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
One entry per line
Utot
상수리나무 아래
Related Series
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Recommendations
Living As the Villainess Queen (10)
Predatory Marriage (9)
The Duke’s Imposter Sister (9)
I Don’t Want to Be Loved (8)
I Should Have Read The Ending (8)
I Raised A Black Dragon (6)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Read!!!!
  2. Reading
  3. Josei KR Romance favourites
  4. BEAUTIFUL COVERS
  5. Smutt~~

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169 Reviews sorted by


chamenvade
chamenvade rated it
September 2, 2020
Status: c97
I like my FLs strong, driven, and cunningly smart. This novel's FL is so far from my cup of tea but the author's writing of her trauma and how it contributed to her meek and timid personality justifies all her actions so she comes out as a very realistic character; enough that you would root for her and cheer her on as she tries to overcome her struggles.

I also like how the ML has his fair share of insecurities, not the typical stoic, strong, handsome, and too good to be... more>> true ML.

Their chemistry (beyond the smut parts) and dialogue felt so real, it makes you feel giddy. You can see in their interactions as a couple how it realistically feels- they always wanna show their best side to their partners. I'm excited how and when their relationship will deepen to the point they are willing to show their vulnerabilities to each other.

So far, a good read! <<less
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Milliane
Milliane rated it
September 1, 2020
Status: c99
I avoided this story because I didn't like weak FLs but I have seen so many recommendations so I had to give it a try. While it still irks at me how weak she is, I understand her trauma so I know where's she's coming from. I think the author was really good in reminding the readers that she has gone through a lot and because of this, you'd understand why she thinks the way that she does.

Also, it helps that the smut was great. Haha. ?
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SELVIAHERLINA
SELVIAHERLINA rated it
September 1, 2020
Status: c97
really a good story.. Maxi's trust and love gradually started to grow towards rifftan. And rifftan is a loving man who protects those he loves. Apart from his rather sinister physical appearance and burning wild lust.
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Asyr
Asyr rated it
September 1, 2020
Status: C106
First of all, I don't understand why few down rated it - saying its lacks sound FL or ML or plot or their character. Though everything outside of FL is kept dark and a solid world isn't build yet -It still is just the beginning of the plot. And even with that it do has its own charm till now - Example: Misunderstanding between FL & ML, their mindset, their couple life - everything is well written and translators did a good job. (Special kudos to translators.)

Till now the... more>> novel didn't introduce any groundbreaking plot twists but it hooked me enough to check for updates everyday - even though translators posted a update schedule -

Though it might considered to be moving at a slow pace, note that MC, Maxi, was subjected to abuse and violence all her life till now as such it will take time to settle down and current Maxi's growth - she is so adorable. As for ML, Riftan - he is a Gentle Beast. What else to say, he is a too perfect "loving and strong" character. Side characters like, Duke Croix, Ruth, fellow knights were also well written - solidly. The fact there is no "filler" characters wants me to rate it high. <<less
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chopshop
chopshop rated it
August 31, 2020
Status: c96
Overall, this novel is worth a try. It is a feel-good story set in an interesting world with sympathetic characters. If you're looking for a more light hearted, personal growth story of a female character, this may be for you. This story definitely explores more emotional/psychological type of growth than other revenge stories (it isn't about getting strong physically, plotting, scheming and set ups).

The story strengths lies with the main character. The emotional parts of the main character are realistic and well written. She's a young, sheltered abused girl shoved... more>> out to the world. Her awkward interactions and reactions are plausible and interesting. This is also a major frustration and maybe even the biggest weakness in this story. Her ineptitude and weakness can be extremely frustrating. However, I think when she finally transforms and grows, it will be more rewarding.

The love between her and her husband is a little forced, but also sweet. Why does he love her so much? It is glossed over and weak, but the moments between them are sweet and do not feel forced if you ignore that question. As with many love stories, his love seems to be almost detrimental to himself yet he blindly pursues this relationship with little to no regards to himself or the people depending on him. Also, the complete lack of clear communication is astounding, but not unexpected. I know this is common in so many stories because it is a plot driver, but the misunderstandings are maximized here.

The world setting is lightly explained. It would be nice if it was more deeply explored. The most interesting parts (magic and politics) don't really get explained.

I'm looking forward to more chapters. <<less
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RIUCED
RIUCED rated it
August 30, 2020
Status: c96
You should give it a try, I thought that the first 10 chapters were too rush and too rough to read it too, but then you with the company of the MC starts to know the true colors of the ML. The character development is great.
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OHtheNovelty
OHtheNovelty rated it
July 20, 2020
Status: c73
I was thinking why the cover looks so damn familiar. No wonder! The artist was inspired by Gustav Klimt's painting, "The Kiss"!

