This shut-in can’t catch a break. The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess Volume 2 brings Komari face-to-face with death over and over again. Written by Kotei Kobayashi, illustrated by riichu with translations by Sergio Avila, this Yen Press light novel shines a little brighter than the first, thanks to much better pacing. The story about a weak, introverted vampire gets better as Komari makes new friends and enemies, and as one mystery unravels, another presents itself. With Komari’s dramatic teenage narration, hilarious fish-out-of-water interactions, and a possible love triangle, The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess Volume 2 delivers a page-turner.
The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess Volume 2 starts with a prologue a month after Komari and Millicent’s (Inverse Moon member) fight at the chapel. There are eight chapters and an epilogue, and plenty goes on within. Komari continues stressing her Crimson Lord position and keeping her secret that she cannot fight. Despite Villhaze explaining how Komari saved her and defeated Millicent, Komari refuses to believe it. But Komari’s Core Implosion ties to a deeper mystery.
The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess Volume 2 Sets Up Mystery For Future Volumes
The Inverse Moon is one of many problems Komari faces this volume. A terrorist is running around murdering members of the military and the Empress’s staff. So the Empress pairs Komari with Sakuna, Crimson Lord of the sixth unit, to catch the terrorist. From the first volume, you learn the Dark Core resurrects those who die. So each empire, including theirs, The Mulnite Empire, does not have to worry about staying dead. However, the Inverse Moon wants to destroy the Dark Core. Plus with their Dark Instruments—specially made weapons—if they kill someone with one of those, they do not return. The stakes are going to ratchet up, especially after that epilogue.
The Empress is an enigma, and Armand, Komari’s father, worries about why the Empress fixates on Komari. The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess Volume 2 explores Komari’s Core Implosion but does not explain everything. The Empress only says her ability has the power “to raise all six nations.” They tie in another mystery with Komari’s mother, Yulinne, who had the same power. Armand already lost Yulinne—described as the strongest Crimson Lord. So, Armand might snap if the Empress keeps putting Komari in danger.
Fascinating, Distinct Personalities
Kotei Kobayashi makes each character’s personality tailored to them. Though none shine as bright as Komari. Komari is hilarious, and still struggles to understand those around her. She decides what others like based on what she likes. So when she offers her army time off if they locate the terrorist, she does not understand why they look upset. As the reader, you know why, and these inside moments shine. It’s like watching a movie and screaming at the protagonist because they do not see what’s apparent to you. The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess Volume 2, continues to inspire laughs thanks to Komari.
Flöte, Crimson Lord of the third unit—who despises Komari and believes she is a fraud, is comedy gold. Every time she deals with Komari, she winds up mentally at her wits’ end. Flöte is the frustrated adult unable to understand a teenager taken to the extreme. Sakuna is similar to Komari. But Sakuna is a shy, lonelier version of her. Thanks to the story you see the kinship between Komari and Sakuna. Although, that make Vill livid. Komari may be nervous, but she subscribes to the “fake it till you make it” life philosophy.
Komari’s Inner Thoughts Are A Laugh Track
Komari either puts her foot in her mouth or others throw her into dire circumstances. Still, despite Komari’s assertion that she is a pathetic vampire, her army won ten consecutive battles in a row. This volume Komari winds up in one mess after another, with no rest, including a free-for-all battle. And sure, Komari would resurrect, but imagine the trauma and pain of dying or watching a loved one die for a teen. All Komari wants to do is stay in her room and write. Instead, she has to worry about mutinies, terrorists, the “sicko maid” Villhaze, and keeping her Crimson Lord position. Caught between a rock and a hard place is an understatement.
Minimized But Not Gone
There are fewer scenes of unwanted groping. The story shines without that. Though a relationship could crop up between Komari and Villhaze and Sakuna after everything transpires in this volume. Komari cares about Vill, despite her complaints about the maid, and occasionally becomes distracted by Vill’s beauty. Yuri or yaoi, I do not have an issue with as long as it is two teens or two adults.
Thanks to Kotei Kobayashi’s first-person narration style, The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess Volume 2 remains raucously entertaining as Komari’s mental anguish at her lot never fails to make you laugh. This volume’s pacing is much better, with little to no drag. Thanks to the additional characters and the ever-expanding world, you remain drawn in. As long as they cease with adults hitting on teens and continue unraveling the mystery with well-paced comedic hijinks and action, The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess is top-tier hilarity.
