Lauvil is reading

Anyone Beats the Original

Ongoing | Baek seo ha,Hee | 2019 released

2025-05-02 01:09 marked

Tags: Drama Romance Fantasy Webtoon Royalty/Nobility Strong Female Lead Reincarnation Isekai Novel World Arranged marriage

This is SO GOOD!

The premise is very basic isekai-novel-world-reincarnation story with a splash of contractual marriage.
At first I expected the FL to be a classic damsel-in-distress or manic-pixie-dream-girl, especially considering the cutesy way she's drawn and how much they highlighted her beauty as a characteristic. However, there's so much more to her character.

Her whimsy is part of her character, but it's mostly something she plays up to rattle those around her. She comes across at first as an innocent, frail lady but underneath there's a fire burning and an unbreakable will.
She's the kind of strong female character that people struggle and often fail to write - not because she's physically strong, but because of her indomitable will, cunning and above all: she has agency.

Which brings me to the ML: At first he comes across as the classic cold male lead who doesn't respect his partner's agency, as we first learn he only wants to marry the MC because of a deal made with her father and though he realizes she's not a willing participant, he's willing to sacrifice her feelings for his revenge. However, he grows and comes to understand that he has a responsibility towards her and as he comes to love her, he shifts completely and is willing to give up his life-long goal to ensure her happiness. Talk about devotion.
But more than that: he respects her. He listens to what she has to say, and though he teases her is willing to compromise and he respects her agency and admires her toughness.

As a couple they are great as well. They communicate well, show each other respect and affection, tease each other playfully and are open with each other. I do wish a little more honesty between them (like about reincarnation and his secret desire for revenge) but I'm sure it will come as they build trust and rappor.

I'm intrigued to see what will unfold with Rachel, the prince, the emperor and just the original plot in general. Hopefully, the story won't disappoint as my expectations have not been set pretty high!