Chapter 365 - One Step Forward?
Night.
Bell-buchou's live stream is tonight, and it's probably just started. She's apparently doing a wrap-up for the Necropolis World Quest back in the Kingdom, in a collaboration stream with Leona-sama. Also, she's going to announce that she's selling items obtained in the Necropolis that not many people use.
"Thanks for the meal."
"Wuff!"
After school, I spent all my time listening to the post-World Quest discussions, so I had dinner with Lupi and the others again. It was Ranziboa pork belly and Lexon egg stir-fry, essentially a simple meat and egg scramble, but it had that flavor that makes you crave rice…
『Looks delicious…』
"Well then, see you Sunday, I guess."
『Yes!』
Even so, it's just preparing ingredients and stir-frying, so… When I'm stuck for a menu, this is my go-to. Miki likes it too, so she doesn't complain.
『Ah, Sensei has arrived.』
"Roger. I'll head over there too."
『Yes. Sorry about that.』
Regarding the image character, I needed to consult with Kumano-sensei and Tsubaki-san. But if I kept playing IRO, the content of our conversation might be leaked to the management, so… I told Lupi and the others I'd be back later, then lay down on the bed and logged out.
By the way, Tsubaki-san was apparently already in the studio, on standby, but had she been completely silent…?
I entered the studio where Mion was.
"Evening."
"Good evening~."
"Sorry to trouble you."
Good. Tsubaki-san was definitely there.
『Shou-kun.』
There was a good two-seater sofa placed at the side of the studio, and another one had been added. I sat next to Mion when she called me, but was it really okay for it to be me, Mion, Kumano-sensei, and Tsubaki-san…?
"Then, to begin again, I will briefly explain the background."
"Please do~."
Tsubaki-san explained things smoothly. Incidentally, Kumano-sensei and Tsubaki-san had met and spoken during the monetization discussion.
"I've been told by Kumano-sensei that there are no school rule issues with performing entertainment activities as a part-time job, and Shizuku-sama has also said to go along with Mio-ojousama's wishes."
"I see~. So, Mion-san, have you decided what you want to do~?"
『Um, if the specific job content and our conditions are met, I'd like to try it…』
She hadn't refused from the start, and I had a vague feeling Mion wanted to try it.
However, the conditions were the key point, or rather…
"I see~. By the way, what are the conditions~?"
『Even if I play IRO, I don't want my gameplay to be used in PVs without my permission.』
"Ah, that's certainly…"
I get put in PVs quite often too, but I wouldn't want to be used with that kind of vibe. There are image issues too.
"That's right~. I think it would be fine if they properly explain what kind of role it is~ beforehand."
『Yes.』
"I will also confirm that on my end."
Actually, what will she be doing? Since it's an image character, she'll probably appear in official promotional videos, but what else?
『Shou-kun, do you have any requests?』
"Me? Hmm… Is it okay even if it's just a wish?"
"I think it's fine~. Go ahead and say it~."
"Yes. As long as it's not unreasonable, I don't think there will be any problem for Shou-sama."
I don't intend to say anything unreasonable.
"Depending on the content of Mion's work, I'd feel more at ease if I could also be present at those locations."
『Please!』
"Uh, yeah…"
I think it would be fine with Tsubaki-san there, but it's better to have more familiar people around. Also, I'm interested in seeing what it's like…
"I don't think that's a problem at all~?"
"Yes. I was already planning for Shou-sama to accompany her."
Well, if that's the case, then it's fine, I suppose.
"By the way, do you know what kind of work it will be?"
"Well. This is strictly about real-world-oriented settings, but…"
Tsubaki-san explained cases where they would use full-dive spaces for real-world-oriented settings, using avatars to shoot music videos or dramas. It was simply about having the location in the virtual world and filming there.
"In the dawn of full-dive VR, there was a period when the person and avatar were separated~, but the avatar side was illegally used independently~, and various laws were put in place~."
Kumano-sensei seemed knowledgeable about such things and taught us a lot, which was very informative. In this day and age, you couldn't illegally copy someone else's avatar, but apparently, in the past, it was possible to copy with a single tap, then use AI to arbitrarily arrange and use them.
"I can't stand the thought of someone I don't know using my avatar…"
"In this case, it would involve portraying an in-game character, but it would still be based on the person themselves…"
"So, the person herself has to move it, meaning Mion has to act, right?"
"That's correct."
Will she be okay? I looked at Mion…
『I'll do my best!』
"You don't have to push yourself too hard, you know."
"That's right~. It's important to say what you can't do~."
Kumano-sensei, that's probably correct, but how is that for encouragement…?
"Then, for now, shall we respond with this?"
Mion and I nodded in agreement. I thought that would be the end of it, but…
"You'll have a meeting with the other party once, right~?"
"Yes. We will arrange an opportunity to meet virtually for a brief greeting and an explanation of the job content, but would that be acceptable?"
Tsubaki-san's gaze, and Mion's and Kumano-sensei's?
"Um, I think it's fine. …And I should be there too."
『Please!』
"Roger. Then, setting the date and time…"
"Leave it to me," Tsubaki-san said.
It was suggested that we propose candidate dates, but Kumano-sensei said weekdays during the day or late at night were out.
"I feel like it's only possible on weekend afternoons."
"It's a student's part-time job~."
"That's right…"
During club hours is also tricky. Sensei also said she wouldn't be present.
Mion has lessons on Saturdays, but apparently, she can shift the time for those.
"Then, I will inform you once the date and time are decided."