The Empty Box and Zeroth Maria Book 2: Afterword

AFTERWORD

Hello, Eiji Mikage here.

I apologize for the long wait after the first book. I really wanted to get the next one out fast, since the story of the first book left so room as to whether there would be more, but… To be honest, even I don’t really know why it took this long.

Now then, “Eiji Mikage” is, naturally, my pen na. I occasionally get asked about its origins, but really I just ca up with it off the top of my head, so I always end up fumbling over how to answer.

Regardless, random idea or not, it’s my nom de plu now.

I go by this among my editors, too, as well as among my fellow authors. Almost none of them know my real na. When I call the editorial departnt, I even state my na as “author Eiji Mikage.” Even now, I dunno—it feels kinda strange…

I’m sure that all of you reading my work know only as “Eiji Mikage,” too.

This may not be the best way to put it, but to my readers, “Eiji Mikage” isn’t a human, but a machine that writes books. The only thing people want from is to pump out good stories.

If you were to ask whether I do everything in my power to make this happen, I wouldn’t be able to answer strongly in the affirmative. I’m weak, and I often think that I have to discipline myself more if I want to beco an ideal author in the eyes of my readers.

Now it’s ti for the acknowledgnts.

To the illustrator, Tetsuo-san, forrly known as 415, I say thank you very much for supplying so amazing art again. When I told you about the second book and said, “Maria puts Kazuki in handcuffs while she’s wearing only a button-up shirt and panties!” your response was very straightforward: “Sounds perverted.” I’ll never forget that.

To my editor Kawamoto-san, thank you very much for sticking with through these byzantine stories each ti. You truly are a great help. Volu 3 is going to be even more convoluted, so you’ve got so tough tis ahead! (As if it’s not my problem.)

And then I would like to express my gratitude to all the readers who hung with through Volu 2. I hope you’ll co along for the ride on the next one.

Until then, see you later!

Eiji Mikage