Ahhhh called the ending!!
Anyway, the things I feel like are connecting now are Guwon's stitch tattoos. Geyongha dismembered and decapitated him, and I'm assuming that happened every time which explains the placement of those stitches. About the blackout sleeve tattoos... Idk yet.
The other thing I'm still wondering about and wasn't addressed is Guwon's eyes. Yes they resemble the moon, and they also resemble the maggots' eyes... Is the moon a source of power or connected to the loop here? Is Guwon truly connected to maggots? So what is the original reason for the apocalypse, and why Guwon?
Okay where's the plot this, can we get back to the plot that
That IS the plot you guys what plot are you hoping to get back to? Mokyeon trying to win Nanjo over? Well, imma hold your hand while I tell you this-
Seriously we are still within the bounds of plot and it's them discovering how to have intimacy with each other while both feel on their comfort zone and none of them feeling like they're anxious or forced. Yeah the author dragged this out for a few chapters but we were all praying for this day, enjoy the fucking smut ohmygod. We'll get back to further solving of issues and misunderstandings but we DID go somewhere with this and Nanjo IS finding out about how he wishes their intimacy to go like and how to feel good in it, and Mokyeon finally DID express himself and will probably continue to do so and they'll both understand each other's past when they talk it out after too. This IS the plot
I feel like people aren't getting why Grayson is curious about the kids thing despite not even caring about having kids in the first place.
Yes the way the question is posed after Dane's thought process of alphas being able to control fertility will inadvertently lead Dane to think Grayson somehow did something when they slept together or is intent on baby trapping him, but again that was a thought inside his head that Grayson wasn't privy to. From Grayson's pov the conv went
-i won't get anyone pregnant even if i was a beta
=how
-I will get a vasectomy
=Why
-I know alphas don't worry about such things but since I have to I'll get the vasectomy
=Yes i got that but why don't you want a kid
-what do you want
=Like, hypothetically if we were to have a kid why would that bother you so much?
that's the conv from Grayson's pov lmao.
As to why Grayson is very curious, it's not just because he wants to know about the person he likes, but rather he wants to know why is Dane so intent on cutting himself off from any human connection. One night stands, strict infertility, no very close friends, living alone, diving headfirst into danger and not caring if he dies. At first, Grasyon understood that Dane is careless about his life because he has no one to live for, but now he's seeing Dane refusing to even have someone to live for and he's even more confused why would anyone want to isolate himself like this (especially because all that Grayson ever hoped for in life is finding his own person and creating an everlasting bond)
Referring to my earlier comment and what I said about the time loop conditions, I think I'll have to change what I said a bit to the theory of Guwon making Jinwoo a prerequisite with him. Guwon could've been the one to elude death or find out about the time loop and decided to take Jinwoo with him every time. Whether that was because the first time it was genuine double suicide or because he died alone first time and saw the aftermath of how Jinwoo suffered after and decided to make them die together for a quicker end to this loop, I don't know.
Now if I refer to the niche things that caught my attention, this chapter (44) finally confirmed them and their meaning. The dreams are past memories of previous cycles, and each time something a bit different happened. Basically, Guwon could've not killed his father this time but in a different cycle, or this cycle but no other cycles. This is why he saw his father's corpse when he went out with the Dr., still there and still "fresh". Could've been two memories overlapping at that moment.
The whole town dying memory is something that will and currently IS happening; they die at the hands of the hounds as revenge for killing Guwon, and Jinwoo is a witness to this. I'm gonna call what happens next: he fails to protect the kids, he somehow kills the hounds (or not), sees how everyone is brutally murdered, and driven by despair and horror he remembers the various dead versions of himself beneath the cliff with Guwon and how Guwon was certain this is the way for them to live again, and he throws himself off the cliff.
That means the Jinwoos dead there are two categories: Jinwoos who died when they fell with Guwon, and Jinwoos who all chose to die after everything went so badly and everyone was killed.
This is why the cycle didn't loop this time, maybe they both do need to die. As for Jinwoo being originally a prerequisite or if Guwon made him one, that I am not sure.
