The Author who has stuck in the lane they choose for 6 volumes? Yes, the hook was made, but this is essentially still volume 1 for the LN. The story bounces between Fausts difficulties with romance and having a wife, his warrior prowess, and the political connections of a feudal society. Particularly his own in what is the HRE by any other name, in what is effectively the 1300s Europe.
You can choose not to like the direction of the story. That is perfectly normal. But this is a very purposeful death for the two major characters it effects. Zabine and the Princess. None of the other guards really matter as much. Yes, you can track personality traits onto a few of them, but their importance is negligible.
That being said, the Manga sure did draw out and change the events here.