Continues on from Epilogue

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Afterword

Hello readers, I’m Shiki Mizuchi. Following the end of the last volume’s exciting conclusion, I started the ninth volume of [Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi] with a tense scene. What are everyone’s thoughts on [Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi Volume IX]?

Compared to the numbers ‘three’ and ‘seven’ which have great significance in the Christian religion, nine might just be an ordinary number. But, for an author who absolutely loves Norse mythology, the number nine has extraordinary significance. From this perspective alone, I’m truly grateful that I’ve been able to reach this milestone of a ninth volume.

In fact, when I first began writing [Seikoku], I had a certain goal in mind, and it’s one that I’ve finally achieved in this volume. Having attained an ancient magical ship, what kinds of decisions will Ash make in order to save a girl — yes, as an author, that is the premise that I hoped to one day describe when I first began writing two years ago. As for the details on what happened, please read the contents of this book. Now that one of my long-awaited wishes has been fulfilled, Shiki Mizuchi will continue striving towards the next goal!

In addition, a girl who was only introduced by name in the fourth volume — Pope Raquel IV has also made her official debut in this volume. She is the nine-year-old child genius (!) and monarch of the Holy Espada Agency which serves as the headquarters of the Rosa Maria faith. And upon her debut, she was instantly promoted to a leading heroine with a cover illustration. Her Eminence is truly above us (laughs). Readers, please look forward to the role that Raquel will play in the future.

And so, here are my acknowledgements. Editor Shoji-san, sorry for my delay in congratulating you now on your promotion to Deputy Editor-in-Chief. You also provided many meaningful suggestions in this volume, and I will not forget how much you have helped me.

Shimesaba Kohada-san — aside from Raquel on the cover, each and every one of the beautiful illustrations are transcendental this time as well, and I am truly grateful. Recently, I tried to put the full collection of [Seikoku] on the magazine rack in my room, and the spectacular sight left me lost for words.

RAN-san, thank you for your hard work on the serialisation in the monthly Comic Alive magazine! The story has finally reached the third volume of the original novel. Thanks to the blessing of RAN-san, I’ve been able to constantly discover details that I had overlooked when writing the novel. I look forward to every new chapter!

Responsible for the manga version, Editor Misaka of MF Bunko J’s editorial department and Deputy Editor Takahashi of Alive’s editorial department, I’m sorry that I still haven’t had the chance to meet you because I live in a rural area, so please allow me to use this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude.

Staff in the editorial and sales departments, Studio Shindosha, distributors, proof-readers, overseas translation staff…and so on, you’ve provided immense support for this volume. Thank you!

Finally, to all of my readers. Ever since the creation of mizuchishiki.com, I’ve received many fan emails and would like to express my gratitude to all readers. I would also like to express sincere thanks to the authors of handwritten letters. As an author, I’m ashamed that I haven’t been able to find the time to write back (cries).

Well then, let us meet again next time. In the next volume — the second arc concludes!

July 2012, Shiki Mizuchi

(All 1 of 1 parts) (1/7/20)