Another light novel I’ve been trying to catch up on is Majo no Tabitabi. I started reading it back when it first came out in Japan, before it had gained much traction. One of the most memorable and amusing moments early on was when the author decided to end the series after just three volumes.

He even wrote a “final” story that brought together multiple versions of Elaina in a kind of meta farewell. But the fans weren’t having it. There was such a strong pushback from readers that the series was brought back, and from there it steadily grew in popularity, eventually becoming the beloved franchise we know today.

As you may already know, the story follows the travels of a young witch named Elaina as she journeys across countless countries, each with their own eccentric cultures, harsh rules, and bizarre customs. The nature of the stories varies widely; sometimes leaning into horror, other times drifting into lighthearted comedy, or even dabbling in romance or sci-fi elements.

Elaina herself is a fascinating protagonist: self-centered, proud, and hilariously narcissistic. She’s not cruel, but she’s not your typical altruistic main character either. She loves bread, money, and most of all herself. If she helps out, it’s usually because it benefits her in some way.

I just finished reading volume 23 yesterday, and this one took a decidedly darker turn. The majority of the volume is committed to an unsettling series of tales revolving around a “cursed house” and the tragic stories of the people who lived in it. While some of the narratives were pretty sad, they were also hauntingly well-written and served as a reminder of the series’ impressive emotional range.

I’m hoping to finish the last few volumes soon and finally be up to date. And of course, I’m still secretly rooting for a Saya x Elaina ending even if I know the chances are slim.