I recently had the pleasure of playing Panacea’s upcoming otome, Bell Maiden’s Bloom, and y’all I am in love! You all know I am a lover of otome games, but while I love them so much there is a distinct lack of melanin in romance media. As a Black woman I long to see myself represented in the games I love, but time and time again I am left feeling neglected… Which is why it’s hard for me to self insert with otome games, because it’s just hard to relate to a character that is being praised for their silky smooth hair and milky, white skin—’cus she ain’t me. So I was super excited to receive an email about Bell Maiden’s Bloom, a fantasy otome game featuring a Black soft-girl heroine and this is the representation we need in otome space! So, of course I had to talk about it here on Blerdy Otome! (They’d revoke my Black card if I didn’t)
About Bell Maiden’s Bloom
Bell Maiden’s Bloom is a story with an immersive fantasy lore full of mystery, intrigue, and romance. Set in a land divided by religious conflicts between the people of Kaffir, who follow the teachings of the god, Aramanthus and the Dianthus, who follow the god Calendula. As their conflict reaches it’s breaking point, our heroine Rosea is set to step into her role as the Bell Maiden, the holy figure head for the church of the Bell Flower and the proxy for the god Aramanthus in Kaffir. Excited (and anxious) to take on her new responsibilities, Rosea finds herself caught in the middle of the conflict after she learns some hard truths about the church that shake her beliefs. Now Rosea will have to choose between upholding her duties as Bell Maiden or seek to reveal the truth behind the church and forge a new path of unity between the people of Kaffir and the Dianthus.
Characters of Bell Maiden’s Bloom
In Bell Maiden’s Bloom, you take on the role of Rosea a sweet (and a smidge naïve) young woman who is set to take over the role of Bell Maiden from her mother. As she steps into her destiny, she she meets four flower boys who will change her fate forever. The story is divided into two distinctive story paths: Mystery and Faith. Each story focuses on two love interests and delve into the truths of Rosea’s world.
You’re the future Bell Maiden of the Holy City of Kaffir, and your coming-of-age ceremony is fast approaching. You don’t feel quite ready for your new responsibilities, but unfortunately, you’re living in dangerous times. For the sake of your people, you must rise to the occasion and face your duties head on. No matter what path you choose.
A man with an air of mystery who’s also known as the “Jet Black Prince”. Despite encountering him only once, it feels like you’ve known him your entire life.
Your beloved childhood friend who is just as fluffy and sweet as the delicious pastries he bakes. He’s a bit of a worrier, and acts with extreme caution, but works very hard to realize his dream of becoming a bishop for the Church of Amaranthus.
An elusive thief hiding in the shadows of Kaffir. Apparently this man knows no fear, and possesses a rare skill very few in Alyssum can master. He also has an adorable pet bird who helps him navigate sticky situations.
The no nonsense general of the Holy Guard. He’s dutiful and extremely loyal to the Church of Amaranthus. You’d better pray he’s on your side though, because this man is ruthless, and has a bit of a sadistic streak. He also gets a kick out of teasing you and watching you squirm.
Rosea is the Soft Black Girl Representation We NEED in Otome
I needed to take a minute to talk about the heroine of Bell Maiden’s Bloom, Rosea! Not only is she a Black woman, but she is a soft, adorable Black woman! In most media, Black women are depicted (when they’re even included) as strong, independent, girlboss figures—we’re warriors, protectors, rarely the one being protected. And as a Black woman, it is exhausting to ALWAYS be the “strong one”, because sometimes I want to be taken care of. I want to be allowed to be vulnerable and soft! Damnit, where is my soft, fluffy romance story?!
Well, it seems like Bell Maiden’s Bloom is here to deliver exactly what myself and other Black otome gamers have been dreaming of: a soft, vulnerable, and cute Black heroine thriving in her own otome adventure! Deep down, I knew I needed to see myself represented in an otome, but experiencing the story of Bell Maiden’s Bloom just hit different! Rosea is just a girl. Her room is pink and full of plushies. She likes cute things. She’s naïve and very sheltered. She’s not the most confident, in fact she is full of self doubt and anxiety about becoming the Bell Maiden. She is literally the embodiment of the soft, innocent “Mary-Sue” otome heroine many (myself included) find archaic and a tad frustrating at times. BUT, this is exactly the Black representation we needed!
I will be the first to admit that Rosea is a character that should be far removed from who I am in these streets. I go out of my way most days to portray myself as a strong, hard, girlboss. But, if I’m being honest, I’m pretty soft and prone to pesky emotions, just like everyone else. In fact, I’m a lot like Rosea (minus the pink, I loathe pink). I like soft things, fluffy romance and I want to build a warm omega nest full of fluffy blankets and cute plushies. I want someone to sweep me off my feet and hold me in their strong arms while whispering sweet nothings into my ear… I want to feel like I am someone who is cherished and loved. And that is what I get from Rosea!
Of course, she also has a strong sense of justice and when it counts she is not afraid to step out of her comfort zone—which we see in the prologue when she literally throws herself in front of Clematis to protect him from harm. People aren’t just one thing! You can be vulnerable and soft, AND you can be outspoken and strong! Protector and protected. Both can exist at the same time and Rosea perfectly balances the best of each. Which is why I can truly see myself in someone like her, she encompasses both sides of me—the fluffy hopeless romantic side and the protective, impulsive side. And I can’t wait to see how her journey plays out as the story progresses. Especially the romance!
I am SO ready for the romance, because I NEED to see a Black woman being held, kissed, and loved on by these handsome men! NO, I DEMAND IT!
Indie otome games have come a long way towards representation, but I still feel like there are not enough otome romances with Black and brown heroines! There just aren’t! And I’m not gonna say that there is a certain bias when it comes to games led by Black leads… scratch that, I will… THERE IS A BIAS. Because I have noticed that certain titles get unwavering support from the community and others… don’t. And Imma leave it at that (for now). But, we really need to step it up when it comes to empowering and uplifting the voices of Black women in these streets, because we are not a monolith, we come in all shapes, sizes, personality types and we deserve to be seen and heard!
When is it my turn to see myself in a heroine who get her happily ever after? When are we going to be “worthy” of love in these otome game releases? Not just the sassy best friend or the stepping stone to something better! When is it my turn?
Gone are the days of me demanding representation from Japanese otome games, now that there is a thriving indie otome space, I am demanding representation from the indie creators, the artists, the writers, the storytellers. Now is the time to let your Black girl magic sparkle and shine and thrive! We need more stories like Bell Maiden’s Bloom! We need more characters like Rosea!
I watched your Let’s Play and oh my goodness, I’m in love!!! The art is gorgeous of course, but I’m also intrigued by the goddess world building and the rebels. I’ve added it to my To Play list on itch. Thank you for uncovering and highlighting another hidden gem 😀
RIGHT! It is such a well developed game and I am always here for any game with Black leads! I cannot wait to play more of the game soon!