Star Blaze

The original manhua is marked as a reverse harem, but I’ll be rambling about the love interests on the basis of endgame since the original story’s ending was… kinda bad from what I could tell from the ratings, so I’m hoping that this version does the ending justice.

Mio is my bias. Yes, he has a bad reputation according to the original story, but with Ash’s presence he becomes more real and has character development as we get to know him. They’re basically raising a child together and I just love their interactions so much. She helps him open up and show more of a human side, and he keeps her grounded by reminding her that she’s important to those around her and that they’re a team working together. Bonus points for cuteness when he’s jealous/protective when the other ML is there.

As much as I love the trope of the first guy MC meets being the endgame ML, or the stereotypical cold guy gets the friendly girl, he is also heavily giving underdog/best friend vibes. He really doesn’t stand out compared with the other MLs - who are confirmed to be the strongest warrior and wizard in the world - but that’s what I like about him. He’s down to earth and feels human, and just my opinion that he’s a healthy match for her. He literally does so much for her, but she doesn’t / tries not to consider him or his actions romantically because she thinks he’s still in love with the King’s lover.

He never confirms this outright, but she assumes based on the story she knows. The bracelet, I scream. It’s the little things he does for her.

Also, according to the original story, Mio was infatuated with the king’s lover, so he brainwashes the prince by telling him that his mom doesn’t love him — but thanks to Ash’s existence, it changes to him teasingly talking about her instead: “Oh look, your nanny’s finally returning after having a secret affair.” It’s a bit of a low blow, but I still enjoy those moments when Mio goes after her “for the prince’s sake”. Yes, totally because the prince is crying for her. He’s such a Kuudere and I adore him.

Actually it changed a lot from who he was in the story she knows, because now he gives advice on what love is, and how to explain to the prince on why his parents aren’t around. They actually talk a lot about love, surprisingly.

I’m probably okay if they just end up being platonic, but I’m also hoping, praying, manifesting that they’ll end up together, like The Adventures of a Demon King's Daughter - because if literally every other character can see it too, it’s that he loves her for who she is. The Ash he’s known from the start. That’s also probably an advantage from knowing her the longest, AND THEY WERE ROOMMATES!!!

Klein, his face practically screams ML material. He’s genuinely a sweetheart, and the only one to canonically be immune to the king’s lover; but that’s because there’s another in his heart. That’s the main reason why I find it hard to support him, reminding me of other stories like again The Adventures of a Demon King's Daughter or Lia’s Bad Ending. The former had a ML change from his type, and at least for Lia’s Bad Ending I’m more supportive because the MLs (2/3) actually do care about the MC and the OG FL wasn’t involved with the MLs romantically.

But he is trying to do his best, so I can’t be mad if he does turn out to be endgame - but I won’t be satisfied about it either unless he goes through serious reflection and character development. His undying loyalty is admirable and charming, albeit obsessive or creepy, but MC sticks to her guns and says she wants to be #1, not second place.

Still, I don’t like how he withholds information from her, since she didn’t get the OG’s memories. Also in respects to OG Ash’s feelings because we don’t know if she liked Klein or the other guy, but I just think it would be for the best if current Ash didn’t involve herself romantically with either.

I hope they fix the story in a healthy way, or at least develop him further if he has to be the ML— he was made handsome on purpose, wasn’t he?! However pretty, poetic or pathetic (sorry I mean pretty pathetic) he is, at least make him do something that proves he is somewhat deserving of Ash? The whole seasons explanation is not enough for her to give him her ears’ virginity okay?!?!

Last but not least, Ciel the great magician! He’s definitely got a special place in my heart, and a great addition to their little makeshift family. Again, I love how natural their interactions are.

If he’s capable of killing you, then he’s a keeper, or so they say — something like that hahaha. He knows a lot about Ash and her situation, also falling for her for who she is, and he has great potential in being an ML with what he can do and offer her. At least it is confirmed that he does not end up falling for the king’s lover (idk why y’all have so little hope in Mio if Ciel was able to do it - Ash literally has the power to change these men for the better). His childish side makes it hard to take him seriously lol, but he does have his romantic and swoon worthy moments. He is willing to do anything and everything for Ash - which is similar to Klein but his feelings are much stronger and wholesome in my opinion. We love a long haired, powerful wizard ML!

You know I kinda wish that they would make this story into a game. Like an actual otome game, where you can choose an ending for Ash to end up with. In order of appearance: Mio the obvious first choice, Duke as the questionable second choice, Ciel as the adorkable third choice, and heck let’s make the Queen the optional secretly hidden 4th choice because there’s definitely some chemistry there (♡ >ω< ♡)

And add an option to get back at the King and his hoe because Ash deserves to vent for all that she goes through for her job.