[Intermission] Library Book Add-ons

I'll say this again-- the library is huge. Like seriously huge.

A huge crystal dome above, seeing the azure blue sky as if we were viewing from inside a planetarium. Two-story book shelves and ladders that led to the upper shelf. A nice lounge at the entrance, a fancy counter where the librarian works, equipped with basically everything a librarian needs.

To my surprise, there is actually a reading area at the further back. It even came with an open balcony and a drink bar. Heck-- this is a library?! There was a second counter there where another librarian worked, but it was more specialized to help students find the book they needed-- or drink recommendations.

The drink bar was the most important point here so let me elaborate on the services provided-- fruit juice blends, milkshakes, yogurt shakes.. most important of all-- an assortment of tea. There weren't any canned drinks since the cafeteria was selling those. Spilling drinks is prohibited, and you'll have to clean it up for yourself if it does happen. Which really isn't really an impossible task because the reading area isn't carpeted. And the table and chairs were hard wood, so no problems if you do spill a drop here and there. It wouldn't really do any irreversible damages-- you know, common sense stuff.

Now I know where Elyja got her share of buckwheat tea from. Liliath would probably buy it in bouts in the future--

Asides that, kiosks that contained the info of all books present could be found. Also acts as a database for online book recommendations.

The light novel section had a place all to itself. Unlike the double-story book shelves, light novels and mangas were arranged neatly on squarish shelves close to the reading area. It's like a bookstore-- there's at least a few hundred titles here.

Cute and cool anime figurines and premium posters were displayed all around the section, there was even a cabinet with a large R-18 plus sign stuck to it. I suppose that's where the more 'mature' content could be found. Hm.. we're still 16 though-- oh wait. There are students in the third year of high school who are already 18-- nevermind.

Putting that aside, the reason why I am in the library here today was because of a meeting. More specifically, the light novel club's yearly book selection meeting.

"I have a few suggestions here on the board. I would like you all to vote for which series we should invest in," Rishell said, knocking a magical girl wand-- the pink colour kind with glitter and ribbons attached to it-- on the projector display. I learnt that she's apparently the sub-leader of the club, leading the second group of the light novel club.

The members were so numerous, they had to split it into two groups. And currently, there were at least 50 people sitting in this book meeting right this moment, waiting for Rishell and her assistants to finish up preparations.

As I've said before, web novels are also part of this club. Chinese novels, korean novels, english novels, manga-- as long as it's some sort of literature. There isn't any hard rule on what you can and cannot read, quite literally. Even Shakespear's literature is alright.

Liliath, currently reading a light novel she picked from the light novel section-- the setting being outer space asked:

"What's a G-monster?"

"A G-monster.. that huh?"

I remember reading about it a few times in Japanese translated light novels. To be honest, the first time I saw it, I couldn't find an answer. Asking google sensei, I found stuff related to Monster Hunter, not that it clarified what G-monster meant.

Reading more light novels, and stumbling across this word again in a different context helped me realize what it actually meant.

Gokiburi.

Cockroach, in Japanese.

"Cockroach? EH…" Liliath looked at the book suspiciously, "Why couldn't they use more recognizable terminology. G-monster that can survive in outer space threatens to destroy a colony. I actually thought it was some sort of large kaijuu."

And for some reason Liliath knows what a kaijuu is.

"Noel, could cockroaches actually survive in this so-called outer space. On this note, this realm does exist in your world right?"

Liliath had her phone beside her, and whenever she stumbled upon something she had never seen before she would search it up on the internet. Things like spacecraft, galaxies, Earth, nebulas, solar system, inertia, wormholes, quasar… the list goes on.

"I actually think it exists in your world too. You have to fly quite high up from the ground to reach space," pointing up towards the dome, at the sky, I said.

"Hm.. interesting. I have never seen records of heroes mentioning this."

"I guess.."

I'm pretty sure those heroes were too busy training-- or just living life. Or it could just be that my TALENT is restricting more realistic worlds?

"Hm? Noel, that looks familiar doesn't it?" Liliath said, pointing at one of the books on screen. Looks like the projector screen has been setted up.

