Chapter 31: It's a Date, Right?
Eriri had actually decided to collaborate long ago during today's discussion, but the revelation of Utaha's and Kaede's identities added a few complications. Overall, however, the result was positive.
With the matters concluded, Eriri took the contract, planning to take it home for her mother to review before signing it.
There was no helping it; Eriri wasn't an adult yet.
Leaving the Bunko, Utaha looked at Eriri and smiled, "Well then, it's a pleasure working with you. After I give you the setting materials tomorrow, feel free to contact me anytime if you have questions. We are friends on Line anyway."
Eriri looked suspiciously at Utaha, surprised that her attitude had suddenly improved halfway through.
"Don't worry. Setting everything else aside, I will definitely take the work seriously."
"That's good." Saying this, Utaha also looked at Kaede. "I'm relying on Asakura-kun for the light novel's promotion later on. Also, if you run into any difficulties with the creative process, I hope you can discuss them with Asakura-kun."
"No problem. Let's improve together."
"Well then, I'll take my leave."
Utaha left first. Kaede looked at Eriri beside him and said, "We're going the same way, let's walk together. Are you taking the train or the bus?"
"The bus is easier."
"Alright, it's still a bit of a distance. Let's walk over."
Nodding, Eriri walked alongside Kaede toward the station.
As they walked, the two started talking about Kaede's light novel.
"In the light novel, who will Satou Kazuma end up with in the end? Aqua, Darkness, or Megumin?"
"Why couldn't it be someone else?" Kaede said with a smile. "Maybe I'll add a 'heaven-sent' character later?"
"Seriously? I think Megumin is great!"
Eriri started to panic a little. She recalled the unreleased latest volume of konosuba signed by Kaede that was in her bag. Could the true heroine be in this volume?
Seeing Eriri's somewhat bewildered expression, Kaede happily said, "Hahaha, I was just kidding. I decided who the final winner is long ago."
"Who is it?"
"Hmph, hmph, where's the fun if I just tell you?" Kaede wore a mysterious smile, refusing to give Eriri the answer.
Although she knew Kaede had a point, she was still itching to know the answer.
Kaede knew that Eriri was a Megumin fan, so he really couldn't reveal anything. After all, the unreleased fifth volume showed some promising developments, so he decided to let Eriri read it and guess for herself when she got back.
Eriri puffed out her cheeks, feeling like she always ended up losing face whenever she was around Kaede. Even the revelation of her identity today was like that; he had known long ago.
Wait a minute, I think I just realized something.
Looking at Kaede walking beside her, Eriri recalled and said, "Asakura, back at the Bunko, I think you called me by my first name directly?"
Kaede replied, sounding surprised, "Huh? I thought you already knew and didn't object. If you don't like it, we can switch back to the previous address."
"Ugh... no need. Let's just keep it this way. It's just a form of address."
Although she said that, Eriri's cheeks were still slightly flushed, though it wasn't too noticeable under the setting sun.
After the bus arrived and he watched Eriri board and leave, Kaede went to take the train home himself.
Night, Sawamura Family residence.
After dinner, Eriri handed the business contract to her mother, Sawamura Sayuri, for review.
"Mhm, there are no issues with the contract. If you, Eriri, are willing, then sign it. Illustrating a light novel isn't too strenuous."
"I thought so too. The novel is really good, but the author is a bit troublesome."
After putting the contract away, Eriri sat on her bed with her arms around her knees and talked about what happened at the Bunko today.
When she mentioned that her Art Club classmate was actually a light novel author, Sawamura Sayuri's expression didn't change at all; she merely wore a faint smile.
Clearly, she already knew about this matter.
Sawamura Sayuri had generally looked into Kaede's family background and found no issues. Kaede had an impeccable record since childhood, his academics were consistently top-tier, and he had even become a published light novel author before high school.
His height and looks were also quite good, plus he shared the same hobbies as Eriri. More importantly, while her own daughter might not have realized it yet, she definitely harbored positive feelings for Kaede.
"Hmph, well, this guy is somewhat reliable. He knew that revealing his identity would shock me, so he invited me to the new Maid Cafe in Akihabara this weekend!"
As she said this, an excited smile appeared on Eriri's face.
Upon hearing this, Sawamura Sayuri's smile gradually widened.
"Ara, is this a date? Then tomorrow night, Mommy will help you pick out a beautiful outfit!"
"Huh? A date?" Eriri froze, her pale cheeks instantly turning red. She waved her hands frantically as she explained, "It's not a date! It's just compensation because he wanted to apologize to me!"
"Isn't that still a date?"
Leaning closer and gently hugging her daughter's shoulders, Sawamura Sayuri said, "Eriri, do you have a picture of that boy?"
"What are you going to do?"
"Let Mommy see. Mommy will help you brainstorm."
"Stop messing around!!!"
Unable to resist Sawamura Sayuri in the end, Eriri could only show her mother the photo on her phone from the previous cherry blossom viewing event.
"Mmm~~~ He's a very handsome young man," Sawamura Sayuri said with a smile, looking at Kaede sitting next to Eriri in the photo. "Plus, your hobbies align so well. Isn't that great? Don't worry, Eriri, Mommy doesn't mind you dating at this age!"
"I told you it's not like that! I'm not talking to you anymore, hurry up and get out! I have homework to do!"
Breaking free, she finally managed to push her brightly smiling mother out of the room. After locking the door, Eriri immediately flopped onto her bed, rolling back and forth while hugging a pillow.
She stopped after two rolls and looked at the picture of Kaede on her phone next to her head. The temperature in her face rose even higher.
As for Kaede, he naturally didn't know that Eriri was currently flustered by her mother's teasing, as he was busy focusing on his homework.
However, his mood at the moment was extremely pleasant.
Eriri didn't mind him calling her by her first name, and she had accepted the weekend invitation after a bout of tsundere behavior. It seemed Saturday would be a chance to get closer to Eriri.