Chapter 703 - 703: Yamada Elf

Thursday arrived.

After finishing her morning classes, Yukino returned home, picked up Utaha, who had already prepared lunch boxes, and the two of them headed to the company to deliver lunch to Ichin.

Machida Sonoko had just arrived as well. After having lunch in the company cafeteria, she planned to head over to meet Yamada Elf together with Utaha and Yukino.

In the cafeteria, while eating the lunch they had brought, Ichin looked at Sonoko and asked:

"Sonoko-san, are you confident?"

"Hehe, somewhat."

Sonoko smiled and said,

"Yukino's connection gave me a bit more confidence. Yesterday, I also looked into Yamada Elf and checked some of the things she posted on social media. I discovered that she's read Utaha's novels before. So with Utaha coming along this time, I think our chances are even better."

"Since we're all girls, communication shouldn't be too difficult. Besides, the publishing company has given me a lot of authority regarding this contract. The terms we're offering are very generous."

"Then it sounds like the chances of signing her are pretty high," Ichin said with a smile. "In that case, I wish you success."

"Hmph hmph, there shouldn't be any problems!"

After lunch, they rested briefly at the company before Sonoko drove Utaha and Yukino toward Yamada Elf's residence.

While sitting in the car, Utaha browsed Yamada Elf's social media account on her phone before asking Sonoko, who was driving:

"Sonoko-san, Yamada Elf lives by herself right now? If I remember correctly, she's only fourteen or fifteen years old, isn't she?"

"Mm, she was fourteen last year and turned fifteen this year."

Following the navigation system, Sonoko nodded.

"Even though she's young, she's a genuine genius. Academics are nothing difficult for her. Apparently, she's already finished all of the high school curriculum, so she's only registered at school and doesn't actually attend classes anymore. She's just waiting to take university entrance exams and works full-time as a light novel author."

"After moving to Tokyo, she bought a house in Adachi Ward to make it easier to attend meetings related to anime adaptations of her novels."

Utaha looked surprised.

"Her family isn't worried about that?"

Beside her, Yukino explained:

"Mother told me about this before. Apparently, Yamada Elf received strict education from her mother since childhood. Whether it was academics, art, or housework, she learned a great deal. Living alone is completely within her capabilities."

"That's also why her family didn't arrange any butlers or maids for her."

"And besides, her older brother is her editor, so there's no way he'd neglect his little sister."

"I see. That's really impressive."

Listening to Yukino and Sonoko's explanations only made Utaha even more eager to meet Yamada Elf.

Originally, since both sides had read each other's novels, she had simply asked to tag along today and make a new acquaintance.

Unexpectedly, this girl turned out to be a genius not only in light novels but in many other areas as well, which made Utaha even more interested.

Especially considering that she had moved out and lived alone at such a young age, and had even earned the money to buy the house herself.

Although Utaha had also earned quite a lot by now and could easily afford a house, she admitted that when she was fourteen or fifteen years old, she could never have accomplished what Yamada Elf had.

Not long afterward, the car stopped in front of a large three-story house in a residential area of Adachi Ward.

Getting out of the car, Utaha looked at the somewhat old-fashioned house, with green vines hanging along the exterior walls, and said:

"The house is pretty big. And she lives here alone?"

"Yeah, I was surprised too. I didn't expect it to be this large."

Sonoko nodded.

"Let's go. She should already be waiting for us."

After speaking, she pressed the doorbell and waited.

A few seconds later, the electronic screen beside the door lit up, revealing Yamada Elf's face.

Looking at the three visitors through the camera, Yamada Elf smiled.

"You're here. Please come in."

As soon as she spoke, the iron gate beside the entrance opened automatically.

Apparently, after purchasing the house, Yamada Elf had made many upgrades, including these smart devices.

Opening the front gate, the three entered the courtyard.

At the same time, the front door opened.

Standing there was Yamada Elf herself, dressed in a pink dress.

"Welcome, Editor Machida, Miss Yukinoshita, and Utako-sensei. I'm Yamada Elf. Please come in."

"Excuse us."

After introducing themselves, the three followed Yamada Elf inside.

The air conditioner was running, so there was no trace of the summer heat. It was obvious that the house had been extensively renovated after she moved in.

Although the walls retained their wooden structure, the interior gave off a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Arriving in the first-floor living room, Yamada Elf invited them to sit down.

"What would you like to drink? I have cola, juice, and coffee."

Sonoko answered:

"Coffee, please."

Utaha and Yukino exchanged glances before saying:

"We'll have coffee too, thank you."

"Okay. Iced coffee is fine, right? It's so hot outside that I doubt any of you want hot drinks."

After receiving their agreement, Yamada Elf walked into the kitchen.

Soon, she returned carrying three glasses of iced coffee, while she herself had a glass of juice.

"Here you go. Iced coffee. If you want milk or sugar, just add whatever you like."

Afterward, she returned to her seat, took a sip of juice, and looked toward Yukino.

"When Mother called me yesterday, I was honestly quite surprised. I haven't attended any banquets with her for a long time, yet Miss Yukinoshita still remembered me."

Yukino smiled gently.

"I have a fairly good memory. Our families have worked together before, and after seeing your photo, I remembered you. Also, if you don't mind, you can just call me by my name."

"Sure. Then I'll call you Yukino-nee."

Just as Yukino had said, their families had collaborated before. Combined with what her mother had told her over the phone, Yamada Elf already had a good understanding of the situation.

Turning toward Utaha, Yamada Elf smiled.

"Utako-sensei, although I'd really love to discuss light novels with you right now, shouldn't we settle the contract first before chatting?"

Utaha nodded.

"No problem. You two can talk first. I'm also looking forward to Yamada Elf-sensei joining our side."

Taking the opportunity, Sonoko removed the contract she had brought from her bag and handed it to Yamada Elf.

"Elf-sensei, this is the contract our publishing company prepared for you. Please take your time and read it. If there's anything you don't understand or anything you'd like changed, feel free to tell me directly."

"Okay, then I'll take a look first."

As Yamada Elf began reading the contract, Utaha and Yukino, being mere observers, were naturally much less nervous than Sonoko.

The two quietly sipped their coffee while waiting.

Suddenly, Yukino noticed a figure displayed on the television cabinet in the living room.

She gently nudged Utaha's shoulder.

After following Yukino's gaze, Utaha revealed a surprised expression.

Wasn't that the Fire Keeper figure from Dark Souls produced by their own company?

...

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