So many geniuses in anime! What's wrong with me joining?

Aoyama Nanami might not know it, but he had come down from the top floor to this place a few minutes ago. Her anxious expression and movements outside the glass wall just moments before had been caught by his eyes.

"Hello, Miss Aoyama, welcome," Sakurakoji Talent said first, seeing her still somewhat surprised.

"Mr. Sakurakoji, could you be..."

Although she had some inkling, the moment she actually saw Sakurakoji Talent's figure, Aoyama Nanami's pupils widened, her expression completely frozen. She hadn't expected that the young master the maid mentioned would actually be Sakurakoji Talent.

Doesn't this mean that Mr. Sakurakoji is an even more remarkable person than she had imagined?

Even though she had long seen that Sakurakoji Talent was mysterious and didn't seem like an ordinary person, she hadn't expected him to be the young master of a prominent family. Was this some kind of urban romance drama?

She suddenly had the feeling of 'when I was in trouble, a friend suddenly said they weren't pretending anymore, that they were a billionaire and revealed it, then casually solved my predicament.'

"I am the owner of this apartment, and also the interviewer for Miss Aoyama today."

"Don't be nervous, please sit."

Nodding, Sakurakoji Talent confirmed her thoughts and gestured for her to sit opposite him.

"Oh, okay."

Just as she thought!

Aoyama Nanami wailed inwardly and sat down fearfully. However, the sofa was softer and more yielding than she had anticipated, and her body almost sank into it with a gasp of surprise, which she managed to suppress.

"Don't be nervous, Miss Aoyama," Sakurakoji Talent said comfortingly, seeing her still stiff expression.

"Although it's an interview, as I said before, I believe you are fully capable of handling this job. So, the real purpose today is simply to get to know each other."

"Simply put, it's just a formality."

"Huh? I got the job?" Aoyama Nanami forgot her nervousness. The sudden good news washed away her anxiety, and she exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes, if you have no objections to the job and the compensation."

The sudden good news made Aoyama Nanami beam with joy, her excitement evident. But soon, another kind of conflict and unease arose.

"But, is it really okay? To choose me so casually." After biting her lip in hesitation, she voiced her concern.

"I know Mr. Sakurakoji wants to help me, but if I really can't adapt to this job, please don't mind and just say so directly!"

"I don't want you to worry so much because of me."

Her earnest and strong personality made her unwilling to take advantage of others, especially the idea of using connections without having the ability, which she found shameful and unacceptable.

Sakurakoji Talent admired her performance and nodded inwardly. Her personality was also very likable. He responded with a smile:

"Of course, this isn't a very difficult job. Although there are some things you'll need to learn, I believe you can accomplish them."

"I don't help just any acquaintance unconditionally. The reason I chose Miss Aoyama is simply because you are indeed very suitable."

"Also, this is my Head Maid, Miss Yashiro Ichiyo. If you have any questions in the future, you can always ask her."

Sakurakoji Talent looked at Yashiro Ichiyo, who was still standing by, ready to serve, and introduced her.

Yashiro Ichiyo smiled and bowed slightly in greeting. Aoyama Nanami quickly stood up and bowed in return.

"As for the compensation... please take a look at this," Sakurakoji Talent handed her several white papers covered in black text.

"This is a preliminary labor contract. If you feel it's acceptable, just sign your name."

"Okay."

Aoyama Nanami carefully took them and placed them on the table in front of her, beginning to review the contents.

As she carefully read the terms on the paper, Yashiro Ichiyo poured her a cup of black tea.

"Thank you!" Aoyama Nanami reacted quickly and whispered her thanks.

Sakurakoji Talent took a sip of his coffee. Although he preferred green tea, he didn't dislike coffee. Of course, he couldn't drink black coffee without sugar and milk.

Observing Aoyama Nanami's focused profile as she reviewed the contract, Sakurakoji Talent scored her another point. Her meticulous and cautious attitude was commendable. It was clear she wasn't a naive person who could be easily fooled. Perhaps she had been taken advantage of before, as her expression was very serious.

Although he could have added some unfair clauses that Aoyama Nanami wouldn't notice and then exploited her to work for him for free, or even manipulated her at will... there was no need. After all, he wasn't a devil.

He didn't care about this little bit of money.

While inhaling the aroma of the coffee, he lost himself in thought about his future plans, and time quickly passed.

