
The story is lackluster, it kinda feels like they're just making it up as they go. I mean It's not terrible, I've read worse, but the art is definitely the only reason I'm still reading it.
If you want to enjoy this, turn your brain off while you read it. And maybe wait until theres a hundred chapters or so. (¬_¬”)

I can't lie, I actually like the empress as a character. In no way do I support her actions or the way she treats Etienne, but I enjoy her writing.
She a cruel, calculated, and cold mother. She'd do anything to get Etienne on the throne. No matter who she has to sacrifice. She's a genuine and well thought out villain. Don't jump me, I'm just expressing how I like her character, not that I necessarily like her specifically.

I've waited over a year for volume 3 to come out, when I first found this I was a little put off by the kinky stuff in the beginning, but I grew used to it. This was honestly such an interesting read, the plot, the art, the characters, their design, everything was stunning and written incredibly well. I cannot express the amount of joy this gave me. I wish we would see the child M took in growing up, but I know that won't happen. This filled me with so many emotions that I'm sad it's over. I'll definitely be revisiting this whenever I need a quick re-read.
I was really excited when I found out this got an adaptation, but the pacing is much quicker than the novel. If I hadn't read it prior to this, I probably would've been confused. It's still enjoyable but much better if you've read it before already. To anyone interested, the novel has better pacing and they have more tension, at least in my opinion. I'll link the novel below to anyone curious!
https://chrysanthemumgarden.com/novel-tl/pomcd/