[33] Editor Suzuna Hiiragi

Chapter 33: Editor Suzuna Hiiragi

When Shunsuke put down his pen, it was already 9 p.m.

"Even with Star Platinum helping, it still took this long. Original work really is time-consuming and exhausting," Shunsuke said smugly. Then, he pulled out his phone and dialed his editor, Suzuna Hiiragi.

"Miss Hiiragi? Can you come over to my place right away?"

"Oh? Fujii-sensei, are you finally ready to release a new work?" she asked.

"Something like that. I guarantee you'll be blown away," Shunsuke replied confidently. "You should brace yourself, Miss Hiiragi~."

Suzuna Hiiragi, an editor at Shurin Publishing, was responsible for managing Shunsuke's work. She was known for her extreme dedication to her authors—willing to do anything for the sake of their creativity, even resorting to illegal methods if necessary. A dangerous person, to say the least.

After regaining his past life's memories, Shunsuke knew that Hiiragi had gone as far as playing adult games weekly with her most valued author, Shinobu Akiyama, just to stimulate her creative drive—truly the epitome of dedication.

Of course, only Shinobu Akiyama received such special treatment. For other authors like Shunsuke, while Hiiragi had high hopes, she wasn't quite that indulgent yet. Still, even so, she was always available on call, even late at night.

But Shunsuke felt that it might be time to push for an even closer relationship.

Quietly slipping away from the Izumi household, Shunsuke returned to his own home, sending a quick text to his "father," knowing he wouldn't be back that night either.

Soon enough, the doorbell rang, and there stood Suzuna Hiiragi, dressed in her work attire.

As he opened the door, Shunsuke's gaze was inevitably drawn to her impressive "front armor." No matter how many times he saw her, he couldn't help but be amazed. This is just unfair!

Perhaps the only person who could compete with her in this area was the yet-to-be-introduced Mrs. Yuigahama.

Hiiragi was dressed in her usual work clothes—a thin white blouse that could do nothing to hide her formidable assets, paired with a black skirt and lavender stockings. It was an everyday office outfit, yet on her, it seemed exceptionally fitting.

The only downside was her ashen-gray hair, which gave off a messy, odd, and gloomy vibe. However, her deep purple eyes contrasted this and added an air of mystery.

Seeing Shunsuke's gaze, Hiiragi smiled seductively, completely unfazed. After all, Shunsuke was one of her promising authors.

Though he wasn't yet on the same level as her star writer, Shinobu Akiyama, she certainly didn't mind indulging him with a little eye candy.

"Miss Hiiragi, your slippers," Shunsuke said as he knelt down, placing the slippers on the floor.

"Thank you."

In the hallway, Hiiragi leaned against the wall, her body slightly bent forward.

She gracefully slipped off her high heels, revealing her feet wrapped in lavender stockings, and then repeated the motion to take off the other shoe.

Shunsuke struggled to suppress the pounding of his heart, leading her into the living room.

"Miss Hiiragi, take a look at this. I'd like to hear your thoughts."

Once they sat down, Shunsuke handed her the revised manuscript of Overlord.

"Is it an isekai (otherworld) story? From the popular author of the isekai genre, Fujii-sensei? I'm looking forward to it," Hiiragi said, taking the manuscript in both hands and flipping through it quickly.

"Hmm, the focus is on subverting expectations, is it? As expected from you, Fujii-sensei, very creative. If this gets published, it will definitely shake up the market. Another fresh take on the isekai genre." Hiiragi smiled as she showered him with praise, skimming faster. "Truly, this is great work, Fujii-sensei."

"Now the truth?"

"Okay, it's unreadable." Hiiragi still smiled cheerfully as she delivered her harsh verdict without hesitation. "If it were from a newbie author, I might accept it, but this doesn't meet the standards I expect from you."

"Then take a look at this one."

Unfazed, Shunsuke handed her the manuscript for Snafu.

"Hmm? Two manuscripts at once? It seems the last one wasn't your best work after all. What a relief."

For the first time, Hiiragi looked surprised.

She hadn't expected Shunsuke, who had just finished his previous novel, to have already written two completely different works.

The Overlord manuscript was actually good in her opinion, but she had deliberately critiqued it harshly to encourage him to refine it further.

"So this one's a lighthearted, comedic style? A new approach, Fujii-sensei, I see you're trying to break new ground. I admire that."

At first, Hiiragi remained composed and confident, but as she continued reading, her pace slowed. Gradually, she became absorbed in the plot, occasionally unable to suppress an odd smile as the humor caught her off guard.

Meanwhile, Shunsuke wasn't idle. As Hiiragi immersed herself in the story, he quietly shifted closer, seating himself right beside her.

"Interesting, very interesting. It's been a long time since I've read something so entertaining that I lost track of time. Fujii-sensei, this book will be a huge hit!"

"Is that so? Then does your opinion of me improve?" Shunsuke leaned in, draping his left arm over Hiiragi's shoulder, closing the gap between them like old friends sharing a favorite author's work.

"Yes, Fujii-sensei, you've made significant progress. I remember you weren't very good at comedy before."

To his relief, Hiiragi didn't react negatively to his small gesture, which meant his "privileges" had been upgraded.

Now, he just wondered how far he was from the level of Shinobu Akiyama, where the editor practically worshipped her.

"Then, could I trouble you to look at this one next?"

As his hand casually slid down, Shunsuke passed her the manuscript for Monogatari.

"There's more?!"

Hiiragi was astonished and eagerly grabbed the new manuscript, diving into it with intense focus.

As for Shunsuke, he didn't just sit idly by—he allowed himself to get lost in his own thoughts, enjoying the moment.

As one of the "Top Ten" editors at Shurin Publishing and an industry-leading professional, Hiiragi naturally wouldn't wear anything low-quality.

The stockings she had on were undoubtedly high-end, top-tier in both comfort and durability.

As time passed and the story progressed, Hiiragi stretched her neck and adjusted her posture.

Her once formal, upright sitting position gradually relaxed, and her legs, which had been tightly pressed together, now subtly shifted into a more comfortable angle.

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