Chrome Shelled Regios after episode 08 – Layfon’s Romantic Options

The focused and dutiful Nina. The stoic and subdued Felli.
The shy and bashful Mei. The loyal childhood friend Leerin.

Eight episodes into Chrome Shelled Regios there is yet to be a prominent overaching plot. The show has been mostly episodic, following the repetitious formula of Layfon unleashing his full powers and saving the day. Various characters, such as Nina, Mei, Naruki, and Leerin,has received more character development in the past four episodes. Speaking of these girls, Layfon is lucky guy surrounded by pretty females, all of whom he is in good friendship terms with. This consequently fosters coupling or “shipping” activity during discussions of Chrome Shelled Regios in the anime community. Unfortunately many fans make the mistake of equating the female they like as the “best” girl for the male protagonist. This could be a direct result of role replacement, where one chooses the girl in the position the protagonist but using one’s own mind. The choice is therefore is not necessarily in the interest of the protagonist but of the chooser. I want to offer an analytical perspective on Layfon’s romantic options.
First we have to give an operational definition the phrase “The best girl for Layfon”. The best girl for Layfon would be the girl that would have the most successful romantic relationship with him. That is, should that girl be paired with Layfon, their romantic relationship would last the longest, be the most rewarding, the most stable, and the most passionate. I am not an expert in relationships but from what I observed and read, I would suggest communication, understanding, shared interests, and of course, love, are all hallmarks of a successful romantic relationship. These will be the criteria I will use to assess the girls surrounding Layfon.


Communication
Felli is an obvious winner here. While Nina, Felli, and Naruki all frequently talk amiably with Layfon, Felli’s telepathy allows her to easily and quickly communicate with Layfon far beyond earshot distance, giving her a distinct advantage over any other girl in this aspect. However, in terms of history, Leerin has been in contact with Layfon before any of the above mentioned girls, perhaps since Leerin and Layfon meet as children. Despite being separated by drastic lengths, Leerin and Layfon still keeps in touch with each other through letters.

Understanding
Leerin has known Layfon the longest than any other candidates to Layfon’s significant other. Although Leerin has not directly displayed her superior knowledge and understanding of Layfon, being the girl that knew him the longest, it would be reasonable to assume Leerin would be the one that understands him the most. Felli, using her telepathy to eavesdrop, may give her the extra bit of information about Layfon that other girls may not have.

Shared Interests
As I have said in my first impressions of Chrome Shelled Regios, both Felli and Layfon share the personal trouble of not want to do what they do best. If they support and confide in each other in resolving their internal struggle, their relationship could become that much stronger. On the other hand, Nina has a directly conflicting opinion with Layfon: She feels that strength should be put to good use. This point of contention has sparked arguments between Nina and Layfon.

Love
Some may say this ingredient is the most important of all in a romantic relationship, and extremists would take it further to say that it is the only factor that matters. In terms of observable evidence, Mei has displayed the most affection for Layfon. However, her crush on him is based on a single act of being saved. Leerin also thinks very fondly of Layfon. Leerin’s affections for Layfon may have developed over the years out of familiarity, or like Mei, flickered into existence due to an important event. Either way, Leerin has loved Layfon before any of the girls, and her feelings would be more mature than the puppy love Mei has for Layfon.

Both Felli and Leerin are leading contenders as the best girl for Layfon. I would give Leerin the nod, because I place a higher value in love and understanding, criteria that Leerin won. Of course, a relationship depends on the cooperation of two parties, and so far I have only looked at the fairer half. While there is no doubt that Layfon is a healthy boy, thus far he has been romantically unresponsive and uninterested to the beautiful females around him. Considering he is at the age where puberty is at its peak effectiveness, his restraint is commendable. I would not be surprised if Layfon remains undecided by the end of the anime. After all, Chrome Shelled Regios belongs in the genre of action and adventure, not romance.

Published in: on April 1, 2009 at 12:33 am  Comments (55)  

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  1. All 4 girls care a lot about Layfon in their own way. That’s harem for you.

