Accidental Romance

more please...

Although it was a lengthy story and you might feel tired at certain points, the unexpected twists will keep you hooked until the very end.  
Perhaps Hwang Mi Ri didn't intend to create a perfect hero to make the story more realistic, but she erred by making him too flawed. She portrayed him as such a moody character that I even found him more malevolent than the villain, which was a significant drawback. Nonetheless, overall it was an engaging story, and you won't regret reading it.  

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I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It's an intense drama with exceptional characterisation. If you're a fan of soap operas, you'll adore this.  
The lead female, Matia, is strong and bold. While her initial naivety annoyed me, she represents a refreshing change from typical shoujo heroines. She is both physically and emotionally resilient, steadfastly adhering to her ideals regardless of circumstances. The characterisation and development were superb; every character felt authentic, with clear motivations, distinct value systems, and a mix of positive and negative traits.  

The romance element in the story was compelling. There was a powerful forbidden romance between the protagonists, a captivating love triangle, instances of unrequited love, and even hints of yaoi and incest among some side characters.  

I found the storyline utterly gripping; I couldn't stop reading until I finished it. Typically, adventure stories don't appeal to me, but this one was exceptionally well-crafted.  

The story itself is remarkable, and the characterisation is outstanding. However, the manga falters in its artwork. While the drawings are visually appealing and the characters look good, the illustrator struggles to convey the full emotional depth of the characters through their expressions. As a result, some pivotal moments that should be dramatic and exhilarating feel underwhelming due to the lack of artistic impact. I believe I could have derived much more enjoyment from such a great story with such well-developed characters if it had been presented as a novel. Additionally, the translator occasionally stumbles with English; while most translations are comprehensible, there are sentences that make little sense.  

Overall, I highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates a compelling romance featuring a formidable heroine.  
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RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY EPIC PLOTS, LOVE AND WAR ROMANCES, AND DRAMATIC SOAPIES.

I typically steer clear of overly dramatic narratives, yet the historical backdrop and setting in this manga harmonized perfectly, making it work well for me.

Character 8/10  
Female Lead (Matia) - Begins as a naive youth and evolves into an exceptionally strong character.  
Matia's development throughout the manga is truly remarkable and spans its entirety. She undergoes continuous change and growth, which feels authentic given her young age at the start of the story. By the later chapters, she matures into an intelligent, composed, and feminine figurehead, albeit with some emotional scars from her experiences along the way.

Two Male Leads  
These characters are deeply flawed, and I found that aspect quite engaging. The narrative centers on Matia rising above their imperfections. While others have labeled it a "love triangle," I disagree; instead, it's more a series of unfortunate events leading to complex relationships. However, there is only one central love interest in the story.

Story 8/10  
The storyline can be drawn out at times, and I admit to skipping certain sections. Nevertheless, it remains highly dramatic and raw, filled with political intrigue. Some aspects of the politics were unclear, and there are a few plot holes, but these elements were easy to overlook. What elevated the story for me was the ending. Here's a minor spoiler that feels more like an Easter egg: The conclusion hints at the emergence of democracy, guided by Matia's teachings—a fitting connection since the Greeks are credited with democracy, and the manga is set in Greece. This thematic touch beautifully complements Matia's character arc and overall journey.

Art 6/10  
The artwork has a distinct style. While I found it acceptable, particularly appreciating the detailed hair designs, it occasionally felt messy and unpolished, especially during battle scenes. This made following the story in those moments somewhat challenging.

Romance 8/10  
The romantic elements are rich and dramatic. The primary romance takes a backseat for about half the manga midway through, but it returns with force towards the end. This hiatus adds refreshing variety and heightens the drama driven by the plot. Initially, the relationship is straightforward, but politics inevitably complicates matters. Rest assured, it concludes happily. Side characters' romances delve into mature themes (including instances of r@pe and incest), though there are no genuine love triangles, much to my relief.

Recommended for fans of classic historical fiction!

I love this story and all of the author's works!

Love the story ... I love the twins

51 chapters 6/27/24

I have one question. What becomes of Roman's brother? Not his youngest one but the other. The one who looks down on him. How does his relation with Roman improve into? Spoil me pls