This particular volume was noticeably worse than the previous books. The writing was very stilted, and I had to struggle to keep reading.
I honestly think the author should refrain from going into detail about either nobility or business because it just sounds more illogical. They keep making it seem as if she's going to be kidnapped and/or killed by nobles because of her products, making the nobles sound like untouchable villains, and that makes no business sense. I understand she's making interesting products, but she's an inventor, removing her just means there are fewer new products coming to market. It isn't something like a regular merchant, who's removal would result in more supply and customers being available to a rival merchant. I'm a little confused as to the standing of toolmakers, as sometimes it seems like they're considered low ranking, despite many of them apparently being granted nobility for their useful inventions.
I'm also really tired of the overused trope of Dahlia saying or doing something that is COMPLETELY INNOCENT and people going "gasp, you just totally propositioned or said that guy is the love of your life!!!" Bullshit. People can figure out social cues by CONTEXT and BODY LANGUAGE and it is quite obvious that she doesn't mean it that way, so it would be unutterably dumb for someone to think she did. Whenever you have euphemisms in use, it is normal that not everyone is aware of these code words/phrases/actions. It's not like you accidentally say something that's a proposition and you're trapped because that's an alternate meaning to your words.
They need to stop drawing out the Tobias issue. Dahlia doesn't care, there's no reason to destroy his family's company, and it's stupid to hold the younger brother responsible. He already apologized and tried to make amends, and yet her employee is being spiteful about it.