Hyakusou no Uraniwa – Aoi Aki

Once upon a time, Marcel’s sister fell in the forest while gathering herbs. Her injuries were grave and Marcel was at a loss for what to do, until a fearsome horned man appeared, offering help–in exchange for a promise. Now, ten years later, Marcel returns to the woods, steeling himself for death. Instead, he finds something quite different: a gentle soul, friendship…and perhaps something more.

Entangled With You: The Garden of 100 Grasses is a flora-themed collection, as beautifully rendered as it is poetic and poignant.

The main story is a Beauty and the Beast-inspired tale, but the beast here is only a beast in appearance. Gisel is a kind soul, lonely, with only books to keep him company.

Marcel and his sister, Bertha, are apothecaries who frequently go to the woods to gather herbs. After his sister was injured and Gisel helped them, Marcel promised to return after Bertha married.

It started with a misunderstanding, but Gisel and Marcel’s friendship grew deeper as the year passed. There’s very light conflict, if you could even call it that. The whole vibe was very cottage-core, even though they lived in a mansion.

The romance is very low-key, acknowledged only in smiles, kind gestures, and soft words. Their idyllic existence washed over me like a balm. Gentle, cozy, magical, and wholesome, the kind of story they would do if Ghibli created BL manga.

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