Tbh, despite all the negative opinions concerning the ML, I initially expected a cliche storyline where the ML is trashy and treats the FL horribly. However, colour me surprised because I actually love it.
From what I have read, the plot is not romance-centred it's an obvious slow-burn. It depicts grief, trauma, guilt, and the theme of changing society and the downsides of progress quite brilliantly without dragging out the narrative. And what I liked most was the absence of any actual supernatural elements like magic or witchcraft. All the characters are human and their flaws and good qualities are well-fleshed out. They are complex in their own right and deserve a chance to redeem themselves. It's still too early to judge the ML when the narrative still has a lot to uncover.
The ML is not the usual poker-faced male leads found in most manhwas. He is dedicated to his role as an Imperial Police officer and does not make obsessing over the FL his entire personality. A few comments mentioned that he does not deserve being the ML for not moving on from his "first love", his sister-in-law, but I don't think he actually loved his brother's wife to that extent. And even if he did, I have nothing against MLs whose first love isn't the FL. His affection might be out of his admiration for his older brother who stepped up to raise him after their parents' early death. Even the subtle moments of guilt and sympathy he feels towards the FL from time-to-time shows he's not cold-hearted like I initially expected. He's twenty-two, and that's still very young for an adult if I must say. His hypocrisy is not his own decision - he knows the FL is innocent but hardly has the power to defy the will of the Grand Duke and the Emperor. I like his friendly banter with the FL and their childhood memories are really sweet. He looks out for the FL in his own way even if he does not admit it out loud. I think he will definitely redeem himself in some way or another as the prologue chapter hinted.
What's most admirable is the FL. Despite 7 years of house-arrest and cut-off from human contact, she kept her wits about and developed a strong mental fortitude. She does not make wallowing in self-pity her entire personality. Her old memories and the trauma of losing her parents and her imprisonment is not forced onto our faces - it comes naturally as she navigates life. Her anger towards her persecutors are totally justified but her personality is rather resourceful than revenge-driven. She does not recklessly charge into dangerous situations or make irrational decisions. I like how calm she is and does not surrender herself to unfair situations even when she is in a position to feel angered and hopeless. She does not defend herself excessively, but rather lets the people judge for themselves whether she is the "witch" they all fear and despise. I like that she does not act bitter and extend benevolence towards the people that arrive at her doorstep. Her empathy and noble nature makes her worthy of respect.
In any case, don't mind the ramblings of a readers since I was quite disheartened that most of the comments here were focusing on the "trashiness" of the ML (I almost considered not reading it in the first place) when I found so many nuances to his personality that makes him both frustrating yet humane. Still, I am here mostly for the plot and slow-burn romance, especially how the FL rebuilds her old house and future. I pray the novel does not disappoint me later. (▰˘◡˘▰)
Tbh, despite all the negative opinions concerning the ML, I initially expected a cliche storyline where the ML is trashy and treats the FL horribly. However, colour me surprised because I actually love it.
From what I have read, the plot is not romance-centred it's an obvious slow-burn. It depicts grief, trauma, guilt, and the theme of changing society and the downsides of progress quite brilliantly without dragging out the narrative. And what I liked most was the absence of any actual supernatural elements like magic or witchcraft. All the characters are human and their flaws and good qualities are well-fleshed out. They are complex in their own right and deserve a chance to redeem themselves. It's still too early to judge the ML when the narrative still has a lot to uncover.
The ML is not the usual poker-faced male leads found in most manhwas. He is dedicated to his role as an Imperial Police officer and does not make obsessing over the FL his entire personality. A few comments mentioned that he does not deserve being the ML for not moving on from his "first love", his sister-in-law, but I don't think he actually loved his brother's wife to that extent. And even if he did, I have nothing against MLs whose first love isn't the FL. His affection might be out of his admiration for his older brother who stepped up to raise him after their parents' early death. Even the subtle moments of guilt and sympathy he feels towards the FL from time-to-time shows he's not cold-hearted like I initially expected. He's twenty-two, and that's still very young for an adult if I must say. His hypocrisy is not his own decision - he knows the FL is innocent but hardly has the power to defy the will of the Grand Duke and the Emperor. I like his friendly banter with the FL and their childhood memories are really sweet. He looks out for the FL in his own way even if he does not admit it out loud. I think he will definitely redeem himself in some way or another as the prologue chapter hinted.
What's most admirable is the FL. Despite 7 years of house-arrest and cut-off from human contact, she kept her wits about and developed a strong mental fortitude. She does not make wallowing in self-pity her entire personality. Her old memories and the trauma of losing her parents and her imprisonment is not forced onto our faces - it comes naturally as she navigates life. Her anger towards her persecutors are totally justified but her personality is rather resourceful than revenge-driven. She does not recklessly charge into dangerous situations or make irrational decisions. I like how calm she is and does not surrender herself to unfair situations even when she is in a position to feel angered and hopeless. She does not defend herself excessively, but rather lets the people judge for themselves whether she is the "witch" they all fear and despise. I like that she does not act bitter and extend benevolence towards the people that arrive at her doorstep. Her empathy and noble nature makes her worthy of respect.
In any case, don't mind the ramblings of a readers since I was quite disheartened that most of the comments here were focusing on the "trashiness" of the ML (I almost considered not reading it in the first place) when I found so many nuances to his personality that makes him both frustrating yet humane. Still, I am here mostly for the plot and slow-burn romance, especially how the FL rebuilds her old house and future. I pray the novel does not disappoint me later. (▰˘◡˘▰)