The relationship between Hinami and Rigris could go in many directions. He calls her cute, he sits her on his lap, he touches her lips. That’s very forward. If this is aiming for a romantic subplot, I hope it develops naturally and not just because he’s bored and she’s grateful. Hinami is in a vulnerable situation — she just sacrificed everything and is now dependent on him. That’s not a good foundation for romance. Unless Rigris genuinely cares for her beyond entertainment. The exchange diary might help build a friendship. I’d prefer a slow-burn development where Hinami learns to stand on her own and then maybe sees Rigris as an equal. But given the genre, a quick romance is possible. I’ll wait and see. For now, I’m more interested in her survival.
I’m really curious how the story will balance Isabella’s brute-force flag breaking with the original game’s plot. Already, the prince, the rival, the heroine’s role, and the followers have been completely derailed. Will the antagonists from the game show up? Will there be actual challenges that can’t be solved by lifting the goddess statue? I hope so, because I want to see her adapt.