Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage is called to the Student Council room by Vice President Hanyu.
• Hanyu praises Natsume's handling of a supernatural incident and offers additional club funding and dining vouchers as a token of appreciation.
• Hanyu reveals that a girl in the Student Council and one in the Collection Club like Natsume, and asks when he plans to start dating.
• Natsume speculates about the girl in the Collection Club who likes him on his way back to class.
• Natsume shares the good news about the club funding and dining vouchers with his club members (Fujiwara Aoi, Yukimura Suzune, and Saionji Nanase).

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: He becomes more aware of the romantic interests around him, particularly within his club, after Hanyu's revelation.
• Hanyu Masaki: He shows a more personal and considerate side by offering dining vouchers and asking about Natsume's relationship status on behalf of someone else.

Significant Themes

• Romantic interests and relationships among the characters.
• The dynamics and interactions between club members.
• The influence of wealth and status on relationships and life decisions.

Character Interactions

• Natsume and Hanyu: They have a formal yet friendly conversation, with Hanyu offering appreciation and asking about Natsume's personal life.
• Natsume and his club members: They discuss the club's funding and plans, with Fujiwara Aoi showing excitement about the dining vouchers. Yukimura Suzune suspects that Natsume is hiding something about his meeting with Hanyu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage receives a call from Sakai Shion, who offers to buy body wash for him.
• The Collection Club members gather to discuss the "Seven Mysteries of the Academy."
• Saionji Nanase reads aloud the story of the "Death Videotape" mystery.
• Natsume Chikage deduces the truth behind the "Death Videotape" incident.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage shows his sharp deductive skills.
• Sakai Shion expresses concern for the Natsume siblings' well-being.
• Saionji Nanase displays her curiosity and eagerness to investigate mysteries.
• Yukimura Suzune shows her competitive nature and determination to outdo Natsume Chikage in solving mysteries.

Significant Themes

• The power of deduction and observation in solving mysteries.
• The influence of rumors and fear on people's perceptions and actions.
• The importance of evidence and concrete proof in supporting theories.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Sakai Shion have a brief but caring conversation.
• Natsume Chikage, Yukimura Suzune, and Saionji Nanase work together to discuss and solve the mystery.
• Yukimura Suzune and Saionji Nanase display their competitive and protective instincts towards each other and Natsume Chikage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Mystery Club starts organizing past incidents.
• Tsukishima Rin visits the clubroom, curious about the Osaka inn incident.
• Akita Sana arrives shortly after, also interested in the same incident.
• Both seniors ask if anything unusual happened during the trip, hinting at romantic interest in Natsume Chikage.
• The group discusses and reveals details of their King's Game, including a photo of Yukimura Suzune and Natsume Chikage together.
• Tsukishima Rin and Akita Sana express interest in seeing Natsume Chikage in a swimsuit.

Character Developments

• Tsukishima Rin and Akita Sana show clear romantic interest in Natsume Chikage.
• Yukimura Suzune appears slightly embarrassed when discussing the photo with Natsume Chikage.
• Saionji Nanase remains innocent and oblivious to the romantic tension.
• Natsume Chikage is unaware of the romantic interest directed towards him.

Significant Themes

• Romantic tension and competition among the female characters.
• The impact of the King's Game on the characters' relationships.
• The potential for future romantic developments.

Character Interactions

• Tsukishima Rin and Akita Sana's interactions with Natsume Chikage are filled with hidden romantic undertones.
• Yukimura Suzune and Natsume Chikage's dynamic shows a hint of embarrassment and closeness.
• Saionji Nanase's interactions with everyone are innocent and friendly, oblivious to the romantic undercurrents.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage's friends ask about his hot spring incident and ensure he's prepared for the upcoming Rising Star Shogi Tournament final.
• They suggest he quit his part-time job at the Coffee Shop to become a shogi tutor, as it's more lucrative and flexible.
• Fujiwara Aoi overhears this and feels upset, as she enjoys commuting to work with Natsume Chikage.
• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi walk to work together, with her acting strangely quiet and distant.
• Natsume Chikage notices Fujiwara Aoi's odd behavior and tries to console her, thinking she's upset about not getting a restaurant reservation.
• Fujiwara Aoi reveals she's also considering quitting her job at the Coffee Shop.
• Natsume Chikage starts to suspect Fujiwara Aoi's feelings for him.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows concern for his sister's feelings and wants to spend more time with her, also starts considering Fujiwara Aoi's feelings.
• Fujiwara Aoi: Initially upset about Natsume Chikage quitting, but then sees it as an opportunity to spend more time with him and win him over.

