After unknowingly watching a "few" CD and KD with a similar premise before this I was a little tired of it.

When this one started showing symptoms of the same plot of the others I was ready to put it down.

But then the Murder mystery of the plot started kicking in, instead of languishing in "will they won't they" romance subplot that was just dragging the others down.

All the characters were actually working together and have great chemistry, and making headway into the "mystery" part.

in some of the other dramas the FL would start as strong character but always seemed to need rescuing or way out of her depth despite being a martial artist or whatever.

In this one everything the FL did paired nicely with her actual background and goals and most importantly her age. her actions and reactions ?

secondary FL is an excellent support character. no notes. love her.

ML is excellent ?
Secondary ML is a perfect foil for ML instead of just being a guy that came along.

and the Brother of ML is a perfect cinnamon bun and my husband.

right hand man of ML was actually my favorite character.

one of antagonist underlings is also my fave character but thats spoilers.

the antagonists? excellent. excellent. excellent. actually kept me guessing.

luckily they didnt langush in the royal politics like others ( or had that annoying scene where a ML is accused of whatever and FL cries while being held back as ML is punished (i hate that trope))


overall 10/10
cheese 4/10

this is a drama I can reccomend to normal people.

yes it does have a quick but happy ending. Worth it.