Game Developer in the World of Anime

After the chef left, Ichin smiled at Utaha. "We really lucked out today. We got an extra salted duck frame, for free!"

"Really?" Utaha didn't expect Ichin to run into a fellow countryman, but thinking about it, it made sense. In a Chinese-themed restaurant like this, it wasn't uncommon to find Chinese people working there.

"But salted duck frame… is it tasty?"

"If done right, of course it's tasty. Even after slicing the meat, there's still a lot left on the bones," Ichin explained with a grin. "I noticed earlier that the menu didn't offer the duck frame for free. They usually charge extra for it, and it's quite pricey, so we got lucky today. Since the food's here, let's dig in. Do you want me to show you how to wrap it?"

Utaha nodded, and with Ichin's guidance, she wrapped a piece of duck meat in a lotus leaf pancake, adding sauce, spring onions, and cucumber slices. She took a cautious bite.

"Wow! This is really delicious!"

Ichin also took a big bite of his wrap and nodded in satisfaction. "Although it's a bit pricey, it's definitely worth it."

After quickly finishing a duck wrap, Ichin picked up a piece of crispy duck skin with his communal chopsticks and placed it in front of Utaha.

"Try this with a bit of white sugar—it's pretty good."

Utaha couldn't help but look at him skeptically. "Isn't that some kind of strange dark cuisine?"

"Relax, it's an authentic way to eat it."

Although she still wasn't entirely convinced, Utaha sprinkled a bit of white sugar on the duck skin and nervously took a bite. Her mood instantly flipped as she chewed.

"It's so good! The white sugar makes the duck skin less greasy, and it feels even crispier and more flavorful!"

"See, I told you it's the right way to eat it! Though, not everyone is into it—it's really up to personal preference."

Ichin smiled as he put a piece of duck skin sprinkled with sugar into his mouth, showing a satisfied expression.

About ten minutes later, the chef returned, pushing a cart.

"Here's your salted duck frame, and your duck soup. Enjoy."

Looking at the carefully prepared duck frame, which seemed more generous than the usual portion, Ichin gratefully said, "Thank you so much."

The chef waved it off nonchalantly. "It's nothing, really. Take your time and enjoy your meal. If you need anything, just call a server. Many of the staff here are from China."

"Alright, got it."

With everything now on the table, Ichin and Utaha continued their meal.

After wrapping another duck roll, Utaha took a bite and then turned to Ichin. "How's your game coming along?"

"It's progressing well. In a few more days, the demo should be ready."

Thinking about his game, Ichin couldn't help but smile. "I've already put up the game's Steam store page, and once it passes the review, the early access version will be available. I can get some initial feedback then. But even with the early access, there's still so much left to do—like finishing the additional characters, tweaking some elite monsters, balancing cards... Sorry, I got a bit carried away. You're not really into games, so this must be boring for you."

Utaha smiled and shook her head. "Actually, it's not that bad. I may not be super into games, but I know a little. After all, I grew up playing Mario and Pokémon."

"Then we're really quite similar. Those were my childhood too."

And with that, they smoothly transitioned into chatting about the games they used to play when they were kids.

Just as Ichin was reminiscing about how he pestered his parents until they finally bought him his long-coveted game, Utaha's gaze shifted to the entrance of the restaurant, where she caught sight of a familiar figure.

Seeing Utaha's change in expression, Ichin also glanced over and saw the blonde tsundere, Eriri, who had previously been bickering with Utaha.

Come to think of it, Ichin mused, he hadn't seen the legendary Tomoya Aki at their school. Did he not make it into Toyogasaki High? That's strange. Someone like him shouldn't just be a nobody after enrolling. After all, Eriri's name had already spread among the second years.

Next to Eriri stood a woman with similar facial features, but with black twin-tails and dressed in a kimono. Presumably, it was Eriri's mother.

Looking for an empty seat, Eriri soon spotted Utaha, and her face immediately turned sour.

"Tch, just my luck."

"Hm? What's wrong, Eriri?"

Following Eriri's line of sight, Sayuri Sawamura noticed Utaha and Ichin sitting not far away and asked with a smile, "Is that someone you know?"

"No, she's my enemy!" Pulling her mother's hand, Eriri said, "Mom, let's find another restaurant."

"Oh~~ There's no need for that. Mom really wants to have roast duck today!"

Sayuri completely ignored her daughter's protest and instead pulled her along towards the staff, saying, "We see some acquaintances over there. Let's check if we can share a table with them."

And with a very reluctant Eriri in tow, Sayuri approached Utaha and Ichin.

Upon seeing Utaha, Sayuri immediately recognized her. A few months ago, after collaborating on light novel illustrations with a publishing house, Eriri had come back and ranted about a rookie author she couldn't get along with. Sayuri had done some digging and discovered that this so-called "enemy" was not only Eriri's future classmate at Toyogasaki High, but also an honor student.

For Eriri, who had always presented herself as a sweet and proper girl, encountering a peer she clashed with was quite rare, so Sayuri's curiosity was piqued.

Standing by their table, Sayuri smiled warmly at Utaha. "Hello, you must be Miss Utaha Kasumigaoka. My daughter, Eriri, often mentions you. I'm Sayuri Sawamura, Eriri's mother. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Hello, I'm Utaha Kasumigaoka."

After introducing herself, Utaha glanced playfully at Eriri. "I'm sure what she says about me isn't anything flattering, right?"

Sayuri chuckled and waved her hand dismissively. "Oh my, not at all. It's just that girls at this age tend to feel a bit envious of things they lack themselves."

"Mom! What nonsense are you talking about? Let's go find a different table already!" Eriri's face flushed bright red as she tugged on her mother's arm, trying to steer her towards another empty table.

But Sayuri was immovable.

She looked at Utaha and Ichin and asked, "Are you two on a date? If we join your table, would that be bothersome?"

Utaha smiled and shook her head. "We're not on a date. We just happened to run into each other. But if you want to share the table, Ichin-kun, would that be alright?"

Seeing Utaha's smile directed at him, Ichin understood and reluctantly nodded. "Sure, please have a seat."

It seemed like this meal was going to get quite lively.

But in a way, that made things more interesting.

...