i have to take a break before i laugh to death

I started reading the new Mirage prequel book tonight, and so far, so good. I'm eternally amused by a very solicitous Haruie talking in such polite subordinate language, since it's so different from "big sister" Ayako. There's also an army of female ghosts going around punishing men who've treated women badly. Also got some info on why Echigo split so evenly between Kagekatsu and Kagetora, even though Kagetora was an outsider. Kagekatsu's real dad had rebelled against the Uesugi twice, his life spared only because his wife was an Uesugi, so people didn't trust Kagekatsu as the son of such a man. Kagekatsu's dad was supposedly murdered on Kenshin's orders, since it'd be too dangerous to keep him alive. I am still not digging Nagahide, but I was amused that he admitted that he only sided with Kagekatsu because he was the lesser of two evils. Better the betrayer's son than the outsider. ^^;

But what made me laugh was Naoe trying to come to terms with his strange feelings, impulses, and fantasies regarding Kagetora. He's glad he's partnering with Nagahide and away from Kagetora so that he can have some breathing room. What got to me was his total jealousy over Nagahide and Kagetora's insanely powerful joint exorcism from the previous book. He was supposed to be the only one who could be face-to-face with Kagetora! Kagetora is mine mine mine! My precioussss...

I want to pet Naoe very much. XD

The art's really pretty, as always. If I don't see the illustrations floating around I'll probably scan and post them when I get the time.