
The pacing isn't good, you jump from plot to smut to filler information in favor of expositions. The manipulation reveal was lackluster and felt more like a plot device, while the chemistry and characterization feels charming, it's still audibly daft considering most of their dialogue consists of 'I can't do X cause of Y'
That doesn't make it a bad media however, The series has its merits and flaws just as how formal literature isn't the cup of tea of many. It's still valid to critique the story for setting up plot lines like 'He's not my actual grandfather' or 'I'm now friends with a vassal' only to use those possible interesting character study as just a plot device to drive the narrative further.
Aka Grandpa > Goes to the North > Whoa, Demons I have to go there now
Or Brown Haired Vassal > You guys are cool join my club > Literally just turns into someone you just send a pamphlet to.
The tournament > Let's have a promise > Nvm we fucked already > Wyverns
The concept was pretty good but God is this so badly written :)