The Despised Lady Wishes to be Loved

“…Hair so white it resembles an old woman’s; eyes so yellow they’re reminiscent of vain nouveau riche gold. I’ve never seen anyone so sickening!” Ten years ago, a nouveau riche viscount’s daughter—Lithia Album, was invited to an aristocratic tea party for the first time. There, she was berated by the prince of that country—Andrew. Ever since then, she was ridiculed wherever she went. As a result, Lithia grew terrified of men and couldn’t build a decent relationship with anyone. Even though he supposedly hated her the most, only the prince engaged her in conversation. …However, he seemed to merely be reminding Lithia to not get carried away. It was a story of how such a loathed Lithia was loved and became happy.

Original Publisher

syosetu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Despised Lady Wishes to be Loved "The Despised Lady Wishes to be Loved" definitely grabbed my attention with its intriguing premise and shoujo vibes. It's a story about Lithia navigating a world where everyone seems determined to make her life miserable, except for one incredibly doting love interest. After diving in, I can see why it's generating some buzz. ### First Impressions Right off the bat, the academy setting and European ambience pulled me in. There's a classic feel to the story, but with a modern twist in its handling of romance tropes. It's clear from the get-go that Lithia is going to face some serious challenges, but the early appearance of a genuine, loving character made me hopeful for her journey. ### What Works Well The shining star of this novel is undoubtedly the male lead and his relationship with Lithia. It’s refreshing to see a love interest who is openly affectionate and supportive, especially when everyone else is so cruel. This creates a powerful contrast and makes you root for Lithia even harder. I found myself really enjoying the dynamic between them, and the author does a great job of making their connection feel both sweet and believable. The writing style is also a major plus; it flows well and keeps you engaged. I can easily see how this story could be adapted into an animated series, as the dialogue and interactions are so well-crafted. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's talk about the Crown Prince. Some might find his behavior towards Lithia off-putting, especially if they're expecting a traditional romance. However, I suspect the author is intentionally subverting the "asshole ML" trope, possibly even satirizing it. The fact that the Crown Prince is constantly degrading Lithia while seemingly pursuing her could be a commentary on those stories where the male lead is rude but supposedly has good intentions. It’s a bold move, and it definitely makes this novel stand out. ### Final Verdict Overall, I found "The Despised Lady Wishes to be Loved" to be a delightful read. While the presence of abusive characters might be a turn-off for some, the genuine love and support offered by the actual male lead make it worthwhile. If you're looking for a shoujo story that plays with tropes and offers a refreshing take on romance, I'd recommend giving this one a try. I'm eagerly awaiting future chapters!