Aoyama Nanami read very quickly, perhaps not wanting to waste too much of his time. A few minutes later, she put down the documents.

"Is this really okay? Mr. Sakurakoji, this compensation and working hours..."

For the nth time, she asked the question, looking at Sakurakoji Talent, hesitating to speak.

It wasn't that the compensation was bad; it was too good, too favorable to her. Although Sakurakoji Talent had briefly explained it before, the contract terms on paper were even more generous than she had imagined.

Not only was the working time based on her free schedule, but he could also help her with the transfer procedures to Philia's Vocal Music Department, with tuition fees paid in installments from her monthly salary. Accommodation and meals were all included.

Even after deducting the tuition fees, the monthly salary she would receive was no less than the sum of all her previous part-time jobs!

Taken together, the benefits far exceeded the average salary of ordinary office workers, making the compensation shockingly good.

This made her heart pound. What kind of job was this? Could it be that she would be asked to sell some illegal items?

The contract only vaguely stated that the work content was to complete tasks requested by the employer, with no limits. She could refuse any particularly inappropriate requests, and there were no breach of contract penalties. It shouldn't be anything outrageous.

"Have you finished reading? Do you have any other questions? If not, then sign it," Sakurakoji Talent said, propping his cheek with his hand and leaning back against the cushion, gesturing with his eyes.

"Ah, yes, there are no problems." Aoyama Nanami shook her head, cheered up, picked up the pen beside her, and signed her name on the last page of the labor contract.

It would be too foolish to refuse such a good job.

"If possible, I'd like to start working immediately so I can get paid as soon as possible. You know, my situation is a bit..." Aoyama Nanami interlaced her fingers and tapped them together, feeling a little awkward.

"Mm, that's fine. You can observe and learn here today and get used to the work content for later."

"Thank you very much! But, what exactly will I be doing?"

"Hmm? Didn't I tell you?" Sakurakoji Talent thought for a moment, realizing he hadn't, and after taking the signed paper from her, he pointed to Yashiro Ichiyo, who was standing nearby.

"Just like her. You'll be her junior from now on."

"?" Aoyama Nanami didn't understand what he meant at first. After a few seconds of realization, she gasped in astonishment, "A maid?!"

Image: "Let me see what you're looking forward to", Location: "Images/1755000927-100446961-113715143.jpg"

Author: Thank you Jiyou and NaOH for the generous tips.

Also, in case some readers missed it yesterday, I'll say it again. We received feedback that the chapter related to letters to the readers was at the end of each update. Considering that everyone should have read it, we are now deleting the previous letter content to avoid affecting the reading experience. Books that have already been downloaded and cached only need to refresh the chapter once.

Volume 1: The Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies: Chapter 41: Congratulations from the Editorial Department

"Mr. Sakurakoji, when you said my job would be the same as Miss Yashiro's, do you mean..." Aoyama Nanami's eyelids twitched, and her entire face became unnatural.

"Just as you're thinking, dear." Sakurakoji Talent gave her a simple smile. "She's the head maid at my house and spends most of her time here now. Your future job will be under her, assisting with some matters in this apartment."

"And, when I need it, completing some tasks I assign you."

"When necessary, become my exclusive maid."

Sakurakoji Talent's gentle eyes revealed a hint of mischievousness: "From now on, please call me Young Master."

"No way?!" Aoyama Nanami clutched her head with both hands, her face filled with pain.

She never expected the job to be like this! What was this nonsense about being a maid? The word alone brought to mind those women in embarrassing maid outfits working in cafes on the street!

She had considered working at such a place before, but her inner resistance and shyness had always made her hesitate.

Thinking about having to wear that uniform to work every day—it was practically public execution!

Besides, in this day and age, did maids even exist anymore?

Aoyama Nanami looked at Sakurakoji Talent with complex emotions, hoping he would change his mind, but the result was destined to disappoint her.

"That's settled then. Ichiyo, measure her for a few sets of maid uniforms for the house later."

"Yes, Young Master."

Hearing the words "maid uniforms" from Sakurakoji Talent's mouth made Aoyama Nanami feel even more ashamed. Her smooth skin flushed crimson, and her teeth trembled as she bit her lower lip.

She wanted to refuse, but she didn't know how to start. Although this job was a bit unusual, it didn't violate her principles. She couldn't just refuse this extremely well-paying job because she was shy, could she? Life wasn't that easy.

