#i too would resent Helene for sitting by and doing nothing to help Lyla out when she was suffering regardless of one's feelings towards her

[shidoukanae]

so far im learning the TME manhwa is a more well-paced and fleshed out version of the story but I think the manhwa only makes the most sense if you’ve read the light novel (and vice versa). Some things I was confused about in the plot (such as how magic stones work) got explained in the LN. 

The manhwa is a more palatable political narrative story that puts a lot of emphasis on the romantic slowburn between characters and their clashing interests giving rise to gradual character development while the light novel ditches a lot of its romantic connotations (barring Lyla having lots of gay thoughts about Helene/Ellie and some cute Lyla/Fian moments) in favor of exploring Lyla’s journey for a purpose after she’s been abandoned by her old world and has nowhere left to go in this one.

Also Lyla herself is a much deeper and angstier character in the light novel and I really love the facets of nuance she gains in the light novel. Her craving her family’s acknowledgment and missing home despite knowing its fucked up to want to go home and the way she admits Phillip’s desire for a better world gave her purpose and meaning in this one is such a fascinating take on her character.

Lyla in the LN feels more personal, from the way she feels obligated to give OG!Lyla a better life away from her awful family to the way she struggles to find the reason behind her own existence and looks up to Phillip’s wishes for a better world as her meaning in life (which I actually like bc it makes Phillip feel much more sentimental). 

I also really like that there’s layers of bitterness and resentment towards Helene despite Lyla clearly worshipping her, and even if this Helene shows more friendliness to her than in the manhwa it’s clear Lyla isn't happy with how Helene is adored and loved while OG!Lyla was clearly screwed over and how unfair that is