Chapter 54: I Want To Be A Manga Artist!
Utaha was writing the second volume of love metronome slowly and steadily, having only completed one-third so far, so Kaede read it very quickly.
After quickly finishing the read, Kaede handed the tablet to Eriri beside him and said, "Looking at this progress, the new character Senpai originally planned must be debuting in the third volume, right?"
"Exactly."
Taking a sip of coffee, Utaha said with a light chuckle, "For the first two volumes, I plan to focus on depicting the male and female protagonists' meeting and their interactions, creating scenes where their affection gradually builds up."
As she spoke, Utaha glanced at the two people sitting opposite her. She would have to rely on these two for a lot of the material for her light novel.
Eriri took the tablet, looked at it for five minutes, and, not having finished reading, handed it back: "Hmm... I won't read it after all. It's not satisfying to read when the whole volume isn't finished."
"If you want to read a complete volume, you'll have to wait a bit longer. I don't have Asakura-kun's efficiency. I feel like this volume will take at least one or two months."
"That really is slow."
Hearing Eriri's comment, Kaede replied, "The genres are different. konosuba is a fun, lighthearted adventure story set in another world. Because of the world setting, I don't have to consider certain things; I just need to create an interesting story."
"However, love metronome is a realistic romance genre. Both the sense of reality and character development must be close to reality, which heavily relies on the author's skill. So, it's normal for Senpai to write slowly."
Pausing for a moment, Kaede looked at Utaha and asked, "By the way, when is your light novel going on sale, Senpai? I forgot to ask earlier."
"Oh right, we said the samples arrived and we saw them, but it seems we really forgot to ask about the release date!"
Eriri also realized this and asked curiously.
"I thought you two already knew."
Utaha looked at the two people across from her, slightly annoyed, and said, "It goes on sale on May 22nd. Advertisements should start running these next few days. I'm counting on you two to help promote the light novel before its release."
"Hmm... why don't I post about it now? We have the samples with us, right?"
Eriri's suggestion made Utaha realize something. That's right, she had the light novel samples, and the two people who were going to promote her were also here. Wasn't today the perfect time to start promoting it?
Utaha took the light novel out of her bag and handed it to Eriri, while simultaneously picking up her phone and saying, "I'll ask Editor Machida first, there shouldn't be any issues."
She sent a message and quickly received a reply from Machida Sonoko that she could post it. Then, the Bunko's official account would also retweet Kaede and Eriri's posts.
Deciding to act immediately, Eriri quickly took a photo of the light novel cover, edited the promotional text, and sent it out.
Kaede did the same, drafting a tweet praising the light novel's story and Utaha's writing style, posting it on Twitter. Like Eriri, he also tagged Utako Kasumi's account.
After the two tweets were posted, Fushikawa Bunko's official account immediately followed up with a retweet, letting many netizens know that the work by the winner of the Newcomer Award gold prize was about to be released.
Furthermore, it seemed this newcomer had gained the support of a highly popular artist in the doujin circle to help her with character design and illustrations. Even Kurenai Momiji, a popular author from the same publishing house, was promoting her, instantly bringing a great deal of attention to the newcomer, Utako Kasumi.
One must know that neither Kashiwagi Eri nor Kurenai Momiji, both popular artists and authors in the industry, had ever promoted someone like this before; they were both people who highly valued their own reputation.
It was clear from this that the newcomer's work must be excellent.
Although they were only two short tweets, the effect was surprisingly good. After seeing the posts go live, the number of followers on Utaha's author account rapidly increased.
"Isn't this reaction a bit exaggerated?"
Putting down his phone, Kaede said with a smile, "Of course not."
"The people who follow my account and Eriri's account are mostly fans within the community, and these users have high loyalty."
"Furthermore, we haven't done anything to damage our reputation, and this recommendation is based on our recognition of the work."
"Now, some of the people following you might be doing so because of their connection to Eriri, but soon enough, once your light novel is released, as long as they read it, they will definitely become your true fans."
"Exactly, exactly."
Eriri said proudly, "I rarely recommend light novels on public platforms like this! You better thank me properly!"
Utaha didn't say anything insincere. After nodding, she said, "Dinner tonight is on me."
That evening, after Utaha treated the two of them to a lavish dinner, the three parted ways and returned home.
Kaede also informed his parents about the anime adaptation of his light novel. Both of them were very happy, and his mother said she would make a big meal tomorrow so the family could celebrate properly.
After discussing the anime adaptation with his parents, Kaede returned to his bedroom.
Just as he turned on his computer, a message from Eriri popped up on his phone.
Eriri: [Asakura, I've made a decision!]
Kaede: [You sound serious. Have you decided on the type of doujinshi you'll release at the Summer Comiket? I can authorize you to draw konosuba doujinshi!]
On the other side, Eriri cheered immediately upon seeing the message, but quickly gathered herself and sent a huffy reply.
Eriri: [That's not it! But if you agree to authorize it, it's not like I can't draw it!]
Kaede chuckled, wondering what the konosuba characters would look like if drawn by Eriri.
Kaede also thought belatedly, if he had the same idea as Utaha and had directly invited Eriri to be his illustrator back then, would things have unfolded differently now?
Kaede: [Alright, I authorize you. Draw as much as you want. Also, what was the serious matter you wanted to talk about?]
Kaede's reply satisfied Eriri. After running through the types of doujinshi she could release at the Summer Comiket in her mind, she brought up the decision she had just made.
Eriri: [I've decided! I want to be a manga artist! I'm starting today, and then I'm going to submit my work to Jump!]
"Huh? A manga artist?"
Kaede paused, then re-read the message Eriri sent.
He hadn't misread. This girl was really going to become a manga artist, the kind who had made up her mind.
Interesting.
Kaede thought this, then looked up at a folder on his screen.