Chapter 65 - The Young Kasumigaoka Utaha – A Transaction of Money and Talent

"Acquire the publishing house?"

Kaito raised an eyebrow at Machida's voice, which was dry with excitement.

He remembered Machida as just an ordinary editor. What authority did she have to propose such a deal?

"Ah, let me explain," Machida said, noticing Kaito's confusion.

"If you're serious about entering this industry, you'll need to acquire the rights to some manga and novels."

"Instead of starting from scratch and buying up random, low-quality works, why not acquire our publishing house?"

"Our company hasn't had any major hits in the past few years, so we're not doing too well financially. That means the price won't be too high, making it a cost-effective option."

If Kaito was serious about this venture, Machida saw an opportunity to climb the corporate ladder.

As a long-time employee, she knew the ins and outs of the business and could potentially secure a higher position if the company changed hands.

"I see," Kaito said, considering her explanation.

He hadn't thought that far ahead.

The idea of starting a publishing company had only occurred to him after meeting Utaha.

With her soon-to-be-hit novel Love Metronome and the legendary Eromanga Sensei on board, Kaito saw potential for a profitable business.

Plus, he knew of several other talented writers and artists from his past life whose works could be adapted or recreated under his company.

Rather than letting others profit from these ideas, why not build his own empire?

Of course, Kaito had no intention of writing novels or managing the company himself.

He planned to delegate the work to others, providing them with ideas and letting them handle the creative process.

But Machida's suggestion made him realize there was more to consider.

"I need to make a call," Kaito said, standing up and excusing himself from the table.

He stepped into the restroom and dialed a number on his phone.

The call was answered almost immediately.

"Kaito, how can I assist you?" came the voice of Yukinoshita Haruno, her tone respectful and slightly surprised.

"Are you interested in starting a publishing company?" Kaito asked.

"A publishing company?"

Kaito briefly explained the situation, mentioning Utaha's Love Metronome and Izumi's involvement.

With these two talents on board, the venture was almost guaranteed to be profitable.

Haruno wasn't familiar with the manga industry or the legendary Eromanga Sensei, but she understood Kaito's intentions.

He's probably trying to impress that novelist, she thought.

"Understood," Haruno said promptly.

"I'll have someone look into Fantastic Library immediately."

"If everything checks out, I'll arrange the acquisition."

"You'll own 61% of the shares, and I'll handle the remaining 39%. How does that sound?"

"Sounds good. Let me know how much it'll cost," Kaito said.

"Oh, don't worry about the cost," Haruno replied quickly.

"Consider it a gift from the Yukinoshita family. We haven't properly thanked you for helping my mother, after all."

Haruno had been looking for ways to get closer to Kaito, and this was the perfect opportunity.

Even if the publishing company failed within six months, gaining Kaito's favor would be worth the investment.

Kaito didn't refuse the offer.

He was currently short on funds, and the money he had earned previously might already be spent by Rin's extravagant habits.

"How's your mother doing?" Kaito asked, changing the subject.

"Thanks to you, she's been recovering well. She's been wanting to invite you over for a meal to express her gratitude."

Feeling a bit obligated after Haruno's generous offer, Kaito said, "I can come by this weekend to check on her and do a follow-up examination. Are you free?"

"Of course! Just let me know when, and we'll be ready," Haruno said eagerly.

After finalizing the weekend plans, Kaito ended the call and returned to the table.

Machida and Utaha looked at him expectantly.

"It's settled," Kaito said with a smile.

"My friend has already arranged for someone to review your publishing house's financial situation," Kaito said, addressing Machida and Utaha.

"If everything checks out, the acquisition process will begin soon."

"As for your book, Kasumigaoka," he continued, turning to Utaha, "once the acquisition is complete, we'll prioritize its promotion."

Machida looked at Kaito in surprise.

"Kasumigaoka? Are you and Utaha classmates?"

Utaha was equally confused. She didn't recall ever meeting Kaito before.

"I just transferred to her school this week," Kaito explained.

"We're in the same class, but Kasumigaoka is always dozing off, so she probably hasn't noticed me."

Utaha felt a pang of embarrassment.

Because of her writing schedule, she often slept during class.

Even when she was awake, she rarely paid attention to her classmates.

Machida chuckled. "Utaha does love her naps."

With the book deal settled, the meal soon came to an end.

After exchanging phone numbers, Kaito and Izumi left in a taxi to continue their house-hunting.

As they watched the taxi drive away, Machida turned to Utaha with a look of envy.

"Utaha, you should really seize this opportunity."

"I will," Utaha said, her expression hopeful.

But Machida realized Utaha had misunderstood her meaning.

"I'm not just talking about Love Metronome," Machida clarified.

"I'm talking about you."

Utaha blinked, confused.

"Me?"

She wasn't stupid.

It didn't take long for her to understand what Machida was implying.

Kaito wasn't just interested in her book—he was interested in her.

The realization left Utaha with mixed feelings.

For a moment, she had thought she'd finally found someone who truly appreciated her writing.

But now...

"It's not necessarily like that," Machida said, trying to comfort her.

"Maybe he really does admire your work."

Utaha shook her head.

She knew Machida well enough to recognize when she was just being polite.

"Let's not talk about this anymore," Utaha said, her expression complicated.

Seeing Utaha's conflicted emotions, Machida could only sigh.

She's still so young, Machida thought.

No matter how mature Utaha seemed, she was still just a high school student who hadn't experienced the harsh realities of the world.

A wealthy, handsome, and generous young man like Kaito was a dream come true for most people.

Yet here Utaha was, torn between hope and doubt.

"If only I were younger and prettier," Machida muttered to herself.

Meanwhile, in a High-Rise Hotel

Nigel stood silently in the penthouse suite, gazing out at the bustling city below.

"Time is running out," a cold voice suddenly echoed from the mirror behind him.

"When will you make your move?"

Nigel didn't react.

As a seasoned magus, he had transformed the top three floors of the hotel into his personal workshop.

Even if a top-tier Servant were to attack, he was confident in his ability to defend himself.

"Lancer has already taken the love potion," Nigel said, his voice calm.

After a moment of admiring the cityscape, he turned to face the mirror.

The surface rippled, revealing a shadowy figure cloaked in darkness.

"Now it's your turn to fulfill your promise."

"As agreed, once you eliminate Tohsaka's Servant..."

Nigel interrupted with a scoff.

"Do you think I'm as foolish as that dead apostle?"

"Once Lancer kills Tohsaka's Servant, what use would I be to you?"

Brynhildr was indeed a powerful card.

Combined with the love potion he had spent years perfecting, she was a trump card capable of defeating any Servant.

But that card could only be played once.

Once Brynhildr killed Kaito, she would be useless.

Originally, Nigel had planned to wait until the final stages of the Holy Grail War.

He would have Brynhildr target the strongest remaining Servant, ensuring victory by eliminating his greatest rival.

But that plan was fraught with uncertainty.

Now, he had a better option.

"Give me what I want first, and then I'll have Lancer kill him," Nigel said coldly.

"Otherwise, we'll see who runs out of patience first."

Silence.

The figure in the mirror remained quiet for a long time.

Nigel simply stared back, his expression one of detached superiority.

Finally, the figure spoke.

"Very well."

"Be ready."

"Tonight, I'll take you to obtain what you desire."