What happens after happily ever after

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Willy Wonka: But, Charlie, don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he ever wanted.

Charlie: What’s that?

Willy Wonka: He lived happily ever after.

So, we’ve had a whole love story. The main couple have passed through all the possible obstacles separating them: physical distance, a Love Triangle, a properly jealous villain (Alpha Bitch, maybe), maybe even the Big Bad (common in epic fairy tales). Now, they are kissing each other at sunset as the very well known words are narrated:

«And they lived Happily Ever After. «

However, this ending is so classic it’s sometimes considered a Discredited Trope, or even a UnDead Horse Trope. It is often a subject to parody, and is frequently avoided in favor a Twist Ending.

Despite being one of The Oldest Ones in the Book, this trope is still used more frequently than you’d think. Many audiences simply want a Happy Ending because it makes them feel good. True art may be angsty, but Angst Aversion is also a fact of life. Everyone has their own favorite spot on the Sliding Scale of Idealism Versus Cynicism, and the Happily Ever After ending is meant to appeal to those who prefer the more idealistic side of things.

The original source of the Happily Ever After endings, the Fairy Tale, often dealt with the end of the evil characters, with great finality and with more details than the hero and heroine’s happiness. The Wicked Stepmother arrives at Snow White’s wedding, whereupon she is forced to put on red-hot iron shoes and dance until she dies, and this is an utterly typical fairy tale ending.

Interestingly enough, this is something of a Dead Unicorn Trope, as many of the older fairy tales had endings that provided An Aesop, however unfriendly.

See also True Love’s Kiss, Died Happily Ever After, Babies Ever After, Dance Party Ending, The Good Guys Always Win. Contrast Downer Ending and Bittersweet Ending, the cruellest examples of which make us think they’re going to be a case of this trope before yanking the rug out from under the audience. Compare Maybe Ever After, which leaves open the possibiity of a happily ever after ending, but doesn’t make it a certain conclusion, and Earn Your Happy Ending, in which the characters only live Happily Ever After if they’re prepared to put some effort into it. In more modern works, even a straight Happily Ever After can have the rug pulled out from under it in the sequel, in which we catch up with Prince Charming and his princess and find that they’re getting on each other’s nerves and have to fall in love all over again.

As this is an ending trope, unmarked spoilers abound.

Contents

Anime & Manga

Film (Animated)

Film (Live-Action)

Literature

«‘The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.’ And as He spoke He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all stories, and we can most truly say they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.»

Live Action TV

Religion

Theater

And there’s a happy ending, of course!

Video Games

Liara: If this all ends tomorrow Shepard, what happens with us.

What happens after happily-ever-after?

Vinita Dawra Nangia

While every marriage defines its happily-ever-after differently, there are still a few non-negotiables that make or break a marriage!

Why does nobody ever tell the story of what happens after “happily ever after”? Almost all romantic stories end with differences resolved and the protagonists happily united. Most readers are content to shut the book with a happy sigh and allow their imagination to be coloured by impossible romance. But have you wondered what happens to the characters you leave behind once the haze of romance has settled into mundane living? Do these romantic beings lead any different a life from the many couples you see around — perhaps your parents, or as they grow older, your grandparents?

Maybe you have met a Darcy and Elizabeth, a Jane and Bingley, or even a Beauty and her Beast at parties you attended and failed to recognize them as the couples who walked hand in hand into the sunset in their stories? The much older man nursing his drink in the corner avoiding his pretty younger wife may well be Rochester and Jane Eyre! Ok, this last one is perhaps too far a stretch of the imagination!

I often wonder how could Elizabeth and Darcy have had a good life? With his arrogance and highhandedness, and her proclivity to jump to assumptions! How about Sleeping Beauty and the Prince who kissed her awake? When she fully awoke, were they even compatible?

But first let us examine our definition of “happily ever after” and interpolate it to contemporary times. How does a couple live happily ever after? Nobody stays the same; we all change every minute of every day. The happy marriage scenario changes many times over with the tectonic shifts between gender equations, societal and lifestyle changes, and technology and economic progress. And today it is also subject to individualistic demands and expectations.

