[MANHWA] The Divorcée's Dessert Cafe / 이혼한 악녀는 케이크를 굽는다

Well, this was a journey.

After nine miserable years of marriage, Erin de Brissia is thrilled when her husband, Duke Raymond Von Lebensberg, accuses her of infidelity as an excuse to be with his own lover. After signing the divorce papers, she uses the recipes from her late mother to open a dessert cafe and receives rave reviews. But when her ex-husband and his lover get wind of this, they’re set on sabotage. Will Erin ever be able to taste the sweetness of success, or is this divorcée doomed to disaster?

This was a basic story for one sitting.

Very cliche plotline, very cliche developing of some parts. Have some thoughts on the whole thing, especially the ending. Saw some comments I don't agree with (if you see the special chapters).

The very cliche part is that this is an arranged marriage to future heir of the throne, but who already has a mistress by his side. The Emperor did not allow this woman to be a future Empress, so this is the compromise. But who knew her husband Raymond would gallivate his mistress everywhere for nine years. After being framed by Serena (mistress) for another time Erin is forced to divorce her husband with nothing but leftovers of her dowry.

With the help of those money she opens a cafe in a more remote area, since she always liked baking and it was her dream. But more to me she liked the feeling of independence.

She thought she left it all behind but the vile mistress couldn't leave her alone and kept getting in her way.

Another cliche part is how Erin has a childhood friend, who was caught with her and what actually caused the scandal, but he was friendzoned quite early and disappeared. I think we don't see him as ML because when he had the chance to clear her name he didn't and we don't forgive mistakes (according to author), but honestly if you think about it, she was dirvorced on charges of infidelity and carried that infamy with her.

Another cliche part is how the ML is someone she knows, he belongs to Imperial family as adopted grandson, but his family is the branch of Imperial family so yeah.

He is an interesting fellow, he liked Erin for a long time and actually was sent away not to get too caught up in his feelings, so dude also paid his price for his feelings. Now hearing that she was forced to divorce he is back in the capital and is ready to get the girl. Not truly. He is very respectful of her wishes, even if he might seem a bit pushy at times.

Manhwa does not dwell or spend times on details, I forgot several times it had some fantasy element. Like Erin had the power to heal, even through her desserts.

Tbh this was a sudden turn, I wouldn't mind if she was just baking and it was a little cute story where she travels with a newfound love to his realm, but no, we have to add the basic stuff where the mistress Serena has to try and frame Erin more and more times before she finally gets caught up in her own shit.

Same for her former husband, so greedy for power that he was ready to do anything. Blind to the decisions of others, that he could have just laid back and waited for his throne to arrive, especially if he listened to what was said to him by the Emperor.

Serena and Raymond have such a cliche ending tbh, like she betrays him, because she didn't get what she wanted from him - throne. And he also got caught up in his struggles and is exiled.

Back to FMC. She spent 9 years of loveless marriage and opened a cafe. She has her strong opinions and can take care of herself. Calix happened to be there to uplift her in what she's been doing. He has his own conflicting stance where he wants her for himself, but also can't confine her.

Like some say her baking is her dream and she literally dropped it for a guy, but I do not agree. Baking is more like manifestation of doing what you want and Calix unlike previous Raymond is capable of giving her all the freedom and trust in their relationship, something she never received previously, even if her status changes from baking to the Empress. Also her cafe was still going on through other people, so the legacy was kept afloat. Not to mention their extra chapters show that it was quite significant they had a daughter with both powers from their parents and she is the sole heir, despite being a girl.

But in general because the story was so galloping it felt quite shallow. I even type here right now so I won't forget it in five minutes. And I am capable of that. It's quite sweet for a quick read, but honestly... I don't know what I should be waiting of it. From one side it's sweet and cute, but from another it felt like some parts were just glossed over. Like very background conflict, or poisonous demon venom etc. But we can't have that in a cooking manhwa. 

Also, I still don't like gourmet, I skipped all those parts about cooking and desserts. And ten times when someone says it brings you joy. For a change I wanted someone to cry.

Anyway, that's how this story went. I even included most of the spoilers here. But who cares.

But she always cooked with her hair down, it bothered me a lot! 

[MANHWA] Can't Get Enough of You / 못 잡아먹어서 안달

Can be found on Webtoons. Decided to post about it because it's one of those that started to get better, but took a nose dive.

The story follows Kim Taejun who tragically loses his parents in a car accident, the accident is blamed on Han SoEun's father who was their driver. By extention the family her father worked for couldn't forgive her either, even if she was but a little girl.

Kim Taejun felt hatred towards the person responsible for his loss of parents and thought he's going to hate Han SoEun too, but she became part of his good childhood memories.

Later Han SoEun is sent off behind Taejun's back and they are separated for 20 years.

20 years later Han SoEun starved for love and who was seeing her current boyfriend undergoes a dangerous organ donor operation to save the life of her future mother-in-law whom she already considers family, but by chance she realizes that they did all this just for her to donate part of her liver and they did not plan to proceed with marriage.

Meanwhile, her company ad her department welcomes a new CEO, Kim Taejun. She doesn't recognize him and certainly did not retain part of her memories. Kim Taejun at first came with more vindictive plans, but seeing what Han SoEun got herself into he couldn't help but start digging into it.

He hates her but he loves her.

It's a very cliche beginning, thankfully the deal with her not wanting to separate from the family was resolved quite quickly, otherwise I would have dropped it back at the beginning.

Although Kim Taejun is vindictive, but he's a more complex personality and is a great character.

They find themselves in a very cliche situation, she did not know what her father had done, she doesn't recognize him, he becomes her new love. But the past is between them.

He slowly let's go of his past and doesn't blame her and he truly loves and cherishes her.

It would have been better that way, but this love for cheap melodrama involves his family who come into picture and his grandfather who plans to send Han SoEun away and she agrees when she figures what her father had done.

So. this is the moment when you start kinda hating on her and this dumb trope.

Instead of talking it out and bringing it up she decides for them both that it's going to be better for her to leave. But later he spent months in trying to find her overseas, he eventually succeeded, but it's as if she changed her character and she started to annoy me a lot. Sis, your father was the only survivor, he doesn't blame you and truly shows how he loves you instead of your ex dog boyfriend, whom might I add she never dragged to court for what his family did. But with a man who is ready to go to such lengths for her she started to showcase her temper. And the story as well tried to portray him as the bad guy.. what? Sure they had not the best start with him doing things with ulterior motives, but eventually things changed, he worked on making everything better.

I couldn't understand her switch at all, it felt like it exists for cheap melodrama and to add theatrics. Before it gets resolved. Because once again she never dragged the family of her ex for what they did, she felt so MarySue in that moment. I could understand her decision, it was high-sounding. She only defended herself publicly with a post, but still did not take any actions, but never prevented others from doing so (sounds tiny bit hypocritical). But when it came to ML she is like - nope, I will make sure to hurt the man I love more with my words, while I know what my dad did and I know what Taejun did and said the words of forgiveness and the fact he searched for me high and low but does it matter, I have a temper now. Honestly, I got a bit tired of her and I just skipped that part entirely. So I have no idea how they resolved it. I was getting ennoyed how tropey this story was getting.

