The dynamic between the fmc and ml reminds me of a diluted version of Ishid and Yunifier from Villainess in Love. I think the pairing has a lot of potential; the narrative just didn't invest enough time into properly developing the romance. It feels abrupt and stale/stiff rather than fully conveying the mutual angsty pining. I understand the attraction from the fmc's side, and to some extent even the ml (despite not having many positive interactions with her in the previous timeline). However, overall the romance is undercooked and desperately needed to be fleshed out more, and their current interactions feel awkward and juvenile. I still really enjoy the story, the romance aspect just has a lot of missed potential for me so far since I feel I'm an outlier for preferring the ml to the 2ml. It's my personal preference since it gives soulmates & opposities intertwined by destiny, but a lot of authors build up a grandiose premise and connection only to leave the actual chemistry and personality between the leads lackluster. I won't say the ml needs more reasons to like the fmc, but I do think he should've had more of a presence in the narrative, or at least let their feelings be more of a slow burn into realization. I do agree that he doesn't really scream love interest, but I think that's mainly because their communication has always been uneasy and formal, and with the fmc's fears, there's not quite room yet for casual & laidback scenes between the two. Admittedly, it does feel a bit silly and repetitive to hear the same few things swirling in the fmc's mind whenever she has to interact with Eurien, and while I do think she should be more forward, I understand the fears holding her back. It's... unfortunate that their dynamic is playing out like this so far because I typically adore when people are bound to each other in such an all encompassing way, but the execution has been fairly disappointing so far imo. I didn't intend to be so critical when initially typing this since I truly enjoy the story so far, I just think there wasn't enough within it to endear me to the fmc and ml's relationship. I am still rooting for them; Eckie wants to be a knight to be happy-- and Eurien is her happiness! Let's end this manufactured "will they won't they" push and pull sooner rather than later. The secrecy, suspicion, and apprehension are weighing this ship down like an anchor. ╥﹏╥
The dynamic between the fmc and ml reminds me of a diluted version of Ishid and Yunifier from Villainess in Love. I think the pairing has a lot of potential; the narrative just didn't invest enough time into properly developing the romance. It feels abrupt and stale/stiff rather than fully conveying the mutual angsty pining. I understand the attraction from the fmc's side, and to some extent even the ml (despite not having many positive interactions with her in the previous timeline). However, overall the romance is undercooked and desperately needed to be fleshed out more, and their current interactions feel awkward and juvenile. I still really enjoy the story, the romance aspect just has a lot of missed potential for me so far since I feel I'm an outlier for preferring the ml to the 2ml. It's my personal preference since it gives soulmates & opposities intertwined by destiny, but a lot of authors build up a grandiose premise and connection only to leave the actual chemistry and personality between the leads lackluster. I won't say the ml needs more reasons to like the fmc, but I do think he should've had more of a presence in the narrative, or at least let their feelings be more of a slow burn into realization. I do agree that he doesn't really scream love interest, but I think that's mainly because their communication has always been uneasy and formal, and with the fmc's fears, there's not quite room yet for casual & laidback scenes between the two. Admittedly, it does feel a bit silly and repetitive to hear the same few things swirling in the fmc's mind whenever she has to interact with Eurien, and while I do think she should be more forward, I understand the fears holding her back. It's... unfortunate that their dynamic is playing out like this so far because I typically adore when people are bound to each other in such an all encompassing way, but the execution has been fairly disappointing so far imo. I didn't intend to be so critical when initially typing this since I truly enjoy the story so far, I just think there wasn't enough within it to endear me to the fmc and ml's relationship. I am still rooting for them; Eckie wants to be a knight to be happy-- and Eurien is her happiness! Let's end this manufactured "will they won't they" push and pull sooner rather than later. The secrecy, suspicion, and apprehension are weighing this ship down like an anchor. ╥﹏╥