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The Case Files of Jeweler Richard #4
The Case Files of Jeweler Richard (Light Novel) Vol. 4
THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING JEWELER
Richard suddenly closes Jewelry etranger and vanishes, leaving Seigi stunned and alone. Acting on information from Saul, Seigi makes his way to England in pursuit of his wayward boss. When the beautiful jeweler's tortured past comes back to haunt him, what's his knight in shining armor to do?!
Richard suddenly closes Jewelry etranger and vanishes, leaving Seigi stunned and alone. Acting on information from Saul, Seigi makes his way to England in pursuit of his wayward boss. When the beautiful jeweler's tortured past comes back to haunt him, what's his knight in shining armor to do?!
313 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2017
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94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 19, 2023
they're in love your honor
i cant stand these two (affectionate) but also i read this in one sitting so now I have to wait for the next one again...(pain)
i cant stand these two (affectionate) but also i read this in one sitting so now I have to wait for the next one again...(pain)
May 27, 2023
This is the most human Richard has ever been, and it really makes the story.
April 20, 2023
“No one else gets to decide if what you’re feeling is love or not. Only your heart gets to decide that.”
Things started to get more serious. ^^
Even after having watched the anime before this book finally got translated into English, it kept me entertained, emotional and soft with the main duo.
Still, all the little details that the anime missed out on are a real shame.. they were so good! I’m so glad Richard and Seigi had a heart-to-heart and a big "brotherly" hug [wink wink]. They complement each other so well.
Cannot wait for the next volume!
PS: Also this volume has more extra cases which, on a personal level, I adore very much! Especially the Moonstone one, hehehe :D
Things started to get more serious. ^^
Even after having watched the anime before this book finally got translated into English, it kept me entertained, emotional and soft with the main duo.
Still, all the little details that the anime missed out on are a real shame.. they were so good! I’m so glad Richard and Seigi had a heart-to-heart and a big "brotherly" hug [wink wink]. They complement each other so well.
Cannot wait for the next volume!
PS: Also this volume has more extra cases which, on a personal level, I adore very much! Especially the Moonstone one, hehehe :D
June 14, 2023
Asdgsfdagsdfsdaf this was so GOOD. <3
September 24, 2023
Format read: Paperback
Reading time: 4-5h
Tags: mystery, adventure, translation, friendship, found family, lgbt (bi, m/m, ace)
Own a copy: yes
Reread likelihood: 1000/10
Summary
As with all the volumes thus far, the book is divided into several cases as follows:
1. ???: After Richard's abrupt disappearance at the end of vol. 3, Seigi is left alone and confused as to what has happened to his boss. Seigi resumes his university life and tries to keep busy, but he is plagued by strange nightmares of Richard that leave him more confused than ever. Seigi decides to go back to l'Étranger and meets Richard's mentor, Saul, who sets him a gemology challenge in exchange for revealing Richard's whereabouts.
2. The Secret of Alexandrite: Seigi now knows where to find Richard; he needs to go to London, but where in London exactly? At the airport, Seigi meets a mysterious foreigner who vaguely resembles Richard, only to find out he's his older cousin, Jeffrey. Trapped on a 20h flight with this man as his companion, Seigi learns about Richard's past and the family curse that haunts him, and his own role in the Claremont family dispute.
3. Follow the Lapis Lazuli: Once in London, Seigi and Jeffrey play tourist all day long, eventually ending up at the British Museum where they go to look at their gem collection. Seigi develops a fever from being dragged around everywhere, and just as he thinks he'll never get to see Richard, clues start appearing in the gallery, which leads him straight to the person he's been chasing all these months.
4. The Gospel of White Sapphire: In order for the inheritance debate to end, and for Richard to be released from his familial duties, a plan is concocted in which Seigi and Richard pretend to be in a civil union so that the pair can inherit Richard's great-grandfather's prized diamond. Seigi, however, has a better idea, and ends up destroying the Claremonts' nefarious plans by putting himself at great risk.
Extra 1 - The Bicolor Tourmaline Tease: Richard is finally back in Tokyo after settling everything with his family in London, and the first thing he does is to present Seigi with a mysterious bicoloured stone meant to represent one's duality.
Extra 2 - Overcast Iolite: Richard explains the ancient use for iolite stones, and how they helped Vikings to navigate their way to England. Seigi decides that Richard is like a compass, too.
Extra 3 - Moonstone's affection: Richard and Seigi have gotten into the habit of going out for dinner after work. On this particular evening, Seigi comments on the moon's beauty, which sends Richard on a tirade about Japanese literature.
Review
Omg, how dare this book throw all the feelings at me, on every single page. I'm dead, murdered by Seigi and Richard. I held off reading vol. 4 until I'd be closer to vol. 5's release date because I knew I wouldn't be able to wait 6 months until the next book. This volume is FILLED with internal monologues, self-reflection, and tons of fuzzy feelings, of course.
This volume covers the England arc when Seigi goes after Richard and uncovers a lot of things about his past (and future prospectives). The anime did not do this arc justice. I thought I knew the story going in, but boy was I wrong. I ended up annotating every other line because there was so much to unpack.
First of all, Seigi's inner struggle is well portrayed, and his confusion is palpable. Everyone around him keeps saying that he loves Richard, but he himself does not see it. He continues to cling to the constructed image of Tanimoto in his mind even though he knows full well that she is not romantically interested in him--nor in anyone--and ignores the painfully obvious feelings he has for Richard. Tanimoto helps him figure things out, and pushes him to get on a plane and find Richard, but Seigi continues to war with himself in trying to understand his own heart.
Seigi spends the entirety of the book pining for and worrying about Richard, and it's not until the halfway point that the two are reunited. Seigi's shifting emotions are really the focus of this volume, and we get to see a lot of character growth on his and Richard's behalf. His recurring dreams should be enough to clue him in, but he remains so painfully obtuse to his own heart. In his defense, he works really hard trying to figure things out, and eventually settles on simply accepting that he feels some type of way, whether romantic or not.
Richard, for his part, is equally blockheaded. He goes to great lengths to protect Seigi from his crazy family, and even has his mentor flown from Sri Lanka to watch over him, yet he is as obstinate and blind as Seigi. We learn a lot about Richard's past in this volume, and we see him being the most 'human' so far. His dynamic with Seigi changes, and he becomes much more open and chatty than he's ever been in their year of working together. We see Richard smiling more genuinely, and letting go of the past to embrace the future. He truly opens up and does a 180 in this book in terms of his emotions.
Aside from the character analyses that I could keep going on and on about, this volume also contains a lot of messages about race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. Richard's great-grandfather's will was undeniably racist and exclusionary, and Richard's cousin meddled twice in his life on this basis. Richard's ex-girlfriend, a Turkish woman, was chased away by the family for not being English, and Jeffrey attempted to chase Seigi away on account of his lack of Englishness and gender. However, there are many great lines throughout this book that talk about the unfairness and inequalities of the world, especially from the Japanese perspective. The author doesn't shy away from talking about how her country is traditionally opposed to same-sex unions and interracial marriages. It's definitely interesting to see how she weaves these social issues into her narrative. Seigi often remarks on how things in the 21st century are different, and that people today should be free to be with whomever they want. He even gets angry with Saul for suggesting that there's some kind of difference between Japanese people and others. Seigi, like Richard, is open-minded and does not judge others based on antiquated criteria.