At a recent party a group of ladies started talking about how happy their marriages were. One said, “We never fight, argue, or scream at each other. We never have any misunderstandings. We know exactly what the other expects.”

Now this sounded a bit too pat to be convincing. A marriage with no arguments or fights? There will always be conflicts when you care for each other and for what you believe in. Nothing wrong with fights, so long as you stay focused on the topic, without devolving into personal insults and recriminations.

The same lady went on to say, “We know what to expect every single day…We can talk about anything and everything.” Well! To me, nothing can be more boring than to know what to expect all the time. Every successful marriage must have its share of mystique and surprises, which keeps us excited and involved.

As for being able to talk about anything and everything and complete unflinching honesty? I never believe couples who say that. Be honest always and insist on honesty as well – but where is the need to overshare? For instance, have you noticed how some vague confidence you shared in a moment of intimacy, is brought forth and thrown at you at the next argument? Naah…be smart and retain your little secrets.

Also, that thing people say about giving each other space? Sure, everyone needs space, but it is equally important to set aside time for togetherness – to talk, show interest in each other, indulge in shared activities, and consciously try to nurture your relationship further.

Perhaps the most important element of a happy marriage is understanding that your relationship is bigger than your pride or ego. Resorting to silence rather than hurtful words is a secret that will help you always. A mature outlook to marriage appreciates similarities and accepts differences. Therein lies the secret to long-lasting love – accept your spouse as you accept yourself. Nobody likes being judged and if you do so often, you only encourage your partner to start lying. Try not to be judgemental. Forgiveness is as wonderful a trait as it is made out to be.

A very critical part of being happy partners is to get to know each other’s trigger points early on and step over these landmines with caution. Even the most pleasant individuals can lose their shirt when certain triggers are set off.

Nobody’s ‘Happily Ever After’ is the same, and yet there are some non-negotiables that we must consider for a successful marriage.

We can only hope that each of the romantic fictive couples we spoke of in the beginning of this column followed their HEA with an open mind and a large forgiving and loving heart!

You can now listen to O-zone podcast on Gaana, Google, Spotify and Amazon Music

What happens after ‘happily ever after’?

I’ve spoken to many people who feel that funding is the end goal, that once they’ve hit that Series A or B or even Angel round, that means that they’ve made the big time.

While it is a milestone, it is by no means the final destination.

There are many specialists like auditors, pitch coaches, financial advisors, mentors who will prepare you for fundraising, but what happens next?

Her fairy godmother got her to the ball, the glass slipper fit Cinderella perfectly and she married her prince, but what happens now?

Let’s continue with this analogy and examine what happens after ‘happy ever after’…

Always listen carefully to the advice of your mentors and investors (there’s a reason they are who they are) but never lose sight of the vision or that gut feeling. As the CEO/Founder you know the business inside out and it’s up to you to make a decision based on past experience, the vision and your instinct. If you blindly follow what everyone else tells you, you’ll end up lost and most likely disengaged with the business.

There is a reason your monthly expenditure is called a ‘burn rate’, because it is like a platform it burns inch by inch or metre by metre (depending on how high or low it is) closer to you. Funding will extend this platform back out but it is still alight and still creeping closer to you, so don’t become complacent or you will definitely get burnt or fall completely off the platform.

I am firmly against using lack of funding as an excuse. I’m also financially minded so my automatic response to spend is usually, ‘no’. This means I believe that funding should be used for adding fuel to an already lit fire, not to light a fire nor to make the fire burn blue just because you can. An example of fuel is automating a tried and tested but manual process which will help you scale. Or using targeted Facebook ads to reach your identified ideal customer at grand scale.

Smart money > money. Utilise your new investor network and their domain experience. They may be able to introduce you to possible clients, more investors or maybe they’re in the financial field and can assist with budgeting or business modelling. Remember that it’s in not only your but their best interest that the business be as strong as possible and most will be only too happy to help out where they can.

