The contract signing between Hikigaya Hachiman, Sawamura Eriri, and Kodansha went very smoothly, especially for Eriri. She was very satisfied with the 11,000 yen per page fee she would receive, having originally expected only about 8,000 yen.
"You deserve this, Ms. Kashiwagi Eri," the editor from Weekly Young Magazine in charge of the contract explained. "You know, your name is still very influential in the comics industry. The attention your name alone can bring is worth the price we're offering. And after reading the first draft of the first chapter you brought, we've become even more confident." The reality was that an author's fame itself held value, and well-known creators could command a much higher starting price than newcomers. Otherwise, the magazine wouldn't have directly offered Hachiman the sky-high rate of 40,000 yen per page.
"Well, although I'm very happy, I still feel a little embarrassed when I think about the source of the name Kashiwagi Eri's popularity," Eriri admitted, signing her name on the contract with a slightly flushed face.
"It's a general trend for artists from the 'underground' scene to 'come ashore' into the mainstream, and this industry will only become more competitive," the editor encouraged her. "Believe me, Ms. Kashiwagi Eri, you entered the industry at the right time. Our Weekly Young Magazine is definitely the leader among magazines of its type."
As with any other magazine serialization, the publisher assigned an editor to answer questions and ensure the author updated their work on schedule. Thus, Eriri gained her first official editor in her mainstream manga career.
"By the way, Ms. Editor," Hikigaya Hachiman asked, "does the magazine have a rough plan for the start date of The Jukakukan Incident's serialization?" He was very concerned about this; his original idea was to ride the wave of popularity from The Clockwork Museum Incident.
"The magazine discussed this at the last serialization meeting," the editor replied. "Weekly Young Magazine understands how hot The Clockwork Museum Incident is, and we're even more anxious than you to capitalize on its popularity. However, since there are no vacant serialization slots at the moment, we estimate the first chapter won't run for another two weeks, likely on August 3rd. Please understand, Mr. Hachiman." Serialization in a manga magazine was rigid; if other manga couldn't make room, even Hikigaya Hachiman would have to wait.
"August 3rd? I think that's great," Hachiman said, looking at Eriri. The two had agreed beforehand to use her pen name in business situations. "How about you, Ms. Kashiwagi?"
"I have no problem with that," Eriri said confidently. "Two weeks is enough time for me to draw a rough outline of the second chapter. I'm confident in my drawing speed."
"But, Ms. Kashiwagi," the editor cautioned, sensing a rather ominous premonition – many authors started confidently but quickly fell behind the weekly deadline. "No matter what, the pressure of weekly serialization is still quite high. If you need anything, you can contact the magazine, and we will recruit assistants for you."
"An assistant? Is that really necessary?"
"Let's hire one, Ms. Kashiwagi," Hachiman also advised. He didn't want Eriri's first mainstream manga to get bogged down, which could impact her reputation. "You still have other work, right? Drawing and updating around 30 pages for The Jukakukan Incident every week is quite stressful."
"Since you both say so..." Eriri conceded. "I'll make a careful plan based on my current workload when I get back. If it's really necessary, I won't force myself. By the way, Ms. Editor, if I do need an assistant, please help me contact a girl." Please forgive me for refusing to work with men other than Mr. Hachiman.
After the contract was signed, Yagami Takashi left first, having a lawsuit to attend to. The rest naturally went out for a meal together. Hachiman led everyone back to the Indian restaurant they had visited before. Somehow, he actually missed the taste a little.
"Writer Hachiman, your taste is really unique..." Eriri muttered as she watched the waiter pour an indescribable paste into the bowl in front of her with a large spoon.
"Trust me," Hachiman said, eagerly tying his napkin around his neck. "I've been here before. You won't be disappointed."
"By the way, Mr. Hachiman," the editor asked curiously, "how did you come up with the idea of publishing The Jukakukan Incident as a manga?" It was well known that his royalties were astronomical. Even Disintegration of Various Causes, his lowest-selling work, had brought him at least 70 million yen pre-tax, with his other novels undoubtedly exceeding 100 million. Publishing The Jukakukan Incident as a book, leveraging its status as a prequel to The Clockwork Museum Incident, would guarantee another 100 million yen in royalties.
"Reason? I don't think there was one," Hachiman said calmly before stuffing a mouthful of paste into his mouth. "I just wanted this story to be expressed in the form of a comic. I guess it was just out of interest."
Of course, this was just a pretense. He couldn't very well say that he didn't think The Jukakukan Incident would get good reviews as a book, and to avoid lowering the reputation associated with the name "Hachiman," he'd decided to publish it as a manga instead, right? That would be disrespectful to both Eriri and the magazine. Besides, the script was excellent in all aspects; it just wasn't quite up to the standard of his previous works.
"You're so willful, Mr. Hachiman," Sawamura Eriri said happily. "But I'm lucky to have gotten this opportunity." She then carefully took a mouthful of the paste, chewed a little, and immediately took a second bite.
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