WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS
me raving about this manhwa ^

~~i'm sorry if my thoughts are all over the place, i'm not really good at writing reviews~~
There are simply not enough words for me to express how much I love this story.

Summary: They called her the Iron Widow. When her husband died, he left her to manage not only his vast holdings but also his four children. Young and inexperienced, Shuri nonetheless tried her best to raise them, despite their bitter attitude towards her. She is finally free to live her own life as her eldest son marries... only to find herself mysteriously reset to seven years ago—the night of her husband's funeral. Can Shuri find happiness with this second chance at a new destiny?

The story of Shuri's first life is tragic, considering that she was plucked away from her childhood, to be put in the role of single stepmother (of 4 children who aren't much younger than her) and marchioness only at 16. FUCKING 16. Her husband (who I will be elaborating on later) died leaving his 4 children to another child. That's messed up. Those children treated her like shit for 7 years, despite her sincerity and care, and in the end, she died on the day of her eldest stepson's wedding (brutally I may add), as the victim of a plot, unbeknownst to her, or the children she cared about. SO. MANY. MISUNDERSTANDINGS. The chapters detailing the tragedy of her death and how it affected the characters and high society is the best part of the series. Periodt.

Now onto the actual review-

1. Art

Hands down one of my favorite artstyles of all time. And it gets better and better as the series go on. It's like if the style of classical paintings and anime had a love child. During the first season, the general atmosphere is that of an old, historical mansion, with all the dust and luxurious furniture.
And example of that... The historical accuracy is also great (leagues better than most otome isekai's set in pseudo-Europe anyway), especially with the poofy dress trains reminiscent of medieval fashion. The color palette in season 1 is also very muted and mostly consists of darker colors, along with moderate use of pastel. It's relatively simple (in s1 at least) but makes great use of atmosphere. As a clumsy artist who's very bad at clothing textures and shading, I really really appreciate the artist's skills in those departments too. Ex: I also love how the artist draws older people. Like, hello? In anime, older people is just young people with a few lines under the eyes, while this Also I just wanna say I adore the lady in the middle, she has so much presence despite just being a supporting character who talked to MC just a few times Season 2 onwards, the artist upped their game. The art was already gorgeous, but it got even more beautiful. They sacrificed parts of the more gloomy, ancient atmosphere and muted palette for a more robust feel, but I don't mind because my god it is amazing. It got a lot more detailed as well. This is just what an average panel looks like: OKRA, bless you and your work. My favorite panels because your eyes deserve it: THE WORD ETHEREAL WAS MADE FOR THIS.

2. Characters

As I said in the title, the main + supporting characters all very nuanced and realistic.

2.1. Shuri von Neuschwanstein

She loved all her stepkids unconditionally in both lives, despite not having any obligations too and honestly that's beautiful. She's forgiving, caring so kind, and it shines brilliantly through her actions. She's soft, but firm when needed (by needed I mean politics and shit man). Shuri's obviously matured and learned a lot after her regression, and the plot development makes sense, for she still makes mistakes and struggles because of unexpected changes. She was stripped from her childhood and put into a role of extreme pressure (and through snippets of her time training to become marchioness, I think she repressed some real bad trauma from that period...), yet still she pulled through after so much struggling. I just admire that so much.

2.2. Johannes von Neuschwanstein

This dude is highkey fucked. Marrying a 14 year-old girl, partly because she looks like your lost love, and partly because you need a successor for when you die because your eldest son isn't ready is certainly something...The narrative and its characters are clearly aware of this, as it is the catalyst for the most prominent arc of the aforementioned son, Jeremy (also noted by Johannes' sister, Lucrecia).

2.2. Norra von Nürnberger

A kind, noble boy who deserves the world. I can see myself in his shoes, abandoned and neglected by his own parents. It's understandable how he became the problem child who gives zero shits about his family and duties, who runs away (samedt). The way he is around his parents and the way he is with Shuri (and the Neuschwanstein) makes a stark contrast, and it's very compelling to see him trying to break free of his family (though he hasn't succeeded yet as of now). His father and mother are clearly good people as well, but are terrible parents because they are the product of pressure, trauma and prejudice. I'm sure we all know parents like that to be honest. I'm glad to see that his mother is making some progress at least, but we'll see about his father.

2.3 Other characters ~~who aren't interesting enough to get a section of their own~~

Jeremy: I love him so much lol. His personality is great, and the growth he gets from rigid immature hot-tempered child to a mature knight? Amazing. I loved his arc. The twins: Out of Rachel and Leon, Rachel definitely gets more closure, but I wouldn't be surprised if we get an arc focusing more on him in the future. Even though their actions when Shuri became their stepmother were indefinitely cruel, it's understandable and their emotions, plus thinking on the matter were finely fleshed out, and it's very realistic. Elias: He doesn't get as much attention as the others at first, but I'm loving his arc so far! He has self-esteem issues which I hope will be resolved once his arc is over. He has a great personality as well. Ohera von Heinrich: The whole thing about her mother being abandoned with her father taking in a lover, not even caring about his wife's death day and shit? Drama. It's so sad to see her heart hardening from witnessing all that shit, and it explains why she's so cold (especially in the first timeline). Theobald von Baden Bismarck: While he's certainly a piece of manipulative shit with an Oedipus complex, it's understandable why. I don't think he's completely an antagonist (at least not to Shuri) though. Cardinal Richelieu: Asshole, but is more than he seems. Definitely an interesting character. Lucrecia: I really like that the author didn't just make her that one-time black and white villain, like what she did to Rachel and Elias was inexcusable, but she was willing to help in Jeremy's trial later on (not in a way that's out of character of course)

3. Random Thoughts

The plot is definitely gripping and the pacing is good (at least while binging it is). Political elements are handled very naturally and it makes sense with the setting in my opinion. The child-rearing fluff warms my heart so much, and it is not at all sidelined by other factors. The comedy is actually great and the comedic timing is on point. It's an amazing read that won't leave you disappointed, I promise. Petition: change the banner to this pls