novel) Vol. 5

Accomplishments of the Duke’s Daughter (Light Novel) #5

by Reia, Hazuki Futaba (Illustrator)

THE PRICE OF WAR

The war Iris always feared has finally come. No longer content to send spies to spread discontent in Tasmeria, Tweil descends with their army. Iris must rush back to her duchy to defend her people and rally the other territories to her cause. But no one survives war unscathed, and all too soon Iris will face a loss even she may not be able to endure.

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Young Adult, Novels

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2017

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. That ended kind of abruptly. We never find out about the other couples that were obviously pairing off other than Tanya and Dida. It’s like the other characters don’t even exist. Did her father continue to improve to full health? And the ending felt SO contrived I felt like the author was trying to manipulate my feelings like a puppet. I know the feelings they were going for, but it didn’t feel real or earned.

And the next series is a prequel about the mother, who is cool in her own right, but I want to see the rest of the characters HEA too. I get that a lot of the story was lost, twice, due to computer issues, but I still feel cheated of the full story. I guess this is why fan fiction exists? To fill in the holes the author leaves behind?

At least it’s not a never ending series, so there is that going for it. It just felt really blah for an ending.

3, I’m greedy and want more, stars.

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t believe that this was the final book about Iris when I finished.

To be honest, the cover of Iris and Dean smiling together felt a bit jarring when you think of the contents of the book, which is mainly about how the Tasmerians deal with war. It is pretty though.

There was a lot of dialogue, which most light novels have. Especially when Berne was talking to Dean and Leticia - I felt super bored during those scenes.

This book put a lot more emphasis on Merellis, Iris’s mother, which I guess makes sense since the sequel-prequels are going to be about her.

There were some forgotten characters, namely Lyle, Rehme, Rudius, and especially Mina for being on the character pages. Some of the characters who got no picture had more time in the book, like Kreuz or Shrey.

I did not expect Edward to die that way. Especially not him sacrificing himself for Yuri. I kinda felt bad for him just like Iris, even after what all he’d put her through. I didn’t really care about Yuri though. She was pretty unsympathetic.

When I heard that Dean had died, I was devastated but clinging onto the hope that he faked his death so he could be with Iris. I was somewhat right, though I didn’t expect him to keep his identity hidden for the rest of his life. I am glad she got to become governor though. She deserves it.

I don’t know how Iris maintains friendly relations with Khadir. Like, he literally attacked her duchy just so he could become king. If I were her, I probably wouldn’t be so friendly with him.

I felt like the pacing was off. The war felt like it ended all too soon. I didn’t like the jump cut to the future at the end where all of a sudden, Iris and Dean are married with two kids and Tanya and Dida were apparently into each other and are pregnant? I did have the feeling that Berne and Leticia would get together though. I am happy that she was recognized for her accomplishments, though.

I don’t want Iris’s story to be over! The ending felt rushed.

[Snowy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*
I overall enjoyed the series, but the last novel left me disappointed. First of all, I haven't been the biggest fan of romance for the past few years and this wasn't the kind of romance that could break my dislike. I like Iris and Duke as separate characters and I admit they're fine for each other, but the twists and turns in the relationship annoyed me. They both secretly like each other, but can't be together for various reasons, even though they could expend a little bit of effort to get together. This running away before getting back together is an overdone trope. Another overdone trope is the "I've received news my beloved has died in battle" and the MC shows off her independency before the ML comes back unscathed and basically says it was all just a prank bro. Honestly couldn't care less if the ML actually died in battle. Something else that really annoyed me was the little heart to heart that Iris had with the ogMC (forgot her name) and they smile together and laugh about how much falling in love has effected them and how silly the whole concept is. Yeah sure they admit they hate each other, but I just find it so...cliche? distasteful? for the MC to just laugh about love with this traitorous bitch who tried to massacre the country because her mom got jaded. After all this I left the series with a bitter taste in my mouth and I'm planning to remove my series from my shelves.

The books leading up to this conclusion are all good and enjoyable to read in my opinion. I think it's still worth it to read the series since other people may not see these things as problematic as I do.

[My · Rating 4 out of 5]

So from what I've understood, this volume closes out the main story (the following books are about Iris' mother, I think?) and I'm kind of wishing it's not - mostly because it's too many plot points to finish in one book for my liking. I don't know if I can say it feels rushed but as a reader, I would have liked to get more of an experience with the Acacia situation, the battle with Tweil, and the succession/s. Arguably, I felt more tension during the ex-communication arc and the Dida situation than during Tweil and Acacia.

Still, I really do love this series and it's still one of my favorites. My rating is closer to a 4.5, would always recommend.

[Carmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

War is on the horizon and Iris is preparing not only to defend the duchy if it comes to that, but also ensure that her people are kept as safe as possible no matter how the war impacts the duchy. Meanwhile, the first prince must prepare to make a stand while also continuing to deal with his brother’s shenanigans. When some of the trash takes itself out, the princess makes an offer even the first prince can’t refuse, but how will it emotionally impact Iris?

I’ve been enjoying this series, so I was sad to be let down by the final book covering Iris’s story. We’re constantly being told what’s going on or what the plan is without letting the story show us what’s actually happening. I’m giving the story a pass on that because it was war time and everyone was running around making plans and putting them into motion, but the character’s stories really took a hit. Everything happens so fast, some of the characters are paired up but we barely see it actually happening, and then everything abruptly wraps up and it’s over.

The time jump at the very end barely scratched the surface. What happened to everyone after the war? Did anyone else settle down and have kids? How were some of the characters doing in their new roles? I’m left with way more questions than answers. I’m on the fence about whether or not I want to continue the series after this. As much as I like Merellis, aka Mer, I’m now afraid her story will end in a similar fashion even though we know what happens with her story anyway. Even though I love most of this series, this felt really rushed and it ended up being a huge letdown.

[Kyriee]

Let me settle the things I loved/liked at first:

1) In my personal opinion, I liked the ending of Iris and Dean (’Cause Prince Alfred is dead, BABES)
2) I love Mer (Iris’s mother). The later installments after this one are about her, so I would love to dive deep into that.
3) Lastly, the friendship and trustworthiness - I would die for it!

Now let's get real.
1) The war part - there’s more telling than showing. Like, show me the action instead of just telling what’s happening! I completely enjoyed the war aspects and how they planned everything, but it was mostly in narration instead of being shown.
2) Edward and Yuri - I didn’t feel anything for these fools. Thank God Iris showed Yuri her place! Unfortunately, Yuri didn’t use her brain for the right reasons, so I don’t sympathize with her.
3) Why the several-year skip? I would have loved to see pregnant Iris and how Dean handled her mood swings - HAH, we were robbed!
4) Also, Letticia and Berne as a couple, we didn’t see much development beyond small interactions. WE WERE ROBBED AGAIN, UGH! At least we got good interaction and development for Tanya and Dida throughout the volumes, but why not Berne? UHHHH.

Final Verdict:
Devoured 5 volumes in 5 days - thank you truly for the entertainment this series brought me!

[Maho01 · Rating 2 out of 5]

And my love of the series comes crumbling down. Up till now I truly loved this series, with a focus on ruling an area, political intrigue, corruption and so on, all of this with group of well done characters with understandable motives that stay in character and so on. And then this volume happened. Then the "oh but we've never had a female ruler and that's wrong because girl power" straight out of the 20th century and from a character that has shown no aptitude to defend herself or eliminate her enemies or even support her allies. Then (spoilers) princy boy that has sacrificed and given everything to save his kingdom, to make it prosper, who perhaps better than anyone knows the dangers of a weak ruler and the suffering of the population under said weak rule, makes a heel turn straight out of a trashy romance novel. Meanwhile Iris goes from calm, capable and believable with a good handle on her limitations to wonder girl. I just want to ask, what happened here? What suddenly made the author make a sharp turn into progressivism? It breaks the story for me, it ruins it really. I was looking forward to a volume after said war where Iris finally decides she's done enough and at least tries to pursue her own happiness, with another volume or so with her and princy boy working together to make a union work. Instead we get this? I'm left speechless at the poor writing and insertion of modern ID politics into an otherwise wonderful story.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compared to the other four books where i devoured them in one sitting, this one took me over a year to finish. The beginning started off good but halfway through the book i felt like things got resolved way to fast. Like okay her territory is now exempt from royal influence and all the nobles are cool with that? Not even one didn't have anything to argue? Even her being made the family head? The only things i found interesting in this book was probably her whole conversation with Yuri and her interaction with Khadir who i felt wasn't used to his full potential. Like i see her and Khadir matching wits more than her and Dean/Alfred but that could just be me liking potential second leads more. Just wish we had a bit more of him. All in all i give this series as a whole a solid 6.5 or 7 in terms of enjoyability. I read Reia's afterword and seeing as her computer lost most of the original of what she had not once but twice that it makes sense why things seem so rushed toward the halfway point through the book. Will i be reading the prequel books following her mother? Most likely not. Iris story is done and the mother to be honest isn't enough of a interesting character for a book about her or at least hold my attention. Im just glad to have this one finished so i can start on my to be read pile because this book held me up for a year.

[Pieter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tweil has invaded. In itself not a direct issue for Iris since Armelia is quiet some distance away from the conflict. The problem is that Tweil has made an unexpected alliance and Armelia is not as save as most expected. The final part of the series is at times tense, a good addition to the series even if Iris' people have a relatively easy time. As an individual volume it is a good read. As an ending to a series it felt a bit rushed, especially near the end in regards to the romance. Things were a bit too convenient and I think it would have worked a bit better if Iris had to do some scheming to achieve her goals. It left me somewhat disappointed about the end, still a great series and a decent end.