"That book.. wait.."

One time with you. Huh? That's a manga? I thought this was a light novel club..

No. That's not the point. That's PORN. Why is PORN one of the options?

"In the first round, we will vote to narrow down the book to 5 options. After that, we will pick the top 3 options from among the five to add to our collection."

One student from I-don't-know which class raised his hands.

"Rishell, what if among them are inappropriate books?"

"Good question. As you can see, by voting for those kinds of books, you are benefiting your senior-- me who has already reached the age of 18 and your future self who will soon arrive at the grand and wondrous age of 18. Do you now understand the reason for allowing such an option," Rishell said with a straight ass face-- my gawd.

"Understood," the student who had a satisfied look on his face sat down.

"Any other questions?"

"Yes. What if it's over budget? Different series have different pricings and different number of volumes?" Another student asked.

To which Rishell replied with-- they would take the budget into account, and depending on the cost of the series, would buy only one, or multiple sets of the books-- just in case more than one member would want to borrow the books at one time.

And if you're wondering where the budget is from, every member who joined the light novel club contributed 20 dollars for book purchase. Honestly, I don't see a problem with the budget.

"Then if there are no further questions, we will proceed with the votes. First up, Intergalactic wars--"

The maximum number of votes a single person could contribute is 2. So you have to pick wisely. Inevitably-- Liliath voted for 'One Time With You'. Rather, to put it in better terms-- more than half the students voted for that manga-- I mean porn. Rishell had a rather delighted smile on her face.

Damn. What am I even seeing-- is this how a light novel club works? The hell..

"Okay, now, we will proceed to the second round. Again, two votes per person, so pick wisely."

Having the 5 most wanted series selected, Rishell went through the synopsis of each and everyone of them..

I don't know if it's just me or that the synopsis for my father's novel was written in a 'kid-friendly' way. With no hints of it being porn except for the small R-18 at the front cover. Heck, even the front cover only consists of cute 'non-suggestive' anime girls raising a cheer. Ugh..

"Now, those who vote for 'One Time With You', raise your hands."

More than half raised their hands. I will admit, despite all the reasons to do so-- I didn't raise my hands.

With volume 18 published recently, just the other day, my father sent Liliath the draft for volume 19, he wanted her opinion. Not that I know how it went...no, you know what? Let's just forget what happened when Nine found out my father was the author.

Rishell gave me a suspicious glance-- Liliath too did the same.

What? I'm not voting for that book alright..

"Are you not going to vote?" Lyndia, who apparently sat on the opposite side, asked. Her hand was raised too.

"No."

"Why?"

"No comment." It's porn. That's why. Though I'm pretty sure everyone knows that because of how popular the series is. I think it's going to get an anime adaptation soon? Like finally.. after 18 volumes.. Congrats father.

You know. Once you get to know Lyndia a little better, you'd learn that she's quite innocent.

Whatever it was-- the storm passed and three books were selected. Of course, 'One Time With You' was among those in the list.

"Hey Liliath, what kind of book is One Time With You?" Lyndia asked.

"What? So you voted without knowing what it is?!" I almost yelled, but managed to suppress my voice. Well-- I guess Liliath's presence concealment barrier did help a little.

"It's a good book. That's all I can say."

"No spoilers, is it? Okay, I get you," Lyndia obediently accepted Liliath's answer and returned to face the projector screen.

"You should really explain to Lyndia," Helia, one of Nine's classmates and the person who first brought us to the library said.

"So you've read the book?" I asked.

Helia nodded, unperturbed.

"I've read till volume 17, you two have read it all already right? Mind to spoil what happens to Neun in volume 18? Did she manage to get out alive?"

"Unfortunately the conclusion of her fate doesn't come till volume 19. She survives though," Liliath explains.

"That's unfortunate. Luckily you told me that, don't you just hate it when they pull the suspense too long? I can't bear that. Now I can prepare my heart for the next volume," Helia heaved a sigh-- then opened her eyes wide at us, "Did you just say Volume 19?"

Shit.