This time, the incident of running away didn't cause too much of a stir; he easily bluffed his way through.
In their eyes, although Kani Nayuta's behavior was a bit over the line this time, it was understandable, especially if one knew Nayuta's life experiences.
Furthermore, new events arriving also diverted their attention.
One of these events was that Mashiro's manga would begin its official serialization next week, finally putting her on the same track as Eriri.
If it were according to Mashiro's previous performance, her ranking might soar quickly, but there's a significant difference between manga and oil painting genres; the demand for artistic quality isn't as high, with the focus being more on entertainment value.
Even with improvements, this was still Mashiro's biggest weakness and would require the test of time, so Eriri could rest easy for now.
Another event was the impending broadcast of Yamada Elf's debut work, "explosive flame dark elf," as an anime.
To be honest, everyone wasn't very interested because the story content was too cliché, and the production team couldn't make it stand out, but the author herself was hyping it up.
There was no choice; everyone could only give Miss Elf some face and show a little concern.
"Hehehe, just you wait, my 'explosive flame dark elf' will definitely be widely praised, and disc sales will exceed your imagination! Maybe it'll even be more impressive than Chihiro's Madoka!"
Yamada Elf stood on the sofa, hands on her hips, proudly scanning everyone with a condescending attitude.
"Widespread praise is out of the question, but disc sales might not be bad."
Izumi Chihiro gave a fair assessment.
For example, the origin of the 'Wall of Masterpieces' is similar; a large portion of disc sales for niche, highly-rated works often don't match those of such works.
"Sales for a 'fan service' show might not be low, but surpassing senior's 'puella magi madoka magica' is impossible!"
Kani Nayuta asserted decisively.
The data created by "puella magi madoka magica," even when separated from light novel achievements, was outstanding and rarely matched by other works. Moreover, there were already rumors in the industry that certain major awards would go to "puella magoka Madoka magica," solidifying its unique status.
Yamada Elf's mouth twitched, once again feeling defeated.
I was just bragging a little, do you really need to be so serious!
"Oh, by the way, let's have a party this Saturday!"
She continued, pretending not to be affected.
"What are you trying to do now?"
Senju Muramasa's eyes flickered.
"Hehehe, you'll find out then...!"
Yamada Elf gave a mysterious smile, her finger lightly touching her lips.
In fact, without much thought, everyone already guessed that since they had just discussed the anime broadcast, what she wanted to talk about must be related to it.
As for parties, everyone was already used to them; they were no different from their usual interactions, just creating an atmosphere.
However, this time was slightly different from before.
By Saturday.
At Miss Elf's villa, a rather lively and formal dinner party was held. Yamada Elf even personally played a well-known tune to make the banquet more sophisticated.
"I dedicate 'Unreachable Love' to you all!"
She said in a cheerful tone.
...
How can I make my heart reflected in the mirror for you to see?
Even if it's a love that ultimately becomes a luxury, will there be a day when it's reflected in the mirror?
Before I can see a faint glimmer of dawn, this love remains stagnant.
...
"She's actually singing this song, this one has an ulterior motive!"
Kani Nayuta smiled, a rather playful smile.
"Is this one showing off?"
Senju Muramasa said with an unfriendly look.
"That tone, why is Elf singing so happily? Is her mindset that good? Or does she really think she can achieve the final victory?"
Sagiri felt a bit puzzled.
"I heard Elf's confession was unsuccessful before, is that why she chose this song?"
Elmi, who had been in the corner, frowned.
Everyone had their own thoughts.
"Now, today's main event is here!"
Yamada Elf walked out of the music room, still thinking about the segment she had prepared.
Today, she had Elmi bring samples from the production team to show everyone the quality of her animated work and share her joy.
Everyone gathered by the TV. Elmi took out the prepared sample footage, loaded it, and then the animation quality that played was extremely poor...
Yamada Elf's face immediately darkened.
The others were about to tease her, but seeing her state at that moment, they didn't know what to say.
The atmosphere on site gradually dropped to freezing point.
"Elf..."
The sample was ejected. He picked it up and glanced at it, about to say something.
"Don't comfort me! I can still endure this kind of blow... haha ah ha, I'm fine! It's just a failed animation, it happens often in the industry, I won't mind... Maybe it was because the schedule was too tight, so they just did a perfunctory job..."
Although Yamada Elf put on an optimistic expression and tried to keep her voice cheerful, it sounded more like crying.
"No, I mean... Elmi might have grabbed the wrong sample."
Izumi Chihiro emphasized.
"Eh?"
Yamada Elf's expression froze.
"I'd seen Madoka's sample before, and comparing it, I noticed it was missing the final inspection step, which means it wasn't the finished product."
He explained.
"Speaking of which, the quality was really too poor. Regardless of the schedule, the first episode should have been given a little more care. It was truly outrageous, and that animation studio has always had a good reputation... so it really might have been the wrong one."
Kani Nayuta also stepped forward to speak.
With that analysis, Yamada Elf's mood immediately brightened.
"Oh no, I really did grab the wrong one! Wait, I'll have someone bring it over right away!"
Elmi took the sample from his hand, confirmed it, and immediately her face changed drastically. She pulled out her phone to contact the production staff.
Not long after, someone brought over the finished first episode sample.
"explosive flame dark elf" Episode 1 was replayed. This time, it was clearly normal, considered first-rate production quality. The animation, direction, and storyboarding were all well-executed, and it better matched the commercial value of the work.
After all, this was a light novel adaptation that sold over a million copies. Even if the reviews weren't great, such a work shouldn't be sacrificed so casually.
After watching the first episode, Yamada Elf immediately beamed with joy.
"Thank you for the reminder, Chihiro!"
She didn't forget to thank him. Without overthinking, she directly pounced on him.
An Elf came into his embrace!
---
💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter