Third Prince Elmer

A third-year high school boy lost his life due to a disease. When he opened his eyes again, he had turned into a baby. The Third Prince, whose existence was hidden, could neither talk nor laugh, and was considered a failure. Add in an overprotective servant and a dragon who did things out of his own convenience. Continuing on living even with repeated misunderstandings. Heartwarming, alternate world life.

Original Publisher

syosetu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Third Prince Elmer "Third Prince Elmer" is a web novel that I dove into with high hopes, and while it didn't quite reach its full potential, I still found a lot to enjoy. It's a blend of adventure, comedy, drama, and slice-of-life, set in a fantasy world with a reincarnated protagonist. The story follows Elmer, a prince with a hidden past and a talent for ice magic, as he navigates courtly life and the expectations placed upon him. ### First Impressions The initial chapters immediately grabbed me. The premise of a modern-day individual reincarnated as a prince, especially one who faces neglect and misunderstanding, was compelling. I was particularly intrigued by the concept of Elmer's true personality contrasting with the perception others have of him. The slow-burn plot and focus on character interactions were also appealing. ### What Works Well One of the strongest aspects of "Third Prince Elmer" is the character growth, particularly Elmer's. Seeing him slowly adapt to his new life, grapple with his past trauma, and form genuine connections with those around him was heartwarming. I also appreciated the humor derived from the misunderstandings that arise due to Elmer's actions and thoughts being misinterpreted by others. This created a unique dynamic where the reader is privy to Elmer's true intentions while those around him see something entirely different. The loyal subordinates, the magic system and the foreshadowing elements also had me hooked. ### Areas of Concern My biggest disappointment, and a common sentiment among readers, is that the story was discontinued. The abrupt ending left many plot threads unresolved and character arcs incomplete, which is frustrating. I also found the protagonist's naivete and lack of common sense to be a bit overdone at times. While it contributed to the humor, it occasionally felt forced and detracted from the overall narrative. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers pointed out that Elmer's perceived "retardation" in early chapters, particularly his lack of movement and exploration, was a major turn-off. Others criticized the shift in the latter half of the story, feeling that Elmer's character became a generic, dense Japanese protagonist, losing the unique charm he initially possessed. Some found fault with the writing style. ### Final Verdict Despite its flaws and the unfortunate discontinuation, "Third Prince Elmer" is a story I would still cautiously recommend. If you enjoy character-driven narratives with a focus on heartwarming moments, humor, and a touch of tragedy, you might find something to appreciate here. Just be prepared for an incomplete story that leaves you wanting more. I give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.