This first volume sets the stage for what could be an interesting and enjoyable manga series. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of Maomao’s story in the future. The artwork is spectacular and the character design is very well done.

While I do find Maomao’s apothecary practices intriguing, the author’s science behind them seem a bit misguided. Perhaps some things are lost in translation, but the application of the herbalism simply does not make sense. Some smaller story elements are also poorly explained.

I enjoyed this volume more than the last. After months in the Jade Palace, Maomao has finally gained the favor and respect of the other ladies-in-waiting to Lady Gyokuyo, and it is wonderful to see them bonding and becoming friends. Her love of poisons and toxins is a bit bizarre, but it’s nice to actually see Maomao in action successfully performing her duty as the principal consort’s food taster.

I also have to commend the character and outfit design in this volume. The artist mentions in their thank you note that descriptions of the dresses worn during the garden banquet were not given in the original light novel, so they had to design and draw the outfits themselves. They turned out absolutely gorgeous. Nekokurage is insanely talented.

So far, this is my least favorite volume in this series. I felt the science behind Maomao’s medical practices was confusing before, but it’s become so much more so. I feel the story would benefit from using fictional poisons and toxins instead of everyday ingredients that a reader is already familiar with and knows the purpose of.

If the poorly-explained science were not enough, the plot itself has started slipping down the same rabbit hole. This series is supposed to be about Maomao solving mysteries using her talents as an apothecary, but it feels as if there’s a wall that goes up blocking her off from the final piece of each mystery, and she herself could not care less. She simply shrugs and says, “but that isn’t my business,” and the reader is constantly left without a resolution. It is infuriating.

That being said, there were several things I did like about this volume. Maomao’s journey home revealed much about her backstory and why she acts and feels certain ways. Her coldness is a result of a very tough childhood and lack of hope for a better life in the future. We also get to see a new side of Jinshi that was sorely needed. He is slowly starting to become a three-dimensional character.

This fourth volume has corrected and satisfied many of the complaints I had with previous volumes, and therefore has become my favorite volume of the series so far. The story is engaging, full of unpredictable twists and tons of character development. My only regret is that the plot seems to be turning away from the Inner Palace, so I am forced to say goodbye to the many characters I have fallen in love with.

Jinshi and Maomao’s murky pasts are becoming clearer, and multiple side characters are given developed backstories as well. Maomao is finally able to solve multiple mysteries once and for all, instead of just speculating about them and reaching no conclusion. I am extremely excited about the new turn this story has taken, and I am starting to become interested in reading the light novels that this manga is based on.

While I am extremely disappointed to have left the lovely ladies of the Inner Court behind, I am excited that Maomao has become a maid to Jinshi’s personal household. Because of her new position, Maomao and Jinshi now spend more time together, and his feelings for her are becoming increasingly obvious.

Gao Shun is quickly becoming my favorite character. His is so attentive and sweet, and he understands Maomao in a way that no one aside from her father does. However, Lakan is my new least favorite character. He’s slimy, disrespectful, and brash. I’m sure I’ll see more of him in the future, and I am not looking forward to it.

The artwork of The Dragon Knight’s Beloved is absolutely gorgeous. I especially enjoyed the expressions and movements of the characters. Most of this first volume focused on the human characters themselves, so I hope to see more dragons in the following volumes. The world building and lore is wonderful, and the magical bonds between humans and dragons is intriguing. I cannot wait to learn more. Overall, I very much enjoyed this read and am looking forward to continuing with the series.

The story really begins to pick up in this volume! The artwork continues to be gorgeous, and the new baby dragon is absolutely adorable. I cannot wait for the release of the next volume to find out what happens next.

I really enjoyed this one! The artwork is beautiful, the characters are adorable, and the story is light and easy to follow. This first volume takes place when the leading couple are children, 11 and 9, and details their first meeting and the beginning of their friendship. I am very much looking forward to the physical release of the second volume and learning how these lovely characters have turned out as adults.

This volume greatly progresses the relationship between Hubert and Melissa! Blue is ever the adorable, if disobedient, little dragon. There was definitely a considerably larger number of dragons in this volume compared to prior ones. I hope this trend continues!

This volume was jam packed with Maomao and Jinshi interactions! I am very excited to be learning so much more about their backstories, but the subject matter is incredibly heavy. There are many dark moments in this volume that I don’t believe are suitable to all young readers.