I dunno, the manhwa fails at portrayal and goes into melodrama effect too often.

Surely to resolve everything from their past it's going to be the most cliche plots of all - her father is not at fault and everyone will be able to forgive each other, I bet you it'll be shit like that.

So it becomes known Taejun's unkle is the responsible person, SoEun's dad blood test was forged because otherwise the residue of him being drugged will be seen.

When will these author learn that things aren't that simple. I wonder if in the future she's going to do another "escape" (ughhh) because she will realize she lived away from her father who moved to a different country because he was used like that. But Taejun's family will have reason to let go of the past and be at peace knowing her dad was not at fault.

Honestly, why can't they just do a story normally. All these dramatics that are so overused.

I honestly don't want to continue reading it, since it's predictable af. 

The only great characters to me were Taejun, who worked through his past and came to terms with it.

Another was Hyunjin, the girl who came for revenge. Her arc was interesting, I'm glad I stuck around, it was satisfying to see that she came out of it clean too. But she had no regrets in what she's done, even if she did not do it for herself. I dunno, it was more impactful than FMC's side.

Also FMC SoEun was also too stereotypical, although you could understand her partially with her longing for family, while being separated from her father and growing up like an orphan. But she did not know the details of the past, so that past was not part of her story. Yet, she's always typically self-conscious, with low self-esteem etc. Pretty basic stuff. Sometimes all these portrayals of being shy and shivering (I don't mention crying during sex, who fucking cries during sex?) just look bad, as if she can't change and will never change and it's weird to me. As if the person never grows close or comfortable with their loved one.

[SHORT REVIEWS] #26

NOVELS

CHINESE

Not much catch since I have no new stuff. I wait for the completion of 无间 by 二月竹

I already mentioned this book once. Author previously wrote Backtracking I once reviewed and liked a lot (it was about a boy who was murdered on a graduation trip, but actually survived and returned 10 years later for revenge). The new story is about investigation as well, since the main character Shen Qiao is connected to recently dead young people and the ML is investigating into it. I've been waiting for its' completion.

Next one is the very new article 人， 撸了毛得负责哦 by 挠时光, previously author wrote "Abnormal relationship" I also reviewed (about two men from prominent families who accidentally slept and realized they're compatible in bed, but they always were like enemies in life). The new story is about a young man Ou XiaoJiang who inherited a house which is claimed to be haunted, but the young man's side hustle is haunting ghosts. ML is a demon king whose lair was in this house. The synopsis has a light-hearted and humorous tone, maybe the story will be the same. After all the previous book also was like this. *new = basically only started publication on JJ.

Next very new one should be 天降老公[娱乐圈] by 沙舟踏翠

I previously reviewed this author too. Forgot the title I used, since it was obviously changed, the current title is 软饭硬吃[重生] (I think previous was connected to white rice or smth, the play on a saying since the main character was reborn and basically lived off his newly acquired husband, having a pretty fulfilling life). This new article is about main character Chen Yuxi, who is unknown celebrity, young guy who sells his music and is suddenly invited to a star-studded program, which catapults him into stardom.

No covers because they're all default and pointless.

The rest is only two that I keep by my side. Because they're spooky. Yes, I still read Welcome to Nightmare Live, I make a big pause while reading, but the story is so good it's impossible to forget what it's about. And the second has been waiting for me for some time, since it's also spooky 玄学大佬是罪仙 which I mentioned before. But again, when you're not into mood for spooky you can only let it wait. But I know that unlike other books I mentioned this one I really want to read.

US

Time for some detective stuff.

A Murder in Mayfair by Magda Alexander.

This one wasn't bad. I had my issues with it, but it's not entirely bad.

My pet peeve is how this is also written from 1st person POV, at least we have few POVs instead of just being in the FMC's head all the time. Mikaela (FMC) gets involved in the murder of her cousin's husband, since she can't let the scandal swipe the poor woman. Although I had my issues exactly with how fervent Mikaela described her own feelings, while I was thinking you have total nine kids at home, including yourself and your brother who inherited the title, but you are responsible for all of them. Are you sure? Anyway, comparing this to others this wasn't half bad. Pretty short, easy to read.

Edit: At least this was short and dynamic, the other books I saw this time around made me re-think my initial impression.

Murder at Morrington Hall by Clara McKenna

Or Stella and Lyndy Mystery, Book 1.

I admit I was brought in by the cover. It looked "different". Who knew there's quite a number of similar ones. But I digress.  This is a DNF btw.

I decided to put it down at the beginning. Maybe the mystery is worth it, but I checked reviews after being buffled by the characters and it did not improve my impression.

Stella is an American heiress from Kentucky, she is taken with her father to visit England without knowing that her father arranged her marriage to a lord. She is against it, her father is a douch who can raise his hand against his daughter.

Lyndy, or Lyndhurst did not mak the picture better, because of how he thought about Stella from the beginning, he wasn't even thinking about her. He was thinking about thoroughbred horses he will get in this deal. Like it's the most important thing. Others mentioned that he is also in the same situation as Stella, being part of the deal, no he's not. Just listen to his thoughts on horses and you won't feel like he got the shorter end of the stick. Not to mention he is a man.

When he notices Stella's beauty he also feels about her like if he won a prize - oh my future wife isn't half bad. Which is also not good.

Honestly, they are young, I'll give them that. But he especially reads as absolutely not mature young man. He still needs to wipe milk around his mouth tbh.

Also everyone around Stella is either snarky or snobbish. I mean even if the American guy comes with money. Makes me think, Americans are considered rude around the world now, but back then, they simply didn't know the etiquette "rules" of Englishmen. So how rude is that?

Anyway, Lyndy spoiled it all for me  completely, since we know he's going to be the main part. I know I didn't read much, but I just sat and thought - why should I continue then? The writing is a bit all over, Stella is the only good character, Lyndy's thoughts made me think the worst of him, all character are bad.

Honestly the beginning read as if I'm reading some melodramatic historical romance, not mystery haha

Oh the mystery is about who got poor vicar who was there to wed Stella and Lyndy. Honestly, if I were them I'd say bad luck.

The Ties that Divide by Sandra and Taylor Preisler

Or Q&Z Regency Mysteries.

'Q' stands for Quinton, he is a hired investigator and 'Z' stands for Zoe, she wants to know the truth about the death of her maid.

Zoe lives in a reconstructed family I'd call it. She and her mother escaped France, while her father couldn't make it. Around when she was 9 her mother met her current husband. They live comfrotably and Zoe from time to time has a bit of a fit, she's a young talented artist who also has a bit of identity crisis due to her origins. But she had no idea the next time she hears from her maid is that the poor young woman will be dead. Zoe feels there is something wrong here and decides to hire a help. This is the premise of it all.

