We were nearing the end of July.

I was in a meeting with Uematsu, our editor-in-chief, at the office complex housing SR Bunko.

"Huh? A... relocation?"

I was sitting at a table on the corner of the lobby, sharing an iced coffee with the editor-in-chief.

"Yeah, that's it. Look, our current space is getting pretty cramped, so I was thinking about renting a new building." "A building... where?" "The Takanaawa Building." "Wh- c-cough cough!"

Suddenly, what on earth was Uematsu talking about?

Takanaawa—meaning the building belonging to the publishing company that had originally housed me and the editorial department.

"N-no... wait, do you actually have that kind of money?"

"Well, it just sort of appeared. It's quite mysterious."

Uematsu said this, tilting her head in confusion.

"Actually, the Akita Group has agreed to become an investor in our publishing company." "W-what? You can't be serious?"

"I know, right? I think so too, Okatani-kun. Even I was shocked."

"It's surprising that things seem so ordinary, considering everything..."

"Heh, I guess the shock has left us a bit numb. In any case, it looks like Takana is pulling out of the building, so we're taking the opportunity to use the space they're vacating." But... the Akita Group?

Fast food chains, banks, and everything else.

It’s hard to imagine a single company in Japan that isn’t under the umbrella of the Akita Group; their power is simply immense.

Why would a conglomerate of that magnitude become our investor...?

"We actually got an inquiry from them recently. Apparently, they were deeply moved by our philosophy."

Three light novels were placed in front of us.

They were the inaugural lineup for [SR Bunko].

【Kamimatsu】, the industry’s number one author. 【Hakuja Oji】, the author of AMO. And 【Kurohime Elio】, the promising newcomer.

"Could it be... that these three are able to write for us because..."

"It's thanks to the Akita Group's investment. Without the funding, there was no way we could have published books from such a prestigious lineup."

Mr. Kamematsu’s ideal: to build a publishing house dedicated to nurturing and uplifting talent that would otherwise be left forgotten.

But it’s a fact that raising the label's profile is necessary to achieve that.

Which is why, doubling as promotional material for the imprint, they decided to have these three heavyweights write books this time around...

"I see, so that was the reasoning behind it. I did think it was a bit strange, getting those three to contribute."

"Well, one of them was definitely down to some connections on my end."

"Ahaha," Uematsu-san said with a wry smile. This guy had quite the extensive network.

Even starting a publishing house isn't something you can just whip up on a whim.

Pulling it off was entirely down to Uematsu-san's personal charm and relationships.

"Nah, nah, it’s only because I had my brilliant right-hand man, the Deputy Editor, in my corner. Thanks a million for helping me get the label off the ground."

"It’s not over yet; we're just getting started. Let's do our best to hit the ground running with the August launch lineup."

Me and Uematsu-san clapped hands together with a firm slap.

"By the way, about summer vacation..."

"H...? Summer vacation...?"

"Mm. I really do want to make sure our staff actually gets a proper summer vacation."

Uematsu said this with startling casualness.

"No... well, editors just don't get summer vacations. It's unheard of. We're already told it's abnormal for us to have two days off a week as it is."

"I suppose so. But I'd rather prioritize the happiness of our employees and authors over the company's profits."

...I'm really glad I followed this guy.

"I'm thinking around ten days for the summer break." "Ten... days?"

"Wait, did I say something weird?"

Uematsu tilted his head in puzzlement. No, that wasn't weird at all.

It's something anyone who's worked in a corporate job would know instantly.

Five days off is considered a lot; it's not even surprising if you get none at all.

So getting ten days? That's completely abnormal.

"Ahh, don't make such a face."

That, that's right…… there's no way I could get a ten-day summer vacation as a corporate employee.

It must be using up the days from their paid annual leave to secure those ten days off.

"We've added ten days of summer vacation on top of your paid leave, so feel free to take an even longer break."

"Gehhh……! Kufu! Kufu……!"

"A-are you alright, Oka-kun? Did I…… say something that bothered you?"

Does this person have absolutely no awareness that they are saying something completely out of line?

It is already the case that, at this publishing house, we are given twenty days of paid leave per year.

On top of that, we get the New Year holidays and ten days for summer vacation…… really?

"Even with all that, can the work still be handled here?"

"Of course. I've increased the staff."

"I suppose I didn't realize it, but the number of editors other than Sakuhira and part-timers has been growing."

"Yes. I headhunted them myself. Though, to be honest, I just picked up people who had quit their previous jobs."

