There is not a single thing in this that is anywhere near pedophilia. Like. Nothing. Yes he is married as a child to an adult, which, yep, is a problem, but that doesn't make the story problematic, as it doesn't condone nor romanticizes it, chapter 4 is a great example of this.
Also, although it clearly takes aesthetical inspirations from Indians (as well as Turkish and Arabs) for the sun god land, and most likely Inuit for the origins of the frozen land's people (as well as some chinese and a lot of eastern Europe + the golden age of the monarchies), it does work with original lore and religion, so that they are not mimicking the actual cultural traditions.
I mean 1- writing new worlds always take some inspiration on existing realities (from LOTR to Avatar), it is better when these traits are subtle, but not always being noticeable means it will be excessive. And 2-, it's not just the presentation, but how it is done (dune is a showcase of excessive, but OK because it is not reductionist and it works with original lore. It's only a true problem in the movies, with the adaptation lack of effort to bring racial representation of the main aesthetic inspiration through the cast).
Besides, neither are treated with exoticism, which is the main trait of orientalism, the otherization, making a group br presented as exotic, as a synonym for entertainment. They are, yes, respectfully curious about each other cultures and, as expected, surprised by the differences, but there really is nothing that fits what is understood as orientalism.
I'm not saying the manhwa has orientalism nor has pedophilia(I should've quoted it), it's just people seems to make it sound like they do have even though it doesn't, like yes, the relationship is taboo bc of child marriage but it's not like they engaged anything romantic in the past... I'm not justifying it or anything but I'm glad the author never made them have any romantic feelings for each other before they separated. While child marriages still happens unfortunately, I have few hopes that some child marriages are actually platonic and only did it for political reasons same as tei's and shuraka's relationship. For the orientalism part, I never thougt of it as one, but some people say that it feels like it because it has the typical pair of brown mls w white mc, like, idk who to believe anymore...
Don't worry, I'm just answering because the topic was "I'm scared tbh" and you asked if you could still enjoy it, so I just thought I should let you know that this is a safe read with neither of the controversial things you were afraid of finding
I don't really know whether to continue reading this manhwa or not anymore because people keep saying the relationship is pedophilia and problematic(I do agree its problematic but to be fair, the story started as controversial-). I really enjoy the manhwa(shameful) but I'm scared to admit it to other ppl bc they'd prob be saying I'm justifying child marriage and orientalism/racism even tho I hate them both equally.
Can I still acknowledge the controversial side while still enjoying the story? I'm not racist nor a pedo defender, I swear