All in all, I could probably write a 20-page essay about this volume, and I can only guess that the next volumes will continue to smack me right in the feels. This kind of multi-book slow burn is right up my alley, and I can't wait to see where the story goes next.
Extra Quotations (because there are so many that I can't possibly stop at 2)
"I must be dreaming... This really seems more like a dream than anything."
"Not to be pedantic, but are you sure you don't mean 'nightmare?'"
"But it's not a nightmare, not at all... I mean, you're here with me..." (p. 151).
------
He was so kind to me. But what I wanted right now was something more real than that kind of considerateness.
"... Please don't disappear without saying anything to me. I'm begging you," I continued, and Richard fidgeted a little.
The room was silent. There were no other sounds.
"When you disappeared... I felt a gaping hole had opened up in my chest. I was so worried, I couldn't do anything (...)" (p. 155).
-----
Richard's beautifully formed nose slipped right past my cheek and rested next to my right ear. His slender arms were wrapped around me, squeezing my shoulders so hard it hurt.
(...)
"... Look, I'm really so--"
"Stop talking."
"Yes, sir."
Richard had become like a rock as he hugged me. After a minute or so, he groaned.
"... You are so troublesome. Why must you always, always say you like me like that?" (p. 157-158).
-----
Apparently, when I saw something overwhelmingly beautiful, my mind just went blank. He was speaking right there in front of me, but it wasn't coming through to me. I bet my friend in the psych department would find this phenomenon very interesting. Anyway.
"Oh... sorry. You were so beautiful, I kind of lost myself... I didn't hear anything you just said. Could you repeat it?"
After about three seconds of silence, Richard let out a little snort. (p. 290)
Reading time: 4-5h
Tags: mystery, adventure, translation, friendship, found family, lgbt (bi, m/m, ace)
Own a copy: yes
Reread likelihood: 1000/10
Summary
As with all the volumes thus far, the book is divided into several cases as follows:
1. ???: After Richard's abrupt disappearance at the end of vol. 3, Seigi is left alone and confused as to what has happened to his boss. Seigi resumes his university life and tries to keep busy, but he is plagued by strange nightmares of Richard that leave him more confused than ever. Seigi decides to go back to l'Étranger and meets Richard's mentor, Saul, who sets him a gemology challenge in exchange for revealing Richard's whereabouts.
2. The Secret of Alexandrite: Seigi now knows where to find Richard; he needs to go to London, but where in London exactly? At the airport, Seigi meets a mysterious foreigner who vaguely resembles Richard, only to find out he's his older cousin, Jeffrey. Trapped on a 20h flight with this man as his companion, Seigi learns about Richard's past and the family curse that haunts him, and his own role in the Claremont family dispute.
3. Follow the Lapis Lazuli: Once in London, Seigi and Jeffrey play tourist all day long, eventually ending up at the British Museum where they go to look at their gem collection. Seigi develops a fever from being dragged around everywhere, and just as he thinks he'll never get to see Richard, clues start appearing in the gallery, which leads him straight to the person he's been chasing all these months.
4. The Gospel of White Sapphire: In order for the inheritance debate to end, and for Richard to be released from his familial duties, a plan is concocted in which Seigi and Richard pretend to be in a civil union so that the pair can inherit Richard's great-grandfather's prized diamond. Seigi, however, has a better idea, and ends up destroying the Claremonts' nefarious plans by putting himself at great risk.
Extra 1 - The Bicolor Tourmaline Tease: Richard is finally back in Tokyo after settling everything with his family in London, and the first thing he does is to present Seigi with a mysterious bicoloured stone meant to represent one's duality.
Extra 2 - Overcast Iolite: Richard explains the ancient use for iolite stones, and how they helped Vikings to navigate their way to England. Seigi decides that Richard is like a compass, too.
Extra 3 - Moonstone's affection: Richard and Seigi have gotten into the habit of going out for dinner after work. On this particular evening, Seigi comments on the moon's beauty, which sends Richard on a tirade about Japanese literature.
Review
How do you translate the phrase "I love you"--words that never existed in the Japanese language in the first place--into Japanese? (...) Souseki Natsume had declared that "I love you" should be translated as "the moon is beautiful." (p. 310-311)
Omg, how dare this book throw all the feelings at me, on every single page. I'm dead, murdered by Seigi and Richard. I held off reading vol. 4 until I'd be closer to vol. 5's release date because I knew I wouldn't be able to wait 6 months until the next book. This volume is FILLED with internal monologues, self-reflection, and tons of fuzzy feelings, of course.
This volume covers the England arc when Seigi goes after Richard and uncovers a lot of things about his past (and future prospectives). The anime did not do this arc justice. I thought I knew the story going in, but boy was I wrong. I ended up annotating every other line because there was so much to unpack.
First of all, Seigi's inner struggle is well portrayed, and his confusion is palpable. Everyone around him keeps saying that he loves Richard, but he himself does not see it. He continues to cling to the constructed image of Tanimoto in his mind even though he knows full well that she is not romantically interested in him--nor in anyone--and ignores the painfully obvious feelings he has for Richard. Tanimoto helps him figure things out, and pushes him to get on a plane and find Richard, but Seigi continues to war with himself in trying to understand his own heart.
Nights were the worst because I'd have awful dreams whenever I tried to sleep--for some reason, Richard would be in my apartment, standing next to my bed. I just wanted it to stop already. Seeing someone in your dreams like that was such a bad omen. He'd always have this sparkling jewel-like smile on his face. He'd look like he was trying to tell me something, but it was as if I were watching a video on mute. And for some reason, my body wouldn't move, even when I tried to get up. When I told him I couldn't hear him, Richard would close his eyes and bring his face closer to mine, only to pull away and give me this vaguely cruel smile when I started. And then I'd wake up all alone in my room, drenched in sweat. (p. 9)
Seigi spends the entirety of the book pining for and worrying about Richard, and it's not until the halfway point that the two are reunited. Seigi's shifting emotions are really the focus of this volume, and we get to see a lot of character growth on his and Richard's behalf. His recurring dreams should be enough to clue him in, but he remains so painfully obtuse to his own heart. In his defense, he works really hard trying to figure things out, and eventually settles on simply accepting that he feels some type of way, whether romantic or not.
"Even though the answer has been staring you in the face all this time, you refuse to see, because it doesn't sit well with you. Are you even aware of it?"
"Aware of... what?"
"That you're in love with Richard."
I felt like my heart had been torn from my chest with no warning.
No. No, come on. I mean, no. No. Just because I spend every waking moment thinking about him, just because my heart skips a beat every time I lay eyes on him, just because I'm having dreams about him kissing me every night, it doesn't mean I'm in love with him. I couldn't be. I mean. Like--"(p. 21).
