i really liked this series as a kid, i think because i hadn’t practiced much critical thinking yet lol, i just liked the pretty drawings. the drawings are pretty but the story is confusing and not very interesting. i don’t see much of a reason for haine to like the emperor. the queer subplot was disappointing, used for shock and comedy and not much else, which is unfortunately unsurprising for a book written at this time. the creepy predator school nurse was NOT okay, who allowed that into the final draft? the only cute part is haine and ushio. i have the full set of this manga and i’m genuinely considering selling it after rereading this as an adult LOL.