Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Weak to Strong, Oedipus Complex, Game Elements

From Shunned Noble to Exalted Crown Prince!

Complex, Thy Name is Oedipus

It’s rare for me to find a light novel I have difficulty reviewing. At the heart of the issue lies my conflicting feelings on this series’ present and knowing what’s to come in its future. Before reading Magic Stone’s pre-pub, I had already indulged in the fan translation and have a good perspective on how good the series will get. As a result, I’m conflicted as to whether to tell my readers about the series’ big issue without giving proper context as to how it’ll develop in the future. 

The big issue in question involves two plot points surrounding Ein’s mother, Olivia. The first looks at Olivia and Ein’s relationship as mother and son and the particular “closeness” the two share.

Likely developed due to the isolation the two shared whilst a part of the Roundheart family, the author creates a lot of mental gymnastics to explain how the two could end up romantically involved. Those worried about how this develops in the future shouldn’t be too concerned as (SPOILER) it’s put on a heavy back-burner.

The second plot issue is less of an issue and more of a point of potential discord. After deciding to return to the home kingdom of Ishtarica, the reason for leaving beyond Ein being shunned is revealed. The marriage of the Crown Princess to the Roundheart’s son was purely political and put in place until Olivia could find an alternative source of sea crystals. Contention arises over whether the son knew about this arrangement, Olivia’s actions over birthing her son, and when exactly the son took on a second wife. 

A Prologue to Adventure

Away from the problematic family relationship, the series at large is a fun fantasy adventure that serves as a prologue to the true start of the story.

Compared to Heim’s medieval ways, Ishtarica is positively cosmopolitan, filled with modern comforts. The differences between these nations parallel the gap between Ein’s noble beginnings and the fact that he has to learn what it means to be a crown prince.

Determined to emulate the legend of the first king, Ein’s first steps to becoming a successful prince involve mastering his detoxification abilities. A unique skill compared to most of the light novel fantasy genre, it allows Ein to learn skills by eating toxic magic stones. It’s appreciated that this skill requires mastery, and Ein isn’t shown as OP immediately after learning to use the ability.

Diplomacy makes up the second part of Ein’s princely training, an arc that pays off by the end of the volume as he riffs off the first king’s speech to save his betrothed.

Alongside Ein’s efforts, the series introduces several interesting members to the supporting cast. Krone and Chris are great, but the real standout belongs to Katima. She’s a bit of a loose cannon, constantly performing mad experiments and getting Ein involved in crazy schemes. She’s a lot of fun!

Setting aside the volume’s singular issue, Magic Stone Gourmet is a fun fantasy read that takes its main protagonist out of their comfort zone to learn the ways of royalty. With tangible development in character growth and a set of charismatic side characters, there’s certainly a lot to love about this series.