AAAAAAA IT FINALLY HAS A MANHWA ADAPTATION, I'M SO GLAD... But why is it so erotic? I didn't read that in the novel.
I remember when I first read The Sidekick Prince Lives Again, the novel was such a beautiful and touching story. The character development, the plot twists, and the emotional depth really captivated me. It was a perfect blend of drama, fantasy, and romance, with the focus on the protagonist’s journey of growth and redemption. The novel was more about the prince’s inner struggles, his relationships with those around him, and his fight for survival after being abandoned in the past. It felt so grounded in emotion and character-driven moments.
Now, comparing it to the manhwa/webtoon adaptation... I mean, I wasn’t expecting this level of... eroticism? The visuals are definitely more exaggerated, and while the art style is stunning, I feel like they've added some unnecessary fanservice that wasn't in the original novel. The relationship dynamics are still there, but it’s a lot more dramatic and sensual than I remember. I get that they might be trying to attract a larger audience, but it kind of takes away from the depth of the characters and their development, in my opinion.
It’s interesting to see how the adaptation brings certain moments to life, but sometimes I just wish they'd stick more closely to the essence of the original novel, where the focus was on the prince's emotional journey and the bond with Khalid. I guess adaptations are always a bit of a mixed bag.
where did u read the novel? the erotic bits feel so out of place but the overall concept seems so interesting
The sensual part is a lil sudden.. but it's not to the point of taking the depth away from the characters. Kinda think it's the opposite. Quite surprised that the usually composed and easy going Kalid got carried away. He managed to not get too far and paired with the following panels where he looked lost why Renato affected him that much + flashback of his childhood.. overall these two chapters are so far the ones that makes Kalid feels human to me.
On novelupdates with same title, the main story is completely translated
The sensual part in the manhwa definitely feels sudden, but I can understand the argument that it doesn’t entirely strip the characters of their depth. In fact, for some readers, it may add layers to Kalid’s personality, showing his vulnerable and human side. Seeing someone as composed and easygoing as Kalid lose control, even briefly, creates intrigue and raises questions about how Renato affects him on such a personal level. The flashbacks to his childhood that follow also serve as a good anchor to explain why he might have reacted this way—he’s not just driven by fleeting passion but by something deeper.
However, I find this depiction somewhat inconsistent with Kalid's established character. In the novel, Kalid is portrayed as a controlled and deliberate individual, someone who carries a quiet strength and maturity. He isn’t someone who would typically lose himself to impulse, especially in an emotional or sensual sense. This sudden change in behavior feels more like an artificial way to move the plot forward rather than an organic character development. It’s almost as though the manhwa is leaning into tropes for dramatic effect, which can make Kalid’s reaction feel less like something he’d genuinely do and more like how a character in a scripted romance would act under contrived circumstances.
A good comparison is how AI character bots sometimes behave. You might set up a cold, distant personality, but after a few exchanges, they suddenly act out of character, offering overly affectionate or impulsive responses. It’s jarring because it doesn’t align with how that character would realistically develop or react. Similarly, in the manhwa, Kalid’s reaction feels like a departure from his novel counterpart—more reactive and less calculated.
In the novel, Kalid’s moments of vulnerability are more subtle and emotionally charged, grounded in his internal struggles and the slow unraveling of his bond with Renato. The depth in their interactions builds over time, making every small gesture or emotional breakthrough feel earned. By contrast, the manhwa’s approach feels like it’s rushing to create dramatic tension at the expense of staying true to Kalid’s personality.
While the manhwa excels in providing stunning visuals and emphasizing certain emotions, this deviation from Kalid’s character feels out of place. It undermines the slow-burn appeal of his relationship with Renato that made the novel so compelling. For readers who were drawn to Kalid’s composed and grounded nature, this abrupt shift might feel less like an exploration of his humanity and more like a moment of narrative convenience.
I love your comment on this. I'm not a novel reader but I also felt it too sudden for this erotic kind of teasing. As experienced bl mangas/huas/hwas reader, it should not develop like that. I'm gonna try to read the novel instead.
What a cliffhanger. Please don't leave him again, Hyuni.