The air in the room suddenly grows still after Yamada Elf's declaration of war. Hiratsuka Ryosuke looks at Elf with a thoughtful expression. Something about her is strange today. According to logic, there's no reason for her to be so dramatic. He could just ask Eriri if she'd like to collaborate. Elf helped a lot during the creation of Sword Art Online, so introducing her to the artist isn't an issue. Why is she acting like we're at war?
"What do you mean, 'she's mine now'?" Ryosuke asks, shaking his head. "She lives in this villa district too. If you want to meet her, I can have her come over."
"Huh? Really? Kashiwagi Eri lives here, too?!" Elf's eyes light up with surprise and delight. The air of hostility dissipates, replaced by pure excitement.
Ryosuke nods slightly. "She's a fan of yours, so I don't think she'd mind. I'll contact her for you."
"What? She's my serv... no, my fan?!" This must be a sign that the heavens support me, Yamada Elf, in becoming the god of light novels!
Ryosuke takes out his phone and sends a message to Eriri. He looks at Elf, a little curious. "Teacher Elf, you always said writing light novels was a game for you. Why are you so set on working with Kashiwagi Eri?"
Yamada Elf was once number one on the Oricon charts. She could work with any top-tier artist in the industry, so why is she so fixated on an unknown like Kashiwagi Eri? Eriri is good, but she's not a top artist yet. Seeing Ryosuke's action, Elf relaxes. She sits on the floor, resting her elbows on the table, and props her chin on her hand, closing her eyes.
"I do see light novels as a game," she says nonchalantly at first. Then, her eyes snap open, and her expression becomes serious and determined. "But what's the fun of a game if you don't play it seriously? It's because it's a game that you have to give it your all. As for Kashiwagi Eri, when I saw her illustrations, I felt like I found a true partner. I know we can create the perfect light novel together."
Yamada Elf's calm words stir something in Ryosuke. This world is full of geniuses, and while talent is important, what's more important is their effort and their unyielding will to be the best. Both Yamada Elf and Eriri are rare geniuses, but how much hard work and perseverance have they put in to earn that title? It's because it's a game that you have to give it your all. He finally understands her mindset. Ryosuke also feels that Eriri is the perfect fit for him. While her drawing skills aren't at the very top, she has a knack for capturing the perfect character for a light novel.
Meanwhile, Eriri is lying on her bed, scrolling through Twitter. A new message notification pops up. She clicks on it.
"Eriri, are you free today? I have a friend who wants to meet you. The location is..."
"By: Hiratsuka Ryosuke."
Eriri nearly drops her phone. Is this... a date invitation? She had just managed to forget her mother's words from last night, but this message brings it all back. Today, of all days, he's inviting her out. That friend must be him, right? Does he really have feelings for me? Were all those coincidences actually planned by him? Her mind races, and her eyes spin. She shakes her head to clear her thoughts, her golden hair swishing like silk.
She looks at the location and sees that it's in the same villa district. "Does that mean he lives here, too?" she whispers. She thinks about it. She's never been to his house, and he's never been to hers. The district is huge, so it's not surprising that they don't know many people. The first time they met was here, and he was carrying a large bottle of a drink, like he was on his way home. Is he inviting me to his house?That's too fast, isn't it?No, it's normal for friends to invite each other over. We're partners, and our novel was a success. Maybe it's a celebration party?
The thought makes her feel better. She jumps off the bed, opens her closet, and throws a pile of clothes onto the bed, sifting through them. This jacket? No, I only wear a tracksuit at home. This dress? No, it's too formal; he might feel pressured. In the end, she chooses a red dress. In the full-length mirror, she sees a girl who is both pure and cute, full of youthful energy. She smiles, grabs her purse, and prepares to leave.
"Eriri, where are you going?" Sawamura Sayuri asks, seeing her daughter putting on her shoes. On weekends, Eriri is usually either playing games or drawing. Sayuri knows her daughter well and knows she would never go out on a weekend unless there was a special reason.
"Mom, I'm going to a friend's house," Eriri says, turning back and smiling as she opens the door.
"Is it that Hiratsuka-kun? Don't forget to come back early," Sayuri says. She knows her daughter's true self and the face she shows to others. Eriri seems to have many friends, but in reality, her relationships are superficial. Sayuri is happy that her daughter has made a true friend.
Eriri waves and leaves without looking back. She checks the address on her phone. It's not far, so she quickens her pace.
A little while later, Eriri stops in front of Yamada Elf's house, and her excitement turns to fear. She hadn't paid attention to the address before, but now that she's standing in front of it, she recognizes it. The villa is rumored to be haunted. The iron gate is rusty, the lawn is unkempt, and the walls are covered in ivy, giving the house a gloomy look. People in Japan visit their neighbors when they move, but no one has ever seen the owners of this house, though they sometimes hear piano music coming from inside.
She looks at the message on her phone, willing herself to believe she read the address wrong. No! It's here. Eriri swallows and tries to gather her courage. She trusts her partner. She opens the rusty gate and walks into the yard. Slowly, cautiously, she makes her way to the front door. Just as she's about to press the doorbell, she hears a loud, confident shout from inside.
"I will never give Kashiwagi Eri to you!"
The declaration dispels all of Eriri's fear. Her face flushes instantly, and she stomps her foot. She knows who the voice belongs to.
Hiratsuka Ryosuke, you... you brute!