Ascendance of a Bookworm (LN) - Volume 5.10 - Chapter Aft

Afterword

Hello again, it’s Miya Kazuki. Thank you very much for reading Ascendance of a Bookworm: Part 5 Volume 10.

This volume’s prologue was from Detlinde’s perspective. It covers how she and Alstede spent their time in the villa and the way she perceives her situation as the self-proclaimed next Zent. I considered it a good opportunity to describe the internals of the villa, which are barely touched upon in the main story because Rozemyne basically never goes inside. The events covered in the prologue are the last time things ever go Detlinde’s way.

The main story focused on the battle at the Royal Academy. Despite her intense fear of feystones, Rozemyne went with Ferdinand and the others to the Adalgisa villa. Then they went to the library to rescue Professor Solange and the auditorium to obstruct Gervasio, who had gone to the Garden of Beginnings. Everyone was busy—and in hindsight, there sure was a lot of moving around.

Rozemyne’s rampages were as healthy as ever. She kept getting in Gervasio’s way without meaning to; accidentally created a whirlpool in the auditorium; urged a goddess to descend, terrifying those with her; and caused a stir in both Hauchletzte and Klassenberg. If only I had the spare time and pages... I would have written a chapter from the perspective of the nobles who saw their country gate start shining out of nowhere.

The epilogue was written from Sieglinde’s perspective. She and the other women providing rear support were stationed in the Dunkelfelger Dormitory and played a crucial role assisting the knights who had gone into battle. Once the fighting was over, Sieglinde and the aub had a conversation. I tried to focus on the thought process of a greater duchy that had supported Trauerqual during and after the civil war—something Rozemyne would never normally experience.

Again, I shortened the main section of this volume so I could include another collection of short stories: “The Battle for the Sovereignty.” My aim was to explore parts of the conflict Rozemyne didn’t see. Immanuel showed us how the Sovereign temple was involved and what Raublut did to lay the groundwork for manipulating Hildebrand. Anastasius covered the state of the royal villas and the fight against the Sovereign knight commander. Magdalena focused on the royal palace’s security and the final showdown against Raublut. Gervasio spoke about Rozemyne’s abnormality and the descent of the goddess. And then there was Ferdinand, who showed us the conclusion of his battle against Gervasio. Everyone has their own motivations—things they wish to protect and gain.

Alstede, Detlinde’s older sister and Georgine’s daughter, was newly designed for this volume. She’s a timid, obedient noblewoman, which really shines through in her appearance. Because her capture and interrogation were illustrated, her nightclothes were designed as well. She looks even younger—and cuter—with her hair down.

As a note to everyone who’s been supporting me, in an amazing development, Ascendance of a Bookworm won first place in the tankobon category of This Light Novel Is Amazing! 2023. Thank you to everyone who voted.

This volume’s cover art represents the Zent race, though Rozemyne doesn’t need to hide under silver cloth until she returns to the Ehrenfest Dormitory. Her goddess-dyed mana causes her to shine!

The color illustration depicts the battle for the auditorium. It looks so cool and climactic. My favorite part is the crested surcoats worn by the aub and the royal family. Shiina-sama—thank you very much.

And finally, my utmost thanks to everyone who read this book. May we meet again in Part 5 Volume 11.

September 2022, Miya Kazuki