So a massive congratulations if you’ve just raised funding! It is an amazing milestone to hit and takes a lot of work (sometimes year in the making) to get there. It is always well deserved but try to avoid the pitfalls in the aftermath of it all, because sometimes if you lose your slipper at midnight, you’re not a princess, you’re just drunk 🙂

Still Single? What to Do When You’re Not Getting Your Happily Ever After

The truth is no one is guaranteed to live happily ever after. If we really think about it, no such thing exists, not on this earth anyway. All we have is right now–this very moment and the next.

So what’s this thing we’ve been sold? (And most of us have bought.) How did the promise of a blissful forever with a noble prince become a point of pain for so many?

The Storybook Promise

The cultural tides are starting to shift, ever so slowly. But think back to your childhood. Chances are if you’re over 20, you’ve been fed the storybook promise.

You’ve seen this scenario again and again: The handsome prince rescues the poor maiden and whisks her away from a world of drudgery to a world of luxury and joy. And they live happily ever after.

Sure, ladies, you can have a wonderful life of safety, riches, jewels, and endless ballgowns, but a prince has to make it all happen for you. The message: A relationship is the key to your happiness.

The problem isn’t so much in a single story. You probably loved at least one of these fairytales as a child and even into adulthood.

But what happens when the same story is told repeatedly to receptive minds? Messages are internalized.

This “happily ever after” message is internalized as:

Fact vs. Fiction

You know what makes a great story. Those artistic touches. The hero’s journey. The drama. But your life isn’t a piece of fiction. It’s your life!

Let’s assume those fairytales with prince charming (and his fabulous hair), his white horse, and happily ever after are just that–fairytales. They’re based on someone’s ideal, or a cultural ideal, most likely from a very, very long time ago.

In other words, these stories are outdated and biased. Add to that, they’re fiction, not reality. How’s that for a happily ever after?

Re-Writing the Story

Imagine you’re creating your own storybook. You want to write a good story, but you also want it to be realistic and a fair reflection of the world you live in now.

What would your story be? It could include strong doses of perspective…

Is Being in a Couple Better than Being Single?

Let’s examine the idea that being in a couple is somehow superior to being single. It’s often internalized as “I must be damaged because I’m still single.”

Are your friends in happy, healthy relationships? Sure, they’ve married or otherwise paired up, but are they happy? Or are they secretly wishing for the freedom of their single days?

With a divorce rate somewhere around 40%, you can bet that plenty of couples who seem inseparable in public are privately miserable in their relationships.

Perhaps many of these relationships were formed partially due to the pressure to “couple up.” Wouldn’t you rather wait for the right relationship, than rush into one because of societal pressures?

Is it possible to live a fulfilling life as a single woman? Of course it is.

There’s also a gender double standard at play. Would you even ask that question of a bachelor? Probably not. So, why assume a single woman can’t happy?

Focus on Living, Rather than Coupling

It’s said what you focus on grows. If you’re constantly feeding feelings of lack and loneliness, you’re going to magnify that in your life. You’ll find ways to prove that you’re missing out, that you’re somehow less than because you’re single.

I want you to hear this, to really take it in:

Your life is the only one you get to live. Your life is not at 50 percent because you’re single and need a mate to magically unlock the other half.

You are 100 percent. You are whole.

The point is to LIVE your life. If you’re single right now, fine. Live your life. If you’re in a great relationship, okay. Live your life. Live at 100 percent.

Why would you want to live at anything less? If you’re living a 50 percent life because you feel incomplete without a partner, that’s your choice. You’re choosing to make your life less than. No one is choosing that for you.

You’re also not going to attract a healthy relationship by living in a state of perpetual lack. Why? You better believe that if you’re only bringing a 50 percent version of yourself to a relationship, it’s bound to fail.

Treating yourself like someone you love isn’t selfish. It’s healthy.

Let this place of power be the starting point for your life’s adventures. Whether single or in a couple, focus on LIVING a 100 percent life.

Want to work on building a healthy relationship with yourself? If you haven’t already, click here to download 4 Free Guided Meditations that will help you learn how to love yourself and find peace of mind.

