"Listen to me, Little Poetry!"
"Yes, go ahead, I'm listening."
Have you ever heard of "DanMachi" and its author, Yukimi Sakura?
"DanMachi? Could it be that 'Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?', the new book that Shinazugawa is currently selling like hotcakes for?" Kasumigaoka Utaha's expression turned serious. She sat up and picked up her phone, as if she already knew what the other person was going to say.
“Yes, yes, that’s it! Listen to me,” Machida Sonoko excitedly shared her discovery, “The author of that book will also be attending this gathering, and you won’t believe it, but he’s actually a student about your age!”
"And her appearance is ridiculously high-end! Taller than you! Can you believe it?!"
"So you absolutely have to come this time! Even if it's just to see him, understand?"
Hmph, this woman is talking nonsense again. How could there possibly be a writer of higher caliber than her in the light novel writing community?
Regardless of her appearance, she is currently a popular newcomer and close to my age, so there's no harm in meeting her, right?
Without answering her question, Kasumigaoka Utaha stared blankly out the window.
Image: "Old Fatty finally makes his appearance", Location: "Images/1755695425-100446961-113748139.jpg"
Volume 1: Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies: Chapter 58 Where Do Normal People Come From in the World of Anime?
Saturday in early March,
Following the address sent by Machida Sonoko, Sakurakoji arrived at a hotel in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, ten minutes early. Guided by the staff, he took the elevator to the top floor, which had been reserved.
"Welcome, Ms. Yukimi Sakura!"
Upon seeing him from the doorway, Machida Sonoko greeted him with a broad smile.
"Ms. Machida, it's been a long time."
"Oh dear, it hasn't been that long, only a little over a week."
"Really? It seems I've been living too busy lately. It feels like so much time has passed. Am I late? Sorry, there was a bit of traffic on the way."
"No, not at all. It won't start for a while. You've come at just the right time."
Sakurakoji reached out and shook her hand, greeting her warmly, before getting straight to the point.
"By the way, you mentioned last time that someone wanted to introduce me to someone? Has that person arrived yet?"
He didn't actually come here to attend the party; he deliberately arrived at the exact time to avoid being surrounded by a group of strangers and falling into an awkward situation.
“Not yet,” Machida Sonoko said with a helpless expression, unable to do anything about someone’s willful behavior. “But it should be soon. I’ve repeatedly urged her to come today, and I just confirmed that she has indeed left.”
"Ah, speak of the devil and he appears." Catching a figure stepping out of the elevator out of the corner of her eye, Machida Sonoko raised her hand and gestured, "Shinobu, over here!"
In the elevator lobby, Kasumigaoka Utaha casually brushed her long, straight, fragrant black hair with her hand before stepping onto the marble floor of the lobby with an air of self-assurance.
Upon seeing Machida Sonoko greet her, she walked straight over. At the same time, she took in Sakurakoji Takashi's back view. Her white hair was so striking and beautiful; she took good care of herself. Was she some new female writer or editor? A few doubts rose in Kasumigaoka Utaha's heart, but she did not stop walking.
“Let me introduce you,” Machida Sonoko said again to Sakurakoji Saiyuu as Kasumigaoka Utaha walked up to the two of them. “This is the bestselling young high school girl author I mentioned before, who is about your age. Her pen name is Kasumigaoka Utaha, and her real name is Kasumigaoka Utaha!”
After saying that, she looked at Kasumigaoka Utaha and pointed at Sakurakoji Saiki: "This is the author of DanMachi, Yukimi Sakura, whom I told you about a couple of days ago. Her real name is Sakurakoji Saiki, or Saiki-chan for short. She's about your age."
At this point, she added, "By the way, Caihua-chan is a boy, don't get the wrong idea. How about that, isn't it super—glamorous?"
Eh?
Kasumigaoka Utaha's purplish-red pupils, distinct from Sakurakoji's, widened slightly, revealing a hint of shock. With such beautiful long hair, she had thought he was a woman; was he actually a man?
She looked at Sakurakoji Takashi again in astonishment. After taking in his face, which was even more beautiful than her own, her pupils contracted sharply, and she couldn't help but let out a sob. Her astonishment deepened.
No, you're telling me this is a male?!
She suddenly remembered what Machida Sonoko had said to her a couple of days ago, and it dawned on her that she finally understood why Machida Sonoko had said that.
Although she was somewhat unwilling, she had to admit that what the other party said made some sense.
"Tch! It's such a waste that someone as good-looking as her isn't a male escort. Why is she writing light novels instead?" Kasumigaoka Utaha bit her index fingernail, slightly displeased.
"Nice to meet you, I am Sakurakoji Saiki. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Kasumigaoka."
After planning for many days, he finally saw the person in question. Sakurakoji's clear red eyes lit up, and he greeted her.
