Tags: Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Shoujo
Sub-Tags: Strong Lead, Business, Conspiracies
Synopsis:
“We demanded reparations, not a bride.”
Pressed into marrying a general of the enemy nation, she would find only her future husband’s rejection and a cold reception in her new homeland…
As the daughter of a powerful marquess in a small, prosperous nation, Bertine was raised with all the privileges and expectations befitting her station. Yet not long before her wedding day, the king orders her to marry Cecilio instead, a representative of the nation victorious against her own. For she was part of the war reparations. Resigned to her fate, despair in her heart, she crosses the ocean, bound for her new home.
But all that awaited her was Cecilio’s absence and his servants’ humiliating treatment of her. “I can’t rely on my parents or my status. So I shall gain the strength to survive here through my own efforts.” Alone and armed only with her resolve, Bertine flees the estate and begins to carve a path that will allow her to live in enemy territory…
A young lady possessed of a hidden talent for business. A general known as “The Battle-Crazed Savage.” And their love story, predicated by a misunderstanding and a negotiation starts here! (Source: Cross Infinite World)
The Federations’ Alchemist!
Written by Syuu and illustrated by Fujigasaki comes a relatively recent title to the Cross Infinite roster focusing on a young lady’s effort in building business and power.
Starting off the Young Lady’s True Calling saga, the first volume follows the usual beats for the genre as Bertine settles into her new life and sets up her business to show her natural prowess. As the volume progresses, however, it becomes clear that there’s more to the series than meets the eye.
For one, Syuu’s writing style makes for an engaging read. They let the characters speak for themselves. As a result, you become engrossed within the author’s world and the story they are trying to tell.
Secondly, whilst the opening volume’s story begins simplistic enough, it eventually develops into a more grandiose affair. With small nods to the reveal scattered throughout the novel’s first half, the realisation that Bertine’s sudden trip abroad, as well as her business dealings leading to more than just a way for her to earn a new living, adds an extra layer to the plot that’s appreciated. After all, there’s only so far a story about dealing cloth will get you!
A Pawn, A Puppet, and a Powerful Leader
With the story eventually achieving its full potential by the volume’s end, there’s one aspect of the series that is a highlight throughout – characters.
Three characters immediately jump to mind as the series’ strong suit, Bertine, Cecilio, and Rose. From the outset, at least, Bertine comes across as the typical noblewoman with an eye for business. This impression changes with time as it becomes clear that Bertine has an innate understanding of people and their circumstances.
In order to assimilate within the Federation’s society, one of her first moves as a business owner was to hire war widows. A move that showed that Bertine as more than just a sheltered noble and that she understood that war affects all parts of society.
As for Cecilio and Rose, they both end up standing out for the same reason – show-don’t-tell character introductions. Through these well-choreographed segments, we can grasp a lot of information crucial to understanding how they’ll react to any given situation as the series continues. Hopefully, this character-building will continue when introduced to other hyped characters, such as the queen of San Luenne.
Overall, Living with the Enemy’s first instalment is an excellent addition to the genre. Whilst the author’s style helps to push the series along, what makes this series stand out are its characters. Complex with well-defined motivations, they help to bring this romantic fantasy to life.
A Young Lady’s True Calling Vol. 1
My Rating: 8.5/10
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You can read the first volume of this series digitally through the distributors listed on the Cross Infinite World website.
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