Sen Takatsuki

[Ding! The Host has successfully completed "Quest 2: 'Dear Kafka' Successfully Published and Released." Reward: 50 Attribute Points!]

[Quest 2 Completed. Activating Quest 3.]

[Quest 3: Help Sen Takatsuki Gain Some Notoriety.]

[Quest Reward: 100 Attribute Points.]

This new quest wasn't particularly difficult—the real challenge lay in the sheer number of tasks required.

Things like holding book launch events, fan meetups, and signing sessions were all effective marketing strategies to boost Eto's reputation.

Of course, the most crucial factor was the quality of the book itself.

Even if Byakuya didn't bother with all these promotional efforts, Eto would inevitably become a well-known author sooner or later. But using these marketing techniques would speed up the process and help him complete the mission faster.

—

"Yeah, we love Takatsuki's works, don't we, dear?"

At that moment, Eto responded to Kaneki's question.

"That's right. I like Takatsuki the most."

Byakuya said it with a calm expression.

Eto immediately sensed something off. She lightly pinched Byakuya — this guy was still messing around at a time like this.

But Kaneki didn't notice anything strange.

He was too excited — getting to talk about a book he loved with someone else was a rare opportunity for him.

After that, Byakuya and Eto chatted with Kaneki about Dear Kafka.

Kaneki had no idea that the two people standing in front of him were: one, the editor in charge of Dear Kafka, and two, the author herself.

—

As Eto spoke with Kaneki, Byakuya found himself lost in thought as he watched the boy.

Even though he had interacted with Kaneki, no new quest had been triggered.

It was likely because, at this point in time, Kaneki was still an ordinary human. The only struggles he faced were within his own household.

Kaneki deeply admired his mother, who was known for her kindness toward others — never refusing anyone who needed help. But behind closed doors, she would often take out her frustrations on Kaneki, blaming him for all her hardships and misfortunes.

After her death from overwork, Kaneki developed selective amnesia, forgetting all the abuse he had suffered and only remembering his mother's gentle sideb — leading to the formation of his dual personality.

So, in reality, Kaneki had already developed a split personality long before he was tortured by Jason.

That being said, Byakuya had no way of knowing whether this Kaneki was living in the period before or after his mother's passing. And frankly, it wasn't his place to interfere in another person's family matters.

What was he supposed to do? Stalk Kaneki home? That would be downright creepy...

For now, though, he could at least befriend Kaneki as a fellow book lover.

—

"Mom, that's the big brother and big sister from before."

Just then, Byakuya heard a familiar voice — Touka's. It snapped him out of his thoughts.

Turning around, he saw Touka standing there, accompanied by her mother, Hikari.

"What a coincidence, we meet again."

Byakuya couldn't help but feel that today was full of strange coincidences.

To run into both Kaneki and Touka at the same small bookstore —what were the odds?

"Yeah, Touka wanted to buy some manga. You two must be here for books, right?"

Hikari asked with a gentle smile.

"Yeah."

Byakuya nodded.

Eto also turned around and greeted Touka.

"Hey, little Touka, we meet again."

With the conversation suddenly interrupted by two complete strangers, Kaneki started feeling awkward.

He now felt like an outsider and wondered if it was best to quietly slip away...

Sensing Kaneki's discomfort, Byakuya turned to him.

"By the way, what's your name again?"

"K-Ken Kaneki..."

Kaneki answered softly.

"Alright then. Since we all love Sen Takatsuki's books, that makes us friends now — or at least fellow book lovers."

Byakuya declared.

Kaneki's face lit up with joy.

"Really?!"

He barely had any friends—if anything, Hide was his only friend.

But Hide didn't like books.

So, finding someone who shared his passion for reading was truly exciting.

"Do you have a way to stay in touch? Or maybe a place you often visit?"

Byakuya asked.

Considering Kaneki was still a kid and likely didn't have a cellphone, it would be better to know where he usually hung out.

That way, if Kaneki ever needed help, Byakuya could step in.

Plus, he could invite Kaneki to book signings and fan events for Takatsuki — turning him into a devoted fan.

"Ah... I don't have a phone yet. But I usually go to the library or sit in a café to read."

Kaneki replied.

—

Meanwhile, Touka noticed Byakuya talking to a boy she had never seen before.

Curious, she asked, "Is he your friend, big brother?"

"Yeah, we both like books, so we became friends."

Byakuya nodded slightly.

"Books? I don't like them. They're not as fun as manga."

Touka stated bluntly.

As expected of a child — straightforward and honest.

Kaneki frowned slightly but didn't say anything.

Since they were complete strangers, he felt too awkward to argue.

"See? This manga is way more interesting than those boring books."

Without warning, Touka leaned closer and flipped open her manga, shoving it in front of Kaneki's face.

The sudden proximity caught Kaneki off guard, making him instinctively take a step back.

He wasn't used to being this close to a girl — let alone reading manga together.

Kaneki blushed slightly but still glanced at the page Touka was showing him.

However, manga had never appealed to him. Just seeing one page wasn't enough to make him understand the hype. For a book lover like him, it just didn't compare.

"N-no... I still think books are better..."

His voice was weak, but his opinion was firm.

"What?!"

Touka puffed up her cheeks in frustration.

"You actually think that? That's ridiculous!"

"You're the one forcing your opinion on others..."

Kaneki mumbled under his breath.

"Hmph! I won't accept this! I'll make you see that manga is way better than books!"

Touka declared, leaning in even closer.