The Heiress and the Chauffeur Vol. 2by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 Sayaka realizes she has more-than-sibling feelings for Narutaki ... just as a marriage prospect shows up, arranged by her father. This is part two of two, and it's definitely the better half. If you're looking for a short summer fluff romance series, especially if you like period pieces with characters that challenge the status quo, then this is a fun pick-me-up.We get to see both Sayaka and Narutaki blossom more as individuals as they wrestle with their feelings and the responsibilities of their status. There are some touching scenes, and I like how the manga-ka emphasizes the hand holding when Narutaki takes his gloves off. Throwing in an actual suitor was a nice move, and I like and appreciate how understanding he is. He even made an offer to Sakaya that was wonderfully generous (especially given the setting), which made me like him even more. He must have known it would never have been so simple in the end, but he was still willing to offer it (probably because the Sayaka he comes to like is the Sayaka who is in love with her chauffer, and not the dutiful daughter that he experienced in all his other marriage meetings). What I enjoyed even more was seeing Sayaka stand up for herself and her feelings, especially her comment about him checking out the merchandise. Sayaka's best friend, Miki, plays a slightly larger role in this volume. She really makes it all work, balancing the traditional side (she's the richest of the four main characters) with the most support (in her own way) of Sayaka and Narutaki. She is also wonderful because she more-than-friends loves Sayaka, but contents herself with trying to protect Sayaka while helping her find happiness (though, they too get a touching and tender moment!). She's also the one with the temper, which is played for humor throughout. The ending is just open-ended enough to leave me satisfied. However .... [Spoiler Alert] The ending is a bit of a cop-out in order to give us a happy ending. I'm really glad the manga-ka (and her editor!) decided that eloping wouldn't have worked or suited either of the main characters; I do like that we get to see a fun fling with it (and that it was Narutaki being the responsible one despite how badly he wanted to run away with her). However, the ending would have had much more impact (and been more progressive) if Sayaka's father could not empathize from experience. As it is, her father's empathy kind of steals the limelight. I certainly didn't see it coming, especially since he does not approve of the relationship! Life made him bitter, but his attitude was more of the entitled rich man than the lower class that married up. And yet, I can't help but be glad that it's the men marrying up in this series, rather than the other way around, which is too common of a story (those women usually just end up as mistresses). Plus, this ending has the opportunity for Sayaka to push the bounds even further with the request she makes of her father regarding being the heir to the business and not just the family. All that being said, I really enjoyed the extra at the end that gives us a glimpse into Sayaka's childhood when her mom was still alive and her parents still lovey-dovey; her parents' reactions to what other people said about them and the differences in their social standing is wonderful and exactly why Sayaka's father is both understanding and protective. Written: August 12, 2016
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