A white headband held back her long, straight, lead-powder-like black hair, her full breasts seemed to defy gravity, and her voluptuous legs, encased in glossy black stockings, were alluringly curvaceous. Her figure was that of a mature, sophisticated woman.
Aside from her flawless appearance, her abilities are also beyond reproach. In her work, she became a popular bestselling author during high school, and in her studies, she could still maintain the top position year after year even while sleeping in class every day... You still say you're not open?
Can't we leave a way out for other ordinary people?
However, for Sakurakoji Takayuki, it's enough that the other person has appeared.
As the saying goes, what's the difference between a Japanese variety show without Kasumigaoka Utaha and Yukino Yukinoshita and a meal without salt?
Thinking about their respective standards, Sakura Koji clicked his tongue. Forget it, hoping to see a normal person in a crossover anime world is wishful thinking. Where are there normal people in the world of anime?
"Hello, me too."
Although she was a little annoyed, Kasumigaoka Utaha knew the other party hadn't done anything wrong, so she wouldn't really take her anger out on him. Besides, he was the most important person she was going to achieve, so it was impossible for them to break up so quickly.
However, she still couldn't quite believe that the other person was a young man in his prime. Shouldn't men of this age be like someone else... Never mind, it would be too impolite to him.
The two shook hands politely, but in that brief half-second, they both felt for a moment that the other's hand felt really comfortable, and involuntarily glanced away.
Unaware of the slightly awkward atmosphere between them, Machida Sonoko maintained her usual smiling expression and continued the conversation.
"Alright, alright, we've said our greetings, let's go in. Almost everyone's here, just the two of you are missing."
"Eh~" Upon hearing this, Kasumigaoka Utaha showed an impatient and weary expression.
“Even if you’re impatient now, you still need to maintain basic manners, Shi,” Machida Sonoko reminded her.
"...I understand, I know that much."
The three of them walked hand in hand into the banquet hall, which was indeed bustling with activity. Dozens of people were gathered in small groups, forming many different cliques.
"Miss Kasumigaoka, I'm not very good at this kind of occasion either, and it's my first time. Could you please come with me later?" Sakurakoji asked softly, deliberately standing next to her.
"Hmm? Hmm, sure." Slightly surprised that he spoke to her, but seeing that he also disliked banquets, Kasumigaoka Utaha readily agreed, and felt a bit of goodwill towards him.
What? He's just an ordinary high school student, even if he looks a bit like a fairy.
Although they were both strikingly good-looking, they had both chosen to sit discreetly, so they hadn't yet attracted much attention. Machida Sonoko understood their situation and went ahead to talk to others to draw attention away from them, while she went to prepare for the opening.
"Speaking of which, did Ms. Xuejian Ying really draw her own illustrations?"
Seeing that he remained silent for a long time, seemingly intimidated by the atmosphere here, Kasumigaoka Utaha took the initiative to ask a question in order to play the role of "senior" and break the deadlock.
Image: "Still a beautiful picture at the end of the chapter", Location: "Images/1755799378-100446961-113752428.jpg"
Volume 1: A Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies: Chapter 59 Waiting for Someone at Tokyo Station
"Ah, hi, it's like this." Sakurakoji Caisuke turned his uneasy gaze to her and said shyly, "Because of my family situation, I studied some art when I was a child."
"It's amazing! I've read the first volume of DanMachi. Not only is the writing excellent and the story novel, but the illustrations are also outstanding. They're like works of art. I can't believe it's the work of a newcomer. It's making me lose confidence."
Kasumigaoka Utaha sighed, feeling a pang of defeat and questioning whether she was truly qualified to continue in this industry. Not only was the other person's story more mainstream and appealing, but they also possessed artistic talent. Although it was just an amateur's opinion, she even felt that the illustrations for *DanMachi* were more outstanding than those of a certain talented acquaintance.
"You flatter me. I also really enjoyed your 'Love Metronome.' The writing is incredibly delicate, especially the descriptions of emotions, which I found absolutely brilliant. I'm really looking forward to your future works," Sakurakoji praised her with a smile.
"Really? You've read my book too?" Kasumigaoka Utaha's phoenix eyes widened as she looked at him, unable to hide her anticipation.
"Of course! I'm a huge fan of yours! I've been following it since the first volume. My decision to write 'DanMachi' is also inseparable from you!"
"Eh?! Is that so?" Upon hearing this unexpected news, Kasumigaoka Utaha blushed, her cute, round toes rubbing together, somewhat at a loss. This news was even more explosive than she had expected!
"Oh, I see. So you've been reading it since the first volume..."
Upon learning that the rising star was actually her fan, her initial nervousness and inferiority complex vanished completely, replaced by joy and a sense of closeness.
"Yes! I chose to submit my work to Shinazugawa Bunko because of Ms. Kasumi Utako!"
"I never imagined that the person Editor Machida was talking about was you! I'm so happy!" After the initial excitement, Sakurakoji Caihua became shy again. "Um—after this is over, could you give me your autograph privately?"
