Afterword
“WERE WE SUMMONED AGAIN, Mother?”
“Yes! It seems like this author is very dependent upon us, Iris. Let’s start off by reading the letter she left.”
“All right, Mother. Ahem.”
Thank you so much for picking up this book, everyone. I’ve been thinking so much lately about how finishing this story and this spin-off series was only possible due to your support. To be honest, I started writing this story for my own pleasure. I thought about the kind of story I would enjoy reading and started jotting it down for my own notes. I thought maybe I’d post ten chapters or so on the internet and then save the rest for my own personal enjoyment. The only thing that changed my mind was when I discovered there were people out there who actually wanted to read more of it! I decided to instead write down the entire story that was in my head. It truly is all because of you that this story is out in the world. And it’s thanks to those around me that it became a published novel. I really can’t thank you all enough.
“Hm, it seems as though the only reason our story is being told is because there are people who wanted to read it. Does that mean I wouldn’t exist if not for the readers…?”
“Now, don’t say that, Iris! Of course you would exist! After all, you’re the heroine of the main story! If anyone wouldn’t exist, it would be me! If the author had stuck to her original plan, I would only exist in her head!”
“I’m not sure about that! The author seems to adore you, Mother. By the way, whatever happened to the author? Why is she just writing you letters?”
“Oh, she’s just resting somewhere. She said, ‘It’s much too sappy for me!’ and left the letters behind.”
“So in other words, you’re trying to say that you and Father are too lovey-dovey?”
“Hm? Well, I can’t deny that… By the way, Iris, didn’t you and your family go on a trip together recently? How was it?”
“It was so much fun! We took a trip around the whole duchy, and I got to see everything that has changed. Things are really flourishing thanks to our new trade relationship with Acacia, and I tried all sorts of new fruits and vegetables. The southern territory’s soil is just perfect for growing those crops apparently, and I got to take a tour this time!”
“That doesn’t sound like a vacation at all. Did the children complain?”
“Elpis was brimming with curiosity. He’s been peppering Dean with questions lately. Luce seemed to be having fun getting to see sights she’s not used to as well.”
“I see.”
“By the way, didn’t you and Father go on a trip together too? How was that?”
“It was lovely, of course. Your father hasn’t taken much of a rest since he fell ill, so I was thrilled that he finally got to relax. And I was happy to spend all that time with him too.”
“That sounds nice.”
“I’ll tell you all the details later.”
“I’d love to hear them. But first, I want to hear more about your past!”
“He he he. I will in the next volume. Thank you so much for reading my old tales, everyone. I really hope you continue reading the next volume. Well, until we see each other again. Farewell!”
“See you again soon!”