@pcj @karasutengu Karl's mom is Sidis's cousin (she's the sister of the emperor).
So, Karl and Sidis are first cousin once removed (I think that's the term).

Maybe this should be called a Short Story instead of a Light Novel (lol). Very succinct and well done.

It's the romance/slice of life/tourist guide to Niigata/copperworking encyclopedia - a mix of genres I didn't know I wanted.

I'm not sure which chapter is the winner, whether the story of their first meeting as kids (super-cute) or the story of the trip to Sado Island (and the way their very different natures make their life difficult at times, which was so life-like). Overall a good spread of chapters, with cute, informative, cozy, and even a little sad in the mix.

It's great, so great. It can do touching or scary or dramatic or anything in between. The opening with Charlotte and Byaku waking in Ange's appartment, and Charlotte crying because it's been so long since she's had a warm meal, made me break down too. And then it never slowed dow.

I can't get over the way the art looks simple but it's still incredibly expressive. And all the crowd scenes with only hinted-at background and sketched crowds that still don't feel in any way incomplete. The way the demon-filled forest looks genuinely creepy. The way the fights are so clear and easy to read. And always, the artist is so great at saying a lot with a little.

Story-wise, this was one of the more dramatic volumes. No time for Ange to look for mom and similar silliness. Both Ange and Bel, separately, can't keep themselves from adopting vulnerable people for new family members, inspiring others, and taking on all sorts of responsibilities. I love how both Ange and Bel are genuinely good, warm, caring people, but in no way weak, and how they make each other better too, at a distance - this time we even see Bel thinking "what would Ange do here".

I'm all for the focus the other characters are getting this time, too. In a series that already could get very cute, Charlotte is on another level, and Byaku always trying to keep his guard up and not show any weakness is adorable in a completely different way. But it's not just cuteness here - this is people whose past have left them very hurt, and who need a lot of healing.

And finally, hints about Ange's possible origin keep piling up...

@Zerio Ugh, I hate when translators do that.

@GeorgeMTO I was rereading this manga and had another question about the LN. I hope you don't mind.

How was Ryo so sure that Lune is far north? The manga really skipped how much knowledge he has...

That whole scene about Parthenos's grave and barrier was really hilarious lol

I really can't fathom why Lufas is not more suspicious about Diina after her shenanigans. Surely preventing you from hearing a lore drop deserve a question.

@Zerio said in Cooking with Wild Game (Manga) Vol 10 Discussion:

@Geezer-Weasalopes said in Cooking with Wild Game (Manga) Vol 10 Discussion:

Huh.
I didn't get the impression in the LN that the adult women of the forest's edge were huge strapping folks who look capable of carrying two giba over their shoulders. Uphill. Both ways. Before breakfast. In the snow.
Given the lack of detailing on said women, I'm guessing the mangaka just couldn't be bothered with folks who don't show up as distinct individuals.

Who were you talking about here?

Chapter 53.
Other than Reina and Toor Deen, the forest edge women he's instructing are brief sketches. At one point purely outline drawings with no interior details, seriously just empty spaces. Otherwise...you can see they have hair, and maybe a waist, and generic clothes, and no facial features. The NPCist NPCs I've come across in manga. And they look burly. Like, the younger ones have figures, these don't. You'd think they'd do well in a contest of strength with no handicaps.

I wasn't a big fan of Sheryl at first, but her dedication really moved me.
I'm really surprised that Akira even crashed his car to save her.

Btw, can you spoil me how that informant lady could know so much details about Akira?

The way they drew Yogiri's face when Enju was pointing a gun towards him...I can really feel his frustration. He really treasures Enju and doesn't want to kill her. She's his first best friend.

@nappingcub said in Zero Believers (Manga) Vol 8 Discussion:

@Lily-Garden Makoto would totally do that. Since he didn't, more evidence that he Gerard was just "mostly dead".

Nah.
Even Makoto can't loot bodies while unconscious.

His collection gains another one…

@karasutengu said in Frontier Lord (Manga) Vol 7 Discussion:

The panel in today's release showing Dias's sneeze was, how should I put it..., disconcerting (to say the least).

The artist is talented.
Maybe too talented at times.

Narius may be sworn to First Prince Richard, but he's still his own man.
He's fallen for the atmosphere of Eldan and Dias's domains, and isn't happy at the thought of collateral damage there in the conflict between Richard and Meiser.
But he can't do anything concerning that, orders ya know, so might as well drown his sorrows.
Pity he gets loose lipped when in his cups. Yeah, right!

He's got style, that one.

Moll has them all dancing in the palm of her hand?
Somewhat.
She's a very good judge of character.
She's providing the music, and they can't resist dancing to it.
Her orchestration, but the choreography?
They do still have free will.

My guess is it's a truly odd cliff hanger avoider.
No wondering if it is or isn't a Great Tidal Bore while awaiting the next volume.

We've been informed that the Guild Master called it correctly, that their prepared defensive plan was successful, that there were casualties, and that this is something the kingdom budgets for.
That it's not some unexpected thing, but rather something the local infrastructure is built to handle at semi-regular intervals.

This kingdom is competent.

Ryo himself may be problematical, but the kingdom he currently finds himself within isn't.

Really glad this is back. It makes a great after-Christmas present.

Regarding that seeker's comments about having your fate in your hands even in a "beginner's" dungeon:

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@Innovan said in Campfire Cooking (Manga) Vol 10 Discussion:

"Raw" sushi is really "defrosted" sushi. It's been treated to kill parasites too, but just by freezing, instead of cooking. All the sushi he's buying through his online market is previously frozen.
So maybe get the hungry horde to cast some ice magic on their catch?

I think the hungry hoard's stomach juices are strong enough to destroy (dissolve) any and all parasites. After all, they are not normal everyday beasts.

@Hylebos Trust me, you’re not the first person to make that mistake. I know because I once did the same

As I said two weeks ago: Fortunately, Noor's a farmer.

And boy if this army isn't looking ripe for the harvest.