What happens after happily ever after

Cinderella Phenomenon: Evermore – What Happens After Happily Ever After?

After years of waiting, indie studio Dicesuki Games released the follow up to their popular visual novel, Cinderella Phenomenon. Cinderella Phenomenon: Evermore serves as an epilogue to the first game, giving players a peek into the lives of Lucette and the rest of the Marchen crew two years after their happily ever after. But, what comes after Happily Ever After?

Real life doesn’t just end with ‘Happily Ever After’ and now that the Lucette has broken her curse and saved the kingdom of Angielle, the real work begins. Follow Lucette as she navigates the complexities of love and life—from learning to control her newly awakened powers to training to become the next Queen of Angielle, there is some much more in store for the former Ice Princess.

♦ Game Details ♦

Contains spoilers for the first game Cinderella Phenomenon, so if you haven’t played the first game, you might want to do that before reading this review.

♦ Character Routes ♦

Each route picks up two years after the Good Endings of the first game and follow Lucette and her chosen love interest after their Happily Ever After. Because the events of each route played out differently in Cinderella Phenomenon some of the details will differ between routes in Evermore. Characters that are alive in one route may not be in other routes and character’s roles may be slightly different. You must play Cinderella Phenomenon to understand what’s going on in Evermore.

Each route consists of six chapters, each with two endings (Good and Best). There really is no play order, all the routes are available at the start of the game. But, if you’re looking to build up to some of the heavier storylines, I recommend going with Rod → Chevalier → Karma → Fritz → Waltz. While there are some details that are similar between routes, each story focuses on a different conflict specific to Lucette and her chosen love interest.

Rod Benedikt Widdensov

♦ The Stubborn Prince ♦

Rod is Lucette’s younger step-brother who was afflicted by the Little Mermaid fairytale curse. He traded his voice to become a prince so that his childhood friend would fall in love with him. Like in the original fairytale, if Rod fails to win the heart of his love, then he is destined to die. It’s been 2 years since the events of the first game, Rod and Lucette were able to break their curses and the kingdom of Angielle is at peace. Even though Rod and Lucette are now a couple they are unable to make their relationship public for fear that the people of Angielle won’t accept their love since they’re technically step-siblings. To avoid a scandal, Rod makes a magical wish and renounces his title as prince of Angielle so he can freely court Lucette as a commoner. He takes a position in the kingdom of Brugantia as their royal dance instructor in order to make a name for himself and eventually earn the right to stay by her side. But the distance puts a strain on their relationship and the pair must work through their issues if they’re going to earn their happily ever after.

Rod’s route focused more on Lucette and Rod’s relationship and the issues they face as a couple so it’s a much more relaxed story than the more action heavy first game. Both Lucette and Rod have become much more open with their feelings in the two years since Cinderella Phenomenon and it was nice to see two of the most reserved characters in the series being cute and lovey-dovey with one another. But, both still have deep seeded insecurities—Rod in particular feels unworthy of being with Lucette and spends the majority of the route secretly training to become a better man for her sake. He becomes secretive and distant, which leads to more than a few misunderstandings between them. Relationships take work and I liked that this route focused on Lucette and Rod talking through their problems and even actively seeking help from friends and family about their relationship. Of all the love interests, Rod was the one that was most like Lucette—they’re both incredibly stubborn and opinionated and I was glad to see that Evermore kept their witty banter and teasing, especially when it results in Rod blushing!

Chevalier du Mont (aka Rumple)

♦ The Flirty Doctor ♦

Chevaliar is a doctor working in Angielle who was afflicted with the Rumpelstiltskin fairytale cures. He traded three items to a witch doctor to help save three of his patients–the last item he traded was his memories. After breaking his Fairytale Curse and regaining his memories, Chevalier accepted a position as the Royal Physician and now lives in the palace with Lucette. In recent weeks Lucette has been plagued by Tenebrarum induced nightmares that have only gotten worse since Sinna, the Lucis Bearer has arrived in Angielle. While the previous route focused on Lucette’s relationship with Rod, this route focused more on Lucette building a relationship with Sinna, the new Lucis bearer. After the death of Parfait, her cousin Sinna took over her role as the Lucis bearer, and unlike his cousin, he seems reluctant to work with Lucette on maintaining the balance between the two crystals–which causes issues for Lucette.

