I love how this one shows character development especially with the ML. They begin to trust each other before falling in love. Like him taking her advice or telling her his schedule. And even though he does have concubines while he's with the empress (which is a trope I usually don't like) it's more like they were forced upon him and it was required to have them there (like for trade, spices, weapons & other resources). He doesn't interact with them much and the 6th one was still a virgin. Sasha probably is too. I also love how to other nobles and rulers their seen as badass villains but to their people and the public they're doing great things.
The only confusing thing is with so many translations I still don't even know the true FL & ML's names. Her name goes from Ras, Lars, Larcy to Lass. And he's been known as Zepon, Jepon, Jervin and some other names lol.
These two guys have a one night stand and I think the uke might have been drunk. But while having sex the seme asks him if he'd agree to marry him and he says yes. The next day he shows up at his apartment building with flowers and says there engaged.
I think the seme may be somewhat rich. I don't really remember.
Chp. 12 - I really like this one. I wonder if she's about to gain some water or healing magic maybe? Kind of like the grand duke has fire.
This story reminds me of another one I'm currently reading called "Who Stole Empress/Who Stole the Empress". The overall concept is the same where the FLs are royals and experience a great betrayal by their significant other and have their entire family executed. They both hit rock bottom until the MLs rescue them and give them a reason to live. I'm unsure if she'll go down to revenge route like WSTE but it's a good read if you're interested.