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A review by ecolite99
The Case Files of Jeweler Richard (Light Novel) Vol. 6 by Nanako Tsujimura
5.0
Tsujimura Nanako has done it again! I didn’t think anything could top volume 4, but volume 6 is a very strong contender for my favorite volume yet.
The first two stories are short and fun, but still explore elements of Richard and Seigi’s relationship through the mirrors of other characters. “Paraíba Tourmaline Romance” is where things really pick up. This story is everything to me. Not only is it the long-awaited meeting of Richard and Tanimoto, but as an ace person, it’s so validating to hear Richard tell Tanimoto to be true to herself and not worry about pursuing romantic relationships if she doesn’t desire people romantically. Richard also makes this lovely speech about the ever-changing nature of human sexuality and attraction, and I’m so happy Tsujimura could include it. It’s not often that the queer community discusses natural fluctuations in attraction and identity. We’ve fought so hard to claim our labels that we sometimes forget we don’t have to stick to just one.
And “The Tanzanite of Rebirth”… Girl, it got rough for a second, there. In volume 4, it was Seigi who came to Richard’s rescue and showed him it’s okay to rely on the people who love you. Now it’s Richard’s turn to show that to Seigi. This story demonstrates just how much Richard has grown emotionally since his troubles with his family, as well as the depth of his care for Seigi. We get to learn more about Seigi’s past here, but WOW, it got dark. If you like hurt/comfort, you’ll love this story.
The first two stories are short and fun, but still explore elements of Richard and Seigi’s relationship through the mirrors of other characters. “Paraíba Tourmaline Romance” is where things really pick up. This story is everything to me. Not only is it the long-awaited meeting of Richard and Tanimoto, but as an ace person, it’s so validating to hear Richard tell Tanimoto to be true to herself and not worry about pursuing romantic relationships if she doesn’t desire people romantically. Richard also makes this lovely speech about the ever-changing nature of human sexuality and attraction, and I’m so happy Tsujimura could include it. It’s not often that the queer community discusses natural fluctuations in attraction and identity. We’ve fought so hard to claim our labels that we sometimes forget we don’t have to stick to just one.
And “The Tanzanite of Rebirth”… Girl, it got rough for a second, there. In volume 4, it was Seigi who came to Richard’s rescue and showed him it’s okay to rely on the people who love you. Now it’s Richard’s turn to show that to Seigi. This story demonstrates just how much Richard has grown emotionally since his troubles with his family, as well as the depth of his care for Seigi. We get to learn more about Seigi’s past here, but WOW, it got dark. If you like hurt/comfort, you’ll love this story.