Richard, for his part, is equally blockheaded. He goes to great lengths to protect Seigi from his crazy family, and even has his mentor flown from Sri Lanka to watch over him, yet he is as obstinate and blind as Seigi. We learn a lot about Richard's past in this volume, and we see him being the most 'human' so far. His dynamic with Seigi changes, and he becomes much more open and chatty than he's ever been in their year of working together. We see Richard smiling more genuinely, and letting go of the past to embrace the future. He truly opens up and does a 180 in this book in terms of his emotions.
Aside from the character analyses that I could keep going on and on about, this volume also contains a lot of messages about race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. Richard's great-grandfather's will was undeniably racist and exclusionary, and Richard's cousin meddled twice in his life on this basis. Richard's ex-girlfriend, a Turkish woman, was chased away by the family for not being English, and Jeffrey attempted to chase Seigi away on account of his lack of Englishness and gender. However, there are many great lines throughout this book that talk about the unfairness and inequalities of the world, especially from the Japanese perspective. The author doesn't shy away from talking about how her country is traditionally opposed to same-sex unions and interracial marriages. It's definitely interesting to see how she weaves these social issues into her narrative. Seigi often remarks on how things in the 21st century are different, and that people today should be free to be with whomever they want. He even gets angry with Saul for suggesting that there's some kind of difference between Japanese people and others. Seigi, like Richard, is open-minded and does not judge others based on antiquated criteria.
All in all, I could probably write a 20-page essay about this volume, and I can only guess that the next volumes will continue to smack me right in the feels. This kind of multi-book slow burn is right up my alley, and I can't wait to see where the story goes next.
Extra Quotations (because there are so many that I can't possibly stop at 2)
"I must be dreaming... This really seems more like a dream than anything."
"Not to be pedantic, but are you sure you don't mean 'nightmare?'"
"But it's not a nightmare, not at all... I mean, you're here with me..." (p. 151).
------
He was so kind to me. But what I wanted right now was something more real than that kind of considerateness.
"... Please don't disappear without saying anything to me. I'm begging you," I continued, and Richard fidgeted a little.
The room was silent. There were no other sounds.
"When you disappeared... I felt a gaping hole had opened up in my chest. I was so worried, I couldn't do anything (...)" (p. 155).
-----
Richard's beautifully formed nose slipped right past my cheek and rested next to my right ear. His slender arms were wrapped around me, squeezing my shoulders so hard it hurt.
(...)
"... Look, I'm really so--"
"Stop talking."
"Yes, sir."
Richard had become like a rock as he hugged me. After a minute or so, he groaned.
"... You are so troublesome. Why must you always, always say you like me like that?" (p. 157-158).
-----
Apparently, when I saw something overwhelmingly beautiful, my mind just went blank. He was speaking right there in front of me, but it wasn't coming through to me. I bet my friend in the psych department would find this phenomenon very interesting. Anyway.
"Oh... sorry. You were so beautiful, I kind of lost myself... I didn't hear anything you just said. Could you repeat it?"
After about three seconds of silence, Richard let out a little snort. (p. 290)
May 21, 2023
"Then let's just call it plain love. I love him."
I held off on reading the third volume of this series because, as someone who watched the anime, I knew what was about to happen. Of course, I also knew how that conflict would be resolved in this fourth volume, but I still waited to read the previous volume until I had this one in my hands too. The light novel, as always, provides more insight and detail compared to the anime episodes.
I don't want to say much more for fear of spoilers, especially since this arc of the story is very significant, but I will say that where the previous volumes mostly touched on other people, this one is very much about Richard and Seigi and their relationship. There is a very big central conflict, of course, but it serves as a vehicle for our two main characters to form a deeper understanding of each other and to solidify their place in each other's lives.
You also get introduced to some significant secondary characters such as Saul and Jeffrey. And again, I don't want to elaborate too much, and I know that Jeffrey is very much a villain in this volume - but knowing what I know from the future volumes, the hints of his own personal conflict influenced my view of him here and I mostly felt bad for him. I can't wait for Jeffrey's story to be revisited down the road.
This series is still one of my favorites ever since I first watched the anime when it aired all those years ago, and I will never hesitate to recommend this to anyone who will listen to me talk for even two seconds. But I recognize that this series isn't the most exciting, and neither is the translated language the most beautiful. Maybe watch the anime first to see if it's to your taste, and then proceed with the light novels. As a fan, being able to read them and get more detail about each case has been very rewarding.
I held off on reading the third volume of this series because, as someone who watched the anime, I knew what was about to happen. Of course, I also knew how that conflict would be resolved in this fourth volume, but I still waited to read the previous volume until I had this one in my hands too. The light novel, as always, provides more insight and detail compared to the anime episodes.
I don't want to say much more for fear of spoilers, especially since this arc of the story is very significant, but I will say that where the previous volumes mostly touched on other people, this one is very much about Richard and Seigi and their relationship. There is a very big central conflict, of course, but it serves as a vehicle for our two main characters to form a deeper understanding of each other and to solidify their place in each other's lives.
You also get introduced to some significant secondary characters such as Saul and Jeffrey. And again, I don't want to elaborate too much, and I know that Jeffrey is very much a villain in this volume - but knowing what I know from the future volumes, the hints of his own personal conflict influenced my view of him here and I mostly felt bad for him. I can't wait for Jeffrey's story to be revisited down the road.
This series is still one of my favorites ever since I first watched the anime when it aired all those years ago, and I will never hesitate to recommend this to anyone who will listen to me talk for even two seconds. But I recognize that this series isn't the most exciting, and neither is the translated language the most beautiful. Maybe watch the anime first to see if it's to your taste, and then proceed with the light novels. As a fan, being able to read them and get more detail about each case has been very rewarding.
April 22, 2023
"Why? Isn't it obvious? Because I love you."
There's so much emotional development in this volume, I'm shedding tears of happiness. They've come such a long way! I'm proud of my boys.
Tanimoto is the MVP, no doubt. She was the best support in preventing this ship from sinking. I wish she were my friend too.
I get that the author is deliberately playing with my feelings with the whole are they/are they not, will they/will they not, but I'm too attached. Play with me all you want, I'm not letting go of them.
My only complaint is that these installments are over too fast; it's torture to have to wait months to read more about Seigi and Richard (but off I go to wait again...)
There's so much emotional development in this volume, I'm shedding tears of happiness. They've come such a long way! I'm proud of my boys.
Tanimoto is the MVP, no doubt. She was the best support in preventing this ship from sinking. I wish she were my friend too.
I get that the author is deliberately playing with my feelings with the whole are they/are they not, will they/will they not, but I'm too attached. Play with me all you want, I'm not letting go of them.
My only complaint is that these installments are over too fast; it's torture to have to wait months to read more about Seigi and Richard (but off I go to wait again...)
January 28, 2024
I'll give this one 6 stars bc way too many emotions and I love it so much
March 26, 2024
i don’t have the words to describe what i just read.
July 5, 2023
In this new installment of Jeweler Richard, Seigi vows to find his boss Richard, after he disappeared.
Richard's mentor, Saul, starts working at the store to replace Richard, and Seigi learns a lot about his past from Saul. Saul quickly deduces Seigi's true feelings for Richard, even if he hasn't fully accept them. That leads to this very interesting dialogue:
"Just because I spend every waking moment thinking about him, just because my heart skips a beat every time I lay eyes on his face, just because I'm having dreams of him kissing me every night, it doesn't mean I'm in love with him." Um - Seigi, I'm pretty sure it does.
