[Sushi-Y]

In any case, I finished vol.9. The spoiler tabs all contain vol.9 contents, so don't read them unless you already read the volume/don't mind.

This volume proved once again why people call Yamaguchi-san the best writer when it comes to tsundere. Louise's tsundere-ism is unparalleled.

Anyway, I agree with (MOON PHASE's) cyan-san when he said that this volume is filled with developments that's going to attract either a lot of positive or negative reviews. Personally, there are a lot of parts that were very fun and entertaining to read. But on the downside, some of the developments really disappointed me.

To be fair, this was a great volume overall, despite the disappointing parts, I really enjoyed it. If the anime covered up to vol.8. This volume would've been perfect as a 2-hour movie (the last portion of the volume would've made a great finale).

The new developments were interesting, mainly because it focused on Saito for once.

Spoiler:

Saito finally becoming a chevalier was certainly big, but not unexpected. Saito and Guiche becoming the captains of the "Undine" knights also meant that Saito's beginning to climb the noble ladder too.

It's also quite clear by now that Saito's love is Louise. If Tiffania didn't barge into their room in the beginning there, I'm not sure if there would be anything left to stop them from "joining as one". ^^;

Saito's growth is quite significant, you can tell that he's certainly getting better at handling relationships. He's also getting better at putting himself in seriously bad situations that usually ends with his crotch getting roundhouse-kicked and his face trampled, but that's beside the point. ^^;

Montmorency's advice to Louise later on is a little predictable, but it just might help Louise "last" a little longer against Saito. Although I can see that mistrust and insecurity is what's going to stop Louise from making that leap.

There were quite a few rofl moments in the volume too. Yamaguchi-san's humor at it's best.

Spoiler:

For example, the part about Tiffania's breasts (how many times were they grabbed in this volume anyway? )

(referring to Tiffania and Louise's "assets")
====================
Siesta: "It would've been perfect too if you could just add them up and divide it by 2......", even Siesta whispered her own comments.
Louise: "Kieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
Louise roared out loud, and drove a spinning rear kick into Saito's crotch.
Saito: "W, why me......?"
====================


Part where Saito was unknowningly sexually assulted by Louise and Siesta while he's asleep was グッド too. Siesta's reverse-sexual-harassment was daring, but Louise's tongue thing was just criminal.

Now that I think about it, good job sleeping through that, Saito-san.

For the most part, the volume's focus remained on Saito's new status and Louise's own feelings. But the last part did push the story forward a bit, with the "enemy" finally making her move again. The thing with Tabitha... well, the development was interesting, but it looks like it'll be a while before we can learn her full story.

Lastly,

Spoiler:

Colbert-sensei revival!!

Speaking of which, Colbert-sensei is quickly becoming one of the coolest middle-aged baldy teacher I have ever seen. Kirche's non-directional love is quite fearsome too. ^^;

Now then, to the disappointing parts.

To begin with, this is a Louise-centered volume, no doubt about it. The spotlight is on Louise, to a point where the other heroines are practically being shunned. For Louise-fans, this is not a problem. But for fans of other heroines (especially Henrietta), it leaves a bit of a bad aftertaste.

Spoiler:

To begin with, Tiffania left the stage after only 1 volume. Of course, she'll definitely be back again in the future, but it's still a little disappointing to see her leave so soon. Then again, considering her situation, this is probably better than having her tag along with some bad excuse just for the sake of creating a harem situation. It would've been nice to learn a little bit more about what she thinks of Saito though.

Siesta was... well, not bad. She did get quite a bit of stage time (even becoming Chevalier Saito's personal maid), and we learned about her new hidden interest in shojo novels. Her moves are as bold as ever, but her unconcerning attitude is making me a little worried.

Henrietta. Now, this is probably just my ideal talking, because Henrietta is whoever Yamaguchi-san wants her to be, but I just can't help but feel that Henrietta is being used as nothing but a tool to cause conflict between Saito and Louise (which eventually helps their bond become deeper). Making Henrietta the "innocent (clueless) princess" is a great touch, because it shows that she's really not as wise and mature as we believed her to be. At the same time though, it puts her at a real disadvantage: those who never really liked Henrietta will dislike her even more now, and those who liked her will feel like she's getting the short end of the stick. She was doing so well when she first appeared too. But by the end, she looked like an addict who just couldn't quit a bad habit.

Even Tabitha got shortchanged here a bit. Her mission was to kill Saito, and everything went well at first. Saito's one heartful line touched her enough to make her change her mind. But the "I was saved by you. I offer you my life" thing was just too much. Considering that her reward for eliminating Saito is the precious cure for her mother's illness, Tabitha's attitude here felt way too flip-flop.

Now then, the setup for the journey East is complete. But considering Saito's new duties, I wonder if he can make that trip anytime soon... Next volume would be nice.