Cartoonists and their assistants

Konno Kazuka knew the proper boundaries in teasing, and that he should playfully tease without breaking the ice, so he didn't continue the pursuit.

"Thank you for your gift, Mr. Konno."

The two casually thanked him.

After that, everyone got to know Kazuka Konno.

"Hello, Ms. Tsukimi, I really like your manga!"

"Are you Yuriko-sensei's new assistants? Remember to learn from her well, just like Ms. Ashisu."

"Eh, is she a classmate of Tsukishima-sensei? Are they that close? That's a bit suspicious~"

Kazuka Konno speaks in a way that is very free and unrestrained, but there is actually a sense of naivety in her, as if she has not handled interpersonal relationships well, which makes everyone unsure of how to start a conversation with her.

"Konno, you talk too much."

Minamoto suddenly said something that made the latter look as if he had been startled.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Minamoto Matome, it's been a long time since I've been out alone, and I've met so many people, I'm a little excited and just can't stop talking."

Kazuka Konno scratched his head.

"Ok?"

Those present noticed that something was off about the relationship between the two.

"Ms. Minano and Mr. Konno seem to have a very good relationship?"

Eriri asked first.

"Because Ms. Minano is now my editor... about three months ago."

Kazuka Konno quickly offered an explanation.

This is not surprising, as the cartoonist assigned to an editor is not fixed. If either party is dissatisfied, they can discuss and change the candidate.

"So, Ms. Minano is in charge of all the teachers here? And Ms. Ashisu will be in charge later too. Isn't that too tiring?"

Mizuki Machi noticed this and asked with some concern.

"will not."

Minamoto's lips seemed to twitch slightly.

"Because Mizuki and Sawamura are easy-going kids, and Aoi and Konno don't require much of my effort."

The editor praised everyone at once, denigrating her own contribution, which showed great social skills.

"No, no, Ms. Minano helped us a lot."

"Indeed, Ms. Minano is very dedicated."

"Sometimes Chan can say nice things too."

"Ms. Minano's abilities are beyond doubt."

Similarly, all four of them returned it.

......

As we chatted, it became lunchtime.

“It smells so good~”

"Miss Ashisu has such good cooking skills!"

"What a pity, we won't be able to eat it anymore."

Everyone helped carry the food to the table.

"No problem, Miss Black Cat's cooking skills are also very good."

Asashi Saho spoke up.

She said that because Ruri Gokou got involved.

"Teacher, please try my cooking."

Ruri Gokou confidently extended her hand in invitation.

"Oh?"

"Then let's give it a try."

They each took a bite, then nodded in satisfaction, giving it a good review.

It seems I'll still be able to enjoy life to the fullest in the future!

"Alright, let's begin our banquet!"

"I can speak in a hearty tone," said Mizuki Machi.

......

After the celebration banquet began, the atmosphere became increasingly intense.

At this moment, Kazuka Konno couldn't sit still any longer. Looking at the table full of women, he suddenly chuckled.

"Speaking of which, Mizuki, you're almost in high school, right? Normally you should have a girlfriend by now. After all, you're very outstanding, and many girls should like you. Don't you have anyone you like?"

115, you are no longer our assistant!

The moment these words were spoken, the atmosphere at the banquet changed instantly, and everyone fell silent for a few seconds.

"Oops!"

It was at this moment that she realized she had misjudged the situation, and cold sweat poured down her forehead.

"Mr. Konno is joking. You should be more anxious than me. At your age, you should generally be getting married."

Mizuki Machi replied with a smile.

Eriri is rather traditional; she generally doesn't dare to retaliate when teased by a respected senior unless they are very familiar with each other.

But he was different; he immediately retaliated.

"Uh."

Konno Kazuka was struck dumb, frozen in place, and his defenses crumbled instantly.

Because she was focused on her creative work, she had never been in a relationship, so she often felt bored and wanted to relieve her loneliness by teasing Yuriko Tsukishima.

"I'm so sorry, I'm so old and I've never been in a relationship. I'm just an unattractive woman, sob sob..."

She reached up and wiped her eyes, looking all wronged.

The behavior of the weak always evokes sympathy.

"Konno-sensei, don't mind what that idiot Machi said!"

"There's no way around it, it's because drawing comics takes too much time, it's definitely not because you, Konno-sensei, lack charm."

"Actually, Konno-sensei is very cute, please don't lose confidence."

The others quickly offered words of comfort.

"Really?"

Konno Kazuka raised her head, tears still glistening in the corners of her eyes.

"So, when you're trying to play a prank on someone, you should also assess your own limits."

Otherwise, you'll only end up hurting yourself.

"However, being both bad at something and fond of playing games is part of human nature."

Just as Mizuki Machi was inwardly complaining, Eriri quietly elbowed him.

He understood perfectly and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Konno, I didn't consider your feelings."

"Ah, I'm the one who should apologize..."

Konno Kazuka quickly waved his hands.

"Alright, isn't today a victory celebration? What nonsense are you all talking about?!"

Suddenly, Kanata Kurusu clapped his hands, the loud sound attracting the attention of others.

"correct."

"Let's have a happy day!"

"Let's talk about how the animation adaptation of the teacher is going."

Soon, the conversation shifted to the voice actors and production progress of the animation.

Another half hour later.

"Strange, Mr. Konno, aren't you always busy with work? How come you have so much free time today?"

Mizuki Machi asked with a surprised expression.

"Since Sasa has approved of you, she's going along with my wishes..."

Kazuka Konno offered a brief explanation.

"She only acknowledges us now; she has really high standards."

Eriri said sarcastically.

"I'm sorry, Sawamura-sensei, Sasa-e..."

"Actually, there's no need to apologize; it's just a difference in personal opinion."

"I see."

His magnanimity surprised Kazuka Konno, so he didn't say anything more.

After the celebration banquet.

Everyone said their goodbyes.

"I hope that your anime adaptation will be a great success."

Chie Takasago didn't say much throughout, but at the end she casually took the lead in congratulating them.

Others followed suit, using similar language, only slightly changing the way they addressed each other.

Miss Ashisu stayed until the very end, and after offering her blessing as well—

The two did not let her leave immediately.

"Miss Asashisu, no... Sister Saho, please allow me to address you by your name from now on..."

Eriri said with a serious expression.

"No...no need to be so polite, just call me Sahoto, teacher."

"Alright, Sha Sui Du?"

"Ah."

Asasu Saho is used to being a 'junior', so the sudden change seems unacceptable to her.

If they are 'peers', then it's barely acceptable.

"Miss Saho, you've had a tough journey!"

The two childhood sweethearts exchanged a glance and then bowed slightly in unison.

"This...! Teacher, there's no need..."

Both Suzusa and Sasaki were extremely flattered.

After all, she had always been the assistant bowing, not the teacher.

"Call me by my name, Miss Saho."

“Miss Saho, don’t forget, you are no longer our assistant.”

The two said with a smile.

"Alright... Machi, Eriri, I accept your kindness!"

After a moment's internal struggle, Ashisu Saho accepted the offer of kindness.