Under the Oak Tree

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The daughter of a duke, the stuttering Maximilian, married a knight of lowly status at her father’s coercion.

After their first night, her husband departed for an expedition without another word.

He comes back three years later, this time as a famous knight in the whole continent.

How would Maximilian face him on his return?

Associated Names
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Utot
상수리나무 아래
Related Series
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Recommendations
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The Duke’s Imposter Sister (9)
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I Don’t Want to Be Loved (8)
I Raised A Black Dragon (6)
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170 Reviews sorted by


max2payne0
max2payne0 rated it
December 10, 2020
Status: c114
I was honestly going to give this a lower rating, but after going through other reviews and the spoilers, I gave it five stars.

This may be a romance, but I would term it more like an epic fantasy honestly because it's so long. I checked the spoilers, and there are currently 340+ chapters (the current translations cut the chapters into parts, so in 114 chapters we've only gotten to around the 50s.) and it's also ongoing, so no ending yet.

From the spoiler threads, the story is deeper than what I... more>> thought at first with what I got to read so far. It's slow, long, and will probably take a long time for the characters to fully develop. I've been waiting to see when her husband will find out about how she's treated in her home, and according to the spoiler thread, it's around ch170s? So we're not even halfway there.

I might just leave this story alone for a year since the manhwa also just started and is only at 12 chapters (btw, those 12 chapters cover nearly 50 chapters of the translations, maybe more, I don't really remember.) But it's great and it's only going to get even more epic (the people saying it's nothing but a smut novel might get disappointed later on. There'll be a long time with no smut in the future from what I've read.)

This is for you if you're not afraid of long stories with slow development. I've gotten so used to stories that move fairly fast so if I'd known beforehand how long this was going to be I might not have started reading it myself, but it does have a good story to tell and I'd like to read it. <<less
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SgtPepper24
SgtPepper24 rated it
September 3, 2020
Status: c97
This has become one my favorite novels of its genre. It’s helped by the fact that the translation is so well made. It’s a pleasure to read.

Riftan is my favorite male protagonist of any romance novel in a medieval setting. And I feel like there is so much more to him that meets the eye, the novel seems to imply for the time being.

Our female lead is as human as you could possibly make them. She is extremely shy, has a strong stutter and to outsiders she may seem weak.... more>> But her character grows so much, and in a way that seems natural. I enjoy her victories as if they were my own.

At this point, I am rooting for her and wanting for her to succeed and be happy, even after all the suffering that she has gone through all her life. <<less
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sophoeqs
sophoeqs
August 2, 2020
Status: c78
yes, I’m finally all caught up. So. A few weeks ago, I was looking for novels to read after finishing Lucia and Villainess Reverses the Hourglass. The cover really catches your attention because that is one beautiful art wow. But only after the artist that’s doing I Suddenly Became A Princess posted fanart about this novel did I come back and wow wow wow.
Obviously with the added visuals it definitely more enjoyable reading now, but I love how seamless the translations are done! Deff stayed for beautifully done translations!!!

ALSO MAX MY BABY DARLING ITS OKAY YOU’RE DOING SO WELL OVERCOMING YOUR ANXIETY ITS OKAY TAKE ALL THE TIME YOU NEED.

Can’t wait for the upcoming updates! Hopefully, Max can kick trauma’s ass and be confident with herself <3

Thank you translators!!!!!
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Lili1478
Lili1478 rated it
June 7, 2020
Status: c53
I really love this novel. I am happy that WordExcerpt is now translating the novel because the Group who did it before didn't translate it very well and it was pretty difficult to understand. WordExcerpt has a better translation of the first 6 chapters on their website, so ignore the sueermes's translations and follow the link to WordExcert to get a better understanding of the book. This is also a translation of an unfinished work if anyone is wondering.