He states that the pain he feels being away from Richard is much greater than when he thought Tanimoto was getting married.
Even the conman from the previous book, who shows up to tell Seigi where Richard is (he was hired by Richard's shady cousin) knows Seigi is in love with Richard.
Tanimoto serves as a guardian angel and confident to Seigi, helping him figure out how he felt and what to do. But even though he's in love with her, he loved Richard more.
When he does find Richard he tells him something that confirms this:
"I like you. I like you so much it scares me. I liked being by your side. Before I knew it, it became my new normal. And when I suddenly lost that, it was like being tossed into outer space with no oxygen." Seigi has become to attached to Richard that he can't live without him. And we see that Richard feels the same, be keeps trying to keep Seigi away, so that he's safe, but he's hurting him more in the process.
Richard was so sassy this entire book. He usually is, but due to the whole inheritance thing, his attitude was off the charts. Richard swearing was something else. He put his whole being in those words. When he snapped a phone in two I was in awe. My man really decided to unleash his full power at a hotel.
They almost got married to get the diamond aka the insurance. Segi planned to break the diamond and go to jail so Richard could be free from his inheritance drama. He even left behind a pudding recipe for Richard since he was planning on going to jail, that was so sweet.
Even after the inheritance was dealt with, Richard still told his family that he and Seigi were together. Even a starnger at the airport thought they were getting married. There's just no way they don't love each other. If they don't, then I don't believe love is real.
More cute moments between them:
-Richard called Seigi a sweet summer child. My heart can't take how cute they are.
-Seigi stocked up on seasonal sweets that Richard missed while being in London, just to please him.
-Richard praising Seigi and Seigi almost having a heart attack.
-Cheek kiss!!!!
-Saul listening to them flirting. He was so done with their antics.
-The celebration for Richard's return with his favourite cakes was so sweet.
-Seigi said that Richard is his "beautiful compass" steering him in the right direction and that he always wnats to stay by his side.
-In japanese to day "The moon is beautiful" is a way to say "I love you" to someone. When Seigi and Richard said that to each other, I fangirled so hard. And then Seigi said the moon was still not as beautiful as Richard.
Other than them, the plot also revolves a lot around Richard's cousins, Jeffrey and Henry. Henry is going to be a Lord, but he is severely sick and his brother Jeffrey is willing to do anything to help him. They seem to be good people even if their circumstances weren't the best.
We also learn about Richard's past relationship with a woman named Deborah, who broke up with him because she couldn't distinguish her love for him from her love for money. Initially Seigi thinks Richard had a boyfriend, and when he understands that, he does clarify the situation, but also says that he's open to being attracted to and loving men. He'd rather not use labels, but his sexuality is quite fluid.
I can't wait for the next volume! This is one of my favourite series!
Richard's mentor, Saul, starts working at the store to replace Richard, and Seigi learns a lot about his past from Saul. Saul quickly deduces Seigi's true feelings for Richard, even if he hasn't fully accept them. That leads to this very interesting dialogue:
"Just because I spend every waking moment thinking about him, just because my heart skips a beat every time I lay eyes on his face, just because I'm having dreams of him kissing me every night, it doesn't mean I'm in love with him." Um - Seigi, I'm pretty sure it does.
He states that the pain he feels being away from Richard is much greater than when he thought Tanimoto was getting married.
Even the conman from the previous book, who shows up to tell Seigi where Richard is (he was hired by Richard's shady cousin) knows Seigi is in love with Richard.
Tanimoto serves as a guardian angel and confident to Seigi, helping him figure out how he felt and what to do. But even though he's in love with her, he loved Richard more.
When he does find Richard he tells him something that confirms this:
"I like you. I like you so much it scares me. I liked being by your side. Before I knew it, it became my new normal. And when I suddenly lost that, it was like being tossed into outer space with no oxygen." Seigi has become to attached to Richard that he can't live without him. And we see that Richard feels the same, be keeps trying to keep Seigi away, so that he's safe, but he's hurting him more in the process.
Richard was so sassy this entire book. He usually is, but due to the whole inheritance thing, his attitude was off the charts. Richard swearing was something else. He put his whole being in those words. When he snapped a phone in two I was in awe. My man really decided to unleash his full power at a hotel.
They almost got married to get the diamond aka the insurance. Segi planned to break the diamond and go to jail so Richard could be free from his inheritance drama. He even left behind a pudding recipe for Richard since he was planning on going to jail, that was so sweet.
Even after the inheritance was dealt with, Richard still told his family that he and Seigi were together. Even a starnger at the airport thought they were getting married. There's just no way they don't love each other. If they don't, then I don't believe love is real.
More cute moments between them:
-Richard called Seigi a sweet summer child. My heart can't take how cute they are.
-Seigi stocked up on seasonal sweets that Richard missed while being in London, just to please him.
-Richard praising Seigi and Seigi almost having a heart attack.
-Cheek kiss!!!!
-Saul listening to them flirting. He was so done with their antics.
-The celebration for Richard's return with his favourite cakes was so sweet.
-Seigi said that Richard is his "beautiful compass" steering him in the right direction and that he always wnats to stay by his side.
-In japanese to day "The moon is beautiful" is a way to say "I love you" to someone. When Seigi and Richard said that to each other, I fangirled so hard. And then Seigi said the moon was still not as beautiful as Richard.
Other than them, the plot also revolves a lot around Richard's cousins, Jeffrey and Henry. Henry is going to be a Lord, but he is severely sick and his brother Jeffrey is willing to do anything to help him. They seem to be good people even if their circumstances weren't the best.
We also learn about Richard's past relationship with a woman named Deborah, who broke up with him because she couldn't distinguish her love for him from her love for money. Initially Seigi thinks Richard had a boyfriend, and when he understands that, he does clarify the situation, but also says that he's open to being attracted to and loving men. He'd rather not use labels, but his sexuality is quite fluid.
I can't wait for the next volume! This is one of my favourite series!
February 9, 2024
THE MOON REALLY IS BEAUTIFUL - and if i cry
Edit: I sat on it and....my god this is probably one of the most beautiful installments of any book I've ever read in sooooo long! I would give it 100 stars if I could
Edit: I sat on it and....my god this is probably one of the most beautiful installments of any book I've ever read in sooooo long! I would give it 100 stars if I could
September 16, 2023
Holy crap, Jeweler Richard volume 4 is an absolute journey—both plot-wise and emotionally. I’m not sure whether years were taken off my life due to stress, or added on due to sheer joy. (Ehh, it probably evens out in the end.)
After Richard’s sudden disappearance at the end of volume 3, Seigi follows him to England, where we learn all about Richard’s messy family history. We finally get to learn everything about his mysterious past! And Seigi confronts his feelings! So much growth is happening!
