The Rotten Lady Rosa Wants to Watch Over Love from the Shadows

The daughter of the Earl, Rosa, was known for her beauty and compassion. But in reality, she was a rotten lady who pursued her ‘moe’ by making delusions of ‘rose love’, the romance between men. Her dream was to become a nun and write down a ‘bible’, spreading the rose love throughout the continent. As the preparation of entering the priesthood, she donated to the monastery (as a bribe), strived to improve literacy (to prepare for her missionary work), and made humus for her territory (as the symbol of rottenness). One day, she met her half-brother, Bernard, a fourteen years old boy. Concluding that Bernard was the ideal ‘uke’, a talented person that only appeared once every a thousand years, Rose devoted herself to ‘Bell-tan’s Harem Plan’. However, her rotten behavior was mistaken for noble deeds. The princes, princesses, and even the foreign princes started to get involved, and she began to spread her influence all over the country…? This was the story of Rosa von Langheim, nicknamed the “Rose Angel” as the symbol of her nobility and charity, who was the most rotten lady of all.

Original Publisher

kadokawa

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Rotten Lady Rosa Wants to Watch Over Love from the Shadows This novel is definitely a unique experience, and after finishing it, I'm left with a lot to unpack. "The Rotten Lady Rosa Wants to Watch Over Love from the Shadows" is a wild ride that blends comedy, fantasy, and shoujo elements in a way that's both intriguing and, at times, a bit unsettling. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the premise. The idea of a "rotten" protagonist with a penchant for BL who accidentally becomes a saint-like figure is certainly attention-grabbing. The early chapters are undeniably funny, relying heavily on misunderstandings and Rosa's internal delusions contrasting with the reality of her actions. ### What Works Well The humor is a major selling point. Rosa's skewed perspective and the resulting chaos are genuinely entertaining. I also appreciated that, despite her questionable motivations, Rosa genuinely helps those around her. She performs charitable deeds and treats people with kindness, which explains her growing reputation, even if it's based on completely false pretenses. The plot, while sometimes overshadowed by the comedic elements, does offer some substance beyond the initial premise. ### Areas of Concern However, I can see why some readers might find the story problematic. Rosa's obsession with romanticizing male relationships, especially in situations that should be handled with more sensitivity, can feel jarring and even offensive. It is a core theme, but it is understandable that it might be off-putting to some. The romance itself felt underdeveloped. The initial infatuation of other characters with Rosa felt rushed and lacked depth. The ending also felt somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying, almost as if the author lost interest in fully exploring the plot threads they had introduced. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers may be disturbed by the inclusion of an unrelated brother character who develops feelings for Rosa. This element can be interpreted as borderline incestuous and might be a trigger for some. The lack of a clear explanation regarding Rosa's origins also felt like a missed opportunity. ### Final Verdict Overall, "The Rotten Lady Rosa Wants to Watch Over Love from the Shadows" is a mixed bag. If you're looking for a lighthearted comedy with a unique premise and don't mind some potentially problematic elements, you might enjoy it. However, if you're sensitive to certain themes or prefer a more developed romance and plot, this novel might not be for you. I'd give it a cautious recommendation, urging readers to be aware of its potential pitfalls before diving in.