Onmyoji who mingles in the world of anime

Moreover, the first volume already laid many foreshadowing elements, such as how the duel between the protagonist and his fiancée will be resolved, and what will happen after the protagonist encounters the dragon. It makes one eagerly anticipate the second volume...

I am very sorry that I submitted your manuscript to the editor without your permission, but if your book is not published, it would be a great loss to the light novel industry.

Winter, you're simply a genius.

Listening to Aki Tomoya's boastful words, Tsuchimikado Fuyuto felt a little embarrassed. My god, if Aki Tomoya were to be a simp, he would definitely be very successful!

But I really feel a little embarrassed to be praised like that!

You know, just two days ago when I faced Shu Weng, I almost got a thorough dressing-down from him.

Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration. The old man didn't curse, but when he was helping me correct my mistakes, his suggestions almost destroyed Tsuchimikado Fuyu's confidence.

Tsuchimikado Fuyu never imagined that the gentle and refined scholar was actually a cunning and ruthless man who could speak with a sharp tongue and kill without shedding blood.

Although he didn't use a single swear word when criticizing her, or even say that this was wrong or that was unacceptable, he simply gave a basic explanation of when to use grammar, what grammar to use in what situation, and what words to use. This was enough to make Tsuchimikado Fuyu feel ashamed beyond measure.

Now, when he hears Aki Tomoya praising him so much, Tsuchimikado Fuyu is even a little uncomfortable, and he even feels that Aki Tomoya might be his hater.

"It's not as exaggerated as you say."

"Touhou, you don't need to be so modest. I believe this book will definitely be a hit." Aki Tomoya said excitedly, "Last night I happened to have something to discuss with Editor Machida, so I wanted to ask her to take a look at your novel, and then do you know what he said to me?"

"What did he say?" Tsuchimikado asked cooperatively, although he could roughly guess what it was—that the book could be published and that he should help contact the original author.

"She said that if the original author is willing to publish, she can recommend the best work for next month to you, and even if the subsequent works become popular, she can arrange for them to be adapted into an anime."

"Wow, that's great?" Tsuchimikado Fuyu looked at Aki Tomoya in surprise. This was too exaggerated. He could imagine accepting publication, but he never expected the editorial department to give any recommendations.

After all, their recommendation slots are fixed and are basically monopolized by popular novels that are currently trending. New authors basically have no chance of getting any recommendation slots when they first publish, let alone the best recommendation slots each month.

Especially regarding the guarantee of an anime adaptation, editors generally won't proactively bring this up with authors unless the book becomes popular and a studio contacts the author to ask for their opinion, although authors almost never refuse.

After all, actively seeking out studios and being approached by studios are two completely different concepts, and for the book library, the latter is clearly more profitable than the former.

Chapter 289 The Dark Room

"Tomoya, you're really not kidding me? Even if the editor really likes my book, they wouldn't offer conditions like this, would they?" Tsuchimikado Fuyu was still a little uneasy, thinking that Aki Tomoya was joking with him.

"That's what Editor Machida did say, but the reason for this recommendation is that there are no other popular books to be published in the paperback next month. The editorial department originally wanted to choose the best book from several new authors."

Machida, the editor, contacted me because he wanted bloggers like us who have good relationships with the editorial department to recommend your book. That's why they were able to decide to recommend it to you after seeing it.

As for an anime adaptation, if your book gets published, I believe that even without paperback publishers helping you, studios will come to you on their own initiative.

Winter, you need to have more confidence in yourself; your book is truly amazing.

"Okay, okay, I know, you can say whatever you want, but could you please not come any closer..." Tsuchimikado Fuyu said, pressing down on Aki Tomoya, speechless.

After a moment of contemplation, Tsuchimikado Fuyu realized that if his book was indeed so well-regarded, then publishing it himself wouldn't be out of the question. After all, he had already considered publishing it, as it would be a decent source of income.

Moreover, even the editor thinks highly of this book, so I'll have a lot of confidence when I give it to my senior tomorrow.

Moreover, if this book really becomes a hit, even if I get sarcastic remarks from Kasumigaoka Utaha, I can still happily retaliate. It would be quite interesting to see Kasumigaoka Utaha's embarrassed expression!

From any perspective, Tsuchimikado Fuyu cannot refuse the publication of light novels.

"Rinya, how do you think I've managed the pacing in terms of the plot? Is there any feeling that the story moves into the next stage without any clear direction?"

Now that he had chosen to publish, Tsuchimikado Fuyu felt that he should strive for excellence and try his best to write the first volume even better.

So Tsuchimikado Fuyu began asking Aki Tomoya for his thoughts on the book.

Of course, this inevitably led to Aki Tomoya praising Tsuchimikado Fuyu again, saying that he broke the current popular light novel formula of repeatedly creating harems, no longer focusing on the heroine's cuteness and fanservice, and daring to create a new writing style, etc.

