Chapter 202: Jealousy is a Girl's Innate Skill
Kaede's collaborating illustrator, Sagono Fumio, whose real name was Sagara Mayu, was a very beautiful girl.
She had been very excited to meet Kaede today, because previously, whenever she suggested meeting him to discuss the novel and specific illustration requirements with Editor Nakajima, Editor Nakajima always gave the same reply: Kaede didn't have many demands for the artist, as long as the character designs met his expectations.
This had made Sagara Mayu depressed; she genuinely loved his novel, but she hadn't met the light novelist she was collaborating with all year.
Fortunately, she finally got to meet him today.
However, she hadn't expected to see a very beautiful blonde girl sitting next to Kaede, whose eyes were fixed on her with vigilance.
After a brief thought, Sagara Mayu understood and said with a smile, "This must be Kashiwagi Eri-sensei, right? Hello, I am Sagara Mayu, pen name Sagono Fumio."
Although Eriri was highly wary, since the other party had initiated the greeting, she couldn't keep a straight face.
She nodded and said, "Hello, I am Sawamura Spencer Eriri."
Sagara Mayu smiled, looked at both of them, and said, "I saw an interview in Jump before that said you two were dating.
I didn't realize it was true! You look like a lovely couple!"
Kaede had naturally seen how Eriri was acting just now.
After a wry smile internally, he said to Sagara Mayu, "Nice to meet you.
Please take a seat.
We can talk about whatever you need to slowly."
"Alright!"
After Sagara Mayu sat down, she glanced at the manuscript in Editor Nakajima's hand and asked, "Asakura-sensei, have you finished a new volume already?"
"Yes, I handed it over as soon as I finished it."
"That's so fast!"
Sagara Mayu exclaimed, "I've collaborated with several light novelists, and none of them are as fast as you while maintaining such high quality.
Hehe, thanks to this job, I get the first release of konosuba every time.
I absolutely love your work!"
Kaede hadn't expected the illustrator to be his fan.
He smiled and said, "That's wonderful.
I feel much more at ease knowing that someone who loves my work is doing the illustrations."
Although she really wanted to chat with Kaede about his novel, Sagara Mayu was also here today to discuss another new project with Editor Nakajima, so she started talking about that matter with him first.
Editor Nakajima was one of the most senior editors at the Bunko.
Besides Kaede, he handled several other well-known authors.
One of them had recently finished a new book ready for publication, and Sagara Mayu was invited to collaborate on drawing the character designs and illustrations for that novel.
While Sagara Mayu and Editor Nakajima discussed work, Kaede turned to look at Eriri, only to see the girl glaring at him with puffy cheeks.
Kaede was amused.
He raised his hand and poked Eriri's cheek, deflating her previously puffed-up face.
Seeing the smile on Kaede's face, Eriri pouted again in dissatisfaction, trying to express her displeasure, but the result was the two of them teasing each other and radiating pink "dog food" to their surroundings.
In the end, Machida Sonoko was the first to give up.
She moved her chair over, patted Kaede's shoulder, and said, "Little Kaede, don't forget there are many single people in the Editorial Department.
You're going to provoke public outrage if you keep this up."
"Huh?"
He glanced at Machida Sonoko, then looked around, seeing all the single editors watching him with depressed expressions.
After thinking for a moment, Kaede said with a mischievous smile, "If you dislike being single so much, then go fall in love! Why are you looking at me? I won't introduce girlfriends to any of you. Do you seriously expect me to teach you how to woo girls? Don't overthink it."
"…" x N
It must be said, Kaede either said nothing, or when he did, his taunts were effective. Many editors were hit where it hurt, clutching their heads and wailing.
"Damn it! To be mocked by a student!"
"Ugh, it's not like I want to be single!"
"No… it's just a girlfriend, right? It doesn't matter, I have my work, and I love my work…"
Each of them was starting to act strangely.
Finally, Kaede looked at Machida Sonoko and said, "Editor Machida, do you have anything else to say?"
"Um… do your parents know any eligible, high-quality men?"
Editor Machida, your audacity is quite impressive.
Kaede and Eriri were both startled by Machida Sonoko's words. Even Editor Nakajima and Sagara Mayu, who were still discussing work, turned to look.
"Wh-what are you looking at? Boys and girls aren't the same! If I drag this out any longer, no one will want me!"
For her own future, Machida Sonoko was certainly trying every possible method.
Editor Nakajima couldn't bear to watch anymore, sighing and saying, "Ah, Machida, I'll ask around for you later."
Kaede also nodded and said, "Exactly. I'll ask my dad tonight. His company should have quite a few people; I've been there a few times before."
After receiving this answer, Machida Sonoko was satisfied and thanked them both, returning to her desk. As for the other male editors? Let them continue wailing.
Just then, Sagara Mayu and Editor Nakajima had finished discussing the illustration work and began to chat casually.
Having finally met Kaede, Sagara Mayu focused on him, asking about his novel. Since she was his collaborating artist and her drawing skills were indeed excellent, Kaede couldn't refuse and began to chat with her, carefully revealing only what he could.
Although Kaede maintained a good distance during their conversation, Eriri on the side still watched them intently, a hint of displeasure in her eyes.
Editor Nakajima, seeing this scene, showed a gratified smile.
In his opinion, the two were progressing a bit too smoothly; something needed to happen, a small stimulus that wouldn't truly harm their relationship.
Of course, Sagara Mayu's visit today wasn't planned by him; it was purely coincidental. And there was one thing Editor Nakajima didn't mention: Sagara Mayu simply liked Kaede's novels. Her ideal type was an older man. Kaede, being several years younger than her, wouldn't be considered, no matter how outstanding he was.
After chatting for a while, Editor Nakajima had finished reviewing the manuscript. As usual, there were practically no issues, so Kaede prepared to leave.
Before he left, Kaede accepted Sagara Mayu's invitation and added her as a LINE friend.
After leaving the Bunko, Eriri finally spoke up, "How nice, your collaborating illustrator is a pretty girl."
Looking at Eriri, Kaede smiled and said, "What, Eriri, are you jealous?"
Eriri turned her head away without hesitation, "Hmph!"
Indeed, jealousy is an inherent skill of every girl.