I don’t think it’s drifting towards making the manga longer. This mange never really was an overly romantic centric story to begin with. Each political fight and obstacle they’ve gone through has always pushed Yona a step further. Everything connects eventually. It slowly builds the foundation of trust between Yona and the people of Kouka Kingdom and even beyond those borders. It solidifies her position andnher safety along with other’s. All the while also improving international relations and nation conflicts each time something happens.
True .

It is just me who want some romance in this manga? I mean.... urgggg.. I really really want some progress when Hak confess to Yona-dear.