A lot of her troubles stem from the chains of female nobility. Hopefully, you won't ever be in such a position
It's true to the setting and plot, but it's still really devastating... The author's other story (prequel to this one) is the same... May these women escape one day and find their happiness.
There's a separate one called "Riftan's POV" it tells his start and the yeaars of yearning he had and how he powered through everything for Maxi. I have that love hate with him as well. He's so jaded with everything that his default is to be defensive and fight and eventhough you know no one loves Maxi more than him, how he projects his love is downright hateful at times but then he does something that goes to the extreme to protect Maxi so you will forgive him a tiny bit then he starts talking shit again lol
Then again for Maxi I have that as well. It's more love-frustration like giiirl wdym he only does it out of obligation? Would someone *spoiler* for you? BUT that's what makes this story so great! 2 equally jaded people with different levels of self depreciation still pushing through everything for each other. They're equally exasperating but with real human emotions. Cause not all of us can power through and have any kind of confidence and positivity if we experienced what they did honestly...that's why what Maxi will realize and tell Riftan before the mage tower arc is *chefs kiss* hope they don't cut that conversation short in the manhwa
I also read riftans pov n what I realized from it is that he just loved the image he had of maxi n not who maxi actually is n he keeps trying to make her his pretty luxurious sex doll n won't let her be anything else. I honestly dont like him n I dont think hes good for maxi, hes just the first person to show love to her n shes holding on to that desperately
I think the conclusion I might have gotten after reflecting over this conversation is that I do believe stories that have well-written jaded characters are more fulfilling to read, but that doesn't necessarily mean I must support them as a person.
The characters' dynamics follow the setting that they are placed in, but as a modern person, I just can't swallow their relationship no matter how well-written they are. It is not that I oppose or find discomfort over the story of a powerless abused woman who finds her place with the help of a stern man who solely and selfishly do the utmost for her in the name of love, but it is that what I see is a victim whose survives on the first glimpse of love given by a man who doesn't know how to love.
I love that Maxi now possess multiple people who support her and care for her for just being (I love Ulyseon) and have gone through experiences that develop her character like having created meaningful friendships with other women during the war and deepened her relationships with the servants. However, when Riftan appears, sometimes it seems that her development reverses. In his presence, she feels small, selfishly dependent and unloved. It's probably because of many deep misunderstanding between the two, but if you read closely on how Riftan behaves and reacts, it's not like there isn't any fault.
I never read the novel so I am probably missing some key points here, but no matter how flawly written both of them are or how dependent both of them are to each other romantically, it just doesn't sit well with me for some reason. I am not saying Maxi is perfect either... She chooses her own battles and causes her own problems. Idk I just feel conflicted. No hate intended just sharing my small measly opinion. As I said, I love stories that question the characters and their moral standing and stuff, so I'll keep it strong to enter the mage tower arc.
I love this story, I love the art and I love how far we have come from the beginning with Maxi and Riftan, especially Maxi who had learned to love and build herself up by learning various things. However, may this love not find me because though they might love each other, there is so much angst that I have just been skipping chapters.
It's come to a point I can barely read a chapter without feeling so overwhelmed with anger, sadness and injustice. If I could ever be given the chance to just separate Maxi from everyone and bring her to a warm place where she can love and live wholely for herself and for her well-being, I would. Honestly, I just don't think their love is healthy. We see evidence of that. I can't even remember the chapters were everything was a little tiny bit blissful. No matter how much love Riftan may have for Maxi and no matter how much he may yearn, he still physically, politically and emotionally have power over her. The power gap between these two are so high, I can't even grasp how their relationships may work when this man can't even have enough patience with his wife and try to communicate himself well.
I'm happy when I see Maxi with literally everybody else, but the moment Riftan appears, I get frustrated like "What shit is he gonna pull this time." I know I'm probably exaggerating, but I seriously miss that scene when they took a ride with the horses. What happened to that Riftan? That man was a one-hit-wonder and never appeared again.
Did we ever get to see the chapter Riftan first falls for Maxi? If yes, can someone tell me which chapter? Sorry for complaining so much... I love the story, but it just gets too much sometimes.