Yes, this is the afterword of the bonus novel which comes as a bonus for purchasing the full-volume Blu-ray set!
First of all, thank you for accompanying me up to this point! It's me, Tappei Nagatsuki, also known as the grey-colored cat!
The story this time, as those familiar with the web version may already know, is the novelized version of the popular "April IF".
On the first of April each year, on Natsuki Subaru's birthday, an extra chapter which diverges from the main storyline is published. These IF stories are ambitious works that depict a Subaru who makes choices which diverge from the main story, along with the changes in the characters around him and how the conclusion of the story differs.
This installment, "Accreting in Another World from Zero" branches off from the fourth arc of the main story; in volume 12 of the novel, or episode 37 of the anime, Echidna offers him a Contract, and this is the pattern in which he does not refuse it.
Upon learning about Return by Death, Echidna may seem to be the perfect partner for Subaru, as a woman of wisdom in whom he can confide; however, as those of you who have read the story will know, the number of Deaths which Subaru accretes exceeds a hundred times that of the main story.
The reason behind this is the verbally manipulative Echidna, who steers Subaru into accreting numerous different experiences with deceitful words.
Yet, it is not out of malice, but rather her simply using any means necessary to satiate her own thirst for knowledge. In truth, she even helps by thinking of proper ways to overcome obstacles, leaving Subaru unaware of her underlying intentions.
However, the Subaru in Kasaneru, in his desperation to save the lives of those dear to him, ends up neglecting everything except for those "lives", and as a result, how does the future he obtains compare to that of the main story?
Does taking the Witch's hand truly lead him to a happy future? That, I shall leave up to you, the reader, to decide.
Now then, thank you for staying through to the end of this full-volume Blu-ray set purchase bonus novel. Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World is, I believe, able to continue living on as a truly fortunate work thanks to all of your support.
I hope you'll continue to stay with us and witness the story of the Re:Zero world as it unfolds. As the original author, I will continue to put everything I have into writing the most compelling story that I can.
Well then, no matter the medium, I look forward to seeing you again soon!
Please, continue to enjoy the story from here on out! Thank you very much!
"Having finished writing the bonus novel for the Blu-ray, with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment."