As usual, I’ll leave my thoughts on this matter.
Overall, I arrive at a somewhat calmer picture, especially if we factor in Riki’s psychopathy.
1) What is the account that Misato found, essentially?
It’s yet another “ideal” social media life.
Riki’s face is completely open there, while Iwabuchi is always kept in the background - I’d even say he is barely shown at all. Her “fiancé” has no real significance; her clothes, food, engagement ring, and “human” happiness are what truly matter to her.
2) The essence of the story with Iwabuchi.
The author deliberately withholds part of it, so we can’t really say anything concrete about him or about her “love.”
It’s quite obvious that she needs him as an “actor”: he fulfills his role and carries out her will.
So what could have gone wrong? In my view, if we project this story onto Sousuke, how are they different?
- Iwabuchi knew her true nature and was involved in crimes, while Sousuke was not.
- Sousuke is naïve and honest with those around him; Iwabuchi is pragmatic and cynical.
- Both men, if we believe Misato’s words, are sincerely in love with Riki Miyase - for now, this is the only thing they have in common.
I believe the reason her previous “project” collapsed is that her partner could no longer perform his “role” in this psychopathic play because he knew too much, and this method of operating no longer suited her.
What’s important is that in her new “life” she behaves completely differently.
In her “family” life she now wears a human mask, while on the internet she is a “beast.”
Because of this, the “genre” of her project was changed.
From now on, her “partner” must be blind like a child; he must know nothing.
She didn’t start a new life in the real world - she created a new “account,” only this time a “family” one.
On the other hand, the author may steer the story toward a yandere-style obsession of Riki with Iwabuchi.
Especially if he is her father, and his life, in many ways, ended during Riki’s university years.
In that case, Shiho is the last living part of her “supreme love,” and Sousuke is merely a small sacrifice.
The real reason for her unstable behavior at the end would then be that she senses that Shiho, as the living embodiment of her “love,” does not love Riki herself and is not growing into the person Riki wants her to be.
However, it’s also possible that the author will ultimately mix several factors together.
Essentially, as I see it, Riki Miyase’s “supreme love” is not feelings toward a partner.
Her love is a product she is proud of.
