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Holmes of Kyoto Light Novel #7
Holmes of Kyoto: Volume 7
Aoi is now in her third year of high school, with entrance exams looming on the horizon. She and Kiyotaka are slowly and clumsily growing closer, but one day, Ensho—Kiyotaka’s nemesis—shows up and asks him to appraise a white porcelain incense holder. However, when Kiyotaka claims that it’s real, the counterfeiter denies it and leaves in an attempt to discredit him.
Some time later, Aoi is approached by Ensho after school. Kiyotaka arrives just in time to save her, but then he breaks up with her, sending her into the depths of despair. Two months later, Aoi receives a phone call from the manager. “Kiyotaka came back from Hyogo,” he says. What will become of the two now?
Some time later, Aoi is approached by Ensho after school. Kiyotaka arrives just in time to save her, but then he breaks up with her, sending her into the depths of despair. Two months later, Aoi receives a phone call from the manager. “Kiyotaka came back from Hyogo,” he says. What will become of the two now?
- GenresLight NovelManga
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2017
7 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Mai Mochizuki
89 books289 followersMai Mochizuki was born and raised in Hokkaido and now lives in Kyoto, and originally wrote Alice in Kyouraku Forest as a series of novels. She's written numerous other titles, including 4th Kyoto Book Award winner Kyoto Teramachi Sanjou no Holmes which was turned into a manga and anime series.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 7, 2023
“The truth is hidden within each and every word, even if you tell lies. I’m sure that goes for actions too.”
Este volumen… es una montaña rusa de emociones, mucho drama y revelaciones.
Empieza con una sencilla ceremonia de té en la residencia de la familia de Rickyu; sigue con el 6to encuentro con Ensho y posterior rompimiento forzado entre Aoi y Holmes; una sentimental y reveladora reunión con el Manager; un reflexivo recorrido desde el principio de la rivalidad entre ambos por parte de Aoi para entender de dónde proviene su odio mutuo para finalmente darse un intenso y emotivo encuentro en donde se da un “cierre” a la historia de Ensho como se la conoce, él logra superar su pasado y se lo puede conocer a través de otra mirada, como alguien que siempre se sacrificó por la persona que más quería para seguir adelante.
Por suerte, también se rescata la relación de Holmes y Aoi, gracias en gran parte a lo asertiva y perseverante que es ella.
“We hurt each other and suffered. That’s fine. Holmes, I learned something from the manager: the power of words. I learned it from you too. You taught me powerful, magical words. I don’t know any words stronger than these”
(AAAAAAA, QUÉ HERMOSA RECONCILIACIÓN, AMO CÓMO SE ENTIENDEN MUTUAMENTE)
Este encuentro entre Ensho y Holmes (luego de casi haberle explotado la reliquia familiar que es el “Shino tea bowl”), empieza sencillamente con la tasación de una porcelana blanca Joseon que guarda un significado mucho más importante de lo que se cree (todo se fue a la mierda después de esIo también).
En este libro en particular se refuerzan los papeles de cada uno como protagonista y antagonista, el porqué funcionan tan bien ambos y su motivación común que los vuelve reflejos del otro (celos que rozan el odio): “They were both raised by their fathers, without a mother’s warmth, in an art-specialized environment. They were both born with unique talents. Even though they had so many similarities, they ended up very different. Holmes had his share of hardships, but he was loved by everyone and walked in the sun. Meanwhile, Ensho never had a choice but to live in the shadows”.
Como ya señalé, se le da mucha más profundidad al personaje que es Ensho (Shinya Sugawarah), si bien se conoce mucho de él, se ahonda en su pasado con su amigo de la infancia y la conexión de este con la porcelana Joseon que llevó a Kura para tasar en un principio. En este capítulo se logra entender por completo la complejidad de su persona y abre un nuevo punto de vista para él, acá mismo empieza su camino de redención. También se explica porqué dentro de su rivalidad se ve involucrada Aoi: por ser el apoyo de Holmes que Ensho perdió tiempo atrás, algo por lo que él sufre continuamente.
“Ensho, please take this incense burner and go see Yuki,” I urged him. “If you want to see them, then why not? If you want to atone for your crimes, you can do that afterwards, right? You drew a conclusion from your own judgment, and...”
He’s just like Holmes. The two of them really are mirror images. How can they be so similar?
“...that led to even more crimes. Please don’t make your loved one sad anymore with your self-centered assumptions.” I didn’t know what to call this feeling, but as I spoke, my body trembled and tears welled up in my eyes.”
Por otro lado y dentro de todo esto, admiro la fuerza y empatía de Aoi al poder ver detrás de lo que Holmes decía al querer terminar su relación, supo de inmediato que era para protegerla a pesar de sus duras palabras, al punto en el que ambos rompen en llanto.
