Chapter 6: Epilogue

MARIA’s paper book versus Ryo’s digital content showdown ended in a massive success.

There was some criticism that the match was invalid because the e-book couldn’t be sold normally midway through and had to switch to pre-orders, but the Competition Committee ruled that the contest would encompass all of those events.

Of course, just because MARIA’s side won, it doesn’t mean we can declare paper books superior. Rather, since we utilized the power of IT as well, a mutually complementary format is truly what we should be aiming for.

However, we should have at least managed to leave the impression that the format of paper books and bookstores still possesses value worth reconsidering.

At the same time, because the contest was successfully concluded, the fulfillment of what was wagered awaited.

First, KIMISAKAYA Bookstore’s participation in Toranosuke’s Future Creator System was canceled. Second, Arisa gained the right to have one wish granted using the power of KIMISAKAYA Bookstore.

But what about Ryo, who had promised her father she would retire if she lost?

“I still don’t quite understand why you are the one coming here.”

In the reception room of Daiichi Hikari Shoji, I finally had my meeting with Ryo’s father—Keiji Takemi.

Normally, there is no way a mere salaryman like me would be able to meet the president of a major corporation in a place like this. But it was made possible by using the power of the president of another major corporation.

Arisa had asked President Kimisaka to use the power of KIMISAKAYA Bookstore for Ryo’s sake. In other words, she secured an appointment with Keiji Takemi using KIMISAKAYA Bookstore’s influence.

“I have come to deliver something. She told me, ‘This format will surely convey it best.'”

“To Ryo?”

He directed a sharp, piercing glare at me. Something I learned by unexpectedly meeting people who stand at the top of corporations… their sheer presence and intimidating aura are off the charts. But I couldn’t succumb to the pressure. I was carrying someone’s feelings on my back.

“Are you still going to make Ryo-san retire? From being both an idol and an author?”

“A promise is a promise.”

“Ryo-san’s work was highly praised, you know?”

“I am aware it caused some buzz. But… as I have said before, I am inherently skeptical of things without physical substance, like ‘books’. Even the word ‘idol’ literally means a false idol.”

“I am a layman when it comes to idols, so I’ll put that aside for a moment. Books have the power to change someone’s life. I believe that is an irreplaceable value.”

“…We had a similar conversation before. Are books more important in this world than IT or medicine? Do they change the world? I believe I told you to prove it.”

“A book itself won’t change the world. After all, it is merely text.”

Keiji Takemi continued to give me a cold look.

“But someone who reads that book and is deeply moved by it might change the world.”

“What are you getting at?”

“For example, it might change the thoughts, and consequently the life, of someone who will make a great invention, or someone who will play an important role in society, and by extension, change the world.”

“Hmph. In that case, could you try changing the view on life of a great person right in front of me? Even just one person will do. I would be convinced then.”

“Please.”

I pulled a book out from my breast pocket and placed it in front of Keiji Takemi.

“Would you please read this book?”

“A book Ryo wrote?”

“Yes, but it is the only copy in the world. Will you please make your judgment after reading this?”

“I refuse. …Is what I would like to say, but… this is an appointment requested by KIMISAKAYA Bookstore. Therefore, the next thirty minutes belong to you.”

“Th-Thank you very much.”

I panicked for a second but let out a sigh of relief. If he didn’t read it, I wouldn’t be able to face Ryo. I asked if I should step out for a moment, but he told me it wasn’t necessary.

“It doesn’t seem to be of any great length. I will read it right here, right now. And I will give you my judgment immediately.”

For a while, Keiji Takemi quietly continued turning the pages. I watched to see if there was any reaction, but he didn’t move a muscle other than to turn the pages.

It didn’t take him long to read through to the final page. With a scoff, Keiji Takemi placed the book on the desk.

“Is this the book that will change the view on life of some great person?”

“Yes.”

“That is a lie.”

Placing both hands on his knees, he leaned forward.

“…Are you saying that I am that great person?” “Impossible,” Keiji Takemi spat. “This book will only resonate with me, and it holds meaning for no one but me.”

“…I have no intention of explaining Ryo-san’s intentions. I am merely acting as the distributor for the book filled with Ryo-san’s feelings.”

I was the one who suggested to Ryo that she convey her feelings through writing. She said if that were the case, she would entrust everything to the text instead of meeting face-to-face. Now that she knows there is something only she can do, she wanted to pour all her honest feelings into it—the desire to continue being an author and an idol once more.

And if her writing failed to convey it? Then that would be the end of it. Ryo hardened her resolve and staked everything on this piece.

“…I wanted Ryo to be happy. Even if she hates me now… I thought it would be best if her happiness was guaranteed even after I pass away.”

