Probably my favourite volume thus far. The series has surprised me with its political intrigue even though I've ultimately been a little disappointed at the driving engine making all this intrigue political

(the Chaos Serpents)

. 

The continued character development of the main kiddos is such a rewarding experience. Mia continues to be an excellently written character with her flaws never being washed away, but neither does her kindness and emotional perceptiveness and refusal to Not make things better when she has the opportunity to get left in the wayside. Genuinely so touched by Sion's emotional arc in this and I appreciate how his feelings were given the time and attention they deserved both by the narrative and the other characters. 

You don't often see unrequited love get this mature and heartfelt treatment. Good for him and Mia and Tiona!!!!

The emotional beats don't come often, but when they do they goddamn HIT.

Speaking of,:

Any time Ludwig and Mia from the previous timeline come up, my heart genuinely clenches. You can feel the weight of that relationship, deep if begrudging respect and sincere affection from both sides. They've been through a lot more thick than thin and you can FEEL it.