Responses
P.s : What I appreciate most about this manhwa is how incredibly human every single character feels. Their decisions, conflicts, and even their worst mistakes feel completely grounded and real. They aren't the typical, flawless characters you usually see in stories. The author writes them with so much depth that even when you don't agree with what they're doing, you can fully understand why they made that choice based on their own twisted logic and baggage. It makes the angst hit so much harder.
It’s such a great story. Both of them are deeply flawed, but honestly, the only true victim in all of this was Piere.
Season 1
Aeroc is entirely responsible for his own downfall. That one stupid decision caused a massive domino effect of misfortune. Is what happened to him later justified? No... but neither was the suffering he inflicted on Piere and Klaus. It literally took Aeroc experiencing the exact agony Piere faced to finally let go of Klaus. He was so obsessed that it was only when death came knocking that he finally understood the gravity of Klaus’s grief. It clearly stemmed from his upbringing, childhood PTSD, and a massive noble ego that constantly shot him in the foot. He might be a victim of circumstance, but he was also the perpetrator, so he was never innocent to begin with.
Klaus, on the other hand, is just an insecure wealthy man. When Aeroc subtly insulted him early on, his ego was completely crushed. He never truly loved Aeroc back then (mainly due to their status gap) and moved on to Piere for a stable life. So when all his sacrifices, bottled-up frustration, and the grief of losing his mate and unborn child hit him all at once, he just unleashed his dark side. He became an abusive, aggressive man with nothing left to lose but his desire for revenge. It was extreme, but his grief was deep. It’s completely understandable why he got even more frustrated when Aeroc would still smile, act arrogant, and love him through the torture. Unlike us readers, Klaus didn't have Aeroc's POV, he just saw a remorseless murderer who destroyed his family.
The only reason I can even tolerate Klaus's actions is seeing how much it destroyed him inside. Every torment he inflicted on Aeroc sent double the guilt back to himself. It’s honestly the most destructive form of psychological self-harm I’ve ever seen in a story. I love how the author punished him; his ending was incredibly satisfying. Even though he was a victim initially, what he did to Aeroc crossed every line.
Season 2
Aeroc had some wonderful character development here. I’m a bit disappointed that he’s still in love with Klaus (like, did you seriously forget the hell he put you through?!), but if that’s what makes him happy, you do you. I love how the author handles this season by making Aeroc feel like he's living in a fragile dreamland with the constant dread that he might just wake up back in that cold, dusty shed. It perfectly satisfies the readers who wanted him to face accountability, while making those rooting for him proud of his progress and glad he won't repeat his past mistakes.
Meanwhile, we finally get to see Klaus’s true colors. Yes, he’s a great partner when he actually treasures you, but he is a literal ticking time bomb. I didn’t expect him to be this naturally aggressive. I thought his abuse in the first timeline was purely driven by grief over Piere, but even in this peaceful life, he’s way too quick to raise his hands. Normal people don't resort to violence just because they think they’re in the right. I’m glad the author showed a glimpse of the nightmare life he lived after killing Aeroc, but since he's in love with the current Aeroc, I wish he showed actual remorse for the past. I really wanted to see him grovel in regret and despair.
Also, I feel so bad for his children from the first timeline, especially the eldest. The fact that they just ceased to exist in this new life leaves a bitter taste. They never got a happy ending like their alternate-universe siblings.
Overall, this is a fantastic piece of literature. Easily a 9/10!