English Dub Review: The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom “The Mermaid Knows Not of Love”

Overview

Tiararose finally meets Icilla, the heroine of the otome game sequel to The Ring of Lapis Lazuli.

Our Take

Picking up from the previous episode, Tiararose travels with Aquasteed to the vibrant kingdom of Marinforest, a land ruled not only by its royal family but also by powerful Fairy Kings of the forest, sky, and ocean. While the ocean fairies prove less than welcoming, the forest fairies immediately take a shine to Tiara, even blessing her in ways that leave the court astonished. She meets Aquasteed’s parents, receives their warm approval, and is formally introduced to Icilla, the new heroine figure whose natural charm and close rapport with Aquasteed quietly stir Tiara’s insecurities. Though much of the episode leans into fantasy spectacle and gentle slice-of-life moments, an undercurrent of rivalry and uncertainty lingers beneath the surface.

Much of the tension stems from perception rather than open conflict. Icilla appears kind and sincere, yet her proximity to Aquasteed reawakens Tiara’s lingering fears tied to the original game’s narrative. Their interactions are seemingly professional yet occasionally intimate leave room for doubt, even as hints suggest misunderstandings may be at play. Meanwhile, the adorable forest fairies’ affection for Tiara highlights her growing significance in this new setting, contrasting with her own lack of confidence. The world-building expands beautifully here, but the drama relies heavily on internal anxiety that thankfully doesn’t overshadow the focus.

Overall, this episode prioritizes atmosphere, world-building, and emotional setup over major plot developments. Marinforest feels whimsical and powerful, filled with enchanting fairy lore and political nuance, while Tiara’s jealousy and uncertainty introduce a softer, character-driven conflict. The closing moments hint at potential complications involving the Forest Fairy King, suggesting that new dynamics, not necessarily the ones Tiara fears, may soon reshape the story.