This was an excellent chapter. The pacing and flow of the banquet, and the build-up to the end had me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to see where we go from here.
Togashi has a penchant for characterization and tension - and this arc continues to showcase that in spades.
I'm really curious what will happen regarding Kacho's nen beast and how her presence will affect the relevant characters (Melody, Seiko, and Fugetsu). Kacho's death definitely hit hard, as they're the most sympathetic princes after Kurapika's plight with Woble and Oito.
I assume that the nen beast is taking physical form through a conjuration ability, and everyone will be able to see her. It'll be interesting to see who, how, and when characters figure out the ruse. Even if Melody learns, I argue she wouldn't have the heart to tell Fugetsu off the bat - it would take some sort of breaking point to get her to admit the situation to the 11th prince.
I'm also glad for the flashback panels in this chapter illustrating the conversation between Keeny and Melody in 381. At the time I was confused about it, but we weren't supposed to know what was being said.
I want to bring attention to the flashback panel on the bottom right of chapter 383 page 13 (page 79 in the Viz SJ). I was initially confused about it and the phrase "pick up the numbers" so I did some research. I went to the HxH Reddit where I learned that Mizaistom's message to Melody in chapter 381 (page 3-4, or Viz page 9-10) had a hidden meaning.
The Hunter talking to Melody said the time in an odd way which Melody noticed. The time was 1:44 or 13:44 military time.
The first clause of the first statement in Japanese was "Princes Kacho and Fugetsu".
The third clause in the second statement in Japanese was "to escape".
The fourth clause in the third statement in Japanese was "it is a key part of your duty".
The fourth clause of the fourth statement in Japanese was "assisting".
Mizaistom was sending a hidden message to Melody "It is a key part of your duty assisting princes Kacho and Fugetsu to escape". He couldn't say so over official channels, but Mizaistom wants to prevent bloodshed as well. He can't get the Association directly involved, otherwise, it might start an additional conflict.
I just reread this arc for the first time since it started releasing four years ago. I caught many details like the example above on this reread that I missed reading it weekly.
The biggest issues with this arc are the density of information/new characters, compounded with the publication schedule and hiatuses. It makes it difficult - even for a big fan like me - to keep up with everything (without rereading the whole arc before every chapter run).
However, Togashi is definitely putting forth effort and planning into the plot, characterization, and art in this arc.
TL;DR: Chapter was great, curious where it'll go next week, Togashi is putting in work regarding the plotting and characterization of this arc.