A super great writer in the second dimension

　"Please wait a moment, Mr. Aoyama. I will go find the editor-in-chief and give you a reply within half an hour."

　"Then I'll wait for good news."

　The call ended abruptly, leaving Nishikawa drenched in cold sweat.

　He is Aoyama Arashi's editor, so if anything goes wrong with this, it will all be his fault.

　Nishikawa originally thought that as long as the conditions in the contract were met, Sword Art Online should be able to enjoy the above treatment until the book was finished, but now he was a little uncertain.

　I'll have to ask the editor-in-chief.

　……

　Sanzenin Arashi put down her phone, glanced up at the building where Shinazugawa Bunko was located, and a smile crept onto her lips.

　He had just explained the contract to Nishikawa, and he believed that the editor was discussing the matter with the editor-in-chief at the moment. After all, Sword Art Online is Sword Art Online, and Abokawa Bunko would definitely not be willing to let go of such sales figures.

　If you make some rather difficult requests at this time, they certainly won't refuse, but at the same time, they will feel very uncomfortable inside. This feeling of being in ecstasy is not pleasant at all.

　However, there's nothing that can be done about it. In this dog-eat-dog capitalist society, it's like leveling up in a game. When you defeat an opponent, what you gain isn't experience points, but rather something called "capital."

　Like a snake, it eats its opponents and grows bigger and bigger.

　Sanzenin Arashi walked to the vending machine next to her, inserted a coin, took out a can of coffee, unscrewed the cap, gulped it down, and then threw the empty can into the nearby trash heap.

　It traced a parabola through the air.

　Hit the red heart!

　……

　In the editorial department of Shinazugawa Bunko, the office of editor-in-chief Midorikawa was knocked on, and the editor in charge, Nishikawa, was discussing a rather serious matter with his superior.

　Midorikawa felt a huge headache coming on.

　The author, Aoyama Arashi, raised questions about the contract that really gave him a headache.

　This is a very clever question, as it addresses an aspect not covered in the original contract. The revenue-sharing agreement stated that Party B [Aoyama Arashi] would produce five volumes of Sword Art Online content by the end of the year, and Party A [Shinzogawa Bunko] would provide Party B with 20% of the revenue as compensation, provided that the quality was guaranteed. (Note: This agreement may be adjusted based on actual circumstances.)

　This is the original text of the contract.

　Legally speaking, the following note must be included.

　Then Aoyama Arashi asked detailed questions about this note.

　“Aoyama-sensei is giving us a tough challenge.” Midorikawa stroked his chin, pondering. “We are a paperback publisher, but more importantly, we are a publishing house. We can’t let our authors feel disheartened. Although Aoyama-sensei’s request seems unreasonable, the benefits are enough to offset everything. Nishikawa, what are your thoughts?”

　Nishikawa frowned. This question was indeed perplexing; it was about what Aoyama Arashi really meant.

　It's already unusual for a sixteen-year-old writer to ask questions about a contract, especially something like this.

　They questioned a trivial additional clause without explaining its purpose, simply telling them to figure it out themselves.

　Nishikawa took a deep breath and said, "Editor-in-Chief Midorikawa, the success of Sword Art Online is undeniable. No other light novel has sold like this, averaging 500,000 copies per volume. Although sales may decrease as more volumes are added,..."

　Nishikawa couldn't continue speaking at this point.

　"I know what you're going to say... In previous years, it was already quite good if the five best-selling books combined could reach 500,000 copies, which would be enough for personal autograph sessions and various merchandise developments. But Sword Art Online reached 500,000 copies with just one book. When I saw this number, I couldn't believe my eyes."

　Midorikawa slammed his hand on the table. “We can’t let the author down. Mr. Aoyama is still young, so it’s understandable that he would make such a request. However, this time we must make the contract absolutely final. The revenue from the paperback is 60%, of which 20% is Mr. Aoyama’s profit and the remaining 20% ​​is the cost of printing and other distribution channels. Let’s increase the contract figure to 30%. Go and draft the new contract now, and then call Mr. Aoyama to ask if he’s free tonight so we can have dinner together.”

　……

　Arashi Sanzenin declined Shinazugawa Bunko's invitation to dinner. His plan for today was to have dinner with Erina Nakiri, and then check into a hotel near the airport to catch his 6 a.m. flight the next morning.

　When he received Erina Nakiri, the girl showed a very shy expression.

　"Book a room...?!" She pointed at Sanzenin Arashi, then at herself. "You and me?"

　..

188. Men and women in front of Narita Airport

　Sukiyabashi Jiro is a sushi restaurant in Roppongi, Tokyo. It is close to the subway and has a small storefront. There is no menu and not even a private restroom.

　However, it was awarded three Michelin stars, making it the only three-star sushi restaurant in Japan.

　Arashi Sanzenin and Erina Nakiri ate at this sushi restaurant.