“I didn’t cry or grieve. Instead, I immersed myself in my studies as if trying to escape. Some people are negatively affected by a heartbreak before exams, but in my case, it might’ve been a good thing. When I concentrated on studying, I didn’t have to remember the pain. I studied and studied, trying not to think about anything else.”
Me emocioné muchísimo con el encuentro entre el Manager y Aoi, su actitud gentil roza lo paternal y el cómo pretende ayudar tanto a su hijo como ella con su charla es admirable. En este encuentro él explica “la maldición Yagashira” en donde las esposas de los miembros de la familia parecen estar destinadas a fallecer. Si bien la razón del rompimiento fue otra, considera que en parte la autogestión es lo que atormenta a Holmes.
En esencia, la “lección” que le da es hermosa; ‘It’s not grudges that are scary; it’s people. For better or worse, words are curses, so you have to discern the truth from them.’” A lo que Aoi después agrega, reflexionando: “If words are curses, then these words are a warm, gentle, soft, and radiant spell. Spells can bind people, but they can also save them.”
“Hey, did Mr. Holmes fall in love with your keen eyes?”
“N-No, I don’t think it was that,” I said weakly, looking down. He often tells me that I have good eyes, though. Was that part of it?
“Why’d you pick him, anyway? Isn’t he a real weirdo? Is it because he’s rich, educated, and good-looking?”
“N-No, that’s not it either...”
I had always admired Holmes’s stylish looks, but I hadn’t fallen in love with him just because of his appearance. If it were only a matter of looks, Akihito and Rikyu were good-looking too. Why was I attracted to Holmes? Right, I know why.
“We can show each other our weaknesses and embarrassing sides.”
(Momentos antes de la desgracia pero hermoso textual de cualquier forma)
Fue uno de los mejores tomos de la serie y lo entiendo perfectamente porque, en palabras de la autora “este volumen se siente como una conclusión, pero no es una conclusión total, es la conclusión del arco de la escuela secundaria. El elenco está asumiendo nuevos roles. Aoi se convertirá en un estudiante universitaria, Kiyotaka habrá completado sus estudios de posgrado, Akihito será el mismo de siempre y la naturaleza de la participación de Ensho cambiará”. Fue muy intenso, me hizo reír, llorar, reflexionar y aprender, de ahí la merecida reseña kilométrica también.
“Ensho took a folding fan out of his pocket and hid his mouth behind it as he laughed. “Well, we’re in the same boat now. Counterfeits are unacceptable, so let’s do the best we can, Mr. Holmes,” he said challengingly, bringing his face close to his rival’s.
I’m sure he wanted to thank Holmes properly too, but once he saw him, he just had to take on that attitude. Seriously, these two are ridiculously skilled, but when it comes to this relationship, they’re completely inept.”
Este volumen… es una montaña rusa de emociones, mucho drama y revelaciones.
Empieza con una sencilla ceremonia de té en la residencia de la familia de Rickyu; sigue con el 6to encuentro con Ensho y posterior rompimiento forzado entre Aoi y Holmes; una sentimental y reveladora reunión con el Manager; un reflexivo recorrido desde el principio de la rivalidad entre ambos por parte de Aoi para entender de dónde proviene su odio mutuo para finalmente darse un intenso y emotivo encuentro en donde se da un “cierre” a la historia de Ensho como se la conoce, él logra superar su pasado y se lo puede conocer a través de otra mirada, como alguien que siempre se sacrificó por la persona que más quería para seguir adelante.
Por suerte, también se rescata la relación de Holmes y Aoi, gracias en gran parte a lo asertiva y perseverante que es ella.
“We hurt each other and suffered. That’s fine. Holmes, I learned something from the manager: the power of words. I learned it from you too. You taught me powerful, magical words. I don’t know any words stronger than these”
(AAAAAAA, QUÉ HERMOSA RECONCILIACIÓN, AMO CÓMO SE ENTIENDEN MUTUAMENTE)
Este encuentro entre Ensho y Holmes (luego de casi haberle explotado la reliquia familiar que es el “Shino tea bowl”), empieza sencillamente con la tasación de una porcelana blanca Joseon que guarda un significado mucho más importante de lo que se cree (todo se fue a la mierda después de esIo también).
En este libro en particular se refuerzan los papeles de cada uno como protagonista y antagonista, el porqué funcionan tan bien ambos y su motivación común que los vuelve reflejos del otro (celos que rozan el odio): “They were both raised by their fathers, without a mother’s warmth, in an art-specialized environment. They were both born with unique talents. Even though they had so many similarities, they ended up very different. Holmes had his share of hardships, but he was loved by everyone and walked in the sun. Meanwhile, Ensho never had a choice but to live in the shadows”.
