Doo

Hahahah I agree I want more of those chicken party

I agree it’s getting boring, they need to switch it up

idk i think its kinda out of character but its not like hes head over heels, he loves her in a quiet and reserved way which i loove, i dont feel like the author is writing the love arc in a perfect way but its not bad either imo, its fun seeing them both try to understand how to love after not being able to their entire lives. ╮(￣▽￣)╭

I was thinking the same thing. I like this manga over many others because the whole plot isn't about romance but I think the way the prince is acting right now is kinda cliche. Imo a lot of Mangas are ruined because the characters start acting so differently than what their character was like before. And yeah I don't think he ever gives the MC any reason to fall in love with him

yeah rn it feels like she blushes (if she ever did I'm not actually sure ) in front of him because he looks good and his confidence makes him look even better it's embarrassment and probably awkwardness- I mean if my boss first suspected me of participating in a prince's assassination, then suddenly told me he fancied me, trapped me against a table telling me he's going to use what I owe him to ask for a physical favor I'm def not going to be comfortable.
Also he's 100% sure she'll fall in love with him (he's right ofc this is a romance manhwa) and it kinda piss me off.
overall I really like him and character but hate the way his romance trait is written, he just seem like an arrogant asshole no better than the guy from the other house courting fl too

He's just egoistic and selfish a bit. Most of real men are like that. Disappointing, but, that's what it is, he's not out of character, he's been like this from the start. I don't mind reading about selfish characters either

I find him subtle. The author laid the groundwork for this to work out. You mentioned him not caring about her weight before and that's what keyed me in that he was the ML. He shows concern early, he wants to interact with her even when the easiest thing to do is to use his princely power to tell her to go kick rocks (and he's a workaholic so he does have other things to do,) he has gotten jealous after he was disheartened at not being her exact type (he asked her directly,) and this latest chapter has shown how he feels comfortable around her.

As he pointed out, he has to remain stoic so as not to be vulnerable. He had no political backing when he was brought to the palace and was thrust into a royal education following the death of his mother. Now, he has proven he can be a strong ruler but he doesn't really have support on the outside; those that back him as an heir are really only doing so as an alternative to the first prince. That's why the other one is under everyone's radar right now because the first and second are the big fish, one by birthright; but to even survive, he cannot be idle either. So if the ML falters at all, there is another prince to back in an instant.

So in reality, the only ones who truly have his back are his people, which isn't a lot when going for the crown. I don't find him boring but I also wouldn't want him as a boyfriend in real life. I was in a friend group where one guy wasn't really my friend but we hung out with the same people. He thought he knew everything and his version of a conversation was dictation. He would either talk over you and/or louder than you if you had any opinion that differed from his own. Though ML hasn't done this, his personality is too close to this for me to feel comfortable.

you're completely right, that's why I said I really enjoyed his character and his (albeit subtle) growth. however while, we as readers can easily see his point of view and regard him in an objective manner, the FL can't. She isn't comfortable around him and the only type of attraction she has for him (as of now) is physical. she's also in a precarious situation since her primary goal is to protect her family from the purge ml will lead, she knows Kyle wouldn't let his personal feelings affect his work however it's hard to imagine him simply accept rejection, so it's something she has to consider as well.
I just find it hard for them to start a relationship as equal and as people in love wishing to be together instead of just a transaction where they're (especially FL) considering what are the pros and cons of getting together.

That's always going to be the problem for those in higher positions. A prince or princess is encouraged to make friends very young amongst his or her peers (even then, it's still political who is introduced) because as they come into power, it is always a question of what the people around them want from them. ML was thrust into this kind of world too old to make those early connections and had to scramble to make enough connections to stay alive.

FL is pretty much doing the same thing right now. She isn't focused on a romantic connection because she knows there is a time limit or she will die horribly. It is a milestone for her but a marathon for him where he has to stay in the front pack. I know it is very odd from her end, especially with him confessing first, but it is not up to him to be married to whomever he wants. He let his feelings known to her not only because she would need the acceptance of the court through winning the contest, but also because she needs to be able to handle being his queen.

Essentially, he has to have her earn the right and be his equal in everyone's eyes in order to do anything about it. They can't start a relationship as equals because no one will back either of them unless she proves herself. Many rulers in history have not been able to marry the one that they love and some were brave enough to have them as a concubine or mistress. But without power, one or both of them could be killed.

I'm just disappointed he's starting the consort competition so "early", everything you say definitely put things into perspective for me though I don't think there would be that much opposition if the nobles learned of their relationship. she is of a high ranking family, she has proven her abilities through the exam she passed as well as staying strong despite having Kyle as a boss (ppl might say he went easy on her bc he loved her but that's easily debunked) moreover she is from a family that stays neutral politically, which would definitely avoid Kyle making ennemis of a faction or another.
Plus, she's his secretary and Kyle has the reputation of being very rigid, I do not believe most character would even imagine him being in a relationship even less with his subordinate, since that goes against what they know (or think) of Kyle. the preconceived idea of someone is something that runs deep especially from nobles.

Overall, even tho your analysis is really well thought out and you explained everything very well (I hope my response aren't hard to read btw, English isn't my first language and I rarely have to write as much, tho I'm enjoying our back and forth.) his decision to start the consort competition seems to be motivated by his impatience to be with her and get her away from other men more than it is a political decision. I'm guessing the author wanted to have Tara fight with other nobles lady for drama instead of letting her develop feelings "naturally" over time.

I am enjoying this conversation as well. My first language is English and I have had no problem following what you have said.

There will always be someone unhappy they didn't get to make a political marriage to a prince and marrying one pulls the whole family to that side, even if they claimed neutrality. Tara's sister didn't care about this when she originally had the intention of pursuing him but at that point, the likelihood of the consort selection was low so it didn't matter. I agree that no one would expect Kyle to be interested in, much less date his subordinate. He is impatient but that's also because he hasn't been allowed to have anything without a struggle; he may have started this just to get things going but I still stand by the need for Tara to prove she can handle it.

I think there is still room for their feelings to develop naturally over time but at this point, Tara would be less likely to join even with knowing Kyle's feelings. I bet in the next few chapters, the author throws another plot element to push her in. After all, most households only need to send one daughter when demanded and Tara has two sisters, one of which was willing before.

And nobles are confusing in their thought processes. I mean, look at the life of the current British monarch and his sons. They were always the family with a camera in front of their faces all their lives and that is especially true for the latest generation when everyone has a camera they can use whether they like it or not (poor kids.) We know nearly all their choices or we will eventually.

The first prince in this story is so bad, I don’t blame anyone for wanting a second choice but that puts a lot of pressure on who the nobles think is the next best choice. Since the third prince isn't on the radar, it all falls on Kyle. These are the same vultures that will peck him to death if he fails. Since he is the ML, I know he is capable but I also like how the author shows us that. Yes, we get to hear it from other characters but we also get to see it, which is the biggest thing Hollywood movies are missing right now (best example I could think of for the alternative and plenty to pick from.) We're here for Tara's growth and he's like a measuring stick.

I've read enough of the "noble ladies fighting for the prince" scenes that I am not looking forward to those but Tara is definitely going to be doing something else on the side. That's what I want to see the most. What are your predictions?