　Considering that Ms. Nakiri has very discerning tastes, Arashi Sanzenin obtained a reservation at this world-renowned Michelin three-star sushi restaurant through special channels.

　Ms. Nakiri has an incredibly discerning palate; a Michelin-starred restaurant tastes just like any other food to her.

　She would only give a simple "delicious" rating to food served at a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, and even for three-Michelin-starred food, she would only give a simple two-word comment: "tasty".

　Then there's the fact that no matter what kind of food it is, Ms. Nakiri can always find fault with it. Nothing in food is perfect; no matter how delicious it is, there will always be flaws.

　The owner of this shop has been making sushi for 55 years and is 90 years old. He habitually greeted Sanzenin Arashi.

　Erina Nakiri dared not be negligent at that moment. This person was undoubtedly a super senior in the way of chefs. In the field of sushi alone, she was recognized as the world's number one and the god of sushi in Japan.

　His life story is the history of the growth of sushi as a dish, and it was even made into a movie. The protagonist is the 90-year-old man in front of us, who is still very energetic.

　When Sanzenin Arashi first saw Nakiri Erina greet someone, he put aside his teasing intentions and quietly ate his meal.

　The sushi was incredibly delicious; the taste was on a completely different level from other parts of Japan.

　After dinner, Sanzenin Arashi, driving the car, couldn't help but ask, "Why did you choose to be a chef? Aren't you the young lady of Totsuki Academy? Although it's a Japanese tradition for men to farm and women to weave, given your status, you wouldn't need to do this kind of thing after marriage..."

　“Uh…” Sanzenin Arashi looked at Nakiri Erina, who was blushing slightly but turning her face away, and knew that he had said the wrong thing.

　"Don't you like my cooking?" Erina Nakiri asked, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers. "I consider this my way of practicing womanhood."

　Upon hearing this, Sanzenin Arashi's expression turned strange. The way of women has another name: "the training of a married woman." In other words, Totsuki had arranged for their young lady to learn cooking skills for so long in order to marry them in the future.

　Sanzenin Arashi had never heard of a young lady like him cooking after getting married; he found it utterly absurd, and...

　Erina Nakiri's feminine charm suddenly exploded, drawing the attention of Arashi Sanzenin.

　She unexpectedly displayed her wifely qualities in such a surprising way. Does that mean girls who can cook have a big advantage?

　This girl, who was somewhat assertive yet showed vulnerability in front of him, suddenly became adorable.

　"To be honest, what were you thinking when you were a child?" Sanzenin Arashi asked.

　"What...do you mean?"

　"So, knowing you were going to marry a man you didn't know, didn't you take any action to resist? Like going on a hunger strike or something?"

　"Can you stop treating me like one of those capricious women you can just pick up off the street?" Erina Nakiri found the question hilarious. "I'm very happy with you right now, I had a great afternoon, but I didn't expect you... what did you make me say?"

　“This is no laughing matter at all.” Sanzenin Arashi squinted. “Actually, I feel quite sorry for you right now. Don’t misunderstand, I didn’t mean anything by it.”

　After hearing this, Erina Nakiri was visibly shaken. Her hair was curled into a ball as she stared at the rearview mirror and said, "You don't need to feel guilty. I understand this completely. If I were you, I would also refuse. There's no need to refuse, Sanzenin Arashi. I'm very happy now."

　"Why?" he asked, still voicing the somewhat redundant question.

　It's more like they wanted to hear the answer from Erina Nakiri herself, rather than from what she herself said.

　Erina Nakiri adjusted her posture, facing the windshield, and sighed as she leaned back in her seat. "Because... I'm very satisfied with you. Is there any other explanation?"

　Sanzenin Arashi said, "I feel guilty for saying that."

　Erina Nakiri asked, "You feel guilty too? Are you kidding?"

　Sanzenin Arashi replied, "Because you are indeed a good girl. If it were me before, I would have agreed to your request without hesitation."

　Erina Nakiri paused for a moment, then looked up at the car window.

　Sanzenin Arashi said with a smile, "You know, I've never had a good impression of young ladies. From childhood to adulthood, I've strictly controlled the amount of information I receive, making sure my news doesn't get out. I also rarely attend social events. Our Sanzenin family doesn't need to get close to others; we just need to give our names."

　Erina Nakiri sniffed at this nonchalant way of speaking, which was so domineering. Indeed, just like an emperor who could decide life and death with a single word, she wanted to refute this statement, but she couldn't find any way to refute it.

　Sanzenin Arashi chuckled softly as the car arrived at its destination.

　'I should tell her about those things.'

　He pondered.

　Tokyo Narita Airport is located in Chiba Prefecture. Sanzenin Arashi booked a first-class ticket and enjoyed services such as an internet cafe and buffet before boarding. She could also borrow a lounge to catch up on some sleep.

　The airport is located in the suburbs, where the air is exceptionally fresh, but it's a bit cold with winter approaching.

