manga artist Kirito

"You're the one who'd be plotting something, aren't you?" Rubbing her sleepy eyes, Kasumigaoka Utaha glanced lazily at Kiritani-kun, then sat up and began to tidy her messy hair.

“I don’t have that kind of tool…” Looking at the sheet covering Kiritani-san and the most obvious protrusion, Kasumigaoka Utaha smiled and said, “Pervert.”

"It's abnormal if I can't get it up. This is a normal physiological phenomenon for me. Besides..." Kiritani repeated what he said last night, "There are only oxen that die from exhaustion, never fields that are over-plowed..."

"Shut up, you pervert!"

…………

"Ah, it's quite lively..."

Looking half-dead, Kiritani-san sat in a small shop next to the Ichizaki River Bookstore, a slice of pizza in his mouth and a bottle of milk in his hand, his eyelids barely open, as if he might fall asleep at any moment.

"Hey! Fujiwara-sensei looks so exhausted. He's so useless. He's not even as good as Shinobu..." With an ambiguous look in her eyes, Ms. Machida, who had been alone in her room last night, scanned back and forth between Kiritani-san and Kasumigaoka Shinobu's faces.

"But I must say, Xiao Shi was really full of energy today."

Full of energy...

Exhausted...

Hey, you... can you stop saying things that could cause misunderstandings? — Yes, what Ms. Machida means is that Kiritani-san's energy has been absorbed by Kasumigaoka Utaha... as for which one, do whatever makes you happy.

"We may be close, but I'll still sue you for defamation if you spread rumors." Kiritani-san replied expressionlessly, his face stern. "You're slandering me out of thin air. If my girlfriend finds out, we'll all be dead..."

Machida's eyes showed disgust. "Ugh! You did all sorts of things to Shi last night, and now you're starting to disown her?"

While munching on her pizza, Kasumigaoka Utaha casually raised her eyes and calmly added fuel to the fire, muttering, "That heartless bastard..."

“But no matter what, Fujiwara-sensei’s health is really bad. He’s so weak after just one night…” Machida shook his head. “Although it’s his first time, he’s a young man. He has plenty of time. We can’t rush things.”

This old maid is so annoying...

I was just playing games with Eri while I was typing on my laptop in Kasumigaoka. The reason I'm so sleepy is because I played until after 3 a.m., and then I had to endure all sorts of harassment from that crazy woman, Kasumigaoka...

Incidentally, the reason this guy is so energetic is probably because he was thoroughly satisfied with being sexually assaulted...

"You're really useless." Stroking her headband, Kasumigaoka Utaha, a member of the remnant party, glanced at Kiritani-san, a slight smile playing on her lips. "You hit me several times last night, how can you not repay me?"

"So it seems that Fujiwara-sensei is still the submissive one?"

Shut up, you guys are so annoying...

"Ahem, let's get down to business." Seeing Kiritani's impatient expression, Machida took an envelope out of his bag, placed it on the table, and then pushed it in front of Kiritani. "Although we discussed this before, we originally only wanted Fujiwara-sensei to be in charge of the illustrations for this volume of works. However, both I and Koshi have changed our minds and want Fujiwara-sensei to be the illustrator for this work. Uh, I know Fujiwara-sensei has agreed, but we need to sign a contract next... And, this is your payment. I will transfer the subsequent payments directly to your card."

"Ah, I understand." Kirigaya-san took the envelope and stuffed it into his backpack. He didn't even bother to check how much the reward was; Machida certainly wouldn't treat him unfairly.

"Furthermore, does Fujiwara-sensei have any plans to write?" Machida looked at Kiritani-san expectantly. "It's said that Fujiwara-sensei is extremely talented in screenwriting and also has a deep understanding of the light novel market..."

Kasumigaoka Utaha chuckled and said, "Although I feel it's not nice to interrupt you, given the teacher's lazy nature, it's already a challenge for him to submit his manuscript for Sword Art Online on time every week, let alone ask him to write the novel."

