Maximilian (Maxi), the eldest daughter of the Croyso family, grows up being abused by her father. As a consequence of the physical and mental trauma, she develops a crippling inferiority complex about both her stutter and her physical appearance as well as a general lack of self-respect.
When Maxi’s father, Duke Croyso, receives a royal order from the King to fight the Red Dragon Sektor, he decides to marry his daughter off to Riftan Calypse, a peasant knight. Duke Croyso’s plan is to push off his martial responsibilities to his son-in-law. Maxi thus finds herself forced into a marriage with a man she barely knows. The newlyweds spend their first night together, but they become separated immediately as Riftan leaves for war early next morning.
Fast forward three years later, and the couple reunites when Riftan comes back to the city to celebrate his victory in war. Although the two spent only one night together and Riftan is a stranger to Maxi, she is afraid that he might want to divorce her, for the divorce would mean a death sentence for the young woman.
What are Riftan’s intentions? Will Maxi find the strength to overcome her trauma and lack of self-confidence? Will the couple survive and find love against all odds?
This volume collects episodes 40–78 of the web novel Under the Oak Tree.
I have read the manta and fell in love with these characters but the book has made me even more attached! Seeing Maxi grow is phenomenal but to be honest I am so frustrated with Riftan even though I do think he cares for Maxi. Hopefully he is better in the next book! Also, when is Maxi going to open up and be honest? I’m sure Riftan will be understanding… Hmm I’ll just have to wait and see.
Much as I'm enjoying this (sex-to-plot ratio issues notwithstanding), I wish Maxi and Riftan would just TALK to each other. I know, I know, melodrama lives and dies by the miscommunication of its protagonists, and Maxi's really coming into her own despite it...but come ON.
Maxi starts to learn magic in order to feel more useful, but Riftan doesn't react the way she expects. He probably doesn't want her to feel like she has to prove her worth/usefulness, but from her perspective his negative reaction to her learning magic is like being told, yet again, that she's worthless.
Yeesh, but I want these two to sit down and really talk and listen to each other. They may have an extremely active and enthusiastic sex life, but they don't spend nearly enough time just...together. If I could jump into the story, I'd arrange for some dates/regularly scheduled alone time, no sex allowed (Riftan would hate me, but it'd be for his own good in the long run). At least Maxi is starting to realize some of the issues on her end - the more attached to Riftan she becomes, the more she worries about him seeing all of her flaws and growing tired of her.
Ugh, Maxi is going to worry herself to pieces over Princess Agnes. And I'm honestly surprised that Riftan didn't act more jealous of Ruth - I figured the blowup there would be huge.
3.5 مافي حبكة كثير بهالتشابتر الاغلب سكس او اشياء سحرية و مصطلحات ما اهتم لابوها بس حبيت ان ماكسي صارت تتعلم السحر و صارت افضل بكثير و واثقة اكثر من قبل والفرسان صاروا يتقبلوها شوي شوي كيوت... اما ريفيتان كالعادة دادي الداديات مو جديدة عليه 🙈🫦
Maximilian and Riftan are still steadily growing and I'm enjoying the pace. Wow, these pages are flying by. Maxi started off by following her husband around like a duckling and now she is becoming bold. Riftan can't get enough of his new wife and the way Maxi eyes him suspiciously when he wants her near makes my heart swell. Riftan has a mischievous charm when he isn't being an @sshat.
We are finally getting more of the side characters. The young boys Ulyseaon and Garrow are so cute. Uly is annoyingly enthusiastic about how much he respects and loves Riftan while Garrow shakes his head in the background. The comradery is beautiful to watch and I can't wait for Maxi to feel included with the Knights. Many in Anatol assumed they knew Maxi but she was starting to surprise them. But when the knights started to except her by pretending to be hurt I thought I would cry myself to sleep. Also, Ruth was such a comfort. A aggravating, pompous, brotherly, comfort and I love him dearly.
Magic is coming more into the picture. Maximilian's ability to absorb mana was shocking and sad but I'm happy she found a purpose. I even glowed with pride at her eagerness to learn. Maxi is trying to keep pace with Riftan by learning how to take care of a castle full of servants, magic, and even social norms. The book kept surprising me though. I am not one to read about demure, spinless ladies but Maxi was never given a chance. But now she is putting in 110% and you have to respect that. We must protect her at all costs.
