Tokyo: Oreimo

"I won't bother you any longer. The author of 'Moon Witch Transformation' is coming to submit the manuscript today, and I'll be busy. That guy Iori, relying on Editor-in-Chief Yamazaki's support, has made the handover unclear and is just causing me trouble."

Hattori Taku didn't say much, just politely greeted the other party, and watched Saito Ritsu leave.

Hayakawa Rumi asked quietly from the side:

"Editor Hattori, didn't you tell him that Shigaze-sensei is the author of Kino's Journey?"

She was really curious why, even though she was willing to provide her contact information, she had kept this a secret.

Why is that?

Hattori Takuya looked over, his eyes filled with a sense of disappointment and frustration.

Do you know why Saito took over the project for "Moon Witch Transformation"?

Hayakawa Rumi shook her head.

She was still a newcomer and rarely interacted with her colleagues in the next department.

"That guy is the star editor in the department next door. He's in charge of multiple serialization projects at the same time. You should have heard of his most famous works, such as 'The Kindaichi Case Files' and 'Angel Sanctuary'..."

"Hey!"

Hayakawa Rumi's coffee cup trembled, nearly spilling.

"Is she such a capable editor? You can't tell from her appearance at all."

She truly hadn't expected that after Iori Setsuna stepped down, such an editor would take over.

Normally, an editor's energy is limited, and it is not allowed within the company to oversee multiple bestselling comic artists at the same time.

This approach could reduce the editor's assistance to the cartoonist's work, potentially leading to major errors in direction.

Being an editor involves more than just reviewing manuscripts; it also involves helping cartoonists adjust their direction to a certain extent.

"But what does this have to do with Teacher Shi Yuze?"

Hayakawa Rumi still couldn't quite understand. No matter how capable Saito Ritsu was, he was still the editor in charge of the manga department.

It's probably okay to tell them that Ryosuke is a light novel author.

Upon hearing his subordinate's question, Hattori Takuya couldn't help but rub his temples with his right hand.

“You should check Saito’s resume privately. He is very good at discovering and cultivating talent. This is the main reason why the higher-ups let him take over 'Moon Witch Transformation'. They expect him to help the author incubate more excellent works.”

"In addition, as is well known, this guy likes to collaborate, and many of the comic artists under his management are friends or family who have debuted together."

What do you mean?

Hayakawa Rumi suddenly remembered that Hattori Takuya had mentioned "Kindaichi Case Files" earlier, which seemed to be a collaborative manga.

The original work is by Yozo Kanesei, and the manga art is by Fumi Sato.

The script and artwork for this bestselling work were completely separate.

"The Shigaze you're in charge of is the sibling of the bestselling manga artist he's in charge of. If Saito finds out about this..."

"He'll probably try every means to get Shi Yuze to switch to writing manga scripts!"

Hayakawa Rumi suddenly stood up.

"sit down!"

Hattori Takuya was startled and pulled her back to her chair.

"I'm so sorry, Editor Hattori, I was just too careless."

Hayakawa Rumi looked like a wilted eggplant, filled with anxiety.

If she were Shi Yuze, she would surely carefully consider whether to heed the advice of such a renowned editor upon receiving such an invitation.

After all, Ritsu Saito has so many successful cases under his command.

Hattori Takuya shook his head and patted her shoulder.

"Don't worry too much. Saito won't openly snatch people. He should have noticed it by now, but he hasn't confirmed it yet. You should focus on Shigaze."

"Geniuses like this are rare, so we should cherish them and not let them get distracted during the creative process."

Modern comics are indeed much more profitable than light novels. Shigaze might even spontaneously initiate a collaboration with that talented comic artist; you can't prevent that. What you should be doing right now is keeping him focused.

"I understand."

Having said that, Hattori Taku didn't linger any longer and got up to walk towards the editorial department.

Hayakawa Rumi sat in a chair, holding a coffee cup in her hand.

Hattori's words were like a thorn deeply embedded in her heart, making her keenly aware of the heavy responsibility she bore as an editor.

"We must build a good relationship with Shigawa-sensei and not let him be snatched away by Editor Saito!"