However, Aki Tomoya did point out some shortcomings, mentioning points he hadn't quite understood during his studies, and then offering appropriate suggestions after receiving a reply from Tsuchimikado Fuyu.

Of course, Aki Tomoya's opinions do not involve the plot; this is his bottom line, and it cannot be violated.

In one morning, Tsuchimikado Fuyu and Aki Tomoya finished discussing their book and made some minor revisions. After reading it through without finding any problems, Tsuchimikado Fuyu called Machida Sonoko.

After chatting for a while, Machida Sonoko wanted to meet with Tsuchimikado Fuyu to get the revised manuscript and also wanted to sign a contract with him.

However, after inquiring about the publisher's address, Tsuchimikado Fuyu said that the place was not far from the publisher and he could go there directly.

Machida Sonoko was naturally pleased with this, as it saved her from having to go out again.

After all, it's almost the end of the month, and the editorial department is quite busy. Some are chasing up manuscripts, some are reviewing manuscripts, and some are catching lazy authors and putting them in the "black room" (a term used to refer to a dark or inactive writing environment). Many editors have even been staying at the editorial department these past few nights.

Of course, no matter how busy they are, editors are willing to put aside their work and make a special trip when they come across such a good book, because these are all performance indicators and bonuses.

After hanging up the phone, Tsuchimikado Fuyu borrowed Aki Tomoya's printer to print two copies of the novel manuscript.

One copy is for Machida Sonoko later, and the other is for Kasumigaoka Utaha when she goes to school tomorrow. It will also help to get rid of the "aftermath" of completing the mission last time.

Although Aki Tomoya was a little curious as to why Tsuchimikado Fuyutsu printed two copies, he didn't ask any further questions. However, as soon as he heard that Tsuchimikado Fuyutsu was going to the editorial department, he immediately volunteered to go with him.

According to him, although he and Machida Sonoko were friends, Tsuchimikado Fuyu was not, so he might get tricked.

Therefore, he wanted to protect his close friend and strive for better contract terms, so that the editorial department wouldn't let him get screwed over.

Although Tsuchimikado Fuyu doesn't care too much about contract terms, as long as they don't pressure him to submit his work, he won't refuse since Aki Tomoya has been able to get better terms for him.

The two quickly arrived at the library building by tram. Aki Tomoya looked at Tsuchimikado Fuyu with a serious expression and said, "Fuyu, are you ready? We're about to have a tough battle."

Tsuchimikado Fuyu looked at Aki Tomoya speechlessly, "Where did you copy these lines from?"

"Hey, there's a line like that in a lot of light novels. Don't you think it's a good fit here?"

"I don't think so." Tsuchimikado Fuyu rolled his eyes at Aki Tomoya. "Alright, let's go in."

Upon entering the editorial department, the two quickly arrived at their office with the help of the receptionist.

The communication between Tsuchimikado Fuyu and Machida Sonoko went smoothly. To put Tsuchimikado Fuyu's mind at ease, all the requirements that the other party had promised were written into the contract. Moreover, with Aki Tomoya's efforts, Tsuchimikado Fuyu also obtained a contract for a popular author.

"I didn't expect Taki-kun to be so eloquent," Machida Sonoko teased.

"After all, I can't let my best friend get screwed over by you guys."

Machida Sonoko shook her head helplessly. She hadn't intentionally tricked Tsuchimikado Fuyu; it was just a basic editing tactic. After all, they were all just trying to get the first release for the sake of capital.

"I'm so angry, I'm so angry!" Just then, a man's voice came from outside, and then the door was opened, and a man wearing glasses appeared in front of everyone.

The other person was taken aback when they saw the group of people inside, and gave an awkward laugh, "Um, Machida, I'm sorry..."

"Oh dear, Kenken, have your writers failed to submit their manuscripts on time again?" Machida Sonoko teased, as if she were very familiar with Kenken's temper.

"Yeah, I really envy you guys. Why are all the authors I'm in charge of so troublesome?"

Kenjiro Toki sighed and said, "Sigh! I still have to go to Mount Fuji later. I'm going to bring them all back and lock them in a dark room. They're not allowed to come out until they finish their manuscripts."

"Keep it up, Kenken!" Machida Sonoko gave him an encouraging gesture, then looked at Tsuchimikado Fuyu with a smile.

"Dong-kun, you absolutely can't be late with the update, or even if you're as cute as you are, I'll still drag you into the little dark room!"

Hearing Machida Sonoko's threatening words, Tsuchimikado Fuyu completely disregarded them. "Arrest me? You think you can arrest me?"

However, it turns out the editorial department really does have a small dark room; he thought it was just a joke the writers made.

Chapter 290 Senior's Dilemma

"I'll be going now if there's nothing else." After Kenjiro Toki left in a hurry, Fuyu Tsuchimikado also prepared to leave.

"Wait a minute," Machida Sonoko called out.

