Hello! Novel reader here :-D
First and foremost sorry for the long comment.
1. The romance- in my opinion, i think the love from leafa and erica to harold is done nicely. They will talk and have a discussion, BUT they went through it in a good vibe, professional and mature level. There's no grudge or bad dynamic at all. Leafa is actually really positive about it and erica even had a chara development from the discussion. Moreover, they are both focusing on overcoming justus's plan just like what harold wants.
2. the only ones who love him are erica and leafa. Not to mention, leafa has decided to back off and root for erica instead. (one of the reasons why i thought leafa's a good character)
3. What justus will do is mentioned later in the story. As for the corruption, justus has a really big influence and bribe a lot of officials. Being a major scientist with contributions that officials are greedy for. Unfortunately, the plot centers around harold and saving the world. So there's not much to know about corruption and his family. (the fam had not been metioned at all after that. Since it's mainly harold pov, i think it's because harold has no attachment to them at all, thus no finding out about his parentsno information about the fam). There will be more information about the punishment later though.
4. Unfortunately, the potato wont be mention in more details because again, harold overcoming the game plot. But the sumeragi fam will all appear again later (sorry i dont remember much, but what im sure of they're doing well and very on the board in helping harold on HIS EVERY REQUEST).
You see, harold has this stubborness where he want to do everything HIMSELF. It's a hassle to persuade him in accepting people's help. Maybe because of the game setting or maybe because he doesnt want the game to change too much or he'll lose his trump card of future knowledge. It's not a matter of not enough support. It's a matter of plot main pov and harold understandable wall.
5. As for the father, well, just imagine it as someone who sees harold shouldering some kind of big burden. He wants to help harold through the engagement. It's the best solid reason. The business relationship is just business where harold is really adamant in being stubborn. But engagement would give them the family status where harold cant avoid. Ofc all of this is only my analysis though, sorry.
As for erica, she's standing up for herself. She knows how to talk back. She's practically OP later in the story that even harold was surprised. The girl was really adamant on helping harold even with all the stubbornness, that's why she train to be stronger. Just like her father, they know harold isnt just all that villainy rude persona, they are looking at his actions instead. They believe harold IS a good guy. Also as nobles, they can withstand rude words. Even the brother was laughing over harold.
The knights will appear again, they meet coincidentally in harold's next plan. Also feeling regretful and this time, decided to be loyal to harold no matter what.
The knight from his fam, well..., he didnt appear again if im correct, too bad. Cause of Harold's adventure only, and because of the punishment issue. He cant go back to his home until he is proven innocent. Though i have a feeling he will appear later, the novel has 2 or 3 volume if im not wrong.
As for keeping him in check. Uhhhh you have to rely on harold's chara improvement for that. This guy just have a way to escape from people who cared about him.
(im actually rooting for erica, she really do love harold. But well, misscommunication problem, world problem and garold problem. Though, erica is stubborn too! But since the novel doesnt focus on romance, there's not much improvement.)
6. This is also because of harold's pov. Harold did not connect much with a lot of people in the stoke household. He's talking and pulling people who have any value for his plan only. And since his focus is on the world's survival, he doesnt talk much about his fam's corruption. Which you're right, shame on losing interesting plot points. Also, the current harold is more of his past self rather than the in-game harold. So there's not much to know about the stokes unless what is mention by the game i think. (relevant only if he did not have any memories from in-game harold)
7. No worries, the girl and protagonist relationship are all following the game. She wont fall for harold (which i find their relationship cute). There will be povs from the hero group later. Just, the story is going slow and focusing on harold and his death flag. Cos seriously, this guy's death flag is really something. Everytime something just have to go wrong! The game is really adamant in seeing him die... No comment for time skip sorry.
8. The age and punishment problem must be a historical or noble fantasy setting i think. The corruption also plays a lot. The public does say something (proof by why the captain of harold's team choose to influence the public in efforts to save harold) and the sumeragi does call in for some noble's favour, but in the end it want enough. Because of, again, justus's influence. I hate this guy.
I think that's all, sorry for the long comment. Idk where this hype in commenting even come from. Still thank you for reading. And thank you for trying out this story! Wishing you a nice day!
Thank you for spending so much time responding to me!