Good thing it's written normally. Also the flow is nice so far, I just tried out the beginning and you know when it's "comfortable" to read. 

Edit: The review is up, it's one of those cases where I change my mind halfway through. It's hard to describe it shortly, but I was disappointed with it. A lot of it was treated as introduction to all the characters, though honestly we didn't need all of their backstory in one book. Also main characters have instant attraction to each other and the book already spoils there is some of future development about ML's birth because so far they can't be together since their standing is so different~ FMC does a lot of impulsive things for her own good. The book did not feel special.

A Whisper and a Curse by Darcy Burke

Raven and Wren, Book 3.

I know I said I might put this series for good, but I might give it another try. I don't knwo why. I already said they got to me in the last one when they continuously complemented each other how good they are etc. But in general the books moved at a very slow pace and lacked thrill.

Ngl I like the color schemes of these covers, they make the series stand out among others.

The Body in the Garden by Katharine Shellman

Lily Adler Mystery. Book 1

I can also say a word or two about this one, because I opened it and was surprised that authors wants to make their FMC sound as if she was Sherlock Holmes. Find it ironic since her last name is Adler.

Lily, our FMC, is returning to life by coming to the city. She is still grieving after the loss of her husband whom she really loved.

In the first scenes she kinda sounds a bit smug too, the way she explains how she guessed and it really sounds like Sherlock version. Everyone is impressed. It kinda put me off a bit and I decided I'll put it down and come back when I'm ready for this type of stuff.

But the mystery is about how she decides to investigate the case that is obviously buried by paying off the police, so the police won't investigate further.

Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver

Or The Seasons of Carnage. Book 1

Comes from the author of infamous Butcher & Backbird. Which I never read, but I kinda want to try this book. You know when you're intrigued by something. It's better to scratch that itch.

Well, because I never read dark romance.

Edit: Started it, it's actually fun? I'm just surprised. Although I still dislike 1st person POV. But in general this is promising.

Edit2: 41% Shit, this is fun.

Edit3: Finished, the review is posted. But in general it was fun and unhinged. I liked that it had dark humor and didn't take itself serious. The plot is nothing fancy, but at least it's wrapped up not in a bad way. Was surprised it had such a strong "to be continued" feel, since partially the story left readers with some questions. Can't say anything about the love line in this book, since it's quite unealthy, but honestly baffling is how some things are nice if we separate them from their unhealthiness.

WEBTOONS
MANHWA

On your knees, Your Highness!

This one is HYSTERICAL. At least it is drawn as a full-blown comedy, even if some undertone is a bit serious. You can read it on Webtoons for free.

It's just a walking meme. I have no idea why I like reading this type of stuff, when things have a lot of meme material. But in general it's a pretty nice story. Not very new in the concept, but the story itself is okay. Sudden arranged marriage to shield the Duke from the King / Emperor who is this irksome old dude and can't let go, so instead of doing some serious stuff he spends it on schemes against the Duke. But I really like the FMC, she is strong and collected and does not have some fits, it's satisfying seeing her going into dark and oppressive mode where she unleashes at others. Even the Duke is on the receiving end of it all at times.

It's based on a novel, but I find manhwa works better for me. Still manhwa is ongoing of course.

The only funny thing is those 3D models they use, like her tiara that looks like it's for kids because of its' small size, I have no idea why sometimes they don't do more even with things that exist. I can understand it saves time and it's efficient, but have you seen those hilarious horses they always use? Or how all jewelery looks 2D flat. Everything is just either a pre-set pattern or 3D model that already existed. Even some art I've seen several times. I don't mention the decorative stuff like flowers etc. it's all from the obviously same pack, only the art style and the manner of decorating pannels makes things different.

OTHER MENTIONS: 

- I Never Abandoned the Tyrant (holy shit this is the weak type of FMC) The story is nothing spectacular, but honestly FMC stroke me as this weak poor fragile entity that is afraid of anything. Skipping on it.

- Enemies meet at the engagement ceremony. Interesting premise where characters do have a reason to hate on each other. At least doesn't treat enemies-to-lovers trope as some promotion stunt. Also the art is pretty and very vivid in bold colors.

- Stepmother's Märchen. What is it with characters drawn with their hair let down when other don't do it. I feel like every time it's a European ambience etc. but FMCs always let their hair down. It looks weird because others do not do the same thing. But I digress. Anyway, pretty decent and emotional story about FMC's rebirth and different choices made. At least it has some stakes and you see it unfold.

- Mary Psycho, or Her Merry Obsession I think that's the title. Pretty crazy story, which led me to consider others, which depicts an FMC who figures while she was blinded with medicine, she has no idea who was the man she considered her husband and why he did what he did. She goes on fully throwing her good wife persona and her screws get loose, so she was never completely healthy mentally and her goal is to find the man who pretended to be her husband.

- It's my first time being loved. Omg this is kinda heartwarming. I did not read much, but it was lovely and the art as well. Story about a girl who was reborn a 100 times and every life she must have sacrificed herself and never had a decent life. But now she has a loving family. FMC is still a baby when the story begins, so her expressions are priceless.

Edit: I needed to mention this because I haven't seen such a moronic FMC in a while

- Marchioness Maron, or Marquis Moron I'd say. FMC is a transmigrator and the OG girl really did some horrible things for three men, but they ditched her at the first sign of trouble. Now she is thrown into the contaminated area (actually they literally wanted to kill her first, but she survived), but then starts the moronic acts on her side. She is OP since she can survive and absorb and manipulate miasma, which is a big deal. But she wants to spend her time in seclusion, valid. But later when she appears here and there it's annoying how she wants to push the protag heroine to become a saintess, even if it's half-empty title. It's one thing to inform the heroine, but you put into her head that she's the protagonist of this world and one must love her and later when she appears to be doing good among people of her secluded place she starts to mop around as if she was replaced.. It's all over the place. Also a lot of details that are not good. You can get that maybe the original idea wasn't that bad, but the execution is simply bad. 

DRAMA

Agatha Chritie's SEVEN DIALS

Adaptation? I want to watch it since I love all the mystery stuff. But it's Netflix.... says it all. It can end up being simply bad / boring. But I want to give it a try regardless. After all it's a mini-series and has some good actors in it.

ANIME

Ooh~ I have a lot more things I want to check out compared to previous years combined. This Winter season basically only started with just few episodes out. So it's more like "I'm checking these out" if it's not a series I watched previously and am simply continuing like

Sousou no Frieren. Season 2.

Excuse me, but favorite anime. Fell in love with it. It has such an interesting atmosphere about it.

Edit: GLORIOUS!! Fuck, I love this anime. It's still the best, such a delight to return to this world.

