Kodansha’s K Manga service has expanded its digital library with the addition of Nagi Ōkawa’s manga adaptation of Ichiha Hiiragi’s popular novel, “The Useless Saint and the Cursed Holy Knight: A Whimsical Confession Turned Proposal & Devotion” (Yakutatazu Seijo to Norowareta Seikishi: Omoidezukuri de Kokuhaku Shitara Kyūkon & Dekiai Saremashita). The new series became available on the platform on Monday, November 25, 2025, bringing its unique blend of fantasy, romance, and comedy to English-speaking readers.
A New Fantasy Romance Arrives on K Manga
“The Useless Saint and the Cursed Holy Knight” introduces readers to Annabel, a Saint whose healing “Divine Power” has significantly diminished due to mysterious circumstances. Deemed “useless,” Annabel finds herself facing a forced betrothal. In a desperate attempt to create a cherished memory before her impending marriage, she confesses her love to a passing Holy Knight, Sir Lucas, during a flower festival where social standing doesn’t hinder declarations of affection.
The story takes an unexpected turn when, days later, Sir Lucas appears and proposes marriage to Annabel. However, his true motivation is revealed to be a quest to lift a curse placed upon him. This whimsical premise sets the stage for a compelling narrative combining elements of adventure, comedy, fantasy, and shoujo romance.
Creative Team Behind the Manga
The manga adaptation is penned by Nagi Ōkawa, based on the original novel by Ichiha Hiiragi. Poporucha provided the character designs for the original print volume of the novel. Christine Dashiell is credited as the translator for the manga, with Amethyst Xuan handling the lettering. The original novel by Ichiha Hiiragi concluded in December 2020 on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website, while Ōkawa’s manga adaptation ran from October 2021 to October 2023 on Kodansha and pixiv’s Palcy manga service. Kodansha released the sixth and final compiled book volume for the manga in March 2023, with an additional seventh volume of side stories released in March 2023.
Understanding the K Manga Platform
K Manga is Kodansha’s official manga platform, launched to provide English-speaking fans, particularly in the U.S., with direct access to a wide array of titles. The service primarily operates as a smartphone app for both iOS and Android, with a website version also available.
K Manga’s Content and Features
The platform boasts a substantial library, featuring hundreds of titles, including popular works like Attack on Titan, Tokyo Revengers, Fairy Tail, and Ghost in the Shell. K Manga also offers simulpub releases for many ongoing series, allowing readers to access the latest chapters simultaneously with their release in Japan. This includes titles such as Blue Lock, Shangri-La Frontier, and Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro. The platform is managed directly by Kodansha’s editorial team, ensuring official translations and a high-quality reading experience.
How K Manga Works
K Manga utilizes a ticket and point system for accessing manga chapters. Users receive normal tickets daily, which grant access to one chapter for three days. Premium tickets can be obtained through daily login bonuses and “treasure chests” but have an expiration date. Points, which can be purchased (typically $1 USD for 100 points) or earned through ads or other tasks, are used to unlock chapters, with costs varying per title. While the platform aims to provide a broad selection, its payment system has, at times, faced criticism from users regarding its efficiency and the perceived number of microtransactions.
The addition of “The Useless Saint and the Cursed Holy Knight” further solidifies K Manga’s commitment to expanding its diverse catalog of officially translated manga, offering fans more options within the fantasy romance genre.
