Just Something About LynLyn

Under the Oak Tree Vol 2 (September 2025)

Novel By Suji Kim

Comic Adapted By Seomal & namu

Illustrated By P

Publisher: Inklore

After a year of waiting, the official second volume of the graphic novel, Under the Oak Tree, was published on September 30, 2025. The first volume covers episodes 1-24, and the second volume covers episodes 25-45. (I didn’t mention this in my commentary for the first volume, but I would like to note that it would have been convenient to have a table of contents and chapters. A table of contents would be helpful for reviews. Personally, I would be able to pinpoint specific events more easily.)

The epic love story between a reserved and timid young lady, Maximilian “Maxi” Calypse, and a brusque and masculine knight, Riftan Calypse, continues with more amusing day-to-day antics.
Maximilian “Maxi” Calypse is enjoying her days in Anatol. She is slowly getting acquainted with the lands, preparing for the cold winter season. She befriends a high-ranking sorcerer and a loyal companion of Riftan, Ruth Serbel.

Meanwhile, Riftan Calypse is busy participating in several expeditions. He has been fighting monsters across the lands. Yet, mentally, he has been yearning to return to Anatol to spend time with his wife, Maxi.

Life in Anatol Has Been Exciting For Maxi

Many events in volume one featured the couple together. However, this volume feels more centered on Maxi’s storyline. While Riftan is away, we witness Maxi slowly thriving in her new environment. She is making small wins in Anatol. For example, she assists Ruth in creating a magical barrier to protect Anatol, and she heals injured townspeople and knights. Soon after, she gains an interest in learning how to use healing magic and begins rigorous healing magic training with Ruth.

However, Maxi continues to be a “people-pleaser,” seeking approval from others. She desires to be “useful” to someone, and that is due to the trauma she experienced from her father. Her father called her useless and a burden throughout her life. Her negative self-esteem is clearly a barrier for her. Thus, it will be interesting to see what events will trigger her transformation into a confident woman.

Introducing Ruth Serbel, A Talented Sorcerer

One supporting character who helps with her confidence issues is the sorcerer, Ruth Serbel. Ruth is a talented sorcerer, but he is often seen as lethargic and nonchalant. He spends his time sleeping in the library because he is constantly overworked, spending sleepless nights maintaining the magical infrastructure of Anatol. Yet, even though he complains about the work, he remains a loyal follower of Riftan.

Ruth is a perfect companion to Maxi. While Ruth is antisocial, he always ends up interacting with others, which is something that Maxi yearns to do. Ruth does not judge Maxi for her speech impairment, making him more approachable and trustworthy to Maxi. Maxi can rely on Ruth because he does not insult her like her father. Ruth believes in Maxi’s potential to become a competent ruler of Anatol and wife to Riftan. Ruth is Maxi’s mentor. He lets Maxi partake in his adventures, so she can get accustomed to being the ‘Lady of Anatol.’

The Heart Grows Fonder With Distance

As I mentioned before, Riftan isn’t featured as much in this volume. Yet in the scenes where Riftan is featured, Riftan continues to show his affection and love towards Maxi. When Riftan returns from an expedition, Riftan gifts a white horse to Maxi. They ride alongside each other and discuss their interests and hobbies. Maxi subtly confessed that she does not like herself, which surprises Riftan.

Maxi is slowly opening up about her true self to Riftan. She does not see herself fondly and is scared to share those emotions with Riftan. Yet by having the courage to reveal her insecurity, she shows that she is willing to be vulnerable towards Riftan, which will help strengthen their bond even more.

It is said that the heart does grow fonder over time and distance. In this case, it turns out to be true. While Riftan is away, Maxi’s mind wanders towards Riftan. She begins to miss his presence, and so when he returns at the end of this volume, she hastens to greet him upon his arrival with a hug and kiss. She is subtly displaying her feelings for him, which he has longed for since they reunited. By being away from one another, Maxi and Riftan naturally got closer. The distance helps Maxi realize her genuine feelings for Riftan as opposed to Riftan forcing those emotions out of her. If the latter were the case, Riftan and Maxi’s relationship would be seen as toxic to the readers.

Although I was super excited for the release of the second volume, I was a bit disappointed. Volume 1 provided readers with four additional episodes and art extras, including character sketches of Maxi and Riftan. Volume 2 only has 20 episodes, and there is no bonus content.

Now, it’s understandable why editors have chosen to shorten this volume in comparison to the previous one. Editors need to make the ending of the volume transition logically to the next. The conclusion should also be a cliffhanger, making readers want to buy the next installment. However, not having special bonus content is disappointing. I hope the next volume of the graphic novel provides extra art content or even fun character bios.