Como ya señalé, se le da mucha más profundidad al personaje que es Ensho (Shinya Sugawarah), si bien se conoce mucho de él, se ahonda en su pasado con su amigo de la infancia y la conexión de este con la porcelana Joseon que llevó a Kura para tasar en un principio. En este capítulo se logra entender por completo la complejidad de su persona y abre un nuevo punto de vista para él, acá mismo empieza su camino de redención. También se explica porqué dentro de su rivalidad se ve involucrada Aoi: por ser el apoyo de Holmes que Ensho perdió tiempo atrás, algo por lo que él sufre continuamente.
“Ensho, please take this incense burner and go see Yuki,” I urged him. “If you want to see them, then why not? If you want to atone for your crimes, you can do that afterwards, right? You drew a conclusion from your own judgment, and...”
He’s just like Holmes. The two of them really are mirror images. How can they be so similar?
“...that led to even more crimes. Please don’t make your loved one sad anymore with your self-centered assumptions.” I didn’t know what to call this feeling, but as I spoke, my body trembled and tears welled up in my eyes.”
Por otro lado y dentro de todo esto, admiro la fuerza y empatía de Aoi al poder ver detrás de lo que Holmes decía al querer terminar su relación, supo de inmediato que era para protegerla a pesar de sus duras palabras, al punto en el que ambos rompen en llanto.
“I didn’t cry or grieve. Instead, I immersed myself in my studies as if trying to escape. Some people are negatively affected by a heartbreak before exams, but in my case, it might’ve been a good thing. When I concentrated on studying, I didn’t have to remember the pain. I studied and studied, trying not to think about anything else.”
Me emocioné muchísimo con el encuentro entre el Manager y Aoi, su actitud gentil roza lo paternal y el cómo pretende ayudar tanto a su hijo como ella con su charla es admirable. En este encuentro él explica “la maldición Yagashira” en donde las esposas de los miembros de la familia parecen estar destinadas a fallecer. Si bien la razón del rompimiento fue otra, considera que en parte la autogestión es lo que atormenta a Holmes.
En esencia, la “lección” que le da es hermosa; ‘It’s not grudges that are scary; it’s people. For better or worse, words are curses, so you have to discern the truth from them.’” A lo que Aoi después agrega, reflexionando: “If words are curses, then these words are a warm, gentle, soft, and radiant spell. Spells can bind people, but they can also save them.”
“Hey, did Mr. Holmes fall in love with your keen eyes?”
“N-No, I don’t think it was that,” I said weakly, looking down. He often tells me that I have good eyes, though. Was that part of it?
“Why’d you pick him, anyway? Isn’t he a real weirdo? Is it because he’s rich, educated, and good-looking?”
“N-No, that’s not it either...”
I had always admired Holmes’s stylish looks, but I hadn’t fallen in love with him just because of his appearance. If it were only a matter of looks, Akihito and Rikyu were good-looking too. Why was I attracted to Holmes? Right, I know why.
“We can show each other our weaknesses and embarrassing sides.”
(Momentos antes de la desgracia pero hermoso textual de cualquier forma)
Fue uno de los mejores tomos de la serie y lo entiendo perfectamente porque, en palabras de la autora “este volumen se siente como una conclusión, pero no es una conclusión total, es la conclusión del arco de la escuela secundaria. El elenco está asumiendo nuevos roles. Aoi se convertirá en un estudiante universitaria, Kiyotaka habrá completado sus estudios de posgrado, Akihito será el mismo de siempre y la naturaleza de la participación de Ensho cambiará”. Fue muy intenso, me hizo reír, llorar, reflexionar y aprender, de ahí la merecida reseña kilométrica también.
“Ensho took a folding fan out of his pocket and hid his mouth behind it as he laughed. “Well, we’re in the same boat now. Counterfeits are unacceptable, so let’s do the best we can, Mr. Holmes,” he said challengingly, bringing his face close to his rival’s.
I’m sure he wanted to thank Holmes properly too, but once he saw him, he just had to take on that attitude. Seriously, these two are ridiculously skilled, but when it comes to this relationship, they’re completely inept.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2022
Volume 7 consists of two stories. The first part centres on a tea ceremony hosted by Rikyu's grandfather. The second part deals with Ensho who asks Holmes to appraise an art object and is surprised by the result which in turn leads to romantic issues.
