I knew I wasn't going crazy. I was like the artstyle reminded me so much of Hanazono to Kozeo but the author's name was initially listed different so it was driving me insane.
Lucas be like don't worry little bro I'm already on it.
But yeah it was a nice change of pace to get an outsider POV as well as get more lore on the Oak faith. Some real crazy hive mind endgoal they have over there. Suppression of the individual for group benefit is usually a fascinating theme...
So from what I'm getting, seems her dad and brother probably died in whatever incident left her so scarred as well.
That sucks. MC better treat her right.
Both moms seem to enjoy teasing their kids a bit.
Tabata's mom also is pretty spot on with her advice about trying to be a bit too considerate of others can lead to a person making boundaries where there really aren't any.