Afterword
HELLO! Or, hello again. My name is Ringo. Thank you for reading By a Twist of Fate, I’m Attending the Royal Academy in Disguise Volume 2. I’m thrilled to have seen Cesia through her journey from being a solitary girl to, with some love and guidance, having a family and becoming happy.
When I began publishing this story online, serialized, I first wrote a beginning of around 4,000 words, then immediately wrote the final section of about 2,500 words. I rewrote bits and pieces of it, but the final scene is almost the same as what I originally wrote. With the beginning and the end done, I began the story with the idea that I would savor the experience by writing it based on a rough, chapter-by-chapter plot outline. Until then, I had never written anything that way before, but for some incomprehensible reason, my mindset was something like, “Anyway, this time, I’ll just do it like this!”
I wrote and updated the story almost every day for about three months. There were all sorts of hurdles, and it was hard at the time, but looking back on it now that it’s over, it was loads of fun. The only things I still remember are all the kind words of support I received from everyone reading along.
When I was still in the middle of serializing the story, the publisher, PASH!, graciously contacted me and asked if I was interested in adapting it into a novel. I was very surprised and thought, “Are you really sure? I haven’t even finished yet!” But, while it was stressful knowing that I had to write everything all the way to the end properly, I had that final 2,500 words, which gave me an odd sense of security. Even though you can’t actually do anything with only the final scene, of course.
When the serialization was over, I even received a comment that said they would feel lonely now that there wouldn’t be any more updates. I was so touched I cried. I was happy that all my work wasn’t just some self-conceit on my part; I had been a part of someone’s life that they had looked forward to every day.
With all that said and done, the story is now complete. I wrote it alone, but it was only thanks to many people that I was able to complete it.
Additionally, I’m pleased to announce that this novel is getting a manga adaptation by Nazuna Nanano! There’s also a wonderful key visual from the manga printed at the end of this volume! There will be further updates in time, so please look forward to it! I can’t wait!
In the second volume, Tsukasa Satsuki again drew the wonderful illustrations! Thank you! The cover with Cesia confidently smiling as she wears Marcus’s colors is truly breathtaking, and Marcus looks lovely as he tenderly gazes at her.
To my editor, who reached out to me when I was still a nobody: thank you for everything you’ve done. When I had absolutely no confidence in myself, you encouraged me countless times and said to me, “This is really good!” I am incredibly grateful for that. Also, I would like to thank everyone who was involved in publishing. And to my friends, who were always rooting for me; to my family, who taught me the joy of reading. And to everyone who reads this far: I’m very thankful to all of you. Thanks to you, I was happy the whole time I was working on this book. Thank you very much!
Ringo
February, 2023