Afterword

Nice to meet you! My name is Kaeruda Ameko. Thank you for reading Sexiled: My Sexist Party Leader Kicked Me Out, So I Teamed Up With A Mythical Sorceress! A lot of the sexism found in this story is infuriatingly rampant here in the real world, but I hope you enjoyed the book nonetheless.

I started writing this story in reaction to news of a certain medical university’s rigged test scores, and somehow it ended up being my big authorial debut. While the majority of web novels focus on male power fantasies, Sexiled goes completely against the grain in that regard, so I’m nervous that I might get some backlash for it. Please don’t be mad at me, okay? Let’s fool around and have some fun, wink wink... (Kidding!)

As I was writing this story, I received an incredible outpouring of support from countless people. Although my mentor, Takayama Seiichi-sensei, was swamped with work during the anime adaptation of The Master of Ragnarok & Blesser of Einherjar, he still found time to advise me on numerous occasions. Not to mention all the encouraging messages from my readers—I’m so, so grateful. Also, a HUGE thank you to my editor, Y-san (yuri fan), who trawled the internet in search of the perfect catchphrase, which ended up being “Sticking It To Sexism!” I’m so glad I got to work with you!

Lastly, I’d like to thank everyone who picked up a copy of my book: thank you so, so much! I poured my heart and soul into both the web novel and the official print version, and I hope you’ll continue to support me in the future. I can only pray that the story of Tanya and Laplace will give hope to all of you out there dreaming of adventure.

Until we meet again—hopefully in volume 2—farewell!

Bonus Short Stories

The Legend of the Bespectacled Receptionist

“That receptionist... Who the hell is she...?!”

The Ode Adventurers’ Guild was home to one urban legend in particular: “They say one of the Guild workers is impossible to sneak up on.”

“Ridiculous. She’s just a receptionist! What are you so scared of, man?” one guy whispered to his party leader.

“No, I’m serious! She never lets her guard down!” the party leader lamented. “I’ve tried everything, but I can’t touch her butt...!”

“What’s that? Something’s wrong with your butt? Is it hemorrhoids?” asked a cheerful voice.

“Eeek!” The party leader spun around.

There, standing behind him, was the Guild receptionist, her lavender hair tied back into two braids, a customer service smile plastered onto her face. The light reflected off of her large, round lenses, concealing her expression. It was terrifying.

“It’s her... We’re in trouble...!”

“We’re in trouble? Did you spot a boss monster in the neighboring field or something?”

“No, no! That’s not it!”

“Hee hee... Very well then. Oh, that reminds me! Lately we’ve been getting complaints from the female adventurers that an unidentified groper has been touching them. If you have any information, please let me know, alright?” She grinned.

Her name was Nadine Amaryllis, and she was the source of the urban legend. She was also extremely competent at documenting, filing, and accounting, so she was very well-regarded at the Guild.

“Damn it... Seriously, she never misses a thing...!”

“I sure wouldn’t want to get on her bad side...”

What they didn’t know was that this “mere receptionist” had also graduated from adventuring school (as a Healer, but she’s an Assassin, too; it’s a long story). While the other adventurers all marveled at their inability to sneak up on her, from Nadine’s point of view, their skills simply didn’t hold a candle to hers. Not only was she a master of stealth, but she could knock people out, too. If she felt like it, that is.

But more importantly: while she didn’t appreciate their mindset, that other people’s bodies were theirs for the touching, these men didn’t seem to understand that they were only getting away with it because she was letting them.

Incidentally, when the people who knew of Nadine found out that she had joined Lilium, the all-female party, absolutely no one was surprised. But when they found out that this master of stealth was actually a Healer, they all reacted in the same way:

“Healer, my ass!!!”

Here’s Your Water, Asshole

This story takes place about three months before Tanya Artemiciov, the exceptional Mage, was kicked out of her party due to her gender.

“Hey! Tanya! Get this man a beer!” Tanya’s party leader, Ryan, called across the tavern. Tonight they were throwing a party for all of his mercenary buddies.