This is NOT a BL. The MC is a girl named Maximillian which is a masculine name. Her nickname is Maxi which is more feminine. The beginning can be pretty hard to read for some with is MC being a cowardly pushover due to her father's physical and psychological abuse and the ML being rough with her in the beginning as well. There are many misunderstandings between the MC and ML which causes the ML to be hostile towards the MC. Even though the ML is hostile towards her, it is established that he is actually
Spoiler

obsessed with her and has felt this way since before they were married. His hostility towards her is mostly because of his lack of self-esteem and her not doing her duties as his wife. The MC never left her father's home like she was supposed to and live in her husband's castle. This made him believe that the MC didn't care for him and that she looks down on him even though this isn't the case. The MC was severely neglected and is due to this neglect that she knows little to nothing about her noble duties. The ML doesn't know about MC's abuse and the MC is too afraid to tell him.

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If anyone is worried that their relationship is going to be stagnant, don' t be. There is character development in this novel. This novel is mostly about MC overcoming adversity and her evolving relationship with the ML. The MC and ML relationship is pretty toxic in the beginning, but it slowly gets better. Even though it is a smut novel, it has an actual plot that the readers can get invested in. It also has an interesting medieval fantasy setting that the reader gets to find out more about it as the story goes on.

The smutty scenes are very detailed and with descriptions of foreplay before they get into the nitty-gritty of things. Those scenes are pretty steamy and mostly vanilla.
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Queenvals
Queenvals rated it
May 23, 2020
Status: c66
I'm so in love with this novel, I can't even.

The characters development is incredible and I'm so very glad to see Maxi growing to be her own self and gaining confidence.

Some people (and I must point out it doesn't any make sense to me) might get annoyed with her at first because she stutters and acts like a scared mouse but come the f*ck on!!! Maxi has been treated like crap and has been belittled every single moment of her life by her own father and that's the life she's... more>> known since forever.

It'd be just plain lazy and s*upid to transform her into a confident woman as soon as she left her father's house. ??‍♀️ And Riftan is one of the cutest and nicest ML I've ever seen in a Korean novel. However, he does have his own issues to overcome. To be honest, both characters have confidence problems and that causes a lot of misunderstandings but both are trying their best to grow and be a little less insecure. <<less
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popcornisyellow
popcornisyellow rated it
May 13, 2020
Status: c41
The story has this unique taste to it and it isn't overly cliche. Her husband can appear overbearing and controlling, but it's all because of a slight misunderstanding that she doesn't dare to correct due to her stuttering problems. The most common misunderstanding between the two is that she lived a life of luxury as a duke's daughter. She didn't live a life of luxury as she wasn't favored due to her disability. What I genuinely like about this story is that it is well translated... WordExcerpt is one of... more>> my favorite site to read Korean translated novels. The story has the nervous FL slowly opening up to the ML who she thought would divorce her for someone else but in reality he truly likes her (in later chapters it shows that he loves her). There is intimacy in the novel, but it isn't too much. The ML is only h**ny for her... and not the cheating type at all. This is definitely worth the time... and honestly it doesn't take too long to read. Probably less than an hour to get to chapter 41... but that really depends on you. <<less
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SkyLisette
SkyLisette rated it
April 30, 2020
Status: c34
I absolutely love this webnovel and the work that's gone into translating this! From what I've read so far, this far exceeds Lucia (similar genre for those interested in reading). You can feel the frustration and flusteredness of each character and their emotions carry so well but the misunderstandings drive me insane - I love it!
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PrincesaCaballero
PrincesaCaballero rated it
April 30, 2020
Status: c1
I love this! The misunderstandings just keep piling up.

