Raven of the Inner Palace, Vol. 4

Following the build-up from the previous book, this 4th volume delivers the result of Jusetsu's deliberate choice to not live in isolation. There had been so many warnings and foreshadowing that disaster may occur if the Raven Consort doesn't keep to herself, and while it's been hinted in vol. 3 that some people were starting to worship Jusetsu, it gains a lot more fervor in this one and develops into the very pandemonium they've been trying to avoid all this time.

This book contains a lot of character development, and what I like the most about it is that it doesn't always lead to good results. Since the beginning of the series, Jusetsu has grown a lot as a character. By opening up to others, she's revealed herself as a kind person who's always eager to help others. As she admits it herself, it makes her feel good to be needed and that's why she keeps trying to solve the problems of others. While it might normally be a good thing, this actually does nothing to stop others from worshiping her, and it certainly doesn't help that a certain party has been discreetly fueling this too. In the end, it leads to a disastrous riot and Jusetsu now has to reflect on her actions.

Aside from Jusetsu, Banka also receives plenty of interesting scenes. Her father, Saname Choyo, is now in the palace along with two of her brothers, not even bothering to mask his hostility towards Jusetsu. Torn between her growing affection for Jusetsu and the desire to earn Choyo's approval, Banka also has to decide on what to do since standing back and doing nothing obviously wouldn't work in her situation. Plus, Banka has a secret of her own. We also get to see just how far Kajo is willing to go to protect Jusetsu, a really nice way to show their bond which we didn't get too see much of before.

There's less focus on individual episodes this time, as each of them has a LOT to add to the main plot. In this volume, Jusetsu deals with silkworm theft in the cocoonery, her new eunuch Tankai getting accused of murder, a ghost of a copyist looking for his works, and a direct confrontation with Hakurai. All of these chapters contain crucial information regarding the ancient gods, eventually leading them to the conclusion that they must get Jusetsu out of the inner palace and retrieve something important. The build-up is so well-executed, and the intrigue keeps me excited for how the story will go from here on out.