Culinary Chronicles of the Court Flower Volume 2

一華後宮料理帖 [Ikka Koukyuu Ryourichou] (Novel) #2

by Miri Mikawa

The Declaration of Stability—a ceremony where the four highest-ranking consorts of the rear palace compete for the new emperor’s favor—draws near. In an attempt to pacify the consorts as they prepare for the ceremony, the food-loving princess Rimi, along with the cuisinology scholar Shusei, are appointed as the consorts’ cooks. Rimi finds herself hard at work dealing with the womens’ strong personalities. Emperor Shohi also starts to approach Rimi frequently under the pretext of wanting to see the Quinary Dragon. Shusei is happy that Shohi has become interested in women, but at the same time, he feels conflicted somehow. That’s when the priceless treasure required for the ceremony is suddenly stolen!

Genres: Light Novel, Romance, Fantasy

194 pages, ebook

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

Japanese: 三川みり
Chinese: 三川美里

Reviews

[Dani(elle) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect to say this but, Shohi - best ally award winner!

[Riri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 2 deals with the four consorts of the rear palace, as well as Rimi's new role as Shusei's assistant. It picks up right where volume 1 left off, continuing with slightly better writing and characterization. The season has shifted to summer, and the palace is now preparing for the Declaration of Stability done by the emperor and the four consorts. There's still a lot of stereotypical moments and the writing at some parts makes certain scenes feel so cheesy, but there's clear progress in comparison to the previous volume.

Personally, I liked how the four consorts were handled and their relationship with Rimi. Noble Consort So, in particular, really grew out of the villainess role they had her play at the beginning of volume 1. Rimi herself is also showing more personality than before, and the use of small flashbacks to her previous life has also lessened by a lot. In the previous volume, these flashbacks were sometimes used to advance the plot because Rimi as a character was too weak to get the story going on her own. This book seems to be growing out of that habit, which is nice.

Unfortunately, a love triangle just has to be present in this type of story. I'm not particularly fond of the love triangle here since I'm not the biggest fan of the emperor, but here's to hoping it won't get too frustrating.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setting is great and I like a lot of the characters. I feel a lot of the side characters are having great character growth but the main character not so much. I loved getting to know the consorts better and seeing more of Hakurai.

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very eager to see what happens next. I find it fascinating the developing relationship between Rimi and Shohi.

[Helen M. Whitchurch]

Hidden truth, perfect solution

This continues vol. 1 flawlessly. A situation likely to make 4 female consists vicious competitors, results in social harmony thanks to insight of talented cook. In her old home she was expected to fix food for gods and now her friends suspect she could fulfill that heavenly role.