I feel like it’s so hard to pin down what makes for a good slow burn. There are a bunch of elements that contribute to the pacing and the balance between progress and the status quo. I do know that this story is really nailing it for me in spite of my impatience for them to kiss lol
Also, I have my Pinecone completely maxed out. What a good bird :)
There are just a lot of stories where nice things happen and the story itself progresses but there are either no changes for the characters or the opposite happens the characters have such a sudden shift in certain parts, that it doesn't feel like the character is growing. Like it's not evolution, it's revolution. I mentioned "Miss Sunflower" and it's done in a very fluid way over there. Like it takes re-reading the series to really notice and fully appreciate how things changed for everyone. Here, while it's a bit more gradual, like taking steps, the steps themselves are so small it doesn't feel like the character(s) are leaping.
And yes, Cutecone is best birb. While I have her e2 I do wish I had more mats to spare to at least get her s1m3, alas Pinus Sylvestris happened and I had to take care of all those little knights