Did someone say "witch"!?

I'm also the goddess of witchcraft, y'know!

Afterword

This is my 54th book. Zounose here. A backstory book about Marisa and Reimu. The moment I touch upon this subject, I become intensely afraid of contradicting what we know about their relationship in the official works (especially the "shooting star wishing party" in CoLA). I mean, if you think about it, it doesn't make sense to show Marisa already using star-themed magic before then. Well, I guess I already have a habit of ignoring something or other when drawing backstory books, so it's really just more of the usual. Speaking of contradictions: the relationship of Reimu and the mysterious gap. If you think it seems like a handwave to have her appear without showing herself or giving her name, that's because it is. And the next time they meet, she'll act like it's their first meeting all over again.

Whenever I introduce an original character, I feel like I should try not to make them "stand out" too much. Even here, I was careful not to even give the witch a name or too concrete of a backstory. There's a slight whiff of some history between her and the previous shrine maiden, but by the time this plot takes place, their relationship is fraught and antagonistic. As implied by the title, this story was more focused on Marisa's side of things, but truth be told, my favorite parts to draw were the ones with the mysterious gap bothering the little shrine maiden. Her line from Imperishable Night, "Everything Hakurei Reimu says is entirely correct." is such a high hope and a curse in one. I love it.

My next plan is to put out my 8th compilation book at Reitaisai. The deadline is suuuper early! It's already getting close right now! But, well then. I hope we can meet again.