Significant Themes

• The importance of spending time with family, as seen through Natsume Chikage's concern for his sister.
• The potential for romantic feelings to develop between characters, hinted at with Fujiwara Aoi's behavior.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and his friends discuss his job and future plans, with them encouraging him to become a shogi tutor.
• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi walk to work together, with her acting distant and him trying to comfort her.
• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi discuss their potential resignations from the Coffee Shop, with her hinting at her feelings for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi inform their manager, Yamamoto Koji, about quitting their jobs at the coffee shop.
• Yamamoto Koji approves their resignations and expresses hope for their future, hinting at his understanding of their relationship.
• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi walk home together, and Natsume Chikage tries to ask Fujiwara Aoi about the boy she likes.
• They are interrupted by Natsume Ruri, Kaga Resaki, and Sakai Shion, who reveal they came out to buy body wash and groceries.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Starts to suspect that Fujiwara Aoi might like him, but is hesitant to confirm it.
• Fujiwara Aoi: Becomes increasingly flustered and embarrassed around Natsume Chikage, hinting at her growing feelings for him.
• Yamamoto Koji: Shows understanding and support for Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi's decision to quit, expressing admiration for Natsume Chikage's growth.
• Natsume Ruri: Shows curiosity and slight disapproval about Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi's relationship, hinting at her protective feelings towards her brother.

Significant Themes

• Youth and pure love: Yamamoto Koji admires the pure and true love between Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi.
• Ambiguity in relationships: The manager's words and Natsume Chikage's hesitation highlight the uncertainty and awkwardness in understanding and expressing romantic feelings.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi: Their interaction reveals their growing feelings for each other, with Natsume Chikage trying to confirm Fujiwara Aoi's feelings and Fujiwara Aoi becoming increasingly embarrassed and flustered.
• Yamamoto Koji and Natsume Chikage/Fujiwara Aoi: Yamamoto Koji shows understanding and support for their decision to quit, expressing admiration for Natsume Chikage's growth and hinting at his understanding of their relationship.
• Natsume Ruri and Natsume Chikage/Fujiwara Aoi: Natsume Ruri shows curiosity and slight disapproval about their relationship, hinting at her protective feelings towards her brother.

• Plot Points and Events: Natsume Chikage quits his job at the Coffee Shop due to increasing fan attention and discomfort. He plans to become a shogi tutor instead, aiming for a more peaceful life with his sister.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: He reveals his true feelings about his job and his desire for a peaceful life. He also shows his maturity and responsibility in handling his family's situation.
• Sakai Shion: She is deeply moved and impressed by Natsume Chikage's literary talent, feeling a mix of admiration, jealousy, and helplessness.
• Kaga Resaki: She expresses her support for Chikage's decision and her desire to stay with him.
• Significant Themes: The theme of genius and talent is explored through Sakai Shion's reaction to Natsume Chikage's literary prowess. The idea of "the mountaintop that countless ordinary people exhaust their lifeblood climbing over a lifetime is merely a step a genius reaches with one raised foot" is discussed.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri: Their sibling bond is strengthened as Ruri expresses her support and understanding of Chikage's decision.
• Sakai Shion and Natsume Chikage: Sakai Shion is overwhelmed by Chikage's literary talent, feeling a mix of emotions ranging from admiration to jealousy.
• Kaga Resaki and Natsume Chikage: Resaki expresses her support for Chikage's decision and her desire to stay with him, showing her affection for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sakai Shion visits Natsume Chikage's home to discuss his writing progress and plans.
• Natsume Chikage reveals he plans to buy back their old home with his royalties.
• Sakai Shion praises Natsume Chikage's novel, "Snow Country," and wishes for its success.
• Natsume Ruri and Kaga Resaki suspect Natsume Chikage's conversation with Fujiwara about a girl liking him.
• Sakai Shion walks home with Natsume Chikage, expressing her admiration for his resilience and offering help if needed.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows responsibility and care for his sister, maintains humility despite his success.
• Sakai Shion: Demonstrates concern and support for Natsume Chikage's well-being and career.
• Natsume Ruri: Exhibits maturity and concern for her brother's personal life.
• Kaga Resaki: Shows rare assertiveness in questioning Natsume Chikage about Fujiwara.

