The MC is so dull. I'm still going to continue cause it's only the beginning but damn, he's so boring to learn about. Other music themed MCs have an aura and passion whether regressed, reborn, etc. They thrive on music or performing. Not only do I not like him, he doesn't show those aspects? It could also be the pacing and art style (similar to "I was just an ordinary lady"). Super round faces and eyes. Hope it gets better.
This world is known for nobles to not be monogamous to their married partner. She's adapted to the times. If she never thought she would have a monogamous partner, why would she be upset if he has a lover?
What I don't like is the non con sex. Continuous non con sex. I don't know when this was officially written (for shoujo of a certain time, this was "acceptable") but... Ugh. Icky.
But as a whole, if this wasn't written in this comedic tone, this wouldn't get readers. All the characters are very very pragmatic. Ruthlessly practical. Torture, drugs, and r*pe are common and accepted tactics to win. Power is absolute. None of them shy away from these things and anything and everyone is a tool. That's why the "undefeated king" is praised by everyone, his "devotion" to his people is unheard of.
Readers are too used to characters that are unproblematic. Easily identifiable. These are all grey/dark characters. This reminds me of HP grey/dark fanfiction tbh. ┑( ̄Д  ̄)┍
i have to suspend my thinking brain for this story otherwise I'll go nuts (aka realistic reality mickfudges). Fuck, nvm. Not happening. If I were to read into this *alot*, I would point out that this is primarily not for people who are older. This is one of the prime examples of young girl (hetero) shoujo mangas where the MLs are predatory and possessive, something young women (in a sexist and sexually repressed society with no healthy avenues to express sexual desire) would manifest as their ideal partner as it fulfills their subconscious sexual desires while "taking away their choice" therefore not in control of the situation or their actions.
Fantasy fulfillment? While teaching young women that predatory men are okay and acceptable and viable partners because wow, so adult, so hot, etc. IDK. Slippery slopes everywhere.
It reads as fantasy fulfillment because no other meaningful adult in her life (besides ML) is involved in talking to her about how she feels about the situation. She is in this completely isolated bubble with only her two high school friends (who are also young and not adults) giving her options. I'd critize the mangaka more for creating this kind of story and atmosphere for their main character than anything else. (It still feels like fantasy fulfillment because suddenly the manifestation of her sexual desires is "out of control" and "cheats on her", etc)
Alright, thinking brain is over. The art is nice. :D
Haru realizing that her own sister was more suitable for Tougo cemented her feelings of dragging Natsumi to commit suicide. It highlighted even as she was approaching death she couldn't change her mentality. (Haru unable to be more "mature".) The sad reality was that she wouldn't get the chance to change making it difficult (for me at least) to be upset at Haru (she'd rather her own sister die than think about the possibility of them being together).
This story is so good at showing human complexity. Natsumi acknowledging her unnatural obsession with her sister. Tougo recognizing how complacent he is in his own life. Haru at the end of her life was still as childish as much as she didn't want to be. Both Natsumi and Tougo becoming aware of what being together meant for themselves.
As a side note, imagine Haru is okay but at some point in the future realizes Tougo is interested in Natsumi. Her (one sided) feelings are overwhelming. It'd be easy to imagine her wanting or attempting to kill Natsumi for it. Really interesting right? (⌒▽⌒)
I wanted to like it but every chapter got me thinking how old are these characters? Instant world, instant noble helping, instant hiring of stranger in castle, instant one sided love, instant antagonists against MC, non con marriage proposal. I would have been satisfied if the dude that warned her off threatened to kill her or if MC just smacked the ML.
Girls get caught up being told they have to be with a certain type of man to be happy. I'm glad to read a female MV who finds she loves someone who is kind and genuine and she comes to terms with what that might mean for societal expectations and the future. Honestly super refreshing to read an adult in adult relationships.