Probably because his intimidating behavior towards Maxi is borderline abusive, but it seems most people aren't ready for that conversation.
Borderline abusive is crazy lol they do “make him” look more intimidating sometimes with some of the shadow work in the art but he also has a lot of soft moments and you can tell how he loves maxi n wants her to be safe. They just haven’t had more of a convo about their own boundaries, histories, etc. but he’s def no where near abusing her
Throughout all 5 seasons of the manhwa, Riftan consistently minimizes Maxi’s worth—whether intentional or not. He repeatedly disrespects and silences her in front of his own men, and would substitute sex for actual communication whenever conflict arose between them. Instead of listening, he escalates physically: in nearly every major argument, he grabs Maxi while shouting down at her.
Hell, the opening panel of Season 5 sets the tone for the first chapter—Riftan drags Maxi into a tent and slams her against a wall or bedframe. Either way, the impact clearly hurts her because she visibly grimaces. This isn’t an isolated moment either, it’s a repeated pattern of Riftan's controlling and domineering behavior.
And let's not forget the sexual coercion. Especially in Seasons 1–3, their sex life was often portrayed as deeply one-sided. Maxi seldom, if ever initiates, and she'd eventually give in only because Riftan relentlessly demands it, or he physically pulls her aside and takes what he wants despite her visible hesitation. That isn’t intimacy or passion; it's literal coercion, and the narrative frames it as romance.
Chile I’m not gone hold you it feel like we ain’t been reading the same story. To each his own I guess. It just feels like you're putting more negativity in it than is actually there. The “narrative” is about a man used to war n hard times and an abused meek woman trying to find her place/voice in the world n their dynamic makes sense for their characters. All romance does not look the same. The author does a really good job of showing subtleties in their complicated dynamic. They have to learn eachother more but that doesn’t mean their current dynamic is abusive just because it doesn’t look super sweet, gentle n bubblegum.
I full paragraph was typed just to virtually say absolutely nothing of substance in the end. That's to be expected, I suppose. Someone who doesn't recognize the patterns of abuse isn't worth debating with.
lol it was never that serious bro. No need to become “pissy” about it. I shared my opinion just like you. Because mind you what you said and what I said are BOTH opinions lmao. Talking about manga n the things you like are sposed to be fun/ enjoyable chill out (▰˘◡˘▰) also another “fun” point I thought about in relation to their dynamic is the time period too. Like they’re dead like living in magical medieval times or something and the standard for good husband and wife were different in the “kinda” times being portrayed in this story. Hope you continue to enjoy the story. Peace.
That and it always feels like he belittles her little achievements, not once I remember seeing him praise her or tell her she did a good job, whenever she accomplishes something for herself. Idk how he's going to react to the miscarriage ;-;
From what I can remember of the novel spoilers, he reacts very, very poorly, and actively pushes Maxi away. Also, in Book 2, he *does* eventually praise Maxi for her achievements as a Mage and acknowledges how much she's grown... near the end of the story. It takes this idiot almost the entire series to finally admit to his wife—whom he allegedly loves with all his heart—that he's proud of her. Riftan sympathizers really want you to believe that his POV story is enough to redeem his insufferable behavior and lack of any real development or even personality for that matter.
Omgg noo
Mald harder, girly
Guys why am I so scared of riftan? Like why does every scene with him makes me hold my breath? Damn he's scary as hell