I've been thinking lately that peaceful everyday life is maintained by quite a few people.
I listened to the passionate words of our Literature Club president, while forcing my sleepy eyes open.
It had been a few days since I had a full-blown action movie-like showdown right in the heart of the city. But no matter where I looked in the news or on the internet, there was no sign of that day's events being discussed.
Some people on social media had mentioned something like a fire, but that was about it. The Earth Magic Agency's ability to conceal this incident in such an information-driven society is truly formidable. Nonetheless, I can't help but feel sorry for how many adults had to work tirelessly for this.
If they were to hold a grudge against someone, it would be Luiid or the otherworldly god who started this kind of battle.
Now, after offering a silent prayer for the unknown salarymen, I turned my attention forward again.
"So, that's why we're going to hold a hellish training camp on Izu Oshima this summer. We absolutely have to sell more copies than the Manga Club at the cultural festival! Don't think you'll have time for the beach, swimsuits, or sleep until you submit your manuscripts!"
At this time of early summer, Literature Club President Hayasaki Akari was delivering a speech so passionate that it was suffocating. Her long black hair was tossing around as if she were headbanging at a concert.
By the way, despite being called the Literature 'Club,' there was a somewhat complicated reason why she was the president. I think it would have been simpler to just rename it the Literature Circle. Our club has inherited the legacy of the first club president, who said, "There's nothing like the sound of 'Literature Club' to evoke the sweet and sour echoes of youth!" Couldn't they have left behind something more meaningful?
While thinking about such things, Souji, who was sitting next to me, raised his hand.
"What is it, Souji?"
"President, I'd like to at least get some sleep."
"Do you not want to see me in my swimsuit? I'll sock you!"
"Nobody said anything like that."
"I won't forgive you, Souji... This wounded maiden's heart... How do you intend to make amends?"
What is she even saying?
She's always been a bit incomprehensible, but as summer approaches, she's become even weirder. And to think she's doing this while sober, it's truly something to behold.
And then, on the other side of Souji, Matsuda, a pervert who knows no seasons, also raised his hand.
"What's up, Matsuda?"
"If it's punishment you want! If it's punishment, please punish me!"
"Fine, just stay quiet for a while."
"Yes!"
Wow, that's impressive. The club president, who was just full of energy a moment ago, has turned completely serious in an instant. As expected, there's no one who can match Matsuda-san!
As I was moved by Matsuda-san's courage, I felt someone tugging at my sleeve.
What's this?
When I looked to my side, Hinata, a university student of the modern age, had approached me. Well, it's fine to be close, but could you move away a little? Your fragrance is so strong, it's making me nervous.
Despite my thoughts, Hinata whispered in my ear.
"Senpai, don't you think the president's in an unusually high spirits?"
"Well, it's higher than usual, but isn't it because it's summer?"
"No, it's not like that."
"Come on, she's the type of person who gets her energy from things like this."
It takes that level of acceleration to lead this Literature Club. After all, Matsuda-san is in this club.
However, Hinata seemed dissatisfied and squinted her eyes.
"Hmm, it's certainly typical of the president, but even so, she seems too energetic, like she's waiting for something..."
"Waiting, you say?"
While we were talking, the president, who had cooled down thanks to Matsuda, began to wrap up her speech.
"Well, the training camp is approaching soon. If you don't want to experience hell there, start working on your plots early. I think that concludes our schedule check for today."
The president's final words caused a sudden commotion in the room.
However, amidst the chaos, the president's sharp voice cut through.
"Hey, the club meeting isn't over yet! In fact, the main event of today is just beginning!"
"The main event? Is there something else?"
That question came from Souji, who was already standing next to me. On his other side, Matsuda was waiting for the president's punishment while sitting in seiza posture. Let's just pretend I didn't see that.
The president smirked with an evil grin.
"That's right, Souji. To put it simply, our battle is only just beginning."
"Huh? Is the Literature Club finally going to be disbanded?"
"Disbanded? What do you mean 'finally'?"
Well, I don't think we have the right to complain about being disbanded when we've casually displayed R18-rated works in an all-ages cultural festival.
Anyway, the president adjusted her previously agitated tone and repeated her statement.
"Well, dear members of the Literature Club, I have some important news for you today. Believe it or not, we have a new member joining our club for a limited time."
"What, is that true?"
"Why at this time?"
"Could it be from another university?"
"Who cares about that? The real question is, is it a guy or a girl?"
The club members were getting excited in response to the president's declaration.
Many of the members had an otaku-like disposition due to their love for creative writing, but in reality, we had a lot of events and quite a large number of members. So, there were cheerful individuals among us as well.
The president nodded with a pleased expression in response to their energy.
"Hehehe, seeing is believing, and the truth will be revealed. However, be careful not to faint. Well then, come on in!"
At the president's words, everyone's attention shifted to the door of the room.
The door slowly opened, and a girl entered.
With golden hair that shimmered as if scattering radiance, braided in three parts, and skin as white as fresh snow, she created a beautiful contrast. The girl went to stand next to the president and smiled sweetly with her angelic appearance.
"I'm Lisha Asteris, a foreign exchange student. It's been a short time until this year, but please take care of me, everyone."
The world fell silent.
The next thing that happened was an explosion of cheers.
At this point, it was impossible to understand what the men were shouting, and the women were exclaiming, "Yabaa, yabaa!"
Well, that was to be expected, given that a beautiful girl appeared out of nowhere, resembling an angel or something.
Amidst the excitement, Lisha glanced in my direction and smiled shyly. Following her gaze, I turned to see Tsukiko staring at me with a cold look.
"...Well."
Well, what can I do?
There's a lot to explain, like why Lisha is in the Literature Club and what happened with Tsukiko. After all, the God-Demon War isn't over yet. It's not just the president; our battles are far from over.
Unbeknownst to me, Lisha had made her way through the crowd and was now standing right in front of me. With a radiant smile that resembled the sun, she said.
"Nice to meet you again, Yuusuke-san!"
For now, it's okay to accept this peace for a while. My previous job was a constant hustle – work, studies, and even romance – it was all about moderation.
"Yeah, nice to meet you again, Lisha."
I said that and took the hand of the girl I couldn't reach back then.
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