Quote Originally Posted by Yukimura View Post
But what I find even more frustrating is that I don't understand why I should root for the demon king x hero romance. They don't seem like they need to be lovers for any reason other than fantasy stories with a main hero and heroine have to involve romance between them. They could just as easily be two friends/companions/'bros' who have a similar dream and complementary skills that could aid in the realization of that dream who are helping each other out in the pursuit of their common goal. The assumption that there needs to be romance, particularly passion and/or intimacy in their relationship feels rather tacked on.
Considering very little has happened romantically ever since the first episode, it does feel a bit tacked on. Although the initial reason for it still exist: Maou stopped Hero's sword by seducing the young man inexperienced with women. If that element hadn't existed, I reckon the author would have needed considerably more time and effort to explain why Hero would ever agree to work with Maou, and especially trust her (or him, as Maou could have been male as well, if no romance was to be expected). Making him fall in love with her solved that all very quickly indeed. Too bad it feels stupid and unnatural he would go out of his way to avoid the one person he supposedly loves so much that he was ready to throw away his previous life for her ideal and plans.