I definitely agree, but I think with how arduous this whole journey/expedition is going to be, he’s going to be forced to face the illusion he’s created of Maxi for himself. Maxi wasn’t all that helpful in disillusioning him in the beginning, for good reason given the abuse she’s faced during her childhood, but she’s ready to break out and Riftan is very uncomfortable with the idea of not being in total and absolute control of everything around him. That and the idea that Riftan doesn’t seem to think that Maxi cares for him the same way he does her, so he pushes his love to be his position as a knight and the leader of the people as his primary value to Maxi, the way that everyone else values him, so he believes this is the best way for Maxi to value him as well, and Maxi did need the support and protection to begin with. But, like I said, Maxi has grown past that and is ready to develop and go after the things she wants and treasures. I think we’re going to see the most development in their relationship in this arc and I’m really excited to see!
I really do hope so T^T
It's good to see her stand up for herself too given her past. And especially against Riftan, the person who allowed her to escape from her scumbag family.
I wanna have more patience with him but he better not yell stupid things at Maxi again hmmph.
I think you make some really good points though, I hope to see him change so I can actually like his character in the future (toxic masculinity gets me fuming)
I'm so frustrated by Riftan's overprotectiveness and dismissiveness around Maxi's abilities. Maybe compliment her once in a while? I guess he really does care about her which is like his only redeeming quality, BUT lowkey he knows nothing about her. They just fuck. A lot.
In earlier chapters, I was frustrated with Maxi for not communicating with him but he's so much worse! Like atp he would become EVEN MORE overprotective if she revealed her abusive upbringing. Ugh, he needs some serious growth and FAST. Not saying it's impossible but he's really insufferable at this stage cuz he's mad disrespectful to Maxi.
Long story short, Maxi is a saint and I love her, Riftan do better :/ He don't deserve her rn.