Chapter 131: Shocked.JPG
Under Kaede's gaze, his mother directly stated: "Son, you're all grown up. It's time for you to move out and live independently."
"...What the heck?"
Kaede instinctively blurted out. Looking at his mother, he pointed incredulously at himself and asked: "Since when did our family have a rule like that?"
"It's a rule we just made today."
Asakura Reiko was playful and went along with it, then patted her son's head and said: "Don't think your parents are joking. This is something we seriously discussed. Listen as we slowly explain it to you."
"Fine, go ahead. I'd like to hear your reasoning."
Asakura Reiko didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "Look, your light novel is so popular now, Kaede. You've probably decided to pursue this path in the future, right?"
Kaede nodded: "Yes, it's mostly decided. Even if I stop writing later, I can switch to being a screenwriter or something; I've been reading books on that subject. Even if all else fails, I could become a novel editor or something similar, just to put my skills to use."
Given the current sales of konosuba, plus the subsequent anime adaptation, manga adaptation, merchandise, and other developments, the royalties alone would provide Kaede with a substantial income.
The issue of money, which can trouble many people for most of their lives, was no longer a major concern for Kaede.
Asakura Reiko nodded contentedly and smiled: "Exactly. Since your future path is set, all you need to do now, Kaede, is finish high school properly and get into the university of your choice. We know you won't easily give up on your studies."
"Beyond that, there is only one thing left for your parents to worry about, and that is your romantic life. You haven't disappointed us in this regard either, finding a lovely girl like Eriri right away. However, considering you are both still high school students, and you and Eriri are now collaborating on a manga serialization, there is one thing you need to seriously consider."
"Uh... what is it?"
Kaede felt like he grasped his mother's meaning, but he wasn't quite sure.
Holding up a finger, Asakura Reiko said: "That is: during high school, will the limited time you have after school for club activities and on weekends truly be enough for you to manage both your manga serialization and your schoolwork?"
"Of co..."
The word "course" was cut off halfway, and Kaede hesitated.
Indeed, during the summer vacation, provided they managed their time well, they didn't have to worry about the serialization schedule. But summer vacation wouldn't last forever; there was only about a month left.
Once school started, he might be able to balance his studies and work, but could Eriri truly manage it? This wasn't just drawing doujinshi; manga required much more time and energy, it wasn't just talk.
Seeing her son start to think, Asakura Reiko knew he understood the issue. She patted his shoulder and laughed: "So, I came up with an idea and brought it up with Sayuri. She and her husband discussed it and thought it was feasible. They are probably talking to Eriri about it right now."
"So... what exactly is the idea?"
"Of course, it's exactly what I said before: it's time for you to move out and become independent. Buy a house and use it as a studio with Eriri. As a bonus, you can further develop your relationship. Sounds good, right?"
"..."
Kaede was completely stunned. After fifteen seconds of silence, he finally gasped and looked at his parents: "Are you serious? At my age, you want me to move out and live alone
no, wait, live *with* Eriri? And according to you, Auntie Sayuri and Uncle Spencer agreed to this too?"
"Yes. Eriri should know about it now, just like you."
Something was wrong. There had to be a catch.
"It's not April Fool's Day, that was a long time ago."
Seeing Kaede's scrutinizing gaze, the Asakura couple knew their son didn't believe them. So Asakura Kiichi said: "Don't think we're messing with you. This is a very important matter. Just the issue of time alone is something you'll find hard to solve, won't you?"
Of course, having Eriri move in, or you moving in, could indeed solve the problem, but both of you would probably feel a bit uncomfortable. So, this method is the current optimal solution; we both discussed it, and it's feasible. Most importantly, Eriri's parents trust Kaede-kun to take good care of Eriri."
So, it's not a trick?
Kaede rubbed his chin. After the initial shock, he couldn't help but feel a stirring of interest.
No, it should be itching with anticipation.
While living at home was comfortable and reassuring, for a teenage boy, having a larger, independent, and private space was a long-cherished dream.
Kaede had thought about buying a house, but he originally envisioned that happening after graduating high school and entering university.
It seems that collaborating on a manga with Eriri has led to such an unexpected development.
He looked up and saw the playful gazes of his parents.
"...Don't look at me like that. I've seriously considered it, and as you two said, it's indeed a good method. But this matter mainly depends on Eriri's wishes."
With that, he stood up and walked upstairs.
"I'll go contact Eriri."
After their son went upstairs, Asakura Kiichi looked at his wife and asked, "What do you think of the situation on their end?"
"I think…"
Asakura Reiko tapped her chin and said with a smile, "It's not a big problem. The only issue, if there is one, is Eriri's somewhat tsundere personality. She'll probably be a bit shy after Sayuri tells her, and she'll only make her final decision after talking to Kaede-kun."
Our gaze shifts to Kaede's bedroom.
Kaede closed the door, sat on his chair, and sent a message to Eriri on his phone.
Less than half a minute later, Eriri's call came through.
After connecting, Kaede heard no sound, so he cautiously said, "Eriri?"
"Mm… I'm here."
It seemed her mood was a bit off; she probably already knew about it.
"Um, Eriri, your parents told you too?"
"Kaede-kun, you know too?"
When Kaede brought it up, Eriri sat on her bed, hugging a pillow, her heart still pounding.
Scratching his cheek, Kaede said, "This is the first I've heard of it too; it gave me quite a shock."
"Mm, I know. Mom explained it to me; Kaede-kun, you didn't know beforehand."
After a pause, Eriri's small face flushed, and she said, "Kaede, Kaede-kun, so what do you think?"