Hello, this is You Fuguruma. Thank you so much for reading volume 9 of Housekeeping Mage.
This series began with the theme of reclaiming what had been lost. We started at a point where both Shiori and Alec are “in the red,” so to speak, having both come out of torturous experiences that have left them mentally battered. In meeting one another, the two heal each other’s wounds and, in the adventures they share and the people they meet, climb back to a point we might think of as “zero,” or the starting line.
Now, however, we see that Shiori and Alec are striding from zero into “positive” territory. As of the last volume, we see them actively working towards a new future, and showing gratitude to the people who looked after them in the past. Neither of them could have imagined that their actions would lead them to being called “the hero and the holy woman,” but coming to accept their new reputations is, in and of itself, a big step forward for them.
In the story of the housekeeping mage, there are maybe two or three arcs left to go. I’ll be doing my best to see everyone to a happy ending, and I hope that you, too, will follow the story of these two adventurers (and their two familiars) to its conclusion.
I’d like to end with words of thanks.
Thank you to Nama-sensei. I cried out with joy when I saw the cover, laughed at the inside cover (the poor guys), and grinned at the sight of the wobbly slimes and the pillowy wolf. The insert illustrations filled me with such awe and excitement that my voice came out funny. I’m forever thankful for the incredible work you do.
To my editor: Thank you for sticking with me as the plot of the ice dragon story shifted in a big way, and for all your detailed advice regarding the dragon’s movements. Your thorough checks, too, are always appreciated, and I’m always in your debt.
Thanks also to Akito Ono-sensei, your assistants, and your editing staff. I simply cannot express in mere words how taken I am by your work, but whenever I receive your drafts, I am left rolling around on the floor in sheer joy. Thanks to your efforts, Housekeeping Mage has reached even more readers, and you have my heartfelt thanks.
Finally, thanks to all the people who work on the production of the books, and to all of you readers who continue to support my efforts, both online and in print.
I hope to speak to you all again soon.
You Fuguruma