So fucking glad my Guwon being Sisyphus theory is now solidified, though looking at it I guess Jinwoo could also be considered one. The thing is, the title of this work is very specific, and that got me wondering what exactly is the author trying to focus on.
I've made an old comment about how the hounds in the title aren't necessarily the hounds in the manhwa, but a term for dogs, and that imagery has been used in the manhwa to refer to humans/townspeople from Guwon's perspective. Going by that, the title gives emphasis to the townspeople; "hounds" group or not. Why is that? Why not name the manhwa Sisyphus or The Boulder of Sisyphus, emphasizing the figurative boulder Guwon has to roll up the figurative hill (protect the town, rule it, and maintain its peace)?
That line of thought led me to wonder if time resets for everyone or just Guwon and Jinwoo, or just Guwon and whoever Guwon decides is dear to him and drags him down with himself? Is Jinwoo even a criteria for the loop in himself or is he an extension of Guwon's desire to reset? Maybe because they died this way the first time, Guwon dragging Jinwoo with him, that Guwon feels the need to do it each and every time to reset the cycle and be with him fresh again, but if the cycle resets this time without Jinwoo then he was never a true criteria, not that this time is a disruption.
Which makes me wonder if the townspeople also reset, or are they aware a new Guwon is always introduced with a new Jinwoo (it brings me back to older chapters when the people would behave weirdly around both, and how I always felt they knew something about Guwon but never told Jinwoo.)
And to an even niche point that I am still hung up on: Jinwoo's dreams. He dreamt mostly of being abused by his father, then of himself hurting his father, but he is adamant about how his father is a good man and took care of him. With the looping time things are starting to make sense. Guwon could've killed him this cycle, in another Jinwoo could've been the one to do it, and in another the man could've been abusive, so on. The moment Jinwoo met Guwon the dreams slash memories started and he became conflicted over his whole memories of most things.
My main questions now are: why is time looping, why did Guwon believe he needs to take care of this town in the very first loop, why does he have stitching tattoos, and what are the criteria to end the loop (assuming it loops because of Guwon alone and Jinwoo has only been the main driving force. I don't think time would have looped at all if Jinwoo also had to die because he's still alive. This cycle would've continued on with Jinwoo being alive for however long until he dies one day and the second criteria is met and then they're brought back to the same starting point. But if Jinwoo goes back to a reincarnated Guwon then Guwon alone dying is the criteria, that makes it a Guwon-focused plot point that Jinwoo needs to uncover or break)
Oh I'm just now realizing the connection between this and define the relationship!
Nathan's older brother is Nicholas, who is an omega married to Kyle who is Karlyle's brother. Aaaahh
I did see many comments ad it updates about the art style but I think because I was just reading updates as they go I didn't exactly notice and just ignored. It wasn't until I just went to older chapters that I noticed the discrepancies.
It's not really anything about his height or young appearance. This would be a sound argument if that was the art from the start, if it's not someone's cup of tea they'll move on. However, it's obvious now that it's changing. Taeoh was visibly darker in terms of skintone. His skin stood out even more because of his light hair. Some scenes his hair would even look more silver and his skin a brown shade darker. Now it's very obviously pale. I'd chalk it up to just the artist having a new outlook on characters since hardly any manhwa has a very consistent art style from start to finish anyway, had they all been whitewashed like this. But no, Jaeseok remains dark skinned, while Taeoh's skintone looks closer to our MC this last update. I wouldn't wanna push that narrative, but it almost looks like villains are fit to be dark skinned, but good heros and protagonists have to be fair.
That, and also how Mc starred to look younger and younger with each chapter. Again, some people do look younger than their age irl, but that wasn't the case here because while at the start of the manhwa he did look young and was short, he had masculine features and mannerisms, now he's been "twinkified" literally with his features, facial expressions, and behavior. That, coupled with the skin tones, can leave a bad taste in many people's mouths especially if they were already hooked on the story from S1, it's not them continuing to read something they constantly bash about. This is a new development.
Oh well.