Kiritani looked at Kasumigaoka thoughtfully, then turned his gaze back to Machida. "Well, if Editor Machida is confident that he can withstand the pressure from Sui Ishida, then it wouldn't be a problem for me to try writing a novel."

Machida raised an eyebrow. "Watermelon...?"

"Your old classmate, Akane Kosaka, the mini watermelon."

"...The watermelon is alright." Suppressing a laugh, Machida shook his head slightly. It's not easy to poach Akane's people. If she comes here voluntarily, then it's fine, but if not... then it's a big problem.

"let it go."

Anyway, I didn't have high expectations to begin with.

As far as Machida knows, Fujiwara Echizen currently needs to draw not only for "Sword Art Online," but also illustrations for "Love Metronome" and a new illustration by Kamishirasawa-sensei...

He must be very busy...

Of course, if Machida knew how fast Kiritani drew, she would absolutely never have thought that way.

"It's almost time." Although it was still morning, a rather long queue had already formed across the street. Machida rubbed his head. "We're really going to be busy from now on..."

"...To be honest, I think this event is a real pain." Kasumigaoka Utaha had watched Kiritani-san and Asuna-san struggle to sign autographs last time, and she hadn't expected it to be her turn so soon.

...Actually, if it weren't for the major problems with the second volume and the excessive time spent on subsequent revisions, which led to a decline in popularity, Kasumigaoka Utaha would never have held this event. Similarly, Shinazugawa Library wouldn't have wasted so many resources on her so casually.

"I'm not doing any of that standing guard. I took care of everything last night. All I need to do now is find a place for me to sleep... Hey, what are you going to do? Here, I'll let go!"

"Get the hell over here!"

…………

In a hazy state, Kiritani-san heard familiar voices again, as well as many gazes sweeping over him. However, the sleeping Kiritani-san had no intention of waking up, and instead seemed to be enjoying the very sweet scent.

It's almost predictable that Kasumigaoka Utaha will be too tired to move, and Kirigaya Sangko has no intention of causing trouble. The reason she's staying up so late is so that she can sleep soundly now.

Speaking of which, some characters haven't appeared in a long time... and even when they have, they haven't accomplished anything significant...

For example, there's Ms. Haruno, who's been making a huge splash lately; then there's Ms. Kato, whose presence fluctuates wildly; and then there's... Holy crap! How long has it been since Yoko last showed up?

Little sister... your big brother misses you so much...

I won't see Yezi until the holidays...

In a daze, Kiritani-san seemed to hear an extremely soft voice, "Kazuhito-kun, Kazuhito-kun!"

Feeling someone shaking her, Kiritani-san slowly opened her eyes, and a very familiar face came into view. "...Hmm?"

"How will you be here?"

P.S.: Damn it, this writing software has been exploding since last night. I thought it would be back to normal during the day, but it's gotten even worse. I think it's absolutely necessary to switch to a different writing software...

By the way, please feed them, and yes, you should pat them!

204

【NO.202 What is Bilibili Moe?】

"Um, what are you doing here?"

Kiritani-san lazily raised his head, looked at the girl in front of him, and rubbed his eyes slightly. Normally, she shouldn't be in this kind of situation, after all, she's not a homebody...

However, something feels subtly off, doesn't it?

Ah, so it was just an outfit...

Ms. Kato Megumi was wearing... let's say the outfit she wore the day she first met Kiritani Sang. It was a red dress, but now with a few ruffles and pleats, which made her look a bit cuter. As for the white stockings... well, that goes without saying.

Her head was tilted slightly, adorned with a brand-new white soft hat. Her pretty face still held that calm expression, but the slight upturn in her eyes undoubtedly revealed her current mood.

“I’m also a fan of Kasumigaoka… um, Kasumi Utako-sensei~” Kato Megumi waved the paperback she was holding in front of Kiritani-san and smoothed her skirt. “It’s a familiar scene, isn’t it? Last time, I was brought here by Sawamura-kun and saw Kazuto-kun working… This time, Kazuto-kun is slacking off and sleeping. Kasumi Utako-sensei must not be in a good mood.”

