Lmaooo why is this so me, whenever I try to say anything about this story it ends up being a maxi appreciation post (≧∀≦)
But in defense of Riftan, I think he didn’t ask her because he thinks she’s scared of HIM. He jumps to assume he’s the cause of her skittish behavior because he is self conscious about it, and doesn’t stop to think her behavior might be caused by some deeper underlying issues.
I guess that's true and Maxi wouldn't admit anw to being abused. But I still think that Riftan could've found out if he did a little digging bec honestly, once he knows he'll be able to take care of her better and the misunderstandings won't pile up and the idiot Anatol knights would stop being shitty to her. Yeah I wish they'd talk to each other and not just smooth over their issues through sex
Yup, better communication from both sides would have helped smooth things over much faster but welp (〜￣△￣)〜
He looks at Maxi as the daughter of the Duke (remember the extravagant gifts and his embarrassment of the shabby appearance of this mansion when Maxi just arrived). He doesn't want Maxi to do anything but be protected and pampered and he definitely doesn't want her to be in danger. The idea of it is romantic and sweet BUT it's not very good for someone like Maxi. It hurts me when I was reading the novel and she feels useless, alienated, and insecure when Riftan doesn't involve her as much as he should in the affairs of Anatol and she feels her world is so small compared to Riftan's. Oh I was supposed to be defending Riftan. Well he's not a bad person there's just a lot he doesn't know about Maxi which is kind of on him now that I think about it. I mean his wife stutters, is timid, is skittish, and flinches easily despite being the daughter of a duke and he didn't investigate why that's the case. The rumors about Maxi in high society, as to why she didn't appear in public, was because of an illness ryt so he also didn't investigate that or asked her about it?
Maxi is not a transmigrator or a reincarnator, no golden finger whatsoever but she still turned out to be such a wonderful and strong character, surviving years of abuse and still being able to better herself and help those around her. I love her sm. I guess I baited y'all with the title, this is actually a Maxi appreciation post