"This makes me even more curious. What kind of story would such a beautiful and gentle girl write?"
Naganohara Yoimiya opened the cherry-blossom-colored cover of Your Lie in April with a face full of anticipation.
She turned past the title page.
Naganohara Yoimiya began to read the book earnestly.
Kamisato Ayaka smiled faintly; she took a shallow sip of tea and began reading as well.
...
Meanwhile, at Yae Publishing House.
When Sakura and Hazuki walked into Yae Publishing House, there was already a long queue in front of the counter.
The person at the front of the line stepped forward and said, "I want the two books Miss Kamisato just bought."
"Uh, okay."
The clerk paused for a moment, turned around to take out two books, and placed them on the counter, saying, "That will be forty Mora in total."
"The Eternal and Your Lie in April? Are these the two Miss Kamisato just bought?"
The person asked doubtfully while fishing out the Mora.
"Why would I lie to you?"
The Yae Publishing House clerk rolled their eyes at the person and replied.
"True enough."
The person nodded and said, "These covers do indeed look like the books Miss Kamisato was holding just now."
Their conversation was heard clearly by everyone present, and the crowd immediately began to discuss it.
As soon as these words came out, the people waiting behind instantly erupted into buzz and chatter.
"Your Lie in April and The Eternal? How come I haven't heard of these books?"
"I actually know that one; it's a new bestseller from Liyue. However, I have no interest in those Liyue bestsellers. After all, they aren't on the same level as Teacher Zhenyu's A Legend of Sword at all."
"It's normal not to compare to Teacher Zhenyu, but a book that even Miss Kamisato likes surely can't be bad."
"Makes sense. Given Miss Kamisato's taste, the literary attainment of these two books must be extremely high."
"It's a pity I'm a simple man; I prefer Reborn as the Kamisato Clan's Dog. But precisely because I like that kind of stuff, I need to buy the books Miss Kamisato likes too."
"Speaking of which, I'm also reading the book you mentioned. At first, I thought it contained some strange content—like, you know, that kind of explosive stuff that 'those who know, know'. I didn't expect it to be clickbait; the protagonist isn't a dog at all."
"Uh, your definition of 'explosive' is actually that?"
The crowd continued their discussion.
"Your Lie in April and The Eternal? Isn't The Eternal the one I'm reading?"
After a slight pause, Hazuki's eyes lit up immediately. She linked her arm with Sakura's affectionately and said, "See? I didn't lie to you, right? This book is really good; even Miss Kamisato likes reading it."
"Fine, fine, I know you have good taste."
Sakura rubbed Hazuki's head dotingly, sighed with a smile, and replied.
"How about it? Do you want to buy a copy to read, Sakura? It's a book that even the Eldest Miss Kamisato likes very much, you know," Hazuki said.
"Mhm, let's buy one to read."
Sakura nodded.
She had just thought about it carefully.
In the Way of the Sword, concern leads to chaos.
If the heart is chaotic, the sword cannot be held steady.
Once swordsmanship reaches a certain level, it becomes a contest of mental fortitude.
Presumably, Miss Kamisato chose to read books to temper her own state of mind.
Firstly, reading allows one to calm down.
Secondly, if the book isn't good, one can use their willpower to resist the irritability arising from reading a bad book.
As expected of Miss Kamisato.
"Hehe, then let's not go for extra practice later. Let's go to Miss Chiori's shop and read together."
"No, we read after we finish the extra practice."
"Wuu... alright."
For a time, discussions were rife.
Aside from Sakura and Hazuki, who headed straight for the Kamisato Estate Dojo after buying their books, the other novel enthusiasts all returned to their original spots. Even some people who weren't novel enthusiasts bought the books, sitting at their stalls and reading them with great gusto.
This included the female tea house owner, who asked her staff to run an errand and buy four copies from Yae Publishing House.
Two for herself to read, and the other two as a running fee.
Time passed slowly, and in a flash, two hours had gone by.
During this period, everyone present read earnestly, occasionally letting out bursts of admiration.
"This writing prowess... I'm afraid it can rival Teacher Zhenyu's A Legend of Sword, right?"
"If you ask me, this writing prowess is even stronger than Teacher Zhenyu's. It's just that this story... it doesn't quite suit a macho man like me."
"Damn it, it's written so well. I clearly have no sadness or joy regarding romance anymore, no desires or demands, so why must it give me hope for love?"
However, it was generally relatively quiet.
Just then, Naganohara Yoimiya closed the copy of Your Lie in April she had read halfway through. With a face full of surprise and satisfaction, she said: "This book is truly amazing! Both the writing style and the plot are top-tier. Moreover, the story takes place in Inazuma, which makes it feel so immersive... Especially this delicate writing style and the emotional expression between the lines; it made my heart pound thump-thump while reading."
"Forget it, I won't say anymore. It's about time; let's find a place to have lunch first, then go drink Dango Milk."
Just as Naganohara Yoimiya was speaking with a beaming smile, she suddenly noticed that Kamisato Ayaka's expression before her was somewhat grave.
"What's wrong with you?"
Naganohara Yoimiya paused slightly and asked.
"Ah? N-Nothing."
Kamisato Ayaka snapped back to reality, shook her head gently, and smiled. She closed the book, of which only a quarter remained unread, and then asked with an apologetic look, "I'm sorry, I was too absorbed in reading just now. I didn't hear clearly what you said?"
Naganohara Yoimiya gave Kamisato Ayaka a peculiar look and repeated what she had just said about going to eat lunch.
"Mhm, let's go."
Kamisato Ayaka nodded.
"Alright."
Naganohara Yoimiya said with a smile. She led Kamisato Ayaka to the female owner to settle the bill, and then left together with Kamisato Ayaka.
"What shall we eat? How about a pork cutlet bowl? Having a delicious pork cutlet bowl after reading on an empty stomach would be simply too comfortable," Naganohara Yoimiya said with a smile.
"Mhm, no problem."
As Kamisato Ayaka spoke, she looked at the book in her hand. A shadow surfaced in her jewel-like eyes, and her hand gripping the book tightened slightly unconsciously.
Her reading progress had already reached the point where Kaori's illness was becoming severe...
Kaori would get better, right?
She tilted her head slightly, casting her gaze in the direction of Liyue.
The sunlight was warm.
That girl, whom Captain Beidou described as very beautiful and very gentle, surely wouldn't have the heart to let Kaori die, right?
Thinking of it this way, her heart felt much lighter.
She could already imagine the ending: Miyazono Kaori and Arima Kousei stepping onto the stage together, bringing the audience a shocking and moving performance.
Then, the scene of them smiling at each other.
Love that has weathered wind and rain is even more beautiful and moving.
________________________________________
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