Slave Harem Volume 5, Afterwords

Afterwords

　This is the final volume. I am filled with indescribable emotions.

　Thank you so much for accompanying me this far.

　The fact that we were able to publish up to the fifth volume in these times is thanks to the many readers who purchased it.

　It is all thanks to those who are reading this afterword. I express my gratitude once again.

　As this is the final volume, I have been given a slightly longer page for the afterword.

　Since there are meta spoilers written here, I would be grateful if you could read it after reading the main story.

　I thought about writing about the settings and things I had in mind while writing.

　Regarding this work, there are many parts that I still regret.

　But it is also a work that has helped me improve in terms of structure and technical aspects.

　I believe I have written everything I should write and wanted to write about this work.

　Since the Seven Great Dungeons were conquered in the second volume, it was not possible to challenge dungeons that were lower in scale, so the number of volumes was originally limited.

　Mars and the others' adventure comes to an end for now.

　However, the comic adaptation will start from here, and there may be opportunities to write about Mars and the others again in SS and other formats.

　First, let's talk about this final volume.

　I did not include any elements of cuckolding this time.

　The reason is that considering the circumstances in the story, it didn't seem like a suitable element.

　Nevertheless, I hesitated a little until the end.

　If I were to include it, the plan was the boss of the World Tree, the Dark Elf, was planned to be seduced by the 'Jet Black' and have the dungeon taken over! 

　However, I decided to discard this idea because introducing a new character suddenly as a spouse... it just didn't feel right.

　As for the overall content, I feel it has become something befitting of a final volume.

　Now I will write about the aspects of this work that I regret.

　The first regret is regarding the "Netori" element in the title.

　In terms of story development, this was the most challenging aspect.

　The difficulty lies in the fact that the movement of the story becomes limited.

　It may work for one or two volumes, but beyond that, it becomes repetitive.

　Moreover, it requires a significant amount of text.

　Naturally, there is a need for explicit content, and there were also some cramped scenes that required a considerable amount of text to depict the process leading up to the "netori" situation.

　Furthermore, since there needs to be a partner to be "netori'd," new characters are required each time.

　The person being "netori'd" and the man who was originally with that woman both become necessary.

　The incorporation of "netori" serves as a source of satisfaction for that man and as a necessary element for explicit scenes.

　In the first volume, this role was played by Zerius and Hazuki.

　The first volume was relatively easy, but later on, I realized that it becomes a challenging element to handle.

　There is another difficulty regarding the 'Netori' element.

　It involves the likability of the protagonist, Mars.

　When it comes to 'Netori,' it ultimately revolves around sexual desire, and one could argue that it's driven by that alone.

　By focusing on 'Netori,' the story becomes centered around the flow of sexual desire.

　Furthermore, if the protagonist is a reincarnated individual, their actual age is that of an older man. It becomes somewhat unsettling to think that an older man would be struggling with his desires and unable to resist them.

　In reality, I came across reviews pointing out this issue, and although I understood the concern, there was nothing I could do about it. It troubled me.

　The second regret is regarding the second volume.

　The second volume became a significant turning point in this work.

　Nemu became a companion, Hazuki encountered her undead parents, and it was revealed that Julis, who was thought to have been 'Netori'd,' ultimately chose the prince.

　Personally, the second volume is my favorite part of this work.

　When I finished writing it, I was quite proud of what I had produced.

　Dash X Bunko is ultimately a light novel, so I had confidence that I could provide enjoyment beyond just explicit content by incorporating drama and emotional elements.

　However, commercially speaking, it was a major failure.

　The reception was disappointing.

　Seeing numerous critical reviews made me think, 'Ah, this might be canceled.'

　Works with a significant number of negative reviews simply do not sell well. I wouldn't buy it if I were on the reader's side either.

　I believe that those who have read this far have surely enjoyed the story aspect as well, and that alone brings me some solace.

　It means that this work was not well-received by readers who were primarily seeking cheat-like 'Netori' erotic content.

　Starting from the second volume, I published completely original content, and that first book represents the evaluation of that volume.

　Honestly, it was disheartening.

　The reason why the publication pace of this work is slower than others is because I am slow. Additionally, the page count is a bit higher, and half a year per volume is quite slow.

　The cause of this is partially due to the reception of the second volume.

　To put it simply, I was scared.

　Something I believed to be a well-crafted and entertaining piece was rejected, and it made me unsure of the direction to take.

　Once I started doubting my own sensibilities, I found it difficult to continue writing.

　No work appeals to everyone, so it's pointless to dwell on it and worry about it. However, it still remains as a thorn.

　Once it happens, I find myself contemplating how to avoid such evaluations.

　And as I engage in such thoughts, I become unsure of how to write.

　What does it mean to be entertaining? I start questioning that.

　Is this approach okay, or is that approach better? While pondering such things, I find myself going around in circles because there is no correct answer in creative work.

　In reality, my writing pace significantly declined around the time of the second volume.

　While it may seem cool to talk about the struggles of a creator, when it's all said and done, it just makes me a coward.

　I was able to write other works normally, so it was specifically this work that instilled fear in me.

　Speaking of the finer details, there are plenty of regrets.

　However, I also think that's just part of this work.

　It seems that I'll continue to be a writer for a while longer, but I'm sure every work will come with its own set of regrets.

　To prevent that, I want to improve my skills.

　Finally,

　I've written quite a lot of excuses and self-justifications, but I was able to come this far thanks to the support of everyone.

　Some people gave warm feedback, which was very encouraging. I believe I've read through all the feedback online. I couldn't reply to everyone, but I'd like to express my gratitude here collectively.

　To my editor who always put up with my slow writing pace.

　To Neibi-sama, who had to impose strict schedules due to my delays.

　And to many others who contributed their efforts to this work.

　Above all, to the readers who accompanied me throughout this journey.

　Thank you so much for nearly two years of support.

　I hope we can meet again somewhere else someday.

　Once again, thank you very much.

Akari Hino

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