After Akane Kosaka left, Ryou picked up a doujinshi and flipped through it.
Objectively speaking, the quality of this doujinshi was pretty good.
The story was decent and standard.
The art style and paneling were first-rate.
Even the paper used was high-quality.
Selling this doujinshi for 1000 yen was reasonable.
The main reason it didn't sell well was a lack of recognition.
Many readers habitually bought works from big circles or ones they were familiar with.
The Sawamura family's "egoistic-lily" was a small circle Spencer had created just for his daughter.
They had only sold doujinshi once at last year's Winter Comic, and in limited quantities.
So now, the main challenge was promotion.
"Why do you all look so glum?"
At the voice, everyone turned to see Mr. Spencer arriving, fashionably late.
He was now wearing a flashy outfit, looking like a middle-aged otaku, with no trace of his former diplomat image.
Sayuri Sawamura waved to Spencer and explained what had happened earlier.
After listening, Spencer nodded slightly. His eyes toward Ryou held just a hint of less suspicion.
"Seems this kid has some sense of responsibility, though… did he talk a little too confidently?"
"So, Ryou-kun, how do you plan to sell all these doujinshi?" Spencer's tone grew serious.
He didn't really care about the money — unsold copies didn't matter.
Last year, he had called out in the cold just to make his daughter happy.
He had been observing Eri Kashiwagi's mental state closely these past few days.
If this kid really joined Akane Kosaka's circle… he didn't want to imagine what might happen to Eri.
"Uncle Spencer, our biggest problem is lack of recognition, so we need promotion."
"First, one person will hold signs and attract customers outside."
"Second, while writing my light novels, I've gained some readers. I can spread the word among them."
At this point, Yamada Elf raised a hand to interrupt.
"If that's the case, I can help promote it too. Many of my servants are here as well."
Ryou nodded and continued: "Third, we can expand sales channels. I have acquaintances here who will gladly help."
Spencer nodded silently at Ryou's well-organized plan — staying calm under pressure was important.
He had researched Ryou and also knew who the blonde girl was, so he approved of her words.
Since he was one of the "servants" Yamada Elf mentioned, he had restrained himself from rushing over for an autograph after realizing Elf and Eri were acquaintances.
Spencer picked up a sign and a doujinshi from the table and volunteered: "I'll handle attracting customers at the venue. I've done it before anyway."
As he brushed past Ryou, he gave him a meaningful glance.
Spencer stopped in the aisle, where most visitors were, and held the sign and doujinshi high, shouting with full volume:
"Doujin circle 'egoistic-lily'! Artist Eri Kashiwagi's latest masterpiece, Sword humiliation doujinshi 'The Fall of the Perfect Swordswoman: Asuna's Hellish Restraints,' limited to 1000 yen!"
"Hey, Eri Kashiwagi, doesn't your dad have any shame?" Yamada Elf elbowed Eri, shocked.
Eri struggled to speak. Not only that, but her dad was also Elf's loyal fan.
Ryou felt deep respect for that man.
There was no trace of fear or embarrassment on his face.
"Uncle Spencer, you're the real hero."
Then, Ryou and Elf started promoting the doujinshi on their personal websites and groups.
Soon, Nitta arrived with a group of scowling underlings.
Ryou had already asked Nitta for help while Spencer was outside.
Nitta instructed his subordinates: "Listen up, today's mission is to sell these doujinshi. Take as many as you can. Once sold out, I'll take you out for yakiniku."
The underlings exchanged glances — they were used to violence, but selling doujinshi was new.
Still, the mission was given, so they did it.
One fierce-looking subordinate held several doujinshi and approached a group of otaku.
He tapped one on the shoulder and snapped: "Kid, buy these doujinshi for me, understand?!"
The otaku, seeing a scary-looking man behind them, flinched.
But when they saw the doujinshi's author, their eyes lit up.
"Eri Kashiwagi? Isn't she the illustrator for Sword Art Online? An official doujinshi?"
He was a fan of SAO and had followed the artist for her beautiful illustrations, though both the author and artist were low-profile.
He hadn't expected such an extra find at Summer Comic.
He hurriedly bought a copy and shared it in his group.
"Guys, big news! The official Sword Art Online illustrator is making doujinshi! Super lewd!"
"Old news. Eri Kashiwagi started last Winter Comic — she's basically full-time now."
"Illustrating Sword is just work. Making Sword doujinshi is her life."
The promotional power gradually spread.
At the booth, Sayuri Sawamura started working busily.
"Three copies, 3000 yen. Thank you for your support."
"Here are your five doujinshi."
The copies quickly dwindled, giving everyone hope that they might sell out.
By noon:
"Sorry, I have to leave first. I still need to take Elf back to the publisher this afternoon."
Sonoko Machida carried Yamada Elf on her back, apologizing briefly.
Elf struggled wildly, her white stockings flailing in the air.
