Majo to Youhei
The Witch and the Mercenary

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This is a fantasy story that was written right.

All characters are well made, believable and understandable. The battles aren't very detailed, but they are easy to read and even more important: fun to read. The world isn't much different to what you expect for this kind of story but the different perspective of the main characters makes it more refreshing.

The mercenary actually acts like a veteran and tries to be cautious, not a know-all-about-everything-that-happens that you can expect for this plot. He's also level headed for his profession.

The witch is nice as well, and she's the main drive for the direction the two of them ... are taking. Although her old age, her immaturity and inexperience living in society clearly shows again and again, but she's not frustrating or annoying, she reads nicely as someone who loves to learn and IS learning about living with others.

I'd say there's nothing yet too extraordinary in the first 17 chapters that will make you absolute love this, but it's just such a refined work that I couldn't find anything that I didn't like. Thus the 10.

AND OH MY GOD IS THIS A MAIN CHARACTER THAT GOES TO THE ADVENTURERS GUILD BUT DOES NOT BECOME AN ADVENTURER?! Sooooooo refreshing.

Seems like this could become one of those underrated gems primed for an anime adaptation. Majo to Youhei introduces an intriguing story that hooks readers early on, though the pacing can feel slightly rushed at first—but that doesn’t detract much from its appeal. For fans of romance with a realistic edge, this manga is a refreshing read. The main characters have an engaging dynamic, especially with one protagonist embodying a stone-cold, emotionless persona (who also happens to be an overpowered, potentially lethal figure). It adds a unique tension and depth to the relationship that feels both compelling and believable.

All in all, Majo to Youhei is ... a solid, enjoyable read for those who enjoy a realistic take on romance alongside a hint of the supernatural. It’s one to watch for sure.

I am very suprised this doesn't have the recognition of other fantasies like Frieren or Witch Hat Atelier. The story is absolutely incredible.

Simple premise of course, strong burley type who protects a witch outcasts, it also reminded me a lot of Unnamed Memory, only it's actually good. Firstly is the pacing. They don't beat around the bush with each event, bounty-rescue-bodyguard-adventuring-exploring. The story has essentially followed this progression while maintaining a sense of urgency that doesn't detract from the world building. Which is my next point. The world building by chapter 28 is so well layered it reminds me of Joe Abercrombie's First Law Trilogy. ... For those who don't read fantasy much he basically executes character dynamics and a stricking world building style that blend very well.

But aside from that i just love the characters, the most impottant aspect of any story. Zig, the mercenary MC, reminds of various characters i've read. The stoic strong type but strangely caring isn't unique but i simply don't care. I always like them. Siasha, the outcast witch, is of course very curious of the world and cultures since she was mostly a recluse before their meeting. Plus the tropes balance out and rather than being over the top, again reminds me of Frieren's style. There also is a fair bit of action, but you probably expected that. I'll just say the intensity of the fights i wasn't fully prepared for and not in a bad way as a fan of grim-dark.

I always come across one of these every few months and go "how the hell do more people not talk about this?" but this one genuinely confuses me. As there's been isekai slop fed to people for years at this point, the few fantasy that are excellent do tend to stick out, and this is definetly one that should as well.
9/10 at the bare minimum for me.