Chapter 288: User Experience Feedback?
"Is it going to end?"
"Yes, it's going to end." Utaha typed quickly with both hands, her tone carrying a hint of reluctance. "The outline only planned for this much. This volume at the end of the year was originally supposed to be the conclusion, but along the way, I got many more ideas and expanded quite a few stories, which is why I wrote one extra volume. I've already discussed it with the Bunko; after the conclusion, we can probably launch a series of follow-up projects, whether it's a manga or an anime."
"What about the new book then? What genre do you want to write for the new book? Still high school romance?"
"It should be."
Utaha nodded. "For the new book, I plan to write it from a different perspective. I won't say the specific subject matter yet; I've only just gotten a bit of inspiration, and it hasn't expanded enough to form an outline."
"That's really great, being able to finish it successfully."
Eriri sighed, then looked toward Kaede and asked, "Kaede-kun, how many more volumes until Konosuba finishes?"
"Me?" Kaede paused his work, counting on his fingers. "The ninth volume is after the New Year, and then about six more volumes? I plan to release up to Volume 15, though I don't rule out adding one or two more if I think of interesting stories. After all, it's a different world; any kind of inspiration can be put into it, as long as the story is fun."
Uchimaki Subaru, holding a Jump magazine, flipped a page and said, "Then you might not even finish next year? I still want to see what kind of story you plan to write when Konosuba concludes."
"That? It's no use asking me now, I haven't even planned it myself yet."
Kaede spread his hands, saying helplessly, "If I were writing a modern story, I probably wouldn't write a slice-of-life one; it would still be focused on combat. But then, that's pretty similar to an alternate world novel; both require constructing a complete worldview, which takes the most time."
Although he said that, naturally, Kaede couldn't reveal all his thoughts. He currently had ideas, some of which he had accumulated and written down before, but he had never brought them out.
Perhaps he would only bring them out after Konosuba was finished. In any case, whether it was a modern type or an alternate world type, Kaede was prepared.
After talking about the two light novel authors, Eriri thought about her own manga, tilting her head slightly. "Forget it, I won't talk about mine. nurarihyon will take at least two more years to draw. Alright, I should draw the things for Utaha first."
Hearing Eriri say that, Kaede looked over curiously. "Did Senpai commission you?"
"Yeah, the New Year's illustration and the signing event picture. It's not too difficult; it'll only take a few days." Eriri's calm tone revealed her absolute confidence in her current drawing skills.
As she spoke, she also looked at Utaha. "By the way, after this book concludes, are you planning to ask me to help you with character designs and illustrations for your new book?"
Utaha hadn't actually considered that question, and she immediately started thinking seriously. "Hmm... If you have the time, that would be great. After all, your drawing skills are constantly improving, and collaborating with you would definitely be a good investment."
"I can do it!"
Eriri smiled slightly. "I'll give you a friend discount then."
"A friend discount." Utaha gave a wry smile. "A popular mangaka's friend discount is still not cheap, but of course, it's fine."
... Collaboration on the new book—all that was still far off and could be discussed later.
That evening, Utaha sent a text message to Eriri, who was playing a game.
Utaha: [Asakura-kun's birthday is in two days. The outfit you bought should be put to use then, right?]
Eriri, holding the controller in one hand, picked up her phone, glanced at the message, and immediately put the phone down, looking over at Kaede, who was typing on his keyboard.
Sensing Eriri's gaze, Kaede turned his head and asked curiously, "Hmm? What's wrong?"
"N-nothing at all?"
Her twin tails swaying quickly, Eriri denied it, then shifted her body and picked up her phone at an angle that prevented Kaede from seeing it.
This scene was naturally noticed by Kaede, who smiled and shook his head.
It seemed she was talking about some girl talk and didn't want him to see it.
After confirming that Kaede couldn't see, Eriri puffed up her cheeks and started chatting with Utaha.
Eriri: [Don't suddenly bring that up! Kaede-kun almost saw it!]
Utaha: [Didn't you say you don't draw manga at night? How could Asakura-kun see it?]
Eriri: [But Kaede-kun is writing next to me while I play games, so it's easy for him to see!]
After more than ten seconds, Utaha replied.
Utaha: [Typical of you two. You're doing different things, yet still sticking together. Anyway, enough about that. You haven't answered my question yet.]
Eriri: [What question? (Cute face)]
Utaha: [Don't play dumb. I'm still waiting for your user experience feedback!]
Eriri: [W-what do you need that for?]
Utaha: [To use as content for the afterword in the final volume of my novel. Isn't that great?]
Eriri: [You really know how to play the game.]
After a pause, she replied with a slight blush: [I should... I should use it, but I might not necessarily give you any user experience feedback.]
After all, heaven knows what will happen once she puts on that outfit.
Utaha: [It's fine. I'll come and rush you later. Just make sure you don't forget the situation at the time.]
No way, if they kept talking, it felt like they were going to start crossing lines. Eriri immediately ended the topic, stopped chatting with Utaha, and focused on playing her game.
Unfortunately, the content of her chat with Utaha kept popping into Eriri's mind, making her unable to stop imagining things.
Hmm... Kaede-kun should like it, right?
Speaking of which, it seems they haven't been to the beach or a pool this year? She hasn't had a chance to show Kaede-kun her swimsuit.
Thinking of this, Eriri immediately moved her chair to face Kaede and asked, "Kaede-kun! I have an idea!"
Kaede didn't move his head, clearly engrossed in his writing. "What is it?"
"Look at me first!"
Having no choice, Kaede stopped what he was doing and looked at Eriri. "Alright, tell me what this is all about?"
"I wanted to say that we haven't gone to the beach this year!"
"That?" Kaede was momentarily stunned, then continued, "Didn't I ask you? You said you didn't want to go because there would be too many people."
"Uh..."
It seems that was actually true?
Her cheeks slightly flushed with embarrassment, Eriri immediately said, "I don't care! Anyway, I've decided that we must go next year, whether we rent a private beach or book an indoor pool or something!"
Kaede naturally had no objections. Summer would be the perfect time to see Eriri in a swimsuit.
If she matured until next year, Eriri would definitely look great in a swimsuit.
He was a little expectant