Lawrence took her hand, and she finally relented to a smile,
“I’ll return home only after I’ve paid my debt.”
“But of course!”
Holo’s hand gripped Lawrence’s very, very tightly.
It seemed as though the travels of this strange pair would last a bit longer.
That is to say, the travels of the wolf and the spice.
Afterword
Since I began entering writing contests with prize money involved, I’ve never been able to stop thinking about winning the grand prize.
Then, I think about using the prize money to buy stocks, increasing my investment, and pretty soon I’m daydreaming about ruling the world with my vast wealth.
Lately I’ve made enough money that I can order an extra-large bowl of soba from the soba stand without worrying about it.
My name is Hasekura Isuna.
Recently winning the silver medal of the 12th Dengeki Sho-setsu Prize is an honor roughly equivalent to winning the moon in the sky. I couldn’t believe it. I had three different dreams in which I got a phone call that they’d mixed me up with somebody else.
When I started editing the manuscript, I had two dreams that I’d missed the deadline.
I have no idea how many times I dreamed that I was wealthy enough to rule the world.
In fact, as I write this afterword, I’m wondering even now whether this is a dream or reality.
To the pre-readers, editors, and prize selection committee members that opened the door to this world of dreams, I give my most humble thanks.
Also to the people at the prize-acceptance party who raised their voices in support; and most especially to Mitsutaka Yuki-sensei, who gave me a silver wolf accessory in connection with the Spice and Wolf title, I want to say thank you so much. The little silver wolf is even now enshrined by my computer.
I must also thank Asakura Jyuu-sensei for the gorgeous illustrations. They captured my characters perfectly. I hope my thanks are as great as my surprise at seeing them.
To all the people, things, and events responsible for putting me in the position I’m in today: Thank you so much.
It is my intention to put forth every effort to ensure that I never wake from this fleeting dream.
—Hasekura Isuna
Spice & Wolf Page 19