But aside from the dramatic plot, what really struck me about these stories is how emotionally vulnerable both Seigi and Richard allow themselves to be. Their immense care for and desire to protect each other is so clear, and they’re both able to express some of what the other means to them. Especially in Case 4: “The Gospel of White Sapphire.” It’s rare in any form of media to see two men express so much care and talk so openly about their desire to see each other be happy. The intimacy of it was beautiful. And the good communication! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
This volume also drives home two things so hard: 1) Seigi is an astoundingly unreliable narrator. We already knew this of course, but it was really sinking in for me that Seigi works so well as an unreliable narrator because he’s not purposedfully misleading the reader. He genuinely is so self-deluded about his relationship with Richard. 2) Seigi and Richard undeniably have romantic feelings for each other. Everything in this volume screams romance. Even if Seigi can’t see it or doesn’t understand it, both his and Richard’s word and actions are heavily romance-coded. It’s clear that Tsujimura wrote the story this way for a reason. Can’t wait to see how this develops in volume 5!
After Richard’s sudden disappearance at the end of volume 3, Seigi follows him to England, where we learn all about Richard’s messy family history. We finally get to learn everything about his mysterious past! And Seigi confronts his feelings! So much growth is happening!
But aside from the dramatic plot, what really struck me about these stories is how emotionally vulnerable both Seigi and Richard allow themselves to be. Their immense care for and desire to protect each other is so clear, and they’re both able to express some of what the other means to them. Especially in Case 4: “The Gospel of White Sapphire.” It’s rare in any form of media to see two men express so much care and talk so openly about their desire to see each other be happy. The intimacy of it was beautiful. And the good communication! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
This volume also drives home two things so hard: 1) Seigi is an astoundingly unreliable narrator. We already knew this of course, but it was really sinking in for me that Seigi works so well as an unreliable narrator because he’s not purposedfully misleading the reader. He genuinely is so self-deluded about his relationship with Richard. 2) Seigi and Richard undeniably have romantic feelings for each other. Everything in this volume screams romance. Even if Seigi can’t see it or doesn’t understand it, both his and Richard’s word and actions are heavily romance-coded. It’s clear that Tsujimura wrote the story this way for a reason. Can’t wait to see how this develops in volume 5!
June 5, 2023
This book left me speechless at times... it's my ABSOLUTE favorite volume so far in the Jeweler Richard series!!
I had been dying to read this volume ever since finishing the last one, especially with the cliffhanger it left us on. After pre-ordering Vol. 4, finally having it in my hands, and cracking into it immediately, my mouth was agape right from the start (specifically around page 20-ish). There were countless lines and scenes that made me squeal, scream, and become overjoyed with delight and shock. Things get real for Richard and Seigi, and their relationship takes on a whole. new. level.
The intricacies of Richard's family and his background are fascinating, and the story has such amazing pacing with Seigi and Richard's reunion. It's heartfelt & heartbreaking all at once, with an ebb and flow of heightened emotions cropping up during several different parts of their adventure, and I was just left in awe of how deep and entangled they are with each other. There is so much more in these pages than I ever expected to get.
I did see the anime a number of times before reading the novels & manga, so getting to experience all of the juice that's in this novel compared to the show was so incredible. I still love the show and think they captured the arc of this plot quite well--especially for how elaborate the tale (and hidden truths each character holds) is--but getting to read the confessions and full dialogue between Richard and Seigi made my heart sing. Also, Saul is MVP, hands down.
I truly lost myself in this book for an entire night. And the extra bonus cases (three of them!) made this book even more of a treat. Just... just... *chef's kiss!*
Words cannot describe how freaking happy this series makes me!! I am STOKED to get the whole collection!
I had been dying to read this volume ever since finishing the last one, especially with the cliffhanger it left us on. After pre-ordering Vol. 4, finally having it in my hands, and cracking into it immediately, my mouth was agape right from the start (specifically around page 20-ish). There were countless lines and scenes that made me squeal, scream, and become overjoyed with delight and shock. Things get real for Richard and Seigi, and their relationship takes on a whole. new. level.
The intricacies of Richard's family and his background are fascinating, and the story has such amazing pacing with Seigi and Richard's reunion. It's heartfelt & heartbreaking all at once, with an ebb and flow of heightened emotions cropping up during several different parts of their adventure, and I was just left in awe of how deep and entangled they are with each other. There is so much more in these pages than I ever expected to get.
I did see the anime a number of times before reading the novels & manga, so getting to experience all of the juice that's in this novel compared to the show was so incredible. I still love the show and think they captured the arc of this plot quite well--especially for how elaborate the tale (and hidden truths each character holds) is--but getting to read the confessions and full dialogue between Richard and Seigi made my heart sing. Also, Saul is MVP, hands down.
I truly lost myself in this book for an entire night. And the extra bonus cases (three of them!) made this book even more of a treat. Just... just... *chef's kiss!*
Words cannot describe how freaking happy this series makes me!! I am STOKED to get the whole collection!
September 11, 2023
This volume was like taking three steps forward, and two steps back. Was there progress? Sure. But I felt a lot of frustration with how I was expecting this strong momentum in relationship development only to fall into a sink hole.
The first three volumes were a bit of a slog. Chapters that were episodic in nature that felt like it could have been read out of order, is not my cup of tea. This volume brought a break in that pattern; instead of a ‘mystery of the day’ to solve, we have a change in setting and a deep dive into Richard’s past. I was excited for something different.
I was hoping that Seigi’s and Richard’s relationship would finally cross that threshold into something more intimate. I wanted them to be boyfriends. Instead, I got a bunch of and “I love you but not like THAT” or “I love you…just kidding no homo.” It was frustrating (reminds me of the BBC Sherlock days of queer baiting). I know this book was written a handful of years ago, but there are just so many more queer/gay literature nowadays that I just don’t have the motivation to continue with this series.
Was it all bad? Not at all. The actual plot of the inheritance was interesting, but a lot of my motivation to continue was hoping that the relationship would finally hit that peak that I was expecting.
The first three volumes were a bit of a slog. Chapters that were episodic in nature that felt like it could have been read out of order, is not my cup of tea. This volume brought a break in that pattern; instead of a ‘mystery of the day’ to solve, we have a change in setting and a deep dive into Richard’s past. I was excited for something different.
I was hoping that Seigi’s and Richard’s relationship would finally cross that threshold into something more intimate. I wanted them to be boyfriends. Instead, I got a bunch of and “I love you but not like THAT” or “I love you…just kidding no homo.” It was frustrating (reminds me of the BBC Sherlock days of queer baiting). I know this book was written a handful of years ago, but there are just so many more queer/gay literature nowadays that I just don’t have the motivation to continue with this series.
Was it all bad? Not at all. The actual plot of the inheritance was interesting, but a lot of my motivation to continue was hoping that the relationship would finally hit that peak that I was expecting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2023
Definitely a very pivotal volume in the series. A lot of revelations were made and much progress developed, especially between the two main characters. It’s great to have some of those more obscure mysteries about Richard’s character uncovered, and I like the direction his character is developing. It must be beyond a sigh of relief to have a friend like Seigi who will so boldly and unselfishly go to such lengths for another.