Significant Themes

• Family responsibility and love (Natsume Chikage's care for his sister, Sakai Shion's concern for him).
• The duality of success and personal life (Natsume Chikage's literary success vs. his sister's concern about his personal life).
• Mentorship and guidance (Sakai Shion's role as a teacher and mentor to Natsume Chikage).

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Sakai Shion: Share a teacher-student bond, with Sakai Shion offering guidance and support.
• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri: Display sibling love and concern for each other's well-being.
• Natsume Chikage and Kaga Resaki: Show a growing closeness and comfort around each other, with Kaga Resaki displaying rare assertiveness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage receives messages from various people, including his cousin and Konoe Hitomi.
• Ishida Kazuo invites Natsume to play Go at the Furukawa Family residence.
• Matsuo Yuka informs Natsume about bonus materials for his book and a potential signing event.
• Akita Sana and Tsukishima Rin both mention Natsume Ruri's desire to go swimming.
• Natsume Kayo warns Natsume about a visit from the main family the next day.
• Konoe Hitomi invites Natsume to her house the day after tomorrow.
• Arimura Kaoruko, the accountant, accepts Natsume's friend request and plans to visit him the next day to discuss taxes.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage shows concern for his sister's health and well-being.
• Natsume Chikage decides to quit his part-time job to spend more time with his sister.
• Natsume Chikage remains determined not to return to the main family, despite their impending visit.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics and tension between Natsume Chikage and the main family.
• Natsume Chikage's growing independence and responsibility towards his sister.
• The impact of Natsume Chikage's newfound fame on his daily life.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage interacts with various people through LINE messages, showing his relationships with them.
• Natsume Chikage's conversations with Akita Sana and Tsukishima Rin revolve around Natsume Ruri's desire to go swimming.
• Natsume Chikage's conversation with his cousin, Natsume Kayo, reveals the tension between him and the main family.
• Natsume Chikage's conversation with Konoe Hitomi is mysterious and leaves him puzzled about her intentions.
• Natsume Chikage's conversation with Arimura Kaoruko sets up a meeting to discuss taxes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage sees off his younger sisters at the station. Yukimura Suzune is on the same train, pretending not to notice him initially but eventually greeting him.
• Natsume Chikage decides to quit his job at the Coffee Shop, and so does Fujiwara Aoi. Yukimura Suzune is surprised and disapproves of Aoi's decision.
• At school, Natsume Chikage is surrounded by female students. Yukimura Suzune leaves without saying goodbye. Later, Akita Sana approaches Natsume Chikage, with Kondo Miki, Yamaguchi Hirota, and Asagiri Kazuya following her.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage remains calm and collected, showing no discomfort around Yukimura Suzune's coldness.
• Yukimura Suzune shows rare shyness and blushes when talking about compensation for Natsume Chikage's club work.
• Akita Sana takes the initiative to greet Natsume Chikage, showing her interest in him.
• Yamaguchi Hirota and Asagiri Kazuya feel hostility toward Natsume Chikage due to their feelings for Akita Sana and Kondo Miki, respectively.
• Kondo Miki struggles with her feelings for Natsume Chikage and regrets her past actions.

