Unexpectedly, after reading this many times, I can concludes that they're actually perfect with each other (FL & ML), like they are the ones that are really suited for one another, they matched each other's freak. They both knew the other better than themselves.
I agreed with one of their aides who stated that those two are almost the same, like husband, like wife. They both have different but the same toxic traits and passion and deep love for each other. For some, they're messy together, but them being separated is much greatly messed up. They balanced each other. Therefore, them being together is a must; it's necessary for everything to work out. They complete each other, FOR REAL.
I agree!
I came for the smut but I stayed for the plot. This is actually an unexpected treasure.
There's no actual plot at all, EVERYTHING IS JUST A MESS.
This is a refreshing story. I love everything on it, the plot, details, and the characters.
Instead of believing those comments beforehand, I repressed my doubts and tried to read this manhwa. I tried to understand each character and the plot itself. I did what I could in order to genuinely see what kind of manhwa this is—and my conclusion is THIS IS TERRIBLE.
• The FL is so freaking weak in terms of emotions, physically, and even her intelligence; she is naive and slow. She didn't learn some lessons from her past life at all; she's not smart at all. Her expressions as well are so stiff; she just keeps crying and sleeping for real. And for everything she did, there are no signs of her being a 'villainess.' She is just like a blank canvas hanging on the wall. Honestly, I feel bad for her whole characterization.
• The ML is kind of the hidden actual main character of this story; he did everything, but when approaching the ending, he kind of got messed up, but he was able to handle it. His whole character is kind of ranging at 60 out of 100. He's a middie, but he did well.
• The antagonist of the story—that pink-haired cousin, uncle, and even that crown prince—is just blandly ended up gone without satisfaction for the readers. They're just gone; there's no feeling of justice being served, no satisfaction at all. They're just gone after every horrible thing they did. It's so awful.
• The other side characters—honestly, I found myself laughing because actually everyone is just a traitor in their own way. Like seriously, there are no worthy characters at all. Each character is irritating.
• PLOT — Oh Lord knows how I really convinced myself to continue; I tried to understand and enjoy this, but the whole plot is so messy, too much filler, too many complications with lacking details, the characters are boring, and the storyline is like chop-chop rushed and mid-boring. Not worth it.
• Overall, it's 4/10. What a waste of time...
PLOT — The plot is giving; it has its own flavor. It's raw and original, and the phasing is tolerable, and character developments are also good; overall it was well-balanced.
CHARACTERS —
First, the FL. I love how strong, tough, and calculated the FL is! She knows how to control her rational and emotional sides, and she knows her goals/priorities, and it was nice to see that she is really eager to accomplish them no matter what—which she did! I love her.
As for the ML, the emperor, he was a revelation. Yes, he is a tyrant, but I like how his character develops in every arc and how he has great self-awareness; he knows how twisted he is, but he can manage it well in order to love FL genuinely. He is always trying and doing his best to love her in a better way. I also love how freakish he is, just like the FL. They really matched each other's freaks.
I also like how he became the reason why the FL slowly heals and feels human again. He brings out the human and every side of the FL. He is the FL's ANCHOR.
I love how the FL & ML balance each other. They're really suited for each other.
Next, for the EX-blonde guy, well, I appreciated everything he did for the FL, and I felt so bad too for his sufferings, just like what the FL experienced too. I believe he really likes the FL. But everything he did was his choice even though his reason was for FL, but we can't hold it and guilt trip the FL for it. He did it on his own, and I believe that he, the FL, and even the ML are all the same victims of the circumstances.
Also I'm happy that the FL didn't and never chose him, because it's not a love that the FL has; it's actually more of pity, guilt, gratefulness, and appreciation only towards him. So it's not actually worth it. So I'm glad that they didn't ended up together. I also find irritating how sad boi he is for so long. It's too dragging and exhausting.
Next, as for the side characters, I hate those Ronans, ew. But I love those allies of the FL & ML, and I like how competent they all are, everyone has played their parts well!
*clapping*
IN CONCLUSION— I love this series. I read this three times, and I can still rank this higher.
Honestly, the plot is not giving, and i don't like any of the lead characters, they are all unbearable and irritating, except Lady Sylvia & Rias.
So far I like how the plot is going on, it's not totally perfect but it's tolerable to read. And as for the characters—the MC Lilianna, she's cute and unpredictable, but somehow lacks of consistency and dragging herself too much, like it takes too long before she made up her mind, but I like how she changes and improves through step by step. Patience is truly a virtue even for a readers like me, I gotta wait, I know that MC have the potential. I just hope that the author won't disappoint. You go girl! Next, as for the ML, well he's kinda good as well, but I'm expecting more from him, and as for the others characters who are like mushrooms which are suddenly pop out in the scenes, are like giving inconsistency. I hope the phasing and that issue will improve by the author.
Well, it's not done yet, I'll be back and I only hope this series will be 'more' good!
This manhwa really does have a great execution of the overall story.
The phasing as well is good. And as for the characters, they all had their own depth, and it was shown equally, and all I can conclude is that they are all victims who experienced harsh traumatic circumstances in their lives; all of them have their own struggles.
So that I like how each other character ends up in the way the endings are; honestly, maybe some are still annoyed about the ending, but everyone has really got what they wanted: the genuine love, power, and acceptance; the acknowledgement; and the belongingness. They all got their happy endings.