MANGA: Aien Catharsis

Aien Catharsis – Ohshima Kamome

Ryuuji, the young master of the Inamiya apothecary, finds himself intrigued by the blunt honesty displayed by his driver, Kondou. One day, he discovers the burning passion that Kondou holds for him after he snuck a peek at Kondou’s journal. But even after Kondou discovers that Ryuuji read his journal, his behavior doesn’t change, which leads Ryuuji to be extra self-conscious of that fact…

Aien Catharsis is a gentle historical romance between a kind-hearted CEO and his too-honest-for-his-own-good chauffeur.

Ryuuji inherited the generations-old Inamiya apothecary. His succession is a bit controversial. The history between him and the other apprentice was later revealed. Kondou became his driver, and upon noticing the young man was practicing his writing skills in a journal, became very intrigued.

Kondou had a tendency to speak his mind plainly, which often got him into trouble, especially with the older employees. However, Ryuuji found this refreshing and soon became drawn to his chauffeur. When Ryuuji discovered Kondou’s feelings for him, he felt unsure about how to respond.

This is set in post-war Japan, where traditional family-owned companies struggled with modernization and adapting Western techniques. Ryuuji has to balance keeping traditions and keeping the company profitable. He is young and so more open to new things.

He also has to navigate being the boss, his growing feelings for his chauffeur, and some resistance from his older employees, who still remember the controversy. There is minimal angst, though there is the expected internal conflict with Ryuuji coming to terms with his feelings for Kondou soon enough. And when he is in, he is all in!

That cover perfectly captures the dynamics between Ryuuji and Kondou! Kondou is that devoted seme whose world revolves around his beloved boyfriend.

The artwork is just as evocative, and you should see Ryuuji in suits and Kondou in his chauffeur uniform! Since this is a post-war era, there’s suits moe to be had as men still wear more formal clothes.

This is a story that moves in a languid, graceful pace. At times, too slow but the slow-burn romantic development was always beautiful and passionate!

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