Too Many Losing Heroines! V3 Prologue & Chapter 1 & Intermission

Translator: Pingas

The flower of love, shall it blossom or wither away in Tsuwabuki Fest?

It’s October. First-year students like us are about to welcome our first school festival, Tsuwabuki Fest.

The third-year students are about to graduate. The rest of us will continue on with the club.

Komari is appointed as the next president of the Literature Club. Even though she’s swamped by the club exhibition, magazine, and activities in her class, she looks a bit strange…?

Despite being a casual passerby, the student council members and even Karen Himemiya decide to come after me. How will my high school life end up being?

Right, Yanami is just as energetic as usual today. She’s taking bite after bite. A sight of sore eyes, indeed.

The third edition of the losing heroine rom-com. This is a love letter of appreciation and farewell.

Nukumizu: Thanks to everyone’s support, Volume 3 is finally about to release!

Yanami: Oh, the cover is Komari-chan this time.

Nukumizu: This is the strongest cover that overflows with the melancholy of a losing heroine.

Yanami: …Then what about mine?

Nukumizu: Ha?

Yanami: Didn’t I feel depressed and sad in Volume 1 too? How come I feel like your reaction is totally different?

Nukumizu: That is depressing in a sense- I feel bad for you.

Nukumizu: We’ve invited the cover girl for Volume 3, Komari.

Komari: W-What should I do?

Nukumizu: First of all, say hi to everyone.

Komari: Eh!? W-Well, I was so embarrassed with me on the cover, s-so I turned the b-book upside down when I gave it to the cashier.

Nukumizu: …I do that too when I’m buying a certain type of books.

Komari: C-Certain types of books?

Nukumizu: Well, nice to meet you, everyone!

Yakishio: Volume 3 is about to go live. I’ll be there, right?

Nukumizu: Of course, one of the starting illustrations has Yakishio’s cosplay too.

Yakishio: You’re right. Nukkun, I’m very scary in that cosplay, right?

Nukumizu: Ah, well, instead of saying that’s scary, it’s more like…

Yakishio: Why did you look away? How about I wear it again?

Nukumizu: You’re going in while wearing that thing…?

Nukumizu: The manga will be released on April 29! I can’t believe that mangaka is that Itachi-sensei!

Yanami: Wah, I’m so cute!

Nukumizu: Praising yourself, I see.

Yanami: Nukumizu-kun is pretty cute, too, you know?

Nukumizu: Eh? I-Is that the case?

Yanami: Nukumizu-kun is embarrassed too? You can tell me if you’re embarrassed, okay?

Nukumizu: W-What are you talking about?

Yanami: …That’s why I don’t like this part of you, Nukumizu-kun.

Kaju: Onii-sama, I made a triple-layered cake to celebrate Volume 3’s release.

Nukumizu: That’s amazing. What’s with the guy and girl at the top?

Kaju: They are the bride and groom.

Nukumizu: …This is celebrating Volume 3’s release, right? Why did you make a wedding cake?

Kaju: It’s because Kaju thinks it’s almost time.

Nukumizu: Almost time for what? Why are you holding my hand with the knife?

Kaju: Kaju already told you it’s almost time.

Nukumizu: The manga is released on MangaONE.

Komari: I-I can read it on my phone.

Nukumizu: …Oh, I didn’t know Komari likes romance.

Komari: W-Why are you peeking at me!?

Nukumizu: Uh, I thought you wanted me to see when you took out your phone.

Komari: W-Well, show me the genre you like too.

Nukumizu: …I’m sorry.

Komari: S-Shut up. Let me see now.

Nukumizu: I’m really sorry.

Nukumizu: Himemiya-san’s design is revealed for the first time in Volume 3.

Yanami: Karen-chan is my best friend.

Nukumizu: Right, we still have a setting like that.

Yanami: It’s not a setting, alright!? We are close friends!

Nukumizu: The world of the losing heroines has been expanded again. Please take care of us, everyone.

Yanami: People will get weird ideas if you ignore me here! Listen to me, everyone! We are really close friends!

Nukumizu: Volume 3 is releasing tomorrow! You can immediately read the e-book version once the date changes.

Yakishio: Well, let’s do that thing then! We jump the moment the date changes.

Nukumizu: What’s the point of that?

Yakishio: We won’t be on Earth the moment the date turns to the release day. In other words, the release day- naturally disappeared?

Nukumizu: …That would be bad.

Nukumizu: Today’s the release day of Volume 3. Thanks for everyone’s greeting and book reports.

Komari: I-I can’t believe my illustration is so…

Nukumizu: Right, I remember Komari looking so XX here-

Komari: Wha!? W-Wait. D-Don’t open that!

Nukumizu: I can’t see it if I don’t open it.

Komari: E-Either you don’t open it, o-or you die!

Nukumizu: You’re being a real pain right now.

Kaju: A day had already passed since the release when Kaju was admiring onii-sama’s illustrations. Kaju is already dangerously overdosing on onii-sama.

Nukumizu: Well, please control your intake for now, then.

Kaju: Kaju’s body is already craving onii-sama. Please take responsibility.

Nukumizu: …Please put it in another way.

Kaju: #OniiSamasOnlyStan.

Nukumizu: Two days have passed since the release day. Volume 3 should be up in bookstores in Hokkaido and Kyushu, right?

Yanami: It’s been two days? Nukumizu-kun, did you forget about me?

Nukumizu: …………

Yanami: Why aren’t you saying anything!? Did you really forget about me!?

Nukumizu: Alright, everyone. See you in Volume 4!

Yanami: Wait, Nukumizu-kun, turn around right now!

Prologue

It’s mid-October. After school. I’m waiting for that moment before the canteen’s entrance in the atrium.

I took a piece of paper out as I watched the backs of the construction workers removing the maintenance belts.

-It’s the autumn release of Tsuwabuki High School’s <Micro News>. This is basically a collection of school news from our News Club.

What I care about isn’t the result of the club activities, nor is it the article about the cultural festival. There’s news from the office at the corner of the newspaper.

 <The bathroom in the canteen will be temporarily suspended until October 14 due to maintenance.>

…That’s right. The water pipes at the canteen’s entrance have to be renovated. The construction work is completed today. The workers left after finishing their job. I shoved the newspaper into my jacket’s pocket.

“Alright, let’s test out the new tap water.”

I heard someone dashing toward me the moment I took a step forward. I remember such wobbling footsteps.

I turned around and looked at her. It’s Chika Komari.

She’s a first-year student. We’re both in the Literature Club. Even I have to admit defeat regarding the knowledge of the school’s water system when up against her.

Komari put her hands on her kneecaps. She’s catching her breath as she looks up at me.

“Y-You’re here, N-Nukumizu.”

“Oh, you’re here as well.”

There’s a reason why Komari is rushing here.

Colossal buildings like schools usually base their water systems on a roof water tank. However, after this renovation, it now adapts something called direct water supply. In other words, we now get water directly from the pipes.

The tap water of Tsuwabuki High School. There’s no way Komari will let go of the opportunity to test her skills.

“There’s not just one tap. Alright, let’s drink together.”

“I-I don’t care about the water. C-Come here.”

Komari grabbed my jacket and started walking toward the school building.

“Hey, wait, aren’t you here to drink water too?”

“I-I already sneaked out and got a taste during the break.”

You’re such a sly girl.

“W-We should go to the club.”

“Fine, I got it. Stop yanking my jacket.”

Ah, sheesh, my jacket will be wrinkled if I reject her.

I sighed before Komari pulled me away-

Chapter 1: Yumeko Shikiya Will Take Care of You

The edge of the west school building. We’re right before the Literature Club room.

An eerie feeling surfaced in my mind as I grabbed the door handle.

“...Hey, Komari, what are we doing in the club room?”

Komari immediately started shoving my back the moment I spoke up.

“A-Alright, o-open the d-door now.”

“Fine, I got it. Please stop pushing me.”

No point in arguing further. I gave up and opened the door. However, for some reason, it’s very gloomy inside.

After getting used to the darkness, I can see someone with long hair sitting on the chair.

“...Who is it? Is it Yanami-san?”

“You’re…the young man from the Literature Club…”

“!?”

The person slowly standing up is a girl in a nurse’s outfit for some reason. She’s the zombie gal of the student council, Yumeko Shikiya.

I subconsciously charged out of the club room and closed the door.

…Why is that person in the club room? Also, what’s with her outfit?

Just as I’m leaning on the door and taking deep breaths, someone starts knocking on it.

Shit, the zombie nurse Shikiya-san seems to be coming out. The door handle is twisting non-stop.

“O-Open the door! H-Hey, I-I’m still in the club room!”

…I forgot about Komari.

I moved away from the door. Komari rolled outside.

“Y-You! Y-You left me inside and r-ran away!?”

“Nope, I just forgot about you.”

Indeed, leaving someone and forgetting about someone are vastly different. Anyway, I’m not that terrible of a person.

I went to Komari to comfort her. Suddenly, I can feel shivers down my spine. Our heads are turned around by a pair of slim hands.

Shikiya-san caught Komari and me with both arms. Her rainbow contact lenses are right in front of me.

“Why are…you two…running away…?”

“Uh, that’s because-”

She feels scary.

Komari yanked my tie with trembling hands.

“Komari, please stop pulling my tie. Also, senpai, can you let go? Your hands are freezing- Hey, what’s wrong with you?”

“I ran…out of strength…”

Shikiya-san grabbed our necks and fell to the ground listlessly, just like that.

“Hey!? Komari. Hold onto senpai! Quick!”

“I-I don’t want to. …Nukumizu, h-hold her.”

Eh, hold her? A girl’s body? Me?

Shikiya-san’s body is about to lie on the ground.

No time to waste. I made up my mind and turned my arm toward Shikiya-senpai’s cold body.

*

“Alright, please take a seat. I’ll get you some tea.”

I finally managed to get Shikiya-san on the seat properly.

I prepared the tea and reminisced about the feel of Shikiya-san’s hands.

…It’s so soft.

The softness is like touching fish fillets. Is that the touch of a mature woman’s body? It’s indeed different from Kaju.

I threw away thoughts like that as I looked around. Komari looks at her smartphone in the corner of the room with a pale face. Nothing unusual.

I sighed in relief and put the steaming tea cup on the table.

“What’s wrong today, senpai?”

I said that as I took a seat before Shikiya-san.

…I pretend to be calm, but I just can’t take my eyes off her clothing. This is a nurse outfit with a miniskirt. Her chest is overly exposed.

I’m trying my best not to look at her. Shikiya-senpai then took out a piece of paper from her chest.

“Tsuwabuki Fest, …classroom, …lend, …application form.”

-Tsuwabuki Fest. This is our so-called school festival. The school fest and sports fest were usually back-to-back in previous years. However, due to scheduling issues, only the school fest will be held at the end of this month.

The Literature Club also plans to hold exhibitions mainly directed by first-year students, yet it’s hard for us to decide on the theme.

Right now, it’s half a month from the festival. We’ve only decided on the club magazine and “an exhibition about our club activities”. That’s why Komari had to revise our application form many times before handing it out before the deadline.

“Uh, is there something wrong with the form?”

“Actual details of the exhibition, …setup diagram, …not enough…”

Shikiya-san suddenly turned to Komari as she said that. Komari started shivering.

“Writing corrections, …I was going to teach her, …then that girl…ran away.”

I know why she wants to run away.

“Participants, …many, ….not do this properly, …disqualified.”

“So you came all the way here? Uh, well, it’s the fine details and setup diagram, right?”

