The Pen and the Sword (with Shion)

... ... ...

...Phew, looks like I'm almost done with library work for today.

I was even able to organize the bookshelves, which I've been wanting to do for a while now.

...Hrmm...

Oh, I don't usually see you here, Sanjo-kun. How strange it is to see you searching for a book.

Eh, Shion, you're here? I was trying to come here when you weren't on duty, but I guess luck wasn't on my side.

Hmph. You're going to such lengths just to avoid talking to me?

It ain't personal, but I just don't think we should be around each other too much, you know?

I mean, people might get suspicious if word got around that you were hanging out with the former ringleader of Kimisaki's delinquents, right?

Hehe, you're playing it way too safe.

Our liaison is the perfect crime. No one will ever find out, therefore, none shall ever know, save for a few trusted students.

Yeesh, that's going too far now. And that part of you is the scariest.

The way you make up "stories" by gettin' other people to do your dirty work...

I definitely wouldn't want to get on your bad side, y'know?

I'm nothing more than a frail and helpless bibliophilic girl, though. It's obviously impossible for someone like me to handle everything herself right?

I can hardly carry anything heavier than a small paperback novel.

Nyahaha, I'm not saying you have to carry something like a hefty dictionary or an encyclopedia, but can't you at least carry a hardcover book? You really are a delicate little thing ♪

Hehe, well they do say that the pen is mightier than the sword ♪

I mean, all you need to carry out an execution order is a pen, right?

Given that, even a hardened soldier can be easily killed by a politician; maybe that's why it's so scary.

Whoops, I get so long-winded when we chat. I guess 'cause I start usin' a lot of literary expressions when I'm around you.

I've got some things that need takin' care of, so we can talk more about this later.

Hey, don't just chat me up then ignore me like I'm chopped liver. What do you need taken care of? I might join you if it seems interesting.

No, no, don't worry about it. I don't wanna be too much of a bother to ya~ I almost wish you'd read the mood as well as you read those books of yours.

I have a natural tendency to stick my nose where it doesn't belong. I suppose I'll suffer from this syndrome until my dying day ♪

Now, tell me—why are you looking for a book in the library?

Mm... It's not really that big of a deal, okay? I'm looking for something to gift to my kouhai.

Oh, a present? That's not like you at all. So you were investigating the magazine section of the library to see the latest trends, is that right?

Yep, somethin' like that ♪

But I'm havin' a hard time of it. The library doesn't have that kinda casual and mainstream reading material just lying around, you know~?

There's plenty of magazines on stuff like politics and the economy and the latest advances in scientific research, ya see~? But of course, Tomo wouldn't be happy if I referenced those.

I would like to give you some advice of my own, but why do you want to give her a present in the first place? Please explain your reasoning to me.

Without adequate context, I can't make any decent recommendations.

Geez, I guess you're right.

You're a real bookworm, so I'm sure whatever you suggest will knock it out of the park.

Do ya know how me 'n Tomo became friends?

She was kept under careful watch by the main family. Then I, some cheeky brat from a branch family, kidnapped her one day.

I remember she said to me, "I had a wonderful time seeing the outside world, young lady." ♪

Ahaha. How picturesque. It's like a scenario lifted straight from a medieval romance novel. I can't even imagine it for myself ♪

Hm, but a present fit for an imprisoned princess, huh...

I'm certain that a magazine wouldn't give you any good ideas. In this case, something practical simply won't do.

Something to match the tooth rotting sweetness of her words from back then is essential. I'll need some time to think about it, since ideas won't come that easily.

Oh, but of course I'm not saying that you'll need to wait days for an answer. I know you'll need ample time to buy a present, so it shouldn't take too long.

Hmm...

Soooo? Come up with anythin' good?

This is quite the conundrum. I have read stories like this in classic novels, but even if you were to go as far as to compose a waka in this modern day and age, the meaning would be lost on her.¹

How's this for an idea: in order to expand our mental horizons, why don't we act out a short skit?

Sanjo-kun, pretend that I am a princess.

Huh...? You want me to pretend that you're a princess? I don't really get what ya mean by springing this on me.

No? You usually seem so carefree, so I thought you'd just play along with it. I guess you're reluctant to pretend that an old crone like me is a princess...

Ah, how lamentable... I never imagined that someone I once called my ally could treat me so cruelly, especially when I am lending her my wisdom now...

Fine, fine. I'll do it so quit your sulking. Here I go~ "your Highness..."?

Teeheehee, that's perfect. I do like girls who know their place♪

Now, my prince, I have a sudden request for you. You see, I quite dislike manual labor. Would you be so kind as to help me rearrange these bookshelves?

Ahaaa~ So that's what you were really after, eh?

You're a real wily one, ya know~? If ya wanted me to help you, you should've just told me. Why'd you have to go and make it weird.

Hmm, so... Where should this book on the counter go?

Hm. Mind your manners, my prince.

You really got a likin' for orderin' people around, don't ya, Princess? Well, I feel like this has nothing to do with thinkin' about what to give Tomo...

Hehe. It may seem that way, Prince, but there is more to it. If you finish organizing the bookshelves for me, I shall leave the library with you and we shall search for a suitable present together.

I may still have some useful advice to give you.

Hmmm~, so I get something out of it? It's true that I won't be able to get an answer behind closed doors, so it'd be better to look for an answer outside ♪

Nyahaha ☆ Let's toss these borin' books away and go to town...!

Heave-ho... How does this look? It looks like it won't take me long to wrap this up.

Yes, that's perfect.

But if organizing the books was easy as you make it look, then I'd be in an awkward position...

Tch...as expected of a perfect prince...

Like the main character of an action movie, you conquer any trial with ease and coolly confront the next without faltering...

But that's very befitting of you. You have a strong physique and infinite stamina, which I can never dream of possessing. You're a true ideal hero, straight from a storybook.

I must admit, I'm a little jealous of the princess who saw you and fell in love at first sight.

Well, with that work squared away, it seems to be time for us to step out.

Forever adrift in this sea of books...wouldn't it be boring for us to remain stuck in the past?

Yep. I'm busy livin' in the now! I never look back on my troubles and enemies from the past. I get more fired up thinkin' of the stronger enemies I'll face and the even bigger trials I'll overcome in the future ♪

Let's step into the present together, "Phantom of the Library".

Ahaha, that little moniker is a thing of a bygone era.

Well, I'll gladly respond to it, if it's from a sworn ally of mine.

Thank you for your help today, "Ringleader". From now on, until the end of time ♪