Could Komari finally be on the verge of realizing her deadly strength in The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess Volume 4? Doubtful. But there is some progress as Komari gets to know Karla Amatsu as the Heavenly Ball looms. Characters remain the most vital point of the light novel, and as Komari’s popularity takes her to different countries, readers learn more about her abilities and various Core Implosions. The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess Volume 4 focuses more on Karla and Komari’s connection and has politics familiar to our own.
Written by Kotei Kobayashi with illustrations by riichu, the prologue begins with Komari’s autumnal mission to shut herself in. Serialized in English from Yen Press, with translation by Sergio Avila, this volume rapidly brings Komari to another land, thanks to her “sicko maid,” Villhaze. Because of circumstances Komari is unaware of, she heads to Heavenly Paradise, the nation of Peace Spirits, to participate in the Heavenly Ball. Despite Komari’s assertions that she’s weak and a coward, her determination to help Karla and others showcases her resilience.
The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess Volume 4 Shows Karla Before She Has Strength of Heart
Continuing from the previous volume, the back-and-forth between Karla and Komari kept me laughing. Both pretend to be strong but think they are weak but are actually strong. So Karla, though claiming she can wreck the universe, requests Komari help her in the battle to choose the next Goddess of their nation. She is confident Komari will destroy her opponent, Karin Reigatsu. Komari, claiming she can kill everyone with her pinky, comfortably agrees to help Karla because she figures Karla’s got it in the bag.
Though similar, the underlying difference between Komari and Karla is determination. This volume makes that apparent as Karla repeatedly fears taking a stand for her dream to be a patissier. Komari helps her develop the strength essential to the most potent Core Imposions. Without that, people cannot achieve Core Implosion, and that’s why Komari’s ability is so powerful. Her beliefs do not waver. She wants peace and abhors meanness and evil.
Furry Lovers Will Smile A Bit Broader As Lapelico Kingdom Arrives
One of the last kingdoms Komari has had little interaction with makes an appearance in The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess Volume 4. As a person who always wished for fox ears and a tail, this volume made me happy. Plus, I get Komari’s desire to touch a girl’s tail. The next book will probably have that kingdom, Lapelico, and Leona front and center. But fox ears and tails do not always mean kindness, as Fuyao Meteorite shows. But it does guarantee me keeping my fingers crossed that Komari can change her. Tragic stories in childhood can foster evil and resentment.
Someone, Please Yell This to Politicians
As Karla and Karin compete for the Goddess position of Heavenly Paradise, they engage in a debate. Karin is first, and her whole argument encompasses criticizing Karla. That’s all; no policies, nothing about infrastructures, taxes, anything. It’s all vote for Karin because Karla is weak. I hate politicians with nothing to say or offer beyond attacking their opponents. There should be someone like Komari at every debate to silence people who do this. Even better, biases against groups of people should automatically disqualify someone from running. You’ll gnash your teeth while nodding at its familiarity. But you also cheer Komari, who calls it as she sees it.
The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess Volume 4 continues mixing a fantasy world with familiar issues. Whether Komari will end up with someone, perhaps Villhaze is anyone’s guess. Combined with Komari at the center of a collection of fascinating characters and those hints of yuri love, I can easily cheer for this series. A coming-of-age story about a young hermit who learns to connect with others has never been this interesting or fun.
