The dresses aren't as pretty as most historical manhwa of this era, probably because the setting is at an austere boarding school that promotes frugality. The art is gothic, muted and a bit depressing, despite being a full colour webtoon, contributing to the dark atmosphere. This isn't really a wholesome story
despite it not having a tragic end.
Since I like my stuff a bit more lively, I personally didn't find the characterisation or plot particularly engaging, and thus would consider this story mediocre overall.
When we're first introduced to the two main characters, Herta has a low perception of Andy, especially in terms of smarts. This is subverted from then on. Instead, it's Herta's actions that irked me with how silly they were at times — very nearly foiling all of Andy's efforts. It felt like Herta was only really saved by deux ex machina.
Unlike Herta, Andy was relatable. She's a lot more expressive than Andy but loses some of it when she doesn't have much left to lose and becomes a bit unhinged. The author tries showing Andy's change by characters saying she's doing things she's never done before, but there's little actual comparison to how she was before the change, so it feels more like tell than show. It was quite sad how the fact that Andy had a neglected childhood affected her deeply later on in life too, with childish and jealous outbursts. Still, I liked how Andy was conniving and able to
best her dad!
The use of "look it's a 'bird'" trope,
used by Andy, when killing Fabian, after his rape attempt on Herta,
was morbidly funny and well-deserved. As others meme: "The Lion, the Witch, and the audacity of this b!tch!" "Punching down" was an apt name for that chapter.
The antagonists were predictable and one dimensional. The duke's quick-tempered nature led him to make a grievous error in judgement. Yet it was so interesting how he still chose to be too arrogant to accept his error and repent.
On a few other random notes: at least Lauren and her dad were decent people. Herta's parents'
reunion
was nothing grand, but still so heart-warming. Despite the a strong undercurrent of atheistic sentiment, characters do pray, perhaps speaking to the confusion of the characters facing difficulty. The many woes of the priest at the confession box was quite funny. There was slight inconsistency in how travel time seem to be really short in this webtoon. The ending implies that emotional health and stability contributes most to physical health
if Andrew lives by Herta's side for a long time, as per the author's note.
Age Rating 14+ (Atheistic Sentiment, Attempted Rape, Blood, Child Neglect, Discrimination, Kissing, Lashing, Lesbianism, Murder, Separated Loved Ones, Terminal Illness)
Quotes:
If a person's ugly nature doesn't change, what's the point of punishing that nature?
I hope that, even if I disappear, you will tortured by what I leave behind.
If anyone had ever loved me, would I have not had these twisted thoughts? It's so hard for me to grow up, it's impossible.
You can't measure love by the amount of time spent with someone.
I found comfort and joy in knowing that there were people who were held in much greater disdain than I.
I'm jealous. You have someone who will look at you like a child, no matter how old you are, and love you.
Why does your confession hurt so much? Because this love is undeserved... And because I can't say for sure if my heart is as big as yours.