Lauvil's manga / #Poor FL(5)

Ergenes - once a Korean fencer - reincarnates as a count's daughter, who looses her parents and fortune, and must find a way to provide for herself and her younger brother, at a young age. She eventually picks up a sword and becomes an infamous mercenary, by disguising herself as a man. During her mercenary days she gains 3 friends and comrades, and also encounters a military commander with an equal reputation; Shan Kiraxus. She saves his life on more than one occasion, but then has to go home because of an accident involving her brother. During this time she receives an imperial order to marry the very same man whom she saved and fought with. Thus the complicated relationship unfolds between two strong-willed individuals, who each have their own ideas and opinions on this forced union... Sigh... Of course the ML is really sexist... Of course. It makes sense in the context that this fantasy world, which is the setting for the story, is a classic Victorian patriarchy. But... Urgh... The story has already introduced Raphine, one of the FL's underlings, who demonstrates much more healthy masculinity and who respects her regardless of her gender. Even when he suspected she might be a woman, he continued to respect her as his superior AND respect her choice not to disclose her gender. So, when men like Raphine exists in the setting, why must the ML be a guy who: - Is arrogant and low-key narcissistic - Underestimates the FL bc of her gender - Shows the FL nothing but disrespect from the way he speaks to her, to how he shows up at her home unannounced and unapologetic - Touches her without her consent, even after she protests - Literally says he will be able to treat the FL as he pleases when they are married (viewing her like property) - Does not take the FL seriously and ridicules her Also, when he suspects the FL's secret identity and she doesn't immediately disclose it to him, rather than respect that she might has her reasons, he tries to brute force his way to the truth: investigating her behind her back, manhandling her, trying to lure her into a trap and then manipulate her into it. Not a great start for this guy... Right now it feels like the story is setting Ergenes up to be a total badass in early chapters, only to pull her into a domestic setting with trivial conflicts and insignificant antagonists and obstacles. But I hope to be pleasantly surprised. The story definitely has the potential. The FL has the potential to throw Shan off balance and if he's well written, he'll be able to learn and grow, and become an acceptable ML. And if the webtoon doesn't go the route of focusing on the couple's domestic life, it has potential for a lot of interesting, conflict-rich, political, dramatic, action-packed plot to enhance the romance aspect and highlight the characters skills. I just really hope that the FL gets to shine and show off her badassery. I adore her! She's super tough, strong, bold, confident, independent and empathetic. She deserves only the best. And if the ML is not the best, throw the whole man out!

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