I suddenly stopped reaching my hand out for the application form. Come to think of it, this was in Shikiya-san’s chest, right? Am I really supposed to touch it with my bare hands..?

“Komari should take it. Alright, come here.”

“Eh? W-Well.”

Komair’s petite body shrank even further. I smiled and waved at her.

“It’s fine. Shikiya-senpai is a good person. She won’t eat you.”

“I-Isn’t she scary?”

“No, she’s very gentle. Actually, she feels as gentle as picking up a kitty.”

“K-Kitty?”

Komari slowly approached us. Very well. You’re doing well.

At this point, Shikiya-san mumbled.

“I’m…a dog person…”

Komari retreated to the corner of the room once again.

…We’re back to where we’ve started. I thought about my next step as I stared at the ceiling.

*

The seminar for completing the application form has begun.

Shikiya-san is writing the parts we need to correct with a red pencil.

Komari remains standing. She peeks at the application form over my shoulders.

“W-Well, d-does the diagram n-need to include numbers? T-The arrows for directions too?

“Indeed, …review, …writing, …very important.”

Putting her hands on my right shoulder, Komari immediately leaned forward.

“D-Don’t move, N-Nukumizu. I-I can’t see.”

“Then please stop leaning on me. Even though you aren’t very heavy, your weight still counts.”

Although Komari never minces her words toward me, she’s still sincerely listening to Shikiya-senpai’s explanation. Honestly, my eyes are filled with tears of joy.

It was very rough for me to get to this point. I spent 20 minutes baiting Komari out of her trembling state with candies and anime on my smartphone. She eventually left the corner of the room.

“I-Is there a-any other corrections?”

“Details, …many blanks, …bad impression, …fill up, …everything.”

In the end, she drew a picture of a grave in the blank space. After that, Shikiya-san put the red pencil back into her chest.

“That’s…everything. …Monday, …before noon, …give me.”

Shikiya-san remained in her usual emotionless state and drank the cup of tea that was wholly cooled down already. Komari took the corrected application form back. She glared at it.

I sipped some tea and carefully asked Shikiya-san.

“Why are you doing all of this for the Literature Club? I thought the student council wants to…”

Eradicate the Literature Club.

I fell silent in the middle. Shikiya tilted her head in confusion.

“It’s because…Tsukinoki-senpai…and you guys…are all…very adorable, …right?”

Koto Tsukinoki. She’s the third-year vice president of the Literature Club.

Come to think of it, Tsukinoki-senpai used to be in the student council, right? These two seem to know each other. I wonder what’s their relationship…?

I gently shook my head, simply because it’s not good to investigate just because I was interested. Even though it’s not good-

“Well, what’s with your outfit?”

I still can’t ignore her nurse cosplay.

“Tsuwabuki Fest, …chose this outfit, …goal, …make the student council, …more appealing…”

With that, she wobbled as she stood up. Shikiya-san’s movement is kind of terrifying. Komari hid behind my back.

After she left, Komari sighed in relief and sat on the chair.

“W-Well, I-I’ll go home and fill this again. W-We have to work hard for Tsuwabuki Fest- Eh!?”

Komari’s expression froze in the middle of her speech.

I looked in her direction. Shikiya-san’s white pupils are peeking inside from the slightly opened door.

“Uwah, what’s wrong, senpai?”

“I forgot about this. …Clubs without advising teachers…can’t participate…”

Advising? The door was slammed shut before I could even ask. She really seems to have left this time.

“...Hmm, Komari, there’s no teacher as an advisor in this club? Hey, Komari?”

…I guess it takes another 10 minutes for Komari to unfreeze from her door-looking position.

*

A while after Shikiya-san’s attack.

I’m sitting on the bench in the courtyard after being called out. I stared at the evening sky dazedly.

Tsuwabuki Fest will be on October 31 this year. Right on Halloween.

That’s why many classes are planning to include Halloween elements.

From what Shikiya-san has said, the student council will be playing dress-up too.

…At this moment, a sudden stroke of breezes sends shivers down my spine.

Looking at the evening sky seems to be filling me with worries.

Then, someone handed me a can of coffee.

“Nukumizu always wants micro sugar, right? You fine with a hot drink?”

“Ah, sure, thank you.”

The person sitting next to me is the president of the Literature Club - the third-year student Shintaro Tamaki.

The canned coffee I got was a bit too hot. I gently passed it back and forth between my hands.

“I’m sorry for suddenly calling you out. You seem to be busy as well, right?”

“Nope, it’s already done. It’s just that Shikiya-senpai from the student council came to the club room.”

“Oh, that girl? It looks like not going to the club room is the right decision…”

Prez uncharacteristically showed an annoyed expression. My interest soared.

“Did something happen between Shikiya-senpai and you in the past?”

“Well, a bit. Forget about that. I’m sorry for throwing the prep work of Tsuwabuki Fest on you guys.”

“It’s fine. If anything, Komari is very worked up about it.”

Indeed, you can say that Komari is overly energetic about the Literature Club’s exhibition in the Tsuwabuki Fest this time.

Even so, we still can’t decide on a theme. It’s a bit unsettling, especially when she has been mumbling about whatever crazy stuff is in her brain for the past few days.

“Komari-chan is indeed very hardworking. …Also, I want to talk about something else.”

With a window in our conversation, Prez took a sip of his canned coffee.

“Third-year students must stop participating in club activities at the end of October. You know that, right?”

“Well, I guess. There were hints.”

I’ve indeed heard of something about that. Tsuwabuki High School is a very academically oriented school, after all. It’s actually already relatively late to quit because of the exam and studying at this point.

“Even though the rules aren’t as strict for the Literature Club, they are still important nonetheless. Koto and I have to prepare for the exam, so we’ll be stepping down after Tsuwabuki Fest.”

First-year students will be the main lead for Tsuwabuki Fest. I had already mentally prepared myself when Prez said that to me at the start of the second term.

Although I’ve only been in this school for half a year, high school life is already at its end for third-year students.

Prez continued in a serious tone.

“Of course, the presidents have to change too. That’s why I came here with a request.”

…I see. That’s what we need to talk about. I straightened my back.

I’m ill-suited to be the president. While that’s true, if I have to-

“I want- Komari-chan to be the next president.”

“Eh?”

Prez looked at me confusedly when I was about to stand up.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I think that will be great.”

In a sense, this is guaranteed. Komari has the most experience in the entire first year. She cares a lot about the club. Frankly, the only problem Komari may have is herself.

“That’s why I want Nukumizu to help Komari-chan as vice president. Can you?”

“I’m okay with it, but isn’t it better to ask the girls like Yanami-san for it?”

A tinge of awkwardness appeared on Prez’s face.

“I’ve also considered that, but that girl is bound to become a ghost member once she finds a boyfriend, right?”

“...Yeah, that’s for sure.”

Komari and I don’t have issues in this regard. How relieving.

“I’m very worried about Komari-chan once we graduate. I hope she can become more confident after becoming the president.”

I see. Letting Komari become the president and making everyone around follow her, starting with Tsuwabuki Fest. I guess they want Komari to accumulate as much experience as possible before the third-year students graduate.

“Did you tell Komari about her becoming the next president?”

“Ah, I asked her last week. She answered she would accept it yesterday night. Even though…”

Prez is unable to bury his worries. I couldn’t help but smile.

“You’re very worried about Komari.”

“Yes! Very!”

“!?”

Another girl’s voice descended upon our bench above our heads.

Tsukinoki-senpai suddenly appeared and shook my shoulders from behind forcefully.

“Uwah, what are you doing this suddenly?”

“It’s because leaving Komari behind and graduating makes me very, very worried! How about we just stay for another year?”

“...Koto, you know you can’t afford to make that joke, right?”

Prez is extremely serious. This person has a lot to handle, as always.

Tsukinoki-senpai ignored that and sat next to me. I’m sandwiched between them.

“I agree with Komari-chan being the president, but right now, we still have many reasons to worry about her. I hope she can pick up some confidence during Tsuwabuki Fest.”

Fueling confidence in Komari. That’s why they want the first-year students to lead the prep work.

I understand your worries when Komari can’t normally talk to anyone outside the Literature Club.

“Nukumizu-kun, we’ll go backstage in this year’s Tsuwabuki Fest. Please take care of Komari-chan and be nicer to her.”

“Yes, I’ll do my best.”

“That girl loves pudding more than ice cream. She’s not good with coffee. Please pay attention to that. She can’t deal with the green parts in green onions too. Please remember to slice them up, okay?”

“Green onions, …I’ll remember this when making pork miso soup.”

I wonder if I’ll ever have the opportunity to cook for her.

Tsukinoki-senpai crossed her fingers and looked at the sky with faint tears.

“...Shintaro. Indeed, I still don’t want to give up my club activities. Can’t we do that and study simultaneously if we work hard enough?”

“You won’t make any progress in exam preparation before you can balance both of them, right…?”

Crap, Prez’s stomach will be pierced through if this continues. I have to change the topic.

“Anyway, I hope we’ll have a successful Tsuwabuki Fest.”

“Ah, there will be a new presidents’ meeting two weeks after the end of Tsuwabuki Fest. That was mentioned in last year’s activity report too. Can you come and help out?”

“Sure, if there’s anything I can do.”

Presidents’ meetings. Once every month. All club representatives will gather around and have a conference.

I imagined Komari mixing in with the second-year students during the meeting. That alone already made me worry about her a lot.

“Well, we’ll leave her to you. Of course, you can contact me immediately if something happens.”

“Ah, please wait a moment.”

I called Prez as he was about to stand up.

“There’s no advisor in the Literature Club, right? It seems that we can’t be in the Fest without one.”

“About the advisor? A lot has happened in the past.”

“Ah, …it’s not just with Shikiya-san. Did something happen between the advising teacher and them too?

Tsukinoki-senpai and Prez exchanged looks before speaking up.

“Forget about that. The first-year students will be under their care from now on. So, how about you find a teacher you’re close to as the advisor?”

-A teacher I’m close to.

Nothing like that exists when my class teacher can’t even remember me.

Even so, it will be difficult for an unfamiliar teacher to be our advisor.

“Yeah, I need to think about this.”

I answered as I started drinking the cooling canned coffee.

Anyway, I decided to leave this problem for later.

*

That night, I’m sitting before the desk in my room.

The teachers in Tsuwabuki High School seem to have grown more serious after entering the second semester. The homework load is piling up.

I’m now doing English questions after finishing the maths workbook. The conversation with Prez came into my mind.

Komari will be the next president. There’s no doubt. The Literature Club has a crucial place in her heart. If Komari is doing her best, then I need to do what I can-

As if to interrupt my train of thought, my little sister Kaju leaned back when she was reading. She raised her head and looked at me. From my lap, that is.

“Come to think of it, onii-sama, how are things going for you recently?”

“Recently?”

I don’t know why my little sister is sitting on my lap. Why are you reading here?

Perhaps Kaju doesn’t know as well.

“Let me think. The water intake pipe changed after the washing stands in the canteen were renovated.”

“...Water intake pipe?”

Kaju showed an indescribable expression.

“Ahh, then I wondered whether there would be any change to the taste. I’ve already confirmed it.”

“How was it?”

“It’s just tap water now.”

I noticed that Kaju didn’t react to me. I added.

“Even so, my effort wasn’t entirely in vain. Tsuwabuki High School’s water pipes are different than our house’s. The difference in flavor is influenced by precipitation too. I’ll figure out the exact difference maker afterward.”

