Shiro Sakamaki's novels were steeped in the supernatural. If the illustrations were too refined or elegant, the eerie atmosphere might be compromised. A slightly rougher, more visceral style would complement his themes far better.
But looking at the candidates presented so far, none felt quite right.
Even though he was familiar with Eriri, her style didn't suit this project. Her illustrations had a more vibrant and whimsical tone,far from the dark and unsettling world he had crafted.
"How about it, Teacher Sakamaki? Is there any artist you're leaning toward?" Machida Sonoko asked.
Shiro set aside the materials and fell into thought. The room grew quiet, with only the soft swaying of Kanna's legs breaking the silence. She sat sweetly beside him, expression neutral but presence comforting.
Machida and Kasumigaoka Utaha were both visibly charmed by the little dragon's cuteness.
Utaha stood, intending to greet Kanna up close, but the moment she approached, Kanna instantly tensed up, leapt from her chair, and darted behind Shiro, peeking cautiously from behind his coat.
Clearly, she wasn't comfortable yet around strangers. After all, she'd only been living with Shiro a short while and hadn't fully let her guard down with anyone else.
Utaha gave up with a wry smile.
Eventually, Shiro sighed and massaged his brow. "Editor Machida, could you help me look again? None of these really capture what I'm aiming for."
Sonoko looked troubled but understanding. "To be honest, supernatural fiction is already a niche genre, and illustrators with that kind of vibe are hard to come by. This list was my best effort."
She thought for a moment and then offered a compromise. "How about this? I'll ask each of the artists to sketch a draft illustration for your novel. That way you can choose based on their interpretation."
Shiro nodded. "Sounds fair. Let's do that."
"For the test piece," Sonoko continued, "what should they draw?"
Shiro considered. "Let's go with the Red Devil. The description is already detailed in the manuscript, so they can just work off that. It'll be a good benchmark."
"Got it. Any specific instructions?"
"The drawing doesn't need to be overly polished," Shiro said. "In fact, I'd prefer a little roughness to maintain that unsettling feel. Just make sure the clothing details are accurate. They can reference traditional Japanese bridal wear for that."
Sonoko jotted down notes as he spoke. "Understood. I'll send out the request today."
With that matter settled, Shiro turned to Utaha, who had been silent up to now but watching him intently the entire time.
"So, Kasumigaoka-sensei," he said with a smirk, "do you always stare at people like this, or am I just special?"
She raised a brow. "You're rather confident."
Shiro leaned back, mock serious. "I don't lie, that's the thing. I just state facts."
Sonoko burst into laughter, while Utaha rolled her eyes.
The atmosphere lightened considerably after that. Whatever tension or awkwardness had existed before was gone now.
"I didn't expect you to have such a playful side, Teacher Sakamaki," Sonoko said, wiping a tear from her eye. "You always looked so composed before."
"Well," Shiro replied, "even mysterious authors need to let loose sometimes."
Sonoko checked her watch and stood. "I'll leave you two to talk. I have to get back to work. But,Teacher Sakamaki, let's have lunch together later. I've been meaning to treat you."
Shiro grinned. "If you don't mind me bringing company."
He gestured to Kanna, who peeked out shyly.
Sonoko's heart melted again. "Of course not! Who could say no to such a precious girl?"
"But… are you sure she's your sister?" She looked puzzled. "You two don't look alike at all."
Shiro had the answer ready. "She's mixed. Nordic blood. Doesn't take after me much."
---
Lunch Time
After lunch, Sonoko stared at the empty plates in shock. Her expression was blank, as if her soul had left her body.
She glanced at the receipt and clutched her wallet like a wounded soldier.
She had not expected Shiro and Kanna to have such bottomless appetites.
Kanna, however, remained completely unbothered. "Shiro, the food here isn't very tasty. Not as good as the stuff from Fog House. I liked the black thing better."
"That's not a 'black thing,' it's black sauce pasta, Kanna. Try to remember that," Shiro corrected with a soft sigh.
He turned to Sonoko and smiled apologetically. "Sorry about that. We both have... unusual appetites."
Sonoko nodded weakly. Her spirit hadn't returned from the damage done to her wallet.
Not that she knew, Shiro had already slipped away during his "bathroom break" and quietly paid for the whole meal.
Then, with a small smirk, he turned to Utaha.
"So, Kasumigaoka-sensei. What exactly brings you here today?"
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