[Jenna M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The war is finally here — and Iris has to pay its price.

Tweil’s invasion and new alliances push the conflict right to Armelia’s doorstep, forcing Iris to act not just as a governor, but as a leader willing to risk everything for her people.

What I loved most was seeing Iris at this stage of her growth. She’s confident, strategic, and deeply respected, and it feels earned after everything she has survived. Her strength has always been quiet determination, and this book lets that shine.

The final stretch does feel rushed in places, especially with the romance, and I found myself wanting more time with certain moments. Even so, the ending left me satisfied and proud of how far she’s come.

A bittersweet but fitting close to the main story.

[R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iris continues to both surprise and impress as she reads the political situations and now must deal with war on top of proposals. Letty's ambitions are a bit of a surprise, but also in some ways the perfect solution. Aside from Iris' near breakdown at the news, the situation really plays off unintentionally to the best interests of all parties even if it's not originally what any of them thought would happen when the story began. The ending of this book reads like the end of the tale entirely, however, it appears that there are more installments for the series, so curious to see which direction the story spins from here.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 5 in the series, and the final story of the main story.

The war that Iris has always feared has come, and while Armelia is quite some distance away from the conflict, Twei's unexpected alliance has made it so that Armelia is not as safe as expected.

While some parts of the story were a little rushed (and possibly there was more, but the author Reia had to cut it down), I still enjoyed this, especially the ending, which I found very satisfying, especially after everything that Iris has gone through.

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good!! I loved this book, and this series as a whole! What a ride.

Volume 5 wraps up our main story! Iris gets her happy ending, and Leticia gets her time to shine. And Dean, of course, whom we all love & is Iris’ perfect match.

However, this is not the end! From the next volume onwards, we will be delving into a prequel story featuring Merellis (Iris’ mother!). I’m super excited!

Onwards and upwards! :)

[Jina · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I'm thrilled that Iris got her happy ending, I think Iris should have been able to become Queen and help Dean revolutionize the whole kingdom. Unlike the house of Edward's mother, Iris's family would never abuse the power because they understand what it means to be a noble. Even if her brother's or cousin's kids stupidly broke the family honor, Dean and Iris would have raised their children to never let their non-royal kin use them to abuse the kingdom.

[Red · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end of Iris’s story. An amazing conclusion, however the last two chapters of the book feel like they should have been at least four, due to everything that happened. I’ve given all the books five stars other than this one. The conclusion is well thought out and satisfying, but rather stuffed and packed.

[Marjo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started by giving 4 stars (a good ending for a good series, but not life changing or anything) but then I remembered that it made me cry, and my tears=5 stars rule. I might adjust the rating when I re-read it at some point in the future, but for now 5 stars it is.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful conclusion to the main story, Iris shines just as brightly. It's such a wonder to see all of her hardwork rewarded and when more challenges pop-up, she is the woman for the job. She's such an inspiring character that it makes me want to charge into a project and give it my all!

[Brittney Bower]

Online Fan translation

[Sokret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

I’ve come to regret to have finished the book so quickly, and wishing to be able to remove my memory so that I can experience reading it for the first time again.

[Celepom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion of Iris' story! I cried so many times, while still being enthralled by the economics lol. This is by far my favourite Isekai series.

[Ponydera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Although a plot twist nearly had me in tears. I seriously wanted to throw the book. But I guess that means I was really invested in the characters 😅

[AHCuteArt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this whole series in one go. So, I’ll save my review for the last book.

[Thanh Hoang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fun and easy read. Only 3 stars because I'm unlikely to reread it.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

the 4th star is being held up by the last chapter lol

[Miss Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was fine? i'm a little surprised that the series is continuing with iris' mother; this was the sort of rushed wrap up that's usually characteristic of a title cancellation

3 stars

[Fado Sk · Rating 4 out of 5]

La verdad que está historia fue muy buena, me encantó leer sobre mujeres empoderadas>>>>> los únicos mensos son los hombres como debería de ser en todas las historias jajajaja

Pero weno aún así tengo quejas pero la verdad son muy poquitas:

• Siento que el desarrollo amoroso entre Iris y Dean pudo haber sido mejor, digo leyendo la historia puedes entender completamente porque los dos se enamoraron pero al mismo tiempo se siente como que muy abrupto, solo me refiero al inicio de su romance, ya el desarrollo y el final fueron buenos hasta me dió sentimiento 🫶

