Choko Kuze continues to work as an underling of the man she loves, Masayuki Domoto, who used to be her servant but is now her superior. She confessed her feelings for him in the previous volume, but is still uncertain how he feels about her and must watch as various other women in the office make a play for him, including the niece of the company president. Of course, Masayuki nobly rejects these offers and finally accepts that it’s okay for him to court “Milady,” though he insists on obtaining the approval of her parents first. After they become an official couple, consummating their relationship is uppermost in Choko’s mind, complicated by her tendency to faint whenever things get hot and heavy.
I have conflicting feelings about Butterflies, Flowers. I like the parallel depiction of childhood interactions of Choko and Masayuki with their relationship now, and I enjoy the moments when Masayuki is overwhelmed by happiness. On the other hand, I’m a little disappointed that the office setting isn’t used for more than a backdrop for romantic shenanigans and I also find Choko’s brother—and his tendency to comment on her choice of undergarments—pretty creepy.
My real problem with the series, though, is the comedic violence. Twice in this volume, Choko receives a bloody nose at Masayuki’s hand, and we’re clearly supposed to find it funny each time. I’d almost rather it was the result of rage, because treating it as unimportant is seriously disturbing. Whether this is cause enough to abandon the series I can’t yet say; I can only hope we’ll see less of it in the next volume.
Review copy provided by the publisher. Review originally published at Manga Recon.
I had read this review (before I offered to read you tonight) and I had especially loved these lines:
Your comment cut off here, so I have to imagine what you liked, but I appreciate the comment all the same! 🙂