It’s been some time. The author, Tsukikage here. With volume 8 of Let This Grieving Soul Retire out, the double-digit threshold is coming into view! I hope you’re all looking forward to that!
This volume’s theme was cursed items. We had that for our theme and for our selling point, we’ve got Krai being tossed around the imperial capital, and the first appearances of the Grievers’ mentors. I’ve been wanting to write about the mentors for a while now, but the story structure meant that didn’t happen until the eighth volume (and even then, I didn’t write much). There’s also lots I’ve wanted to write about Krai’s life in the imperial capital, and other hunters, but there’s only so much I can write, so it’s a tricky situation.
Now, I’m sure if you’ve already read to the end, then you’ll have picked up on this, but this volume ended on a more ominous note than usual. It’s part one. I’ll say it again: it’s part one. They got mad at me when I tried to force in more. The next volume will continue the curse tale. We’ll try and get it out as soon as possible, so please wait a bit more! (There’ll be plenty of illustrations, so it’s worth it!)
With this volume’s theme being what it was, we had all sorts of eerie illustrations. Personally, Mimicky really got me! It’s incredible how Chyko-sensei makes me laugh with their illustrations!
Once again, this volume had a special edition and a variety of merchandise! As it says on the obi, the series has sold over 650,000 units. As an author, nothing can make me happier than to know so many people are enjoying my work. I’ll strive to keep making stories you can read and laugh at, so I hope you’ll stick around!
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Now, let’s finish off with the usual gratitudes. (By the way, we had an excess of pages, so there’s a side-story included! Woo!)
Once again, Chyko has been in charge of illustrations. And again, I can’t thank you enough! I always look forward to your work when I’m writing! I look forward to further illustrations!
My editor Kawaguchi, everyone at the GC Novels editing department, and everyone else involved, thank you as always! I apologize for all the times I’ve just barely met deadlines and whatnot! I’ll try to have everything ready sooner next time! Please make the next set of merchandise illustrations!
Most of all, I’d like to offer my profound gratitude to everyone who’s stayed with me this far. Thank you very much!
(On the acknowledgements page, you can find a QR code for a survey that you can fill out to read a short story, so please give it a look!)
Note: QR Code not available in the English edition.
Tsukikage, January 2022