Chapter 405: Benefits of Fame
Early the next morning, after breakfast, Hachiman left home.
Whether it was the effect of the potion he drank yesterday, he felt exceptionally refreshed today, with a warm sensation flowing through his body.
His agenda for the day was straightforward: he needed to discuss the completion of "That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime" and the first volume of a new book with Machida Sonoko at Kadokawa.
Although Sonoko had come over yesterday, it was his birthday party, so Hachiman didn't feel it was appropriate to discuss business then.
Since he had some free time today, he decided to personally visit Kadokawa.
Arriving at the station, Hachiman boarded the train bound for Tokyo.
After over an hour of travel, he disembarked and made his way to the Kadokawa building, a route he was quite familiar with.
As soon as he entered the lobby on the ground floor, Hachiman was greeted by the sweet voices of the receptionist ladies.
"Good morning, Wakamono-sensei!"
Turning towards the source of the voice, he saw two stunning ladies at the front desk, both wearing smiles that could score at least eighty points on any scale.
Times had changed. Hachiman was now the pillar of Kadokawa, with the profits from his two best-selling novels reaching unimaginable heights.
And it wasn't just about profits. With Hachiman, the "King of Light Novels," at Kadokawa's helm, they could continually attract new authors.
In the past, when Kadokawa didn't have Hachiman, their competitor, Dengeki Bunko, led by Senju Muramasa, the former "King of Light Novels," had seized nearly forty percent of the market share.
Furthermore, with Senju Muramasa's leadership, Dengeki Bunko had attracted a large influx of fresh talent to submit manuscripts there, causing even many veteran authors to switch sides.
This had plunged Kadokawa into a period of decline.
But things were different now. With Hachiman, who had two best-selling novels, stabilizing against Senju Muramasa, Kadokawa had regained the upper hand in the market competition against Dengeki Bunko.
Therefore, Hachiman was undoubtedly someone Kadokawa both esteemed and wanted to keep happy. After all, if he were to switch allegiances one day, Kadokawa would once again decline.
Take these two front desk receptionists, for example. Even if it were just a sweet smile and greeting, it wasn't impossible for Hachiman to take advantage of them if he wanted to.
What? Not willing?
Hehe, the power of capital has its ways of making you yield.
But aside from that aspect, just looking at Hachiman himself now is enough to attract the attention of the opposite sex.
Young and wealthy, with a hint of handsomeness, and carrying a unique aura.
With these qualities combined, not to mention these two receptionist girls, even Hachiman's exclusive editor, Machida Sonoko, couldn't help but feel a bit moved.
...
"Good morning!"
Hachiman greeted the two front desk beauties with a smile.
"Could you please inform Editor Machida that I have something to discuss with her?"
One of the front desk beauties nodded in response.
"Of course, Wakamono-sensei. Please wait in meeting room three. We'll notify Editor Machida right away."
"Thank you."
Hachiman nodded and headed towards meeting room three.
Entering meeting room three and seeing the familiar setup, Hachiman felt nostalgic.
Back then, it was here that he first met Utaha.
Taking a seat on one of the sofas, Hachiman took out his phone and began scrolling while waiting.
Just then, the door of the meeting room opened again, and one of the reception beauties entered, carrying a cup of coffee.
"Wakamono-sensei, we've informed Editor Machida. She'll be here shortly. In the meantime, please enjoy this coffee."
"Thank you." Hachiman nodded.
Upon hearing his gratitude, the receptionist's smile became even sweeter.
"Don't mention it, please enjoy."
With that, she bent down to place the coffee on the table in front of Hachiman.
Whether intentional or not, the top two buttons of the receptionist's blouse were left undone, revealing a hint of black lace and a substantial cleavage.
Hmm, I'd say that's about a C+.
Just a quick glance, and Hachiman probably had a specific measurement in mind.
Unfortunately, it didn't affect his heart.
He'd seen plenty before.
Consider Saeko, Kotonoha, Shizuka, Utaha, and even Alice – none were smaller, and each had their unique traits.
Saeko's allure, Kotonoha's innocence, Utaha's charm, Shizuka's strength, and Alice's liveliness – each offered Hachiman a different experience.
After delivering the coffee, the receptionist didn't linger, bidding farewell before leaving the meeting room.
Picking up the coffee cup, Hachiman found a small note at the bottom with a name and phone number, presumably from the receptionist.
What was this? Trying to take advantage?
It was probably just a perk of fame.
However, he decided to let it go.
Feeling somewhat resigned, Hachiman prepared to discard the note.
But then, he had a sudden thought and kept it.
Well, even if he didn't need it, he could pass it on to someone else.
Like that guy from Zaimokuza.
And if he remembered correctly, Zaimokuza also submitted manuscripts to Kadokawa, right?
So, this phone number might be useful for him to network.
Keep it up, my good buddy.
With a mischievous smile, Hachiman sipped his coffee and furrowed his brows slightly.
This coffee was just average, nowhere near the quality of the mustachioed manager's blend.
It seemed his palate had become quite discerning.
But he didn't mind and continued to sip his coffee slowly, waiting for Sonoko's arrival.
Soon enough, before he could finish his coffee, his editor entered the room.
As she stepped in, Sonoko offered an apologetic smile. "Haha, sorry, Hachiman, got held up with something."
"No worries, it's mainly my fault for dropping by unexpectedly today. Plus, you're here pretty quickly, and I haven't finished my coffee yet," Hachiman shook his head.
"Oh, come on, Hachiman, you're a big shot at Kadokawa now. I wouldn't dare blame you," Sonoko joked.
"If I upset you, I'd be out of a job too."
Hachiman followed her lead and also joked, "What's there to fear about losing your job? I could always support you, Sonoko."
Although she knew it was a joke, Sonoko couldn't help but feel a slight flutter in her heart. To mask her embarrassment, she responded with a hint of disdain on her face, "Oh, come on, just a brat like you. Talking about supporting me? You're still ten years too early."
Hachiman shrugged, "Fair enough. If you're not interested, then forget it. But I was serious about supporting you."
Hachiman felt a sense of gratitude towards his dedicated editor. His success was not only due to his novels but also owed to Sonoko's efforts. Without her hard work, he might not have received as much publicity.
If she ever decided to quit her editing job, Hachiman wouldn't mind offering her financial support. Of course, it would be purely out of gratitude, with no ulterior motives.
However, Sonoko naturally wouldn't believe him and waved her hand dismissively.
"Enough with the jokes. Let's talk business."
With that, she sat on the couch opposite Hachiman, adopting a serious expression.
"I'm curious, Hachiman. What brings you here today?"
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