May 11, 2023
i loved getting to read this in english officially. it's been like over 2 years since i read it in japanese, and it didn't disappoint. god, i will never get tired of these two. the gayest part 1 novel fr
November 3, 2023
Awesome
October 16, 2025
I don't understand why Author insist on making something literally BL and then try their best to prove to their readers that it's not BL?!
it's BL, Seigi Loves Richard, Richard loves Seigi and Saul is 999% done with this not love but love XD
even the Sushi guy knew they love each other so when saigi said the Flowers were from wedding he simply said congratulation XD
it's BL, Seigi Loves Richard, Richard loves Seigi and Saul is 999% done with this not love but love XD
even the Sushi guy knew they love each other so when saigi said the Flowers were from wedding he simply said congratulation XD
July 15, 2023
Un tome où on en apprend plus sur le passé et la famille de Richard 🤗
May 6, 2025
“Oh, I can still see the moon.“
“Can you, now? Is it beautiful?”
“Hm, not as beautiful as you.”
That’s it. That’s the story.
No, but seriously, I liked how the idea of love, mainly what love means and how many different ways it can be expressed or felt comes into play in this story. Love is complicated and its messy and as the book points out, love is not just romantic. It is familial, it is the love you feel for a friend who has stood by you, it is what pushes you to chase another human being to an entirely different country lol. It is strong and it is wonderful and as Tanimoto has shown us, it is not always defined the same for every person.
I also feel like with this book we actually got a deeper understanding of Richard, of why he’s so careful to draw those lines between himself and Seigi. I also feel that this is where the relationship truly solidifies. This book is the moment where Richard no longer tries to keep Seigi at arms length, and where he realizes that’s he’s okay letting this brash man attach himself to him. (also that exchange of stones that basically amounts to an exchange of rings??? like my heart could not stand it okay like that’s basically the biggest promise you can make to a person and Richard instigated it.)
5.6.25
To add to the above - this is such a deeply human story. If we take Seigi and Richard out of the equation we are introduced to a new cast of characters, all who have different reasons for existing and fighting and being. They’re motivated by their circumstances and sometimes those circumstances are from pain and that pain can lead to more pain. Seeing the drama unfold with Richard’s family was a reminder of that.
“Can you, now? Is it beautiful?”
“Hm, not as beautiful as you.”
That’s it. That’s the story.
No, but seriously, I liked how the idea of love, mainly what love means and how many different ways it can be expressed or felt comes into play in this story. Love is complicated and its messy and as the book points out, love is not just romantic. It is familial, it is the love you feel for a friend who has stood by you, it is what pushes you to chase another human being to an entirely different country lol. It is strong and it is wonderful and as Tanimoto has shown us, it is not always defined the same for every person.
I also feel like with this book we actually got a deeper understanding of Richard, of why he’s so careful to draw those lines between himself and Seigi. I also feel that this is where the relationship truly solidifies. This book is the moment where Richard no longer tries to keep Seigi at arms length, and where he realizes that’s he’s okay letting this brash man attach himself to him. (also that exchange of stones that basically amounts to an exchange of rings??? like my heart could not stand it okay like that’s basically the biggest promise you can make to a person and Richard instigated it.)
5.6.25
To add to the above - this is such a deeply human story. If we take Seigi and Richard out of the equation we are introduced to a new cast of characters, all who have different reasons for existing and fighting and being. They’re motivated by their circumstances and sometimes those circumstances are from pain and that pain can lead to more pain. Seeing the drama unfold with Richard’s family was a reminder of that.
March 30, 2025
I finally made myself royal milk tea for the first time.
I don't think Richard would approve just yet, but I'll keep working on it. I do have to admit that it was delicious, even though I'm not a big fan of black tea. (For anyone curious, the phrase "royal milk tea" is mentioned around 23 times each book. Can't really blame me for wanting to see how it tastes. Delicious with soy milk, I am happy to report.)
(Also, the tea cups Seigi and Richard use to drink their precious royal milk tea are Noritake white cups with gold banding, and I am seriously considering buying them, too. Somebody stop me. I hate how you can look up everything from the novel, and it actually exists. Dimbula black tea. The cups. Makes me want to do things like them.)
The "cases" are focused purely on Seigi and Richard's relationship this time. There are no customers, there is simply Seigi dealing with Richard suddenly disappearing. Dreaming about kissing him. Wondering if he is in love with him and if he's emotionally two-timing Tanimoto.
(Not gonna lie, I was startled to see the topic of being in love with Richard being introduced so straightforwardly. Very pleasantly startled. This book is somehow the biggest slow-burn romance story which makes me doubt if it's actually romance or not, but also as queer as it gets. The things they say to each other... My heart. Queer, queer, queer.)
Really, Seigi's as adorable as it gets - Tanimoto is a lovely character too, and I am so happy to see a "female love interest" being treated this way and being allowed to shine as her own person, helping Seigi with Richard, giving him advice. I hope she embraces her asexual/aromantic side. I like the fact that she and Seigi are genuine friends first and foremost, and both want the other to be happy.
But most of all, Seigi and Richard. Everything about them.
Their reunion. The hug. Exchanging rings. The kiss on the cheek that definitely wasn't a kiss on the cheek, because if it was, Seigi's heart wouldn't be able to take it, so he had decided to pretend that it was just Richard's hand despite knowing very well that it wasn't. Richard enjoying himself and teasing Seigi by backhanded compliments, showing Seigi what his bluntness and honesty really look like.
Richard inviting Seigi to compliment him as much as he likes.
"The moon is beautiful." - "I could die."
"I love you." - "I'm yours."
More quotes because there's never quite enough of them, and I might have accidentally annotated over half of my book.
5 stars. Yes to rereads. Yes to queerness. Yes to more Richard and Seigi.
I don't think Richard would approve just yet, but I'll keep working on it. I do have to admit that it was delicious, even though I'm not a big fan of black tea. (For anyone curious, the phrase "royal milk tea" is mentioned around 23 times each book. Can't really blame me for wanting to see how it tastes. Delicious with soy milk, I am happy to report.)
(Also, the tea cups Seigi and Richard use to drink their precious royal milk tea are Noritake white cups with gold banding, and I am seriously considering buying them, too. Somebody stop me. I hate how you can look up everything from the novel, and it actually exists. Dimbula black tea. The cups. Makes me want to do things like them.)
The "cases" are focused purely on Seigi and Richard's relationship this time. There are no customers, there is simply Seigi dealing with Richard suddenly disappearing. Dreaming about kissing him. Wondering if he is in love with him and if he's emotionally two-timing Tanimoto.
He had vanished from my life just as suddenly as he had entered it. It was almost like Richard had never existed.
“Are you even aware of it?”
“Aware of…what?”
“That you’re in love with Richard.”
I felt like my heart had been torn from my chest with no warning.
No. No, come on. I mean, no. No. Just because I spend every waking moment thinking about him, just because my heart skips a beat every time I lay eyes on his face, just because I’m having dreams about him kissing me every night, it doesn’t mean I’m in love with him. I couldn’t be. I mean. Like—
(Not gonna lie, I was startled to see the topic of being in love with Richard being introduced so straightforwardly. Very pleasantly startled. This book is somehow the biggest slow-burn romance story which makes me doubt if it's actually romance or not, but also as queer as it gets. The things they say to each other... My heart. Queer, queer, queer.)
