By the time Rin and Sagiri arrived at the celebration venue, it was already afternoon.
The hall was filled with industry professionals—authors, editors, and representatives from various companies—chatting in small groups. The decor was impressive, with posters of Flame Burst illustrations lining the walls and a large screen playing animated shorts of the series.
Rin spotted several familiar faces. Although his main gig was manga, he'd done plenty of light novel illustrations and eroge (adult game) art, so he knew his way around the industry. If he were alone, he'd go mingle, but he had the socially anxious Sagiri clinging to his arm like a lifeline.
Sagiri looked mature in her gown, but her legs were shaking. Rin wasn't sure if it was because she wasn't used to high heels or because of the two vibrating eggs currently buzzing inside her. He had set them to the lowest setting, but for someone as sensitive as Sagiri, even a low hum was a constant assault.
They sat down at a table with white tablecloths. "Want me to massage your feet?" Rin whispered.
"Idiot! How can you do that with so many people around!? I just need to sit."
Rin smirked and secretly clicked the remote in his pocket, turning the vibration up one notch.
"!!!"
Sagiri's back straightened instantly. She glared at him and stomped on his foot with her heel. Rin knew not to push it too far in public; level two was the limit.
A striking woman with wine-red hair entered Rin's vision... Akane Kosaka?
He had met her two months ago at the Baumkuchen booth during a convention. She had been after Mashiro's talent, trying to recruit her for a game project, but Rin had turned her down on Mashiro's behalf.
Now, dressed in a sleek black gown with her hair in a sharp ponytail, Akane grabbed two glasses of red wine and walked straight over.
"Miss Akane Kosaka, long time no see."
Rin started to stand, but she sat right next to him and handed him a glass.
"I didn't expect to see you here," Akane said, taking a graceful sip. "Has that artist changed her mind? My offer still stands. Or perhaps I could speak with her directly?"
"No need... if she ever decides she likes games, I'll call you."
Akane was curious. Why was the head of a small 18+ doujin circle at a major light novel celebration? He wasn't a publisher or a corporate rep.
"By the way... I never properly thanked you. If you hadn't reminded me, I don't think I would have remembered the last time I actually enjoyed a manga," Akane said, glancing at him. "Are you here for the Flame Burst anime adaptation rights?"
"No."
"I thought maybe you'd joined an animation studio."
"Nope. Just here to look around."
Akane didn't believe him. Plenty of studios were here today to suck up to Elf. When Akane's own works hit a million sales, studios were crawling all over her. Now that Elf had hit five million, the anime rights were the ultimate prize.
But Akane didn't just want the rights; she wanted Elf herself. She scouted talent wherever she found it. She looked at Rin, trying to figure out his angle. Was it money? Power?
Rin finished his wine and looked at her with a knowing smile. "If it's about the anime rights, you still have a chance. But as for Elf herself..." Rin gave a playful wink.
Akane froze. "What?"
"She's already mine."
Akane's expression hardened. First the genius painter Mashiro, now the superstar author Yamada Elf? How was this small-time 18+ game developer hoarding all the top-tier talent?
Rin put a finger to his lips. "It hasn't been officially announced yet. We're waiting for the launch of her new book. Keep it a secret, okay?"
"Of course." Akane downed her wine. She was fascinated now. Creators were usually lured by money or a platform to showcase their work. Rin had neither of those on a grand scale. What kind of 'charisma' does this guy have?