Tags: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life, Shoujo, Villainess

Sub-Tags: Business, Personal Growth, Tsundere

The Disgraced Old Blood Meets the Nouveau Riche!

To Find the Best in Oneself

Her fiancé stolen and forced to fulfil a political marriage for the sake of her family’s debt; The Invisible Wallflower’s opening volume follows Iris at a rather tumultuous time. 

Typical of this genre, the protagonist is viewed as plain and unappealing and has internalised this as a lack of self-confidence. However, it is clear from the outset of this series that what Iris may lack in confidence, she more than makes up in determination. Despite travelling to unfamiliar territory with a man surrounded by unsavoury rumours, she’s more than willing to make a success of the situation not only for her family but also for her own sake. 

Rather than a typical marriage, her new husband, Lord Lucas, wishes for her to act more like a governess overseeing their progress to becoming perfect members of the upper class. Through determination and armed with knowledge from the capital, Iris can grow closer to all members of the Stock household. 

The results of Iris’s efforts are best illustrated by the author in two ways. The first is through Iris’s maid Kiki, and the gardener. Constant conversations and allowing for a safe environment enable the two with noble traumas to finally open up.

The second is the effect Iris has on the Stock business. With everyone able to address nobles formally, the same nobles are unable to low-ball stock, which means a rise in profits and wages for everyone. 

The Rocky Starts of Romance

By getting closer to members of the Stock household, it allows the main focus of the story to move forward also. This series is primarily focused on romance, and the overall impression of the relationship between the two is awkward yet cute.

Iris’ dogged effort to teach formal mannerisms doesn’t fail to get the attention of her political husband, Lucas. Slowly but surely, Iris’ efforts work on him as well, turning their once unconsummated marriage into a situation where sparks have begun to fly.

That isn’t to say that their loving relationship by the end of the volume hasn’t faced hardships. With the two lovebirds noticeably getting closer as the story progresses, both childhood friend Coldola and favourite servant Leikzig start to have issues.

Both issues stem from fierce loyalty, worried that Iris won’t be strong enough to help Lucas when times inevitably turn tough. Iris solves these problems by showing them that she’s more than just princessly noble.

Overall, The Invisible Wallflower’s first volume starts the series off strong. With a sharp focus on personal growth, the series succeeds in showing how new influences can lead to positive change.

For Lucas and the members of his household, Iris’ influence sees many open up about past traumas and signals a way to move forward positively. For Iris, moving to unfamiliar territory finds her trying new things and becoming more independent away from the influence of her oppressive family. 

As the series moves forward to confront trauma’s of the past, there’s lots still to look forward to.