Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, School Life

Sub-Tags: Strong Lead, OP, Tsundere, Bickering Couple, Banishment

A Battle of Rivals Racing to the Top!

A Rookie Climbs the Ranks

Few could quite be described as obsessed with magic as much as Noelle is. Magic has consumed her and is the only reason she’s been able to endure the hardships that life back in the boonies has brought. While for most, being fired and blacklisted from every magic organisation in town could spell the end for their magic, for Noelle, this spells the beginning of a new and exciting journey when an old friend uses the opportunity to make her his apprentice. What follows is the start of a light-hearted story about challenging people’s preconceived notions.

Beginning her journey as an apprentice to the royal court sorcerers, it isn’t long before her actions catch the attention of those around her. Humble to her own abilities, she outshines others by performing menial tasks in record time and being instrumental in saving the nation from several types of monster attacks. As a result, she easily gains the respect and admiration of those around her.

Unlike at her previous employ, Noelle’s perseverance and hard work pays off. In the royal court, good work doesn’t go unnoticed, resulting in the second-quickest rise in the ranks. Most would be pleased with these achievements, but Noelle simply can’t enjoy merely coming in second, especially if the pole position belongs to her rival, Luke.

Rivals, Friends, Lovers?

Whilst magic has always been there for her, it isn’t magic alone that has allowed her to progress to the levels she’s at today. Arguably of equal importance is her long-standing rivalry and friendship with fellow court sorcerer Luke.

The opening volume goes into great detail about their intertwining path, navigating the waters of rivalry to becoming best friends with the possibility of something more on the horizon. The constant bickering and bantering between them adds a wonderful comedic quality to the series whilst showcasing how deep their bond lies.

Noelle isn’t the only one touched by their bond with Luke also developing as a result of their relationship. Noelle is one of the very few to have touched this noble’s heart. Her genius and constant pushback against the world’s natural order was the wake-up call Luke needed to bring him out of the view that the world revolves around his every perfect action. Her representative challenge opened Luke towards a whole new world of emotions, eventually leading him to fall head-over-heels for the series’ protagonist.

Overall, My Magical Career at Court makes for a wonderful addition to the ever-growing list of J-Novel Club titles thanks to its well-placed comedic undertone and overwhelmingly positive atmosphere.

Whilst Noelle’s constant challenging of people’s preconceived notions is well realised, it’s hard to argue that the story’s best moments are often found in the interactions between Noelle and Luke. Constantly bickering but thick as thieves, they bring the story to life as they challenge each other to ever-greater goals.

With the opening volume ending on a cliffhanger, it’s hard to imagine that there won’t be more crazy adventures to come for this headstrong airhead.