1. That’s good! I hate when harems are shoe horned in after only one love interest was really shown since the beginning of the book. So I’m glad that they all focus on the plot.
2.That’s way more mature than I expected from Leafa ngl.
3. I didn’t know science would be as appreciated in a world of magic. Unless the science is the magic, as science is really just a study of the world. Also, I still wished they developed the family a bit more.
4. I get the stubbornness of Harold, and honestly that’s one of my favorite traits of him but I’m just tired of the Sumeragi family GLAZING ma boi, like I get why but I need more perspectives than Harold saying some awful shit and either getting back a sad smile or they ignore him.
Which is nice to see sometimes but I just wanna read something different. I still appreciate the honesty here <3
5. FINALLY, Erica stands up for herself!! Cause that was one of my biggest issues cause why is she just swallowing all the sass Harold is giving her. So I couldn’t help but see her as character with no self respect and one of those sad FLs who sit home waiting on her man.
But at the same time I knew she was a healer but most times when they make FLs a healer they don’t make her badass which I felt was gonna be the case here. But it’s good to know that’s not the case. Looking forward to Harold growing character development wise!
6. I thought I was being unreasonable when I said it was a shame I don’t know about the Stokes family but it’s good to know I’m not alone :))) . There’s not much more I have to say that I haven’t already said :((((.
7. WOOOOOO (not for the death flag part)
8. Justus alone having that much influence, is crazy to think about. Additionally, that’s even more sad on Harold’s end.
Thank you for having that hype!!! And also is the novel done and could you send a link. Thank you for replying and you have a nice day too!!(๑•ㅂ•)و✧
Hi, fellow novel reader here.
Warning, spoilers.
1. I agree that they went about the romance between Erica, Leafa, and Harold maturely. No bad dynamics. But (spoilers) the reason Leafa backed off is because she found out about Harold's sword that apparently sucks off his lifespan whenever he uses it. She decided to ultimately give up and seeing Erica's devotion to Harold, she backed off (although she still has feelings).
A few of my thoughts regarding the romance. I find Erica unlikeable but this is because of the author. Her character is built around Harold (that we couldn't do anything about). All her aspirations and ambition is to "help Harold" (although it somehow inconveniences Harold or divulges his secrets that they obtained WITHOUT PERMISSION). The author wanted Erica to be a match for Harold, someone who can stand beside Harold proudly while also supporting from the back, and someone who's the complete opposite of Harold, compassionate, with great leadership, etc. However, Erica is not a reincarnated person, nor have she been in the same sinking desperate situation Harold is currently in, so she came off as shallow instead. The author wants Erica to be the one who "understands and sympathizes with Harold the most", but instead she came off as a whiner. It's like someone who's bleeding from a papercut tells you, a person stabbed in the gut with a sword, that she knows your pain. It just doesn't seem right. But compared to a lot of isekai heroine, Erica is the better part of the bunch.
2. Leafa on the other hand, has a misunderstanding of Harold (who doesn't?) and is more of pitying and admiring his sacrifice for everyone. And yes, she does know eventually of the good things Harold did (why can't anyone keep their mouth shut?). Not much opinion on her.
3. Justus pretty much represent the corrupt justice system of their kingdom. He bribed (or threatened) a lot of people just so Harold won't have a proper trial and would land on top of his hand. Harold was helped by the Sumaragi and a few of the Knights to no avail. The Sumaragi is a well respected family, but this is mainly because of their long history and their standing. But with the problem of their dying land and their somewhat distant relationship with politics, they are not as powerful as they could have been. Furthermore, the government has to appease the Stellar tribe and punish someone. They could execute a noble kid because Harold is not just an ordinary kid, he's the youngest Knight in history. Very capable, but has a very bad reputation. In the first place, the goal wasn't to execute Harold, it is for Justus to "save" Harold from execution and be his benevolent saviour. Justus plan and end goal is a bit personal (spoiler) and he's VERY dangerous, because he's smart. Harold regards Justus as the hidden boss, more problematic than the demon king.
His family (spoiler) parted ways. His mom went back to her parents and his dad had another child. (I'm sure about the child but about 70% sure about the split, sorry foggy memory).They both gave up on Harold on their own way (not completely but you get the gist).
