Setting aside Machida, who kept distractedly glancing back and forth between Utaha and Miyahito, just as Miyahito had predicted last night, the initially amicable exchange between Utaha and Akane grew increasingly tense as the discussion deepened.
Gradually, the air around the two creators grew heavy. If I had to describe the atmosphere with a slightly chuunibyou term, only "clash of titans" could vaguely capture it.
"Hah? Are you kidding me? What do you think creation is? Playing house? (Bam—!)"
Slapping her hands hard on the conference table, Akane stood up, leaning forward with a dark expression, her red eyes filled with hostility.
"Do you think you're still writing a novel? This is an anime. The difference isn't just 'moving pictures' versus 'static text'."
"Also, I heard Vol 1 and 2 of Love's Metronome nearly got axed. Kasumi Utako, have you ever wondered why? Or do you still think it's just because your talent is too profound for people to appreciate?"
"I suppose it's fine, since you have a benefactor like Miyani promoting you so tirelessly."
The moment those words left Akane's mouth, Utaha's face instantly turned cold. Her loosely clenched fists tightened forcefully.
"Akane-nee."
Unable to listen any longer, Miyahito couldn't help but speak up.
However, before he could finish, Akane turned her head sharply, fixing him with a silent, warning glare.
But with his own temper slightly rising, Miyahito ignored the warning in her eyes.
"Akane-nee, we're discussing business right now. Please stick to topics related to the anime adaptation."
Besides, we're the clients. You're the contractor.
Catching the subtle threat in Miyahito's gaze, Akane found it slightly amusing internally.
Threatening me?
Don't you know Auntie Satomi personally asked me to help your little girlfriend?
Otherwise, why would I put aside my own projects to come to Shinobu and adapt a light novel that hasn't even hit a million in sales?
With thoughts running flawlessly, Akane slowly withdrew her gaze and turned it toward Utaha, who hadn't made a single sound since she finished speaking. She shook her head almost imperceptibly.
Her mental fortitude still isn't up to par. Just a little provocation...
And she's already too scared to retort?
Just as Akane, feeling a slight disappointment at the lack of expected pushback, decided to sheath her claws and skip the test...
A soft, steady breath was drawn. Then.
"A good work doesn't necessarily have to appeal to everyone." Speaking slowly, Utaha lifted her head. Her wine-red eyes, similar yet distinct from those of the 'talent monster' Kosaka Akane, shone with unwavering resolve.
"But I know perfectly well that a work that appeals to everyone isn't necessarily a good one."
"I don't deny that Love's Metronome's current success is largely thanks to Miyani. Without him, it wouldn't be where it is today." As she spoke, her gaze unconsciously drifted to her boyfriend sitting opposite. At the same time, Miyahito's eyes met hers.
The moment their eyes met, Utaha's tense face instantly melted into an indescribable tenderness.
Then, the next second, as her gaze returned to Akane, her demeanor snapped back to serious and focused.
"But to me, Love's Metronome is my creative life. If it weren't excellent, how could it have achieved this today, even with Miyani's endorsement?"
"So you're claiming your work is excellent? A novel with sales under 800,000 copies?"
Sitting back down, Akane crossed her arms, her tone slightly dismissive.
However, no one noticed the flash of surprise in her eyes as she looked at Utaha, who remained unshaken by the provocation and stood firm.
"Yes. That's exactly what I believe."
Unaware of the shift in Akane's gaze, Utaha's lips curved slightly upward. A proud, unintentional smile graced her fair features.
"So far, the official sales for the first four volumes total 780,000. I'm confident that after Vol 5 releases, my work will breach the million mark."
"And Love's Metronome is my debut. Kasumi Utako's debut."
Speaking, Utaha slowly stood up, tilting her chin up slightly, her tone carrying a hint of pride.
"I wonder, with results like these, does Representative Kosaka... Miss Akane, consider Love's Metronome a good work?"
In an instant, Kasumi Utako had completely turned the tables.
Miyahito, whose expression was slightly cracking, stared in disbelief at his girlfriend who had instantly transformed into an arrogant queen.
Good lord, is this really Utaha?
My goodness, is this the same girl who teased... Ahem, never mind.
Just as Miyahito wondered if his eyes were playing tricks on him, Akane couldn't hide her approval and satisfaction, a faint smile escaping her lips.
"Even if a large portion of your success is thanks to Miyani?"
Narrowing her red eyes slightly, Akane asked playfully.
"Mhm. Exactly."
As if she hadn't caught the teasing in the question, Utaha answered decisively. Her gaze shifted slightly to Miyahito beside Akane, then back to Akane.
Then, she said this.
"After all, my boyfriend is Miyani. Promoting his girlfriend's novel... Mhm, you know what I mean, Kousaka... nee-san."
"...."
The moment Utaha's words fell, the air in the meeting room turned cold and silent once again.
Everyone present, except for Akane whose expression had gone cold again, and Utaha who smiled like a victor, stared dumbfounded at the elegant Utaha.
Especially Hashima Isaki, who had been keeping a low profile since the beginning.
He looked at Utaha in shock, then turned to Miyahito, who was just as stunned, and silently thought:
'Futari wa totemo oniai desu. (The two of them are a perfect match.)'
On the way here, he'd watched Miyahito mock his boss about her figure.
Now, this Kasumi Utako-sensei was using her relationship with Miyahito to deliver a face-tanking combo to the single Akane.
Tsk tsk.
A bit ruthless, really. Honestly, I can't even watch anymore.
Kasumigaoka Utaha