Afterword
Thank you very much for picking up Volume 3 of [Female Soldier].
It is an honor to meet you. I am the author, Fuyuse.
To think the third installment of the series could be delivered safely…I am filled with sincere gratitude and relief.
I cannot thank enough the editor who adjusted their busy schedule to make this work, as well as Tamura-sensei who was once again in charge of the illustrations. Did you see them? Those cute girls in winter outfits…Since I have virtually no confidence in my own fashion sense, I am amazed each time I see Tamura-sensei’s illustrations thinking “How does she get it?” Being able to have each character’s traits understood and expressed to this degree is nothing short of fortunate. Thank you always, Tamura-sensei!!
In this world where both quality and speed are crucial, I am constantly struck by how truly blessed Raze and everyone’s story is to be allowed to continue.
The vivid cover of Volume 3 shows Raze in a white sundress at the beach, savoring a gelato with relish.
But when you start reading, the opening is set in the dead of winter—now that’s a trap set by this bungling author… After kicking things off in winter and then going full-throttle into summer in a hurried progression with no “introduction, development, twist, and conclusion,” leaving the author in a state of “Huh, philosophy? That’s out of my field,” I would still argue that I did make quite a few additions and revisions…
The web version of Female Soldier has 93 parts totaling around 340,000 characters. First book volume covers parts 1-23, the second volume has parts 24-33, and this third volume roughly corresponds to parts 34-49. (Incidentally, Raze’s first winter in the web version passes in an instant.)
So if a book volume is around 120,000 characters, with this third volume the book version has surpassed the full length of the web edition. The author is amazed.
I never imagined I could write this much. It’s a well-known saying in the creative world that characters start acting of their own accord, but before I knew it, Raze had become exactly that kind of existence. No matter what stage I set, she performs admirably just like herself. I’ve only recently become aware, but it seems I’m just an otaku chasing after Raze… (wry smile)
Having in a sense surpassed my past written works by getting to Volume 3 has become a major milestone for me.
And for Raze as well, I think this volume presented her with a new trial.
While Female Soldier is oriented more towards a female audience (or so the author believes) by being set in a battle-themed dating sim, it still contains quite a few gory depictions. This volume too had many battle scenes.
I won’t go into too much detail to avoid spoilers, but there were moments where Raze was in peril that I couldn’t even conceive of happening to “this cheat Female Soldier” while serializing the web version. Although not out of the ordinary for standard story developments, being able to add that scene when writing Volume 3 felt very significant to me personally. I’m truly glad I could write it… Thank you for the realization and opportunity. It makes me even happier if you enjoyed it.
I was able to receive a Volume 3 book bearing the cool English logo “MAGIC ACADEMY CENTRIOR IMPERIAL.” All of this is thanks to the support of readers and everyone involved in the production.
The Female Soldier comic is also being carefully brought to life by Syuri22-sensei, which I deeply appreciate every month. I still want to see more illustrations and manga from both Tamura-sensei and Syuri22-sensei myself, and as the original author, I will do my utmost to help more people discover their work.
I express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved with this work. Thank you for accompanying me on this journey. I fervently hope we can meet again.
Fuyuse
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT gadgetizedpanda.net
Bonus Short Story: [Reward for the Term Exam]
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT gadgetizedpanda.net
“Ah, geez! This is why I hate essays!”
The one venting such frustration at the sweets shop in Fiza Shopping District was the bespectacled beauty with black hair, Marie Winston.
As Marie keeps up this tirade in front of her, Raze glances over at Alice Faber, Marie’s best friend sitting next to her eating a shortcake.
“She’s been like this in the dorm room ever since the exam ended.”
Noticing Raze’s gaze, Alice gives a wry smile.
“She only lost by two points after all…”
In the first term exam of the new school year, Marie had once again taken second place to Norman. And this time, the point difference between them was a narrow two points, which is likely why Marie’s frustration still hasn’t subsided three days later.
“Two measly points…If only I had been given those points there…”
“ “ ” …… “ ”
Marie pierces her fruit tart with a sharp gaze through her glasses as she angrily takes a bite.
Alice shrugs and takes a sip of tea.
“It’s too bad you couldn’t beat Norman, but congratulations on your personal best score. And Raze, you tied with that ‘Azure Prince’ again for first place? That’s really amazing.”
Changing the subject to praise Raze, she blushes shyly.
After term exams, it had become a tradition for the two senpais to treat Raze to sweets. And as always, Marie was the one covering Raze’s portion.
This post-exam reward was actually something Raze looked very forward to. The chocolate cake tastes exceptional when savored amid praise after giving it her all.
“It was a close call. If not for Marie-senpai’s study notes, it would’ve been dangerous.”
“You studied hard, that’s why. Though I want to show my cute kouhai my good side too!”
Marie grips her fork tightly.
“Next time in the final exam, I’ll definitely take first place!”
“It’s fine to work hard, but don’t overdo it and mess up your health again, okay…?”
“Yes, I won’t make that mistake twice.”
Marie nods while adjusting her glasses frames.
Though saddened that these tea parties will end after the next one, Raze smiled warmly as she gazed at her two senpais.
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