The manhwa “Marriage of Convenience” has been one of those stand out webtoons that I’ve been obsessing about since I stumbled into this new world I found myself in.
Bianca de Arno was a ruthless countess in the Kingdom of Sevran, infamous for being a wicked and selfish wife. While her husband, Count Zachary de Arno, bravely risked his life out on the battlefield, she sat at home and spent his money. It wasn’t until her final day that Bianca realized the error of her ways. Before she dies, Bianca prays for a second chance, swearing she will do better, and wakes up in her 19-year-old body. With her second chance, Bianca starts to see everything in a new light… starting with her husband.
“Marriage of Convenience” was the first webtoon that introduced me to the reincarnation part of this space I found myself in. Obviously there is Isekai, that we’re all familiar with, many of which depict the act of ‘re-birth’. However, the differences between are massive. The way “Marriage of Convenience” went about the storytelling was something that was truly foreign to me.
“Marriage of Convenience” is a departure from what I’m used to reading; which are normally romance, comedy, workplace manga/webtoons. Instead, “Marriage of Convenience” brought me into the world of ‘historical’ stories, which is where I’ve been ever since.
When Bianca gets the chance to re-do her life, she comes back as her younger self. This time with the knowledge and experience of what happened in her previous life. Her goal of course, to make things turn out better than what they were in her past.
You find out quickly, (as is the case with all webtoons who follow this kind of style), that Zachary and Bianca’s marriage was an arranged one. With Bianca being the younger of the two in this marriage and Zachary being the nobleman that he is. They didn’t know how to interact nor know how to build a bond that is supposed to last a lifetime. The first half of this story merely acted as husband and wife in title only, you can argue that they were strangers for the most part.
The understanding between Zachary and Bianca is rooted in their significant age difference, shaping a unique dynamic. Despite their official status as “husband and wife,” Zachary assumed a role akin to a caretaker due to this age gap. He embraced a sense of responsibility toward Bianca, acting almost like a protective father figure without allowing her to feel abandoned. It’s an intricate relationship that’s challenging to articulate, yet it felt as if Zachary strived to provide support without stifling her independence.
Their relationship took time to blossom, a slow burn that unfolded against the backdrop of Bianca’s second chance at life. Despite the initial focus on her personal aspirations, securing a better future necessitated fulfilling the expectation of producing an heir for Count Zachary de Arno.
To bridge the gap, breaking down the awkwardness between them became paramount. They needed to cultivate a genuine connection beyond the necessity of producing an heir. Once they overcame the initial awkwardness, the relationship gained momentum.
Bianca’s character stood out for her straightforward and stubborn nature. Her determination to pursue what she desired, even in the face of initial rejections from her husband, added depth to her personality. Throughout the story, Bianca persistently made advances, while Zachary, shaped by a past focused on the battlefield, grappled with unfamiliar emotions and relationships.
Initially appearing disinterested, Zachary’s gradual realization of his feelings for Bianca marked a turning point. Delving deeper into the narrative, it became evident that his actions were driven by genuine care and a desire for her to lead a fulfilling life.
Reflecting on their journey, the complexities of Zachary and Bianca’s choices become clearer. As the barriers between them crumbled, they discovered an inseparable bond, even amid the challenges of war. Their connection deepened to the extent that they were willing to sacrifice their lives for each other, emphasizing the profound love that emerged from initially uncertain circumstances.
I won’t dive too dep into the story because I highly recommend that you read the story for what it is. For me, “Marriage of Convenience” is without a doubt one of my favourite webtoons. It introduced me to a new space, not only were the relationships and characters wonderfully crafted but the art style is spectacular. “Marriage of Convenience” is definitely a must read.
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