4. The potato business is taken care of so not much update on that one.He handed most responsibilities to the butler and Sumaragi head. The whole reason he made that plan is to help the Sumaragi (already achieved) and a back up financial plan (he already is using it with the mercenaries I think). I agree with you that the Sumaragi head is pushy and is helping in the most inconvenient way possible. And that they just COULDN'T keep their mouth SHUT. They'll appear later on since their the closest ally of Harold atm.
5.The Sumaragi really wants Harold in their family to "help" Harold because he's vulnerable without noble protection (his family is near the brink of bankruptcy and wasn't supporting him anymore). They want Harold to have something to fall back on when push comes to shove. The only way they could meddle in Harold's business and help him is through being a family (marriage). Pushy but with good intentions (I'm not sure if that's good or bad lol)
Erica is learning to stand up for herself. Although, as I said, her character revolves around Harold so we can't expect her to abandon Harold, even while helping other people, she's thinking of Harold, so you can judge that.
6. Not much to say that wasn't already said. I'll just add the fact that, (spoiler) the in-game Harold is still alive (or at least a part of him) inside the current Harold. That's why his mouth and attitude is that tough. He resurfaces when Harold needed power or just the disguise of being mean. So we'll see about that later on and what the author plans.
7. Again not much to be said. She's thankful to Harold but still loyal to Leiner. No romance there. There are not much povs to them but they'll have a couple later on. They're mostly newbies still and the adventure hasn't properly begin so the wait can be quite a bit. The timeskip will keep the plot moving.
8. It's not just Justus' influence, it's also the fact that Harold is from that disgusting family and was rumored to have been a murderer at a young age. Add that to the fact that he was caught red handed wearing the enemy uniform. Plus the fact that his temperament is just so hateful (lol). Now, add his ability as the youngest Knight in history and you get the motive and means.
Furthermore, the masses hate that Harold somehow got off scot free because Justus "saved" him from execution. To them Harold, who should've been hanged, was trotting everywhere freely by doing grunt work for Justus. That is precisely Justus' plan. He's smart and his plans have a lot of layers. He even made a lot of rumors for Harold being ruthless (in the timeskip where he took orders from Justus) the rumors went out of hand that he even kills children or something like that. Basically, Justus made him the demon king incarnate who should've died but got the slap of the wrist instead.
Sorry for the long comment but I'm happy I could discuss the story more deeply with you guys (=・ω・=)
Unfortunately, it's not complete.
But i can send you the link of the story's translation. There's a lot of group who contribute into this story, so to make easier, i usually went directly through Novel Update; https://www.novelupdates.com/series/my-death-flags-show-no-sign-of-ending/?pg=7#myTable
Heyyy a fellow novel reader! Glad to see you!!
≧∇≦
It really is worrying about that sword. Forget the heros and justus, right now that sword is harold-s biggest death flag. And if all the his plans continue to go wrong, there's no way of hoping that he wouldnt use it ‘︿’.
But, i have actually theorize that the one who's really going to die is the in-game harold which is sad and quite heartless lol. He's there only to die in the end just like how the game wanted.
I dont know why it's wrong for the sumeragi family to talk
It cuts off at the middle! Why?!!
*cough* anyway, what im saying is
Im sorry but I dont know why is it wrong for the sumeragi family to talk. If im not wrong(sorry has been so long since i read the past chapters), they only talk with harold's allies. They only talk with their own shadow vanguards too and make sure not to spread it in the outside world as they also suspect of a possible enemy for harold. Their talk would also prevent the worst misunderstanding such as harold actually being a villain which will result to him being killed off or people not coming forth to help him. In a way, being the only ones to actually see his kindness would be harold's backup.
I agree that erica's character can be more fleshed out. Im actually worried that all her fixation to help harold will backfire in the worst way like harold actually being killed because he shows signs of the intent (and keep his real goal inside). I hope they can all communicate with harold's rude game setting out of the way.
Again i hate justus
Thank you for joining us! It's interesting to another person's take on this.
Wishing you a nice day!
A bit late on the reply, sorry.
I just find the Sumeragi's behavior irksome and meddlesome. Sure, they talk only to help Harold but when you count it, it adds to too much.
Harold's knight only showed Erica the real reason for the "murder of the maid and her child" so that she wouldn't misunderstand and hate Harold since they thought she would be Harold's future wife.
