'I don't want to lose…' Tanaka slowly widened his eyes. 'This... really seems like it's the case?'
Yes, that was correct.
His feelings were actually just as simple as the young author had said.
'I simply don't want to lose!'
"You're right, Shore Sensei." He revealed a simple smile that was far different from his earlier complex expression. "I just don't want to lose… I want to be able to draw art for a novel I like. I want this job. I don't want to lose to anyone else, even if that person is the story's author: you!"
Seiji smiled as well.
"I'm happy that Brother Monogatari is a story that you enjoy so much. This story isn't something I wrote by myself. My partner wishes for me to be able to draw for our story. I agreed, which is why it became something I want to do as well. I don't want to lose either, even if I'm not even able to be called an artist yet, even if my opponent is a first-class artist like you, Demon Soldier Sensei."
