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Results are out! A whopping 60% of our readers think that Nora went to Shuri's hometown.

Will his trip be in search of Shuri's brother, who was the only one who knew of the Church's corruption before his untimely death? Or is he looking to investigate Shuri's background and her connection to the Neuschwanstein family? Or maybe, he's going to meet Anna, Shuri's childhood friend for reasons unknown...

Please let me know your thoughts but keep your novel spoilers to yourself!

So in the latest chapters of ASM, Nora disappeared, where do we think he went?

If you read ahead in the novel, please keep spoilers to yourself!!

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It could also be Albrecht talking about himself!!

Albrecht is such an interesting and complex character, for being such a class act to some people and the worst father ever to Nora and his friends. Even his worst sides have motivations that make sense given his status and upbringing. He has a status to withhold and sees his failures in his son, which results in the cyclical abuse. All while he's giving his never ending support to his best friend's legacies.

In a way, he sees Jeremy being the better man than Johannes ever was and deep down, he knows that Nora is a better man than he will ever be as well. His quotes here could very well be a direct reference to Jeremy as well as himself and Nora.

There's a heaviness in his words, knowing that being a good uncle to Jeremy is a detached repentance for mistreating his own son.

Everyone and their father obsessing about Shuri being Ludovika's spitting image... but Albrecht chasing after Johannes' shadow through Jeremy was something I wasn't prepared to cry over today

"You're nothing like your father, are you?"

Albrecht can't help but see flashes of Johannes in Jeremy, but his attitude is the one thing separating the two. Unlike Johannes, who lived in the rain, Jeremy is like a wildfire blazing through despite the world's attempts to smother him.

"But still, it's far better than falling into despair. Anger, after all, is a kind of fuel."

Could Albrecht be referencing Johannes giving up and eventually falling into madness? He's seen his friend fall victim to his own despair and it's a total 180 from Jeremy who just doesn't give up.

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So in the latest chapters of ASM, Nora disappeared, where do we think he went?

If you read ahead in the novel, please keep spoilers to yourself!!

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Everyone and their father obsessing about Shuri being Ludovika's spitting image... but Albrecht chasing after Johannes' shadow through Jeremy was something I wasn't prepared to cry over today

"You're nothing like your father, are you?"

Albrecht can't help but see flashes of Johannes in Jeremy, but his attitude is the one thing separating the two. Unlike Johannes, who lived in the rain, Jeremy is like a wildfire blazing through despite the world's attempts to smother him.

"But still, it's far better than falling into despair. Anger, after all, is a kind of fuel."

Could Albrecht be referencing Johannes giving up and eventually falling into madness? He's seen his friend fall victim to his own despair and it's a total 180 from Jeremy who just doesn't give up.

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i'm about to go feral

... so we're getting a confrontation about her bruise omg

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For any new followers now that ASM Season 3 has started, make sure to check out my blog HERE for ASM resources!

I keep updated lists of chapter guides and chronological guides to the manhwa! (keep in mind, both are not spoiler free!)

You can also find character pages and my ask box where we can discuss theories and artwork!

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Angel Jeremy, Let's Talk About It

During an argument between Ohara and her father, we see a dreamy image of Jeremy as an angel from Ohara's POV, dressed in blue and white, with a long red sash and a sword.

So what does it mean?

Guardian Angel: Ever since their early childhood, I believe that Ohara has seen Jeremy as her guardian angel of sorts (whether or not Jeremy himself is aware of it). We've seen glimpses of Ohara's life living with her father, before and after her mother died and we can only infer what her day-to-day life was like. She likely saw Jeremy, the boy she was politically engaged to, as her only way out from under her father's thumb. Although she didn't "love" Jeremy, being with Jeremy meant a freedom she never got to experience.

Red Cloak and Sword: The sword and red cloak Jeremy wears are symbols of his status as Captain of the Imperial Knights. They are righteous symbols of who Jeremy is- strong, compassionate, and most importantly, loyal.

Upward Gaze: Jeremy looks upward, focusing on somewhere elsewhere as Ohara looks at him. Jeremy was never focused on Ohara, and she knows this.

Locked to a Perch: Although winged, Jeremy's sash is enclosed in his perch. In religious context, a chained angel refers to fallen angels who've done wrong against God, and are waiting for their day of judgement. Not unlike Jeremy, who has "defied the Church" and is waiting for the Holy Trial to decide his fate.

Ohara sees Jeremy, a boy who has done nothing wrong in his life, being punished by a greater power, while she looks on, unable to defend him like he deserves. It's an awfully romantic and tragic vision which lets up more about Ohara than she reveals herself. She respects Jeremy so much for being a Good Man that she's willing to go against her father for him.

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Duke Heinrich's Misdoings in Chapter 142

Let's just go ahead and count off Duke Heinrich's crimes in the latest chapter of ASM, shall we?

Criticizing Servants. -for not setting out a feast for his departure???? When they were given strict orders to give him a specific meal that day? Ridiculous.

Misogynist. The Duke says that a woman should be taking care to adjust to his moods swings. AND says that Claudia, the wife he CHEATED ON (whose sorrows led to her death!) did such a great job doing so.

Being Unreasonable. Forcing Ohara to accompany him during his meal was so unbearable. How many meals does Ohara have to sit through listening to his nonsense.

Being a Gossip. Duke Heinrich is SO adamant on supporting the nonsense being spread by the Church. ALL because he'd rather be on the "winner's side"

Betraying Allies. Imagine being such good friends with someone that you promise to marry off your first born child to forever unite your families. and then, just breaking things off at the first sign of danger? And prioritizing a business deal over a trial that will change the course of your own daughter's life? Yes Ohara, no loyalty indeed.

Belittling Family. Was it necessary to make comments against his own daughter to make a point? Duke Heinrich questions Ohara's intelligence, calls her naive, and insolent for speaking up.

Selling off his Daughter. Duke Heinrich made it quite the point in the early chapters that Ohara was to attract Jeremy, and now we know it's all for his name and title. And the moment Jeremy is not a great option, he's already shopping for a new man when he knows how close the two have gotten (no thanks to his insistence). He uses people like stepping stones for his own greed and satisfaction.

Physical Abuse. In the final scene of the chapter, Heinrich's raised hand is reflected in Ohara's iris. The shadow of his fingers are cast upon hey face. It's pretty well indicated what's happening here.

That's 8 all over the course of 1 meal. I can't believe what a POS the Duke is. (ugh) ORKA has hinted at what an asshole he is, but wow imagine having breakfast like this every single day? No wonder Ohara wanted to get married early.... she just wants to get out of there ASAP.

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Hi! I was wondering if you knew if this drawing from ORKA exists or if I just made it up in my head. I swear there was a school au that was drawn by ORKA and Shuri was wearing a white top with like a green skirt.. I wanted to see it again but I couldn’t find it IS THIS REAL?!

Hi!!! I know exactly what you're talking about!

It's this image from the Official A Stepmother's Marchen Limited Edition Collector's Set! The special edition artbook has a section called "What if 'A Stepmother's Marchen' was set in modern times?"

Here's what we know about the AU (note: Translations are from what little I could find online. Translations may not be 100% accurate. If anyone has real scans of this book, I can offer more accurate details!)

Shuri: A 3rd year student at Gold Highschool with excellent grades, outstanding athletics, and in the advanced class. She lives in the city with her aunt and she's neighbors with Jeremy.

Nora: A 1st year student at Silver Highschool in the art club. He has outstanding athletics and while quiet, he gets along with his peers. He seems to be attracted to Shuri, who he met by chance.

Jeremy: A 1st year student at Gold Highschool. He is great at sports, but doesn't have a lot of hobbies outside school. He just floats around because he doesn't have any goals. He bickers a lot with Shuri.

Theo: A 3rd year student at Infinite Highschool and the student body president. He has excellent grades and plays the violin. His nickname is "the Prince of Infinite High" and he has a secret fanclub.

Ohara: A 1st year student at Infinite Highschool and the student body vice president. She has excellent grades and plays the violin. She strives to go to the top college in the U.S.

Elias: A 2nd year student at Gold Middleschool whose hobbies include gaming, going to arcades or computer cafes. He dreams to become a pro-gamer. He's going through puberty and he has a mother-complex.

Leon and Rachel: They are 4th year students at Gold Elementary School. They have a cat named Cherry. They are strong and healthy kids and Leon, who loves books, wears glasses due to poor sight. The two attend Alberon's Taekwondo gym.

Maximillian: Chairman of a large corporation and a self-made businessman. He is a perfectionist and often argues with Elizabeth, who has an opinion against all of his matters.

Elizabeth: A politician with a fiery personality. Her skill is wrestling and her hobby is wrestling. She is great at her job.

Richelieu: Part of the legal team at a large corporation. He graduated school early and as soon as he did, he joined Maximillian's company's legal team.

Wolffe: A senior year college student in the law department. He's overwhelmed with assignments, applications, and essays. He dreams of joining Richelieu's legal team after graduation.

Albert: A diplomat that deals with internationally famous politicians and often travels to different countries. He's sad that he can't see his family due to his overseas business trips.

Heidi: A traditional tea shop owner located in a small alley. She's very shy and quiet, but passionate about her tea.

Everette: An interior designer that focuses on giving people a warm and comfortable home and accommodating to their customer's needs. She is a hard working interior designer in Shinchang.

