Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance

Volume 11, Afterword

—No matter what decision you make, I will stay with you.

Thank you very much to everyone who is holding this book in their hands. I hereby present to you, the eleventh installment of Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance, Elemental Lord Assassination!

Okay, after persisting for so long, the 'Blade Dance festival arc' finally draws to a close in this volume. However, because this is just the end of the second arc, (there are still tons of mysteries and unresolved foreshadowing), the main story will continue to keep coming!

Next are the acknowledgements. To Sakura Hanpen-sensei who has again drawn the cover and illustrations beautifully, many thanks. A Claire with a radiant expression is very adorable.

To Hyouju Issei-sensei who is producing the super high quality manga version, I see that Est finally makes her appearance in the story. As a reader, I look forward to reading it every month.

Narita-san, the editor in charge, thank you for taking care of me this time as well.

Of course, my greatest thanks go to everyone of you, the readers!

Next, let's talk about my recent news as the author. In February, there was an opportunity for me to visit Taiwan for an autograph session. The passion of Taiwan fans are no less than those in Japan, so amazing. Everyone was very friendly and the food was great. What a wonderful experience. If another chance comes along, I really want to visit again.

On the work side, I am participating as a player in the TRPG replay of Fujimi Shobo x MediaFactory joint venture 'GranCrest.' The MF Bunko J side had Hirasakayomi-sensei, Sagarasou-sensei, Suzuri-sensei as well as Shimizu participating. It feels like it's going to be a very interesting replay. I'm so looking forward to it.

Finally, we have the customary popularity contest results (up to Volume 10). The first and second place are dominated by overwhelming votes for the spirit combo, Est and Restia. 3rd place is Kamito, 4th is Leonora, 5th is Claire, 6th is Fianna, 7th is Rinslet, 8th is Ellis, 9th is Rubia, 10th is Scarlet. As usual, 5th to 8th place was a huge free-for-all with very small differences. I will treasure the survey comments so please continue to send them in.

—So, the next volume is the beginning of the 3rd arc: 'Spirit War.' When I first started the series, I planned to end things with the third arc so it's quite gratifying to finally reach this stage. Using "more love, more comedy, battles above all!" as the goal, I've charged forward to this point. Here on, I hope to continue receiving everyone's support!

Shimizu Yuu, June 2013

Illustrator's Afterword

Scarlet: "With less to cover up, my job is easier, meow—"

Hello and hello again. I am Sakurahanpen! This time's cover is a radiantly smiling Claire-san!

Why does it feel so much like the final volume...!? You're smiling too happily, Claire-san! (says the guy who drew her)

On the other hand, when drawing her, I was thinking worriedly, will there be a problem with Claire-san like this!? I wanted to make her cuter, but felt worried about it(´ω｀)

Oh dear, I never thought the volume would end like that. It feels like Kamito-kun is so pitiful! Do your best, Kamito... Also, Rubia-san is so cool. So firmly resolved, super cool...!

I'm so curious about Volume 12! I really want to see what happens next... Looking forward to it, Shimizu-sensei...!

So, see you next volume!