AFTERWORD
HELLO, Makoto Inoue here. For this, the third Fullmetal Alchemist novel, I went even deeper into the Fullmetal world in my head.
I woke to Fullmetal. I ate lunch with Fullmetal. I watched the sun set with Fullmetal. In the bath? Fullmetal! In bed? Fullmetal! Fullmetal all the time, 24/7! Even in my dreams … Fullmetal! And, of course, when I went to the bathroom, well … you get the idea. But back to the point, this installment of Fullmetal Alchemist was enough to make me forget everything else! In the end, this novel I wrote carves out its own little chunk of the Fullmetal world. I hope everyone who reads it can forget herself (or himself!) and enter a Fullmetal world all her (or his!) own. I hope when you do reach that Fullmetal moment of your own, you’ll shout with me, “Hey! That right there is what Fullmetal’s all about!” If you’re not shouting and screaming … sorry.
MANY PEOPLE HELPED me this time, same as before.
First and foremost, I must thank Arakawa Sensei. Though she was very busy, she helped me with characterization. I loved every minute working with her. I’m sure you’re still busy, Arakawa Sensei, so take care of yourself.
And to my editor, Nomoto! I certainly needed your help this time around. Thank you very much.
With all the confusion and mistakes one makes while writing a novel, I’m convinced that the only way I’ll ever hold the finished book in my hand is thanks to Nomoto’s alternating praise and punishment.
Of course, work is fun most of the time, but when you sit there looking at the computer screen forever, sometimes you want to travel—not in a world of your imagination, but in the real world.
That was when I got a perfectly timed telephone call.
NOMOTO: Nomoto here. How’s work?
INOUE: Oh, uh, it’s going. I was just thinking how I’d love a vacation …
NOMOTO: Of course you would. That’s what happens when you stay inside too long.
INOUE: N-Nomoto! (You understand how I feel, you really do!)
NOMOTO: What about going overseas? For two or three weeks?
INOUE: Two or three weeks?! But I’m busy …
NOMOTO: If you’re going to go, you should spread your wings and fly far! Once you finish work and can feel good about it, you should have fun! It’ll be great.
INOUE: Y-you’re right!
NOMOTO: Of course! Just keep working, visions of a cottage in some foreign land floating in your head.
INOUE: Right! (I can see the blue seawaters already!)
THEN, right before work was finished … (The important part is right before, not right after.)
NOMOTO: Good work! Just got some last checking left to do!
INOUE: Yep. Once this is done, I’m thinking of going on a trip.
NOMOTO: Ah! Right. Speaking of which, are you free next week?
INOUE: Uh … yes. Why?
NOMOTO: Great! Actually, I was thinking I wanted to have a meeting with you about the next job!
INOUE: Uh … Or a beach, maybe?
NOMOTO: Oh, that’s right! You said something about wanting to visit the sea before. You should go after your next job is finished, really! Nothing beats taking a little trip right after a big job!
INOUE: Oh … right …
NOMOTO: Of course! Now, back to work, visions of a Northern European backpacking trek floating through your head!
INOUE: Uh … right. (I can see the rugged coast of Finland already!)
LESS PRAISE AND PUNISHMENT … and more like incarceration? (I realize only now.)
But I kid! I have nothing but thanks for Nomoto. Her pretty voice and pretty face—and pretty amazing editorial skills—make her great to work with. You’ve helped me so much, allow me to make it up to you sometime!
It’s odd, though, how she merely needs to say “Of course!” for me to think reflexively “That’s right!” I’m well trained.
HERE’S A LITTLE SOMETHING for those who read the afterword in volume two. Remember how I actually had to buy a new computer?
I’m not even a true Action Novelist yet, so why?! Is it so wrong to bang at one’s keyboard with all one’s might?! (Of course!)
To all those intending to become “Action Novelists,” go easy on your keyboard. To those who want to use their computer lovingly for a long time, I recommend becoming a “Romance Novelist.” Yes, keyboards are meant to be handled the way one handles fine glasswork, with a gentle touch. And don’t forget the rose-scented perfume and bubbles!
IN CLOSING, let me thank each and every person who read this book! Thanks!
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