Morning Visit to Sawamura's House
Yuuya woke up at five in the morning.
By seven, his morning run was finished.
After enjoying the breakfast Kawasaki Saki had prepared for him, he rode his motorcycle to the Sawamura residence.
Before even knocking, he saw Eriri Sawamura herself.
She opened the gate and guided him to park his motorcycle.
Then, she led him through the front door.
Inside, Yuuya immediately noticed the young woman on the sofa.
She looked very young, dressed in a traditional kimono.
The same twin tails, the same figure…
"Eriri, is this your sister?" Yuuya asked on purpose.
"She is…" Eriri started, but was interrupted.
"I'm Eriri's sister. Nice to meet you, Yuuya-kun," Sayuri Sawamura said, cutting in politely.
"Likewise, nice to meet you," Yuuya replied with a bow.
Eriri looked speechless but knew better than to argue.
Once Yuuya straightened up, Eriri quickly pulled him aside.
Sayuri, watching Eriri lead him toward her room, couldn't hide her smile.
Eriri's Room
Eriri's room was tidy, but it didn't have a typical girlish vibe.
Light novels, manga, figures—her shelves were all filled with 2D-related items.
Eriri took out an unopened work from a drawer and handed it to Yuuya.
"Take it home to read," she said.
"Can't I read it here?"
Just glancing at the cover, Yuuya knew this was not something simple.
Eriri blushed and quickly changed the subject.
"Let's look at the original illustrations instead. I've completed everything as you requested."
"That fast?"
"I knew you were eager, so I haven't worked on any other projects yet."
"Thank you, Eriri," Yuuya said sincerely.
She opened her computer.
"I've compressed all the illustrations into a file and sent it to your email. If any need changes, just send me the numbers and your requests. And if you ever need Eriri Kashiwagi for promotional material, just let me know."
After reading, Yuuya took her hand gently.
"The contract will be ready Monday. Ten thousand yen per illustration; skin prices can be settled later."
"That's too much," she said, surprised.
"Not at all. This is just the first collaboration. There'll be many more opportunities, including the virtual character project I mentioned."
"If you have any ideas, tell me."
"This will take some time. At least until the game succeeds. Only then can I convince Yukino Yukinoshita to invest further in my project."
"If you need funds, the Sawamura family could also invest."
"I don't need money. I sold an apartment earlier and just got two billion yen."
"Then why cooperate with the Yukinoshita family?"
Eriri looked puzzled.
Yuuya smiled slightly.
"The Yukinoshita family has connections we can use. My collaboration partner is Yukino Yukinoshita, and she also needs to show results to Mrs. Yukinoshita. This partnership is for the future—I'm investing in the future Yukino Yukinoshita."
Eriri finally understood.
"The Yukinoshitas are impressive. Being friends with her will definitely help your career."
"Eriri, you're also important for my career. Once the virtual streamer project is confirmed, you can become the creator of the virtual character. I'll give you shares."
Yuuya gently held her hand, looking at her softly.
"Affection from Eriri Sawamura +50"
Eriri blushed.
Just as she was about to speak, a knock came at the door.
She snapped out of it, withdrew her hand, and went to answer.
Sayuri was standing there with a neatly cut fruit platter.
"Hope I'm not interrupting?" she asked.
"We were discussing serious business," Eriri said, clearly realizing her mother was deliberately interrupting.
Sayuri chuckled behind her hand.
"Carry on then," she said.
Eriri took the fruit platter and closed the door.
She set it in front of Yuuya.
"Have some lunch before you leave," she suggested.
"I've got an appointment with others at the company," he replied.
"Do you need me to come with you?"
"Not for now. Eriri Kashiwagi's identity still needs to remain secret," Yuuya said, shaking his head.
Eriri hesitated for a moment.
"I want to create a new artist persona for public appearances," she admitted.
"Become a competitor to Eriri Kashiwagi?"
"Yes. What do you think?"
"Then Eriri Kashiwagi should remain mysterious," Yuuya agreed immediately.
Maintaining the secret until her college graduation was wise. If revealed now, the otaku community might be buzzing, but it would be harmful to her real-world reputation.
Eriri brightened at his agreement.
"Can you help me come up with a few names?"
"Affection from Eriri Sawamura +50"
Company Arrival
From eight to ten in the morning, Yuuya stayed at the Sawamura house.
Riku Aki and Hayama Hayato had already left and should be arriving at the company soon.
Half an hour later, Yuuya parked his motorcycle and approached the building.
He immediately saw Hayato and Riku.
"Yuuya-kun," they greeted in unison.
Yuuya nodded.
"Let's go."
The 2-Yuu Company occupied the sixth floor of the building.
The three took the elevator up.
As soon as the doors opened, Yukino's mother, Yukino Yukino, was at the front desk, sipping coffee.
She smiled upon seeing Yuuya.
"Yuuya-kun, you're late."
"I went to speak with the artist. I've got all the original character illustrations."
"That fast?"
"She's quite a famous artist."
"What's her name?"
"Eriri Kashiwagi," Yuuya said, glancing at Riku Aki behind him.
Riku's face went pale with disbelief.
Yukino Yukino looked puzzled.
Hayato noticed Riku's reaction.
"You know Eriri Kashiwagi?" he asked.
"She's famous, though her works are… unique," Riku admitted hesitantly.
Yukino Yukino instantly understood. She lifted her coffee.
"Let's see if Eriri Kashiwagi's work suits our game."
Reviewing Original Illustrations
Ten minutes later, in the 2-Yuu Company meeting room, Yuuya opened the original illustrations by Eriri Kashiwagi.
Most of the people present had at least heard of her name.
Seeing the character designs, everyone nodded in approval.
"This matches what we envisioned," they agreed.
"How skilled is this artist?" Yukino asked.
"The quality is top-tier in the industry. Even with money, it's not easy to commission her," the lead artist praised.
Yukino looked at Yuuya.
He smiled.
"I not only secured the original illustrations, but we can also use them for promotion. Once the game launches, Eriri Kashiwagi herself will help publicize it."