Chevalier takes on a much more supportive role in the story, encouraging Lucette to reach out to Sinna; he is her confidant and I like that Chev is a person that she can turn to when things get tough for her. Of course, his flowery words and flirty demeanor can be a bit much at times, but his feelings for Lucette are genuine. You really get the sense that he loves her and wants the best for her and I really enjoyed all the little sweet things he does for her in the route—like when he commissions a local café to make pastries named after her.

Because Chevalier isn’t royalty, he does have to contend with judgmental nobles who don’t believe he is a suitable partner for Lucette (his age doesn’t do him any favors either), and while he usually brushes aside negative comments from others, he really does take their sentiments to heart. But, Lucette is always there to reassure him of her feelings and her choice to be with him. Chevalier isn’t my favorite of the LIs in this game (I’m not a fan of flirty types at the best of times), BUT, I do like that despite being complete opposites, Lucette and Chevalier make their relationship work by being honest and open with one another. There aren’t any of the silly misunderstandings you see in most romance media, because Lucette and Chevalier actually talk through their problems and work together to solve them. There’s a mutual trust and understanding between them that makes them one of my favorite couples in the series.

Klaude Aidric Renaldi Mattheus Almonte (aka Karma)

♦ The Flamboyant Prince ♦

Klaude is the flamboyant crown prince of the kingdom of Brugantia. In the first game, he is afflicted by the Beauty and the Beast fairytale curse, which causes any woman that sees his face to fall madly in love with him. To avoid this, Klaude dresses as a beautiful woman named Karma. However, there is a second level to his curse–if Klaude ever falls in love with someone he will transform into a monstrous beast. After breaking his curse, Klaude and Lucette are engaged and living happily in Angielle. Because Lucette’s role as the Tenebrarum bearer prevents her from leaving the kingdom, Klaude has abdicated his claim to the Brugantia throne to his younger brother Lance. Klaude is a bit on the flamboyant side, showering Lucette with lavish gifts and praise, though he can sometimes go a bit overboard–he once hired a choir to sing outside of Lucette’s bedroom window. When he isn’t spoiling his fiance, both Klaude and Lucette spend their days planning for their upcoming wedding and training to take over as rulers of Angielle.

In the route Klaude and Lucette’s relationship takes a bit of a backseat to the relationship between Klaude and his younger brother Lance. Outwardly, Klaude seems to be thriving in Angielle, but deep down he still feels guilty about abandoning his responsibilities in Brugantia. Things come to a head when his younger brother Lance arrives in Angielle and he is forced to confront his insecurities head on. Klaude is usually pretty easy going, so it was nice to get to see more of his serious side this time around, especially through his interactions with his brother.

Fritz Aiden Leverton

♦ The Loyal Knight ♦

Fritz is Lucette’s kindhearted and loyal personal knight. He knows Lucette better than anyone else and in the first game he harbors a one-sided love for her that is later reciprocated. He is the only person to not know that he is afflicted by a Fairytale Curse, as he is secretly cursed by the King’s royal advisor to assist him with carrying out his nefarious plans. Fritz is afflicted by the Little Red Riding Hood fairytale curse which causes his personality split giving life to Varg, his “evil” alter ego. Taking a page out of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Fritz’s dominant personality and his much less inhibited alter ego are always at odds with one another.

His route in the first game ended on a bit of a bittersweet note–Fritz is able to break his fairytale curse and successfully overpowers his “evil” alter ego Varg, but Delora, Parfait, and Garland all die during the confrontation with Hildyr. In her final moments, Parfait destroys the Lucis and Tenebrarum, completely removing magic from the world. Two years have passed since then and Angielle is still recovering from the damage Hildyr caused—witches are still being persecuted against and now that magic is gone, many are finding it difficult to make a living. Lucette is doing her best to bridge the gap between humans and witches in Angielle, but the witches resent her for her involvement in removing their magic. Fritz isn’t having an easy go of it either, most of the kingdom still distrusts him because of the actions of his alter ego Varg and it is because of this that he steps down from his position as commander of the Order of Cladria.

