A Dragon's Visit
Who came?
In the end, the conclusion was that even the finale was solid.
People finally breathed a sigh of relief.
It was disappointing that no more volumes were coming now that it was over, but a clean wrap-up like this was something to be grateful for.
Soon, more reviews started pouring in.
Lots of discussions popped up, but they all boiled down to one thing.
It was a damn good novel they'd enjoyed in a long while.
The start had everyone hooked, and the end left food for thought while tying everything up neatly.
They looked forward to the next work.
…They were looking forward to it, so please serialize the next one too. Don't run off 'cause it's tough.
Positive reactions like that.
And at that moment, what was the author Aren—the target of those words—up to?
"…Who did what now?"
He'd just received unbelievable news through his communication device.
I rested. Rested hard. As lazily as I possibly could.
If this were my old life, my conscience would've bugged me, or I'd feel my parents' eyes on me and do something.
But not this time. I'm on vacation now!
I worked my ass off, got great results, made bank—don't I deserve some reward time for myself?
How long? Till I get bored of resting, I guess.
Then when vacation ends… Hmm… Serialize another novel?
Normally, I'd go big on one thing, get bored fast, and move on.
But not this time. No urge to quit, so why not?
…No specific ideas yet, though.
Maybe an elf protagonist? But that's not fleshed out—just "I did beastkin, so elf next?" vibes.
Could end up human anyway.
By the time I'm itching to work, something'll come.
Plenty of time. The ideation's the fun part anyway—the writing's the grind.
Even with Back Alley Senora, tons of ideas popped up during serialization.
Most were fun in the moment but unsustainable long-term, so trashed.
Anyway… Plans during rest?
Catch up with folks. Ulpi, Rapi—they seem to be doing well.
Ranyori… yeah, see her daily.
Oh right, Arwen too.
Felt bad overloading her before, wanted to reward beyond cash.
But pushing to vol 4 non-stop… just kept overworking her.
I wasn't picky, no tight deadlines, paid up front.
Elves are just frail—anything's overwork for them.
So this time, something real. Made good money, can even plant a tree out front if she asks.
*Flash!*
?
Sudden light from the communication device.
Meant a message.
Who… people who contact me…
Not many candidates—easy guess.
Warrenberg Publishing. …Huh?
Why? On my day off, from "work"?
Issue with vol 4? Public outraged?
…Nah. No way. Boards looked fine when I checked.
I even risked looking sus and posted anonymously to gauge sentiment.
So why the call… Everything's fine, but…
…Wait, no guarantee it's bad news.
Could be late congrats on the finale, or good tidings.
Lightened up. No manners ignoring a worried call.
"Author! Why'd you take so long?!"
"Wasn't long."
"You didn't pick up right away! Anyway! Emergency!"
"Why…?"
"It's… Ah…!"
Chavi's voice cut off suddenly.
"Author, it's Warrenberg."
"Ah, hello."
Guess that's why—Warrenberg took over.
"A guest who wants to contact you just arrived at the publishing house."
"Send 'em away."
Some fanatic or stalker fan showed up, huh.
Shouldn't they handle that themselves…?
Maybe a relative or acquaintance? Fine, one greeting.
"No no! Not someone you can just send away!"
"What, threatening with a knife? Refusing to leave?"
"Pretty much!"
"Pardon?"
Brain blanked for a sec.
Pretty much? That's not okay, right? Fan or robber?
…And calling me for what? What can I do?
Call the guards instead, no?
Still, waited.
For Warrenberg to continue after pausing.
Like hearing him steady his breath over the device. Impossible, but still.
"It's a dragon!"
"Pardon?"
"The academy principal has come to visit!"
Warrenberg's voice was super hyped. And it all clicked.
Ah. Ahaaa…
So that's what happened…
Couldn't send that away…
A dragon's basically always armed to the teeth, yeah.
My reaction upon realizing? Obviously…
"On my way!"
Spring into action.
No way I'd pass up seeing a dragon with my own eyes.
If it's this, just say so straight up—don't beat around the bush.