I think your arguments are valid, and that this was historically accurate for women to have gone through. But the issue is that the story portrays this as romantic, as eventually they wind up happily together. Which is really not what would happen in reality. Layla has no family or wealth to count on, is extremely traumatized and abused. She is blackmailed and ends up having a baby meaning she would have no means of continuing on her own, so she has no choice but to rely on her abuser. And this isn't romantic. Them spinning it into Matthias being Layla's true love is what is abhorrent
So, are we okay with the clothing, but not with the mindset of the era being depicted? I’m not saying that reading this kind of story makes me feel wonderful. However, it faithfully portrays the hardships faced by a vulnerable woman in a deeply sexist society—one where social status dictates one’s future from birth. Layla is a warrior simply because she refuses to bow down to the nobility, which is precisely why she gets under the skin of characters like Claudine and Matthias. Yet, even their selfish, sociopathic behavior is consistent with the mentality of that time. That’s why I don’t understand all the complaints. Despite the culture shock they might provoke, the characters are very well-crafted and remain true to the era and circumstances in which they live. It saddens me to see this kind of commentary, knowing that many of these criticisms directed at the artist don’t just stay within this forum.