“I see. That’s great to hear. Let’s change the topic.”

Kaju changed her posture toward me. She looked up at me with a serious expression.

“How are things going recently for Yanami-san? She visited us during the summer holiday.”

Anna Yanami. She’s my friend who gradually joined the Literature Club after being rejected by her childhood friend, Sosuke Hakamada.

Even though I say she’s rejected, she’s still having fun in the classroom with her friends. Hakamada, Yanami, and the winning heroine Karen Himemiya are always chatting.

“Well, …she said she’s going to get a boyfriend. Yet, I don’t see her getting anyone soon. She always shows up in the Literature Club too. It’s just the same as before.”

Yanami visits the Literature Club once or twice every week. Also, she kills time with complaints, snacks, and homework for the most part.

“She said she’s going to get a boyfriend…? Onii-sama, you can’t just be like this.”

Kaju didn’t hide her anxiety at all. She pinched my ear.

“Onii-sama, Kaju pays a lot of attention to the progress between Yanami-san and you. From Kaju’s perspective, it’s almost time for Yanami-san to turn unusual under onii-sama’s attractiveness slowly.”

I don’t disagree with Yanami being unusual.

“I’ve said this countless times. Yanami-san and I aren’t like that. Alright, it’s time for you to get off my lap.”

“Why?”

Kaju seems to be genuinely bewildered. She showed an unbelievable expression.

“It’s because reading on my lap doesn’t feel good, right?”

“Nope, instead, it’s easier for me to calm down. Onii-sama, you spelled ‘immoral’ wrong here.”

Oh, really?

Kaju handed me my phone as I was writing the word again,

“One more thing. Onii-sama, Yanami-san just sent you a Line message. It seems to be an afternoon invitation.”

“Invitation?”

But there’s nothing on the screen. After I opened the app, I saw a text I had no memory of in our chat record.

<Yana-Chan: Emergency stairs. Lunch tomorrow.>

…I sighed deeply and flipped the phone over.

This is the third time Yanami has called me this semester.

Obviously, this isn’t a secret meeting between a boy and a girl. Instead, I’ll be summoned whenever Yanami wants to complain.

She’s annoying. If only there was a good excuse to reject her-

“Hmm? Why is her message read already?”

“It’s because Kaju was the first one who saw it.”

I see. It’s natural to show as read if Kaju saw it first.

“...Kaju, why are you looking at my phone?”

“It’s because onii-sama never really goes out with Yanami-san, right? As your little sister, Kaju has to keep track and manage the progress-”

Manage the progress…? I rechecked my phone with a bad feeling. Yanami’s message has already been replied.

<Nukumizu: I’m so happy. Looking forward to it.>

I can’t help but wrap my hands around my head.

No, I must first scold Kaju as her older brother before worrying about tomorrow’s depressing lunchtime.

“Kaju. Listen to me. You can’t just take someone else’s phone and do whatever you want.”

“B-But, the relationship between Yanami-san and onii-sama-”

“There’s no but. Kaju will hate it if I just check on your phone randomly, right?”

“Kaju is okay with it, alright? No, it’s more like I really want you to check it. The password is onii-sama’s birthday. The cloud drive is shared with onii-sama as well. It’s easy to use.”

Hey, wait, Kaju said we shared what? If we’re sharing the same cloud drive, in other words…”

“Wait, Kaju. What did you see? You didn’t touch my ‘Study Material’ folder, right?”

Cold sweat begins to drip from my forehead.

Kaju wiped the sweat off me with a handkerchief as she looked at me with a bright smile.

“I guess we’re going to have progress now.”

*

It’s lunchtime on the second day. I made it to the emergency stairs first.

I opened the bento box under the autumn gusts. Bread used to be the main course for my lunch. However, Kaju wanted me to bring a bento today, no matter what.

There are some tricolored onigiri in the center. It’s accompanied by a Scottish hamburger made from quail eggs, some lotus, fried burdock with edamame, cauliflowers, and corn mixed with mustard.

There’s also handmade jelly as a substitute since we don’t have a dessert cooler. Lunch is the best time to enjoy the jelly after freezing it beforehand.

Well, which one should I start with? A familiar voice could be heard from above just as I was hesitating.

“Uwah, what a nice bento. Did Nukumizu-kun make all of that?”

Yanami sat down on the stairs one step higher than me.

“My little sister forced me to bring it. I’m not that good at cooking.”

“Well, then, Imouto-chan must be very good at cooking. I wonder how it tastes…?”

I can feel overwhelming pressure next to my hands, but I have to pretend I don’t notice her eyes here.

Yanami opened her bento box. I can see that it’s shoved with white noodles.

“Look, I made mixed somen. It’s unexpectedly tasty.”

Yanami casually plugged her chopsticks inside and pinched a big chunk of somen. She hesitated for a moment and took a big bite of it.

With such bold manners, I decided to start talking while eating too.

“By the way, Yanami-san, did something happen today?”

“Isn’t it good when nothing is happening too? I just want to chat with you while having lunch.”

Yanami slurped and chewed the mixed somen.

Even though she said that, she would eventually drag our conversation back to Hakamada and Himemiya, anyway. She seems to have felt something from my silence. Yanami showed a helpless expression.

“Nukumizu-kun, it’s different this time. This time, it’s not my resentment. Instead, I’m just saying what I have to as a friend, no, as the representative of humanity.”

The representative of humanity. In other words, Yanami has become my representative. It’s pretty awkward.

“...Well, what are you going to present?”

“Think about it. Our class has already started preparing for Tsuwabuki Fest, right?”

“Ahh, it’s called ‘Street Halloween’, right?”

Even though some may associate the name with street fighting, it’s definitely not that chaotic.

The classmates will parade around the school in makeup. They will play out some short drama and give kids snacks to let expected guests enjoy the day too. Come to think of it-

“Yesterday, they said they were going to ask for your cloth sizes, right?”

This “Street Halloween” only has makeup requirements for the cool boys and girls in the class. Of course, this includes Sosuke Hakamada and Karen Himemiya, not to mention Yanami and Yakishio.

“Yeah, we measured our sizes in the nurse's room.”

“The nurse’s room?”

“There are curtains around the beds there, right? The classmates in charge of the outfits measured the sizes for us.”

Yanami ground the somen into a mess using the tip of her chopsticks as she said that.

“There weren’t any ready-made clothes that fitted Karen-chan’s bust. They had to put them aside and make adjustments later.”

“The ready-made clothes weren’t fit…?”

It’s more like this is what I want to hear about the most.

“Also, Sosuke was the first to measure his sizes, but Karen-chan spoke to him in the curtains as well.”

Accompanied by his girlfriend while measuring sizes, this must be a so-called “double strike”, right?

“But the classmates in charge of the outfits were there too, right? Also, changing clothes isn’t really that much of a hassle for boys. It’s not worth causing a stir about it.”

“...Yeah, but it was Karen-chan’s turn for measurements after that.”

Yanami’s pitch dropped slightly.

“Eh, don’t tell me.”

Yanami nodded with a gloomy expression.

“Karen-chan just started taking off her clothes like that. Sosuke wasn’t kicked out until the classmates in charge of the outfits noticed it. At that moment, Sosuke said-”

Clack. I can hear chopsticks poking at the bento box.

“Sorry, I just got used to it somehow.”

…Suffocating silence ensued throughout the emergency stairs. I can even hear boys cheering around on the playground.

After a while, I gently passed my bento box to Yanami.

“Yanami-san, please take anything you want to eat here.”

“Really? Anything?”

“Ahh, no need to be polite. Well, I strongly recommend this Scottish hamburger, you know?”

Yanami reached her hand out without any hesitation.

“Well, I’ll have this.”

“...This is the first time I see a person choosing the onigiri at moments like this.”

“...Didn’t you say I can eat anything I want?”

Yanami chewed the onigiri as she looked at me dumbfoundedly.

Ugh, I did say that. I’m the one at fault right now. I should reflect on myself.

“Well, let’s change the topic. Do you have any good ideas for our Literature Club plan?”

“They did an exhibition about their investigation in the corridor last year, right? I think it was about the sub-cultural shifts between the Showa Era and the Heisei Era? What did they do, actually?”

Yanami said as she reached her chopsticks toward my Scottish hamburger.

Eh? Is my recommendation still valid right now…?

“It was a research about artwork regarding sexual intercourse between the same sexes, …from what I’ve heard.”

Tsukinoki-senpai was the leader of that project, and the content is exactly what you think it is. A lot happened on that day, and it ended up being demolished on that same day.

“Hmm, then I guess it will be a presentation of our findings this year too.”

Yanami’s eyes aimed at the second onigiri. I chose to give up. The onigiri disappeared the moment I nodded.

“But Komari thinks we may as well attract guests if we’re doing it. She seems to be applying for classroom usage to make the Literature Club’s plan happen.”

“Hmm, Komari-chan is indeed a girl.”

“...A girl?”

Yanami clapped her chopsticks together.

“It’s because the third-year students are about to retire, right? Even if she can’t confess her feelings, she at least wants to send out a grand finale to the person she likes. Isn’t Komari-chan very brave? She’s a young maiden.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

“I am, Nukumizu-kun. I’ll cheer for her.”

She said as she took a bite of the wakame onigiri.

“Also, Komari-chan is the next president, right?”

“Oh, you already know that.”

I have to protect my last onigiri with my hands before it’s taken away.

“Tsukinoki-senpai messaged me. She wants me to take care of Komari-chan. That’s why I’ve thought about this a lot. Want to hear it?”

Yanami’s thoughts. Even though I can predict them already, I should still hear her out.

“After all, we need food to attract people. I reached this conclusion after much consideration, you know?”

Yanami said that in a serious tone, even though there were still rice grains on her face.

“Food indeed attracts people, but that has nothing to do with the Literature Club, right? We also don’t have enough manpower.”

“Well, how about we do something food-related about the Literature Club’s exhibition?”

“In the end, is this even what we do during club activities?”

Yanami nodded as she licked her finger.

“It won’t do to just show what you want people to see. We first need to arouse their interest in the exhibition, and then we can slowly shift their gazes toward the content.”

…What’s wrong with Yanami? Is her IQ directly linked to her blood sugar level?

“I guess it counts as having guests come over if I bring my friends, but that’s not all of what Komari-chan wants, right?”

Indeed, in the end, the goal here is for a successful Literature Club exhibition. No point in just assembling Yanami’s friends.

“However, even though it’s a food exhibition, the range is still pretty wide.”

“First, we should invite Komari-chan to acquire reference materials, okay? You’re free today after school, right?”

“I’m not always free. Well, for example.”

“For example?”

“There are release dates for light novels, quests in my mobile game, etc. …I’m swamped.”

Yanami closed her empty bento box.

“So, you’re free today.”

“...Yes.”

I finished the cold leftovers in my bento as I nodded listlessly.

*

It’s after school. I searched for Yanami and Komari after exiting Toyohashi Station. The plan is to meet up here. They will get here by bicycle.

“How come I’ve never been to this place before…?”

Minakami Tower. One of the many vintage buildings around the station. The name comes from it being constructed above all sorts of hidden water pipes and sewers. [TL: Minakami means “above water”.]

The first floor is an archway shopping district. There are numerous stalls around.

Even though most stores have shut their curtains already, a brand-new cafe appeared among the old produce store and snack bar. This is a very intriguing sight.

A petite girl is closely staring at the window in front of a closed shop.

“Komari, what are you doing?”

“L-Looking at o-old posters.”

