Yeah, I also think the author wants to make real character development, but I'm worried that it's taking too long, 'couse from what I remember it's been like that from chapter 1 and we are already on chapter 78...
I get that Maximillian is figuring things out regarding herself, and trying to get better as a person... but their relationship is a big part of the story and it hasn't progressed at all.

Yeah, Riftan is trying to do what he assumes she wants, but as always he never stops to actually ask her opinion as to what she actually wants and continues his line of thinking she wants things. Like the stereotypical idea of a noblewoman. It's just like, bro, what exactly did you love about her? Is it that she's got nice tits? Is that it? Because you've only rarely, if ever, had a true conversation with her and she's just so used to not being allowed tohave any agency that she can't muster the words to explain anything especially with him regularly getting angry when she does express some agency.