Speaking of which, you really are something else. Kato Megumi bought the entire "The Lonely Queen of the North" at Asuna's autograph session, and was later recommended Kasumigaoka Utaha's "Love Metronome". Although she's just a newbie who's just started into this genre, you could still call her an otaku...

Well, even if it doesn't look like it at all.

Kiritani glanced at Kasumigaoka Utaha, who was still talking to readers, and pursed her lips slightly. "Whatever, I'm in a good mood anyway."

"Ms. Fujiwara, Ms. Kasumi is so kind to you," a staff member standing nearby interjected. "Not only did they tell us not to disturb you, they even draped a coat over your shoulders..."

With dead fish eyes, Kiritani-san reached behind his back and pulled out a red tracksuit. Then, his lips twitched slightly. "What's the point of giving me my clothes? At least give me your own clothes, or else..."

Kiritani glanced at Kasumigaoka Utaha's thighs. Good, it was Haruno who helped buy the white stockings!

—Yes, put these on me without taking off your clothes, stockings are fine too.

Anyway, it's not cold today, the temperature is just right, so there's no need for thick clothes at all...

But then again, it seems like Kasumigaoka has no intention of returning this tracksuit to me. Is it being kept as a spellcasting tool?

I frowned, sniffed it, and then tossed it on the table expressionlessly. It had been washed... wait, washed?

As if sensing something, Kasumigaoka Utaha turned around and stared coldly at the awakened Kiritani-kun, her expression somewhat unfriendly.

Kiritani subtly shifted his position, moving behind Ms. Kato Megumi. "Good morning, Ms. Kasumi Shiko."

Kasumi shook her hand, then took out a tissue to wipe the sweat from her forehead, and sneered, "It's already two o'clock in the afternoon, Fujiwara-sensei. You've been sleeping since eight o'clock. Why don't you just sleep forever?"

Kiritani-san said righteously, "I won't give you a chance to wake me up with a kiss, stop dreaming! -- Let's go eat, you should be able to rest now, right?"

Turning her head to look outside the bookstore, and confirming that there weren't many readers, Kasumigaoka Utaha nodded slightly. "It should be fine, but where should we publish it? It seems that Editor Machida hasn't made any arrangements yet..."

"Don't overthink it. Editors are all the kind of people who try to save money wherever they can. If you're waiting for arrangements, you might as well get ready to eat fast food." Kiritani-san was quite aware of this. After all, when she came to Asuna's autograph session last time, the editors didn't make any arrangements at all. All the staff and creators present ate fast food... uh, no, Kiritani-san and Asuna ate bento boxes, bento boxes that Nancy-san prepared herself, and the taste was just so-so.

Therefore, instead of waiting here for arrangements, we might as well eat first and then talk about it... Hmm, we can also ask for an invoice to take back for reimbursement.

Seriously, if Machida wants to treat us, she'll only do so if she becomes the editor-in-chief someday.

"I know a nice restaurant nearby, wanna go?" Ms. Kato, who had almost been ignored, spoke slowly, her expression as calm as ever.

Kiritani-san wasn't too picky. "Alright, let's go to the place you mentioned, Kato."

Kasumigaoka Utaha was somewhat surprised, but upon further reflection, it seemed that Kato Megumi had been here for quite some time.

"OK then."

…………

Actually, the place that Kato Megumi mentioned was just so-so, and it looked more like a family restaurant. However, judging from Kato Megumi's familiarity with the place, it seemed like she had been there quite a few times.

"Speaking of which, how's the foot traffic today?" Kiritani looked at Kasumigaoka with curiosity, and was also surprised that he didn't hug his arm and complain of pain.

"Although it was only in the morning, I personally signed at least three thousand autographs. As for the actual situation, I'll have to ask Machida for the data later." Kasumigaoka Utaha resumed her lazy posture, intending to rest her chin on her hand, but quickly changed her position—her hand was tired.

"Not bad." Kiritani stroked his chin, remembering that the last time Asuna spent the same amount of time, she personally signed at least five thousand copies...