Why are you looking at something like that? I stood next to her and glanced at the faded poster.

“An anime event in the animal and botanical park…? Eh, isn’t this from 3 years ago?”

Komari gave me terrifying stares when I was mumbling.

“2.5D i-is different f-from anime.”

Is it different? Come to think of it, Tsukinoki-senpai stared daggers at me once when I treated 2.5D as cosplaying.

“Ah, …S-Suketsugu Yakuouji’s character w-was different in the past…”

Komari mumbled as she took a photo with her phone.

“Ah, the host is Chikapi’s VA. It makes me want to go too.”

“Y-Yeah, me too.”

A voice from behind dragged our minds back.

“Why are you two staring at the window?”

We turned around. Yanami is standing there with a confused look. Her hands are on her waist.

“Oh, Yanami-san? We were reminiscing about the anime event from 3 years ago.”

“...Nukumizu-kun, you’re still a teenager in his 10s, you know?”

“3 years go by in a flash. My father said the true beginning is when you stop thinking about things from a 10-year unit.”

“True beginning of what? Alright, let’s go.”

Yanami casually complained and urged us.

“We’re not here to have fun, you know? It will be awkward if we aren’t mentally prepared for the reference research.”

I followed Yanami and looked around.

“Getting reference is undoubtedly correct, but why did you pick this place? We could’ve just researched in the library. If we’re going to shopping districts, why not just pick the one around the station building?”

“I don’t think you understand at all. This space is a cauldron of antiquity and modernity, a beacon of the endless flow of art.”

Yanami swept up her hair chicly.

“So?”

“I told you already. Such scenery stimulates our ideas. It will feel nice. …That’s all. Yep.”

She doesn’t seem to have given this much consideration.

Even so, it’s kind of refreshing to see something new. There’s always a discovery whenever we’re on an unfamiliar path. We don’t even need to go very far.

“A bunch of dessert shops just opened around here. Ah!”

Yanami dashed toward a store.

“I’ve heard that the fruit parfait here is pretty good. You two want to try it?”

“Don’t tell me you’re here to get references on desserts?”

“The experience is essential too, alright? You agree, Komari-chan?”

Komari’s face twisted after seeing the menu.

“I-I-I don’t have any m-money.”

I glanced at some of the photos on the menu. Even though the peach parfait is expensive, it looks very delicious. I should bring Kaju here next time…

“Spending money on whatever we want is a luxury that high school students can’t afford. Yanami-san doesn’t have a job either. You don’t have that much money to spare, right?”

Yanami mumbled as she looked at the signboard.

“I can…if I don’t consider the consequence.”

Consider, right?

“Yanami-san. It’s just getting references today. Let’s move on. Look. There’s a miso ramen shop.”

“Why is it ramen- oh, miso too. I’m a tonkotsu lover, you know.”

Another piece of useless information about Yanami. I quickly chased after her as she walked out.

At this time, Komari took half a step back. We’re walking shoulder to shoulder.

“N-Nukumizu, w-why did you bring me here too?”

Komari raised her head and looked at me. I can see a tinge of hesitation between the gaps in her hair.

“We still haven’t decided on a theme for Tsuwabuki Fest. Things must be awkward for you, right? I hope this can be an opportunity to help you out.”

“E-Even so, b-but I-”

“There’s half a month left until the opening. It’s almost time for us to decide.”

“I-I have to prepare the first semester’s activity report for the presidents’ meeting as well-”

Komari quickly closed her lips in the middle.

“Yanami-san and I have already heard from senpai that Komari will be the president. I’ll tell Yakishio too, when the time is right.”

“S-Sure…”

“We can discuss the meeting with Prez Tamaki after Tsuwabuki Fest is over. Now let’s focus on what we have first.”

The plan also requires us to develop a theme-matching club blog before Tsuwabuki Fest. Although I’ve inherited the position of editor lead from Prez, I can’t even come up with a draft when we still haven’t decided on a theme yet.

Even though Yanami doesn’t seem to have thoughtful considerations, flexibility is actually also what we need right now.

“Also, I feel like food would be a good theme. Let’s not think about it too much today. Isn’t it nice to just walk around too?”

“B-But won’t I be in y-you two’s way?”

…In our way? It’s a Literature Club activity, after all. Why would that be the case?

Komari frowned and peeked at my expression.

“I-It’s because Y-Yanami and y-you are going out, right?”

“No, that’s not true. What makes you come up with that idea, by the way?”

Komari is as impolite as usual.

“Y-You two are a-always together.”

She did say that before. Are we together that frequently?

Yanami and I barely have any interaction in the classroom. I’m with Komari during club activities. I tend to see the latter more often on the emergency stairs during lunch too-

“If anything, it's more like I’ve spent more time with you than Yanami-san, right?”

“Nua!?”

Komari suddenly let out a weird squeak. What’s with that reaction?”

“Komari, listen to me. Otters are cute, right?”

“O-Otters…? T-The ones in the sea?”

“Yes, otters. They are very adorable, but they need to eat up to 20% of their weight daily.”

If we apply this metaphor to a girl, she would be eating tens of kilograms every day.

“They are cute creatures with big appetites. Even so, you won’t fall in love with otters, right? That’s what I’m trying to say.”

“I-Is that the case…?”

Did she understand? I saw Komari crossing her arms and tilting her head. I guess I have conveyed my message.

Yanami soon dashed back here after sprinting away.

“Hey, come over here. I found something good.”

A charming smile is on her face. I followed her. I’m pretty sure it’s related to food. As expected, we stopped before a cafe.

“This store does take-outs as well. Do you two want to try anything?”

Yanami leaned toward the cashier. She already perceives that we’re definitely eating.

“What do they have, anyway?”

“They seem to have western dorayaki. Everyone’s hungry, right? Good.”

I’m not hungry at all, but I guess this is a requirement of interpersonal relationships, in a way.

I went over Yanami’s shoulders and looked at the menu.

‘Excuse me! I want one with blueberry cheese filling!”

“I should just go with the normal one since it’s my first time. How about you, Komari?”

“Ah, well, h-hold on.”

Komari counted the changes in her wallet. She quickly closed it.

“N-No thanks…”

…She doesn’t have enough?

Yanami got the dorayaki from the staff member. She took a bite with sparkling eyes.

“Uwah, it’s so good! Hey, Komari-chan, you want a bite?”

“W-Well, n-no thanks…”

Komari lowered and shook her head.

Indeed, “wanting a bite” is very difficult for people with social anxiety. I deeply understand how you feel.

I tore my dorayaki apart and gave half to Komari.

“Eh? W-What?”

“The look isn’t too appetizing, but I haven’t taken a bite yet.”

Komari froze. I put the dorayaki in her hands.

“But, c-can I?”

“We’re here to get references, right? It’s better when everyone gets to eat.”

“Uh, …ah, that…”

Ah, she still doesn’t like me splitting half of mine. Don’t tell me this counts as sexual harassment…?

I’m starting to freak out. Komari nodded gently.

“W-Well, thank you.”

Komari lowered her head and started digging in slowly.

“T-This is tasty…”

A faint smile appeared on Komari’s face as she ate the dorayaki bit by bit. For some reason, Yanami keeps glaring at me.

“Eh, what’s wrong, Yanami-san?”

“How should I put it? We both don’t have money, but your treatment of me seems slightly different, right?”

“Can you tell me the reason if you say so?”

Yanami didn’t say anything. She just kicked my shoe.

What do you want, girl? Spill it out if you have something to say.

I took a bite of my western dorayaki.

…Oh, this is delicious.

*

I bid farewell to those two girls.

I went north and passed through the tram tracks to a place I frequently visit - the flagship Seibunkan Bookstore.

Even though I’m not doing anything special, looking at the book spines alone makes me feel like I’m tidying up my mind.

Suddenly, I noticed the title of a particular book. <A Respectable Life Starting Without Fancy Food and Drink>, right?

Yanami’s birthday seems to be around the corner. How about I gift this to her…?

“The onii-san over there, are you alone?”

“Hmm…?”

A doll-like and petite girl suddenly came and greeted me.

-Chihaya Asagumo.

She’s Mitsuki Ayano’s girlfriend. The boy Yakishio has a crush on. Her forehead is sparkling under her long hair that’s separated in the middle.

She appears before me from time to time after I was swept in the incident between Yakishio and her during the summer holiday.

“Ahh, yeah, I’m alone. Is Asagumo-san alone too?”

“Mitsuki-san is here too. That person stood still before the bookshelves right after coming here. It’s really awkward for me.”

Her smile feels anything but awkward. With that, I don’t even need to ask her to know that their relationship is going well. Asagumo-san leaned forward and looked at the bookshelf in front of me.

“Nukumizu-san, what are you looking for?”

“Not any in particular. I just want to use food and literature as the theme during our exhibition at Tsuwabuki Fest. Any references?”

“Ara, that sounds interesting.”

Asagumo-san put her finger on her chin and tilted her head adorably.

“Food and literature. Although there are many solid picks, you should focus on certain important points before anything else.”

“Focus on important points?”

“Indeed, you should first consider the era and nation if it’s about theoretical research, and then go on to summarize the history and culture at the time. How about researching the descriptions of food-handling procedures from famous works of that era? I think this is an excellent investigation.”

“I see. Theoretical, …hmm, it’s a bit heavy for me.”

Asagumo-san gripped her hands tightly before her chest. She looked at me with her round, squirrel-like eyes.

“Please relax. I’ll select around 30 reference texts for you to take a brief look at. Then, you can just research the areas that you find interesting. Drop the word, and I’ll get you a lot of references.”

“Hey, wait, wait, wait, wait. I don’t have that much time. The exhibition is meant to be light-hearted.”

What I said made her even more excited for some reason. She approached me with sparkling eyes. My back couldn’t help but hit the bookshelf behind me.

“A concrete foundation is necessary for grasping a way for easy reading. Before visiting the nearby library, let’s buy as much as possible here. Alright, please take out your wallet.”

“Eh? Well, sure!”

A weird switch seems to be flipped on in Asagumo-san. Her aura and momentum completely overwhelmed me. I took out my wallet with trembling hands.

“If that’s the case, why not pick famous authors or works and introduce some anecdotes? It’s more like this helps people to enjoy the cultural festival even more.”

A calm voice can be heard from behind.

I turned around. Mitsuki Ayano is looking at us through his glasses with a smile.

“It’s been a while, Nukumizu.”

“Ara, Mitsuki-san. You’re done?”

Asagumo-san dashed toward Ayano. She gently wrapped her hand around his arm.

“It’s almost time for prep school. Nukumizu, you’re researching for the cultural festival, right?”

“Well, yeah. I can’t decide the content as well.”

“Don’t think about it too much. Time devoid of thoughts is very meaningful too.”

I guess.

I was lost in thought. Ayano put his hand on my shoulder with a mature smile.

“Also, please tell me if you have any trouble. I’ll help you at any time.”

“Oh, I see. I’ll ask you if something does happen.”

I answered him with a vague smile.

Asagumo-san stared at me with her crystal-clear eyes. She seems to have seen through the thick barrier in my heart.

“Nukumizu-san, do you really think Mitsuki-san is just being polite?”

“I’ll feel very upset if you think so.”

Ayano smiled and shrugged.

“That’s not what I meant. It’s just that I feel sorry if you’re helping me because you want to return the favor during the summer holiday.”

I don’t really mind whether they return it or not. It’s awkward for me to say these things too.

“We did receive help from Nukumizu-san, but that was a separate issue.”

Asagumo-san’s aura dominated me again.

