It had been quite some time since we last met. My name was Ryo Yuki.
Thank you very much for picking up the fifth volume. Some time had passed since the hydrangea season, but I was finally able to deliver this to everyone just as the snow began to fall.
As some readers likely noticed, Volume 5 boasted a significantly higher page count than previous entries and featured a large amount of newly written material. I worked hard to prepare these exclusive episodes specifically for the book version.
While I revised and edited the entire manuscript as usual, I focused particularly on adding new scenes involving Fiona. These moments—such as the time Ren and Fiona spent together during their Winter Break—felt like a fitting way for the two of them, who shared such a deep connection to winter, to pass the time.
I also found myself filled with joy while writing about Fiona’s charming efforts on the romantic front. Before I knew it, the page count had ballooned. It resulted in quite a thick volume, but I truly hoped you enjoyed it.
I had a feeling the books might continue to be this heavy in the future, but for now, let me speak a little about the next installment.
Thanks to your unwavering support, Reincarnated as the Mastermind of the Story 6 was already in active production.
The next volume featured Ren’s new endeavors as a Sword Saint. As more people recognized his true strength, he would face the responsibilities Fiona mentioned at the end of this volume. Furthermore, an unexpected direct encounter for Ren and an adventure unlike any before awaited him.
I already began the revision process to ensure the next volume included plenty of new content, so please look forward to the future of Ren and his companions.
With the release of this fifth volume, the series reached its fifth entry for both the original novels and the manga, marking ten books in total. Including the translated versions, that number was even higher, and the collection of sample copies in my possession continued to grow.
Additionally, as noted on the book’s wrap-around band, the series total circulation surpassed 600,000 copies. It seemed an especially large number of people discovered the series this year, for which I was truly grateful.
I aimed to share further updates as soon as possible and hoped you would continue to accompany me on this journey.
It was difficult to say goodbye, but since I was running out of pages, I wished to offer my final thanks.
Nakamura-sensei provided a wealth of stunning illustrations for this volume as well. My collection of precious treasures grew substantially all at once, and I couldn't thank them enough. Truly, thank you so much for bringing Ren and the others to life so charmingly.
I also received a great deal of assistance from my editors, whose support allowed me to deliver this book to the readers. My thanks also went to the Dengeki Editorial Department, the designers, and everyone else involved in the production process. To those who put this book into the hands of readers and everyone else who contributed to this series—I wished to take this opportunity to thank you.
Finally, once again, to everyone who picked up this book: I was so happy that you continued to warmly support the story of Ren and the others since the first volume. Thank you for staying with me until the very end of this afterword.
I looked forward to seeing you again in the next arc: Where Water and Wind Sleep: Windea.
I hoped we might meet again soon!
Yuki
Note: I also posted occasional announcements on my X account, so please feel free to take a look if you were interested.