They nerfed the "Maria with her hair down moment" 🥺. In the novel Katarina is practically drooling bc of Maria:
Maria had already changed into her sleep clothes, a loose nightgown. In the lamp’s dim glow, her golden-blonde hair seemed wispier than usual. She somehow looked different — she was exuding an air of sensuality that I couldn’t explain.
Before I knew it, I was entranced by the sight of her. It didn’t take Maria long to notice my gaze, and she soon turned around to face me.
“I see you are awake, Lady Katarina? Is your stomach feeling better?” Maria asked, with the expression of an angel.
I blushed in spite of myself. “Yes, I’m fine! Totally! No issues whatsoever!” I replied, almost bolting out of bed as I did so.
“I’m relieved,” Maria replied with a faint smile.
As I stared at her smiling face, I became increasingly convinced of the fact that Maria was the most charming woman in the world. I had felt that way about her lovable nature when I first met her at the academy. I was surprised then. But being so close to Maria now... I felt the pull of her charm increasing.
At first, I’d thought that this was a given for the protagonist for an otome
game. Of course she would be born with the best specs, I thought... but that wasn’t quite it. Maria worked hard for what she had. She wasn’t born with everything just because she was the protagonist. When I had noticed that, I saw her in a renewed light — she was even more amazing than before.
She was gentle, considerate, caring and hardworking... I really did like her. If I were a man, I would take Maria as my bride without question.
And then she just acts like she didn't just give us the answer to who does she want.