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Well there wasn't all out romance, but romantic themes that are a warning that there will be all out romance. Woman blushing at him or doing intimate thing like brushing the hair away from his eyes. That one mage girls interest in his magic could easily turn into interest in him, and that interest will go to romantic interest. Just picking up on the signs that the author is planning for romance.
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I also don't think romance in these stories is a bad thing, as long as it's done right and not forced. Right now I can't picture tge MC being romantically involved with any of the present women or any women... she'd have to be some super amazing lady that earned his respect and is polite. Maybe he'll find a nice mpc or something. But yeah.... none of the current women fit him and them having a relationship would feel super out of character for him and very forced.
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The only way I can picture him being involved with any of the current women is if something happens that he needs to take responsibility for. He would never do anything like that of course, so it would be up to the women to create that kind of situation, which would not be enjoyable to see and make me dislike her.
He's strong but also like weak and it is so funny .. I'm blind, can't see what you all call 'romance' maybe I read too many full-fledged romance.