Night.
Sato sat back in his chair, hands behind his head, staring at the computer screen, lost in thought.
"A doujin scenario… I still don't get how someone like Eriri ended up as a doujin artist. And she's supposedly the daughter of a British diplomat? Seriously?"
Though he had known Eriri Spencer Sawamura for quite some time, he didn't know much about her personal background. Of course, the same could be said for what she knew about him.
Still, their relationship had long since gone beyond just "friends."
"Unbelievable."
He shook his head with a sigh.
They'd collaborated for years.... on doujin scripts, of course.
As for how they first met… that was a long story.
He opened his chat app and, after a moment's thought, clicked on Eriri's profile to send her a message.
["So, have you thought about what I mentioned before?"]
Her reply came quickly, as if she were sitting right by her computer.
["You mean publishing a manga on your website?"]
["Yeah. What do you think?"]
["Hmm… I do want to go pro eventually, but you know I'm terrible at writing stories."]
["Besides, shouldn't you be focusing on finishing my script first, you jerk?!"]
—
In a British-style mansion…
Eriri, her cute little fang showing, glared at the screen while typing furiously.
["I am thinking about it! It's not like Summer Comiket is happening tomorrow."]
["Hmph. If you finish my script to my satisfaction, then maybe I'll consider serializing something on your site."]
Tch, that tsundere ojou-sama…
["Fine, fine. I'll deliver a masterpiece soon, Sensei Sawamura."]
["Go die!! If you call me that name at school, you're dead meat!!"]
After their chat, Sato got a message from Ryuunosuke:
["It's done. Send the money to my account."]
["Future updates will cost extra."]
Shortly after, a compressed file arrived in his email inbox.
Sato extracted the file and transferred the installation package to his phone via USB.
He eagerly tested out Ryuunosuke's work. Most of the features he'd requested had been implemented, and some parts even included thoughtful improvements Ryuunosuke added on his own.
Though the app's interface was still basic, it marked a huge step forward for their website.
After testing it thoroughly, Sato noted down some bugs, missing features, and UX suggestions for the next version.
"Not bad at all."
He had to admit that Ryuunosuke was a genius.
Although Sato had some programming knowledge, reaching Ryuunosuke's level was still a long way off.
After finishing his tests, he forwarded the app to Tomoya Aki.
["Tomoya, the app's ready. Handle the promotion and platform uploads."]
No response.
Wonder what he's up to…
He checked the website backend, confirmed that everything was running smoothly, and stretched his arms.
So far, the site was operating well. A few small content platforms had tried to poach users, but they weren't having much of an effect.
As long as the big publishers stayed out of it, things would be fine.
But then again, the big players had no reason to bother with stuff like this, authors were practically lining up to publish through them.
He glanced at the clock. 8:00 PM.
I wonder if the Yukihira Diner is still open…
Feeling a little lazy, he decided delivery would be easier.
He remembered picking up some flyers earlier while passing through the shopping district, there had been one for delivery services.
He went to the living room, sorted through the stack of flyers, and found the one he was looking for.
Raising an eyebrow, he smiled lazily.
Living in the modern world is great. I don't even have to move to eat.
He dialed the number, and someone quickly answered.
"Moshi moshi, this is Satou Ramen. How can I help you?"
"I'll have one pork bone ramen, delivered to Room 2, Third Floor, Aoyama Apartments."
"Got it! Anything else?"
"No, that's it. Thanks."
While waiting for the delivery, Sato returned to his desk and resumed working.
With some free time, it made sense to finish Eriri's script sooner rather than later, he'd have more leverage if he wanted to ask her for favors.
But honestly… was she really an ojou-sama?
He seriously doubted it.
She looked like a half-European aristocrat, sure. But an ojou-sama drawing 18+ doujinshi? That felt way too far-fetched.
After a bit of idle speculation, he shook his head and got to work.
Opening a new document, an idea suddenly struck him. He typed out a title:
[Perverted Options in My Head!]
Yeah… this'll do.
Once the idea took hold, his fingers danced across the keyboard. Line after line of blush-inducing content filled the screen as he entered the writer's zone.
I am a man without emotions.
…
Knock knock!
The sudden knocking snapped Sato out of his concentration.
"Coming!"
He saved the document, grabbed his phone, and checked the time. The food must've arrived.
"Hello, here's your delivery."
Opening the door, he saw the delivery person, dressed in a ramen shop uniform.
What surprised him, though, was that the delivery person was a vibrant and youthful girl.
Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, and she had a very sharp, capable air about her.
But her face looked pale and drained, lips devoid of color.
Sato frowned slightly. After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "Are you okay?"
The girl forced a smile and shook her head. "It's nothing, just a bit of a cold. I'll be fine after some rest."
"Please wait a sec, I'll go grab the money."
"Alright."
Sato turned back inside, picked up his wallet, and was digging for cash as he walked back to the door, when his gaze sharpened, his head jerked up, and he shouted in alarm:
"Hey! Are you okay?!"