Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, sexual violence, gender discrimination, and disordered eating. 

Rika and Reiko say goodbye at Niigata Station. Reiko is staying an extra day before visiting her parents in Kanazawa Prefecture. She wants to see her old housekeeper and her dog, Melanie. Rika notes how strange yet strong Reiko is and thanks her for her help, encouraging her to find a new job. Before parting, Reiko adds that she understands how hard the trip must’ve been for Rika, considering her father’s death. She assures her it wasn’t her fault. Rika dismisses the conversation and says goodbye.

When Rika gets home, she screams when she thinks her trench coat is a person lying “face down on the floor” (241). She calms herself down while making dinner. However, thinking about Kajii’s victims reminds her of her father’s death. She eats dinner, realizing she wants to make a feast for her loved ones.

Rika and Shinoi go out to eat. Rika shares her plans to attend Le Salon de Miyuko to determine how the school relates to Kajii’s crimes. She also asks Shinoi to find her the names of any sex offenders from Agano.

Back at the office, Rika and Yū chat about Yū’s Scream sweatshirt.