Riftan can be so utterly sweet. Combing Maxi's hair, feeding her, buying her everything under the sun. But he was also playful and insatiable, coaxing Maxi out of the sheets like a wary cat. And a grown man blushing be still my beating heart. He has a backstory you must read to understand his airheadedness. But it cannot be read too soon due to spoilers. Maxi has been softening Riftans edges to the surprise of everyone. And it was also nice to see them opening up to one another. Geez my face hurts from smiling.
Maximilian was unbearably relatable. The truth is I too struggled with acceptance and worth. I just knew as soon as someone got to know me they would disappear. Maximilian is worthy of Riftan and he is as well. It physically hurt to watch her beat herself up. The echo of old wounds came back to haunt me. Still Maxi is starting to stand up for herself and I am so proud of her.
P.S. There is also a map from the Manwha if you are a crazy cartographer like myself.
-----Quotes-----
He whispered, “Had I known that I would be getting such a passionate welcome, I would have burned the forest down to return sooner.”
Riftan drew in his breath, then wrapped his arms around her and squeezed. Though her ribs were being flattened and she could barely breathe, she did not think to complain. She would gladly have let him crush her in his arms.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
She wanted to swallow him whole, for him to possess her, and for her to possess him.
This was a good continuation of the story and it nice to see Maxi finally standing her ground and coming into her own. I think Riftan needs to realize that and give her some more room to grow, but their relationship continues to progress.
"I know of a knight who sneaked into Croyso Castle just to catch a glimpse of you."
This ended on a cliffhanger, so I'm interested to see what happens next, as the story is getting good. I'm probably going to start the comic now that I've read both sections of the first season. Overall a 4-star read for me.
so i was actually reading the manta edition, and there are no more chapters so i’ll have to wait😔 i was pondering abt reading the actual book but when i was starting to i realized the scenes were VERY descriptive (specially the smut, which, is a no from me, especially when the girls crying on the first time), i gave it a chance and it surprised me to be honest, still, not sure if i’ll be able to keep reading it after all that. this was my first manga or whatever i’m not sure about the names and stuff but it’ll definitely not be the last.🫠
Since this one is past where the manhwa is currently, I wasn't sure what to expect from the story. I didn't know it would leave me a little sad. My precious peaches, I hope you can both overcome your insecurities quickly and get back to a closer place. I'm so proud of Maxi's growth, but watching the way the two of them are right now is hurting my heart TT
Me encanta como se muestra la amistad de Ruth y Maxi, y que gracias a esto ella ha crecido como persona. Tiene un poco más de confianza y está haciendo magia!!!
El final me dejó con ganas de más pero bueno la tercera temporada está en emisión así que no la pienso empezar:((
Birinci kitap 258.bolumde bitti...yazar ajitasyona doymadı....kötü değildi ama bana göre çok zorladı ve finali hiç sevmedim yani bu kadar dramatik bitirmeseydi daha iyi olurdu. İkinci kitaptan 14 bölüm çevrilmiş bakalım ne olmuş...
Five stars even though they are problematic as hell. They don't know what communication is. I still love these series. IDK what it is that hooked me but I'm addicted
This is a message for Suji Kim, and for Suji Kim only: who hurt you and how can I get more 😭
Please check TW before reading!! *Review season 1-2* 4,5 Stars
Like many, I first stumbled on the webtoon and thought the books would be an easy read while recovering from Covid - boy, was I wrong.
We are first introduced to Maxi (Maximilian) Calypse, who anxiously awaits her knightly husband‘s return. As soon as Riftan Calypse arrives we are as confused as Maxi. Due to her abusive father she and Riftan were forced to marry three years prior. Being the price the duke paid so the low-born knight Riftan would on a (three) year long campaign fighting monsters and dragons, Maxi was made to believe he would divorce her after his glorious return. But Riftan has other plans for her 😌
Beginning her knew life as Lady of a fief, Maxi tries to navigate between new responsibilities, loathing knights, her stuttering and insecuritites and fears from her past. And what is this warm feeling in her chest toward her confusing husband? This is a very bad ‚how to not fall for your husband‘-handbook.
