Author’s Scribbles
Hello, this is Kanel. Since volume 3.5 was coming out only a month after the previous volume, I had a bit of fun with the postscript. I feel I had a bit too much fun, to the point where I’m reflecting on my actions. That’s why I’ll try and write a bit more seriously for this volume.
It is only with immense difficulty that this volume’s new character, Pyeii, was able to appear. I nearly gave up on volume 4 multiple times—and one time I actually did give up—but I couldn’t let such a pitiable kid like her go unwritten. So, through sheer stubbornness and force of will, I soldiered on. Would you believe me if I said that I submitted the manuscript for volume 4 before volume 3.5’s?
The fairy tale referenced in this volume is the particularly well-known one that has crows in it. It’s known as The Vain Crow. I’m sure all my readers must have read the story at least once. The ultimately lamentable story of the crow who wished to look pretty, to show off, to become a king, and did so by adorning herself with the feathers of other birds. I kept thinking of this story ever since Chii first appeared. Because crows and magpies are so often depicted together.
The crow in the fairytale was in the wrong by doing what she did. But I wanted to point out the problem that occurred before her fateful decision. I know it’s ridiculous to bring up a backstory like that, but I have a habit of thinking about things in retrospect, so there’s no helping it. I always felt that, whenever there’s a contest to decide what’s the most beautiful bird, crows are intentionally ostracized. I don’t doubt that there are people out there who think that crows’ pitch-black forms are cool, or that they look mysterious or noble. But, whether due to stereotypes or not, no one says that crows are cute or lovely or beautiful. Which is why I always felt that there was some scorn directed at crows whenever a discussion of birds took place.
…This sounds like a conspiracy theory. Perhaps a plot by our Lord and Savior, Suzumiya.
Regardless, after mulling over these thoughts like a dog chasing its tail, I ended up writing all this. It sort of feels like I was given the ingredients to make bread but made noodles instead, but I’m content with the way this turned out. After all, this book got published.
Moving on.
I never liked the easy explanations of willpower or mental strength as solutions to one’s problems. Like when someone tells another person who’s having a hard time, “Man up. You’re being weak,” or when someone tells a person who’s down on his luck, “You’re just not good enough.” It seems to me that people who say things like that take their blessings for granted. That they don’t realize they were born with God knows how many advantages over the common man, and are snubbing their noses while talking absolute nonsense. Ah, though I’m not trying to defend those who choose to be weak and lazy. I’m just trying to say that people like that, with their limited backgrounds, should consider the idea that their words of advice only make those of us who are having a hard time feel even worse. I’m writing this because, while I was writing volume 4, I imagined if there were a kid like Pyeii in real life who had to hear words like that. Because I wouldn’t be surprised if there were lots of people who would say things like that. Honestly speaking, there are lots of people like that around me, as well.
This is my personal opinion to a certain extent, but rather than forcing a hurting, filthy kid squatting miserably in the mud to stand up by grabbing her hand, wouldn’t a real adult sit there with her? Sit there, regardless of how dirty oneself might get, and comfort her, pat her head, so that she would eventually gain the strength to stand for herself? And then, while holding her hand, lead her gently forward?
I believe that, when people share their insecurities and inner doubts, they’re asking simply for an empathetic ear, not an absolute solution along with a set of directions. Obviously, one should be grateful if someone were to sincerely listen to and care about a problem one was facing. That’s a sign of a life properly lived. But this only applies when that person has his or her ears open, when he or she has the strength to beat his or her inner demons. Because when one is hopelessly tired or on the verge of tears, any words, no matter how helpful or well-intentioned, won’t register on any level.
Chii had that strength, but Pyeii didn’t. Because Chii’s a strong kid. In contrast, Pyeii is weak.
On to another story.
There are many people who are extremely sensitive to hurting others physically, but completely insensitive when it comes to hurting someone’s feelings. I would be grateful if my dear readers who think it’s weird that Sunghoon was so shocked during the novel would try and understand how he felt. Because Sunghoon is very sensitive to this sort of thing. Responsibility doesn’t solely belong with Sunghoon, but adults are supposed to take responsibility even for the mistakes children make. Seeing parents who skirt their responsibility for their children’s mistakes by saying something like, “Kids will be kids,” really make me think a lot. Children have that freedom, but adults do not.
