Under the Oak Tree: Vol 1 Summary, Characters and Themes

Under the Oak Tree by Suji Kim is a romantic fantasy that follows the journey of Maximilian Calypse, a noblewoman whose life has been shaped by fear, abuse, and silence.  Set in a medieval-inspired world, the story begins with her forced marriage to Riftan Calypse, a knight who leaves the morning after their wedding.

When he returns years later, Maxi is swept into a new life—one that demands strength, love, and courage.  The novel explores how a woman reclaims her identity and voice in a society that has always tried to silence her, through a slow-burning romance and her growing agency.

Summary

Lady Maximilian Calypse, known as Maxi, is introduced as a timid noblewoman burdened by a traumatic upbringing under her abusive father, the Duke of Croyso.  The duke treats Maxi with cruelty, demeaning her speech impediment and dismissing her as unworthy.

Her marriage to Riftan Calypse is arranged for political convenience, and immediately after the wedding night, Riftan disappears on a military campaign without a word, leaving Maxi in isolation and dread.  When Riftan returns years later, Maxi is overwhelmed by fear and confusion.

She expects rejection but is instead told she must accompany him to his estate in Anatol.  Their first encounters are strained and emotionally volatile, marked by mutual misunderstanding and the lingering trauma from their wedding night.

Their journey to Anatol is disrupted by an ogre attack.  Riftan demonstrates his skill and bravery by defeating the beast, but Maxi is traumatized.

She wakes in an inn, emotionally vulnerable and physically exhausted.  Riftan’s behavior fluctuates between gruffness and tenderness—he washes her, feeds her, and insists she assume her role as his wife.

Maxi, still wary and uncertain, questions his intentions, especially in light of rumors about his possible union with Princess Agnes.  Riftan angrily denies any romantic involvement with the princess, reaffirming his commitment to Maxi and taking offense at her doubts.

As their travels continue, the couple begins to reconnect through shared intimacy.  Riftan’s commanding presence becomes a source of comfort, though his dominance remains intense.

Maxi gradually opens herself to his affection, finding small moments of safety in his unwavering attention.  Riftan’s protectiveness, though overbearing at times, reveals his deep care for her, and Maxi begins to realize that she is not just a pawn or burden in his life.

Despite her fears and limited understanding of relationships, she responds to his sincerity and starts to view herself through a lens of worth and desire.

Upon arriving in Anatol, Maxi is surprised by the warm welcome Riftan receives from his people.  Though she had anticipated a modest and neglected domain, Anatol is vibrant and proud.

Riftan gives her full authority to redesign the castle as she sees fit, an act that signifies his faith in her.  Though inexperienced, Maxi resolves to learn her new responsibilities.

She begins exploring the estate, guided by the steward Rodrigo and maid Ludis, slowly acclimating to her duties as the lady of the castle.

Her time in Anatol becomes a period of growth.  She transitions from a passive observer of her life to an engaged and determined woman.

Riftan’s encouragement and trust begin to foster a budding sense of self-confidence in her.  She observes how he defends her fiercely, even confronting his own knights when they show disrespect.

However, she is still haunted by the scars of her past and the persistent fear that Riftan will eventually see her as a disappointment.

Maxi’s magical abilities begin to surface when she works with Ruth, a mage at the castle.  Initially disheartened by her slow progress, Maxi finds encouragement when she successfully casts a light spell.

Her involvement in magical study deepens as she assists Ruth in creating a protective device for the castle.  Her intelligence and observational skills earn respect, showing her that she can contribute meaningfully beyond her role as a noblewoman.

Tensions rise again when Maxi tries to heal a knight in public and is ridiculed by Sir Ursuline Ricaydo.  Riftan responds with an explosive defense of her, striking the knight and unsettling the peace within his own ranks.

Maxi blames herself for the incident and struggles with feelings of inadequacy, especially when reminded of Princess Agnes, who is seen as Riftan’s equal in strength and nobility.  Maxi’s speech impediment remains a source of shame, prompting her to secretly begin practicing to overcome it.

Her personal growth accelerates as she uses her magic to heal others and gains acceptance among the staff and knights.  While her speech remains imperfect, her actions earn her recognition and appreciation.

