Honestly? I stopped reading early on because I had an awful feeling that this was going to be another "sure i abandoned you to a life of abuse and and misery because [insert wobbly ass justification for parental neglect] and I am VERY blonde sooooooo... Forgive me?😚🥺"
But i came back and i like that the twins have not ever been comfortable around anyone. I especially enjoy that the Imperial Family's attempts to do right by them are interpreted negatively - how you jump on a 7yo's head, boot first, pavement last, over some childish snottiness, then look at the 5yos all proud, like they wouldn't think "oh shit, that's us next innit." How does a maximum genius blessed by his god pull his sword out on a cowering servant in a ripped apart room and think "weird how my kids are scared of me and not the torn up room that they couldn't possibly think i tore up. Boy being a dad sure is rough."
Note: the above isn't really a criticism, i like how vast the cultural gap is between the Imperials and the twins. They truly don't have a clue that they've dragged the twins from one hell to a different hell but with gold trim. I hope this uncomfortable struggle continues with gradual, natural improvement. Better that than buying affection.
Only real crit of this story I've had is i really don't get the point or idealization of manifestation. Other than "the imperial family has it so it must be good," I'm struggling to comprehend why having a 3yo look like an 18yo would be good. Like other than writer justification type stuff (eg "can't be mad at the super genius bloodthirsty 3rd Prince for stepping on a little kid and threatening his family because *technically* he's only 7
![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
he just don't know better!") I can't think of an in-universe reason for rapid growth being perceived as a great thing.
Oh also: i know the head maid wasn't as bad as the rest, but every ~haaaaa...~ had me ready to lose it. We all know that sigh.
Good job to the translators AND good job to the editors, proofers, and typesetters! Been reading a lot of translated novels lately - the letter group doesn't get enough credit for making stuff so readable and natural sounding!