Hello, everyone.
Akumi Agitogi, at your service. It has been six years since My Happy Marriage first debuted, and I’m beginning to finally feel accustomed to this strange pen name of mine. (Is that really okay, though?) A whole year has passed since last we spoke.
Coming a year after Volume 8, the short story collection, Volume 9 serves as a continuation from Volume 7 and tells a brand-new chapter of the main story! What did you think?
I’m sure for longtime readers, a few moments may have given you pause. There’s a chance the flow of the story and the reading experience seemed a bit different from that of previous volumes.
For the first seven volumes, my priority was showing changes in Miyo and Kiyoka’s relationship and their feelings. I thought about plot progression as centered around the hearts of the characters. However, after overcoming many troubles together and marrying in Volume 7, Miyo and Kiyoka have become a flawless couple—ironclad, stable, and peaceful. Their feelings for each other won’t easily change. Starting with Volume 9, the series has entered a different phase of narrative composition.
I assume some of you prefer this style of storytelling, just as there are surely those who prefer the previous style. However, this all comes from Miyo and Kiyoka carving out their future together, and the result of everything that this story has been building up over the years, so I do hope you are enjoying the new direction.
By the time this volume goes on sale, the second season of the anime adaptation will be airing and most likely entering its climax. The anime is truly fantastic, isn’t it? I mean, those gorgeous visuals! The well-paced story beats! The wonderful music! Every week is a must-see spectacle, and my eyes always end up glued to the screen. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the staff behind the anime for putting so much effort into this story and respectfully elevating the novel into a fantastic anime.
The manga adaptation by Rito Kousaka is also still progressing wonderfully as well. It continues to bring fresh emotion and ephemerality with each new chapter! Its beautiful direction is brimming with a flavor of Miyo and Kiyoka that differs slightly from the anime, so you absolutely cannot miss it. Kousaka, thank you as always.
Allow me to thank everyone who supported me in publishing this volume.
First, to my editor, I am absolutely mortified for causing you more trouble this time than I ever have before! I apologized in advance in the last volume, but not only did I use up all my stored apologies, I’ve needed more than ever before! I’m sorry, and thank you for everything you do.
Next, to Tsukiho Tsukioka, for the cover illustration. Thank you as always for a truly, truly fantastic illustration. I was instantly reduced to a writhing mess when I saw it—they’re a real married couple! Husband and wife! They’re too precious! I love it! Summer!
And finally, to all the readers who have followed along until now, I give you my most heartfelt gratitude. I never dreamed this story would continue for so long, especially into a brand-new arc. I hope to press on forward from here, never putting down my pen until this tale reaches the end, so I would be honored if you continue to come along with me.
Now then, until we meet again in the next volume.
Akumi Agitogi