Track 8

We’re finally here…

What a spectacular sight.

Since we’ve got general passes, we should head over to that line over there.

We’ll be back~!

Is it really… okay for me, to head in first… with you…?

These doujinshis aren’t gonna sell themselves. Hurry up and get moving already.

Well then, allow me to commence the basic etiquette course for ComiPara.

You guys better listen up and pay attention.

Aye aye, sir~

Wait, why is Mr. Saku-chan teaching us…?

Karigane-sensei is a ComiPara veteran. I called him here to act as our advisor.

I am fully aware of all the effort you have dedicated in preparation for ComiPara. Congratulations on completing your manuscript. Everyone, you’ve truly outdone yourselves.

Please understand that ComiPara is an event where one should not participate under obligations, or instructions from others. It is something you should join based solely on your genuine interest.

Therefore, I have chosen to refrain myself from intervening in this project.

Despite that, he was very eager to lend a hand in making the late-night onigiri.

Is that, so…?

Now, Kurama-kun. Please explain the first rule of participating in ComiPara as a senior in the otaku field.

Can you stop making this more difficult for me? …Well whatever. The first thing you need to keep in mind is that you aren’t there as a customer.

Huh? ‘Cause we’re a part of your circle?

No. It’s ‘cause this event’s existence is the fruitful result of participation from both circles and guests alike.

This is an event where everyone comes together to enjoy their time and respect each other. Therefore, there are no distinctions made between the vendors and buyers.

A space… created for everyone.

That’s such a nice principle.

Oh, and something we have to do beforehand is to prepare enough change to bring to the venue.

While most circles offer electronic payments as an option, bad reception in the venue can cause an inconvenience.

Leave that to me. I always keep some spare change ready on hand should Uu-chan require it.

Also, literally the worst thing you can do is to show up at the station without enough money on your transit pass, so be sure to charge them properly, and also wear comfortable shoes or it’ll actually be hell. That’s based off my own personal experience.

I know a route that’s less crowded, though it is a detour, but dress warmly ‘cause it might get cold and be sure to get a good night’s rest and remember to use the bathroom when you can—

…

…Now I’m gonna explain the things you should keep in mind after getting inside.

There’s more!?

(Karigane-sensei was summoned by Oguro-san midway through Kurama’s lecture and had to return back to the office…)

Snrkx…

Isotake, wake up.

Our circle only gets two special passes, so I assume you’re all okay with me and Kiroku taking them?

Huh…?

The two of us will set up and man the table until we can meet up with the others…

!? M-Me? Man the, table…!?

N-No, I can’t…

Kinugawa, your head will fall off if you keep shaking it.

I’m not fit, for this… I can’t.

…

Listen here.

…

You know the post we put up on SpiNet promoting our doujinshi?

Someone commented, “The cover is so pretty.”

…!

Ohoho~! I see they’re a man of culture as well!

People are starting to take notice of your art.

Is the world finally taking notice of Kiroku’s awesomeness? Well, I’ve known that for 180 million years, though~

That is around when Pangaea first broke apart, I believe.

But Ushio, that’s so pro of you to do PR and all that!

This is the standard.

But after getting a comment like that, it’s only right that we properly acknowledge the satisfaction of each and every person that comes to buy our book.

I agree. Having a chance to connect with people by personally handing over the book is very meaningful.

…

Yeah… you’re right…

(The venue’s large… and there’s already a lot of people here…)

(Wow~ …there’s like, no one around. Being able to skip the line is the best~)

Um, it’s this way, follow me.

Ah… okay.

(Amazing… Kurama’s not bumping into anyone at all… I have to keep up with him…)

Uhh, we’re in the East Hall, so…

(Huh…? I think I saw something about the “West Hall” somewhere.)

(But Kurama’s moving ahead without any hesitation… Since he did a lot of research before, he definitely knows more about this place than me…)

Erm, can you stop spacing out?

Sorry… I’m coming…

…

(I’m starting to get nervous… Finally, my first doujinshi… Time to see the fruits of my labour.)

Table number U40α… table number U40α…

The circle name says Amakaraku… Is this, our table…?

Yeah. I asked them to ship our books directly here, so they should be right under the table…

……

…It’s not, here.

Huh…?

(Don’t tell me… you literally cannot…)

Is it under the table beside us? Maybe it was misplaced…

Golem, go look there! Those people haven't arrived yet!

O-Okay…!

… I don’t see it… here…

Kurama… It’s not, in here either…

Huh? Huh? Huh? Are you for real right now?

Th-Then does that, mean…?

There’s a shipping mistake…!?