“It’s sure beautiful, Ruri.”
“It is.”
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Afterword:
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Wandering Yuri author Inori here. Thank you for purchasing Homunculus Tears: Alchemy for the Brokenhearted. Did you enjoy Maha and Ruri’s story? Maha can be a bit cold at times, but she has a cute side to her as well. Please continue to show her lots of love. As for Ruri, I made her with all the cuteness I could cram into a heroine. I hope she was to your liking.
The theme for this novel was anti-anti-natalism. That’s quite the academic-sounding word, but really it just means that this was a story about people who wish they weren’t born and want to disappear (or to put it more bluntly, who wish to die) and how they challenge and overcome those thoughts.
The debate over whether or not euthanasia should be legalized in Japan has rapidly intensified as of late. Some other countries have already implemented it, and more and more people seem on board with the idea by the day. Of course, I understand why those in medical pain might choose assisted suicide from a quality of life perspective, and I hope legislation and implementation is as smooth as can be there, but I can’t help but think that many of the people of Japan who seek euthanasia seek it for different reasons. It’s my belief that those who feel defeated by life and wish for a way out have a truer, more sincere wish deep down that they just can’t voice. That’s where I drew the inspiration for this novel from. To all those who have the misfortune of wishing they hadn’t been brought into this world, I hope the message in this novel could reach you.
This novel involved a number of firsts for me. One of which is the fact we are doing a simultaneous release together with the English, Spanish, and German translation of the novel; another is the fact that I’m self-publishing. Not going through a publisher means losing a lot of advertising potential. The themes in this book are more of the kind of thing you might prefer to keep close to your heart instead of sharing publicly, but if it’s all the same to you, it would be of considerable help if you could share your thoughts on this book online to help get the word out. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we, together, could make this novel a big hit with word of mouth alone?
I would like to end with some acknowledgements.
To Aonoshimo, who handled the illustrations: Thank you for your work on the manga adaptation of I’m in Love with the Villainess. You breathed life into Maha and Ruri and gave them a more defined shape than just descriptions on a page. Thank you so much.
To Hiiragi Ryo, who handled book design: Thank you for being patient with an amateur at book-making like me and creating a most wonderful design. I thank you from the heart.
To Kevin Ishizaka, who handled this novel’s English translation: Thank you for your work on the English translation of I’m in Love with the Villainess. I’m glad we were able to deliver your wonderful translation out to the English-reading world. Thank you so much.
To SEKAI Editorial, handling the Spanish translation; and Dokico, handling the German translation: Thank you for taking the gamble on this completely unknown work of mine. You have my life-long gratitude. I pray I can repay you both with great sales. Thank you so much.
To my partner Aki: We’ve finally released Homunculus Tears. Let’s see what the world thinks of our precious novel together. When release day rolls around, let’s go out for some non-alcoholic cocktails again.
Last but not least, to you, who purchased this book: I offer you my deepest gratitude. I pray a part of this book will remain in your heart. Thank you so very much.
The current plan is for this book to be standalone, but depending on reception, it could be expanded into a series with each volume delving into a particular theme. The potential is there. I hope to have your support.
Until next time. This has been Inori.
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—Inori, December 2024