[CH.11] Welcome Party (Part 2)
I was expecting conversations about clothes or romantic topics... Why are these beautiful women having such a serious fantasy discussion?
Wait, is this the normal kind of conversation for girls these days? Is the girl talk in my romantic comedy stories really just about fantasies?
"Um, well..."
"Hanamura, I'm sorry! I accidentally started talking about my story concept like always."
"No, it's okay... Story concept?"
"We all write in different genres, but... we still read each other's work. So, we're discussing story concepts one by one."
"We talked about isekai romance last time, and before that, real-world romance."
I thought they were having quite a serious meeting, to be honest. I see... I should think of it as them discussing their hobbies. It's pretty deep, and no one would think they're talking about that kind of stuff at first glance.
"Hanamura, you also read a lot of high fantasy, right? Do you have any advice from a male perspective?"
"Please! I... I really want to make it into the rankings this time! Please give me some ideas!"
"Um..."
What should I do? If this were my main job, I would answer without hiding anything, but this is about my secret career as a writer. Well, if Nishina-san clasps her hands and pleads with those watery eyes, I'm honestly weak.
"Even if it's not an 'exiled story', how about something like 'isekai reincarnation'? I heard it used to be really popular."
"Hmm..."
Nishina-san grumbled with an uncertain tone.
"No, it won't work. I have to keep writing exiled stories and get results."
Why... to that extent?
There's no point in delving deeper into that, so let's consider another aspect. But if I were to achieve results with "exiled story," then maybe...
"The content is important, of course, but... it's also the title, right? No matter how intricate the content is, if you can't capture readers with the title, it won't make sense."
"I understand that, but... it's still difficult."
"Nishina-san mentioned earlier that she reads everything in the top rankings, right?"
"Yeah, but..."
"I think that's impressive. Writers tend to get so absorbed in writing that they struggle to find time for input."
"I-is that so?"
"Yes. Before I started writing, I used to read voraciously, but once I started writing, my reading time significantly decreased. And even when I do read, it's mostly commercial works."
Manager Mimasaka nodded in agreement with my words. It used to be the same for me until I started writing, but once I began, I could hardly read anymore. And when I did, it was no longer for pure enjoyment, but rather to compare with my own work and for educational purposes. I wish I could go back to the time when I could read a work with pure feelings of enjoyment.
"If Nishina-san can enjoy the top-ranking works, it might be worth trying to analyze why she finds them enjoyable. Perhaps there's a hint there."
"Hmm, it sounds challenging, but I feel like I can see a glimpse... Thank you, Hanamura!"
Yeah, it seems like I was able to offer some good advice. I'm glad I could be of help to her. I took a sip of my drink.
"Hanamura-san, you seem quite knowledgeable. It's as if... you're well-versed in web novels."
*Cough!*
Oh no!
I was caught off guard by a puzzled look from Kuhou-san.
"Could it be, Hanamura-san..."
*Gulp!*
"You're a top-notch reviewer, right!?"
"W-well, I wouldn't say top-notch, but I do review occasionally."
"I knew it!"
I haven't actually written any reviews since I started posting my own works... But this might be an opportunity to keep it hidden.
"Wow... What name do you go by when you're active? Tell me!"
"That's impossible. I'm a guy, so my favorite works tend to lean a certain way... It's embarrassing to say."
"Hanamucchan, what kind of, uh, 'intimate' works do you review?"
"I haven't done any of that! I can't tell you!"
Laughter erupted among the four of them. Whew... It seems like I managed to divert their attention. There was a chance they would have asked to see my account.
Though I didn't anticipate becoming an erotic reviewer because of Nishina-san...
I'd like to create a dummy account, but on that web novel site, having multiple accounts is strict. I need to make sure I don't reveal my "Okome Takashi" account in front of them.
Naturally, the discussion about novels couldn't continue endlessly, and it gradually shifted to private matters. At this point, there was no opportunity for me to chime in.
But I did learn something. Manager Mimasaka, Nishina-san, and Kuhou-san. These three get along very well. Just knowing that felt significant.
"I'm going to the restroom for a moment."
"Take your time!"
Phew... I still feel tense. Talking about work is easy, but it's hard to join in on private conversations.
As I was about to leave the restroom cubicle...
"Hey, brother!"
"Huh? Me?"
I was suddenly approached by an unfamiliar middle-aged man.
"You... just came out of this restroom, didn't you?"
"Uh, yeah, I did."
"Then... you must be acquainted with the beautiful ladies inside, right!"
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