Ch.BONUSAfterword

This is my first time writing a completion review.

When writing a novel, I thought I would have a lot to say in the afterword once I reached the end, but now as I’m writing this, my mind feels like a blank white sheet.

I suppose I should express my gratitude first!

Thank you to all the readers who have followed this story.

It’s thanks to all of you that I was able to write this story to its completion.

I’m deeply grateful that you stayed with me despite critical mistakes like the four days of private uploads, and my nocturnal posting schedule that often stretched from dawn to deeper dawn.

Now that I’ve written the word “completion,” I find myself particularly missing certain aspects.

If I had to pick one thing I regret most, it would be Hector.

He was meant to answer the question “Why does the protagonist use a sword in a world of magic?” and was essentially Ortes’s foster father, but he appeared too late in the story, leaving insufficient space to properly develop his character.

I think my plan to introduce him last among Ortes’s three friends turned out to be a misstep. I should have scattered more foreshadowing about the knighthood. That’s regrettable.

There were also many parts that got cut due to my limited capabilities as a writer who was overwhelmed just trying to keep up with Ortes’s countless troublemaking adventures—like the relationship between Kine and Core, or the planned content about Astrape.

My shortcomings as an author are significant.

While there are many regrets, I also feel joy. Though “Squint-Eyed Loyalist” may not have always been the greatest story, I can proudly say it was a story I gave my all to.

I was happy that there were people who enjoyed reading my best effort.

While the main story of “Squint-Eyed Loyalist” ends here, after a short break, I plan to slowly unfold the remaining stories.

I’m thinking about Ortes’s past (his encounter with Carisia) and the stories of those who had to deal with the aftermath of Carisia and Ortes abandoning everything. Both are short stories that together probably won’t exceed 10 chapters, but I’m not talented at predicting length, so who knows how it will turn out!

If you have any unresolved questions, please leave them in the comments. Now that the main story has concluded, I can answer freely without spoiler restrictions!

And once again, thank you to everyone who read this story.

I believe that writing truly becomes literature only when there are readers. It’s thanks to all of you that this story became more than just a collection of characters.

I’m glad to announce the completion on this joyful Christmas. It would be an honor if this story added even a small bit to your holiday cheer.

Wishing you happiness today and in the future!