The naturally naive office lady clenched her fist and placed it on her chest, talking to herself as if she were cheering herself up.

She took out her work phone, ready to strike while the iron was hot and reconnect with her only writer, but then she noticed an unread message.

Sender: Teacher Shi Yuze.

"Editor Hayakawa, I'll be accompanying my younger sister to your company today. If you have time, would you mind meeting me? There are some things I'd like to discuss with you in person."

Hayakawa Rumi quickly read the contents and, for no apparent reason, had a very bad premonition.

Could it be that Hattori's editor was right?

Chapter 22 The Crybaby Editor

10:32 AM.

Hayakawa Rumi sat somewhat anxiously in the lounge area on the first floor of the Kadokawa Building.

Her gaze was fixed on the main entrance, watching everyone who stepped into the company building.

Soon, she spotted a familiar figure in the crowd.

The blonde girl's little leather shoes made a crisp sound as she walked on the polished marble floor.

Following closely behind, a handsome young man dressed simply walked in.

The boy's gaze quickly met Hayakawa Rumi's, and he raised his hand and waved it a few times.

"Time...no, Mr. Takashiro."

Hayakawa Rumi quickly got up and walked briskly to the front desk.

The brother and sister are registering for their visit.

'Thankfully, Editor Saito didn't come downstairs to pick him up himself.'

Hayakawa Rumi breathed a sigh of relief.

She guessed that the other party must be too busy with work, which allowed her to successfully intercept Takashiro Ryosuke.

"Is it someone I know?"

Takashiro Ryouno's attention was drawn, and her eyes were fixed on Hayakawa Rumi.

"It's been a while, Editor Hayakawa, nice to meet you."

Ryosuke Takagi greeted him politely.

He met Ling Nai at the station and they took a taxi to the entrance together.

Although I had sent a text message to the editor in charge of me beforehand, I didn't expect the editor to come downstairs to meet me in person.

Fortunately, we had given them a heads-up beforehand and they changed how they addressed us.

Otherwise, they would be exposed in just one glance.

Once Takashiro Ryōno knows about his pen name, she can quickly identify his works.

This little braid must not be allowed to be caught by this younger sister, otherwise she might cause me some trouble.

"You actually know an editor at Kadokawa?"

Takashiro Ryou looked at the two of them with some suspicion.

“We chatted online before, and she gave me a tour last time, didn’t she?”

Upon hearing his mention, Takashiro Ryouno remembered that after her argument with Iori Setsuna, when she left the conference room, besides bumping into Ryosuke, there was indeed another person next to her.

It seems to be the woman right in front of me.

"You go upstairs first, I'll exchange a few pleasantries and then I'll be right there."

Since we've run into each other downstairs, let's take advantage of this opportunity to exchange a few words, and avoid Ling Nai altogether.

"What's wrong with you? You clearly have important things to do!"

Takagi Ryouno was a little angry, but seeing Ryosuke standing still, she couldn't bring herself to reach out and pull him in front of outsiders.

For some reason, Ling Nai felt a sudden hostility towards Hayakawa Rumi. She scrutinized the other woman from head to toe, her gaze lingering on her chest and lower body for a few seconds.

'Does this guy like women older than himself? And this woman, despite being dressed formally, gives off a really lewd vibe!'

Hayakawa Rumi's professional attire perfectly accentuated her figure, while Ayano's outfit appeared somewhat childish in comparison.

She couldn't help but compare herself to the stark reality and was severely shocked.

"Anyway, you still need to submit the manuscript for 'Moon Witch Transformation' first, right?"

"Whatever!"

Takashiro Ryou snorted and strode away towards the elevator lobby.

What's wrong? Are you angry?

Ryosuke felt somewhat confused.

My younger sister is usually seen as a well-behaved girl by outsiders; she's just a bully at home.

"I'm sorry, Editor Hayakawa, you must have seen this. My sister is a little temperamental."

"It's okay, let's talk over there."

Hayakawa Rumi didn't notice anything amiss with Takashiro Ryouno at all; she was only concerned with what the boy in front of her wanted to say to her face to face.

The two sat down in the rest area.