I just read chapter 23, and it was the biggest cliffhanger of LIFE! GAHHH I want more now! But anyway, onto my rating... I really really enjoy this manga. The concept isn't exactly new, but the art is well done and the characters are well defined.
I love Sei, because she's not the typical spoiled rich girl who wants everything for herself. She's kind hearted and wants the people around her to be happy. We usually see her as a rather stoic girl, but in reality she suffers because the people precious to her are getting hurt because of the ridiculous family system that has developed. She sees Ran and Ibara falling in love with each other, but instead of being jealous and angry, she's actually happy.
Although a lot of people say that they would rather have Sei and Ibara get together, I think the relationship between Ibara and Ran is rather beautiful. Instead of him exerting his status as a man over her and trying to force her out of the position as first knight like Rin did, he supports her and lets her choose her own path. Isn't that what love is all about? I think Sei will ultimately find her own person to be with as the story goes on.
Ran is so strong and it's so nice to see. I hate shoujo mangas where the girls are all whiny and can't even do a single thing for themselves. But Ran is different. She's independent, strong willed, and so determined that she puts other shoujo characters to shame. I just hope she doesn't change, like Makino from Boys Over Flowers (I loved her at first because she was so spunky and not afraid to stand up for herself, but her love for Doumyouji totally ruined her character). I want Ran to stay the strong woman she is now.
Ibara is a sweetheart, and the other knights are wonderful as well. I can't wait to see how this story develops because I absolutely love it. I'm actually restless with anticipation! Perhaps many of you will find the story boring and unrealistic (but then again, since when was a manga ever realistic?), but personally, I find it inspiring and wonderfully touching. The art is beautiful. For people like me who enjoy headstrong heroines, harems that aren't just for the sake of looking at bishies, and a kind, non-sabotaging supporting female character, then you will most definitely enjoy this manga.
Lots of twists and turns too! 🙂