This one took me by surprise. I was originally drawn in by the art but stayed for the story. I will admit that the comedy drives me crazy, as it's focused around Ryoma's denial and aggression towards Prince, however, I just love the slow building romance, the drama around selfless sacrifice, the characters, the art, and just everything else!
Even though the comedy annoys me, it IS the main focus of the manga. Most events are based around Ryouma fighting with the Prince or some ecchi-filled-nonsense. The ecchi is fuel for the comedy but Ryouma irked me. She is so stubborn and annoying as she rejects and pushes the Prince away again and again. I don't like the round-about shenanigans but I love everything else about this manga, so I tolerate it.
I won't repeat the plot but I will tell you that it's not all silly fan service. Okay okay, so maybe about 70% of it is panty-shots and the rest is story but it does have those heart warming scenes and it was those scenes that kept me reading and kept me waiting for chapters. However, those moments are few and far between and I find that just as the story picks up, a side story slips in and steers you off course. I get that it draws out the series but it frustrates me just the same. Just when you think their relationship is advancing...something drives a wedge between the two. Still, I felt that the build-up towards the romantic ending was worth it and even though the ending was summed upon one chapter, I was satisfied and happy with the out come.
I like how everyone likes Ryoma and instantly falls for her. Yes yes, this is not a new trait. The whole 'everyone wants to be me, be with me and be my friend' character is old news, although, it's done in a way that Ryoma wasn't popular to begin with and when he was changed to a she, Ryoma became a instead hit with everyone around her. I also like how she is fought after by people from Prince's land because of her genuine attitude, honesty and love--which is considered rare and forgotten over the struggle for leadership by Prince's successors.
This has a depth that is not expected and if you can brush the comedy aside, the story can be quiet dark at times. The quote "kill or be killed" comes to mind.
I would suggest enjoying this for the silly moments, the loud characters, the amazing art, the randomness, the political drama and slow building romance (and not only between Ryoma and Prince but with other characters as well). Sure, there are heaps of stupid scenes and pointless moments but I found the drama over powered those moments giving this a 9/10 from me.