After careful consideration, I've decided to begin Volume Fifteen, titled [Rafting the Milky Way].
Opening words: Though the Milky Way is distant, I wish to ride a raft up to it.
The original line from Lament for Jiangnan reads: "The way of boats and oars has come to an end; the Milky Way cannot be reached by riding a raft."
It speaks of "inevitability," of "no salvation," of boats and oars reaching the end of their road, of gales blocking the way—of certain things that can never be achieved.
And yet I want to write—
"I know full well that there are dreams in this world beyond all reach, things human strength cannot accomplish."
"But I still want to do it."
There truly is no way to resolve every issue in a single volume, but I should still do everything I can to give this story a complete conclusion. Therefore, this will be the penultimate volume of Red Heart Patrolling the Heavens.
If you feel there are any major loose ends left unaddressed, feel free to leave a comment here. I'll read them all, and I'll resolve them all.
The volume outline is complete, and work on the new volume has begun. Updates will resume tomorrow at noon.
Thank you all for waiting.