Eisuke is a weird character writing-wise, and that weirdness makes itself known if you play his later seasons.
I fundamentally understand that this is an otome game, and that traits like dominance, jealousy, control, and arrogance are romanticized especially for the type of โkingโ archetype Eisuke represents. That part is not my issue. Iโm not confused about the genre, and Iโm not expecting realism or expecting Eisukeโs character writing to cater to me. The problem is that the way these traits are written doesnโt create engaging romance or meaningful tension. Instead, they actively block the relationship from becoming emotionally dynamic or equal.
I wouldnโt fix my mouth and say that the story doesnโt criticize Eisuke at all because that would be a lie, but Eisuke suffers from the fact that he is controlling, bossy, jealous, secretive, and stubborn, and the narrative consistently frames those traits as sexy or admirable rather than interrogating them those flaws.
These arenโt just flaws that add spice to the relationship, they basically shape the entire structure of the entire relationship. From the very beginning, Eisuke establishes absolute authority over the MC. He is her boss, controls her income, has overwhelming social power, and is positioned by the story as the central โkingโ figure whose is judgment is damn near always correct. Early on, he explicitly tells her that all she needs to do is stay quiet and obey him. This is not treated as something he needs to unlearn, itโs treated as part of his appeal as a LI.
Later in his route, Eisuke claims he wants the MC to be more confident and bold, but the moment she actually embodies that confidence in ways that challenge him, he shuts it down.
She is not allowed to be right. She is not allowed to stand her ground. The lesson the story teaches is that confidence is only acceptable when it aligns with Eisukeโs appeal of being an authority figure.
When the MC tries to act independently from him, Eisuke undermines her, framing her actions as naรฏve or dangerous. These moments arenโt used to help her grow as a character, theyโre used to reaffirm his dominance as a LI. The story does not allow her mistakes to be learning moments. They are proof that Eisuke knows best.
What makes this worse is that Eisuke treats the MC differently from the other bidders because his power over her is total. All the bidders are powerful, but their power is meant to be challenged. Eisukeโs power is meant to be obeyed. He is not just dangerous or intimidating, he is institutionally protected by the narrative. When he withholds information โfor her protection,โ even when that secrecy puts her in danger, the story ultimately justifies him by having him save her afterward or having the bidders tell the MC that she wouldโve โruinedโ her plans.
The status quo is always restored: MC is endangered, Eisuke rescues her, Eisuke is validated.
When you compare this to a bidder like Mamoru, the difference is obvious. Mamoru is deeply complicit in the auction system and actively prevents the MC from going to the police. That is not only a massive moral failing, but extremely controlling within their dynamic. But Mamoruโs MC is allowed to confront him within their relationship. She nags him, argues with him, and gets angry when he makes decisions about her safety without asking. The story lets her frustration matter. Mamoru does not get immediate narrative validation. He grows because the MC refuses to let his behavior slide.
Eisuke rarely has to deal with that level of pushback. When the MC gets upset with him, the story often redirects the tension instead of resolving it. Eisuke avoids emotional conflict by using reassurance or sex. This happens constantly to the point the MC literally learns to do the same thing if she is ever dealing with anything emotionally. Because the narrative allows it, Eisuke never has to truly engage with her emotional needs.
Hikaruโs route makes this issue even clearer. Hikaru is a literal assassin and yet his MC is allowed to be bold, stubborn, and confrontational. She questions his morality, challenges his worldview, and pushes him emotionally. The narrative does not punish her for it. This proves that MC assertiveness is not limited by danger or intimidation. It is limited specifically by Eisukeโs role as an unquestionable authority figure.
The MCs themselves are written very differently across routes. Mamoruโs MC is witty, assertive, and emotionally engaged. She pushes Mamoru because she expects growth. Eisukeโs MC expected to submit. Her endurance and silence are treated as romantic virtues. Instead of Eisuke adapting to her, she adapts to him.
When people defend Eisuke by pointing to his archetype, it misses the point. Eisukeโs MC isnโt submissive because she freely chooses that dynamic, she isnโt real. Sheโs written into submission because the story always protects Eisuke as a LI first. Even when the narrative criticizes him, that criticism is contained, softened, and never allowed to truly reshape the relationship.
But because the writing prioritizes preserving Eisukeโs archetype over creating a relationship that allows mutual growth, accountability, and emotional tension. Mamoruโs route proves the writers know how to do better. Eisukeโs route just chooses not to.