“Coming right up...”

Man, fuck this, Tanya thought to herself as she carried a bottle over to some old guy she didn’t know.

“C’mon, Tanya! Give us a smile, eh?”

“That’ll cost extra.” If you want a smile, then get your wallet out.

Being an adventurer meant living in a male-dominated society, and as such, this task was normally dumped on the women, most of whom worked as Healers. This made no sense, considering Healers were already paid less than other classes. I mean, doesn’t this count as overtime?! Where’s my overtime pay?!

“Rrrgh... This is so stupid!” Tanya growled under her breath, a vein bulging in her forehead as she ran back and forth fetching drinks. She’d only volunteered to do this to give the Healers a break from Ryan’s slave driver attitude. Ten minutes in and she was ready to quit.

God, I was such an idiot to start this party with some guy I vaguely knew from my childhood. Look at him. He’s not having “business talks.” He’s just getting plastered! Not only that, but somebody keeps trying to grab my ass! Keep it up and I’ll cut your fucking hand off! And after that, your dick is next!

“Tanya, your party leader’s trying to throw a nice party for us. You shouldn’t take it for granted!”

“He’s right! Besides, you’ll never get married with that nasty look on your face!”

Tanya gritted her teeth. “Where do you think he got the money to pay for this stupid party?”

But the buzz of the banquet rendered her low growl inaudible.

A few hours later, Ryan and his buddies were kicked out of the tavern for getting too drunk.

“Guhhh... Tanya... get us some water...!” they demanded.

But of course, Tanya was all too willing to serve. She was just that kind and considerate! Donning a perfect smile, she began to cast.

“Breath of Undine, gush forth in an icy torrent!”

This was one of Tanya’s best spells—one that controlled water, the very thing these men so craved.

“I summon thee! Tidal Wave!”

WHOOOOSSSHHHH!

“Pffgpppbb! What the hell?!”

“There’s your water!” Tanya grinned as a veritable ocean descended upon Ryan and the others. “Anyway, thanks for the party! See ya!”

And so she strode off down the street, grumbling…

“Someday I’m gonna buy all the drinks I want, damn it!”

Ode’s Most Popular Boutique

These days, Laplace was acting a bit... differently.

“Huh? Teatime? Let me think... Maybe after I finish my work—I mean, errands.”

“Bonjour, Tanya! Do me a favor—don’t ask questions, just try on this armor, okay? Perfect! It looks so great on you!”

Every now and then Tanya would catch her smiling to herself and muttering something like, “Time to check this month’s sales report... Mon dieu, I must be a genius!”

It was really cute—ahem. Scratch that.

Granted, Lilium didn’t have a rule against moonlighting, per se, but…

“Gah, I’m so curious!”

This was Tanya’s excuse for tailing Laplace as she boldly floated through the city (after the Sparring Tournament, she no longer saw any reason to hide it).

The members of Lilium didn’t spend every waking moment together; during downtime, they were free to do whatever they liked. Tanya herself often wandered off to study magic and mana. But Laplace’s comments seemed to be hinting at something, and like any other human, Tanya could only resist temptation for so long.

She arrived at the main street in the eastern district—the same place where, early into her friendship with Laplace, they’d caused a bit of a disturbance in the armor shop. Awkward. Better make sure that guy doesn’t see me.

Just then, she saw Laplace enter a store. The sign read: ADVENTURERS’ GUILD RETAILER.

“What?!” No way—is she going to get revenge on him?! Tanya hurried into the store after her... and found Laplace and the shopkeeper engaged in a friendly chat.

“Hey there, Ms. Fashion! I’ve been waiting for you!”

“Hello again! I do appreciate you renting out your shop space to me.”

“But of course! I hate to say it, but... y’know, for a store that’s only open once a week, somehow Laplace Fashions outsells me every time!”

“Heh heh heh! I’m surprised you would even try to compete with a Great Sorceress. Nevertheless, I applaud you for your courage!”

They’re... friends?! No—business partners?!

“Wh... Laplace?!”