Jujutsu Kaisen Shimetsu Kaiyu Zenpen (which season is this again)

Well, I'm watching anyway. I don't know how it happened that I was impressed by season 1 and when it came to Shibuya incident it was okay, still had wow moments, but in general felt shallow? Certainly things will change once again due to the plot. But I know for sure that I'll wait before binging.

Jigokuraku

Want to try it out. I think I saw some opening sequence? I have a feeling I did and was impressed. You know Tumblr is always ready to present you few gifs that will tickle your interest

Edit: I surely saw the OP theme from this one. It's really beautifully done. I saw the 1st episode and figured the overall tone of this anime and where it's going, thus decided to put it away for a bit and return when I'm into it, since it looked pretty good. I'm just into very light-hearted things right now.

Seihantai na Kimi to Boku

Unlikely choice, watched some introduction into the story on YT shorts, will try it out and see if it's good. Because YT shorts can just use all the best parts and sell it to me, but it might end up not being a good anime. How is it that in every anime the male character is a nerdy boy that looks like everyone else ahaha

Edit: Watched Ep.1 IT'S FFUCKING CUTE

Edit 2: Watched a bit more and it's still frigging cute, they are adorable, it's such a nice anime and campus love story done right. If it was a book, I would certainly skip it since I find the genre boring, if it was manga or anime I'd see it first to decide if it's up my alley or not. Polar opposites proved to be very positive and lovely.

Suzuki is a creature, I agree. This is so cute.

Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki

Choice was simple, I think I also saw the introduction, but also have you seen the poster? It kinda hooked me up. Like what is going on, right? My boy, are you flirting, are you trying to start something? I want to know.

Edit: ME TOO GIRL, ME TOO. The way girls oggled her on the train. But it went the way it's predictable, no one sees her as a female anymore outside MMC who finds her really beautiful.

Edit2: I watched up to latest 4th episode and yeah I was right about more serious tone, I mean if you compare to Seihantai. It's more girlhood, first feelings, exploration. A guy who dated before but doesn't know what love is is the same shocked by his feelings when it comes to Yoi-chan, while Yoi-chan who never dated or even been treated as a girl explores her feelings for the first person who saw her for who she was - a girl.

The only thing I was like - no~ is how 4th episodes introduces another potential guy who may become a new love interest and he is also Ouji, that's a name, which also means Prince... why this drawing style seems so familiar, I feel like I need to dig into who drew the manga, I feel like they had previous works and they might have been animated too.

Gorrgeeee

Isekai no Sata wa Shachiku Shidai

We're supporting BL in this house, will check this out as well. More and more BL works started to appear and they are openly BL and BL can also be good and compelling.

Like what is this, why is there some nerdy glasses and a dashing looking black cloak that look good together, stop it. I hope it's a real anime, otherwise I'll be pissed. You know how sometimes they put a full-blown anime poster but the story is basically animated cutouts or something of that sort.

Edit: It's the first episode day, where I watch every anime I chose. So far so good, all coice prove to be cute. Creation from the DEEN studio, studio that was never afraid to make BL anime even before the fangirls were gushing over Yuri on Ice, I just remember how everyone thought it changed history etc.. I mean, other animes appeared and influenced the sphere even before that, it was a process and YoI was just a part of it imo.

Anyway, an office worker sees a girl being sucked into some weird magic circle and tried to help, so both of them ended up being transported into another world. The girl is treated as Holy Maiden and he.. asked to work. He works as an accountant who also assessed the situation with ore logic than the girl. I mean yeah they asked her to be the maiden and she's the naive little girl said yes, but the dude is more experienced asking all the right question - how do you know they say the truth? Was not appreciated lol. But I'd like to see where it goes, if there will be stakes or it will be more tame.

Edit2: Honestly seeing it up to ep5 I was not expecting it will go by simple route of - we have to be intimate for you to survive, in other words forced proximity. Seiichiro is honestly working his ass off for this kingdom, his more modern view actually has benefits. It has some really dumb cliche moments which was surprising. I saw that manga had a bit of chibi moments to make it cuter, anime does it but rarely. Honestly, the development is a bit flat. Although I bet many will say stuff liek this is cute. Animation is also crude at times, but I never expected much.

Last but not least, actually it's not last, I have another three I want to see but I'm not going to include them so far.

HANA KIMI ANIME WTF

lol I saw the manga years ago, somewhere I might even have exclusive wallpapers the author posted on her web page. Later I watched the drama. But anime version? How many years ago this was published? It was one of the first mangas where a girl dressed as a boy in manga. Which started the whole gender bender thing. Also I wonder if they will make sensei gay or they will play it safe like in drama (they changed the photographer's gender to female in the drama, while the manga was so gay~). So I'm watching, even if I saw this story several times already.

Makes me remember that it got adopted and other countries get their own version and basically there were one or two other popular dramas that had the same vibe of gender-bender and girl pretending to be a boy.

Right now it looks quite silly, let's admit it, that no one noticed the girl was there, otherwise she needs to be an androginous icon.

[MANHWA] You Think It's Easy Rewriting a Story? / 원작은 아무나 비트나 (2025)

Season 1. Based on a novel, also has alternative title, Anyone Beats the Original (title of the novel).

Reincarnation stories are all the rage these days, but I never thought I’d be the one getting reborn! But still, life as a rich man’s beautiful daughter is pretty sweet... except for one thing. No matter what I do, where I run, or who I romance, this novel is dead-set on getting me hitched to the handsome duke destined to kill me! There must be some way to change my fate, right? I won't go out like this!

I have no idea why the rates are so abismal on NU, this story in the form of manhwa is simply everything I search in the story. Great characters, slowly progressing plot that promises some twist, beautiful art. And COMEDY. Honestly, maybe the story may not seem like that, but the way it is drawn is simply HYSTERICAL.

FMC is a menace. She may be having the face of an angel (those who know load of villainess character have blonde hair will get PTSD from this), but she is so much more than just a pretty face.

In order to survive and change her fate FMC acted a bit unhinged at first, before she realized nothing changed her fate of marrying the villain. But later she realizes that there is more to the story and she.. actually joins her husband in his revenge.

Although he is a "villain" but he is such a sweet giant as well. He came to like this unusual woman who became his wife. She also came to love him.

The way they protect each other is everything.

It's also great that FMC befriended the original female protag. You know how often female characters are pitted against each other? Of course there is a fair share of those cannon fodder women here too, but when it comes to main characters it's not very often seen. It's a good trend that they get it done this way more and more.

Also it is obvious that something is brewing about the original male protag who is the crown prince. We do not like him in this house and he can piss off.

Although the stakes may seem high or low it is still very fun to explore the topic of fate or inevitability. Because FMC has no auxilary helping hand she has no idea if she changed anything or not. Something is definitely changing but is it enough? Will it work? Her choice changes with the flow of the story, which is a nice change of some set in stone path, like it often happen with majority of protags. 

