Afterword

To new readers and old, thank you for picking up Unnamed Memory. My name is Kuji Furumiya.

This story began as a web novel posted on my personal site in 2008 and has now been published in its final, edited form. When it was first posted, there weren’t many web novel sites yet, and I took my time fine-tuning the text before releasing millions of words all at once into a random corner of the Internet. Looking back on it now, that seems to me to be the height of madness.

This humble novel has, quite unexpectedly, been read and critiqued by so many people, and after many twists and turns, I’m finally able to work as a novelist full-time. I’m truly grateful that I have another chance to tell you all how this long tale began.

This is the story of a cursed prince and the strongest witch in a world where magic is a part of life.

Peeling back a layer, the true story is that of a protagonist with a mind of steel who declares, “You don’t have to break the curse; just marry me since it doesn’t affect you. That way everything’s settled.” Then, the witch insists, “I refuse to marry you, and I will break the curse!” From there, the story becomes one of how their back-and-forth ends up changing the history of the entire world they live in.

Many things lead up to that change.

Mysterious murders, secret plots, international friction, and hidden truths of the past. How will the two of them face such struggles? For the conclusion to all of those, as well as how the love story will play out when the witch’s awkwardness stalls any progress that’s made, please keep reading this series until its end!

Now I’d like to take this opportunity to thank some people!

To my editor, who approached me about adapting this story into a published novel, as well as supporting me since my debut: Thank you so much! I’m sorry for subjecting you to so many selfish requests! I’ll keep working hard so you can keep playing Gacha!

To chibi, who handled character designs and made such gorgeous illustrations: I’m deeply impressed by how real you made the world feel and how beautifully you drew all the characters. Thank you so much! I look forward to seeing more of your art in the future!

Tappei Nagatsuki also wrote me a really cool endorsement for the published version of the book! I’ve known him since my web novel days, and I’m eternally grateful that he agreed right away when I approached him for a blurb. It’s so cool… Really cool… I’m very lucky!

Finally, I’d like to say that it’s thanks to all of you who’ve been following this story for over ten years now that this new tale featuring our two protagonists has come to be. I’ll be sure to pour my everlasting gratitude into the story so that you can enjoy this unnamed tale again. Thank you so much!

Kuji Furumiya

(Yuki Fujimura)

Extra

Colorful clothing hung throughout the little tent. Amid the exotically scented interior, Oscar selected a pure-white dress and tossed it to the witch at his side.

“Try this one on next. It’ll look good on you,” he said.

“What? Ugh, what do you think you’re doing…?” Tinasha answered, pulling a face as she took the dress into the back of the tent to change.

While normally these two would have been shut up in the castle study at this time of day, today they were perusing a street merchant’s tent that had been set up in the castle city plaza. This had been their compromise.

Oscar had insisted, “My senses are so dulled, I have to get outside.”

While Tinasha had shot back with, “I won’t let you go. Think of your position.”

In the end, they’d donned disguises and ventured into the city together. Oscar seemed to be having a great time dressing Tinasha up.

The witch emerged from the back, tugging on the hem of the dress with an exasperated look. She glared up at her companion. “Here, I’m all changed. Are you satisfied?”

The high collar framing her tiny face looked like flower petals, and the billowy skirt accentuated her slender body and flared out like a blooming bud. She looked mystical, and Oscar broke into a grin. “It looks good on you. I’m gonna buy this one, too; then we can head back.”

“This is so hard to move in; when am I going to wear it? Why have you been buying me clothes anyway?” Tinasha asked.

“I think it’s nice to change things up once in a while,” Oscar replied.

The crown prince’s daily routine was packed with all sorts of responsibilities to attend to, and he never got a chance to take a break. He was aware that such things were his duty but still sometimes felt strangely low-spirited and in need of diversion.

When such moods took him, he usually felt better after spending some time with his protector. Perhaps the reason was that, while Tinasha respected Oscar as her contractee, she didn’t care very much at all about the status and responsibilities that came with his royal position.

Catching a glimpse of herself in the full-length mirror, Tinasha tied up her long hair to match the dress. “If you’re quite done, let’s go back. Lazar is probably in tears by now.”

“I really wanted to take my time picking out clothes for you, though… Next, I planned to select accessories,” Oscar said.

“We’re leaving! I’ve had enough, and I’m tired!” Tinasha cried, signifying that she was almost at her limit.

Oscar placed a hand on top of the petite witch’s head. “All right. Honestly, it was a surprise you put up with it for this long. I thought for sure you’d have made your escape by now.”

While Tinasha had worn a scowl the entire time, she’d still accompanied Oscar on his diversion. He wondered what whim had possessed her to suffer through it, but she turned her face aside. In a clear voice, she answered, “I know very well how hard you work each day.”

Oscar’s eyes widened a little.

Without a doubt, Tinasha was the one person who, more than anyone else, saw Oscar as just a man. Even when the world revered him as royalty.

That was why he loved being with her and why he wanted her to think of him as he did her.

“I see… In that case, wanna get married? I’d love to dress you up like a bride.”

“I do not! All right, it’s time to go home! Right away! No detours!” Tinasha declared, holding out a hand to Oscar. He accepted it with a grin. Even the return trip to the castle didn’t bore him.