December has proven to be an exciting month for webcomic lovers around the world, with leading webcomic platform MANTA introducing a new addition to its ever-growing Romantasy genre. “The Hidden Muse,” set to release today, marks the latest work from Manta Studios, the creative powerhouse behind celebrated titles like “Betrayal of Dignity” and “I’ve Become a True Villainess.”
Adapted from the popular novel of the same name, The Hidden Muse combines romance, mystery, and fantasy into an unforgettable tale. It follows Riv Roydes, a tutor who, in a desperate attempt to save her sister’s life, agrees to become a nude model. However, her identity is exposed through one of the paintings, and she finds herself involved with the alluring marquis Dimus Ditrion. What begins as a forbidden romance soon threatens to change both their lives in ways they never imagined.
With 20 episodes at launch, The Hidden Muse is a shining example of MANTA’s dedication to exceptional storytelling and stunning visuals. As the final Romantasy release of the year, this title further solidifies MANTA’s status as the leading platform for romantasy content, joining beloved series like Under the Oak Tree to captivate readers around the globe.
As the last new romantasy release of 2024, The Hidden Muse underscores MANTA’s growth and its continued mission to offer subscribers a vast library of diverse and engaging webcomics. With its subscription model providing unlimited access to a wide range of stories, MANTA remains the ultimate destination for webcomic fans.
Chapter 1
Chapter one introduces us to the enigmatic marquis, Dimus Ditrion, presented in a gallery where he is shown art pieces picked out for his personal collection. The workers of the gallery perceive Dimus to be peculiar, as he only seems attracted to nude paintings, and are ready to pack up Dimus’ choices when the marquis notices a painting hidden amongst other art in the room.
The art’s subject is Riv Roydes, the governess to the Pendence family’s daughter. The audience learns that Riv isn’t native to the city she works in, and is somewhat of an outsider due to the fact that no one in the mansion knows of her background. When the wife of the Pendence family asks questions to learn more about her, she is suddenly disrupted by maids and servants fluttering around, whispering about an unexpected visitor. Moments later, both Riv and Dimus bump into each other, marking the beginning of their rocky, tension-filled relationship.
Chapter 2
Chapter two deepens our understanding of both Dimus and Riv. Dimus is introduced as a wealthy, reclusive man who suddenly appeared in Buerno, known for his aloof and sensitive nature. He rarely goes out in public life, except when searching for items to add to his collection. Intrigued by Riv, he immediately demands to know her name and her connection to the estate.
We also learn more about Riv’s past. She was once the eldest daughter of a middle-class family of artisans, but a tragic carriage accident left her and her sister orphaned. With her sister falling ill and accumulating medical debt, Riv was forced to model for a nude painting, believing her identity would be kept secret.
However, Riv soon discovers the painting has been sold, and the buyer’s servant arrives to collect it. Despite her agreement with the painter, Brett, the situation forces Riv, Brett, and the servant to negotiate a solution that benefits everyone.
Chapter 3
After the encounter, Riv takes some time to visit her sister, settle a few medical bills, and plan her next move. She was given four days to raise the money for the painting, but by the final day, she had failed to do so. Desperate, she goes to a church to pray for an answer to her situation. It’s there that Dimus appears, speaking to her in a way that reveals he knows she is the subject of the painting.
Startled and overwhelmed, Riv offers to do anything to get him to release the painting. In a desperate attempt to convince him, she undresses to prove she is the model, hoping this act will compel him to oblige to her wishes.
Chapter 4
Riv adjusts her pose to mirror the one in the painting, and Dimus acknowledges her comparison as acceptable. She dresses and stands, awaiting his response. Although Riv hoped this would persuade him to let go of the painting, Dimus insists that he still wants it. However, he offers a solution: he’ll buy another version of the painting that doesn’t reveal her identity, on the condition that he can observe the process of the art piece being painted.
They agree on a time and date for the commission, and Riv is left with time to reflect on their compromise while working and returning to her room. During a conversation with the young girl she teaches, Riv hears gossip about the marquis. She finds herself pondering the rumors, comparing them with her own observations of Dimus’s behavior.
Chapter 5
Just as Riv settles, a glass shatters, startling her. It’s the marquis’ glass of wine, and Brett rushes off to find someone to clean it up.
As the painting session unfolds, Riv thinks on the marquis’ true motive for wanting to be present. He defends her when Brett becomes overbearing and doesn’t actively interfere with the art process, but his criticism of Brett makes her wonder if he’s there simply to find flaws in the creation of a nude art piece. Since he seems drawn to nude paintings, she accepts that his interest might be more about observing vulnerabilities than the artwork itself.
Left alone with Dimus, the air between them grows thick with tension. His gaze never leaves her, his eyes analyzing her form. He steps behind her, and reaches out to trace a line from her shoulder to the bottom of her spine. Just as the moment begins to escalate, Brett returns, announcing he couldn’t find anyone to clean up the spill. Dimus abruptly suggests they end the session for the day and leaves, making it clear to Riv that she has unwittingly attracted the marquis’ unwanted attention.
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“The Hidden Muse” has already proven to be a captivating romance story with characters developing tension-filled relationships. Riv and Dimus are drawn together by irresistible chemistry from the very beginning, making this webcomic one of the last on our radar in 2024.
What do you think of “The Hidden Muse” so far? Let us know in the comments below, or on Instagram and X!
Featured Image Credit: Manta Comics
