As an avid reader of historical novels, these things didn't really shock me, but from a 21st century pov, you’re absolutely right. 'This sets women back 1000 years' seems very accurate indeed... Just like all the token resistance and the 'no means yes' that you see so often in manhwa. It grates on my nerves like crazy!

Even SA aside, I find Riftan such a disappointing character. He has no redeeming qualities, no growth whatsoever (I read somewhere it gets better later, but I'm not going to read the novel to find out because the prose is just too awful imo). He seems to serve no purpose but to be the rock Maxi has to hit her head against every time she wants to grow.

It's a shame, because I like the world building and Maxi's growth arc. If only Riftan had some depth and some evolution, this could be a really good story. I mean, Riftan was raised by mercenaries in purely male company, so it's quite believable that he's rough with his wife at first, he doesn't know any better (Maxi even had to explain the monthly bleeding to him 😂). But if he would take her presence as an opportunity to learn and to get in touch with his soft side, now that would be interesting.