Well, anyway, the existence of autograph sessions is just to attract popularity, and most of the time it's just to make creators more talked about. It doesn't really help with the sales of the works. However, Shinazugawa Bunko really wants to promote Kasumigaoka Utaha, otherwise they wouldn't have let Kasumigaoka Utaha hold autograph sessions at this stage.

It's also safe to say that, despite the recent release of Volume 3, readers' reviews of it have been mostly positive. Incidentally, the artistic conception in the illustrations is also very appealing to readers... It's just that the strong, sour smell can sometimes be quite irresistible.

Time slipped by unnoticed during the meal and conversation, making one sigh – the saying "don't talk while eating or sleeping" is utterly meaningless.

Afterwards, Machida, the editor, came over and pulled away Kasumigaoka Utaha, who wanted to find a place to lie down and die. He also urged Kiritani-san to come and stand up for her later. However, since Ms. Kato was still there, he did not urge her too much, but only reminded her.

Therefore, only Kiritani-san and Kato Megumi are left for a walk now.

With his gaze shifting slightly, Kiritani looked at the familiar luxury car, hesitating whether to grab a brick and smash it. The owner seemed to have noticed something and quickly drove away, leaving Kiritani with a little bit of exhaust fumes.

Ms. Kato Megumi remained silent. As they passed an eyeglasses store, she suddenly stopped, adjusted her beret with one hand, and leaned in to say, "Hey, Kazuto-kun, could you come in for a bit?"

Go in... or forget it?

Well, Kiritani-kun is as innocent as ever today.

"Are you buying glasses?" Although somewhat puzzled, Kiritani followed Ms. Kato inside, and then, quite naturally, he thought about his own pair of glasses...

Hmm... that was taken by... right, wasn't it taken by the watermelon?

“Oh right~” Nodding slightly, Kato Megumi’s gaze swept over the glasses on the shelf, occasionally glancing back at Kiritani-kun before pursing her lips and continuing her search…

Seeing Kato Megumi's actions, Kiritani-kun suddenly had a premonition... No way...

Quite subtly, the shop assistant standing not far away wore a professional smile, but showed no intention of approaching—yes, we are not ordinary shop assistants.

After all, a keen eye is a very important thing.

"Hey, Kazuto-kun, don't move around." Reaching for a pair of non-prescription glasses on the shelf, Kato Megumi turned around, speaking lightly, and walked over to Kiritani-kun, putting the glasses on his feet…

It has to be said, Kato Megumi's taste is a bit strange...

"Please spare me, I dare not go out wearing these glasses."

The pink frames of his glasses clearly accentuated his femininity, even to the untrained eye. While Kiritani Suku might be a bit thick-skinned, he wasn't quite at the level to easily take on EA without losing.

"As expected..." As if she had guessed this would happen, Ms. Kato just chuckled and took off the glasses for Kiritani-kun, then picked up a pair of black-rimmed glasses next to her and put them on Kiritani-kun.

"how about this?"

"It's alright, about the same as before."

"He looks much more energetic with glasses on!"

"The eyes are the windows to the soul. If the windows are full of laziness, then you can't see them once the windows are closed."

"What a strange statement..." Kato Megumi puffed out her cheeks, then slightly curled the corners of her mouth. If she let her ponytail down, she would probably look quite like a literary girl...

Well, I'm sure I'll be hated if I say it out loud. I'm not like Kasumigaoka-senpai, who can tolerate Hito-kun's... weird remarks.

"You're going to give me a ride?"

"Hmm, Kazuto usually draws in front of a computer, right? I've seen him wearing glasses when he draws before, but I haven't seen him doing that lately..."

"An old woman took it." Kiritani pushed up his glasses. "Thanks."

"Oh right, do I look a lot like that Aki Tomoya guy?"

"...Well, actually the difference is still quite big~" Although Kato Megumi's presence is not very high, Aki Tomoya is a very active guy in the class, and it's hard not to remember him.

"The most obvious thing... is probably her aura." Kato Megumi tilted her head, pondering carefully. "Hmm, I still don't know how to describe it—in short, she's different from Hito-kun and Aki Tomoya-kun!"