Author was like "ok let's wrap it up guys! One shot!"
Ain't no way author decided to rush everything like this. This story had so much potential and was going so well, only for it to be fucked at the end. What a waste :(
All throughout reading this I wished I could be viewing comments of every chapter live, but now that I'm done I see people fighting ruthlessly in here and split into team Rashta and team Navier... I thought the story was very well written and obvious in the point it was trying to deliver.
Honestly I've read what many have written and I understand both sides, so the incoming comment is just me yapping because I usually make yapping comments of my own analysis when I like something. So don't come at me saying I wrote an essay, you can ignore.
This manhwa has made me go through so many emotions that I had to deal with in all characters, but mainly the og eastern empire trio (Sovieshu, Navier, and Rashta). It was easy to dislike yet also empathize with most of them despite their shortcomings. This is in no way to condone any of their actions, but they were human. I would've been more disappointed if one of them was very perfect and nice and sweet, that would've been a cliché.
Ultimately, in my opinion, Sovieshu is the main cause for everything that has happened. It's not Rashta's fault he took interest and promised her everything she's been starved of, and it's not Navier's fault she was born a noble and conditioned all her life to think as a noble and be the empress, that's definitely not grounds for embracing your husband cheating and having a mistress just because she's a slave and had unfortunate upbringing. Sovieshu could've helped Rashta without being involved with her in such a way, giving her a good life, but he was vain and taken with being a hero for her, as well as the promise of an heir. He never considered how any of them felt, and when he did something to help one of them it was ultimately for his own gain (defending Rashta because she's pregnant with his child, siding with Navier because she will leave him and he wants her). I disliked his amnesia arc so much, but I'm glad at least in the end it was dealt with tactfully. I do pity him, for he brought about his own misery by being blind and vain, but I wish he'd find Glorym and have a new reason to work hard for and put all that effort of atonement in. While he was an ass, the child is innocent, and it's cruel to wish he be separated from his child, or that child from her father and her right to the throne.
Now to Rashta. Man...
I had so many emotions about her as I read, but ultimately I just feel sorry for her. She dug her own grave with both her hands while thinking she's building a ladder. She'd been so backed into a corner by her past that being promised a glimmer of hope, a silver of it, made her chase it down like a woman dying of thirst. It was illogical of her to wish Navier liked her or considered her a sister. While she admired her a lot, she ultimately stole her husband and was the main reason for her misery and shame. She could've been content with finally having a place to stay in luxury, a man who dotes on her, and a life she'd never dreamed of, but she aimed bigger each time she was granted something. She couldn't be content with whatever she got and was still looking for more. Greed was truly her downfall.
When given power it corrupted her, and while many can say her abandonment of Ian is cruel, it made sense. She felt he's threatening the life she fought tooth and nail for, and he was living a good life anyway, better than her days as a slave for sure. She had no reason to risk it all for Ian, especially with the trauma they gave her with the dead baby. All she could do is learn he was well and that's it. Would Sovieshu have helped her if she asked him and had been truthful? Probably. But you must consider her position. If you were in her place, would you gamble on his fickle love and everything you've reached just for a child you never knew you even had until a couple of months ago who is living well?
Her end was brutal, but while many had a role to play in her anguish, she was ultimately the maestro of her own death.
Oh and about slavery... Please, can we not talk about how Sovieshu and Navier condoned slavery and were classist about it? It's actually such a very ridiculous argument it makes me sigh. Yes, it's wrong, but also you must consider the setting and time period that was in. Slavery wasn't uncommon, and everyone especially nobles had a certain view of it and had been raised this way. It's not nice and not kind, but it's a fact and we can't hold just those two on the stake for it when it's a general consensus. They're not angels. In fact, Navier never treated Rashta badly for her background, it was for what Rashta did. And Sovieshu never treated Rashta bad for her past, he pitied her, and while that's not love and is such a savior complex, it wasn't mistreatment.
