The king finally decides on his successor!
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Higasa Akai
Translation/Adaptation: Amanda Haley
What They Say
Thanks to Heine’s teachings, the four princes have overcome a lot and matured into leaders in their own right—so the time has come for King Viktor to officially choose the heir to the throne. But in order to do so, he gives his sons one last task: to give a speech in front of the entire kingdom. Having never given one before, the four younger princelings are at a severe disadvantage…but luckily, they’ve got Heine to whip them into shape! The royal comedy about princes and their tutor comes to a majestic end in this final volume!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
It’s the final volume, and the series wraps up with an extra-long installment – 242 pages! But even though it’s so long, it really just focuses on one arc. After a single chapter that briefly reunites Heine with his old acquaintance Gustav, the king announces his final test to decide his successor: a public speech at the Founding Day celebration at Weinner City Hall.
Thus Heine’s last group lesson in this series is public speaking! Interestingly, despite his presentations in the academic realm, Bruno considers himself a novice and freaks out as much as his brothers when the royal tutor assigns them a speech in front of the palace staff as practice. And because public speaking generally doesn’t come naturally and is a huge fear for many, their struggles leading up to the practice run are both funny and relatable.
Then Heine unexpectedly kicks the princelings out of the nest by declaring he won’t provide any assistance for the actual Founding Day speeches. Thus, as the princelings rely solely on their own efforts to accomplish the task, Heine’s job switches from instructor to cheerleader. Joining him in encouraging the princes are all the side characters with whom they formed connections throughout the series. Surprisingly, Eins and Count Rosenberg also offer genuine words of support right before they present themselves at the City Hall ceremony.
By the way, for those who enjoy admiring the princes’ wardrobe, they don formal wear for the occasion, which I don’t believe we’ve seen before.
As for the speeches and the king’s ultimate decision, I won’t give away the ending, but it was both like and unlike what I expected. The princes have always harbored affection for each other (this manga is definitely NOT a cutthroat succession drama), so it’s no surprise that it incorporates a collaborative spirit. However, the issue of Eins’ lingering problem around women is addressed in an unexpected way. Anyway, the resolution isn’t exactly simple, but readers will likely find it satisfying.
And yes, like most manga, the ending includes a glimpse of the main characters’ futures.
Extras include illustrations on the inside of the covers, the first page printed in color, and afterword.
In Summary
The series wraps up with a final test – a public speech! Heine’s mission from Day One was to train the four princelings into suitable candidates for the throne, and now they must prove themselves without their tutor’s help. That’s not to say they don’t get encouragement, and this final volume includes cameos from characters we’ve met throughout the series. As for the ultimate conclusion, it’s… uh, complicated? Even so, fans will likely approve of The Royal Tutor’s harmonious conclusion.
Content Grade: A-
Art Grade: A
Text/Translation Grade: B
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Yen Press
Release Date: August 9th, 2022
MSRP: $12.99
