Though I agree with you partially, the ML just seems like a dumb idiot which is why you might be more inclided to side with him.
To me, I feel like even if she did know about the reasons with the ML, she doesn't necessairly owe any sort of comfort if he does not reach out himself. It was kinda good seeing a FL that isn't the typical overly kind/extremely feminine and forgiving.
The FL is just out here struggling to save her family and the ML has pent up trauma, thats it. I don't think she's unlikeable because a girl knowing how simple and easy most men are, and how heartless they are when they have power, she shoould be allowed to be heartless back.
Tbh I kinda didn’t like FL. It was explained ML was practically traumatized/untrusting of ppl around him due to his past circumstances. And obviously FL wasn’t doing a great job at pretending she liked ML bc he saw through her acting lol. FL was persistent, purposefully seducing ML with ulterior motives. Am I saying it’s wrong for her to do so to protect her family? No. What I have an issue with is her treating ML like a villain for not returning her affections. The first images you see with her seducing him is grabbing/clinging onto his arm. Just because she’s beautiful, it doesn’t mean ML has to like it. If it was ML doing it to FL instead, I know a lot of people would not find that okay. My thoughts on ML is that he’s emotionally stunted, but not a horrible person. Just a bit of an idiot, really. Or maybe I have a soft spot for people who struggle to express their emotions due to hardship. In comparison, ML hasn’t grown up with the love FL received from her family. She is very blessed. You can’t take an emotionally stunted dude with trust issues and expect him to be kind to a woman like FL. Hell, he was already a target of assassination by his own family (the wizard dude?).
Anyway… I just think it was irritating that it seemed like the author wanted the audience to see how “cruel” of a man ML was to FL. But honestly, she got on my nerves more than ML. I thought he deserved better than FL.
Both FL and ML really… Suck at communicating with each other. They assumed a LOT rather than asking. For example, the scene where ML is showing a necklace to that silver haired girl… (Pierre’s sister)? Like FL didn’t think there was a possibility he was asking for advice? If unsure, she could have asked instead. But I’ll give the benefit of the doubt, maybe FL just didn’t want to risk losing favor with ML.
Tldr FL kinda grossed me out a little. ML was more likable than her. But what do you guys think?