Navier receives so much hate in the comments that it's honestly astounding. Did you all want her to be a saint? She's looking out for herself and her own happiness, just like Rashta did, what makes her any less deserving of that decision? Because she's been born a noble? Do you all beat yourselves down for feeling sad about anything that happens to you because there must be someone out there who lives a more unfortunate life? That's such a hollow way of living. We all are born into our own circumstances and each one of has faces troubles befitting their place in life that would and should make them sad. Im pretty sure cheating on your commoner wife will feel the same for her if she was noble. Calling her infertile, humiliating her publicly, siding with a mistress in front of her eyes, never believing a word she says, then having the nerve to deprive her of seeking respite and love elsewhere? Yea, I'd be livid too. Now that she found her way out and tried to be happy you're all acting like committed a crime and that crime being cruel to Rashta and then being happy. Bruh.. she even gave her advice and left her money to deal with and just decided to leave her and Sovieshu alone, yet they both didn't allow her that respite. What did you want her to do? Embrace Rashta and be like hell yea let's both share a husband who's the man I've been with every since I was a child?
She's not a saint as well. She's an empress, and it's not weird for her to be cunning and find ways to benefit the nation she rules. You expecting her to cower away or be aghast at the things Heinry did to benefit his own homeland is so weird. She accepted him and married him knowing both nations are at odd, and she was probably gonna have to find a middle ground had Heinry never stopped his methods with the mages, but he did and he ceased it all to respect her. I fail to see why many want them to be so benevolent and pure and taint free when they're in positions that need hard decisions to make and be a little ruthless to ensure the prosperity of their nation. Navier has been so kind to so many people, but it's wise not to do that on the expense of her own wellbeing. Same goes for Heinry. Calling him mass murderer or war criminal is so funny for real as if all rulers in history didn't make such decisions. At least he's not a tyrant, he's doing it for his people to the best of his abilities. Everyone can be a villain in someone else's story. Smh.
In the end I'm quite disheartened by many of the takes here in the comments that require things and characters in such a setting to be black and white. Everyone behaved in respects to their position and their own personal gain, which honestly is such a normal and human thing to do, and expecting a saint level of behavior and selflessness is very weird and a fairytale. The author never intended for this story to go down that path and it was obvious from the beginning. Also, Navier realizes her duplicity with how she feels about Rashta and is unapologetic, which again is very normal. If you were in her place I doubt you'd behave any differently. Or maybe you would, just behaving worse.
This has been a very interesting manhwa for me and I liked the variety and complexity of each of characters given, even the ones who were more bad than good.
I hope Grand Duke Kaufman all the good in this world, this man truly was the most selfless of them lmao. I have no doubt he'll grow to love Charlotte.
Now then, sorry for the rant. I just enjoyed this and thought might as well present my thoughts and scream into the void. Can't wait for the special episodes (I want Glorym to live happily she's the real victim here).
Nanjo discovering power bottoming is his path, making him in control and servicing someone still and watching them react to his every move, is somehow making me laugh and cheer at the same time.
Good for you, nanjo. Good for you.
I just reread this again and I have so many thoughts about Mokyeon as a character that I fear going into it would get me so many dislikes, but it's honestly been food for my brain to analyze.
I think it wasn't as clear before as it is now for me the core issue with Mokyeon's character now that we've seen his past and the environment he was raised in. Idk why this seems like a recurrent theme in multiple manhwas I've been reading recently, but I'm pretty sure Mokeyon has borderline personality disorder. He's been chasing a high and self harming, even if it's in sexual form, for so long hoping he'd fill that void inside of him that he wasn't sure what it's longing for until he met Nanjo.
At first, it wasn't that Nanjo was anything in essence different from the other people Mok met, it was Nanjo's savior complex (yes he really does have it) towards Sunhwa that irked him, and it wasn't because he felt it pretentious, it was because deep down Mok knows his friend and knows that Sunhwa is a slut (not slut shaming) and to him Nanjo is just a fuck, but Nanjo is too devoted to him that Mok can't help but wonder why Sunhwa. It's not jealousy per se... Maybe a little envious? Spiteful? About the fact Sunhwa gets someone to be this devoted when Mok thinks he too deserves it when he's "kinder" and "better" than Sunhwa as a person.
