I think you're fine as you are. I hope we can come to love what each of us treasures. I love you.

The above is not a line from the manga itself however I wanted to capture what this manga made me feel love was. Hakuou Kizoku places an emphasis on an individual's role in a community. How that community can criticize the individual but also how it can support them. How an individual can feel alinated from it but come to love it by sharing it with others.

The following uses content covered in the first seven chapters (pinky promise I don't spoil anything else) ーーー

Hailing from Revontulet, a region covered in snow half the year, the male protagonist Ritzhardt travels to the city every year seeking a marriage partner willing to move to the territory he governs. After years of failed proposals, he's charmed at first sight by the retired solder Sieglinde at one of these parties and proposes to her. To which she accepts with the condition of a trial period, as she is unsure of her capabilities as a woman with much of her life spent fighting instead.

Sieg moves to Revontulet, quickly adapting to a lifestyle of hunting, gathering, and crafting. Though the villagers don't seem to welcome her nor do they get along with their own lord, Ritz. He explains the village has history with the lands they were driven out of and some aren't ready to accept foreigners quite yet. Here, we also learn, that Ritzhardt himself carries half foreign blood.

With this we have two individuals not quite sure of both themselves and their place in the world. At least for now they have a beautiful snow-covered landscape, a bountiful forest, and each other.

The rest of the manga explores Sieg and Ritz spending time together, mostly tackling the various tasks needed to prepare for the winter but also sharing meals together and attempting to bond with the people of the village. Even as Ritz doubts what his role is, he knows that at the very least he wants to share all the parts of this lifestyle he loves with Sieg. And in turn, as Sieglinde comes to enjoy this newfound home with a beautiful scenery and warm food, a sense of purpose as a leader begins to develop in Ritzhardt.

It may be hard to understand certain things on your own, but sharing experiences with another lends itself to a new perspective. In that same vein, with this couple who each have their own insecurities, they come to accept each other's way of life and what they love. And if they fall in love each other then would they also come to love themselves? It's cheesy but yeah of course :)

I reccomend this manga to anyone that likes a simple, easy romance and a cozy feeling. I didn't get to mention it earlier but the art is also perfectly simple and adorable, complementing the story. Ok that's all, go read it!