There was no denying it—when someone was beautiful, they looked stunning no matter what they wore.
Akifumi withdrew his gaze and smiled. "It's been a while, Kasumigaoka-senpai."
Kasumigaoka Utaha snapped back to reality, returning his smile with a polite nod. "It has been."
"Congratulations on getting into the University of Tokyo. Everyone at school is so proud of you."
"I'll gladly accept the congratulations, but... are you sure that last part wasn't about yourself?" Utaha smirked playfully. After all, compared to being a University of Tokyo student, isn't 'Warrior of Love and Hope' sensei is a much more impressive title?"
"Not at all!" Akifumi replied without hesitation. "If you ever decide to enter politics, Senpai, I'm sure you'll shine just as brightly!"
"Compared to that, what I do—just drawing some silly manga—barely even counts as an achievement."
"If that's the case, then as a so-called 'mediocre novelist,' I should be even lower on the totem pole." Utaha sighed. "I've never once considered a career in politics."
Faced with her flawless rebuttal, Akifumi could only offer a wry smile before tactfully changing the subject.
"Are you meeting with Editor Machida today as well, Senpai?"
"Yeah, just the usual—letting her review my manuscript."
Akifumi already knew who her editor was.
Not because he had any special insider knowledge from being a transmigrator, but because he had once run into Machida Sonoko after discussing WorldEnd with her.
"You've been refining this new work for so long—I can't help but look forward to it."
Utaha let out a deep sigh. "Honestly, I just wish I could be like you. Publishing independently, without having to follow my editor's every whim."
Damn it!
Whoever said this woman was just a sharp-tongued tsundere clearly hadn't met her!
With flattery like that, even Akifumi was starting to feel a little self-conscious.
Their casual conversation continued as they arrived at the publishing company's headquarters.
Waiting at the entrance, Machida Sonoko caught sight of the two walking side by side and raised an eyebrow in surprise before greeting them with a teasing smile.
"Well, well, I never expected to see you two together like this."
Together?
Akifumi blinked and instinctively glanced at Utaha.
The moment she processed Machida's words, a faint blush spread across her pale cheeks.
"Is this really the vocabulary level of an editor-in-chief—the one in charge of my work, no less?" Utaha grumbled.
Machida feigned innocence. "What? Did I say something wrong?"
"I'm suddenly feeling the urge to switch editors. Just a regular one will do."
Wisely deciding not to involve himself in their banter, Akifumi simply smiled and observed from the sidelines.
Machida coughed. "Now, now, don't be so dramatic, Shi-chan~" she said, motioning for them to follow her inside. "Come on, let's head up."
Once inside the company's guest lounge, Machida asked, "What would you like to drink?"
"Coffee," Utaha answered.
"Just water for me," Akifumi replied.
Machida chuckled. "You really are health-conscious, Akifumi-sensei. You always just get water when you come here."
At this, Utaha shot Akifumi a curious glance.
He merely offered a reserved smile in response.
Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Utaha suddenly stood up. "I have something to take care of—I'll step out for a bit."
Of course, she didn't actually have anything urgent to do. She was just giving them space.
However—
"If it's about why you called me here today, I think I already have an idea," Akifumi said casually.
"It's nothing major, so there's no need for Senpai to leave."
"Tch."
Clicking her tongue in mild annoyance at her failed escape, Machida sighed before nodding. "Yeah, it's not anything serious."
"Since Akifumi-sensei is fine with it, why don't you stay and listen too, Shi-chan?"
Utaha hesitated. As a normal person, of course she was curious.
But more than that, she knew how to be tactful.
Still, since they had both invited her to stay, she didn't insist on leaving.
Settling down in a seat, she watched them expectantly.
Machida sighed dramatically. "Akifumi-sensei, why is the light novel division so much slower compared to the other departments?"
Since this was an internal company matter, Akifumi wasn't about to comment recklessly.
He simply responded with an awkward yet polite smile.
Machida exhaled before sliding a document across the table.
"This is an updated contract addendum, it's still the same as the one you signed before. Take a look."
"Thanks."
When it came to contracts, no matter how good a relationship was, one had to be cautious.
Utaha blinked in confusion.
Sure, she was happy to be included, but…
Could they not be so vague with their conversation?
What the heck were they even talking about?!
She might as well not have been listening at all!
Damn cryptic business talk!
As Utaha silently ground her teeth in frustration, Akifumi carefully reviewed the document.
Aside from the company name, everything was identical to the previous contract.
Without hesitation, he signed his name and handed it back.
"Thank you for your help, Machida-san."
"Well, it's really thanks to your outstanding work. Otherwise, the higher wouldn't even think to publishing it overseas."
Oh!
So that's what this was about—overseas distribution...
"Wait—overseas distribution?!" Feeling two sets of eyes suddenly on her, Utaha's face flushed.
She quickly stammered, "S-Sorry! Just pretend I'm not here. Please, continue."
But despite her words, her eyes gleamed with barely concealed envy.
Akifumi chuckled. "I'm sure Senpai's work will reach that level someday too."
"Exactly!" Machida chimed in. "No need to be jealous, Shi-chan. This guy's just lucky enough to have a head start. If you stay focused, you'll surpass him in no time!"
'Wow, so now I'm just a stepping stone?' Akifumi chuckled to himself but didn't take offense.
After all, his update schedule could be summed up in two words: pure chaos.
He just wrote whatever, whenever.
There was even a chance he'd stop writing light novels altogether.
So technically, Machida wasn't wrong.
With business wrapped up, Akifumi prepared to leave.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be—"
Before he could finish, Utaha suddenly cut in.
"Akifumi-kun" Startled by her intensity, Akifumi turned to her questioningly.
Taking a deep breath, Utaha met his gaze with utmost seriousness.
"For my new manuscript... I'd like you to read it."
Akifumi blinked in surprise before breaking into a smile.
"If that's the case, then I'd be happy to. But wouldn't that go against company policy?"
Machida shook her head. "Akifumi-sensei is part of the company too. It's no big deal."
With that reassurance, Akifumi nodded.
"Then, I'll be in your care, Senpai."
Machida glanced between the two and sighed internally.
'This two really is a mess.'