A Certain Compiler’s Afterword

Thank you for taking this book into your hands. Thanks to everyone who read the original version and the edited version of Fushi no Kami, I was able to release the third volume. I also want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in the publication of this book, which ranges from the actual production, to the transport to each bookstore, to the display and sales at the various shops. I’m glad this book has found its place in society. Once again, thank you very much.

As a result, I’m able to present you the third edition of my sightseeing report. Continuing on from last time, I have come to visit a famous spot in Itsutsu city. This is a place that most likely anyone who’s ever been to this city has visited at least once. Formerly, it was used as a large central public square, but now it is known and loved as the Feather Square. The name represents the feather of that well-known phoenix. And it is the same square where Ash’s name reverberated through the entire kingdom after the unveiling of the tendon-powered model plane.

Walking around this square, you need to watch out not to crash into a plane. It’s a place known for “granting the wish of anyone that lets a model plane fly.” Every day, countless dreams try taking off at this square. The designated flying area is limited, but there are still some people who spread their wings a bit too wide, just like a certain someone...

Incidentally, even if such a runaway plane bumps into someone, it doesn’t really result in any trouble. I was convinced of the whole thing as soon as I heard those planes are referred to as “Ash.” I mean, if it’s Ash, it really can’t be helped. Besides, having a plane bump into you is considered a sign of good fortune, and the shops around the square will offer you various free services if it happens to you. In a way, it is actually something to be envied for. I tried bumping into one myself, but unfortunately, Ash seemed to be busy somewhere else today.

By the way, there are also couples among those who let airplanes fly. One of them throws the plane while the other one catches it. The pairs range from lovers waiting to get married to newlyweds. You can even see young boys and girls that have not confessed their feelings for each other yet. Usually, it is the boy who asks the girl in a nervous voice if she wants to catch his airplane. That is because one of the selling points of this square is the belief that “lovers who throw and catch a plane will build a harmonious family.” (Although, for some reason, marriages resulting from this union tend to lean towards the wife wearing the pants).

Written while watching model planes being thrown around as if it was the most natural thing in the world.