If you’re reading this, you already know that Ripley’s journey from confused modern woman to beloved duchess was nothing short of chaotic brilliance. Yet the ending? Unforgettable! Filled with full of laughter, tears, and plenty of heart-fluttering moments. So, why is The First Night With the Duke ending so special? Starting with the two Ripleys and ending with Zeronis’ transformation, the tragic story of Rose and her amazing best friends, everything adds to the fun.
Two Ripleys Meet in The First Night With the Duke Ending
Just when you thought things couldn’t get crazier, Ripley wakes up back in the modern world. And — wait for it — meets the fictional Ripley. And how different they are!
In the novel world, “our Ripley” became a serious entrepreneur, selling magical ointments to heal wounds quicker than gossip flies in a royal ball. People were so confused about her: “Why is the duchess running around markets instead of making heirs?” But Ripley didn’t care. She wanted her career and her marriage…A true icon. Meanwhile, the fictional Ripley was flourishing in the modern world. She adored her smartphone, had a boyfriend, drank iced coffee without a guard, and categorically did not want to act like a lady of noble birth. It was funny (and truthfully a bit depressing) to watch her being so much happier here in the real world than her “novel” world.
We cannot ignore the fact that none of Ripley would have achieved her success without her ride or die business partner and best friend, Etoile. One of the most touching scenes was when both of them confessed that they always wanted to get out of their miserable lives, and somehow, through a cursed doll, both got what they had wanted. Funny to think that in the original novel, Ripley was just a spoiled supporting character — but here she became the star of her own story, showing the world (and the Emperor) what a determined woman could achieve.
Zeronis: Ruthless to Romantic
Now let’s talk about Zeronis. Remember when Wright said he used to be a crybaby? But his sad childhood turned him into a cold, calculating, and untrusting person. Until, that is, Ripley, with her drunken antics and her fiercely loyal nature, stormed into his heart. It all started with one of the most unforgettable scenes. Their notorious first night, when a drunken Ripley passionately avenged the honor of our fictional Zeronis. And even after that, all those times when Ripley tried to hurt herself to avoid their forced marriage (which broke Zeronis’s heart into pieces), you could feel his character evolving.
But with time, under the bumbling but honest love of Ripley, he gradually changed. His proposal? A swoon-worthy, teary-eyed moment. Their wedding? Equal parts hilarious and romantic, with Ripley still being concerned about her ointment sales in the middle of her vows. That’s our girl. Initially, Zeronis was cold and stoic. But he soon turned into a loving husband, and his changes were one of the greatest in this manhwa.
Rose’s Transformation from Best Friend to Villainess
Ah, Rose, the friend turned villainess. She used to be one of the best friends of fictional Ripley, but she turned into a villainess, overwhelmed with jealousy and resentment. She was a troublemaker all along, trying to kill Ripley on several occasions. Rose did not spare anything. Remember the cruise ship incident? The kidnapping? And the fire that nearly killed everyone? — Rose was nothing short of terrifying at her worst.
But, here is the sad thing? The fall of Rose was pathetic. By the time Ripley and Sylvia finally saw her, she was scarred, filthy, and eating rotten bread. But still addressing Ripley as a kind lady. It hurt to watch. Rose had chosen her path, but Ripley couldn’t help but wonder if she, too, could have met a different fate if someone had shown her kindness earlier. Nonetheless, as Sylvia brutally pointed out to her, Rose made her own choices. And honestly, she was right.
The Best Friends Squad: Wright, Etoile, and Sylvia
Naturally, without her faithful ride or die team, where would our beloved Ripley be? First of all, Wright and Etoile. Wright finally confessed to Etoile, though it took him forever, as she was scarred by her past and feeling that she was not good enough, Etoile kept rejecting him. But Wright wouldn’t have it any other way, reminding her (in front of everyone!) that he loved her just the way she was. When did she finally agree? Let’s just say the crowd (and the readers) cheered. Their romance was less noisy than that of Ripley and Zeronis, still, it was no less touching.
And Sylvia? She is the definition of wit, loyalty, and sass. Not only did she stay by Ripley’s side through every business disaster and romantic mess, but she also literally fought Rose in the fire to save her best friend. Seeing Sylvia, sword in hand, face-to-face with a crazed Rose was one of the most iconic moments of the series. Truly one of the best characters ever!
From businesswoman duchess to fiercely loyal friends and a duke who went from stoic to smitten, The First Night With the Duke delivered a hilarious and heartfelt ending, proving that sometimes the best fairy tales are also the messiest. Subscribe to AnimeMangaToon to keep reading fascinating webtoon articles!
