By this point in the series, and especially in this volume, Seigi has matured. He is no longer just an assistant; he is Richard’s emotional anchor. Volume 9 tests the strength of their bond. It asks the question: Can their partnership survive the exposure of Richard’s deepest vulnerabilities? Seigi’s determination to stand by Richard, not as a fan but as an equal partner, gives the narrative its emotional weight.
For those who have followed Richard and Seigi on their journey, Volume 9 feels like a warm, albeit emotionally intense, homecoming. It cements the series not just as a light novel mystery, but as a beautiful character study on what it means to truly see and accept another person, flaws and all.
: A famous actress brings in a ruby ring with a hidden inscription. On the surface, it’s a jealousy plot. But the true mystery is the absence of a person—a deceased assistant whose quiet loyalty was the real treasure. The resolution is less about exposing a villain and more about legitimizing grief that society deems “inappropriate.”
Volume 9 departs from the standard formula of solving client cases at the jewelry shop, Étranger. Instead, the narrative turns inward, addressing the heavy emotional baggage and familial trauma that Richard has carried since childhood. The Confrontation with the Past
The central mystery of Volume 9 unravels across borders. It begins with a in Sri Lanka, where protagonist Seigi Nakata has been studying gemology. This unexpected event forces him to temporarily return to Japan. However, any thoughts of a quiet homecoming are quickly dashed. While in Tokyo, Seigi receives a cryptic message that pulls him on a new detour, sending him flying to the dazzling, high-stakes metropolis of Hong Kong. This isn't just a vacation; he’s been summoned by Vincent Lai , the enigmatic figure with a long and troubled history with Richard and a man whose loyalties remain one of the series' greatest puzzles.
Another case that stands out involves a mysterious, antique brooch that has been passed down through generations of a wealthy family. When the brooch is brought to Richard for appraisal, he discovers that it's not just a beautiful piece of jewelry but also a cleverly disguised puzzle box. As Richard works to unravel the brooch's secrets, he uncovers a long-forgotten family secret that has been hidden for decades.
It is impossible to discuss Volume 9 without highlighting the relationship between Seigi and Richard. The series has built a reputation for its slow-burn, deeply intimate bond that transcends conventional labels.
Tell me what you would like to focus on to . Share public link
Unlike typical mysteries where the gem is the object of a crime, here the gem is tied to folklore and the human desire to stop time. The case forces both men to confront their fears: Richard’s fear of a future without Seigi (due to their differing lifespans/aging) and Seigi’s fear of being left behind or being inadequate. The resolution of the case does not result in a magical discovery but rather a philosophical acceptance that "eternity" is not about stopping time, but how one spends the time they have.
No longer just the wide-eyed college student he was in the early volumes, Seigi takes bold, independent action to protect Richard and get to the bottom of the conspiracies surrounding them. His dedication to Richard is tested and solidified.
The thief was his mother. The victim was his innocence.
| Volume | Focus Gem | Primary Theme | Emotional Stakes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Vol 5 | Sapphire | Jealousy | Medium | | Vol 7 | Pearl | Deception | High | | | Aquamarine | Abandonment & Legacy | Very High (Personal) |