Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts volume 12 tackles something we’ve all been dying to know…
How many names from legends/mythology can a platypus have?
I’m kidding of course…sort of. While we do meet Arthur Achilles Sigmund Sigurd Georgios Diarmuid Heracles Perseus Alexander the weak-willed platypus, it’s part of the first half dealing with the aftermath of the attempted coup. Now that the rebellion has been quashed, the royal advisors want to have a royal parade in celebration and to reassure the citizens. Leonhart is not too thrilled at the thought, but he’s downright angry when Anubis suggests Sariphi not be in attendance. While Leonhart grapples between inviting her or keeping her away, Sariphi doesn’t want to seem needy or greedy in asking for a new ring to replace the one that was broken.
The romance makes way for the parade and Arthur the long-named platypus. He’s one of those, “Aaah, I can’t do anything!! I’m no good!” types topped off with some general ditzyness. He usually has the “gah!” or “d’wah!” face, and it is pretty funny to see this expression on a platypus, a species often considered odd and weird. Self-debasing types can be annoying, but since Arthur is only around for a short time, it’s not much of an issue. Besides, who can resist this bundle of adorableness:
I know the manga still has a few more volumes to go, but the second half seemed to have flipped the switch to start the final arc. Leonhart talks a bit about trying to understand the mother he’s never met and his human blood, which leads him to declare his intention of trying to establish diplomatic ties with the human kingdom, Yoana. Guess who volunteers to be the envoy? Sariphi, of course.
Leonhart’s heritage has been a mystery since volume 1, but it’s often been shelved and forgotten. I’d be lying though if I didn’t feel excited about uncovering Leonhart’s secret and dealing with the (expected) fallout of the reveal. The first few chapters of volume 13 were a nice, calm return to the couple espousing their love for each other and meeting new types of beasts, although maybe after 12 volumes can Sariphi be a little less Mary Sue and be upset about her engagement ring?
More significantly though, the series should have gradually shifted the focus to Leonhart in the first few chapters here, maybe even further back. The scene about Leonhart’s mom and also Judge Set mentioning there’s a secret regarding Leonhart didn’t need to be so close together. And based upon the ending, the truth may be coming together rather quickly considering this has involved series-long secrets. Yes, even four volumes or so is not a lot of time to make two kingdoms get along, but a little more ground work and investigating would have helped make the story not seem so contrived right now. I wish I could find someone in a store when I need help as easily as Sariphi finds someone connected to Yoana’s king!
I have an inkling Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts volume 12 is going to be an overlooked entry of the series, as it’s probably going to be sandwiched between two stronger volumes. I’d still recommend checking it out. Even though I’d prefer some parts of the manga to have been rearranged or added some space in between scenes, how often will you get to see a talking platypus?