Significant Themes

• Hiding and Revealing: Natsume Chikage's past of hiding his intelligence is a significant theme. Yukimura Suzune's initial pretense of not noticing him also falls under this theme.
• Romantic Rivalry: The competition among boys for Akita Sana's and Kondo Miki's affections is a central theme.
• Social Status and Family Background: The characters' differing family backgrounds and social statuses impact their relationships and self-worth.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Yukimura Suzune have a brief, somewhat awkward conversation on the train, with Natsume Chikage misinterpreting Yukimura Suzune's interest in him.
• Akita Sana greets Natsume Chikage warmly, causing Yamaguchi Hirota and Asagiri Kazuya to feel hostile toward him.
• Kondo Miki struggles with her feelings for Natsume Chikage, regretting her past actions and trying to convince herself that he cannot compare to other boys' family backgrounds.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage quits his job at the Coffee Shop to spend more time with his younger sister.
• He reveals he plans to find a girlfriend before the end of the term.
• Yamaguchi Hirota and Asagiri Kazuya learn about Natsume's plan and decide to keep it a secret to create chaos, increasing their chances with their respective crushes (Akita Sana and Kondo Miki).
• Yamaguchi announces his new novel is also releasing on Sunday, causing concern about competition with Yukimura Suzune's new book.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Prioritizes his sister's well-being and plans to find a girlfriend soon.
• Yamaguchi Hirota: Becomes threatened by Natsume's success and tries to maintain his superiority in writing.
• Asagiri Kazuya: Supports Natsume's decision to find a girlfriend but also wants to create chaos for his own gain.
• Akita Sana: Excited about Natsume's plan but becomes disheartened when he declines to hang out with them on Sunday.
• Kondo Miki: Concerned about Natsume's well-being and interested in Yamaguchi's new book.

Significant Themes

• Competition and jealousy among friends.
• The impact of secrets and hidden intentions on relationships.
• The importance of family and personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Kondo Miki: Their dynamic shifts as Miki learns about Natsume's plan to find a girlfriend.
• Yamaguchi Hirota and Asagiri Kazuya: They conspire to keep Natsume's plan a secret to create chaos and increase their chances with their crushes.
• Akita Sana and Natsume Chikage: Sana's excitement turns to disappointment when Natsume declines to hang out with them on Sunday.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Students discuss Sanqianli's new book, "Snow Country," which is not a mystery but pure literature.
• Kondo Miki feels betrayed and disappointed that Sanqianli is not writing mysteries anymore.
• Natsume Chikage plans to tutor the Furukawa Family in shogi and has a shogi match scheduled.
• Fujiwara Aoi is shy and hesitant around Natsume Chikage, hinting at her feelings for him.
• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi have an ambiguous interaction during lunch, with Fujiwara Aoi trying to hint at her feelings.

Character Developments

• Kondo Miki: Disappointed and upset that Sanqianli is not writing mysteries, feels betrayed.
• Natsume Chikage: Realizes Fujiwara Aoi might have feelings for him, but is unsure and confused.
• Fujiwara Aoi: Struggles to express her feelings for Natsume Chikage, tries to hint at them during lunch.

Significant Themes

• Genre expectations and author loyalty (Kondo Miki's disappointment in Sanqianli's genre switch).
• Unspoken feelings and communication (Fujiwara Aoi's struggle to express her feelings for Natsume Chikage).

Character Interactions

• Kondo Miki and her classmates discuss Sanqianli's new book.
• Natsume Chikage, Saionji Nanase, and Yukimura Suzune discuss Natsume's shogi tutoring and upcoming match.
• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi have an ambiguous interaction during lunch, with Fujiwara Aoi trying to hint at her feelings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Araki Yua visits Natsume Chikage's classroom during lunch and asks him to help her choose a swimsuit by finding out Yasui Ryoto's preferences.
• Natsume Chikage agrees to help and later asks Yasui Ryoto about his preferences, learning that he has a vast collection of swimsuit photos.
• Fujiwara Aoi, Saionji Nanase, and Yukimura Suzune decide to visit Natsume Ruri's house to tutor her and ask about Natsume Chikage's preferences in women.

