After ending the call with Sakuhira, another number came through.
I checked the caller’s name and realized I’d have to pick up right away.
Akari was watching me, so I signaled that I had to go and apologized. She seemed understanding, so I answered the call. “Your Highness, what’s up?”
On the other end of the line was Hakuba Oji—Shirobaba Ouji? No, Shirobaba Oji. A light novel author and my close friend.
He was one of Japan’s top light novel authors, on par with Professor Kachimatsuzaki.
“Sorry about all this during your trip. I just got the sample magazine in, so I wanted to give you a shout-out for that.”
It wasn’t about his upcoming new title for SR Bunko…
It was about a different new project.
SR had kicked off a plan to start publishing large-format books, aka novels.
I wanted to see what Oji would write for that series.
More accurately, he had written something for his previous publisher, Takahana, so I asked Editor-in-Chief Agamats who was looking to publish it here. That was the upcoming release.
“The cover design is truly stunning. I really appreciate it. That was all I wanted to say. Sorry for bothering you.”
I could tell from the sound of his voice that he was troubled by something.
His voice lacked its usual punch. “Something on your mind?”
『! … Why do you ask?』
“Look, there are a few reasons, but…” I voiced the most significant one.
“I can’t imagine you calling up a friend while they’re away on vacation.”
Kishi is truly a man who reads the room perfectly.
He’s usually so considerate of others’ feelings. Yet, knowing I was traveling, he still called me.
I could only assume something serious had happened.
『… You really are a sharp editor. You must have an innate feel for what a writer is feeling.』
“I appreciate the compliment, but I’m not a psychic or anything.”
It was just that my long association with Kishi allowed me to read between the lines.
“Were you hoping to release your new omnibus as light novel format?”
……Exactly. What I’ve had the Prince tackle this time isn’t really a light novel; it’s much closer to general literary fiction.
I’d been thinking about this for a while. The Prince has exceptional writing skills, and I felt his characters worked better with a grounded realism rather than forcing them into an animated style.
”……Right. Since I debuted with light novels, I’m worried whether my fans will accept this direction.” “Don’t worry about it,” I answered immediately.
“Don’t worry about it. This one is incredibly interesting. Honestly, it’s more compelling than AMO… your masterpiece.”
The works the Prince has created, which have been adapted into anime multiple times, are certainly fun to read.
But they always had a certain calculated feel to them. A sense of deliberate intent, if you will.
“In this manuscript, I can see your passion pouring through. That desire to write about this person, this character.”
The new work is a medical drama inspired by a real-life individual.
To facilitate the writing, I connected with that person and arranged an opportunity for you to conduct an interview.
As the Prince listened to his stories, he became increasingly invested, taking over the research process on his own from then on.
That is how much he poured into the protagonist of this particular story.
“The fans of Hakuuma Prince will appreciate that strong determination to write what you want to write. Your meticulous research was impressive too. Don’t worry, even if it’s not a light novel, this one is absolutely going to sell.”
…I don’t really like using strong words.
But on this point, I can say it with absolute conviction.
“This new release of yours… [Super Doctor XX] is going to sell. It’s destined to be your masterpiece.”
On the other side of the line, Prince held his breath. I could hear him sniffing back tears, a soft zuzu sound escaping his nose.
“Thank you, my friend. I’ve finally… found the courage.”
I decided not to mention that he was crying.
“Do you have any idea how many copies it might sell?”
“I think we’ll lose on initial sales. But I believe it will outsell Kamimatsu-sensei’s latest romantic comedy. That said, predicting the digital sales numbers for his masterpiece is a different matter entirely.”
“So you aren’t claiming victory on that front.”
“That work is a godly piece by a godlike author. But… XX will become the godly masterpiece within your own heart. That much I guarantee.” ”……”
Silence hung in the air for a while. Had my words reached the core of his being? “Thank you.”
Unlike before, he said it with a bright voice. Now we had the real Prince on a white horse back.
“Bye then. I don’t want to keep your lady waiting.” “Ah, my apologies for the delay.”
“Don’t sweat it. Taking care of the author’s mental health is part of my job description, too.”
That said, even if I weren’t getting paid, I’d still be there to listen to the Prince’s troubles. With that thought in mind, I hung up the phone.
Super Doctor XX… I will absolutely sell out this guy’s ass…
To him, who has challenged God countless times before and was beaten back every single time.
Because this time, I really want to bring victory his way.