"Editor Machida, is there anything else?"

Machida Sonoko looked at Tsuchimikado Fuyu seriously, "I just realized that you didn't tell me your pen name or book title, Fuyu-kun."

"Huh?" Tsuchimikado Fuyu and Aki Tomoya both looked at Machida Sonoko in shock. Shouldn't this be the first thing to be said?

“Um… I just wrote it in the contract,” Tsuchimikado Fuyu reminded him.

When Tsuchimikado Fuyu saw the book title and author's name on the contract, he hesitated for a long time before filling in the book title "Battle Through the Heavens" and the pen name "Tianyu".

That's right, Tsuchimikado Fuyu not only copied the plot, but also shamelessly copied the title of the book. It's utterly shameless.

“I know, but it’s only interesting when the author explains it himself,” Machida Sonoko said earnestly.

Of course, Machida Sonoko would never tell Tsuchimikado Fuyu that this was just a quirky hobby of hers, something she could later use as a dark history to tease writers.

"Alright." Tsuchimikado Fuyu was a little speechless, but he didn't refuse. "Tianyu, the author of the light novel Battle Through the Heavens, please take good care of me in the future."

"Oh my, Fuyu-kun, please take care of me from now on." Machida Sonoko nodded with a satisfied look. Fuyu-kun is so cute! Especially when he introduces himself so earnestly, I really want to hug him and give him a good squeeze.

Seeing Machida Sonoko's smile, Tsuchimikado Fuyu felt a chill run down his spine. Could this girl be as cunning as Raphael?

"Then we'll be going now." Without another word, Tsuchimikado Fuyu turned and left. This kind of cunning person is not to be trifled with!

"Fuyu-kun, don't forget to submit your manuscript on time!" Machida Sonoko called out with a smile. Actually, Tsuchimikado Fuyu didn't need to rush to submit his manuscript. Apart from the second volume, which was due next month, he only needed to submit it once every three months thereafter.

In other words, apart from the first and second volumes which are updated monthly, the rest will be updated quarterly. Upon hearing this condition, Tsuchimikado Fuyu was quite satisfied.

Machida Sonoko didn't try to stop Tsuchimikado Fuyu, after all, she also had to catch up on manuscripts later. Although her authors rarely missed updates, there were always one or two exceptions, such as...

"I'll have to call Shi-chan later to urge her. I don't know if she can submit this volume on time."

That's right, while Tsuchimikado Fuyu had already fulfilled his promise, our Kasumigaoka Utaha-senpai hadn't yet submitted her manuscript for this month, and now the deadline is fast approaching.

At this moment, Kasumigaoka Utaha was sitting in front of her computer, looking at her new chapter with a conflicted expression.

Inspired by Tsuchimikado Fuyu, she devoted herself to this latest volume without disrupting the storyline of the previous volumes.

However, due to an overwhelming burst of inspiration, Kasumigaoka Utaha lost control, and the content of the new volume was completely different from the previous volumes in terms of art style. She turned a perfectly good pure love novel into a scene of "white literature" (a popular Chinese fantasy novel).

Kasumigaoka Utaha is currently hesitating whether to treat this volume as a side story and then continue writing the next volume in the same art style, which would mean creating multiple storylines.

However, on the other hand, since the deadline is fast approaching, if I were to rewrite the next volume, there would definitely not be enough time, and I would definitely be pressured to finish it again.

However, if this isn't released as a regular chapter, treating it as a side story could easily lead to misunderstandings and could even result in losing a large number of fans.

The best approach would be to release the next volume of the novel this month, and then release the side story of Bai Xue next month.

This not only allows for multiple story endings, enabling Love Metronome to write more volumes, but also ensures that each character has a happy ending, eliminating concerns about fans being dissatisfied with the ending and causing rebellion. It can even spark discussions among fans.

Most importantly, I don't have to write anything next month. I don't have to listen to the editor's nagging, and I don't have to worry about being put in the dark for missing the deadline. It's just wonderful!

Of course, there are downsides too, namely that I'll have to keep writing, and writing two volumes in a row is quite tiring.

However, Machida Sonoko's phone call soon relieved Kasumigaoka Utaha's worries. Kasumigaoka Utaha told Machida Sonoko her thoughts, and Machida Sonoko also fell into deep thought.

After all, editors of Japanese light novels are essentially advisors to the authors and will offer suggestions. Since the authors' sales are linked to their bonuses, they certainly want the authors to achieve better results.

"Is that so? Why don't you let me see the volume you've finished writing, Shi-chan? After all, I haven't seen the original manuscript, so I can't really offer any opinions."

Kasumigaoka Utaha quickly sent the completed volume to Machida Sonoko, and then happily took a break, since Machida Sonoko also needed time to read the manuscript.

On the other hand, Machida Sonoko, who was initially happy that Kasumigaoka Utaha had finished writing the manuscript, felt a stomachache after reading it.