Really, Seigi's as adorable as it gets - Tanimoto is a lovely character too, and I am so happy to see a "female love interest" being treated this way and being allowed to shine as her own person, helping Seigi with Richard, giving him advice. I hope she embraces her asexual/aromantic side. I like the fact that she and Seigi are genuine friends first and foremost, and both want the other to be happy.
“So, the guy I work for part time… No, um, I mean someone who’s done a lot for me… No, that’s not it either. Someone I care about deeply… Look, I don’t really know how to describe him exactly, but he just suddenly vanished and I don’t know what to do.”
But most of all, Seigi and Richard. Everything about them.
Yet Richard simply smiled at Mr. Homura and shook his head, telling him that he didn’t want anyone else by his side but me.
Their reunion. The hug. Exchanging rings. The kiss on the cheek that definitely wasn't a kiss on the cheek, because if it was, Seigi's heart wouldn't be able to take it, so he had decided to pretend that it was just Richard's hand despite knowing very well that it wasn't. Richard enjoying himself and teasing Seigi by backhanded compliments, showing Seigi what his bluntness and honesty really look like.
Richard inviting Seigi to compliment him as much as he likes.
"The moon is beautiful." - "I could die."
"I love you." - "I'm yours."
More quotes because there's never quite enough of them, and I might have accidentally annotated over half of my book.
“And just what is it that you want to do? What will you do once you find him?”
“I just want to say my piece. I’ll probably start by telling him how angry he’s made me.”
Saul let out a deep sigh when I said that, but he still had a smile on his face. “You certainly are brimming with youthful energy. It seems a bit too deep for fleeting romantic passion, but far too intense for mere friendship, too.”
“Then let’s just call it plain love. I love him,” I asserted decisively, and Saul’s lips began to curl as he stared at me. His smile cut across his face from ear to ear, like some kind of general of hell’s legions.
“Bravo. I wish I could have recorded that performance to send to that imbecile.”
5 stars. Yes to rereads. Yes to queerness. Yes to more Richard and Seigi.
October 9, 2025
''i like you. i like you so much. it scares me. i liked being by your side. before i knew it, it became my new normal. and when i suddenly lost that, it was like i'd been tossed into outer space with no oxygen. not being able to see you once or twice a week hurt so bad, my whole body was in shambles. no, it wasn't even that. even if i didn't get to see you every week, i just needed to know that you were somewhere on this earth, healthy and safe.''
''oh, i can still see the moon.''
''can you, now? is it beautiful?''
''hm, not as beautiful as you.''
bu cilt tam bi emotional rollercoasterdi ya... bazi chapterlari gerginlikten zar zor okudum, iki uc sayfayi bile yarim saatte okuyabildim falan... yasanan cogu zaten yillar once animesi ilk ciktiginda takip ettigimden biliyordum da su an detayli okuyunca yogun geldi bir tik. ama richard'in ailevi olaylarini detaylica ogrenmemiz cok iyi oldu. sadece seigi'nin birkac davranislari beni cildirtacak gibiydi ama o da kendince bir seyler yapmaya calisiyor diyeyim. onca ailevi gerginlige ragmen seigi'yle richard'in ucuncu ciltte oldugundan da birbirlerine yakinlasabilmesi kalbimi cok zora soktu, artik sozlu degil fiziksel falan da yakinlasiyorlar resmen sarilmadan vesaire ibaret olsa da. cok tatlilar okurken nefes alabilmek icin kendimi zorluyorum, extra bolumdeki ''flortlesme'' kismindan bahsetmeyecegim bile dayanilmazdi ve komikti. ayrica yillar sonra ayin guzelliginin metafor oldugunu okumak zamanda geriye goturdu beni resmen, anime ilk ciktiginda insanlar bu detay uzerine cildirip duruyolardı -ben de dahil-. simdi en guncel ciltte olanlari -evet spoiler yedim afiyetle- o zamanki bizler gorsek kalpten giderdik herhalde.
May 5, 2023
This volume was a lot better than volume 3, and covers the England arc. It still has its issues, and a small number of bad typos, but all in all the story is a lot more fun, possibly largely because .
I appreciated .
I can't say I recommend this to anyone who doesn't already like the anime, or who doesn't already like the light novel series. It's still not particularly well-written, at least in English, but if you're committed to Seigi/Richard and enjoy learning a lot of stuff about gemstones, this is the book for you.
I appreciated .
I can't say I recommend this to anyone who doesn't already like the anime, or who doesn't already like the light novel series. It's still not particularly well-written, at least in English, but if you're committed to Seigi/Richard and enjoy learning a lot of stuff about gemstones, this is the book for you.
May 10, 2025
I have never been this emotionally wrecked by a book. Volume 4 didn’t just tug at my heartstrings—it yanked them, tied them into a knot, and set them on fire. I smiled like an idiot, I cried like I lost something precious, I screamed, and honestly, I metaphorically devoured this book. The emotional rollercoaster was real.
And Seigi. Oh my God, Seigi. How can one boy be so painfully earnest and so stupid at the same time? Is it normal to dream about your boss kissing you? To straight-up tell him that the “mood isn’t as beautiful as him”? Boy. Please. If I were Richard, I would’ve screamed, slapped some sense into him, and then cried in a corner.
But that’s the thing, isn’t it? They’re so obviously in love. Every glance, every awkward pause, every emotionally charged sentence just radiates tension and affection. It’s beautiful and frustrating and addictive.
This volume is the definition of slow burn, and I am burning. Absolutely incredible.
And Seigi. Oh my God, Seigi. How can one boy be so painfully earnest and so stupid at the same time? Is it normal to dream about your boss kissing you? To straight-up tell him that the “mood isn’t as beautiful as him”? Boy. Please. If I were Richard, I would’ve screamed, slapped some sense into him, and then cried in a corner.
But that’s the thing, isn’t it? They’re so obviously in love. Every glance, every awkward pause, every emotionally charged sentence just radiates tension and affection. It’s beautiful and frustrating and addictive.
This volume is the definition of slow burn, and I am burning. Absolutely incredible.
July 10, 2023
Like the author claimed this is not a bl novel. And it would be perfectly fine if not for the fact that the two main characters are so obviously in love that it hurts. Their behaviour isn't of two friends but something deeper which could only (at least in my opinion) be describe as lovers. The author is trying really hard to make them straight, making them say "I'm not gay" or "my angel Tanimoto" but it just sounds forced and out of the blue. By reading it I'm thinking of two guys kissing and then saying "No homo". Did Seiji think of kissing Tanimoto? No. Did he think about kissing Richard? Yes. It's really not working for me when the author is trying to validate their point so unskillfully that it's tiring to read.
Two 🌟 because the plot in overall is nice and well-written (despite the aforementioned drawbacks).
Two 🌟 because the plot in overall is nice and well-written (despite the aforementioned drawbacks).
May 28, 2023
The following reviews is full of spoilers. Read at your own risk.
So. I have feelings about this installment. Without further ado:
This book really gets into Richard's character: his disappearance, his family, and his inheritance issue. We literally leave Japan and travel with Seigi to London as we take a deep dive into Richard's past. This wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but it deviated from the usual format of the books thus far: we're not at Étranger, Richard and Seigi aren't eating sweets together, it's a very big departure from Seigi's usual and familiar world.
