
Based on a light novel from Fujimi Shobo, My Happy Marriage is a romantic fantasy manga written by Akumi Agitogi and illustrated by Rito Kosaka with Tsukiho Tsukioka. It is published by Square Enix in both Japan and the United States.
Set in a fantasy version of the 19th-century Meiji Restoration era, Miyo Saimori was born the eldest daughter of a wealthy man. She is much loved until the passing of her mother after which, her family married his childhood sweetheart and had a second daughter whom he favors. Suffering abuse at the hands of her stepmother and stepsister, she is forced into an engagement with the stern military officer Kiyoka Kudo, who is said to have scared away other potential wives with his harsh manner. As she enters his household, she finds that he is strict and suspicious, but wonders if he is a monster.
The artwork is beautiful. It perfectly illustrates her shyness, weathered appearance, and emotionally beaten expressions from Miyo and how just a little bit of kindness helps her display some happiness. Likewise, Kudo is well-drawn and he brings curiosity. At first, he does seem monstrous, but through flashbacks, we see it is much deeper than one first thought and the artwork shows it.
On that note, the story is sort of a combination of Cinderella with Beauty and the Beast. Our heroine is mistreated and abused by her stepmother and stepsister while her father ignores it before sending her off. Our hero is a respected military man but is said to be so harsh he has chased away other potential brides. His roughness is shown to even Miyo, but he is stunned by how she accepts it and by the meekness of her appearance. It is the start of the story of how a feminine woman collides with a masculine man and what can transpire. It is a classic tale in this modern manga.
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[…] it, check out my manga highlights of volume eight of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes and volume one of My Happy Marriage. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this […]