Despite this progress, Maxi still fears that Riftan’s love is conditional or based on a false image of her.  Riftan continues to lavish her with affection, both privately and publicly, yet the emotional barrier between them remains.

Maxi’s emotional breakthroughs come in moments of quiet reflection and subtle trust.  A riding lesson with Riftan becomes symbolic of her emotional journey.

Initially anxious, she finds comfort in his steady presence.  During their ride, they have an honest conversation where Maxi confesses her self-loathing.

Riftan, shaken by her vulnerability, offers comfort and reassurance, affirming his deep love for her.

As winter sets in, Maxi marvels at the snow—something she’s never seen before.  Riftan, while providing her with comfort and new experiences, still hides parts of himself, leaving Maxi to navigate their emotional distance alone.

When Riftan departs on duty, Maxi finds solace in small joys and rededicates herself to studying magic.  Her sense of worth begins to shift.

She heals a servant, earning praise and trust from those around her.  These moments serve as markers of her growing confidence and capability.

Her speech improvement efforts remain slow and painful, but Maxi is no longer entirely ruled by shame.  She starts to believe in her potential, even if hesitantly.

The complexity of her relationship with Riftan persists—defined by affection and care but limited by unspoken fears.  Riftan’s fierce love is both a shield and a barrier, as he still struggles to express vulnerability in words.

Maxi, too, holds back, unsure whether she’s strong enough to confront the emotional wounds of her past fully.

The first volume of Under the Oak Tree concludes with Maxi finding a tentative place of belonging.  No longer just a pawn in political games or a shadow in someone else’s story, she begins to imagine a future where she stands on equal footing with the man who once frightened her.

Though the road ahead is uncertain, Maxi’s transformation—from a silenced, broken noblewoman to a woman with agency and hope—is already well underway.

Characters

Maximilian Calypse (Maxi)

Maximilian, commonly known as Maxi, is the heart of Under The Oak Tree.  Born into nobility but raised in emotional captivity, Maxi embodies a journey of resilience against a backdrop of trauma and oppression.

As the neglected and abused daughter of the Duke of Croyso, Maxi begins her story deeply fractured, plagued by self-doubt and a stammer that has long been a source of shame.  Her childhood was dominated by emotional cruelty and a suffocating expectation to be perfect, yet she emerges not hardened but fragile and inward-looking.

When forced into marriage with Riftan Calypse, she is ill-prepared emotionally and socially, and their first meeting after years apart is dominated by anxiety and fear.  Her initial interactions with Riftan expose her vulnerabilities—her overwhelming self-consciousness, fear of failure, and internalized belief that she is undeserving of love.

However, over the course of the narrative, Maxi begins to grow, slowly and haltingly, into a woman of agency.  Her decision to engage with her role as Lady of Anatol, to study magic, and to take on the responsibilities of managing Calypse Castle, signals a shift from passive existence to purposeful action.

Despite continual insecurity—particularly in comparison to Princess Agnes and in the shadow of Riftan’s reputation—Maxi shows courage in confronting her fears.  Her character arc is not linear but deeply human; she takes steps forward and then back, struggles with her speech, her sense of worth, and her fear of abandonment.

But gradually, she reclaims her power, not through grand gestures but in small, determined choices—to learn, to love, and to belong.

Riftan Calypse

Riftan Calypse is a man of contradictions—stoic yet passionate, brusque yet tender, and emotionally guarded yet fiercely loyal.  As Maxi’s husband, Riftan is both her greatest challenge and her greatest champion.

The son of a prostitute and a man shaped by hardship and war, Riftan has built his life on grit and perseverance.  He possesses the strength and fame of a battlefield hero, yet his deepest emotional motivations are intensely personal and often unspoken.

Initially, he appears cold, treating Maxi with a calculated distance that masks his own insecurities and fears of inadequacy.  His physicality can be overwhelming, and his expressions of affection often manifest through possessiveness rather than open communication.

However, as their relationship deepens, Riftan reveals layers of tenderness that disrupt his hardened façade.  His acts of care—feeding Maxi, massaging her cramps, defending her from insult—are quiet declarations of devotion that Maxi slowly begins to understand and trust.