As we don't see much of our recurring cast, the main focus is on Richard and Seigi's relationship in this one. What bothered me about this book - and this was true of the last installment as well, in retrospect - is that Seigi and Richard, for all intents and purposes, act like a couple. Even if you take away Seigi making tea and pudding for Richard, both of them comforting each other, this book highlights all the ways in which their relationship is romantic: Seigi is depressed and restless follwing Richard's abrupt departure, he constantly wonders where he is, he's tormented by dreams about Richard leaning in to kiss him, only to pull away at the very last second. He buys a one way ticket to London in search of Richard.
This is exacerbated by how Richard treats him once they find each other: worrying about Seigi, looking after him in his feverish state. Seigi risking his life for Richard (possibly going to jail, having to potentially cut ties with Hiromi), and all the newfound tenderness between them: Richard telling Seigi about his past, stroking his forehead when he's sick, kissing his cheek goodnight.
I know what you're thinking: omg, this sounds so cute. There's even a fake dating trope involved because Richard and Seigi pretend to be together in front of his family. The stickler, however, is this: despite being very deliberately written like a romance, The Case Files of Jeweler Richard refuses to acknowledge romantic feelings between Seigi and Richard.
This book is not a queer, m/m slow-burn romance. It's a dumpster fire. I think the author is trying to delay Richard and Seigi becoming a couple, and simply doing it badly. Tanimoto, Seigi's own denial, Richard's silence on his feelings are all tools used to deny a romantic relationship that already exists. As a reader, I felt gaslighted. You'd have these distinctly romantic moments that lull you into thinking their relationship is progressing, and that they both have feelings for each other, only to have Richard or Seigi talk about the other like a sibling. Honey, let me break it to you: if you think of your siblings like that, we have a much bigger problem at hand.
It made me so angry, especially because this particular installment comes very close to having Seigi realize his own feelings, only to stop short of admitting romantic feelings for Richard. To add insult to injury, the author writes that Seigi and Richard's relationship is too deep for friendship, but not romantic. It's not friendship, but it's not fully platonic, and oh, it's not sexual either. Riddle me this: where does that leave us?
The notion that relationships cannot always be fit into neat little categories is one I'm sympathetic to. What pissed me off is that this very delicate (and accurate) idea was used as a flimsy excuse to further the author's purposes. A review on Amazon for this book said the author was clearly toying with readers' feelings, but that this user was still on board for this series. I, however, am not.
I read all of Banana Fish only to find out that the author said Ash and Eiji couldn't possibly be a couple because Eiji was not a woman. Gregory Ashe's Hazard and Somerset also put cardboard obstacles to delay the main couple getting together while constantly teasing the readers with what a cute couple they'd make. I don't care if it's homophobia or just bad writing, I refuse to read more books like this. I thought The Case Files of Jeweler Richard was going to be queer, but it turns out it's not more than a pretty piece of queerbait.
So. I have feelings about this installment. Without further ado:
This book really gets into Richard's character: his disappearance, his family, and his inheritance issue. We literally leave Japan and travel with Seigi to London as we take a deep dive into Richard's past. This wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but it deviated from the usual format of the books thus far: we're not at Étranger, Richard and Seigi aren't eating sweets together, it's a very big departure from Seigi's usual and familiar world.
As we don't see much of our recurring cast, the main focus is on Richard and Seigi's relationship in this one. What bothered me about this book - and this was true of the last installment as well, in retrospect - is that Seigi and Richard, for all intents and purposes, act like a couple. Even if you take away Seigi making tea and pudding for Richard, both of them comforting each other, this book highlights all the ways in which their relationship is romantic: Seigi is depressed and restless follwing Richard's abrupt departure, he constantly wonders where he is, he's tormented by dreams about Richard leaning in to kiss him, only to pull away at the very last second. He buys a one way ticket to London in search of Richard.
This is exacerbated by how Richard treats him once they find each other: worrying about Seigi, looking after him in his feverish state. Seigi risking his life for Richard (possibly going to jail, having to potentially cut ties with Hiromi), and all the newfound tenderness between them: Richard telling Seigi about his past, stroking his forehead when he's sick, kissing his cheek goodnight.
I know what you're thinking: omg, this sounds so cute. There's even a fake dating trope involved because Richard and Seigi pretend to be together in front of his family. The stickler, however, is this: despite being very deliberately written like a romance, The Case Files of Jeweler Richard refuses to acknowledge romantic feelings between Seigi and Richard.
This book is not a queer, m/m slow-burn romance. It's a dumpster fire. I think the author is trying to delay Richard and Seigi becoming a couple, and simply doing it badly. Tanimoto, Seigi's own denial, Richard's silence on his feelings are all tools used to deny a romantic relationship that already exists. As a reader, I felt gaslighted. You'd have these distinctly romantic moments that lull you into thinking their relationship is progressing, and that they both have feelings for each other, only to have Richard or Seigi talk about the other like a sibling. Honey, let me break it to you: if you think of your siblings like that, we have a much bigger problem at hand.
It made me so angry, especially because this particular installment comes very close to having Seigi realize his own feelings, only to stop short of admitting romantic feelings for Richard. To add insult to injury, the author writes that Seigi and Richard's relationship is too deep for friendship, but not romantic. It's not friendship, but it's not fully platonic, and oh, it's not sexual either. Riddle me this: where does that leave us?
The notion that relationships cannot always be fit into neat little categories is one I'm sympathetic to. What pissed me off is that this very delicate (and accurate) idea was used as a flimsy excuse to further the author's purposes. A review on Amazon for this book said the author was clearly toying with readers' feelings, but that this user was still on board for this series. I, however, am not.
I read all of Banana Fish only to find out that the author said Ash and Eiji couldn't possibly be a couple because Eiji was not a woman. Gregory Ashe's Hazard and Somerset also put cardboard obstacles to delay the main couple getting together while constantly teasing the readers with what a cute couple they'd make. I don't care if it's homophobia or just bad writing, I refuse to read more books like this. I thought The Case Files of Jeweler Richard was going to be queer, but it turns out it's not more than a pretty piece of queerbait.
July 15, 2023
This was the best arc yet. I cannot describe to you how much I love this series.
At the last chapter I had to put it down for a bit because it made me so emotional. In a positive way. Also because I like reading Japanese classics and the romanticism of it all hit me right in the face.
At the last chapter I had to put it down for a bit because it made me so emotional. In a positive way. Also because I like reading Japanese classics and the romanticism of it all hit me right in the face.
January 9, 2024
This is the best book in the series so far. I don't care about other people's problems, I want to know about the main character and this book finally delivered. The story is also more exciting. The previous books was delivering on wisdom and life lessons. This one is action! It was fast paced.
September 6, 2024
I truly enjoyed this volume with all the observations of the Japanese society and the English nobles! I really love the details about Richard's family. And Seigi in full bi panic mode is just too amusing.
February 10, 2025
Seigi and Richard are NEVER going to beat the boyfriends allegations. This volume is the best one so far, we get to see much more of Richard's humanity along with Seigi's gay little inner voice and man I could not put it down lol.
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