The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 1

This story began as a series of light novels by Yura and Yukino and was subsequently adapted into an anime, drama CDs, and a manga written and illustrated by Yura. Set in the fictional empire of Saiunkoku, it follows Shurei Hong, a clever and hardworking girl born to a noble family that has fallen on hard times. Unable to fulfill her ambitions to work in politics, she accepts an offer to work as a consort for the childish Emperor Ryuki. Finding it difficult to even meet Ryuki (he initially pretends to be someone else to avoid her), it is quickly apparent that this will be no easy job even for the ambitious Shurei. However, she soon notices the good in Ryuki that few others have taken the time to see, and they become a charming odd couple of sorts. Indeed, the centerpiece of this story is the interactions between Shurei and Ryuki; the subplots are interesting but mostly serve to further develop their relationship. The story is endearing, striking a good balance between humor and romantic subtexts, and the art pays a strong attention to world building detail. (Nov.)