🖤💙 AHTK 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! 💙🖤
Exactly one year ago, on June 12, 2025, the first chapter was released in Russian language! (If you didn't know/notice, I write AHTK in two languages. And I'm glad that I decided to do so <3)
It won't be a secret or a surprise to anyone that the idea for AHTK lived inside me for a very, very long time, even before Chapter 2 came out. All the plot lines I so tenderly write; All the headcanons that turned out to be so close to my heart; Everything, ultimately, that I feel as an author. All of this is the result of painstaking work, like the finally ripened fruit of a tree you planted long ago and patiently watched grow.
What do I want to say as the author? That this is a special project for me. It's the first time I've approached a story this seriously, and I've become incredibly attached to the characters — they truly feel like family to me by now. Inside me, along with me, they experience various personal metamorphoses. I want every reader to be able to see themselves in at least one character, in at least one situation. So that you feel along with me, so that you're interested. I am genuinely grateful for every kind word. I appreciate that you take time for this project — to read it, tell your friends about it, and maybe even find inspiration to create something yourselves. A year ago, if someone had told me I would write 22 chapters by this point, I would have been shocked, I wouldn't have believed it! But here I am, climbing to these new and longed-for heights. I love my audience very much. A year ago, I couldn't even imagine that I would find one. And the story... Isn't over yet. It's filled with sincere love for Deltarune, for the characters, for some more personal and delicate things. This is a very gentle and precious project, holding an undeniably special place in my soul. Thank you for staying with me. Even if you don't write any comments, even if you remain silent. Even if it's hard for you, but you return to this story and can find something in it for yourself. In my mind, I'm holding your hand, softly smiling. Well then... Why not allow myself some silly mischief with these characters in honor of such an occasion?
🍰✨ HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AHTK! ✨🍰
Just yesterday, Rouxls crossed the threshold of the Spade Castle. Just yesterday, he first met His Dark Majesty's subordinates. Just yesterday, he was praised for his inventory report. Just yesterday, he received his first salary, bought a mirror and ribbons, stole... Well, received some handbag as a gift!
But this morning, all five of them were drinking tea. Even little Lancer, seemingly not yet knowing what "traditions" are, was already taking part in one of them. You can see it in the heir's eyes — he demands a drink too! And the King, as a benevolent father, wanted to encourage his child's desire.
— Give the heir some tea! — He declared loudly, watching as the boy gripped the edge of the table with his little paws and somehow managed to stay on his feet while leaning on his father. His Dark Majesty was already ready to catch the little one at any moment so he wouldn't get hurt. Any day now, he'll start walking and talking... Who knows, maybe it will happen very soon?
— But he's still so little! — Rouxls said indignantly, unwrapping another piece of candy with a coquettish air. But of course, in the end, he remained the sweetest treat at that table, glancing with interest at his master, who was in a good mood.
— Oh, to hell with it! — Imp perked up at that, looking away from his engrossing task of fishing a tomato out of the salad in front of him. The whole gazebo was momentarily filled with laughter, and the court mage happily poured a small cup for the young prince.
— ...Royal tea. — The cat intoned like a spell.
This particular meal had an especially cozy, domestic atmosphere. Someone would crack a witty joke (even the King today was joking more silly than grim), someone would recall a story from days past. Like the time a pancake flew right into His Dark Majesty's face... Truly, it felt like it had happened just yesterday. But they got through that pancake play, even the soup vaudeville. All that's left is to live through some farce, sketch, and interlude. Then these Darkners could open a culinary theater for such foolish situations.
— How many more moments like this lie ahead for all of us? — Asked the jester, turning his gaze first to his friends, and then somewhere into the depths of the garden. As if they had an audience that knew every one of the actors' lines perfectly. As if it were all written down somewhere. And tomorrow, another morning will surely come. A morning with a new trial. A morning with a new hope. A morning filled with love. Because a connection once formed — stays with us forever. I love you. We love you. The story loves you.