Tales of Saiunkoku
Synopsis
Shuurei Kou and her friend Eigetsu To, a boy prodigy of humble origins, have been appointed co-governors of the Sa province, one of the eight provinces in Saiunkoku. Together, they decide to make the province an academic research center in the hopes of bringing a long overdue prosperity to the region. However, while Shuurei goes to the capital to obtain approvals for the ambitious project, the Sa province's recently established tranquility is threatened by a pandemic that brings both death and turmoil as it begins to spread among the people. Counting on Eigetsu to monitor the situation until her return, Shuurei seeks support from her allies to find a suitable treatment. Yet, Eigetsu's past personal conflicts distract him, providing an opportunity for opponents of Shuurei's position to take advantage of the troubles and undermine her authority. Becoming a government official has been Shuurei's lifelong dream, but it is no easy task for the first woman undertaking such a position. Will she step up and overcome this great challenge or give in to the looming adversities? [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
The second season is generally well-received, with many considering it even better than the first. Viewers praise the intricate storyline and character development, particularly Shuurei's growth. However, some criticize the pacing, unresolved plot threads, and inconsistencies in character behavior, leaving them wanting more closure and explanation.
Strengths
- Intricate storyline with important details.
- Wonderful character development, especially for secondary characters.
- Excellent costumes, jewelry, and building designs.
- Realistic portrayal of politics, government, and economy.
Weaknesses
- Long and redundant dialogs can be boring.
- Some plot points and characters appear out of nowhere with little context.
- Loose ends and backstories are not fully explained.
- Inconsistent character behavior (Shurei's passivity towards unwanted advances).