Although this sounds so nice and wise, I doubt she is as smart as to put those words in use, she´d rather become magically good at it, as always haha
I understand that some readers find Marie's instant acquisition of skills with no toil and struggle a quick fix to most of her troubled situations. Here are a few of my thoughts your comment inspired. Take them as you will.
In my opinion, Marie already demonstrates the "I do my best" attitude. This is apparent in previous events as well as chapter 34, "No don't get discouraged. Just work hard to make a place for yourself in the palace! Let's go."
Don't blame her for recieving suddenly mastered skills. She doesn't seem to have a choice, if anything she doesn't want these skills. As seen in the last chapter when she desperately wanted to wake up.
The dreams always seem to lead to a troubling situation. I ask you, what did Marie do in the previous events such as the sculpture, the orchestra, saving the emperor, solving the fire? She helped, despite the possible injury to her person if her identity is reveled. Now, I have seen a lot of reader's comments saying she is stupid to run the risk of exposure, and should avoid such situations. While that would be safer, we wouldn't have a viable story if she took that advice. Additionally, Marie would be painted as a villain, driven by self-interest and ultimately a cowardly character.
Despite all the possible danger to herself, all I see is integrity in her actions, as she always does the right thing. I don't recall Marie ever using her new found skills for personal gain, only for the betterment of other's. Thus the statement "If your heart is faithful and sincere, then it will be reflected in your actions" describes her character and actions accurately.
Marie, with no control of the dreams, no knowledge as to why she gains these skills and who or what gifts them, or the ultimate purpose she must serve, reminds me of a quote from a cherished book.
The gods do not grant miracles for our purposes, but for theirs. If you are become their tool, it is for a greater reason, an urgent reason. But you are the tool. You are not the work.”
― Lois McMaster Bujold, The Curse of Chalion
I love your comment.ヾ(❀╹◡╹)ﾉ~ You're right!
Thank you for prompting me to write it! It was fun, organizing my thoughts into a coherent explanation of my perspective. Happy reading!!
Well I was not expecting this! I have to say, I was one of those who thought it was too easy and boring for her to instantly acquire new skills and even more boring and exasperating to see her expose herself when she's supposed to hide her identity... But I must be honest, your take on this story kind of changed my mind.
The only problem I would still have is not about her "abiities" but the fact that the prince always get to be in the center of every situation where she has to use those abilities... It feels kind of forced but then again it happens in every romance story, I suppose I should get used to it by now....
Anyway, great comment and sorry for my english (not native) :)
I'm glad that my comment opened a different view point from which the story could be perceived. That is always my intent when I comment, to present a different perspective, not to be right. For writing is an art form, and there is never a "right" in viewing art.
I definitely see your perspective, regarding events always revolving around the crown prince. While it does seem forced and awfully convenient to constantly throw him into her path. He really is the only character that has the power to change her current life and future regarding her hidden identity, into a positive. While Sir Kiel seems to pair well with Marie, at the end of the day he is a knight and all else must be given up to his duty. I don't believe he would be able to protect her fully if her identity is exposed. The emperor has power, but dark hidden motives. Pursuing the emperor's story line further will bring drama, character development, but would end in Marie as a hostage or her death. Neither seems to be the flavor the author is striving for. Additionally, if Marie is meant to assist the crown prince in some capacity, who knows what external powers are at work. Leading her to situations she must be a participant in, to change a hidden outcome. So many questions we as the readers can have!!!(⌒▽⌒)
It has been a pleasure commenting with you! It has allowed me to clarified several of my own opinions, and present new ones for me to contemplate. Don't worry, your English is very good! Much better compared to many native speakers and writers. You must have studied diligently!
I do agree about the prince being the only one who could change Marie's fate. I guess the pace of this story is a bit faster than I expected so it feels like every chapter her identity is about to be exposed!
In any case, I still appreciate the story and even more now thanks to your comments :D
Thank you, I did and still do study diligently! Otherwise I wouldn't have the chance to read such nice stories (๑❛ᴗ❛๑)
While this new dream focused on tea, and we most likely will see something about tea in the next chapter. I wonder if the true message for Marie to understand was the "I just do my best" and "if your heart is faithful and sincere, then it will be reflected in your actions."