The Genius Prince’s Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt is a unique anime series that primarily revolves around fantasy and comedy themes.
However, it also boasts a captivating and understated romantic subplot. Despite the abundance of anime series with similar themes, this title is a standout due to its creative and uncomplicated fantasy premise. Unlike other similar shows that tend to focus on harem elements, isekai plots, or slice-of-life narratives, Genius Prince’s Guide successfully blends amusing antics with well-constructed political conflicts. In addition, the relationship between the main characters is an exceptional feature of the series as it is both touching and discreet.
The narrative revolves around Prince Wein Salema Arbalest who reigns over the kingdom of Natra facing financial difficulties. His friend and guide, Ninym, assist him in managing his public image as a beloved ruler while also grappling with his inner desire to sell the country and commit treason. Although the anime does not fully explain why Wein wants to sell his country, it seems that his exhaustion and idleness from his duties define his character, and his love for Ninym is intertwined with this desire. Ninym hails from an oppressed race called Flahm, and Wein often encounters instances of racism directed toward her people throughout the series. Wein’s direct intervention, often through violent means, against such discrimination reveals his strong bond with Ninym, despite the lack of overt romantic involvement between the two.
Wein Demonstrates His Love for Ninym by Offering Protection and Defense
Right from the start, it’s evident that Ninym and Wein share an emotional bond that surpasses the bounds of mere comradeship or a conventional advisor-royalty relationship. In the second episode of the anime, an army officer from an enemy country approaches Wein for resolving the conflict through peaceful talks but insults Ninym, referring to her as a “disgusting Flahm.” In response, Wein decapitates the officer later and attacks the military leader, General Drawood, with a knife, proclaiming, “Ninym is my heart, and anyone who hurts my heart will meet their end by my own hand.”
This is a significant moment that showcases Wein’s affection and care for Ninym without hastily confessing or engaging in a romantic exchange with her. Despite that, the scene is emotional because his sentiments towards her are strong enough to exist independently without any additional frills or unnecessary romantic progression. The suggestion that Ninym is “his heart” indicates a profound bond between them, and this assertion of his love for her is reiterated, just as her own expressions of what Wein signifies to her.
In Episode 7, Wein is shown killing King Ordalasse for making racist remarks against the Flahm people, and by extension, Ninym. The King had asked Wein to provide him with Flahm people to hunt as a sport and boasted about having done so before in his youth. This incident reinforces the bond between Wein and Ninym and highlights the depth of their relationship. Even when there is no immediate threat to their safety or during a military battle, Wein is willing to take risks to protect Ninym and her people, despite potential backlash from society and politics. This demonstrates that Wein’s love for Ninym is not just limited to small gestures of affection but extends to high-stakes actions that are genuinely challenging.
Ninym Wants to Console and Encourage Wein
Ninym shares Wein’s strong commitment, although her position as a political aide rather than a ruler means that her role is more behind-the-scenes. Despite this, the anime adaptation and light novel series depict numerous moments that showcase an almost unbelievably unconditional love between the two. Once again, this love is conveyed through subtleties, with Ninym’s feelings for Wein being influenced by the power of friendship in fostering deep affection and romance.
In the third episode of the anime, Ninym confides in Falanya, Wein’s younger sister, that she would rather take her own life than marry him, despite her deep feelings for him. This is not because she doesn’t love him, but because her people are seen as inferior in their society, and she doesn’t want to damage Wein’s reputation or status. This brief exchange reveals a great deal about their relationship, highlighting Ninym’s devotion to Wein and her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness for the greater good of Natra. It also demonstrates her loyalty to the country, as she is willing to forego her own romantic fulfillment to ensure that Natra remains stable and secure. Ninym’s love for Wein is intertwined with her selflessness and dedication to Natra, making her a truly admirable and courageous character.
During a political discussion, Ninym loses her temper watching Wein being disrespected by a political visitor, and she sits on his lap to discuss it. This moment may have been portrayed with typical anime shenanigans in other series, with the characters getting flustered and embarrassed, but since Ninym and Wein have a strong understanding of their feelings for each other, it is just a moment of comfort without any awkwardness.
The two characters are facing immense political pressure in this particular situation, and their modest expression of love is not a romantic or sexual moment but rather a source of comfort amidst the chaos. Even without this display of affection, it’s evident that Ninym is constantly striving to assist Wein in coping with his duties while also ensuring that their nation is well taken care of. Her caring nature towards him and their country is truly touching and leaves a powerful impact.
Describing The Genius Prince’s Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt as a natural and captivating romantic tale would not be an overstatement. The series manages to organically develop the main romantic relationship without resorting to contrived chemistry or forced affection. The characters Wein and Ninym share an unbreakable bond, and they are both willing to go to great lengths to safeguard each other. This anime is exceptional in the fantasy genre not only for its concise storytelling but also for the intriguing and well-paced romance that serves as its core.
Read more: Naruto’s First True Companion – Who Was it?
Leave a Reply