I'm at chapter 5 only and I must say, the plot feels quite rushed. Like a condensed version of a detailed plot, loosing detail along the way to move along quicker, if you know what I mean?
The art should have gone the usual plan of portraying the characters in a suggestive way tho that makes us wonder if they are suddenly evil but before were not (as it was portrayed, the Duke seemed just as emotionally constipated as any other moment, little bit dick-head-ish too ngl), spoiler/'spoiler' ahead if what I heard is correct:
If this story is the regular trope of the new woman having manipulative magic abilities, then the artist should DEFINITELY have hinted at her being suspect and the ML being somewhat different all of a sudden, visually I mean.Even just his eyes being less highlighted would have done the trick for me. No need to make a huge deal about adding extra stuff.
As it is now, it feels weird, lackluster and like he only behaves the way he needs to in the moment. In a way it makes sense, because we only see things from the MCs perspective, but it is a very weird read when it feels like the ML just acts like the moment calls for instead of obviously being different all of a sudden. Kinda like a MacGuyver moment, but in shitty and annoying. X'D
EDIT: Chapter 7 now - There is quite a few very confusing, abrupt and weird scene changes that do not happen in a smooth or clear manner. Just, POOF, this happens now. XD
I am also not fond of this type of plot in general tbh. Because authors tend to portray this plot as 'its the guys fault BUH' but fail to acknowledge: Had she said even once or twice that the maids, butlers and so on do NOT treat her appropriately, most if anything of this would not even have happened.
I LOATHE plots like this, it's nonsensical, idiotic and makes me really think authors love to use the men as scapegoats because they don't want to admit fault in their 'heroine' even in the most basic and obvious ways.
The ending of chapter 7 has me thinking the artist does NOT pay attention to the story btw. That expression at the end did NOT match the dire realization/situation the MC is in. Kinda disappointing tbh. That SHOULD have been an impactful, emotional moment, but it was dull, boring and basically glossed over in a certain sense.
I do hope it gets better and less rushed. Putting in more detailwork to emphasize emotions and let things take a moment to settle in would do this comic VERY well.
EDIT 2: The more I read, the more annoying the story somehow gets. It's like the characters are only likable when they have a pair of tits, literally all males are portrayed/condensed to: men evil. ALL of them feel bland. And they all seem to just be there, doing a dumb. It's ridiculous to think the Duke would NOT have an aid to talk to, guards to talk to, servants etc. THEY EXIST, wtf is the author doing ignoring the simple factor of having him go talk to them sternly after finding out fuck ups?? Nothing else makes any decent sense. This is just drama for drama's sake. Which has never been good writing btw.
I also noticed that the story goes with this logic: We never portray the Duke actually giving a shit about the MC, but all of a sudden, when she tries to leave, he feels the need to stop her 'despite being manipulated' by the magic of the new woman. That makes NO sense. At least not if you do not even once portray him caring about her.
This is writing 101 at this point. And the story didn't nail it. wtf. XD
If this keeps going, I'll definitely drop this. I caught myself wanting to just flip pages to move to something interesting already, which isn't good.
EDIT 3: Scratch that last part, I'm out. I cannot stand more of this nonsense. This story might be a decent read for younger, inexperienced readers, but not for seasoned readers that like cohesive and good writing.
The Lost Cinderella