Review: FATHER, I DON’T WANT THIS MARRIAGE Volume 3 deepens the drama and doubles the charm

Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage, Vol. 3

Story: Hong Heesu (Adaptation by Yuri)
Art: Roal
Publisher: Inklore (Print & Digital)
Translation: C&C Revolution
Publication Date: April 22, 2025
Rating: Teen
Genre: VSC (S. Korea), Manhwa, Webtoon, Fiction Graphic Novels

This review contains spoilers for Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage, Vol. 3. I received a free copy from Inklore in exchange for a review.

Is Lady Juvelian at greater risk of dying at the hands of her father’s political enemies . . . or of falling in love? This manhwa adaptation of Hong Heesu’s webnovel is now available in English print for the first time.

Desperate to appear unavailable for marriage to the tyrannical Crown Prince Maximilian—the villain of her previous life—Juvelian has proposed a contract relationship with her father’s rebellious protégé. At first glance, he’s the perfect choice, but a veil of misunderstandings hides a dark truth that could challenge Juvelian’s attempts to change her future.

Meanwhile, political schemes and old grudges are moving in the shadows of the imperial court, and Juvelian’s father, Duke Floyen, stands at the heart of them. As the crown prince seeks to solidify his power, the emperor tightens his hold over the duke.

Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage, Vol. 3

Volume 3 collects episodes 32-48 of the webcomic.

Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage, Vol. 3 picks up right where Vol. 2 left off—with Juvelian stepping in to defend Max (Crown Prince Maximilian in disguise) during a tense encounter with Baron Gordon. The Baron, flattered that the daughter of the country’s hero knows his name, quickly begins scheming. However, Juvelian derails his plans by boldly declaring Max as “her man,” leading to another delightful misunderstanding between the pair.

Juvelian clarifies that Max is her personal bodyguard and accuses the Baron of threatening him. Thanks to her quick thinking, the Baron is forced to apologize—much to his chagrin.

Afterward, Max agrees to Juvelian’s earlier proposal for a contract relationship, shocking Juvelian with how publicly he accepts. Their candid behavior leads the onlookers to believe they’re far closer than they truly are. In private, Juvelian reveals Max is the only person she feels comfortable asking for such a favor, which thrills him—until she brings up payment, snapping him back to reality. Although Max insists no payment is necessary because he trusts her, Juvelian remains adamant about drafting a contract to protect them both.

When Juvelian introduces Max to the Floyen Knights as her “lover,” chaos ensues. Protective and skeptical, the knights question if she chose Max merely for his good looks—one of the many laugh-out-loud moments in this volume. After spinning a dubious backstory about how they met, Juvelian brings Max home to meet her father, Duke Floyen, whose reaction is predictably explosive. Juvelian mistakenly assumes her father’s anger stems from Max not being one of his hand-picked suitors; in reality, the Duke is horrified that his precious daughter is dating the Crown Prince himself.

Their heated confrontation results in Juvelian pulling a “desperate daughter” move: collapsing dramatically to the floor and taking all the blame. Both men immediately beg her to get up, expressing concern for her. Although Duke Floyen begrudgingly accepts Max’s apology, he refuses to bless their relationship. Later, Max rejects the official relationship contract Juvelian prepared by tearing it apart, which nearly causes her to call off their arrangement altogether. After some compromise and reflection on Max’s part, they eventually signed the contract, preserving their ruse.

The drama ramps up at the next noble tea party, where Veronica brings Mikhail (Juvelian’s mind-numbingly awful ex) without permission. Juvelian arrives arm-in-arm with Max, instantly sparking Mikhail’s jealousy. Convinced Juvelian only brought Max to provoke him, Mikhail stews in his own delusions while Juvelian simply wants to move on. Although Veronica tries to exclude Juvelian from a club membership, Juvelian handles the situation with class—while Max sneakily mocks Mikhail from a distance.

Tensions boil over when Mikhail, unable to contain his rage, pushes assaults Veronica. Meanwhile, Juvelian scolds Max for antagonizing nobles, unaware he’s actually the Crown Prince. She worries he’ll suffer the same fate she did in her previous life if he keeps up with his attitude.

Back at the Floyen manor, Max joins Juvelian for dinner, enduring her whispered table manners advice despite mastering etiquette as a child. Duke Floyen watches with grim resignation, convinced a man has once again deceived his daughter into believing he’s better than he is.

Their relationship becomes more complicated when Max, realizing he genuinely loves Juvelian, questions her disdain for the Crown Prince. She candidly reveals her fear, rooted in the traumatic memories of her past life. (Although that past life bit is only for us readers to know, and Max to find out.) Max, desperate to win her over as himself, begins plotting a way to earn her trust.

Meanwhile, Duke Floyen’s hatred for the Emperor surfaces as he prepares for yet another mission. We also get a glimpse of palace politics, including the Empress’s scheming and the introduction of Max’s younger sister.

In a hilarious side plot, Max enlists a poor pigeon to deliver letters to Juvelian as the Crown Prince, leading to one of the volume’s funniest moments. (The pigeon quickly became one of my favorite characters when I first read the webcomic, lamenting, “Humans suck! This violates animal rights!”)

Volume 3 concludes with Juvelian hosting a tea party for the noble ladies. Veronica unexpectedly attends, hinting at possible friendship. Duke Floyen also appears to praise Juvelian, surprising her. Watching his daughter confidently socialize, Duke Floyen reflects: “Juvelian, I wonder if you know… you’re the reason… I can keep on living.”

A final flashback reveals a younger, bloodied Duke Floyen being visited by a tiny, unafraid Juvelian—a touching reminder of the love that persists between them, despite their many misunderstandings.

Overall, Volume 3 was an absolute delight! It features several of my favorite scenes, from Max’s awkward attempts at courtship to the pigeon’s tragic plight. I loved the inclusion of bonus art, character Q&As, and thoughtful editorial adaptation from the vertical webcomic format to a seamless graphic novel style.

The flashbacks add real emotional weight, making it clear that Juvelian and her father’s bond is deep, if troubled by past mistakes. I can’t wait for Volume 4, releasing in July—how will I live until then?!