Uwamatsu-san picks up and spreads out this morning's newspaper.

The headline reads: [Takanawa: Signs of Collapse].

Since the ousting of former President Nakatsugawa, scandal after scandal has been exposed at Takanawa.

Businesses are shrinking, and headcount is dropping rapidly.

"There's plenty of rumors saying they're going bankrupt."

"But... those rumors aren't just idle speculation, right? The works published by Takanawa Books are having their rights transferred to other publishers one after another."

"Yep. I never even dreamed we'd be publishing the sequels to Digimas and Bokukokoro."

Digimas, Bokukokoro. All works by the hugely popular author Professor Kamimatsu.

They were originally released under Takanawa Books, but the publication rights have now shifted to us.

"I hope Professor Kamimatsu isn't losing motivation by getting dragged into those dirty adult messes." "Huh? He should be fine?"

Uwamatsu-san answers with startling nonchalance.

"Come on... Professor Kamimatsu is still a high school student, in a delicate and sensitive phase of life. We have to provide solid support for him."

«No, no, it's perfectly fine. He seems to be out having a great time with his... friends today.»

«Come to think of it, Mr. Kamimatsu... Yuta is on summer break now, isn't he?»

That's right. If you're going to hide something behind that facade, let me tell you: this man is the father of the super-popular author, Sensei Kamimatsu.

But at my previous workplace, there were quite a few people who refused to believe it.

On top of that, there were those who openly whispered that he only became an associate editor because of Sensei Kamimatsu. But I see things differently.

Even without the title «father of Sensei Kamimatsu» attached, this man is simply a competent and kind person.

«The kids are enjoying their summer vacation. Us adults should make sure to rest up properly so we're ready for what's coming next.»

«I see... Got it. In that case, I won't hesitate to take my time off.» «Yes, do take a proper rest.»

«When are you planning to take your vacation, Kamimatsu-san?»

«I'm scheduled to visit my wife's parents' home during the Obon season, so I plan to relax there. So... actually, you can start taking time off today.» «R-really...?» «Yes, really.»

...It always feels like this publishing house is too white-collar (too idealistic/fair) for its own good. In at 9 AM, out at 6 PM.

Overtime is generally not permitted. If you do work late, you have to report it in advance, and they pay you overtime wages plus a special allowance.

To top it off, I get weekends and public holidays off completely free. Compared to my previous black company publisher, how wonderfully white-collared this place is really stands out.

"Oh right, I have a meeting with Professor Rushia this afternoon. Once that wraps up, feel free to head on home."

"Understood. Then, Kasamatsu-san. I’ll be taking my summer vacation."

I gathered my things and stood up.

"Since it’s a rare summer break, you should go somewhere and have some fun."

"Go out… Right. Yeah, I suppose so."

Back at home, two high school girls are waiting for me.

Akari is working her part-time job, and Nanako basically stays holed up in her room.

Since I’m looking after them, taking them out somewhere is also part of my role as their acting guardian.

"Thanks for the advice." "Yeah, have fun, okay?" I left the publisher.

I was just heading over to meet with Rushia this afternoon… when it happened. Brrr-rurr~♪ A call came in. [Motoke Rie]

The female editor-in-chief who was my boss at my previous job. "…………"

Honestly, I was quite torn about whether to answer or not.

What business could that woman possibly have calling me now, of all times?

But if something had happened, not answering would be improper for someone in my position. "Hello, this is Okaya."

"…Okayan-kun. It’s Matsukan. Long time no see."

Her voice over the phone was utterly drained.

"Long time no see to you too. What’s going on?"

"…Actually, there’s something I need to talk about with you in person." Her voice was tense with desperation.

It must be serious if she sounded like that. I glanced down at my wristwatch.

I still had a decent amount of time before my meeting with the Lusia Agency.

"Understood. I have plans this afternoon, so I can stay until then."

"Really? Oh my god! Thank you! Thank you so much!"

…I had only said I would listen to her. What exactly was she thanking me for?

"Let's meet at the Family Restaurant in front of the station. I'll be on my way."

After all, Akari works at the café across from the station.

I shouldn't drag her into this kind of adult conversation anymore.

I sent Ruisa a message via LINE to let her know.

"The meeting might run a bit late. If I'm not there in time, I'm sorry, but could you wait a little for me?"

An "OK" stamp replied almost instantly. "Got it..."

Steeling myself, I headed toward the place where we were going to have our talk with Juujikane.