The series has already reached its 18th volume. Tatsuya and Miyuki will
soon be third-year students. I get the feeling that a lot of goals have
become closer. However, lately I am getting more worried that I haven't
had enough time to write episodes and have left plot points unfinished.
...No, it's probably due to the fact that the finish line is approaching.
First I planned for the arc to have two parts, but this Master Clans
Conference Arc has three parts instead. This is because time and time
again, I kept thinking, "If I don't write this", "and It would be better if I
wrote this as well." For example, in the original plot of this volume,
Raymond wasn't going to appear. However, while I was writing about
his different standpoint within the "Seven Sages" and how he differs
slightly from the other six, I reconsidered my original idea of only
hinting at him and decided to touch on him. While writing, the
appearances of Fujibayashi Kyouko and Chiba Toshikazu also increased.
With these small additions piling up, the number of volumes has
increased.
Speaking of getting worried about leaving things unfinished, on the
other side of the Steeplechase Arc, the encounter that Erika and Leo had
keeps getting pulled to the back of my consciousness all the time. I don't
have the intention of writing another side story after this book, but after
the Master Clans Conference Arc is over, I think I want to write an extra
arc about Leo and Erika.
Even though I say this, it's not something that I can decide at my own
discretion. The only thing currently decided, is that Volume 19 will
conclude the "Master Clans Conference Arc".
I think that the announcement of wanting to deliver the next volume
"Master Clans Conference (III)" will be made as soon as possible, I
would appreciate your thanks.
(Satou Tsutomu)
