
This is quite interesting...
Comparative to the "Abandoned Empress" story, we saw a similar narrative; the lover of the FL in the 1st timeline being completely hateful and scornful towards the FL, eventually being supportive/the direct cause of their 1st death.
For the "Abandoned Empress", I completely disagreed with the choice in ML by the author. However for this, even though the 1st timeline's narratives are really similar (if you ignore the relevant details), I pity Cassis, the initial ML from this story's 1st timeline.
I think this drastic juxtaposition in feelings may be because of:
- "The Abandoned Empress" introducing other potential love interests 10000x better than the original, inevitable ML. Interests with way better chemistry with that FL. In this story, at this current point in time, the FL doesn't have any real chemistry with anyone. Hence, there's no one to compare with the original ML.
- "The Abandoned Empress" reallyyyy WENT IN with the trauma and terrible experiences the FL went through (especially mainly because of the initial ML's choices). In this webtoon however, I don't doubt that the FL hasn't been through hell and back in the 1st timeline, but the story really doesn't focus/emphasize her pain from that timeline as intensely.
- In the "A... E...", the source of trauma and hate for the FL appeared to be mainly from the ML. However, in this story, literally everyone turned their back on this FL, betraying and abandoning her. So, in this story, it's harder to single out anyone.
- Finally this story's ML is actively desperately trying to rectify the issue, that he doesn't even know exists, he regretful and hurting even though he's oblivious. In "A... E..." that ML still didn't initially care/like that FL regardless.
In conclusion, this is why I believe I'm feeling pity for Cassis, even though it's similar to "A... E..." (regarding the 1st timeline), yet I absolutely disliked that story's ML.
I definitely think that if we see more of this timeline's ML and the FL together, I'd definitely start to care less for Cassis' feelings, even though it's still sad.

To clarify, I completely respect this FL's choice to not have a romantic relationship with Cassis. Even if he's pitiful, her feelings are also real in the story.
Imo, it'll never be appropriate to be with someone you can't completely trust or someone who's the source of you past trauma. It's unhealthy, and everyone deserves better.

I agree with you. The Cassiel in this timeline did nothing wrong so far, and in the first one I'm 100% sure that Angela worked hard to make him turn away from FL. Some manipulation can go a long way, but Cassiel isn't a bad guy inherently. Just like FL's friend isn't a bad person, she was just manipulated by Angela.
Despite this, it's still pretty understandable that FL doesn't want to be with him. Wether he is a bad guy or not, he caused her pain that still affects her. Sure, it's sad that he most likely won't end up with FL, whom he likes, but she also needs to consider what is best for her.

Tbh, I'm with the aunt's husband (even if he's lowkey a snake). I don't like the family either.
The main reason why some of the members are so intolerably insufferable is because of their unbelievable pride in their surname. Yes, the grandfather is amazing for his accomplishments, and his family being recognised as significant to the the empire is justified, however, sometimes they are treated and see themselves in the story like they're a whole different breed (⌒▽⌒) above literally everyone else.
"A legendary family... blah blah blah", growing up in that environment, you're bound to be vain, unsympathetic asses like the uncles and cousins. They are too privileged imo. They lack humility.

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you there. It's only the bad members of the family that see themselves that way. I mean for example, the Grandfather is interested in talented people and doesn't care about their class. The family also has it's own little town for workers of the household. It's those reasons why commoners respect the family and were sad to see them destroyed.
Also most of the members work hard for what they have. There family IS legendary and it's important to teach why. All the rules they have in place is there to help combat in true arrogance. You're not guaranteed a position just because you're a member of the family. Honestly the good members of the family have a lot of humility and compassion, its the true snakes of the family you have to worry about.

Wasn't this guy blatantly disgusted by her presence a few weeks/months back in the story... imo, it's quite audacious to be spitting lines like he did in this recent chapter. I mean my guy switches up emotions real quick, too quick.
Yeah he's the ML, but it's like his main, sole, most relevant role in the story is to be the love interest, which isn't necessarily the worst thing in the world but that's all he is thus far. The awe-struck ML, that'd do anything for the FL.
He just lacks any type of flavour or character to me... also a simple observation, but he lacks any type of cake in that last panel.

i always thought he was more indifferent and didn't hate her but didn't have the best impression of the mc than anything else? idk i think that the upcoming chapters and the foreshadowing of his "wound" will probably bring in some character development.
also it KILLS me that women now write men in such a bland way like reverse sexism is real and i love it

I agree, thus far he's better even if he's a bit bland. The MLs from "When The Villainess Loves" are all so "mildly" extreme. It's displayed as a normal affectionate behaviour in that story, but it's still somewhat over-the-top. They are just sooooo unbelievably overprotective of every little thing regarding the FL. Is love suppose to be so borderline obsessive?
I hate to say it, but they simp so hard, that they all literally lost most personality and uniqueness outside of caring deeply for the FL.
See... this why this first born bs don't always cut it.
In this scenario, how is it possible for a random person (even if biologically the oldest prince) be eligible for any throne???
Hardly anyone knows of him and his character... he could literally be an immoral freak.
He had no training/education for the role... well at least to anyone's knowledge. Granted, even if he did it wasn't official.
He also had none of the appropriate duties relevant for preparing for the role.
Also, as the story's shown, a fiancee from youth seems to be relevant, does he have someone appropriate for the Queen's position? Did she receive appropriate training?
Like... yessss, people, usurp someone who's dedicated his entire being for the appropriate role, for someone ambiguous but was born first. Awesome!!! ヽ(`Д´)ノ
So confuse.