I entered this story expecting a charming love story - and it starts as such. I was not expecting it to be that spicy (not complaining 😏) and we see Maxi really struggeling with her fears and insecurities. First, the side characters are not well introduced and I don‘t understand why I had to learn about different currencies but not the names of the other knights or the magic system. This changes with the development of the story. It becomes an epic fantasy with a complex main and side characters. Stuttering and shy Maxi first appears not to be a bad-ass heroine, but she fights against her own fears, monsters, a war, her past and for her love.
Talking about *emotional damage* 🥲: The longing, the anxiousness, the angst in part 2… I‘m unwell. Fantastic! Both, Maxi and Riftan, are two complex characters, each with their own bagagge. I fell for both of them while they fight against obstacles and their own expectations and (OBVIOUSLY for everyone but themselves) devote to one another. I felt Maxis fears, anxiousness and love while reading. Most insecurities and the anxiety are very understandable and you’ll find your self yelling ‚just tell him’ 😩 Although some anticlimatic moments at the start, especially season 2 made me reading through the night and fear for Maxi and Riftan.
This story turns beautifully into angst and longing. I rarely ever SOBBED so hard bc of a book as at the end of season 2. I hope the journey continues and we meet Maxi, Riftan, Ruth, the Remdragon Knights, Ulyseon, Garrow and Agnes again. (Please let them be happy 😭 and give us physical copies)
It picks up right after the first book and is still in the middle of season one!
A lot is going on in just one season, and I love the world-building. Kim did a lot of building in the first half, while in this second half, she starts to build upon the characterizations of not just Maxi and Riftan but the supporting cast, fleshing them out and giving them depth and persona.
I can't wait to see what Kim brings in the next installment.
(Books 1-5) Even though I fell in love with the story and the development of the characters, in the beginning of the novel I had some problems about consent during sex. I had some big concerns about this, I know that the idea is that he did it to protect her (and him), and to establish their marriage, and that this type of things were common in medieval times. But I didn't like to read that part, it really shouldn’t ever be portrayed as something excusable. (I actually gave it 3 stars because of this, although my opinion did change throughout the book because of how invested in the plot I got) However, at least, as I kept reading, I watched their relationship grow into something somehow cute. And she started to learn how to want and be wanted by someone.
Another thing that I liked about it was how the main characters are so different: a stuttering girl who was abused by her father (because of her disability) all her life and an arrogant, overprotective boy (that clearly loves her), together gave us some funny moments but also a lot of miscommunication momentsssss arghhh. The friendship she formed with his companions was really cute, and even though she was afraid of talking to them, nobody cared that she stuttered. Anyway, it was a lovely thing to see the female character develop throughout the story, from the deep shithole she was in, all the way to finding her love and her calling; and I ended up cheering for her a lot. I have to say, the finale (book 5) was a rollercoaster. So many things happened and I don’t know how my heart was able to handle it.
I rarely give books a 5 star rating. But this one deserves one.
Review up to Chapter 47 of Manhwa & 271 of Webnovel.
Duke Croyso is a downright jerk. He has a daughter Maximillan, a red hair beauty who has lived her life in seclusion, like a lowly maid in her own father's castle for reasons you find out later in the novel. She has always been looked down on by the duke & others at the castle. So, she can't talk properly, she has learnt to read but she doesn't know any basics to run a castle or live a life on her own even.
Due to political reasons her father pushes her in a political marriage with Captain Riftan. ** Fangirl mode on ** You should read the manhwa!! Does his character justice, the illustrations are top notch. Him & Maxxi are just WOW ** Fan girl mode off ** So, they have their first night (Hold your horses!! Nothing really happens!!) Then next morning Riftan has left on his expedition which was forced on him instead of his father-in-law. Fast forward 3 years, Riftan returns to Maxi. He takes Maxi to her rightful place aka his fief. Which is out of a medieval era but surrounded by forests in which dwells monsters. Somehow, they get there & Maxi's journey to herself and her husband, Riftan begins.