• Que paso con el caballero???? ese man que ya se me olvidó su nombre pero igual me dejaron con dudas ptm, entiendo que él nunca fue un personaje grande en la historia, ni siquiera en su "arco de redención" tuvo tanto protagonismo xD pero su final me dejó esperando que volviera a salir alguna noticia de él, que volviera a aparecer como la persona que siempre ha querido ser pero nop, no hubo nadaaa ni una triste mención :'u

• ¿Por qué hacer que la protagonista haya renacido dentro de un juego Otome si al final la trama ni siquiera es sobre eso? Like en serio, la trama del juego no le ayudo en NADA, osea me encantó la trama se los juro pero al mismo tiempo me quedaba pensando "¿No hubiera sido mejor hacer que la protagonista simplemente renaciera en otro mundo / en el pasado o algo?" Es que en serio se los juro eso me saco demasiado de onda sin mencionar que el final lo narran cómo si toda la historia hubiera pasado en un mundo real y no dentro de un juego, es más toda la trama es así jajaja de juego no tiene nada.

• Me quedé con ganas de saber un poco más sobre otros personaje: como los amigos de la infancia de Iris y más porque se veía como que Rehme tenía sentimientos por Lyle (o por lo menos esa fue la impresión que me dió en este capítulo) y el banquero también ptm, siento que su introducción fue muy grande como para que ya después comenzará a aparecer cada vez menos like??? También paso lo mismo con el principe del otro reyno, pensé que después de su aparición mínimo iba a tener más menciones pero nop NADA, siento que la autora no se supo administrar bien porque es verdad que está historia tenía demasiados personajes xD

Pero bueno fuera de esos 4 puntos todo es excelente 🥰

[ツバキ · Rating 2 out of 5]

沒想到第五集就是最後一集了（雖然作者的後記看起來似乎打算寫外傳的樣子），嚇了我一跳，我還以為以這個系列受歡迎的程度至少會寫個8集以上。

這集大概有一半以上都是很正經的劇情，例如戰爭開始、領地遭受襲擊等等，而作者也塞了很多看似感人，但其實描寫方式不夠深入，所以只讓我覺得滿頭問號的劇情——在領地受到攻擊的時候，一般的平民比起逃走，卻跳進去幫忙支援警備隊——正常來說應該深受感動的劇情，我卻心如止水。雖然我讀了前幾集非常明白這個領地的生活水準在女主角身為現代人的智慧之下有著很顯著的改善，甚至可能該地的居民過得比王都都還要好，但我覺得作者在這方面的描述、架構，真的都無法讓讀者融入故事並產生情緒，而且居民想保衛自己家的那幾段場景真的老哏又做作到讀起來非常尷尬。

而且更讓我受不了的是，書裡又花了非常多的時間在稱讚大小姐多棒，因為大小姐太棒了，所以我們才自願跟著她。不是說不能塞這樣的劇情進去，但是從第一集到現在，這種劇情已經多到我覺得有點誇張了，而且雖然故事一直強調大小姐工作能力有多強之類的，可是這個人在現代社會的時候，不是只是普通的OL嗎？到底為什麼普通的OL會突然變成這種超強的完人？？？

再來就是，雖然之前就吐槽過女主角這邊優秀人才也太多了吧，但這集又告訴我們，女主角的母親——非常擅長社交的公爵夫人，其實擁有強大的武力……這個設定我還是覺得太扯又不必要，不是說女性擁有很強大的武力不行，而是這種完人設定不會太多嗎？一個故事如果這種各方面都強的怪物很多的話，就只是單純的妄想，而不是有趣的故事吧？當然連公主也超強之類的設定我就不提了。

然後雖然我上一集有驚訝為什麼第二王子們這麼快就被拉下魔王的位子，但這集把他們拿出來鞭屍也讓我覺得微妙，老實說這段有必要嗎？而且明明之前有提到尤莉背後的勢力，但這集完結卻完全沒提到這方面的事情到底是？結局也莫名地就帶到結婚生小孩、其他配角結婚……咦？

還有作者似乎想帶入一些因性別必須放棄某些事情的議題，但女主角你明明就現代人，為什麼妳也一臉理所當然的接受：因為自己是女的不能繼承領主的位子？？甚至弟弟要把繼承人的位子讓給女主角，她還一臉驚訝，這不是妳第一次聽到這種概念吧？

雖然最後是好結局啦，但是其實這部的CP沒有一對是我喜歡的。

[Royden Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice. I am glad that I have read these. It appears that 6-8 are a 'prequel' or 'previous generation' thing, so I will look at them as well.
***
Addendum 2025 - A few weeks back, a whole lot of light novels were free for purchase on Audible. One of which being this series... so while driving around for 8-ish hours, I listened to this book... which of course lead me to re-read books 2,3,4, and 5. I find this series very nice to re-read, as this was my third read thru books 1-5 in slightly over a year.