This was a tough one to come up with a numerical value for, as I was teetering between a 7 and an 8 for quite some time. Upon reflection, I realized that main reason I wanted to give it a 7 was because I don't really agree with the MCs use of all the females around him. It's kind of gross seeing as he is a 40+ year old man mentally. In regards to 10yr old Tarte, that "brainwashing successful" line, REALLY bothered me.

I guess the reason I was considering and ultimately ended up with giving it an 8 is because while he did manipulate each and every one of them into service at his side, he never really took advantage of them physically, and by the time everyone was 14 years old, they all realized his initial impetus for taking them in was their magic ability. They are continuing as adults (in that world) to serve him with clear minds, while still appreciating him saving them from their life circumstances.

The character growth from everyone from Tarte, to the MC, to Maha, was actually really good. There are also several outstanding uses of magic. The MC's ingenuity is also something that I find really appealing about this show. I'm very much looking forward to season 2, which has been announced and I think is expected in 2025.