This is a story of Iris, who uses her knowledge from her past life to make her life succesful, as she no longer has the prospect of getting married.
The manga though, confuses the reader a bit by going quickly over the reincarnation part. The novel makes this a bit more clear.
Now what I'm going to say now isn't a spoiler, rather a way to clear up the confusion of those who've read it and make the description of the story more understandable: Iris isn't transported to a life in an otome game - rather, the moment the manga introduces her in her current life is the moment she remembers everything from her past life. A past life in which she had played the otome game that had revealed her downfall in her current life. That's the beginning of the story. Once you understand this, you'll also understand why it's not important to linger on the reincarnation part.
True, the writer could've dwelled on the "why am I reincarnated into this life and why do I suddenly remember everything at this critical moment?" But then I suppose the author would've to come up with a magic-circle-like explanation. Again, this isn't a magical story - this is about a girl making her own life work by using her brains, by working hard and by being focused on her goal, not on love.
The only lucky elements the writer has thrown in is her memory of her past life and her beautiful personality, which altogether makes the story great.
The story in the manga is slow-paced compared to the novel, however, this is necessary in mangas with political and business elements. The excitement that arise from facing obstacles in these areas are, personally better that in Saiunkoku Monogatari. It makes the reader look forward to how Iris will accomplish things.
As it is slow-paced it is still at a part where Iris is reaping success without too much ado. This creates an opportunity to get to know the main cast of the story. Also, this "beginning"-part of the story highlights the message the writer wants to bring over: Success is the result of using your brains, having the right priorities and hard work. Especially hard work.
The characters gets more well-rounded as the story progresses. I love the variety of characters, the good, the evil,... Also, the cast expands as the story progresses. I'm particularly thankful that the author does not limit the cast to only a handful to whom the readers could get attached to. But then again, I'm probably speaking as a novel-reader.
By the way, I love, love, looooove the strong element of loyalty in this story. Not in a romantic way, but in a friendship way. Albeit it's mostly master-servant relationships. Still, it's beautifully portrayed.
Iris Lana Armelia is a refreshing change from the stereotypes of female MCs in manga. She smart and emotionally strong, but not obnoxious. Compassionate and caring, but not dense. Feminine, but not whiny and in constant need for someone to hold her. Wealthy, but willing to work hard. All of this may make it seem she does things a bit too good, but hey, for a change, I don't mind following the story of such an emotionally superwoman. This is a capable female MC, and I love it! Yes, she is adored by many characters and rightly so! I find this way better than the typical moe MCs who are adored for being cute, looking cute and acting cute.
In short, I love this manga. The strong elements of being independent and loyalty and a beautiful well-rounded cast is making this a great read, both in manga and in the novel.
I hope they'll make an anime of this, too.