Honestly, I was smitten by the story and the characters. Waiting for more.

[MANHWA] Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story / 흔한 빙의물인 줄 알았다 (2023)

Nothing is original.

Summary: Not all villains are evil. When Suna Choi reincarnates as Edith Rigelhof, the villain from her favorite novel, she is determined to change Edith’s life around and treats everyone with kindness. Although she marries the handsome Killian Rudwick, he is madly in love with the original protagonist of the book and mistrusts Edith because she is from a rival family. Will her marriage survive the whirlwind of family feuds, love triangles, and more? Will Edith find her happy ending?

I say nothing is original anymore, because it isn't. Although it says not your typical reincarnation story, but those who read many stories like that, they know damn well how unoriginal this is. If you new to the genre and this type of story though you may be surprised, but I may not want to introduce you to it through this story. Although it's relatively short.

My main problem was and stays with how plot forces FL stay oblivious. Any other person after a try or two would suspect characters the closest to the OG plot. But FL did not do it till the very end. She honestly believed in the good of people, but it felt silly of her to do so. The same was for some places that felt fakely dramatic, as if they were made to be drama for the sake of drama.

The rest of it was quite typical melodrama befitting this type of story. Character who have no idea that they're part of the plot and are tragically follow it as puppets. Slow realization of your past mistakes. Awakening of the characters. And Edith who has to endure it all knowing that people surrounding her are affected by the plot and she can't do anything about it.

Another problem with FL was she acting like a nympho at first... It was so odd.

Another critic is how the romance is handled... I still have no idea how why Killian started to feel that way about her. He was breaking off from the plot quite quickly, but in an awkward way. Of course it's good that he found her positive sides when she tried to defend herself. Same for Edith, she is attracted to his face before he does something that proves she can rely on him, which I find a tad bit shallow. But it also takes some time, since he is also under the influence of the plot. He often said things in an awful way, you wouldn't expect her to ever trust this guy.

The overall story is same old. Though author tried too hard to twist it a bit.

Spoilers of course~

The OG blonde girl. Not bothered to remember her name. Laughed hard how someone commented they're going to have PTSD when looking at blonde characters since they all are villainous. The OG blonde girl wanted to save OG Edith (feels so yuri) and OG Edith is awakened. At first we hear from Edith that she awakened ablity to call for "outside help" and she thought the author will have mercy, but the author is the one who brought mysery to all consequent Ediths. Time after time the story starts, author replaced the OG heroine and used everything to make Edith myserable. Edith died many times, each time it's a different girl from author's world (S.Korea). Now it's like 13th time and our new Edith. She is wary of the og plot events so she tries to avoid them, not realizing someone is setting her up all the time. They don't have enough proof, but Edith ends up with bad rep anyway.

There were three instances when author can place "conditions" that Edith must accomplish. Author thinks they're impossible but Edith manages to do them, even if she has no idea what they are. But with each condition met athor's authority is diminished and eliminated completely. Meaning more and more characters are awakened from the plot, unlike most important character who took time.

Although tormented by the plot Killian started to believe his wife more, especially when he realized that the ones winning from it are those he did not expect.

The author and the elder brother are found guilty of what they were doing behind the scenes. Their parents tried to fix it. And at this moment author left, meaning the OG heroine who started it all came back and lived later in monastery to atone for her sins and bringing up innocent lives to this world.

Author was sent back to her world. The eldest son being so obsessed with her followed in a while, but they of course did not have a great ending since conditions changed so much. From nobility to rundown house with a woman who does not resemble his lover and needing to learn and work.

Since the last Edith won the freedom for all previous people they chose to leave to another world. Edith stayed with Killian to enjoy her happy ending. 

Some say that beginning isn't the greatest but the rest of the story picks up. I'm not denying it. But I can't say it's that one great story.

I actually am impressed that it happened to be forgettable. Like only few days passed since I read it and a lot of details except the main points slipped from my memory. And that I was baffled by how FL was forced to be oblivious to who the culprit is...

[SHORT REVIEWS] #25 EXPANDED

I was thinking why not add other things I watch or would like to recommend in short reviews outside of books, reviews are for everything after all.

Point is, I was watching more these days than reading... Though reading webtoons is also reading, just a different type? But also the dramas~

NOVELS

KOREAN

Gilded Princess

Excuse me, wy this has low rating on NU?

First of all, the synopsis to this novel is shit, I was confused before I read it. And the story felt good. The prose is more thought through, the character has more depth and different choices to make.

The basic idea is, FMC is saved from kidnapping only to be betrayed by someone close to her, only then she realized that her thoughts of a normal life might be futile and only status and money will allow her to be protected, so she agrees to her families arranged marriage (MMC is not someone she is supposed to marry due this arrangement).

SPOILERS

She later finds out that her future husband has violent tendencies and her own family won't care about her well-being since they desperately wish to connect to nobility.

She grew up to be a perfect lady, not of her own free will, she was trained a bred to be the most graceful and beautiful vase her mother could think off. She always was against it inside before she gave up, but the violent future husband is not something she wanted for herself. In desperation she wants to escape only having nowhere to go and being chased and searched everywhere. The only person who came to mind was MMC, he once saved her, but he is someone who so far was on the opposite side of her because he wants to ruin the family she wanted to marry.

I think the story so far was quite good, it shows changes that take place with our choices and mindset etc.

My Arrogant and Insolent Shadow

Once again I dislike the summaries of Korean novels, they're confusing, can't you make it sound normal like what to expect? Sure, part of the summary is true, but a big chunk of premise is missing. She is a commoner girl, true, she lives in this small town, also true, she is hired (she needs money for her mom's medicine) to take care of some young master of unknown identity but noblest birth, very true, but he is also said to be living his last days in this small town, which made him so insufferable. She is the only one who could handle his temper and he was interested in this girl's attitude. So he asked her to return and serve him.

I though it sounded weird, but when I started reading I was again baffled by the difference of what I see in the summary and the novel itself. I don't know, I don't think my comprehensive skills are bad, it's just confusing information the way they write. So I was intrigued to keep on going, will continue to read. I admit I only started with few chapters and decided to leave it for later, since I was in the "let's clean bookmarks" stage.

WEBTOONS

MANHUA

Love by Mistake

(错撩)

(or manhua that has too many alternate titles, like The Wrong Flirt, Only for love, Accidental love)

Based on a novel from JJ and I never read it, but the premise of it is not new but the execution of manhua is EXCELLENT. The art is overwhelmingly gorgeous and fun.

The plot follows Zheng Shuyi (I like her og name, I know the Eng tl named her completely different) who was broke up with her boyfriend because of his cheating, he wanted to achieve quick success with the "right girl", while Shuyi noticed the presence of a RR Phantom in the scenario she thought of getting to know the infamous "uncle" of this little mistress girl, just to become an aunt and let her ex call her auntie, but who knew that she got the wrong person.

