The dragon was delicious.
It was the kind of food that made me feel like not just flavor, but mana itself was filling my body as I ate. Thanks to it, I was able to experience true gourmet cuisine for the first time in this new world.
"So, have you decided on a 'Mama'?"
"The term is a bit blunt, but I'll go with this person."
After finishing our meal and returning, we immediately got to work on VTuber business.
"They say this illustrator also works as a VTuber. I think this person could create something professional."
From the numerous illustrator candidates, Rasian chose someone a little unusual.
"What's the reason? The art style?"
"The fact that they're also active as a VTuber was very appealing."
"A good choice. If it weren't for the drawback of taking about a year to produce, you could call them a pro's pro. At least among the third-generation VTuber illustrators."
"Third generation?"
"It's a thing."
Since the barrier to entry is relatively low, those who venture into VTubing come from truly diverse backgrounds.
Former pro gamers, professional archaeologists, graduate students, or even the so-called 'Mamas' who create illustrations for VTubers.
Especially in the realm of 'illustrator VTubers,' the top figures in the field created a massive sensation not just in Japan but also in Korea, prompting illustrators to debut one by one with their own avatars.
While their main content was art streams, cases began to emerge where they found success not just as illustrators but also as broadcasters through their chemistry with other streamers.
The illustrator Rasian chose was one such case.
"Rasian. I'm going to make a call, so why don't you use the computer for a bit?"
"Oh, is that alright? Weren't you going to contact them through the computer?"
"I can just call them directly. I have their business card. I know their personal number, too."
"Their personal number?"
Rasian, who had just sat down at the computer and was about to launch a game, froze and stared at me.
"How do you know their personal number? Are you close with them personally?"
"I used to give them personal advice. We met often when I worked in Tokyo."
"...Is it a woman? No, that might be prejudice. They're called a 'Mama,' but an illustrator could be a man-"
"She's a woman."
As Rasian's eyes narrowed, a laugh escaped me before I could stop it.
"It's fine. She's married."
"She isn't by chance one of those married women with the so-called 'death-flag hairstyle,' wearing an apron and skin-tight jeans, is she?"
"I don't know what kind of games you've been playing while I was in Seoul, but it's not like that. In the first place, she sees me as a mentor, not someone to have misunderstandings with."
"A mentor?"
"Yeah. Want to listen in?"
I made the call right there with Rasian present.
"Hold on. Let me connect to Discord."
"Discord?"
"Yep. International calls cost money. This is more convenient, too."
Letting a third party listen in on a call with someone else felt a bit off, but then again, if Rasian really wanted to, eavesdropping would be child's play for her, wouldn't it?
She even caught a drag—oops.
This is just a deduction she probably doesn't want revealed, so I'll skip it.
Beep, beep, beep, beep.
The call connected.
[Ah, Kang! Long time no see! Did you get back to Korea okay?!]
"Yeah, it's been a while, Sayaka."
Japanese flowed out as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
I was also speaking Japanese, but Rasian nodded along as if the language barrier didn't matter at all.
"Or should I be calling you Matchaboshi-sensei?"
[What's this, straight to business as soon as you call? Did you get a new job already? Is Star Flower making a comeback after disbanding?]
"What do you mean, a company 're:diving'?"
A true professional.
The moment I used her illustrator and VTuber nickname, she switched right into business mode.
"I haven't found a new job. I just called to ask about something. The details are confidential, but would you be available to create a character illustration for a VTuber?"
[Hmm... Since it's a request from you, Kang, even if I squeeze it in, it would take at least six months.]
At least six months.
And that was with a connection from someone she considered a life-saver. It still took that long.
"Normally, it would be about a year's wait, right?"
[Yes. I'm sorry. Is it an urgent matter? Top secret?]
"Not really. I'm just taking a break after returning to Korea, and an acquaintance of mine said she wants to debut as a VTuber."
[Hmm, sounds more serious than I expected. You're usually the type to shut that kind of thing down cold, Kang.]
"She's exceptionally talented. She's a great archmage from another world."
At my words, Rasian flinched in surprise and almost shot up from her seat.
[Ah, so you've already got the concept figured out?]
But, as expected of someone in the VTuber industry, she brushed off my words as if they were nothing.
[If you decide to commission me, you can expect that kind of timeframe. I don't know who will do the rigging, but even if they start immediately after the illustration is done, it'll take at least eight... no, nine months. Is this a project that needs that much prep time?]
"The actual debut might be about a year from now."
[Then it's a deal. It's a request from you, of all people, so I can definitely make that work. It's not like you're the type to skip out on payments.]
"I'm working freelance now, though."