“Why did you care about Remon-san so much in the summer? There’s no benefit for Nukumizu-san to do so, right?”

“That’s because…I can’t leave her alone. We’re friends, after all.”

I feel embarrassed. Asagumo-san smiled.

“We feel the same too. There is no such thing as benefits or losses since we’re friends. I’ll be pleased if I can assist Nukumizu-san. I desire to do that.

“...Got it. I won’t hesitate to ask for your help when there’s a roadblock. Thanks.”

“Alright, we’re on standby.”

Ayano stood behind her silently. He winked at me. His face seems to be saying, “See? Isn’t my girlfriend the best?”

Did Asagumo-san notice this? She chuckled and gently leaned on Ayano.

…I see. It’s indeed their desire. They can always keep flirting in front of an outsider like me.

*

It’s the next day. After school, Yanami, Komari, and I gathered in the club room.

“I have already summarized the result of the discussion between Komari and me yesterday night. I do want to hear you girls’ opinion again at the same time.”

I handed the summary paper to them. Yanami looks confused.

“Yesterday night? Did you two meet again after that?”

“We learned how to share documents in ICT lessons, right? Both of us did it while discussing. The result is unexpectedly nice.”

“Eh? Then why didn’t you two let me join the conversation?”

…She did notice it, after all. We excluded Yanami because we thought she would be annoying.

Komari and I nodded at each other before looking at Yanami again.

“Actually, we hope Yanami-san can do something else. No, it’s more like it’s an important task only Yanami-san can take on.”

“...Only I can do it? What’s that?”

Yanami questioned us with a serious expression.

“That is…a consultant. It’s essential to have a third person looking at the bigger picture and giving us the perspective, right? This position suits Yanami-san very well, you know?”

“Consultant. …In other words, I’m someone who you two consult, right?”

“Even though I don’t know what’s with the abbreviation, you’re right.”

Yanami nodded in satisfaction. She swept her bangs up.

“I see. I understand now. You know, I think I’m very suited to something like this.”

Ah, yes, yes, yes, you suit it very well. Yep…

“Well, let’s get back to the topic. I do agree with Yanami-san’s idea of using food and literature as the theme. We can then introduce famous authors’ favorite food or dishes in their books.”

“I see. So, we’ll be putting food out, right!?”

Yanami’s eyes are sparkling.

“Ahh, we’re planning to show recipes and photos of the food at the time.”

“Photos of the food at the time…? We aren’t giving them real stuff to eat?”

Yanami’s expression suddenly turned dark.

“Eh? It’s because we aren’t opening a restaurant.”

“...Alright, look at me. Listen here, you two.”

Yanami cleared her throat on purpose.”

“Hear me out, okay? That’s not what I meant by using food as the theme.”

Is that not what she meant? The Yanami Language is tough to learn.

“Well, what do you mean then?”

“Look. Don’t famous authors during the Showa Era loves beef hotpot and eel? If we’re in the Literature Club, we should actively seek out how they felt at the time.”

Is this girl planning to open a beef hotpot store during the cultural festival?

“By the way, we aren’t allowed to cook indoors. Also, the application deadline for club restaurants has already passed.”

“I’m just in charge of giving ideas. Nukumizu-kun’s mission is to think of a way to solve this problem. Alright, alright, good luck.”

Hey, …this consultant is useless. Let’s fire her next season.

Komari was reading something since she didn’t want to get dragged into our weird conversation. She then slowly raised her head.

“B-Baking is fine.”

Komari handed us a tour guide for the cultural festival. The text she pointed out did say that. Even so, how should we combine baked desserts with the exhibition?

“Let’s go and quickly make something first.”

Yanami said that. She’s unable to hide her excitement at all.

“We can’t make anything without a place and ingredients. Also, we first have to see how it relates to the theme-”

“Nukumizu-kun, you’re too stubborn. Let’s leave it to your super attractive consultant Yanami-chan."

Yanami bragged about herself and crossed her legs. She then made a phone call.

“Ah, hey, hey, Kano-chan. You don’t have club today, right?”

Komari and I remained silent. After a while, Yanami put her phone back after chatting with Kano-chan.

“Yanami-san, you’re hanging out with your friend, right? Don’t worry about us. You should go.”

“...Nukumizu-kun, don’t tell me you want me to leave? Or am I just worrying too much?”

“You’re overthinking. It’s just that we at the Literature Club emphasize work-life balance in club members.”

That was a lie. Yanami glared at me.

“Whatever. Anyway, follow me, you two.”

“Where?”

“We can make something if we have a place and ingredients, right? Come with me.”

Yanami stood up chicly.

…It can’t be helped. Do I really have to work with this consultant before the contract is over?

*

Yanami brought us to the first floor of the new building. It’s the Home Economics Classroom.

“My friend at the Cooking Club said we can use the room freely as long as we clean everything up. She gave us ingredients too.”

Yanami dropped some wheat flour and sugar on the cooking table.

“...That’s all?”

Yanami nodded in confidence.

“Yeah. Well, Nukumizu-kun, what should we do next?”

I didn’t expect her to throw the problem at me. I’ve never made desserts before, you know?

“Uh, well, should we start by licking the flour and sugar first?”

“Raw wheat flour causes stomach aches. It doesn’t taste good either.”

I see. It’s essential to listen to someone who has experience.

“Well, if we’re baking desserts, does Yanami-san know any recipes?”

“Uh, …we just need to bake the wheat flour, right?”

“What is that dish?”

Yanami took out a pan and raised it in front of her.

“Bake the wheat flour after dissolving it in water. The secret is not to feel anything when you’re eating it.”

I hate pathetic desserts like that.

Our conversation ground to a halt. Komari broke the silence and slightly raised her hand.

“W-Well, w-we can make cookies.”

“You sure we can make it with these ingredients only?”

“W-We need butter or cream.”

Yanami quickly ran to the ingredient shelf after hearing that. She came back with something in her hand.

“Is salad oil alright?”

Komari stared at the bottle and sighed gently.

“Y-Yes. D-Do we have bowls and plastic wraps?”

“Sure, there are a lot left during our class practice. Use them as you wish.”

Komari started mixing the ingredients skillfully.

“T-The wheat flour should be put in last. M-Make a dough and bake it.”

I watched the wheat flour gradually turn into dough. It’s amazing.

Komari stopped mixing the ingredient and took out a black tea bag she had brought from the club room. She poured the leaves out.

“Komari-chan, what are you doing?”

Yanami leaned forward and stared at her.

“Eh? Ah, b-black tea. Well.”

Shit, Yanami’s getting too close. Komari isn’t used to it yet.

I took out some candies and baited Yanami to look away.

“Are we making black tea cookies? It looks like the leaves in the tea bag will be enough.”

Komari nodded and mixed the leaves into the dough.

Finally, she covered the dough with plastic wraps.

“P-Put it into the fridge f-for around an hour.”

“It takes an hour…?”

Yanami questioned her as she crunched the candies. It made those “clack, clack” noises. Komari jolted in fear.

“Eh, well, l-let’s preheat the oven. W-We’ll bake it after that.”

“Sure!”

Yanami walked toward the oven and turned it on with cheerful steps.

Komari returned after doing the dishes and putting the dough into the fridge.

“Komari, it looks like you’re used to making these.”

“I-I always make snacks for k-kids in my house.”

“Why are you always eating bread rolls for lunch when you can make these?”

“I-It’s cheap and easy. T-That’s why.”

Komari answered directly. She threw the washed whisk into the draining basket.

*

We made some tea with the remaining black tea leaves. The freshly baked cookies were put on the table next to the steaming tea cups.

We sat around the plate and reached our hands out after saying, “Let’s eat.”

“I-It’s a bit soft, b-but it’s alright.”

Komari looks relieved. She chewed the edge of the cookie.

“I love soft cookies too. Ah, it’s full of the scent of black tea.”

Yanami is pleased. She ate the second cookie and sipped some black tea.

The taste and flavor of the cookies are lovely. I guess we can sell them if we have the proper ingredients and procedures.

Well, how should we combine it with the exhibition? Will someone buy cookies shaped like Dazai’s face…?

“An exhibition, dessert store, and the club magazine. Can we even finish them?”

Yanami drank her black tea and shook her fingers. “Tck, tck, tck.”

“No need to be perfect at everything. We don’t need too many desserts. Just a suitable amount will be good. You can also put our novel drafts from before into the club magazine. No one coming to Tsuwabuki Fest should’ve read our stories beforehand.”

“...Well, you’re right.”

Even though I think we should try our best if we’re responsible for the prep work for the cultural festival, I do understand what Yanami means.

Komari seemed to want to say something, but she remained silent and stood up. She took out another tea cup from the utensil shelf.

“Komari, is someone coming?”

“I-I can feel it. Yakishio’s aura.”

What’s up with that? Komari, did you awaken some chuuni powers?

At this time, the sparrows standing next to the window all flew away at once.

I turned to them in surprise. At the same time, a girl with a wheat-colored tan opened the window to the Home Economics Classroom.

-Remon Yakishio. She’s a member of the Literature Club and Track and Field Club.

“Thanks for the work. I’ve heard that you guys are making desserts?”

“Remon-chan, we’ve just finished baking the cookies.”

“Yay! Thanks for texting me, Yana-chan.”

Yakishio had already jumped over the window frame.

“Don’t come in here with your sneakers. Change into your slippers-”

Yakishio chuckled. She’s hanging the sneakers with the tip of her fingers on her shoulder.

“I’ve already taken them off, Nukkun. You surely love to worry a lot.”

…When did she even take them off? This girl is increasingly inhuman every day.”

Even so, bringing your shoes into the Home Economics Classroom isn’t praiseworthy. I took out a plastic bag from my pocket.

“Alright, the sand grains will fall off, so put those into the bag properly. Wash your hands before eating too.”

“Nukkun, you’re like my mother. Should I call you Mom?”

A weird door will be opened if you do that. Please don’t.

Yakishio must have just finished training in the Track and Field Club, right? Her sports vest is rolled up to just below her chest. I can see her entire stomach.

“Yakishio, you’ll get a cold. Cover your stomach.”

“It’s fine. I’m always like this during practice.”

Yakishio’s eyes bulged after taking a bite of the cookie.

“This is really good. Did you put some leaves in there?”

“Well, it’s unexpectedly good when I want to do it.”

Why is Yanami the one who acts so chicly?

“Komari made these. Also, this is a black tea cookie.”

“Eh, Komari-chan is full of girl power.”

Yakishio sat next to Komari. She patted her head and praised, “You’re doing great.”

…Yakishio’s hidden crush was over at the end of the summer holiday.

Yakishio seems to be acting as if that story has never happened. Also, I can see her going to school with Asagumo-san sometimes. I guess there’s no need for me to intervene anymore if that’s the case, right?

Did she notice me looking at her? Yakishio smiled.

“Sorry, I can’t do anything about the cultural festival.”

“Don’t worry about it. We know Yakishio is busy.”

“Y-You have the Track and Field Club, after all. I-It can’t be helped.”

Komari handed a cup of black tea to Yakishio as she apologized to us.

Aside from the Track and Field Club plans, Yakishio is also a much-needed cosplayer in our class during Tsuwabuki Fest. Things are hectic for an energetic character.

“Remon-chan, did you know the schedule of our class? It looks like it’s going to be tough.”

The other popular girl Yanami counted the number of cookies with the tip of her finger. She left three on the plate and shoved the rest into her mouth.

“Nom nom nom nom, also, nom nom nom nom.”