I'll be waiting for the moment when ML finally gets a clue and stops being such an elitist and for FL to get over her traumas and realize she can get anything she wants
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Phuongpham
Phuongpham rated it
April 29, 2020
Status: c31
I skimmed through the first few chapters quicker than scrolling down my Facebook page. It felt so sad for Max. However, once you've made it through the first dozen, it's just wonderful. Our couple still has a lot to overcome, but it looks like they are going to be just find and will learn to be better very soon. Great things ahead!
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Hoohhagirl
Hoohhagirl rated it
April 28, 2020
Status: c1
I love this novel. It makes me feel warm reading it, like I'm sipping chocolate on a rainy day~

People really shouldn't be put off by some of the reviewers here who barely made it past the first few chapters. Judge the story for yourself and see
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Arch-Ang3l
Arch-Ang3l rated it
April 27, 2020
Status: c31
I see that many are at wits' end; however, I'm not phased. Perhaps it's because I can relate to the FL in a certain way. Firstly, many of you must understand that she has been treated like dirt, an object and lower than a maid in her own home ... more>>
Spoiler

due to the fact that Duke Croix, her father was practically selectively breeding just to get a male heir. To his dismay, he ended up with our FL who had a medical issue, which caused her to stutter and wasn't even able to ride a horse. After his talented, beautiful second daughter was born, he completely abandoned his first daughter and began abusing her.

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Though the misunderstandings are PAINFUL, it does seem to ease in the later chapters. I think once our lovely ML raises our FL's confidence, it'll be completely worth it. Overall, this is by far my favourite on-going Knovel, and I have great expectations. <<less
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Silver_Moon789
Silver_Moon789 rated it
April 20, 2020
Status: c24
I'm going to rate this a 4/5 tentatively for now mostly because there aren't enough chapters out for me to make a full judgement. So far it's mostly just interesting, rather than good or bad. I'm curious to see if and how the characters the develop in the story. I quite like the characters so far even if others think the MC is too much of a punching bag and the ML too big of a d*ck as of right now.

... more>>
Spoiler

The MC is understandably shy and nervous because of a lifetime of abuse both emotionally and physically by her "family" and because of misunderstandings with her current husband, and the ML is also understandably quite rude and an angry person due to previous misunderstandings with the MC and his inferiority complex because he used to be just a commoner before he came back alive as a hero.

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I'm looking forward to how the characters grow as people and how the MC and ML grow as a couple and (hopefully) have a healthy relationship and how any misunderstandings and conflicts will be resolved. Since as I said before there aren't many chapters out right now I plan on waiting to see if I end up changing my opinion on this novel in the future, but so far, a pretty nice start to the novel. <<less
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Reita_360
Reita_360
April 18, 2020
Status: --
The start of the story was really angst and sad. I hope the MC will enjoy her married life more. I too hope that the ML will protect and care for her. I really like their cute and awkward relationship. I hope for more cute and endearing moments to come.

The translation is well-done. I enjoy every chapter and aside from a few errors, the translation is really good. The translation group really did a job well done. I also like at times, they would have mass releases.

Please keep up the... more>> good work! &Lt;3 <<less
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Qiwis20
Qiwis20 rated it
April 17, 2020
Status: c24
This novel is so cute ? I'm really looking forward to how their relationship develops. Given the abuse that the MC has experienced since childhood, it makes me happy that she's finally being loved.

The misunderstandings don't seem like they'll be dragged on for too long, which I'm thankful for. As it is, their communication at this point (ch.24) has already improved.

Thank you to the person / people who picked this up! Really looking forward to reading more chapters ??
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Piichannie
Piichannie rated it
March 27, 2020
Status: c14
Although it starts off making you feel pretty bad for the FL, I can understand that her character is quite traumatised. There’s just a lot of misunderstandings between the two main characters and only as the novel goes on, will we find out how their relationship develops. I’m enjoying it, even though I cringe occasionally at the FL’s stuttering and overall weak personality, but we’re all cheering for her and hoping that the two will begin to have a better life by being together.

The writing and overall plot so far,... more>> is well done. Kind of does hook you in and you just keep reading. Can’t wait for more!

