Afterword
This is a story of two enemies and rivals on the battlefield—the main character and the heroine. I guess it’s been…about two whole years since the earliest version of this storyline? Now that I think about it, it took me a very long time to finish this book.
During those two years, I was busy writing this novel, deciding on an illustrator (to be mentioned later), and struggling to come up with a title. The deadline started to catch up to me before I knew it, and now I’m three hours away from the cutoff for this very afterword.
It’s a sprint to the finish line. I’m panicking right now…
With that said, I’d be grateful if you could bear with me for a while as I elaborate on the story.
Hello, it’s nice to meet you. I’m the author, Kei Sazane.
Thank you for picking up a copy of Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World.
It’s been a while since I’ve published a new book with Fantasia Bunko, even though I made my debut as an author with this imprint.
I worry that you’ll berate me for slacking off, but I hope you find it in you to forgive me… As I wrote in my preliminary remarks, I was focusing on creating this book.
(Side note: I’ve also been working on another series called Encore: Records of the World’s End with a different publisher under their imprint, MF Bunko J.)
That said, two years with nothing to show for it. That’s a long time, now that I look back.
In my line of work, I find it difficult to feel the seasons passing by, since I’m usually hunkering down in front of some manuscript. But during that time, my friends have switched jobs, and my environment has changed, and I’ve put out several books under another imprint, as I’ve mentioned before.
If I look at it from a different perspective, I’m thankful that I could let the concept of this book simmer and develop over that time.
With the help of Editor K, I was able to follow a publication scheme, and we made sure to prioritize the quality of the work in front of you.
That said, the release date is drawing near. As I’m writing this afterword, I’m more edge-of-my-seat nervous than happy. I’ve been losing sleep these days… (I think on the release date, I’ll be half-conscious from the nerves.)
Now then, how did you like the book?
The main character and heroine are heroes from enemy countries and rivals on the battlefield. But the ball starts rolling when they run into each other on the streets, and they realize their relationship is something more than competitive. That’s the linchpin of this story.
The main character, Iska, and heroine witch, Aliceliese.
At times, they clash viciously, and at others, they join forces. What is their destiny? I hope you’ll anticipate how the series progresses.
And of course, I have to mention the illustrator who enhanced the story. (One might consider the illustrations the main appeal of this book.)
Starting with character design to the cover to the inserts and interior art, I was so excited to see what Ao Nekonabe would come up with. These illustrations are an indispensable part of the book.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you, Ao Nekonabe.
I was particularly blown away by the cover. I could feel passion radiating off Alice, and it set the mood perfectly for this story. I’m completely filled to the brim with gratitude, and I’m looking forward to working with you in the future. (And the second volume, which is already underway.)
I’d like to use this space to express my appreciation to another individual: Editor K for managing this book.
I was able to finish this volume because you gave me strength. You were always the first to read my drafts and point me in the right direction. I am thankful to you from the bottom of my heart.
If I wrote down all the instances when you’ve helped me, I’d go far past the space allotted for my afterword, so I’ll refrain from spilling every little thing. But from asking Ao Nekonabe to come on as the illustrator to mulling over the title with me until late into the night, I’d like to thank you… I hope to continue working with you in the future, as well.
And now, I’d like to mention future developments.
To kick things off, this first volume is being published on the same day as the July edition of Dragon Magazine, which has a feature and short story on Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World.
It’s based off the original plot with Iska and Alice as the main characters, but this short story will feature new content, intended for those who may be curious about the book. I hope those of you who buy Dragon Magazine will read through them.
Next, regarding the second volume.
I’ve already written the manuscript, and I’m happy to tell you the release date of the next installation here.
Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World, Volume 2 is expected for publication on July 20, 2017.
I’m very happy that I’ll be able to publish the second volume just two months after the first one. It also nudges and motivates me to try my absolute hardest.
When this book hits the shelves, I’m guessing that I’ll be battling against the clock to make the deadline for the afterword in the second volume. (I’m just not used to writing these.)
So there you have it. I don’t have many pages left.
Before I end this, I’d like to say that I am thankful for those who picked up this book and stuck with me until this point.
This is the story of the swordsman Iska and witch Alice—at times, a tale of rivals; at others, a boy-meets-girl romance.
Where will their destinies lead?
It would make me happy if you continued to support these two.
So now, then. I hope we’ll meet again in the second volume in July.
Written from me to you on a chilly morning early in spring,
Kei Sazane
* I may be able to make more announcements about my books on Twitter. Please check it out if you’d like: https://twitter.com/sazanek
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