Then the chain started, Erica told her bodyguard, who then told the other bodyguards and found the servant and child, and basically forced the story out of the servant and tricked her just so they would know.
Then they reported it to the Sumeragi head. Who then later told his trusted servants that helped Harold during the Stellar tribe incident. Although all the times they have good intentions and reasons, when you count the times they divulged Harold's secrets (that they obtained WITHOUT PERMISSION), it just set the tone and goes to show that they couldn't be trusted with the secret because they are willing to divulge it anytime it's convenient for them and to supposedly "help" Harold. Help, that Harold stubbornly refuses.
It just leaves a bitter taste to my mouth how easy it seems to just air out Harold's business as they want, when they want it. Secrets that aren't theirs to tell.
I’ve read enough isekais to unfortunately know what to expect from that girl with the twin tails. Erica is enough to deal with but I know the twin tails girl is gonna be annoying later on. I bet Erica and her are going to have some stupid confrontation about their love and respect for Harold. It’s most likely gonna be so annoying cause the plot currently is good enough with the whole Justus and the layers behind Harold’s actions.
Worst case scenario, we’re gonna have that assassin girl, El (who I thought was a dude at first ngl) and the twin tail girl vying for Harold’s love, or either their whole character is gonna be purely built upon their interactions with Harold. I hope that isn’t the case, cause I want that time to be spent on genuine things I want to see unfold or get clarification on.
One being, what exactly is Justus plan? Harold has talked about the demon king but he hasn’t gone into depth about what he’ll do, even though all his actions are garnered around that. Also the Stellar Tribe seems to be a victim in this based on the assassin’s point of view but at the same time, how deep is the corruption for them to just be able to have the power to execute a noble kid. What are Harold’s shitty parents gonna do considering Harold is shipped off (I wish they played up the whole ‘noble blood is the best blood’ belief system of the parents a bit more rather than spend so much time with the Sumeragi family.) I think it would have been a good way for us to learn as readers just how corrupted the society is rather than snide actions by passing background characters (that one chapter with the general who came to the White Knights meeting as an example.)
The potato plan, can we go back to that? Like that was good, but we keep cutting to the Sumeragi family who I get the purpose of but there’s just other things going on man. Also the Sumeragi family is so confusing as they aren’t working in Harold’s best interest and have this weird loyalty that is somehow inconveniencing. Cause why are they so selfish in setting up Erica with Harold?
It’s not even just that Harold does not want it and he’s done enough for them where they could just respect that, but he calls Erica bitch!!! As a father why would you want your daughter to marry a kid who disrespects your daughter every chance he gets, if there’s no longer a political motive. And Erica STAND UP!!!! Respect yourself why are you dead set on helping a boy who is three seconds away from spitting on you, and you’re blushing cause he pat your head? The bar is in the Mariana Trench!!!! And I cannot for the life of me care about the assassin girl and I wish I saw the brother more or that one guard friend he made at the Stokes family cause I believe what Harold needs more than anything right now is a goddamn friend (not only the colleagues he used his whole reputation to protect after knowing for less than a year, that are also second doubting him) and THEY WERE RIGHT THERE. TWO GOOD PALS THAT HAD THE POWER AND CLOSENESS TO HIM TO KEEP HIM IN CHECK!!!
It’s not like the WHOLE Stokes household is supporting the parents so I don’t get why we can’t see him interact with the butler and other servants more. Also I get that he needs the family to crash cause of their corruption but I feel that we rarely spent time seeing how bad they are rather than just a few snippets in a couple panels.
Why have we barely gotten the perspectives of the OG hero and the servant daughter that was saved? (Oh my gosh I hope the servant daughter doesn’t fall for Harold while she has a partner literally fighting to protect her.) I know that they’re story is just about to start and the whole White Chivalry Arc was interesting but that time skip after could’ve been handled with a a couple chapters rather than jumping to Harold taking a request from the twin tailed girl.
Also I find it wild that this whole country hears that a 13 year old noble kid is gonna be executed for being a spy and they don’t call bullshit. Like yeah he’s strong but are kids above the age of 10, adults in this world?! How is noone reasoning that’s legitimately not possible for that age. Regardless, I still feel that this novel has potential, once they don’t waste time with love interest.