Nice to meet you, I’m Takamedou. Thank you so much for picking up this book!
This work is my debut, originally serialized on Shosetsuka ni Naro.
When I first began writing this story, I never imagined I’d be turning it into a novel, so even as I write this afterword it still feels like I’m dreaming. Honestly, I felt like I was floating the whole time I was working on it.
For this print edition, I made extensive revisions and additions to the manuscript. Not only did I expand many scenes, I even added new characters. The editing process was pure fun, and writing “delinquent Milly”—a side of her not in the web version—had me grinning nonstop. Dreaming up scenes where Milly just does whatever she pleases was absurdly enjoyable.
As a side effect (?), the cast ended up rather large, but how did you find it?
Even just the student council gives us six central characters to keep track of, which might feel like a lot. But really, all you need to remember is that the two shadiest ones are the upperclassmen and you’ll be fine. As an extra bit of trivia: In the background lore, Milly still sometimes mixes up Lucius’s and Nicholas’s names, so she occasionally bluffs her way through with sheer momentum.
Since I’ve already given you trivia that makes things even more confusing, let me close by expressing my gratitude to those who helped make this book possible.
To my editor, who so patiently guided this clueless first timer, thank you. I was able to make it this far only because of your support. You’ve given me so much invaluable advice for my future writing that I sometimes worry I should be paying extra for it.
To Nemusuke-sensei, who created such wonderful illustrations, I still can’t quite believe I had the chance to work with someone whose art I’ve admired as a reader for so long. From the moment I received the news, it felt surreal. Thank you for capturing Milly’s ideal image—strong and adorable—in every piece.
And finally, to you, the readers: It is entirely thanks to you that my hobby-driven story could become a book at all. Your encouragement gives me strength. I hope very much that our paths will cross again in the future.