    In Nina’s defense, I think she is the best girl for Layfon. Layfon needs someone to rely on because he’s been fighting on his own. Both Layfon and Nina learn something from one another and they change for the better. :) I don’t think any “Layfon, Layfon, I love you Layfonnn” (i’m looking at you Meishen and Leerin) would be enough to reach Layfon when he’s out there staking his life. Layfon changed a lot ever since he joined the 17th platoon. You can see Nina’s influence on Layfon.

    • I have to agree with u!!! Nina really is the best girl for Layfon,I dont like Mieshen,Leerin or Felli either!!!

      Reply

      • I have to agree with you, nina is deffinatly layfons for the taking. Nina does seem to hate him for like to episodes but layfon totally likes her for her personallity and her courage.

      • Nina is okay . But leerin should be the one . Layfon has feelings for her and same goes to her . It would just feel sad if Layfon were to be disloyal to Leerin , choosing to go after the other pretty ladies surrounding him when Leerin put her trust in him .

      • Nina x layfon all the way i mean opened up to each other without really knowing each other they shared meals together and argueing keeps the romance all so i dont care what anyone says this is how it is!

    • i don’t think i really like nina you know… cause you must see layfon… sew who he likes you know… well i think he considered nina as only a comrade

    • I have to disagree both layfon and nina fight for different reasons, which is why he was always drawn to Felli. Like himself Felli is trying to find who she is and can’t seem to figure it out. That’s the attraction they have and they both fight when they are forced to in situations. They kind of end up hating themselves for it afterwards too… while Nina wants more strength to protect others…Layfon doesn’t want to be that powerful. It’s all a chain…. I gotta admit I hated felli a bit reading the novel she seems full of herself… which in the anime its totally different.

  2. I have to agree with Niea!!! Nina really is the best girl for Layfon,I dont like Mieshen,Leerin or Felli either!!!

  3. I agree because if you look at the chapters (19) to the girl and desperately looking for means that enrealidad and she also wants to also look at the last scene of this chapter (very nice). Besides these two are always together and have great affection and they understand, the couple would be ideal layfon girl willingly, others do not fit with the layfon and love nina!

    • i don’t think i agree… cause if you look at chapter 22 Layfon kissed Leerin… so i think Layfon chose Leerin… Leerin is also not bad… and episode 24 too…

      • Yeah, he kissed her, but at the beginning of the anime when he leaves she kisses him on the lips. In the episode where he kisses her she is thinking it’s going to be lip locking, where really it’s on the cheek, as if telling her that he only wants to be friends with her. He wants to be with Nina, and it’s very obvious that he does. When she goes missing for the first time.(After hosting both city spirits. Where Nina meets Leerian.)When Nina is falling down and Layfon launches himself up to see what’s falling and sees it’s Nina look at the expression they both share and what not, how he’s holding her, the emotion they share and what not as well. Yes, there are opinions of who you want to see him with, but in all honesty there are clues throughout the entire anime that shows what Layfon wants and what he wants is Nina. It’s hard to see because of it being an anime I suppose, and they are small suble hints, though there are a few big ones as well if you pay attention throughout the anime. It’s just something I caught onto. Try rewatching the anime and see if you can pick up on all the hints. It’s actually a fun thing to do, plus it’s a great anime to watch.

      • I agree with you . Layfon chose leerin . If he didn’t he would already be attracted to the tons of females around him .

    • there is a huge meaning to the kiss people… he kissed her on the cheek… it was basically letting her know they will only be friends…. besides in the last last episode he didnt even say goodbye to her. im pretty sure they based this anime series off missing mail… the scenes are too similar to the light novel just saying…

  4. check this out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTP8O4KLOcA&feature=related

  5. I like Felli (:

    • I think Layfon fits Leerin ^_^

      • I go for Nina. =)

  6. I have a question. Did Mei give up on Layfon after their talk in episode 16 inside the monorail where she said “you wont let me protect you, right?” and then she shed some tears. so am I supposed to interpret it as Mei giving up. Anyone have any clues?

