NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: Chapter 8: The Protagonist of a Light Novel is a Reflection of the Author
Chapter 8: The Protagonist of a Light Novel is a Reflection of the Author
The next morning.
Despite having said "Good night,"
Kasumigaoka, dressed neatly, still showed faint dark circles under her eyes.
Her skin was always beautiful, one might even say it was natural, so even a slight dark circle like that showed how irregular her sleeping habits were.
She hugged her tablet.
Today, Kasumigaoka was headed to Fujikawa Shoten.
Even though she had stayed up late, she had finally completed the fourth volume of The Metronome in Love, the project that had been delayed for so long... thanks to someone.
Before leaving the house, she walked past the entrance.
She noticed the white slippers on the shoe rack, still with their price tags on.
Size 37.
Kasumigaoka Utaha stared at the slippers for a moment before striding out of the apartment.
.....
At the café on the ground floor of Fujikawa Shoten,
Machida Sonoko had already ordered two cups of coffee and was waiting.
Kasumi Utako-sensei, or Kasumigaoka Utaha, had delayed the fourth volume for quite a while.
This made Machida Sonoko worry whether Kasumi Utako would be able to complete the manuscript before the deadline.
Or perhaps they'd have to push the release date back.
Unexpectedly, early this morning, Kasumi Utako suddenly reported that the new volume was complete.
This news made Machida Sonoko so happy that she could hardly believe it.
But at the same time, she also felt a vague sense of unease.
The history of The Metronome in Love's release had been tumultuous.
When Kasumi Utako first brought the manuscript for the first volume to meet her,
Machida Sonoko, a veteran editor, had the feeling of "being enlightened."
It was a work that, at a glance, anyone would feel could sell very well.
While it might not become a "masterpiece," it would surely make a splash in the market.
After its release, reality proved that Machida Sonoko's judgment was correct.
Volume 1 sold a total of over 1.3 million copies.
At this rate,
The Metronome in Love could publish 10 volumes, the average length of a light novel series, and wrap up.
The total sales could surpass 10 million copies.
It would become one of the best-selling works on the rankings.
However,
Volume 2 ended in a disastrous failure.
The sales were only around 200,000 copies.
Despite the continued support from the strong promotion of Volume 1.
This nearly caused The Metronome in Love to be halted mid-way.
In the end, though it persevered,
Volume 3 ended up as a mediocre work.
It no longer had the same impressive impact as Volume 1.
If this continued, Volume 5 would probably have to end hastily,
Becoming the typical example of a rushed, unsatisfying conclusion.
Though for a new author, this was still an incredible achievement.
Machida Sonoko, however, felt that Kasumi Utako could absolutely do more than just this.
As she pondered,
The café door opened.
Machida Sonoko quickly composed herself and waved at Kasumigaoka Utaha entering.
"Shi-chan, over here!"
Kasumigaoka sat down across from Machida Sonoko and pushed the printed manuscript for Volume 4 toward her.
Then she rested her hands on her cheeks, clearly a bit tired.
"I've told you before, don't call me that."
Seeing that Kasumigaoka Utaha seemed down,
Machida Sonoko stopped teasing.
"Alright, alright, Kasumi Utako-sensei, let me take a look at the manuscript..."
She fully focused on reviewing the manuscript.
Before even flipping through the first page,
Machida Sonoko couldn't help but widen her eyes.
She quickly flipped to the next page.
Her initial concerns almost disappeared.
The manuscript for this volume made her feel once again like the first time they had met—her perspective was being expanded.
The only sound between them was the rustling of the pages being turned.
About half an hour later, after flipping through the last page, Machida Sonoko closed the manuscript.
"Wonderful, Kasumi Utako-sensei! This volume will definitely turn the tides for the work!"
Upon hearing such praise,
Kasumigaoka Utaha only traced circles on the table with her finger, not showing the joy that one might expect.
The coffee in front of her had barely been touched.
She only took a sip and then couldn't continue drinking.
Compared to the cup of coffee she had last night, the difference was so stark that she couldn't swallow anymore.
Machida Sonoko, oblivious to Kasumigaoka Utaha's distant state, excitedly said,
"Kasumi Utako-sensei, have you recently met someone who makes your heart flutter?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha's finger paused for a moment as she traced circles on the table, then she looked up.
"Why do you say that?"
Machida Sonoko pointed to the manuscript in her hands.
"A common issue for new authors is that the first protagonist is often a reflection of themselves, an extension of the author."
"In this volume, 'Sayuka' in your work seems to have come alive, making the reader feel deeply moved."
"This situation often indicates that the author's own emotions have been reflected in the work, meaning there is 'sincerity' in it!"
Upon hearing this, Kasumigaoka Utaha instinctively placed her hand over her chest.
'Is it that obvious?'
...
After discussing the issues related to the release,
Volume 4 would be released early next month.
Fujikawa Shoten would allocate some promotional resources and organize a launch event.
They hoped that the excellence of this volume could shift public opinion about the work.
Kasumigaoka Utaha returned to her apartment.
As she entered,
Her eyes once again fell on the white slippers on the shoe rack.
After a moment,
She took off her black leather shoes and neatly placed them on the step next to Yukima Azuma's shoes.
Then she took the white slippers, peeled off the tag, and slipped them on.
They fit perfectly.
"Kasumigaoka-senpai, you're back! Can you help me bring out the dishes?"
The call from the kitchen echoed.
Kasumigaoka Utaha quickly walked toward the kitchen, her steps slightly hurried.
From the kitchen, she brought out some dishes that looked very appetizing.
Today, Yukima Azuma had made stir-fried green peppers with meat, Mapo tofu, and tempura shrimp.
Both their appearance and aroma were irresistible.
As she brought the dishes out, Kasumigaoka Utaha secretly grabbed a piece of tempura shrimp and popped it into her mouth.
The tempura coating was crispy, and the shrimp inside was fresh and juicy.
If it weren't for Kasumigaoka Utaha's strong self-control,
When Yukima Azuma came to the table, there would likely be no tempura shrimp left.
Watching Yukima Azuma in the kitchen, skillfully cleaning up,
The corners of Kasumigaoka Utaha's mouth couldn't help but curl up.
Renting this place had truly been a wonderful decision.
The time ahead was still long.