Will Maxi ever grow beyond her deep rooted fears or being useless? Will she ever get out of the shadow of duke Croyso? Will she be the wife to Riftan that he deserves? Will Riftan ever be able to tell Maxi just how much he loves her? Will they both be able to open up to each other and live a beautiful life?
I LOVED the character development in this webnovel. Manhwa is still on-going. Must read for all romance-fantasy-adventure lovers.
****I made the same review with all the other parts.****
I find this book really interesting. Although it only shows Maxi's POV, it gets unfortunate when she pushes herself down, other characters learned to respect her as the story progresses. You have to be patient with how the characters develop in the story since it is slow, there are realizations in each character that will only take place in specific events and it helps them to better understand each other as well. The real strong character is Riftan due to his overprotective and obsessive behavior towards Maxi and it doesn't help that he really has a short temper and has a tendency to outburst often.
I understand people who are triggered by how Riftan gets on his way in the beginning but I have always have an open mind when it comes to reading stories since this is only fantasy and also has a historical aspect to it when it comes to women's rights and how women are viewed during ancient times. I don't understand why they have to attack those people who see this as a literary work.
The second book is still a work in progress as well, so it really does take a great deal of patience to wait for the official release. The side story, Riftan's POV, gives light on how Riftan's character was built, so better read that too.
Ok, just to be honest this book is good when you need to relax and read something lighter but at the same time I feel a little bored. The character development from Maxi is almost inexistent and in some parts it's less than the past book. I know, maybe I'm being mean but this constant plot of spicy scenes, some duties in the castle, talk with someone, insecurities and overthinking just to begin at the same sex time. And I'm not saying that is wrong but in some parts I got so bored 🥱 and wished to skip the whole situation. But the thing that makes me so mad is the disrespect from the knights to Maxi. Bro, she literally struggles with her self-love and approved meaning those assh*les made fun of her got her drunk and said on her face she wasn't enough or worthy to be there only because she is the daughter of the Duke and the reason for not being associating with the royal family. Come on man !!! That sucked and I don't think this was necessary. Nevertheless this book has positive things and the first is Ruth, he as a teacher and mentor is the best thing, he's the only Maxi's sincere friend who treats her with respect and believes in her capacity and potential. Even when Maxi couldn't see it. In conclusion is good but I didn't love it Taylor Swift song: Castle Crumble
Yet again, absolutely flying through this series because it’s so addictive.
She had come to help, not to hinder.
Now that we’ve moved past the surface, Riftan’s unwillingness to open up is creating an unexpected barrier. His desire to keep his wife safe extending beyond a typical range. On one hand, endearing, on the other, possibly suffocating. I can see its his own insecurities at not being good enough that fuels a lot of it. Waiting for the moments where they open up to each other eventually!
Maxi continues to grow as she gets better and better at advocating for what she wants. Her path into magic is super interesting. Though I think her intense need to be useful as a source of value will fail her eventually. Was also pleasantly surprised to see some speech therapy components in this and the way it’s being handled is correct! Practice and repetition and other methods can work for those who stutter.
Where this book leaves off has me in a turmoil that means I will be picking up the next part almost immediately. Guests are coming for the first time! How will Riftan and Maxi’s union hold under scrutiny?
Content Warnings: Graphic sexual scenes/situations, violence, blood/gore, bullying, child abuse, rehashing of verbal/physical/emotional abuse, ableism, PTSD, and anxiety.
We pick up directly where volume one left off getting to see a lot of day-to-day activities that Maxi does while continuing to try to prove her worth. Afraid that Riftan could decide to divorce her Maxi is determined to prove her usefulness at the castle. Still working on decorating the castle and improving the grounds Maxi is busy throughout the day.
I wasn’t as invested in this volume as I was the first…I was hoping to see more progress in Maxi coming into her own and finding her inner strength. The next volume sounds like it will be full of situations that will test Maxi, not only testing her individually but testing her trust/faith in her connection to Riftan. Both Maxi and Riftan are still secretive about their inner thoughts and feelings and I look forward to their trust, and love for each other, growing to where they finally feel free to completely open to one another.