Afterword

Thank you for reading Altina the Sword Princess IX. This is the author, Yukiya Murasaki.

This time, I tried pursuing not just Regis, but Altina and Bastian as well. My initial intention was to touch on them just briefly, but I ended up burning through more pages than I’d expected. Thanks to that, Varèse didn’t receive too much of an introduction in this volume. I aim to conclude the siege—and his episode—in the next book.

I also want to include something about Jerome on the eastern front, but I don’t know how that’ll turn out until I actually start writing it. I hope you’ll stick with me for the next volume.

The first volume of the Altina the Sword Princess manga, illustrated by Aomine Tsubasa-sensei and Kagimushi-sensei, will be releasing concurrently with this book. Things progress a little differently than they do in the light novel; I hope you’ll enjoy it.

I’m also pleased to say that How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord, The Wandering Hero is Out for Gold, and Kantai Collection KanColle: Zuihou of the Skies and Seas are all still being published. The third volume of the Koma Hibiki manga is also scheduled for release on July 9th.

Finally, After-School Gamefriend: A Season with You—a fun and fleeting school-based story—is also scheduled to release on July 25th. I’ve tried writing this one in a different style than usual, and I would feel very blessed if you gave it a chance.

My thanks—

To my illustrator, himesuz-sensei. You’ve provided yet another batch of wonderful illustrations. Altina is becoming more and more expressive with each volume.

To Yamazaki-sama and Nishino-sama from Afterglow. You even attached an incredible map this time.

To my editor, Wada-sama. I started working early this time, but even so...I was mysteriously running as late as always! When I’ve got time to spare, I’ve found that I tend to kick back a little...

To everyone in the Famitsu Bunko editorial department, everyone involved, and to my family and friends who continue to support me.

And of course, my greatest thanks to you, dear reader, for reading this far! Thank you!

— Yukiya Murasaki