Swallowing hard, her hands gripping the hem of her school uniform tightly, Aoyama Nanami suppressed the emotions about to burst forth and forced herself to accept the reality.

A maid, so be it! It wasn't a big deal!

Having made up her mind, Aoyama Nanami raised her tear-filled eyes, her gaze incredibly determined.

Sakurakoji Talent secretly admired her shy expression, finding her even cuter than usual. As someone had said, the most beautiful sight in the world was a young girl's shy lowered gaze!

"Thanks for the treat," Sakurakoji Talent silently praised in his heart.

"Gurgle gurgle~"

In the quiet surroundings, this faint sound was so prominent that it drew all three of them to search for the source, eventually finding the culprit.

Sakurakoji Talent looked at Aoyama Nanami with eyes as soft as water, like a mother looking at her child, but this made Aoyama Nanami want to die even more!

"Miss Aoyama, you didn't have lunch today either?"

"...Um, yes, I'm sorry." Aoyama Nanami's already exceptionally shy cheeks turned even redder, rivaling a ripe apple.

Knowing that excuses were useless, she directly admitted the fact, staring blankly at the ground like a dead fish. Her head felt a little dizzy, and she couldn't help but wonder why the world hadn't exploded yet.

"This was my oversight."

Sakurakoji Talent genuinely thought so. He had only intended to give her enough time to eat lunch, but he had forgotten the cruel reality that, at the end of the month, she had no money for lunch!

Poor child, what kind of life had she lived before? Sakurakoji Talent's eyes filled with a touch of pity.

"Ichiyo, put the measurements aside for now. Take her to get something to eat immediately."

Yashiro Ichiyo responded and led Aoyama Nanami, who was in a daze and completely oblivious to her surroundings, away.

Shaking his head, Sakurakoji Talent walked towards the elevator. He still had time to rest before work.

The day after successfully recruiting Aoyama Nanami, Sakurakoji Talent received an unfamiliar email.

At first, he thought it was just a normal spam email, but the sender's name didn't seem like it.

After opening and reading it, a hint of joy spread across his previously questioning face, and he let out a long sigh, feeling refreshed.

"It's finally here?"

The sender was an editor from Fumikage Fantastic Bunko, informing him that the first volume of DanMachi had been a great success and congratulating him.

It's said that in just over a week, sales for DanMachi surpassed the 50,000 mark, leading to multiple requests for reprints. Online reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, and it's projected that sales for the first volume alone will exceed 100,000 copies, propelling him into the ranks of bestselling authors!

This is still considering that he's a new author. If he continues to release sequels or if it gets adapted into an anime, his sales and popularity are bound to rise even further.

For a bestselling newcomer who has finally appeared, the Bunko naturally cannot be treated casually.

So, an editor from the Bunko sent an email asking if he had time to meet and get acquainted. He had filled in his contact information when submitting the book, which was the only way the other party could reach him.

Sakurakoji Talent would naturally not refuse such a request; rather, his purpose for doing all this was precisely this.

After a brief consideration, Sakurakoji Talent sent a reply, stating his available times and expressing his willingness to go directly to the Bunko office, asking them to provide the specific address.

Although the previous matters were handled by Yashiro Ichiyo, once they became more familiar with each other, it shouldn't be necessary, and he could deal directly with the editor.

Emails are not like real-time communication software; many people check them only once a day or even every two to three days, so the speed of information transfer is not very fast.

However, Sakurakoji Talent received a reply from the other party not long after, indicating that they had likely kept the message open in their background to receive it conveniently.

This reply was much simpler, starting with polite greetings, then asking if he was available today, and finally providing an address at the end.

After thinking about his schedule for the day, he found nothing special. Sakurakoji Talent looked back at his phone, decided on a specific time, and sent it to them.

Two minutes later, he received another reply from the other party stating they would be waiting, and he didn't reply further.

As soon as he put down his phone, he remembered what the editor had said about DanMachi being very popular online and felt curious.

He opened his phone and began searching for information about DanMachi on his browser.

The relevant content couldn't compare to other similar terms, as it had only just released its first volume, and he hadn't opened a personal account, so it naturally didn't generate much intense discussion.

Basically, it consisted of posts from independent bloggers sharing their thoughts on the writing and content after reading the book, or comments from illustrators and amateur enthusiasts praising the beautiful illustrations in DanMachi.

What naturally caught their eye the most was the fact that the author and the illustrator shared the same pen name.