That evening, just as Kamiyā Yuu was preparing to continue drawing storyboards after dinner, he received a call from Akiyama Gojō, the chief editor of Chiyo Bookstore's light novel division.
"Mr. Kamiyā, I'm very sorry that I wasn't able to personally receive you during the event today."
The young man's voice came through the phone. Kamiyā Yuu quickly recalled the always-gentle-looking chief editor.
He still had some impression of Akiyama Gojō's name. He had originally debuted as a light novelist and, within less than five years, completed several highly popular works and won numerous awards. Two of his novels had even been adapted into anime. However, at the peak of his career, he unexpectedly stepped away from writing and joined Chiyo Bookstore as an editor.
As an editor, he was equally outstanding. His responsible attitude toward the authors under his care earned widespread praise, allowing him to quickly rise to the position of chief editor.
Because of the 'Fate/Zero' side-story novels, Kamiyā Yuu had interacted with him frequently recently and held a favorable impression of him.
"No, it was just a book signing event. There's no need to make such a big deal out of it. Personally, I'd rather avoid unnecessary ceremony and simply leave once the signing is over."
An embarrassed laugh came from the other end.
"Haha, after all, it was our event, yet we ended up pushing everything onto you."
Kamiyā Yuu shook his head.
"I assume you didn't call just to apologize, Chief Editor Akiyama."
"Ah, as expected of Mr. Kamiyā. Actually, this is the reason our editorial department was so busy today."
"Please go ahead."
"Mr. Kamiyā, I remember you mentioning before that 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio had no plans to animate the side-story novels."
After a moment's thought, Kamiyā Yuu immediately understood the implication.
Raising an eyebrow, he asked,
"Chiyo Bookstore wants to take over?"
"Exactly. After today's meeting, our editorial department concluded that your work, 'Twilight of the Knight,' is highly suitable for an anime adaptation. The light novel has already accumulated sufficient popularity, and once your studio's adaptation of 'Fate/Zero' continues airing, the popularity of the side stories will undoubtedly rise further."
He continued,
"So, if you don't mind our rather opportunistic approach, Chiyo Bookstore would be delighted to meet your requirements."
Kamiyā Yuu hesitated.
"It's not that I doubt your company's capabilities. It's just that I've always pursued the highest quality possible. If a work can't be adapted properly, I'd rather leave it as a novel forever."
Akiyama Gojō laughed openly.
"Of course. That's obvious from the exceptional quality of the anime you've produced. Therefore, we're willing to give you the right to choose the animation studio. Whichever studio you select, we'll do our best to establish a partnership with them."
Allowing the original author to choose the animation studio was an extraordinary level of respect.
Only top-tier authors received such treatment.
For Kamiyā Yuu, an anime adaptation of 'Twilight of the Knight' was good news.
'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio simply didn't have the manpower to animate every project.
Even after 'Fate/Zero' ended, there was still a long queue of excellent works from his previous world waiting to be adapted.
Entrusting 'Twilight of the Knight' to another studio was therefore an ideal solution.
The only thing he worried about was quality.
He certainly didn't want his novel to "suffer an anime adaptation."
After considering it briefly, he smiled.
"That's acceptable. Tomorrow I'll send someone from my company to discuss the details with you."
"You've helped us greatly. Chiyo Bookstore looks forward to this collaboration."
After ending the call, Kamiyā Yuu rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
If 'Twilight of the Knight' was going to be adapted, then the choice of studio had already been decided the moment Akiyama offered that condition.
Sunrise Company.
The studio where Fujiwara Tora and Kitagawa Shūichi worked.
Through occasional discussions, Kamiyā Yuu had come to appreciate Kitagawa Shūichi's capabilities as a director.
More importantly, they could communicate as friends, ensuring that the production side wouldn't simply ignore the wishes of the original creator.
As for funding and licensing negotiations, he would leave those matters to Busujima Murasaki tomorrow.
If plans moved forward now, the adaptation would most likely become part of the October anime season.
By then, 'Fate/Zero' would be around episode twelve, allowing both series to benefit from one another's popularity.
With 'Fate/Zero' serving as support, 'Twilight of the Knight' wouldn't need to worry about attracting viewers.
Overall, everyone would profit.
Kamiyā Yuu would simply earn a little less, while Chiyo Bookstore would earn a little more.
He sighed.
"The calculations behind this deal are impressive. You really can't underestimate someone who becomes a chief editor."
...
At eleven o'clock that night, the late-night television programming block began.
It was also time for the premiere broadcast of 'Fate/Zero.'
Curled up against Kamiyā Yuu, Kamiyā Sora stretched lazily.
She wore a simple white sleeveless nightdress, giving her the appearance of a delicate doll.
Like a lazy white kitten, she curled herself up comfortably, every movement carrying an endearing charm.
"If you're sleepy, just go to bed. You can watch it tomorrow."
Kamiyā Yuu rested his chin on her shoulder and gently spoke.
He had already noticed her yawning several times.
Working at 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio was already physically demanding for her, and eleven o'clock was later than her usual bedtime.
Leaning against him, Kamiyā Sora narrowed her eyes.
"I can sleep here, too. If I accidentally fall asleep, then you'll have to carry me back."
"You'll catch a cold."
"Yuu, give me your hand."
"Hm?"
"Just hold me."
"It's summer. Won't it be hot?"
Even so, he wrapped an arm around her waist.
Feeling his embrace, Kamiyā Sora's face reddened slightly.
She glanced at him and spoke softly.
"Yuu... maybe we should watch the anime tomorrow instead."
The two remained together quietly, setting aside the show for the evening and enjoying each other's company instead.