[DeepL Translation - needs review] Volume 1 Introduction: Lillian Girls' Academy is a private school for purely cultured maidens. In order to carry on the pure and correct school life, a system called "sisters (suru)" exists in the upper school. After the students pledged to become sisters through a ceremony in which they received a rosary, the older sisters would mentor the younger sisters. Yumi, who had not yet had an older sister when she entered the upper secondary school, was suddenly d...
This had a surprisingly lighter tone, given how dark the last one got. While I loved the stormy drama of the previous volume, this one provides some much needed character growth for Yumi. It finally feels like she's starting to grow into herself some more, and think in a way that's more befitting for her (personally and as a bouton). Of course she needs lots of help along the way, and has to take a good look at herself, and the entire situation, and face some hard truths. I didn't necessarily agree with all the conclusions she reached, but watching her grow and become a bit wiser was great, regardless!
It's hard to know how much more to say without getting spoiler-y, so I'll just say I really enjoyed reading the parts that Sei, her friend, a certain old lady, Touko, and a few other surprise characters had to play in all these events. Yumi's not the only character who gets some growth in this volume, and while I didn't care for everything about it, I found the end touching. As an aside, the anime adapts this volume & last volume incredibly - and I definitely recommend watching the episodes!!