Gorgeous Carat, Volume 01

**Gorgeous Carat, Volume 01** plunges readers into the dramatic world of Florian Rochefort, the last scion of a once-illustrious aristocratic family teetering on the brink of financial ruin. Their salvation, a legendary 120-carat diamond known as the Flame of Mughal, is held by his unyielding mother, making the family's future dependent on her sentiment. Enter Ray Balzac Courland, a charming but enigmatic figure whose gaze is captivated by Florian's striking "amethyst" eyes. In a twist of fate, Ray proposes an audacious solution: he will clear the Rochefort family's debts in exchange for ownership of Florian himself. To Florian's utter shock and dismay, his mother accepts, setting the stage for a life of unexpected servitude and a startling revelation – Ray Balzac Courland is none other than Noir, Paris's most notorious phantom thief. This volume is a quintessential example of You Higuri's mastery in the Boys' Love genre, particularly her ability to weave intricate plots with captivating character dynamics. Higuri excels at creating worlds steeped in opulence and intrigue, often juxtaposing societal decay with the heightened emotions and forbidden desires of her protagonists. The premise of *Gorgeous Carat* immediately taps into these strengths: a fallen aristocracy, a priceless jewel, and a dangerous, alluring stranger. Florian's descent from privileged heir to the possession of a notorious thief promises the kind of morally grey relationships and high-stakes drama that Higuri fans have come to adore. The introduction of Noir’s dual identity hints at the thrilling cat-and-mouse games and unexpected alliances that are hallmarks of her storytelling, making this initial volume a strong contender for any "Best of You Higuri" list.