I started reading the novel and then transitioned to the manga. Any novel reader up to date, was this part also this rushed? I'm thinking of going back to the novel.
The trick is being a (competent) ass. That way even the smallest kindness reaches deep.
On one hand I love the series concept, but on the other hand I would also love to see a normal behaving Harold.
I was a manga reader and I actually tried watching the anime, but the animation quality... in my opinion it did a poor job translating the original expressions and emotions. Dropped it quite early.