"Damn it! Let go! I'll complain to my servants on Twitter! Ryou, keep going!"
Her voice faded into the crowd.
"Eh? Looks like you're doing well," Akane Kosaka said, glancing at the booth. The doujinshi count had dropped significantly.
"We'll sell them all! Ryou isn't going to join your circle!" Eri shouted, baring her teeth.
Akane Kosaka didn't care about Eri's words. Instead, she reminded them: "Don't forget, today's the last day. Fewer people will come this afternoon, and those who've bought won't buy again."
She seemed to be just checking the sales progress and left without saying more.
By the afternoon, as Akane Kosaka predicted, sales slowed.
Eri clenched her tiny fists, staring at the remaining doujinshi.
At this rate, the outcome was clear — they wouldn't sell out.
Too many copies had been printed this year.
She had printed so many to increase her recognition — now she slightly regretted it.
If she had known Ryou would make a bet with Akane Kosaka, she wouldn't have printed so many.
What if they really didn't sell out? What if Ryou left her to join Akane Kosaka's circle?
Eri anxiously looked at Ryou, unable to imagine losing.
The exhibition hall closed at 6 PM. It was already 5 PM — only an hour left.
And there were still dozens of doujinshi left.
Yet, the number of visitors was dwindling.
Akane Kosaka came over again with a sheet of paper — the "Application Form."
She seemed confident of victory.
Eri's worry slowly turned into fear.
"Ryou…"
She stepped forward, grabbing Ryou's sleeve and whispering.
Eri looked at him timidly, as if letting go would make him leave.
He wanted to remove her hand and continue, but she held on tightly.
Ryou patted her soft, smooth hand, understanding the reluctance in her eyes, and smiled lightly: "Don't worry, Lily. I'm not going anywhere. Leave it to me."
Eri finally let go reluctantly.
Akane Kosaka looked puzzled — only an hour left, and what could he do?
Ryou tore down a poster, held it in front of his chest, and strode to stand next to Spencer.
Spencer's voice was hoarse. He glanced at Ryou, unsure what trick he was planning.
Honestly, with more time, Ryou could have prepared, but time was tight.
Ryou stood by Spencer and shouted:
"Doujin circle 'egoistic-lily'! Artist Eri Kashiwagi's latest masterpiece, Sword humiliation doujinshi 'The Fall of the Perfect Swordswoman: Asuna's Hellish Restraints,' limited to 1000 yen!"
Spencer looked at the boy beside him and smiled slightly — he had done this for his daughter.
"Your daughter's taste isn't bad after all. Your courage is commendable, Ryou."
Akane Kosaka remained calm, silent.
She had expected some ultimate last-minute technique — and this was it?
As time passed, a faint smile appeared on her lips.
"Looks like I'm going to win this bet. Welcome to my team, Ryou-sensei."
Eri saw the boy shouting beside her father and pouted.
"Idiot Ryou… if you leave me, I'll never forgive you…"
At that moment, something unexpected happened.
"Eh? You're… Ryou Hirasaka, the 34-hit guardian knight on the Gyokuryu Banner?!" A passerby rubbed his eyes, shocked.
Ryou nodded politely, ignoring the title: "Yes, that's me. Want a doujinshi?"
"My friends are all outside — they're your fans! So cool!" The passerby jumped with excitement.
He then asked: "Guardian Knight! You protected your team on the Gyokuryu Banner. What are you protecting this time?"
Ryou glanced at Eri in the distance and smiled lightly.
He took a deep breath, looked straight into the man's eyes, and said firmly:
"I have one most important partner. Her diligent, hardworking attitude is as captivating as a sunflower in full bloom. This time, I'm protecting her golden dream!"
Eri covered her mouth, her blue eyes slightly glistening.
"Idiot Ryou… saying things like that makes me unable to leave you."
Soon, a large crowd poured into the hall.
"Where's the doujinshi recommended by the Guardian Knight?"
"Give me the golden-dream doujinshi! This is the one he approved!"
"Don't steal, that's mine!"
6 PM.
Not a single doujinshi remained at the egoistic-lily booth.
Ryou returned, and Eri leapt up to hug him.
It was the first time she had ever taken the initiative toward a boy.
Because moments ago, she had nearly lost Ryou Hirasaka.
Akane Kosaka shook her head, tearing up the application form.
"Ah, I really underestimated you, Ryou-sensei. Don't worry, I'll give you the money. As for now…"
She turned to Sayuri Sawamura, who was at the main table, and bowed.
"I apologize, Eri Kashiwagi-sensei, for my previous rude words!"
Sayuri covered her mouth, laughing: "Eh, I'm not Eri Kashiwagi."
She then pointed to Eri in Ryou's arms and smiled:
"My daughter is the real one."
Akane Kosaka's eyes widened in shock.
The girl who looked like a middle schooler was actually the real Eri Kashiwagi?!