This becomes further apparent when pushes it by asking Nanjo if he'd take Sunhwa's place, thinking he'd never do it but still asking just to prove to himself that such devotion or "love" doesn't exist. But Nanjo accepts, and keeps accepting, and even though Nanjo could've walked away so many times and nothing was forcing him to actually accept all of this instead of talking it out with Sunhwa like a normal person he still kept meeting up with Mokyeon and accepting their arrangement. Such display of "sacrifice" and the illusion that Nanjo is doing all of this for Sunhwa's sake (I personally believe it wasn't) was everything Mok has been looking for forever; unconditional love, sacrificial love, being chosen and fought for, someone to hold on to him even if he's flawed and not a good person. He's been abandoned so many times as he grew up that he's been starved for such forms of affections.
Now don't get me wrong, he was an ass and his methods were terrible, but the moment he realized what he felt for Nanjo he kept trying to communicate it in an amateur way, knowing he's not exactly vocalizing to Nanjo his feelings and still hoping Nanjo would reciprocate, but also afraid to actually voice his feelings and lose it all.
"Why Sunhwa and not me? He's not a better person, he's been lying to Nanjo, he doesn't care about or love Nanjo but I do. Why does Nanjo not see that and still sacrifices himself and endure being in that arrangement with me just for someone who thinks of him as a doormat and doesn't care what he likes or wants or who he really is and just wants him as a dildo? When I care. I'd never do that. I'd kill for a smile from him." That's probably all that went through his head, and when he realized that Nanjo has not actually been spending time or having sex with Sunhwa he got confused and hopeful. If Nanjo wasn't "enduring" for Sunhwa then what did he sleep with me for?
Yeah anyway, while I acknowledge Mokyeon had so many fuck ups in everything that happened, I somehow like him more than Nanjo. Nanjo always struck me as a prude, arrogant, hypocrite, and with a savior complex. He stuck to Sunhwa because he believed he's saving him, and he became more interested early on in Mokyeon when Mok showed weak sides. He's now interested when he feels like he's Mok's savior. I'm not saying he has no feelings for him, but ultimately the reason that sparked the interest was the shifting saving from Sunhwa to Mok, because Mokyeon has always been the one in need of saving. Sunhwa was where he wanted to be all along.
I just wish Mokyeon gets therapy or better and stops relying so emotionally heavy on others to feel like his existence has a meaning. I know what it's like because I have been diagnosed with the same, and it gets really hard. I'm proud of him for vocalizing finally and for admitting and realizing what it's all been like for him and his intentions, and how his methods were wrong. So far, we've only had Mokyeon owning up to his mistakes, but Nanjo is sticking to his own stance of being stoic, arrogant, and visibly annoyed by Mok's presence. And then when he actually foes something to Mok, it's not talking it out like Mok has been doing, but jumping him instead. Man... Idk.
I'm glad they're coming back together because as much as I dislike Nanjo, Mokyeon really loves him and wants him and will be haply with him (hopefully) but goddamit Nanjo makes it hard for me to view him in a good light. I thought I'd be happier about their reunion but with Nanjo taking it into that direction without a proper talking with, especially that the topic of Sunhwa using and lying to Nanjo all along hasn't been brought up ever, it's just... Yeah.
Anyway. My two cents.
Once again we see people who equate saying someone did something wrong to the other being a complete innocence incarnate. Or to the person doing wrong to be satan.
Guys please, it doesn't work that way.
Dane was wrong to kidnap Grayson, and Grayson is valid in looking for ways to escape and survive this by pretending, jumping off a plane, and finding somewhere to stay.
Grayson is wrong that when they decided to wait out at that villa, he exploited the situation (that he was put in) to serve his own gain by placing a condition of sex on Dane for his release. It is an asshole move, but Dane still believed they'll be found by Josh anyway so he was ok waiting it out since food and water and facilities exist. Grayson wasn't going to force him, he had the "waiting game" mentality. "Let's see what comes first, our rescue or you conceding to sleep with me."
