508 It might be better to be more black-bellied (1/2)

Seiji spent the entire day practicing cultivation at the student council president's residence.

Later that night, Seiji headed for Peach-sensei's apartment.

”Good evening, Harano.”

”Good evening, Editor Yoshizawa.”

Saki was the one who opened the door and greeted him.

Seiji followed Saki inside and saw that Mayuzumi was sitting down in the living room.

The mangaka smiled and greeted him. She then handed him several drawings.

”These are some new characters that I've designed for 'Honey Candy Girl' based on you and Houjou-san as the character models. I'd like for you to look at these and give me your opinion.”

”New characters for 'Honey Candy Girl'?” Seiji's eyes lit up upon hearing this. He took the drawings and sat down to have a closer look.

The first drawing was of a beautiful girl who seemed to possess a heroic aura about her. She had short black hair, and white angelic wings grew out of her back. She wore light armor, had a resolute expression, and seemed overall rather like a boy… well, a more direct way of putting it was that she seemed like a cool tomboy.

The second drawing was of the same black-haired girl and all her various expressions, along with some drawings of her wielding possible weapons. There were three weapon types Mayuzumi had tried for her, including sword and shield, gauntlets for fisticuffs, and a greatsword.

The third drawing was of a silver-haired beautiful girl wearing extravagant maid attire. She wore a monocle and had a gentle expression and a slight smile. She gave off an impression of being gentle yet mysterious.

The fourth drawing was of the same silver-haired girl and her various expressions, along with some drawings of her wielding possible weapons. There were four weapon types Mayuzumi had tried for her, including dual guns, sword and gun, a sniper rifle, and a heavy assault rifle.

”All these drawings are excellent,” Seiji gave his sincere praise. ”Both of these characters seem so charismatic!”

Seiji felt a rather subtle feeling inside when he thought about how he and Mai were the character models for these two new 'Honey Candy Girl' characters.

It was all the subtler due to the fact that the character based on him was female. Although he understood, it still felt rather subtle to him.

”The quality is passable, but I still think I could do better,” Mayuzumi stated seriously. ”How do you think it can be improved so that these characters have excellent charisma, just like you and Houjou-san?”

Seiji didn't know what to say at this.

”Sensei, I can say a few things about Houjou-senpai's charisma, but as for myself…” He felt this was rather awkward.

”Then let's just talk about Houjou-san first. What do you think needs to be added in order for this character to be just as charismatic as she is?” Mayuzumi pointed at the silver-haired girl.

”Black-bellied?” Mayuzumi blinked upon hearing this.

”Yeah… Maybe I should describe it as more evil… give her a feeling of iciness.” Seiji was unsure how to accurately verbalize what his image was. ”Houjou-senpai… no, make this character's personality as someone who's quite gentle to people important to her, but she'll be terribly cold towards her enemies or those she loathes… And she should be able to maintain her smile while executing someone… That might help to improve this character's charisma.”

At this moment, Mai Houjou, who was currently performing household tasks in the student council president's residence, sneezed.

The mangaka took out a notebook and wrote down Seiji's suggestions.

”Anything else?”

”I don't have anything else.” Seiji shook his head.

”What about this character, then?” Mayuzumi pointed at the black-haired girl.

”This… I don't know what to say,” Seiji could only smile wryly. ”At most, I could recommend making a longsword into one of her possible weapon choices as well.”

”A longsword… a tachi…” Mayuzumi's eyes lit up as she thought of something and scribbled something down in her notebook.

”Thank you for your suggestions. I shall make good use of them.” She closed her notebook and smiled at Seiji.

”It's my honor to have been of assistance as one of your fans.” Seiji smiled as well. ”About when will these two characters officially enter the story?”

”If I'm pleased with how I draw them, they'll be able to be published two weeks from now at the quickest.”

”I'm really looking forward to it.”