beta
So ik a lot of people think he is cold to MC, but there is indeed a reason for this. He has no choice. The previous empress didn't save him out of goodness of her heart, but in order to force Varkas into an oath that he will always do whatever her children ask of him. So he is doing his best while also hating the twins and their mother for putting him under this oath.
So in Korean it’s oppa, can be used for older male that isn’t related to you and yes, can be romantic. As for her getting adopted, it’s more because of her talent than anything. She’s treated well because of her talent, but that doesn’t mean she’s treated like family. Pretty sure everyone knows who her real family is (another high ranking family that focuses on magic, not sword)