I picked this up because I liked the setting and there were interesting elements in the synopsis (cross dressing plus pretend royalty), but I didn't expect that much. What I got though, really exceeded my expectations.
This is a story about identity, responsibility, resolve, discrimination, politics, and more.
Identity - usually for gender benders it's just about hiding their gender yet mostly being themselves, but shounen oujo is interesting because it also involves being someone else. It's not about simply pretending to be another gender, but taking on another identity, and in a world with many enemies. And because this involves cross dressing as well, it makes it even more interesting to see how this can manage to work - especially since a guy pretending to be female is much more difficult than the other way round. Add in the fact that there's serious (opposite!) gender discrimination and things get messy.
The identity crisis thing is complicated by the fact that it involves royalty and politics. It's already difficult enough to be a princess in difficult times, what with having to deal with all the political mess while trying to do your best to better the country. Then add in a main protagonist that has to deal with all these while knowing he isn't even a princess and has no responsibility to, and there's just even more to consider.
This manga involves things like gender discrimination and serious things. But while it remains able to discuss these issues without making it seem thoughtless or casual, it also doesn't end up making the manga too depressing and heavy to read. It is neither not serious enough nor too serious. It doesn't try to force ideas down our throat, but more of simply presents us situations that result from such ideas. The tone of the manga is thus enjoyable and sufficiently grabs my attention. There's also not much fanservice nor forced comedy that might be a turn off to readers.
It isn't always all about the palace life either. There are change in settings and different kinds of people to be enjoyed, so it doesn't get boring. The main character is someone I would love to follow to see how they'll end up, and the supporting characters are enjoyable enough.
I'm sufficiently invested in the story to want to know how things play out, while being satisfied with the pacing such that I don't find it draggy or rushed.
The happenings can be expected or unexpected sometimes, but even when it's expected it's still impactful, or it's something I can nod to and go "yup, that's how it should be". Rather than having unexpected surprises at every corner, letting the reader feel that the happenings are natural are not out of place is more important, and this is where I think this manga succeeds. There's just nothing much that's overly bullshitty or makes me frustrated, which is something rather difficult for many series to achieve.
Overall, it's not outstanding or jaw-dropping. But it keeps me invested while not giving me much to complain about. Rather than a manga that seems amazing but ends up being a disappointment, this seems more of one that will be consistent, which is very welcome. I'd recommend this to anyone since it probably has elements that appeal to most people. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
