Epilogue
One day, in the Yagumo region, in the Kingdom of Karasuki...
On top of a small hill outside of a certain village stood two small stone pillars.
A distinctive man knelt before the pillars. Behind him, a serene-looking woman did the same.
The man’s outfit was not flashy, but he was wearing clothes similar to a refined samurai’s outfit, with a rustic single-edged straight sword sheathed at his waist. The woman was wearing elegant and proper clothes with a fine pattern. Both were aged between their prime years and middle-aged, but they still appeared youthful.
“Sure brings back memories. Makes me think of the days when you said you wanted to see Zen’s hometown, so we escorted you out and snuck you over to this village...” The man mumbled toward the pillars with a sorrowful smile carved into his mouth. He seemed to be talking to himself, as the woman behind him showed no reaction; she only stayed kneeling with her eyes closed.
“...Lady Ayame, the view from this hill hasn’t changed much since those days.” The man’s muttered, lamenting words were almost drowned out by the gentle wind stirring the grass on the ground.
Afterword
Hello, everyone — I am much indebted to you all.
I’m Yuri Kitayama.
Thank you very much for picking up Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles Vol. 2.
I believe you have probably picked up Volume 2 after reading Volume 1, which I consider a great blessing as an author.
Now that Volume 2 of Seirei Gensouki has been released, there is something that I wish to inform everyone of here. The continuing publication of the light novel Seirei Gensouki has been decided.
That’s right — we’re a series now! Volume 3 will be released!
It was only a month ago, where I had been feeling both excited and nervous for several days following the release of Volume 1. However, not long after that, Editor N told me: “It’s selling really well. We may need an emergency second print.” I was so relieved to hear that, and at the same time, I felt great happiness to be able to continue writing the light novel version.
This is wholly thanks to all the readers that purchased Volume 1.
I also received many messages of support on the internet, and the first handwritten fan letter of my life, which was a great source of motivation! Many thanks to everyone, from the bottom of my heart! As for the release of Volume 2, a great number of concerned parties were involved... sometimes involving support from places that I could not see. To those people, I would like to take this space to extend my deepest gratitude. Thank you very much!
Back to the book, now: the highlight of this volume is definitely the adorable character illustrations drawn by Riv.
The fan favorite, Latifa, the three girls from the village, as well as the other girls... and Liselotte, who was hugely popular in the web novel... All the characters were drawn in wonderful detail. Of course, it’s not only the characters, but Riv’s scenery illustrations are also wonderful! Especially the cover illustration, which has been drawn in meticulous detail. It is truly drawn beautifully.
For the purpose of drawing the characters, I sent Riv materials for character references. There were some that were overly detailed, while others were just vaguely noted, so I’m sure it must have been a lot of trouble for Riv. It probably made the illustration process a lot more cumbersome, too.
However, Riv always delivered quality that was above my imagination. I have bowed so much that I can’t even raise my head anymore. (sweat) Xiexie! And so, without further ado, I’d like to introduce my favorite illustration other than the cover art... And that is the color image on the inside cover of the book.
All the heroines featured in volume 2 are gathered there, but the shot where Latifa and Suzune are touching hands gave me goosebumps. For readers of the light novel version: after you’ve read the main story and once you’ve understood the circumstances of the two girls, please go back and look at the illustration once more. You may feel something that’s different from your first impression of it.
Now, there isn’t much space left on this paper, and there are still thanks to give that I haven’t said yet.
There’s Editor N, who gave an extraordinary amount of effort for the release of this volume.
I speak with N frequently through texts and phone calls, but my house is actually pretty close to the Hobby Japan headquarters, so we’ve also met in person a few times. It’s there that we discuss the details of the story. After those meetings, N will always treat me to a meal. I’m honestly so humbled. At our most recent meeting, I was treated to an exquisitely delicious steak.
Furthermore, regardless of my work, we rant about our favorite light novels, manga, anime, and favorite game heroines. (laughs) If I have an opportunity to in the future, I may write about our meetings more in this space.
Look forward to it, won’t you?
Well then, everyone — that’s all for this time. Hopefully we’ll meet again in Volume 3!
Yuri Kitayama
November 2015
