Ouuuuuuu, this was some really good writing in this chapter. I like that the author
made everyone in the crowd stand still and quiet, and their faces were completely blank and void of emotion. It removes their humanity and serves as a way to remove each person's individuality. When they cast their vote, they were not individuals but a single group, showcasing the village's belief in the importance of the collective over the individual. It spotlights conformity and the pressure to conform to the group, even when one's conscience is at odds with the tradition/rules. In this case, the group is ‘bound’ by a set of rules, where the punishment for breaking them is death (well, at least one of them is death, we will know more later), regardless of circumstances. As the reader, most can agree that the punishment of death (particularly the gruesome way of being beaten by a bat) for the crime of stealing is considered extreme (and in this particular case, it was a father trying to save his child). But what some don’t recognize is that the punishment was never meant to fit the crime; it's meant to instill fear and force obedience. They chose death by bat because it was a particularly gruesome death that would work well in deterring individuals from acting out of turn. What would most likely happen then is the collective would then make excuses and justify the punishment, like saying ‘it’s for the good of the group,’ ‘if we let them go, they could come back for revenge,’ ‘well, those are the rules.’ When realistically, most rules aren’t black and white and are often grey and up for interpretation. For example, murder is against the law, but if acting out in self-defence, an individual can qualify for less or even zero jail time. The author also does a great job of demonstrating conformity through the MC; when he stands there, frozen in shock and watches the event play out, his character art becomes simpler/less detailed, and his colours duller, which causes him to fade slightly into the background (he's becoming one with the group).
In contrast, the author's choice to maintain Guwon's character design and even enhance the level of detail as the scene unfolds reinforces that his presence as an individual is distinct from the group and that his role in the story carries significant weight. Guwon symbolizes tradition and authority ("We have to follow the rules"). As the leader/boss, his organization of the trial/event signifies the continuity of tradition despite its barbarity (even Guwon himself seems uncomfortable with it, but despite being the boss, he doesn't put a stop to it). After doing some googling (this could be wrong, so correct me if it is), I found out the Korean word "구원" (guwon) translates to redemption, salvation, or saving; this ironically contrasts with his role in the village as the executioner. The author then creates even more irony when we take into account Guwon's demeanour, he is a happy man organizing an event that leads to violence. Guwon's choice to accept the role as leader and executioner is also interesting as it shifts the collective's guilt and blame onto him (despite them all being complicit in the individual's execution, regardless of whether or not they swung the bat). The other villagers show their hypocrisy as they fear’ Guwon and avoid him, but not each other, despite all of them sharing equal parts responsibility for their fellow villagers' deaths.
Finally, these stories always bring up the question. While surviving a physical threat might seem like a success, losing your humanity in the process can be argued as a failure to truly ‘survive’ in a meaningful way. It raises the question about what constitutes survival, encompassing not just physical existence but also moral and psychological well-being
I looked at the tags again and sighed. Why does every story need romance? Why can't I have a found family story that focuses on cute anecdotes of the MC and her adventures with big bro and big sis? Why is a love interest (who is often manipulative) always introduced? I'm just hoping it's at least written well. I'm tired of zero chemistry and bare-minimum love interests that offer nothing to the plot.
Kind of getting annoyed with Kayla constantly underestimating the queen & her faction. I understand wanting to remain neutral, but the queen has made it clear from the beginning that she wouldn't accept Kayla's poor excuse of being 'loyal to Vesta' and not swearing allegiance to the queen directly. Even if Astaire didn't come back & propose, the Queen more than likely would have ordered her into a marriage anyway because it's the easiest way to guarantee control outside of using her brother as a hostage.
Also, the 'she doesn't have a legitimate reason to attack my family, so we're safe' mentality is killing me. When has royalty ever needed a reason to wipe out a family or a bunch of people? This story literally started with the Queen's faction k*lling a whole civilization/family & Astaire having to pretend to be a girl not to die. You think someone who actively committed a genocide suddenly follows rules & needs legit reasons to kill people? You are not the exception. Of course, she was going to turn on you eventually.
Finally, I get she's acting the way she is because she knows future information and is scared her family will get wiped out, but why haven't we seen an elaborate contingency plan yet?? Remaining 'neutral' is the bare minimum. If Astaire is as crazy as she thinks, why would she think that would protect her family? She started as a relatively smart and calculative character, but since the time skip, she has consistently made poor and impractical decisions based on her emotions. Like if a magical psycho with pink hair who I stabbed in the eye came back for revenge, I would have more plans in place other than, stand on the sidelines, claim 'neutrality' and hope things work out. (and before someone mentions the sword & shield we already seen him bibbidi bobbidi boo through that before, so clearly there needs to be a change in plan or at least some additions added onto it.)
I can't wait to see if the dukes will get jealous and fight for Camilla's attention. (I can see both of them crashing out over Camilla calling the other father)
I hate both of them. Can we get a 3rd option or transition into a career-based story?
How would listening to the crazy guy protect the MC? It makes 0 sense. What's stopping him from doing more crazy shit?
Hold on, didn't Gramps neglect her before? Why would he be surprised that a child doesn't have self-esteem or care about their well-being when it's HIS household that bullies and neglects the child?
Whatever happened to the villains? Wasn't there a pink-haired girl, a redhead guy and the crown prince or something? I can't even remember when they last showed up. I like the story, but I feel like we left the plot behind for capitalism
How do you think they will split up custody in the future? I can't imagine Michael & Hillvenzia sharing a house together. But, I feel like staying in the tower with the father is weird
You have friends who care about you and are concerned about your well-being. Why are you going to the sketchy professor ??
Don't forget that Abel has lost his family, town, a father figure/mentor, and his life. He doesn't speak about death lightly and understands when force is needed. He's the character who has currently experienced the most death in the novel. Just because my guy is goofy and overly optimistic doesn't mean he doesn't understand war, in my opinion, I think he understands it the most.
You guys are asking the wrong question.
Which team are you on big bro or big sis?
Michael or Hillvenzia ε=ε=(ノ≧∇≦)ノ
"The owner is on vacation and will return next week." Why do I have a horrible feeling they are never getting their elephant bread?
R.I.P to the MC, It was good reading your story I'm going to miss you're funny internal dialogue <3
LOLL, she's going to leave this kingdom a mess when she goes home Royal bloodline reveals; the duke is going to have a long-lost daughter, and they are going to experience spring for the 1st time in years. IDK if they are going to call the MC a witch or a saint
Kind of rude to assume Brett would purposely run over or assault a homeless man when it was Hayden who assaulted Brett on their like 3rd meeting Like, who are you to judge, dude?
Normally I hate Amnesia tropes but this shit is hilarious