Spoiler

As of writing this, I’m on ch14 and it’s starting to feel like the poor ML is not only majorly misunderstanding the FL, but perhaps, there is affection for her? And she just doesn’t know how to read other people due to her father’s abuse. Her father really needs to be out of her life ASAP. Poor girl : (

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<<less
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DevonJR
DevonJR rated it
January 26, 2020
Status: c5
Thanks for the translation of this great novel. Can't wait to keep up with the story. So far the story looks so good & it reminds me of Lucia. Keep up the good work translator

Also why people think this novel was bl lol. At the 1st time I discover this novel in dec19, the story clearly told this was josei novel.
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Okaydokie
Okaydokie rated it
February 1, 2024
Status: c60
Think of it as romance novel and you won't be disappointed. pretty decent.

My advice for reading: Read the ML side story first. the time line is bofre that main story. it will not be confusing. No main story spoiler. Only make ML action in the first few main story more bearable.

because the writer gonna take her time revealing his story and It made him look so f*cking creepy for so long.
TBH I would have given up on the series if I hadn't read the side story.

After you read the side story it was like, oh... so they were both just two really broken souls that got suck in this shitty situation. They are both innocent, naïve (in their own way) and victims of their upbringing. That's why It was so f*cking creepy at first!!! LOL

and then it was more enjoyable reading them grow. I grow to like both MC and ML as they try to navigate life, make mistakes and rise from them. the writer did not make it easy for them and the situations were surprisingly realistic

I happened to saw someone talk about "the wall attack" at Riftan castle. LOL

Spoiler

after reading the side story, I understand that

the wall was built to keep out monsters. It was a massive construction project that needed lots of money and Riftan have to do many 'hunting monster' jobs around the country that were considered lowly for knights to pay for it.

the people who live there are poor because of constant monster attacks, and the soil is bad for growing.

It was considered a waste land, an outskirt poor land and only given to him for the king to grant him title. Nobody expects him to take care of it. They thought he could just get a higher position and stay in the capital instead, as it would make him more rich and famous, not just some lord in an outskirt land.

But he didn't want the position in the capital and instead poured all his savings into building the massive wall to protect people on his land. which shows who he really is.

So, before he slay the dragon nobody cares about his land he has been gone for years with no human attack, and even if there was, none of them have the money or the power to destroy the massive wall Ruth build

This is the man who does super dangerous monster hunting (lowly) jobs for the lords. People know him. They fear him. at the same time, look down on him That's why nobody with money and magic power try to challenge him before

this kind of attack only happens for power challenges.

That changed when he slayed the dragon. the glory that outshined his lowly status.

I do think it was his and his subordinates (that mostly form low status like him LOL) fault for not thinking that this sh*t could happen, but to their defense, their fame is very recent and they have a lot to adjust.

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TakoyakiTuesday
TakoyakiTuesday rated it
September 10, 2023
Status: S2 C32
Fully Updated Review (1st & 2nd Book)

-1st Book

I have a few criticisms for the first book, but even so I can safely say I enjoyed it. We're introduced to a realistic soft-spoken woman that feels accurate to her background and timeline, and also has a stutter (unfortunately it's not really addressed all that much, but so far her condition does not magically disappear like you'd expect, which is nice).

The world building is alright, we are introduced to various side characters who move the story along at an even pace,... more>> and we were able to sneak peeks into the rest of the world and how it functions as Maxi learns more of the world outside of her father's abuse. There definitely could've been more though. I had thought this would be a long novel, but turns out it's just a lot of chapters.

If you wanted angst, you'll find it here in a decent amount. Unfortunately we're graced with the miscommunication trope, but I'd say it's not over-the-top that it detracts too much of the plot. *A lot of people complain about Maxi, the FL, for being "weak", but she really isn't. She isn't s*upid that she runs headlong into danger to "protect" someone and generally be a nuisance to others. Additionally, she doesn't magically become brave after what she's gone through in the past. If you want more of a realistic FL that can actually be relatable rather than your sword-wielding, fire-blazing FL next door, then you'll atleast forgive Maxi for being, ya know, normal. I'll admit at least though that the author seems to forget when a character has already had a self-realisation and can thus have their growth already.. It's tiring to see them repeat mistakes sometimes, but maybe that's just realism.

