As Expected of My Daughter!

After hearing Izumi Kotomi's words, the Izumi couple put down their chopsticks, ready to listen attentively. In their eyes, whenever a child wanted to talk to their parents, no matter how trivial the matter might seem, it was important to listen seriously and help the child solve any confusion. It wasn't right, like some parents, to impatiently dismiss a child's concerns.

"What is it? Whatever it is, you can tell us, and we'll help you with it," Izumi Kaneyoshi said, his face adorned with a gentle smile.

"Is it about the hobby you've been busy with lately? You told me before that you would let us know once you had some results," Izumi Akina asked with a knowing smile. She was the first to guess what was on her daughter's mind.

"Yes," Kotomi nodded, not denying it.

"Then, are you telling us now because you've achieved something?" Akina continued.

"Yes," Kotomi confirmed again. Having a mother who understood her so well was quite convenient; she hardly needed to explain, and her mother already had most of it figured out.

Just like how a grandparent will always remain a grandparent...

A mother will always remain a mother, and there's no denying it.

Seeing Kotomi acknowledge it once more, Akina simply smiled, "So, tell us about it. Your father and I are very curious about the hobby that's been keeping you so busy."

"A hobby that can turn into a profession... Haha, I can't quite guess what it could be," Kaneyoshi pushed up the black-framed glasses on his elegant nose, smiling warmly.

"Onee-chan, what's this hobby of yours?" Izumi Aimi asked, unable to contain her curiosity.

"It's writing novels," Kotomi said seriously, then added, "To be more precise, I enjoy creating stories, and if possible, I'd like to make a career out of it."

Despite having mentally prepared themselves, the family was still surprised by Kotomi's revelation.

"Writing novels? I never knew you had this hobby, you little rascal. You really kept it well-hidden."

"You don't look like someone who writes novels at all, Onee-chan. Are you secretly writing those kinds of novels full of adult content on some mysterious website? Quick, send me the link... Cough, not for me, but for my friend Iroha who wants to read it."

"Novels, huh? I prefer reading Haruki Murakami's works," Kaneyoshi said, chiming in.

Seeing that her family was only surprised and curious, without any negative reactions, Kotomi felt warmth in her heart. She continued, "I noticed that Dengeki Bunko was holding a novel contest, so I decided to submit a manuscript."

"Dengeki Bunko? That's the light novel label by the Dengeki Group, right?"

Kaneyoshi was somewhat familiar with Dengeki Bunko, "I've heard from colleagues that their novel contests are notoriously difficult. If you're planning to submit to Dengeki Bunko, the chances of success might be slim. But whether you succeed or not, I support you. Just having the courage to try makes you worthy of being an Izumi."

"Creating, huh? When I was in school, I loved 'Sailor Moon,' so I dreamed of becoming a manga artist like Naoko Takeuchi," Akina reminisced.

"But you gave up that dream the very next afternoon because you couldn't draw to save your life," Kaneyoshi added, not holding back.

"Kaneyoshi!"

Akina, rarely seen blushing, shouted in embarrassment.

"Onee-chan, do your best! When your novel gets published, treat me to some yakiniku with the royalties," Aimi encouraged.

"If you want yakiniku, I can treat you this weekend," Kotomi said with a smile.

"Wait, does that mean you've already..." Aimi was the first to catch on.

"Yes, my novel became very popular after I submitted it, and I've successfully signed with Dengeki Bunko! The first volume should be entering the publication process soon."

"Really? That's my daughter!" Akina praised.

"Not only that, but I've also earned some royalties. Dengeki Bunko deposited them into my account today."

"How much? Do you need Mom to help you manage it? Haha, just kidding," Akina joked.

Compared to her mother's optimism, Kaneyoshi was a bit more concerned, his voice serious as he said, "Kotomi, you're still young and might not fully understand what signing a contract means. Once you sign, it means that while you gain benefits, you also have obligations to fulfill with Dengeki Bunko."

"Don't worry, Dad. I read the contract carefully, and there aren't any major issues. Plus, I'm very satisfied with the terms Dengeki Bunko offered. The contract I signed is an A-level contract."

"An A-level contract? That sounds like a high-level contract. If that's true, securing an A-level contract with your first book shows how talented you are. But remember, the fact that Dengeki Bunko is willing to offer you such high terms means they value you greatly. They'll likely use your novel to make back their investment many times over. That's just the nature of business."

"Well, explaining it like that might be a bit too complicated for a child to understand. But I'm sure our daughter won't be taken advantage of," Akina said with a smile.

"True," Kaneyoshi agreed, nodding.

"That reminds me, a few days ago, when you went to Tokyo in the afternoon, was that to sign with Dengeki Bunko?" Akina suddenly recalled.

Since her mother had remembered this, Kotomi saw no point in hiding it and nodded.

"So that's why you insisted on going to Tokyo alone. You're really brave, going all the way there by yourself to sign a contract. Do you realize you're only 16?" Akina said, her voice tinged with concern.

"Hehe~" Kotomi responded with a sheepish grin, scratching her head and sticking out her pink tongue.

"It's fine. Kids need to grow up eventually. Consider it a valuable experience," Kaneyoshi said, more at ease with the situation. He hoped his daughters would learn to be independent.

"You..." Akina shook her head, half in exasperation. Then she asked, "By the way, Kotomi, since you've signed the contract, how much are your royalties?"

Kotomi raised her hands, her left hand showing an eight, and her right hand showing a six.

"8600 yen? Are royalties from Dengeki Bunko usually this stingy? But it's okay. It's already impressive that you earned royalties with your first submission. Keep at it, and your royalties will surely increase!" Akina encouraged.

"But Onee-chan... 8600 yen isn't enough to treat me to yakiniku. How about we split the bill? No, I should treat you! Consider it a celebration of your first successful novel submission."

Aimi, who was already subconsciously thinking of taking care of her sister for life, chimed in.

"Not 8600 yen. It's 860,000 yen," Kotomi corrected.

In an instant, the Izumi household fell silent again.

"Kotomi, that's a good joke, but it's not very funny, haha," Kaneyoshi said with a chuckle.

It was understandable. After all, it was hard for parents to believe their 16-year-old daughter had suddenly earned 860,000 yen.

Kotomi had anticipated this reaction. Fortunately, she had already mentioned that the money came from her light novel royalties. Otherwise, if she had just said she earned 860,000 yen, her parents would have been worried she was involved in something shady.

"But my first royalties really are 860,000 yen. If you don't believe me, take a look."

Kotomi pulled out her phone, which she had prepared in advance, and showed them the text message confirming the deposit.

Akina took the phone and, after seeing the message from the bank, was stunned. Then, with a voice full of surprise, she asked Kaneyoshi, "Dear, is this real?"

Kaneyoshi checked several times before finally nodding, "It's real. It's a notification from the Tokyo Central Bank. It seems our precious daughter really did earn 860,000 yen in royalties."

After a moment of silence, Akina turned to her husband, her voice tinged with excitement, "It looks like our daughter truly has a talent for making a career out of writing!"

"Indeed," Kaneyoshi agreed with a nod.