Chapter 410: Celebration
The title chosen this time was different from the previous book, *love metronome*, and did not resemble the naming conventions of typical light novel titles. It was no wonder Kaede felt a stomachache just hearing the name.
Seeing Kaede's reaction, Utaha laughed and said, "Don't worry, it's not as dramatic as you think. Although there will be some relatively convoluted romance stories, I didn't intend to write a bad end. The endings for all the characters in the novel are still quite good. Well, they should be."
"That'should be' of yours makes me even more nervous."
Kaede grimaced and looked at Eriri beside him: "Eriri, you've read the first volume of Senpai's novel. What is the content like?"
"Well..." Eriri hesitated, glancing at Utaha. "Can I talk about it?"
"You can. Anyway, my new book will start promotion next month. When the samples are ready, I'll give them directly to you."
"Alright, then I'll talk about it briefly, and Kaede-kun can read the rest himself later!"
Eriri smiled and said, "I read the first volume; it mainly focuses on the male and female leads. Utaha said she used me and Kaede-kun as templates, but the content is quite different, so there's no sense of déjà vu. Overall, it's a cheerful and slice-of-life story, with the appearance of many other main characters who will have their stories slowly developed later. Anyway, it's definitely interesting! As for the stomachache factor... I haven't seen the outline for the subsequent plot, so I really can't promise anything."
"Hey, hey, hey! Didn't I tell you there wouldn't be any stomachache factor?"
Utaha thumped the table and said discontentedly to Eriri, "Don't mislead people!"
"Tch, do you think I'd believe what you say? You might change your mind and write something heartbreaking one day, just to watch a huge wave of readers wail online!"
Eriri pouted, immediately complaining about Utaha's wicked tastes.
But there was indeed some truth to her words; Utaha really might pull a stunt like that. After all, besides the light novel field, Utaha had clearly stated her desire to venture into youth literature and traditional literature, making it essential to try out various writing styles. Stomach medicine stories were probably part of that—even if she did not write them, she needed to understand them.
Spreading her hands, Utaha said, "Perhaps this new book will contain some stories different from the previous love metronome, but I absolutely will not include any stomach medicine elements. You can rest assured. Even if I were to include them, that would be for future books, and I would certainly let you know in advance."
Seeing her resolute demeanor, Kaede and Eriri felt slightly relieved.
But only slightly.
Sitting in the cafe, after a little more time passed, the online forums were already filled with discussions about the manga volumes. Many people had bought them and started sharing online, noting the improved quality of the collected editions.
As for those who had not yet bought them but were participating in the discussion, they were either queuing up or already on their way to the bookstore.
The quality of the volumes received consistent praise from online readers, and sales were performing well. Putting down her phone, Eriri excitedly said, "Let us celebrate properly today!"
"How do you want to celebrate?"
Faced with Kaede's counter-question, Eriri tilted her head and said, "Hmm~~~ I haven't thought of everything yet, but I want to go wild at a KTV and let loose! Also, I want to go on a major shopping spree and then eat a big feast! Utaha, what do you think?"
Utaha smiled and said, "You are the star today, so whatever you want is fine. I naturally have no objection. Whether it is shopping or eating a big meal, I quite like both. However, regarding KTV, I rarely go, and I do not sing much."
"It does not matter, I do not sing much either. Anyway, it is just the few of us, so there is no need to be shy!"
Finishing the last bit of coffee in her cup, Eriri stood up and said, "In that case, let us go shopping first! I need to shop!"
Since Eriri was happy today, Kaede naturally indulged her in every way. They immediately left Akihabara together and headed to a nearby shopping mall.
Although she said she wanted to shop lavishly, Eriri was actually quite sensible and did not just grab everything she saw.
Instead, after Eriri and Utaha had each bought two pieces of clothing they liked, they collectively turned their attention to Kaede, dragging him to a men's clothing store to pick out clothes for him.
Watching their actions, Kaede helplessly said, "Senpai, Eriri doing this is one thing, but why are you joining in the fun?"
"Because it is fun."
Holding a men's shirt, Utaha casually held it up against Kaede's body and said, "This is the first time I have chosen clothes for a guy—choosing for my father does not count, of course. Besides, this just happens to provide some material for my novel. Since I have never had a boyfriend, I will just trouble Asakura-kun to be a tool man for a while!"
"Tool man..." Kaede's mouth twitched as he looked toward Eriri.
Eriri was currently holding two pieces of clothing, comparing them, and said, "Hehe, Kaede-kun, just accept it. Be our mannequin obediently! Besides, having two beautiful girls help you choose clothes is a privilege others do not get to enjoy. Be content! If you do not believe me, look around."
Hearing this, Kaede looked inside the store. Sure enough, many men who had come with their girlfriends or even wives looked at Kaede with an emotion called envy in their eyes.
"Emmm~~~ That does not really matter to me. Fine, as long as you two are happy."
Was it not just that the number of people choosing clothes for him had gone from one to two? He was not losing anything anyway, and he could get clothes that suited him without even having to think about it. This was a good thing.
Just like that, with Kaede's tacit approval, Eriri and Utaha's excitement grew. They visited several stores, selecting a total of three complete outfits for Kaede from head to toe, only stopping when Kaede reminded them.
After arranging for the purchased items to be delivered back to the apartment, Eriri said, "I am a little tired from shopping. It is noon, let us find a place to eat! A feast, I want to eat a feast!"
Kaede said with a smile, "It is not evening yet. Are we starting the feast already?"
"If we eat it at noon, we can eat it again tonight!"
Eriri waved her hand and said, "Besides, we have to keep shopping this afternoon, so we definitely need to eat until we are full to have the energy! Then, after the big dinner tonight, we will go to KTV!"
She really was planning to keep going all day long.
Well then, let us go. Time for the feast.