Better than volume 1 and you can finally feel the story starting 

I just finally finished collecting the entire series so I’m giving it a re-read. I’m a Tanemura fan but i definitely understand that you need a level of disconnect/disbelief to enjoy some of her stories. I have my fully read through gentlemen’s alliance since I was a kid so there’s a level of nostalgia here. But yeah like many others the story isn’t as good as i used to
Think it was. Looking back at this volume with a new set of eyes just showed me how kinda all over the place the story is. Especially some of the logic. -spoiler- Haine was clearly 3-4 years old maybe older when she was adopted but for her to be 15 and kusame is 14 yet he wasn’t already born when haine was being adopted just threw me off so bad. Also yes I didn’t like the queer subplot either especially didn’t like how Shizumasu drops Maguri to go out with Haine. If it’s all a lie then it doesn’t matter who his “lover” is. I know it’s a 2000s shojo but I can still judge it. I’m gonna keep my volumes I’ve worked hard to collect it and it holds value to me. I’m just here to enjoy the ride but with more critical eyes. 

It was definitely something. Got a little more interesting towards the end. Love the way the author uses the hieroglyphs for interactions but also exposition. Which this volume had a LOT of exposition. Kinda makes me feel like I should’ve bought the older teen version just for this one volume but here we are. Definitely going to get volume 2 when I can.