If I need to recover from a heavy toxic story this is one of the detox stories I go back to. It’s the panacea I need. Wholesome to the very end.
In terms of this author’s portfolio here I’d say it sits in the middle of the spectrum of heaviness and toxicity. Yona and Chang-il being the hardest read, then this, and the most digestible one is Eunsuk & Jung-gu. They’re all pretty heavy in general though because of the violence. Especially sexual violence.
I liked MC. He didn’t give up on himself even when he was stuck in the brothel for two years. He overcame a lot by himself and even though love made him a bit meek he wasn’t treated like a damsel in distress by the author. He saved himself. I thought his sense of hope and perseverance was admirable. ML is a product of his environment. Some antisocial tendencies there. I got the vibe he gave up on himself and lived in a nihilistic way until he started falling for MC.
Speaking of which, I disagree with comments that argue that ML isn’t in love with MC and he’s just being lustful. I think his way of being in love is very twisted. He said so himself. If he did a full 180 and became exceedingly sweet and gentle it would have been a disservice to the story’s tone. It would have felt like fan fiction rather than character development. That said, I like reading other people’s opinions so if you disagree I’m open to changing my mind because I hate ML anyway. Like why did it take him two years to get his shit together and reunite with MC what the fuck.
One of the hints that he’s in love imo is how he can’t say ‘I love you’ directly because it probably reminds him of all the times he said it to the guys he was grooming/ recruiting (MC included). Saying these words now probably stings because he ruined it for himself by abusing and cheapening it in the past. So he says he loves MC in other ways. His hesitation to say it is a detail that may be misinterpreted.
Stop playing with those ‘what ifs.’ What if you just don’t? For once.
Had to stop at ch67 just to express my rage. I am livid. Spoilers ahead.
That childhood trash bag of a friend!!! Can’t wait for shit to hit the fan for him. At least the stepmom is possessed, what tf is your reason for being so homophobic/ evil??? Unfit to be a king? Bitch you are unfit to be a friend and ally smh. I don’t even think it’s just the homophobia. He’s def opportunistic trash. MC didn’t agree to marry his sister and lost a political alliance in doing so, and look at him switching up his loyalties to side with what he probably assumes is the winning side of the power struggle. Garbage!
I already knew from the get go that the only likable thing about this will be the art. But the premise is actually interesting as well when you think about it (North vs South Korea inspired). Too bad the potential political intrigue was reduced to an interrogation/ sexual torture galore…
And yeah ik there’s an audience for this shit don’t come for me. All I’m saying is that it could have been something more.
you're completely right, it's such a waste of art and time
I hate myself for liking the character design of the Versace-wearing scumbag gangster. I hated him worse than the grandfather tbh, but I really liked how he looked. FUCC. I’m so annoyed by my own damn self.
I loved this. What a sweet and refreshing read.
I agree with comments about the uke’s appearance. They made a de facto dilf look like a gilf. It’s fine either way, I was just surprised to read that he’s 50. I don’t think it took away from his charm and cuteness.