Afterword

Afterword

Thank you for purchasing Forget Being the Villainess, I Want to Be an Adventurer!

This is my first published novel, and it’s been a deeply moving experience for me. In turn, this makes this my first ever afterword.

I looked up what exactly an afterword is, and apparently, it’s a letter to the readers. In that case, I’d like to tell the readers how I feel about my beloved characters and how they came to be.

First of all, Lou! Lou is modeled after an Ezo red fox. When I lived in Hokkaido, I once opened my curtains in the morning to see a fox trotting along the parking lot without a care in the world, covered in fresh snow and holding food in its mouth. The scene stuck in my memory, down to the scenery and the little footprints. I made some details rounder, whiter, and more fluffy...and that became Lou’s introduction scene. He may have undergone a gradual fluffballification, but he’s a holy beast, don’t forget! I’m going to hone my writing skills so I can write cool battle scenes with Lou.

Next is Serephione. I gave her black hair and black eyes so that everyone can project their own feelings onto her and root for her. Her facial features are just like Larouza’s. I’m looking forward to seeing her grow from cute to beautiful, like the adult Larouza that Tobi drew!

Lastly, Serephione’s grandmother. I’m active on the web novel platform Shosetsuka ni Naro; I received feedback on another work of mine from there that the story didn’t work because the protagonist lacked the presence of a strong, reliable figure of the same gender in their life. My heart felt like a rock in my chest hearing that.

When I was planning this story, I thought to myself, “Let’s give Serephione the best female ally, someone who’s super strong, cool, and unshakeable, so she doesn’t get lonely!” That led to her grandmother’s sudden emergence.

This story could never have moved ahead without Erza! I think her presence really increased the charm of this book. She will continue to protect Serephione with her life. Thank you, grandmother.

With that, thank you once again.

I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who gave me advice online like I mentioned before, everyone who warmly looked after me as this book came together, and everyone who picked up this book. I wouldn’t be who I am today without my readers. I would appreciate it if you continue to support me, inexperienced writer that I am.

Thank you to my editors, who found Lou and Sere out of the infinite number of books out there and taught me the ABCs of writing, and thank you to everyone who helped me form a relationship with a publisher. And thank you to Tobi for bringing Lou, Sere, and the others to life in cute, cool, lively art!

This year marks the beginning of Reiwa, a turning point in our era. I hope that wonderful things come to you all during this commemorable year.

Hiro Oda