Riftan’s love for Maxi is unconditional, but he struggles to express it in words, often defaulting to action.  His volatility stems from his protective instincts, particularly when Maxi is hurt or insulted, and his fury is as much about fear as it is about love.

Riftan’s emotional arc involves learning to soften, to reassure rather than control, and to trust that love can be mutual and redemptive.  He sees greatness in Maxi long before she does and devotes himself to nurturing her, even as he battles with his own wounds and insecurities.

Ruth Serbel

Ruth Serbel, the castle’s mage, plays a crucial yet understated role in Maxi’s transformation.  He is intelligent, eccentric, and often tactless, but his unconventional nature allows him to connect with Maxi in ways others cannot.

Ruth is one of the few people who initially sees Maxi not as a fragile noblewoman or a stuttering burden, but as someone with untapped potential.  His pragmatic approach to magic and social interactions strips away formality and expectation, creating a space where Maxi feels both challenged and respected.

When he offers to train her in magic, it’s with honest skepticism but also with a willingness to support her growth.  Ruth’s respect for ability over status encourages Maxi to focus on her capabilities rather than her limitations.

His blunt feedback and rare moments of emotional insight serve as grounding forces for Maxi, especially when she questions her worth.  Ruth doesn’t coddle her, but he does support her, helping to frame her speech impediment and insecurities not as flaws to be magically removed but as human hurdles that can be overcome with perseverance.

Through Ruth, Maxi begins to see herself through a lens of pragmatism and potential rather than failure and inadequacy.

Duke of Croyso

The Duke of Croyso, Maxi’s father, stands as the embodiment of patriarchal cruelty and emotional violence in Under The Oak Tree.  A man obsessed with power, status, and control, he views his daughter not as a person but as a tool to further his ambitions.

His treatment of Maxi is chilling—he mocks her stutter, denigrates her intelligence, and threatens her with ruin should she fail in her duties as Riftan’s wife.  His presence in Maxi’s life is marked by fear, shame, and conditional acceptance.

Even though he is not a central figure in the narrative’s ongoing action, his psychological imprint lingers heavily on Maxi’s development.  The Duke is responsible for instilling in her a debilitating fear of inadequacy, which shapes her early interactions with Riftan and others.

His disdain for emotion, tenderness, or anything resembling vulnerability lays the foundation for Maxi’s struggle to believe she is worthy of love or capable of greatness.  In contrast to Riftan’s eventual support and Ruth’s mentorship, the Duke represents the destructive force of a parent who stifles growth through control and cruelty.

Princess Agnes

Princess Agnes is an important yet peripheral character whose presence looms large in Maxi’s psyche.  Known for her strength, beauty, and combat prowess, Agnes represents everything Maxi believes she is not—bold, accomplished, and confident.

Her past alliance with Riftan during his campaigns and her social status as royalty make her a figure of both admiration and jealousy for Maxi.  Though she does not act with malice, Agnes becomes a symbol of Maxi’s internalized inferiority.

Riftan’s vehement denials of any romantic involvement with Agnes underscore his frustration that Maxi continues to see herself as unworthy.  In contrast to the jealousy and rivalry often portrayed between women in similar narratives, Agnes’s character is more nuanced.

She does not actively undermine Maxi, and in fact, often appears aloof or indifferent.  Her role is more psychological than interpersonal—she is a mirror for Maxi’s deepest fears of being overshadowed or replaced, particularly by someone who seems perfectly suited to Riftan’s world.

Through her presence, the narrative explores themes of comparison, jealousy, and the painful path to self-acceptance.

Sir Ursuline Ricaydo

Sir Ursuline Ricaydo embodies the rigid expectations of chivalric masculinity and aristocratic pride.  A knight in Riftan’s order, Ursuline is devoted to honor, tradition, and Princess Agnes, to whom he owes a personal allegiance.

His skepticism toward Maxi is less personal disdain and more an expression of his loyalty to a hierarchical view of nobility and merit.  When he humiliates Maxi during a magical healing incident, it is a moment of public shame that crystallizes many of her internal fears.