I had the same feelings when I was reading this as the previously reviewed manhua about two actors having a secret marriage. It did not click with me when it came to the book, but the visuals helped it become cuter, especially the FMC. I did not read the novel of this one, but saw some unfavorable reviews, while I think the manhua smoothes out the points brought up in those reviews. 

Edit: I read up to existing chapters and I must say, some of the drawing style choices are choices. Although the story is super cliche. If it was a novel I wouldn't read much of it.

MANHWA

You think it's easy rewriting the story?

(원작은 아무나 비트나)

This is hysterical!! so far. FL is simply a ball of joy, because she is so fun and expressive. Love her antics. She is so suss. Even if she looks like a villainous heroine who is using her beauty for gain.. she actually does use it ahaha What a menace. Reading at least one good among others that are okay is already enough. Also I love the main characters a lot. They are the perfect example of opposite visual and character. The FL looks like an angel, but she is cunning and also likes to tease the ML. One the other hand ML looks a bit intimidating, but he can get shy because of how bold FL is.

I think the story perfectly combines story and art aspect to make the story engaging and entertaining.

The plot of the story is how FL who was in a modern world and also had some not so ordinary life transmigrates into a book and at first wants to escape her fate and does not want marry the duke (ML, who is a villain in the story). Although she knows his backstory and the reason for the revenge, she is still not truly connected to him. While ML's story is fuller than what we see, especially when he explain it himself what pushes him forward. Later on he meets FL, who is definitely not what he expected and his opinion of her starts to change. He is not someone without reason, so we can see why he changes. I think they fit each other pretty well and thus the story might change because of her influence, which she thinks she doesn't have.

I find it very entertaining and would continue. I saw that it only has Season 1 so far (;_; )

ALSO, how many MLs have black hair and red eyes lol!!

I became the Tyrant's Chambermaid

(폭군의 침방 시녀가 되었다)

How very convenient that a hotel employee transmigrates to become a chambermaid of a tyrant, an unloved prince who will become Emperor in the story. Honestly, the tone of it is quite gruesome, but what makes it better is the reaction of FL to things, more like her inner voice. ML has quite a character so as the FL said it's a dark fantasy romance etc. It does not follow the fully angst way, which I'm thankful for. But ML's character is quite heavy.

In a way it's the same as those stories about a secretary to unhinged boss, we saw plenty of those. Thus she has to survive with everyone eyeing her.

Also I chose this cover, because I like it more.

The Crow's Prince

(하필이면 까마귀가 되어버렸다)

I think you can make the crow girl into a meme and an emoji pack, the way she reacts is priceless. I heard it's based on the novel and the novel has more serious tone? But honestly how do we know? Don't authors take at least some part in the process and give an okay? Otherwise who would adapt it this way.

Anyway, a zookeeper, which is rare for stories, travels to the game world and stumbles upon a prince who is destined to become the future Emperor, or so we think. He is her best choice to follow if she wants to find a way to return home. They develop a close relationship during the time they stayed inside the woods while she helped him to recover, so he took her back to the castle.

Here we find that there is another contender for the throne who was always against others. I thought they were half-brothers, but no, they're blood brothers and this guy acted as if it's a sure thing to get the throne. Only because they were the wolves and those who awakened their powers and could transform could become the future ruler. The younger brother was aided by a dark magician and their scheme was eventually revealed. But it's only the beginning.

I think the story might get a turn to be more serious from here, but who knows, the FMC who could later transform into human called Rainelle is the one who makes the day. I have no idea if they ever get any troubles, ther relationship can be called solid and they care for each other so much. I suppose all the trouble will be external, after all we did not really entered the plot at the point where I'm currently reading.

Update: it's fine, good it's short.

Mother's Contract Marriage

(엄마가 계약결혼 했다)

I was wondering what type of story it will be. But I can't say much, by far it's quite sweet and cute.

Saw it in YT shorts. Forgot for what reason I decided to check it out. I'm sure it's something about her mother and the current Emperor.

The basic premise follows a girl Lylica, she and her mother lived in slums, before one day her mother acted differently (her mother obviously regressed), later her mother entered a contract marriage with the Emperor and Lylica came along. Her pure heart truly started changing people around her, because she always thought the best of people, had faith in them (unless they were truly despicable and her instinct told her so) and also was not marred by the palace intrigue.

The background plot reveals the struggle between the Emperor and aristocrats. The Emperors of this country are the saviors in the history, they led the people to survive, descendant are said to have the dragon blood (yeah, even in Western fantasy it's all about dragons~), so this is why they inherit the throne, while aristocrats want to join the Imperial family by marriage to take control of power. Both the current Emperor and his heir (nephew) both have mothers of common origin.

Sometimes reading about someone so innocent and nice is pretty healing and Lylica is that type f character. The story like many others here not only involve European ambience, romance, but also fantasy elements.

Shards of a Broken Glass Slipper

It looks gorgeous and very distinctive. The picture is quite heavy-loaded with bold colours and imagery. Also the style of storytelling feels a bit dramatic and theatrical.

The plotline is based on the Cinderella plot, where the sister is always hated, but the female protag is like the most precious girl in the world, although her actions are always the same, as they say fake white lotus.

The pacing to me feels a bit slow, but that's all because the beginning has a lot of flashbacks to how contrasting FL's reality is to the story.

Must say that I was intrigued by the first scene, since FL offs herself in front of female protag. All because she wants her perfect life to ne marred with the scene of her gruesome death in front of female protag.

Later FL describes how with her lack of knowledge the servants of the household mistreated her and made her look like a fool, always trying to compare the female protag and herself. Which led to FL's twisted personality. Now she tries to get back things to those who wronged her. Her past life is really heavy I'd say. Female protag is always doing things in the same way, if she can't say smth back she cries, thus the crying baby gets the candy. And also makes FL look bad.

The beginning had a great build-up, but tbh the scene where they play cards bored me, since it took so long and overexplained every detail, which I think if we never play this type of game ever again it did not matter. But if we do, I'm pretty sure the rules will be explained again, because ppl can't remember much.

Author of my own Destiny

(내 남자 주인공의 아내가 되었다)

COMPLETED. This is the only one I finished from the list of mentioned. I'm not sure if I need to give it a separate review, I might do that.

The plot follows the author of her own story who enters the plot and become the villainess Fiona Green. She cared a lot for the characters she created and felt immense guilt that few strokes of her writing decided someone fate to be tragic. Burdened by it she treated the ML of her story with care and love, though she still felt a bit detached since she never considered to be the target of his future affection. Later on she befriended female protagonist and another woman who is a villainess of her story (yay girl power). Together they face the advercity that happened because of her own plot choices.

Her story became conscious and the villainess who became the final boss assimilated with what is called Darkness in this world, entity that can bring ruin to this world.

Although she is the author of her story, but it's not under her control. What happens to characters is not up to her. She fights her own guilt and tries to save this world. And save her characters.

