This Weekend is a Bit Busy

"Madam? Is Hanayui-sensei married?" Izumi Kotomi asked, keenly picking up on the word and curious about it.

"Yes, but her husband passed away in a car accident a few years ago. Now, she's raising two daughters on her own. Her older daughter just started high school this year, and the younger one is in kindergarten."

Upon hearing this from Yukinoshita Haruno, Kotomi nodded and said, "I think I understand why Hanayui-sensei didn't choose to become a full-time illustrator."

If she were a full-time illustrator for Dengeki Bunko, her income from illustrations would increase significantly, and it might even make her life a bit easier.

However, relying solely on illustration work as a career can carry some instability.

From Yukinoshita Haruno's description, it was clear that Hanayui wasn't a student or a recent college graduate just starting out in society. She not only needed to earn a living for herself but also had to support two daughters who were still in school, sustaining her family on her own.

Under such pressure, it was natural for Hanayui to avoid becoming a full-time illustrator. Although her illustration quality was high, she still had only a modest reputation and couldn't confidently rely solely on illustration to sustain a career.

"She once told me that the reason she didn't become a full-time illustrator was because she needed to raise her two daughters alone. Raising two children who are still in school requires a lot of money. Although illustration work can be lucrative, she's unwilling to give up her job at the shop."

"A shop? Is Hanayui-sensei's main job running a store?" Izumi Kotomi asked.

She couldn't help but feel that Hanayui's situation sounded a bit like Yuigahama's mother's.

Hmm… no matter how you think about it, that seems unlikely. It couldn't be such a coincidence, could it?

"Yes, she mentioned before that her drawing time is after the shop closes at night. She draws in her bedroom when her daughters are asleep. Knowing this, I've extended her monthly deadlines as a small favor," Yukinoshita Haruno said with a light laugh.

"Editor Yukinoshita, you're unexpectedly kind~" Kotomi teased.

She was met with Yukinoshita Haruno's slightly disgruntled murmur:

"What are you talking about? I'm naturally very kind, okay? It's just that some authors love to procrastinate, which has gradually made me more strict. I've just sent the documents to you via email, Kotomi-sensei. Please take a look. Seriously, why is the editing department's internet so slow today? It took forever just to send one email."

"Let me check." Kotomi saw a notification for the email pop up in the corner of her computer screen. She clicked on it and saw that Yukinoshita Haruno had carefully compiled the information.

Each illustrator's pen name was clearly listed, along with their previous works, and at least ten sample illustrations were provided for Kotomi to review.

Since it didn't take long to review the information, Kotomi decided to keep Yukinoshita on the phone while she looked through it, so she could immediately share her decision.

Although she planned to just skim through, she ended up spending 15 minutes on it.

On the other end, Yukinoshita Haruno patiently waited without saying a word. Occasionally, Kotomi could hear the sound of a keyboard being typed on and a mouse clicking, indicating that Yukinoshita was working while waiting for Kotomi's thoughts.

Another seven minutes passed before Kotomi finished reviewing the illustrator profiles. She picked up the phone and said, "Sorry for the wait. I took a bit of time to look through everything. Are you still there, Editor Yukinoshita?"

"I'm here, eating some koala cookies," Yukinoshita Haruno replied, munching on her snack. "Kotomi-sensei, are you satisfied with these five illustrators? If none of them suit you, you have the option to choose any illustrator you'd like. As an A-ranked author for Dengeki Bunko, you have the privilege to freely select your illustrator."

"I remember that clause from when I signed the contract. But I don't think I need to choose another illustrator this time. I'll go with Hanayui-sensei. Her style really resonates with me."

Kotomi made her decision firmly. She wasn't choosing Hanayui out of pity; it was because, after reviewing the five illustrators' works, she found Hanayui's illustrations the most appealing.

It wasn't that Hanayui's work was extraordinarily groundbreaking.

Rather, her style just happened to align perfectly with Kotomi's preferences.

Of course, it matched the more "normal" part of Kotomi's preferences.

The reason for choosing Hanayui as the illustrator was just that simple.

"Alright then, Kotomi-sensei, are you free this weekend? I'd like to arrange a meeting between you and Hanayui-sensei to discuss the illustrations for the first volume of Sword Art Online."

Knowing that Kotomi was a high school student who had to attend classes, Yukinoshita Haruno had specifically scheduled the meeting for the weekend.

Since Kotomi had plans to go for yakiniku with her sister on Friday night and to watch a movie with Megumi Kato in Roppongi on Saturday, it seemed like Sunday was the only available time.

"I'm free on Sunday," Kotomi said after thinking it over.

Well then, with plans for both Saturday and Sunday, it looked like there wouldn't be any time to stay home and play Azur Lane over the weekend.

Still, going out for a bit during the weekend and taking a break from gaming wasn't such a bad idea.

"Sunday it is? Perfect. Hanayui-sensei is also available on Sunday, so that saves me the trouble of coordinating your schedules," Yukinoshita Haruno said with relief. Coordinating meeting times between authors and illustrators was one of the most exhausting tasks.

It wasn't so bad when both parties responded quickly, but the worst was when you couldn't reach someone by message or phone.

Usually, it wasn't a problem, but not getting a reply in a crucial moment was nerve-wracking.

After finalizing the meeting with Hanayui, Kotomi hung up and continued looking at Hanayui's illustrations.

To be honest, even if there were better illustrators, Kotomi would still choose Hanayui.

It couldn't be helped—Hanayui's illustration style just resonated with her so strongly.

The qipao, the black and white stockings, the figure, the blush on the cheeks…

It hardly seemed like the work of a mother of two.

That's the end of volume 2 for today.

Time to open the browser.

Phone: Visiting this site may be risky.

Kotomi: Proceed anyway.

Risks are fine; if it's not risky, I'm not interested!