Honestly, I love the level of detail the author put in this novel in developing the main characters from their love to their growth. I'm only this much in, but I think the story should be judged if it's good or not after chapter 50 (as another reviewer has mentioned). That's really where the story picks up and where you can already see how the characters are like and... more>> how the pacing of the story and romance goes.

I don't know if this is award-winning work, but I can certainly feel the sophistication from the author's writing style (which I think the translators did an amazing job in picking up in their translations). <<less
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Intertwinedinside
Intertwinedinside rated it
May 21, 2020
Status: c45
What makes me keep reading is how our female lead, Maxi, is not the strong or charming woman you typically find in korean novel. She has flaws and which is why I'm excited to see her growth. The story's pace is mild, but the storytelling is pretty enjoyable.

Definitely a recommend.

I love smut stories, but calling the story is a p*rnhwa is wrong. *I am looking at those quick judgers commenters above me*
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kamuisama
kamuisama rated it
April 29, 2020
Status: c34
I'm going to give this a 4 star because of the translating team. The start ain't that really catchy for me but I'm reading most of the series translated by this team and so far I've enjoyed every single one of their translations.

Now, I have mixed feelings with this novel. I know a lot of people say that the FL and ML have good character development as the story progress, and I'm really excited and curious about that. But I can't help but want to punch and kill FL's father... more>> for being a pompous a**hole. I also didn't like when the ML suddenly demanded s*x to his wife immediately after meeting each other. That kind of turned me off. But then after they done the deed, he became considerate of her... ML got on my good graces again. LMFAO

But still, overall, I'm sticking with this novel coz I believe in the taste of the translating team. I can't wait to see FL become a fierce warrior lady. XD <<less
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Hanukalka
Hanukalka rated it
April 21, 2020
Status: c28
I like it very much. I thought it is a shame that the Main Female-lead can!t express herself very much and Main Male-lead don't think much of himself when he is talking with her. But this story-line is somehow charming so I am exited to know where this story goes. Also thank you for translating this. I like it very much. Good job :D
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jjlyn
jjlyn rated it
March 23, 2023
Status: --
Creating an account to specifically leave this series a review.

The beginning of the series is very very rough, triggering, traumatic scenes, with many parts left not yet explained (unless you have read until behind parts). It even bothers me too, ngl.

When I read the beginning part I have so many unexplained questions. The ML behaviour and feelings towards FL. Why and how it is possible to happen. FL conditions the reason behind it.

The author builds up the character very slowly to the point the FL character development leaves a lot... more>> of people frustrated. But as you read at behind parts, trust me, all of these will slowly be explained as you read behind chapters. ML and FL will receive their proper development.

And the major reasons why it feels so rough at the beginning is because both ML and FL suffers from a lot of
Spoiler

childhood

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issues. And to overcome all of this, it takes them a very very long time. At the early stages, they don't talk things out, they don't express their feelings nor do they understand why they are like this. It took FL many years in the story and many arcs to become a confident, likeable character. Sure she is slow, even her growth feels stagnant at early parts, but she did it at the end. While after FL embrace her growth, it comes to the stage where ML needs to face his own issues from the past.

Here's a huge spoiler of FL and ML related to why they behave like this, please be aware of trigger warnings:

Spoiler

FL was abused for more than 20 years, has intrusive imagery, anxiety and many after effects came from abuse, humiliated, low self esteem, has never experienced a normal life she should have, love-deprived and don't understand what is love.

ML was neglected and has suffered with his mother's death at a young age (very traumatic, I don't want spoil too much), was treated like a sl*ve, and is emotional detached with inferiority complex. Oh and during behind parts, it will also explain why and how ML has s*xual frustration and why his love to FL slowly comes with obsession and turn into possession.

Their first night is very rough, but after you read some chapters you will understand that they just both has simply no idea wtf is foreplay lol and will also covers how and why ML dislikes authority woman that wants to marry/seduce him.

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At some part I feel relatable to both of them, as I know getting over all the issues really aren't that easy. They are the way they were in early stages is valid. I just treated them as normal person rather than 2D characters. May be biased, but it makes me more immersive and rooting for their character development.

If you are looking for a quick character development with strong and bold MC at first stage, this ain't the one you looking for.

This series start out hardcore smut, then adventure, angst and romance. World build is strong with side characters receive their development too in further stages. <<less
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LUCIA98
LUCIA98 rated it
May 23, 2022
Status: c271
Tbh their realtionship is soo toxic. They lack communication and everything. The ML has anger issues and is hard to make him listen tho at some point he also made sense but his anger issues always get in the way. The FL lead is weak and have traumas so I think she needs someone who is more understanding but nevertheless they still both try their relationship to make it work which is nice. That's why I'm very eager to finish the whole novel for I want to see if their... more>> realtionship kinda imrove lol. I almost drop it cos evrything's a mess. The ML is a controlfreak and the FL is so st*pid at some point. I started reading this after reading lucia so I kind of compared the ML from there to riftan and I was so frustrated lmao. Anyways, still a good read!! Makes you really want to know more <<less
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maxine veraniego
maxine veraniego rated it
March 27, 2022
Status: --
A Masterpiece! I loooove how MC had her character development. Tho I have to say that the early parts of her being self-pitiful and doing rash things to prove that she's useful was somehow annoying BUT! Now that I've read up to the latest. I realized it must have helped with the story plot itself. Pretty great novel!! I've been laughing and crying and all around for this!! Thank you so much author-nim and translator-nim!
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SirenaStone
SirenaStone
February 21, 2022
Status: --
The storyline and characters are amazing. I think there is a lot of character growth for the MC. Maxi and Riftan are very codependent and I love that she is trying to find her strength as well as herself in the midst of falling in love and finally being free to live her life and make her own choices. I personally think the author does a great job navigating her character growth and keeps the story moving with new, exciting directions. The MC is messy but that's realistic. Look at... more>> her past and how deeply messed up she is. She's slowly changing as she discovers who she wants to be. &Amp; Riftan has to learn to love her without suffocating her.. He has his own emotional growth to do. His obsessing was toxic and making them both miserable. I think the time apart will be good for them & they'll be stronger when they reunite. I can't wait!! <<less
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Grandmama
Grandmama rated it
February 1, 2022
Status: c271
A VERY good story. It works out so well; I will sometimes think, now why did Maxi do or say this or that - but it leads on to the next thing, and there we are. She has come a long way from the downtrodden, scared little thing she was at the beginning; all along she had a core of steel! It did seem strange, reading the early chapters, that she did not feel able to tell Riftan all about herself, but if she had then the story would have... more>> been a much shorter one! I cheered when that despicable Duke got his comeuppance - and I suspect there is further grief in store for him before the end of the story. But that remains to be seen! Doubtless the author has new surprises in store for us.

Unhappily, as of 1st July, I find I can no longer access the site so presumably if there ever ARE further updates I will be blocked from reading them. <<less
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Avrist
Avrist
October 30, 2021
Status: c231
This is one of the best novels I’ve read recently. Definitely a good amount of smut but the plot really does have a good background that picks up speed in the later half. There’s plenty of character growth and also plenty of suspense.
There’s plenty of emotional shifts throughout the story and it kept me fully pulled in for the last few days. I admit I want a but of development on Riftan and Max opening up more truthfully but the anticipation is definitely part of the hook. I’ll be... more>> excitedly waiting for more chapters! <<less
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Nadinelagooon
Nadinelagooon
July 7, 2021
Status: c177
I just looove this novel so much! I first read it as a webtoon but thank God I found the novel version! And its even better now that I read Riftans POV mygoddd huhu. Can't wait for more growth and character development... so proud of Maxi 🥺
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pinkflurry09
pinkflurry09
April 11, 2021
Status: c83
I love all the characters. The FL and ML are both so realistic you really can't help but fall in love with them. The story line is also interesting plus the side characters are lovable - well except the Duke of Croyso (FL's father). The character development of both leads is also amazing to watch.
Spoiler

There is also a lot of suspense as they will soon battle against monsters. &Lt;3

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Spoiler

I do recommend everyone to read Riftan's side of the story to get to understand him better. He is precious. And so is Maxi.

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Ruby_078
Ruby_078 rated it
March 5, 2021
Status: c126
This is some good sh*t I tell you. Yes, the ML is a little harsh and rude to MC at the start and I admit it but after about chapter 30, his attitude started to get better so don't get swayed by it at the start of the novel. First of all, for someone who is abuse by his father, her behaviour is totally logical and you can see how much those childhood traumas affect her. It was not something that you see in the typical novel or manga. Usually,... more>> it was always some confident and over-powerful genius MC but this one is different. The MC started from the bottom and slowly work up from it and it just very refreshing to see it. Even tho it was quite slow, you can see how much had she improve from the start and it was very heart-warming. Also please take note that ML spend most of his time on the battlefield or improving his castle so you cannot really expect him to become a white knight or something like that. His attitude is something that he learns from childhood and something that you had to expected especially from the environment he living in. Anyway, I recommend it very much for everyone to read it and I hope you have a great time reading it. 😊😊 <<less
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Panda19
Panda19 rated it
December 9, 2020
Status: c113
I saw many people in the review who are dissatisfied with the MC. She have low-esteem because all her life, her father and her entourage despise her. She is slowly trying to overcome her trauma and improve herself. The process is slow because it is realistic.

The ML is very affectionate to the MC. I hope we can see more about their first encounter and how the ML fall in love with her. It is not really explained at the moment.

Thanks to the translator for their good job !
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