Is King Liam the Most Logical Choice in 'The Royal Romance?'

Maxwell Beaumont is a better choice than King Liam.

Yeah, I said it. Having chosen King Liam three times in many different gameplays, I came to the conclusion that Maxwell Beaumont is a better choice—but not necessarily a wiser one. In fact, the steadfast Maxwell is only hinted to be an eligible suitor until the end of Book One. Up until that moment, your main character's affections are split between King Liam, Lady Hana Lee, and Drake Walker. The Royal Romance, brought to us by Pixelberry, is one of the most in-depth stories of its repertoire.

If you've played the game Choices at least once, you know that choosing different suitors (or not) dramatically changes the plot. The decisions you make throughout the game determine how much you learn about each character. The Royal Romance is one of the few stories in which all the suitors are worth choosing. To determine the moral compass of said choices and their outcomes, I took my main character through the task of getting engaged—several times. For simplicity's sake, we'll mostly focus on The Royal Romance up until King Liam's Proposal.

Maxwell Beaumont

Bertrand's attitude towards his brother isn't meant to be hurtful, but his feelings are usually fueled by Maxwell's irresponsibility. As we learn more about the Beaumonts later on, it's obvious that Maxwell really cares for the main character. After all, he takes the risk to sponsor you despite the repercussions of an entire kingdom--all in the name of Prince Liam and his one chance at true love. It's also Bertrand and Maxwell who you spend the most time with throughout the first two books, forming a strong bond that may very well end up with you falling in love.

Sometime during the royal engagement tour, we learn that Maxwell and Bertrand's parents both passed away when they were younger. Even when Bertrand's heightened sense of responsibility and his attempts to maintain their social reputation intact have strained their relationship, Maxwell's impulsive choices mean well and he just wants to help. If you choose to marry him, King Liam will respect and understand your feelings more than if you choose anyone else.

King Liam

Yes, it was Maxwell Beaumont who brought you to Cordonia to compete for the Prince's hand. However, Prince Liam is Cordonia. Besides Madeline's devotion to it, few other characters hold their duties to the court and to their people in such high regard. Before the events that take place just before the proposal, your main character's relationship with King Liam is sweet and honest, though it's really the unsteadiness of it all that determines whether you choose him or not. Drake's harsh feelings toward the court aren't outrageous. You learn the hard way that it takes a lot more than just vying for Prince Liam's hand to earn your place among royalty.

The events in Book Two of The Royal Romance are the ultimate test between your relationship with Liam. It's after your image has been ruined that we realize the depth of King Liam's feelings for you. He'll do anything in his power to keep you safe, even if it means keeping you a secret from Cordonia itself. In the brief moments you're able to steal together, you learn that Liam's only outside view of the world happens through your eyes. I believe that if you reject his marriage proposal after everything you've been through, he might blame his royal upbringing for influencing your decision. He never wanted you to get hurt in the first place.

Hana Lee

Is there anything the talented Hana Lee can't accomplish? Actually, there is one thing: standing up against her parents. She's literally been forced to compete for Prince Liam, and losing isn't an option in the eyes of her family. Similar to Liam, Lady Hana's exposure to a world outside of court is practically non-existent. When you first meet in the boutique, Hana quickly bonds with you because she envies your enthusiasm. Having been strictly raised to impress royal suitors, Hana doesn't realize that the talents she grew up with are admirable to others.

As your relationship with her develops, Liam, Drake, and Maxwell also start to see her as a friend. At the beginning of Book Two, Liam negotiates with Madeleine to call Hana back as one her ladies-in-waiting. More so, he wants Hana back at court so that the main character is not unprotected during the royal engagement tour. If you choose to marry her despite the odds, King Liam will regret not being able to compete with her.

Drake Walker

I chose to marry the rogue Drake Walker a few times during my gameplays. I even went through with the actual wedding once, and that's why I confess that I wouldn't do it again. Drake's loyalty to Liam is put to the test when his will to protect you in court results in him falling in love. Drake will never encourage you to betray Liam, and even when he eventually gives in to your advances, there's a huge moment of guilt in between you two. Marrying him is the decision that will hurt Liam the most, and if you play beyond Book Two of The Royal Romance, this choice will haunt you. Liam cares enough about you and Drake that he won't let heartbreak ruin their lifelong friendship.

The conversation that most likely took place between Drake and Liam isn't easy to imagine. Drake actually hints this during a scene with you in Lythikos, towards the end of Book Three. What changes your relationship with him from Book One and Two are the infamous events that tarnish your reputation in front of all Cordonia. As Liam fought to save you from the unknown danger, all from behind the scenes, Drake was with you every step of the way. If your love for him is strong enough to choose him over King Liam, you'll soon learn that his feelings for you are equal.

Conclusion

You came to Cordonia for King Liam, but if you don't feel the same way about him, there are other characters who you can find happiness with. Liam might not be the one for you, that is if you want to explore your new life in Cordonia differently. Regardless of who you marry, you'll still end up accepted among the Cordonian people. The Royal Romance is a fantastic visual novel that's full of surprises.