I'm a hard sell on the Enemies to Lovers trope, primarily bc colonizers love that shit to whitewash their literal land theft and war crimes.
Seo Bi (lower case? upper case? what is... language) is a talented medic working under the harshest and deadliest of conditions. Young Shin (IMDb spelling) is a child soldier, a survivor, an unwilling experimental warrior in the pursuit of empire's complete domination over all things, including the undead.
Seo Bi chastises him for his cynicism, insisting good morale are as important to healing as the nutrition and treatment she provides. She will have none of his bullshit in the house of healing, and is willing to intimidate him into "understanding."
When they finally come to an understanding, it is when Young Shin "hunts a deer" and makes a broth to feed the starving, injured villagers, completely accepting Seo Bi's assessment. They both survive because they both choose to let the others eat before themselves.
Then, the outbreak.
Seo Bi thinks this is on purpose, having found remnants of her fellow apprentice in the soup. Young Shin shoves back, asking how people were meant to survive without supplies. The answer is as cruel as it is cutting: Neighbors.
Finally, they have to rely on one another. They understand one another. They trust one another as much as the prince and his bodyguard.
This is one tale that wouldn't insult me one bit. She's respected, and he's worthy of it for once.