Character Developments

• Araki Yua shows a more bashful and thoughtful side when asking for Natsume Chikage's help.
• Natsume Chikage demonstrates his ability to navigate social situations and maintain friendships.
• Yasui Ryoto reveals his extensive knowledge and appreciation for swimsuits.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and helping each other out.
• The complexities of communication and understanding between genders.
• The curiosity and uncertainty surrounding romantic interests.

Character Interactions

• Araki Yua and Natsume Chikage: Araki Yua seeks Natsume's help, showing trust in their friendship, while Natsume agrees to assist her.
• Natsume Chikage and Yasui Ryoto: Natsume probes Yasui for information about his swimsuit preferences, and Yasui eagerly shares his knowledge.
• Fujiwara Aoi, Saionji Nanase, and Yukimura Suzune: The three girls decide to visit Natsume Ruri's house together, showing their closeness and shared curiosity about Natsume Chikage's preferences.

• Plot Points & Events: The Collection Club is compiling their club journal after resolving two mysterious incidents. Fujiwara Aoi returns to the clubroom, and Tsukishima Rin arrives later, asking Natsume Chikage about his plans to get a girlfriend. Natsume confirms he's considering it, and Tsukishima hints at her interest. The girls discuss the upcoming sports festival.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Confirms his intention to consider getting a girlfriend soon, showing growth in his personal life.
• Tsukishima Rin: Shows her feelings for Natsume openly, hinting at her eagerness to pursue him.
• Fujiwara Aoi: Feels a sense of crisis with other girls aware of Natsume's plans, determined to launch her own offensive.
• Yukimura Suzune: Seems displeased with Tsukishima's arrival, hinting at her own feelings for Natsume.
• Saionji Nanase: Remains airheaded but supportive of Natsume, showing no signs of romantic interest.
• Significant Themes: Competition for Natsume's affection, with Tsukishima Rin and Fujiwara Aoi as main rivals. The theme of time is also present, with Natsume planning to get a girlfriend before the end of the semester.
• Character Interactions: Tension between Fujiwara Aoi and Tsukishima Rin, with both hinting at their interest in Natsume. The girls support Natsume's shogi match, showing their care for him.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Akita Sana visits Natsume Ruri and Kaga Resaki unannounced.
• Yukimura Suzune, Fujiwara Aoi, and Saionji Nanase arrive to tutor the duo.
• They discuss Natsume Chikage's potential girlfriend, with Fujiwara Aoi revealing he plans to get one before the semester ends.
• Natsume Ruri reveals Chikage's favorite game character is Tifa, leading to a discussion about her appearance and personality.

Character Developments

• Akita Sana shows interest in Natsume Chikage's preferences, hinting at her own feelings.
• Fujiwara Aoi becomes more determined to pursue Chikage, seeing similarities between herself and Tifa.
• Kaga Resaki feels threatened by Tifa's figure but also sees similarities to herself.
• Natsume Ruri feels her chest is temporarily inferior to Tifa's but is determined to grow.

Significant Themes

• The influence of game characters on real-life preferences and relationships.
• Competition and insecurity among potential romantic interests.
• The impact of personal growth and development on self-esteem.

