It Can’t be Helped that the Engagement is Broken

It is the usual unique development. But well, in this case, it is unavoidable… Part of the 「Unusual Engagement Cancellation」 series of oneshots.

Original Publisher

syosetu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on *It Can’t be Helped that the Engagement is Broken* ### First Impressions Alright, so I dove into *It Can’t be Helped that the Engagement is Broken* with a healthy dose of curiosity, especially given its intriguing title. It's a short, one-shot story, so I wasn't expecting a deep, sprawling epic. What I *was* expecting was a lighthearted romp through the familiar territory of broken engagements, and in that regard, it certainly delivered... something. ### What Works Well The humor is definitely a high point. The sheer absurdity of the plot is undeniably amusing. It's the kind of story where you just have to throw your hands up and laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. I found myself chuckling at the over-the-top explanations and the characters' reactions to the unfolding chaos. The cross-dressing element adds another layer of quirky fun, and if you're a fan of gender bender stories, that might be a draw for you. It’s a quick read, and sometimes that's exactly what you need to cleanse your palate between longer, more involved novels. ### Areas of Concern However, the novel definitely has its drawbacks. The biggest issue, in my opinion, is the lack of depth. It feels more like a summary of events than a fully realized story. I found myself wanting more "showing" and less "telling." The emotional connection to the characters is practically nonexistent, making it difficult to truly invest in their fates. There's a lot of information thrown at you all at once, which can feel overwhelming and detract from the overall enjoyment. The plot twists, while surprising, sometimes feel like they come out of nowhere, leaving you scratching your head and wondering, "Why?" ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, here comes the part where I have to talk about some of the plot twists, so if you want to go in completely blind, skip this section! The story takes a *wild* turn when the FL's fiancé is revealed to be a woman posing as a man, who then breaks off the engagement to marry a feminine man. Oh, and the FL ends up with her former brother-in-law. It's a lot to take in, and while some might find it hilarious, others might find it jarring and nonsensical. ### Final Verdict *It Can’t be Helped that the Engagement is Broken* is a bizarre, short, and ultimately forgettable read. It's not going to win any awards for its storytelling, but it might provide a few chuckles along the way. If you're looking for a serious, emotionally resonant romance, this isn't it. But if you're in the mood for something completely off-the-wall and don't mind a healthy dose of absurdity, give it a shot. Just don't expect to be blown away. I give it a tentative 3 out of 5 stars. Read at your own risk!