However, Ursuline’s disapproval also becomes a catalyst for Maxi’s determination to prove herself.  Unlike Riftan’s impassioned defense or Ruth’s awkward encouragement, Ursuline represents the societal gaze that Maxi must ultimately learn to defy rather than appease.

His role highlights the entrenched prejudice against vulnerability in positions of power, particularly when it comes from a woman who does not conform to traditional ideals of strength.  As Maxi grows stronger, Ursuline’s disdain begins to shift—signaling, perhaps, the early stages of reluctant respect.

Ludis and Rodrigo

Ludis, the maid, and Rodrigo, the steward, are minor characters who contribute significantly to Maxi’s adjustment to life at Calypse Castle.  Ludis is patient, kind, and supportive—a steady presence as Maxi navigates her new responsibilities and surroundings.

She provides emotional stability and gentle companionship, helping Maxi feel less alone in the unfamiliar setting.  Rodrigo, though more formal and distant, offers structure and guidance in castle management.

Both characters serve as a bridge between Maxi’s internal world and the outer demands of her new role.  Their inclusion in the narrative underscores the importance of community, trust, and competence in helping someone grow beyond their fears.

They reflect the daily rhythms of Anatol, grounding Maxi’s transformation in the practical realities of leadership, service, and domestic responsibility.

Themes

Psychological Trauma and Emotional Recovery

Maxi’s journey in Under The Oak Tree – Volume 1 is anchored in the lasting scars of emotional abuse and psychological trauma.  From the outset, her existence is defined by the cruelty of her father, the Duke of Croyso, who belittles and terrorizes her into silence and self-hatred.

His derision of her stammer is not just verbal cruelty—it becomes the foundation of her internal narrative of worthlessness.  This psychological conditioning leads her to believe she is unlovable, incapable, and destined for rejection.

Her interactions with Riftan, especially early in their reunion, are heavily influenced by these beliefs.  She misinterprets his silence, formality, or dominance as further rejection, unable to see herself as someone who could be genuinely cherished.

Her recovery is neither linear nor complete within the confines of this first volume.  Instead, it unfolds in moments of emotional contrast—Riftan’s tenderness juxtaposed with her fear, her success with magic beside her ongoing shame about her speech, her admiration from others undermined by internal doubt.

The ogre attack and her resulting vulnerability reinforce her fragility, but Riftan’s protective response sows seeds of safety.  Over time, as he continues to treat her with care and devotion, Maxi begins the painful process of unlearning what her past taught her.

Yet the ghosts of her trauma remain—evident in her hiding of speech training, in her shame when compared to Princess Agnes, and in her constant fear of being a disappointment.  Emotional recovery in this story is not portrayed as dramatic transformation but as a quiet accumulation of moments where Maxi dares to believe she might be worthy of love, competence, and happiness.

Power, Gender, and Patriarchal Expectations

The entire foundation of Maxi’s life is built on a rigid and cruel interpretation of patriarchal norms.  Her stifled voice, arranged marriage, and restricted upbringing reflect a world that sees noblewomen as tools of political utility rather than individuals with agency.

The Duke of Croyso represents the purest embodiment of this power structure—cold, strategic, and authoritarian.  Maxi is given no choice in her marriage to Riftan, no voice in her future, and no support to develop any skills outside submissive obedience.

Her stammer is treated as both a flaw and an insult to the duke’s lineage, reinforcing how deeply this system equates worth with performance.

Riftan complicates this dynamic.  Although his behavior is sometimes controlling and physically assertive, his motivations do not stem from the same disdainful ideology as the duke’s.

Riftan’s protectiveness arises from love and admiration, though it often manifests in traditionally masculine expressions of dominance and possessiveness.  Even as he encourages Maxi’s agency—giving her control over the castle’s renovations or respecting her work with Ruth—he struggles with his own internalization of gender roles.

At the same time, Maxi’s efforts to learn magic, manage the castle, and develop her own voice are quiet rebellions against a world that never intended for her to be anything but ornamental.  The presence of Princess Agnes, an independent and capable warrior, introduces an alternative model of womanhood that both inspires and intimidates Maxi.

The novel offers no easy resolutions but uses Maxi’s evolving self-image to critique and examine the suffocating nature of gendered power structures.

