this is good and cute!! Loveable~

Admittedly, I read this because the art was cute and there were two cute guys on the cover in a suggestive pose.

On that front, I wasn't disappointed! As others have said, it's an episodic set of stories about two extremely close, openly affectionate brothers and their courtly misadventures. It really doesn't try to be more or less than that, and I really enjoyed what was available of it in English.

However, I would argue that it does in fact read like the softest shounen ai: it sells the gay with constant jokes, suggestive poses, and affection that does push the envelope of "are they, or aren't they?"

However, all it does is push and play it up with comedy. There is no actual gay in the main storyline. But it's still some extremely suggestive fun, and I love how sweet the characters are to each other. Definitely worth checking out, despite having been dropped.

p.s. lady crostled is the best <3

... Last updated on December 8th, 2012, 2:19am

At first I was convinced this was yaoi (or at least shonen ai)...but: WRONG!...big wrong!...but then it was too late...IT'S ACTUALLY GOOD...so I kept reading...but: WRONG!...there are two volumes left!...I found the chinese raws...but guess what...I don't know chinese...

While there are plenty of BL jokes, I don't believe this manga can be classified as shounen-ai any more than any other manga filled with bishies. The two main characters, the brothers, have absolutely no romantic feelings between them.

This would be better classified as an adventure comedy, with a touch of politics thrown in. Others have better described the brother's characters and the art, so I won't bother. I do want to mention the side characters, especially the Emperor are very interesting in a sadistically funny way.

I would have given this one a 10, but I'm still waiting for a more defined overall plotline.
Whether or not you like sho-ai, if you like adventure comedies, give this one a try.

Addendum: Okay, just read the unrelated oneshot from volume 3. Yes, the oneshot is shounen-ai.

... Last updated on August 25th, 2009, 5:18pm

I must admit I was thrown off at first when I saw the synopsis. Two brothers, shounen ai?! But thus far, that element is barely there.

The older brother, Robert, is the serious thinker of the two, while Emile, the younger, is the ladies' man. They make a great combination, and there are no end of funny moments from Emile getting into hot water and Robert yelling at him in exasperation. The Prince is never serious either, poking fun at Robert whenever possible. Definitely a cast that you'll like instantly.

The story is very much focused on Robert and Emile's problems at court and exploits, so it feels like episodes strung together to highlight different things that had happened to the brothers. At the moment it's very cut and dried, but considering there are currently 6 volumes out, something more in-depth will definitely develop. The historical element makes it even more interesting.

The art is very nice at certain points, but on the whole rather inconsistent, in particular the colour images. These problems are minor, however, and it's pretty enough in general for you to make allowances. This is looking like a very promising manga, and I can't wait for more volumes to be scanlated so that I can see where it's heading.

... Last updated on November 2nd, 2008, 6:06am

I know there's incest hints, but it's really good. The characters are beautiful, funny, and just plain awesome. The main character (Robert) remains me alot of Cain ( from Godchild). ..Anyone think so?