Alberon: A Taekwondo instructor that's large in size and blunt in personality. He practiced consistently and refined his skills to become a national representative, achieving great results. Children often fear his large size, but the twins take him aback with their fearless attitude. He opens up to them and becomes very popular.

Johannes: A resourceful businessman. He spends more time abroad than he does at home. He sponsors Alicia's creative activities. They got married for their mutual beneficial business relationship.

Alicia: She is an artist that works as an art museum curator and a writer. Thanks to Johannes' sponsorships, she's become a well known creator.

Shuri's Family: They own a noodle shop in Shuri's hometown. They work somewhat diligently and business seems to be going well.

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The guilt that Elias carries with him.

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This is your kind reminder to blacklist the tag "asm season 3 spoilers" to avoid chapter spoilers on your timeline!!!

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Two Timelines Colliding

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this is so silly, but was anyone else jumpscared by this Heinrich panel?

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SEASON 3 IS HERE!!!!!!! SPOILERS BELOW!!!

Chapters 137 and 138 are out!!! (aka Chapters 1 & 2 of Season 1)

Some notes:

So that one photo of Shuri (top left) ended up being church propaganda of Shuri and Jeremy!! While we all thought this was a reference to the 1st timeline, but we're finally seeing some notable crossover of the two timelines. While Shuri avoided the "Spider Widow" persona in the 2nd timeline, the Church seems to be spinning her public image to be exactly that.

Jeremy growing up and losing that reckless habit of his by practicing restraint for his family's sake. And that maturity, being what reminds Robert of Johannes. Then Jeremy looking in the mirror and seeing his father in his own face. After coming to the realization that the great man he's always looked up to maybe wasn't as grand as he made him out to be. It's sickening.

Nora staying out all night wandering the streets after having the worst night of his live (reaching the breaking point with his father, splitting up with a dear childhood friend) just to come running (literally) to Shuri's feet in loyalty and support. Keeping his emotions locked down. MEANWHILE, Shuri sees this but can't bring herself to ask because now is just not the Right Time.

Everyone's dark circles were killing me.... all meanwhile Theo was bright, happy, and unbothered (psycho king).

The upgrade in the art??? I didn't think it could get any better but it totally did??? I'm thoroughly blown away.

Richelieu's freaky ass grin (oh my god. it's so simple but the english doesn't do the original justice... he's so creepy) Even Theo was taken aback by it.

THE FOOT TOUCH!!!!! So subtle but soo sooooo effective. A touch of "hey, i'm here, it's going to be okay" unfffff

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ASM Season 3 Promo Analysis

Guys!!! Look at this beautiful promotion art for ASM Season 3! We're blessed again with some beautiful 1st timeline NoShu art. I'll be breaking down the details below!

Holy Knight's Crest: Nora wears a pendant symbolizing the church, immediately clueing us in that this is a scene from the 1st timeline. He is kneeling on one knee, almost in prayer of his deity, Shuri.

Red Petals: The red rose petals seem to drip from Shuri's body like blood. It's a gruesome metaphor for Shuri's death at the end of the 1st timeline. Even the red shadows appear like blood flowing down her neck and arm.

Dress Feathers: The flowing fabric of Shuri's dress defy gravity, appearing like wings around them. Small translucent feathers float around, perhaps symbolizing Shuri's death or maybe even rebirth.

Sword in the Earth: Nora's sword (note: it's the same sword Shuri gifts him for Christmas!) in the foreground is embedded in to the ground, which may symbolize a memorialization of a lost loved one or a symbol of the end of an era.

Purple and Green Glow: On the left we see a royal purple tone in the background. And a small green glow on the right... Perhaps it's a hint at Shuri's rebirth? Or maybe just a pleasant design choice...

Shuri's Tears: Even in death, Shuri's sorrows are not left unseen! While the meaning is obvious, I think we're in for a lot of angst in this upcoming season. Prepare for tears and more tears. I think we'll be seeing more suffering than we've ever seen in both the 1st and 2nd timeline.

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well my prediction was only... checks watch.... 7 months off

guys help i'm running out of things to post and ASM SEASON 3 STILL DOESN'T HAVE A RELEASE DATE

we made an educated guess about when s3 might be released (early September) but it's already almost October and there is still no news regarding the new season!

my personal guess was November... but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for October. But send in your guesses and help hold my hands in the ASM S3 Prayer Circle

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I'M RATTLING THE BARS OF MY CAGE!!!!! IT IS FINALLY HAPPENING AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. Time to reread! For the billionthed time!!!

YES ME TOO!!!!! I'M ABSOLUTELY FERAL WAITING FOR SEASON 3 TO DROP!!!! I HAVE SO MUCH TO CATCH UP ON!!!