“No problem!” Kasumigaoka Utaha agreed without hesitation. If she refused here, would she even be human?
"Thank you so much, Senior Kasumi Shiko!"
"Senior?" Kasumigaoka Utaha blinked her clear, purplish-red eyes, somewhat puzzled.
"Of course! You are not only my mentor in writing, but also a senior in the industry, so of course you are my senior!"
"Or is it not possible?"
"Ugh!" Sakurakoji's beautiful face, showing a hint of disappointment, pierced through her defenses like a sharp arrow, causing her to lean back involuntarily.
"...Of course it's not impossible, that's right, I'm your senior!" The more she thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed, and she could no longer hide the smile on her face.
His gaze kept wandering over Sakurakoji's talent, and the more he looked, the more satisfied he became. Who could have imagined that such an outstanding person was his biggest fan and junior?
Could it be that I'll finally have such an outstanding follower in the future? Today was definitely worth the trip!
"In that case, you can just call me by my name from now on. We're not that far apart in age, are we? Let's get along well from now on." Turning slightly to hide her slightly flushed skin, Kasumigaoka Utaha made a decision that she would have never imagined before.
"Thank you! Senior Shiyu! From now on, you can just call me Caihua!"
Upon hearing the familiar address, Kasumigaoka Utaha frowned slightly, recalling some unrelated memories. She quickly relaxed, realizing that what she was thinking had nothing to do with her talent.
Taking in every little movement and micro-expression, Sakurakoji's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile, like a sinister mastermind. Very well, just one last step left.
"Um, Senior Shiyu..."
"Huh? What's wrong?" Kasumigaoka Utaha turned her attention back to him and looked at him with a puzzled expression.
"Do you have any illustrators you know well and have worked with for a long time?" Sakurakoji deliberately feigned hesitation.
"No, no. Although I do know an artist, we've never collaborated. In fact... never mind." Kasumigaoka Utaha sighed. It's better not to mention that blond loser.
"That's great!"
"Ok?"
"Uh, what I mean is, I don't know what you think of my drawing skills?" Sakurakoji Sai asked sheepishly with an apologetic smile.
"I think your illustrations are absolutely amazing, Caihua-kun. I was completely mesmerized when I first saw them. I never imagined that fantasy characters could be portrayed like this. They're practically straight out of the story." Kasumigaoka Utaha praised him without reservation. Thinking back to the emotion she felt when she first saw them, she couldn't help but feel a little intoxicated, and her gaze towards him became even more appreciative.
"Oh, I see. Then could you let me illustrate your new works in the future?" Sakurakoji dropped a bombshell.
"?!" Kasumigaoka Utaha looked surprised, wondering if she had misheard. She stared at him intently. "Talent-kun, what did you say?"
"I said I'd like to illustrate Utaha-senpai's future works, what do you think?"
"That would be wonderful... but is it really possible?"
“Of course, I’m a fan of yours, and illustrating your works is something I’ve always wanted to do.” Sakurakoji, who was inspired by Ijichi Nijika, revealed a warm, sunny smile that made Kasumigaoka Utaha almost squint.
Wow! What a wonderful child!
Kasumigaoka Utaha covered her face, feeling so moved that she wanted to cry. Was this a gift from the gods to her, a pure act of selflessness?
"So—could we exchange contact information? If you need anything in the future, Shiyu-senpai, please feel free to contact me."
After a long build-up, Sakurakoji finally asked seriously and revealed the entire map of Yan that he had prepared.
"of course can!"
……
A few days later, in mid-March.
While checking her phone, Sakurakoji felt satisfied with the addition of another contact to her address book, and kept glancing at the seemingly endless crowds in the station out of the corner of her eye.
Ha, that sharp-tongued young lady, I won her over easily!
Passersby were puzzled to see him standing alone by the wall waiting, but everyone in the city has precious time. They glanced at him and then continued to focus on the road ahead.
Of course, this was also partly because he deliberately wore large sunglasses and a scarf, covering most of his face.
The time was 17:50 PM, and the location was the Marunouchi South Exit of Tokyo Station, specifically the iconic hall with its golden dome. He arrived twenty minutes early, waiting for someone destined to arrive who had passed through Kumamoto Prefecture.
He didn't actually know the exact date, only that it was in mid-March. If that was the case, it seemed he could only wait here every day.
Fortunately, through other clues, he was able to determine that it was today.
Firstly, there's the weather forecast. Logically, it's already March, and temperatures are gradually rising. If nothing unexpected happens, we should soon welcome a warm spring. But as expected, something unexpected happened – it actually got colder and snowed today.
Secondly, it was a recent post he had just seen on his phone from a blogger he had been following for a month, which said that there would be a performance at 22 PM today in the plaza at the central east exit of Kawasaki Station.
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