Responses
Ya I agree 100% I’m dropping this series at ch 17 cause I’m sick of the non consent Stockholm syndrome running rampant in this one, gag.
I'm a neurotic completionist so I read through the whole thing in one sitting, but honestly I want those hours of my life back. It doesn't get any better.
I used to be when I first got into manga but now I’m like nope not worth it anymore hahaha
I know I'm meant to start feeling sympathetic towards Lucaon towards the end, but I couldn't really manage it. Sure, he had his reasons (read: trauma) but the way he treated Kyon for years was inexcusable, both physically and emotionally. I mean, for god's sake, it's not just the rape and humiliation, Chapter 0 literally opens with Lucaon beating Kyon with a cane! Kyon is okay with it, of course, but that's not unusual for victims of abusive relationships. The series seems to have glossed over all of that. Between this roughshod handling of what could've been a very interesting redemption/character arc for Lucaon, and Christoph's memories being wiped, there's just so many issues based in a lack of consent dressed up as love.
And on a separate note, there are so many loose ends to the plot left hanging, as well as a lack of carefully planned world building. (For example, why are the Royals even living lives of nobility/luxury? How hasn't society turned against them en masse given that their threat outweighs their contributions? Kingdoms of old have been overthrown for much less. If the most notable Royals built their careers off of putting down other rabid Royals, then what exactly is their purpose, and why are they venerated? If their greatest threat seems to be, as history has proven, sabotage from their serving staff, then why not move into 1-bedroom condos or small cottages somewhere and forgo needing to have a staff at all?? The very premise of this series is almost painfully contrived).
All in all, great art, some powerful moments, and Sihan and Karis are wonderful and wholesome, gold star for them. But the main couple isn't my cup of tea and the plot is a bit messy, to put it mildly.