Character Interactions

• Akita Sana and Fujiwara Aoi continue their friendly rivalry.
• Natsume Ruri and Kaga Resaki bond over their shared concern about Chikage's potential girlfriend.
• The group dynamics shift as they discuss Tifa, with each girl finding similarities between themselves and the character.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage visits the Furukawa family home to teach shogi to Furukawa Ayuo (Saio).
• Furukawa Ruka, Saio's mother, proposes that Natsume Chikage marry Saio when she turns sixteen, as she finds him an excellent match for her daughter.
• Natsume Chikage is shocked and unwilling, but Furukawa Ruka insists that he can take his time to consider it.
• Later, Ishida Kazuo and Fukuda Yasuhiro arrive, and Ishida Kazuo challenges Natsume Chikage to a shogi match, with the winner choosing a personal item from the loser.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Struggles with the unexpected marriage proposal, tries to reason with Furukawa Ruka and Furukawa Masahiro, but is ultimately brushed off.
• Furukawa Ruka: Shows a forceful personality and is determined to have Natsume Chikage as a son-in-law, believing he is an excellent match for her daughter.
• Furukawa Ayuo (Saio): Expresses her affection for Natsume Chikage, but doesn't fully understand the implications of the marriage proposal.
• Furukawa Masahiro: Supports his wife's decision but doesn't actively intervene, citing his old age and her forceful personality.
• Ishida Kazuo: Challenges Natsume Chikage to a shogi match, showing his competitive nature and eagerness to play.

Significant Themes

• The theme of arranged marriages and the expectations placed on young people by their families.
• The power dynamics between family members and the difficulty of going against a strong-willed parent.
• The importance of communication and understanding in relationships, both romantic and familial.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ruka: Clash over the marriage proposal, with Natsume Chikage trying to reason with Furukawa Ruka, who remains determined.
• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Masahiro: Discuss the marriage proposal, with Furukawa Masahiro offering little support to Natsume Chikage.
• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ayuo: Interact as teacher and student, with Furukawa Ayuo expressing her affection for Natsume Chikage.
• Ishida Kazuo and Natsume Chikage: Engage in friendly competition, with Ishida Kazuo challenging Natsume Chikage to a shogi match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage challenges Ishida Kazuo to a match, expressing interest in an old key on Ishida's keychain.
• Natsume wins the match effortlessly, impressing Ishida with his strength.
• Ishida shares his past as an orphan who turned to theft to support his fellow orphans, eventually finding redemption through shogi under a master's guidance.
• Ishida entrusts Natsume with a 'Thief's Master Key' and asks him to win the final match against Tendō Ryūji, carrying Ishida's unfulfilled dream.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows impressive shogi skills and determination, accepting Ishida's key and his dream.
• Ishida Kazuo: Reflects on his past, expressing regret for not achieving his goal of becoming a titleholder before his master's passing, and entrusting Natsume with his dream.

