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Chapter 18 – Hearing More Than 2 Million Yen!
When Hanae Yuiga heard the amount, she didn't look happy at all—she looked panicked.
"Ryuo, don't lie to your aunt! Did you… did you join the Yakuza? Or do something bad?"
Her voice trembled with fear. She had heard rumors of shady old women targeting handsome high school boys, and the thought gnawed at her heart.
If Ryuo Tenshin really had done something shameful, how could she face his late mother?
Her tone cracked, close to tears.
Ryuo: "…"
For a moment, he almost laughed. What on earth was this misunderstanding?
He let out a helpless sigh before explaining:
"Aunt Hanae, I really did write a novel. Mizuki knows about it too. When you go home tonight, ask her—she can tell you herself. I also still have the award certificate from the contest. You can read it with your own eyes."
"You… you…"
"Mizuki and the report won't lie to you."
On the other end of the phone, Hanae's voice quivered.
"Okay… I believe you. I know you'd never lie to me. I just… I couldn't believe it at first. I'm so happy… Ryuo, then please, keep that money safe for your college fund."
But Ryuo shook his head firmly.
"I'll keep 400,000 yen out of the 2.4 million, and transfer the rest to you. I know you've been raising three children alone, borrowing money from neighbors and relatives. You never told us how much you really owe. Please, use this to pay back the debts first."
"There's no rush… You should save for your tuition first. Auntie will pay you back every yen, with interest—"
Ryuo cut her off gently but firmly.
"This award money is only a bonus. Once my book is officially released, I'll start earning monthly royalties. It's enough for me to live on. You don't have to worry about me."
There was silence on her side.
Ryuo lightened his tone. "So listen to me—pay off the debts first. Besides this book, I've also written a short story. That'll earn money too."
But Hanae couldn't help scolding him:
"You kid! How can you think you'll make money every time you write? It's already amazing you've earned this much from one book! Even the greatest writers can't expect every story to sell."
"I have confidence," Ryuo replied without hesitation.
"Honestly… nonsense!"
"Auntie, I'm not too worried about tuition. My grades are high enough that I have a shot at special VIP admission. If I succeed, university will be free. That will ease your burden too."
"…Alright, alright. Auntie believes in you. But before that happens, you still need to be prepared."
"I know."
After much back-and-forth, Ryuo finally persuaded her to use the money for debts. With her reluctant agreement and repeated promises, he ended the call.
Leaving Dengeki Bunko, Ryuo went straight to the bank. He cashed the check and immediately transferred 2 million yen to Hanae Yuiga.
From the remaining money, he withdrew ten crisp 10,000 yen bills.
When he returned home, Yuiga Mizuki had already picked up Hazuki from kindergarten and was cutting radishes in the kitchen.
"I'm back."
"Welcome home, onii-chan. How was the meeting?" Mizuki asked casually, not mentioning the contract at all.
"No big deal."
"Eh? Didn't Editor Fujii treat you to a fancy dinner?" Mizuki tilted her head curiously. She'd heard from Takasago Chie, who worked at her classmate's bookstore, that editors always treated authors after a contract signing.
"I refused. I was more worried about you handling the stall alone with Hazuki."
Ryuo changed into more comfortable clothes, then handed Mizuki a crisp 100,000 yen bill.
"I've already given most of the prize money to mom. This is for you. Use it to buy a new school uniform. Whatever's left, keep as pocket money."
Mizuki stared wide-eyed at the bill in her hand.
"One… one hundred thousand yen? Onii-chan, isn't this too much?"
Her voice shook with disbelief. Their entire stall barely made this much in a month. For a middle schooler, it was staggering.
"You should always have some money on you. Besides the uniform, buy new socks, underwear, anything you need."
"…Alright…" Mizuki's voice was faint, but her fingers tightened around the money. After swallowing hard, her lips curved into a rare, bright smile.
"Onii-chan, you're amazing. To think you can earn so much just by writing novels…"
"Stop flattering me," Ryuo chuckled. "Let's close the stall early tonight. We'll go shopping together."
"Okay!" Mizuki's smile shone, pure and beautiful.
The two of them didn't stop working hard just because of this small success. Step by step, they kept moving forward.
…
At six in the evening, inside the Dengeki Bunko building, Editor Fujii Yuuna was still at her desk.
Though she was thrilled about signing a new author, the real battle hadn't even begun.
Until the New Talent Ranking was finalized, none of the editors could relax. The competition was fierce—the one who secured first place would not only claim the "Most Popular Award" but also gain an invaluable bonus.
And just now, she had spoken with Editor-in-Chief Kagura Saka and the ever-demanding Yamada Elf-sensei.
The topic: Eromanga-sensei.
After much discussion, the editor-in-chief made a decision. Though Yamada Elf was a popular transfer author and deserved some recognition, the final choice would come down to merit.
The condition was simple—
The winner of the New Talent Ranking would earn the prize:
Eromanga-sensei herself would illustrate their new work.
END of the chapter
200ps= 1 extra chapter