[Come on, you're the one who sorted out all the copyright issues for the girls' art. How could I not trust you? We can just write up a detailed contract, and more importantly, if you try to stiff me on the payment, my husband and I can just come find you in Korea. Hahaha.]
"That's a scary thought. How's Kotetsu doing?"
[He's doing well. Unfortunately, he's already been scouted by another production and is in new employee training right now. Should I tell him to quit?]
"No, you don't have to go that far. I'm not planning on starting a company."
[Ha. If you change your mind later, are you going to make us cry?]
"..."
What if I changed my mind and started a VTuber management company in Korea?
"...If that happens, maybe I'll make him the head of the Japanese branch."
If that day ever came, I'd probably be preparing for international expansion.
But for now, at least, that wasn't the plan.
Aiming for international expansion as a one-person enterprise with Rasian would require something like ten million subscribers.
[Ahaha! Just hearing you say that is great. Wow, so this is what it's like to have you on our side, Kang. As expected of that Korean warmth!]
"It's meritocracy. If he wasn't competent, would he have already found a new job and be working there?"
[That's true. Though, it's not like I can't support the man I love and chose to keep. Hehe.]
"Right, if that wasn't the case, do you think I would have played matchmaker for you two?"
While on the phone, I gave Rasian a quick wink.
[I'm still grateful to you, Kang.]
"If you're grateful, then give this illustration project a good look. I'll send the proposal and materials to your business email within three days, so don't go cutting the price just for me."
[Cut the price? Hehe, a pro doesn't let personal feelings devalue their work. Besides, I have to start saving up for baby formula, you know?]
"What? Really? I didn't hear anything about that before I left Japan."
[Not yet. But who knows, it might happen today. Ohoho!]
"...I'm hanging up."
[Aaah, wait!! Before you hang up!!]
She started saying weird things, so I tried to end the call, but she hurriedly stopped me.
[You haven't heard anything from
"..."
[Ah, I'm sorry. If that was an uncomfortable topic...]
"No, it's fine. She's a talent you worked for as a 'Mama.' How could I be uncomfortable? From your perspective, she's a prime client, and she's a VTuber I used to manage."
The connection between me and this illustrator wasn't just the male employee I'd played cupid for until he got married; there was also a business connection within the VTuber industry.
The VTuber's illustrator.
The VTuber's manager.
In the idol industry, you might call it the relationship between a composer and a producer.
She was once an exclusive employee of the company, but she left before everything fell apart, debuted as a freelance VTuber, and established herself in her own right.
"If anyone contacts you about a personal manager position, just tell them I'm not interested in working in Japan, so they should find someone else."
[I understand, Kang.]
"Alright, I'm counting on you. Get some rest."
[Yes. You too, Kang.]
Click.
The call ended.
"Alright, Rasian. I've put in the order for your new body with the 'Mama,' so it's time to start preparing, right?"
"What preparations should I make?"
"A photoshoot."
I waved the spare smartphone.
"Reference materials to send to the 'Mama'."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
[Meanwhile, in an apartment in Tokyo.]
"As I thought, he's already starting work."
In a room filled only with the glow of a monitor, a woman with braided hair was lost in thought, a wedding photo displayed on the screen.
In the photo were the woman herself and a happily smiling man. Across from them stood a handsome man with a stiff expression.
He was holding the bouquet.
Though he was managing his expression for someone's wedding celebration, his eyes held a fury that seemed to say, 'These bastards,' as if he wanted to half-destroy someone.
"Things were so good back then..."
"What's up, Sacchan?"
The light flicked on, and a simple-looking young man in a suit entered the room, approaching the woman from behind.
"Are you thinking about the wedding?"
"Mmm, no. Kang just called for business."
"...Kang called for business? Why? No, really?"
"Yeah."
"...Ah, ahh. I'll pretend I didn't hear that."
The young man, Miyazaki Kotetsu, who had once worked under the man who caught the bouquet, made a gesture of covering his ears with both hands.
"Why? Is it still awkward?"
"Of course not. He handled everything so coolly when he left the company at the end."
"But?"
"Sayaka-chan. If you ever talk about other VTubers on stream or anywhere else, you must never mention that you've been in contact with Kang. Especially if it's for business."
"Why not? Did Kang make some kind of mistake before he left?"
"No. It's just... they're looking for him."
"Looking for him? Who's looking for Kang?"
"Aedry."
"..."
"Aedry, whose subscribers surpassed three million after the Star Pro implosion, apparently made a counter-offer to Solo Live's special recruitment drive. She said she'd join their agency if they find Kang and make him her manager."
"..."
"Our company is in an uproar because of it, too."
"...Well."
The illustrator, Miyazaki Sayaka, carefully pointed to her call history.
"I don't know if it's for a company, but it looks like he's already planning to produce a VTuber for someone...?"
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