MeruPuri: Vol. 3

by Matsuri Hino

Synopsis
All high school freshman Airi Hoshina ever wanted was to someday live in a cozy home with a loving husband, and find joy in the little things in life. As a result, she makes it her daily mission to get to school on time because school legend has it that the longer one's non-tardy streak is, the better boyfriend on will find. But just when her daily routine is working like clockwork, an occurrence of fairytale proportions threatens to disrupt her grand plan.

While on a seaside field trip, the little boy Aram and Airi find themselves in the middle of a blackout at a public bath. Frazzled to no end, Airi drags Aram inside a closet, but someone walks in on them. Will Aram's secret be blown so soon? Meanwhile, Aram's former fiancee Mariabel shows up at school. What evil schemes does she have in store for Aram and Airi?

Review
Well, it's more soap opera, but since this series never takes itself too seriously, it works. First, Airi's ancestor's ex-fiance's grandson (or something) has come to take his revenge on Airi, because it will make up for the fact that if her ancestor hadn't run away, his family would be in power now. Because you know, taking revenge on someone who is blameless will make up for everything, I suppose. Yes, it's ridiculous. Too bad Airi's not smart enough to say that to him.

Then, Aram's real fiancee comes to take her revenge, by making Aram forget about being in love with Airi. So, almost amnesia, but not quite. The story bumbles around for a while, with Airi feeling hopeless, and Aram acting aloof. I thought it could have been solved rather quickly if Airi had the courage to ask about their "marriage marks," or whatever those things are. It wouldn't bring back his memory, but at least he would know that she is/was important to him. Fortunately for Airi, that even though she bumbles around, Jeile is around to help her. I, personally, think he's an interesting character, and think that it's too bad that she won't end up with him. Also, this has been bothering me, he calls her "mountain lily maiden," which is likely in Japanese the word: "yamayuri." Translated literally, it could mean mountain lily, except botanists have another name for it: lilium auratum, or golden-rayed lily. That took me all of five minutes to look up, so why can't the translators get it right?

Final thought: I want to read the next volume, it's the last!