Read on Tapas.
This volume covers the events of the "Missing Children" incident and up to Hard Mode's end.
What a tense volume, whew. A lot comes to a head in this volume, and the climax is in sight. We start with Penny going on a "date" with Winter that ends somewhat badly, what with her learning the man was just testing her, Laon getting kidnapped, and her finding out something chilling and previously unknown to her about the heroine--she just might be a demon?? All this sucks, of course, but we do get to see Callisto and Penny interact and power-couple their way through a dungeon-like place, so I consider this a win. Callisto really is out here, proving to everyone that he is the superior love interest. He never once doubted Penny or was prejudiced against her. He looks at her, and he sees... her. And he likes what he sees very much! Their banter and relationship are just 10/10.
But Penny can't let herself be swept away by the dashing prince, even if he does propose to her, even if she does catch feelings, because she's got to beat the game. And for that, she bets everything on Eckles--god knows why--as she races against time to get a love interest to 100%. Time is of the essence, but it should be possible. Excpet. Eckles has always been extremely sus to anyone with eyes, and now Penny's eyes are opened as he betrays her, bringing the real daughter to the mansion. The potentially an evil demon real heroine, at that. It doesn't take long for Penny to realize the sweet and kind heroine of normal mode is actually a demonic creature that can brainwash the inhabitants of the mansion, and the sense of hopelessness she reaches makes her almost apathetic to everything. Not that it matters. It's almost a relief to her that she finally has a good cause to let Eckles go.
Nothing proves Penny has never really let herself think of the Eckharts as a family the way she insists on not doing anything against the heroine. Certain that regardless of what she is, the game will continue as normal, she attempts to stay out of her way. She just wants OUT. Which also means trying to postpone the coming of age ceremony, the opening of "normal mode." She even makes plans to escape in more... permanent ways and says goodbye to her existing connections. All in time for hard mode to finally end.
Honestly, the last several chapters of this volume were just... painful.
Stand out character of this volume? Callisto, as always.
Worst character of this volume: Derrick, AS ALWAYS. Outdos the creepy heroine by a landslide.
Favorite non-love interest character? The duke. Look, he did bad before, but he's actively trying. Not always well, but always trying. Emily and Laon are honorary mentions.
Favorite brother: Reynold. Man's a tsundere, but he's kind of cute. He has the emotional intelligence of a brick, but a cute brick.