In shoujo manga, romantic relationships between the main characters and sometimes even other members of the cast may take precedence. After all, many of them are set up to track first loves, incompatible couples, etc Bride of the barrier master of course do it, but in third episode we can also see it explore other types of relationships by showing us how different pairs of siblings interact.
Editor’s Note: There are some spoilers for episode 3 of the series. Bride of the barrier master shojo manga below.
When The barrier master’s bride beginWe are finally introduced to the uneasy relationship between twin sisters Hana and Hazuki. Because Hana did not develop her powers at the same time as her sister, she was treated cruelly by her family. So when they appeared and she became one of the most powerful potential members of the Practitioners’ Association, she decided she wanted a peaceful life and hid them. Saku, her current husband, finds out she is not what she seems, marries her for the sake of maintaining and mending barriers, and now we are definitely witnessing the love story their love as they grow closer to each other.
But since then, we have met other brothers and sisters again. One is the dynamic between Saku and his younger brother Nozomu. Nozomu loves his brother but has an inferiority complex that prevents him from getting close to him. He felt inferior, constantly putting himself down, speaking ill of his brother, and increasing the distance between them. Saku didn’t see him as a burden or a problem, but Nozomu couldn’t understand that. So much so that when Hana appeared in episode 2, he also treated her poorly. But after a certain interaction between the Nijouin twins at Hana’s behest in episode 3, we finally get to see him speak clearly to her. As a result, we also see growth from him and new potential in his relationship with Saku.
Speaking of the Nijouin twins, Kikyou and Kiriya present another interesting foil that we can use to compare to existing characters when they are introduced in Bride of the barrier master episode 3. They are the third set of brothers and the second set of twins in the shoujo manga. However, the two get along very well and show special care for each other. While Kikyou takes the lead in the pair, like Hazuki may have done between her and Hana, her treatment of Kiriya is much kinder. Likewise. we see Kiriya’s consideration and willingness to stand up for her. It’s a dynamic that allows us to better understand the “bad” things that happened between Hana and Hazuki as well as the possibilities for the Cadets’ families.
In a way, it also feels like Bride of the barrier master is arranging for Hana to have a better relationship with her twin sister Hazuki. That’s great because it continues the story we started. See episode 2. Kureha is maintaining her intelligent tone, keeping Hana as a strong individual, while not focusing entirely on the two finally meeting. I hope that means Hana and Hazuki have a chance to recover from the toxic relationship their parents inflicted on them.
It’s great that shoujo manga prioritizes other relationships over romantic ones, and I love seeing it. Bride of the barrier master do it with its sibling set. Especially since not all of them are happy people. We get to see the characters grow through their interactions with each other, plus perhaps the promise of one getting a second chance to become a healthier person.
Bride of the barrier master episode 3 will be released on november 26, 2024 via Yen Baoand volume 4 of the manga still doesn’t have a release date.
