Chapter 61

AFTERWORD Hello, it’s Taro Hitsuji. We’ve gotten to publish the fourth volume of Last Round Arthurs. I am eternally grateful to those who were involved in the editing and publication of this book, as well as readers who picked it up. Thank you so much! So it’s finally the fourth volume. I think it marks a turning point, where all the foreshadowing has led up to, and now, we’re starting to head toward the conclusion. I’ve been balancing this book and the manuscript for Akashic Records, which was kind of sprung on me, so I want to give myself a pat on the back. By the way, are you aware of the phenomenon where “characters have a mind of their own?” For authors and other creatives, this phenomenon is handed down almost as though it’s an urban legend. Before we start writing, professional writers pour our blood and sweat into constructing a plot that acts as a blueprint, which we try to adhere to. The characters in the story conduct themselves and speak their lines to align with the plot. When a “character had a mind of their own,” they go beyond the plot and start spitting out dialogue outside of the expectations. In other words, through the developments that have built up until that point, the character has life breathed into them. You could even say it’s the moment they start coming alive… …Now that I’m listening to myself, it sounds like a good thing, but… It means trouble. Big time. Well, I mean, a plot can be compared to a work proposal or a task management chart. In accordance with the plot, the author, editorial department, illustrator, and printer all work together to make a novel. Though people are inclined to get the wrong impression about this, writing a novel isn’t a one-man job. It’s a team enterprise where an author, an editor, an illustrator, a printing company, and all other relevant parties involved combine their abilities. Making illustrations, getting things together, thinking up a PR strategy, setting up distribution, organizing events, printing… It’s a job that an author cannot possibly do alone. When the author says “the character is starting to have a mind of its own” with a dopey grin and starts doing whatever they want, everyone is in trouble. Are you listening, Luna Artur? I mean you! That’s right! You over there. Well, you’re the one writing, Hitsuji! Well, yeah, but…! All of the blame is mine! Aaaaah! Luna is so stubborn as a heroine! Uuuuugh! I’ll give Rintarou a free pass. She actually bares her fangs at me! …The fourth volume was chaotic for many reasons (mainly for me). I’d be pleased if you found some enjoyment out of this book. Thank you very much. Taro Hitsuji