This route explores Lucette and Fritz’s shared trauma after the events of the first game, both have a lot of baggage going into Evermore and I like that this route shows that not everything was tied up in a nice neat bow. Lucette had a hand in her mother’s death and the removal of magic in the world, while Fritz was a pawn in his father’s and Hildyr’s evil plans. Both have to come to terms with their actions and learn to move on from their pasts so they can live their lives on their own terms. Fritz especially has a hard time because he has spent his life working to live up to his father’s expectations and now that he’s gone he is free to choose his own path. Their happily ever after takes real work and its through their efforts that they’re able to forge a new future not just for themselves, but all of Angielle.

Waltz Cresswell

♦ Best Boy ♦

Waltz is a free spirited and kind hearted witch who makes a living for himself as a street performer, putting on magic shows for the townspeople in the main plaza. In the first game, he was afflicted with the Neverland fairytale curse, which causes him to take on the appearance of a child. It is revealed that he was once a student of Lucette’s mother Hildyr. Because of this he is quite proficient in using magic and offers to help train Lucette to control her newly awakened powers. After the events of the first game, both he and Lucette break their respective curses and overthrow Hildyr, but Lucette’s father is killed in the process. With the king gone, Lucette is crowned Queen of Angielle, but her rule is plagued by the after affects of the first game–witches corrupted by the Tenebrarum are wreaking havoc in the kingdom and she is at a loss as to how to deal with the problem. She is weighed down by her responsibilities as queen and feels that she isn’t capable of ruling the kingdom the way her father did. Adding to her woes, the negative sentiments of the people are fueling the Tenebrarum and Lucette as its bearer is plagued by horrible nightmares.

Both Waltz and Lucette were the hardest hit by the events of the last game and even now, two years later, they’re still trying to come to terms with everything they endured at the hands of Hildyr. Their shared trauma is what binds them together, and I love that this route explores just explores that past in great detail. It’s one of the more emotional storylines, and rather than being something that creates conflict in Lucette and Waltz’s relationship it’s something that makes them both stronger. I love the soft quiet moments between them because you really get the sense that they can be vulnerable with each other in ways they can’t be with others, which makes their eventual happily ever after feel more earned.

Lucette Riella Britton

Lucette has grown considerably since the events of the first game! She is no longer the feared Ice Princess, becoming a much kinder and compassionate person in the two year timeskip. She has come into her role as the new Tenebrarum Bearer by helping to cure those afflicted with the dreaded Fairytale Curses. She is also undergoing training with Delora and Waltz to help control her newly awakened witch powers. As the Tenebrarum Bearer, Lucette is prone to nightmares due to the negative energy stored in the crystal—in some routes this is more plays a much bigger role in the store than others.

I remember hating Lucette at the start of the first game, but now she is one of my favorite heroine characters. She’s still the sass queen she was in the first game, but her edges have been softened considerably. Lucette is much more invested in the people of Angielle and makes every effort to get to know them and prove to them that she has their best interests at heart. She is actively engaged in bridging the gap between humans and witches and is very outspoken against hostilities between both groups. While this is a romance game and her relationship with the guys are at the forefront, I really like that the writers also explore her platonic relationships with her friends and family. In the first game, Lucette had closed herself off to everyone, especially her family and it’s nice to see that over the years she was able to form a genuine bond with them. She and Emelaigne have a wholesome sisterly bond where they hang out and confide in each other about their problems. Her relationship with her father is also much improved and I like that they are working to rebuild their father/daughter relationship.

This Lucette is older and wiser, but she isn’t perfect and she doesn’t try to be. Rather, she faces every obstacle head on and just does her best.

