Log Horizon: Exploring The Romantic Subplots

Log Horizon is an anime series that ran from 2013 to 2021 and is based on the immersive MMORPG game 'Elder Tales'. The story follows the game's 30,000 players who find themselves trapped within the game with no obvious way out. The series centres around Shiroe and his friends as they navigate this new world, with Shiroe, a strategist, taking on a leadership role. While the series does include elements of romance, it is not a central theme. The romantic subplot primarily revolves around Akatsuki's love for Shiroe, which is not reciprocated, and the development of feelings between other side characters.

Akatsuki's romantic feelings for Shiroe

Akatsuki, one of the founding members of Log Horizon, develops romantic feelings for Shiroe, one of the main protagonists of the series. In the real world, Akatsuki, whose name is Shizuka Hanekura, is a college student who feels insecure about her petite stature as she is often mistaken for being much younger. This insecurity carries over into the virtual world of Elder Tale, where she initially creates a tall male avatar. However, when the Catastrophe hits and players are transported into the game, she seeks out Shiroe for a Full Appearance Reset Potion to align her in-game appearance with her real-world self.

Akatsuki's feelings for Shiroe grow as she spends more time with him. She feels comfortable and protected by Shiroe, and she addresses him as her ""lord," roleplaying as his ninja. Akatsuki is incredibly loyal to Shiroe and insists on accompanying him on his adventures. She admires his reliability and the fact that he never judges her based on her appearance. Despite her feelings, Akatsuki struggles with insecurities, feeling inadequate when compared to Shiroe's other companions, such as Minori, who is an actual middle-school girl.

Akatsuki constantly questions her self-worth and her value to Shiroe, wanting him to see her as more than just a child. She berates herself for not meeting her own expectations and wonders if she is worthy of his attention. Despite her limited social skills, Akatsuki yearns for Shiroe's recognition and acceptance. She is willing to put in the effort tirelessly, hoping to be acknowledged based on her competence rather than her cute appearance.

One of the critical moments in their relationship occurs when Akatsuki overhears Minori's conversation with Shiroe, after which she feels unworthy of protecting him as she hasn't done as much as Minori. This triggers self-doubt and makes her question her role by Shiroe's side. However, Akatsuki's feelings for Shiroe are strong, and she finds comfort and excitement just by being in his presence. She even practices hiding and walking silently to be a better companion for him.

Shiroe's protection and acceptance of Akatsuki play a significant role in her romantic feelings for him. In one instance, Shiroe catches Akatsuki practicing dance moves alone, and he notices her beauty and unique charms. Their interactions are filled with subtle hints of attraction, such as when Akatsuki hugs Shiroe tightly while riding on the back of a griffon or when she buries her face in his chest as he embraces her protectively. These moments showcase the growing emotional intimacy between them.

Overall, Akatsuki's romantic feelings for Shiroe are a central aspect of the Log Horizon series. Her character arc revolves around her insecurities, self-worth, and desire to be recognized and accepted by Shiroe. Despite the challenges she faces, Akatsuki persists in her efforts to support Shiroe and develop their relationship further.

Minori's crush on Shiroe

Minorin, a middle schooler, develops a crush on Shiroe, a 23-year-old. This crush is not reciprocated by Shiroe, who sees her as a hard-working student. Minorin's love for Shiroe stems from his dependability and reliability. She admires him and wants to be like him. She studies his tactics and methods and tries to adapt them to her own. Her crush on him is evident in the way she tries to be like him, in contrast to Akatsuki, who tries to serve him.

Some viewers of the show find this pairing uncomfortable due to the age gap between the characters. However, it is argued that their characters' ages are not reflective of their real ages as they are in a video game world. Additionally, it is pointed out that Shiroe treats Minori with respect and maturity when he rejects her, and she is supported by her friends in dealing with the rejection in a healthy manner.

The narrative recognizes that the pairing is morally questionable, yet it serves as a catalyst for Minori's development as a character. Her admiration for Shiroe motivates her to improve herself and step out of the student-teacher dynamic with him. Despite her crush, most of her development occurs independently of Shiroe, indicating that her character could have been fleshed out without the romantic element.

Minorin's crush on Shiroe is a controversial aspect of the show, with some viewers finding it inappropriate and others appreciating the narrative's handling of the situation. It contributes to Minori's character growth, but it is not a central focus of the story.

Marielle and Naotsugu's relationship

Their relationship begins when Marielle offers Shiroe, Naotsugu, and Akatsuki a place in her guild, which they decline. However, Marielle and Naotsugu's connection grows as they work together to rescue a guild member, Serara, who is trapped in Susukino. Naotsugu protects the team from Demiqas' guild members, demonstrating his loyalty and bravery.

As the series progresses, Marielle and Naotsugu develop a strong bond, and by the Libra Festival arc, they are having daily calls after dinner, indicating a deepening relationship. Their interactions showcase Marielle's affection and Naotsugu's discomfort with female attention. Despite this, they continue to grow closer, and by Volume 7 of the light novel, they are essentially dating, though they have not officially confessed their feelings. Their relationship is recognised by those around them, and Shiroe even considers them when making decisions about bringing Tetora back.

Demiqas and Upashi's relationship

Upashi, a Person of the Earth Human Housekeeper-Noblewoman, displays remarkable courage in the face of her situation as an Earthling. She knows that if she were to be killed, she would die permanently, yet she shows no fear towards Demiqas and frequently scolds him for his temper. Despite her status as a mere housewife to her former kidnapper, Upashi does not seem attached to her noble heritage. She genuinely seems to love her husband and is aware of the person he is beneath his ferocious exterior.

Demiqas's relationship with Upashi reveals a softer side to his character. He becomes more tolerant and subservient to his wife, in stark contrast to his previous treatment of subordinates. When Upashi faints due to MP loss during an attack by the Eternal Moths, Demiqas panics and goes into a violent rage, clutching her to his chest to keep her safe. This displays the depth of his feelings for her.

The development of their relationship is also evident in Demiqas's interactions with others. After the raid in Shibuya, he moves on from his animosity towards Shiroe, acknowledging that he is not as good as the Enchanter. When Demiqas returns home and recounts the story of the raid to Upashi, embellishing his contributions, she smiles, happy that her husband has found real friends.

The relationship between Demiqas and Upashi in Log Horizon showcases how romance can be utilised to develop characters and add depth to the narrative. It provides a contrast to Demiqas's brutal nature and highlights the transformative power of love and companionship within the story.

Akatsuki's insecurities about her height

As a result, she is very sensitive about her height and hates being called names like "pipsqueak" or "shrimp". She works tirelessly to be recognised for her competence, but her efforts are often overlooked due to her cute appearance. To escape these preconceptions, she created a tall male avatar in the game Elder Tale. However, when the Catastrophe hits and players are brought into the world of Theldesia, she is forced to give up her disguise and adjust her avatar to a body similar to her actual appearance.

Despite regaining her confidence after taking part in the Akiba Raid Party, Akatsuki continues to struggle with her insecurities. She constantly questions her self-worth and her value to her love interest, Shiroe, and worries that he sees her as a child. She berates herself for failing to meet her own expectations and wonders if she is worthy of his attention. However, it is important to note that Akatsuki's insecurities about her height are not just a source of angst but also serve as a catalyst for her character development. By learning to accept her short stature and embrace her true self, she is able to grow and improve her relationship with Shiroe.

Frequently asked questions