“Right, we have to find a teacher willing to be our club advisor too.”

Yakishio nodded. Did she understand what Yanami just said?

“How about I ask the teacher of the Girl’s Track and Field Team to be our advisor? Let’s just merge the two clubs.”

“That’s just absorbing our Literature Club. Do you know any teachers who aren’t advisors right now?”

Yakishio’s round eyes blinked as she reached her hand toward the cookies.

“All of the teachers I know seem to be in clubs. The only exception is Amanatsu-chan.”

“That person…?”

Amanatsu-chan refers to Konami Amanatsu. She’s 1C’s class teacher.

She’s a petite and adorable teacher. People tend to think she’s a student. By the way, she still can’t remember my face and name. It’s already the second semester, you know?

Yakishio clapped her hand and stood up as I hesitated.

“Thinking alone won’t get us anywhere. Nukkun, let’s go find a teacher?”

“Right now? Yanami-san is better fitted for this role…”

I said that as I turned to her. Yanami’s choking on the cookies. She’s making a mess.

“...Ahh, let’s go.”

Komari freaked out and patted Yanami’s back. Yakishio and I left the two of them in the Home Economics Classroom.

*

Amanatsu-sensei should be in the Social Science Data Room right now.

That’s what we have heard in the teacher’s office. Yakishio poked my shoulder when we were heading toward the Data Room.

“Hey, are the third-year senpais retiring after Tsuwabuki Fest is over?”

“Ahh. They will be going to the back of the stage. Is that the same for the Track and Field Club?”

Yakishio turned her slightly tanned face toward me and nodded.

“Yeah, the next captain for the Track and Field Club has already been decided. Even though I’m really close to that senpai, I don’t want to miss any practice since she’s very strict.”

She wrapped her hands around the back of her head and sighed on purpose.

“Yakishio, you like running, right? Why are you skipping practices?”

“It’s because I’m in the Sprint Team. We have our own training schedule, but sometimes I just want to ignore all of that and run.”

…? In other words-

“So, you skip practice just because you want to run?”

“Sometimes, I just want to keep running and running forever.”

Yakishio gave me a meaningful smile and slammed my shoulder. It hurts.

“Well, why don’t you just go for medium or long-distance running in the club?”

“Nope, I’ve tried doing that in middle school. It was rough.”

Her cheerful voice stopped along with my pace. We arrived at the Data Room.

Well, is Amanatsu-sensei inside? I reached my hand toward the door. Then, suddenly, I heard many things falling to the ground and a woman’s moan.

…Yep, she’s definitely inside.

I opened the door. The first thing I saw was Amanatsu-sensei buried in many books and teaching materials. Yakishio hastily ran toward her.

“Amanatsu-chan, are you okay?”

“Ouch, ouch, ouch…”

A lot of dust came out when Yakishio pulled sensei out. I quickly opened the window.

“Is it Yakishio? You saved me there. …Eh. you’re showing your belly button.”

“I just finished my club activities, after all.”

Yakishio seems to be throwing a tantrum.

Amanatsu-sensei patted her skirt and looked at our faces with disbelief.

“Also, what are you two doing here?”

Amanatsu-sensei’s expression gradually turned serious.

…The last time Yakishio and I appeared before sensei was in the PE storage in the first semester.

Amanatsu-sensei suddenly slammed her handkerchief onto the ground.

“Ah, sheesh. Do that when you two are home! At least go to the nurse’s office! Konuki-chan will be there!”

What’s wrong with her?

“No, no, no, please wait. It’s not what you think. There’s something we want to talk about with you, sensei.”

“You two want to talk to me…?”

Amantsu-sensei tilted her head and glared at Yakishio’s belly button. Then, her face started going pale.

“No!? That’s why I told you two to go to the nurse’s office! Konuki-chan is there!”

“No, it’s probably not what you’re thinking about right now.”

This teacher lacks maturity.

I was thinking about what’s happening here. Then, Yakishio gave me a confused look.

“Nukkun, what have you two been talking about?”

“Uh, well, perhaps adults always assume the worst scenario possible.”

“...? I don’t think I understand. Whatever, I’ll ask her.”

Yakishio cleared her throat on purpose.

“Hey, Amanatsu-chan, why don’t you be the advisor of the Literature Club!”

“Oh, that was sudden.”

It’s indeed too sudden. I quickly followed up with an explanation.

“We’re sorry. Our Literature Club doesn’t have an advising teacher. That’s why we want to find a teacher willing to be our advisor before Tsuwabuki Fest.”

Amanatsu-sensei crossed her arms and answered. “Ohh.”

“Even though I want to help you, I’m already the advisor of the Ping Pong Tennis Club-”

Amanatsu-sensei pondered for a second. She suddenly opened her eyes.

“Alright, leave it to sensei! I’ll think of something.”

“Really, Amanatsu-chan?”

“This is the first time a student has come to ask me something in my 5-year career. Sensei will show you my serious side!”

“Eh, no one has ever come to ask you anything…?”

I spurted that out. Amanatsu-sensei’s lips curled downward.

“Sensei…is because of that. I emphasize keeping a proper distance between my students and me to foster a strict and mature appearance. That’s why it’s natural for students to hesitate to approach me even though they want to.”

“But didn’t Amanatsu-chan go to the photo booth with us a few days ago?”

“That’s a part of student guidance. It’s definitely not because I was envious of that happiness. Absolutely not.”

She said that and looked away. Are you a child?

“Well, anyway, thank you very much. Can you help us with finding an advising teacher?”

“Ahh, leave it to sensei, Yakishio, and…your name is-”

…Good grief, she still doesn’t remember my name.

I was about to speak up. Sensei then covered my face with her palm.

“Don’t say it first. You’re indeed in my class, …Nukumizu, right?”

“Eh!? You finally remembered my name?”

I was stunned. Amanatsu-sensei puffed up her chest chicly.

“Well, I rely on the process of elimination. In other words, I only need to connect the names with the faces that I don’t remember yet-”

“No need to continue, sensei.”

…I got excited too early.

*

The next day is a Saturday. My family and I came to Toyohashi Road Station.

“Adult’s First Love Lemon, …right?”

I looked at the lemonade in my hand and mumbled.

Yakishio’s smile does carry a slight maturity you only see in adults. It also has a tinge of bitterness found in lemon peel. An indescribable impression came to my head. I put the bottle of lemonade back onto the shelf.

There are a lot of local snacks and desserts here.

I asked my parents to drive me here to think about what we should put out at Tsuwabuki Fest.

“Alright, onii-sama. Ahh-”

Someone handed me a spoon. I reflexively opened my mouth. A clean and cold sweetness resonates on my tongue.

I took a closer look. Kaju is standing next to me with ice cream in her hand.

“Oh, this is tasty. What’s this?”

“Mom bought me some Italian ice cream. This seems to be made with local quail eggs.”

Come to think of it, quails are migratory birds, right? I thought of their chubby bodies flying through the sky as I looked at the desserts made from quail eggs on the shelf.

“Onii-sama, what’s wrong with you today? You suddenly said you want to come to the road station.”

“We want to make desserts that fit well with the Literature Club’s exhibition at Tsuwabuki Fest. If possible, we also wish for a resting area for the guests. I think I can get some references here.”

“It’s like opening a road station at the cultural festival, in a sense. What kind of desserts will you provide?”

The spoon reached directly into my mouth again.

“Famous ones, I guess. Natsume Soseki loves nankinmame.” 

“Nankinmame. …So, peanuts, right?”

“Yeah, so I want to make small packages of peanuts and include some explanations before selling them for a low price.”

“That’s all?”

Kaju kept the spoon in her mouth and tilted her head.

“If I remember correctly, Natsume Soseki has a sweet tooth, right? I’ve heard that he loved peanuts mixed with sugar. That’s why he always ate them secretly to avoid being seen by his wife. Onii-sama, but you don’t need to hide. Kaju will feed you. Alright, ah-”

Really? Kaju fed me the spoon as she said that.

“But we don’t have the budget to buy desserts. Making something too advanced will be tough too.”

“Well, what’s the general plan then?”

“Eh, well…”

Showing food related to famous authors and works as we sell or distribute related desserts.

Our goal isn’t soliciting guests with food. However, we can use that as an opportunity for them to watch our exhibition.

That’s the plan we first-year students came up with yesterday after school.

Upon hearing my explanations, Kaju stretched her back with a serious look.

“If that’s the case, you still have Kaju on your back, onii-sama.”

“...?”

What does that mean? Come to think of it, Kaju looks at me with watery eyes.

“Now’s the time for me to help onii-sama. If it’s making desserts, you can leave it to Kaju.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes! Also, if you need a resting area, how about we put on a layer of tatami? Kaju has an idea.”

“Tatami, right…? It will be a great help if you have one.”

“Well, let’s go borrow that from the Judo Club.”

I studied at Momozono Middle School. It doesn’t have a martial arts field. The Judo Club puts tatami on the gymnasium’s floor when they practice.

“Thanks, but won’t that cause issues for the Judo Club?”

“Making arrangements with the gymnasium’s schedule is one of the student council’s privileges. It will be fine.”

Eh, you can do that? I’m confused. Kaju showed me a mischievous smile.

“Kaju will do anything for onii-sama.”

…Please, please don’t go overboard, my little sister.

*

Monday. The first lesson has just finished.

The application deadline for borrowing classrooms is due this afternoon.

Even though I printed out the application form based on the data I received, I still need Komari’s signature as she’s the representative.

I went to 1A’s classroom to get it, but Komari was nowhere to be found.

Well, where did she go?

If we’re talking about Komari’s whereabouts at this period, it should be the girls’ toilet or the sink at the west school building.

She won’t feel too thirsty since this is the first break. That’s why the possibility of going to the west building is higher since it saves time on moving and drinking.

It’s been freezing since this morning. That’s why I decided to go to the central sink on the fourth floor of the new building.

After going through the stairs, I saw a petite girl standing before the sink at the end of the corridor.

Bingo.

The uppermost floor of the new building has constant sunlight, which makes the water there warmer. That’s why I’ve concluded that she’ll be drinking here.

Komari stands before the tap that’s letting out water. She’s just glaring at the stream.

The students around her are constantly moving. Time around Komari seems to be frozen as if it was edited out.

…She doesn’t seem approachable. Yet, I still slowly walked toward her.

Komari finally noticed me. Her shoulders trembled. She quickly closed the tap.

“You alright? You’re just standing here.”

“W-What’s wrong…?”

“Oh, I need to talk to Komari.”

“Y-You need to t-talk to me…?”

In between her hair, Komari’s eyes seem to be slightly startled. She raised her head and looked at me.

I took out a piece of paper.

“The application form for classroom usage needs the representative’s signature. I’ll bring it over during lunch. So, can you please sign here?”

Komari’s eyes bulged after taking the form.

“I-I’m the representative?”

“Yeah, this plan is centered around Komari, after all. Indeed, you should be the one to represent us.”

Komari looked at the application form for a while. She then nodded gently, wrote her name with the automatic pencil I gave her, and handed it back to me silently.

…Komari seems to be giving off a strange vibe today.

Even though she’s usually a strange girl as well, I think the direction of her usualness doesn’t seem the same.

“Are you okay? You don’t look great.”

“Yeah, …I-I’m fine.”

“Is it because of Tsuwabuki Fest’s prep work?”

Komari lowered her head. She gripped her tiny hands tightly.

We finally decided on the actual plans for the Literature Club last weekend. The main content is a research exhibition led by Komari herself. It already sounds like it’s going to be a lot of work.

