Afterword
EACH OF US CONTAINS A VAST UNIVERSE within ourselves. It’s as expansive as the universe outside, and no matter how many years pass on this planet, we seem never to be able to fully explore it.
What is it that I truly hate? What is it that I truly love? What is it that I truly crave? Even when we think we understand ourselves, we are often mistaken, due to the vastness of our universe. But when we truly come to know ourselves—and fulfill our deepest desires—that’s when we can begin to approach real happiness.
If Volume 1 was the story of Saito and Akane beginning to learn about each other, then perhaps Volume 2 could be called the story of Saito and Akane beginning to learn about their own selves.
Himari’s wishes, Shisei’s wishes, Tenryu’s wishes…I would be so happy if you continued to follow the story, imagining the different hopes and intentions each character carries within their own universe.
In bringing this book to you, I’ve received the help of many wonderful people. To my editors, K-sama and N-sama—thank you for your meticulous support in so many areas, from promotional efforts to collaborations, many of which even I, as the author, couldn’t keep up with.
To everyone at the MF Bunko J editorial department and all of my colleagues in the publishing industry—thank you for backing this work with your full strength.
To the Angel Neko Oka YouTube channel that serializes the video adaptation—thank you as well.
To the illustrator, Narumi Nanami-sensei—when I first saw the rich, atmospheric illustrations, just like scenes from a movie, I was truly moved. Your characters truly feel alive, imbued with spirit and soul.
To everyone reading this book—thank you.
Volume 1 sold out at an unusually fast pace, and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that caused. To those who shared your thoughts and recommended the story to others: your voices helped it reach far and wide.
Thanks to your enthusiastic support, the book saw four reprintings within its first month of release, and a manga adaptation is now underway. The manga will be handled by Mosskonbu-sensei, who also brought the characters to life in the YouTube videos. Since the novel serves as the foundation, the manga will delve even deeper into the story than the anime version. I hope you’ll enjoy both formats together.
From here on, Saito and Akane’s married life will be filled with new challenges. How will the two of them grow closer, take each other’s hand, and overcome what lies ahead together?
It would mean the world to me if you continued to watch over their future.
With the coming of spring,
March 12, 2021
Amano Seiju