Chapter 16

On a summer afternoon, at a café in front of the station, I was having a meeting with light novel author, Rishia Kaita.

Sitting by the window, I and Ms. Rishia.

She is distinctive with her white hair and red eyes, dressed in a red kimono.

"Then, let's get to the main topic. The new book you're releasing with SR Bunko... I heard the manuscript is completed, right?"

Usually, when doing a new work, we first discuss the content and create a plot.

After confirming the content... we start working on the manuscript.

However, this is just an example, and the way to proceed with the manuscript varies from person to person.

In Ms. Rishia's case, it's better for her to create the manuscript first and then make corrections, rather than creating a plot beforehand.

"Yeah, it's one of my most confident works."

Rishia nods contentedly.

She looks like a child who can't wait to have her drawing praised, which is quite endearing.

But the work ahead is business. She is a writer, which means a business partner.

Checking the quality of her work... that's the job. I need to take it seriously.

"Then, let me see it. Please submit the manuscript."

Just then,

"Okaarin!"

...A bad feeling makes me turn around.

There, a blonde gal, the younger twin high school girl, Akari, was standing.

Akari waves with a smile and approaches us.

Then, without asking me, she sits right next to me.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting~? Did you miss me?"

"...Ms. Rishia, I'll step out for a moment. Excuse me."

"Ah, ah..."

Ignoring the confused Ms. Rishia, I pull Akari's arm and leave the seat.

We move to near the restroom.

"Where's your part-time job?"

"It's over for today."

"Is that so? Then go straight home."

"I can't do that."

I poke Akari's forehead.

"Akari, I'm working now. Don't interfere."

Akari is a perceptive girl.

She must know I'm working even if I don't say it.

"Mm... I know that. But... but! I'm curious!"

I see...

She's curious about my work, which means my job as an editor.

"Indeed, it's something you don't usually see, so I understand why you're curious."

"Hmm? Okaarin, I think you're misunderstanding something."

"But this is a serious discussion, not a game."

"I know! I'm not here to play. I'm serious."

Just then,

"Okaya."

Turning around, Ms. Rishia was approaching us.

"I'm sorry, I intended to return quickly."

"Okaya, I'd like her to join us."

"Really? Is that okay?"

Confused, Akari nods seriously as Ms. Rishia does.

"I'm very interested in this [girl]. I was hoping to talk to her."

"Hmm... I see. So that's it, [as expected]."

Rishia looks up and glares at Akari.

Akari retracts her usual smile and glares back at Ms. Rishia.

Akari... if she's interested in the editing industry, she's probably also interested in light novel writers. I understand that.

Rishia... is probably doing some research, maybe on high school girls.

"If Ms. Rishia is fine with it, I won't say anything."

"Alright."

"Just Akari, only while I'm checking Ms. Rishia's manuscript. After that, it will be business talk. When that happens, you need to leave. Got it?"

"Okay. I'll settle things during that time."

"Hmm... Good nerve, girl. Bring it on."

The two glare at each other and sit down.

Akari sits next to me...

"Wait. I'll sit next to Okaya."

"Weren't you sitting opposite just now?"

"That must be your mistake. I was always next to Okaya. Move over."

"That's not possible. I'm already sitting here."

"Wh-What? Move! "

I sigh and stand up, sitting opposite Akari.

"Don't cause a scene in a public place, both of you."

"Sorry..."

"Ms. Rishia, please sit next to Akari."

"Ah, ah..."

The two sit opposite me.

"Then, let me see the manuscript."

"Please."

Ms. Rishia nods and places a handbag from the floor onto her lap.

What she pulls out... is a stack of manuscript paper.

"Whoa, manuscript paper!?"

Akari's eyes widen.

"What century are you from? Don't you usually write manuscripts on a computer and send them via email?"

"Wh-What... email...?"

Seeing Rishia's confusion, Akari is also confused.

Ah, right, this is the first time.

"Ms. Rishia is not good with electronic devices. She can't use a computer or a smartphone. So, she writes her manuscripts with a fountain pen on 400-character sheets."

"Are you really a modern person?"

"Shut up!"

Rishia frowns unhappily.

She usually acts mature, but today she seems more emotional.

I think this is better, more age-appropriate. She's usually too mature.

"But Okaarin, don't you need to convert it to data for the book?"

"Yeah. I handle that. I type everything in."

"Really? You do that much?"

"No, I don't usually."

But adapting to the writer's style is also part of my job.

"That's right. Okaya does the typing for me, as a special favor. He treats me specially."

Rishia puts her hands on her hips and puffs out her chest.

Akari, fidgeting with her bangs, says indifferently,

"Hmm... But isn't that putting extra work on Okaarin?"

"Ugh...! That's...!"

"It's fine. It's my job."

