Chapter 74: New Work? Yes and No
Usami truly couldn't figure out what the relationship between these two people was right now.
The girl's curiosity was fully displayed at this moment, but she couldn't ask directly, so she could only stare.
However, she was quickly drawn back by Uchimaki Subaru's reminder.
"Usami-san, aren't you going to prepare your painting for the competition? Time is limited, you know!"
"Uh..."
Turning her head and looking at Uchimaki Subaru, who had already started sketching his painting, Usami gave an awkward smile: "Ahaha, I'm starting right away, starting right away."
She had almost forgotten that she needed to participate in the competition, and Uchimaki Subaru had been dragged into it by her. It would be too embarrassing if she slacked off now.
So Usami focused her attention on the easel in front of her.
But... what should she paint?
The girl suddenly ran out of ideas.
While she was contemplating, Kaede, on the other side, didn't take out his homework. Instead, he pulled out a book he had never brought to school before and began flipping through it.
When Eriri saw this, she curiously moved her chair closer and saw some strange-looking creatures and a lot of text inside the book.
The page Kaede was looking at showed a not-so-cute cat with a split tail, which was a Nekomata, a type of cat demon in Japanese mythology.
"A monster? What are you reading?"
Showing the cover to Eriri, Kaede said, "Hyakki Yagyō (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons). It talks about monster legends."
"Why are you suddenly reading this?"
Eriri looked at Kaede suspiciously and couldn't help but ask, "You're not actually writing a new work, are you?"
Eriri's words drew the attention of the other three people in the club room. The president had learned about Kaede's identity as a light novel author a few days ago and had also read konosuba. Even Usami, out of curiosity, had bought the first volume of konosuba to read, and found it quite enjoyable.
Uchimaki Subaru stopped drawing and looked at Kaede, asking, "Asakura, is konosuba going to end? You're already thinking about a new book so soon?"
"Emm~~~ Actually, it can't really be considered a new work, and it's not certain if it will ever be released."
Kaede smiled and said, "I just have some ideas that I jot down during my free time. We'll see. Maybe you'll see it soon, but it's also possible you'll never see it."
Kaede's statement made everyone even more curious. Eriri asked, "What kind of story is it? Writing a light novel about monsters sounds difficult."
The president also said, "Regarding things related to monsters, I don't recall any light novels. If I look further back, I guess Inuyasha left the deepest impression on me."
"Inuyasha! I've seen it, it's super good!" Usami exclaimed excitedly, mentioning the manga she had read.
"Alright, don't get so excited."
Kaede didn't want to reveal it so soon, so he smiled and said, "Let me maintain some mystery for now. When the time is right, I'll naturally release it."
Since Kaede didn't want to say more, everyone had no choice but to go back to focusing on their own tasks.
Usami and Uchimaki Subaru continued painting, the president lay on the sofa playing with his phone, and Eriri sat next to Kaede, doing her homework while occasionally glancing at Kaede's movements, watching him scribble notes in the book incessantly.
After thinking for a moment, she put down her pen, tugged on Kaede's sleeve, and then sent him a message on her phone.
Eriri: [I'm getting ready to submit my manga to Jump soon.]
Kaede glanced at Eriri, who was sitting silently next to him, looked at the message on his phone, and smiled as he typed a reply.
Kaede: [That fast? Are you confident?]
Eriri: [I don't know. To be honest, this is the first time I've realized how difficult manga is. Not only do I need to build the world view, but I also need a sufficient outline, character designs, and a combat system. Just thinking about that has been keeping me awake, and I feel like I haven't done a great job.]
Kaede: [If you say that, doesn't that mean this submission is risky?]
Eriri: [Hehehe, it's about daring to try. At least I can talk to the editor then and see where my problems are. If it doesn't work the first time, I'll try a second time. I just started high school, I have plenty of time.]
After looking at his phone, Kaede turned and glanced at the smiling Eriri. He could tell she wasn't overly nervous or disappointed, which was a very good attitude.
After thinking for a moment, Kaede sent another message.
Kaede: [In that case, let me cheer you on. How about I take you to that wagashi shop you always wanted to go to after club activities end?]
Eriri's hand holding the phone paused instantly. She didn't dare turn her head to look at Kaede. After sending a message on her phone, she immediately picked up her pen and started writing her homework.
Eriri: [Sounds great! Then I have to finish my homework first!]
However, about eighty percent of that statement was probably shyness, since Kaede hadn't mentioned taking anyone else along.
Putting his phone back in his pocket, Kaede happily continued reading his book.
Near five o'clock, club activities ended, and everyone said goodbye at the school gate.
Kaede looked at Eriri and said with a smile, "Let's go. It's not too far from here, so it won't waste your time getting home."
Eriri nodded, then looked back toward the school: "What about your bicycle? Is it okay?"
"It's fine if I don't ride it for a day or two, and the roads are crowded right now. I wouldn't dare blatantly carry someone on it anyway."
Hearing this, Eriri recalled the time Kaede gave her a ride home on his bicycle one evening and couldn't help but laugh.
Homura wasn't very far from Toyosaki; it was only two stops by train. From Homura, Eriri could take a bus directly home.
However, while waiting for the train, Kaede's expression was subtle.
"Hmm... I overlooked that there are a lot of people taking the train at this time too."
There were people queuing to the left, right, and behind them. He figured there wouldn't be few people inside the train once it arrived.
Eriri also said, "When I was in middle school, I rarely participated in club activities and usually went straight home after school, so I never encountered such crowded situations. Will we be packed in like sardines later?"
"It won't be that bad. It's not rush hour yet, but there will still be quite a few people, since most people around here are students, with only a few being office workers."
Just as they were talking, the train arrived. When the doors opened, sure enough, there were already quite a few people inside. Fortunately, some people were getting off at this stop, so Kaede quickly led Eriri inside.
Seats were out of the question. Kaede could only have Eriri stand in the corner near the door while he shielded her in front.
"Just bear with it. It's only two stops."
Eriri nodded, her face slightly flushed, and her small hands unconsciously clasped together.
Isn't this kind of like the legendary kabedon?