"No need for a month. I can send you the second and third volumes next week."
"What? So fast? Kanda-sensei, you don't need to rush so much." Kamimura Yuriko, hearing Sorata say he could write the second and third volumes next week, was not only surprised but also a bit concerned.
Noticing her worry, Sorata smiled slightly. "Don't worry, the quality will be fine. I've actually been preparing this work for a long time; I just haven't written it out yet."
"Is that so? That's good, then. As long as the quality is assured, there's no problem." Kamimura Yuriko immediately relaxed, then bowed slightly. "I apologize for making Kanda-sensei worry."
"Not at all," Sorata said casually.
With that, Kamimura Yuriko regained her professional demeanor, her tone full of excitement. "Since Kanda-sensei can finish the second and third volumes so soon, I'll need to make some new arrangements."
"Kanda-sensei, time is of the essence. I'll go back now and arrange for a suitable illustrator to handle the illustrations for the first volume," she said, standing up.
"Senior Kamimura, please wait a moment." Just then, Iida Ayano, who had been silently observing, spoke up, stopping Kamimura Yuriko from leaving.
"Iida, is something the matter?" Kamimura Yuriko asked, recognizing Iida Ayano, though they weren't particularly close.
"Yes, it's about the illustrations for Kanda-sensei's work," Iida Ayano said with a smile.
Turning to Sorata, she bowed slightly. "Kanda-sensei, hello. I'm Iida Ayano, Shiina's manga editor."
"Hello, I've heard about you from Shiina," Sorata nodded slightly but didn't stand up, as he wasn't used to bowing in this manner, not being accustomed to such formalities from either his past life or his former demon lord status.
After introducing herself, Iida Ayano got straight to the point. "Kanda-sensei, how do you feel about having Shiina handle the illustrations for your work?"
"Shiina said you take care of her daily life in the Sakura Dormitory, so you're not an outsider. You're also very familiar with how talented Shiina's drawings are, right?"
"Shiina's manga currently has issues with weak characters and plot. If she could contribute to Kanda-sensei's campus romance project, it would greatly help her improvement."
"I wonder what you think about this suggestion?" Iida Ayano asked, her tone professional and confident.
Being from the same publishing house, Iida Ayano was more familiar with the behind-the-scenes dynamics. She knew Kamimura Yuriko's emphasis on Sorata's work. Kamimura was pushing for a best-selling title, and after learning that the work from Dengeki Bunko that had everyone talking was written by Sorata, Iida Ayano saw an opportunity for Shiina Mashiro to be part of it.
"What you say makes sense," Sorata thought for a moment, then turned to look at the quiet Shiina Mashiro beside him.
Shiina Mashiro tilted her head, looking at Sorata with a rare hint of interest in her eyes. Sorata couldn't help but ask, "Shiina, do you want to give it a try?"
"Draw illustrations for your work? Okay," Shiina Mashiro said calmly, without hesitation or concern about her ability. If her drawings weren't up to par, she would simply redo them until they were better.
"Iida, this is not the time for jokes. You know how important a good illustrator is for a work. I've never heard of this Shiina-san. Do you think she can handle it?" Kamimura Yuriko looked at Iida Ayano with a tinge of annoyance.
At the same time, fearing that Sorata might make an impulsive decision due to personal feelings, she turned to him and said seriously, "Kanda-sensei, a good work is not only about the content. Perfectly matched illustrations are just as crucial."
"Wait, once I get back, I'll ask the seven master-level artists available in the literary department to each draw an illustration for the work, and then we can discuss and choose who will take charge," Kamimura Yuriko added.
"Senior Kamimura, if we're just talking about drawing skills, ordinary master-level illustrators might not be any better than Shiina. You can ask Kanda-sensei about that," Iida Ayano interjected confidently.
"Besides, the illustration timeline isn't urgent. We can decide within ten days. Why not let Shiina try?"
"After all, she lives with Kanda-sensei, so if there are any issues, communication will be very convenient. She can create something that fits what Kanda-sensei wants."
"Master-level strength?" Kamimura Yuriko's gaze shifted to Shiina Mashiro, sharp and scrutinizing, but Shiina Mashiro remained unfazed, her expression calm.
Sorata, who was leaning toward giving Shiina a chance, thought for a moment and then coughed softly. "Editor Kamimura, since there's still time, let's let Shiina give it a try."
Kamimura Yuriko hesitated but eventually nodded. "Since Kanda-sensei has spoken, I have no objections."
"However, business is business, and personal matters are separate. I expect a cover illustration from Shiina in three days based on the theme of the work. If the quality doesn't meet expectations, I'll have to find someone else," Kamimura Yuriko said to Shiina Mashiro firmly.
"No problem," Shiina Mashiro responded quietly, her bright eyes unwavering.
A strange smile appeared on Sengoku Chihiro's lips. Her sharp intuition told her that the two were subtly competing.
Once Kamimura Yuriko left with the contract, Iida Ayano exchanged a glance of encouragement with Shiina Mashiro before leaving with a smile.
With the room now free of outsiders, Kamiigusa Misaki leapt onto Sorata excitedly. "Wow, Junior, you're amazing! Your first work is getting published! We should have a grand celebration tonight!"
"Celebration? I want to eat a hundred-flower honey cake!" Shiina Mashiro's eyes lit up.
Sorata had once made a special Moon Elf delicacy from another world, and the taste of the hundred-flower snow honey had left a lasting impression on both of them. Since then, Shiina Mashiro, who loved sweets, had always remembered it. However, making it was troublesome, and Sorata had been too lazy to do it again.
"Kanda, you've been hiding your talents well. Leaving Shiina in your care seems like something I don't need to worry about," Sengoku Chihiro remarked, her gaze meaningful.
Ding-dong!
"Lord Ryunosuke says your novel is great, much more interesting than the boring stuff out there. Write the second and third volumes quickly, or I'll send a virus to your computer tonight. Your maid who loves Lord Ryunosuke the most."
"By the way, Lord Ryunosuke backed it up the day you submitted it, so don't bother guessing how he knows. Sincerely, your maid who loves Lord Ryunosuke the most."
Though Sorata was tempted to do a mass update for more tips, he refrained for the sake of gaining recommendations. He stuck to his plan of two updates per day while waiting for recommendations.
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Try Other Fics I Have
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•Anime: I Want Harem
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