Join the Glorious Broadcast, Tsupi.
Sipping the bitterly intense espresso little by little, we discussed our future plans.
"First things first, the most important issue: replacing the costume designer for KR Maerchen Live. Of course, I can keep working even while doing VTuber activities, but it'll probably slow down my usual timeline."
"I've thought about that. How about hiring a successor? Or training someone like Auka to mimic your art style?"
"That's not a bad idea, but my style is so distinctive... We'd probably need to triple the deadlines compared to mine."
"Hmm. Then how about bringing in an assistant this time—"
Ideas bounced back and forth, but all three of us here knew the truth. There probably wasn't another illustrator on Muil's level. No one we could just replace her with right away.
Still, if you dig deep enough, solutions come up. Or at least, the best we could do right now.
"The best option is to train Muil's successor and have them as an assistant."
"Yeah. Until someone like me shows up, that's what we'll have to do."
"But are you really okay with that? VTuber activities on top of everything?"
I smiled faintly at Tsupi's worried expression and nodded.
"If you can extend the deadlines a bit, I think I can manage."
"Don't push yourself too hard!"
Aigoo. I'm always pushing, so no worries. I replied inwardly and took another sip of espresso.
"U-um, so... is that everything?"
Eunhye, who'd been silent through the whole conversation, spoke up hesitantly.
"Not completely, but pretty much~?"
"Eek! Then let's eat cake! Tiramisu if possible!"
"I'm good with that. You, Tsupi?"
"Me too. Go on, Eunhye."
"Hiiing. Be right back."
Like clockwork. Seeing Eunhye head straight to the counter at Tsupi's call made me feel a little sorry for her.
"Heh. I might boss Eunhye around a lot, but she's my favorite on the team. I treat her like a little sister."
"That doesn't sound like a good thing."
"Eh? I treat my actual little sister super well, though?"
"I doubt she sees it that way..."
I shot Tsupi a side-eye, and she naturally turned away.
But now that I thought about it, was it okay for the manager team lead to be lounging around like this? Didn't she need to manage the gens?
I couldn't hold back and asked.
"Um, don't you need to go manage the KR folks? With up to the 10th gen, you must be swamped."
Tsupi laughed like I'd said something ridiculous.
"Do you know how many people are on our team?"
"Uh."
"Twenty-two including me. Twenty without me and Eunhye. Two per gen. That's why we don't hire more managers."
Fair enough. Then the team lead could slack off and the team would still run itself. Just handle the big stuff.
With one curiosity satisfied, another popped up. As I kept asking questions,
"Ta-da! Let's eat while we talk!"
Eunhye returned with the tiramisu. It looked delicious, but I'd eaten so much today that I was still full.
Maybe just one bite.
As I pondered, Tsupi suddenly held a forkful right in front of my mouth.
I wasn't the type of Muil to refuse when someone—especially a pretty someone—fed me directly.
Anyway, after satisfyingly filling up on dessert too, a pleasant lethargy settled in.
"So, are you making your own avatar, Muil?"
If Eunhye hadn't suddenly asked after devouring half the tiramisu herself, I might've dozed off right there.
"Probably? I'm a clothing specialist, but I can handle the rest to some extent."
"As expected... So what about your RP and activity name?"
Eunhye had slipped into work mode, which felt a bit unfamiliar, but I answered as best I could.
"Hmm. No specific RP in mind. Just 'incompetent illustrator' sounds good. And for the activity name, Muil as is should work."
Tsupi watched her like a proud parent. Though their age gap wasn't that big.
"Muil sounds too masculine. Something cuter or prettier!"
"How about reversing Muil to Uwar?"
"Oh."
"Oh..."
"Why are you two reacting like that?"
Tsupi answered Eunhye's complaint without thinking, and I let out an involuntary gasp of admiration. As expected of the head manager overseeing active VTubers. Come to think of it, Tsupi named most of them. All except KR Maerchen's 5th and 7th gens, I believed.
Tsupi was a naming genius.
"It's getting late. We'll finish the rest later. I'll take you home, Muil."
"Don't mind if I do."
"Team lead, me too!"
"You're five minutes away. Walk."
By now, it was just before dark outside. We three hurried out of the cafe, exchanging goodbyes.
"I'll contact you again soon."
"Sure. Take care, Tsupi."
Eunhye split off right away, and thanks to Tsupi, I got home comfortably. After seeing her off, I headed inside.
I collapsed onto the bed without even washing up in the dark house.
Too much happened today. I'm exhausted.