Ch 240. Eriri's Thoughts

"You there?" — Kasumigaoka

"What do you want? Is there something wrong?" — Eririri

A quick reply? It seems like Eriri has some free time on her hands right now.

Kasumigaoka thought for a moment and got straight to the point.

"I need a favor, and it's paid." — Kasumigaoka

"No way, I'm busy." — Eriri

Kasumigaoka narrowed her eyes, slightly increasing the force of her typing.

"What are you busy with? Playing on your phone counts as busy?" — Kasumigaoka

"The summer CM sketches and the illustrations for the second volume of your novel "The Strange Dream Chronicles". Those are my current tasks, and they're all approaching deadlines. How can I not be busy? As for playing on my phone? I took some time to graciously reply to your message?! You actually say I'm just playing on my phone! Kasumigaoka Utaha! You really are quite clever!" — Eriri

In Spencer Manor, Eriri was sitting in a rather ungraceful position at her desk, angrily responding to Kasumigaoka with her right hand holding her phone while her left hand was rubbing her small, round feet.

With her loose green tracksuit and the messy long hair casually draped behind her, she looked just like a slovenly girl.

Additionally, judging by the blank drawing paper and the paused Nintendo Switch on her desk, it was clear that she wasn't as busy as she claimed to be.

"Oh? Are you working on the sketches for the exhibition and the illustrations I requested? Is that all you're busy with right now? What about the game club? Haven't you started working on that yet? (⊙_⊙?)" — Kasumigaoka

Seeing the emoji Kasumigaoka added at the end, Eriri felt a surge of irritation, and she poked at her phone to retort.

"Didn't you drop out of the club? Why are you asking about that? What? Are you thinking of rejoining? Unfortunately, some positions for scripts have already been filled, so there's no need for you~" — Eriri

"I asked out of curiosity. As for going back? What are you thinking? I'm busy every day preparing for my novel creation, studying for entrance exams, and going on dates with my boyfriend. When would I have time for other things? I'd be crazy to go back." — Kasumigaoka

"By the way, I'm a bit curious. Who took over the script position? That Aki president has quite the 'high' standards. I'm curious who caught his eye. Could it be someone like me? Another hidden high school light novel author?" — Kasumigaoka

Eriri's eye twitched as she poked at her phone screen, feeling quite displeased as she replied.

"He took over the script work himself!" — Eriri

"Pfft~~ That's great! He can create on his own; he must surely be able to meet his own 'high' demands. Quite impressive." — Kasumigaoka

"By the way, Eriri, do your best. I have high hopes for your club's future. By the way, do you have a name for the club yet?" — Kasumigaoka

Seeing Kasumigaoka's sarcastic tone, Eriri gritted her teeth in frustration, not knowing how to retort.

To be honest, after Kasumigaoka left the club, Aki also took over the script work. Now, more than a week has passed, and not a single word of the main text has been written! Not even a word of the outline! Don't even get me started on the detailed outline!

Whenever asked if they had ideas, it was always "oh, I have plenty of inspiration, just need to write it down!"

When questioned why they hadn't written anything, it was always "I was busy with my part-time job! I forgot! I'll write it right away!"

And when asked again, it became "sorry, I'll write it immediately!"

Damn it! It's been over a week! She hasn't even seen a shadow of the script! And they expect to catch up for this year's winter CM? In their dreams! They might not even catch up for next year!

Also! They still don't have a club name! How should she respond to Kasumigaoka's sarcastic questions? Should she just make one up?!

Forget it, she doesn't want to give that cunning Kasumigaoka any leverage.

So what should she reply now?

Eriri thought hard, but the more she pondered, the more annoyed she became.

In the end, her irritation reached its peak, and she picked up her phone, forcefully typing out a message.

"Kasumigaoka! Are you annoying or what?! I'm busy! I don't have time to chat with you! Goodbye! No, I mean never see you again!" — Eriri.

After sending the message, feeling like she had lost, Eriri irritably placed her phone face down on the desk.

She could never win against that cunning woman, it was really frustrating!

It's all that idiot Aki's fault! If he had any backbone, she wouldn't be at a loss for words in retorts.

She must have been out of her mind to join this annoying club in the first place!

"Beep—"

Her phone vibrated, and Eriri looked at it, hesitating for three to five seconds before picking it up to check.

She just wanted to see what Kasumigaoka had replied, nothing more.

"Eriri, let's meet on Saturday. I want to talk to you about the novel illustrations. This is work, understand?" — Kasumigaoka

"Tsk~"

Eriri lightly clicked her tongue and instinctively replied.

"Got it!" — Eriri

Illustrations are work, and this is the first job for "Kashiwagi Eri," which is crucial for her future development.

She didn't want to tarnish her future reputation in the illustration industry just because she was sulking with Kasumigaoka.

But she was still quite angry… If she had known earlier, she wouldn't have taken on this illustration job for Kasumigaoka...

Maybe when the next volume needs illustrations, she could just refuse Kasumigaoka?

Eriri thought about it but decided against it. She actually liked "The Strange Dream Chronicles" quite a bit, and it would be nice to see the full text first.

Additionally, she really liked the female lead of this book.

White hair and red eyes, those traits were exactly like that jerk she knew...

Every time she drew illustrations of the female lead, she couldn't help but think of that guy...

"Hoshimi Kiyokawa..." Eriri muttered unconsciously.

She lifted her legs and placed them on the edge of the chair, hugging her calves with both hands, resting her head on her knees as she looked at the corner of her bedroom.

What was that guy doing now? Probably teasing some innocent girl in dreams like before...

"Ugh~" Eriri bit her lip, feeling a mix of emotions.

Once the club matters are settled, she should go find that guy...

With her family's financial power and connections, once she has a person's name and appearance, finding them wouldn't be difficult.

It's just that she never had the courage or reason to talk to her parents about it.

Forget it, she won't think about it anymore. She should hurry up and finish her current tasks...

The deadlines for the sketches and illustrations are really not far off...

"Ha~"

She took a deep breath, picked up her brush, and began to work.

But before the tip of the pen could touch the paper, she got distracted again...

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