    • i don’t have 1…. that means you support mei?

  7. for me Nina fits Layfon…

    Leerin = loves Layfon and they’re friends since childhood. I forgot what chapter it is but Layfon says that he does not see Leerin as an opposite sex. And besides, Layfon refused Leerin’s offer to stay or even return to Glendan. Layfon kissed her does not mean he likes her romantically.

    Felli = I like her so much. She’s obviously a good candidate for Layfon’s affection but Layfon sees her as a friend and comrade. It’s quite obvious if you ask me.

    Meishen = I have to agree that it is just puppy love. With Layfon having a great strength, good personality, plus a gentleman, who would not fall for him? For me, Mei is easy to fall for guys like Layfon. I am not satisfied on her love for him as well.

    Nina = without a doubt, she’s the one that changed Layfon a lot. Without her on Layfon’s side, he cannot do anything good and always go on reckless things. Many characters noticed it. Then Nina returned, Layfon’s normalcy suddenly returned as well. He trusted Nina so much than anyone else. He did not even doubt her when she did not say completely about her reason why she disappeared. I think I said too much but for me this is not enough.

    :D anyway, this is just my opinion~

    • “for me Nina fits Layfon…”
      “Layfon kissed her does not mean he likes her romantically.”
      AGREE!! hehe

      I don’t like to oppose others, for my opinion, I really like Nina for Layfon, though there are many people who don’t like Nina to be paired up with Layfon, well that’s our individual perception and no one can change that except for that individual, so I respect the decision of others about the pairings… Yet the genre of this anime is action etc. not romance. .

  8. I will go with Leerin x Layfon :D
    Because in episode 24, Layfon wrote a letter for leerin and hoping they can be together again in Grendan, and don’t forget Layfon said he glad Leerin is there on his side (this conversation make Felli jealous) And Leerin is the only girl who got 2 kisses from Layfon…
    Who knows ? Maybe childhood friend could be change as lover.
    Go for Leerin x Layfon :)
    (This is just my opinion )

    • OMg . so true . Although i like Felli , i can’t help thinking that she is a bit sly . She KNOWS about Leerin and yet she still tries to get Layfon’s attention .

      Leerin and Layfon for the win . Back to the beginning .

    • yes i agree wid that even that i like felli for layfon i will go with leerin because its not that leerin have love for him even when their still children they been closer to each other and not only that leerin is d only one who got kiss by layfon and leerin has much know about layfon so their is no problem of leerin x layfon ‘this is my opinion’

  9. I think Felli deserves Layfon’s love because she always guides him.
    She gave her love to Layfon. Mentioning her hotheadedness, it’s just her way because she’s very shy…

    So… I’m siding with Felli here..
    I hope Layfon likes her too.
    Just my opinion..

  10. I’ll go with Felli, she has done so much for him. Michi is hopeless, Nina is ok as well but she’s a little stubborn, Leerin…. well I don’t know what to think of her.

    Besides it would be funny to see though how Layfon with be able to handle Felli as a girlfriend whenever he does something wrong, He’ll get kicked to the Shin again and again :)

    • I totally agree with you .
      Nina is okay too . But she strikes me more as a good friend .
      Felli can be vulnerable at times and the only one who can possibly make her smile would be layfon .
      Plus Felli and Layfon would make a fun couple .

  11. i dont care if its felli or leerin i like them both but nne i dont like her she always act like she need alone time with him but felli and leerin they r perfect for him so idc!

