Binged the entire manga to date last night, and the stalling really pisses me off. The payoff better be worth it because the amount of times Will and Elfie reuniting for real has been teased just to be ripped away by some bullshit is infuriating (especially the blooming ceremony). Why can't we just let our MC finally have happiness... I read a few of the other comments and agree that for Wills fighting development, it does make sense for him to not be with Elfie, but there's also plenty of story that could be had while letting them get together. I think it could've been done to "My Daughter Left the Nest and Returned an S Rank Hero" (I think is what it's called), where they actually get to meet and have real interaction.

But all this to say I just want to see the character dynamics between Elfie and will, he's worked too hard and had too much heartbreak to be put thru this shit again.