The Fantasy League brought together a total of 24 VTubers.
Among them, 14 were Japanese VTubers, 3 were from English-speaking regions, and, surprisingly, 7 were Korean VTubers.
“Last year, only three Koreans participated. The numbers have grown significantly this year.”
It could simply be a coincidence.
Or perhaps it’s due to the popularity of Blue Record, a Korean-produced subculture sensation.
Maybe it’s because a Korean variety show hit number one on NetPlus.
Regardless of the reason, it was clear that this event was garnering global attention.
“That means VTubers like you and Anna will get a much broader audience. I think this is the perfect chance to attract new subscribers.”
She had a point.
Until now, my channel had almost no connection to the Japanese audience.
However, since interacting with Rui and the Leviathan team, Sora and I had seen a significant increase in our subscriber counts.
And then there were the English-speaking VTubers participating in the Fantasy League.
If we ended up collaborating with them, it could attract English-speaking viewers, further boosting our numbers.
“Right now, you and Rui are on the same team, right? Imagine Rui hosting her 8th debut anniversary stream. As her teammate, wouldn’t you at least stop by her stream out of courtesy?”
“I suppose I might.”
“Then your viewers would also go check out Rui’s stream.”
“And why would they do that?”
“Well, because you might interact in Rui’s chat—or even send a super chat.”
It seemed that for true VTuber fans, any kind of interaction between their favorite VTuber and others was a big deal.
Just that sliver of hope was enough to make them tune into streams they wouldn’t usually watch.
“That’s why I want you to appeal to as many viewers as possible during the Fantasy League. The more exposure, the more new subscribers you’ll gain.”
“And one way to do that is through the music video (MV) project?”
“Exactly. Besides the MV, you’ll also have the new costume stream, and—your 3D debut.”
“Oh my, a 3D debut?”
I was genuinely surprised.
For a VTuber, creating a 3D model is a significant milestone.
In the early days of VTubing, getting a 3D model required achieving a substantial subscriber count.
“They say that’s how it was back in 2018 or 2019.”
“50,000 subscribers was a huge milestone back then. It took Rui about nine months to hit that number.”
“Anna’s right. That’s how it used to be. But these days, most companies don’t impose subscriber requirements—or if they do, you’ve already surpassed them.”
“Well, that’s true.”
After all, I had already surpassed 300,000 subscribers.
I’d also gained a decent number of new followers from the recent escape room collaboration.
“I understand. It makes sense to take on as many activities as possible right now. But isn’t 3D modeling a time-consuming process?”
I’d heard it could take several months.
Would they really finish it in time for the Fantasy League?
“Actually, the production of your 3D model began a while ago.”
“How long ago?”
“About two—no, three months ago, I think.”
“That’s quite a while.”
“Well, to be honest, it was obvious you’d surpass Rinko-senpai at the rate your subscriber count was growing. You’re basically EYEAI’s poster VTuber now.”
And a company’s poster VTuber not having a 3D model? That would be absurd.
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So, they had outsourced the project early on.
“Hmm. That’s wonderful.”
For many VTubers, having a 3D model was a dream come true. Achieving it felt just as rewarding for me.
After all, a 3D model was essential for live performances.
I was one step closer to hosting a solo live concert.
“A solo live? Oh... are you talking about a 6th Gen Solo Live? That’s impossible, you know.”
Rian shook her head.
...Huh?
When I thought about it, she was right.
That was the problem.
Sure, if Sora and I absorbed a wide audience through the Fantasy League, Chel and Inagika might benefit from a trickle-down effect.
But relying on that alone wasn’t efficient. While my subscriber count was nearing 300,000, Chel and Inagika hadn’t even hit 50,000.
‘Should I ask Kaiser for help?’
Perhaps I could request that Chel and Inagika be featured on his streams, like with the escape room event.
Of course, that wasn’t realistic.
It would be too audacious to ask.
The only reason I got to appear on Kaiser’s stream was because I was a League participant.
From his perspective, Chel and Inagika were outsiders. Without a special reason, getting them on his stream—or even on other League participants’ streams—was unlikely.
‘I really can’t think of a solution.’
I had a few ideas, but nothing solid.
Maybe it was because my knowledge of VTubing wasn’t yet perfect. Despite being an industry less than ten years old, it was far more complex than I had anticipated.
‘Perhaps I’ll discuss this with Sora later.’
Or maybe I’d consult the senior Leviathan VTubers.
They’d been in the industry far longer and likely had knowledge or perspectives I lacked.
For now, I decided to focus on the immediate tasks at hand.
The first was choosing a song for the MV.
Sora and Anna were also planning MVs. Being more song-focused VTubers, they’d started planning theirs before me.
Anna had already chosen “Kagerou Days” without hesitation.
Sora had decided on a song too, though I’d have to ask her for details.
This MV project was different from the previous one—it wasn’t a group song.
Instead, each VTuber would pick their own song and upload the MV to their channel.
I’d have to consult Sora and Anna to decide. They knew far more about music than I did.
And the second task at hand...
[PENALTY GAME] Even in winter, spring maid outfits taste the best. Got a maid at your house? 【Anna Shiroki/Aurora】
“How tragic for our dear viewers. These days, doesn’t every household have at least one maid? Or is that not the case?”
This was my first stream since I began staying at Anna’s house.
Anna was doing her best to rile up the viewers.
“You all love Laura-chan, don’t you? I know, I know. That’s why I’ll represent everyone and enjoy Laura-chan’s cooking on your behalf. No objections, right?”
“So, what’s on the menu today?”
Anna folded her arms smugly and crossed her legs, striking a pose that was suspiciously reminiscent of my usual demeanor.
She was acting as if she were an actual noble lady.
As a real noble lady, I found it laughable.
But seeing how much she was enjoying herself, I couldn’t help but find her endearing.
It felt more and more like playing with an oversized child.
“Today’s dish is this, Miss Anna.”
With a practiced elegance, I carefully placed the prepared plate in front of her.
As someone who had dealt with countless maids in my life, I’d memorized every detail of their movements.
Naturally, serving food flawlessly was no challenge for me.
“This... this is...”
Anna’s eyes widened at the dish before her.
“Laura-chan, this dish is...”
“Yes, it’s the dish I’m most confident in.”
I nodded solemnly.
“A bowl of rice and grilled ham.”
That’s what I said.
Canned ham grilled on a frying pan.
Rice cooked in an electric rice cooker.
That’s all. End of description.
“......”
Anna stared at me with a dumbfounded expression, then hesitantly picked up her chopsticks.
She grabbed a slice of ham and bit into its edge.
Crunch!
“...Did you hear that? It’s crunchy.”
“I grilled it on low heat for a long time.”
“Why?”
“To enhance the texture, of course.”
“Did you overcook it? I mean... are you sure you controlled the heat properly? It looks a bit burnt.”
“Well, the texture is on point, so let’s focus on that, shall we, Miss Anna?”
[Evenhane donated 1,000 KRW.]
[The texture was saved, but the dish wasn’t.]
“........”
Anna put down her chopsticks with a conflicted look.
Instead, she picked up a spoon and took a bite of the rice.
“...I can feel each grain of rice.”
And then she commented.
“Al dente textures are trendy these days, so I gave it a try.”
“Didn’t you just add too little water?”
“Well, you could say that. As expected of Miss Anna.”
I smiled faintly.
Day 2 of my life as a maid.
Five days remaining.