Then Dane raped Josh. Nothing ever justifies rape and for the people saying "well Grayson put himself in that situation" how do you feel justifying rape against women who dress how they want or go out at night? Cause, well, according to your mentality they also put themselves in that situation. Bffr.
We can say Dane was wrong for raping Grayson but still think it a mistake that doesn't have to fully reflect on his whole character we know considering the circumstances, and still think Grayson generally is an asshole. Honestly Dane would've never done this to anyone else, it's just in his mind at that moment with pheromones clouding his judgement he thinks Grayson deserves it, coupled with his overall conflicting emotions and dislike of Grayson he sort of... Well it's a form of punishment in his mind, which he 100% regrets later when he comes to his senses. It doesn't make it any better, but it does show that his decision wasn't based on his general character moral code because he wouldn't do that normally, still doesn't absolve him from his sin. Even Dane blames himself, so who are you guys to blame Grayson for it lmao.
We need to seriously stop viewing everything in black and white and thinking faulting one character immediately means saying the other is a complete saint. Thanks for coming to my ted talk.
I've read my fair share of fucked up shit, so it's not like I'm angry because I can't take such media, it's just there's usually tells to whether this manhwa is going to be good or not in terms of writing or not.
What many people do not seem ro understand is that some fucked up manhwas with fucked up characters can have such good writing, and a pretty straightforward vanilla manhwa can have a shitty writing. It's not about the content, it's about how the author presents it and what they aim from the story and the scenes they insert.
For example, because it popped up in my notifs, the manhwa "The Taming" has a pretty shitty ml to begin with, he has solid reasons for his actions, is pretty consistent, and will also have a consistent redemption arc because that's exactly what the author is going for with the story. No one is hating on the manhwa or the author for his actions because everything is coherent and every scene has a purpose. But people were more mad at, let's say, Jinx because he was an asshole and the author didn't seem like they were advancing anywhere with ml's character until a certain point where he suddenly changes 180°. It felt like rape porn.
That's probably the issue many of the people have with this manhwa. It's not that Jiheon is obsessed with Wooju, it's the inconsistency of the presentation of his character. One time he's obsessed enough to give the pill, we go with that narrative, then in a pretty well done and properly built-up-for way Wooju showed adverse symptoms to the pill and the author gave hints of Jiheon redemption arc, his realization to the consequences of his actions and obsession, and the insight that to Jiheon Wooju's health and existence matters more than anything, just as much as Jiheon matters to Wooju.
Then author throws it all away with the past two chapters of him only caring about Wooju's omega presentation, ignoring his No's, saying he doesn't regret a single thing he did to Wooju without his consent. Man idk.
If we had stuck to crazy Jiheon who acts as a wolf in sheep's clothing in front of Wooju and this scene was his unveiling that would've been more interesting (in that sense, professor Cha is currently more interesting and consistent than Jiheon tbh) but why tf would the author dedicate a few chapters to Jiheon reflecting and guilt-ridden and changing his thoughts and priorities only to throw them all out the window. At least prior to those scenes his impure actions were rather clumsy and inexperienced, showing how he's just desperate because he cares too much and is scared Wooju will leave someday. Now it's just... Yeah
The inconsistency is what bothers us, not the dark theme. I hope that helps so the people saying "if you can't take dark themes don't read!!!" would blessedly stop saying that.
I am happy nanjo can recognize that using death threats is a form of manipulation even if the person using it doesn't have that intention, but it's very funny and ironic how this all-knowing rationale wasn't there when he was being played by Sunhwa and tossed around like a sexdoll in those threesomes. Pretty convenient to gain enlightenment now lmao
I decided to give the novel a go since this is on hiatus and I really do love the story. I'm surprised by how different the scenes go in the novel than the manhwa. The manhwa has taken so much liberties with how they arrange specific scenes and which character says what thing, though the main point and main roles are preserved.