“Don’t stress yourself too much. The two senpais are still here. You should just do whatever you can.”

“B-But!”

Did she not expect herself to let out such a huge noise? Komari lowered her head awkwardly.

“...I-I have to do it.”

After that, Komari remained silent.

…Did I say something weird?

“I seem to be bothering you. Well, see you after school.”

“Eh, well-”

Komari let out an indescribable moan. I stopped.

Suddenly, a group of second-year students emerged from the classrooms. They are approaching us.

We came to the end of the corridor to avoid the crowd. Komari hid behind my back too.

…They don’t seem to be leaving for now. I think there’s an assembly for them, right?

It can’t be helped. Let’s stick close to the wall as we move. However, I felt a subtle resistance from my shirt as soon as I tried to move.

Looking back, Komari is pinching the bottom of my uniform with the tip of her fingers.

“What’s wrong, Komari?”

“W-Well, …I-I’ve finished the draft of the c-club magazine. T-The continuation of the evil villainess.”

…? That’s why you pulled me over?

“I see. Yeah, got it. I’m in charge of the club magazine this time. Send me the info when you have time.”

“Y-Yes…”

That’s all. However, Komari is still unwilling to let go of my clothes.

“Breaktime is almost over. I should head back to the classroom.”

“M-Me too. O-Our direction is t-the same.”

In contrast to her words, Komari remained still.

Is this girl afraid of the second-year crowd…?

It can’t be helped. I watched the endless stream of people as I raised my arm with the digital watch.

“Komari, check out this watch.”

“S-So lame…”

No, this is awesome, alright? It’s a digital solar-powered radio watch, you know?

“According to my calculations, it takes 85 seconds to get to the classroom from here. We can barely make it if we leave a minute later.”

“Hmm…? W-What calculations…?”

“In other words, I’ll stay with you a bit longer before the crowd subsides.”

Komari threw a tantrum. She dragged the bottom of my uniform.

“...I-I’m not in the s-same class as you. So, my classroom is further away.”

“Well, then you should hurry up later.”

Unfamiliar students from Tsuwabuki walked past us.

Within the crowd, two lonely people stand shoulder to shoulder during the break for some reason.

Perhaps this is a so-called coincidence.

Will Komari hide behind me again if this girl and I encounter such a coincidence next time?

I continued observing the unending crowd and let Komari continue holding my clothes.

*

Literature Club Report - Autumn Edition

<Everyone Has to Know the Engagement Is Voided!> Chapter 4

By Chika Komari

My name is Sylvia Luczel, a former daughter of a baron.

Well, my even “former-er” identity is a high school girl from the previous world.

I’ve been reincarnated into the world of my favorite otome game. My hard work has finally come to fruition. I’ve successfully entered the spin-off route that makes me happy as an evil villainess.

A spoiled and lovey-dovey life is about to begin. …That was supposed to be the case. However, right now, it doesn’t seem to be that sweet.

“Philip! I’ve heard that you aren’t even eating your meals properly!?”

I pushed open the heavy door to the office before raising my dress and entering the room.

“Oh, Sylvia? Don’t be so loud.”

The person who sighs as he takes his hand off the slide rule is Prince Philip.

…I met him a month ago.

He kind of forced me to relocate to the neighboring country after my engagement was voided at the party.

I glanced at the dishes next to the table.

Salted meat, taro soup, and bread. Simple things.

“You don’t always have to eat the same stuff as servants do, right?”

“My precious time shouldn’t be wasted on eating. I’m good as long as it fills my stomach.”

He said that like it was nothing. A light cold smile appeared on his face.

The drought has been relentless since summer this year. Even though it’s already harvesting season, food shortages are still prevalent. A lot of people will die from famine if no policies are implemented.

“Even so, you don’t have to plan out rationing programs yourself, right? Why don’t we ask officials from the capital if we lack the right hands?”

Philip frowned.

“The central authorities are all supported by Grand Duke Gordes. They will control the money and food supply if we put them into the duchy. We won’t be able to do anything at that point.”

“But haven’t you been losing a lot of sleep lately?”

“I was the lord of a duchy before becoming the prince. Protecting the lives of my people is-”

Perhaps he noticed my glances. Prince Philip shrugged.

“...I just immediately wielded my new knowledge. It’s exhausting to keep myself on the good side of the duke too. I don’t want him to suspect me.”

“Well, thanks for your hard work. However, Philip, you still have to eat your meals properly.”

Sheesh, a stubborn guy who can’t be honest with himself won’t listen to me unless I do something.

I snapped my finger. The maids delivered new dishes inside.

“Sylvia, what are these…?”

“This is something like cabbage rolls with stuffed meat. I guess. Slicing the leftover meat and vegetables, wrapping them in northern celery leaves, and finally boiling them soft with soup.”

“What roll…? I don’t think this is good. This year’s rainfall is not enough and caused crop failures. Food delivered from the north requires preservation. You’re also just wasting mana.”

“I know, but Grand Duke Gordes has been transporting rare ingredients through massive uses of ice magic.”

Indeed, magic is an integral part of this society. Mana is equal to currency and resources.

Using mana to obtain rare ingredients can produce several times more food.

“Please relax. I’ve made a fridge. Using it to preserve food minimizes the required mana.”

“Fridge?”

Philip is confused by a word he has never heard of before.

“Yes, the box has two layers. It’s full of wind cotton collected from the Torun region.”

“Wind cotton, …I’ve heard that thing falls during the winter and gives people a lot of trouble when piling up in the farms.”

“It’s very helpful as an insulating material. The top old geezers in this country also use a bunch of mana for everything. This is a bad habit. Properly limiting mana costs can bring food imports back onto the table of consideration, right?”

“...I see. If that’s the case, I guess I can try playing house with you. These are called cabbage rolls, right?”

“Yeah, thanks for being stubborn even when you’re going to eat. Thank you.”

Prince Philip’s expression suddenly changed after taking a bite.

“Did you make all of these…?”

“Yes, I’ll be making meals for you. You should also take care of your body.”

“The same goes for you. I can see dark circles around your eyes. Are you not sleeping properly?”

Huh!? I hastily covered my eyes.

“W-Well, …it’s because I want to help you out. I’ve already prepared myself.”

“Sorry, this is my job. I won’t let anyone else intervene.”

“Of course, Philip is the one doing the actual work. I’m just here to help.”

I activated the phantom magic I’m good at. Even though it’s considered to be rather useless, this is a skill that I’ve constantly been honing.

I used magic to draw boxes with lights on the room's wall.

“What is this magic…?”

“This is Excel- ahem, …it’s phantom magic <Excel>! Writing numbers with light magic in this row automatically gives you the sum and total.

This is what I learned in ICT lessons back when I was a high school girl.

He brought a document and put the numbers inside. The total is immediately displayed.

“It’s really showing. How does this work?”

Philip approached the table projected onto the wall. He carefully reached his hand out and stroked it.

“Every cell- every box has a magical slide ruler. It was tough, you know? Even though I made steady progress until the SUM function, it was challenging to make the VLOOKUP and SUMIF functions.

“...Unbelievable. I can immediately plan out the food rationing in the duchy with this. No, I can properly grasp the finance of the nation too. How much mana does such powerful magic cost?”

“Ara, it’s just Excel from my memories, …uh, it doesn’t require mana at all.”

“I see. Phantom magic is undoubtedly convenient. This is the first time I’ve seen such a formula.

Philip was immersed in figuring out the formula. Yet, he suddenly tripped over.

I quickly ran over and tried to hold him. Both of us ended up falling onto the sofa.

“Philip! Are you okay!?”

“Ahh, I’m just a bit wobbly from sleep deprivation. Just let me rest for a while like this.”

“Sure, please let me spoil you as much as possible.”

…Many people perceive Prince Philip as a cold-blooded man.

However, he’s actually a tsundere lord who cares about his people. He also wants me to spoil him-

“You’re indeed the right person.”

“Ara, are you finally acknowledging that I’m a capable woman?”

“I’ve never considered your existence based on how much you’re worth.”

Philip twirled my hair with the tip of his finger.

“-You’re indeed an interesting woman.”

“...Only interesting?”

He stared at me with overly gentle eyes that were nothing like the rumors. In contrast, I put up a front as I tried to cover my flaring cheeks.

“Just wait. I’ll definitely make my father approves you to be my princess.”

Next time. Chapter 5: Philip’s Illegitimate Child Has Been Discovered!?

*

I took the application form to the student council room during lunch.

“Komari feels weird…”

At that time, Komari seems to have merged with the background. I can’t get her unmoving pose off my mind.

She’s busy preparing for Tsuwabuki Fest after being appointed as the next president. There’s also the club activity report for the presidents’ meeting afterward.

Perhaps she’s carrying too much weight. It’s stressing her so much that she can’t take a step forward. I need to pay more attention to how Komari’s doing. I came to the destination with that in mind.

Aside from the “Student Council Room” sign, the room before doesn’t seem to have anything special.

I gently cleared my throat and knocked on the door.

“Excuse me.”

After opening the door, I saw a girl sitting behind the table. She’s chewing a granola bar.

Upon noticing my arrival, she covered her mouth and raised her head.

“Hello, is there anything I can help you with regarding the student council?”

Her hair is very tidy. She seems to be a serious girl.

The girl stood up politely and approached me.

“I’m sorry to interrupt when you’re eating, but I’m here to submit an application form.”

She glanced at the form. Instead of accepting, she just shook her head.

“Sorry, the application deadline for Tsuwabuki Fest has already passed.”

“Eh, no, Shikiya-senpai said that we could edit it.”

“Shikiya-senpai. …Are you from the Literature Club?”

She understood, right? Yet, her face turned even more solemn when I sighed in relief.

“Uh, is there a problem?”

“I’ve heard about rumors of the Literature Club from senpai before. You people always hide around the corners and write obscene articles every day.”

“What!? No, no, no, no, the Literature Club is very proper. People writing obscene novels are-”

…One person came to mind. I backed down when I was about to say something. The student council girl glared at me when I stuttered.

“You people really have some indecent secrets, right?”

“These are misunderstandings. Uh, well, you are…”

What’s the name of this person? Upon a closer look, I saw the name tag on her chest. Right, every student got a name tag during the entrance ceremony, even though I’ve never seen anyone wearing it.

According to the tag, this person’s name is Teiara Basori. Ba-so-ri. …How should I read her first name?

Suddenly, Basori-san covered her chest with her hands.

“W-Why are you looking at my chest!? D-Don’t think you can do weird things to me just because we are alone, okay!?”

“No! I’m really not! It’s a misunderstanding. I just want to read your name tag! Uh, can you please tell me how to pronounce your name?”

“Ba-so-ri. I’m Basori, the vice president of the student council.”

Based on the school badge, she seems to be a first-year student, yet this person is already the vice president? No, compared to that-

“Your first name?”

“...T-Tei-a-ra.”

Her voice is pretty quiet. She seems to be mumbling.

“Eh? What did you say?”

“It’s Tei-a-ra! You got a problem!? Am I causing you any trouble with this name!?”

Teiara-san got into a mood again and cornered me.

“No, well, I don’t have any issues with your name. It’s just that it’s rare to see a person wearing a name tag-”

“Of course, I’m wearing it. It’s in the school rules! By the way! Editing the application form using relationships is something that I hate! I won’t acknowledge this before I stop breathing!”

“So, you aren’t accepting the application?”

“But I’m accepting it!”

