Ascendance of a Bookworm (LN) - Volume 5.7 - Chapter Aft

Afterword

Hello again, it’s Miya Kazuki. Thank you very much for reading Ascendance of a Bookworm: Part 5 Volume 7.

This volume’s prologue was focused on Ferdinand. It can be considered a rewrite of the “Foreign Toys and Sweets” chapter from the web novel, so it might be fun to compare the two! Autumn ended, and the deliveries Rozemyne sent before leaving for the Royal Academy arrived. Ferdinand contemplated many things while checking over the ingredients she sent him and reading her letter.

The main story began with some winter preparations. Rozemyne was busy enough getting ready for her return to the Royal Academy, but preparations also needed to be made for Dirk and Bertram, who were leaving the orphanage to be baptized as nobles. Gretia made a few harsh but true observations, and it became clear that Rozemyne likewise needed to rethink her words and actions.

I was struck with a sense of emptiness when writing about the fellowship gathering. Hannelore was the lone greeter for Dunkelfelger, while Ahrensbach had only Martina.

Rozemyne’s adult retainers stayed at the Royal Academy to help carry out not just one but three Dedication Rituals, though they only made it through the first before Rozemyne disappeared. My heart was racing as I wrote where she was going. I was like, “Gramps, Anwachs, she’s all yours now!”

During her unexpected absence, Rozemyne endured a very sudden growth spurt and obtained an incomplete Book of Mestionora. Though she initially bemoaned these developments, they allowed her to realize what Georgine was planning. She began forming countermeasures... and then suddenly saw a vision of Ferdinand. It was the same phenomenon that occurred when Lutz saw Myne in danger during the trombe hunt way back in Part 2.

This volume’s epilogue was written from Letizia’s perspective. It explains how Ferdinand ended up in his current situation through the eyes of someone who was directly involved. This was a rewrite of another web novel chapter, “The End of Peace.” Given her position, Letizia was never allowed to live as a normal child. She was exploited by those around her at every turn. I only hope she can still be saved...

The first original short story was from Charlotte’s perspective. It was basically a digest of what happened in the Royal Academy during Rozemyne’s absence. I hope that Hartmut’s and Brunhilde’s accomplishments, Charlotte’s hard work, and the general state of the dormitory were all made clear.

The second short story was written from Leonzio’s perspective. It focused on his objectives and provided a glimpse behind the Lanzenave curtain. It was my first time writing from Lanzenave’s viewpoint, which made it fairly enjoyable.

Newly designed for this volume were Erwaermen and Aub Dunkelfelger. The former came out exactly as I imagined: pure white, long-haired, and draped in heavy-looking clothes. Quite the appearance, if you ask me! The latter was made to embody the kind of man who could charge into battle at a moment’s notice. You can just tell, right? Let him out of your sight for a second and he’ll be rushing this way or that with a weapon in hand. At the same time, I think he comes across as someone who’s both strong and reliable.

This volume’s cover art shows Rozemyne before and after she revisited the Garden of Beginnings. The scenery behind them changes too. There’s the young Rozemyne, excited about the imaginary library she’s discovered, and the grown-up Rozemyne, reading the Book of Mestionora in the Farthest Hall. They’re wearing the same clothes, so you can see how she’s grown at just a glance.

The color illustration is based on Rozemyne’s vision. Leonzio and Detlinde successfully spring their trap. Letizia falls into despair. The blood drains from Eckhart’s and Justus’s faces. I was very adamant about having a color illustration for such a crucial scene, believing in my heart that it was what the readers wanted. Shiina-sama—thank you.

And finally, my utmost thanks to everyone who read this book. May we meet again in Part 5 Volume 8.

September 2021, Miya Kazuki