I found myself liking the MC much more starting from C3. The characterization feels humorous with an underlying serious tone. I have a personal preference for such atmospheres and the writing accentuates that chapter.Moving on to technical issues, I feel that the novel will improve with less usage of adverbs.I notice that you have a heavy inclination of using the word 'had' and using the phrase 'a small'. Perhaps some variation would help here?All the best!