Activities of the prestigious Classics Club (part 2)

Anyway, an anthology just sounds bothersome.

While I could not say for sure that anthologies, or anything else that requires me to write something on my own, are bothersome, it would be better if I don't have to do it. Whether it's the purpose or the activity itself, either requires me to come up with something.

Unnecessary activities cost effort, which is a waste of energy.

"Let's not do an anthology. It's too labour-intensive. Besides... right, three authors is a bit too much."

Yet Chitanda was steadfast with her proposal, "No, it has to be an anthology."

"If you really want to publish something, we can set up an exhibition booth or something like that."

"Kami High's Cultural Festival traditionally forbids exhibition booths. So, no, it has to be an anthology."

"... Why?"

"Our club budget specifically refers to 'Anthology Publication', it would be troublesome if we don't publish one."

Chitanda took out a piece of neatly folded paper from her chest pocket and showed it to me. Indeed, for this year's Classics Club

annual budget, the tiny amount of money that was allocated was specifically set for the purpose of 'Anthology Publication'.

"Even so, Ooide-sensei has requested that we publish it, as it's become a tradition for over 30 years for the Classics Club to

publish an anthology each year, and he was not going to watch it come to an end."

"..."

As a rule of thumb, reasonable people tend to be smart. Yet it doesn't mean unreasonable people are dumb. Chitanda was definitely not dumb, yet she was clearly being unreasonable.

To begin with, she appealed to the sentimental side rather than the

financial side, and decided the club's activity based on tradition.

Still, I realized it was inefficient to try to argue against something done in the name of tradition, so I smiled bitterly and relented, "Okay, okay. We'll publish an anthology."

So ends unceremoniously my purposeless carefree days. At least I'm still in good health, I guess.

The rain is still falling outside. Since it's still not time to go home yet, I decided to ask, "So, how are you going to publish this

anthology?"

"How? What do you mean?"

"What kind of essays were written every year?"

While it's not likely, I was already resigned to writing academic-like essays along the titles of "Review of 'The Eight Dog Chronicles'", "'Tales of Moonlight and Rain' - With regards to the Emperor's role in 'Shiramine'", or "'The Great Mirror' — concerning observations of social changes in the novel, as well as counter-argument to last year's essay.

Just to be safe, I should include an appendix as well. Though I was prepared to accept that I would probably not produce anything up to the standards of past essays.

At any rate, as to just what kind of format this so-called tradition adopts for its essays, I have no idea. However, the answer I received was in the negative.

"Hmm, I'm not sure. I wonder: what should we write?"

It was to be expected. As she was president, it was easy to forget that she too was only in the club for about a month or so. "I'm sure we could find out if we can find the back issues."

"They should be around. You know where they are?"

"In the clubroom?"

I see... I suddenly feel pathetic for going along with her pace. I promptly pointed my finger towards the floor for her to see.

"... Oh! This is the club room."

Exactly.

"Though it hardly feels like a club room..."

She's right though.

This Geology Room had nothing else inside it besides standard teaching equipment. All we could see were a blackboard, tables

and chairs, as well as cleaning equipment. A typical-looking classroom, all in all. There didn't seem to be anywhere books could

be stored.

"The back issues don't seem to be stored here."

"So it seems."

"Well then... shall we head to the library?"

That sounded appropriate, so I nodded. Chitanda picked up her handbag and stood up. "Let's go." Without waiting for my reply, she opened the door and walked

out.

She's quite proactive for an elegant lady...

Oh well, the library is just along the path to the school entrance, which isn't too far

from here. No, wait. Today's Friday, which means today's librarian on duty is...

"Well, if it isn't Oreki? It's been a while, though I've hardly missed you." Upon entering the library, I was instantly greeted with sarcasm.

As expected, the person sitting behind the counter was none other than Ibara Mayaka.

Ibara and I go back a long way, as we've been in the same class for nine years since primary school.

Her baby-face features have been in place since childhood, and have only grown-up a bit after becoming a high-school student. You may find her child-like features and short stature cute, but do not be fooled by her appearance, for she carries a hidden weapon with her at all times.

If you let your guard down, you would be greeted by her colourful blend of sarcastic wit. I was even told to stay away from her based on stories of guys who were fooled by her pretty looks, only to be

sunk instantly.

Not to mention as a result of her never admitting her mistakes, most people would mistake her for being a callous person. Though I personally don't really believe such assessments of her.

I made the most unpleasant expression I could make and replied, "Hey, I came just to see you."

"This is a sacred ground for cultivation, it's not made for the likes of you to visit." Ibara sat cross-legged on her chair behind the counter.

Since all a librarian ever does is to handle the lending and borrowing of books from the library, there doesn't seem to be much else for her to do. While one of her main responsibilities was to take the box

containing the returned books back to their respective shelves, the Return Box was still filled with a whole pile of books.

Ibara was not the type to slack off, so she's probably attempting to do them all in one go. In her hand was a large book, which she's no doubt reading to kill time.

The library was quite crowded at this time. There were about ten four-person tables, and each of them was occupied by one or

two students reading. These were probably people who were indeed reading for leisure, though I'd also understand if there

were people killing time while waiting for the rain to stop.

I then noticed one of the boys looking up at us. I recognized him at once, since it's Fukube Satoshi of all people. Satoshi met my gaze and stood up with his usual smile, "Hey, Houtarou, didn't expect to see you here."

Ibara looked at us with a sullen face and quipped, "Still good buddies as ever, aren't you? As expected from the Best Couple of Kaburaya Junior High."