
I really like that the author gave Clements the perfect opportunity to become the male lead. Viera told him she was looking for a husband, that she needed to find one quickly because of her father, before she ever even met Lukash. He could've easily asked her to marry him and clear up all misunderstandings.

Actually maybe the best villain motivation I read in a while. Yes, parts of it are hypocritical, as malicious dislike often is. He dislikes the duke caring for him, but also relying on him.
Yet, it feels so real. I can relate to the feeling of making a choice for your life for the first time. I can totally understand how cathartic and freeing that must've felt. Even his hatred of the duke, despite foolish reasons, makes sense. It isn't that happy twisted hatred most villains have or some great envy, he simply hates the duke and hates how much he's impacted his life.
THAT'S SO MUCH SOONER THAN I THOUGHT THANK GOOOOOOOOOD