Kenkyo, Kenjitsu o Motto ni Ikite Orimasu

It was something that happened while I was waiting for the day of the primary school entrance exam. I realised that I had become one of the characters of a shoujo manga that I loved reading in my old life, ‘You Are My Dolce’. The role I was assigned was a character who bullied the commoner protagonist and tried to get in the way of her love with a rich boy nicknamed Emperor; a typical villainess rich girl, Kisshouin Reika. At the end of the story, Reika suffered the Emperor’s retribution and even her family fell into ruin. With the villain gone, the protagonist and the Emperor overcame their trials and became a couple. And they lived happily ever after. Wait, that’s terrible for meee! The manga ended there, but I have to continue living my life after my family is ruined! The protagonist can enjoy her romance or love or whatever on her own. I’ll erase my presence so that I don’t anger the Emperor. Eh-? The story isn’t progressing well because there’s no villain, you say? But I’m busy saving up money and studying so that I can live well after the collapse.

Original Publisher

syosetu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on *Kenkyo, Kenjitsu o Motto ni Ikite Orimasu* This web novel has been quite the ride! I dove in expecting your typical reincarnation story, but what I found was something much more charming and relatable. It's easy to see why it's garnered such a dedicated following. ### First Impressions Initially, I wasn't entirely sold. The early chapters felt a bit cliché, hitting the usual beats of establishing the premise. Reika's constant internal monologues about her past life were a little heavy-handed at first, making it hard to connect with her new reality. However, I'm glad I stuck with it because the story truly finds its footing as Reika grows and develops. ### What Works Well The characters are definitely the heart of this story. While Reika starts as a bit of a blank slate, she blossoms into a genuinely endearing protagonist. Her flaws – her cowardice, her love of food, her insecurities – make her incredibly human. I found myself laughing at her antics and rooting for her despite her shortcomings. What's particularly clever is how the author uses perspective. The first-person narration allows us to delve into Reika's hilarious and often misguided thought process. But the occasional shifts to other characters' viewpoints offer glimpses into how they perceive her, adding layers of intrigue and comedy. It really makes you wonder what everyone *really* thinks of our dear Reika. The slow-burn, slice-of-life pacing is also a major strength. It allows for gradual character development and relationship building. We see Reika's friendships evolve organically, and even though she yearns for genuine connections, it's clear she values the people around her, even her so-called "followers." ### Areas of Concern The slow pace, while charming, can also be a drawback. If you're looking for a plot-heavy, action-packed story, this might not be for you. Romance is also a slow-developing element, with Reika seemingly destined to be the "chief of the forever alone village" for the time being. Some readers may find this frustrating, especially if they're eager for romantic developments. Also, some readers found the protagonist personality to be too bland, but I disagree. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some reviewers discuss potential romantic pairings and plot developments beyond the currently translated chapters. Proceed with caution if you want to avoid spoilers. ### Final Verdict Despite its slow pace and occasional frustrations, *Kenkyo, Kenjitsu o Motto ni Ikite Orimasu* is a delightful and heartwarming read. The charming characters, clever use of perspective, and relatable themes of friendship and self-discovery make it a truly special web novel. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a lighthearted, character-driven story that will leave you with a smile.