Afterword
HELLO, this is Ringo.
Thank you for reading By a Twist of Fate, I’m Attending the Royal Academy in Disguise Volume 1. This book began as a short story with the same title. The full-length novel, which I revised after its serial publication online, is my solo debut novel. A love story between two similarly reckless people: Cesia, a commoner frantically trying to make a living, and Marcus, the prince who’ll stop at nothing to fulfill his duty.
I treasure the days when I was publishing this book online, and I’m very thankful for the many people who cheered me on and supported me back then. It’s thanks to everyone who read along that I was able to have fun the entire time I was writing, all the way until the very end.
As I received people’s impressions in real-time, I wrote with the exhilarating, heart-pounding feeling of getting a present for someone, as I thought, “Will they enjoy it if I write it like this?” or “Will this development surprise them?”
Since I was young, reading has been a hobby of mine. As someone who was raised by a great many stories, the feeling of wonder and excitement at being the person who writes and tells the story still has a fresh and lasting impression within me. It’s been quite a surprise, and I even wonder whether this might be a dream. It’s a great dream!
I’m glad this book made it into your hands, and just as I’ve been excited and charmed by many different stories, I’d be overjoyed if even just a few of you could immerse yourselves in my work.
Cesia’s days of determined resistance are far from over. If you’re interested, I’d be incredibly delighted if you read what comes next!
Finally, I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped me along the way.
To my editor, who always kindly guided me: As a novice who didn’t know my left from my right, you thoroughly answered even my most insignificant questions. You were truly dependable. Thank you. Anything and everything is because you were there.
To Tsukasa Satsuki, who created the wonderful cover and illustrations and was responsible for the character designs: I was already a big fan and was on top of the world when I learned you’d be in charge of the art. I love the charming Cesia and Marcus you drew. Thank you for everything you’ve done and will do.
I’ve received a great deal of help from many people at the publisher, so I’ll take this time to thank all of you again. Thank you very much. Thanks to everyone, this has become a fantastic book!
And, of course, to everyone who read this book. Stories spread when they’re read, and it’s thanks to you all that I’ve come this far.
Thank you all very much!
Ringo
January, 2023