As always, most of the story is slice-of-life with a bit of Kyoto and art history added to it which I really enjoy. The character development was a good as well. Aoi is learning, and her presence and actions were vital to the story (which is not always true in this series). We get more information on Ensho as well.
Why though, did they have to throw in the trope of the loved one trying to make it appear he hates the other out of a very misplaced sense of protectiveness? It was handled decently, no drama, the MC did not fall for it, and it was resolved quickly, but still, a trope I really dislike. The blurb certainly made me hesitant to start the book because of it, so the fact that it not that big part of the story as suggested was a pleasant surprise.
So, it was an enjoyable read, and as the author says a good end to the first arc (even if that arc is 7 volumes long).
As always, most of the story is slice-of-life with a bit of Kyoto and art history added to it which I really enjoy. The character development was a good as well. Aoi is learning, and her presence and actions were vital to the story (which is not always true in this series). We get more information on Ensho as well.
Why though, did they have to throw in the trope of the loved one trying to make it appear he hates the other out of a very misplaced sense of protectiveness? It was handled decently, no drama, the MC did not fall for it, and it was resolved quickly, but still, a trope I really dislike. The blurb certainly made me hesitant to start the book because of it, so the fact that it not that big part of the story as suggested was a pleasant surprise.
So, it was an enjoyable read, and as the author says a good end to the first arc (even if that arc is 7 volumes long).
April 26, 2025
In this book ends the first story arc.
I really enjoyed it. I actually didn’t even know this book series would have story arcs, but that it does makes it even more exciting.
In the afterword, the author briefly points to the coming changes in the characters and their circumstances for the second story arc. We’ll see how Aoi, Holmes, and even Ensho learn, grow, adapt, and perform in their new circumstances.
The events of this book wrap up some ongoing struggles and conflicts (e.g. Aoi’s exams and some things with Ensho) as well as allowing Aoi and Holmes (especially Aoi) to reflect on the events of the past 2 years. They and we was the reader can more clearly see what drew them together, how they have grown together, how the major events of the past two years contributed to this. It’s also just a nice recollection of all the adventures they’ve been on together over the past 7 books.
Through this reflection we can also see how Aoi has grown so much in terms of her abilities, maturity, and perceptiveness. Yet at the same time, she has not just learn from Holmes, but influenced him positively in many ways too with her copper heart.
I look forward to the next story arc.
I really enjoyed it. I actually didn’t even know this book series would have story arcs, but that it does makes it even more exciting.
In the afterword, the author briefly points to the coming changes in the characters and their circumstances for the second story arc. We’ll see how Aoi, Holmes, and even Ensho learn, grow, adapt, and perform in their new circumstances.
The events of this book wrap up some ongoing struggles and conflicts (e.g. Aoi’s exams and some things with Ensho) as well as allowing Aoi and Holmes (especially Aoi) to reflect on the events of the past 2 years. They and we was the reader can more clearly see what drew them together, how they have grown together, how the major events of the past two years contributed to this. It’s also just a nice recollection of all the adventures they’ve been on together over the past 7 books.
Through this reflection we can also see how Aoi has grown so much in terms of her abilities, maturity, and perceptiveness. Yet at the same time, she has not just learn from Holmes, but influenced him positively in many ways too with her copper heart.
I look forward to the next story arc.
July 13, 2022
This was a hard one for me because I sort of thought that Holmes was a duck. 🥺😒😒
February 19, 2025
Another strong story which once again features Kiyotaka’s nemesis, Ensho. And Ensho brings trouble to Kiyotaka and Aoi’s relationship. Will their relationship survive? Read it and see!
October 10, 2024
Volume 7 in the series.
The volume moves pretty quickly between the months, as Aoi and Kiyotaka slowly and clumsily get closer. However, everything suddenly changes when Ensho appears, asking Kiyotaka to appraise a while porcelain incense holder. Despite the fact that Kiyotaka claims that it's real, Ensho denies this.
Aoi is later approached by Ensho after school and when Kiyotaka arrives to save her, he suddenly breaks up with her... and disappears. Two months later he returns, with Aoi receiving a call from the manager “Kiyotaka came back from Hyogo,”
I really enjoyed this volume and look forward to the next!
The volume moves pretty quickly between the months, as Aoi and Kiyotaka slowly and clumsily get closer. However, everything suddenly changes when Ensho appears, asking Kiyotaka to appraise a while porcelain incense holder. Despite the fact that Kiyotaka claims that it's real, Ensho denies this.
Aoi is later approached by Ensho after school and when Kiyotaka arrives to save her, he suddenly breaks up with her... and disappears. Two months later he returns, with Aoi receiving a call from the manager “Kiyotaka came back from Hyogo,”
I really enjoyed this volume and look forward to the next!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews