So, semi-spoilers, but in Book 2 we’re introduced to a new character named
Annette (I think that’s her name, but I honestly can’t remember), and I really hope the manhwa does her justice because she was one of the very few characters who actually made Maxi question her relationship with Riftan.
She immediately noticed the way Riftan treated Maxi, openly criticized his behavior, and questioned why Maxi tolerated being treated that way. Honestly, she was a breath of fresh air because she brought up issues that the story itself seemed reluctant to address for basically all of Book 1. It’s a shame, though, because instead of fully exploring that conflict, the author seemed more interested in portraying Riftan as a wounded, "misunderstood" waif who was"abandoned" by his wife whom he doesn’t even treat like a wife, rather than holding him accountable for how his borderline abusive actions have affected Maxi and their entire relationship. We never really get to see Maxi confront him about their toxic dynamic, which makes me wonder what the hell the point of introducing a character who challenges Maxi perspective was in the first place.
The fact that the word "husband" feels so foreign to me whenever I look at Riftan is quite telling since he hardly acts like one towards Maxi. Hell, even calling these two a "married couple" gives me second-hand embarrassment since their relationship has been described as more like a grown man coddling a small child. The fact that even characters in the story have made this comparison before only makes their dynamic look worse. As controversial as this might sound considering poor Maxi's miscarriage, I'm actually relieved that Maxi and Riftan never had a child together. Riftan would've been a terrible father if they had, especially if they'd ended up with a son. The idiot most definitely would've been competing with his own kid for his wife's affection. Lol, I can already imagine the awkwardness. I think it's fair to say this relationship was DOA since the marital rape in the first few chapters.
Genuinely fuck Riftan, what a displeasure it must be to even know him. He’s such a hypocrite, what he believes is right, only serves to make her feel worse. I feel so bad for Maxi
I understand both sides but I’m not a fan of his approach. Let maxi know what’s going on he always leaves her in the dark. And then tries to win her back with kisses. Then it cuts straight to the sex scenes… I wish there was more substance
Their relationship could've been this way by like the third season, but the author lacks the skills to write a coherent and consistent romance, apparently. Strap in, bros. Things are about to get worse from here #－.－)
So, I don't necessarily dislike Rosetta, but I can't honestly say I like her all that much either, mostly because, as someone who's read the novel, it feels like the author never really knew what she wanted to do with her. Which is a shame because Rosetta had the potential to be one of the more compelling characters in the story. A lot of what Rosetta tells Maxi isn't even wrong. Her cynical views on men and relationships make perfect sense when you consider her upbringing, and some of her observations about Maxi's relationship with Riftan aren't exactly baseless either. What bothers me, though, is that the narrative seems more interested in having Rosetta question Maxi's love for Riftan rather than Riftan's love for Maxi. And that's where I get confused.
Rosetta is positioned as a character who sees through illusions and questions relationships, but I feel the narrative has her questioning the wrong person. Why would Rosetta doubt Maxi's devotion when the reader already knows how Maxi feels about Riftan? We're in Maxi's head for most of the story. We see her constantly worrying about Riftan, risking herself for him, and making major life decisions with him in mind. She followed a noblewoman she hardly even knew into a war zone because she was terrified something might happen to her husband. She dedicated herself to learning magic partly because she wanted to be useful and stand beside him as an equal. Whether those motivations are healthy is another discussion entirely, but her feelings for him are never really in question.
So why isn't Rosetta questioning Maxi about *Riftan* instead?
Considering her views on men, it would've made far more sense for her to be skeptical of *his* devotion instead of Maxi's. Why not ask whether what he feels is actually love, or whether he's simply obsessed with an idealized version of Maxi? Why not challenge the way he constantly tries to control her while insisting it's for her own good? That feels like a much more natural direction for Rosetta's character than repeatedly questioning feelings the reader already knows are there.
That's part of why Rosetta feels like she's a confusing character to me, especially after her return in Book 2. She had the perfect perspective to challenge some of the story's assumptions about love and romance, but the narrative never really lets her push on the questions that would've been the most interesting.
Her sister is most well drawn character compared to everyone here. Riftan is the most embodiment of male chavnism, he sure "loves" Maxi, but doesn't know her , her feelings, it's not love tbh he is just idk the word but not love, I would say maxi fears riftan a little but her feelings are closer to love compared to riftan but still not love, there is no proper communication and god I don't like riftan at all he is just controlling, obsessive person , not extreme but enough to suffocate you.
Read eleceed, close ur eyes when subin pops up… shhh…. I peed on her alrdy to assert dominance
I don’t even know my own tastes. More butchfemme now. Watch dr stone… okay?
Terfs go away
fudanshi | he/him
Even when the story attempts to frame Riftan's "yearning" for Maxi in a romantic light, I could never see it that way myself because it isn't even yearning out of genuine love. He was obsessed with her to a very unhealthy degree. I mean, ffs, Maxi didn't even *know* the guy. I'm sure I'm probably the only one who gets icked out by this, but do you know how creepy it is being completely unaware of some dude staring at you from right across a room, watching you eat, apparently fantasizing a future with you, despite knowing nothing about you? Yes, Riftan. You're damn right it was a foolish, childish fantasy, but you forgot to include "creepy" as well.
Read manhwa Elegant AubreyAs an escaped s*ave on an island, Aubrey Sandalwood had only one goal.To b...
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This bastard riftan is soo insufferable!! TF U MEAN U JUST FOUND SHE’S BEEN ABUSED SINCE SHE’S 8 YET U ARE SCREAMING AT HER LIKE THAT??? THE FACT THAT IT TOOK U LONG ASS TIME TO EVEN NOTICE IT TFFFFFF THIS BASTARD IS LITERALLY EMOTIONAL ABUSIVE
Riftan is emotionally abusive
Also in what world do you slam your first and yell at a person you just found out has been horribly abused since they were eight?
idc i said what i said