I am unsure which I prefer more. While the novel seems more realistic in terms of recounting events and behavior, it does feel disjointed at times and the manhwa does a lot better in stringing the scenes along and giving a bigger picture of what's happening, however the manhwa... How do I say this... Beautifies the emotions and words a lot compared to the novel. It tries its best to make sure the feelings and intentions come across more obviously than the novel since the novel doesn't truly show how some people feel this much, especially with the imperial family and, for example, empress and her talks with shuri. It's so odd to read their conversations in the novel then witness them in the manhwa which are so different.
Also SO many church dynamics that have been happening in the manhwa are literally not mentioned till lets say the founding festival in the novel (cause that's where I'm at in the novel) despite them being shown in the manhwa more extensively.
It's interesting. I wouldn't say I prefer the manhwa, nor can I say I prefer the novel. I suppose the manhwa for me is more of a retelling of some events and should be read separately. I'll probably reread the manhwa again once im done with the novel.
I think it's because it's the unofficial translation, but I hope the official translation does relay how much of a sickening feeling you get from the way he words his sentences. This scene in the novel was so fucking manipulative. He knows exactly how to play on Michelle's guilt and emotions, and his feeling of loyalty and duty so even if he's hurt and betrayed by the lie, he's not fully processing his emotions because he's at war with being relieved he's not going to part with "Ain" but at the same time shouldn't he feel lied to by "Ian"?
At the same time, he prepared himself mentally to accept whatever Lord Sheleg js like to begin with as long as he's amicable and not abusive, and that he'll dedicate himself to him. He's been groomed (in the traditional sense) and raised to be "demure" and loyal and a traditionalist conservative, and so he still feels it a duty to please his "wife" and foster a harmonious marriage, which clashes with his mental and psychological need to process hurt and anger and betrayal, and what Ian does is press further onto those parts of him and his emotions to pressure him, all so he can observe WHEN Michelle finally cracks and starts showing his true ugly and angry and unfaithful side that is uninterested in him now that there is no power dynamic placing him above Ian and he's no longer the one who's looking down at him.
And I say "when" because to Ian's mind it's not an "if". He's wholly convinced that's the reason why Michelle isn't reacting positively, which also isn't something he didn't expect. He planned this whole scheme with the expectation of such a reaction just to prove to himself that all nobles are trash manwhores who exploit whoever is of lower status, but that's a whole ass lore dump about his past you'll have to learn as the story progresses.
It wasn't until Michelle started spouting shit like he'll never abandon him had he been a woman and got pregnant, and running away with him, and even earlier when he kept talking about how he'll always be faithful because that's how his parents were and his father never had mistresses even if it's normalized in the south, that Ian took further interest in Michelle to keep the game going. He truly was planning to kill him that day in the snow while they hunted. He was being fr when he informed Katya that they shouldn't prepare anything. Michelle wasn't meant to return from that stay, and his return doesn't signify more than Ian's intrigue to see how far he can push him to finally roll over and show his ugly rotten belly of noble mentality and trashiness.
Thanks for coming to my ted talk. Prayers for poor Michelle who's being thrown around like a ragdoll in Ian's schemes of self hatred and self flagellation justification.
Been praying for the time y'all finally learn his true face
I am trying so hard to like the direction of the manhwa but maybe I just hold the novel so dearly that the changes are bothering me, and also because idk how the author/artist here is planning to tie those core changes to the upcoming plot cause in the novel every situation tied to the rest in the end. Yeahhh...
Anyway, I absolutely love this story. Genuinely love Harriet a lot even tho she'd infuriate me at times that I wanna reach into my phone and shake her to STOP THINKING THAT WAY AND ACTUALLY LISTEN
I have nothing to say about Cedric.
Absolutely perfect.
Best male lead I've read in a long while.
Harriet is so damn lucky.
Anyway for anyone reading the manhwa and wondering or worried this might be one of those that starts strong and then drags out and becomes stupid, no worries! This is a very well written story! If the manhwa butchers it I'll be so sad, but if anyone wants to read the novel you should give it a go!
It feels like the story was going at a snail's pace then suddenly at the speed of light. Why are we rushing through the plot like the author has somewhere important to be with a deadline