Despite my complaints though, I still enjoyed the story. It's easy to complain and nitpick afterall.

The main couple have their cute and sweet moments, and the ending was pretty interesting and had me excited to read the next book.

-2nd Book

I'm incredibly disappointed with the second book. It started with a whimper where we have a large timeskip and hardly any screen time of how Maxi was growing
Spoiler

in the academy

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. It felt incredibly rushed, to say the least.

I would say that starting the novel immediately after what conspired in the previous book would've been sooo much better. There was a lot of potential that just wasn't explored in this book. So much potential lost between our main couple that was painstakingly built up by the end of the previous novel, which is the most devastating part to me.

Although on the flipside, not every book does have to have a happy ending for the couple, or even a healthy one, but if a melodrama with a bittersweet tone is what the author was going for in this entire translated series, then I'm sorry to say that I didn't get that sentiment when reading this.

I think I'll drop it where I'm at now (Season 2, Book 1 Chapt 32). I'm feeling irritated at both the characters. It's not so bad to be unreadable, but for now I don't have it in me to continue reading.

Maybe I'll try again in the future.

Rated it still pretty high because I enjoyed the 1st book so much, but I know I'm being a little generous. <<less
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IBThatGirl
IBThatGirl rated it
August 30, 2023
Status: --
I am halfway through the official translated novels from Amazon but wanted to come and post a review to get a few things off my chest.

The reviews on Amazon are all glowing and it seems that this novel is pretty popular, but I am starting to get bored.

I like all the characters and the world-building is pretty good. While I find the FL's constant self-doubt a bit irritating, it is understandable considering her past. The ML comes across as mean but you learn he really isn't and is a man... more>> of principle.

The issue I'm having with the story so far is that it is very predictable. After getting halfway through book 1, I am finding there is no need to ever really worry about the FL because there is always somebody there to save her, usually the ML. Maybe at some point in the future she'll have to save herself, but getting bored with it already means the author has gone overboard with the trope. I'm just not feeling any real tension to keep me as interested as I was when I first started reading the story. All conflicts between our male and female leads end predictably and far too easily. All the anger and bluster just dissolve into nothing so again, any time a new conflict arises, there is no tension, no worry, no anxiety on my part. Again, this might change later in the story but at this point, I am so tired of it that I am not sure I will continue the story and get the next novel.

Another issue I'm having is with the same old descriptions of how the bottom feels during, and after, getting railed by the top. I'm sorry people, but crying during s@x and passing out afterward is not normal. Neither are strings of saliva stretched between two kissing lovers or fevers after the first time. I love Korean romance stories, but these overused, BS descriptions of what happens between two lovers are so overused and so ridiculously preposterous that I find myself reading fewer and fewer of them.

And one final issue I am having with the story is the monsters. Honestly, that surprises even me, but I think I have read and seen enough fantasy novels and dramas that I have come to expect some kind of cohesiveness where the monsters are concerned. The author has both regular fantasy story monsters, like orcs and trolls, and fairy fantasy story monsters, like kelpies and dragons, and it honestly just felt weird. There are also other random kinds of monsters thrown in as well that really just dont fit at all so the list of monsters is just all over the place. Again, it's an unexpected problem but a problem nonetheless.

I'm not sure I'll ever finish this story and really wanted to give this just 3 stars but since I havent finished the novel yet, I figured I'd give it the benefit of the doubt and gave it 4 stars. I also enjoyed the first 3 novels well enough to binge them in less than 2 days so that too says something about the story. It's just after finishing the 4rth novel, I got too bored with it to continue it for now. <<less
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Etu2002
Etu2002 rated it
March 26, 2023
Status: --
Truly enjoyed reading the novel very much... Didn't expect so much of an roralcoster ride.. but damn it's written very beautiful.. from the settings to the character development... Wowww...!!! Hoping for more chap......!!!
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