Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, Romance, Shoujo

A Saint and Demon Princes’ Happy Ending!

For the second review of the week, I decided to read Cross Infinite World’s latest shoujo romcom, which included demons, saints and catgirls!

Belated Happiness stars newly single saint Marialite. Having reached the ripe old age of 27, she promptly has her engagement to the prince annulled and is forced to return to her commoner life. Now back at her childhood home, she’s surprised to find a boy with horns who happens to be the demon prince.

As a result of Marialite’s care, the demon prince grows at an incredible speed and now that he’s all grown up, he declares his love for Marialite asking her to move to the demon country. Starting a new life together, will the two of them be able to overcome the trials that the kingdom of demons has in store?

For those who are looking for another series to satiate their shoujo romcom fix, they’ll be happy to know that this series certainly fits the bill as Marialite and Sirius’ relationship together is the main highlight. They’re adorkable together and it’s wonderful watching Marialite’s journey as her feeling for Sirius slowly grow as the novel progresses.

Marialite as a character is fun overall. She’s quirky if a little air-headed, and what she lacks in critical thinking she makes up for in emotional strength – a particularly useful trait when everybody in her life beforehand was trying to run her over.

Personally, I find that Marialite’s character is utilised best against hard-headed characters such as Cornelia. The saint is great at breaking down emotional barriers, which is a specific problem for Cornelia. Whilst she’s constantly looking for a fight at first, it’s great to read once she’s had her tsundere spirit broken and genuinely looks forward to spending time with Marialite.

Whilst the characters are all well and good, there is one big problem with the main body of the story, its pacing. At times, the plot runs at blistering speeds to the point where it would benefit from being two volumes rather than one.

The change between the two conflicts feels a little unnatural and rushed. With two volumes, the story would’ve benefited immensely, especially with events in the second half. The story would feel more fleshed out with a deeper exploration of Leonis as a character alongside more information on the sacred beasts. Marialite and Cornelia’s friendship would also have benefited with perhaps an extra part dedicated to their time together.

Overall, Belated Happiness’ best feature is its couple and regardless of the pacing issues it thankfully manages to maintain a wonderfully sweet love story with cute and loveable characters.