Capítulo 78: Actually Meeting the Parents
Izumi Kotomi agreed to keep Mrs. Yuigahama secret—that she was the illustrator Hanayui—and in return, Mrs. Yuigahama promised to keep Kotomi's identity as the author "Izumi Kotomi" hidden from her daughter, Yui.
With that mutual agreement, they both felt at ease.
While sitting on the train back to Chiba, Kotomi curiously asked, "By the way, Aunt Yuigahama, do you have enough time to complete the illustrations?"
For Volume 1, there was quite a workload: one vertical color illustration for the cover, four horizontal color illustrations, and twelve black-and-white ones. The vertical illustration would also need a custom-designed title, all done by Mrs. Yuigahama.
"It's definitely a bit tight on time, but Yukinoshita-san has already considered that. She told me to put aside my other illustration jobs and focus entirely on Sword Art Online for now," Mrs. Yuigahama explained.
"Won't that delay the other novels you're working on?" Kotomi asked, a bit concerned about how this might affect Mrs. Yuigahama's livelihood as a part-time illustrator.
"Well, according to Hiratsuka, the chief editor, those illustrations will be reassigned to other illustrators. The books will just have a different name on the cover. My priority now is to get Sword Art Online's first volume done," Mrs. Yuigahama responded calmly.
"But won't that affect your income?" Kotomi couldn't help but worry. She knew Mrs. Yuigahama had taken on part-time work to earn more money.
Kotomi was just one step away from saying, "If it affects your income, let me support you!"
Mrs. Yuigahama chuckled at Kotomi's concern. "Yes, I'll lose a little income for the moment. But starting next month, my fees per illustration will be increased, and if Sword Art Online becomes a hit, I'll also gain a lot of recognition from being associated with your work. It's like taking a small loss this month but gaining much more next month."
Mrs. Yuigahama was full of fighting spirit. Although her earnings might take a small hit in the short term, she knew she would be compensated later with both money and recognition.
By the time they reached Chiba Station, the sky was tinged with hues of the evening sunset.
"Do you want to stop by the cake shop for a bit, Kotomi? I'll treat you!" Mrs. Yuigahama offered cheerfully.
If it were a Saturday, Kotomi would have immediately agreed, already imagining which cakes she would devour. However, remembering the homework still waiting for her, Kotomi shook her head reluctantly.
"As much as I'd love to, I still haven't finished my homework..."
"Oh my, you haven't finished your homework yet?"
"I've been in Tokyo since yesterday, so I haven't had any time to work on it."
"How about borrowing Yui's homework to copy?" Mrs. Yuigahama suggested with complete seriousness.
"Uh... I think it's better if I do my own homework," Kotomi laughed awkwardly. Even if Yui had finished her homework, Kotomi doubted it would be a good idea to copy it, considering Yui's... unique approach to accuracy.
"You're such a good girl, Kotomi," Mrs. Yuigahama teased, patting Kotomi's head with a gentle laugh.
After parting ways with Mrs. Yuigahama, Kotomi hurried home, hoping to finish her homework using the learning abilities granted by her "God-Level Heroine System." Surely, she could knock it out in an hour and a half.
But really, Kotomi thought to herself, why does my speed only show when I'm writing or drawing? Homework could use a bit of that speed too!
When she arrived home and unlocked the door, she noticed an unfamiliar pair of shoes at the entrance. They looked like they belonged to another girl. After heading to the living room, she greeted her parents.
"I'm home!"
"Welcome back. How was your meeting?" her father, Izumi Kaneyoshi, asked, glancing up from his phone where he was monitoring the stock market.
"It went well. The funny thing is, the illustrator for my novel turned out to be someone I know—a friend's mom, actually. I had no idea she was an illustrator," Kotomi explained with a laugh.
Kaneyoshi chuckled warmly. "That happens more often than you think. Just like how your mom and I didn't realize you were so into writing and creating stories until recently."
Her mother, Izumi Akina, chimed in with a series of questions typical of a concerned parent. "Did you have fun in Tokyo? You didn't cause Kato-san any trouble, did you?"
"Of course not! Oh, by the way, whose shoes are those at the entrance? Are they Aimi's new shoes?" Kotomi asked.
"Oh, no, they're not Aimi's. Her friend came over today. I told her to stay for dinner," Akina explained.
"Aimi's friend?"
"Yes, they're upstairs right now. You should go say hello. She's a really cute girl. Oh, and would you like some yokan?"
"Yes, please! I love yokan! Is there any tea?"
"Of course. It's in the kitchen, go brew yourself some."
Kotomi made her way to the kitchen, cut three pieces of yokan, and brewed herself some tea. Bringing everything back to the living room, she offered her parents some yokan, but when they declined, she happily indulged herself.
The yokan had a smooth, sweet texture, rich with the flavor of azuki beans. It paired perfectly with the hot tea.
This is bliss! Kotomi thought, savoring every bite.
"Mom, this yokan is really good. But why did you suddenly decide to buy it? You rarely get yokan."
"I didn't buy it."
"Then did Dad buy it?"
Kaneyoshi chuckled. "No, I didn't buy it either. Kato-san brought it over as a gift this morning when she came by."
"Wow, Kato-san really is a good kid—so polite and thoughtful," Akina added, beaming with approval.
"She's so well-mannered and proper. You can tell she's from a good family," Kaneyoshi nodded in agreement.
Hearing her parents praise Kato-san so much left Kotomi a little stunned. Wait, Kato-san really came over this morning?! I thought she was just saying that!
And it seemed like her parents had a very positive first impression of her.
"Mom, Dad, Kato-san really came over this morning?" Kotomi asked, still in disbelief.
"Of course. The yokan and tea leaves you're enjoying were brought by her as gifts," Akina replied with a satisfied smile.
"She's so polite and thoughtful. We definitely need to send a proper gift in return," Kaneyoshi said seriously.
Kotomi nodded in agreement. But now she was left wondering what kind of gift to give Kato-san in return.
She didn't even know what Kato-san liked. What kind of gift should I give her? Kotomi pondered.
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