The subterfuge in this is actually more thought out than I expected a shoujo to be, so it does manage to satisfy one's desire for intrigue and conspiracies without being overshadowed by the growing romance. The main lead is also a very smart and emotionally stable young woman so her reactions don't excessively frustrate me, and although it's arguable how much agency she really has (as a young woman who's life is determined by the fate and decisions of the men in her life) this is something the manga itself has lampshaded and which goes on to be a big part of Mariko's growth as a character.
There were parts in the Paris arc that were very confusing, the drawings and dialogue placement were unclear, and possibly translation sometimes as well, but I encourage readers who were intrigue by the initial plot to power through that because it is quite a good read.