“Welcome to Laplace Fa... Oh.”

Following an interrogation, Tanya learned that Laplace had received an overwhelming amount of correspondence asking about where Lilium purchased their new, more modest armor. The female adventurers had all been duped into wearing bikini armor, convinced that scanty attire would somehow improve their mana flow, but now they saw that it was entirely possible to kick ass with one’s body discreetly covered.

Laplace, with her love of dressing girls up in cute outfits, immediately decided to cash in on her hobby and start a pop-up boutique.

“It’s pretty popular, too! The shopkeeper here has been helping me with sales and operations planning!”

“Heh heh! Who knew this kind of armor was in such high demand with these chicks—er, female adventurers!”

“Hee hee... I imagine it’s the allure of my spectacular designs!” Laplace thrust out her chest, cleavage on full display.

“And... what are the sales figures, exactly?” Tanya asked timidly.

“Hmm? Oh, um...” Laplace bent forward and whispered the number in Tanya’s ear.

It was more than a lower-class noble’s entire net worth.

After-Story: It’s Not “Feminine,” It’s Called Having Basic Life Skills

The Imperial Magic Academy was a few months into the new semester, and test time had finally rolled around. As an official student enrolled in the school of her dreams, Alisa was elated to be studying magic.

“A study group with your friends? That’s awesome! You should go!” said Tanya Artemiciov, grinning. Leader of an all-female party called Lilium, Tanya was a genius who had graduated from the Imperial Magic Academy at the top of her class. She had also served as Alisa’s mentor leading up to the academy entrance exams, as well as—

“Miss Tanya! Play house wif me!”

“No! She’s gonna play tag wif me!”

“No, no! I wanna play hide and go seek!”

—babysitter for Alisa’s many young siblings, since they were all orphans.

“How about you play house with Miss Laplace?”

“Yaaaay!”

At this, the woman in the black dress nearly choked on her tea as she floated in midair in Alisa’s cramped house. “Hey now! Don’t drag me into this, s’il vous plaît!”

“I was just trying to include you since you’re over there sulking in the corner.”

“I am not sulking! I was enjoying a lovely teatime, thank you very much!”

This woman once went by “Stone Cold Stunner,” a ridiculous joke of an alias, but in truth she was Laplace the Great Sorceress, sealed away for the past 300 years.

“Oh, good grief... Fine, if you insist! But you’re lucky I’m not charging extra!”

“Yaaaay! I wuv you, Miss Laplace!”

To the little ones, however, she was just a nice lady. Alisa heaved a sigh of relief.

“Don’t worry. We’ll babysit for you tomorrow so you can go to the study group.”

“Thank you so much, Sensei!”

Alisa jumped for joy. Normally she spent her days juggling school and childcare, entirely on her own, but with their help she could finally have the chance to study for the test without having to worry about her siblings.

***

Alisa was so happy, she decided to go all-out and prepare a nice lunch for herself. Then, in the morning, she made plans with her friends to eat lunch together.

The study group was a yearly tradition, held in a lecture hall on campus. Attendance was purely optional, but open to students of all ages, comprised of hard-working commoners in a school filled with the children of aristocrats and famous spellcasters. Apparently Tanya had once attended this very study group; according to the rumor mill, she was so talented that she’d essentially served as a substitute teacher.

“It’s so lovely, seeing all the female students this year,” commented a handsome and well-liked older student.

“Oh, yes,” his posse agreed.

Truth be told, there would have been more female students a lot sooner, had it not been for the test score reduction scandal that Lilium “resolved” just a few months ago. But most people didn’t know about this, and so to an outside observer it simply appeared as though Alisa’s grade level had an abnormally high female turnout. And with the aristocrats no longer able to buy their way into the school with point adjustments in exchange for “donations,” a lot of these newly enrolled students were self-supporting.

These less fortunate students had wanted to enjoy a nice lunch together, but—

“Whoa! They’re so feminine!” the handsome older student exclaimed innocently as he watched the girls pull out their boxed lunches.

