On July 24th, Hikigaya's summer vacation began. The results of the previous midterm exam had been announced. The full score was 900, and Hikigaya scored 705 points, ranking third in his grade. The top two scores were only slightly higher than his.
After receiving numerous congratulations and praise from his classmates, Hikigaya Hachiman left the school. However, he did not head home immediately; instead, he went to a roadside bookstore to buy the first volume of "Love Metronome," which Editor Machida had mentioned a few days earlier.
While searching in the light novel section of the store, Hikigaya spent a considerable amount of time before finally locating the book. He paid at the front desk and then sat down in the bookstore to start reading.
As a light novel, the first volume of "Love Metronome" wasn't very long, and light novels are generally quick reads. Before long, Hikigaya Hachiman closed the book, stood up, and walked out of the bookstore, feeling the furtive gazes of several girls upon him.
He didn't have any particularly strong feelings about the first volume. It was just an ordinary campus romance story, and it felt somewhat bland for a light novel, more like a story that could be completed in a single volume.
After returning home, Hikigaya opened the manuscript of the second volume of "Love Metronome," which had been sent to him by Machida. He needed to read this volume carefully, as it contained all the key issues.
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"Hello! Mr. Hachiman, how can I assist you?"
Machida answered the phone so quickly that it startled Hikigaya.
"Hello, Editor Machida. I think we need to meet to discuss Kasumi Shiko's novel. Let's meet at our usual place."
Hikigaya felt that talking over the phone was too inefficient, so he suggested a face-to-face meeting. He knew she would undoubtedly come to the appointment, so he didn't phrase it as a question.
As expected, Machida arrived even earlier than Hikigaya, and she appeared somewhat haggard. After all, Kasumi Shiko was a promising talent assigned to her by the company, but the novel had been cut short after only six months under her management, meaning Machida would no longer be associated with Fuzugawa.
"I won't say any polite words, Editor Machida. I just hope that after today's meeting, you'll go home and get some good sleep. You're in a very bad state right now," Hikigaya said with concern. However, Machida Sonoko only responded with a bitter smile.
"Let me start with a straightforward question, Editor Machida. Who hired the illustrator for this novel? With all due respect, I cannot commend their work."
While it may be an exaggeration to say that light novels are akin to buying toilet paper and merely giving away illustrations, the significance of illustrations in light novels is undeniable. This is emphasized by the following statement:
"Teacher Kasumi Shiko doesn't care about illustrations, so the publisher appointed an illustrator directly. Unfortunately, his skill is lacking. If the next volume can be published smoothly, I will replace him."
Machida also concurred, adding, "Let me address the issues with this work. Initially, when I read the first volume on its own, I didn't think the problems were severe—just a bit thin. But after reading the second volume, I recognized the real issue. I believe Kasumi Shiko lacks the determination to create a light novel."
Hikigaya formed his judgment. Machida Sonoko seemed somewhat taken aback but remained silent and listened attentively.
"The second volume of 'Love Metronome' was written by Kasumi Shiko with great difficulty. She realized it would take longer, but she simply couldn't create new conflicts. Instead, she relied on minor emotional rifts between the male and female protagonists."
"To make the love story between a man and a woman more substantial, we could introduce their parents as obstacles to their relationship, allowing the main plot to revolve around both characters seeking their parents' approval. This could lead to a new storyline."
"Alternatively, we could add some melodrama. For instance, introducing a third party—a cliché but effective trope. Trust me, light novel readers generally don't mind moral implications, as long as the new characters are well-developed. This is where the role of illustrations becomes even more crucial."
"If all else fails, we could throw in some drama. For example, one of the characters might need to move away due to family reasons, leading to intense longing for each other. On a snowy night, they could overcome many obstacles to meet briefly. Though their encounter is passionate, it only lasts for one night."
"Even if they stay in touch, they grow and meet new friends. The boy finds a girl in his new location who admires him. While he reminisces about his old love, the new girl struggles to express her feelings. Eventually, as graduation approaches, he is about to leave, and she cannot muster the courage to reveal her affection."
"Later, they begin their careers and lose contact. The hero thinks he has moved on from the heroine, leading a monotonous life as an office worker, even entering a new relationship that soon fizzles out."
"One day, while passing by a railway track, the hero sees a figure that looks familiar yet strange. It turns out to be the heroine, who is about to get married. When they recognize each other and turn around to speak, a train rushes between them. By the time the train passes, the heroine is gone, leaving the hero standing alone... Wait, why are you crying, Editor Machida?"
Hikigaya, absorbed in the story, noticed that Machida Sonoko had begun to shed tears.
"No, I'm fine. I'm sorry, Mr. Hachiman; I've just been a bit emotionally fragile lately," Machida replied, her voice still trembling.
"To summarize, Kasumi Shiko is struggling with a literary youth illness. She failed to expand the content properly. The hero and heroine in the book were happy in the first volume, and she forced a rift between them. It feels too forced and pretentious, and readers don't want to see that," Hikigaya concluded.
"I think I understand. I'll contact Kasumi Shiko immediately. Thank you, Mr. Hachiman. Have you ever thought about writing a light novel? Everyone in the company would welcome your work," Machida said with a newfound seriousness.
"I appreciate the offer, but please forgive me, Editor Machida. I will only ever write mystery novels," Hikigaya replied, his resolve unwavering. He had long determined that he would not write anything other than mystery novels.
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Latest Chapter - Chapter 70Hikigaya Hachiman 's job
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