To those of you picking up volume 10—we haven’t seen each other since July. This is Yuishi.
Volume 10...volume 10, folks! That means, obviously, that there are now two digits worth of volumes out for this series!
I mentioned this in the update printed on the flap of the cover, but the release date of this volume marked the third year since my debut as a light novel writer. The fact that the beginning of my third year and the release of the tenth volume coincided is worth celebrating as much as a combined Christmas and New Year. There’s something very emotional about it for me.
I can’t hold my liquor, but it almost makes me want to make a toast to myself.
It’s been three years since volume 1 was released, but I wonder if I’ve been able to grow and develop since then. If you’ve been able to enjoy this series, then I will work hard to make sure that you’ll be able to continue enjoying it even more.
For those I’m meeting for the first time; those who are continuing with the series; and those who are coming to the novel by way of the comics—I’d be grateful to have your ongoing support.
Many things have happened in the last three years.
My work was published as a book, its translations were released overseas, the comic adaptation began, voice actors gave life to the characters in the form of videos, etc., etc.
I also received fan letters from my readers—something totally overwhelming for me—and I even got some Valentine’s Day chocolates addressed to Yoshin, our protagonist.
I’ve kept everything as precious mementos. I even kept the empty box from the chocolates, and I appreciate it all very, very much. I would like to take this moment to give my most sincere thanks.
Well, now. In volume 10, our characters finally went to Hawaii on their honeymoon...I mean, class trip. How did you enjoy the class trip arc?
For this volume, I wrote one day as one chapter, which reminded me of when I was writing one week as one volume back in volumes 1 through 4. It all felt very nostalgic to me.
The two of them arrived on the first day and were very intimate. They were at the beach on the second day and were very intimate. They went on a tour on the third day and were very intimate. And on the fourth day, well...
I knew I was writing it myself, but the whole time I couldn’t stop thinking, “These two just won’t stop being lovey-dovey, even when they’re overseas.”
Hawaii, which is the setting of this arc, is actually a place that I’ve been to about twice in the past, and I wrote this volume remembering those previous trips.
Back then, of course, I never thought I would end up writing about something I experienced myself, but I just so happened to have kept the materials from my trips, making it possible for me to look back on those memories as I wrote.
I wonder if one can still go to the oldest church on the island that appeared in the novel. That was possible back when I visited, but I heard that it was renovated soon after and that entrance into the grounds was being limited because of it.
If I ever have a chance to go again, I would like to see what has changed and make use of that new knowledge in a “Hawaii Revisited” arc. Or maybe we can try using Oahu as the setting next time?
Our couple seems to have taken a step forward in Hawaii, or perhaps not...but I do wonder what awaits the two of them in the future. If you can watch over them as they move forward, that would mean a lot to me.
Though I have a feeling that they’ll just continue having intimacy up the wazoo, and though they may face challenges, they’ll never have any rivals as they continue with their relationship.
Misunderstanding, miscommunication, friction, infidelity...that’s not what this series is about. I decided to reaffirm that through this tenth volume.
Except, to be honest, that makes it really difficult to write this story... Still, as I continue on with my fourth year as a novelist, I’ll resolve to do my best to enjoy the process regardless.
I’d like to move on now to expressing my gratitude, as I usually do.
Kagachisaku-sensei, thank you for continuing to provide such wonderful illustrations, from volume 1 all the way through volume 10. It’s an honor to have you do the illustrations for all of these volumes.
Nagomi Kanna-sensei, the Nanami in the comic adaptation grows cuter and cuter each time, and it always pushes me to work harder to be able to keep up.
My editor, S-sama. I caused you a lot of trouble with the various delays in my writing for this volume. It was all thanks to your support that I was able to complete it.
The staff in charge of the design and proofreading, the translator and editor teams of the overseas editions, everyone involved in this project...I am grateful every day for your constant support.
And more than anything, the readers of this series. This story was able to get to where it is because of the support you have given.
I thank you for continuing to read this story—thank you so, so very much!
Yuishi, Who Will Continue to Work Hard in the Fourth Year As Well
2024 December