Weird, isn’t it? A postscript like this, I mean. I think so, too. I should mention that I’m in the same mental state I was in when I wrote every previous postscript. And I haven’t had any other troubles to mention. I’m saying this just in case anyone was worried.
“He’s acting weird.” “What a weirdo.” “Why is he acting like that?” [Must be on drugs.] “Humans act differently when they are close to death, but for a non-human like this, there is no relevant data.” “I’m sleepy….” (tn: In order of dialogue, it’s Rangii, Narae, Chii, Pyeii, Saehee, and Baduk.)
It’s my wish to see a reaction like this.
So, please consider everything before this as a simple joke.
Every time one of my books come out, I browse the Internet. That way, I learn which parts are bad and lots of advice. But even I heard in high school that if I didn’t study, I couldn’t get into a good college. Looking back, I struggled through all those things, but I didn’t grow at all. Which is why I’m struggling now. And why I’m trying to fix my problems, so that I won’t have to struggle for the rest of my life. Though, once scans of my books disappear from the Internet, a lot of my struggles will disappear.
Anyway, I occasionally find that there are some people who find my books a bit difficult to read openly. I was surprised to hear this, because I actually did my utmost to make my books as SFW, family friendly, and not eyebrow-raisingly racy as I could. Which is why, for the next volume…
I wrote it to be even more NSFW.
I don’t mean this in a weird sense. I tried to write it as non-suggestively as I could, but I figured that, since the series was racy since the beginning, by writing as suggestively as I could, the result would be a fully SFW piece of work. Which resulted in volume 5 starting as racily as possible. If you’re curious, then please buy the book. It starts with a scene I’d been waiting for since volume 1. But it’ll come out next year.
Volume 1 came out on December 2010, and volume 4 came out in November 2011, a year later. And, in practical terms, volume 5 is already out. I’m happy that I was able to achieve my personal goal. At this rate, if I continue to work hard, I might finish the series before the new year of the following year…though that depends on the sales.
Am I supposed to keep talk of this a secret, you ask? I mean, there’s a rumor that the esteemed author of Crime and Punishment only wrote the book to cover his gambling debts, so I don’t think it matters much.
Not to mention, I’m the idiot who practically sang in the end of volume 1 that I wanted to end this series. I should mention that that was a lie. Or, at least, it was back then. However, I will make the singular promise that I, no matter how lacking in ability I may be, will do my best to create a satisfactory ending for you, the reader. Don’t worry about me, and please buy the books for as long as you enjoy them. And please simply give up the series once you get bored with it. I do the same. Because it is my responsibility should my series no longer be enjoyable, just as in a buffet, showcase your opinion through the sales, or lack thereof, of the books. When I put it like this, I must seem ambivalent. Maybe you’re thinking I have a different job from writing? However, I am a full-time author. Which is why, please continue to support my work. This way, I can continue to make a living by writing.
Even after I tried writing a bit more of a serious postscript, it ended up like this.
Last but not least, thank you to all the readers who listened to y ramblings, all the staff in the editorial department who continue to work diligently to ensure that these books can be published, and my illustrator, Young-in, who (within these parentheses lie powerful, ineffable emotions) drew all those adorable children. As always, thank you to my dad, whom I pray continues to remain healthy, and my mom, who continues to worry for her children. Thank you to my senior, who works hard to ensure my mind is always on the right track. Thank you to all of you.
Ah. Also, my friends. If any of you are reading this postscript, then tell me where I can buy you a meal. But only until November 4th. After that, I’m not buying you anything. Suck on that.
Finally, thank you all for reading this insanity-inducing postscript.
Dijon here. There’s a volume 3.5. It’s the same length as the other books. Thus, I decided to do it like this: I’m going to translate volume 3.5 and NOT upload it until I’m fully finished with it. Less confusing that way.
I’m going to translate volume 5 AFTER I catch up with the manhwa.
So, everyone, please look forward to lots more manhwa!
Also, I’m going to revise volume 1. Good Lord, my translations are damn awful.
Thanks for reading.