“Uh... what?” Alisa asked, sandwich halfway to her mouth. Feminine? What was he talking about? They were wearing the same school uniforms as everyone else, no makeup, no fancy hair decorations, nothing.

“What do you mean...?” asked another girl, tilting her head in confusion.

“I mean, you made your own lunches and everything! Us guys could never do that!” the handsome student grinned.

Alisa blinked back in disbelief. To be fair, all of the students who had brought their own lunches were, in fact, female. Alisa herself had simply chalked this up to sheer coincidence, and yet the other guys were all nodding in agreement.

“Uhhh...”

Alisa thought long and hard. What would Tanya, the winner of the Sparring Tournament, who proudly dedicated said victory to “all the little girls out there who dream of adventure,” say in this situation?

In the end, she went with her honest opinion:

“I don’t think it has anything to do with being feminine... Isn’t it just a basic life skill?”

After-Story: Business Is Booming At The Little Vixen

A woman stood in a hospital room at the Ode Central Hospital. The pointy ears sprouting from the top of her head suggested she was a beastkin of the albino fox variety. In her hand was a sealed envelope containing a letter of resignation.

“...So there you have it! As of today, I quit!” With that, Katherine Foxxi thrust the envelope into the hands of her now-former party leader, Ryan Daars, who was wrapped head to toe in bandages. This was the man who had once fired Tanya. He stared back blankly at her.

“W-Wait—”

“Don’t bother trying to stop me! Goodbye!” And at that she spun on her heel and left the room.

As her heels clacked on the linoleum floor, Katherine took a deep breath and shuddered.

“That... was... AWESOME!!!”

So what if I’m a woman? I can still be an adventurer.

Deep down, she felt a tiny bit of gratitude towards the bespectacled Healer who had helped her see the light.

***

“That said, I can’t exactly be unemployed,” Katherine mused aloud as she walked down the street.

She soon arrived at her destination: The Little Vixen, a tavern operated by her grandmother. Despite its small size, it was popular for its comfort food inspired by authentic beastkin cuisine—so popular that they even attracted aristocrats from time to time. Ever since she was a kit, the restaurant had always been fairly successful.

As she opened the door, a little bell jingled overhead. “G-Grandma? You here?” Katherine called.

“Well, hello there, Kathy!” her grandmother responded. She’d grown stooped with age in recent years, but her warm smile was still the same as ever.

Katherine heaved a sigh of relief. Whenever she had a bad day, somehow she always wound up right back here.

“Um, listen, Grandma...”

And so, as her grandmother worked busily in the kitchen, Katherine told her all about the Sparring Tournament, and the bespectacled Healer, and the stupid, sexist party she’d joined, and all the other horrible things that had happened to her.

After she was finished, she heaved a satisfied sigh.

“Did you get it all off your chest?” her grandmother asked. She nodded.

“Actually, um... I was wondering if you’d hire me to work at the tavern for a while!”

“Oh my! You want to wait tables?”

“I’ll do whatever you want me to!”

“Well, that’s fine by me, as long as you’re willing to put in the effort. But we get some nasty old drunks in this tavern, you know,” her grandmother warned her, concern in her eyes.

Katherine’s ears drooped. “Do I have to... ‘be professional’ and ignore them?”

“Absolutely not! Don’t be silly, girl. Listen here: you fine them 1,000 seculs, and you kick them right out on their rears!”

“Wait... Really?”

“Darn tootin’! That’s what I do, anyway! You remember the time I was in the back room and that man started talking to you about how a ‘proper woman’ should act?”

Katherine nodded. Like it or not, his words had stayed with her for a long time.

“Good grief. I swear, it just HAD to happen when I was in the middle of cooking! But I punished him with five years of dishwashing duty!”

“Wh... Seriously?!”

The old woman grinned and winked, and soon Katherine found herself grinning, too.

“You’re such a badass, Grandma!”

Over the years, the Little Vixen would gain a reputation as the tavern with the poster girl who would blast you with Fox-Fireballs if you tried to get fresh with her... but that’s a story for another time.