I could have loved this if the relationship between the MC and ML turned into platonic best friends, ruled the empire with so much power, and have their beloved one. I’m sad for the antagonist but she could have join with the MC however it’s a great twist!
This story is just like the any common love story which mostly focused on the love story and some self growth but could have given it a bitter end ending that sometimes a person could forgive but love is not the same anymore so that it could show that the MC have grown but still the same, only difference is she can express her feelings to the people she hold dear (which is great!)
I cannot say that I like the ML but I could not also say that I like him. His character development is great but author could have shown it not through the interactions between MC and ML. He should have realized it himself… could have shown more remorse of the ML when the ending is they end up together.
So so, I could see the potential friendship instead of romance between the MC and ML ╮(￣▽￣)╭