　Arashi Sanzenin was well-trained and could even run naked in sub-zero temperatures. When he saw the girl shiver as she got out of the car, he took off his coat and draped it over Erina Nakiri.

　This action made her body tremble, but she didn't say anything. Her mind couldn't help but recall the feeling in her mouth that day, and a blush rose to her face, whether from the cold wind or from shyness, she couldn't tell.

　Standing there, Sanzenin Arashi, as if possessed, brought her face close to Nakiri Erina's ear and whispered something.

　She suddenly looked at Sanzenin Arashi with an incredulous expression, then turned to look at him with a shy look, opening her mouth but not saying anything.

　“That’s how it is.” Sanzenin Arashi put his hands on either side, looking innocent. “You won’t marry the person your family has decided on, nor will you be betrothed, because I’ve already laid the groundwork for you. Right now, your father probably thinks the two of us are having a great time.”

　“I don’t know if you’re a bastard or a pushover…” Erina Nakiri shook her head and walked straight toward the entrance to Narita Airport.

　..

189. Let's go to war!

　"Really, he is that kind of person," I said casually.

　Senjougahara replied as expected, "Yes, that's it."

　Hanekawa Tsubasa affirmed, "Yes, that person, it must be that one."

　The three of them said in unison, "He's a really good person!"

　…………

　After typing the last paragraph of the Bakemonogatari [Hikawa Tsubasa Neko] arc on the airport computer, Sanzenin Arashi looked up and rubbed his slightly swollen fingers.

　In the VIP lounge at Narita Airport, Erina Nakiri took a pot of coffee from a pretty waitress and poured a cup for Arashi Sanzenin.

　It's already 2 a.m.

　Sanzenin Arashi stretched, rubbed his heavy eyelids, and quickly uploaded the chapter he had just finished writing to Nico Nico Douga, joining the massive automatic update system.

　He has already updated three volumes of Bakemonogatari, and he has scheduled automatic updates until the sixth volume.

　Battle Through the Heavens has automatically updated to the chapter where Xiao Yanzi fights Nalan Yanran.

　Erina Nakiri shifted her slightly heavy body and asked, "Is this all you usually do? Do you stay up this late every day?"

　She looked at Sanzenin Arashi's handsome profile, which showed no signs of fatigue from work. Instead, it made him look dashing and energetic. Even at this hour, the boy still appeared to be full of vigor.

　“Success stems from action.” Sanzenin Arashi took a sip of coffee. “You should get some rest. Staying up late is bad for your skin. I’ll wake you up when it’s time.”

　Erina Nakiri shook her head. "If you don't sleep, I won't sleep either. I'm still your fiancée, so isn't it only natural for me to stay with you?"

　Hearing this, Sanzenin Arashi was somewhat surprised.

　He looked at Erina Nakiri's face and said, "Alright, it'll be a problem if I can't adjust to the time difference, so you can stay with me."

　“Hmm…” Erina Nakiri said obediently, yawning and turning her gaze to the computer screen.

　Around three o'clock, Sanzenin Arashi finished writing the automatic update of Battle Through the Heavens and felt a strong urge to urinate, so he got up to go to the toilet. Seeing this, Nakiri Erina also stood up and followed behind him.

　"...I'm going to the restroom, what are you going to do?" Sanzenin Arashi looked at this young lady with a petty, womanly demeanor, both amused and exasperated. "Have some self-respect."

　Erina Nakiri's sleepiness vanished instantly. She coughed twice, a blush creeping onto her pretty face, and said, "I'll wait for you outside!"

　"as you like."

　Sanzenin Arashi went into the restroom, gave a brief explanation, then stood by the sink to wash her hands and splashed some cold water on her face to shake off her sleepiness.

　He looked in the mirror, his gaze somewhat surprised.

　Two Black men stood to one side, whispering to each other. They said... well, a string of slang in their native accents. Sanzenin Arashi understood the word "aging" from beginning to end. After hearing this, the tall, thin Black man looked angry and said another set of words that Sanzenin Arashi could understand.

　【MotherFu*ker!!】

　"Aging" means aging, so this black man must have been very angry about aging.

　Sanzenin Arashi squinted at the two black men, and his whole body perked up.

　What surprised him was something else entirely.

　Based on his judgment, the two people appeared to be mercenaries.

　They exuded a sharp and imposing aura, something he had only ever seen in veterans or UN soldiers returning from the African battlefield.

　Then the tall, thin man took out a plane ticket and handed it to another person. Sanzenin Arashi opened his mouth and said, "These two are also on the six o'clock flight. Are the two brothers going back to their hometown?"

　After wiping his face with a tissue, Sanzenin Arashi went outside. Nakiri Erina was still waiting outside. Out of natural physiological reaction, Sanzenin Arashi glanced at her neckline twice, feeling a little hot in his heart. He pursed his lips, went up and took Nakiri Erina's small hand, and walked back to the waiting room.