Intimacy, Consent, and Emotional Communication

The evolving intimacy between Maxi and Riftan is emotionally complex and often fraught with imbalance.  Their initial encounters are shadowed by the memory of a wedding night that was emotionally and physically traumatic for Maxi.

Riftan’s early actions, though not malicious, disregard her fear and reinforce her sense of helplessness.  His commanding nature and physicality often leave Maxi unsure whether she is desired or merely claimed.

However, as the story progresses, the narrative slowly begins to shift this dynamic.  Riftan, though initially oblivious to the depth of Maxi’s internal wounds, starts to offer affection that is patient and affirming.

His actions—washing her, bringing her food, comforting her during cramps—reveal a man trying, in his own way, to communicate love.

Maxi’s responses mirror her inner struggle.  She is unfamiliar with being wanted, cherished, or even seen.

Her shame often distorts her ability to accept Riftan’s care, leading to moments of emotional disconnect.  The progression of their physical relationship reflects not just sexual awakening but the need for safe, open emotional communication.

Riftan’s desire for Maxi is intense, but what ultimately brings her closer is not passion—it is his gentleness, his apologies, and his moments of silence when he listens instead of commands.  Emotional connection becomes the bridge over which their physical intimacy gradually becomes consensual, mutual, and restorative.

The story underscores that love is not just about physical closeness, but about being understood, respected, and reassured.  As Maxi begins to trust Riftan’s affection, their intimacy becomes a space for healing rather than fear.

Self-Worth and Identity Formation

Maxi’s development from a frightened, self-doubting girl into a woman discovering her potential is one of the novel’s most powerful arcs.  Her sense of self is nearly nonexistent at the start, crushed by years of being labeled as weak, defective, and burdensome.

Her stammer becomes both a literal and symbolic representation of her inability to express herself in a world that constantly dismisses her.  Every compliment Riftan gives her, every sign of respect from the castle staff, feels like an anomaly to her because she does not see herself as capable of being worthy of praise.

The overwhelming welcome in Anatol contrasts so dramatically with her lived experience that she initially doubts its sincerity.

Her exposure to responsibility—managing a castle, supporting magical defenses, healing others—forces her to re-evaluate who she is beyond the daughter of the Duke or the wife of a knight.  Slowly, she begins to take initiative, ask questions, and seek improvement.

Her speech training in private is particularly significant, not because it promises a cure, but because it reflects a newfound willingness to believe in change.  Even when she fails or feels shame, she continues to try, showing a persistence that contradicts her early belief in her own uselessness.

The admiration she eventually receives from the knights, the respect Ruth shows her, and the faith Riftan places in her decisions form a new scaffolding of identity—one based not on obedience or survival, but on competence and contribution.  Her transformation is not loud or dramatic but deeply human, built through effort, care, and small victories.

Love, Devotion, and Emotional Vulnerability

Throughout Under The Oak Tree – Volume 1, love is not framed as simple romance but as a grueling process of revealing one’s vulnerabilities to another.  Riftan’s love for Maxi is passionate, unwavering, and frequently expressed through protection and physical closeness.

However, his love is also burdened by his own emotional limitations—his inability to articulate feelings, his stoic silence, and his fear of causing Maxi pain.  He believes he must guard her from all threats, even from his own flaws.

In doing so, he often shields her from emotional truth as well.  Maxi, for her part, sees Riftan’s love as something conditional—granted for her beauty, her noble status, or out of chivalric obligation.

This belief makes her wary of fully accepting his affection, always fearing it will be retracted once he sees her as she really is.

Yet, love in this story gains its power not from certainty but from persistence.  Riftan’s consistent care—even when frustrated or jealous—communicates his emotional investment more clearly than words.

Maxi’s slow willingness to open up, to ask questions, to offer touch and trust in return, reflects her growing realization that love does not always come in the form she imagined.  Their emotional journey is a mutual learning process: Riftan learns to communicate with less dominance and more vulnerability, while Maxi learns that being loved doesn’t require perfection.

Their relationship is not idealized—it is bruised, imperfect, and often misaligned—but it carries an authenticity that gives their affection a raw, aching beauty.  The story ultimately suggests that love is not the absence of fear, but the courage to remain present despite it.