After spending some time at school, Konoe had recently started going to the library often.
After deciding to hold off on taking action for the time being, Konoe had to think of ways to spend his afternoons. Lately, he had often been looking for stories to read in the library.
At first, he started with simple fairy tales. They were short and easy to read. But gradually, they weren't enough to satisfy him anymore.
He read quickly, and whenever he needed to make connections or think things through, he would stop and use his Mind Palace. It was a bit like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, but it also trained his ability to think. Now, using his Mind Palace didn't take as much mental or physical energy.
Konoe often liked to pick up detective novels, especially ones in the "Snow Mountain Villa" style. For one thing, they were short; for another, he felt that this school seemed like a somewhat larger "Snow Mountain Villa."
After learning some essential clues, he would go straight to his Mind Palace to look for the culprit. But out of ten attempts, he might only solve the case three times. Either he hadn't gathered enough necessary information, there were simply too many things he needed to connect, and his Mind Palace couldn't last long enough, or the novel had outright reasoning flaws. After all, novels weren't reality.
Even so, whenever Konoe finished using his Mind Palace without finding the culprit, he felt a deep sense of regret as he kept reading. So he was also working hard to train his body and build up his stamina, hoping to make his Mind Palace last longer.
"Too bad... This book has way too many tricks... I admit there aren't any reasoning flaws, but there are so many red herrings. And while plenty of people die, the culprit uses so many different methods."
"And Xingying Longsan doesn't show up until way too late! By the time he appears, I've already used up my quota for the day. I can't figure out who the culprit is, but I'm so curious about what happens next that I have to finish reading!"
Konoe indignantly shut the book, Lilac Manor, and at the same time, admired the author. He also marveled at how full of wonders the world was.
"So, do you think the book is good or bad?"
"Of course it's good! It's got the weight of classic detective fiction, and the author's wildly imaginative ideas are so much fun." Konoe said happily, as if his earlier regret had been an illusion.
It was a shame he hadn't figured out who the culprit was, but that was his own lack of ability.
"Wait, who's talking to me?" Konoe looked up.
A pair of big, violet eyes met his gaze. Having used his Mind Palace several times already, Konoe's thoughts had slowed, and for a moment he couldn't make sense of the situation. He stared at the other person, eyes wide and dazed.
She was an extremely cute girl, with long silver hair and a petite, slender figure that seemed as if it might float away at any moment. She gave off a soft, gentle air.
She looked into Konoe's eyes without saying anything, only smiling. She seemed to be in a good mood.
Only then did Konoe come to his senses. He hurriedly looked away, scooted his chair back a little, and raised both hands. "You're standing way too close, classmate!"
"Hehe, sorry, sorry. I was just curious about the book you were reading." The girl's laughter rang like a clear bell, and her bright eyes made Konoe feel that she really was just innocently curious.
She's so cute. Konoe smiled without thinking, but then warily shook his head.
I must have used up my Mind Palace for the day, and my head's all foggy. She's not even in my class. I have to be careful!
"Ahem. Hello, classmate. I'm Konoe Hirakawa from Class 1-D. I've just finished this book, so you can take it if you want to read it. Just don't forget to put it back where it belongs, over at..."
"I know where it goes, since I've read this book a few times too. Sorry for introducing myself so late. I'm Shiina Hiyori from Class 1-C. Nice to meet you."
A few times? Konoe usually only read a book once. He thought reading a book again was less worthwhile than finding one he hadn't read.
"Nice to meet you, Shiina."
After exchanging a few words, they had gotten to know each other. Konoe had initially been wary of Shiina, but as their discussion of the novel deepened, he found himself letting down his guard.
"I just can't accept that ending. After getting out of prison, he killed the woman he loved and her new husband. I can understand how he felt to some extent, but only a little."
Shiina seemed amused by what Konoe had said. Seeing her expression, he couldn't help smiling too.
"I've noticed that you read mostly novellas and short stories. Why don't you try a long novel?" Shiina asked, puzzled.
"I feel like all those words might get tiring. I prefer standalone stories." Then Konoe realized: if she knew what kinds of books he read, didn't that mean she had been watching him? The thought made his face gradually turn red.
"I can't agree with you there. Long novels may have lots of words, but they're also made up of many individual stories. Reading a long novel is like traveling through another world, meeting all kinds of interesting people and seeing the choices they make in different circumstances. It's fascinating! If you don't want to read one just because it has too many words, aren't you missing out on the chance to meet them?" Shiina dropped her quiet, sweet demeanor and leaned toward Konoe with forceful enthusiasm.
She had a point. Konoe nodded. He avoided long novels because of his Mind Palace, but as Shiina had said, if he didn't read them, he'd miss out on the pleasures they offered.
"You're right. I'll give one a try next time."
"Then let me recommend a novel for you! The first book in the Lord Peter Wimsey series is perfect for you. There are fifteen books in the series, but almost every one is a standalone story, all connected by an overarching plot..." The girl produced a book from who-knew-where and enthusiastically recommended it to Konoe.
As he watched the girl attentively explain the story without spoiling anything, Konoe couldn't help lowering his guard. Better to trust her for now than to keep doubting her.
"Then... I guess it's fate that we met. I'll borrow it and give it a read. Maybe we could... exchange contact information, so I can return it to you when I'm done?" Konoe held the book in both hands and asked cautiously.
"Sure! No one in Class C ever talks with me about novels."
After getting Shiina's contact information, Konoe smiled happily too.
"Uh... Actually, I only started reading a few days ago. I'm really interested, but I haven't read many books yet."
"No problem! Let me take you into the world of novels! Come to think of it, it's mealtime. Want to go together?"
I want to! Whatever the trap is, I'll take the bait first! Konoe gave up on thinking about the situation in terms of their classes and agreed to go with Shiina.
The two of them ate together, chatting about the plot and their thoughts on the novels. Afterward, they parted ways in good spirits.
Before you continue