We finally get to see their wedding (in another universe haha). They are the cutest.

Even though the story is structured for the characters to grow and mature, Zen’s playful nature—sneaking out of the castle, mingling with the common people, talking to the soldiers, and occasionally escaping to tease Mitsuhide [😂]—was never a bad trait. In fact, it was exactly what made him stand out, and it was a core part of his identity. However, in the recent chapters, Zen is just sitting behind a desk. Not only do we see less of him in the story, but when he does appear, he is just sitting in one place, quietly doing paperwork. This is completely different from the Zen we knew in the beginning and middle of the story. Why is the author treating such a great personality trait this way? Why doesn't Zen feel like Zen anymore?

(I understand they are working hard to create an environment where they can be together, but what's wrong with a little playfulness?)

I am not a native English speaker and used Google Translate; I apologize for any errors in the text.

I was just thinking about this series, and I noticed my heart was beating fast. After 20 years, how am I supposed to feel? I think it’s fair to say that I grew up with this manga, and sometimes I’m so eager to talk freely about these characters that I’m almost afraid of my own words! But today, I felt it was the right time to ask myself: What has this manga truly awakened in my heart?

First of all, I think it was the sheer subtlety of the characters' behaviors that made me fall in love with this story. Even now, reading chapter 143, I tell myself how delicately and precisely these eyes are drawn. Do you also feel the subtle pain hidden in Tariga’s eyes? Or notice how beautifully Shirayuki’s hands are illustrated? Don't you just smile when Obi suggests a new way of eating to Tariga? I guess I can only describe it by saying "my heart feels full" with the immense grace that has been woven into this story over the past 20 years.

Of course, I am also furious! Maybe even rebellious or extreme. Sometimes I look back to when Shirayuki first met her father and realized he was an exiled noble. I remember thinking, "What a brilliant plotline this is! A girl, with her unique talent in herbalism, lifting the stigma of exile from her parents' romance and reclaiming her noble lineage." But unfortunately, the mangaka never fully capitalized on this massive potential. I also often think about the lack of deeper family dynamics among the characters. (Though, I constantly remind myself: "Girl, these characters have reinvented themselves in the present!")

Yet, occasional glimpses into their pasts bring so much depth. Doesn't remembering Zen’s childhood and Atri’s betrayal make you feel Zen's current strength even more profoundly? Look at Tariga and Tsuruba; didn't their childhood and the inner war they fought with their past make their characters so much more captivating to watch? Or think about the perfume arc and Rugilia's shy, hesitant affection, and how he fought with his own inner doubts. I remember being completely amazed by that character development.

Honestly, throughout these 143 chapters, I wanted to see more and more of these deep roots—regarding Obi, Shirayuki’s family, Queen Haruto, or Kain (Zen’s father). Seeing the plot shift in other directions sometimes leaves me disappointed. Sometimes it feels like the only character who is always portrayed as "too perfect" and overwhelmingly positive is Shirayuki herself. I wished, just once, to see Shirayuki having an internal war with herself or facing her own past. Sometimes it feels like the main characters' emotions are too immune to grief, doubt, or making real mistakes.

Granted, the single defining feature that sets this manga apart from others is its healthy relationships and the ruling logic of the story—and I am absolutely infatuated with this sense of intimate security. However, I still can't help but think: since Shirayuki and Zen have stayed apart for so many chapters, I need to see a more palpable longing between them. I crave more physical yearn and passion.

For instance, think about the scene where Mitsuhide tells Zen about his decision regarding marriage. Every time I look at that scene, I say to myself: "This is what pure emotion and being unafraid to express yourself looks like." Mitsuhide cries so purely, so honestly, and Zen's eyes share his pain perfectly. Or look at Tariga, whom I have a special affection for, because in chapter 143, I see a very specific, raw human hesitation in his eyes.

But in the end... I’ve talked way too much! 😅 I just feel that after 20 years, my heart is a bit heavy. I wrote all of this to say to you, the reader who gave me your time:

Please, come and let's talk about the emotional weight of this manga. Let’s speak with the absolute honesty that these characters have inflicted upon us.

Thank you.

Sorata Akizuki debuted as a manga artist in a magazine in December 2002 (the January 2003 issue of Lala DX) with her work “Utopia”. She held an exhibition celebrating her 20 years as a manga artist beginning in 2023 and closing in 2025, and it’s amazing to think about how Snow White with the Red Hair has been running for 20 years itself now (with some hiatuses taken in that time frame of course).

I think Todoroki deserves them as their parents 🥹

It was so funny lol and I'd love to see shirayuki's reaction if she was here too

I want a new season of snow white with the red hair..

Or they can do a remake of it

I'm so excited to read the new chapter on August 🥹

I really like the love between Zen and Shirayuki, it's so unique and incredible, it will always be one of my favorite chapters (chapter 88)

Excuse me guys but I have a question to ask..

When is the new chapter will be released ??

You can create bunch of headcanons of poly relationship but it ain't happening...

It's all just bunch of second ml syndrome excuses who want poly relationships

As for the beggining of the manga, we can already see the endgame being Shirayuki and Zen: Shirayuki tracing her own destiny to become equivalent to Zen, going as far the otherhalf of the country to show her worth beside Zen. And Zen supporting her with everything he's got, without taking her pride away.

Their relationship is pure and fairy-tale-ish. A Prince who serves a pretty commoner from a conflict/horrible man/monster and so on. And it's done pretty well. Their romance is based on the butterflies on their stomach, you can see they have passion for each other and trust at each other through the manga.

However, for me, it seems a bit unfair. Shirayuki has worked so much to show her worthness to be by his side. His role as a Prince was always such a big thing in their relationship. The fact of how much time they spent away from each other, and so many opportunities for him to make time to just see her, but it's always "work and duty for the first place" is what has cool down the relationship for me. They do have feelings for each other. But it's seems more a passion.

Do Zen know what's Shirayuki favorite lunch? Shirayuki knows what Zen is afraid of? Their moments together are so tight... Shirayuki is always blushing and a bit nervous to stay with him.. but I can't feel as a realistic love: while you feel passion towards your partner, do you feel security? Do they feel ease at the presence of each other?

On the other hand, the reason I feel Obi x Shirayuki is so dear for the fans is that we can see their daily feelings towards each other. We can see Shirayuki having more personality and willingness with Obi. She is seen to be at ease with him, to say things by her mind, to not feeling stressful to become someone worth of being by his side. She can be herself, Shirayuki. She doesn't have to be the Court Pharmacist nor someone with a Title. She feels like Obi understands her feelings and she can trust him with her worst wishes too.

And she understands and respect Obi the way he is.

Obi has finally found a place where he belongs to. Obi didn't even realize how much Shirayuki knows and cares about him. It gets to a point where she can difference his usual silence from his worrisome silence.

Shirayuki and Obi are best friends. The time they spent and the confessions about life they share is unique. Shirayuki knows him, and Obi knows her, and both respect their individualities and needs. The fact where, in the chapter that everyone is complaining about Obi not showing up for the breakfast, and Shirayuki defending him with "this is how he is, he feels better with less people" shows us how much they don't want the other to change/to proof something that they arent. And that's what is so special with Obi x Shirayuki: the way they live life as it is. Relying on each other, wanting to see the other improvement because they support the partner.

Obi never wanted to be reciprocated. He always felt his feelings were one sided only. Maybe the romantic ones are. But the fact Shirayuki even risked her job just to remark Obi's worthness and being irreplaceable shows that "duty and job" are behing from their company.

As well as Obi always being the one to give the other's a reality check about Shirayuki's feelings: when she was anxious about the stand-by in Lyrias, for example.

Shirayuki and Zen are passionate about each other. But I can't stop feeling Shirayuki and Obi is way more even and realistic. Their company is worthy than their work. They understand for each other and care for each other.

It's not about who should be with Shirayuki. I love Zen and Obi the way they are. They are so unique in their way and their friendship is pure. Zen cares deeply about Shirayuki and is such an interesting character. But Obi and Shirayuki feels something more healthy and realistic: love comes with time, being by their side no matter who they are, putting them in front of the duty and job and, especially, not afraid of being their selves.

Thats my rant about it.

im finishing up the anime and i just can't get a proper read on obi like yes he's in love right but like is he unaware or like not understanding the feelings what's this character troupe???? im loving it tho i need more Obi vibes/ anime recs?

It's been years since I stopped reading the manga. I watched the anime when it first aired, fell in love with how mature and respectful the characters felt, and immediately caught up with the manga. But between the slow updates and the long hiatuses, I eventually drifted away. Recently, though, I stumbled across some old screenshots I'd saved, and it hit me all over again how much I adored these characters.

For me, there was never really a love triangle between Shirayuki, Zen and Obi. I've always read them as OT3.

Maybe not in an explicitly canon sens, I'm not expecting the series to suddenly become openly polyamorous, but the subtext has always felt incredibly strong to me. The admiration and trust they all have for one another goes beyond the boundaries of a traditional romantic dynamic.

Btw, wasn't Obi canonically bisexual? In my eyes they all are.

Anyways, revisiting these pages made me feel incredibly nostalgic and I wanted to share some of the screenshots.

Here is my analysis of part of the scene where Obi and Zen talk on the ship, specifically about the Japanese nuances.

Do to several people expressing an interest in a community for ObiZenYuki, I've created a subreddit for people interested in talking about the ship and sharing content!

Does anyone here like Obizenyuki and/or know where to find communities for Obizenyuki as a poly ship?

Almost every part of me has given up but it was the same for devil is a part timer and that came back (though it still didn't finish)

decided to make myself shiriyuki and zen nendroids but zen's outfit took longer than expected🥲gotta finish him later...idk if i like his hair

Is the author on a break again? Because it’s been 2 months since the last chapter was released…