UlasanAnime.com – My backlog of Aria the NATURAL has been significantly impacted by Saiunkoku Monogatari, which has now taken its place as an inoffensive and easy-to-watch series. I find myself drawn to it partly for the reverse-harem aspect, but primarily because Shuurei is exceptionally cute, and I’m a huge fan of KUWASHIMA HOUKO.
Despite this, I believe the show is receiving an appropriate amount of attention. While I wouldn’t suggest dropping other series to watch it, unlike Aria, Saiunkoku Monogatari actually features plot progression. This keeps my attention focused during the week, especially on tiring weeknights, as I fear I might fall asleep if I were watching Aria instead.
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I initially approached SaiMono with the expectation of an interesting setting and story, but so far, neither has fully materialized. The narrative centers on Shuurei, the sole child of the court librarian (akin to a Chief IT officer), as she navigates her role in “taming” the delinquent King. She then engages in a women’s suffrage arc, which is empowering and intriguing, though admittedly a bit dull. Fortunately, the series has woven in enough mystery behind every element that nothing is as it seems, and there’s likely enough unexplained backstory to form an entire anime series on its own. To be fair, most of the potentially “interesting” plot points have yet to be revealed.
Having watched only about 12 episodes, I’ve observed the typical parade of anime tropes: the flamboyant courtier, the double agent, the double-double agent, the secret successor, various lineage deceptions, the “I understand you but must fight you” trope, gender-bending, and the usual political puppetry and manipulation.
Does this detract from the experience? Not anymore. The show almost feels like a slice-of-life, yet events continue to unfold. It seems the production value is currently overshadowing the adaptation’s flaws. This is likely a positive, as with a planned 39 episodes, there’s ample room for significant plot developments. I’m eagerly anticipating these climaxes, hoping they arrive soon, if they haven’t already begun. I gave Simoun at least 14 episodes before it captivated me, and 16 episodes were enough to fully win me over. I hold a similar hope for SaiMono.