It's an interesting take. The FL is actually quite dimensional, since shows so many sides of herself.

I also love the found family trope among the others. Also female friendship, I found it's a pity there wasn't enough of it.

FL is a true protag of this story, it is very FL-oriented. A great point is also there is no-nonsense points in the story, since a lot of "conflicts" were solved through COMMUNICATION and no stone was left unturned. They did not drag it for forever, they solved it right away and thus the relationship had such a great foundation. It's just other stories love to have these miscommunication tropes so much it's infuriating.

All in all it was a nice story.

PS: It has an alter. title, I became the wife of the male lead, which I think is not really fitting, Author of my own destiny was even used in narration. But becoming a wife... can be considered as a final outcome, since it happened in the very end lol.

DRAMA

Moonlit Reunion

(子夜归)

THEY HAVE A CAT. Also chose tis poster since it's less messy, it may not have all the characters, but I love the idea how simple it is.

It is a fine watch, was attracted to FL's character and actress, since she looks like a doll, so pretty. Tian Xi Wei, my new baby to follow❤

In the way I can describe it as short as possible the story follows (so far) the dealings with demons among humans, And all those cases are handled by a human master who hides among people and a demon cat girl, who judges those who did something wrong among humans and is a part of the Demon Market.

I watched a video with her with edits from how FL acted domineeringly and those are some humorous shots that caught my attention. In general she hides the fact that she's a demon, but she gets attracted to the human cultivator/master guy, the same story is from his side. He falls for her as a girl and yet to find out that she's a demon. But when it comes to dealing with raging demons they have no idea that they're basically on the same side.

It can be found on YT, yeah you can watch it officially and with Eng subs.

New Life Begins

(卿卿日常)

I suppose it will be a group portrait type of drama with extensive cast, judging by the poster. Found it randomly on YT, most likely was recommended because of Moonlit Reunion, since it has the same actress for FL. The premise of this story is interesting, since brides from all regions that are very distinct come to the palace to become wives of Princes. FL is from a place that is into farming, so she's all about food. She wanted to get kicked out early, but caught attention of a sickly prince and eventually married him.

To me the actor who plays the male lead doesn't have what I'd call "the face of the male lead", he also looks younger than the girl. My own perception.

But the story is light and should be easy-going. I know I have no idea what I'm talking about I watched like ep 1 and that's it. But I was attracted to the atmosphere and will see where it'll take me.

Melody of the Golden Age

(长乐曲)

Reason - because the male lead is played by the actor who played Mu Sheng in Love in Eastern Fantasy, Ding Yu Xi, this is what I call the face of the male lead, those gorgeous eyebrows, even if they're drawn. But the ancient clothes fit him so well. The story, or his character in particular feel a bit darker~

FL did not leave a good impression on me in the first episode, I have no idea why, I hope it reverses later. She is the daughter of a concubine who was trained and has extensive invastigative skills. She served in the Ministry of Justice. Although it's cool that she achieved that, but of course it's like another mysoginistic environment. 

Then the marriage bestowed on her family falls on her shoulders since her sister wants to escape this amrriage. She has no idea that ML is not so indifferent to her. They have a past~ 

ANIME

Debu to Love to Ayamachi to!

(デブとラブと過ちと!)

This is so good so far, I watched half of it and waited for it to be released in full before finishing. The FMC is such a ball of light and confidence, she honestly gave me such a good feeling.

The story folows our FMC who got into an accident and got amnesia, she forgot all her bad days and her character made a reverse, she became full of life and confidence and she didn't care a bit that she had weight. Honestly, I think this anime has such a great message on things like not fitting the image, being teased and bullied and how to handle it. How to love yourself and be confident. I really liked this type of positive FMC.

Spy x Family (Season 3)

I finished the season...Release me from this. I don't want to continue watching, but what do I do with Anya. The story struggles to progress anywhere before few last episodes. Only half of this season had any meaning, the rest of it is water that keeps on repeating itself.

It's one and the same situation over and over again like there will never be any progress at all. The characters do not change as well. I can handle Anya, since her character is more fun even if she is an empty head. Loid is a good person, but Yor started to get on my nerves. An adult woman who can't change her ways and acts like a dumbass all the time. I should find it funny, I don't.

Anyway what I'd like to say is that the ways this anime is shown starts to get old. It's the same thing over and over again. Whenever the chance to become better is presented any exciting chain of events that might lead anywhere is cut short and we repeat the process.

Do modern people not see or don't care for this type of storytelling which is not great.

Honestly, all my hopes were up for the final episodes, but it was the same old shit. Also it really got on my nerves. First Loid who escaped decided it's a great idea to throw away the pipe which was his only weapon during the chase. Later Fiona again has a lovestruck girl moment, while she chases someone, I mean.. time and place? Author never follows, it should be funny, not to me, she is portrayed as this competent idiot. It's good that men are also idiots, otherwise I'd think this show is sexist.. IT IS towards EVERYONE. It's cool that Fiona's feelings allow her to uncover her potential, but later with legs and arms broken she still thinks how to plot and become Loid's wife... You know what they say about jokes that are repeated for a hundredth time? Yeah, rotten.

❧

Arrow of Fortune by Jacquelyn Benson

Third book in the Raiders of the Arcana series. I really need to get my s* together and read it, since it already came out. Maybe the difference is that I was actually waiting for this one unlike previous two that I found and they were already available. Same with other books, they came out long ago, but I still keep them unread... I would like an answer to this.

Some mentions, since these are future releases:

All Hail Chaos release date was moved to May. Will I see book two?

The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer, never read her but traveling to books is our vibe here, I want a western take on it (unless you know, it's going to be "inspired").

Murder by Moonrise is the final in the trilogy, I hope to see how Patrice McDonough will finish her wonderful story.

A Wretched Folly by Lynn Messina. Beatrice will get 14th bok in the series. I've finished 7. I slowed down to enjoy it. BUT OH GOD IT INCLUDED PINEAPPLE. You really need to know the lore of these book to know why it matters ahahaha This author really uses things that appear prior to use them later, so ingenious.

[MANHWA] My in-laws are obsessed with me

Pereshati Zahardt is a count's daughter who got remarried after her mother’s passing. When her father died, he left her all his fortune. Then, Pereshati's greedy stepmother and stepsister conspire with Pereshati's lover to kill her. However, under mysterious circumstances, Pereshati is brought back to life and travels back in time before her murder. To buy some time before getting her revenge, Pereshati visits the handsome yet notorious grand duke, Therdeo Lapileon, to marry him. During her visit, she uncovers a horrifying secret of his family. How will Pereshati deal with it? Will she be able to take her revenge?

 In a non-spoiler way I may say that I recommend to check out this manhwa. 9 out of 10 times I dnf a Korean manhwa or a novel, because we don't click. But this time I found myself engulfed in this story and I don't regret starting it (reason is: manhwa is currently on hiatus since Jan'25 due to artist's poor health).