Significant Themes

• Redemption: Ishida's past as a thief and his path to redemption through shogi.
• Entrustment: Ishida entrusting Natsume with his dream, symbolizing the passing of a torch.
• Determination: Natsume's resolve to win the final match, carrying Ishida's dream.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Ishida Kazuo: Their match and subsequent conversation lead to Ishida entrusting Natsume with his dream.
• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Masahiro: The two observe the match, with Furukawa noting Natsume's improvement.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Natsume Chikage wins a shogi match against Ishida Kazuo.
• Furukawa Saio wins a shogi match against Fukuda Yasuhiro, with Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Masahiro watching.
• Natsume Chikage obtains a Thief's Master Key and registers it, gaining an attribute point.
• Natsume Yuma and Natsume Kayo arrive at Natsume Chikage's house, causing tension with Natsume Ruri and her friends.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows his exceptional shogi skills and obtains a special key, gaining an attribute point.
• Furukawa Saio: Demonstrates her shogi prowess and wins against Fukuda Yasuhiro.
• Natsume Ruri: Shows protective behavior towards her brother and his friends, standing up to Natsume Yuma and Natsume Kayo.
• Natsume Yuma: Shows a calm and polite demeanor, but his intentions are unclear.
• Natsume Kayo: Supports Natsume Yuma's actions, maintaining a gentle facade.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics and tension between the main family and the branch family.
• The power of special equipment and attribute points in Natsume Chikage's world.
• The protective nature of siblings, as shown by Natsume Ruri.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Ishida Kazuo: A shogi match where Chikage's skill is evident.
• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Saio: Chikage praises Saio's shogi victory.
• Natsume Ruri and Natsume Yuma/Kayo: Tense interaction due to Ruri's dislike for them and her desire to protect her brother.
• Natsume Ruri and her friends: The girls support Ruri and decide to stay until Chikage returns.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage returns, relieving Fujiwara Aoi and the others.
• Natsume Yuma and Natsume Kayo visit Chikage and Ruri, inviting them to return to the main family.
• Yuma tries to convince Chikage by highlighting the improved living conditions and promising no forced marriages.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows determination to protect his sister and their current life, remains calm and collected despite Yuma's attempts to manipulate him.
• Natsume Ruri: Stands up for herself and her brother, refuses to return to the main family.
• Natsume Yuma: Reveals his true colors, tries to lure Chikage back for his own gain, shows disdain for Chikage's current living conditions.
• Natsume Kayo: Remains silent, possibly conflicted about her brother's actions.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics and loyalty.
• Wealth and status vs. personal freedom and happiness.
• Manipulation and deception vs. honesty and integrity.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri: United in their decision to stay together and not return to the main family.
• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Yuma: Tense and hostile, with Chikage seeing through Yuma's attempts to manipulate him.
• Natsume Yuma and Natsume Kayo: Kayo remains silent, possibly uncomfortable with Yuma's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Yuma, the representative of the main family, visits Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri to persuade them to return to the main family, offering financial support and revealing that their father's bankruptcy might have been due to suspicious activities.
• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri refuse, asserting their independence and self-sufficiency.
• Natsume Yuma leaves, but not before planting a seed of doubt about their father's bankruptcy and leaving his business card.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: He remains calm and composed throughout the conversation, demonstrating his confidence in his abilities and his resolve not to rely on the main family. He shows concern for his sister's feelings and reassures her that they will investigate their father's bankruptcy together.
• Natsume Ruri: She is initially emotional and anxious about the possibility of her father's death having a hidden cause. However, she regains her composure and agrees with her brother that they should not return to the main family.
• Natsume Yuma: He is arrogant and condescending, believing that the siblings are naive and underestimating the challenges of society. He uses the potential secret behind their father's bankruptcy as a bargaining tool to try to lure them back to the main family.

Significant Themes

• Independence vs. Dependence: The siblings assert their desire for independence, while Natsume Yuma represents the dependence and control of the main family.
• The Truth: The potential secret behind their father's bankruptcy serves as a driving force for the siblings to seek the truth, even as it is used as a manipulative tool by Natsume Yuma.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri: The siblings support each other, with Natsume Chikage providing reassurance and guidance, and Natsume Ruri expressing her emotions and concerns openly.
• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Yuma: Their interaction is tense and confrontational, with Natsume Chikage maintaining a calm and composed demeanor despite Natsume Yuma's attempts to provoke him.
• Natsume Ruri and Natsume Kayo: Although not present in this chapter, Natsume Kayo's concern for the siblings is evident in her warning to them before leaving.

Plot Points & Events

• Matsuo Yuka, Natsume Chikage's editor, brings 100 preorder copies of his novel 'Snow Country' for him to sign.
• Natsume Ruri tries to help carry the box but struggles due to its weight.
• Natsume Chikage effortlessly carries the box, impressing Matsuo Yuka.
• An accountant, Arimura Kaoruko, arrives to discuss tax matters with Natsume Chikage.
• Arimura Kaoruko is starstruck upon learning Natsume Chikage is Sanqianli, the popular author.
• Natsume Chikage reveals he has to report taxes on over 200 million yen.

Character Developments

• Natsume Ruri shows determination and stubbornness in trying to help carry the box.
• Matsuo Yuka feels a mix of admiration and frustration with Natsume Chikage's low-maintenance nature as an author.
• Arimura Kaoruko is initially starstruck but regains her composure to discuss business.

Significant Themes

• The impact of Natsume Chikage's success on those around him.
• The professionalism and dedication of editors and accountants in their respective roles.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Ruri and Matsuo Yuka bond over their shared love for Natsume Chikage's work.
• Matsuo Yuka feels a growing admiration and attraction towards Natsume Chikage.
• Arimura Kaoruko struggles to maintain professionalism upon meeting Natsume Chikage.