Uynumeotp

When the monster exposed what hurt our heroes, Ryunosuke’s issue was his complex regarding his parents.

The "loyal vassal" role is something he was raised for, so his devotion almost feels like an unconscious performance.

imo because he secretly has mixed feelings about the situation, he overcompensates, acting excessively polite, & trying to present Takeru as superior in many ways.

Since Ryunosuke is among the older members of the team, and in reality far more headstrong than his usual image suggests.

He frequently criticizes behaviors he sees as un-vassal-like, and when he thinks someone is wrong, he’ll oppose them directly, even Takeru

Ironically, for someone who is supposed to be the most obedient servant, his disagreements with Takeru are often the most direct and aggressive on the team.

I really like that he can say something harsh to his "lord" while still sounding polite and eloquent.

Also he once dreamed himself as the lord lol

I don't think he is two-faces or actually hate Takeru or anything (he treated him nicely even in this dream). It feels more like an expression of his competitiveness & his desire to always do his best & him wanting Takeru to take his words seriously. I think Ryunosuke’s dragon motif fits this side of him, there’s an innate stubbornness and pride beneath his devotion.

Ryunosuke’s both deeply loyal and deeply headstrong at the same time. Those contradictions are all part of who he is, shaped by his upbringing and personal values.

What’s admirable about him is that, even though he is confused and conflicted. When it matters, he chooses what he genuinely believes is right rather than blindly following tradition

I think Takeru gradually understood this too. Once he sees past Ryunosuke’s "perfect vassal" act, he starts trusting and appreciating Ryunosuke's discipline, strength and judgment more.

Even leaving the team in Ryunosuke’s care when he’s absent

After Takeru reveals his own personal want/emotion, instead of acting out the role of "the lord" as usual...

Ryunosuke also admits his conflicted feelings/thoughts afterward

and Takeru responds "That’s just like you"

That line feels really sweet to me because it’s Takeru acknowledging the real Ryunosuke wholly and messy as he is, not the perfect vassal role he plays.

Their relationship should have been the smooth sailing on paper, a loyal vassal serving his lord. But it's allowed to have this subtle tension and slowly develop in equally subtle ways.