 Despite such a cheesy title the story itself is very engaging and heart-warming, but much darker than average. Because I was surprised myself about attention to details and how this story concentrates on what this family has to go through. What each family member had experienced, their achievements and limitations. How it influences their life, values, life choices and many other sides of their lives. It feels like it occupies everything.

 This world might be not super complex but unlike many of the stories I've seen it gives you enough details to see the picture how this world lives. Surely it's not historically accurate (about this later) it's just "Europen ambience" and an inspired world with no parallels.

 This is the time when the story really wins from visuals. Especially the character of Therdeo who is a silent type and keeps everything to himself. He's a basic repressed person who also has points won from the fact that he does not have insta-love with Pereshati (like in many other novels or comics where MMC is said to be not interested in women, but the moment he laid his eyes on FMC all his convictions change instantly, so cheap). Here this shows his repressed nature and also his trauma. Pereshati's image also adds a note with her funny faces at times, which lightens up the story, which otherwise would be more dramatic than it already is. The romance may not be the first priority (understandably) but it's a very nice slowburn so when things finally progress you root for the two of them. They also go through different issues, which I thought was a great touch to add instead of something flawless.

 Pereshati is a kind and compassionate person, she is hard-working and smart. I like how they deal with each other and she has a progress of mostly having Lapileons as her shield to caring for this family. I loved attention to her state of mind from beginning which sowly changes. Unlike many stories she does not start with a perfect plan for revenge, her situation is more real (at least to me) since she does not even believe in what happened to her. Her relatives did not act obviously malicious, they were kind and loving for years and years, this is why she was caught by surprise. Which is more terrifying than most of the "villains". She decided to strike a deal with Lapileons only on her instinct to feel safe, because only later she realized that her experience was the reality with long-lasting effect. The Lapileons gave her the chance to find the family she can truly love and who truly love her back.

 Therdeo is a silent type but who bear responsibility of entire family, he has a lot on his plate. he really looks like he hasn't slept for at least a decade. But he tries to grow an dlearn when he does something he realizes was not right. Maybe one of few couple who actually talk it out when they meet with problems and in case of Therdeo it's a big deal becase it's really hard for him to trust and him slowly opening up is the result of progress. The two really complement each other.

 Now a few words about being historically accurate in manhwa. I love how historically inaccurate Korean manhwa usually is.

 It shouldn't be, but it also does not rely on any rhyme or logic of its own. Basically, they do not create a certain microcosm of their own world or even copy the existing one, they just throw whatever is what I noticed while watching some of the manhwa.

 I was surprised to see that some details were included in this manhwa to showcase the works of the estate and its servants, for example, like one I can think of is Chapter 85 from Season 2 when Pereshati is given a tour around the Dukedom but she sees servants rushing in and out with stuff like loundry and she is told that Grand Duke is the one who allowed it, which shows how unlikely it is to see servants, well, it's true after all in many existing historical manors like in Englad and France the servant stairs was in another part of the house. When I studied in an Academy, it was located in a revamped historical house (it wasn't anything fancy), but they still got the old stairs and it had such narrow and dangerous steps tbh, many people lost their footing there and I think someone was said to be hurt from the fall. While the main stairs were elaborate and wide and grand and took longer time to climb them, though somehow had smaller steps than what we usually use nowadays.

 Although the costuming in this manhwa also can be called "I'll just pick and choose from different existing historical period fashion", I wish any of them would follow just one template instead of going for whatever. The only thing that will always be consisten is the gloves that everyone in Lapileon household wear. But the rest of it, sometimes it is nice (like Pereshati always wears something less elaborate and also the color scheme is always in darker colors), but at other times it's really - just put whatever and let's mix periods. During the Pereshati's friend wedding we see her helter neck dress with exposed back, which looked just too modern. I say this because it takes you out of immersion. I also love how everyone uses the A4 paper and there's so much paper as if it costs nothing. It always throws me off a little bit when I watch, all this modern stuff here and there. But what can I do, the 3D models are used in every manhwa extensively, so don't be surprised if every estate looks the same, but different color. 

 Oh the word about their estate, it's a palace. It's huge and they even have a second building, it almost looks like a street. If we take this scale, they're loaded. Though see no need for such a large estate to be near the city. Take London for example, the city house wasn't comparable to the estate. But from another angle it shows how rich Lapileon family is, but actually their house is always empty and they don't invite guests to stay over.

 I also found it fun how we follow Pereshati on her journey to how run the estate, but we never hear of anything except her venture into charity, yet she spends so much time with papers. Note: though her charity project had great details I must say, author really thought it through. But here's the thing, outside some business mentioned we have no idea what they do, we know they do it, but the scale is unknown. At least they have mines.

/-SPOILERS-/

Well, anyone who read a bit will know that Lapileons suffer from a curse, their blood is poisonous.

I found the scene where Perishati dies from it and finds herself at the bottom of dug grave like a touch of black humor, I know it's not funny but I laughed, since she had such a stunned expression and these fuckers planned to bury her.

Here's the scene, Perishati as a single woman who knows her stepmother is capable of murderng her, so while she has a chance to get away from a situation she does want to extend a deal to Therdeo, since she knows he needs a marriage to stay away from Imperial family. She visits him and no one is aware of her visit, so when they talk she is on edge, which is her earlier state of mind, which nicely portrays her psychological state at the beginning of the story. She bites her fingers and they bleed. The Duke is not impressed and lives up to impression that he doesn't deal with women. While he wanted to leave she grabbed him and he pushed her hand, being scratched by her ring. Somewhere she has a contact with his blood and dies. Then is revived. He finds it peculiar and even makes her die again (unhinged behavior he apologizes for later). So they strike a deal, he needs her for experimenting with their curse and she will get protection.

This arranged marriage starts really from lowest of the lows. But slowly she sees the true nature of this curse and how it influences this family.

This family knows how to deal with the curse, it is said that they need to make a woman the head of the family and this eneration did, but Pereshati's sister-in-law lost her husband and her child to poison, so she was not in the right state of mind and relegated her power to the youngest, which is Therdeo.

The number of Lapileon's direct descendant is not much, they also have collateral branches. But due to their curse they have to keep an eye on every member of the family and this curse is the biggest secret they have. Otherwise it may lead to a disaster, which we find already happened in a place where they had no idea about.

Pereshati's arrival is not only a key to starting solving this curse, because everyone is invlolved in it, but she also has influence on the members of this family to varying degree. She is not some super savior who will lift the curse with a move of her finger, but you can feel her presence.

The story really revolves mostly around the curse, but it's actually interesting how detailed it is.

Also even the reason why they haven't found the way to deal with it is justifiable. They really wouldn't be able to move on without the participants who now take the central place.

Although I said spoilers, but I just removed a big chuck of what makes this story great. It's the case when you really need to read it to see for yourself.