“Well, then, please take the form…”

“-Ah! It’s already this late! Please wait. The president is coming back soon!”

Teiara-san dashed to the mirror on the wall. She carefully adjusted the angle of her bowties.

“Uh, what about the application form?”

“I told you I would deal with it later! As the vice president, wearing an untidy uniform in front of the president is- ah, sheesh! Why does this uniform have 4 bowties!?”

Don’t complain to me. I can’t do anything about it.

Teiara-san reminds me of the Literature Club girls. No, wait, don’t tell me I’m the only one who doesn’t know that every single girl in the world is actually like this…?

A terrible idea came into my mind. Then, the door to the student council room was opened.

“Ara, today seems to be lively.”

“Thanks for the work, Prez!”

Teiara-san immediately straightened her back. I turned around. A tall girl came inside the room.

She’s the student council president, Hibari Hokobaru. Even I know her name and appearance.

Prez turned to me with a smile. Her long hair is gently floating in the wind.

“Welcome to the student council room. Is there anything I can help you with today?”

“Well, it’s about submitting the cultural festival’s application form…”

At this point, Prez took the form from my hands.

“Ahh, you’re from the Literature Club. Is Koto-senpai doing alright?”

“Yeah, …I guess. She’s just as usual.”

“Just as usual. I see. That’s indeed like her.”

Prez smiled and quickly scanned through the form. After that, she put it in the file on the table.

“It’s good. Relax. Your application has already been approved.”

Eh, she’s more kind than I thought. I’ve always heard that the student council has a grudge against the Literature Club. Maybe I’m just worrying too much.

“Thank you very much. Well, I’ll be leaving-”

“Shikiya helped you guys edit the form, right?”

Prez’s tone suddenly dropped. The room temperature seems to have suddenly gone down too.

“Well, no, even though we did ask her about parts we could improve, our club member was the one who finished it…”

“I’m not going to scold you guys. Experience gained from asking others is important, after all.”

Prez stood before me with a “clack” made from her hard sole shoes.

Within the depths of her smile, I can faintly see my face’s reflection in her cyan pupils. [TL: This may be an error since Hokobaru has red pupils in the illustration.]

“The third-year students are retiring soon, so I’ll let this pass since it was Shikiya. However, I won’t do that next time.”

Prez fiddled my hair with the tip of her finger. She then turned around.

“As a Tsuwabuki High School student, please remember not to do anything that damages the school’s reputation.”

“Y-Yes!”

I lowered my head and ran away from the student council room.

-The student council president of Tsuwabuki High School, Hibari Hokobaru. She’s indeed full of boldness, even though I can’t tell why.

Her cold eyes give out sharp gazes. Her pale fingers that were used to stroke my hair…seem to be full of bandaids.

Also, I remember the bandaids having a cute teddy bear icon.

Another thing is that I’ve heard the noise of hard sole shoes when we’re indoors. Why didn’t that person change into slippers before coming in?

I couldn’t get this off my head and stopped. A conversation can be heard inside the student council room from the corridor.

“Prez, why are you wearing your outside shoes?”

“I just went to patrol the playground- wait, where are my slippers? Do you know where they are, Teiara-kun?”

“I-I don’t know either, but I’ll help you find them!”

…What are those people even talking about?

Even though I don’t really understand, her slippers should be on the shoe shelves if she’s wearing shoes right now…

Whatever. I shouldn’t have anything to do with the student council after this, right? It’s better if I leave them alone.

I picked up the pace and distanced myself from the student council-

*

That day after school.

Yanami, Yakishio, Komari and me. The first-year students in the club room sit around the table with serious expressions.

I looked at everyone again after distributing the materials.

“Hmm, the Literature Club’s exhibition content at Tsuwabuki Fest has already been decided completely. Please look at the material at hand.”

Everyone started paying attention to the paper in their hands after hearing that.

“The actual theme is ‘Food and Reading’. We’ll be introducing food related to famous authors and works. At the same time, along with simple explanations, we will be selling and distributing snacks related to the exhibition content.”

Yanami tilted her head in confusion.

“Selling and distributing, are we doing both?”

“G-Give the kids s-snacks i-if they are here.”

Komari answered the question for me. I nodded and continued.

“I checked out the photos from last year’s Tsuwabuki Fest. Many guests bring their children with them. I want to provide a place where parents can rest with their kids. So, I plan to cover the floors with tatami to make a resting area.”

Yakishio already gave up reading the material a while ago. She leaned on the foldable chair.

“Well, should we hand out snacks to everyone? The cost is covered by the club budget, anyway.”

“We’ll run out of desserts very quickly if we hand them out to everyone. Also, I plan to give stamp cards to preschool children. They will get the snacks after visiting all of the exhibitions.”

There are 4 types of exhibitions. All of the displays are taped out with 1-meter molded paper. Then, there will be a stamp desk next to them. The scenario is for the kids to get the stamp cards and check out every showcase.”

Yanami looked at the material as she twirled her hair with the tip of her finger.

“But there will be kids who only get the stamp without looking at the exhibitions just to get the snacks, right? I would do that back in elementary school.”

This girl will definitely do that now, too, right?

“That’s fine. It’s just a festival. The best thing we can do is to make the guests happy. Young kids won’t understand the exhibition, anyway. It’s okay as long as we influence them with the mood.”

“Selling them is unnecessary if we’re just doing that, right?”

“The actual results of the Literature Club will be pretty bad if we just sell food to attract customers, right? Ultimately, our club plans to showcase exhibitions and sell related snacks on the surface. However, even if the sales aren’t good, we can say that the participants have visited without buying any snacks. Also, limiting the desserts to children can make them bring their guardians over. Part of it is also to increase the number of guests.”

Yanami and the girls raised their heads and looked at me.

“Ohh, …Nukumizu-kun, you’re pretty evil.”

“Nukkun has turned into a bad boy.”

“You shall repent…”

I think this counts as the Literature Club girls praising me universally, right? But why is Komari the one to scold me?

“Here are the details. Komari will be in charge of the exhibition. I’ll be dealing with the desserts and setting up the place. The two senpais will help with making the club magazine. We’ll discuss as progress is made.”

Yakishio raised her hand and called me.

“What do I need to do? Leave all of the physical work to me!”

“Yakishio has tasks in our class and the Track and Field Club, right? It would be a great help if you could help me set up the place before the opening day. Also, we need a larger paper to write our exhibition content.”

“Got it. I’ll try to sneak out and help you. What about Yana-chan?”

“I have work to do in class. However, Nukumizu-kun, you have something to do in our class as well, right?”

“...Do I?”

I forgot about it altogether. But I vaguely remember having to make small gadgets for our class showcase.

“What about Komari’s plans in your class? Will that affect you in any way?”

“M-Me? T-They didn’t tell me anything. I-I guess I’ll be fine.”

This is slightly concerning. I hope she’s really going to be okay when she says that.

“Right, I’ve brought the snack samples here. Hope everyone can offer their opinions.”

I put the paper bag with the desserts on the shelf-

“Eh? Where’s the paper bag I put there? Does anyone know where did it go?”

Yakishio and Komari’s eyes are focused on Yanami. As for Yanami, she looked away to avoid everyone’s attention.

“Yanami-san, don’t tell me…”

“...Are those snacks samples?”

I nodded. So, Yanami leaned into it and gave me an idiotic smile.

“It’s fine. They taste good.”

I see. Glad to hear that. Well, that’s all for today.

I carried my bag and stood up, but the girls didn’t seem to be moving at all.

“Yakishio still has training in the Track and Field Club, right? You sure you don’t want to go?”

“Uh, Amanatsu-chan told me to wait in the club room after school. That’s why I’ve been waiting for her since then.”

Amanatsu-sensei told Yakishio to wait here? Yanami nodded and rolled her round eyes as well.

“She said that to me too. Did she not tell Nukumizu-kun?”

She didn’t. Whatever, it may not have something to do with me, anyway.

However, if Amanatsu-sensei called Yanami and the girls to the club room, that means…

At this point, I can hear people talking in the corridor.

Their voices gradually approached the door. Then, it was slammed open.

“Oh, everyone is here.”

Our class teacher Konami Amanatsu makes a flashy entrance. It looks like she’s even more excited today.

“Sensei, is there anything I can help you with?”

“Hey, hey, you guys are the ones who asked sensei for advice, right?”

Advice, …is she talking about the club advisor thing?

We were intimidated by her momentum. Amanatsu-sensei waved at the corridor.

“Hey, come in here.”

“Excuse me, everyone.”

The atmosphere in the room changed completely once the owner of the voice entered the room.

A charming and curvy body, the pantyhose that stretched out from her skirt to her legs-

The intense scent of the perfume and make-up made my brain go numb for a second.

“This is my first time meeting you here, but we have met each other a couple of times in the nurse’s office.”

The person sat on an empty chair with a calm demeanor. She crossed her legs under our attention.

“I’m the future advisor of the Literature Club, Sayo Konuki. Let’s have a good time together.”

Yanami and Yakishio cheered excitedly. As for Komari, she freaked out and hid in the corner of the club room.

…I see. This makes sense.

Indeed, it’s not strange for a school nurse not to have been the advisor of any clubs beforehand.

Also, this is the apparent result when we ask Amanatsu-sensei.

“Uh, …the same goes for us. Please take care of us.”

I lowered my head and greeted her awkwardly. At the same time, I regretted it.

Indeed, I shouldn’t have asked Amanatsu-sensei…

Intermission: The Secret Boulevard

There's a boulevard with tulip trees at the east gate of Tsuwabuki High School.

Under an exceptionally tall tree, two girls are standing back-to-back with the tree in between.

“...Senpai, the preparation for Tsuwabuki Fest is going well. The plans for the Literature Club have already been decided. We’ve acquired permission to borrow a classroom as well. As for that girl, …she’s doing well.”

Based on the school badge, this girl seems to be a first-year student.

She has curvy hair that goes slightly below her shoulders and a body figure well-received by boys.

As for the person looking at the photo, she’s a third-year student with glasses. She turned around slightly. Her twin tails started wobbling. The person handed out a palm-sized bag over her shoulders.

“Glad to hear that. Here, take this.”

-These are french fries and karaage-flavored. They are the dagashi that Toyohashi has been proud of since antiquity.

The first-year girl opened the wrap without any delay after taking them. She started eating them cheerfully.

“One more thing. I’ve asked my friends from the same class as that girl about how she’s doing in the classroom.”

The glasses girl took out another bag silently. The next one is pork ribs-flavored.

“She leaves the classroom once it’s break time then comes back before the bell rings. My friend has never seen her talking to her classmates, nor has she paired up with anyone during PE.”

“Oh, …even though I’ve predicted these situations, I still feel pretty upset when I actually hear it.”

“But she seems to have changed a bit during the second semester.”

“Changed?”

The glasses handed out the third bag. It’s salted cream this time.

The first-year girl opened the third one after finishing the pork ribs dagashi without hesitation.

“Even though she still disappears during lunch, she seems to be a bit happy after coming back, …from what I’ve heard.”

Where did this intel come from?

The glasses girl pondered for a moment. She then slowly nodded.

“Thank you, and please look forward to the rewards next time.”

“Of course. Well, I’ll be leaving.”

After that, she left the scene while avoiding everyone’s sight.

As for the remaining glasses girl, a palm-shaped tulip tree leaf gently fell to the ground next to her feet.

She picked it up and observed the blue sky through the leaf.

There are 10 days until the opening of Tsuwabuki Fest.

I guess I can believe in “that girl’s” determination a bit more…

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