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Momotomoe, Tsubasa Nanaki, and Nanao Yamashita’s The 31st Consort is, for the most part, a pretty “fluffy” shojo manga. While there is a competition for the heart of King Macron among the 31 possible love interests, we see from the start that Felia is the top pick. She’s pretty much universally adored and, since the two are basically an established couple by the second volume, there’s little drama going into the third. While that does change with an actual threat to Felia’s life and “villain” appearing in this latest installment, it’s delightful to see that Felia remains in character even when dealing with a lethal threat to her life.
Editor’s Note: There will be spoilers for volume 3 of The 31st Consort manga below.
Basically, all of the third volume of The 31st Consort is dealing with the threat from Duke Goethe and his candidate for queen, Lady Sabrina, so this installment of the manga is light on traditional shojo romantic elements. However, in its place we get to see how plucky and insightful Felia is as a heroine. As a result, we see her skill at being able to win over people, assess situations, and handle them in her own unique way. Because while she wasn’t raised as a “lady” in the exact way Curie, her ally and mentor, and Sabrina were, she’s still got a fantastic head on her shoulders.
From there, we get to see Felia’s determination, strength, and intelligence. First, when Lady Curie comes to her in order to alert her to the danger Sabrina poses, Felia doesn’t shy away from the challenge. Even though it will involve poison at a tea party, she knows she can’t run. Her and Curie agree to face it. Then, after discussing with her teacher and assistant, the plot becomes fairly obvious. Sabrina worked with the general palace housekeeper, who’s always had it out for Felia due to her background, to place a younger, bullied maid named Nell in the house. She holds Sabrina’s poison.
However, Felia recognizes that Nell isn’t a bad person. She’s a potentially good one in a scary situation who’s afraid for her own life. So, she treats her the way she would anyone else in her household. She cares for her. She offers her tea. She talks to her and, even after seeing the actual vial of poison, gives it back to Nell.
This means once the actual party happens, we get to see Felia be herself and tactfully handle the situation. It’s really a masterful moment. I won’t bring up too much, so you can be surprised when reading. But she addresses the situation and past bullying from Sabrina first. Then, she uses the opportunity that comes from that to bring up the “lie” Nell had about the poison being liquid smelling salts to potentially use them on Sabrina. She then presents a situation where everyone in attendance had to be aware of what could have happened, while shutting down possible future attempts.
If there’s one thing I can say about The 31st Consort, it is a consistent shojo manga that ensures everyone remains in-character. Felia remains unflappable and wise throughout. She is always brilliant and on top of things. But at the same time, part of her success comes from being practical about things and the sort of ordinary person anyone could identify with and befriend. It helps her remain a positive force.
Volumes 1-3 of The 31st Consort are available now via Yen Press, and there’s no release window for the fourth volume yet.