"Okaya...! Haha! That's right!"

Rishia beams proudly, while Akari grinds her teeth.

They seem to get along well.

"Then, I'll start reading now. Akari, please keep Ms. Rishia company during this time."

"Ugh. You don't have to say it like that. I'll do it [as usual]."

"Usual...?"

I start reading the manuscript.

A light novel is about 100,000 words.

Ms. Rishia has brought a manuscript for a full book.

"Ms. Rishia, this is a copy, right?"

"Yes. Of course. I made a copy so it's easier for you to check."

I take out a red pen from my bag and start marking the manuscript as I read.

"Let's introduce ourselves. I am Rishia Kaita. It's a pen name. I'm 18."

"Okay. I'm [Ina Akari]. 17 years old."

"Wow, you're younger. I thought you were a college student... Envious."

"You're 18? I thought you were much... smaller and cuter, like a young lady from an old family."

"Wh-What! Are you a mind reader!?"

"Huh? What's that about?"

The two chat casually.

"Hey, what's your relationship with Okaya?"

"We've known each other for 10 years, and... how do you say it, we have a future together, kind of?"

"Wh-What!? But... didn't Okaya have a relationship with another woman recently?"

"..."

"Haha. So it was a lie."

"But we've known each other for 10 years! Does Rishia know the old Okaya? Huh?"

"Ugh! That's enviable...! But we've been through three years of battle in the publishing industry, forming a strong bond as comrades-in-arms!"

"Ugh... That's enviable...! But this...!"

Alright... about time.

"I'm done reading."

"What!? That's too fast! It's only been about 10 minutes!?"

Akari exclaims in shock.

The stack of manuscript paper is on the table.

"Such a thick manuscript... you read it all in just 10 minutes!?"

"Haha, no, Akari. I not only read it all but also marked all the typos, comments on the content, and inconsistencies. How about that, [my] Okaya?"

"Amazing... Are all editors this good?"

"Hmm? ...I don't know. Okaya is my first man..."

"Stop saying it like that! It's really annoying!"

I sigh and say,

"Akari."

"Got it. I'll move to a different seat so I don't disturb you."

"No, go home."

"No way."

...Well, as long as she doesn't interfere with work, it's fine.

Akari stands up, and we are left alone.

"So, h-how was it, Okaya?"

"Great, a well-prepared, wonderful manuscript."

"Really! I'm glad you liked it."

Rishia fidgets and blushes, smiling shyly.

"I worked hard for my fans, especially for Okaya."

I'm a fan too.

She means she put her all into it to make her fans happy.

I can feel that dedication in the manuscript.

"But as it is, it can't be a product. There were quite a few typos, inconsistencies, and errors."

"Wow, fix all of these? Won't it take forever?"

Akari says, and Rishia shakes her head with a smile.

"Not at all! These red marks are all passionate, loving messages from Okaya, who wants to make my manuscript better..."

Rishia snaps back to reality.

Meanwhile, Akari grinds her teeth.

"What, a love letter?"

"La-la-la, a love letter!? N-no, no, no, no, it's not like that..."

"But you're sending heartfelt messages to someone you love. How is that different from a love letter?"

"Ugh... You, you're saying too much!"

Rishia looks like she's about to cry.

"Akari, that's enough."

"Che, ...But I noticed something."

Akari raises her hand.

"This Ms. Rishia is a big, love rival for us!"

"Rival... Wait! What do you mean by 'us'!?"

It's time to intervene.

"Both of you, calm down."

I poke both Akari and Rishia's foreheads.

"This is a public place. Don't cause a scene. It's disturbing others."

"Sorry..."

Both bow their heads.

"Let's wrap it up. Ms. Rishia, please revise the manuscript."

"Understood. I'll fix the marked parts and send the revised version to Okaya."

Rishia collects the manuscript and bows.

"Thank you for reading the manuscript thoroughly and providing so many corrections, Okaya. I really appreciate it. I can't do without you."

"That's my job. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

"Sure, don't hesitate. We are, you know, p-partners."

Rishia smiles like a blooming flower.

This book will be good.

On the other hand, Akari looks a bit dissatisfied.

"It feels like I was just shown a lovey-dovey display... Ugh. Oh, right!"

Akari grins mischievously.

"Are you done with work? Then, Okaarin, [let's go home together]."

Ms. Rishia's mouth drops open in shock.

"O-Okaya. Go home together...?"

I can't say I live with two high school girls. I need to cover it up. I'll say she's a relative.

"Ms. Rishia, actually, she is..."

But Akari immediately clings to my arm and kisses my cheek.

"Hey!? Akari! W-What are you doing to Okaya!"

"It's fine, I'm Okaya's live-in girlfriend~"

Ms. Rishia's eyes widen so much they might pop out...

"Wh-What!? Living together!?"