sayume - Profile

Donau is truly the best guy. I wish we had extra chapters of him and Vanessa together. <3

I'm glad they didn't add needless long drama where they can't make up with each other. That would've been the last thing this story needs with its slow pace.

As much as we've been waiting for a resolution, waiting out the super slow burn, I think Poliana's reaction is the most believable result. Rather, BECAUSE of the many twists that have been caused by the inner conflicts in both of them, anything else would've been far-fetched. Poliana yearns happiness and confirmation that she's valuable, yet all her life the belief that she's worthless because she's a woman, one who does not conform to the mold of society at that, has been reinforced. The scars from all her life can't go away just because she's strong. In fact, it's because of her desire to prove every such statement wrong that she worked so hard to outdo herself until she achieved what most men would've given anything to obtain. In the process, she ended up, ironically, reinforcing on herself that she could not be like the other women if she wanted to achieve the happiness she chose to pursue. Lucius words were not unreasonable, and many others could give all sorts of logical explanations explanations as to why she can still be happy as a woman and she should not let the influence of the people and events of her past to affect her ability to see this. But humans don't work like that. How could it possibly be simple for her to overcome this way of thinking? In reality, even when you can see how or why something makes sense, this is not always enough for you to change your way or attitude. It's a genuine struggle that requires much willpower, as well as love and patience from those around us. Lucius has been torn between his love for her and the expectations his people have from him. It's true that one part of him was cowardly because he believed Poliana would never see him as anything other than her Emperor, so he was afraid to act upon his love with resolve. Still, it's true that his role doesn't allow him to only think of his desires; he has many things to consider because that's the downside of having power. At the same time, I think people do judge him a bit harshly. Every decision he has taken after he took her in as knightess, erroneous though some of those decisions were, were done with the sincere belief or desire to help her be happy. Yes, his order to have her raped and killed when they first met was horrendous, but he has already repented for that and made it up to her. He has definitely addressed this with her directly and expressed to her how much he values her, both in words and with deeds. He has shown her the most favor, honor and genuine care out of all his subjects, even more than to his longtime followers and wives. Why are some people saying he needs to suffer for having it easy? While he was born with many privileges, he worked hard to earn the trust of those around him to stay in power. He got the loyalty of the nations he conquered because he does what he can to treat them fairly. He didn't have to go through tramautic experiences like Poliana, but he has had to make sacrifices in his role as royalty too, including having to marry for political interests. He has never been put down for his gender, but he has done his best to understand what it's been like for Poliana and has supported her sincerely in her goals. He has learned from the past and changed his view about many things, which is far more than most stubborn men in the story would even try to do. Is he now paying for not having confessed before all of this happened? To some extent. He chose a bad moment to propose and confess his feelings, but his slip-up is understandable. After restraining his heart for many years, how could he not lose himself in joy at the thought he could finally have a chance to be with her? How could he still keep his feelings to himself after seeing their son? I see where both of them come from. I believe, though, that the love they HAVE fostered for each other throughout the years will motivate them. She will realize that he can give her what she truly wants, and he will wait for her to do so.

Poliana isn't afraid he won't have her. She's just, sadly, overwhelmed with feelings of worthlessness. My poor Poliana. Strong as she is, as far as she has come...some damage is just hard to recover from. There are remnants from the pain she went through as a young girl and through the war...

Yikes, to think that there's actually no progress in their interactions and understanding of each other after everything... Yeah, I didn't want it to be the case, but I'm afraid that we'll need Poliana to get pregnant for this to get ANYWHERE... Lucius frustrates me so much! Why can't he just go look for her? Why can't he just confess?

Luzo's loyalty and care for Lucius are touching... but he's acting upon mere assumptions/what-ifs. I hope he realizes this soon.

I really wonder if anyone would oppose the Emperor if he declares his intentions to marry Pol? I think that, like Luzo, they'll find it an agreeable political option. Though, like Luzo, they'll probably be unable to understand what he sees in her to love her because they're used to matching the image of a royal consort to a certain type. But isn't that fine? It'll give Lucius an excuse to constantly shower Pol with loving gestures because how dare anyone doubt his love for her! I think the real issue here will be for Poliana to accept. In fact, getting into her head that the most handsome man likes her will take a whole other arc, I suppose. XD