My Happy Marriage (LN) - Volume 5 - Chapter Aft

  AFTERWORD  

I’ve kept you waiting for quite a while, everyone. It’s good to see you again.

This is Akumi Agitogi. I’ve been getting a lot more questions about where my pen name comes from lately, and I don’t really know how to respond to them. I’m starting to regret the fact I picked such a bizarre pen name at all!

The narrative has made it all the way to Volume 5, and the ending of the (tentatively named) Usui Arc that began in Volume 3 is in sight.

When I first started writing this series, I honestly thought, Well, if I can finish telling the story of the initial betrothal in Volume 1 and the Usuba family story in Volume 2, I’ll be satisfied. But in the blink of an eye, we’ve already reached Volume 5. Although I’m beginning to feel like the title of this series is turning into a bait and switch, I’m relieved that what lies ahead is finally coming into view.

That, along with everything else, is all thanks to everyone who has continued to support My Happy Marriage. I’ve received so many fan letters, and they encourage me to keep going. Thank you.

This volume sees the continuation of Miyo’s, Kiyoka’s, and the other characters’ trials and tribulations, which is quite the far cry from showing their peaceful daily lives, but I’m always hoping that I’ll be able to write a more heartwarming love story, a fantastical tale of husband and wife. I want Miyo and Kiyoka to experience a much, much more unremarkable happiness… That being said, please keep all the comments about how the actual story of the books is the complete opposite of the title to yourselves…

I’m very thankful to see that Rito Kousaka’s manga adaptation is kicking into high gear, too! I ask anyone who hasn’t read it yet to please, please, check it out in Square Enix’s Gangan ONLINE. It’s precious and adorable!

While this is always the case, I have caused a great deal of stress and trouble to many people in the process of finishing this book, particularly to my managing editor. I’ve safely scraped by and made it to the afterword. Thank you very much.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Tsukiho Tsukioka, who returned to draw the cover illustration. I was deeply moved by your piece, and I felt so glad to have written the story this far, just so I could witness such an ephemeral and beautiful cover.

Finally, to all of you who have read each word of this book down to this very afterword: thank you very much for enjoying the world of My Happy Marriage with me. I hope Volume 5 was a delight as well.

Until we meet again.

Akumi Agitogi