Ayumi Ito had been explaining everything in detail, her words flowing smoothly as she laid the contract out in front of Kyle.
Kyle only skimmed through the pages without much care. He wasn't particularly interested in the fine print.
To him, drawing manga in this world was just a means to an end, he needed to make enough money to survive, and complete the 'Born to Be Talented' mission which will hopefully take him back home.
In his previous life, Kyle wasn't even a manga artist. He was just a hardcore fan of anime, manga and video games. So he had no clue whether this offer was great compared to other newcomer contracts. But since this magazine was basically the equivalent of 'Shonen Jump' in his old world, the industry leader, the deal had to be decent.
After Ayumi finished her pitch, she looked at him expectantly. "Mr. Floyd, what do you think?"
"Hmm? Oh, right, sign here, here, and here, yeah?" Kyle suddenly perked up, pen already in hand.
"Yes, and also your fingerprint next to your signature… I'll make a photocopy of your ID later," Ayumi replied, clearly prepared.
"No problem," he said casually.
The entire contract process wrapped up quickly. Almost too quickly. Kyle hadn't even asked a single question.
That made Ayumi a bit uneasy.
"Um… Mr. Floyd, are you sure you don't have any questions?"
Kyle paused, then sheepishly scratched his cheek. "Well, actually... When do I get paid?"
Ayumi blinked, then answered with professional seriousness. "In this industry, payment is issued after your manuscript is officially accepted. If the work is approved, you'll be paid before the magazine is published."
She added, "Your first three chapters have been confirmed for serialization next month. So payment should come in before the 10th."
"I see..." Kyle nodded.
But inside, he was dying a little.
The 10th of next month? But today's only the 12th... I still have almost a full month to survive!
He pressed his lips into a thin line.
Seeing his reaction, Ayumi looked a little nervous. "I'm sorry. It's company policy..."
"It's fine, I totally get it! Long live understanding!" Kyle declared, waving his hand dramatically.
Then, as if changing topics out of nowhere, he asked curiously, "By the way, Ito-san, did you come to the Lagios alone? Wasn't Japan treating you well?"
Ayumi was caught off guard by the question.
"I... I used to work part time back home. I applied for a job in the manga industry here on a whim and somehow got accepted. So I came here," she said with a shy smile.
"I see. What's your hometown? Don't tell me it's Tokyo?" Kyle grinned.
Tokyo… that's like the most accident prone place in all of anime!
"No, it's in Kyushu," she replied. "Have you ever been to Japan, Mr. Floyd?"
Kyle shook his head with a touch of regret. "Sadly, no. But I've always wanted to go. Japan is, after all, the birthplace of anime and manga culture, right?"
In his past life, he had dreamed of visiting Tokyo. Maybe explore Akihabara, buy a suitcase full of merchandise, then come home happy. But back then, the world had been chaotic, and travel had become impossible.
Hearing this, Ayumi nodded in understanding. That explained why Kyle knew about Japan culture despite never being there.
Even though Japan was still the birthplace of anime and manga, with the rise of certain Companies in this country, and with its advanced economy, industrial chains, and structured systems, it had long surpassed Japan's original influence in the scene.
Economic strength determined cultural influence. That was true everywhere.
"If you ever get a vacation, I can take you on a trip to Japan!" Ayumi said brightly.
Talking about her hometown had clearly lifted her spirits.
Kyle chuckled, "That'd be nice. A little sightseeing wouldn't hurt."
Then Ayumi suddenly remembered something.
"Ah, right! Mr. Floyd, I still need your home address and personal phone number, so I can contact you or pick up your manuscripts if needed."
She had only managed to reach him once before through a landline, and she wasn't even sure if it had been his.
"That..." Kyle looked awkward.
He didn't actually have a personal phone.
"You can call the landline. As for the address…"
He grabbed a napkin from the table, borrowed the same pen he used to sign the contract, and scribbled something down before handing it to her.
"Here. Just come find me if you really need to."
Honestly, he doubted Ayumi would need to visit him anytime soon. He'd already submitted six chapters, which covered the next three months. When the time came, he planned to just mail in new manuscripts.
Why trouble the editor for nothing?
Ayumi glanced at the address, then carefully folded the napkin and tucked it into her blazer pocket like it was something precious.
"Looks like it's getting late." Kyle glanced at his bare wrist and pretended to check the time. "You should grab something to eat too. I'll get going."
"You're leaving already?" Ayumi looked a little surprised.
Kyle laughed. "I've eaten, I've signed the contract, if I hang around, what else am I supposed to do?"
He gave her a casual wave. "Enjoy your lunch break, Miss Ayumi!"
And with that, he turned and strolled out of the restaurant.
Ayumi watched him leave, a faint sigh escaping her lips.
"Mr. Floyd… really is a weirdo."
907 Words.