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~~~~~~~
She didn't fully understand the meaning of the title.
But as a graduate of the Department of Literature, she could still make a few vague associations.
"It's April now, but the style doesn't seem to match the usual trends for the Newcomer Award…"
Dengeki Bunko had always been relatively tolerant of themes.
Still, in previous years, the awards were dominated by fantasy works.
Romantic slice-of-life novels tended to be character-driven, while fantasy novels were plot-driven. For newcomers, the latter was generally easier to grasp.
So, Fujii Yuuna didn't hold much hope.
After all, as a newcomer editor…
The more eye-catching manuscripts—those filled with reincarnation or demon-fantasy settings—were always chosen first by senior editors.
Even among the promising manuscripts, the ones with real potential rarely landed in her hands.
What she usually received were the ones no one else wanted.
Still, she decided to at least give this one a chance.
If it turned out decent, maybe she could reach out to the author about revisions…
That was the life of a new editor—growing together with new authors, struggling side by side.
She turned to the first page of the manuscript.
It was handwritten.
The penmanship was surprisingly neat and beautiful, with a sense of restraint and elegance.
Yuuna began to read carefully.
"In the autumn when I was 11 years old, I could no longer play the piano."
"The world became dim in my eyes…"
"…"
Immersed in the prose, Yuuna quickly found herself reading through half the manuscript.
Her expression shifted from curiosity to genuine surprise.
This was different—completely different from the sloppy works she had reviewed earlier.
Although the manuscript was only half a volume long, its framework was already solid.
The structure was unique, the pacing clever, and the foreshadowing subtle.
This was not something a novice could dash off in a week.
"Music as a bond… redemption like spring sunshine… The emotions are so raw and moving…"
Her eyes glimmered as she flipped through the manuscript again, searching for more details.
If nothing went wrong…
This work might be special.
Yuuna felt herself being pulled in. Even though it was unfinished, she was already captivated.
She quickly picked up the phone and dialed the review department.
"Hello, this is Fujii from the Kagurazaka Group. I have a manuscript here. Please run a plagiarism check on it immediately… Private Marseille."
Even though she felt confident in the originality, the process was mandatory.
No publisher could afford the scandal of plagiarism.
Especially not Dengeki Bunko, one of Japan's leading light novel imprints.
Finishing the call, Yuuna immediately made her way to the editor-in-chief's office.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Editor-in-Chief Kagurazaka!"
Kagurazaka Ayame looked up, a faint smile curving her lips as she saw the flushed, excited girl holding a thick stack of paper.
"What's this? Little Yuuna, did you strike gold?"
All manuscripts that junior editors approved had to pass through her first.
"Yes! It's a really good one. Please take a look!"
Kagurazaka took the manuscript, first glancing at the registration form for the Newcomer Award.
"Your Lie in April… Author: Ryuo Tenshin? No pen name…"
She skimmed the personal details, confirming that this wasn't someone already famous hiding under a pseudonym.
It really did look like the work of a newcomer.
And more than that—it was a slice-of-life story. A daily drama.
That required a delicate level of writing ability most beginners lacked.
Her expression shifted as she read.
From curiosity, to mild surprise, and then to serious focus.
"This… is incredible. This person is genuinely talented."
Though the grammar in places felt a little off, almost as if translated, it was nothing a proper round of proofreading couldn't fix.
Years of experience told her one thing—
If fortune was on their side, Your Lie in April had the potential to win the Gold Award.
"This manuscript is strong. Sign it immediately."
"I'll arrange additional resources for you. With a bit of push, I think this has a real chance at the Gold."
"Really? Thank you, Editor-in-Chief Kagurazaka!"
Ayame chuckled. "No need to thank me. You're part of my team. How could I not protect my own? Your internship is nearly over. I'll personally recommend you for a full-time position."
Yuuna's face lit up with joy.
"Thank you, Editor-in-Chief Kagurazaka!"
She left the office beaming, clutching the manuscript tightly as though it were her lifeline.
Ayame watched her go, a small, almost wistful smile tugging at her lips.
Helping Yuuna… was also helping herself.
In Dengeki Bunko, strong editors attracted strong authors. Popular newcomers would often submit directly to veteran editors, making negotiations and plot discussions smoother.
Though she held the title of editor-in-chief, Ayame was still the youngest among them.
Compared to her colleagues, the submissions she received often paled in quality.
And after Senjumura Masaru suddenly stopped writing, the pressure on her performance was heavier than ever.
She didn't dare hope Your Lie in April would become a legend like The Irregular at Magic High School or Sword Art Online.
But if it could win—even a bronze—at the Newcomer Award…
It would ease that crushing pressure, if only a little.
(Ps.)= I am changing mc name to Ryuo Tenshin
END of the chapter
Usual 200 power stone= extra chapter