Chapter 114: Thank You for Everything.
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 114: Thank You for Everything.
I have received word from the editorial board.
They told me that since the subscriber count continues to drop and there are no signs of improvement, it is time to wrap up the serialization.
I considered telling them I would make further refinements, that I would try harder...
But I believe I’ve already begged for another chance more than five times now, so I simply told them I understood.
Graciously, the editorial board has granted me this space so that I may offer a final greeting to my readers.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the editorial department once more.
Where should I begin?
I suppose I should speak about the recent chapters.
At some point, it became difficult for me to meet my deadlines.
As you readers likely felt, the quality of the chapters was not particularly good either.
[It feels like someone else is writing this.]
[This falls far short of your previous work.]
I received many such impressions through your letters.
Some said I had simply grown old, while others claimed I had become a has-been.
Reading your concerned feedback, I felt that the time had come for me to be honest with you all.
The truth is, my memory has been failing me lately.
I cannot remember at lunch what I ate for breakfast, and when I look at what I wrote the day before, it feels entirely new to me.
There were times when I thought I had only closed my eyes for a moment, only to find that three days had passed.
I suppose this is simply what happens when one grows old.
Fortunately, my mind is clear today, allowing me to leave you with this final farewell.
My dear readers.
It seems it is time for me to step down.
Though I am not leaving from the very peak of success amidst thunderous applause, I believe it is a blessing in itself to retire while there are still people who love and cherish me.
Oh dear, as I get older, I tend to ramble.
With that, I shall take my leave.
A new author is scheduled to begin their serialization next week, so I would appreciate it if you gave them your support.
I am truly sorry that El Muse must end as an unfinished work.
I sincerely hope that you will always be happy and that your lives will be filled only with joy.
Sincerely,
Evan Dale.
*
"Master, shall I send it as it is?"
A maid with shoulder-length bobbed hair spoke as she looked at her aged master.
"Yes. Please."
The old man, with deep wrinkles etched around his mouth, rose from his desk.
Though it was only a short distance from the desk to the bed, it took quite some time at the old man's pace.
Having finally reached the bed, the old man tucked himself under the covers, and the maid approached to pull the blanket up to his chin.
"Are you... going to take a nap?"
"I’ve been feeling sleepy quite often lately. I should get some rest. Send the manuscript immediately."
"Do not worry."
The maid gave a gentle smile and kissed him on both cheeks.
Perhaps her master had already fallen asleep in that short span of time, for his eyes were closed and his breathing was steady.
"Sleep well. My lovely master."
With a face that betrayed a mixture of sorrow and joy, the maid murmured as she watched her master.
After preparing to head out, the maid left the mansion.
The mansion, as old as its master, looked a bit weathered on the outside, but its nobility remained unchanged.
The maid walked through the streets with impeccable poise and stopped at the post office located in the center of the city.
"Oh, Miss Emma. Another manuscript today?"
The reception clerk, sporting a magnificent mustache, welcomed her.
"Yes. Please send it to the Rohid Vissen Weekly. The recipient is..."
The woman called Emma said as she handed over the manuscript her master had given her.
"Mr. Ricardo at the editorial department, right?"
"Yes, that’s correct."
"Master Evan’s writing is as interesting as ever. I’m always waiting for the weekly magazine to come out."
The clerk chuckled and stroked his mustache, and Emma responded with a polite smile.
"Oh, come to think of it, how is Master In-ho’s health these days?"
"It seems Master In-ho has been sleeping more lately. Other than that, there are no issues."
The loyal maid did not mention her master’s dementia.
"Hmm... He certainly has reached a significant age.... Actually, once you get to Master In-ho’s age, it’s about time that—"
The clerk, who had been about to speak of old age as naturally as one discusses the weather, fell silent the moment he saw the maid’s face.
"About time for what?"
Her pale eyes were staring straight at him.
"A-ah, nothing. Anyway, I’ll see to this right away."
Coughing into his hand, the clerk hurried away, and the maid turned around after staring at his retreating back.
Though her stride remained as composed as ever, Emma walked faster than when she had arrived.
'It’s already been thirty minutes since I left Master. Thirty minutes. I’ve been away for too long.'
'Ah... I miss him. I miss you, Master. Your breathing, your voice, your scent... they already feel so distant. I’ll be back soon. Emma is coming, Master.'