Classroom of the Elite (LN) - Vol 10 Chapter 3.3: The Difficulty of Salvation Part 3
Library

Vol 10 Chapter 3.3: The Difficulty of Salvation Part 3

Part 3

When lunch break arrived, I made my way toward the library.

Its not that I was dissatisfied with passing the time together with the Ayanokji Group; its just that I felt that it was important that we spend some time apart every once in a while. Besides, in the library, there was a particular student who loves books just as much as I do.

Sure enough, Shiina Hiyori had come to the library today as well. I casually chose a book from the shelves, and shortly after sitting down and skimming it a bit to decide if I wanted to borrow it or not, someone spoke up.

Good afternoon, Ayanokji-kun.

Having just entered the lunch break, there were only a few people in the library, so she seemed to notice my presence immediately.

She was holding a book that was of a similar genre to my own in her hand.

It seems that youre as much of a bookworm as ever.

Well, the library is such a wonderful place.

After softly asking for permission, Hiyori sat down in the seat beside me.

Together, the two of us quietly read our books.

Students with a natural love for the library had no need for excessive conversation.

You could say that the act of reading a book was, in itself, a form of conversation.

Just like that, we read our books without uttering a word until just before the end of lunch.

Probably around half an hour had passed before I spoke up.

Its probably about time we head back.

It seems like it.

After looking up at the clock to check the time, I decided against leaving just yet.

By the way, Hiyori. Theres something Id like to ask you about.

What is it?

Unsure of what I wanted to ask, she curiously looked up from her book.

Its about Ryens current situation.

Ryen-kuns situation, is it? To be honest, its not very good.

So hes Class Ds top choice for expulsion after all.

Yes. Pretty much everybody in the class has agreed to cast a censure vote for him.

Has Ryen himself also accepted it?

I believe he has. In fact, hes been visiting the library after school lately and Ive been able to chat with him a little bit, so I feel fairly certain of it.

The book he was reading when I saw him at the cafe earlier had been borrowed from the library.

It got me to think that he had probably been in touch with Hiyori which, after coming here, seemed to be correct.

What do you think of all this, Hiyori?

Its a pity, but we simply cant avoid the expulsion. So, Im ready to accept the fact that were going to lose someone, potentially even me. Though, if Class D really wants to reach for the top again Ive been starting to think that we might need Ryen-kun

She probably has some misgivings about Ryen, but it appears as though she recognizes his true capabilities.

Speaking of which, I couldnt recall Ryen ever treating Hiyori roughly before.

Sorry I asked about it. I was just interested in the current state of Class-

I cut myself off, at a loss for words.

No I guess I just dont want Ryen to be expelled from school.

I didnt need to come all the way here today.

However, I wanted to know what was happening with Ryen, so I ended up coming anyway.

Its better to keep as many friends as you can, isnt it?

Yeah.

It felt kinda strange somehow. We werent supposed to be anything but enemies after all.

Uhm

Hm?

This I dont think somebody like me should be saying this, but

Although it seemed a bit difficult to say, Hiyori continued.

Ayanokji-kun, please dont drop out of school, okay? With everything thats been happening, I just dont want my precious friend to disappear as well.

Ill do my best.

I gratefully accepted Hiyoris concerns as we parted ways and headed back to our respective classrooms.