The Abandoned Duchess Seems to Want a Peaceful Life

“I have something to tell you. I don’t intend to love you as my wife,” Alexis declared to Melfina shortly after their wedding ceremony. Melfina seizes the poor undeveloped land from Alexis and leaves the ducal residence. The only companions left with her are Cedric, the knight assigned by Alexis to watch her actions, and the quiet personal attendant, Marie. Regaining memories from her previous life just before the wedding, Melfina realizes that this is the world of the so-called “Maria in the Kingdom of Hearts,” which is ridiculed as a trivia-based otome game in her previous life. Furthermore, she discovers that she is the villainess of the Alexis route, Melfina von Orland. With a strained relationship with her family and being told by her husband that he has no intention of loving her as his wife or having a child with her, Melfina becomes disillusioned with everything. As a result, she no longer cares about her family or her husband! She refuses to become a villainess and be sent to a convent for the sake of such a man! Having endured a difficult upbringing and now facing an unhappy marriage, Melfina makes up her mind to find happiness on her own, regardless of her family or husband.

Original Publisher

kakuyomu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Abandoned Duchess Seems to Want a Peaceful Life "The Abandoned Duchess Seems to Want a Peaceful Life" had a premise that immediately grabbed my attention. A discarded noblewoman seeking a tranquil existence? Sign me up! I dove in hoping for a relaxing slice-of-life read with a touch of fantasy, and while it delivered on some fronts, it also stumbled in a few key areas. ### First Impressions Initially, I was charmed. The idea of a protagonist building a life for herself, developing her lands, and winning over the local populace was incredibly appealing. The early chapters drew me in with their focus on infrastructure development and character interactions, making me eager to see how the MC would carve out her own space in this world. ### What Works Well The story shines when it delves into the nitty-gritty of village building. Many readers praised the detailed descriptions of agricultural practices and the realistic portrayal of daily life. I also appreciated the strong supporting cast, finding myself invested in their growth and well-being. The MC's non-OP nature was a breath of fresh air; her flaws and strengths made her feel relatable and human. ### Areas of Concern However, as the story progressed, some cracks began to appear. The pacing, while initially steady, occasionally became unbearably slow, bogging down in excessive detail. I noticed a tendency for the author to repeat information, which felt like padding and disrupted the flow of the narrative. The lack of a compelling antagonist also contributed to a sense of stagnation; the MC rarely faced any real danger or opposition, diminishing the stakes. Furthermore, the translation quality seems to dip around chapter 50, with noticeable errors and inconsistencies. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Several readers have raised concerns about the direction of the romance, or lack thereof. Some found the Duke to be a flat and uninteresting character, while others were disappointed by the MC's apparent willingness to forgive her kidnappers so easily. The hinted romantic endgame with the Duke, despite his shortcomings, also left some readers feeling frustrated, especially given the potential with other, more supportive characters. ### Final Verdict "The Abandoned Duchess Seems to Want a Peaceful Life" is a mixed bag. While it offers a charming premise, engaging side characters, and satisfying village-building elements, it's ultimately let down by its slow pacing, repetitive writing, and questionable romantic developments. I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy detailed slice-of-life stories and are willing to overlook its flaws, but those seeking a more dynamic plot or compelling romance may want to proceed with caution.