Frr, the beginning was good it was different and the age gap between the fl and ml is just weird. Like idk. I liked her in the beginning but now she’s just like every avenge fl. Idk kinda disappointed with his the flow of the story went
Yuhhhh the on going joke of how Helena's just mentally more mature than her bother and the prince was really funny when they were kids. Plus it was great that she was able to spend this life being able to experience being a kid. (the ghost in the basement story was really cute)
it would have been a better if this conflict was explored even more before her jumping into the relationship so quickly. Its giving "I'm dating you just because this was the first time someone confessed" And it feels like a rocky foundation for a relationship.
I really wished their story was more of a slowburn with a fake dating trope thrown in and Helena FINALLY saying yes to a relationship with the Cesar when he's actually seated on the throne as the Emperor, when he's in his late 20s/early 30s. I'd like to think that would have offset the age gap imo and actually let her see him as Cesar rather than keep comparing him to his ancestor, Erez. Idk. The story really had a great set up for more political intrigue + power struggle but the 2nd season is a mess with sloppy romance.
The first half of the manga was pretty great. I enjoyed the friendship of the siblings with the crown prince. And the fact she was ready to throw hands when provoked. I thought the start of the second half had a shaky start and pushed through cause I did like the lil romance going on. But then it became the sole focus of the story. With heavy focus on the fashion and god awful pacing of the story/romance
I kinda understand why the story went to this direction?? The current FL is technically a different person from her previous life. But when the author took the time to establish the connection and the retained skills/knowledge of her previous life..... The FL has now just become disappointing. I can't even find the energy to support the "late bloomer, teenager being a teenager/love makes you stupid" argument. Miss ma'am has lived 2 lives and is currently & mentaly 51yo. Plus there she used to be an empress with a trusted advisor, she should be able to navigate the political world a little bit more finesse. And the author could have taken the time to flesh out the FL's story with her trying to charm nobles to side with thecrown price.
I do like the fact she kinda has lost to the empress though in the recent chapter. Gives some drama and spice to an overused trip for max lvl girl boss protagonists tropes. And it really establishes the empress's as an antagonist. *BUT* for someone who rose to the top as an emperor in her previous life, who had to deal with her siblings that are probably similar to the empress.........this was disappointing. One can argue FL probably solved most of her problems with brute force in her previous life. But she's been established as someone who's clever enough to have contingency plans so she can protect her lazy life style. And maaaannnn what's the point of the meeting she had with her people. No matter how nervous she is for her brother.. she's proven before she can technically work under pressure even. Idk just disappointed by the choices even though it could have been a good story arc for her character growth.