An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Kodansha!

This beautiful manga follows the titular character Nina, a starving ophan who speedruns her rags to riches arc when she's sold off to become the dead princess's double. Recruited by the princess's half-brother Azure, Nina is now Alisha, the country's priestess-princess, soon to be married to a different country... but this disguise is in name only, as her strong-willed personality keeps shining through in a way only Prince Azure can keep up with.

I found the art style beautiful, but I had a hard time becoming invested in the characters and overall the plot felt contrived. I don't think the tropes (though I love them) were enough to carry me this time, especially given how childish Nina was compared to how mature and controlled Azure seems. I can tell they've got budding feelings, but I don't feel excited about them as a romance given this imbalance. I think I liked the pieces of this story, but found it difficult to love them when put together how they were.

Overall, if you enjoy the sound of the plot, I'd still recommend giving it a try! Disguise tropes are still some of my favorite, and I love the scenes with Nina and the Queen, and the younger prince. I just don't think I'll be continuing beyond this first volume. 

❧ 3 ★