The Executioner and Her Way of Life Volume 2 blends comedy and action in this isekai yuri tale. Menou has girls lining up with affection for her because her sentiments regarding playing the villain differ from everyone else. In this issue, fights intersperse moments of hilarity, so there is no drag. In The Executioner and Her Way of Life Volume 2, you enjoy the skirmishes as much as the cutesy, sweet moments without battles.
With an original story by Mato Sato, art by Ryo Mitsuya, and character design by nilitsu, the second volume opens with Menou amid battle. Unfortunately, she cannot rely on Momo’s assistance, as Momo has her hands full duking it out with a princess she later dubs “Princess Poo.” Serialized in English from Yen Press, with translation by Jenny McKeon and lettering by Elena Pizarro Lanzas, the story has plenty of heart-thumping sweet yuri moments, particularly between Menou and Akari.
The Executioner and Her Way of Life Volume 2 Gives Us Perspective
The second volume shows Menou’s mindset to be the villain so others can enjoy their lives. Child Menou has clearer thinking than most adults. Her logic is common in other series, films, and shows, though I cannot recall seeing it in someone so young. Since they have to kill, Menou decides to kill more than everyone else to shoulder the hardship herself. Seeing Momo cry in the home helped her develop this perspective.
Then The Executioner and Her Way of Life Volume 2 shows Momo’s perspective of Menou when they were kids in the home and training. Although Momo rejects Menou’s comfort, she soon accepts it. On top of that, her admiration and affection for Menou lead her to stay with Menou to do the heinous work. Momo adores Menou, but someone else feels the same; Akari.
Love Triangle and Heavy Conflict
Relationships are always more complex than anticipated. Right now, it’s uncertain who Menou prefers because she’s considerate of both Akari and Momo. However, there is more underlying strain between Akari and Menou, given Menou’s task unbeknownst to Akari. At this point, I’m not cheering for one pairing over the other. I need more information. Plus, the princess might be a better pairing for Momo down the line.
The manipulative, crooked situations with Menou’s higher-up reminds me of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Archbishop Orwell’s ties to Menou’s past add a significant layer of conflict. If later volumes of manga continue tying the characters’ past with future conflict while maintaining a balance with adorable interactions, The Executioner and Her Way of Life will shine.
The Executioner and Her Way of Life Volume 2 balances action with cute yuri moments between all the ladies in the series. It’s wonderful that women are the focal point, playing the heroes, the damsels, and the villains. Even more fascinating is the tie between hero and villain that Menou finds herself in. Sometimes to be the hero, a person needs to assume the role of villain, Lelouch-style. While the series is not at Code Geass caliber, it does drive that point home. You cannot go wrong with a yuri action tale.
