
This is mostly for me to just sort through everything.
Shuli's death was a plot devised by the Church. That priest man with the droopy eyes believes himself to be a holy man that is not corrupted like the other priests. He also has some strange fascination with Shuli, as seen in that one scene where he hopes to see her in another life. The reason why Shuli's death is necessary for the Church is because the Neuschwanstein family are strong supporters of the Imperial family. Shuli is the reason why the family withstood the threats from the church after her husband died. With her death, that would leave the family vulnerable for the Church to take advantage of since Jeremy is still developing. (Jeremy is rapidly maturing and developing into a competent head, though, which is why they must take action immediately.) With Shuli's death, they are basically killing two birds with one stone. The first is the Neuschwanstein family's vulnerability and the public outrage that would give the Church a chance to grab more power.
I believe that the latter would damage the reputation of the Imperial family because of something to do with the type of attackers that were used on Shuli's death. The church would grab more nobles for support, and it would inevitably lead to more power for the church.

While the height difference is slightly exaggerated, IVE BEEN WAITING FOR SOMETHING WITH A SHORT PROTAGONIST. (For reference, I'm 4'10". My Russian friend is the same height as ML. I would be at nipple height with him. It would mean that she'd have to be my height for that height difference shown in the story, but it's not too big of a difference.)

From the information that was given, I would act just as much of a sassy brat as Mer. The mother is neglectful and constantly lashing out at the child, even if it's the mother's own fault. I feel pity, but not to the point where I wouldn't forgive the mother because she neglected her own child and placed pressure and blame on Mer. She could have asked for help, she could have sought the nanny for advice, yet she lashed out like a spoilt child that never got her way. Then she dared to use scissors to cause psychological abuse on Mer just because Mer ended up a magician. THEN she goes on a sob story that she's inexperienced and apologetic but NEVER does anything to rectify it.
OH, AND THE FATHER. He's just as neglectful because he never helped raise Mer, from what little we saw. Sure, he had a hand on magic, but the actual raising was close to nothing. He could've offered support to his wife and protected Mer from the treatment she got from her mother. Then he has the AUDACITY to say he was withholding information and crap because he was protecting her. Sure, bud, whatever you say. I don't care if their first time parents. They could have sought help or advice. Instead, they allowed it to fester, and now Mer is an adult with the parents STILL on the same bullshit. Yeah, no, bye, boo. Mer is a grown ass woman who's strong and independent. She doesn't need you anymore.
man, maynard is a whole ass mood. mans just sleeping the entire chapter
Sorry I meant to upvote