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 some 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 name. I occasionally get asked about its origins, but really I just came 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 plume now.

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

I’m sure that all of you reading my work know me 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 me is to pump out good stories.

If you were to ask me 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 become an ideal author in the eyes of my readers.

To the illustrator, Tetsuo-san, formerly known as 415, I say thank you very much for supplying some 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 me through these byzantine stories each time. You truly are a great help. Volume 3 is going to be even more convoluted, so you’ve got some tough times ahead! (As if it’s not my problem.)

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

Until then, see you later!

Eiji Mikage

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