  12. Yeah, he kissed her, but at the beginning of the anime when he leaves she kisses him on the lips. In the episode where he kisses her she is thinking it’s going to be lip locking, where really it’s on the cheek, as if telling her that he only wants to be friends with her. He wants to be with Nina, and it’s very obvious that he does. When she goes missing for the first time.(After hosting both city spirits. Where Nina meets Leerian.)When Nina is falling down and Layfon launches himself up to see what’s falling and sees it’s Nina look at the expression they both share and what not, how he’s holding her, the emotion they share and what not as well. Yes, there are opinions of who you want to see him with, but in all honesty there are clues throughout the entire anime that shows what Layfon wants and what he wants is Nina. It’s hard to see because of it being an anime I suppose, and they are small suble hints, though there are a few big ones as well if you pay attention throughout the anime. It’s just something I caught onto. Try rewatching the anime and see if you can pick up on all the hints. It’s actually a fun thing to do, plus it’s a great anime to watch.

    I posted up, but figured it could have a spot of it’s own. c:

    • sorry to disappoint you… but the anime never ended with layfon being by nina’s side… it ended with felli by his side and a lot of the scenes focused felli and layfon, which its how it happens in the missing mail manga… and if you read the light novel you will be super disappointed because layfon and felli run away to get married…lol *SPOILER ALERT*

  13. I think layfon first will introduce lerein to other three girls and say “this is childhood friend big sis” then make mayshen cry, after that he will hook up with nina or felli.

    PS:I think he will hook with up with nina not felli, because he find himself has kinship with felli, but I also think nina is a bit tomboy.

    • I prefer Leerin and Layfon . But a Nina and Layfon would not be so bad either . Better than Felli and Layfon .

      Just my opinion =)

  14. In additon, I think mayshen is forced to date with layfon by Mifi and Naruki two girls.

  15. well, no one else will know layfon’s partner except the writer of that anime.. in my own pinion i like all of them because they worked hard and give all their best! I think his partner is leerin because in the cover the girl whose lyfon with is her and leerin is the one whose always in danger.. isnt it that most of the anime , the protagonist’s partner are always in danger because the enemy knows whats the protagonist’s weakness. but i hope the anime will have a nice ending for you guys! hope you understand ,, just believe in your opinion because all of your opinions are correct! because its your OPINIONS! no one is wrong!

  16. better enjoy what you all said .. i believe in all of you, better have a strength to all of your opinions ..! ;)

  17. I think Felli is best candidate .
    Her cold demeanor may not suit Lay-fon but its will be exciting if Lay-fon can manage her . They will become a fun couple . But unfortunately , Lay-fon shows more feelings ( in terms of romance ) towards the other female characters .
    Sadly .
    Hopefully Lay-fon will at least fall for SOMEONE by the end of the anime rather that undecided . * fingers crossed *

  18. I would like to think that Layfon would be with Felli .
    But at the same time , I don’t want to see Leerin sad !
    Unrequited love can be really painful .
    I’m so torn between Felli and Leerin

  19. I don’t quiet like Nina, especially her anime version. but have to admit she fits Layfon the best, she influenced layfon very much too, and layfon cared and trusted her very much… very curious with how layfon finally admit his feeling to leerin in the novel.. ><

    • Yeah . Me too . I didnt really like Nina . But I can’t help thinking that she suits him .
      I prefer Leerin and Layfon .
      Second choice would be Nina .
      But i really hope Layfon would see that Leerin has romantic feelings for him . Poor Leerin . Her only love is surrounded by tons of hot girls for him to choose from .
      I wonder what Layfon’s reaction would be if it was Leerin who was surrounded by tons of hot guys ? ^^
      I bet he would be tearing his hair out ;p

      • I second that! Leerin sees only Layfon :'(

  20. The author has given SO many opportunities for Felli . LIke so many more compared to the other girls . Not only is she his team mate , she can also get in his head .
    PLease darling Felli , as attractive as you are , do give chance to Leerin . And don’t take her love away .