“Yes.” I simply nodded and listened to Keiji Takemi’s perspective.

“However… I see. Ryo is happy now… and is saying she will be happy from now on as well.”

What Ryo conveyed through her writing. It was genuine gratitude toward her parent. She knows very well that he wishes for her happiness. He also gave her chances. That is why she resolved that if this still didn’t get through to him, she would obey her parent.

Her feelings of trust in her parent must have been conveyed through the text as well.

“Is there any parent whose heart wouldn’t be moved… after having feelings of gratitude conveyed to them by their own daughter?”

What is the greatest book? This is a very difficult question, and there is likely no single answer. Depending on the time and the circumstances, the answer continues to change even within a single person.

But if I were to say just one thing, a book written exclusively for one specific person harbors the potential to become the greatest book for that person.

Ryo’s father pressed his fingers to the inner corners of his eyes for just a fleeting moment.

“Indeed, this is… the greatest book of my lifetime. My view on life might just change. …Are you telling me that Ryo possesses the potential to write such a work?”

It wasn’t a mere whim. Keiji Takemi had a desire to support Ryo. Because if he didn’t, there is no way he would have given her so many chances like this. But there was a line, a condition he properly couldn’t compromise on.

Therefore, it is a fact that the book Ryo wrote this time moved the heart of one human being.

“You got me.” Saying that, the face of Keiji Takemi as he smiled somewhat radiantly looked exactly like Ryo’s.

“I will give her a little more time. I won’t… force her to retire right now.”

“Welcome ba~ck.”

The person greeting me as I returned from work was my wife, an author and a super-popular model who recently started getting booked for magazines with natural makeup.

“…We really don’t need to live together anymore, do we?” Now that the cohabitation with the other person had been dissolved, there should be no need for her to come to my house this frequently…

“No way~, because if I don’t take care of you, you’ll just end up eating nothing but convenience store food.” Arisa Kimisaka, wearing an apron over her school uniform after coming straight from school today as well, was in the middle of preparing dinner. Her chestnut hair was glossy, her cuticles forming an angel’s halo. Her slender legs and the captivating beauty of her standing posture were top-tier. The sight of such a girl cooking exclusively for me occasionally makes me doubt if I’m dreaming.

Just then, the doorbell rang, and a visitor peeked their head in.

“Hello.” The person popping in was the cool beauty (who is surprisingly clumsy), also a popular idol and e-book author.

“You’ve got a lot of nerve barging into our love nest!” “I contacted you, didn’t I! I just came to hang out!” Ryo Takemi fired back without flinching at Arisa’s rough welcome.

They really get along well. Apparently, they’ve been going to school together lately.

“You only really live here on weekends anyway, right? You just drop by in the evenings on weekdays.” “For some reason, I’ve been demoted to a commuting wife! It’s weird… the plan was for me to be the only one staying after we kicked Ryo out…”

“Like I’d approve of a plan like that. You’re busy with school now, too. Study, go study.” “Even though Kenichi-san has an established reputation for being easy… By the way, my studying is fine. I have talent, you see.”

“She pisses me off at every turn, this girl…” Looking slightly exasperated, Ryo continued with a “But.” “…You two look like you’ve closed the distance between you more than before.”

“Eh…”

“Right~.” While it was an unexpected observation to me, Arisa nodded as if it were a matter of fact.

“Maybe because we crossed the line?”

“We haven’t crossed it!”

That’s right, we haven’t crossed the line. Arisa’s lips, which had almost reached me, lacked a little height and merely brushed against my chin. As long as it wasn’t mouth-to-mouth, we still haven’t crossed the line. Even foreigners kiss on the cheek as a greeting. …I’m no longer sure how the line is defined, though.

“…I approve of you two, but… you still can’t cross the line, okay!? I’m reporting you! I have to report you!” Ryo started making a fuss.

“Stop it! I told you we haven’t crossed it!” However, neither of them was listening to my warnings at all.

“Honestly, you’re just jealous. You just want to cross the line yourself, don’t you.” “W-Why would I want to cross the line… there’s no way… right…” Ryo mumbled incoherently.

“Don’t turn red while stealing glances at Kenichi-san’s face! It looks totally real!” “Weren’t you the one who said something weird!?”

It’s completely noisy. It seems my relationship with these girls, which is still very much a work in progress, will continue for a little while longer.

I don’t know what their future holds. Similarly, I don’t know what the future holds for books and bookstores. But as long as the fire in the hearts of those who care about that future is not extinguished, those possibilities will continue. And the great blaze created when people holding the fire of those feelings connect will surely continue to illuminate the world from now on.

As long as there are people, and as long as people continue to connect, the future is surely bright.

End