♦ Overall Thoughts ♦

I absolutely loved Cinderella Phenomenon, its a wonderful twist on the fairytales we all know and love and the characters are *chefs kiss* But, its a story that works within a specific context—the characters are afflicted by a Fairytale Curse that cause their lives to come to a standstill, prompting them to do a “thing” that will break their curse and let them go back to their normal lives. The entire plot of the first game revolves around the Fairytale Curses and how the main cast removes their respective curses. Sure, there are other things going on, like maintaining the balance of magic; the conflict between witches, fairies, and humans in Angielle; and Lucette learning how to be a “good person”. BUT, even those can be traced back to the Fairytale Curses. Everything we learn about the characters and their motivations all fit within the context of their curses and while Cinderella Phenomenon is a fantastic character driven story, we are always reminded that the main goal they all strive towards is breaking their curses. But, in Evermore, the Fairytale Curses are gone and the macro level conflicts have either been resolved or removed altogether, which gives us the chance to see these characters breakout of the restrictive framework of the original game.

Cinderella Phenomenon: Evermore focuses on the aftermath of the events of the first game. When we meet the characters again its two years later, their much older and wiser and many are still working to get their lives back in order. Evermore gives us a chance to really explore who Lucette and the rest of the Marchen crew are without the looming specter of the Fairytale Curses. Their isn’t a big bad that needs to be defeated, so the conflicts are much more grounded in reality, focusing more on how the main cast navigate their new normal.

Some characters like Fritz and Waltz are still working through past trauma, while characters like Lucette, Rod, and Karma are learning how to navigate new roles. I really enjoyed this much more relaxed storytelling because it really gives you a more intimate look at the characters and their lives that otherwise would have been lost in a more “plot heavy” story. Details like Klaude’s younger brother Lance had no place in the first game, but in Evermore, Klaude’s relationship with his brother takes center stage. It’s a small thing, but it adds a new dimension to the characters that really pushes this story more weight. Of course, there are still a lot of loose ends carried over from the first game, a few characters died at the end of Cinderella Phenomenon, and I really appreciate that the writers don’t just gloss over that. We see the characters dealing with the loss of these characters in a way that feels so real.

I love the way the way that Evermore deals with the relationship between Lucette and her chosen LI. They’ve beaten the odds and are now well into their “Happily Ever After” but it’s nothing like it is in the fairytales—relationships take hard work and I love that we get to see Lucette and her lover putting in the effort to make their relationship work. Because the story isn’t bogged down by petty squabbles and unnecessary drama, you really get to see how Lucette and her chosen lover interact with each other as a couple. The writers are striving to tell a much more realistic love story and it’s less of a rose-colored romance than you’d see in a game like this, rather Evermore explores how Lucette and her lover come together to support each other through the ups and downs of their respective lives. There are definitely plenty of sugary sweet moments for folks looking for their romance fix, though like the first game, Evermore keeps things pretty PG. Though there are some nice kiss CGs

The art in the first game was really good and it is nice to see that carried over in Evermore. Kooriiko’s style lends itself well to the fairytale themes of the game and it was nice to see the return of the storybook illustrations during the game’s intro. There are some subtle differences to the character sprites between the first game and this one, which was a nice touch given the two year timeskip. The CGs are good, buuuut, there were still some that felt a bit awkward *cough* Chevalier’s last CG *cough*—that aside, Cinderella Phenomenon is definitely one of the more high end indie otome games. I also want to note the animated opening is gorgeous and the UI while not as pretty as the stained glass design of the first game is still nice. I did also like that there were cute animations for some of the sprites—like the mischievous glint to Chevalier’s glasses or Klaude’s bishie sparkles.

Overall, I really enjoyed Cinderella Phenomenon: Evermore, and if you’re a fan of the original game I highly recommend giving this game a play. It’s a fitting continuation of the story and it offers a rare look into the lives of characters after they achieve their happily ever after. While the stakes are much more grounded in the everyday conflicts Lucette and the Marchen crew face in their lives, Cinderella Phenomenon: Evermore still manages to tell a compelling and emotional story that is well worth the price of admission.