    • well… according to me.. its something like this:-

      mayshen-well u see layfon never paid any attention to her..never ever… he might have had her lunch she prepared for him but he never seemed to have any attraction for her.(please dont mind)

      felli- well…felli kinda likes him.. no doubt she proved it too.she used to get jealous and those kicks and punches….layfon never took her seriously.(sorry but i dont mean to hurt anyone)

      Nina- well its like he always cares for her. u see when she dissappeared… even when he was sick he was so tensed about nina. then when they meet…ooooo……awesome! the feeling they had was amazing!! that shows that he maybe wants her..

      leerin-no doubt the author has tried every possibility to express their relationship. as for kiss…. japan is a country where lovers do a liplock as i have noticed.. not on the cheeks. but in the anime..there is every possibility of her being with him..

      well maybe the author is confused himself. confusion is between nina and leerin.whatever….guys we have got ourlives to think about.the author didn’t even publish a second season…it has benn a lot of time since… he has given up. Dont worry there are other animes to think about… so carry on!! so think about the anime that doesnot abandon its fans midway! have a grrreat day!!

  21. I like Leerin more :)
    Felli Is funny
    Nina like his older sister haha ^^

  22. Layfon and Leerin!! <3
    They're just so adorable together- scenes of her cooking for him and such. Very couple-like. I do wish that they end up together!

    Nina and Felli should just remain as comrades :P or like siblings of his.
    (sorry haters gonna hate)
    Oh! and throughout the anime, it looked like Leerin and Layfon shared a long distance relationship anyway :3

  23. I think Felli is the best for him don’t know why…i just think like that…sorry guys..^_^”

  24. I sorry, i think i better choose the best girl for Layfon. I choose Leerin!

  25. Oh another opinion,hehehe…i choose leerin,not because her neither her power. I choose her because she’s gentle,and her feeling to Layfon is despite more than every girl that love him. Leerin love Layfon and she never gave up her for Layfon, until the end anime she still waiting Layfon. Layfon is perfect with Leerin, it kinda a perfect love between friendship and passion. Nina, mei and felli is also fit to be Layfon girl,but there’s something they’re don’t have…i can’t tell you guys now, i need time to study something secretly and deep in this anime…………….telllihooooo…………

  26. well,it seem like nobody like my comment…..ok bye

  27. I really like….fellie…i think layfon will be the only persom who make her smile…while her brother couldn’t…they r the best couple…nina…shhh hate her cause she always want to be strong…so weak…i think her hair is shorter then fon2 she’s alittle bit tomboy…

  28. i think felli is most suitable for layfon as they share every thing besides fon fon is more considerate for felli as compared to anyother

  29. i feel layfon and felli look good when together .layfon does`nt show but have feelings for felli .i think felli wants to get and have gotten layfon attention and for the regios make i would suggesst to keep them together as it would be good and will create a twisited andsweet ending foe the anime

  30. I think the best one for layfon would be Nina.I mean…C’mon let’s face it.The other girls have issues.

    Felli:She’s always quiet to everybody even layfon.I know its obvious that she like him or wat not but she really needs to open up to layfon.

    Mei:Same problem as felli.But she’s quiet because she’s a super shy girl.Also layfon has most of the qualities that is needed for a perfect dream boy d

  31. I think the best one for layfon would be Nina.I mean…C’mon let’s face it.The other girls have issues.

    Felli:She’s always quiet to everybody even layfon.I know its obvious that she like him or wat not but she really needs to open up to layfon.

    Mei:Same problem as felli.But she’s quiet because she’s a super shy girl.Also layfon has most of the qualities that is needed for a perfect dream boy so who wouldnt fall for him.(Don’t get me wrong)

    Leerin:I just plain hate her….

    Nina:No.1 she’s the one who brought layfon in 17th platoon.No.2 Shes the one who changed layfon for the better. And No.3…….

    She’s my fav,she’s my little sisters role model, who I absolutely adore and She us absolutely layfon’s destined soulmate for life. In case you can’t tell I’m a hardcore Layfon/Nina crazy fangirl.

    • dont forget leyfon has issues too!!!! he doesnt want to use his powers and he doesnt want to be powerful… lets see whos dealing with the same issue and always will? Felli Loss! that’s why you need to read the light novel if you have only seen the anime because it goes into more detail than the anime. the anime is based on missing mail…. and i can tell you layfon does not end up with nina at all….

  32. No u fucking wron nina x layfon for life bitch


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