[406] The First Step of the Plan

Chapter 406: The First Step of the Plan

"What brings you here today, Hachiman?"

Seeing Sonoko Machida bring up business matters, Hachiman dropped his playful demeanor.

"Well, it's nothing major, really. As I mentioned to you before, my novel 'That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime' is coming to an end, and I'm also planning to start a new book."

"I came today to discuss with you the completion of 'That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime' and the first volume of the new book."

"Oh, I see. Those two matters," Sonoko nodded as she listened to Hachiman.

Being Hachiman's dedicated editor, she was already aware of these issues. She had even considered using them as a pretext to draw him out during his birthday party preparations, but was rejected by Utaha.

However, Sonoko wasn't worried about these matters. After all, considering Hachiman's character, he must have made thorough preparations before making any decisions.

After some thought, she decided to ask about Hachiman's plans: "So, Hachiman, what are your plans?"

"As for me?" Hachiman paused, then outlined his plan, "My plan is to conclude 'That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime' by the middle of the month and release the first volume of the new book by the end of the month."

"So soon to release a new book? How have you prepared for the content of the first volume?" Sonoko asked.

"Don't worry about that, Sonoko. I've already written the first volume of the new book. Here, take a look," Hachiman smiled and pulled out a stack of A4 papers containing the content of "The Garden of Sinners," the first volume of the new book.

"You've already finished it? Your typing speed is truly remarkable, Hachiman."

Surprised to hear that the first volume of the new book was already completed, Sonoko expressed her amazement.

"Let me see."

Taking the stack of A4 papers from him, Sonoko began to read through them. As an editor, rapid reading was one of her key skills, and in less than half an hour, Sonoko had finished reading all the content of the first volume.

Setting aside the manuscript, Sonoko closed her eyes and savored it for a moment before reopening them.

"As expected of you, Hachiman."

"Thank you, Sonoko," Hachiman smiled and shook his head.

"What do you think of the overall quality of my new book's first volume?"

"Since it's your work, Hachiman, the quality of the manuscript is unquestionable. The world-building is grand, although the story in the first volume carries a somewhat dark tone, the plot is tight and highly engaging," Sonoko praised, then stood up.

"In that case, let's proceed with signing the contract."

It seemed that, compared to the conclusion of "That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime," Sonoko placed more emphasis on Hachiman's new book. After all, the old book was entering its final stages and just needed a normal conclusion, without any major issues. Moreover, she had just read the first volume of the new book, which had excellent quality at the beginning. She believed that with Hachiman's skill, the rest of the story wouldn't disappoint. As long as it was promoted properly, achieving sales in the millions wouldn't be a problem.

However, at that moment, Hachiman spoke up, "Wait a minute, Sonoko, about the contract for the new book, there's something I need to discuss with you."

His objection to the contract surprised Sonoko.

After all, the standard contract terms offered by Kadokawa to Hachiman were already comparable to those offered by a certain old thief who played mahjong, representing the highest standards in the industry.

"Hachiman, your contract terms are already the highest in the industry. If we increase them..." Sonoko hinted subtly.

But Hachiman continued to shake his head. "Sonoko, you misunderstand. What I want to discuss isn't the fee standards in the contract, but something else."

"Something else?"

"Yes," Hachiman nodded and explained his plan.

"What I want to say is that I only want to assign the rights of this novel, or rather, this series of novels, to Kadokawa's novel and manga divisions. I need to retain the rights for other aspects."

"Retain rights for other aspects?"

Hearing this request, Sonoko was puzzled.

After all, apart from novels and manga, the only profitable aspects left were games and merchandise. Was Hachiman planning to develop a game?

But she didn't dwell on it too much and paused before speaking.

"I can't make that decision alone. I need to consult the chief editor."

"Then please, Sonoko, could you help me inquire about it?" Hachiman asked.

"No problem. Just wait a moment, Hachiman. I'll go ask the chief editor right away," Sonoko nodded, then took the manuscript and left the meeting room.

Chief editor's office.

After knocking on the door, Sonoko entered.

Seeing her enter, the middle-aged chief editor asked, "Editor Machida, what's the matter?"

"Chief Editor, today, Wakamono-sensei is here," Sonoko replied.

Hearing that Hachiman was here, the middle-aged chief editor raised his head.

"Oh? Wakamono-sensei is here? Does he have something to discuss today?"

"He's here to discuss the conclusion of 'That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime' and the start of a new book," Sonoko continued.

"Oh? A new book? Is that what you're holding?"

Like Sonoko, the middle-aged chief editor was more interested in the new book than the conclusion of the old one.

"Yes, this is the first volume of Wakamono-sensei's new book," Sonoko nodded and handed over the manuscript.

Taking the manuscript from her, the middle-aged chief editor quickly skimmed through it.

With a snap, he finished reading it quickly.

"As expected of Wakamono-sensei, grand world-building, and perfect pacing in the story. It's quite engaging," he said, placing down the manuscript and exhaling, echoing Sonoko's assessment.

"This fully meets the publishing standards. Is there anything else?"

"Yes, actually, Wakamono-sensei requested some changes to the contract," Sonoko nodded and explained Hachiman's request.

"Oh? Only allowing us to have the rights for the novel and manga? All other rights to be retained?"

Hearing Hachiman's request, the middle-aged chief editor pondered for a moment before making a decision.

"No problem, agree to it. After all, Kadokawa's main business is only in novels and manga. As for game and other rights, let Wakamono-sensei have them."

Although he had some reservations about Hachiman's additional request, the middle-aged chief editor wouldn't risk offending Hachiman over such a small matter. After all, with Hachiman's current status as the king of light novels, other publishers were eager to have him. If he got upset over this small request and went to another publisher, it would be a loss for Kadokawa.

"Alright, I'll go back and inform Wakamono-sensei."

Seeing the chief editor's agreement, Sonoko nodded and then left the chief editor's office.

Soon, Sonoko returned to the meeting room, holding the modified contract in her hand.

"Alright, Hachiman, the chief editor has agreed. Let's sign the contract."

Taking the contract from her, Hachiman glanced over the specific terms and then nodded.

"Alright, let's sign the contract."

Saying that, he signed his name in the signature column.

Watching him sign the contract, Sonoko breathed a sigh of relief.

With two copies of the contract prepared, she handed one back to Hachiman.

Taking the signed contract, Hachiman also breathed a sigh of relief.

With the game rights secured, this could be considered the first step of the plan.

Putting away the other copy of the contract, Sonoko smiled, "Alright, that's settled. How about grabbing lunch together?"

"Sure." Hachiman nodded without hesitation.

After some waiting, it was already 11 o'clock, just in time for lunch.