“It won’t take a month. I can send you the second and third volumes by next week.”
“What? That fast?” Uemura Yuriko did not look pleased.
Instead, concern surfaced in her expression.
“Goku Sensei, there’s no need to rush.”
Seeing what she was worried about, Sorata smiled faintly.
“Don’t worry. The quality won’t suffer. I’ve actually been preparing this story for a long time. I just haven’t written it out until now.”
“I see. That’s good.” Uemura Yuriko let out a quiet breath of relief and bowed slightly.
“I’m sorry for doubting you.”
“It’s nothing,” Sorata replied calmly.
The next moment, the composed aura of a capable career woman returned to Uemura Yuriko.
Excitement tinged her voice.
“If the second and third volumes can be ready next week, I’ll need to adjust my arrangements.”
“Goku Sensei, time is tight. I’ll head back and arrange for an illustrator to begin drafting illustrations for the published content of the first volume.”
As she spoke, she stood to leave.
“Uemura Senpai, please wait.”
Ayano Iida, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke up.
“Iida, is there something?” Uemura Yuriko asked.
They worked in the same Bunko publishing house, though in different departments.
“Yes. It’s about the illustrations for Goku Sensei’s work.” Ayano Iida smiled.
She turned toward Sorata and gave a slight bow.
“Hello, Goku Sensei. I’m Ayano Iida, Shiina’s manga editor.”
“I’ve heard Shiina mention you,” Sorata acknowledged with a nod, remaining seated.
After the introduction, Ayano Iida went straight to the point.
“What do you think about letting Shiina handle the illustrations for your novel?”
“Shiina mentioned that you take care of her daily life at Sakurasou, so you’re not an outsider. You also know better than anyone how strong her drawing skills are.”
“At present, Shiina’s weakness lies in character depth and plot structure. Participating in your school romance work could help her grow significantly.”
As Shiina’s editor, Ayano Iida was clearly prepared.
She also knew why Uemura Yuriko valued this novel so highly.
The online publishing division needed a hit title.
Dengeki Bunko had already stirred with news of a star project, and the author was the young man in front of her.
If there was an opportunity, she intended to secure it for Shiina.
“Now that you mention it, that’s true.” Sorata considered briefly before looking at Shiina beside him.
Shiina tilted her head slightly.
A rare spark of interest flickered in her calm eyes.
“Shiina, want to try?”
“Draw illustrations for Sorata’s work? Okay,” she answered evenly.
She did not ask whether she could manage it.
If it wasn’t good enough, she would simply redraw it.
“Iida, this isn’t the time for jokes,” Uemura Yuriko said, displeasure surfacing.
“You know how important an illustrator is to a work. I’ve never heard of this student Shiina. Can she handle it?”
She turned seriously to Sorata.
“Goku Sensei, a strong story is important, but matching illustrations are just as crucial.”
“I’ll contact the seven master level illustrators currently available at Bunko. Each will draft a sample illustration. Then we’ll select the most suitable one.”
“Uemura Senpai, if we’re only talking about drawing skill, an ordinary master level illustrator may not surpass Shiina,” Ayano Iida replied with a smile, confidence evident.
“You can ask Goku Sensei about that.”
“There’s still time. We can decide within ten days. Why not let Shiina try first?”
“She lives with Goku Sensei. Communication will be convenient. She can better capture what he wants.”
“Master level?” Uemura Yuriko’s gaze sharpened as it settled on Shiina.
Sorata, already leaning slightly toward Shiina, spoke after a moment.
“Uemura san, since we’re not pressed for time, let Mashiro give it a try.”
With the author’s stance clear, Uemura Yuriko hesitated before finally nodding.
“If that’s your decision, I won’t object.”
“However, business is business. Student Shiina, within three days, I expect a cover illustration based on the novel’s theme. If the quality isn’t sufficient, I’ll replace you.”
“No problem,” Shiina replied quietly.
Her bright eyes remained steady.
To the side, Chihiro Sengoku watched with a faint, knowing smile.
The subtle tension between the two women had not escaped her notice.
After Uemura Yuriko left with the contract, Ayano Iida gave Shiina an encouraging look and departed as well.
With only Sakurasou residents remaining, Misaki suddenly pounced toward Sorata.
“Wow, Kohai is amazing! First work and already getting published. We need a grand celebration tonight!”
“Celebration?” Shiina’s eyes brightened.
“I want Hundred Flower Honey Cake.”
Once, when Sorata had been craving something sweet, he recreated a specialty from the Moonlight Elf tribe of another world.
The taste of Hundred Flower Snow Honey lingered in memory long after.
Since then, Shiina had never forgotten it.
The problem was that the process was complicated.
After making it once, Sorata had not bothered again.
“Kanda, you’ve been hiding your talents,” Chihiro said, looking at him meaningfully.
“Seems I don’t need to worry about leaving Shiina with you.”
Ding dong.
A message arrived.
“Lord Ryunosuke says your novel is quite good. Much more interesting than those dull works. Hurry and write volumes two and three. Otherwise, a virus will be sent to your computer tonight. From the Maid who loves Lord Ryunosuke most.”
“By the way, Lord Ryunosuke backed up your manuscript the day you submitted it. Don’t bother wondering how he knows. Sincerely, the Maid who likes Lord Ryunosuke most.”
Sorata glanced at the message without much reaction.