Just Something About LynLyn

Under the Oak Tree Vol 1 (September 2024)

Novel By Suji Kim

Comic Adapted By Seomal & namu

Illustrated By P

Publisher: Inklore

I reviewed many anime and manga series on this website. So if you have been reading my writings over the years, you will notice that I specialize in coming-of-age shojo series, specifically storylines involving romance and dynamic female protagonists.

Under the Oak Tree is A Global Hit Among Readers

This series, Under the Oak Tree, holds a special place in my heart. The series feels like an Arthurian romance novel. It still has the fairy tale magic like a Disney movie, making it stand out from all the generic villainess and fantasy romance stories. Now, I studied literary works in the European and East Asian medieval times. Under the Oak Tree gives an impression of a medieval love story for modern-day readers. It was truly exciting to witness how Under the Oak Tree became a global hit among readers, especially since medieval stories aren’t as popular nowadays.

Under the Oak Tree was first a web novel series written by Suji Kim. Then it was adapted into a webtoon by Seomal and namu and illustrated by P. (I will be covering the comic and novel on this platform, so stay tuned for future coverage.)

The series was first published on Manta, a South Korean website for novels and comics owned by RIDI Corporation. It became a global hit, leading to Under the Oak Tree becoming a flagship must-read romance on the platform since Manta’s launch back in November 2020.

The series garnered a strong fanbase. Inklore, an imprint of Random House that specializes in the licensing of webnovels and webcomics, was able to get the licensing rights for Under the Oak Tree. The series is one of Inklore’s first licensed webtoons since its launch in 2023. Arguably, Under the Oak Tree spearheaded Manta and Inklore as popular global publication houses for readers. (I actually started reading this series when Manta first launched, so I would consider myself one of the original die-hard fans. And so, when I heard that it got licensed by Inklore for printed publication, I was ecstatic.)

A Synopsis of Under The Oak Tree About

Maximilian Croyso’s father, Duke Croyso, forces his eldest daughter, Maximilian “Maxi” Calypse, into an arranged marriage with a low-rank knight, Riftan Calypse. This arranged marriage only occurred because Duke Croyso selfishly did not want to partake in the Red Dragon Campaign. Since Riftan married Maxi, he is forced to replace Duke Croyso on the campaign.

Right after the wedding, Riftan leaves Maxi for three years to join the Red Dragon Campaign. He defeats Sektor, the Red Dragon, granting him reputable favor towards King Reuben and the entire continent. Upon returning from his expedition, he visits the Croyso household to retrieve his wife, Maximilian, so that they can begin their new married life in his homeland, called Anatol. Maxi is slowly adjusting to her new life. She’s getting to know her husband, Riftan, and learning her new role as the “Lady of Anatol.”

Introducing The Two Main Lovers of Under the Oak Tree

The two main protagonists are Maximilian “Maxi” Calypse and Riftan Calypse. Their marriage is the primary focus of the overall storyline, and we will see their relationship evolve as the story progresses. They face many hurdles in their marriage, which help them grow as individuals and strengthen their bond.

Although she came from nobility, Maximilian Calypse lived in an abusive household. It is revealed that her father, Duke Croyso, physically and emotionally abused her because of her speech impairment. The trauma impacted her self-esteem and her conversation skills with others, resulting in her stuttering speech and her social anxiety when interacting with others.

Yet when she moves to Anatol, Maximilian Calypse slowly begins to change. Although she is inexperienced and lacks confidence, she takes her role as the ‘Lady of the Calypse Household’ diligently. If she doesn’t know how to do a task, she is willing to ask for help from other servants and knights, which was difficult for her to do in her father’s household. While living with her father, she was cast in the shadows and forced to remain silent.

Maximilian Calypse could be considered a “people-pleaser” as she seeks validation from others when doing good deeds. In reality, though, she has yet to realize that people like her just the way she is. I’m excited to see the development of her character as the story progresses. As a reader, you can observe that her new living situation is significantly helping her grow as a person.

As for Riftan Calypse, he is shrouded in mystery. He is stoic and hot-tempered. He’s dedicated to his job as the Commander of the Remdragon Knights. He is highly respected by his colleagues and servants, despite making their lives miserable with the rigorous training.

Riftan is also a devoted husband to Maxi. However, he assumes that Maxi is afraid of him because of her stuttering, but it isn’t the case. He simply adores Maxi, but he does not know how to interact with her yet. His servants and knights notice the sudden shift in his mood. His face lights up when he sees Maxi. As a reader, you can’t help but find it adorably cute. He’s the perfect example of an intimidating, brute man with a soft and gentle heart.

A Slow-Burning Romance With an Medieval Times Mood

Their love story is introduced as a slow-burning romance, as evident from Maxi’s timidness towards him and Riftan’s reserved nature towards her. However, audiences may find the intimate scenes between them difficult to read through. There were times when it felt like Riftan coerced Maxi into sleeping with him, especially on their wedding night. On their wedding night, an inexperienced and uneasy Maxi permits Riftan to have his way with her out of obligation. In this society, it is a wife’s responsibility to please her husband. And although Riftan does care about Maxi’s feelings, he also feels pressured to honor their marital duties even if Maxi is reluctant to do so.

Some readers may find it difficult to read a story where consent isn’t an option. However, we should keep in mind that this story is set in medieval times, where marriage dynamics are quite different. Upholding marital vows is expected in this society. As a reader, I didn’t have an issue with the lack of consent because I understood the time frame the story is set in and the values those people may have had at the time. I found the subtle uneasiness enticing, making their romantic relationship more entertaining to the reader.

Under the Oak Tree is set in a medieval fantasy world. In the graphic novel, the character visuals and background scenery have a metallic and earthy color scheme, consisting of dark blues, browns, greens, and grays, which is befitting for medieval times. The color scheme creates a dark atmosphere, appropriate for this volume because the story is set in winter and the characters are facing war and isolation. The moody visuals emphasize the somber events.

The first volume of the graphic novel Under the Oak Tree was spectacular. I’m a huge fan of this series, and I will die on this oak tree hill to say it is one of the best medieval romances that you should consider reading.